RADIO
RJ Harvey Still Has Upside, But Workload Is Messy
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (shoulder) still has enough upside to draft, but managers should not treat him like a clean Year 2 breakout. Harvey scored 12 total touchdowns as a rookie, catching 47 passes for 356 yards while adding 540 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. Denver has praised his route-running and playmaking with the ball in his hands, and that receiving role still matters in Sean Payton's offense. The problem is the backfield did not get simpler. J.K. Dobbins is back on a two-year deal after looking like Denver's best early-down runner when healthy, and the Broncos used a fourth-round pick on Jonah Coleman, a physical runner with third-down ability. Harvey is also coming off offseason shoulder surgery, so training camp matters. RotoBaller has him ranked RB35 across formats, which fits the risk. He is an upside bench pick in redraft and a dynasty hold, not someone to value like a locked-in lead back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J.K. Dobbins Better as Redraft Asset Than as a Dynasty Hold
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (foot) is easier to trust as a 2026 redraft pick than as a long-term dynasty hold. Dobbins looked good when available last season, rushing for 772 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games while averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Denver then brought him back on a two-year deal, so there is still a real early-down path in Sean Payton's offense. The problem is how much managers can actually count on. Dobbins is 27, missed the final seven regular-season games with the foot injury, and the Broncos have added real competition around him. RJ Harvey was a second-round pick in 2025, and fourth-round rookie Jonah Coleman has already been framed as part of a possible three-headed run game. RotoBaller has Dobbins priced around RB30-RB31, which is fair for the risk. He can help redraft managers and dynasty contenders, but rebuilders should sell if another manager is buying a full rebound.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Liam Doyle Showing Off Strikeout Potential, Can He Debut in 2026?
St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Liam Doyle has lived up to the promise of being a strikeout pitcher so far in his first full season of professional baseball, fanning 29.6 percent of batters faced thus far, totaling 75 strikeouts through 56 innings pitched in 2026. However, the left-hander's walk rate is elevated at 13.0 percent while batters are hitting .260 off of him, resulting in a gaudy 1.61 WHIP. Although he's been able to limit damage over his last two starts, yielding just two earned runs in 8 2/3 innings pitched, the former fifth-overall draft pick's ERA stands at 5.46 through 14 starts. Still, if he can continue to improve while maintaining his strikeout rate, the University of Tennessee product could see time at Triple-A in the second half and could offer some help as a starter or out of the bullpen down the stretch for the Cardinals. Even so, for now, the 22-year-old does not warrant stashing, but fantasy managers should put him on their radar for later in the season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
LeQuint Allen Jr. a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Entering 2026?
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen Jr. recorded 148 scrimmage yards on 33 touches across 17 games as a rookie. Even in a backfield that also featured running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten, Allen Jr. carved out a semi-regular role as a passing-downs back. Entering 2026, Jacksonville's backfield no longer features Etienne Jr., who departed the team in free agency. Allen Jr. may still be blocked from fantasy-relevant playing time, as Tuten is expected to assume the Jaguars RB1 role and Jacksonville also brought in former Washington Commanders back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (foot). Still, Allen Jr. may have a chance to expand his role in the Jaguars offense, especially as a receiver out of the backfield. In his final collegiate season at Syracuse in 2024, Allen Jr. recorded 64 catches for 521 yards and four touchdowns across 13 games. In deeper dynasty leagues, Allen Jr. could be a worthy buy-low/stash candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Has Abimelec Ortiz Fallen Off the Stash Radar?
Washington Nationals first baseman prospect Abimelec Ortiz is just 2-for-21 (.095) in July, but both of his hits have been home runs, giving him 16 on the season at Triple-A Rochester. The Nats' 25th-ranked prospect was batting .277 through June 4, but has seen his average drop all the way to .239 since then. While his strikeout rate for the season stands at 19.7 percent, concerningly, that number has spiked to 40.6 percent over his last eight games. While a 10.4 percent walk rate in 2026 has helped maintain a decent on-base percentage, any chance for an MLB debut in the short term has likely been eliminated, but should he catch fire again like he did in late May to early June, a promotion to the big leagues could happen later in the second half. However, although there is some pop in his bat, he is a literal zero in the stolen base department and could be a batting average liability in the majors, so he'll likely only be relevant in very deep or NL-only leagues whenever he debuts.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Michael Wacha Limited By Strikeout Ceiling?
