RADIO
Rookie Left-Hander Eduardo Rivera Called Up by Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox recalled left-handed pitching prospect Eduardo Rivera from Triple-A Worcester to start Saturday's game versus the New York Mets, according to MLB insider Hector Gomez. The 23-year-old southpaw could cover multiple innings as the opener in Queens on Saturday, but he should not be considered a viable fantasy streamer. Per MLB Pipeline, Rivera is considered Boston's No. 25 prospect. The former 11th-round pick by the Athletics in 2021 made his big-league debut in Boston back on April 22 against the New York Yankees and threw 3 1/3 shutout innings with one hit allowed, three strikeouts, and no walks. At Double-A Portland and Worcester on the farm, Rivera has gone 7-2 with a 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 62:24 K:BB in 48 innings across 22 appearances (four starts). He could go deeper than most traditional openers on Saturday, but even against the last-place Mets, Rivera should be avoided for fantasy purposes. There's also a good chance he'll be sent back to Worcester after the game, so fantasy managers shouldn't be looking to pick him up.
Source: Hector Gomez
Source: Hector Gomez
Konnor Griffin Moved to 60-Day Injured List
The Pittsburgh Pirates transferred shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) to the 60-day injured list on Saturday to open up roster spots for newly-acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-hander Brandon Eisert, according to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. The Pirates placed Griffin on the 10-day IL on Tuesday with a torn tendon in his left ring finger, and he was given an eight- to 10-week timeline for a return, so he'll be out well into the second half of the season. The earliest he'll be able to return will be on Sept. 4. It's a tough break for the Bucs and for the 20-year-old rookie phenom, who was holding his own in his first 225 major-league at-bats, hitting .276/.332/.404 with a .736 OPS, five home runs, 25 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 35 runs scored in his first MLB season in 2026. With Griffin out for the foreseeable future, Jared Triolo has been manning the 6 in Pittsburgh, but Gonzalez could see some time there as well after the Pirates acquired him from the Chicago White Sox on Friday night. Griffin is still rostered in 77% of Yahoo leagues despite his serious finger injury.
Source: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf
Source: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf
White Sox Call Up Lefty Pitching Prospect Tyler Schweitzer
The Chicago White Sox announced before Saturday's contest against the Athletics that they recalled left-handed pitching prospect Tyler Schweitzer from Triple-A Charlotte. Schweitzer, a former fifth-rounder in 2022 out of Ball State University, made his big-league debut with the White Sox earlier this year and posted a 4.50 ERA (3.23 FIP) and 1.50 WHIP with a save, four strikeouts, and three walks in just eight innings pitched over five relief appearances. The team's No. 21-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has gone 2-2 with a 4.68 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 36:8 K:BB in 42 1/3 innings pitched across 20 appearances (four starts) with the Knights in the minors in 2026. Schweitzer will be replacing Brandon Eisert in Chicago's bullpen to close out the first half of the season after the White Sox sent Eisert to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade on Friday night. He will most likely operate as a middle reliever now that he's back in the majors, and fantasy managers in all leagues can ignore him for now.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
Munetaka Murakami Joins Home Run Derby Field
Chicago White Sox corner infielder Munetaka Murakami will be the final entrant in this year's Home Run Derby, which will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday, according to MLB. Murakami just returned from the injured list after missing over six weeks with a hamstring strain in Friday's win over the Athletics and went 1-for-5 at the plate with an RBI double, a run scored, and four strikeouts. The 26-year-old Japanese native took the league by storm earlier this season before his injury in his first year in the States, and he's currently hitting .239/.375/.556 with a .931 OPS, 20 home runs, 42 RBI, 44 runs scored, and a stolen base across 58 games played and 251 plate appearances. Murakami should remain high up in Chicago's batting order going into the second half of the season. He's displayed plenty of power potential, but he also has a 33.5% strikeout rate and can go cold for stretches. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues may want to consider selling high before we even get to the second half. Murakami holds a .218 xBA and a .373 xwOBA (wOBA of .392), so regression is expected.
