RADIO
Bailey Ober to Throw Another Bullpen on Tuesday
Minnesota Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (elbow) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday and is scheduled to throw another bullpen on Tuesday, according to Theodore Tollefson. Ober's bullpen over the weekend was his first time throwing off the mound since he landed on the 15-day injured list on May 31 with a mild flexor strain in his right elbow. He's making progress, but we won't have a better read on when he might be able to rejoin Minnesota's starting rotation until he faces live hitters. It's unclear if Ober will need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning. If the 30-year-old veteran only needs one rehab start in the minors, he will have a shot to return to the big leagues before the All-Star break next month. The former 12th-rounder in 2017 out of the College of Charleston has gone 6-3 this year with a 4.59 ERA (4.96 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 18 walks in 66 2/3 frames across 12 starts. Ober isn't a hard thrower and has a career-low 16.4% strikeout rate so far in 2026, so his fantasy ceiling remains limited. He's currently rostered in under 20% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs.
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Source: Theodore Tollefson
TJ Rumfield Emerging as a Must-Add First Baseman in Deeper Leagues
Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield has been a revelation so far in 2026, hitting .279/.357/.480 with 12 home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored across 305 plate appearances. The 26-year-old was stuck in the New York Yankees' farm system from 2022 through 2025 and never got a chance to make his MLB debut with New York despite posting an .825 OPS across 587 plate appearances at Triple-A last season. However, Rumfield was acquired by Colorado over the offseason and has emerged as the Rockies' everyday first baseman. With a 6.2% barrel rate and a 31.9% hard-hit rate, Rumfield's underlying contact metrics do not suggest high-end power upside. Still, he limits swing-and-miss (14.8% strikeout rate), and his hitter-friendly home park in Colorado should help keep his production relatively stable. Particularly in deeper leagues, Rumfield profiles as a solid waiver wire target in the midst of his breakout campaign.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Jeffers Taking Swings, Making Progress
Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (hand) is making progress and is taking swings in the batting cage as well as catching bullpen sessions, according to Theodore Tollefson. Jeffers has been sidelined on the 10-day injured list since May 19 with a hand injury that required surgery. The 29-year-old right-handed-hitting backstop still has some boxes to check, most notably facing live pitching, before he returns, and he could need a short minor-league rehab assignment as well. It remains to be seen if Jeffers will return from the IL before the All-Star break in mid-July. In the meantime, veteran Victor Caratini has swung the bat well for the Twins as their primary catcher with Jeffers out. Before injuring his hand, Jeffers was swinging the bat well, slashing .295/.408/.541 with a .949 OPS, seven home runs, 26 RBI, 26 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 122 at-bats. Fantasy managers looking for an upgrade at the catcher position might want to stash Jeffers now. He's currently rostered in 29% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Source: Theodore Tollefson
Lars Nootbaar a Priority Target on the Waiver Wire Following Return From Injury
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar did not make his 2026 debut until June 5 after having offseason surgery on both heels. However, the 28-year-old has performed well since his return, hitting .269/.371/.442 with two home runs, seven RBI, and 10 runs scored across 62 plate appearances. The lefty-swinging Nootbaar posted a .580 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2025 and has logged just 11 plate appearances against southpaws so far in 2026, so he profiles as a big-side platoon bat. Still, Nootbaar has been a productive player when healthy. He owns a career 12.9% walk rate across over 2,000 big-league plate appearances. He's also logged a double-digit barrel rate and a hard-hit rate over 50% since the start of the 2025 season. If he can avoid the injury bug the rest of the way, Nootbaar should be a solid source of power and counting stats for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mick Abel Not Dealing With Ligament Damage in his Elbow
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) is dealing with swelling in his elbow but doesn't have any ligament damage, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Abel was getting close to coming off the 15-day injured list to rejoin the Twins' starting rotation, but he had a setback last Friday, which prompted the team to send him for an MRI exam. It's good news that the 24-year-old isn't dealing with any ligament damage, but it remains to be seen if he will return to the major-league roster before next month's All-Star break. He's been on the shelf since April 20 and has made two minor-league rehab starts for Triple-A St. Paul, allowing just two runs (one earned) on six hits while walking none and striking out 10 in eight innings pitched. The former 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 has only appeared in four games (three starts) for the Twins this year, but when healthy, he should have a spot waiting for him in Minnesota's starting rotation, making him a stash candidate in deeper fantasy leagues when he nears his return again. Abel is currently rostered in just 16% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Joe Ryan Scratched From his Start on Tuesday With Illness