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha is still useful, but he looks more like a ratio helper than a pitcher to chase for the stretch run. The 35-year-old is 5-6 with a 3.48 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 96 strikeouts over 119 innings. That line plays in plenty of leagues, and he kept the New York Mets mostly in check on Thursday, allowing two earned runs over 4 1/3 innings with five strikeouts. The issue is that there is not much extra fantasy ceiling here. Wacha's 20.6% strikeout rate and 3.97 FIP are fine, but not enough to make him a real difference-maker if the ratios slide. He also allowed three homers in his previous start against the Philadelphia Phillies, so there is some damage risk. With a 67% Yahoo roster rate, Wacha is fine to hold, but worth shopping if another manager pays for the ERA.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yohandy Morales Belts Two More Home Runs, a Top Stash for Power?
Washington Nationals corner infield prospect Yohandy Morales blasted a pair of home runs on Wednesday in a continuation of his breakout 2026 campaign. The Nats' 28th-ranked prospect spent 95 games at Triple-A last year, slashing .249/.330/.401 with 11 home runs and a 30.3 percent strikeout rate, but in 79 games in 2026, he's slashing .304/.373/.551 with 20 home runs, and the strikeout rate is a more tolerable 25.4 percent. The 6-foot-3 slugger ranks 90th percentile or better at Triple-A in average exit velocity (92.7 mph), max exit velocity (113.1), barrel rate (13.3 percent), and hard-hit rate (55.5 percent), and with the likelihood of a call-up in the coming weeks, fantasy managers in deeper 12-team leagues searching for power production should consider stashing the 24-year-old in an NA spot ahead of his eventual debut.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Chris Bell Carries Clear Appeal for Dynasty Rebuilds Entering 2026
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell (knee) may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season as he works his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in late November. However, the 22-year-old carries clear long-term upside. Before the injury, Bell recorded 72 catches for 917 yards and six touchdowns across 11 games for the University of Louisville. Entering 2026, Miami features a trio of underwhelming veteran options atop its wide receiver depth chart in Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, and Malik Washington. Alongside fellow rookies Caleb Douglas and Kevin Coleman Jr., Bell could have a chance to establish himself as a prominent piece of the Dolphins' passing game once healthy. For dynasty managers who are currently rebuilding, Bell is a logical target in rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emerson Hancock's Ratios Creating a Sell-High Window?
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock has been a useful ratio stabilizer, and that is exactly why fantasy managers should at least see what his trade market looks like. The 27-year-old is 6-4 with a 3.23 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts over 97 2/3 innings. He also just shut down the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, throwing seven scoreless innings with two hits allowed and five strikeouts in a 4-0 win. That kind of surface line plays in any format, but it is not spotless underneath. Hancock has allowed a .322 xwOBA, 43.6% hard-hit rate, 90.0 mph average exit velocity, and 9.5% barrel rate, so there is still damage risk if the command backs up. He is not someone to dump for a weak offer. If another manager is buying the ERA and WHIP as a full breakout, though, selling makes sense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
MarShawn Lloyd May Be Undervalued at His Current Redraft ADP
A third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd has failed to establish himself through the first two seasons of his career. Thanks to myriad injury issues, Lloyd has appeared in just one NFL game and collected just six carries so far as a pro. Still, the 25-year-old enters 2026 with a clear opportunity to carve out a role in the Packers' backfield. Green Bay lost former RB2 Emanuel Wilson in free agency, and RB1 Josh Jacobs is currently battling some off-field issues that could lead to a league-mandated suspension at some point during the upcoming season. Even if Jacobs avoids discipline from the league, he's entering his age-28 season and has already racked up over 2,100 touches in his NFL career. If Lloyd can beat out similarly unproven Packers backs Chris Brooks and Pierre Strong Jr. for the team's RB2 role, he could be one of the better handcuff running back options in fantasy football. At his current redraft ADP of RB62, Lloyd may be undervalued heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jesus Made Cools Off, Chances of MLB Debut in 2026 Fading?
