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Alex Lange Allows Five Runs in Non-Save Situation, Should Managers Be Concerned?
Kansas City Royals right-hander Alex Lange had a rough outing on Friday, allowing five earned runs while recording just one out in the seventh inning of his team's 22-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Lange has emerged as the primary closer in Kansas City, recording six saves in June. Entering play on Friday, the 30-year-old had allowed just two earned runs while notching 13 strikeouts across 10 innings pitched this month. The Royals were trailing 16-1 when Lange entered the game on Friday, which may help explain why he wasn't as locked in as he's been in recent appearances. Several of Kansas City's other high-leverage options, such as Lucas Erceg and John Schreiber, also allowed multiple earned runs on Friday in the blowout loss. Fantasy managers should take note of Lange's miserable showing, but should not necessarily panic given the circumstances.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Can Ollie Gordon II Show More Than He Did as a Rookie?
Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II played in all 17 games as a rookie but accumulated fewer than 200 rushing yards at an unimpressive 2.8 yards per carry average. Unable to take advantage of the early time missed by 2024 fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright, Gordon's fantasy prospects look grim heading into his second season. At 6'2" and 225 pounds, there is still a possibility for Gordon to develop into an effective goal line back after scoring more than 30 rushing touchdowns in his final two seasons at Oklahoma State, but with the Dolphins projected as one of the league's lowest scoring offenses in year one of a clear rebuild under new head coach Jeff Hafley, red zone opportunities could be few and far between. A true focal point of Miami's new-look offense, De'Von Achane has handled more than 285 opportunities in each of the past two seasons, and while that sort of continued usage could be flirting with disaster at only 5'8" and 188 pounds, any extended backfield split of Gordon and Wright is unlikely to produce the types of scoring opportunities necessary for either to make a meaningful fantasy impact. With traits unique to the position, Gordon remains a dynasty hold for managers with the luxury to do so, but in shallower leagues, he can be moved on from in favor of any player with a more obvious upside path.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Clark Returns to Minnesota on Three-Year, $10 Million Deal
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Jaylen Clark will re-sign on a three-year, $10 million contract, according to the Star Tribune's Chris Hine. The 24-year-old defensive specialist has carved out a situational role with his on-ball pressure after recovering from the torn Achilles that wiped out his rookie season. Clark, the 2023 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year at UCLA, averaged 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 13.1 minutes across 68 games last season. The jumper remains the swing skill, as he hit just 33-for-101 from three. Until that shot becomes more reliable, Clark profiles as a defense-first reserve with minimal fantasy appeal outside of very deep formats, especially with Minnesota's backcourt now headlined by Anthony Edwards and newly acquired LaMelo Ball.
Source: Chris Hine
Source: Chris Hine
Antonio Senzatela Blows Fourth Save for Rockies, Falling Out of Closer Committee?
Colorado Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela logged his fourth blown save of 2026 on Friday, allowing three hits and an earned run in the ninth inning of his team's 9-8 loss to the Minnesota Twins. Senzatela's overall numbers for the season remain strong, as he's pitched to an 8-0 record with a 2.28 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 36 strikeouts, and three saves across 43 1/3 innings (24 games). However, the 31-year-old has hit a rough patch in June, posting a 5.23 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP across 10 1/3 innings this month. While Senzatela has notched four wins in June, he has not recorded a save since mid-May. The Rockies seem to prefer to deploy Senzatela in a fireman role rather than as a typical closer, which should continue to put him in a position to rack up wins but may bar him from future save opportunities. Senzatela also profiles as a prime trade candidate later this summer, and he's unlikely to close games for a contending team.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Adam Randall a Dynasty Stash with a Path to Upside
Baltimore Ravens running back Adam Randall stands out from previous receivers turned running backs in that he's 6'2" and 235 pounds. While neither his background as a pass-catcher nor his impressive size consistently showed up in his one full season as a running back at Clemson, he has obvious tools with which to work and an opportunity to learn behind one of the best to ever do it. With five-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry still projected to hold a bell cow role in first-time coordinator Declan Doyle's offense, little is expected of Randall in his first year, but with Henry turning 33 by season's end, opportunity could be on the horizon if the fifth-round rookie can continue to develop. With his unique skill set allowing him to potentially fill in for either Henry or dedicated pass-catcher Justice Hill should injuries necessitate, there is still a path for Randall to contribute in year one, but still quite new to the position, the 21-year-old rookie profiles more as a dynasty stash with potential long-term upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Has Ryan Helsley Reclaimed Must-Start Fantasy Value?
Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Helsley picked up his eighth save of the season on Friday, throwing a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout in his team's 3-1 victory over the Washington Nationals. The hard-throwing right-hander stumbled in his first two outings after returning from the elbow inflammation that sidelined him for nearly two months, allowing four earned runs across 1 2/3 innings. However, Helsley appears to have righted the ship with back-to-back scoreless outings. The 31-year-old has had some trouble with control this season, issuing a 14.3% walk rate. Still, his stuff looks as electric as ever, as he's averaged 98.8 miles per hour on his fastball and has struck out 31.7% of the batters he's faced this season. Helsley looks to be secure in the closer role in Baltimore, which gives him must-start value in most fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Isaiah Hartenstein Agrees to a New Three-Year Contract with the Thunder
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein intends to sign a new three-year, $75 million contract that keeps him with the franchise through 2028-29. The deal brings his total guaranteed earnings with Oklahoma City to five years and $134 million. Hartenstein remained a key frontcourt piece last season, averaging 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 24.2 minutes across 47 games. His scoring ceiling is modest, but the rebounding, efficiency, passing, and defensive stats keep him useful whenever his minutes land in the mid-20s. The new deal confirms that Oklahoma City still views him as a central part of its frontcourt mix.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Nicholas Singleton a Rookie Sleeper in the Right Situation?
Tennessee Titans running back Nicholas Singleton was a fifth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and while Day 3 running backs have rarely found fantasy success, there is enough working in his favor to make him a worthwhile pick in the later rounds of rookie drafts. Singleton catches the ball well and has a rare blend of size and athleticism. While that skill set did not always translate into breakaway runs or broken tackles, his college production was still impressive, despite sharing the backfield with Penn State's all-time leading rusher, Commanders' sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen. In Tennessee, Singleton's new running mates will be a 29-year-old Tony Pollard and fourth-year back Tyjae Spears, who has missed nine games over the past two seasons and watched his production drop year after year. Having broken a bone in his foot during the Senior Bowl, it's possible that a healthy Singleton could have gone earlier in the draft, but with him falling as far as he did, to a team with no other back besides Kalel Mullings under contract beyond this season, the potential exists for him to become one of the more valuable rookies to emerge from an underwhelming draft class.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Ferguson Earns Save, Worth a Look as Potential Part-Time Saves Source?
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Caleb Ferguson picked up his first save of the season on Friday, allowing a hit and recording a strikeout while pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 6-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ferguson did not make his season debut until late May due to an oblique issue. He's pitched well since returning, recording a 1.32 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts across 13 2/3 innings (13 games). The 32-year-old has notched seven career saves across eight seasons in the big leagues and profiles more as a lefty specialist than a closer. However, the Reds are scrambling to fill their ninth-inning role with Emilio Pagan (hamstring), Graham Ashcraft (elbow), and Tony Santillan (oblique) all currently on the injured list. Pagan is nearing a rehab assignment and could return to the Reds around the All-Star break. Still, until then, Ferguson could be worth adding in deeper leagues as a potential source of saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Pelicans Expected to Move on From Veteran Center Kevon Looney
New Orleans Pelicans center Kevon Looney is expected to reach unrestricted free agency, with the team poised to decline his $8 million option for next season, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports. The three-time NBA champion spent his first 10 seasons in Golden State before signing a two-year deal with New Orleans last summer, but he never carved out a role. He appeared in just 21 games, eight as a starter, averaging 2.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 14.7 minutes. A departure would do little to reshuffle the rotation. The Pelicans already funneled the center minutes to rookie Derik Queen and Yves Missi, with Zion Williamson anchoring the four. Looney's fantasy value hinges on landing a real role elsewhere, which looks like a stretch for a non-scoring depth big.
