RADIO
Can Joshua Kuroda-Grauer Keep his Pace Going into Second Half?
Athletics rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda-Grauer has looked great early on in his first taste of the major leagues, going 19-for-45 (.422) with five doubles, an RBI, and four runs scored in his first 12 games since being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas. The 23-year-old former third-rounder in 2024 out of Rutgers is considered the club's No. 8 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and he got the call to the big leagues after slashing .323/.367/.478 with an .845 OPS, seven home runs, 44 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 76 runs scored in 75 games between Las Vegas and Double-A Midland. Kuroda-Grauer has been a useful infield replacement after injuries struck shortstop Jacob Wilson, third baseman Zack Gelof, and first baseman Nick Kurtz towards the end of the first half of the season. The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder has excellent bat-to-ball skills, helping him hit for high averages, but it remains to be seen if he'll ever be able to develop plus power. Once Gelof can return from the injured list in the second half, Kuroda-Grauer could be headed back to Vegas for more minor-league seasoning.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Hogan Harris a Saves Target Despite the WHIP Risk?
Athletics relief pitcher Hogan Harris reached the break with six saves, a 3.43 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 56 strikeouts in 42 innings. The save total catches the eye. The timing does not. Harris has not converted one since June 12, and 27 walks have made nearly every inning feel heavier than it should. He is rostered in 8% of Yahoo leagues. The Athletics still have not handed the ninth to one reliever. Harris remains part of the late-inning picture with Elvis Alvarado, and the lefty-righty split could keep both involved. Harris at least limits loud contact, allowing an 86.6 mph average exit velocity with a 31.1% hard-hit rate. That helps, but it does not erase the traffic. RotoBaller ranks him 100th in its July 15 waiver update and 36th among closers for Week 16. He is a speculative add in 15-team leagues for managers chasing saves. In shallower formats, the WHIP and uncertain role are enough reason to wait.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elvis Alvarado Still in the Mix for Saves in Sacramento
Athletics right-handed reliever Elvis Alvarado may not have the best numbers in his second season in the big leagues, but he's still in the late-inning mix in Sacramento for the A's, making him worth a look in deep fantasy leagues for managers desperate for saves. The 27-year-old Dominican hurler went 3-3 with a 4.94 ERA (4.02 FIP), 1.13 WHIP, his first two career saves, 35 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 27 1/3 innings out of the bullpen in the first half of 2026. Alvarado's last save came way back on June 13 against the Colorado Rockies, but since his last blown save on June 24 against the San Francisco Giants, he has tightened things up, allowing just one earned run on three hits while walking three and fanning 10 in seven innings over seven appearances out of the bullpen. His blown save against the Giants was his only blown save of the year, and he should see more high-leverage, late-inning work to begin the second half after his recent strong run. Alvarado is rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues and is probably only worth pursuing if you're absolutely desperate for saves.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Is Jonah Heim a Worthy Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire?
Since being acquired from the Atlanta Braves in early May, Athletics catcher Jonah Heim has re-established his MLB career. Across 135 plate appearances with the A's, Heim is hitting .232/.281/.464 with eight home runs, 21 RBI, and 16 runs scored. The presence of star Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers limits Heim's playing time behind the plate. However, Heim has emerged as a regular at first base and designated hitter with A's first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) currently on the injured list. Heim's playing time may eventually dissipate once Kurtz returns to the Athletics lineup. Still, Heim has found a rhythm in his new hitter-friendly home park and profiles as a short-term source of power for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Henry Bolte a Top Speed Target on the Waiver Wire
Since being called up from Triple-A to make his MLB debut on May 13, Athletics outfielder Henry Bolte has hit .261/.343/.347 with three home runs, 16 RBI, 18 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. The 22-year-old owns a 66.4% ground ball rate, which limits his power upside. However, he's logged a 46.3% hard-hit rate and also possesses high-end speed, which helps provide him with a relatively safe batting average floor despite his elevated 27.7% strikeout rate. Bolte also hit 12 home runs in 177 plate appearances at Triple-A before his promotion this season, so there may be some untapped power potential in his bat if he can figure out how to lift the ball more consistently. Even if he can't tap into more power in 2026, Bolte has established himself as the Athletics' everyday center fielder and profiles as a speed source with some upside for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gage Jump Worth a Roster Spot for the Second Half?
