RADIO
Thumb Injury Keeps Shea Langeliers Out on Saturday
Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (thumb) will not be in the team's starting lineup for Saturday's contest against the visiting Miami Marlins on the Fourth of July, according to MLB.com. Jonah Heim will catch right-hander Aaron Civale and will bat cleanup for the A's versus Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara. It's unclear how serious Langeliers' left-thumb injury is, but it's worth noting that the A's called up Brian Serven from Triple-A Las Vegas for more catching depth, which could be a sign that he could be on the verge of landing on the injured list, which would keep him out for the rest of the first half of the season. Langeliers was forced from Friday's game early with his thumb injury. The 28-year-old former ninth overall pick in 2019 out of Baylor University is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's healthy, as one of the best power-hitting catchers in baseball. He has hit .264 (87-for-330) with 20 long balls, 44 RBI, 51 runs, and two steals in 80 games so far in 2026. Heim will serve as the A's primary backstop for however long Langeliers is out.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Salvador Perez Not Ready to Return From Elbow Injury
Kansas City Royals catcher/first baseman Salvador Perez (elbow) remains out of the starting lineup for Saturday's contest against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, according to MLB.com. Carter Jensen is doing the catching for right-hander Michael Wacha and will hit leadoff against Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo. It's the second straight game that Perez will sit due to soreness in his left elbow. It's not expected to be a serious injury, so fantasy managers could have the veteran backstop back on the field for Sunday's series finale at Kauffman Stadium. The 36-year-old nine-time All-Star might be on his last legs in his 15th year in the majors, as he enters play on Saturday sporting a rough .201/.241/.327 slash line with a career-low .568 OPS, 10 homers, 30 RBI, and 29 runs scored in his 81 games and 340 plate appearances. Since the start of June, he's gone 18-for-96 (.188) with a homer, four doubles, five RBI, eight runs scored, one walk, and 21 strikeouts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chandler Simpson Sitting Again With Finger Injuries
Tampa Bay Rays speedy outfielder Chandler Simpson (fingers) will miss a second straight game on Saturday in Houston against the Astros, according to MLB.com. Victor Mesa Jr. is making another start in left field for the Rays and will bat fifth against Astros right-hander Hunter Brown. Simpson is dealing with soreness in his right index and middle fingers and will miss a second straight game after he was scratched from Friday's lineup. It's not considered a serious injury, though, so fantasy managers could have Simpson back for Sunday's series finale at Daikin Park. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has not hit a single home run in his first two MLB seasons over 190 games and 765 plate appearances, so power is obviously not his forte. In 81 games in 2026, he's slashing .278/.317/.331 with a .648 OPS, 16 RBI, 20 steals, and 35 runs scored. Simpson hit just .211 (15-for-71) in 24 games in June, but he's currently riding a modest seven-game hitting streak in which he's gone 10-for-26 (.385) with three doubles, an RBI, three steals, and two runs scored.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Zebby Matthews Leaves Early on Saturday With Foot Laceration
The Minnesota Twins said that right-hander Zebby Matthews (foot) left his start early on Saturday on the road against the New York Yankees with a laceration of his right foot, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Before leaving, Matthews struggled on the mound in the Bronx, allowing four earned runs on three hits (two homers) while walking four and striking out five in 4 2/3 innings of work. Right now, Matthews will be considered day-to-day, but he'll definitely be up in the air to make his final start of the first half of the season next weekend in an excellent matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. The 26-year-old 6-foot-5, 225-pound hurler came into Saturday's start on the Fourth of July with a 4-5 record, 4.15 ERA (4.76 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 12 walks in 56 1/3 innings across his nine starts in just his third year in the majors. Matthews allowed two or fewer runs in four of his five June starts, so Saturday was a disappointment against a tough team. If he can make his next start next weekend, Matthews will be a prime streaming option in fantasy.
