RADIO
Nick Kurtz Unlikely to Return This Season
MLB.com's Martin Gallegos writes that "it's looking unlikely" that Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) will return this season. Kurtz's platelet-rich plasma injection on Aug. 4 went well, but he has to be in a brace for four weeks after that. "Four weeks of no mobility. You probably can do the timeline and think through the scenarios in front of us for Nick," manager Mark Kotsay said. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger is trying to recover from a right-thumb strain, but with time running out in the season and with the A's sitting at 47-72 overall and well out of the postseason race, the probability is low that Kurtz will return in 2026. Jeff McNeil and rookie Tommy White should continue to split playing time at first base in Sacramento the rest of the way if Kurtz is unable to return. Kurtz's injury is a big blow for fantasy managers, as the former first-rounder has 57 total home runs and 155 RBI in 216 games and 923 plate appearances in his first two MLB seasons since debuting in 2025.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Shane Drohan Remains an Appealing Waiver Wire Target Despite Recent Struggles
Across 93 innings in 2026, Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Shane Drohan has recorded a 6-4 record with a 3.87 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 93 strikeouts. The 27-year-old has run into some struggles of late, allowing 13 earned runs across his last 17 innings (three starts). However, Drohan has had an impressive first year in the big leagues overall. He's done a nice job of both limiting walks (7.2% walk rate) and home runs (0.87 HR/9). Drohan's 23.8% strikeout rate is not eye-popping, but it's a solid mark for a left-hander with his profile and versatile pitch mix. He's also gone at least six innings in five out of his last six starts, which gives him an excellent chance to rack up wins while pitching for the Brewers. Even amidst his recent rough patch, Drohan is worth targeting on the waiver wire as a starting pitcher streamer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Karros' Balanced Production Gives Him Waiver-Wire Appeal
Across 396 plate appearances this season, Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros is hitting .265/.361/.424 with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 58 runs scored, and five stolen bases. The 24-year-old struggled to a .585 OPS across 156 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025, but he's emerged as Colorado's everyday third baseman with a stellar second season in 2026. Karros' power profiles as roughly average, as he's logged an 8.0% barrel rate and a 41.6% hard-hit rate. However, his excellent 11.9% walk rate provides him with a stable production floor, and playing his home games at Coors Field should continue to prop up his batting average. With his well-rounded profile at the plate, Karros profiles as a useful piece to target on the waiver wire across most league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Walbert Urena Has Established Himself as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Walbert Urena has been one of the team's lone bright spots so far this season, recording a 7-8 record with a 2.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts across 101 2/3 innings (21 games). The 22-year-old's slightly inflated WHIP is a symptom of his issues with command, as he's logged a 12.6% walk rate. However, Urena's power sinker has helped him earn a stellar 54% ground ball rate. He's also been extremely difficult to take deep, allowing just 0.53 HR/9. Urena's 22.2% strikeout rate limits his fantasy upside, but the young right-hander has been an effective innings eater already and has plenty of time to continue to get better. In most league formats, Urena should be a priority waiver wire target where available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Romano Picks Up Another Save on Tuesday
Colorado Rockies right-hander Jordan Romano notched his 11th total save and seventh save with Colorado on Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Romano began the year with the Los Angeles Angels and struggled to a 10.13 ERA across 11 appearances before being released. However, he's been effective since latching on with the Rockies. Across 10 2/3 innings with Colorado, Romano has recorded a 3.38 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and seven saves. Romano's walk rate is concerningly high at 13.2%, and his average fastball velocity is down to a career-worst 94.1 miles per hour. Still, he's posted a solid 28.6% strikeout rate, and he appears to be the clear preferred option in the ninth inning for the Rockies. In deeper league formats, Romano should be scooped up off the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
JT Brubaker Earns Save on Tuesday, Emerging as a Waiver-Wire Target?
San Francisco Giants right-hander JT Brubaker picked up his second save of the season on Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 4-1 win over the Houston Astros. Brubaker has largely worked in a multi-inning relief role for the Giants so far in 2026, recording a 3.34 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 37 strikeouts across 56 2/3 innings (37 games). However, San Francisco made some notable subtractions from their bullpen at the trade deadline by sending out Erik Miller and Caleb Kilian (oblique). As a result, Brubaker could now be part of the mix at the end of games. The 32-year-old does not have typical closer stuff, as he's averaging just 93.2 miles per hour on his fastball and has posted a 16.1% strikeout rate. Still, he's a veteran who has been fairly productive for the Giants this season. In deep leagues, Brubaker could be worth a dart throw on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Andrew Kittredge Remains a Worthy Waiver-Wire Target
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Andrew Kittredge picked up his sixth save of the season on Tuesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 5-2 win over the Minnesota Twins. Across 35 1/3 innings (41 games) in 2026, Kittredge has recorded a 3.57 ERA and 1.33 WHIP with 30 strikeouts. The 36-year-old has been a reliable arm for Baltimore of late, allowing just two earned runs since the start of July. With Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the injured list, Kittredge has also recorded three saves in his last six outings. The Orioles also have right-handers Yennier Cano and Rico Garcia as capable high-leverage arms, so fantasy managers should not expect Kittredge to be the sole closer in Baltimore. Still, Kittredge is worth targeting on the waiver wire in deeper league formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Roman Anthony Nearing a Rehab Assignment
According to Tim Healy, Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said outfielder Roman Anthony (finger) is getting closer to a minor-league rehab assignment. Anthony is hitting off a high-tech pitching machine, which is normally the last step before facing live pitching. He has been hitting in the batting cage and seems extremely close to getting back into game action. Anthony has been out since early May due to a partially torn tendon in his right ring finger. Barring any setbacks, Anthony has a chance to return to the Red Sox lineup by late August or early September.
