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Ben Rice Showing Signs of Life Amidst Second-Half Slump
New York Yankees catcher/first baseman Ben Rice has had an incredible third season in the big leagues (second full season) in 2026, slashing .251/.350/.529 with an .878 OPS, a career-high 35 home runs, 83 RBI, 83 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 127 games played across 546 plate appearances. The 27-year-old left-handed slugger went 1-for-2 at the plate with his 35th homer of the year, three runs scored, and three RBI in Wednesday's 9-3 win over the Houston Astros in the Bronx, and he now has three home runs in his last nine games. Only Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez has more home runs than Rice in the American League. Although Rice has heated up of late, overall in August he has struggled, going 12-for-77 (.156) with a .633 OPS, four home runs, a double, 10 RBI, 13 runs scored, a stolen base, 15 walks, and 25 strikeouts. Since the All-Star break, he is slashing only .179/.295/.351 with a .646 OPS, six home runs, five doubles, 15 RBI, 19 runs scored, one steal, 20 walks, and 45 strikeouts in 36 games and 156 plate appearances. Fantasy managers who have reaped the benefits of Rice's 2026 breakout should not be selling now.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Elmer Rodriguez to Make the Start for Yankees on Wednesday
The New York Yankees officially announced that right-handed pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez will start on Wednesday against the Houston Astros, according to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network. The 23-year-old Puerto Rican will be making his fifth major-league start after going 8-3 this season with a 2.59 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 99:46 K:BB in 97 1/3 innings pitched across 19 starts at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Rodriguez hasn't been as good in his four starts for the Yankees earlier this year in the majors, though, allowing nine earned runs on 19 hits (one homer) while walking 11 and striking out 10 in 17 innings pitched in starts against the Texas Rangers (twice), New York Mets, and Cincinnati Reds. The 6-foot-4, 177-pounder primarily features a fastball/slider combination while also featuring a curveball and changeup. Because he is long and lanky, Rodriguez has had issues with his control and command in the past in the minors, and it has resurfaced in a small sample size at the big-league level. The team's No. 3 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline, might be given another start beyond Wednesday, but he will be a very risky starter for fantasy purposes.
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Spencer Jones Establishing Himself as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Across 182 plate appearances in 2026, New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones is hitting .233/.313/.429 with seven home runs, 22 RBI, 21 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. The 25-year-old remains a potential batting average liability due to his swing-and-miss tendencies, as he's struck out in 35.2% of his trips to the plate. However, Jones' underlying batted-ball metrics are elite, as he's posted a 15.2% barrel rate and a 57.6% hard-hit rate. The lefty slugger is also in the midst of a hot streak at the plate, recording seven hits and two home runs in his last 19 plate appearances. There was some thought that Jones would be sent down when Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger returned from the injured list on Sunday. Instead, Jones has remained on the roster and looks to be on the big side of a platoon in right field for the Yankees with outfielder Heliot Ramos. With his immense power/speed upside, Jones should be a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers in leagues where he's not already rostered.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elmer Rodriguez Could Start Wednesday's Game for Yankees
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez could be called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to start Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros, manager Aaron Boone told Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. The Yankees will get through Tuesday night's game before making an official announcement. It would be Rodriguez's fifth big-league start if he is called upon to take the mound on Wednesday against the Astros. The 23-year-old Puerto Rican hurler had a 4.76 ERA and 1.76 WHIP with 10 strikeouts and 11 walks in 17 innings pitched in his first four major-league starts for New York earlier this year before being sent back to the farm. Rodriguez, the team's No. 3 prospect at MLB Pipeline, has been better at Triple-A in 2026, going 8-3 with a 2.59 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 99:46 K:BB in 97 1/3 frames over 19 starts. He is primarily a fastball-slider pitcher who will need to improve his command to have success at the next level. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues should not sell out to acquire Rodriguez at this point in the year, especially since he might only be used for a start or two going into September.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Aaron Judge Expected to Hit in the Cages on Tuesday
