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Shohei Ohtani's Next Start Pushed Back to Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in Wednesday's series finale in Sacramento against the Athletics and will be pushed back to start in Friday's game at home against the division-rival San Diego Padres, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Dodgers will go with a bullpen game on Wednesday at Sutter Health Park. Ohtani will have a final start in the first half of the season on July 10 against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks. The 31-year-old four-time MVP and five-time All-Star has been outstanding on the mound for the Dodgers in 2026, going 8-2 with a 1.58 ERA (2.56 FIP) and 0.90 WHIP with 86 strikeouts and 24 walks in 79 1/3 innings pitched across his 13 starts. Ohtani has been a bit more vulnerable on the mound lately, though, allowing 11 runs (nine earned) on 18 hits (one homer) while walking six and striking out 19 in 18 2/3 frames in his last three starts. In his first meeting with the Friars on May 20, Ohtani threw five shutout innings with two walks and only four K's for his fourth win of the year. Despite being a bit more human of late as a pitcher, Ohtani should be considered a must-start this Friday in L.A. against a weak Padres offense.
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Kam Jones Expected to Be Waived by Chicago
Chicago Bulls guard Kam Jones is expected to be waived before his $2.15 million salary becomes fully guaranteed, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The 2025 No. 38 pick lasted less than a week in Chicago after being acquired from the Indiana Pacers on draft night. Jones averaged 4.4 points, 3.2 assists, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.5 steals in 16.6 minutes across 37 rookie appearances, but his 29.3% mark from three limits the short-term fantasy appeal. With Josh Giddey, Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, Tre Jones, and Rob Dillingham already on the roster, Jones was facing a thin path to minutes anyway.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins the Heat
The Miami Heat wasted no time surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo with shooting, signing veteran wing Tim Hardaway Jr. to a one-year, $6.4 million contract. The 34-year-old shot a career-best 40.7% from downtown as a member of the Denver Nuggets last season, averaging 13.5 points and finishing third in Sixth Man of the Year voting. On his new team, Hardaway will once again be tasked with providing important spacing and knocking down open threes. He could be in for an even larger role if the Heat are unable to retain free agent Norman Powell this offseason.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Willy Adames Out for Second Straight Game With Back Spasms
San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (back) is sitting out for the second straight game on Tuesday against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks due to back spasms, according to MLB.com. Casey Schmitt will make the start at the 6 again and will bat third in the order versus D-backs right-hander Brandon Pfaadt. Adames left Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Phillies early with back spasms and hasn't played since. For now, he's being considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Wednesday to see if Adames is active for the series finale in the desert. If he doesn't play on Wednesday, Adames' next chance to play will be in Friday's series opener in Denver against the Colorado Rockies after a day off on Thursday. The 30-year-old Dominican is hitting just .231 (74-for-321) on the year, but he's on track for a third straight 30-homer campaign with 14 long balls in 81 games played. Adames will be glad to see the calendar flip to July, as he went 17-for-86 (.198) with six homers, three doubles, nine RBI, 12 runs, seven walks, and 26 strikeouts in 23 games in June.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Bones Hyland is Staying in Minnesota
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland has signed a new deal with the organization on Tuesday. Hyland has reportedly signed a new contract with the team as free agency opened on Tuesday evening. He'll return on a one-year deal to provide depth off the bench for the T-Wolves next season. This past season, Hyland averaged 8.5 points, 2.6 assists, and 0.6 steals across 16.6 minutes per game in a career-high 71 games. Hyland has bounced around the league a bit, but appears to have found a home in Minnesota. He'll be a key piece off the bench, but probably won't have nightly fantasy value playing minutes in the teens.