Source: MLB
Source: MLB
Edwin Diaz Nearing a Rehab Assignment
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) threw live batting practice for the second time on July 8 and is getting closer to starting a minor-league rehab assignment, according to MLB.com. Diaz was initially placed on the 15-day injured list on April 20 due to loose bodies in his right elbow. He eventually had surgery and was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 10. Barring a setback once Diaz begins his rehab assignment, he's expected to rejoin L.A.'s bullpen in late July. The 32-year-old Puerto Rican veteran and three-time All-Star has only appeared in seven games for the Dodgers in his first year with the team in 2026 due to his elbow injury, and he was uncharacteristically bad before that, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits (one homer) while walking five and striking out 10 in six innings pitched. Diaz also had four saves, and with 257 career saves over nine-plus years in the league, he's expected to resume primary closing duties for manager Dave Roberts when he returns from the IL. If for some reason Diaz is available on your league's waiver wire, scoop him up immediately. He's rostered in 81% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Shohei Ohtani Hopes to be Ready to Pitch After All-Star Break
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) said, "The goal is to be able to throw according to regular schedule" after the All-Star break, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Ohtani will have his left knee drained and will receive a pain-relieving injection on Sunday. "Although I could've started today, it would've still been pushing the envelope a little bit," Ohtani said on Friday. The Dodgers scratched the four-time MVP from his scheduled start on Friday night versus the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks, but he still took his regular spot in the starting lineup as the designated hitter and went 1-for-4 at the plate with a solo homer in the 9-3 loss. The 32-year-old should avoid a trip to the injured list to begin the second half of the season, but unfortunately, we won't get to see him in next week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Ohtani remains a must-start in all fantasy lineups as both a hitter and pitcher whenever he's active. He's hitting .290/.403/.540 with a .943 OPS, 21 homers, 57 RBI, 63 runs, and six steals as a hitter and is 8-2 as a pitcher with a sharp 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 95:26 K:BB in 85 2/3 innings and 14 starts in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Joshua Palmer Has Little Dynasty Appeal Left
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) is healthy enough to be back at minicamp, but his dynasty outlook still looks bleak after a rough first season in Buffalo. Palmer caught 22 of 37 targets for 303 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games, missing five contests before landing on Injured Reserve ahead of the playoffs. He said in June that he was close to his pre-injury form. That helps, though the target picture got worse. Buffalo traded for DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir remains in place, Keon Coleman is pushing for a larger role, and fourth-round rookie Skyler Bell adds another younger option. Palmer has topped 600 receiving yards once in five seasons, and even a contract running through 2027 does not guarantee enough volume to matter. RotoBaller ranks him WR126 in dynasty and WR113 for redraft. There is no reason for contenders to chase him, and rebuilders have better places to park a roster spot. Palmer is a sell if there is still a buyer, but otherwise he is a deep-league hold through camp rather than an automatic cut.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kirby Yates Bounces-Back to Earn Third Save, Still the Top Option in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday to earn the save against the Minnesota Twins. The 39-year-old surrendered a one-out double to Trevor Larnach before retiring the final two batters of the game. The save was Yates' third of the season, and he has provided a stable presence in an otherwise unsettled Angels bullpen. On the year, he owns a 3.00 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP while posting a 32.6% strikeout rate and an 8.1% walk rate across 21 innings. Fantasy managers are encouraged to add Yates in all formats, as he is currently the Angels' most trusted option at the back end of the bullpen.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tyler Nickel Hits Six Threes in Knicks Summer League Loss
New York Knicks forward Tyler Nickel scored 18 points and grabbed four rebounds in Friday's 91-65 Summer League loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The No. 47 pick shot 6-for-11 from the field and 6-for-10 from three-point range, giving New York one of its few bright spots in a one-sided defeat. Nickel's shooting is the clear fantasy hook after he arrived from Vanderbilt with a movement-shooter profile. He will need to show more than spot-up value to push for regular-season minutes, but the three-point volume gives him a skill worth tracking.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Trevor Etienne Is a Hold, Not a Dynasty Buy
Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne is still only 22, but there is not much reason to buy the dip after a quiet rookie season. The 5-foot-8, 198-pound fourth-round pick played all 17 games in 2025 and saw just 23 offensive touches, rushing 20 times for 94 yards and catching three passes for 13 yards. Most of his work came on special teams, where he returned 31 kickoffs and 20 punts. The backfield has only gotten tighter. Chuba Hubbard remains the lead back, Jonathon Brooks (knee) was back on the field during offseason work, and Carolina added AJ Dillon in March. Brooks is still being managed after missing all of last season, so Etienne is not completely buried, but he has yet to show that he can earn a regular offensive role. RotoBaller now has him outside its top 75 dynasty running backs and at RB84 for redraft. That makes him a reasonable hold in deeper dynasty leagues, especially for managers with room to wait on a young back. He is not a player contenders or rebuilders should be actively targeting, though, and can be left undrafted in ordinary redraft formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Romano Blows Save on Friday, Should Managers be Concerned?