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (rib) is expected to hit in the batting cages on Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Judge has been doing tee-and-toss, so Boone expects the slugger to move to overhand batting practice. It is the next progression for the 34-year-old veteran after he resumed a hitting progression last week. The three-time MVP and eight-time All-Star has been out since May 31 with a stress fracture in his rib, and he is still likely several weeks from making his return to the Yankees' starting lineup, so fantasy managers must continue to be patient. Before the injury in the first half of the season, Judge was hitting .248/.375/.533 with a .907 OPS, 17 home runs, 38 RBI, 43 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 59 games and 261 plate appearances. The Yankees would love to have both Judge and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) back for the stretch run in September, but it looks like it will only be Judge returning. It has been a frustrating year to have Judge rostered in fantasy, but he could still do plenty of damage at the plate in the final month of the season if he is fully recovered from his rib injury.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Max Fried Could Return on Saturday During Doubleheader
New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried (elbow) threw four innings in a live bullpen session on Monday and could be in play to come off the 15-day injured list for Saturday's doubleheader against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, manager Aaron Boone told Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Fried has recovered quickly from a left elbow bone bruise that caused him to miss over two months earlier this season, and he appears ready to rejoin New York's starting rotation without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 32-year-old veteran southpaw has only made 15 starts (86 1/3 innings) for the Yanks in his second season in the Bronx, but he's been good when available, going 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA (2.56 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 27 walks in his 10th MLB campaign. Fried will be much riskier for fantasy purposes if he returns this weekend without making a rehab start, although he did toss eight shutout innings with two walks and a season-high nine strikeouts against Boston earlier this year at Fenway Park on April 22.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Elmer Rodriguez Gets Back on Track, Recall Within Reach
New York Yankees pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez has impressed over his last two starts, allowing just one earned run on nine hits and one walk while striking out 12 batters in 12 innings of work. Also, aside from walking five batters in one game, the right-hander's last five starts have been relatively good, yielding two runs or fewer in all of them while recording a 19.4 percent K-BB% with 29 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched. The 6-foot-4 hurler is looking like he could be ready for another shot in the majors, and with injuries to both Max Fried (elbow) and Ryan Weathers (forearm) recently, Rodriguez could be in line for at least a spot start in the coming weeks. The Yankees' top pitching prospect was ineffective in his previous chances with the big-league club earlier this year (4.76 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, -1.2 percent K-BB%), but could have worked some things out at Triple-A, so he may be worth a speculative stash in deeper 14+ team leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
George Lombard Jr. Remains a Priority Waiver-Wire Pickup
New York Yankees rookie infield prospect George Lombard Jr. has looked like he belongs in the big leagues through his first 59 at-bats and 17 games played. Lombard is slashing .288/.348/.407 with a .755 OPS, two home runs, a double, five RBI, 12 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 66 plate appearances since being called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 4. The team's top overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline, is deserving of more attention off the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues for the final month of the regular season in September. The 21-year-old former first-rounder in 2023 hit .284/.411/.498 with a .909 OPS, 12 home runs, 33 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and 65 runs scored in 78 games and 358 plate appearances at three minor-league levels this year before the Yankees brought him up to take over as their everyday shortstop. Lombard's power is still maturing, but it is his advanced plate approach that is more impressive, allowing him to draw plenty of walks and get on base consistently. Fantasy managers looking for infield help should look no further than Lombard, who is still rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
With Injury, Elmer Rodriguez Could Return To Yankees
With the forearm injury to Ryan Weathers, New York Yankees pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez could return to the Yankees starting rotation from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Rodriguez is having a great month of August with three starts of two earned runs or fewer at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. His last outing on August 18 saw Rodriguez go five innings allowing just one run with six hits, no walks, and five strikeouts. Rodriguez had a stint with the Yankees this season in which he started four games and went 0-2 with a 4.76 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched. The right-hander is the No. 3 prospect in the Yankees organization and has three 55-grade pitches in his fastball, changeup, and curveball. The Yankees could call up Rodriguez to replace Weathers in the rotation. For now they have called up Brendan Beck as a bulk reliever but could turn to Rodriguez eventually.
