RADIO
Nick Gonzales a Steady Infield Target in 12-Team Leagues?
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales has provided a steady batting-average floor in a regular role at third base. He is hitting .295/.351/.370 with three home runs, 35 RBI, 44 runs, and four stolen bases over 292 at-bats. Gonzales has remained productive over his last 30 games, batting .279 with three homers, 13 RBI, and 21 runs. He has usually hit fourth when in the lineup. Fantasy managers should not expect much power, though. Gonzales owns an 85.7 mph average exit velocity, 37.8% hard-hit rate, and 3.0% barrel rate, so average and runs remain the main reasons to roster him. His eligibility at second base, third base, and shortstop adds value, although Pittsburgh sat him against right-hander Aaron Nola on June 29, showing that his playing time is not completely locked in. Only 24% of Yahoo leagues currently roster Gonzales. He is a solid addition in 12-team formats for fantasy managers seeking average, runs, and infield flexibility.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luis Lara Not Slowing at Triple-A, Remains a Top Stash Option
Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Luis Lara reached base three times on Sunday, doubling once and drawing two walks, pushing his season-long on-base percentage to .438, which is good for second-best in all of Triple-A among qualified players. The Brewers' fourth-ranked prospect is now hitting .326 with a .457 slugging percentage, and has also stolen 20 bases so far this season in 73 games. Maybe the most impressive thing is that the switch-hitter is boasting a 15.3 percent walk rate compared to a minuscule 13.7 percent strikeout rate, thanks to a 91st percentile whiff rate. The 21-year-old looks ready to take the next step and should get his opportunity for a major league debut in the second half. With excellent bat-to-ball skills and plenty of speed, along with the ability to hit for extra bases, the 5-foot-7 Venezuelan should be viewed as one of the top bats to stash for fantasy in most leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Logan Henderson to Make Another Rehab Start on Friday
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson (back) will make his next minor-league rehab start on Friday, according to Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic. Henderson looked great in his first rehab start on Sunday at Triple-A Nashville, when he threw three scoreless innings on 50 pitches while striking out seven. Manager Pat Murphy said this week that Henderson is expected to come off the 15-day injured list to rejoin the Brewers' starting rotation before the All-Star break, so Friday's rehab outing should be his last. Fantasy managers in need of starting-pitching help should look no further than Henderson, who has gone 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA (2.73 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 63 strikeouts and 14 walks in 48 1/3 innings pitched across 10 starts for the Brew Crew since debuting in the big leagues in 2025. He allowed only seven earned runs with six walks and 30 strikeouts in 23 innings over his five starts this year before landing on the IL with his back injury. Henderson is only rostered in 41% of Yahoo leagues, and he could be a difference-maker in the second half.
Source: Brewer Fanatic - Jack Stern
Source: Brewer Fanatic - Jack Stern
Brandon Sproat a High-Upside Pickup With Breakout Potential?
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Sproat has started to look like the arm fantasy managers hoped for. Over his last three starts, he has posted a 2.87 ERA and 0.64 WHIP with 19 strikeouts and three walks across 15 2/3 innings. His best outing came June 23, when he held the Cincinnati Reds to one hit over six scoreless frames and set a career high with 10 strikeouts. His full-season line still shows why some caution is needed. Sproat owns a 5.43 ERA and 1.35 WHIP through 69 2/3 innings, and his 10.8% walk rate can turn an outing bad quickly. The upside is real, though, with a 24.7% strikeout rate and a fastball averaging 96.8 mph. Milwaukee is keeping him in its six-man rotation for now. Yahoo lists Sproat at 21% rostered, leaving him within reach in most formats. He is a worthwhile 12-team addition for fantasy managers willing to bet on the recent improvement.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Shane McClanahan to Return to the Rotation on Wednesday
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan will return to the starting rotation and will pitch on Wednesday versus the Kansas City Royals, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. After that, he'll make one more start against the division-rival New York Yankees before the All-Star break. McClanahan had his turn in the rotation skipped last week, so he'll be on seven days of rest in Kansas City this week. The 29-year-old southpaw is fully healthy, but the Rays are monitoring his workload a bit at the tail end of the first half of the season given his lengthy injury history. He hasn't been as sharp in four June starts, either, going 0-4 with a 5.79 ERA (5.35 FIP) with 16 runs (12 earned) allowed on 25 hits (four homers) while walking nine and striking out 20 in 18 2/3 innings pitched. McClanahan has a 6-5 record, 3.30 ERA (3.40 FIP), 1.22 WHIP, and 73:28 K:BB in 73 2/3 frames across 15 starts in 2026 after missing each of the last two seasons due to injury. He gets a rematch against the Royals after allowing six runs (two earned) while walking one and striking out four in six innings in a loss on June 23 against them.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Hector Rodriguez Holding Steady at Triple-A, Nearing MLB Debut?
