RADIO
Logan Henderson a Must-Add Pitcher Off the Waiver Wire
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson missed some time due to a back injury in the first half of the season, but he returned last Thursday with a promising outing against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals, allowing three runs with one walk and four strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings to improve to 3-1 on the year. The 24-year-old finished the first half with a strong 3.18 ERA (2.46 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 34 strikeouts and only seven walks in 28 1/3 innings across his six starts. So far in his 11 big-league starts since debuting with Milwaukee in 2025, Henderson is 6-1 with a 2.52 ERA (2.72 FIP), 0.99 WHIP, and 67:15 K:BB in 53 2/3 innings. It's not a large sample size, but you can't complain about the results, and he should have a strong hold on a rotation spot for the Brew Crew for the rest of the season. The former fourth-rounder in 2021 out of McLennan Community College is one of the best starting pitching options off the waiver wire entering his first start of the second half on Friday versus the Miami Marlins, and he's rostered in under 60% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Esmerlyn Valdez a Breakout Rookie to Target on the Waiver Wire
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie outfielder/first baseman Esmerlyn Valdez has taken the league by storm through his first 28 games and 105 plate appearances, hitting .309/.371/.713 with a 1.084 OPS, 10 home runs, 27 RBI, and 21 runs for the Bucs. It all came to a head for the 22-year-old Dominican last weekend in a doubleheader sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers, when he finished the day 4-for-8 with three home runs and eight RBI. Valdez is looking to keep up his hot month of July when the second half starts on Friday. In 11 games so far in July, he has gone 14-for-46 (.304) with four home runs, two doubles, a triple, 15 RBI, and 11 runs scored. Per MLB Pipeline, Valdez is Pittsburgh's No. 9 prospect. The 6-foot-2, 234-pounder made a concerted effort to improve his conditioning and approach at the plate in the last year, and it's really showing up during his MLB debut in 2026. Valdez's glove is nothing special, but if he keeps hitting like this, the Pirates will continue to run him out there every day. He won't be able to keep up his current pace through the rest of the season, but Valdez is one of the hottest young power bats to target going into the second half in fantasy leagues. The 22-year-old is currently rostered in 60% of Yahoo leagues, so he's still widely available.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Christian Scott Can't be Ignored After Strong Start to Second Half
New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott was already on RotoBaller's waiver watch list going into the All-Star break, and he should now be a priority pickup after picking up his third win of the season on Thursday night in the victory over the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. Scott threw 5 2/3 shutout innings with three hits allowed, no walks, and seven strikeouts to lower his season ERA to 2.87. The 27-year-old still has not gone six innings in any of his 13 starts for the Mets this year, but fantasy managers need to remember this is his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. The former fifth-rounder in 2021 out of the University of Florida has looked great so far in his second big-league season otherwise, though, and even though his walk rate is a tad high at 10.3%, it's been nice to see his strikeout rate jump to 28.5%, up from 19.8% in his rookie season in 2024. Fantasy managers may want to avoid Scott in his next scheduled outing against the first-place Milwaukee Brewers, but if he impresses in that matchup, he'll be the hottest pitcher on the waiver wire. Scott is currently rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Junior Caminero Back in Lineup for Game 1 of Doubleheader
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (hand) is starting at third base and is batting third for Game 1 of a doubleheader on Friday against the division-rival Boston Red Sox and rookie left-hander Jake Bennett at Fenway Park, according to MLB.com. Caminero was involved in a scary scene during Tuesday's All-Star Game when he was hit by a pitch from St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien on his left hand, but thankfully, X-rays came back negative, and he's ready to go for the start of the second half of the season. Fantasy managers will want to get Caminero back into their starting lineups for the weekend, although there's a good chance he'll be rested for Game 2 of the doubleheader. The 23-year-old is currently tied for fourth in the big leagues with 28 home runs through the first half, and he's slashing .279/.372/.555 with a .927 OPS, 59 RBI, 61 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 355 at-bats. The Dominican third baseman has only five career at-bats against Bennett, but he's hitting .400 with a .900 OPS in the small sample size.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Edwin Diaz to Make Another Rehab Outing on Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) is scheduled to make another minor-league rehab appearance with the Single-A Ontario Tower Buzzers on Friday, July 17, according to the team. Diaz will move to a higher minor-league affiliate after appearing in two rehab games in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League earlier this week. The 32-year-old veteran has been sidelined since late April after having surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow, but he's nearing a return and should be back in the Dodgers' bullpen before the end of July. Most likely, the Dodgers will want to see Diaz appear on back-to-back days before they officially reinstate him from the 60-day injured list. His fastball was sitting around 96-98 mph in the ACL, which is a good sign he's close to being back to 100%. Diaz might be eased in initially, but he should return to being L.A.'s primary ninth-inning option despite his ugly 10.50 ERA and 2.33 WHIP from his first six innings before elbow surgery. Diaz is rostered in 83% of Yahoo leagues, so he should be scooped up immediately if he's available.