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jordan Romano allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks while failing to convert on a save opportunity on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. The 33-year-old had converted two consecutive saves before this stumble. It's also worth noting that Juan Mejia recorded the save by getting the final out in the bottom of the ninth inning. On the season, Romano owns a 7.71 ERA and a 2.14 WHIP between his time with the Los Angeles Angels and the Rockies. While those numbers are ugly, he still appears to have a tenuous grip on the closer's role in Colorado. No lead ever feels particularly safe with the Rockies, but the club has been searching for a reliable late-inning option all season. Ten different pitchers on the staff have recorded at least one save, and none has more than four. Even so, Romano has closing experience and has picked up two saves during his brief four-game stint with Colorado. For now, fantasy managers are encouraged to stick with the 33-year-old, but they should be prepared to replace him at a moment's notice.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Lazaro Montes on the Stash Radar Amid Recent Promotion to Triple-A?
Seattle Mariners top outfield prospect Lazaro Montes was recently bumped up to the top club in the system following his impressive production at Double-A. To open the season, the 21-year-old carried a .234/.369/.550 line with a sharp .919 OPS over 79 contests at Double-A. During this stretch, Montes hit 25 home runs and chipped in five stolen bases. However, what prompted his promotion was the .253/.413/.614 line and 1.064 OPS he held over the final 25 games at Double-A. While the 21-year-old has gotten off to a slower start at Triple-A, going just 2-for-18 over the first four games, managers should continue to closely monitor his production as his power upside is among the highest in the sport. If Montes can find his footing, the No. 26-ranked prospect in the sport could compete for a late-season promotion to Seattle.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Nae'Qwan Tomlin Scores 20 Points in Cavaliers Loss
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin finished with 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block across 29 minutes in Friday's 99-93 Summer League loss to the Indiana Pacers. Tomlin tied Meleek Thomas for the team lead in scoring and gave Cleveland one of its best two-way lines despite the loss. The 25-year-old already flashed late-season upside with a 26-point regular-season game in April, and this outing showed the same activity-based appeal. Tomlin is still working toward a consistent offensive role, but his ability to rebound, defend, and hit enough jumpers could help him earn a longer look in Cleveland's rotation.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Kade Anderson Remains in Play for Second-Half Call-Up
Seattle Mariners top pitching prospect Kade Anderson has continued to showcase elite upside at the Double-A level during his first professional season. Through 14 total starts, the former LSU standout has posted an elite 1.46 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, and a sharp 108:10 K:BB over 72 2/3 innings. Over his last six outings, the left-hander has struck out at least eight hitters in all but one and has even hit the nine-punchouts mark in four of these outings. Overall, in his profile, Anderson has allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of his 14 starts, with his lone five-run outing on May 15 remaining a distinct outlier this season. However, given that Seattle has ample depth on their MLB roster, Anderson remains potentially far from a call-up. Despite this, his upside per start makes him an elite stash target in all 12-team leagues with N/A spots.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Luke Adams Firmly on the Stash Radar Following Four-Hit Performance