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Jesus Made had been red-hot at Double-A Biloxi coming into July, but he has cooled considerably, going 2-for-24 (.083) in six games this month. The good news is that despite not tallying a bunch of base hits in July, he's still putting the bat on the ball, recording just three strikeouts in 27 plate appearances (11.1 percent). Even with the slowdown, the MLB's top-ranked prospect is slashing .274/.345/.431 with eight home runs and 24 steals in 74 games with the Shuckers, and his 14.6 percent strikeout rate puts him in the 92nd percentile at Double-A. The 19-year-old is doing all of this as one of only a handful of players under the age of 20 at that level of the minors. If he can get hot again, there's a chance he could see some time at Triple-A later this year, and at that point the switch-hitter will be knocking on the door to the majors. Given his age, a 2026 debut may be a stretch, but with his talent, fantasy managers should keep the 6-foot-1 Dominican on their radar, and at the very least, be prepared to see him in the big leagues at some point in 2027.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Will Warren's Volatility Turning him into a Matchup-Based Streamer?
New York Yankees starting pitcher Will Warren has become tougher to trust right before the All-Star break. The 27-year-old is 7-4 with a 4.15 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 94 strikeouts over 93 1/3 innings, which is still usable in plenty of fantasy leagues. The problem is that the blowups are starting to stack up. Warren was hit hard by the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, allowing six earned runs, seven hits, and three home runs over four innings. There are still enough strikeouts to keep him on rosters, and his 3.98 FIP is better than the ERA. But this is not a profile to chase as a second-half difference-maker. Warren's .319 xwOBA allowed, 39.9% hard-hit rate, and 90.2 mph average exit velocity allowed point more toward volatility than a true breakout. At 64% rostered on Yahoo, he is better treated as a matchup play than a must-start arm.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jhostynxon Garcia Heating Up at Triple-A, Back on Stash Radar?
Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia's bat got going over the past week, going 8-for-18 (.444) with a pair of doubles, three stolen bases, and a 5:3 BB:K in his last six games. The Pirates' fourth-ranked prospect had scuffled to a .184 average (9-for-49) over the previous 13 games, and for the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, he's slashing .244/.324/.378 with five home runs and four steals. The Venezuelan made quick work of Double and Triple-A last year on the way to a brief debut with the Red Sox, and spent two weeks with the Pirates earlier this year, but hasn't been able to do much with his opportunities in the big leagues. Perhaps this recent run of production can provide enough momentum to carry him back to the majors soon, but with poor chase, whiff, strikeout, and average exit velocities at Indy this year, there isn't much for fantasy managers to get excited about. There's no need to consider stashing the 23-year-old in most fantasy leagues except perhaps in NL-only formats.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Malik Nabers Could Miss the First 4-5 Games of 2026?
In a recent podcast episode of the John Keim Report, ESPN's Jordan Raanan speculates that New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) may not return to the field until Week 5 or 6 of the 2026 season. Nabers suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 of the 2025 season and has had a delayed rehab process since then that included an additional procedure to clean up scar tissue. While Raanan is speculating rather than reporting that Nabers may not be ready to start the year, it certainly seems as though the star wideout may be tracking towards a delayed opening to the upcoming season. Nabers put together an electric rookie season in 2024, recording 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and 10 touchdowns on 170 targets across 15 games. Once healthy, he profiles as the clear number one option in the Giants' passing game and carries top-12 wide receiver upside for fantasy managers. However, the 22-year-old's current knee troubles remain a major concern for his overall outlook entering 2026.
Source: ESPN - Jordan Raanan
Source: ESPN - Jordan Raanan
Alex Bregman Losing Trade Appeal Before Break?
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman still has the lineup spot to keep fantasy managers interested, but the bat is not giving much back. The 32-year-old is hitting .240 with seven home runs, 35 RBI, 42 runs, two steals, and a .683 OPS over 354 at-bats. The bigger problem is that the slump has not been brief. Over his last 30 games, Bregman is batting .206 with two homers and a .318 slugging percentage. Batting second for a good Cubs lineup keeps him from being a total drain, especially in OBP formats, but this is a tough profile to buy into right now. His 87.8 mph average exit velocity, 37.5% hard-hit rate, and 4.4% barrel rate do not point to much power coming. With Bregman still rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues, shopping the name value makes sense if another manager still sees him as a steady corner-infield bat.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Does T.J. Hockenson Have Bounce-Back Potential in 2026?
