RADIO
J.P. Crawford Placed on Injured List With Hand Contusion
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 7) on Monday with a right-hand contusion, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Infielder Ryan Bliss has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move. Crawford will be eligible to return from the IL next Tuesday, when the Mariners start their homestand. The 31-year-old veteran was hit by a pitch on his hand late last week and needs a little more rest. He should be ready to return when eligible next week. In the meantime, Colt Emerson will continue to fill in as the M's primary shortstop, with Patrick Wisdom picking up more playing time at the hot corner in Seattle. Crawford is only rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues at this point because of his limited fantasy ceiling across all categories. The 10-year veteran goes to the shelf hitting just .228 (44-for-193) on the season with 10 home runs, 23 RBI, 31 runs scored, and one stolen base in 233 plate appearances across 55 games played.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Khristian Curtis Earns the Call to Triple-A, Will he Debut in 2026?
The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting right-handed pitching prospect Khristian Curtis to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians on Monday, according to Chase Ford of Milb Central. Curtis, a 12th-round selection back in 2023 out of Arizona State University, earned the promotion to the top level in the minors despite going 0-7 with a 4.73 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 67:25 K:BB in 53 1/3 innings pitched across his 12 starts for Double-A Altoona this year. The 24-year-old is the club's No. 21 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. Despite his near-5.00 ERA and winless showing at Altoona, Curtis is one of Pittsburgh's top pitching prospects and could realistically make a push for a spot on the major-league roster at some point next year. He has good size at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, and some of the best stuff among all of the Bucs' pitching prospects. Curtis gets plenty of swings and misses with his fastball, cutter, slider, and changeup. Control has been an issue for him on the farm, but stuff-wise, Curtis should be on the stash radar of fantasy managers in deeper keeper leagues going into the second half of the 2026 season.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Devin Fitz-Gerald Moving to Double-A, Emerging as Must-Roster Dynasty Asset?
The Washington Nationals are promoting shortstop prospect Devin Fitz-Gerald to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators on Monday, according to Milb Central. Fitz-Gerald, who is considered the Nats' No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, earned the promotion after hitting .267/.373/.530 with a .903 OPS, 12 home runs, 37 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 42 runs scored in 51 games across 237 plate appearances for High-A Wilmington this year. The 20-year-old was originally a fifth-round selection by the Texas Rangers in 2024 out of a high school in Florida. He stands at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds and is a switch-hitter who has an advanced knowledge of the strike zone for his age. Fitz-Gerald doesn't have a ton of pop, but he is good at lifting the ball into the air and could develop more power as he matures. Defensively, he can play shortstop, third, and second base, but in the long-term, he might profile best at the keystone due to average arm strength. Right now, the Floridian should be considered a stash candidate in deeper dynasty/keeper leagues, with his MLB debut most likely a few years away.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Kevin Alcantara Sent Back to Triple-A
The Chicago Cubs are sending outfielder Kevin Alcantara back to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, according to Tommy Birth of the Des Moines Register. Alcantara, 23, only appeared in 12 games for the Cubs and had just one hit in 10 plate appearances with a run scored, one walk, and four strikeouts. The move to demote the Dominican outfielder comes a day after he made a baserunning mistake in the team's extra-inning win at Wrigley Field over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night. In just 25 games at the big-league level since making his major-league debut in 2024 in Chicago, Alcantara has hit .200/.250/.200 with no homers, an RBI, four runs, one stolen base, two walks, and nine strikeouts. He'll return to Iowa, where he has slashed .242/.339/.567 with a .906 OPS, 15 long balls, 32 RBI, 27 runs scored, and three steals across 41 games and 180 plate appearances. Alcantara could be back up with the Cubbies this year, but probably only as outfield depth.
Source: Des Moines Register - Tommy Birch
Source: Des Moines Register - Tommy Birch
Dylan Crews Still Worth a Pickup Amid Slump?
Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews has not enjoyed much success in his return to the majors, but the upside still keeps him on the waiver-wire radar. Crews is hitting .197 through 16 games since returning to Washington, though he showed signs of life Saturday, June 6, against the Arizona Diamondbacks by going 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored. Crews' waiver appeal is more about upside than immediate production. The surface numbers remain light, but his 91.3 mph average exit velocity and improved strikeout profile in comparison to his 2025 rate give fantasy managers a reason to stay interested before the results fully show up. The former second-overall pick has also posted a 46.9% hard-hit rate, which is well above the average marks. Crews is best viewed as an upside waiver-wire target for managers who can afford to wait on the former top prospect as he finds his footing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Ryne Nelson a Useful Pickup For Matchup-Based Innings?
