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Jeremy Pena Continues Strong Month of June With Two-Homer Game
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena hasn't been much of a power threat this year, but he went off on Friday night in the team's 9-3 win at Daikin Park over the visiting Cleveland Guardians by going 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and a strikeout to raise his season average to .289 and his OPS to .812 out of the leadoff spot. The 28-year-old Dominican shortstop missed some time earlier this season with an injury, but he has been reliable all year when he's been available, coming into Friday's game with a .279/.344/.415 slash line, .759 OPS, four home runs, 15 RBI, 26 runs scored, and five stolen bases in his 147 at-bats. Pena is heating up with the weather, too, recording multi-hit games in three straight games with four extra-base hits and six RBI. He's now up to a .289/.351/.461 slash line with six home runs in 168 plate appearances. Pena now has three home runs in his last two games and came into Friday with a .291 average (16-for-55) with a homer, four doubles, seven RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 15 games in June. Continue to ride him in fantasy leagues while he's hot.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cam Schlittler Continues Dominant 2026 Season, Fans Career-High 13
New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler was as dominant as ever on Friday night in the team's 5-0 shutout win in the Bronx over the visiting Cincinnati Reds, tossing six shutout innings with four hits allowed, no walks, and a career-high 13 strikeouts to lower his season ERA to 1.71. It was his eighth win of the year in what has quickly become a breakout campaign for Schlittler in just his second year in the big leagues with the Yankees. The 25-year-old former seventh-round pick in 2022 out of Northeastern University came into the day with a league-best 1.82 ERA (2.31 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP with 96 strikeouts and 18 walks in 39 innings pitched over his 15 starts. He also leads the league with a 3.8 WAR, 6.4 hits per nine, and 0.5 home runs allowed per nine innings. Schlittler has allowed one earned run or fewer in nine of his last 11 starts and gets a good matchup next against the Detroit Tigers. He has become a must-start in all fantasy leagues and is headed for his first All-Star appearance in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sean Newcomb to Serve as Opener on Saturday
Chicago White Sox pitcher Sean Newcomb (triceps) is scheduled to take the mound as the opener for Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Newcomb was removed during his most recent appearance due to a triceps contusion. It appears he's feeling good enough to take the mound again on Saturday. The southpaw owns a 2.76 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 40:11 K:BB ratio across 42.1 innings of work this season. The expectation is that Newcomb could give the White Sox a few innings on Saturday. He has looked strong as a multiple-inning reliever this season. There is some low-end streaming value here with Newcomb possibly pitching around two innings on Saturday.
Source: Scott Merkin
Source: Scott Merkin
Edwin Uceta to Begin Throwing in Late-June
Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Edwin Uceta (shoulder) will resume a throwing program in late June, according to Marc Topkin. Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed on Friday that Uceta will begin throwing in about 10 days. The right-hander has been shut down since suffering a setback in late May. He has been sidelined all season while recovering from a right shoulder strain. When healthy, Uceta can be a legitimate late-inning option for the Rays. He could very well insert himself into the save conversation once he's able to get on the mound. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to make an impact in Tampa Bay until at some point in July at the earliest.
Source: Marc Topkin
Source: Marc Topkin
Michael Soroka Exits with Hip Discomfort
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Michael Soroka (hip) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's outing against the Minnesota Twins. Soroka came out to warm up for the second inning and immediately signaled for the trainer. The right-hander would leave this game due to left hip discomfort. Before leaving, he tossed one inning and allowed two hits, so fantasy managers will get a whole lot of nothing from this outing. The severity of the injury is unknown at the moment. The D-Backs should offer a better timetable following Friday's game. Fantasy managers should stay tuned in case Soroka does end up on the Injured List.
Source: Alex Weiner
Source: Alex Weiner
Max Fried Throws Bullpen Session on Friday
New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (elbow) took the mound for a bullpen session on Friday. According to Gary Phillips, Fried threw a 28-pitch session. Barring any setbacks, Fried should be cleared to begin facing live hitters soon. The southpaw has been sidelined since mid-May due to a left elbow bone bruise. He still has more work to do, but Fried could potentially be back in the Yankees rotation at some point in July. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Fried as he's one of the best pitchers in baseball when he's healthy.
Source: Gary Phillips
Source: Gary Phillips
Guardians Top Prospect Cooper Ingle Held Out of Lineup, On Call-Up Watch?