Source: Tim Healey
Source: Tim Healey
Shane McClanahan Making Rehab Start on Tuesday
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (back) is scheduled to take the ball for Triple-A Durham on Tuesday. It's good to see the southpaw getting back on the mound. McClanahan has been sidelined since the end of July due to back tightness. The expectation is that McClanahan will require one or two more rehab starts to build up his stamina before returning to the Rays rotation. Barring any setbacks, fantasy managers should expect McClanahan to return before the end of August. He should take over Griffin Jax's (elbow) spot in the rotation, with him recently landing on the shelf.
Source: Durham Bulls
Source: Durham Bulls
Trey Yesavage Week-to-Week After Having Knee Surgery
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage (knee) underwent surgery to repair his torn meniscus on Tuesday. He underwent successful left knee surgery and is now considered week-to-week, according to Mitch Bannon. The Jays haven't ruled out him for the rest of the season, but it's going to be tough for return in time for any regular season action. If the Jays somehow get into the playoffs, Yesavage might be an option, but otherwise, his season is probably over. This season, Yesavage posted a 3.65 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 91/46 K/BB ratio across 18 starts. Fantasy managers in redraft formats can start looking for a replacement.
Source: Mitch Bannon
Source: Mitch Bannon
Yankees Promote Pitching Prospect Bradley Hanner to Big Leagues
According to Jeff Passan, the New York Yankees are calling up right-handed pitching prospect Bradley Hanner on Tuesday. The Yankees are looking to bolster their bullpen, so hopefully Hanner can offer some relief. He owns a 2.28 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 61:24 K:BB in 40 appearances with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this season. Hanner is a former 21st-round pick of the Minnesota Twins from the 2019 draft. He could be an interesting late-inning option for the Yankees, assuming he can translate his game to the big league level. He's someone deep league managers should keep an eye on.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Paul Skenes Lifted Early From Contest After Notable Velocity Drop
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes was pulled out early during Tuesday's outing due to a drop in velocity, according to Talkin' Baseball. Skenes only threw 65 pitches during this game, and none of those pitches registered at 97 MPH or higher. The right-hander allowed one earned run on five hits while striking out four batters in the loss. Fantasy managers don't need to panic yet, but Skenes throwing under 97 MPH is certainly alarming. There is no word on him being injured, so maybe his early exit was for another reason. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation closely over the next few days.
Source: Talkin' Baseball
Source: Talkin' Baseball
Kazuma Okamoto Scratched From Lineup With Knee Contusion
Toronto Blue Jays corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto (knee) was scratched from Tuesday's starting lineup against the division-rival Boston Red Sox with a left-knee contusion, according to the team. Charles McAdoo will now start at third base for Toronto and bat leadoff against Red Sox left-hander Patrick Sandoval at the Rogers Centre. For now, Okamoto should be considered day-to-day as he deals with what appears to be more of a minor knee injury. Fantasy managers should check back on Wednesday to see if he's good to go. Okamoto has really struggled at the plate since the All-Star break, batting .170 (15-for-88) with a .488 OPS, two home runs, three doubles, eight RBI, 11 runs scored, a stolen base, four walks, and 30 strikeouts in 23 games and 93 plate appearances. The Japanese native's power has been useful for fantasy managers in his first year in the big leagues, but the swing-and-miss issues have really surfaced so far in the second half of the season, making him a liability in the average and on-base-percentage departments.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Geraldo Perdomo Out on Tuesday With Knee Injury
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (knee) will sit out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the division-rival Colorado Rockies after being pulled from Monday's series opener with soreness in his left knee, according to MLB.com. Ildemaro Vargas will start at the 6 in Arizona and will hit eighth against Rockies right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano. Perdomo's knee injury doesn't sound too serious, but he'll miss at least one game. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Wednesday to see if he's feeling good enough to return to action. The 26-year-old Dominican switch-hitter hasn't lived up to expectations in 2026 after a breakout year in 2025 in which he hit .290 (173-for-597) with 20 home runs, 100 RBI, 27 stolen bases, and 98 runs scored in 161 games played. Going into Tuesday's games, he's slashing .244/.359/.374 with a .733 OPS, nine homers, 42 RBI, 17 steals, and 57 runs scored in 116 games played. Perdomo had his worst month in July, hitting .194 (18-for-93) with a .658 OPS, three homers, two doubles, a triple, seven RBI, five steals, 15 runs, 16 walks, and 13 strikeouts in 24 games.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Josh Naylor Out on Tuesday With Wrist Soreness
Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (wrist) is out of the team's starting lineup on Tuesday against the hosting New York Yankees in the Bronx with soreness in his right wrist, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. Naylor tweaked his wrist on a swing during the homestand. Weston Wilson will make the start at first for the M's and will hit eighth against Yankees left-hander Ryan Weathers. The 29-year-old Naylor's power continues to decline (he has only 10 homers in 111 games), but he's on pace for a new career high in stolen bases after swiping 30 bags with the Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks last year. It's bad timing for Naylor to be banged up, as he's hit .312 (24-for-77) with an .831 OPS, two home runs, five doubles, six RBI, five stolen bases, and nine runs scored in 21 games and 85 plate appearances since the All-Star break in mid-July. He's gone 7-for-24 (.292) with two homers, two doubles, four RBI, two runs, and two stolen bases in the first seven games in August. The Mariners are going to need Naylor down the stretch if they want to qualify for the postseason. Naylor is slashing .263/.328/.372 overall with 42 RBI, 44 runs, and 23 stolen bases to go with his 10 homers in 430 at-bats.
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
