RADIO
Sebastian Walcott Producing at High Clip Since Injury
Texas Rangers shortstop prospect Sebastian Walcott has homered in two straight games and is recovering nicely since returning from right elbow internal brace surgery. He played two games with the ACL Rangers on a rehab assignment before being assigned to Double-A Frisco on July 17. In 47 at bats between Frisco and the ACL Rangers, Walcott has four home runs with 10 RBI, 15 runs scored, three stolen bases, all while hitting .383 with a 1.208 OPS. The right-handed hitting, 20-year-old, is producing at a high rate since returning from his injury. The top prospect in the Rangers' system, Walcott will likely need some time at Triple-A before making a major league debut. But if he can prove his health he looks like a big-time prospect and thus a big-time waiver addition to beat the rush to his services. But at only 20 years old and coming off a serious injury, 2027 might be the most realistic year or his MLB debut.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Blake Snell Fans Nine in Latest Rehab Start
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell (elbow) looks ready to rejoin the team's big-league starting rotation after throwing four shutout innings with one hit allowed, no walks, and nine strikeouts in four innings of work with Low-A Ontario. It was against inexperienced hitters, but Snell looked good and threw 45 of his 60 pitches for strikes during the outing. The 33-year-old began the year nursing a shoulder injury before then landing on the injured list following a procedure on his left elbow to remove loose bodies from his arm. Although Snell looked good on Wednesday, the Dodgers could continue to slow-play the 33-year-old's rehab, like they are doing with most of their other injured stars. The former first-rounder and two-time Cy Young winner has made only one start for the Dodgers in 2026, but he deserves to be stashed in most fantasy baseball leagues for his strikeout upside when he's healthy. Snell is currently rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues, and his return to L.A. could be on the horizon.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Corey Seager to Come Off Injured List on Friday
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) will be activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday before the team's game against the division-rival Houston Astros if he is OK physically after his two minor-league rehab games, according to president of baseball operations Chris Young. Seager will be returning to the majors for the first time since early July due to inflammation in his lower back. It has been an injury-plagued year for the 32-year-old five-time All-Star, as he's had multiple stays on the IL and has played in only 51 games (219 plate appearances). When he has been on the field, he hasn't been himself, slashing .182/.292/.374 with a career-low .667 OPS, 10 home runs, 25 RBI, 28 runs scored, and a stolen base for the Rangers. Expect Texas to ease Seager back into the fold so that he will be healthy for the stretch run as they attempt to get into the postseason. If Seager can stay healthy the rest of the way and rebound to his pre-injury form, he'll be an asset at a premium position in all fantasy leagues.
Source: DLLS Sports - Jeff Wilson
Source: DLLS Sports - Jeff Wilson
Daniel Susac Hits First Two Homers in Blowout Win Over Milwaukee
San Francisco Giants rookie catcher Daniel Susac had a day to remember in Wednesday's 16-3 drubbing of the visiting Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park. Susac went 2-for-4 at the plate with the first two home runs of his career, four RBI, three runs scored, and a walk to raise his season batting average to .256 and his OPS to .678. The 25-year-old former 19th overall pick in 2022 from the University of Arizona is now hitting .256/.306/.372 with a .678 OPS, 19 RBI, nine runs scored, and two stolen bases in his first 45 MLB games and 136 plate appearances. Susac had been losing out on playing time behind the dish to Drew Cavanaugh because of a recent slump offensively, so perhaps this will get him going again as we head into August this weekend. He has played in only eight games in July, going 4-for-18 with his two homers, five RBI, four runs, a steal, one walk, and three strikeouts, and he also hit .222 (10-for-45) in 16 games in June.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tarik Skubal Expected to be Traded by Monday's Deadline
ESPN's Jeff Passan thinks that Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal will be traded by Monday's deadline. The Tigers knew that they needed to go on a really big run in July for Skubal to stick around, and they didn't do it. They are currently 51-58 (six games back in the American League Central), and they sit 4.5 games behind the last wild-card spot in the AL, with four teams in front of them. Passan mentions the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are the favorites at this point, as the teams in the best position to pull off a blockbuster trade for Skubal, who has won the AL Cy Young in each of the last two seasons. The 29-year-old southpaw missed some time in the first half of the season due to surgery on his left elbow to remove loose bodies, but otherwise he's pitched well in 2026, going 7-5 with a 2.79 ERA (2.61 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP with 116 strikeouts and only 14 walks in 96 2/3 frames across his 16 starts. Moving to a contender like the Brewers or Dodgers will definitely boost Skubal's fantasy appeal to close out the season. Stay tuned.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Tigers to Promote Top Prospect Max Clark to Major Leagues