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (illness) has been scratched from his start on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers due to an illness, according to Aaron Gleeman. Left-hander Kendry Rojas will make the start on Tuesday in place of Ryan in what will likely be a bullpen game. It's unclear whether Ryan will be pushed back to the team's series finale at Target Field on Wednesday against the Dodgers or if he'll be ready to pitch later this week against the Colorado Rockies. The 30-year-old has been a must-start for fantasy managers in 2026 in his sixth year in the big leagues, as Ryan has gone 5-3 with a career-low 2.99 ERA (2.81 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 99 strikeouts and only 18 walks in 87 1/3 innings across 16 starts. He has at least seven strikeouts in five of his last six outings, and he's allowed eight earned runs while walking four and striking out 29 in 23 innings in his four starts in June. Whenever Ryan toes the rubber again, fantasy managers should be putting him back in their starting lineups.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Didier Fuentes Is A Sneaky Stash in His New Role
Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes has showcased electric stuff this season and has intriguing fantasy upside as the youngest pitcher in the majors this season. He just turned 21 less than a week ago, but has appeared in 22 games this season for Atlanta, working in relief in all but one of those outings. While his long-term future is likely in the rotation, he has been effective out of the bullpen lately, allowing just two runs in his last 16 appearances for a 1.06 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 17 innings. He has earned three holds and a save over that stretch, and he could continue to work his way into more high-leverage situations as the season goes on. The Braves could also opt to move the youngster back to the rotation if a need arises, giving him multiple ways that he can help your team down the road. In deep leagues, he can be a sneaky stash now that he's having success in the MLB.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joshua Baez "On the Doorstep" of Promotion to Major Leagues
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Joshua Baez is getting very close to arriving in the majors, according to MLB Network's Jim Bowden, and he could be a huge source of power from the waiver wire in all formats. The 22-year-old is hitting .274 in his 67 games in Triple-A with 25 home runs, 64 RBI, and a .407 wOBA. Baez has also added 12 stolen bases and shown off five-tool ability, which gives him huge breakout potential. MLB Pipeline ranked Baez as the No. 64 prospect in baseball and the No. 3 prospect in the Cardinals' farm system. The Cardinals have an exciting young lineup coming together, and Baez could be the next big piece to arrive. Since his call-up seems imminent, you can stash the slugger now in deep formats with plenty of bench room and be ready to grab him as soon as he's called up in standard-sized mixed leagues.
Source: Jim Bowden
Source: Jim Bowden
Will Vest Locks Down Four-Out Save, a Worthy Handcuff Closer to Stash?
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Will Vest closed out the Yankees on Monday night to earn his second save of the season. The 31-year-old righty impressed by closing out the eighth inning with a strikeout of Jasson Dominguez with two runners on base and then working a 1-2-3 ninth inning with another strikeout to end the game against Amed Rosario. Vest is currently the Tigers' top setup option in front of Kenley Jansen, but he has been very effective, allowing a run in just one of his last seven outings. If you are looking for a handcuff stash for the veteran Jansen or trying to get ahead of a potential shift in a deep league, Vest's recent run deserves a look since he could continue to get high-leverage looks for the Tigers and even more chances to close out games if Jansen struggles or gets injured again.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Alex Lange Sharp En Route to Earning Sixth Save, Remains a Must-Roster Closer?
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Alex Lange has emerged from a crowded committee to be the team's go-to option at the end of the game, and the 30-year-old righty picked up another save on Monday. He came on in the ninth inning of a one-run game against the Rays and retired the side in order with one strikeout. On the season, he has a 3.86 ERA and 3.76 FIP, and he has earned all six of his saves in his 10 outings in June while allowing two earned runs and striking out 12 in 10 innings. Lange seems to have a firm grasp on the closer job for now in Kansas City, making him a great pickup from the waiver wire if you need saves in the short-term. In the long term, he could end up as an available arm on the open market if the Royals decide to sell, or he could also lose his role to Carlos Estevez (shoulder), who is on the 60-day IL and working his way back from a shoulder injury. For now, though, Lange is one of the best options for saves on most leagues' waiver wires.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Is Clayton Beeter the Closer to Roster in Washington?
