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Shohei Ohtani Serving as DH After Having Knee Drained
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) had his bothersome left knee drained earlier this week, but he will serve as the designated hitter and bat leadoff for the Dodgers for Friday's series opener in New York against Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole, according to MLB.com. The Dodgers are playing it safe with Ohtani on the mound and skipped his final start before the All-Star break as a precaution, but he will be good to go to continue DH-ing for L.A. to start the second half of the season. The Dodgers aren't very concerned, so fantasy managers shouldn't be either. Although Ohtani is hitting just .200 in 20 career at-bats against Cole, he does have a home run and three RBI against him. The four-time MVP is a must-start in all fantasy lineups when he's active in the Dodgers' starting lineup. The six-time All-Star enters the second half of the 2026 season with a cool .293/.403/.549 slash line with a .953 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 65 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 88 games. The numbers aren't as gaudy as we've become accustomed to from Ohtani over the last few years, but he's still a must-start in fantasy.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mets Unlikely to Trade Francisco Lindor
There is a possibility that the New York Mets will trade All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, but multiple executives across the industry told The Athletic's Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal that it's unlikely to happen. The Mets are in full-on sell mode to open up the second half of the 2026 season and are willing to listen to offers on nearly all of their players, including Lindor. But any team that shows interest in Lindor "would have to clear a high bar." Despite an injury-plagued and frustrating season to this point, New York still views Lindor as valuable, and at 32, he has the power to veto any trade. He's also owed more than $160 million after this season through 2031. The Mets think he can still be part of a winning team in 2027, which makes them unlikely to be interested in paying down his contract in a potential trade. A person close to the 32-year-old Puerto Rican said he is comfortable with the team and loves the city, and he wants to win with the Mets. In addition to hitting .210 (33-for-157) with only five home runs, 12 RBI, 22 runs, and two steals on the year, Lindor hasn't been as strong defensively at shortstop. Lindor could be showing some signs of a decline, but his buy-low window is firmly open, and he could easily turn things around in the second half if he's healthy.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal
Clay Holmes to Begin a Rehab Assignment on Saturday
New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) will start his minor-league rehab assignment on Saturday with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones, according to the team. Despite being out since mid-May due to a fractured fibula, Holmes is considered a significant trade deadline asset for a team that is expected to begin selling off pieces sooner rather than later. Holmes threw a live bullpen session on Tuesday during the All-Star break, and multiple teams are expected to scout his first rehab outing this weekend. The 33-year-old veteran holds a player option worth $12 million for next year and is also a candidate for an extension. In his first nine starts for the Mets in 2026, Holmes was great, going 4-4 with a 2.39 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 52 2/3 innings pitched. While Holmes' underlying metrics suggest he was fortunate to have the surface stats he did in the first half, he can still help fantasy managers in the second half with a return to full health, especially if he's pitching for a contender. He's only rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues at the moment, so fantasy managers with rotation needs should consider stashing him now.
Source: Brooklyn Cyclones
Source: Brooklyn Cyclones
Heliot Ramos Could Be Poised for a Second-Half Power Breakout
San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos had the first half of his 2026 season disrupted by a quad strain, which led to him being placed on the injured list in mid-May and ultimately cost him 37 games. However, Ramos has been productive when healthy this year, hitting .275/.311/.468 with eight home runs, 28 RBI, and 31 runs scored. The 26-year-old entered the All-Star break on a high note, logging a .319 batting average with three home runs across his first 48 plate appearances of July. Ramos also owns elite batted-ball metrics so far this season with a 16% barrel rate and a 51.2% hard-hit rate. Ramos' fantasy upside is limited by his pitcher-friendly home environment in San Francisco and his elevated 26% strikeout rate. Still, he offers high-end power potential for fantasy managers in leagues where he is currently unrostered.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blake Snell to Start a Rehab Assignment on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell (elbow) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Snell has dealt with shoulder and elbow issues for what feels like his entire Dodgers tenure since joining them before the 2025 season. The two-time Cy Young winner has made only 12 starts for the team during the regular season since the start of last year, and he's currently on the 60-day injured list after having a NanoScope procedure to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. Barring a setback, though, the talented left-hander could be back in L.A.'s starting rotation by early August. He has made just one start for the Dodgers in 2026, so he'll likely need more than just one rehab start on the farm to build his arm back up. Snell allowed five runs (four earned) with two walks and five strikeouts in just three innings in his only start this year on May 9 against the Atlanta Braves, but when he's right, he still has high-end strikeout upside and is worth stashing in all fantasy baseball leagues. He's currently rostered in just under 80% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
