RADIO
Vinnie Pasquantino Suffers Hamate Injury on Saturday
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) left Saturday night's game against the Houston Astros with a right hand/hamate injury, according to the team. Pasquantino came out of the game after popping up in the fifth inning. The 28-year-old could be looking at an absence of at least a month if he fractured the hamate bone in his hand, so fantasy managers need to prepare for that possibility. Before leaving the contest, Pasquantino went 1-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and a strikeout in the eventual 8-7 loss to Houston at Kauffman Stadium. The timing of his injury comes at a bad time, too, as the Pasquatch has been hot at the plate lately. In 12 games in June, he has gone 14-for-47 (.298) with a home run, three doubles, seven RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base to raise his season slash line to .224/.309/.350 in 291 plate appearances. If Pasquantino lands on the injured list with his hamate injury, Jac Caglianone would most likely take over duties at first base for the Royals going forward.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Cole Ragans Suffers Setback, Will Undergo Additional Testing
Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) had a setback and will undergo additional testing, manager Matt Quatraro told Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star. "Cole woke up yesterday, not feeling as well arm-wise. So, when he came out to play catch yesterday, he had to cut it short. So we're going to get him some more testing in the next couple of days," Quatraro said. Ragans cut his throwing session short on Friday. The 28-year-old southpaw initially went on the 15-day injured list with a left-elbow impingement, and with his latest setback, he most likely won't be able to return before the mid-July All-Star break. Ragans was a first-time All-Star in 2024 but has dealt with injuries since, only making 13 starts in 2025 and just eight starts so far in 2026 due to his elbow troubles. Before going on the IL, he was 1-4 with a 4.84 ERA (6.19 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 23 walks in 35 1/3 innings pitched. His strikeout upside makes him stash-worthy in all fantasy leagues, but managers will need to be patient, as it doesn't look like he's going to return until the second half of the season now.
Source: The Kansas City Star - Jaylon T. Thompson
Source: The Kansas City Star - Jaylon T. Thompson
Royce Lewis Emerging as a Top Pickup Amidst Recent Hot Surge?
Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in Saturday's 9-6 loss to the Cardinals. Lewis has been one of the hotter hitters in baseball since returning to the majors in early June. After going hitless in his first game back, he has hit safely in six straight contests, going 10-for-23 (.435) with two doubles, three home runs, four runs, and four RBI over that stretch. The power-speed combination he's shown during the hot streak gives him strong multi-category appeal. Lewis has started five of his last seven games at first base and appears to have taken over there for the foreseeable future while Brooks Lee remains at third. The combination of his recent power surge and newfound everyday role makes him a strong speculative add, especially with him still only rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tony Santillan Bounces Back for Third Save, Still the Closer to Roster in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Tony Santillan picked up his third save of the season on Saturday against the Diamondbacks, working a perfect ninth inning to protect a one-run lead. He retired the side in order on three groundouts, throwing 10 of 14 pitches for strikes while navigating the heart of Arizona's lineup. It was Santillan's first save since May 19, and he remains the only pitcher on the Reds aside from the injured Emilio Pagan (hamstring) with multiple saves this season. With Pagan still sidelined, he figures to retake the closer role when he's ready to return. Still, until then, Santillan has been the most reliable option in high-leverage situations. The 29-year-old is probably the most likely Reds pitcher to get any save chances that come up in the near term. Santillan is currently rostered in just 9% of Yahoo leagues, making him worth a look for managers chasing saves while Pagan remains out.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elvis Alvarado Emerging as Priority Closer to Pick Up?
Athletics right-hander Elvis Alvarado struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Rockies. He has now converted saves in each of his last two outings and has pitched 5⅓ scoreless innings since returning to the big-league roster on June 5. Alvarado has put himself firmly in the mix in the Athletics' closing committee. Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow, Justin Sterner, Jack Perkins, and Alvarado have all recorded at least one save for the Athletics this season. Through 15 innings this season, Alvarado owns a 5.40 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with a 20:7 K:BB ratio, while adding two saves and four holds. With momentum on his side, he's worth a look for fantasy managers chasing saves and is currently rostered in just 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaelen Culpepper Removed Early from Triple-A Game, On Call-Up Watch?
Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper was removed early during his Triple-A game in Toledo on Saturday. There hasn't been a reason given yet, which could mean that the 23-year-old is heading to the big leagues. Before this game, Culpepper was slashing .277/.381/.504 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, and 15 stolen bases in 60 games at Triple-A this season. Culpepper is currently the Twins' No. 2 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. They selected him in the first-round of the 2024 draft out of Kansas State. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates. A move to the big leagues would make Culpepper a popular waiver wire addition.
Source: Emily Waldon
Source: Emily Waldon
Yainer Diaz Could Return Next Week
Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (oblique) could rejoin the team as early as next Monday, according to Brian McTaggart. Diaz has been sidelined since early May due to a left oblique strain. He began a rehab assignment in early June and appears to be nearing his return to the big league roster. The assumption is that Diaz will reclaim the starting catcher gig once he's back on the roster. Before going down, Diaz was slashing .238/.255/.347 with two home runs and 14 RBI across 26 games. Those aren't great numbers, but Diaz does have a good track record as a hitter throughout his career. Fantasy managers in need of help at the catching position should consider scooping up Diaz with his return looming.