Athletics left-hander Gage Jump finished the first half of the 2026 season 3-4 with a 3.51 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings pitched (nine starts). This is Jump's first taste of MLB, and overall he has been fairly solid, especially given that he pitches half his games at Sutter Health Park, one of MLB's friendliest ballparks. That being said, Jump has pitched to a 6.20 ERA at home and a 0.75 ERA on the road, so it's been night and day for him, so something fantasy managers will want to continue to monitor moving forward as they make weekly start/sit decisions. When we peek under the hood, most of Jump's ERA estimators support his strong start to his career, with a 3.96 xERA and 3.31 FIP. When you combine that with his solid control and strikeout upside (48:15 K:BB ratio), Jump has proven to be useful in all formats. Some may argue there is even more to be had, as his strikeout rate in the Minors was 33.1 percent in Triple-A this year, and 28.4 percent in Double-A in 2025. Jump should continue to be rostered in all formats for the second half, but should be considered a strong start when he's on the road, and a consideration to sit when at home.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Georgia Tech Outfielder Drew Burress Goes to A's at Pick No. 8 in MLB Draft
The Athletics selected Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 MLB draft on Saturday, according to MLB.com. Burress came into this weekend's draft as the No. 7-ranked overall prospect by MLB.com. The 21-year-old 5-foot-9, 185-pound outfielder finished up his collegiate career at Georgia Tech this season by hitting .358/.473/.657 with a 1.130 OPS, 16 home runs, 60 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases in 61 games and 311 plate appearances. Burress may be on the short side, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in tools. Burress has excellent plate discipline and doesn't have any notable weaknesses as a hitter. On defense, he's an adequate defender in center field and also has a strong enough arm to play right field as well. He has a solid and compact swing at the plate from the right side and plus power that will play to all fields. On the basepaths, Burress' speed won't impress anyone, but he can steal a bag when needed. Because of his polished approach without many weaknesses as a hitter, Burress should move quickly through the A's system.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nick Kurtz Officially Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
The Athletics officially announced on Saturday that they placed first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to July 10) with a right-thumb capsule sprain and recalled catcher Brian Serven from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Kurtz suffered the injury on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers when he jammed his right hand while trying to catch a ball in the first inning. He will miss the end of the first half of the season, next week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia, and the start of the second half of the year next weekend. Joey Meneses was called up from the minors and made the start at first base for the A's on Friday night against the Chicago White Sox, and he and Jeff McNeil could see more playing time for the team until Kurtz can return. Kurtz needs to be held in all fantasy leagues as an elite source of power at the first base position. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger is hitting .266/.405/.497 with a .902 OPS, 20 homers, 66 RBI, 61 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 334 at-bats after hitting 36 homers and driving in 86 in only 117 games played in 2025 as a rookie.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
Nick Kurtz Likely to Land on Injured List With Thumb Strain
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) is dealing with a right-thumb capsule strain and is likely to be placed on the injured list, which obviously puts his status for next week's All-Star Game in jeopardy, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. In addition to Kurtz, the A's just placed infielder Zack Gelof (knee) on the IL again on Friday with a knee laceration, so their infield depth will be tested to close out the first half of the 2026 season. Joey Meneses is starting at first base and is hitting sixth on Friday, while rookie Joshua Kuroda-Grauer is at the hot corner and batting seventh against Chicago White Sox right-hander Sean Burke. The A's pulled Kurtz from Wednesday's game early after he jammed his right hand while attempting to catch a throw in the first inning. Both Meneses and Jeff McNeil should see more playing time for the A's if Kurtz joins Gelof on the IL. The 23-year-old Kurtz is an absolute must-stash if he goes on the shelf due to his elite power from the left side of the plate. He's currently slashing .266/.405/.497 with a .902 OPS, 20 home runs, 66 RBI, 61 runs, and seven stolen bases across 334 at-bats after hitting 36 bombs and driving in 86 runs in 117 games in 2025 as a rookie.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Zack Gelof Heads Back to Injured List With Knee Laceration
The Athletics announced on Friday that they placed utility player Zack Gelof (knee) on the 10-day injured list with a right-knee laceration and recalled infielder Joey Meneses from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Gelof injured his right knee making a nice sliding catch in foul territory in Thursday's game against the Detroit Tigers, and he'll now head back to the IL after returning from a stint on the sidelines due to a hand laceration. The 26-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Virginia has been hampered by injuries in his career before, but this time it's even more frustrating, as Gelof has played well for the A's in 2026 when available, slashing .273/.327/.476 with an .802 OPS, 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 41 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across his 227 at-bats. Fantasy managers seeking power and speed for the second half shouldn't forget about Gelof, who is eligible at second base, third base, and the outfield in Yahoo leagues. While he's out, veteran Jeff McNeil figures to see most of the playing time at the hot corner in Sacramento.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