Source: Jon Krawczynski
Source: Jon Krawczynski
DeAndre Jordan Returns to Pelicans for 19th NBA Season
New Orleans Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan is re-signing with the team for his 19th NBA season, Chris Haynes reported, keeping the reigning Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year in town. Jordan, who turns 38 in July, played just 12 games last season and now serves mostly as a mentor for a young frontcourt, so there is nothing to chase in any fantasy format. The more useful takeaway: his return does not threaten the runway of Derik Queen or Yves Missi, who remain the bigs to own behind Zion Williamson. Now on his eighth team, the 2008 second-round pick is pure veteran glue.
Source: Chris Haynes
Source: Chris Haynes
Ousmane Dieng Signs New Contract With Milwaukee
Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng is signing a new three-year, $17.5 million contract with the team, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. A former lottery pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Dieng was moved to Milwaukee in a February trade. In his new home, the 23-year-old averaged 11 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 26.8 minutes of action. Unfortunately, it came at low efficiency (42.3% from the field and 33.1% from three) and with an injury-depleted Milwaukee lineup. With more rotation pieces now on the Bucks following the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, Dieng doesn't have a clear path to playing time to begin the 2026-27 season.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Wizards Aren't Listening to Trade Offers on Anthony Davis
Washington Wizards center Anthony Davis has been the subject of trade rumors ever since joining the organization. Recently, Davis was rumored to be possibly traded to the Golden State Warriors to join forces with Stephen Curry and possibly LeBron James. The Wizards were quick to deny any interest in trading the veteran center. The Wizards plan to pair Davis with Trae Young as the veterans on a team with youngsters Alexandre Sarr and AJ Dybantsa. We'll see if the Wizards change their mind depending on the trade package, but for now, they plan to keep Davis in Washington.
Source: Marc J. Spears
Source: Marc J. Spears
Pistons Plan to Match Any Offers on Jalen Duren
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren is set to hit free agency, but he's unlikely to switch teams this offseason. There has been speculation that Duren could sign elsewhere this summer. There have also been rumors that the Pistons could do a sign-and-trade with Duren. The Pistons have shut down those rumors and have stated they will match any potential offer sheets on Duren. The superstar big man is expected to get a massive deal this summer. This past season, Duren averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks across 28.2 minutes per game in 70 contests. The 22-year-old is one of the best young centers in the game and is likely going to get paid like it in free agency. The Pistons remain determined to keep Duren, but we'll see if they will match any offer sheet that comes in.
Source: Marc J. Spears
Source: Marc J. Spears
Liam Hicks Activated and Starting on Tuesday
The Miami Marlins announced that they activated catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks (back) from the 10-day injured list. Hicks is starting at first base and is batting leadoff for the Fish on Tuesday on the road against the Colorado Rockies and right-hander Tanner Gordon at hitter-friendly Coors Field. Fantasy managers will want to get the 27-year-old Canadian back in their starting lineups immediately. It's a great week for him to return from the IL with games in Denver and at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park in Sacramento this weekend. The former ninth-rounder by the Texas Rangers in 2021 out of Arkansas State University is having a breakout campaign in 2026, slashing .278/.359/.472 with an .831 OPS, 13 home runs, 53 RBI, 40 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 248 at-bats in just his second year in the majors. In just three career at-bats against Gordon, Hicks has a home run and two RBI. Fantasy managers have caught on and added Hicks before he landed on the IL. He's now rostered in 83% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Miami Marlins
Source: Miami Marlins
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Scratched on Tuesday With Back Tightness
The Toronto Blue Jays announced that first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (back) has been scratched from Tuesday's starting lineup against the visiting New York Mets due to back tightness. Sean Keys will make the start at first base for Toronto and will bat cleanup against Mets right-hander Nolan McLean. It's a bit concerning for Guerrero's fantasy managers after he left last Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs early with a back injury. The 27-year-old Canadian returned the very next day, but his back issue has cropped up again, which means he's likely to sit out at least a few days this time around. Perhaps the five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner hasn't been fully healthy for much of the first half of the season, which would help explain his .268/.347/.348 slash line with a .695 OPS, only four home runs, 34 RBI, 45 runs scored, and six stolen bases in his 299 at-bats. For now, we'll consider Vladdy day-to-day, but this could quickly turn into an injured-list situation if he is unable to return to the Jays' lineup by this weekend.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Matt McLain to See Playing Time in Center Field?
