RADIO
Kaelen Culpepper Resumes Baseball Activities, Still a High-End Stash Option?
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper (hip) remains on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A St. Paul with a hip strain after being placed on the IL on June 16. Though he hasn't returned yet, the Twins' second-ranked prospect resumed baseball activities this week and looks to be on track to make a return to the field within the next week, provided he does not suffer any setbacks. The former first-rounder was slashing .273/.377/.498 with 14 home runs, 15 steals, and a 12.8 percent walk rate (17.3 percent strikeout rate) before the injury, seemingly putting himself on the precipice of a major league debut. The right-handed hitter displayed the same power/speed profile in 2025, recording 20 home runs and 25 steals in 113 games at High-A and Double-A. That skillset certainly makes him intriguing for fantasy, but fantasy managers will have to wait a bit longer for his debut. With the ability to be a multi-category contributor and assuming he'll return to the field in short order, the 23-year-old should still be considered a high-end stash in deeper leagues.
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Brandon Sproat Punches Out 10, Emerging as Top Waiver Target?
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Sproat delivered his second quality start in his last three outings and his best start of his career on Tuesday as he continues to trend upward in the Brewers rotation. Sproat worked six innings, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out 10 batters to earn the win. His ERA in June sits at 3.58 as he continues to recover from a difficult start to the year. His season numbers now stand at a 5.43 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP with 73 strikeouts across 69 ⅔ innings. With his elite swing-and-miss stuff on full display, Sproat has quickly climbed waiver wire rankings and is emerging as a priority target.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jack Flaherty Fans Seven in Minor-League Rehab Game
Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty (ankle) looked good in his minor-league rehab start on Tuesday at Double-A Erie, allowing two earned runs on three hits while walking just one and striking out seven in 5 2/3 innings of work, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. Flaherty threw 58 of his 83 pitches for strikes in his first rehab start since landing on the 15-day injured list with a left-ankle injury. All signs are pointing to the veteran right-hander coming off the IL when he's eligible to be reinstated on June 28, barring a setback during a between-starts bullpen session. Fantasy managers won't be in any hurry to add the 30-year-old former 34th overall pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014 when he's ready to return, as he went on the IL with a 1-8 record, 5.35 ERA, and 1.57 WHIP with 78 strikeouts and 34 walks in 65 2/3 innings over his first 15 starts in 2026 in his second year in Motown. Flaherty's 11.1% walk rate isn't ideal, but he also doesn't have a terrible 25.5% strikeout rate, and the underlying metrics suggest he has been a bit unlucky in the first half so far. He's currently rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Max Meyer Expected to Start Series Opener Against Cardinals Friday
Miami Marlins right-hander Max Meyer (personal) is expected to be activated from the bereavement list to start the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, according to Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extra Base. Meyer will not be forced to skip a turn in Miami's starting rotation after the team placed him on the bereavement list on Monday. The 27-year-old former third overall pick in 2020 out of the University of Minnesota is easily having his best year in the big leagues in 2026 in his fourth year in the Show, going 8-0 with a 2.80 ERA (3.32 FIP) and 1.16 WHIP with a career-high 102 strikeouts and 34 walks in 90 innings pitched across his 16 starts for the Fish. Meyer faced the Cardinals back on April 20 fifth start of the year at home, and allowed two earned runs with two walks and eight strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings pitched in a no-decision. St. Louis isn't the greatest matchup in MLB -- they have the 12th-best OPS (.728) -- but Meyer has just been too good this year to consider benching, even with a potential heavy heart on Friday.