Cleveland Guardians catcher Cooper Ingle is being held out of both games of the doubleheader on Friday at Triple-A Columbus. Ingle has been crushing the ball all season in Triple-A, so Ingle not being in the lineup for either game of a doubleheader is odd. It seems more than likely that Ingle is headed to the big leagues. The Guardians are searching for offense after a handful of injuries have crushed their lineup. Ingle is slashing .304/.436/.590 with 12 home runs, 39 RBI, and 38 walks in 47 games at Triple-A Columbus this season. The 24-year-old currently sits as the Guardians third ranked prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. Ingle could be an immediate fantasy asset, assuming he does get the call to the big leagues.
Source: Cade Cracas
Source: Cade Cracas
Dont'e Thornton Jr. is Losing Traction in Dynasty Formats
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. was unable to find much success this past season. To be fair, the Raiders' offense was horrible as a unit, but Thornton barely showed up on the stat sheet. He finished the season with 10 receptions for 135 receiving yards and zero touchdowns in 13 games. The 24-year-old might've missed his opportunity with the Raiders adding some reinforcements this offseason. They signed Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young in free agency, while adding Malik Benson in the sixth round of this year's draft. Thornton could fall to fourth on the depth chart, which is not a good spot, given Brock Bowers eats a ton of targets at tight end as well. He's young enough to hold onto in dynasty leagues, but Thornton having a consistent role in 2026 seems unlikely.
Source: ourlads.com
Source: ourlads.com
Roman Wilson has Shaky Dynasty Value
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson was expected to have a breakout campaign this past season. The assumption was that Wilson was going to get a ton of chances after George Pickens was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys. Instead, Wilson finished with 12 receptions for 166 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. It's not going to get easier for Wilson to find opportunities with Michael Pittman Jr. joining the offense this offseason. Also, the Steelers selected Germie Bernard in the second-round of this year's draft. Now, Wilson might fall to fourth or fifth on the depth chart after these moves this offseason. He's only 25 years old, but dynasty managers likely missed their chance to get value for him when he was hyped last year. Wilson will probably play a depth role going forward.
Source: ourlads.com
Source: ourlads.com
Luke McCaffrey is a Cut Candidate in Dynasty Formats
Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey is falling on the depth chart after an unimpressive sophomore campaign. McCaffrey was off to a solid start to the season, but a broken collarbone cut his season short. He finished with 11 receptions for 203 receiving yards and three touchdowns in nine games last season. The former third-round pick has fewer than 30 receptions and less than 400 receiving yards during his first two years in the league. The Commanders brought in Dyami Brown, Van Jefferson, and drafted Antonio Williams during this year's draft. There's more competition now, and McCaffrey hasn't done enough to push himself ahead of those players on the depth chart. The 25-year-old could very well get lost in the shuffle and is someone who doesn't need to be rostered in dynasty formats anymore.
Source: ourlads.com
Source: ourlads.com
Carson Kelly Hits Grand Slam, Drives in Six in Rout of Blue Jays
Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly had his hitting shoes on during Friday's matinee contest at Wrigley Field against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. Kelly went 2-for-4 at the plate with a grand slam, six RBI, three runs scored, two walks, and a strikeout in the 16-2 blowout win to raise his season batting average to .282 and his OPS to .752. His grand slam came off Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman to stretch the Cubs' lead to 6-0 early. The 31-year-old veteran backstop came into Friday's action with a .277/.352/.370 slash line with a .722 OPS, three home runs, 20 RBI, and 22 runs scored in 55 games across 193 plate appearances in his 11th year in the big leagues (second with Chicago). The big game on Friday was nice to see for Kelly, who was 7-for-31 (.226) at the plate with just one homer, a double, three RBI, four runs scored, two walks, and five strikeouts in his previous 11 games during June. In two-catcher leagues, Kelly is a viable option if he gets hot, but he's only rostered in 9% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tanner Koziol has Potential Stash Value
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Tanner Koziol is likely to begin the season as the third-string option at his position. The Jaguars selected Koziol in the fifth-round of this year's draft out of Houston. This past season, Koziol hauled in 74 receptions for 727 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 13 games at Houston. That was actually a down year for Koziol, who hauled in 94 receptions at Ball State in 2024. The ball skills seem to be there, but there are questions as to whether Koziol can be a reliable blocking tight end. He'll also need to fight for playing time with Brenton Strange and Nate Boerkircher likely ahead of him on the depth chart. Unless an injury happens, Koziol is unlikely to have value right away. He could be a potential stash option for dynasty managers in need of help at tight end.