TJ Rumfield a Top Source of Batting Average on the Waiver Wire
Across 384 plate appearances this season, Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield is hitting .296/.380/.475 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, and 42 runs scored. The 26-year-old's breakout success has come as a bit of a surprise, as he spent most of 2024 and all of 2025 in Triple-A as a member of the New York Yankees organization. Rumfield's underlying batted-ball metrics don't suggest tremendous upside, as he's logged just a 5.3% barrel rate and a 28.2% hard-hit rate. However, the lefty swinger has an elite plate approach, as he's walked in 10.4% of his plate appearances while posting an excellent 13.8% strikeout rate. With his ability to put the bat on the ball and his hitter-friendly home environment at Coors Field, Rumfield profiles as a high-end source of batting average for fantasy managers. Particularly in deeper leagues, Rumfield is a worthwhile waiver wire target for managers in need of a corner infield upgrade.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ian Seymour Emerging as a Breakout Candidate to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 64 2/3 innings (33 games) in 2026, Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Ian Seymour has recorded a 6-2 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 75 strikeouts. The 27-year-old opened the year in a traditional relief role, but he's been operating as a starter or bulk reliever since early June. Seymour has demonstrated intriguing swing-and-miss upside overall this season, posting a 27.8% strikeout rate. He's been even better since moving into his current role, recording a 30.9% strikeout rate over his last seven outings (33 2/3 innings). While Seymour's ERA is a bit elevated, he's been hurt by an abnormally low 66.2% strand rate. If the left-hander can do a better job of getting out of jams in the second half of the season, he could be a major value-add for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Max Clark Could Bring Elite Five-Category Skill Set to Detroit Outfield
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has spent the whole season in Triple-A Toledo and has shown off some of the five-tool skills that made him such a highly regarded prospect. Clark has eight homers and 35 RBI while hitting .264 with 58 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. Clark has had a pretty successful July before the All-Star break with two homers and three RBI in 38 at-bats while hitting .289. The 21-year-old is the Tigers' top overall prospect and received a 60 overall scouting grade with a 70 run grade. Clark has the speed and arm to be a big-league outfielder; the question is when he will get his chance in Detroit. James Outman and Matt Vierling are manning center field right now for the Tigers, so there seems to be a spot for Clark to work his way towards. It would be beneficial for fantasy managers to monitor Clark's progress, as he has elite-prospect skills and a favorable profile for fantasy given his ability to hit for power and steal bases.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
A.J. Ewing a Priority Speed Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 227 plate appearances in 2026, New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing is hitting .274/.347/.438 with seven home runs, 25 RBI, 27 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. The 21-year-old got off to a bit of a slow start after making his MLB debut in mid-May, hitting .238 with one home run and a 32.4% strikeout rate across his first 74 plate appearances in the big leagues. However, Ewing has turned it on since the start of June, hitting .290 with six home runs and five stolen bases across his last 153 trips to the plate. Ewing's strikeout rate is still slightly elevated at 26%, but the young outfielder also draws walks at a 9.7% clip. His ability to get on base allows his speed to play up, which is his main appeal for fantasy managers. Ewing stole 70 bases across 124 minor league games in 2025. For fantasy managers in need of speed, Ewing profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenley Jansen a Closer to Fade Coming Out of the All-Star Break
Across 23 2/3 innings (27 games) in 2026, Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen has recorded a 1-4 record with a 4.56 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, and 11 saves. The 38-year-old has held onto the ninth-inning role in Detroit despite some ups and downs this season, recording saves in two out of his last three appearances before the All-Star break. However, Jansen's profile carries some major red flags for fantasy managers. The veteran right-hander has struggled with command this season, as his 13.1% walk rate is his worst since 2010 and his 12.1% K-BB rate is the worst of his career. Jansen has also had major difficulty keeping the ball in the ballpark, allowing 1.90 HR/9. The combination of walks and homers is a dangerous one for closers, as it leads to blow-up outings and blown saves. Detroit is also currently eight games under .500, which could lead to Jansen being traded to a team where he's no longer the closer. All things considered, fantasy managers may want to avoid Jansen in the second half of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kade Anderson Sees Stash Value Climb with Path to Majors