Across 15 games in 2025, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson recorded 51 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets. Like all the other pass-catchers for Minnesota, Hockenson's production was limited by the Vikings' bottom-tier quarterback play in 2025. Veteran signal-caller Kyler Murray brings more stability to Minnesota's passing game in 2026, although the team's overall offensive ecosystem is not guaranteed to be significantly improved. Hockenson is also showing signs of athletic decline as he enters his age-29 season, as he averaged a career-low 8.6 yards per reception in 2025. Additionally, the Vikings signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings in free agency, adding a quality target-earner and red-zone weapon to an offense that already features the star wide receiver duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Even at his current ADP of TE22 in redraft leagues, Hockenson may be a player for fantasy managers to avoid in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Munetaka Murakami Could Return on Friday
Chicago White Sox corner infielder Munetaka Murakami (hamstring), who has been on the 10-day injured list since suffering a Grade 2 strained right hamstring on May 29, could return to the White Sox's starting lineup as soon as Friday for the series opener against the Athletics, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Murakami got three at-bats and played five innings at first base for Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday night and received positive reports. The 26-year-old Japanese native took the league by storm earlier this year in his first taste of major-league pitching, hitting .240 (48-for-200) with 20 home runs, 41 RBI, 43 runs scored, and a stolen base in 57 games and 246 plate appearances. "He means a lot for this lineup. He's a great hitter. Not just for the lineup but the clubhouse in general. He's a great leader. He's a guy who everyone here looks to. It means a lot to everyone here," third baseman Miguel Vargas said. In his two rehab games with the Knights, Murakami has gone 2-for-7 with a double and a walk. His impending return could cause rookie first baseman Jacob Gonzalez to be shipped back to Charlotte.
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Jordan Walker a Hold With Home Run Derby Hype?
St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker is headed to the Home Run Derby, but that should not automatically turn him into a sell-high candidate. The 24-year-old became the fifth confirmed participant for Monday's event in Philadelphia, joining Willson Contreras, Jac Caglianone, Junior Caminero, and Ben Rice. The fantasy line already fits the invite, too, with Walker batting .294 with 21 home runs, 70 RBI, 58 runs, 12 steals, and an .889 OPS over 343 at-bats. There is always some risk in buying after a first-half power surge, especially with Walker striking out 95 times. Still, this is not just All-Star Week noise. His 94.2 mph average exit velocity, 51.8% hard-hit rate, and 14.3% barrel rate back up the damage, and the stolen bases add another layer. Unless someone is paying like he is already a finished first-round bat, Walker looks more like a hold than a sell-high.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaxon Wiggins Could Re-Enter Stash Territory in the Second Half
Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins (elbow) is still on track for a return to the mound at Triple-A Iowa within the next week or so. The Cubs' top-ranked pitching prospect has made four rehab starts, one with the team's Complex League affiliate and three at High-A South Bend, pitching to a 2.89 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and recording nine strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings pitched. The right-hander made two starts for Triple-A Iowa to begin the season before hitting the injured list with elbow inflammation. He's coming off a strong 2025 campaign in which the 6-foot-6 hurler posted a 2.19 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 19.5 percent K-BB% across three levels of the minors. Assuming a return in the near-term, the 24-year-old should have a chance to debut in the majors later in the second half, and could provide much-needed reinforcement to a depleted big league rotation. Wiggins could become stash-worthy once his potential timeline clears up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Braves Expressing Interest in Trading for Sonny Gray
The Atlanta Braves are one of several rotation-needy teams "expressing interest" in Boston Red Sox right-hander Sonny Gray, people familiar with the situation have told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon. Despite having nearly a full starting rotation on the injured list, the Braves lead the National League East division. They can cover both the prospect and financial cost -- the St. Louis Cardinals are paying around half of Gray's remaining commitment, and the Red Sox or a new team would owe him just over $6 million after the trade deadline. The 36-year-old has a full no-trade clause, but he lives in Nashville and would most likely approve a trade to Atlanta. Gray is the Braves' best option unless they decide to make a run at Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal. Gray doesn't blow hitters away, but his diverse arsenal keeps hitters off balance, and he owns a nice 2.61 ERA over 16 starts and 89 2/3 innings in his first year in Boston. Of course, this could all be a moot point if the Red Sox decide not to sell this summer. They've won 10 of their last 12 games and are suddenly just three games back in the American League wild-card race.