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Luke Adams has enjoyed a recent surge at the Triple-A level and has put himself on the stash radar for those in deeper redraft leagues. On Friday evening, the 22-year-old went 4-for-5 with a home run and a stolen base. This was another strong showing for Adams as he now carries an elite .344/.463/.688 line with three doubles, one triple, two home runs, two stolen bases, and a 7:5 K:BB. Through 40 total games at the Triple-A level this season, the former 12th-round selection out of Hinsdale Central HS has posted a .264/.412/.581 line with a .993 OPS, six doubles, 11 home runs and six stolen bases. While Adams will likely need more time at Triple-A, he has already begun to showcase high-end power upside. If he maintains this pace, he could replace their current third baseman, Joey Ortiz, on the MLB roster early in the second half.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kyle Harrison Hits The Injured List
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (forearm) has been placed on the 15-day Injured List with left forearm tightness. The move is retroactive to July 9, 2026. The 24-year-old southpaw revealed that he had been dealing with soreness on the outside of his left elbow for the past few weeks, which helps explain his recent decline in performance. While Harrison himself wasn't too concerned about the injury, the team deemed it necessary to move him to the Injured List nonetheless. Over his last two starts, Harrison totaled just 6.2 innings while striking out only five batters, all while experiencing diminished velocity. There is no clear timetable for his return, but it appears likely that he will miss more than the minimum 15 days given the nature of the injury and the fact that he has been dealing with it for several weeks. Left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser was recalled in the corresponding move, just a few days after a strong outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.
Source: Curt Hogg
Source: Curt Hogg
Bruce Thornton Scores 27 Points in Rockets Summer League Win
Houston Rockets guard Bruce Thornton tallied 27 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals across 35 minutes in Friday's 97-86 Summer League win over the Denver Nuggets. The No. 31 pick led Houston in scoring and helped the Rockets pull away with a 29-19 fourth quarter. Thornton's shot volume was high, but he went 7-for-7 at the free-throw line and added defensive production, which matters for his fantasy profile. The rookie still faces a tough climb to regular-season value, though his scoring polish and on-ball reps make him worth tracking this summer.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Caleb Douglas Not Yet Worth a Redraft Pick
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas has a path to snaps, but that alone does not make him a redraft sleeper. Miami selected him 75th overall after he posted 54 catches for 846 yards and seven touchdowns at Texas Tech, his second straight season with at least 54 receptions and 840 yards. At 6-foot-4 with a 4.39-second 40, Douglas brings a size-speed profile that stands out in an unsettled receiver room. The opportunity is real after the Dolphins released Tyreek Hill and traded Jaylen Waddle. So is the competition. Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Jalen Reagor, and fellow rookies Chris Bell (knee) and Kevin Coleman Jr. are all fighting for work. Miami is also replacing Tua Tagovailoa after releasing him and signing Malik Willis. Douglas is currently WR107 and 265th overall in RotoBaller's PPR rankings. That is deep-league territory, not a player fantasy managers need to force onto standard rosters. Douglas is worth tracking through training camp, especially if he earns regular outside snaps, but he can stay undrafted in most 12-team leagues for now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Quinn Mathews the Top Pitching Prospect to Stash Following Seven-Inning Gem?