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that middle infielder Matt McLain worked out in center field on Tuesday, according to FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith. The Reds have a need in center field with both Blake Dunn (elbow) and Dane Myers (shoulder) going on the injured list recently, and McLain could give them a right-handed bat at the position to close out the first half of the season. The 26-year-old former 17th overall pick in 2021 out of UCLA is batting just .199/.303/.344 with a .646 OPS, eight home runs, 25 RBI, 31 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases across 256 at-bats in his third year in the big leagues, leading to rookie Edwin Arroyo taking over the majority of the playing time at the keystone in 2026. McLain moving to center field would open up another avenue for him to get into Cincy's lineup, but it remains to be seen if he'll see enough starts there to gain outfield eligibility in fantasy leagues. TJ Friedly is starting in center and batting ninth for the Reds on Tuesday against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers and right-hander Brandon Sproat.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Hunter Greene to Make 2026 Debut With Reds on Saturday
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) will come off the 60-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut on Saturday versus the Baltimore Orioles, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. The hard-throwing former second overall pick threw 82 pitches in 6 1/3 scoreless innings in his final minor-league rehab start on Sunday with Triple-A Louisville, and he didn't allow a single run in 14 1/3 minor-league innings while striking out 13 and walking two during his three rehab starts. Greene has been on the IL since having surgery on March 11 to remove bone spurs from his right elbow, but he's finally ready to rejoin the Reds' starting rotation. Since he shouldn't be facing any restrictions with his workload on the Fourth of July, fantasy managers should be looking to throw him right into the fire against the O's, a team that ranks third in strikeouts in 2026. Green is rostered in 73% of Yahoo leagues and is an absolute must-add anywhere he's still available. He has the potential to be a fantasy ace in the second half of the season.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Stephen Kolek Moved to Family Medical Emergency List
The Kansas City Royals announced on Tuesday that right-hander Stephen Kolek has been transferred from the paternity list to the family medical emergency list. Kolek missed his last start on Friday in a matchup against the Chicago White Sox, and he could now miss another start this Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays. It's unclear if his move to the family medical emergency list is at all related to his paternity leave, and it's unclear when Kolek might rejoin KC's starting rotation. The 29-year-old former 11th-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018 out of Texas A&M University has only made nine starts (52 innings) in 2026 in his first full season with the Royals, going 4-2 with a 4.15 ERA (4.54 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 34 strikeouts and 11 walks. With a career strikeout rate of just 16.9%, Kolek is primarily a low-upside, matchup-based streamer in deeper fantasy baseball leagues. If he rejoins the team soon and starts on Thursday against Tampa, we wouldn't recommend using him as a streamer.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Max Fried to Throw to Live Hitters Again on Sunday
New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried (elbow) will throw another live batting practice session on Sunday, manager Aaron Boone told Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Fried threw a two-inning simulated game at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday for the first time since going on the injured list in mid-May and apparently didn't suffer any setbacks. If he has another successful live session on Sunday, the Yankees could clear him to start a minor-league rehab assignment. The 32-year-old southpaw and three-time All-Star is making good progress, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be a realistic option to rejoin New York's starting rotation until after the All-Star break in mid-July. He has been a must-start since joining the Yankees before last season, going 23-8 with a 2.94 ERA (2.98 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 239 strikeouts and 70 walks in 257 innings pitched across his 42 starts. Fried was 4-3 this year with a 3.21 ERA (2.71 FIP), 1.00 WHIP, and 50:19 K:BB in 61 2/3 innings across 10 starts before going on the IL with an elbow injury.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Yandy Diaz Back in Rays Lineup Versus Royals