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez capped off his week by reaching base three times on Sunday, going 2-for-3 with a walk. The effort pushed his season-long slash line to .288/.367/.536 with 18 home runs and six steals. The Reds' fifth-ranked prospect also owns solid walk (10.6 percent) and strikeout rates (18.9 percent), and is making the case for a second-half call-up. Though there is some chase in his profile (15th percentile), the left-handed hitter doesn't have a problem making decent contact with a 68th percentile whiff rate, while hard-hit rate, barrel rate, xBA, and xwOBA are all 71st percentile or better, not to mention a 93rd percentile max exit velocity. Fantasy managers in deep 12+ team leagues looking for potential home run and RBI production should consider stashing the 22-year-old in an NA spot ahead of his eventual call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Troy Melton Forcing his Way onto 12-Team Rosters?
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton has settled right back in after missing his June 15 start with lower-back tightness. He is 4-1 with a 2.39 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts over 37 2/3 innings across six starts. Melton has completed at least five innings each time out and allowed only two runs over 12 innings in his first two starts after his back issue. Against the Houston Astros on June 25, he carried a perfect game into the sixth before finishing with one run and six strikeouts over six frames. His strikeout ceiling is the clear concern, with Melton averaging only 5.97 strikeouts per nine innings. His next start against the New York Yankees is a tougher test. Still, his ratios and steady workload are difficult to ignore. Melton carries a 41% Yahoo roster rate, leaving him available in most leagues. He is a worthwhile addition in 12-team formats, though fantasy managers should remain selective with his matchups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luke Adams Emerging as Another Name to Monitor in Loaded Brewers System
Milwaukee Brewers corner infield prospect Luke Adams has been a force at Triple-A Nashville during his limited action so far this season. The Brewers' 12th-ranked prospect missed about a month and a half earlier this year, but in the 32 games he's played, he's collected 26 hits, 15 of which have gone for extra bases, including 10 home runs, giving him a .574 slugging percentage. The 6-foot-4 slugger also owns a solid 11.4 percent walk rate as well and has managed to get hit by a pitch 10 times already, providing the foundation for a .382 on-base percentage. In all, it's resulted in a .956 OPS, which would put him near the top of the leaderboard had he played in enough games to qualify. The 22-year-old is a candidate for a call-up in the second half, and fantasy managers, especially those in very deep or OBP leagues, should put the right-handed hitter on their stash radar.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Alex Lange a Priority Add for Saves in 12-Team Leagues?
