RADIO
Daniel Palencia Blows a Save in First Rehab Appearance
Chicago Cubs right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia (elbow) didn't exactly have the greatest first minor-league rehab outing on Wednesday at Triple-A Iowa. Palencia allowed an earned run on one hit while walking two and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning to blow the save against Triple-A Indianapolis. He threw half of his pitches for strikes but did sit around 98 mph with his fastball, which is encouraging. The 26-year-old Venezuelan hurler last pitched for the Cubbies on June 15, so he will need at least a couple more rehab appearances to try to get his command in the right place. Once reinstated from the 15-day injured list, the Cubs could ease Palencia back into high-leverage situations out of the bullpen, but the expectation is that Palencia will once again become manager Craig Counsell's preferred option for saves in the ninth inning. Palencia has appeared in only 19 games this year and has a 2.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, three saves, and 19 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings pitched after he saved a career-high 22 games for Chicago last year. Palencia is rostered in only 59% of Yahoo leagues. Now is the time to scoop him up if you need saves.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Nick Lodolo Gives Up Three Runs in Rehab Outing on Wednesday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) tested out his injured finger in a minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday and allowed three earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out four in 4 1/3 innings in a loss to Triple-A St. Paul. Manager Terry Francona said that Lodolo looked "OK" while hitting 94 to 95 mph with his fastball and throwing 37 of his 65 pitches for strikes during the outing. The 28-year-old southpaw threw seven of his 15 curveballs for strikes, the pitch that had initially led to his recurring blister problem. The main takeaway is that Lodolo didn't have any issues with his finger, and the Reds could be satisfied enough to have him make his next start back in the big leagues. The former first-rounder from Texas Christian University will be pretty risky for fantasy managers whenever he makes his first start back with the Reds. Lodolo has teased strikeout upside since entering the league in 2022, but he has a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate and a career-high 9.7% walk rate in his 12 starts in 2026.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
George Klassen Could Come Through as a Late-Season Stash
Los Angeles Angels pitching prospect George Klassen has had solid success with Triple-A Salt Lake this season, pitching to a 6-6 record with a 3.96 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP to go with 88 strikeouts in 91 innings pitched. Klassen's strikeout rate is a bit underwhelming but he has a decent record and solid ERA and WHIP. The right-hander is ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the Angels' system. The 24-year-old has the experience necessary to pitch at the major league level if given an opportunity. He has a 70-grade fastball with two 55-grade secondary pitches in his curveball and slider. The Angels seem to have an opening in their rotation and could look toward Klassen's power arm to fill that spot. He needs to improve his strikeout rate for fantasy purposes but he is an arm that is worth taking a chance on in deep leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Pirates Still Don't Have Specific Timetable for Oneil Cruz's Return
The Pittsburgh Pirates still do not have a specific timetable for outfielder Oneil Cruz's (hand) return from the 60-day injured list, according to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Still don't have a specific date or timeline, but I think we're getting closer all the time. We're waiting for maybe a little bit more information from him, but we're anticipating it happening soon," general manager Ben Cherington said. Despite starting baseball activities on July 29, it doesn't appear that the 27-year-old will be ready to come off the IL when he's eligible on Friday. Fantasy managers will need to be a bit more patient. Once he's cleared for a minor-league rehab assignment, his return to the big leagues won't be far off, barring a setback. The Dominican outfielder is a must-start in all fantasy formats when he's active for the Bucs, and he has hit .264/.350/.472 with an .822 OPS, 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 45 runs scored across his 250 at-bats in 2026 in his sixth major-league season in Pittsburgh. Cruz had a league-high 38 stolen bases in 2025 and is one of the best power/speed assets in baseball when he's healthy.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
Brody Hopkins has Pitch Mix Necessary For Big-League Success
Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Brody Hopkins has had a solid season at Triple-A Durham and could be looking at a late season promotion. Hopkins, a right-hander, is 4-8 this season with a 4.93 ERA and 1.67 WHIP to go with 105 strikeouts in 84 innings. The 24-year-old has made 18 starts in 21 appearances this season and he has struggled a bit with his overall record, but his strikeout rate is encouraging. He is the No. 5 prospect in the Rays' system and possesses a 60-grade fastball and 60-grade curveball with two other 55-grade secondary pitches in his cutter and slider. Hopkins seems to have major league stuff and is just awaiting a promotion to Tampa Bay. The Rays have a deep rotation especially after trading for Freddy Peralta. But with Shane McClanahan on the IL, Hopkins could provide depth at the major league level and would be worth a waiver wire addition in that case.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jose Ramirez Back in Thursday's Lineup Against Mets