Source: ourlads.com
Source: ourlads.com
Eury Perez Could Rejoin Miami's Rotation Soon
Miami Marlins right-hander Eury Perez's (thigh) next start could be with the big-league starting rotation, manager Clayton McCullough told Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. The Marlins clearly liked what they saw out of Perez during his first minor-league rehab start on Thursday at Triple-A Jacksonville, when he gave up just one run while striking out five in 3 2/3 innings of work. The 23-year-old was sitting in the high-90s with his fastball during the outing. He threw only 51 pitches, though, so if the hard-throwing right-hander does make his next start in the big leagues, he'll have a lower fantasy ceiling. Perez could be lined up to make his next start against the Texas Rangers, a team that currently ranks 24th in baseball with a .700 OPS and 17th with 625 strikeouts on the season. The Dominican hurler has gone 3-6 for the Marlins in 2026 with a 4.60 ERA (4.66 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 72 strikeouts and 28 walks in 62 2/3 innings across his 12 starts in his third year in the league. Perez has been pretty inconsistent for fantasy managers, but he should be rostered in most leagues due to his 27.8% career strikeout rate.
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Erik Sabrowski Back From the 15-Day Injured List
The Cleveland Guardians activated left-handed reliever Erik Sabrowski (elbow) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and optioned pitcher Will Dion to Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move, according to MLB.com's Tim Stebbins. Sabrowski is returning to the Guardians' bullpen for the weekend series on the road in Houston against the Astros after being sidelined since May 25 with inflammation in his left elbow. Although the 28-year-old southpaw isn't in line for saves in Cleveland as a setup man behind stud closer Cade Smith, Sabrowski is rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues because of his dominance in late-inning, high-leverage spots this year. Before landing on the IL, the former 14th-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2018 out of Cloud County Community College went 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA (1.85 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 39 strikeouts and only 13 walks in 21 innings out of the bullpen. Despite missing time with his elbow injury, Sabrowski is tied with Cardinals lefty reliever JoJo Romero for holds with 17.
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Kevin Coleman Jr. Could be a Taxi-Squad Stash Option
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. should get plenty of opportunities to prove himself on this rebuilding roster. The Dolphins selected Coleman in the fifth-round of this year's draft. He was the third wideout taken by the Dolphins behind Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell. Despite being taken late in the draft, Coleman could quickly climb up the depth chart, assuming he plays well. He finished with 66 receptions, 732 receiving yards, and one touchdown across 13 games with Missouri this past season. Coleman did tear his ACL in November, which could impact his availability for the beginning of the season. Once he's healthy, Coleman should get a chance to prove himself on a roster without a ton of reliable pass-catchers. Coleman is unlikely to be a consistent contributor right away, but could have value down the road in dynasty formats. He's someone to think about stashing on the taxi squad.
Source: College Football Reference
Source: College Football Reference
Mason Miller Returns From Bereavement List on Friday
The San Diego Padres announced on Friday, before their series opener in Texas against the Rangers, that they reinstated right-handed closer Mason Miller from the bereavement/family medical leave list and optioned right-handed reliever Bradgley Rodriguez to the rookie-level Arizona Complex League in a corresponding move. Miller left the team on Monday, but he'll be available if a save situation arises at Globe Life Field on Friday versus the Rangers. Despite missing some time this week, Miller is second in the big leagues in saves (19) and has been one of the most dominant closers in the game in 2026 in his first full year in San Diego, posting a microscopic 0.90 ERA (0.36 FIP), 0.80 WHIP, and a 59:12 K:BB in 30 innings pitched for the Friars. After picking up seven saves in a busy month of May for the Padres, Miller hasn't been used all that much so far in June, throwing just five innings while giving up one earned run, striking out 10, walking just one, and picking up two saves. Fantasy managers need to get the flamethrowing fireman back into their starting lineups for the weekend series in Texas.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
Tyler Warren Working on Explosion Out of Breaks in Year 2
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren could have an even bigger role in his second year in the NFL, and he's been working on improving his explosion out of his breaks going into the 2026 season, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. Warren continued to flash his skill set during offseason workouts after catching 76 of his 112 targets for 817 yards and four touchdowns in his first 17 games (12 starts) in 2025 after Indy took him with the 14th overall pick out of Penn State. "Certainly expect him to be a big part of the offense again, and he's making a jump on what was a really, really good rookie season," quarterback Daniel Jones said. Warren's 76 catches and 817 yards were both club records for a rookie TE, and his five total TDs (one rushing) were behind only Hall of Famer John Mackey's seven. He led the Colts in targets as well, and receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was second in targets in 2025, is now in Pittsburgh. Warren finished as the TE6 in half-PPR scoring last year, and with Jones returning to the Colts, RotoBaller has him ranked as a top-five fantasy TE going into his sophomore campaign. He averaged 10.8 yards per catch in 2025 and had 10 plays that went for at least 20 yards. Only receiver Alec Pierce (17) had more such plays for the Colts.