Source: El Extra Base - Daniel Alvarez-Montes
Source: El Extra Base - Daniel Alvarez-Montes
Edward Cabrera Going Back on Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Chicago Cubs right-handed starter Edward Cabrera (hamstring) will head back to the 15-day injured list with a strained left hamstring that he suffered in Tuesday's contest against the New York Mets, manager Craig Counsell told Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. Cabrera will undergo an MRI exam on Wednesday to determine the severity of the hamstring injury. "We're in a rough spot," Counsell said. In the Cubs' 9-6 win on Tuesday, Cabrera allowed two earned runs on three hits while walking four and striking out four in five innings to actually pick up the win despite straining his hamstring in the fifth inning while trying to stretch to make a catch at first base. It's another frustrating injury for the 28-year-old Dominican hurler, who has been extremely volatile for fantasy managers in 2026 in his first year in Chicago. E-Cab entered his start on Tuesday with a 4-4 record, 5.21 ERA, and 1.39 WHIP with 61 K's and 25 walks in 67 1/3 innings in his 13 starts. We'll have a better idea of how long Cabrera will be out after his MRI exam, but either way, he could be looking at missing the rest of the first half of the season. Cabrera is rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
Luis Arraez Leaves Early After Fouling a Ball Off his Foot
San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (foot) left Tuesday's game against the visiting Athletics after fouling a ball off his right foot in his first at-bat, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Arraez attempted to stay in the contest but eventually departed in the fifth frame. Before leaving the field early, Arraez went 1-for-2 at the plate with a single out of the leadoff spot for the Gigantes. Casey Schmitt moved from left field to second base to replace Arraez at the keystone. It sounds as though Arraez's foot injury isn't all that serious, but fantasy managers will want to check back on his status for Wednesday's contest in San Fran. Most likely, Arraez will have the day off as the Giants look to rest him for Wednesday's game against the A's. The 29-year-old Venezuelan infielder continues to offer a high batting average as a high-contact hitter, as he came into Tuesday's game with a .320 average (95-for-297) with only three home runs, 30 RBI, 40 runs, and six stolen bases in his first year in the Bay Area. The three-time All-Star is also a solid source of runs scored out of the top spot in the batting order. Consider him day-to-day until further notice.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Susan Slusser
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Susan Slusser
Twins "Have No Plans" to Trade Byron Buxton
Minnesota Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll said that the team has "no plans to trade" outfielder Byron Buxton, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. Buxton has said previously that he has no interest in leaving Minnesota, and he has a full no-trade clause, which definitely makes it difficult for the Twins to move him if they wanted to. The 32-year-old veteran and two-time All-Star broke out with a career-high 35 home runs, 83 RBI, and 24 stolen bases in 126 games last year, and he's having another banner year while staying healthy in 2026. Buxton entered Tuesday's action with a .275/.333/.596 slash line with a .930 OPS, an American League-leading 25 home runs, 41 RBI, 53 runs scored, and seven steals in 68 games across 306 plate appearances. Even if the Twins receive an offer they can't refuse before this year's August trade deadline, they'd need to get Buxton's approval to sign off on any deal. A move to a more prolific offense would certainly give him even more fantasy upside, but managers haven't much to complain about this year as it is.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Joe Ryan Feeling Better, Will Start Against Dodgers on Wednesday
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (illness) is feeling better on Tuesday and will start on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Shohei Ohtani, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Left-handed rookie Connor Prielipp had been scheduled to toe the rubber on Wednesday, but with Ryan back, he'll be moved back to Friday in a much better matchup at home against the Colorado Rockies. Ryan, 30, was scratched from his scheduled start at Target Field on Tuesday against the Dodgers, but he'll end up only being moved back a day and will still get a very challenging matchup with the first-place ballclub. After making his first All-Star squad in 2025, Ryan has been a must-start in fantasy in 2026, going 5-3 with a career-best 2.99 ERA (2.81 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 99 strikeouts and only 18 walks in 87 1/3 innings across his 16 starts. Ryan has only allowed more than three earned runs in an outing in just three of his 16 starts, and he's fanned at least seven in six of his last seven starts.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Zack Gelof Injures his Right Hand on Tuesday Night
Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof (hand) was removed from Tuesday night's game early against the San Francisco Giants after third baseman Matt Chapman stepped on his right hand at second base in the second inning, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. Gelof was removed immediately and finished the contest 0-for-1 at the plate as the A's leadoff hitter, bringing a tough end to his impressive 24-game hitting streak. Veteran Jeff McNeil replaced Gelof at the keystone at Oracle Park in San Francisco. It would obviously be terrible timing for Gelof to need to miss extended time with an injury if his hand ailment proves to be serious. The 26-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Virginia has been a popular waiver-wire pickup in recent weeks, given his hot streak at the plate. Gelof's 24-game hitting streak boosted his 2026 season slash line to .284/.338/.500 with an .838 OPS, 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 40 runs, and eight stolen bases going into Tuesday's contest against the Gigantes. McNeil would see more time at the keystone in Sacramento if Gelof misses additional time. UPDATE: Manager Mark Kotsay said after Tuesday's game that Gelof avoided a fractured hand and won't require stitches.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Hunter Greene Throws Four Shutout Innings in Rehab Start