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) is starting at third base and batting third in the series finale on Thursday against the visiting New York Mets and right-hander Nolan McLean, according to MLB.com. Ramirez is returning to action after missing the last two games due to soreness in his surgically-repaired left hand. It's great to see the 33-year-old Dominican switch-hitter back in the starting nine, but fantasy managers still have to be a bit concerned that he has gone 8-for-41 (.195) with zero home runs, two RBI, six runs scored, three stolen bases, five walks, and two strikeouts in 11 games since returning from his fractured left hamate bone. The seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner has not been himself in 2026, and his hand injury did not help. J-Ram returns to Thursday's tilt hitting just .233/.331/.388 with a .720 OPS, 10 homers, 35 RBI, 27 stolen bases, and 48 runs scored in 83 games and 360 plate appearances. He's still a must-start in most fantasy leagues, but it would be nice for him to show some signs of life at the plate. Ramirez has never faced McLean.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tanner Bibee Allows Three Homers but Fans 10 on Wednesday
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee was a mixed bag in the team's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the visiting New York Mets at Progressive Field on Wednesday, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits (three homers) while walking none and striking out a season-high 10 batters in 5 2/3 innings for a no-decision. Bibee allowed back-to-back home runs to Brett Baty and Jorge Polanco in the third inning, and rookie Carson Benge added a solo shot off of him in the sixth frame. Bibee's outing against the Mets broke a string of four straight quality starts, but at least he recorded double-digit strikeouts for the first time this year. The former fifth-rounder in 2021 from California State Fullerton is 4-11 on the year with a 3.85 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 110:38 K:BB in his 138 innings across 24 starts. He'll be looking forward to a third meeting against the division-rival Detroit Tigers in his next outing, as Bibee has a nice 1.80 ERA with three walks and 13 strikeouts in 15 innings in his two starts against them so far in 2026. Bibee will look to put up another quality start in that one, where he should be started in fantasy lineups.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kyle Harrison Exits Early on Wednesday Due to Calf Cramps
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Kyle Harrison (calf) exited early from his start on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to cramping in both calves, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Harrison dominated before being pulled from the game, pitching five scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts while allowing just one hit and one walk. The 24-year-old was making his first start since early July, as he missed nearly a month due to elbow and forearm discomfort. Fantasy managers can now breathe a sigh of relief, as it appears Harrison's arm was not the reason why he was forced to leave his first start back. Harrison has been excellent when healthy in 2026, recording an 8-2 record with a 2.84 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 111 strikeouts across 88 2/3 innings (18 starts). It appears he will avoid additional missed time, but fantasy managers should check back for more updates on his status in the next few days.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Heliot Ramos Carries Power Upside on the Waiver Wire Following Trade to New York
Newly acquired New York Yankees outfielder Heliot Ramos appears likely to be heavily relied upon in his new home, as he's started in left field and batted cleanup in each of his first two games with the team. With Yankees outfielders Aaron Judge (ribs), Cody Bellinger (hamstring), and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) all on the injured list, Ramos has a clear path to an everyday role. Across 310 plate appearances on the year (mostly with the San Francisco Giants), Ramos is hitting .260/.300/.418 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, 36 runs scored, and three stolen bases. The 26-year-old has below-average plate skills, as he's walked in just 5.2% of his plate appearances while logging a 26.8% strikeout rate. However, Ramos' underlying contact metrics suggest high-end power, as he's posted a 13.3% barrel rate and a 48.1% hard-hit rate. Now that he's playing his home games in Yankee Stadium instead of San Francisco's pitcher-friendly Oracle Park, Ramos could be poised for a late-season power surge. He's a priority waiver-wire target in leagues where he's not already rostered.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Clayton Beeter Remains a Viable Deep-League Saves Source Despite Recent Struggles
Across 33 innings (30 games) in 2026, Washington Nationals right-hander Clayton Beeter has recorded a 4.09 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 34 strikeouts, and 11 saves. The 27-year-old has run into some struggles of late, allowing six earned runs across his last 5 2/3 innings (six appearances). However, Beeter has also logged four saves in that span and appears to be the clear preferred option in the ninth inning for Washington. Beeter's underlying metrics hint at some warning signs, as he's posted a 14.8% walk rate and has allowed 1.64 HR/9. Still, he remains a worthy deep-league waiver wire target for fantasy managers in desperate need of saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Casey Mize Making Padres Debut on Wednesday
