RADIO
Kade Anderson Dominates Again, Could He Force His Way to Seattle for a Debut?
Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Kade Anderson is making Double-A look easy at this point, cruising through six innings in his latest start where he did not allow a run, yielding only two hits and a walk while striking out eight batters. It was the fifth consecutive start in which the lefty did not allow a run, a stretch of 27 2/3 innings, and he's also struck out at least six batters in each of those contests, with 39 strikeouts compared to just three walks. The former third-overall draft pick owns a pristine 1.02 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, and an elite 37.4 percent K-BB%, all of which are tops in the minor leagues out of all pitchers who have thrown at least 50 innings. The Mariners have made it known that the southpaw is not part of their immediate plans in the major league rotation, but a test at Triple-A certainly appears to be on the horizon, and while a major league debut does not appear to be imminent, this kind of elite performance makes the 21-year-old a top pitching stash thanks to his high-strikeout upside coupled with strong command. Stash in an NA spot if available.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Willi Castro Worth Adding Amid Impressive Surge at the Plate?
Colorado Rockies infielder/outfielder Willi Castro has become an increasingly useful waiver-wire option through his recent production and extensive positional eligibility. The 29-year-old is batting .275/.349/.395 with five home runs, 32 RBI, 33 runs, and five stolen bases across 233 at-bats this season. He has been especially productive over his last 30 games, hitting .311/.403/.447 with three homers, 16 RBI, 12 runs, and two steals. Castro is eligible at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield in Yahoo leagues, giving fantasy managers valuable lineup flexibility. His improved 42.5% hard-hit rate (compared to the 37.3% last season) provides some support for his recent production, although a 5.4% barrel rate limits his projected home-run ceiling. Castro's 52% Yahoo roster rate still leaves him available in nearly half of leagues, where his balanced production and broad eligibility can address several roster needs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kemp Alderman Showing Some Rust, Still a Stash Option in Deeper Leagues?
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Kemp Alderman has looked a bit rusty since returning from the injured list, going 3-for-19 (.158) in the five games since rejoining Triple-A Jacksonville. The Marlins' eighth-ranked prospect missed about a month with a fractured wrist, and had been hitting well before the injury, still sitting with a solid .287/.365/.503 slash line, even including the last five unproductive games. The concerning part is the fact that 50 percent of his plate appearances since his return have been strikeouts (11 out of 22), so he'll need to get that under control before he starts hitting for average again. Once he does, though, an MLB debut may not be too far off. Last season, the former second-rounder hit 22 home runs and stole 22 bases, and has shown that ability so far this year with 10 long balls and five steals through 45 games. If he can get back on track, the 23-year-old could be stash-worthy in deeper leagues for his ability to be a multi-category contributor on a team that has been hot lately, with the best record in June so far (14-4).
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Shane Bieber a Top Waiver-Wire Target Ahead of Tuesday's Season Debut?
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday and is set to make his 2026 season debut against the Houston Astros. The 31-year-old completed five minor-league rehab starts and reached 80 pitches over five innings in his final appearance. Bieber struggled during that outing, allowing five earned runs on seven hits, four walks, and two home runs while striking out two. However, the control issues appear to have been an outlier after he issued only one walk across his previous four rehab starts. His fastball also averaged 91.8 mph and reached 93 mph, placing his velocity near its usual range. Bieber went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 37:7 K:BB over 40 1/3 innings after returning from Tommy John surgery last season. He is already rostered in 62% of Yahoo leagues, but Bieber should be treated as a top waiver-wire pickup wherever he remains available. He should provide reliable ratios, even when his workload is limited.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yoendrys Gomez Becoming a Priority Waiver-Wire Target for Saves?
Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Yoendrys Gomez has worked his way into the center of the club's ninth-inning picture and should be rostered more widely in fantasy leagues. The 26-year-old owns a 3.65 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 35 strikeouts, and seven saves across 37 innings and 31 appearances this season. Those overall ratios are weighed down by a difficult nine-game stretch with Tampa Bay, where Gomez recorded a 6.23 ERA before being designated for assignment. Since joining Minnesota, Gomez has registered a 1.37 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts over 19 2/3 innings while converting all six of his save opportunities. Manager Derek Shelton has not named an official closer, but Gomez has regularly handled the ninth inning with games on the line. A slightly lower arm slot and increased sweeper usage have helped drive his turnaround, with opponents batting .158 and slugging .184 against the pitch. Gomez is rostered in only 23% of Yahoo leagues, making him a priority pickup in 12-team formats for managers searching for saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Franklin Arias Gets Back on Track, Promotion to Triple-A on the Way?