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Brendan Donovan to Start a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Seattle Mariners infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan (groin) will start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. Donovan has been sidelined with a strained left groin since the middle of May, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment, he could return just before the All-Star break and play with the M's next weekend. The 29-year-old former seventh-rounder by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018 from the University of South Alabama was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his final year in St. Louis, slashing .287/.353/.422 with a .775 OPS, 10 homers, 50 RBI, 64 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 118 games and 515 plate appearances. Donovan has a limited fantasy ceiling because of his middling power and speed, but his high-contact approach makes him appealing for his high average and on-base percentage, not to mention he's eligible at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield in Yahoo leagues. He's currently rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
Jakob Junis Lands on Injured List With Hip Impingement
The Texas Rangers announced on Saturday that they placed right-handed reliever Jakob Junis (hip) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to July 1) with a right-hip impingement and activated right-handed reliever Chris Martin (shoulder) from the 15-day IL in a corresponding move. Junis' rough recent stretch now has a bit more context. The 33-year-old veteran may have been pitching at less than 100% health over his last seven outings, when he gave up six earned runs in 6 2/3 innings. The former 29th-round pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2011 is now 1-1 with a 2.80 ERA (3.08 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, a career-high five saves, 27 strikeouts, and six walks in 35 1/3 innings pitched over 31 appearances (one start). Junis won't be eligible to return to Texas' bullpen until the second half of the season after the All-Star break. He's only rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues, and that number will likely dip to below 10% now that he's on the shelf with an injury.
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Source: Texas Rangers PR
Cade Cavalli's Next Start Moved Up to Sunday
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli's next start will be moved up to the series finale on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates after originally being slated to make his next start on Monday in the series finale against the Houston Astros. It means that Cavalli won't be in line for a two-start week next week just before the All-Star break. Right-hander Miles Mikolas will now likely be pushed back to Monday's game against the Astros. Cavalli is coming off the best start of his season last Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, when he threw seven innings with a season-high 13 strikeouts and an unearned run allowed, but MLB handed him a seven-game suspension for his part in a benches-clearing incident. The Nationals will move him up so he can get another start in before potentially serving his suspension next week. The 27-year-old has a solid 3.69 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 102 K's in 90 1/3 innings in a career-high 18 starts in 2026 and will be on the streaming radar on Sunday against a Pirates team that ranks first in baseball in strikeouts, but they're also second in OPS.
Source: The Baltimore Banner - Kyle W.
Source: The Baltimore Banner - Kyle W.
George Springer Being Placed on Family Medical Emergency List
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer's paternity leave is up on Saturday, but he's now being placed on the family medical emergency list, which is purely transactional, according to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet. Springer is "tying up some loose ends," according to manager John Schneider. He will miss the rest of the weekend series in Seattle against the Mariners and will likely rejoin the club for the series opener on Monday versus the San Francisco Giants. The 36-year-old four-time All-Star needs a little more personal time after welcoming a new addition to the family this week. It might actually be good for Springer to get some time away. After a resurgence in 2025 that saw him hit 32 home runs, drive in 84, and steal 18 bases in 140 regular-season games before leading the Jays to the World Series, he has struggled in 2026, slashing .221/.308/.373 with a .681 OPS, eight homers, 21 RBI, and six steals in 63 games played.
Source: Sportsnet - Hazel Mae
Source: Sportsnet - Hazel Mae
Braves Recall No. 2-Ranked Prospect JR Ritchie to Big Leagues
The Atlanta Braves recalled second-ranked prospect JR Ritchie back to the big leagues on Saturday, according to MLB Pipeline. Ritchie, who has already made eight appearances (seven starts) for the Braves this year, is ranked 50th among all prospects in 2026. In his 40 2/3 innings at the major-league level this year, the 23-year-old former first-rounder in 2022 has gone 1-2 with a 4.87 ERA (5.59 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 25 walks. His last start for the Braves came on June 23 against the San Diego Padres, when he gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits while walking four and striking out seven in five innings of work. Like fellow prospect Didier Fuentes, Ritchie could be used as more of a long-relief arm out of Atlanta's bullpen to close out the first half of the season. The Braves have six current rotation options with Ritchie, although they could be considering moving Grant Holmes to the bullpen permanently in the second half. Ritchie will need to improve his command to garner more interest in mixed fantasy baseball leagues.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
Tommy Edman Bringing Multi-Category Value to the Waiver Wire?
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman has wasted little time making himself useful after right ankle surgery. Through 52 plate appearances, the 31-year-old is batting .378/.462/.556 with one home run, nine RBI, five runs, and one stolen base. He has played six of the Dodgers' past seven games while bouncing between second base, third base, and left field, giving fantasy managers three-position eligibility. The .378 average will come down, but Edman's .330 expected average and career-best 90.5 mph average exit velocity suggest this is more than a run of soft singles. He is also striking out just 17.3% of the time. The crowded Dodgers roster can still move him down the order or onto the bench occasionally, keeping him from being an automatic shallow-league add. RotoBaller recommends him in 12-team leagues, and his 25% Yahoo roster rate leaves plenty of room to act. At that depth, Edman's balanced production and flexibility make him a must-add.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alex Lange Worth a Waiver Claim Despite the Ratio Risk?