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (shoulder) is serving as the team's designated hitter and is batting leadoff for Tuesday's contest in Kansas City against Royals left-hander Noah Cameron, according to MLB.com. Jonathan Aranda is starting at first base and batting second. Diaz was pulled from Sunday's series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a strained left shoulder, but he's back in there for Tuesday's series opener against KC after a scheduled day off on Monday. Fantasy managers will want to get him back into their starting lineups in all traditional formats, especially with how well he has swung the bat in June. The 34-year-old Cuban veteran has gone 36-for-92 (.391) with a homer, six doubles, 15 RBI, and 14 runs scored in 25 games and 109 plate appearances, boosting his season slash line to .336/.416/.515 with a .932 OPS. Diaz is also hitting .400 with a .900 OPS and an RBI in a small sample size of five career at-bats against Cameron.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brian Campbell Set to Defend at John Deere Classic
It's been a poor season for Brian Campbell after gaining access to all the big events via his win here last season. However, much of his career has been comprised of one-off performances that allowed him to win twice in 2025 amid an otherwise poor year. The putter is usually his best performing club in the bag, but he's been a capable iron player as well. There is just such difficulty in nailing down when and where that sort of output will occur. On paper, TPC Deere Run makes sense for the type of field strength and course set up that would work for Campbell's limited strengths, but he is too volatile to trust with much confidence.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Ronald Acuna Jr. a "Long Shot" to Return Before All-Star Break
Updating a previous report, Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said on Tuesday that it's a "long shot" that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) will return before the All-Star break in mid-July, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Acuna is going through a full pre-game workout at Truist Park on Tuesday, but the Braves aren't going to rush him back after his second stint on the injured list this year with a strained left hamstring. It means that Eli White should continue to see regular playing time in Atlanta's outfield to close out the first half of the 2026 campaign. Acuna's fantasy managers must remain patient and hope he's ready to roll right after the All-Star break, which runs from Monday, July 13, through Thursday, July 16. The five-time All-Star and former MVP hasn't lived up to expectations so far this year with a .251/.373/.421 slash line, .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 steals, and 31 runs scored in his 53 games played across 236 plate appearances. Acuna has league-winning five-category upside when healthy, but he hasn't played in over 100 games since 2023.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Byron Buxton Sitting Out With Hip Injury on Tuesday
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) is sitting out of the team's starting lineup on Tuesday versus the Houston Astros at Daikin Park, according to MLB.com. Ryan Kreidler is starting in center field and will hit seventh for the Twins against Astros right-hander Mike Burrows. Buxton will miss the first two games of the series in Houston after an MRI exam showed a right-hip impingement. For now, we'll consider the All-Star outfielder to be day-to-day. If he doesn't return for Wednesday's series finale against the Astros, Buxton's next chance to play will be in Friday's series opener in the Bronx against the New York Yankees after a scheduled day off on Thursday. The 32-year-old veteran has been money for fantasy managers again in 2026 and has managed to stay healthy, slashing .268/.325/.573 with an .898 OPS, 25 home runs, 43 RBI, 56 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in his 302 at-bats. After setting new career highs with 35 home runs and 83 RBI in 126 games last year, Buxton is on pace to best those numbers if he can stay healthy the rest of the way.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Precious Achiuwa Staying in Sacramento
Sacramento Kings forward/center Precious Achiuwa is signing a new two-year, $11.5 million contract with the team, according to NBA Insider Chris Haynes. The 26-year-old got plenty of run with the injury-depleted Kings last season, starting 57 of 73 games at 23.9 minutes a night. He averaged 10.1 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Although starting center Domantas Sabonis is reportedly on the trade block, Achiuwa still sits behind sophomore Maxime Raynaud on the depth chart. With a healthy roster, Achiuwa is nothing more than bench depth who may squeak out spot minutes within the nightly rotation.
