RADIO
Bubba Chandler Worth Another Look in Deeper Leagues?
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler has steadied himself in his past four starts. The 23-year-old held the Seattle Mariners to one run across 5 1/3 innings on June 25 after working six innings of two-run ball at Coors Field on June 19. He hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in his last four starts and has a 2.82 ERA with 18 strikeouts and eight walks during that stretch. The improved run prevention is encouraging, but Chandler has not totally fixed the command issues that have shaped his season. He owns a 4.42 ERA (4.63 FIP) and a 1.39 WHIP with 73 strikeouts and a league-high 46 walks through 79 1/3 innings. He has made 15 starts in 16 appearances, but the walks make him difficult to trust in standard mixed leagues. Chandler is rostered in 62% of Yahoo leagues and is best suited in deeper formats as a matchup-based option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Samuel Basallo a Must-Add Catcher in 12-Team Leagues?
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo showed off his power on June 24, launching two homers and driving in four against the Los Angeles Angels. It was his first career multi-homer game, but Basallo is not living off one big night. The 21-year-old is batting .254 with 12 homers, 36 RBI, and 29 runs across 232 at-bats. His .472 expected slugging percentage and 12.0% barrel rate support the production. The weak side of the profile is clear. Basallo has one homer and a .487 OPS in 56 at-bats against left-handed pitching, compared with 11 homers and an .860 OPS against righties. Adley Rutschman (concussion) is close to returning, which could cut into Basallo's starts behind the plate, but Baltimore has already used him at catcher, first base, and designated hitter. Rostered in 50% of Yahoo leagues and RotoBaller's top catcher add in 12-team leagues, Basallo is a priority pickup for managers who need power at the position.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Goodman Up to 25 Long Balls After Three-Homer Game
Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman carried the offense in the team's 8-5 win on the road over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night at Target Field, going 3-for-5 at the plate with three home runs, five RBI, and a strikeout to boost his season batting average to .246 and his OPS to .855. With the monster three-homer performance, Goodman is now up to 25 home runs on the season, which puts him in a tie for second in all of baseball with Yordan Alvarez and Byron Buxton, four homers behind Kyle Schwarber. The 26-year-old former fourth-round pick in the 2021 MLB draft out of the University of Memphis was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he hit .278/.323/.520 with an .843 OPS, 31 home runs, 91 RBI, and 73 runs scored in 144 games in his first full year in the majors. Goodman is running it back this year and is on pace to reach the rarified air of 40 home runs if he can stay healthy in the second half. He entered Saturday's contest in Minnesota with a .240/.307/.510 slash line, .818 OPS, 22 homers, 42 RBI, 49 runs, and a career-high five stolen bases. Goodman is obviously an elite source of raw power at the weakest position in fantasy, and he isn't slowing down whatsoever.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chase Burns Continues to Generate Whiffs, Fans 10 in No-Decision
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns wasn't at his best in Saturday's 9-7 win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday at PNC Park, but he still racked up the strikeouts for his fantasy managers. Burns allowed a season-high five earned runs on a season-high nine hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out a season-high 10 batters in six innings of work for a no-decision. The hard-throwing 23-year-old was hit around a bit by the Bucs, but he still managed to generate 17 swings and misses on 93 pitches thrown, and he has gone at least five innings in all 16 of his starts in 2026 in just his second year in the majors. The former second overall pick in 2024 out of Wake Forest University has been one of the best young breakout arms so far in the first half of the year, and he's been a must-start in all fantasy leagues. Burns now owns a 2.36 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 112 strikeouts and 29 walks in 91 2/3 innings pitched. He'll have a challenging matchup on tap next against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Grant Holmes Could Return to a Starting Role Next Week
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said on Saturday that right-hander Grant Holmes will be available for the team out of the bullpen in a relief role this weekend, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. If Holmes doesn't pitch in relief this weekend, he will be available to start next week on the Braves' homestand that runs from Tuesday, June 30, through Monday, July 6. Atlanta is giving the 30-year-old a mini-break from a starting role after slowing down of late. He only allowed one earned run in his last outing on June 22 on the road in San Diego against the Padres in a loss, but he went just 4 2/3 frames, and he has allowed 12 earned runs on 23 hits (five homers) while walking 13 and striking out 17 in 21 innings pitched in his last five starts. Holmes hasn't provided much length, either, not going beyond 4 2/3 frames in any of his last three starts. If he does not appear out of the bullpen this weekend, his next turn through the Braves' rotation would come in Tuesday's series opener versus the St. Louis Cardinals. Holmes, who has a 4.17 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and career-low 20.2% strikeout rate in 15 starts this year, will obviously be a shaky streaming option for fantasy managers if he starts that game.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Daniel Palencia Won't Return Before All-Star Break