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) had a strong minor-league rehab start on Tuesday for Triple-A Louisville, tossing four shutout innings with only two hits allowed, one walk, and three strikeouts against the Triple-A St. Paul Saints. Greene threw 64 pitches during the outing and topped out at 99.5 mph, another sign that he will rejoin the Reds' starting rotation for his 2026 season debut before the end of June. Manager Terry Francona said that the 26-year-old was scheduled to throw around 75 pitches on Tuesday, so he came a little short of that target after throwing 54 pitches in four scoreless innings in his first rehab start last week in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. Even with another rehab started expected for Greene, he could be back before the calendar flips to July, and he's an absolute must-stash in fantasy baseball leagues if he's available on the waiver wire. Greene is a hard-throwing former second overall pick in 2017 with ace upside when he's fully healthy, and somehow he's available in over 30% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Nick Lodolo Exits Early on Tuesday With Left-Wrist Contusion
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (wrist) exited early from his start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday due to a left wrist contusion, per Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Lodolo struck out six across four scoreless innings before being removed from the game. The 28-year-old was struck on the wrist by a line drive off the bat of Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio. However, X-rays of the wrist were negative, so Lodolo may have avoided a serious injury. The left-hander's start to the 2026 season was delayed by a finger injury that sidelined him until early May. He's struggled since returning, recording a 2-2 record with a 5.59 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts across 46 2/3 innings (nine starts). Fantasy managers should check back for updates on Lodolo ahead of his next scheduled start against the Brewers next Monday.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Chase Dollander Undergoes Internal-Brace Surgery on Monday
Colorado Rockies right-hander Chase Dollander (elbow) underwent internal brace surgery on Monday, per Kevin Henry of The Denver Gazette. Dollander was able to avoid Tommy John Surgery, which would have been the worst-case scenario for his return timeline. Still, the 24-year-old will miss the remainder of the 2026 season and likely a significant chunk of 2027. Dollander made some encouraging strides this year before getting injured, recording a 3-3 record with a 3.89 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 44 innings (10 appearances). The Rockies utilized Dollander largely in a bulk relief role out of the bullpen, but he went at least five innings in five out of his 10 outings and at least four innings in eight out of 10. The former top prospect averaged 99 miles per hour on his fastball and posted a solid 24.9% strikeout rate. Dollander now faces a long road back to a big-league mound, but he remains worth holding in dynasty formats.
Source: The Denver Gazette - Kevin Henry
Source: The Denver Gazette - Kevin Henry
Luis Robert Jr. Progressing, Remains Without Firm Return Timeline
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (back) is doing baseball activities and is "symptom-free, pretty much," per Max Goodman of NJ.com. However, Goodman reports that Robert Jr. remains without a return timeline from the lumbar spine disc irritation that has kept him sidelined since late April. Across 98 plate appearances before the injury, Robert Jr. hit .224/.327/.329 with two home runs, eight RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 28-year-old remains a high-upside power/speed threat when healthy, as he stole 33 bases and logged a 10.1% barrel rate across 110 games for the Chicago White Sox in 2025. Still, health is a major part of the story for Robert Jr., who will likely fail to reach 450 plate appearances for the fifth time in the last six seasons in 2026. Until more is known about when Robert Jr. is expected to go out on a rehab assignment, fantasy managers are probably safe to leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: NJ.com - Max Goodman
Source: NJ.com - Max Goodman
Christian Scott Slated to Return to Mets Rotation this Weekend
New York Mets starting pitcher Christian Scott (hip) is "slated to come off the injured list this weekend and start a game against the (Philadelphia) Phillies," per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Scott was placed on the 15-day IL due to a right-hip impingement on June 12, but it appears he is on track to return as soon as he is eligible. Scott spent the early portion of the 2026 season working his way back from Tommy John surgery and made his season debut in late April. Across 40 2/3 innings (nine starts), the 27-year-old has recorded a 2-0 record with a 3.10 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts. Scott's 10.7% walk rate is a bit higher than fantasy managers might prefer, but he's averaged 95.5 miles per hour on his fastball and struck out 26.4% of the batters he's faced this season. Upon his return, Scott profiles as a high-upside waiver wire target in any league where he may have been dropped after the injury.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Juan Soto Exits Early on Tuesday With Back Tightness
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (back) was removed early from his team's game against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night due to back tightness. Soto was hitless in two trips to the plate before exiting the game. The 27-year-old has been his typical elite self at the plate when healthy this season, hitting .299/.395/.570 with 17 home runs, 38 RBI, 36 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 259 plate appearances. He's also been red-hot of late, hitting .326 with four home runs over his last 51 plate appearances entering play on Tuesday. However, Soto missed 15 games earlier this season with a calf injury and could now be in danger of missing additional time. If Soto requires a stint on the injured list, Mets outfielder MJ Melendez could be in line for more playing time. UPDATE: Manager Carlos Mendoza said after Tuesday's game that Soto is day-to-day, according to Newsday's Laura Albanese.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