St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitching prospect Quinn Mathews turned in another stellar showing at the Triple-A level this past week and has potentially solidified himself as the top pitching prospect to stash ahead of the All-Star break. On July 9, the left-hander logged seven innings (which marked a season high) with just two hits allowed, no runs, and a sharp 7:2 K:BB. Since May 28, the former Stanford standout has been borderline elite at the top club, posting a 1.87 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and a 53:18 K:BB over 43 1/3 innings of work. Prior to this surge, the 25-year-old posted a much higher 5.55 ERA over the first 35 2/3 innings. Given his current run at Triple-A, Mathews has put himself into the elite tier of stash candidates as his MLB debut could come shortly after the All-Star break.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Bennett Stirtz Leads Thunder With 18 Points
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Bennett Stirtz supplied 18 points, two assists, one steal, and one block across 28 minutes in Friday's 96-84 Summer League loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The No. 16 pick shot 7-for-14 from the field and 3-for-8 from three-point range, leading five Thunder players in double figures. Stirtz averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.4 steals at Iowa last season, so the scoring and on-ball reps fit his profile. He still needs to prove he can handle NBA size, but his shooting and feel give him a path to bench-guard minutes.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
James Tibbs III Falling Off Stash Radar Amid Lengthy Triple-A Skid
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has seen his production dip at Triple-A Oklahoma City and is falling off the stash radar as the All-Star break approaches. Over his last 17 contests at Triple-A, the 23-year-old has posted an underwhelming .220/.360/.322 line with a low .622 OPS. During this stretch, Tibbs hit just one home run. However, over his first 69 Triple-A contests, Tibbs was among the highest-performing hitters at the level. During this part of the early season, the No. 96-ranked prospect on MLB.com, Tibbs, has carried a much higher .297/.412/.602 line, 20 home runs, and a 1.014 OPS. While this recent skid has pushed him off the stash radar, those in deeper 15-team leagues should continue to monitor his progress, as he could still play a role in the majors down the stretch.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Edward Florentino Emerging as Top Outfield Prospect to Roster
Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect Edward Florentino has enjoyed an impressive power surge at the High-A level and continues to solidify himself as one of the top outfield prospects to roster in dynasty formats. Over his last 16 contests, Florentino has carried a sharp .258/.319/.606 slash line with three doubles, one triple, and six home runs. However, overh is last seven games, Florentino has been even more impressive, hitting five of these home runs with an eye-catching 1.015 OPS. Overall this season, Florentino, the No. 30-ranked prospect in baseball, has posted a .213/.335/.426 line with 12 home runs and four stolen bases. While he needed some growing pains, the 19-year-old has gradually begun to turn the corner. While a late-season Double-A debut remains in play, fantasy managers should continue to view Florentino as an elite budding dynasty asset.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Adou Thiero Leads Lakers With 20 Points Against Thunder
Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero finished with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks across 30 minutes in Friday's 96-84 Summer League win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The second-year wing returned to the lineup after missing Monday's California Classic finale and gave Los Angeles a strong two-way performance. Thiero shot 8-for-14 from the field but missed all five three-point attempts and went 2-for-5 at the line. Thiero's steals, blocks, and rim pressure give him a strong Summer League foundation, but his jumper still needs to catch up before his role can grow.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Mike Washington Jr. Worth a Final-Round Bet in Redraft Leagues
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. does not need a weekly role to justify his price near the end of drafts. The Raiders traded up to take him 122nd overall after he piled up 1,296 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 195 touches at Arkansas, including 28 receptions. He is now listed at 6-foot-2, 228 pounds after clocking a 4.33-second 40 at the combine, and the team viewed him as a natural fit for Klint Kubiak's wide-zone scheme. Ashton Jeanty is not about to lose the backfield. He handled 321 touches as a rookie, and Washington may have to live on scattered change-of-pace work while Jeanty is healthy. The appeal comes from the depth chart behind him. Dylan Laube, Chris Collier, and undrafted rookie Roman Hemby offer little proven NFL production, leaving Washington with a real chance to enter the season as the primary backup. RotoBaller ranks him RB55 and 191st overall in PPR, a price that asks for very little. Washington is not a standalone flex play yet, but he is a worthwhile late-round handcuff for Jeanty managers and a reasonable injury-away bet for anyone taking shots at running back depth.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Andrew Kittredge the Closer in Baltimore?
