RADIO
George Springer Scratched on Saturday With Shoulder Tightness
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (shoulder) has been scratched from Saturday's starting lineup against the hosting Philadelphia Phillies due to tightness in his left shoulder, per Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Springer has been dealing with shoulder tightness for the last couple of days. With Springer starting on the bench, outfielder Jesus Sanchez will serve as Toronto's designated hitter and bat cleanup against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola at Citizens Bank Park. Springer's injury doesn't sound all that serious, but don't be surprised if he's held out again in Sunday's series finale in Philly as a precaution. The Jays start a new series back at home on Monday against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. The four-time All-Star hasn't had quite the bounce-back season he had in 2025, as he's hitting just .234/.317/.396 with a .714 OPS, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, 40 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across 86 games and 378 plate appearances in 2026. Springer did, however, hit .290 (18-for-62) with four homers, two doubles, 13 RBI, nine runs scored, and a steal in 16 games in the month of July.
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Shohei Ohtani has First Two-Homer Game in Loss to the Cubs
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani had his first multi-home run game of the season in Wednesday's 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, going 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and two strikeouts to boost his season average to .297 and his OPS to .953. Ohtani's first home run came to lead off the game against lefty starter Shota Imanaga, and his second blast came in the eighth inning off new Cubs reliever Ryan Zeferjahn, but the Dodgers ultimately fell one run short. It's a bit hard to believe that the four-time MVP and six-time All-Star didn't have a multi-homer game this year until Aug. 5. Ohtani continues to serve as the Dodgers' regular DH despite having not pitched since July 3 due to a nagging knee and biceps issue. His knee issue hasn't really affected Ohtani as a hitter at all, as he's now gone 15-for-31 in his last eight games, and he's up to 26 home runs with a .953 OPS in 2026 in his ninth year in the big leagues. It doesn't look like the Japanese superstar is going to reach the 50-homer mark for a third straight year, and he's barely running (six steals), but he remains a must-start in all traditional fantasy formats as a hitter.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Pirates Release Veteran Marcell Ozuna
The Pittsburgh Pirates released veteran outfielder/designated hitter Marcell Ozuna on Wednesday, a source told Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Pirates cut Ozuna after signing him to a one-year, $12 million deal in the offseason. The 35-year-old Dominican veteran started the year as the team's full-time DH, but he quickly became a part-time player in Pittsburgh due to his ongoing struggles at the plate. Ozuna has hit just .203/.286/.327 with a .612 OPS, eight home runs, 29 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a career-high 28.6% strikeout rate in 280 plate appearances across 70 games in his 14th year in the big leagues. The right-handed slugger had gone 8-for-37 (.216) with a homer, a double, three RBI, four runs scored, six walks, and nine strikeouts in 12 games in the month of July. Ozuna will look to latch on with another team for the stretch run, but he's unlikely to suddenly re-emerge on the fantasy radar. The three-time All-Star hit a career-high 40 home runs just several years ago in 2023 with the Atlanta Braves, but he's seen a sharp decline in his offensive skills the last two seasons.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Colin Beazley
Cooper Ingle Extends Multi-Hit Game Streak to Eight Straight
Cleveland Guardians catcher/outfield prospect Cooper Ingle has been on an absolute tear since returning to Triple-A Columbus, producing eight consecutive multi-hit efforts, and he has multiple hits in 14 of the 19 games since being sent back down in early July. During that time, he's hitting .425 with nine doubles and five home runs, registering an otherworldly 1.214 OPS over that span. For the season, the former fourth-round draft pick is slashing .328/.438/.605 with 17 home runs in 70 games for the Clippers, and though he went just 2-for-24 (.095) in his first stint with the Guardians, it may not be long before he gets another shot, especially with how hot his bat is. The Clemson product isn't a threat to steal, but has shown he can hit and has enough power to be interesting for fantasy. He's currently only eligible at C in Yahoo! leagues, but could soon become eligible at OF the next time he gets the call. The 24-year-old has certainly put himself on the stash radar again in deeper leagues with this most recent red-hot surge.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Several Owners Believe the Entire 2027 Season Could be Wiped Out
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, several MLB owners believe the entire 2027 season could be wiped out. "It's nearly impossible to find an owner these days who doesn't believe there will be a prolonged work stoppage in 2027," per Nightengale. When an owner was asked the chances of an MLB season happening in 2027, he responded with "maybe 25%, maybe higher." The MLB collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on December 1, with the biggest sticking point of negotiations being the salary cap. MLB owners are pushing hard for a salary cap and floor in the new deal. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred met with interim executive director of the players' union Bruce Meyer and had a brief discussion at the Hall of Fame last weekend. The chances of an MLB season happening in 2027 look dire, but there is still time for both sides to agree on a deal. Stay tuned.
Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today
Kyle Schwarber Returns To Phillies Lineup Friday
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (illness) is back in the starting lineup Friday against the Baltimore Orioles after missing the past two games with a gastrointestinal issue. Schwarber last appeared Monday against the Miami Marlins, reaching base twice and scoring a run. The 33-year-old returns with a .252 batting average, 33 home runs, 62 RBI, and a .910 OPS this season. The illness only cost him two games, and fantasy managers can put one of Philadelphia's top power hitters back into their lineups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Shohei Ohtani's Knee May Not Get Back to 100 Percent in 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter/starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (knee) may be battling discomfort in his left knee for the remainder of 2026, per Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to nagging knee issues. While he's continued to play nearly every day as the Dodgers' designated hitter, he has not attempted to steal a base since May 22. The 32-year-old remains one of the best hitters in baseball even while playing at less than 100%, as he's slashed .289/.394/.537 with 23 home runs, 65 RBI, 68 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 456 plate appearances. However, Ohtani's barrel rate is down to 16.6% after he posted consecutive seasons with at least a 21% barrel rate in 2024 and 2025. It appears that fantasy managers may have to get used to slightly muted production from Ohtani the rest of the way.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo & Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo & Fabian Ardaya
Shohei Ohtani to be Back in the Leadoff Spot on Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (knee) will be back in the leadoff spot for the Dodgers for Friday's series opener against the visiting Boston Red Sox and left-hander Ranger Suarez, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The Dodgers held Ohtani out of Thursday's win over the Seattle Mariners as a precaution due to more soreness in his nagging left knee, which has kept him from starting as a pitcher since July 3. The two-way superstar and four-time MVP is expected to continue serving as the team's DH, although there's no timetable for his return to the mound. The 32-year-old Japanese sensation is a must-start in all fantasy lineups when he's active as a hitter and pitcher, and he'll be back in action as the DH on Friday. Although Ohtani hasn't attempted a stolen base in July, he's still hitting a decent .265 (22-for-83) with an .844 OPS, five home runs, six doubles, 15 RBI, and eight runs scored in 21 games and 92 plate appearances during the month.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Shohei Ohtani Out as DH on Thursday With Knee Soreness
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) reported soreness in his knee on Thursday, manager Dave Roberts told Maddie Lee of The Los Angeles Times, and the team decided to give him the day off against the Seattle Mariners. Roberts said he's very confident Ohtani will be back in the starting lineup as a hitter for Friday's series opener against the visiting Boston Red Sox. With Ohtani out in Thursday's series finale against Seattle, outfielder Teoscar Hernandez is serving as the DH and will bat seventh against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo. Ohtani's bothersome left knee has kept him from pitching since facing the San Diego Padres back on July 3, and there's no timetable for him to return to the mound. The Dodgers continue to say that they are being ultra-cautious with the four-time MVP. Ohtani has five home runs in 21 games in July, but he's also hitting just .265 (22-for-83) with eight walks and 21 strikeouts in 92 plate appearances. They may continue to give him days off here and there as he continues to manage his knee injury, with the ultimate goal being to have Ohtani as healthy as possible for the playoffs.