Source: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell
Source: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell
Edwin Diaz Throwing Off a Mound, Progressing Well
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) is throwing off a bullpen mound at Dodger Stadium on Friday before the series opener against the Baltimore Orioles, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. It's a good sign for the state of his recovery, and manager Dave Roberts said Diaz has been progressing well from surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow in April. Diaz has been on the injured list since April 20 and won't return to the Dodgers' bullpen until well into the second half of the season. The 32-year-old Puerto Rican hurler and three-time All-Star got off to a rough start to his Dodgers' tenure by allowing seven earned runs on nine hits (one homer) while walking five and striking out 10 in his first six innings before landing on the shelf. Diaz also picked up four saves. Despite his disappointing 2026 campaign to this point, fantasy managers should keep him stashed in most redraft formats, as he'll be the unquestioned closer for the best team in baseball whenever he returns. Since Diaz went down, left-hander Tanner Scott has been Roberts' preferred closing option in the ninth inning, and he's having a bounce-back season.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Will Smith to Receive Cortisone Injection, Won't Return This Weekend
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that catcher Will Smith (neck) will receive a cortisone injection in his neck and won't be activated from the 10-day injured list this weekend, according to David Vassegh of 570 LA Sports. There is a question as to whether Smith will even travel with the team on their upcoming road trip that begins on Monday, June 22, in Minnesota and ends on Wednesday, July 1, in Sacramento. The Dodgers initially believed Smith wouldn't even need to go on the IL with his neck injury, but it has turned into a much more nagging injury. The 31-year-old still has a chance to make it back before the mid-July All-Star break, but time is running out. The former 32nd overall pick in 2016 out of the University of Louisville is having a down offensive year by his standards, slashing .249/.338/.382 with a .720 OPS, six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored across 173 at-bats. The three-time All-Star should remain rostered in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues while he heals up. Dalton Rushing will continue to serve as L.A.'s starting backstop until Smith can return.
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Shohei Ohtani on Paternity Leave, Out of Friday's Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is on paternity leave on Friday, which is why he's out of the starting lineup for the series opener against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. However, the Dodgers aren't placing him on the official paternity list, at least for the time being. It means that Ohtani could theoretically return on either Saturday or Sunday in the series against Baltimore. It is to be determined how long the four-time MVP will be away from the team for the expected birth of his second child. Fantasy managers will want to remove the 31-year-old Japanese sensation from their lineups on Friday, but he could be right back in there on Saturday. He shouldn't be in danger of missing his next scheduled start on the mound, either. After a slow start at the plate in 2026 by his lofty standards, Ohtani has turned things around quickly and is now batting .296/.418/.545 with a .962 OPS, 15 long balls, 42 RBI, 51 runs scored, and six stolen bases in his 257 at-bats in his third year with the Dodgers. The five-time All-Star is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's in the lineup. We'll alert fantasy managers when he returns from paternity leave.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Bryan Reynolds Scratched With Groin Discomfort
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds (groin) was a late scratch from the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field with left-groin discomfort, according to Manny Randhawa of MLB.com. With Reynolds banged up, Esmerlyn Valdez will make the start in left field for the Pirates and will bat seventh against Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland. An injury is about the only thing that can slow Reynolds down right now, as he came into Friday's contest red-hot at the plate lately. The 31-year-old former second-round pick by the San Francisco Giants in 2016 out of Vanderbilt University is in the midst of a nine-game hitting streak in which he has gone 15-for-37 (.405) with four home runs, four doubles, eight RBI, and eight runs scored in 41 plate appearances to raise his season slash line to .283/.400/.472 with an .872 OPS. For now, we'll consider Reynolds to be day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back in on him on Saturday to see if he's cleared to rejoin Pittsburgh's starting nine.