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon
Jordan Addison Carries Redraft Sleeper Appeal into 2026
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison had a season to forget in 2025. After missing the first three games of the year due to a suspension, the 24-year-old finished the season with 42 catches for 610 yards and three touchdowns on 79 targets. Addison was a victim of the Vikings' brutal quarterback play in 2025, as the team received below-average production from signal-callers J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Minnesota brought in veteran quarterback Kyler Murray over the offseason, who should at least provide the team's passing game with more stability in 2026. The Vikings also signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings in free agency, so Addison has some significant target competition between Jennings and superstar wideout Justin Jefferson. Still, Addison finished the 2024 season as the WR24 by measure of per-game PPR scoring. With his current ADP of WR42 in redraft leagues, Addison carries sleeper value into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Riley a Buy-Low Name, But Only at the Right Price?
Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley is still the type of name worth checking on in trades, but this is not an automatic buy-low spot. The 29-year-old has been a major letdown with a .209 average, nine home runs, 41 RBI, five steals, and a .623 OPS over 330 at-bats. There is enough track record here to make a rebound possible, and his 10.3% barrel rate and 90.4 mph average exit velocity are not dead numbers. They are just not close to the impact profile fantasy managers are used to seeing from him. That makes the price everything. Riley's .204 xBA, .368 xSLG, 42.4% hard-hit rate, and 29.1% strikeout rate do not scream second-half league-winner, and Atlanta recently had him batting seventh. He is still rostered in 83% of Yahoo leagues, so this is a trade play only. Buy if the discount is real. Otherwise, let someone else chase the name.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Willson Contreras' Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (foot) had his suspension reduced from seven to five games, and he'll begin serving the suspension on Thursday, sources told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. It's a good time for Contreras to start serving his reduced five-game suspension after he fouled a ball off his foot in Wednesday's contest against the Chicago White Sox. He's feeling fine and calls himself day-to-day, so Contreras should be ready to return to Boston's starting lineup for the second game after the All-Star break next Saturday at home against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays. Brett Harris is making the start at first base and will bat eighth for the BoSox for Thursday's series finale against the White Sox and left-hander Anthony Kay. Contreras is having a career year in 2026 in his first year in Beantown, slashing .285/.379/.542 with a .921 OPS, 20 home runs, 61 RBI, 46 runs scored, and two stolen bases, but fantasy managers are going to be without him to close out the first half of the season and to begin the second half.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Max Scherzer Shows Encouraging Signs in Rehab Start
Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Max Scherzer (back) wasn't perfect in his latest minor-league rehab start on Wednesday with Triple-A Buffalo, but he showed some encouraging signs. Scherzer allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out five in four innings to take the loss against Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer generated 16 swings and misses on his 72 pitches and averaged 93.4 mph with his four-seam fastball. He is slowly building his arm back after landing on the 15-day injured list for the second time this season with back spasms, but he's likely going to need at least one more rehab start before he's an option once again for Toronto's starting rotation in the second half of the season. The three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star is well beyond his prime and doesn't have much left in the tank as he continues to deal with injuries. Scherzer has gone 1-4 with a 10.23 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, and 14:11 K:BB in his six starts for the Jays this year. Fantasy managers are better off stashing higher-upside arms.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Ryan Walker Heading Back to Triple-A
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello told KNBR on Thursday that the team is sending right-handed reliever Ryan Walker to Triple-A Sacramento. The 30-year-old veteran and former 31st-round pick by the Giants in 2018 out of Washington State University had a career-high 17 saves in his third year in the majors in 2025, but he has really struggled this year, going 0-1 with a 7.52 ERA (5.47 FIP), 1.82 WHIP, three saves, 19 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 26 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. This will be the second time the Giants have sent him to the farm in 2026. Walker was looking better in seven appearances since returning to the majors on June 12, allowing two earned runs on three hits with four strikeouts, two walks, and a hold, but things have fallen apart for him again recently in his four outings so far in July. He's allowed an earned run in each of his July appearances, with nine earned runs allowed, three walks, and just one strikeout. As things currently stand in San Fran's bullpen, right-hander Caleb Kilian is the reliever to roster for fantasy managers searching for saves. He's rostered in only 15% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: KNBR
Source: KNBR
Carson Whisenhunt Coming Up to Start for Giants on Thursday
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello told KNBR that left-handed pitching prospect Carson Whisenhunt is being called up from Triple-A Sacramento to start on Thursday in the series finale against the division-rival Colorado Rockies at Oracle Park. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of East Carolina University is considered the Giants' No. 11-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline. He struggled to a 5.01 ERA and 1.46 WHIP with 16 strikeouts and 12 walks in 23 1/3 innings over five starts in his MLB debut in 2025. In his lone start this year for the Gigantes on June 17 against the first-place Atlanta Braves, he picked up a win, allowing two earned runs on six hits while walking two and striking out two in five innings of work. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder is most likely just making another spot start for San Fran in the final weekend of the regular season, so fantasy managers in single-year leagues shouldn't be spending a ton on him to pick him up off the waiver wire. In 77 1/3 innings in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League this year at Sacramento, Whisenhunt holds a 4.42 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 82:37 K:BB.
