RADIO
Royals Place Vinnie Pasquantino on Injured List With Hand Fracture
The Kansas City Royals announced on Sunday that they placed infielder Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) on the 10-day injured list with a right hamate fracture in his hand and recalled outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Pasquantino fractured his right hand in Saturday's game against the Houston Astros and will likely be out for at least a month. In the first game without the Pasquatch on Sunday against the Astros, Jac Caglianone will move to first base and bat third, while Lane Thomas makes the start in right field and bats eighth against Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti. The 28-year-old Pasquantino has only hit .224 (57-for-254) this year, but he went 14-for-47 (.298) with a homer, three doubles, seven RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base in 12 games in June. The former 11th-round pick in 2019 out of Old Dominion University hit a career-best 32 long balls and drove in 113 runs in 160 games a year ago, but he's only at six homers so far in 2026. Despite the disappointing start to 2026, Pasquantino is deserving of being stashed in most fantasy leagues for his power upside while he heals.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Ryan Helsley has Another Stellar Rehab Outing
Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Ryan Helsley (elbow) had another strong minor-league rehab outing for Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday night against Memphis, setting down the order 1-2-3 in the sixth innings while striking out two, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Helsley threw nine of his 14 pitches for strikes. In his two rehab appearances for Norfolk, Helsley has tossed two shutout innings with no walks and five strikeouts, and the Orioles might be ready to reinstate him from the 15-day injured list. Before getting hurt, the 31-year-old veteran was looking great as Baltimore's primary closer in 2026, allowing three earned runs on seven hits while walking seven, striking out 15, and recording seven saves in his first 12 appearances for the team. The two-time All-Star appears to be on the verge of rejoining the back end of the Orioles' bullpen, and he should immediately slot back in as manager Craig Albernaz's preferred choice in the ninth inning. Fantasy managers should run to their waiver wire and check if Helsley is available. He's currently rostered in 84% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Max Muncy Stays Hot With Two-Homer Game on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy carried the offense in a 7-1 victory on Saturday night in Chicago against the White Sox, going 3-for-3 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, and two walks to boost his season average to .272 and his OPS to .912. It was more than enough offense for the Dodgers on a night when starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto flirted with a perfect game. Despite being 35 years old, Muncy continues to rake and produce for the Dodgers and fantasy managers in his 11th year in the big leagues. He's now hitting .272/.372/.540 with a .912 OPS, 16 home runs, 28 RBI, and 46 runs scored in 65 games across 247 plate appearances this season. The two home runs on Saturday night were his first of the month, and he's now hitting .342 (13-for-38) with three doubles, seven RBI, and seven runs scored in 12 games during the month. Fantasy managers need to continue to ride Muncy while he's hot and pick him up in leagues where he's still available. Muncy is currently rostered in 83% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Flirts With Perfect Game in Win Over White Sox
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto was nearly unhittable on Saturday in the team's 7-1 win over the hosting Chicago White Sox. Yamamoto took a perfect game into the eighth inning and a no-hitter into the final frame. A Mookie Betts error with two outs in the eighth inning broke up the perfect game, and Tristan Peters broke up the no-no in the ninth with a solo home run to lead off the frame. Yamamoto still had an excellent line in his seventh win of the season, giving up just one earned run on one hit while walking none and striking out seven to lower his season ERA to 2.52. The 27-year-old Japanese native had an incredible run of retiring 45 straight batters, dating back to his previous start, which is second in MLB history to Yusmeiro Petit. Yamamoto has carried over his dominance from last year and now has a 0.84 WHIP with 80 strikeouts and 15 walks in 85 2/3 innings across his 13 starts. He has won four straight games and hasn't given up more than one run in five straight appearances. Continue to run Yamamoto out there as a must-start in fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jake Bauers Continues to Rake, Becoming a Priority Target to Add if Still Available
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman/outfielder Jake Bauers has maintained a high level of production this season. The 30-year-old is slashing .280/.351/.491 with 13 home runs, 46 RBI, and 40 runs scored in 234 plate appearances. He's also shown good plate discipline and the ability to get on base consistently, which has helped fuel Milwaukee's offense. Bauers has been one of Milwaukee's reliable power options during what has turned into a breakout season. His ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a useful asset for fantasy managers, given the power he's displayed this season. Bauers is currently rostered in 71% of Yahoo leagues, so he may already be rostered in many formats. However, he remains a solid option in leagues where he's still available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alex Lange Struggles Again, Losing Grip on the Royals Closer Job?