Source: Chris Haynes
Source: Chris Haynes
Gary Trent Jr. to Decline $3.9 Million Option and Hit the Open Market
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward Gary Trent Jr. is expected to decline his $3.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to enter unrestricted free agency. The 27-year-old had a quiet campaign last year, averaging 8.1 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 21.2 minutes per game, but he remained a capable floor spacer by shooting 36.0 percent from beyond the arc. With Milwaukee reshaping its roster following the blockbuster trade of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trent's departure helps clear a crowded backcourt. Newly acquired guard Tyler Herro will command heavy usage, but Trent's exit could open the door for younger pieces like Ryan Rollins to earn consistent rotation minutes. Fantasy managers can ignore Trent in standard formats until his new role is clarified.
Source: Chris Haynes
Source: Chris Haynes
Jose Alvarado Stays Home With a New $14 Million Knicks Deal
Point guard Jose Alvarado is trading a one-year option for long-term security with the NBA champion Knicks. He is declining his $4.5 million player option to sign a new three-year deal worth more than $14 million, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Acquired from New Orleans at the deadline, the New York native endeared himself in his hometown with relentless ball pressure off Jalen Brunson's bench. In 28 regular-season games with the Knicks, he averaged 6.6 points, 3.8 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 16.9 minutes. The fantasy value is modest behind a Finals MVP, but Alvarado's steals give him a niche, and he is first in line if Brunson ever sits. His role thinned in the playoffs, yet his Game 4 spark during a record Finals comeback showed why New York brought him back.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Isaiah Joe Traded to Detroit for Two Second-Round Picks
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Oklahoma City Thunder are trading guard Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons for two future second-round picks. Detroit adds one of the league's better volume shooters, as Joe averaged a career-high 11.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.5 threes in 21.2 minutes while shooting 42.3 percent from deep last season. Joe should help space the floor for Cade Cunningham, although his fantasy value still leans heavily on points, threes, and efficiency rather than well-rounded production.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Dereck Lively II Progressing Slowly as Mavs Camp Looms
Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (foot) is still working back from December foot surgery and hasn't resumed running, The Athletic's Christian Clark reports. Speaking after a Mavericks youth camp, Lively said he is walking and lifting but in no rush. "I'm taking even more time than I need," he told Clark. Lively has shed the walking boot but isn't cleared to run or jump, with training camp roughly three months away. He is Dallas' projected starting center and a foundational piece of the rebuild alongside cornerstone Cooper Flagg, so his Week 1 availability is the question that matters. When healthy, he has averaged 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks as a lob threat and rim protector. The No. 9 pick, Morez Johnson Jr., offers frontcourt insurance if his ramp-up runs long.
Source: Christian Clark
Source: Christian Clark
Dustin May's Next Start Being Skipped Due to Back Tightness
The St. Louis Cardinals are skipping right-hander Dustin May's (back) next start on Saturday against the Miami Marlins after he dealt with some lower-back tightness in Kansas City following his complete game the start prior on June 15 against the San Diego Padres, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. Right-hander Andre Pallante will now take the hill on Saturday, with righty Kyle Leahy going in the series finale on Sunday. May will start the third game of the series next week against the Atlanta Braves. May struggled his last time out against the Royals, lasting just two innings while allowing six earned runs on six hits with one walk and two strikeouts. The 28-year-old's complete-game effort against the Padres appears to have taken a toll on him physically in the short term. Not only will May not start this weekend, but his next start will come against the first-place Braves. The former third-rounder by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 has been up and down in 2026 in his first year in St. Louis with a 4.30 ERA (3.32 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, and a still mediocre 22.5% strikeout rate in 83 2/3 innings pitched.