Source: KNBR
Source: KNBR
Giancarlo Stanton Resumes Running
New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton's calf injury while running the bases was not a setback, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, but a completely new strain to the same calf. Stanton has resumed running after platelet-rich plasma injections, though, according to general manager Brian Cashman. The 36-year-old veteran power hitter has been sidelined since late April with what was initially a right-calf strain. It's good news that he has resumed running, but there remains no firm timetable for when he might return in the second half of the season. The 36-year-old veteran and former MVP still has enough raw power to make him valuable in mixed fantasy leagues, but his inability to stay on the field due to injuries has made him an afterthought in a lot of formats. Right now, he's rostered in just 22% of Yahoo leagues with no return in sight. Before his calf strain, Stanton was hitting .256/.302/.422 with a .724 OPS, only three home runs, 14 RBI, eight runs scored, one stolen base, and a 30.2% strikeout rate in 96 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Carlos Rodon to Play Catch on Thursday
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) will play catch on Thursday for the first time since landing on the 15-day injured list last Friday with inflammation in his left elbow, according to Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network. Rodon will have a shot to return to the Yankees' starting rotation in the second half, but in a best-case scenario, the 33-year-old veteran isn't expected to be back until at least early August. The Yankees aren't going to rush Rodon, who missed the start of the 2026 season after having surgery last October to remove loose bodies and to shave down a bone spur in his left elbow. The three-time All-Star has looked good in his nine starts for the Yankees this year in his fourth season with the team, going 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA (3.46 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 26 walks in 46 1/3 innings pitched, making him stash-worthy in most fantasy leagues. However, fantasy managers are going to need to be patient.
Source: Yes Network - Meredith Marakovits
Source: Yes Network - Meredith Marakovits
Aaron Judge to be Re-Imaged During All-Star Break
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that outfielder Aaron Judge (ribs) will be re-imaged during the All-Star break next week. Cashman is still anticipating Judge's return at some point this season based on the original diagnosis. When the Yankees placed Judge on the 10-day injured list five weeks ago with a stress fracture in his rib, they said he'd be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. There hasn't been a firm timetable for Judge's return, but we should have a clearer picture after he undergoes more testing next week. The 34-year-old three-time MVP and seven-time All-Star should obviously be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues as a difference-maker across the board when he's healthy. When Judge returns in the second half, he'll be returning to a .248/.375/.533 slash line with a .907 OPS, 17 home runs, 38 RBI, 43 runs scored, and five stolen bases across his 214 at-bats. The Yankees have been without both Judge and right-handed slugger Giancarlo Stanton (calf) for most of the first half, so getting them both back after the All-Star break will be huge as they attempt to catch the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.
Source: The Bergen Record - Pete Caldera
Source: The Bergen Record - Pete Caldera
Twins Call Up No. 9 Prospect Kendry Rojas
The Minnesota Twins recalled left-handed pitching prospect Kendry Rojas from Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday, the team announced. Rojas, the club's No. 9 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will make his return to the big leagues after appearing in six games (two starts) already this year for the Twins. The 23-year-old Cuban southpaw looked good in his six big-league outings, allowing three earned runs on 12 hits with 18 strikeouts, but he did walk 13 batters in 16 1/3 innings pitched. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder has produced a 4.24 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 24 strikeouts and nine walks in 23 1/3 innings pitched in nine outings (three starts) in 2026 on the farm with Single-A Fort Myers and St. Paul. Rojas' raw stuff -- a mid-90s fastball and tight slider -- carries high spin rates, but until he can improve his control, he'll be off the fantasy radar in mixed leagues in 2026. He'll also need to become more of a staple in Minnesota's starting rotation, which is not guaranteed in the second half.
Source: Minnesota Twins
Source: Minnesota Twins