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge secured his third save of the season on Friday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals. It was also his second consecutive save this week, after earning another on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs. With other options in the organization faltering, Kittredge has stepped in and slammed the door shut twice this week, offering some much-needed stability at the back end of the Baltimore bullpen. The Orioles have lost Ryan Helsley to an elbow injury, and while he awaits a second opinion, they are looking for someone to step up and claim the team's closer role. With back-to-back scoreless save conversions, they may have found their answer, making Kittredge a must-add in all fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Allen Graves Posts Double-Double in Raptors Loss
Toronto Raptors forward Allen Graves logged 22 points, 13 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks across 29 minutes in Friday's 83-80 overtime Summer League loss to the Boston Celtics. The No. 19 pick shot 9-for-16 from the field and 3-for-8 from three-point range in his first professional game. Graves also grabbed five offensive rebounds, giving Toronto a strong activity-based line despite the loss. The rebounds and defensive stats are the main draw, while the three-point shooting gives Graves another way to push for a role.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Ty Johnson More Watch-List Name Than Redraft Sleeper
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson has carved out a real role in the offense, but it has not translated into much dependable fantasy value. He played all 17 games last season and finished with 50 carries for 200 yards and three touchdowns, adding 24 catches for 263 yards and two more scores on 33 targets. That is decent production for Buffalo's third back, though 74 total touches are not enough to make him someone fantasy managers need to draft. James Cook III remains firmly in control of the backfield, and Ray Davis would likely handle most of the early-down work if Cook were to miss time. Johnson should continue to mix in on passing downs and in change-of-pace situations, but that role is more useful to the Bills than it is to fantasy lineups. He is also 28 and entering the final year of his contract, so there is not much dynasty appeal either. Johnson belongs on the watchlist in deep PPR leagues, but he can be left undrafted in most formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Wilson Scores 35 Points in Bulls Debut
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson finished with 35 points, five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals across 33 minutes in Friday's 97-96 Summer League loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. The No. 4 pick hit seven threes in his first Summer League game, including back-to-back triples in the final seconds to keep Chicago alive. That shooting stands out after he hit just 25.9 percent from deep at North Carolina. Wilson still had some loose possessions, but the scoring burst and defensive stats point to a fantasy-friendly profile if the jumper keeps coming around.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Ryan Waldschmidt Exits After Hit-by-Pitch on Friday
Arizona Diamondbacks rookie outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt (hand) was forced from Friday night's game against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers after getting hit on the fingers while attempting to bunt in the sixth inning, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Before being replaced in center field by Jorge Barrosa, Waldschmidt went 0-for-2 at the plate with two strikeouts. The 23-year-old top D-backs prospect will most certainly be sent for X-rays to rule out any fractures in his hand/fingers. For now, we'll consider him day-to-day heading into Game 2 of the series at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. The former first-rounder from the University of Kentucky in 2024 made his MLB debut earlier this year and struggled at the plate before being sent back to Triple-A Reno. The Snakes just recalled him from the minors on Friday, so it's unfortunate he was injured in his first game back, but hopefully he avoids a serious injury. Waldschmidt struggled in his first 112 big-league at-bats, primarily with offspeed pitchers, hitting .259 with no homers, eight RBI, 11 runs, five stolen bases, and a 32.8% strikeout rate in 33 games. His power/speed upside makes him a bench stash in all dynasty/keeper leagues, though.
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
Hunter Greene Dazzles in Second Start, Strikes Out 12 to Beat Cubs
In just his second start this season after returning from surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow earlier this year, Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene showed his ace upside in Friday night's 4-0 shutout win over the division-rival Chicago Cubs at Great American Ballpark. Greene held the Cubbies scoreless over seven innings while allowing three hits, walking just one, and striking out 12 for his first win of the 2026 season. The hard-throwing right-hander looked pretty rusty in his season debut on the Fourth of July last Saturday, surrendering eight earned runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out seven in 3 1/3 innings against the Baltimore Orioles. The 26-year-old former second overall pick in 2017 will finish the first half of the year on a strong note, and he showed on Friday why RotoBaller was urging fantasy managers to stash him when he was still working his way back from the injured list. Greene could be a game-changer for pitching staffs in the second half with his high-end strikeout upside if he can stay healthy.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