The Detroit Tigers are promoting top outfield prospect Max Clark to the major leagues. Clark is currently viewed as MLB.com's No. 13 overall prospect and the top-ranked prospect in the Detroit system. Clark has spent his entire 2026 campaign at Triple-A Toledo but has recently begun to take major strides at the plate. Over his last 33 contests (since June 12), the budding superstar has posted a .323/.426/.538 slash line with a dominant .964 OPS. During this noted stretch, Clark has hit seven doubles, seven home runs, and swiped nine bags. Prior to this, Clark carried a much lower .248/.355/.374 line over the first 57 games of the Triple-A season. Given his above-average eye, increasing power, and high-end speed, Clark carries must-add value in all standard leagues ahead of his MLB debut.
Source: Emily Waldon
Source: Emily Waldon
Yankees Checking in on Adley Rutschman
The New York Yankees are among many teams to check in on three-time All-Star/switch-hitting catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist), according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, who is a pending free agent, seemed like a logical fit for the Yankees, but the Twins are suggesting they are buyers with the Aug. 3 trade deadline quickly approaching. Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson is another name on the Yankees' list as they seek a catching upgrade this summer. Rutschman is drawing interest despite an injury-plagued and disappointing 2026 campaign to this point. The former first overall pick out of Oregon State in 2019 is currently on the 10-day injured list with wrist inflammation and has yet to resume baseball activities, so he's not necessarily close to a return. Fellow catcher Samuel Basallo (shoulder) is also currently on the IL. It remains unclear if the O's are sold on Basallo as their long-term catcher, which would make Rutschman expendable.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Nick Kurtz Leaves After Being Hit on the Forearm
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (forearm) left Wednesday's contest against the Boston Red Sox after he was hit on the left forearm/hand by a pitch, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Jeff McNeil took over for Kurtz at first base to start the second inning. The A's are saying that Kurtz is dealing with a contusion, which suggests he avoided a major injury, but he'll likely undergo further testing on Thursday. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday for an update on the power-hitting left-hander and to see if he's cleared to play in the series finale in Sacramento against Boston. After hitting 36 bombs and driving in 86 in just 117 games in his first year in the majors in 2025, Kurtz has followed it up with a .260/.398/.491 slash line, .889 OPS, 21 home runs, and 69 RBI in 96 games across 425 plate appearances. The power hasn't quite shown up like it did last year, but Kurtz has also missed time with an injury. He was a first-time All-Star in 2025 and is one of the best upside bats for power in the majors. Hopefully, he can avoid another stint on the injured list. UPDATE: Kurtz will undergo an MRI exam on Thursday after X-rays on his forearm "were kind of unclear," according to manager Mark Kotsay.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Angels Willing to Discuss Trading Zach Neto
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto could be on the move soon with the trade deadline quickly approaching. According to Mark Feinsand, the Angels are willing to listen to offers on Neto, Reid Detmers, and Jose Soriano. It does seem a bit odd that the Angels are willing to move Neto, who is one of the key building blocks of this team. Plenty of organizations are looking to infield help, so the Angels could be looking to cash in on Neto's value while it's high. A change of scenery could be good for Neto's long-term value, but we'll see if the Angels are truly interested in dealing him.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Curtis Mead Not Expected to Have Surgery
Boston Red Sox third baseman Curtis Mead (hand) is not expected to undergo surgery, according to Chris Cotillo. Mead is expected to miss 6-8 weeks while he recovers from a fractured left wrist. The 25-year-old was recently acquired by the team and suffered this injury during his second at-bat on Monday. The hope is that Mead can resume baseball activities at some point in August. Mead should be able to contribute again before the end of the season, but this is still a tough break for the Red Sox. The organization could look to add another bat at the upcoming trade deadline.