Source: MLB.com - Manny Randhawa
Source: MLB.com - Manny Randhawa
Julio Rodriguez Returns From Hamstring Injury on Friday
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (hamstring) is starting in center field and is batting third for the M's in Friday's series opener against the visiting Boston Red Sox and left-hander Ranger Suarez, according to MLB.com. Rodriguez was pulled from Wednesday's game early against the Baltimore Orioles after tweaking his hamstring, and he sat out of the series finale at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, but now that he's back in there, fantasy managers will want to return him to their starting lineups for the weekend series in Seattle against the BoSox. The 25-year-old three-time All-Star and former American League Rookie of the Year comes into Friday's series opener with a .249/.310/.429 slash line, .739 OPS, 13 long balls, 35 RBI, 40 runs scored, and nine stolen bases across his 301 at-bats in 2026. J-Rod has struggled so far in June, going 11-for-58 (.190) with just one homer, two doubles, five RBI, four steals, eight runs, seven walks, and 13 K's in 66 plate appearances. However, he's hitting .833 with a 2.000 OPS in six career at-bats against Suarez.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Adley Rutschman Out With Head Injury on Friday Against Dodgers
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (head) is not in the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, per MLB.com. Samuel Basallo is doing the catching for right-hander Trey Gibson and will bat cleanup for the O's against Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki. Rutschman took a ball off the side of his head while running out a ground ball in the ninth inning of Thursday's contest against the Seattle Mariners and was forced to leave the game. It's unclear if he has cleared the concussion protocol, but in the meantime, he'll miss at least one game. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Saturday to see if Rutschman is feeling good enough to return to the diamond for Game 2 of the series at Dodger Stadium. The 28-year-old switch-hitter and two-time All-Star enters Friday's game hitting .254/.329/.458 with a .787 OPS, eight home runs, 40 RBI, and 26 runs scored in his 54 games and 228 plate appearances. Rutschman played in only 90 games in 2025 due to injuries, but so far in 2026, he's in the midst of a bounce-back campaign at the plate in Baltimore.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brandon Woodruff to Rejoin Brewers Rotation During Reds Series
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) will come off the 15-day injured list to rejoin the team's starting rotation during the series against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds that runs from Monday, June 22, through Wednesday, June 24, manager Pat Murphy told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Woodruff made his final minor-league rehab start on Tuesday and gave up three runs while striking out six in 5 1/3 innings of work. The 33-year-old veteran and two-time All-Star hasn't made a start with Milwaukee since May 1 due to right-shoulder troubles, so he'll be a pretty risky option for starting fantasy lineups in his first game back next week in a hitter-friendly environment at Great American Ballpark. Before his drastic drop in velocity earlier this season, Woodruff had a 3.60 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 25:7 K:BB in 30 innings pitched. Woodruff might have to reinvent himself on the mound if his velocity never fully recovers, and he had a 20.7% strikeout rate (the second-lowest of his career) before his injury. He's currently rostered in 87% of Yahoo leagues and should still have streaming appeal in the right matchups now that he's set to rejoin the Brewers' rotation.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Bobby Witt Jr. Diagnosed With Grade 1 MCL Sprain
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.'s (knee) MRI exam on Friday showed a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee, according to Royals sideline reporter Tricia Whitaker. Witt is sitting out on Friday versus the St. Louis Cardinals after being pulled from Thursday's game early against the Cardinals with a knee issue. The Royals have a scheduled day off on Saturday, but they are hoping that the All-Star infielder will be ready to return for the series finale at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday. Manager Matt Quatraro said that Witt's MRI results are a "best-case scenario," and the team is optimistic he'll be back for the series finale in KC on Sunday. Fantasy managers can breathe easy knowing that the 26-year-old two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner shouldn't need a trip to the injured list. Going into Friday's action, the former second overall pick in 2019 continues to contribute across the board for his fantasy managers, hitting .294/.368/.465 with an .833 OPS, 10 home runs, 32 RBI, a league-best 28 stolen bases, and 40 runs scored in 76 games played across 337 plate appearances in his fifth year in the league.