Boston Red Sox shortstop prospect Franklin Arias broke out of his mini-slump over the weekend, going 6-for-10 with a pair of three-hit games, which included three doubles and his first home run since June 2, a period of 14 games without one. The surge boosted his season-long slash line to .315/.395/.579 with 14 home runs and five stolen bases at Double-A Portland. Also notable was the fact that for the first time all season, the 5-foot-11 Venezuelan made a start at a position other than shortstop, manning second base for the Sea Dogs in Saturday's contest. Although he's played some second base in the past, it is something to keep an eye on, as more starts there could provide added versatility and create another pathway to Triple-A and eventually the majors, perhaps even in 2026. With Boston promoting Anthony Seigler from Triple-A to play second base with Isiah Kiner-Falefa (forearm) hitting the injured list, a promotion to Triple-A for Arias could be forthcoming. Once on the doorstep to the majors, Arias could become a stash option in deeper leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Maikel Garcia Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Strain
The Kansas City Royals placed third baseman Maikel Garcia (hand) on the 10-day injured list with a left-hand muscle strain. Garcia had been dealing with lingering soreness before aggravating the injury during a June 16 game against the Washington Nationals. He missed three games, returned for two contests, and went 1-for-9 before Kansas City opted for an injured-list stint. The 26-year-old is batting .261/.320/.373 with three home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs, and five stolen bases across 69 games this season. The Royals recalled infielder Josh Rojas from Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding move. Rojas could see time at third base while Garcia is sidelined, but he's best to be left on the waiver wire as he held a .180 AVG over 69 games in the majors last summer.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
James Tibbs III on the Verge of MLB Debut After Latest Injured Outfielder?
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has gone somewhat cold as of late, hitting just .133 (4-for-30) over his last nine games. Despite the slowdown, it's worth noting that three of his four hits during this time have gone for extra bases (one double, two home runs) and the left-handed hitter has still been able to get on base at a .381 clip, thanks to more walks (12) than strikeouts (10) over that span. For the season, the Dodgers' 10th-ranked prospect is hitting .291 with a 1.000 OPS and 20 home runs. The former first-rounder's strikeout rate is on the high side at 26.0 percent, but he owns a strong 17.0 percent walk rate, and his 20 home runs are the second-most at Triple-A. Kyle Tucker (back) exited Monday's game with back spasms, and if it causes him to miss time, this could finally be Tibbs' moment. Either way, the 23-year-old should make his debut at some point this season, and is one of the top bats to stash for his power and RBI potential.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Diamondbacks Set to Promote No. 14 Prospect Mitch Bratt to Make MLB Debut
Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed pitching prospect Mitch Bratt has joined the club's taxi squad and is expected to be activated to make his major-league debut against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. The 22-year-old is ranked as the No. 14 prospect in Arizona's system by MLB Pipeline. Bratt has gone 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 44 1/3 innings and 11 starts for Triple-A Reno. His strong command has been the foundation of his success, although his arsenal is built more around location and pitch mixing than overpowering velocity. The left-hander recently returned from an injured-list stint caused by shoulder inflammation and allowed two runs over four innings while working on a limited pitch count. He may therefore have a restricted workload during his debut. Bratt is expected to fill the rotation opening created by Michael Soroka's glute injury, but Arizona has not guaranteed him an extended stay. He is worth a speculative addition in deeper leagues, while standard-league managers should monitor his workload and initial performance before using a roster spot.
Source: azcentral
Source: azcentral
Deyvison De Los Santos Stays Hot, Worthy of Stashing?
Miami Marlins first base prospect Deyvison De Los Santos stayed hot on Sunday, going 3-for-5 and extending his current hit streak to seven games, during which time he's gone 13-for-29 (.448) with three doubles, two home runs, and a pair of stolen bases. The latest hot stretch has pushed his season-long slash line to .273/.325/.445 with eight home runs and 11 steals. Last year at Triple-A, the powerful slugger recorded a 22.4 percent strikeout rate, but has lowered that to 18.8 percent in 2026, which should help make his case for a return to the majors. The 6-foot-1 Dominican made a brief three-game debut with the Marlins at the beginning of this season, going 2-for-7 with three strikeouts during his time there. The 23-year-old blasted 40 home runs in 2024, and though his power took a step back last year (12 home runs), he's still got an average exit velocity of 90.1 mph and a max EV this year of 113.1 mph (93rd percentile), so he's still hitting it hard. The right-handed hitter could get the call to the majors again soon, and with his home run upside and improved strikeout rate, along with the potential to add some steals, he makes for a solid stash option in deeper leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Tigers Promote Ben Malgeri, a Worthy Pickup in Standard Leagues?