Source: Brian McTaggart
Source: Brian McTaggart
Angel Martinez Suffers Foot Contusion
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Martinez suffered a left foot contusion when he fouled a ball off his foot during the first inning of this contest. He stayed in the game for a bit, but was replaced by Steven Kwan in the third inning. The X-rays on his left foot came back negative for any fractures. For now, fantasy managers should consider Martinez as day-to-day. He's the second Guardians outfielder to go down during this game, with Chase DeLauter (ribs) leaving as well. The Guardians will need to make some roster changes if neither player can get back in the lineup within a few days.
Source: Tim Stebbins
Source: Tim Stebbins
Chase DeLauter Dealing With Rib-Cage Contusion
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter (ribs) was removed early during Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. DeLauter suffered a right ribcage contusion when he crashed into the wall during the first inning. He stayed in the game and singled in his lone at-bat of the game in the bottom of the inning. DeLauter was pulled for Daniel Schneeman after showing signs of discomfort while running to first base. It's unclear at the moment if DeLauter will be forced to miss additional time from this injury. For now, fantasy managers should consider DeLauter as day-to-day until more information on his status is available.
Source: Zack Meisel
Source: Zack Meisel
Roman Anthony is Progressing Slowly
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (finger) is reportedly still experiencing discomfort when he attempts to swing the bat. Anthony has been out since early May due to a sprained ligament in his finger. He has attempted to resume baseball activities, but was shut down on multiple occasions. Despite the complications, Anthony believes that he is slowly progressing from his injury. Given his current pace, Anthony is unlikely to be back in the mix anytime soon. At best, Anthony might be able to rejoin the Red Sox roster in July after going through a rehab assignment. The young slugger still needs to be able to swing the bat before he can advance any further.
Source: Christopher Smith
Source: Christopher Smith
Rockies to Promote Prospect Eiberson Castellano, Worth a Pickup?
Colorado Rockies pitcher Eiberson Castellano has been called up to the big leagues on Saturday. The 25-year-old is set to make his MLB debut after pitching well in the minor leagues. This season, Castellano owns a 2.44 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 60:29 K:BB ratio across 11 appearances (10 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A. The expectation is that Castellano will work in a long relief role with Jeff Criswell being optioned to the minors. Castellano has worked as both a reliever and a starting pitcher during his time in the minors. He likely won't have fantasy value out of the bullpen, but he could be a deep league option if he sticks in the rotation.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Jose Ramirez Heading to Injured List with Fractured Hamate Bone
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) made an early exit from Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Ramirez was pulled in the sixth inning with an undisclosed injury. Now, Ramirez has been diagnosed with a fractured left hamate bone and will head to the Injured List. The Guardians haven't given a timetable for Ramirez, but he figures to miss at least a month of action. The expectation is that David Fry and Daniel Schneemann will see increased opportunities at the hot corner. The Guardians could turn to prospect Angel Genao, but that's likely dependent on how long Ramirez is going to be sidelined. This is a tough break for the Guardians and for fantasy managers who will be without the superstar slugger for an extended period of time.
Source: Zack Meisel
Source: Zack Meisel
Tigers Place Jack Flaherty on Injured List With Peroneal Strain
The Detroit Tigers announced on Saturday that they placed right-hander Jack Flaherty (ankle, foot) on the 15-day injured list with a left peroneal strain and recalled infielder Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move. The Tigers pulled Flaherty from his start early on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians with an injury to his outer ankle/foot. The good news for Detroit is that they are getting ace left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) back on Saturday, with right-hander Casey Mize (groin) coming back from the IL on Sunday in the series finale against Cleveland. It's unclear how much time Flaherty will be forced to miss, but he will at least be out for a couple of turns through the starting rotation. The 30-year-old veteran has had a rough second year in Motown, losing a league-high eight games in his first 15 starts, also posting an ERA above 5.00 with a 1.57 WHIP, 78 strikeouts, and 34 walks in 65 2/3 innings pitched. Flaherty has been a bit unlucky this year, but even when considering his 4.60 expected ERA and 4.10 FIP, there's not a ton to like. He's currently rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Tigers PR
Source: Tigers PR
Randy Arozarena Out of Saturday's Lineup with Hamstring Injury
Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena (left hamstring) exited Friday's game against the Nationals after tweaking his hamstring on a groundout to first base and will be held out of Saturday's lineup. Arozarena limped down the line and was removed as a precaution. Manager Dan Wilson described it as "a little bit of a hamstring strain, might have been more of a spasm or a cramp kind of a thing." Arozarena passed strength tests, did not require imaging, and told reporters he expects to be ready in a couple of days. Arozarena has been one of Seattle's most productive players this season, posting a strong .291/.377/.448 line with 18 doubles, seven home runs, and 19 stolen bases. While he remains out of action on Saturday, Luke Raley and Victor Robles will cover the corner outfield positions while Julio Rodriguez remains the center fielder.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kris Bubic Suffers Setback in First Rehab Outing
Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (shoulder) suffered a setback in his recovery as he exited his first rehab outing early on Tuesday. Bubic allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits in 1 1/3 innings during the outing with Triple-A Omaha. Manager Matt Quatraro said Bubic's forearm feels good, but his shoulder did not respond well to the start. Bubic is scheduled to see a doctor this weekend for further evaluation. Bubic was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 18 with left elbow soreness after his May 14 start against the White Sox, but will now be further evaluated for another injury. What was initially expected to be a short absence has dragged on. In nine starts before the injury, he went 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA. Managers in deeper 12+ team leagues should still view him as a viable stash option heading into Week 12, as he was very productive on the bump last season, logging 116 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.55 ERA.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