Source: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
Source: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
Jacob Gonzalez Shows Signs of Life in Five-RBI Game
Chicago White Sox rookie infielder Jacob Gonzalez came into his 20th major-league game on Friday against the division-rival Kansas City Royals hitting a mere .189/.283/.245 with a .529 OPS, one homer, five RBI, five runs scored, five walks, and 16 strikeouts in 60 plate appearances. The 24-year-old former 15th overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of the University of Mississippi had a much-needed big game in the 22-1 blowout win over the Royals on Friday, though, going 3-for-5 at the plate with a home run, a double, five RBI, three runs scored, and a walk to boost his average to .228 and his OPS to .674. Gonzalez finished just a triple shy of the cycle and recorded the first three-hit game of his career in a game in which the White Sox's bats could not be stopped. He recently was mired in an 0-for-25 slump before picking up multiple hits in his last two games. Is he breaking out? Potentially, but fantasy managers in single-year mixed leagues are going to want to see more before considering adding him off the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Miguel Vargas Collects Three Hits, Homer, Five RBI Against Royals
The Chicago White Sox bats were red-hot on Friday night in the 22-1 rout over the division-rival Kansas City Royals, and corner infielder Miguel Vargas was right in the center of the action. Vargas finished the night 3-for-6 at the plate with a home run, a double, five RBI, two runs scored, and a strikeout to boost his season average to .246 and his OPS to .841. Vargas was just a triple short of the cycle, and it continued a hot stretch for the 26-year-old Cuban. He is now carrying a modest four-game hitting streak in which he has gone 7-for-18 with three extra-base hits and seven RBI. In his second full season with the White Sox, Vargas is now slashing .246/.357/.484 with a career-high 18 long balls, 50 RBI, 54 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 343 plate appearances. His breakout season in his fifth year in the big leagues for the surprising ChiSox is the reason why he's now rostered in over 90% of Yahoo leagues. Vargas came into Friday's series opener against KC with a .263 average (20-for-76) with four homers, three doubles, 11 RBI, 10 runs, and a steal in 20 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tristan Peters Breaks Out With Six RBI in Rout Over Royals
Chicago White Sox outfielder Tristan Peters had a big game in Friday night's 22-1 drubbing of the division-rival Kansas City Royals, going 2-for-5 at the plate with a career-high six RBI, three runs scored, and a walk to improve his season batting average to .289 and his OPS to .804. Most of Peters' damage came on a grand slam in the sixth inning. The 26-year-old has definitely been heating up with the weather, as he's hitting .288 with 16 RBI and 10 runs scored in 10 games during the month for the Pale Hose. The left-handed-hitting Canadian lacks a ton of fantasy upside as a platoon outfielder for the ChiSox, but he has hit a strong .289/.351/.453 with four long balls, 30 RBI, 28 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 226 plate appearances in 2026 in his first year in Chicago and second in the major leagues. Coming into Friday's contest, Peters was hitting .310 (54-for-174) with all three of his home runs against right-handed pitchers. He has just two hits in 25 plate appearances against southpaws, though.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Parker Washington Next in Line for Extension in Jacksonville?
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said shortly after the 2025 season ended that the team had started preliminary contract-extension discussions with wide receiver Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. The Jags agreed to a three-year extension worth up to $48 million ($25 million guaranteed) with Strange on Wednesday. Washington, 24, stepped up in a big way in 2025 after injuries to rookie Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., finishing with 58 receptions on 95 targets for 847 yards and five touchdowns in 16 regular-season games (seven starts) in his third year in the NFL. DiRocco thinks that Washington fits right into a current group of seven wideouts in the NFL that make between $16 and $18 million. A potential new deal for Washington could be for three years and $53 million, with between $25 and $30 million guaranteed. Washington's breakout has lessened Jacksonville's need to use Hunter on offense in his second season in 2026. RotoBaller currently has Washington ranked as the No. 34 fantasy wideout, and he should once again be a go-to target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell to be Used Interchangeably?
The Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud doesn't think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers want to give running back Bucky Irving 15-plus carries again in 2026 due to injury concerns. When discussing newcomer Kenneth Gainwell, who was the MVP of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense last year, Stroud said, "That's not backup money. I think they will go with the hot hand." The Bucs signed Gainwell to a two-year, $14 million contract in free agency in March after the 27-year-old had a career year in 2025 in the Steel City, carrying the ball 114 times for 537 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and five touchdowns while catching 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns on 85 targets as a pass-catcher in 17 regular-season games (two starts). Tampa's offense is switching to more outside zone as well, which could favor Gainwell in his new digs. It's obviously bad news for Irving and his fantasy stock going into 2026 after he played in just 10 games due to injuries in Year 2. Fantasy managers should target the 23-year-old as more of an RB3/flex than a legitimate RB2, with Gainwell gaining steam as an RB3/flex with more appeal in PPR leagues.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Luis Garcia Jr. Emerging as a Top Waiver-Wire Option
Washington Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. has been on a power binge in June, racking up eight home runs in his last 18 games. He's hitting .271 (16-for-59) over that span with a .426 wOBA and a 16.7% barrel rate. He has definitely risen to the point that he can be a solid option at 2B in almost all formats. Since power is scarce at 2B, Garcia can be a nice option off the waiver wire to offer your lineup some extra home runs and RBI if you can afford his lower batting average. The 26-year-old lefty is locked in at the plate, so use him as a streamer or a fill-in while he's on this hot streak.