Source: Ontario Tower Buzzers
Source: Ontario Tower Buzzers
Ronald Acuna Jr. Moving his Rehab to Triple-A
The Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they are moving outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.'s (hamstring) minor-league rehab assignment to Triple-A Gwinnett. Acuna started a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League during the All-Star break this week and went 1-for-7 with a grand slam in three games played while serving as the designated hitter. The former MVP will now move to the highest minor-league level and will presumably work back into the outfield before the Braves reinstate him from the 10-day injured list, potentially early next week. The 28-year-old Venezuelan still has elite five-category potential for fantasy managers when he's healthy, but he's been sidelined two separate times in 2026 with hamstring issues. It has led to a disappointing .251/.373/.421 line with seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored in his 195 at-bats. Acuna's buy-low window remains open, and he could be a difference-maker in the second half if he can stay off the IL for a third time this year. But fantasy managers holding Acuna through his injuries this year are probably still going to want a lot in return in any trade.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Max Fried to Make a Rehab Start at Triple-A on Friday
New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried (elbow) will make a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Friday, the RailRiders announced. Fried will be making his first start in a game since being shut down in mid-May with a bone bruise in his left elbow. Because of his lengthy absence, the 32-year-old veteran southpaw is likely to need a couple more rehab starts in the minors before rejoining New York's starting rotation near the end of July or in early August. Fantasy managers in all leagues must continue stashing the former first-rounder until then, as he could be a difference-maker as an ace for the remainder of the season if he can avoid any further injuries. Fried went 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings in his first 10 starts in 2026 before landing on the injured list. He was an All-Star for the third time in his career in 2025 in his first year in the Bronx, winning a league-high 19 games while posting a 2.86 ERA (3.07 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with a career-high 189 strikeouts and 51 walks in 32 regular-season starts.
Source: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
Source: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
Jacob Misiorowski Likely to Start During Mets Series
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski is likely to return to the team's starting rotation during the series against the New York Mets from July 20-22, according to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network. Misiorowski came down with some right-arm fatigue after his start against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals on July 7, prompting the Brewers to skip the hard-throwing right-hander's final turn of the first half of the season last Sunday. The Miz also won't pitch during this weekend's series against the Miami Marlins, but it looks like he'll rejoin the rotation next week in a great matchup against New York. However, with Misiorowski already coming up on a career high in innings pitched, fantasy managers should expect the Brew Crew to find more creative ways to limit his innings as the second half goes on. Even though the 24-year-old two-time All-Star leads the league with a 1.62 ERA, 2.09 FIP, 0.76 WHIP, and 167 strikeouts, fantasy managers in redraft leagues may want to consider selling high for that reason. Misiorowski is an absolute must-start every time he toes the rubber as long as he's healthy.