Source: Yankees PR
Source: Yankees PR
Yankees Place Ryan Weathers on Injured List With Forearm Strain
The New York Yankees announced on Sunday that they placed left-hander Ryan Weathers (forearm) on the 15-day injured list with a left-forearm flexor strain and recalled right-hander Brendan Beck from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in a corresponding move. Weathers will most likely be sidelined beyond two weeks, but we will not have a clearer picture of a timeline for his return until he undergoes an MRI exam. The Yankees' rotation depth is being tested in the dog days of summer, with Weathers joining fellow left-hander Max Fried (elbow) on the IL. The 26-year-old southpaw has gone 5-8 with a 3.60 ERA (3.60 FIP) and 1.22 WHIP with 143 strikeouts and 38 walks in 137 1/3 innings pitched in his 25 starts for the Yankees in 2026 in his first year in the Bronx. Weathers should have a rotation spot waiting for him when he is recovered from his forearm injury, but he might not have many opportunities to help fantasy managers to close out the season in September. Right-hander Will Warren's spot in the Yankees' rotation will be secure now for at least another few weeks.
Source: Yankees PR Department
Source: Yankees PR Department
Ryan Weathers Removed Early with Forearm Injury
New York Yankees starting pitcher Ryan Weathers (forearm) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's start against the Toronto Blue Jays. Weathers was only able to get through 3.1 innings before leaving due to left forearm discomfort, Meredith Marakovits reports. It was a rough outing for Weathers, who allowed eight hits and two earned runs before exiting with a trainer early in the fourth inning. The expectation is that the 26-year-old will require additional imaging to determine the severity of the injury. His next scheduled start is against the Boston Red Sox on Friday. Fantasy managers will need to check back after the imaging is done to see if Weathers will be able to make that start.
Source: Meredith Marakovits
Source: Meredith Marakovits
Giancarlo Stanton Suffers Setback While Rehabbing
According to Joel Sherman, New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (calf) suffered a setback when he strained his other calf while running the bases over the weekend. Stanton has been out since late April due to a strained right calf. Now, he suffered a left calf injury after falling during a recent baserunning session. The Yankees haven't ruled out Stanton for the rest of the season, but it's difficult to imagine him making an impact over the final five weeks of the season. Fantasy managers shouldn't count on Stanton bringing much of anything to the table for the rest of the season.
Source: Joel Sherman
Source: Joel Sherman
Cody Bellinger to Return on Sunday
New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (hamstring) is set to return from the 10-day Injured List on Sunday, according to Chris Kirschner. Bellinger is finally ready to return and will be back in the lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The left-handed slugger missed a month of action due to a left hamstring strain. The banged-up Yankees' offense could certainly use Bellinger's help right now. This season, Bellinger is slashing .259/.350/.420 with 11 home runs, 53 RBI, and 10 stolen bases across 102 games. He should immediately reclaim the starting gig in left field and should be rostered in all fantasy formats.
Source: Chris Kirschner
Source: Chris Kirschner
Cody Bellinger Could Return to the Yankees on Sunday
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that outfielder Cody Bellinger (hamstring) will play in a minor league rehab game on Thursday and could return to the big leagues as soon as Sunday, per the Talkin' Yanks podcast. Bellinger has been sidelined since late July due to a hamstring strain. Across 434 plate appearances before the injury, the 31-year-old slashed .259/.350/.420 with 11 home runs, 53 RBI, 52 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. Bellinger's power production had tailed off significantly before he went down, as he did not record a single home run across 78 plate appearances in July. The veteran outfielder has also been caught six times in 16 stolen base attempts this season and may not look to run much upon his return from a hamstring ailment. Still, Bellinger should provide balanced production for fantasy managers once healthy. His return will likely lead to reduced playing time and/or a demotion to Triple-A for Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones.
Source: Talkin' Yanks
Source: Talkin' Yanks
Max Fried Could Return from Injured List as Soon as He Is Eligible
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that starting pitcher Max Fried (elbow) could miss the minimum 15 days after being placed on the injured list on Tuesday, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Fried is dealing with a recurring bone bruise in his left elbow that kept him out for over two months in the middle of the year. The veteran left-hander has been productive when healthy in 2026, recording a 4-4 record with a 2.81 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts across 86 1/3 innings (15 starts). The Yankees activated starting pitcher Carlos Rodon from the IL on Tuesday to take Fried's place in their rotation, so the team could simply be looking to manage the workload of their veterans down the stretch. If he can indeed make a quick return, Fried could still impact fantasy leagues in the final month of the season. Still, Fried's elbow injury will be a concern until he proves it is fully behind him.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