Chicago Cubs right-handed closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is progressing from his elbow tendinitis, but manager Craig Counsell said that he will not be activated from the 15-day injured list until after the All-Star break in mid-July, according to Bruce Levine of the Marquee Sports Network. Palencia landed on the IL on June 16 and has yet to resume throwing. Fantasy managers stashing the 26-year-old high-leverage arm are going to need to be patient. In a best-case scenario, Palencia won't be back on Chicago's major-league roster until late July. In the meantime, Counsell is currently rolling with a closer-by-committee situation in the ninth inning that features Caleb Thielbar, Jacob Webb, and Trent Thornton. Thielber and Webb are both rostered in 2% of Yahoo leagues right now, while Thornton is available in all of Yahoo leagues. Palencia has a 2.70 ERA (3.46 FIP), 1.38 WHIP, three saves, 19 strikeouts, and six walks in 16 2/3 innings this year while dealing with injuries. He had a career-high 22 saves in 54 regular-season outings in 2025 in a breakout campaign. When he returns, Palencia should return to regular closing duties in the second half of the season.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Mike Trout Takes 30 Swings, Runs, Feels "Great"
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) said he took 30 swings on Saturday -- 15 off a tee and 15 flips -- and said it felt "great," according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Trout also said he ran at around 50% intensity. The 34-year-old three-time MVP started doing baseball activities earlier this week and has been progressing, but he's not quite ready to face live pitching or go on a minor-league rehab assignment. He said that he's unlikely to participate in the Home Run Derby during the mid-July All-Star break, but he remains hopeful that he'll be cleared in time to take part in the Midsummer Classic. That means that barring a setback, Trout could come off the 10-day injured list in early July. The 11-time All-Star and nine-time Silver Slugger has not been able to stay healthy in recent seasons and is no longer the five-category stud he was in the prime of his career, but he has been pretty productive for fantasy managers in 2026, slashing .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS, 17 homers, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and seven steals across 74 games. He needs to remain stashed in all fantasy leagues.
Source: The Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
Source: The Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
Heliot Ramos Expected to Return on Sunday
San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos (quad) is expected to be activated off the Injured List ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Ramos has been sidelined since May 15 due to a right quad strain. In his absence, Bryce Eldridge has been slugging the ball at designated hitter, while Casey Schmitt has looked solid in left field. According to Justice delos Santos, Ramos is expected to play right field when he returns. This season, Ramos is slashing .267/.307/.424 with four home runs and 20 RBI across 44 games. He's someone worth scooping up off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of an outfield bat.
Source: Justice De Los Santos
Source: Justice De Los Santos
Cam Smith Exits Early During Saturday's Game
Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith (foot) was unable to finish Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Smith fouled a ball off his foot, but stayed in the game and actually homered during the at-bat. He attempted to stay in the game, but Smith was ultimately replaced by Joey Loperfido in the seventh inning. Before exiting, Smith went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in the win over Detroit. It sounds like his exit was precautionary, and Smith should be available for Sunday's series finale. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of Sunday's game for another update.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Jacob Wilson is Available off the Bench on Saturday
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (shoulder) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Wilson is on the bench for the third straight game while he recovers from a left shoulder injury. A's manager Mark Kotsay did mention that Wilson is available off the bench during this game. The indication that Wilson is available off the bench should mean that he'll be back in the lineup as early as Sunday. It doesn't sound like Wilson is going to require a stint on the Injured List because of this issue. Alika Williams will draw at least one more start at shortstop during Saturday's contest.