Source: Tricia Whitaker
Source: Tricia Whitaker
Xavier Edwards Out on Friday With Thumb Soreness
Miami Marlins middle infielder Xavier Edwards (thumb) is out of the starting lineup on Friday against the San Francisco Giants because he has been dealing with soreness in his thumb, according to Kevin Barral of Fish on First. Edwards is day-to-day and is expected to return to the lineup for Game 2 of the series against the Giants on Saturday. With Edwards out at LoanDepot Park on Friday, Javier Sanoja will start at the keystone for the Fish and bat ninth against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp. This will be the second straight game that Edwards has started on the bench after also sitting out on Wednesday. The 26-year-old switch-hitter and former first-rounder in 2018 by the San Diego Padres is hitting a strong .291/.375/.425 with an .801 OPS, six homers, 26 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 43 runs scored in 275 at-bats this year, but his thumb injury could help explain why he's gone just 10-for-52 (.192) with six RBI, two runs, three steals, eight walks, and 13 K's in 15 games so far in June. Despite the recent cold spell and injury, fantasy managers should be looking to get Edwards back in their starting lineups if he returns on Saturday.
Source: Fish on First - Kevin Barral
Source: Fish on First - Kevin Barral
Titans, Jeffery Simmons Agree to Three-Year Extension
The Tennessee Titans and All-Pro pass-rusher Jeffery Simmons (elbow) agreed to a three-year, $105.8 million contract extension on Friday that includes $100 million guaranteed, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. The deal makes Simmons the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history. Simmons had surgery on his elbow this offseason, but that obviously didn't stop the Titans from making him the league's highest-paid interior defensive lineman. The 28-year-old former 19th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft out of Mississippi State was a Pro Bowler for the fourth time in 2025 and finished with 67 tackles (39 solo), a career-high 11 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, 21 QB hits, and three forced fumbles in 15 starts. Simmons has 42.5 sacks over his seven-year NFL career and also can help in IDP fantasy leagues with his ability to stop the run, racking up 376 career tackles (219 solo) over the course of 99 games played (97 starts). for Tennessee.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Tweaks his Back, Leaves Game on Friday
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (back) left Friday's game early at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs after appearing to tweak his back in the sixth inning, according to Sportsnet. Before departing early, Guerrero went 0-for-3 at the plate to lower his season average to .276 with a .731 OPS. He was replaced at first base by Charles McAdoo. We don't have an update on the severity of Vladdy's back/side injury just yet, but knowing that a back injury recently caused him to miss some time, this is absolutely an injury that could land the All-Star slugger on the injured list. The 27-year-old Canadian entered Friday's game in Chicago with a strong .279 batting average (72-for-258) and .367 on-base percentage in 71 games in 2026, but he's only homered four times in 303 plate appearances. His underlying metrics don't exactly give fantasy managers a ton of confidence that more power is coming, as he ranks in the 53rd percentile in expected slugging, the 23rd percentile in xISO, and the 64th percentile in hard-hit rate. Stay tuned for an update on his back injury.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Maikel Garcia Still Out on Friday, Injured-List Stint Coming?
Kansas City Royals infielder/outfielder Maikel Garcia (hand) is out of the team's starting lineup again on Friday against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals, per MLB.com. Garcia's injury (just soreness) to his right hand doesn't seem serious, but this is the third straight game that he will be missing after he left early on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals. For now, he's being considered day-to-day with something that he has battled over the last month. If he cannot return to action at some point this weekend (the Royals have an off day on Sunday), it wouldn't be a surprise to see him land on the injured list next week. Nick Loftin is starting at third base again on Friday and is batting sixth versus Cardinals right-hander Michael McGreevy. The 26-year-old Garcia is primarily valuable in all fantasy leagues for his speed and multi-position eligibility (second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield). He enters Friday's action with a .266/.326/.378 slash line, .705 OPS, only three home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs scored, and five stolen bases in his 259 at-bats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Knee Injury Keeps Bobby Witt Jr. Out on Friday
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (knee) will sit out of Friday's contest against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals after injuring his knee on Thursday, according to MLB.com. Tyler Tolbert will make the start at shortstop for the Royals and will bat ninth against Cardinals right-hander Michael McGreevy. The Royals have a scheduled day off on Saturday, so Sunday will be the next time that Witt will have a chance to return. Fantasy managers will want to check back then to see if the star shortstop is available to return. The 26-year-old two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner continues to contribute across all categories for fantasy managers in 2026, slashing .294/.368/.465 with an .833 OPS, 10 home runs, 32 RBI, a league-high 28 stolen bases, and 40 runs scored in a league-high 76 games played and 337 plate appearances. Whenever Witt returns to KC's lineup, he'll be a must-start in fantasy. Taylor should be ignored in all DFS formats against McGreevy.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