Source: Chris Haynes
Source: Chris Haynes
Brewers Send Robert Gasser to Rookie-Level ACL on Tuesday
The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Tuesday that they optioned left-hander Robert Gasser to the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and selected the contract of right-hander Garrett Stallings from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move. Gasser is being sent to the lower levels of the minors for a bit after allowing three earned runs on seven hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out five in 5 2/3 innings against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds on Monday for a no-decision in the team's 5-3 victory. In his third year in the majors, the 27-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 by the San Diego Padres out of the University of Houston has gone 1-3 with a 4.54 ERA (4.98 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with 36 strikeouts and 13 walks in 35 2/3 innings across his seven starts. Gasser's 23.4% strikeout rate and 8.4% walk rate are improvements from last season, and he should be a candidate to re-enter Milwaukee's rotation in the second half of the season after the mid-July All-Star break.
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Gradey Dick Being Traded to the Clippers
Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick is part of a larger package being sent to Los Angeles in exchange for All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Clippers are receiving Dick, Brandon Ingram, and multiple future draft picks. The 22-year-old fell out of favor north of the border last season, playing just 14 minutes a night and barely appearing in Toronto's first-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. That was, in large part, due to a sharp decline in his shooting percentage. Initially drafted as a sharpshooter, Dick shot just 30.1% from three-point land en route to six points per game. The Clippers are currently rostering a deep backcourt, so Dick is unlikely to carve out a consistent role with his new team.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Brandon Ingram Shipped To Los Angeles
The Toronto Raptors are sending forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, and multiple draft picks to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Ingram, who has averaged 20+ points per game in every season since 2019, should assume primary scoring duties for the new-look Clippers squad. The 29-year-old did just that in his lone season with the Raptors, leading the team with 21.5 points and an All-Star nod. Ingram's assist numbers dropped from 5+ per game in New Orleans to 3.7 up north, as more offensive threats in Toronto surrounded him. Now on a less impressive roster, he could be called upon to do more playmaking in Southern California.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Eugenio Suarez Back in Reds Lineup on Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez (wrist) is starting at third base and will bat cleanup for the Reds in Tuesday's contest against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers and right-hander Brandon Sproat at American Family Field, per MLB.com. Suarez was hit by a pitch on his left wrist on Sunday and was held out of Monday's series opener against Milwaukee as a precaution. The 34-year-old Venezuelan corner infielder will now return to Cincy's starting nine as he looks to snap out of his funk at the plate. He's hitting just .185 (15-for-81) with four home runs, four doubles, 14 RBI, five runs scored, four walks, and 32 strikeouts in 22 games in June. The two-time All-Star hasn't really been good all year in his return to the Reds in 2026, slashing .208/.276/.376 on the season with a career-worst .652 OPS, eight home runs, 29 RBI, 18 runs scored, and a career-worst 33.2% strikeout rate. Suarez is rostered in 70% of Yahoo leagues, but his .195 xBA and .261 xwOBA don't exactly give fantasy managers hope that the veteran slugger will turn things around in his 13th year in the league.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ronald Acuna Jr. Going Through Full Workout on Tuesday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is going through a full pre-game workout at Truist Park on Tuesday, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Acuna has already missed over three weeks with a left-hamstring strain, but the Braves are in no rush to bring him back to the major-league roster since it's the second time he has been on the 10-day injured list with the same injury this year. It appears that the former MVP is getting closer to returning to the Braves, but he could still be asked to go on a minor-league rehab assignment, meaning he's not guaranteed to come back before the All-Star break in July. The five-time All-Star has had a very disappointing 2026 season so far, as he has slashed just .251/.373/.421 with a .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored in his 195 at-bats while dealing with injuries once again. Acuna still has five-category upside for fantasy managers, though, so he needs to remain stashed in an IL spot in all leagues until he's ready to return.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Kawhi Leonard Traded, Returning to Toronto