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Maddie Lee
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Maddie Lee
Shohei Ohtani Expected to Pitch Again This Year, Biceps Issue Downplayed
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expects two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (biceps, knee) to pitch again in 2026, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Dodgers' concern is Ohtani overcompensating while his balky left knee heals, which is why the organization isn't rushing the four-time MVP back while the team has a big lead in the National League West. Friedman also downplayed Ohtani's biceps soreness. "If it weren't for the knee, he would be pitching right now," Friedman said. The 32-year-old Japanese superstar continues to serve as the team's regular designated hitter, but he has not made a start on the mound since July 3. The good news is that the six-time All-Star has been throwing plyo balls and is expected to play catch with a real baseball soon. Unfortunately for fantasy managers who have Ohtani the pitcher rostered, he might not rejoin the Dodgers' starting rotation until late August or early September. Ohtani has been excellent in his 14 starts (85 2/3 frames), going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.62 FIP), 0.95 WHIP, and 95:26 K:BB.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Shohei Ohtani Also Dealing With Lingering Biceps Injury
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani's right biceps continues to linger as an issue, in addition to his left-knee injury that has kept him from starting on the mound since July 3, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. His biceps issue is a factor as to why he has not thrown another bullpen session since last week. Ohtani continues to serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter on offense, but it's unclear when he'll be cleared to make another start as a pitcher. The Dodgers are in no rush to bring him back to their starting rotation thanks to their big lead in the National League West, so fantasy managers need to prepare for the possibility that the four-time MVP doesn't pitch again until sometime in September. Remember, L.A.'s primary goal is to have Ohtani clicking on all cylinders as a two-way player for another playoff run in October. The 32-year-old Japanese All-Star went 3-for-4 at the plate with a homer, double, and three RBI in the team's loss to the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday, snapping a nine-game homerless streak. Ohtani is still a must-start as a DH despite not being 100% physically.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Josh Bell Remains on Waiver-Wire Radar Despite July Slowdown
Twins designated hitter Josh Bell has cooled off in July after a red-hot June in which he hit .295 with a .547 slugging percentage. Bell is now slashing .246/.305/.414 with a .719 OPS and 13 home runs through 104 games in his first season with the Twins. His 22.3 K% is his highest in the past six seasons, limiting his overall offensive production. Even so, Bell has continued to make authoritative contact, as his 9.7 Barrel% ranks well above league average and supports his power potential. The 33-year-old has shown he can heat up quickly when his swing is locked in. Fantasy managers looking for home run upside should consider adding Bell before another productive stretch.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Braves-Mets Game Postponed on Tuesday
The game on Tuesday between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets in Queens has been postponed due to inclement weather, the Mets announced. The contest will be made up as part of a split doubleheader on Wednesday, July 29. Left-hander Chris Sale was scheduled to start on the mound for the Braves, and he was set to be opposed by Mets right-hander Christian Scott. The 37-year-old Sale has been awesome for fantasy managers in 2026 and has managed to stay healthy, going 11-6 with a 2.19 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 134 strikeouts in 111 innings across his 19 starts. Since the All-Star break earlier this month, he has allowed just three earned runs with 17 strikeouts and just one walk in 13 innings. Sale is a no-brainer must-start for Wednesday against the Mets. Scott, 27, has also looked good this year in his return from Tommy John surgery, going 3-2 with a 3.13 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 78 strikeouts in 63 1/3 innings across his 14 starts. However, he has not completed six innings in any of his starts this year as the Mets ease him back into the starting fold. In his first start against Atlanta on the road on July 3, Scott allowed three earned runs with four walks and seven K's in just four frames for his first loss of 2026.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Joc Pederson Becoming a Waiver Priority After Two-Homer Game
Texas Rangers outfielder/designated hitter Joc Pederson continued his strong month of July on Monday in the team's 7-3 win over the division-rival Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field, going 2-for-4 as the team's leadoff hitter with two home runs, four RBI, and a strikeout to boost his season average to .254 and his OPS to .856. The 34-year-old left-handed slugger's damage came early, as he hit a leadoff homer against right-hander George Kirby before blasting a three-run homer in the second inning. Pederson now has two multi-homer games in 2026 and 22 in his career. The two-homer performance extended his current hitting streak to 10 games, during which he's gone 14-for-36 (.389) with five home runs, nine RBI, and a stolen base. Pederson is now slashing .254/.343/.513 with 19 home runs after the two-time All-Star hit just nine homers in 96 games played in 2025 in his first year with the Rangers. For his power stroke from the left side, Pederson needs to be considered as a waiver-wire pickup in more mixed leagues. He's currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Reds-Guardians Game Postponed on Monday
The contest between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians on Monday in Cincinnati has been postponed due to inclement weather and will be made up as the first game of a split doubleheader on Tuesday, July 28, according to the Reds. Reds right-hander Chase Burns and Guardians right-hander Slade Cecconi will both most likely be pushed back to start Game 1 of Tuesday's twin bill. The 23-year-old Burns has been a must-start in all fantasy baseball leagues in 2026 in his first full year in the majors after going 12-1 with a 2.42 ERA (3.34 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 124 strikeouts and 39 walks in 107 2/3 innings pitched across his 19 starts. In his three starts in July, Burns has allowed only five earned runs in 16 innings, but he also has 10 walks and 12 strikeouts, so he hasn't been exactly as sharp as earlier in the season. Still, he should be started everywhere on Tuesday. Cecconi is 4-7 with a 4.60 ERA (4.48 FIP), 1.45 WHIP, and 82:34 K:BB in 103 2/3 frames and 20 starts in his fourth year in the majors. We'd recommend fading him after he allowed 15 runs (11 earned) on 22 hits (three homers) in 13 1/3 innings in his three starts in July.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