Kansas City Royals right-hander Alex Lange (0-4) took the loss in Saturday's 8-7 loss to the Astros. Lange allowed a run on one hit and a walk while striking out one across 1 2/3 innings. He had been rolling earlier in the season, posting nine straight scoreless appearances from May 20 through June 9 before giving up three runs over his last two outings. On the year, Lange owns a 4.13 ERA and 1.44 WHIP across 32⅔ innings. He's shown the ability to miss bats in those spots, evidenced by his 9.9 K/9. With some recent inconsistency in the Royals' bullpen and Carlos Estevez (shoulder) still on the injured list, the Royals could turn back to Lucas Erceg if he continues to struggle. Despite his recent hiccups, Lange is still widely available (25% of Yahoo Leagues) and is worth rostering for fantasy managers searching for saves.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Glasnow Could Resume Playing Catch Soon
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) is beginning to feel better, so he could resume playing catch soon, according to MLB.com. Glasnow was placed on the 15-day injured list with lower-back spasms on May 8 and was then transferred to the 60-day IL on June 6, which means he won't be eligible to return until at least mid-July, around the All-Star break. The Dodgers thought the hard-throwing 32-year-old wouldn't need a lengthy absence, but Glasnow has been slow to recover and might not rejoin L.A.'s starting rotation until the second half of the season, depending on how quickly he can ramp up his throwing program. The Dodgers aren't going to rush him back, so fantasy managers will need to be patient. Despite all the missed time, fantasy managers need to keep Glasnow stashed everywhere for his strikeout upside on one of the best teams in baseball. Before his injury, he was pitching well, too, going 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA (3.26 FIP) and 0.83 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 13 walks in 39 2/3 innings over his seven starts in his third year with the Dodgers. Glasnow should not be available on any waiver wires.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Seiya Suzuki Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (knee) left Saturday night's game early against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park with right-knee discomfort, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Suzuki was attempting to catch a fly ball and hit the ground awkwardly in the bottom of the fourth inning. Before leaving, he went 1-for-2 at the plate with an RBI, a walk, and a strikeout in the team's eventual 6-1 win. It's unclear how serious the 31-year-old's injury is, but fantasy managers should keep in mind that it's the same knee that caused him to miss the first 12 games of the 2026 season due to a strained PCL that he suffered in the World Baseball Classic. At the very least, Suzuki will most likely sit out of Sunday's series finale in the Bay Area, and he might also be unavailable for the start of a series on Monday back at Wrigley Field versus the Colorado Rockies. Matt Shaw replaced Suzuki in right field on Saturday, and he would likely benefit the most from increased playing time if Suzuki needs a trip to the injured list. Suzuki is currently hitting .255/.339/.433 with a .772 OPS, 10 homers, 28 RBI, and 31 runs scored through his first 208 at-bats of the year.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Vinnie Pasquantino Suffers Hamate Injury on Saturday
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) left Saturday night's game against the Houston Astros with a right hand/hamate injury, according to the team. Pasquantino came out of the game after popping up in the fifth inning. The 28-year-old could be looking at an absence of at least a month if he fractured the hamate bone in his hand, so fantasy managers need to prepare for that possibility. Before leaving the contest, Pasquantino went 1-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and a strikeout in the eventual 8-7 loss to Houston at Kauffman Stadium. The timing of his injury comes at a bad time, too, as the Pasquatch has been hot at the plate lately. In 12 games in June, he has gone 14-for-47 (.298) with a home run, three doubles, seven RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base to raise his season slash line to .224/.309/.350 in 291 plate appearances. If Pasquantino lands on the injured list with his hamate injury, Jac Caglianone would most likely take over duties at first base for the Royals going forward.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Cole Ragans Suffers Setback, Will Undergo Additional Testing
Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) had a setback and will undergo additional testing, manager Matt Quatraro told Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star. "Cole woke up yesterday, not feeling as well arm-wise. So, when he came out to play catch yesterday, he had to cut it short. So we're going to get him some more testing in the next couple of days," Quatraro said. Ragans cut his throwing session short on Friday. The 28-year-old southpaw initially went on the 15-day injured list with a left-elbow impingement, and with his latest setback, he most likely won't be able to return before the mid-July All-Star break. Ragans was a first-time All-Star in 2024 but has dealt with injuries since, only making 13 starts in 2025 and just eight starts so far in 2026 due to his elbow troubles. Before going on the IL, he was 1-4 with a 4.84 ERA (6.19 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 23 walks in 35 1/3 innings pitched. His strikeout upside makes him stash-worthy in all fantasy leagues, but managers will need to be patient, as it doesn't look like he's going to return until the second half of the season now.