The Los Angeles Clippers are trading All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. In exchange, Los Angeles is receiving forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, and multiple first and second-round draft picks. Leonard is owed $50 million this season and should enter contract extension talks with Toronto. The 35-year-old averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals in 65 games last season. Leonard, who won a Finals MVP trophy with the Raptors, returns to the team after seven years in Los Angeles. As long as he stays healthy, he should slide into the same role he had before he left Canada.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Jac Caglianone Returns From Going Injury to Face Rays
Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone (groin) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting third for the Royals in Tuesday's contest at home against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander Griffin Jax, according to MLB.com. Caglianone is good to go following Monday's off day. The young left-handed slugger was pulled from Sunday's game early with soreness in his left groin. The 23-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Florida has taken a big step in 2026 in his second year in the majors and will carry a .265/.337/.481 slash line, .818 OPS, 14 home runs, 30 RBI, 39 runs scored, and three steals in 268 at-bats into Tuesday's action. Cags' 30.3% strikeout rate isn't ideal, though, and he has gone 10-for-45 (.222) with six home runs, a triple, 10 RBI, 10 runs scored, three walks, and 16 strikeouts in his last 11 games played. The power from the left side is real, but Caglianone's frequent swing-and-miss doesn't make him an ideal target for batting average or on-base percentage. He's currently rostered in 78% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brandon Nimmo Missing Another Game With Shoulder Injury
Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo (shoulder) will miss another game on Tuesday against the hosting Cleveland Guardians, according to MLB.com. Ezequiel Duran will make another start in right field for Texas and will bat fifth against Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee. Nimmo suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder after he crashed into the outfield wall on Sunday, and he'll be missing a second straight game as a result. The Rangers haven't ruled out a trip to the injured list for Nimmo, who is undergoing more tests on Tuesday. With Wyatt Langford (hamstring) going back on the IL over the weekend, both Duran and Alejandro Osuna could be regulars in the Rangers' outfield to close out the first half of the season. In his first year in Texas, Nimmo has slashed .262/.333/.420 with a .753 OPS, eight home runs, 29 RBI, 35 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 82 games, numbers that have been fairly disappointing in his 11th season in the big leagues. Check back on Wednesday to see if Nimmo can return to the diamond.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Lazaro Montes Gets Back on Track, Promotion Now in Sight?
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes had a brutal 1-for-27 (.037) stretch with a .188 on-base percentage from June 16 through June 24, but in the four games since, the left-handed hitter is 6-for-10 (.600) with seven walks and a hit-by-pitch, leading to an astounding .778 OBP during that time. The Mariners' fourth-ranked prospect is hitting just .239 on the season, but a high 14.2 percent walk rate has buoyed a solid .361 OBP, and his 23 home runs (second-most at Double-A) anchor a .556 slugging percentage. The team would surely like to see some developmental progress on his 29.0 percent strikeout rate, and if the 6-foot-5 slugger's recent approach is any indication of that progress (7:3 BB:K), he could be headed to Triple-A soon. With the kind of power the 21-year-old possesses, he could become a stash candidate later in the year, so keep an eye out for any developments.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Samad Taylor Turning Elite Speed into Must-Add Value?
San Diego Padres infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor has done everything he can to keep a job since his June 3 promotion. The 27-year-old is batting .319/.402/.375 with one home run, 11 RBI, 12 runs, and six stolen bases over 72 at-bats. San Diego has kept him in left field and hit him second in five straight games through June 29, including against righties and lefties. Taylor's speed is the hook. His 29.3 feet-per-second sprint speed ranks in the 95th percentile, and he has converted six of seven steal attempts. His batted-ball profile is much weaker, with an 84.8 mph average exit velocity, 24.5% hard-hit rate, and 2.0% barrel rate, so his .319 average is unlikely to last. Ramon Laureano (hip) is expected to miss the rest of the season after surgery, leaving Taylor with a clear path to playing time for the foreseeable future. His Yahoo availability remains high, with only 18% of leagues rostering him. Taylor is a must-add in 12-team formats for steals and runs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