Source: RotoBaller.
Source: RotoBaller.
Carter Jensen Can Contribute Rare Catcher Numbers
Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen has been outstanding over the last 18 games, hitting .315 with four homers, 16 runs, and 16 RBI. He has eight doubles to go with those four homers in that span, producing a .399 wOBA with a 49.2% hard-hit rate. The 22-year-old made it to the majors very quickly after being a third-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, and he is starting to settle in and produce at this level. He has also hit leadoff in 14 of those 18 games, putting him in a great position for run-production and getting him extra at-bats. The lefty still has lots of room to grow, but since he fills a catcher spot where his production is even more unusual, he makes a great pickup at this point from the waiver wire in almost all formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan O'Hearn Offers Potential Power Production Off the Waiver Wire
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman/outfielder Ryan O'Hearn has been a solid part of the middle of the batting order for the Pirates and has been able to contribute solid power numbers and run production. He has 11 RBI over his last 11 games, going 15-for-48 (.313) with five doubles, a home run, and a .342 wOBA. The 32-year-old lefty has been very solid in his 67 games with the Pirates after joining them this past offseason on a two-year deal. O'Hearn is on pace to set a new career-high in homers and RBI if he stays healthy, and he can chip in solid run production for NL-only leagues or deep mixed leagues right away if you need some thump from the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Payton Tolle Shines Against the Yankees, Makes a Great Rotation Addition
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Payton Tolle turned in an impressive performance against the Yankees on Friday night, allowing just one hit in seven shutout innings and racking up seven strikeouts. He improved to 4-5 with the win and lowered his ERA to 2.78 with a 3.19 FIP on the year. The fiery 23-year-old lefty had allowed 10 runs in his previous three games, but his domination on Friday reminds everyone of his strikeout upside. He kept the strong Yankees lineup silent and can bring solid punchout production when he's at his best. While he has had some inconsistencies, his ceiling makes him worth adding as he continues to adjust to the majors. His emergence has been one of the few bright spots in a rough season for the Red Sox, and he can definitely make a solid addition, offering both rotation depth and upside in mixed leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Antonacci Settling in as Leadoff Hitter, Can Be a Multi-Category Addition
Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci has become a fixture at the top of the exciting young lineup on the South Side. Antonacci is hitting .307 with five doubles, three homers, nine walks, and four stolen bases. He has a .386 wOBA and a .466 SLG, showing he has some very solid power to go with his speed. Antonacci is up to four homers and 11 stolen bases on the season and has scored 37 runs as well. Especially against righties, Antonacci can be a solid source of run creation with the potential to pick up power numbers and add solid stolen base production. He still has multi-positional eligibility in many formats and can be a versatile way to fill in your roster with the potential to contribute across the board, while not hurting your roster in any category.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Canadian Football League Won't Allow Brendan Sorsby to Play in 2026
The Canadian Football League announced on Friday that former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby will not be allowed to join any of its teams for the upcoming season, according to ESPN. "Upholding the integrity of the league and ensuring fair competition are paramount to the CFL," the CFL said in a statement. "The allegations involving Brendan Sorsby are serious and concerning. At this time, the CFL will not register a contract for him, and no team will be permitted to add him to its negotiation list." Sorsby hadn't publicly expressed interest in joining the CFL, but his options are limited now that the NFL announced earlier this week that they would not hold a supplemental draft for him before the 2026 season. Sorsby admitted to placing thousands of bets on college and pro sports while playing at Indiana and Cincinnati. His attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, told ESPN that the NFL's decision not to hold a supplemental draft was a collective bargaining agreement violation and that they would pursue possible action with the Players Association. Sorsby's options are limited after he admitted to gambling, and he may have to sit out a year before entering the 2027 NFL draft.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
River Ryan Lands on Minor-League Injured List With Hamstring Issue