Kansas City Royals reliever Alex Lange has converted all seven of his save chances since moving into the late-inning mix on June 3. His latest came June 28, when he retired the White Sox in order two days after being tagged for five runs in a blowout loss. That quick return to the ninth was a useful vote of confidence. Lange owns a 4.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 37:21 K:BB over 36 1/3 innings, so the risk is obvious. Kansas City still has Lucas Erceg, Daniel Lynch IV, and Matt Strahm available, but Lange has received the save chances. Carlos Estevez (shoulder) also suffered another setback and received an injection July 1, making an imminent return unlikely. RotoBaller ranks Lange 21st among closers and recommends him in 12-team leagues. At 23% rostered on Yahoo, he is worth a claim for saves-needy managers who can absorb the ratio volatility.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yoendrys Gomez a Top Waiver-Wire Target for Saves?
Minnesota Twins reliever Yoendrys Gomez has moved to the front of a crowded ninth-inning picture. He converted save chances on June 28 and 29, giving him nine on the season, while no other Minnesota pitcher has more than two. Gomez owns a 3.57 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts through 40 1/3 innings. His June 29 save was shaky, but he followed it with a scoreless inning on July 1. Minnesota still has not named a full-time closer, leaving some risk. Andrew Morris is the main alternative after posting an 18:3 K:BB with one save over the past 30 days. Even so, Gomez remains the best bet for the next opportunity and offers SP/RP eligibility. RotoBaller ranks him 20th among closers and recommends him in 12-team leagues, while he is rostered in only 26% of Yahoo formats. Managers chasing saves should treat him as one of the better widely available claims, not a completely secure closer.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Paul Sewald Still a Must-Roster Closer in 12-Team Leagues?
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald remains the ninth-inning option, even after a rough finish to June. The 36-year-old worked a scoreless ninth in a tie against Milwaukee on Friday, July 3, after surrendering five runs over his previous two appearances. He has 19 saves, a 4.35 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts in 31 innings, with one blown save. That save total matters more than the uneven ratios in most standard formats. A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez remain on the 60-day injured list, and Puk was recently shut down after a shoulder setback. Kevin Ginkel and Juan Morillo provide late-inning alternatives, but MLB still lists Sewald as the closer. RotoBaller's latest weekend rankings place him among 12-team adds, a fair recommendation given the recent damage. Sewald is rostered in 64% of Yahoo leagues, and managers chasing saves should still make the claim while accepting some ERA risk.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Troy Melton a Strong Waiver-Wire Add for Ratio Help?
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton has given fantasy managers enough reason to stop treating him as a one-start streamer. The 25-year-old blanked the Yankees for 6 1/3 innings on Wednesday, July 1, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out seven. It was his third straight quality start. Over that stretch, Melton has surrendered only two earned runs and five hits with an 18:4 K:BB across 18 1/3 innings. He is now 4-1 with a 2.05 ERA and 0.80 WHIP through 44 frames. Melton is not overpowering, as his 19.2% strikeout rate sits below league average, and seven home runs allowed help explain his 3.07 xERA. Still, a 6.0% walk rate and 35.0% hard-hit rate give the strong results some substance. RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings list him at 42% rostered and recommend an add in 12-team leagues. That is the right range, particularly with a projected home matchup against the Athletics next.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Esmerlyn Valdez a Top Power Option on the Waiver Wire?
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez has played his way into a meaningful role. He has started six straight games in right field, with the last four coming from the cleanup spot. Through his first 69 plate appearances, the 22-year-old hit .339 with six home runs, 16 RBI, and a 1.133 OPS. He stayed productive after his four-game homer streak ended, going 6-for-14 with four RBI from July 1-3. The strikeouts are the obvious concern. Valdez has fanned in 31.9% of his plate appearances, while his .269 expected average sits well below his .339 mark. What happens when he connects is the draw: a 29.3% barrel rate, 53.7% hard-hit rate, and .634 expected slugging percentage. He has not stolen a base, making this a power pickup rather than a five-category play. RotoBaller recommends adding Valdez in 10-team leagues, and he is still rostered in only 47% of Yahoo formats. Managers looking for home runs and RBI should check the wire now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