Source: Michael Huntley
Source: Michael Huntley
Teoscar Hernandez Likely to Return on Monday
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the Injured List ahead of Monday's game against the Athletics, according to manager Dave Roberts. Hernandez has been sidelined since late May due to a hamstring injury. It sounds like the team plans to limit Hernandez upon his return. Ryan Ward and Alex Call should lose playing time, but they should still get opportunities, with Hernandez only playing three or four times a week. Even with limited at-bats, Hernandez offers enough upside with the bat to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats.
Source: Fabian Ardaya
Source: Fabian Ardaya
Miguel Ullola Called Up to Majors
Houston Astros pitcher Miguel Ullola has been recalled to the big league roster on Saturday. Ullola will make his first trip to the big league roster in his career. As a starting pitcher, Ullola has struggled with a 6.21 ERA across 10 starts with Triple-A Sugar Land. They decided to shift him to the bullpen, which has turned out to be a good decision. Since moving to the bullpen, Ullola owns a 2.70 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 10 innings. The assumption is that he'll be used in the big league bullpen, which won't result in much fantasy value. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should keep Ullola on their radar in case he does end up in the rotation.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Jorge Polanco Starting Rehab Assignment on Saturday
New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco (Achilles, ankle), who hasn't played in a game for the Mets since April 14, is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. In addition to an ongoing Achilles issue, Polanco was pulled off his original rehab assignment due to soreness in his ankle. The 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican infielder is ready to test out his ankle again, and if he can avoid another setback, he could be back with the Mets at some point late next week. Once Polanco returns to the big-league lineup, he's expected to be eased in as the primary designated hitter for New York. In his 13th major-league season, Polanco was hitting just .179 (10-for-56) with a homer, two RBI, five walks, and 11 strikeouts in his first 14 games with the Mets before landing on the injured list. When right, Polanco can provide decent pop with second and third base eligibility. The Mets' offense could surely use the help. Polanco is rostered in only 19% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Cole Ragans to Have Elbow Surgery Next Wednesday
Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) will have elbow surgery on Wednesday, July 1, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. The extent of the surgery will be determined once ElAttrache gets inside to see exactly what's going on with Ragans' elbow. We'll have a better idea of Ragans' timetable for a return next Wednesday, but it's possible that he won't be able to return for the rest of the 2026 season and the first half of next year. The 28-year-old southpaw initially landed on the 15-day injured list in early May with an elbow impingement, and he has since been moved to the 60-day IL. He's still rostered in 74% of Yahoo leagues, but that number could be dropping drastically if his elbow surgery next week is season-ending. Even if his elbow procedure is minimal, we probably won't see Ragans until at least August. The former 30th overall pick by the Texas Rangers in 2016 was a first-time All-Star in 2024, but he's made just 21 starts since the start of the 2025 campaign due to injuries. Ragans had a 4.84 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in his eight starts in 2026 before elbow issues cropped up, but he also fanned 45 in 35 1/3 innings pitched.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Wyatt Langford Scratched on Saturday With Hamstring Tightness
Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford (hamstring) has been scratched from the starting lineup for Saturday night's game in Toronto against the Blue Jays due to tightness in his left hamstring, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. With Langford starting on the bench, Jarred Kelenic got the start in left field and is hitting sixth against Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease. It's yet another injury for Langford, who continues to deal with nagging injuries of all kinds. It's unclear how serious his hamstring injury is, though, so for now, we'll consider the right-handed slugger day-to-day. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Sunday to see if Langford is active for the series finale at the Rogers Centre. Since returning from a forearm injury on June 5, Langford has been money for fantasy managers, going 26-for-82 (.317) with seven home runs, five doubles, 16 RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 20 games played. When healthy, the former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida is one of the better young power/speed outfield options in the game.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