Kansas City Royals reliever Alex Lange was called upon in a save situation on Monday after his recent disastrous appearance. Two days after allowing five runs while recording one out in a 22-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox, he retired the side in order for his seventh save on June 28. That vote of confidence matters. Kansas City used Lucas Erceg in the seventh and Matt Strahm in the eighth before turning to Lange with a one-run lead. His ratios remain a concern, however. Lange has a 4.95 ERA and 1.49 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 21 walks over 36 1/3 innings in 2026, but he has converted all seven of his save chances in June. Carlos Estevez (shoulder) remains on the 60-day injured list and felt discomfort after a June 27 bullpen session, which could give Lange a longer leash as the closer. At 23% rostered on Yahoo, Lange is a priority add in 12-team leagues for fantasy managers chasing saves, but it could be a bumpy ride.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Daulton Varsho a Must-Add Outfielder Ahead of Potential Second-Half Breakout
Across 267 plate appearances in 2026, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho is hitting .258/.330/.425 with seven home runs, 22 RBI, 31 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. The oft-injured Varsho hit the 10-day injured list earlier this month with a wrist issue, but he returned as soon as eligible and has largely stayed healthy otherwise this season. Varsho's power is down in 2026, as he's logged a 7% barrel rate after posting a 15.9% barrel rate in 2025. However, he's cut his strikeout rate to a career-best 21%, which has helped raise his batting average floor. Varsho is also slugging .472 in June and has three stolen bases this month despite the missed time. If his power/speed profile fully returns in the second half of the season, Varsho could be a highly valuable five-category contributor for fantasy managers. In leagues where he remains available, Varsho should be a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joey Cantillo Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Across 86 innings (17 starts) in 2026, Cleveland Guardians left-hander Joey Cantillo has recorded a 6-3 record with a 3.87 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts. The 26-year-old's WHIP is elevated by his 10.8% walk rate, which limits his value to fantasy managers to some degree. Still, Cantillo has limited opposing batters to a 36.6% hard-hit rate and has been a reliable innings-eater for the Guardians so far this season. Cantillo has also demonstrated a higher upside in recent outings, recording a 28.7% strikeout rate and 7% walk rate across 28 innings (five starts) in June. Especially in more favorable matchups, Cantillo profiles as a quality starting pitcher streamer. His next scheduled start will come on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers in Cleveland.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Walbert Urena Remains a Waiver-Wire Priority Despite Rough Outing
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Walbert Urena had a rough day in his most recent start, allowing seven earned runs across 4 1/3 innings against the Athletics. However, even with the blowup outing, Urena has been a breakout success story this season for the Angels. Across 71 2/3 innings (15 games), Urena has recorded a 5-6 record with a 3.14 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts. The 22-year-old's WHIP is inflated by his 11.8% walk rate, which is a bit of a concern for fantasy managers. Still, Urena is averaging 97.6 miles per hour on his fastball and owns a 54.5% ground ball rate, which has helped him limit damage via the long ball (0.63 HR/9). Particularly in deeper league formats, Urena profiles as a quality innings eater who should be targeted on the waiver wire where available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Curtis Mead a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Amidst Breakout Campaign
Washington Nationals infielder Curtis Mead has been one of the bigger breakout surprises of the 2026 season thus far, hitting .227/.323/.468 with 14 home runs, 39 RBI, 36 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 251 plate appearances. The 25-year-old has reduced his strikeout rate to a career-best 18.7% while upping his barrel rate to a career-high 11%. Mead has also emerged as a near-everyday fixture in the Nationals lineup at third base after opening the year in more of a short side platoon role. He got off to a slow start to the month of June but has turned it on of late, logging six hits and two home runs in his last 21 plate appearances. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Mead profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Ashby Remains an Intriguing Waiver-Wire Target Despite Lack of Saves
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby picked up his MLB-leading 11th win of 2026 on Monday, pitching a scoreless eighth inning in his team's 5-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Ashby has been extremely valuable in a high-leverage bullpen role for Milwaukee so far this season, recording a 3.24 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 68 strikeouts across 50 innings (39 games). The 28-year-old's 12% walk rate inflates his WHIP, but he's also struck out 31.5% of the batters he's faced this year. The Brewers have Trevor Megill entrenched as their closer, so Ashby is unlikely to provide fantasy managers with saves. Still, Ashby's ability to work multiple innings and Milwaukee's willingness to use him in close games has consistently put him in position to pick up wins while racking up strikeouts. Particularly in deeper league formats, Ashby could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Grant Taylor Picks Up Fourth Win on Monday, Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire?
Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor recorded his fourth win of the season on Monday, throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his team's 8-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Taylor has been one of MLB's best high-leverage arms so far in 2026, recording a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 62 strikeouts, and two saves across 43 1/3 innings (32 games). The 24-year-old is averaging 98.3 miles per hour on his fastball and owns an elite 28.2% K-BB rate. The White Sox have gotten serviceable production from veteran Seranthony Dominguez in the ninth inning so far this season and may not want to move Taylor out of his current fireman role. Still, Taylor may have value in deeper fantasy leagues as a multi-inning reliever who provides elite ratios, an elite strikeout rate, and solid win potential while picking up the occasional save.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