Seattle Mariners starting pitching prospect Kade Anderson suffered his first loss this season at Double-A Arkansas on July 3, lowering his overall record to 8-1 on the year. It was one of the only blemishes on Anderson's pitching record this season at Arkansas, with a microscopic 1.36 ERA and 0.69 WHIP to go with 108 strikeouts in 72 2/3 innings pitched. The top overall prospect for the Mariners, Anderson seems to be biding his time before making a big league debut. But will he need some development time at Triple-A before getting the call up to Seattle? A left-hander with an elite grade (60) on his fastball and changeup, the former first-round pick looks close to a sure thing at the big-league level. He could be a difference-maker in fantasy leagues over the second half. With Emerson Hancock banged up on the MLB roster with a hand injury, Anderson's path to the majors looks clearer than ever.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Isaac Paredes Profiles as a Steady Source of Power and Run Production
Across 384 plate appearances so far this season, Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes is hitting .254/.349/.417 with 12 home runs, 49 RBI, and 39 runs scored. The 27-year-old's underlying batted-ball metrics are underwhelming, as he owns a 5.9% barrel rate and a 30% hard-hit rate. However, Paredes specializes in pulling the ball in the air to left field, which makes him a perfect fit for Houston's Daikin Park. The righty slugger also does a nice job of controlling the strike zone, logging a 9.6% walk rate with a 15.9% strikeout rate. With Astros third baseman Carlos Correa (ankle) out for the season due to ankle surgery, Paredes is locked into an everyday role in Houston as long as he stays healthy. Paredes' profile may not offer tremendous upside for fantasy managers, but he should continue to be a solid source of power and run production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Karson Milbrandt Remains High on Stash Rankings Despite July Blip
In two July starts, Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt hit a bump in the road at Triple-A Jacksonville, allowing nine earned runs over 3 2/3 innings pitched. It's simply a bump in the road, because Milbrandt has been very good in the minors over the rest of the season. In four total June starts for Jacksonville, Milbrandt allowed a total of five earned runs over 19 1/3 innings pitched. Between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville, Milbrandt has recorded a 4-3 overall record with a 2.70 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 70 innings pitched with a whopping 90 strikeouts. The strikeout rate, compiled mainly at Pensacola, is elite and is very enticing for fantasy managers in search of starting pitchers. Milbrandt, the Marlins' No. 4 overall prospect, has four elite pitches, but his control needs work according to his scouting grades. With the quality strikeout rate and four top-notch pitches, Milbrandt has the looks of a successful fantasy option and should be in serious contention for a second-half promotion.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
George Lombard Jr. a Name to Closely Monitor for Late-Season Call-Up
New York Yankees infield prospect George Lombard Jr. is currently on a rehab assignment for the FCL Yankees after injuring his left hand at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. A first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Lombard has impressed when healthy this season, racking up 10 homers and 27 RBI with a .263 batting average between three minor league teams this season, including Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Lombard is the top prospect in the Yankees' minor league system. The 21-year-old boasts an elite power bat and fielding skills graded as elite. The elite fielding won't help us in fantasy, but it could help Lombard get a look in New York quicker than otherwise. He can also run a bit on the bases and has recorded 12 stolen bases between the three minor league levels. The Yankees have some capable middle infielders at the big-league level in Jose Caballero and Anthony Volpe, among others, but Lombard needs to prove his health first. If he can return to action, a big-league shot could follow, and fantasy managers will want to pay attention for his five-category upside.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Act Now on Red Hot Guardians Prospect Angel Genao
Cleveland Guardians infield prospect Angel Genao maintained a scorching pace at Triple-A Columbus before the All-Star break during the month of July. In 33 July at-bats, Genao is hitting a whopping .515 with one homer and four RBI to go with 10 runs scored. The talented switch-hitting, Dominican Republic native is making a case for promotion to Cleveland, and savvy fantasy managers will want to hop on board now. Since his call-up to Columbus from Double-A Akron, Genao is hitting .308 with seven homers and 28 RBI to go with 41 runs scored. The Guardians' No. 2 overall prospect has an elite hit tool and has the speed to be a nuisance on the base paths. He has a total of eight steals between Double-A and Triple-A this season. The 22-year-old is a must-stash for the second half and could be a sneaky source of batting average and runs scored for fantasy rosters.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