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Clayton Beeter closed out his team's 4-1 victory over the Phillies on Monday night by working a clean ninth inning with one hit allowed and one strikeout. Beeter entered with a three-run lead and gave up a leadoff single to Bryce Harper, who was erased on a double-play ball before Beeter struck out pinch-hitter Justin Crawford to end the game. The 27-year-old righty has successfully converted back-to-back save chances and has not allowed a run in four of his last five outings with eight strikeouts, a 1.00 WHIP and 1.70 FIP. He remains the team's top closing option, and should be available on Tuesday after needing just six pitches to earn his sixth save of the season on Monday. He's a solid end-of-game option if you need saves from your fantasy bullpen, and he should continue to get opportunities for the surprising Nats.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Sam Antonacci a Must-Add Waiver-Wire Target Ahead of Second-Half Breakout?
Across 235 plate appearances in 2026, Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci has hit .291/.391/.422 with four home runs, 22 RBI, 37 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. The 23-year-old does not project to provide fantasy managers with much power, as he owns a 36.4% hard-hit rate and slugged just five home runs across 519 minor league plate appearances in 2025. Still, Antonacci has established himself as the near-everyday leadoff hitter in an underrated White Sox lineup. He's also struck out in just 15.7% of his plate appearances. Between his ability to hit for average and steal bases, Antonacci has a clear use case for deeper league fantasy managers. In leagues where he remains available, Antonacci profiles as a potential breakout candidate to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alejandro Kirk Remains a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk was one of the key cogs in his team's lineup in 2025, posting a .769 OPS with 15 home runs and 76 RBI across 506 plate appearances. However, the 27-year-old's 2026 season was disrupted after he suffered a fractured and dislocated left thumb in early April. Kirk missed over two months due to the injury, but he was activated by the Blue Jays on June 12. Kirk hasn't gotten going at the plate yet, as he owns a .205/.265/.318 slash line with one home run, six RBI, and three runs scored across 49 plate appearances. Still, Kirk profiles as one of the better sources of batting average for fantasy managers at the catcher position. In 2025, he logged a 50.8% hard-hit rate while striking out in just 11.7% of his plate appearances. In any league where Kirk is still on the waiver wire, he should be considered a priority pick-up for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chase DeLauter Progressing, Could Return During Upcoming Guardians Homestand
Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said that outfielder Chase DeLauter (rib) is progressing and has a chance to return during the team's upcoming homestand, which begins on Friday. The 24-year-old has been on the 10-day injured list since June 14 due to a fractured rib. Across 270 plate appearances before the injury, DeLauter hit .263/.337/.408 with seven home runs, 34 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Injuries have been a major issue for DeLauter, who has already set career-high marks in plate appearances and games played as a professional this season. DeLauter's lack of power (5.8% barrel rate) has been a bit of a surprise after he posted a 12.5% barrel rate and 51.9% hard-hit rate across 177 Triple-A plate appearances in 2025. However, his 10.4% walk rate and 13.3% strikeout rate indicate high-end plate skills. If DeLauter can find his power stroke in the second half of the season, he could emerge as a breakout fantasy outfielder.
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Mickey Moniak Reinstated from 10-Day Injured List on Monday
Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak (ankle) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list ahead of his team's game against the Boston Red Sox on Monday. The 28-year-old had been on the IL since May 22 due to right ankle tendinitis. Moniak was off to a strong start to the season before the injury, hitting .280/.335/.607 with 12 home runs, 28 RBI, 21 runs scored, and one stolen base across 164 plate appearances. Moniak has emerged as a fantasy-relevant platoon bat since signing with the Rockies, as he hit 24 home runs and stole nine bases across 461 plate appearances with Colorado in 2025. His 13.5% barrel rate in 2026 is right in line with the 13.8% barrel rate he posted during his breakout campaign a season ago. Managers in need of a power boost should consider targeting Moniak on the waiver wire.
Source: Colorado Rockies
Source: Colorado Rockies