According to Chris McCosky, the Detroit Tigers selected the contract of outfielder Ben Malgeri from Triple-A Toledo, placing the 26-year-old on a major-league roster for the first time in his career. Detroit optioned outfielder Trei Cruz to Toledo in a corresponding move, while right-hander Burch Smith was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Malgeri earned the promotion by batting .296/.401/.496 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, 47 runs, eight stolen bases, and a .897 OPS across 250 Triple-A at-bats. The right-handed hitter also offers defensive versatility, having played all three outfield positions during his professional career. However, Cruz's demotion does not necessarily guarantee Malgeri regular playing time with Detroit. His combination of on-base ability, moderate power, and speed makes him an intriguing addition in deeper leagues, but standard-league managers should monitor his early usage before committing a roster spot. Malgeri is currently available in all standard Yahoo leagues, leaving him widely available as a speculative pickup.
Source: Chris McCosky
Source: Chris McCosky
Cubs Don't Expect Justin Steele to Start Games This Year
Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said that he doesn't expect left-hander Justin Steele (elbow) to start games this season, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network. Hoyer pointed toward a healthy 2027 season for Steele but didn't rule out Steele helping in a relief role at some point late in the summer. The 30-year-old southpaw had surgery on his UCL last May and suffered a setback in late April when he was diagnosed with a flexor strain in his left arm. Steele resumed throwing on Monday, but fantasy managers can't count on him to be an asset as a starter this season, which won't make him stash-worthy in the majority of formats. The former fifth-rounder in 2014 was a first-time All-Star for the Cubs in 2023 in his third year in the big leagues, and he has a 3.30 ERA (3.49 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, 24.4% strikeout rate, and 7.3% walk rate in 506 2/3 innings across 102 big-league appearances (91 starts) in his five seasons with the Cubs. Steele is rostered in only 8% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
Elly De La Cruz Officially Activated From Injured List
The Cincinnati Reds officially activated shortstop Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and optioned outfielder Will Benson to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Fantasy managers should be ready to get De La Cruz back into their starting lineups against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers and right-hander Brandon Sproat on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has yet to play in June due to a strained right hamstring, but now that he's back, he'll return to being a must-start fantasy asset in all formats. Middle infielder Matt McLain will shift back to second base with De La Cruz back in the fold. De La Cruz is a five-category contributor as one of the elite athletes in the big leagues. He is returning to a .280/.346/.509 slash line with an .855 OPS, 12 home runs, 37 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 40 runs scored across his 58 games played and 257 plate appearances. De La Cruz has had at least 22 homers and 37 stolen bases in his first two full MLB seasons.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Emilio Pagan Expects to Begin Rehab Assignment on Thursday
Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan (hamstring) threw a 25-pitch live bullpen session on Monday and said he expects to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday with Triple-A Louisville, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. The original plan was for Pagan to pitch in rehab games on Thursday and Saturday, but he's hoping he can return from the 15-day injured list sooner than that. The 35-year-old veteran is finally nearing a return to the back end of Cincy's bullpen after being sidelined since early May due to a Grade 2 left-hamstring strain that he suffered at Wrigley Field against the division-rival Chicago Cubs. Right-handed reliever Tony Santillan has pitched better recently as manager Terry Francona's preferred closing option in the ninth inning, but the expectation is that Pagan will return to the closer's role when he returns from the IL, potentially this weekend. Even though Pagan wasn't exactly pitching well before his hamstring injury, he did have six saves in 15 outings, and he has 71 career saves in 10 big-league seasons. Pagan is rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues. Fantasy managers in need of saves need to pick him up now.
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent Rosecrans
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent Rosecrans
Matthew Boyd's Next Start Will be With the Cubs
Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd's (knee, shoulder) next start will be with the Cubs, manager Craig Counsell told Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune. It's unclear when Boyd's next start will come, but Thursday at the New York Mets is in play. However, things could change after the team's game against the Mets was postponed on Monday due to inclement weather. If Boyd is pushed back to this weekend, he'll have a much more difficult matchup on the road against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. The 35-year-old veteran southpaw will be a shaky fantasy play, regardless, in his first game back after being sidelined since early May after having surgery on his meniscus. Boyd then had a setback due to left-shoulder soreness that kept him sidelined even longer. After making the All-Star team for the first time in his career in 2025, Boyd has gone 2-1 for the Cubs this season with a 6.00 ERA (2.35 FIP), 1.29 WHIP, and 31:6 K:BB in 24 innings across five starts. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be as good as he was in 2025, but Boyd still offers plenty of streaming potential as a crafty veteran with excellent command.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