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson gave fantasy managers a useful outing Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks across seven innings in a no-decision. Nelson has now worked at least seven innings in four of his last five starts, giving him steady volume despite some uneven results. Across 13 starts, he has struck out 55 hitters, while walking 21 with a 4.60 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP over 72 1/3 innings. Nelson's waiver appeal comes more from volume and matchup-based value than overpowering strikeout upside. He has allowed 15 home runs, so there is still some risk in the profile, but the steady innings and low 6.9% walk rate keep him useful in the right spots. Nelson is worth adding for managers looking for solid rotation depth and a boost in WHIP, given his above-average command.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Steer a Must-Add with Five-Category Potential
Cincinnati Reds first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer has gone hitless in three straight games, but his overall production still keeps him on the waiver-wire radar. The 28-year-old is hitting .266 with nine home runs, 24 RBI, 38 runs scored, and 12 doubles with a 50:25 K:BB across 218 at-bats. Steer has also chipped in three stolen bases and shown solid upside on the base paths earlier in his career, swiping double-digit bags in two of his previous three seasons. He showcased his overall upside on Tuesday, June 2, against the Kansas City Royals, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, three runs scored, and two RBI. Steer's appeal comes from his ability to help in power and runs while offering useful lineup flexibility. He continues to bat in the heart of the Cincinnati lineup, which will keep him in a prime position to bolster his counting stats. Rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues, Steer is worth adding wherever he remains available for managers looking for corner-infield or outfield help across the five standard categories.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zebby Matthews Emerging as Top Waiver-Wire Option Among Starting Pitchers
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews bounced back Friday against the Kansas City Royals, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks across seven innings in a 5-3 win. The outing helped settle things after a rough start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 31, when he allowed a season-high seven earned runs over 4 1/3 innings. Through five starts, Matthews owns a 4.15 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts across 30 1/3 innings. Matthews has allowed three earned runs or fewer in four of his five outings and has worked at least six innings four times. The five home runs allowed keep some risk in the profile, but the workload, and 26:8 K:BB give him enough waiver appeal for fantasy managers needing rotation help. Rostered in 31% of Yahoo leagues, Matthews is worth adding in standard leagues as a solid depth starter who should deliver an elite WHIP.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Orioles Promote Trey Gibson, Worth Adding in Deeper Leagues?
The Baltimore Orioles are promoting right-hander Trey Gibson ahead of Monday's start against the Seattle Mariners. Gibson is Baltimore's No. 4 prospect according to MLB.com and has made two MLB starts this season (three appearances), posting a 3.65 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, five strikeouts, and seven walks across 12 1/3 innings. Gibson's prospect status and immediate rotation opportunity make him worth watching, but his early MLB sample carries some risk. His 5:7 K:BB and 6.10 FIP point to command concerns through the small sample, so fantasy managers should keep expectations measured. At Triple-A Norfolk this season, Gibson has posted a 3.55 ERA with 38 punchouts over 38 innings of work. Rostered in less than 1% of Yahoo leagues, Gibson is a speculative add in deeper formats, but he should be treated as a risky option until he shows better command.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
Matt Shaw Expected to Return From Injured List on Tuesday
Chicago Cubs infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw (back) is expected to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Shaw spent a few days on a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A and is now in line to rejoin a Cubs lineup that has struggled offensively and on the bases lately. Shaw has hit .242 with three home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs scored, three stolen bases, and a .400 slugging percentage across 95 at-bats this season. The overall production has been modest, but the power-speed mix gives him some fantasy appeal if he works back into regular playing time. During his debut season, Shaw hit 13 home runs and swiped 17 bags over a 126-game stint. Fantasy managers should monitor his role once he returns, as he will likely remain a super-utility option, which limits his value in standard leagues.