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Michael Arroyo Off to Hot Start at Triple-A, In Position for Late-Season MLB Debut
Seattle Mariners infield prospect Michael Arroyo was recently promoted to the Triple-A club and has not slowed down since moving up to the top ranks. Thorugh is first six contests with Tacoma, the team's No. 4 prospect has held a .346/.406/.731 line with a dominant 1.137 OPS. During this stretch, Arroyo has launched two long balls and swiped two bags. He spent the majority of the first half with Double-A Arkansas, where he carried a .287/.364/.456 line with 12 doubles, 10 home runs, and 13 stolen bases. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should continue to pay close attention to his production as he has put himself firmly on the stash radar. He may only need a brief seasoning at this level before being given the green light to join the Mariners for the final stretch.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ethan Salas Reclaiming Dynasty Value in Bounce-Back Season
San Diego Padres catching prospect Ethan Salas saw his value take a hit during the 2025 season when he appeared in only 10 games due to injury. However, Salas had spent the entire 2026 season at Double-A and had rebounded quite nicely. Across 63 contests with San Antonio this season, the backstop has posted a strong .284/.353/.422 slash line with a .775 OPS. During this campaign, the catcher has gone deep seven times and has even chipped in 14 stolen bases. In his last full season (2024), Salas posted a .206/.288/.311 line with only four home runs and a mere 10 stolen bases. Seeing him not only rebound from his injury but produce career-best marks against tougher pitching is an excellent sign. The team's top-ranked prospect could earn a late-season call to Triple-A if he maintains this trajectory.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
James Triantos Entering Stash Territory Amid Torrid Triple-A Stretch
Chicago Cubs second base prospect James Triantos has enjoyed an impressive stretch at the Triple-A level and has put himself on the stash radar for those in deeper formats. Since June 1, Triantos has posted a dominant .358/.403/.515 line with a sharp .918 OPS. During this noted stretch, Triantos has hit 12 doubles, three home runs, five stolen bases, and a 17:9 K:BB. On the season, the No. 8-ranked prospect in the Chicago system has carried a dominant .311/.349/.448 line with 22 doubles, seven home runs, and 18 stolen bases. However, what kept him in Iowa is Chicago's depth in the middle infield. Even though Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson have not had the most productive seasons, they remain the clear top options on the depth chart. However, if one were to miss time with an injury, Triantos would enter must-stash territory given his five-category upside.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Brody Hopkins Sees Struggles Linger as MLB Debut Appears Increasingly Unlikely
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitching prospect Brody Hopkins was expected to be in serious contention to make his MLB debut this summer. However, the No. 4-ranked prospect in the system has struggled to show consistency at Durham, which has prevent hm form eanring the call. Since June 1 (his last 23 2/3 innings), Hopkins has posted a rough 7.23 ERA with a 32:27 K:BB. While he has allowed no runs in three of these outings, he surrendered a hefty 19 runs in the other four. Additionally, Hopkins has struggled to avoid high counts, inflating his walk rate. Through 71 2/3 innings on the season, Hopkins has allowed a high 70 free passes with a 1.65 WHIP. While an injury to the Tampa rotation could open the door, given his inconsistencies, the Rays are unlikely to call his name down the stretch.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ike Irish Pushing for Late-Season Promotion to Double-A
Baltimore Orioles catching prospect Ike Irish has had a productive debut season at High-A but has begun to take a massive step forward over the last month. Over his most recent 20 contests (since June 16), the Auburn product has posted a stellar .321/.438/.526 line with five doubles, one triple, three home runs and seven stolen bases. More importantly, during this stretch, the young catcher has shown a strong eye at the dish, holding a 14:15 K:BB. In comparison, the 19th overall pick from last summer's draft carried a much lower .240/.349/.464 line with a .813 OPS, 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases over the first 50 games of the campaign. Dynasty managers should continue to monitor his progress as the 22-year-old will continue to emerge as one of the game's top young catchers.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Rockies to Promote Top Third Base Prospect Roldy Brito to High-A
The Colorado Rockies are moving up top third base prospect Roldy Brito to High-A Spokane. Brito is currently viewed as the team's No. 3 overall prospect and the No. 71 prospect in the sport on MLB.com. The 19-year-old made his professional debut in the Colorado system during the 2024 season in the DSL but moved to the Arizona Complex League and Low-A in 2025. During the season, Brito appeared in 84 games and carried a .371/.444/.516 slash line, 20 doubles, four home runs, and 35 stolen bases. This summer, Brito posted a sharp .896 OPS with an impressive eight home runs and 18 stolen bases through 79 games with Low-A. While his MLB debut is likely two seasons away, he's emerging as a worthy stash target in dynasty leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Cam Cannarella Moving Up to Triple-A After Impressive First-Half
The Miami Marlins are promoting outfield prospect Cam Cannarella to Triple-A Jacksonville, according to Fish on First. Cannarella is viewed as the team's No. 7 overall prospect on MLB.com and has turned in an impressive showing with High-A and Low-A over the opening months of the season. Cannarella opened the campaign with High-A, but needed only 19 games to prove he was ready to join the upper levels. With High-A, Cannarella posted a .394/.439/.577 slash line with three doubles and two stolen bases. Since joining Double-A, the Clemson product has carried a .344/.453/.607 line with a stellar 1.060 OPS, nine home runs and eight stolen bases. If he maintains this pace at Jacksonville, a late August MLB debut could be in play for the budding outfielder.
Source: Fish on First
Source: Fish on First