Source: The Kansas City Star - Jaylon T. Thompson
Source: The Kansas City Star - Jaylon T. Thompson
Royce Lewis Emerging as a Top Pickup Amidst Recent Hot Surge?
Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in Saturday's 9-6 loss to the Cardinals. Lewis has been one of the hotter hitters in baseball since returning to the majors in early June. After going hitless in his first game back, he has hit safely in six straight contests, going 10-for-23 (.435) with two doubles, three home runs, four runs, and four RBI over that stretch. The power-speed combination he's shown during the hot streak gives him strong multi-category appeal. Lewis has started five of his last seven games at first base and appears to have taken over there for the foreseeable future while Brooks Lee remains at third. The combination of his recent power surge and newfound everyday role makes him a strong speculative add, especially with him still only rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tony Santillan Bounces Back for Third Save, Still the Closer to Roster in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Tony Santillan picked up his third save of the season on Saturday against the Diamondbacks, working a perfect ninth inning to protect a one-run lead. He retired the side in order on three groundouts, throwing 10 of 14 pitches for strikes while navigating the heart of Arizona's lineup. It was Santillan's first save since May 19, and he remains the only pitcher on the Reds aside from the injured Emilio Pagan (hamstring) with multiple saves this season. With Pagan still sidelined, he figures to retake the closer role when he's ready to return. Still, until then, Santillan has been the most reliable option in high-leverage situations. The 29-year-old is probably the most likely Reds pitcher to get any save chances that come up in the near term. Santillan is currently rostered in just 9% of Yahoo leagues, making him worth a look for managers chasing saves while Pagan remains out.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elvis Alvarado Emerging as Priority Closer to Pick Up?
Athletics right-hander Elvis Alvarado struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Rockies. He has now converted saves in each of his last two outings and has pitched 5⅓ scoreless innings since returning to the big-league roster on June 5. Alvarado has put himself firmly in the mix in the Athletics' closing committee. Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow, Justin Sterner, Jack Perkins, and Alvarado have all recorded at least one save for the Athletics this season. Through 15 innings this season, Alvarado owns a 5.40 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with a 20:7 K:BB ratio, while adding two saves and four holds. With momentum on his side, he's worth a look for fantasy managers chasing saves and is currently rostered in just 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaelen Culpepper Removed Early from Triple-A Game, On Call-Up Watch?
Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper was removed early during his Triple-A game in Toledo on Saturday. There hasn't been a reason given yet, which could mean that the 23-year-old is heading to the big leagues. Before this game, Culpepper was slashing .277/.381/.504 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, and 15 stolen bases in 60 games at Triple-A this season. Culpepper is currently the Twins' No. 2 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. They selected him in the first-round of the 2024 draft out of Kansas State. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates. A move to the big leagues would make Culpepper a popular waiver wire addition.
Source: Emily Waldon
Source: Emily Waldon
Yainer Diaz Could Return Next Week
Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (oblique) could rejoin the team as early as next Monday, according to Brian McTaggart. Diaz has been sidelined since early May due to a left oblique strain. He began a rehab assignment in early June and appears to be nearing his return to the big league roster. The assumption is that Diaz will reclaim the starting catcher gig once he's back on the roster. Before going down, Diaz was slashing .238/.255/.347 with two home runs and 14 RBI across 26 games. Those aren't great numbers, but Diaz does have a good track record as a hitter throughout his career. Fantasy managers in need of help at the catching position should consider scooping up Diaz with his return looming.
Source: Brian McTaggart
Source: Brian McTaggart