Source: Jesse Rogers
Source: Jesse Rogers
Garrett Whitlock Likely to be Activated on Tuesday
Boston Red Sox right-handed reliever Garrett Whitlock (knee) is likely to be activated from the 15-day injured list for the middle game of a three-game series at Tropicana Field against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, June 9, following a successful minor-league rehab outing for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, per MLB.com. Whitlock is close to returning from inflammation in his left knee that landed him on the IL on May 28. While he has zero saves on the season and is more of a late-inning setup man, he's still one of the BoSox's most valuable relief pitchers. He struck out a batter and gave up a hit and two walks in a scoreless appearance on Saturday for Worcester. Whitlock's knee injury was never considered very serious, so he will be ready to go on Tuesday to provide more depth in Boston's bullpen. The 29-year-old former 18th-round pick by the New York Yankees out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham has gone 3-1 this year with a 3.20 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts in his 19 2/3 innings of work. Whitlock is rostered in only 14% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Emilio Pagan Could Throw Off a Mound This Week
Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan (hamstring) will be re-evaluated for a strength deficit on Monday, June 8, and is set to resume throwing off a mound in the immediate aftermath, pending the outcome of those tests, according to MLB.com. Pagan landed on the 15-day injured list on May 6 with a Grade 2 strained left hamstring. Given the length of his absence, he will most likely require a short minor-league rehab assignment once he's cleared to face live hitters. Barring a setback with his hamstring, Pagan could return to the back end of Cincy's bullpen before the calendar flips to July. The Reds' bullpen has struggled in his absence, so manager Terry Francona will likely reinstate Pagan as the primary ninth-inning option when he's activated from the IL. The 35-year-old veteran reliever had a rough 6.43 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and six saves in 14 innings this year before getting injured, and he had a career-high 32 saves in 70 outings in 2025 in his second year with the club.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kris Bubic to Start a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday that they expect left-hander Kris Bubic (elbow) to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with Triple-A Omaha. Bubic is finally ready to return to game action after building up his arm over the last couple of weeks. Since he hasn't pitched in a game since May 14 due to soreness in his left elbow, Bubic will most likely require multiple starts in the minors before he's cleared to come off the 15-day injured list and rejoin KC's starting rotation. Barring a setback, though, the 28-year-old southpaw should return to the big-league roster before the start of July. Before his elbow injury sidelined him, Bubic had gone 3-2 for the Royals with a 4.11 ERA (3.72 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 26 walks in 50 1/3 innings across nine starts. He was a first-time All-Star in 2025, going 8-7 with a career-low 2.55 ERA (2.89 FIP), 1.18 WHIP, and 116:39 K:BB in 20 starts covering 116 1/3 innings. Fantasy managers searching for rotation depth may want to consider stashing Bubic sooner rather than later.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Matthew Boyd Expected to Rejoin Rotation This Weekend
Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee) is expected to come off the 15-day injured list to rejoin the team's starting rotation by this weekend against the San Francisco Giants on the road, according to Matt Carlson of The Associated Press. The Cubs' Opening Day starter and an All-Star last year, Boyd is on the IL for the second time already this season after recovering from surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee, which was suffered in a freak accident while playing with his kids at home on May 4. The 35-year-old southpaw allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out seven in five innings during a minor-league rehab start on Saturday with Triple-A Iowa. He threw 64 of his 83 pitches for strikes and shouldn't be on any sort of a pitch count this weekend when he returns to the Cubbies. "He's healthy. Everything's good," manager Craig Counsell said on Sunday night. Boyd also missed three weeks in April with a biceps strain, and he's gone 2-1 with a 6.00 ERA in five starts in 2026. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be as good as he was in 2025 (14-8 with a 3.21 ERA in 31 starts), but Boyd can be a serviceable matchup-based streamer for fantasy managers when he's healthy.
Source: The Associated Press - Matt Carlson
Source: The Associated Press - Matt Carlson
Jesus Made in the Mix for 2026 Debut, Worth Stashing in Deeper Leagues
Milwaukee Brewers shortstop prospect Jesus Made is still just 19 years old and is only in Double-A, but that might not stop him from making his MLB debut during the 2026 season. Made is having an impressive season at the plate, slashing .275/.350/.440 with six homers, 40 RBI, a 10.7% walk rate, and a 14.1% strikeout rate in Double-A. He also has 19 steals, putting him on pace to come close to last season's career-high mark of 47 steals. Made is a perfect fit for the Brewers' brand of baseball, which prioritizes contact skills and enough speed to upset other teams. Made's discipline numbers are impressive, and while there isn't a ton of power here, he puts the ball in play and can wreak havoc with his speed. As a result, he could make his MLB debut near the end of the 2026 season, which means there's the potential for him to have a fantasy impact within a few months. Managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Made now, since he's a prospect with low risk and high upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