Source: Chris Cotillo
Source: Chris Cotillo
Seth Hernandez Out 6-8 Weeks, Likely Done for the Season
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitching prospect Seth Hernandez (oblique) landed on the seven-day injured list last weekend and could now be done for the rest of the year. The Pirates revealed on Wednesday that Hernandez is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks while recovering from a left oblique strain. His season is likely over, with High-A Greensboro finishing the season on September 6. Hernandez owns a 2.43 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a 118/31 K/BB ratio across 18 starts between Greensboro and Class-A Bradenton. This shouldn't be an injury that impacts his status heading into the 2027 season. Hernandez is one of the best pitching prospects in the league and could very well be in Pittsburgh as early as next season.
Source: Alex Stumpf
Source: Alex Stumpf
Oneil Cruz is Cleared for All Baseball Activities
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) has been cleared to resume all baseball activities on Wednesday. Cruz appears to be finally trending in the right direction as he continues to work his way back from a fractured left hand. The organization is hopeful he can start swinging the bat soon and then head out on a minor league rehab assignment. He's eligible to return from the 60-day Injured List on August 7, so hopefully he'll be ready around that time. Jake Mangum has been starting in center field, but will likely head to a bench role once Cruz is ready to play. Fantasy managers will hopefully get Cruz back in the mix within the next two weeks.
Source: Alex Stumpf
Source: Alex Stumpf
Maikel Garcia Suffers Setback on Rehab Assignment
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (hand) has been pulled off his minor league rehab assignment. Garcia felt renewed pain in his left hand while playing in a rehab game with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday. The team has decided to have Garcia head back to Kansas City for further evaluation. Garcia has been out since late June due to a muscle strain in his left hand. Fantasy managers were hopeful to get Garcia back soon, but that seems unlikely now. There should be a better timetable for Garcia once the team is done evaluating him. Fantasy managers should check back for another update in the coming days.
Source: Anne Rogers
Source: Anne Rogers
Bobby Witt Jr. Ramping Up his Baseball Activities
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (back) started to ramp up his baseball activities on Wednesday. The team plans to see how he feels over the next few days before they decide what to do next. Witt has been on the Injured List since July 22 due to lower back tightness. The Royals are hopeful this is a short injury stint and that Witt can return when first eligible on Friday. This season, Witt is slashing .279/.350/.4550 with 13 home runs, 39 RBI, and 30 stolen bases. Tyler Tolbert figures to continue filling in at shortstop until Witt is ready to return.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Rangers Acquire Catcher Logan O'Hoppe From the Angels
The Texas Rangers are acquiring catcher Logan O'Hoppe and reliever Chase Silseth from the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league infielder Angel Arredondo, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. O'Hoppe, 26, is the primary haul for the Rangers in this deal. They were clearly looking for a catcher at this year's Aug. 3 deadline with both Danny Jansen (forearm) and Kyle Higashioka (forearm) sidelined by injuries. The former 23rd-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018 had 39 combined home runs with the Halos in 2024 and 2025, but his offensive production has taken a major step back in 2026, as he heads to Texas with a .209/.271/.295 slash line with only four home runs, 23 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 75 games and 256 plate appearances. The move to the Rangers should be good news for O'Hoppe's short-term fantasy value in deeper two-catcher formats, but it's unclear if he'll continue to see regular playing time once Jansen and Higashioka get healthy. In the immediate future, O'Hoppe should split playing time with veteran Elias Diaz.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