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitching prospect River Ryan (hamstring) is heading to the seven-day minor-league injured list with a hamstring issue, sources told Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ryan missed time earlier in Triple-A Oklahoma City's season with hamstring trouble and had his start skipped this week. The 27-year-old former 11th-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2021 out of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke is currently listed by MLB Pipeline as L.A.'s No. 6 prospect. He made his big-league debut with the Dodgers in 2024 and looked good in a small sample size of just four starts, allowing only four runs (three earned) on 15 hits while walking nine and striking out 18 in 20 1/3 innings pitched. In eight starts at OKC in 2026, Ryan has gone 3-1 with a 4.46 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 43:8 K:BB in 36 1/3 innings pitched. It's a tough break for Ryan to go on the minor-league IL, but it doesn't mean he won't be an option for the Dodgers' starting rotation in the second half of the 2026 season. He's currently rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues and is still a pitching prospect to stash in deeper leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Giants to Promote Drew Cavanaugh After Stellar Triple-A Play
The San Francisco Giants announced on Friday that they selected the contract of catching prospect Drew Cavanaugh from Triple-A Sacramento after they placed catcher Daniel Susac (back) on the 10-day injured list with a lower-back strain. Cavanaugh, who is not listed as one of the team's top-30 prospects per MLB Pipeline, gets his first call to the big leagues after hitting a combined .311/.449/.550 with a .999 OPS, nine home runs, 34 RBI, 49 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 54 games across 227 plate appearances with Sacramento and Double-A Richmond this year. Cavanaugh is making his big-league debut in Friday's series opener against the visiting Atlanta Braves and right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, doing the catching and batting eighth for the Gigantes. For at least the next 10 days, Cavanaugh will share catching duties in the Bay Area with veteran Eric Haase. The 24-year-old former 17th-round selection in 2023 out of Florida Southern College should only be a consideration for a waiver-wire pickup in deep two-catcher formats.
Source: San Francisco Giants
Source: San Francisco Giants
Hurston Waldrep Back in Atlanta, Worth a Waiver-Wire Pickup?
The Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they recalled right-hander Hurston Waldrep from Triple-A Gwinnett to replace the injured Robert Suarez (elbow) on the major-league roster. Waldrep will be making his 2026 season debut when he gets into a game for the Braves after having surgery back in February to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. The 24-year-old former 24th overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida posted a 3.52 ERA and 1.17 WHIP with 13 strikeouts and 11 walks in 15 1/3 innings over just five starts in the rookie-level Florida Complex League and at Double-A Columbus and Gwinnett this year before Friday's call-up. He could start in a relief role in Atlanta, but with Spencer Strider, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Spencer Schwellenbach all on the injured list, Waldrep figures to get a shot in the starting rotation sooner rather than later. Waldrep looked great at the big-league level in 2025, going 6-1 with a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 55 K's and 22 walks in 56 1/3 innings across 10 appearances (nine starts). Fantasy managers desperate for pitching upside should swoop on Waldrep now. He's rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Braves Place Robert Suarez on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation
The Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they placed right-handed reliever Robert Suarez (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 23) with right-elbow inflammation and recalled right-hander Hurston Waldrep from Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. The Braves initially said that Suarez hasn't pitched since last Friday due to tightness in his right forearm, but now they're saying he has elbow inflammation. The 35-year-old will most likely undergo more tests to determine if he's dealing with any structural damage in his arm. Even if an MRI exam comes back clean, Suarez will be out through the All-Star break in the middle of July. The Venezuelan reliever was an All-Star in each of the last two seasons with the San Diego Padres, when he racked up 76 saves as their closer, but he has taken a back seat to Raisel Iglesias in 2026 in his first year in Atlanta. Suarez has still been lights-out as a high-leverage setup man, going 4-0 with a 0.56 ERA (2.45 FIP), 0.84 WHIP, four saves, 26 strikeouts, and six walks in 32 innings pitched. With Suarez out at least until late July, Dylan Lee should serve as Atlanta's primary setup man in front of Iglesias. UPDATE: Per MLB.com's Mark Bowman, an MRI exam on Suarez's elbow came back negative.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