Jacob Lopez to Serve as Opener on Friday
Athletics pitcher Jacob Lopez is set to serve as the opener for Friday's game against the Chicago White Sox. Lopez last pitched on Tuesday, when he allowed four runs on five hits across three innings of work against the Detroit Tigers. Overall, Lopez owns a 7.04 ERA, 1.84 WHIP, and a 42/32 K/BB ratio across 13 games (10 starts) with the A's this season. Lopez has been knocked around during each of his last two starts, so fantasy managers shouldn't bother trusting him here. Aaron Civale figures to operate as the bulk option once Lopez is out of the game.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
J.T. Ginn to Make his Next Start on Sunday
Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn (illness) is set to make his next start in Sunday's series finale against the Chicago White Sox to close out the first half of the regular season, according to Jason Burke of Inside the A's. The 27-year-old was pulled from his last start early on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers due to an illness, but he's already feeling better and should be able to take the ball this weekend on the South Side of Chicago. The former second-round pick by the New York Mets in 2020 out of Mississippi State University is having his best season in 2026 in his third year in the league, going 7-5 with a 3.10 ERA (4.28 FIP) and 1.22 WHIP with 86 strikeouts and 43 walks in 98 2/3 innings pitched across his 20 appearances (17 starts). Ginn has allowed three earned runs or fewer in each of his last five starts, allowing just 11 runs (nine earned) while walking 13 and striking out 21 over that span. However, he hasn't had more than five strikeouts in any of his last six starts and sports a career-high 10.5% walk rate. Ginn is definitely more attractive away from hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park,
Source: Inside the A's - Jason Burke
Source: Inside the A's - Jason Burke
Zack Gelof Exits Thursday's Game With Knee Injury
Athletics infielder/outfielder Zack Gelof (knee) was forced from Thursday's game early in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers after making an amazing sliding catch in foul territory down the third-base line, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. Gelof went 0-for-1 at the plate before he was replaced in left field by Colby Thomas. Lawrence Butler entered the game to play right field for the A's. The 26-year-old had just returned from the injured list over the weekend due to a hand injury, but now he's hurt again. It remains to be seen how serious Gelof's right-knee injury is, but with only three games remaining before next week's All-Star break, the A's could be cautious with Gelof and hold him out for this weekend's series in Chicago against the White Sox. Before injuring his hand, Gelof had become an intriguing waiver-wire pickup with eligibility at second base, third base, and the outfield in Yahoo leagues. He entered Thursday's game with a .274/.328/.478 slash line, an .806 OPS, 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 41 runs, and eight steals in 66 games played. Gelof's power/speed upside is more interesting in 2026 since he has a career-low 25.2% strikeout rate.
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Nick Kurtz Returns From Illness on Thursday
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (illness) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting second for the A's in Thursday's contest against the hosting Detroit Tigers and left-hander Framber Valdez, according to MLB.com. Kurtz returns to the starting nine a day after he was pulled in the second inning of Wednesday's game because he was feeling sick. Despite slowing down at the plate recently and facing a lefty, fantasy managers in all traditional leagues will want to get Kurtz back into their starting lineups now that he's feeling better. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger and former fourth overall pick out of Wake Forest University in 2024 brings elite power. Kurtz had 36 homers and 86 RBI in 117 games in his rookie campaign in 2025 and is currently slashing .270/.409/.503 with a .912 OPS, 20 homers, 66 RBI, 61 runs, seven stolen bases, and a league-high 76 walks across 408 plate appearances. He has gone hitless in 14 at-bats with seven strikeouts in his last four games, but he's also hitting .667 with a homer and two RBI in six career at-bats against Valdez.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nick Kurtz Departs Early Due to Illness
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (illness) was forced to make an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Kurtz appeared to have jammed his hand during the first inning of this contest. Luckily, that wasn't the reason for his departure. Instead, Kurtz was pulled out of the game due to illness. He was hitless in his lone plate appearance and was replaced by Jeff McNeil at first base. Fantasy managers should consider Kurtz as day-to-day. Hopefully, he'll be ready to go in time for next week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday for another update on his status.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