Newly acquired San Diego Padres starting pitcher Casey Mize is making his debut with the team on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Padres acquired Mize from the Detroit Tigers on Monday in exchange for pitching prospects Kash Mayfield and Jackson Wolf. Mize has had a strong season so far in 2026, recording a 4-6 record with a 2.70 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts across 86 2/3 innings (14 starts). The 29-year-old has also needed multiple stints on the injured list due to groin strains, but he's healthy now and will be relied upon as a key piece in the Padres rotation down the stretch. Mize has posted the best K-BB rate (19.4%) of his career this year, and he's limited hard contact with a 0.52 HR/9. When healthy, he profiles as a must-start fantasy pitcher in most league formats.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
Willson Contreras Exits Early on Wednesday Due to Illness
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (illness) was removed early from his team's game against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday due to an illness, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Contreras was one-for-one with an RBI and a walk before exiting the game. The 34-year-old has put together an excellent season so far in 2026, hitting .288/.395/.540 with 23 home runs, 70 RBI, 57 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 430 plate appearances. In his 11th MLB season, he's posted his best barrel rate (14.5%). It's not totally clear what the illness that Contreras is battling is, but it seems unlikely that he is looking at significant missed time. Red Sox infielder Anthony Seigler replaced Contreras on Wednesday, and both he and utility man Nick Sogard are candidates to see more playing time if Contreras needs to miss a day or two.
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive - Chris Cotillo
Kade Anderson Will Work as a Starter Once Called Up
Seattle Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto said that top pitching prospect Kade Anderson will be part of the team's starting rotation once he's called up to the big leagues, per Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. Jude reports that Anderson is expected to be promoted from Double-A Arkansas "in the coming weeks." Anderson is widely considered to be one of the top prospects in all of baseball and has put together a dominant season in the minor leagues. Across 82 2/3 innings (16 starts), the young left-hander has recorded a 9-1 record with a 1.20 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, and 119 strikeouts. He's posted an absurd 40.5% strikeout rate with just a 4.1% walk rate. Once Anderson gets called up, he offers serious upside for fantasy managers.
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Pete Crow-Armstrong Continues MVP-Caliber Season With Two-Homer Performance
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong went toe-to-toe with four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Wednesday's 7-6 win at Wrigley Field. Both Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani hit two home runs apiece, with Crow-Armstrong going 3-for-5 in the leadoff spot with four RBI and a strikeout. After a slow start to the 2026 campaign, the 24-year-old left-handed slugger has been heating up since June. The two-time All-Star came into Wednesday's action with a .284/.384/.535 slash line with a .919 OPS, 24 home runs, 65 RBI, 28 stolen bases, and 76 runs scored across 426 at-bats. Crow-Armstrong has now gone 7-for-17 with two home runs, a double, a triple, six RBI, and seven runs scored in his first five games in August as he continues to stay locked in at the dish. He's now up to three multi-homer games in 2026 and nine for his career. While PCA's numbers look great, his .257 xBA and .364 xwOBA predict regression to close out the campaign.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Shohei Ohtani has First Two-Homer Game in Loss to the Cubs
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani had his first multi-home run game of the season in Wednesday's 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, going 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and two strikeouts to boost his season average to .297 and his OPS to .953. Ohtani's first home run came to lead off the game against lefty starter Shota Imanaga, and his second blast came in the eighth inning off new Cubs reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, but the Dodgers ultimately fell one run short. It's a bit hard to believe that the four-time MVP and six-time All-Star didn't have a multi-homer game this year until Aug. 5. Ohtani continues to serve as the Dodgers' regular DH despite having not pitched since July 3 due to a nagging knee and biceps issue. His knee issue hasn't really affected Ohtani as a hitter at all, as he's now gone 15-for-31 in his last eight games, and he's up to 26 home runs with a .953 OPS in 2026 in his ninth year in the big leagues. It doesn't look like the Japanese superstar is going to reach the 50-homer mark for a third straight year, and he's barely running (six steals), but he remains a must-start in all traditional fantasy formats as a hitter.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
