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Jacob Wilson Dealing With Left-Shoulder Injury
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson's left shoulder was bothering him on Wednesday night after an awkward play in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants when he tried to avoid a tag at home plate, which led to him being lifted for a pinch-runner in the ninth inning, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. It's unclear how severe Wilson's injury is, so he'll be considered day-to-day going into Thursday's series finale in San Francisco. Fantasy managers should expect Wilson to be held out of Thursday's lineup. Before leaving the 2-1 loss at Oracle Park on Wednesday night, Wilson went 1-for-3 at the plate with a strikeout. Max Muncy shifted from third base to shortstop to close out the game. The 24-year-old former sixth overall pick out of Grand Canyon University in 2023 is a contact-oriented hitter who is tough to strike out, but he lacks high-end power and speed to make him all that attractive at the 6 in fantasy. Wilson is slashing .277/.310/.386 with a .696 OPS, four homers, 26 RBI, 23 runs, and only two steals in his 202 at-bats in 2026.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Bobby Witt Jr. Out Again on Thursday Against Rays
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (knee) will sit out of the series finale on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, according to MLB.com. Tyler Tolbert will make yet another start at shortstop for the Royals and will hit ninth against Rays right-hander Casey Legumina. Witt is dealing with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee and will be missing his sixth straight start. The Royals have been optimistic that Witt doesn't need a stint on the injured list, but if he cannot play this weekend against the division-rival Chicago White Sox, their tune could change. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see if Witt is active for the series opener on the South Side of Chicago. The 26-year-old former second overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft has been a must-start, five-category contributor for fantasy managers when healthy, slashing .294/.368/.465 with an .833 OPS, 10 homers, 32 RBI, 28 steals, and 40 runs scored in his 299 at-bats this year.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Lars Nootbaar Is a Top Pickup Following His Return
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar is still ramping up after his delayed start to the season, but he's shown enough signs to be a nice pickup if you need outfield depth. He seems fully recovered from the surgery he had on both his heels and has hit .341 over his last 12 games with three doubles, a triple, and a home run, boosting him to a .410 wOBA and a .953 OPS. Nootbaar hasn't stolen a base yet in his 17 games, but his power and run production are back. He has a 55.6% hard-hit rate and 13.3% barrel rate since returning and makes solid contact, especially against righties. The 28-year-old lefty won't be hitting leadoff after the emergence of JJ Wetherholt, but he still has enough thump in his bat to be a solid producer from the middle of the order for a surprisingly productive Cardinals' offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Garrett Whitlock a Top Stash Target for Saves?
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock is definitely an important name to watch as we approach what should be a very active trade deadline for Boston. The 30-year-old has been extremely effective in a setup role in front of Aroldis Chapman this season for the struggling Red Sox, allowing just eight earned runs and racking up 29 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings in his 25 games. Chapman is clearly Boston's best closer, but he could be on the move at the deadline, opening a chance for Whitlock to be the team's closer down the stretch. Whitlock himself could also be traded, and if he lands in a different place as the closer, he could have elite closer value there as well. With so many unknown factors, stashing Whitlock in deep leagues makes sense based on his elite closer upside if he lands in a primary closer role with the Red Sox or a different team. If you're trying to get ahead of the roster shuffle and project potential saves at the end of the season, Whitlock is a great speculative pickup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Griffin Jax is a Must-Add Starting Pitcher From the Waiver Wire
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Griffin Jax earned his third win of the season on Wednesday and continues to prove himself as a very solid pickup from the waiver wire. Jax went five innings and gave up five hits while racking up seven strikeouts. He has worked exactly five innings in four straight outings, going 2-1 with a 0.90 ERA, 3.05 FIP, and a 1.05 WHIP. Jax has successfully moved from the bullpen to the starting rotation, and he can be a great way to fortify your rotation, even though his innings aren't maxed out yet. His next start is scheduled for Tuesday on the road in Kansas City, and he will likely be a two-start pitcher for that week since he'll turn around and face the Astros the following Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elvis Alvarado Blows Wednesday's Save as Struggles Continue, Is it Time to Cut Ties?
Athletics relief pitcher Elvis Alvarado gave up two runs in the ninth inning, blowing a save against the Giants in his team's 2-1 loss. He gave up a home run to Rafael Devers to lead off the inning and then a walk-off homer to Victor Bericoto to end the game. He has allowed five runs in his last four games, allowing six hits over 5 1/3 innings, including four homers. Alvarado had worked his way into the team's closer rotation, but with his recent struggles, Hogan Harris seems like a better option in the short term. The Athletics will continue to shuffle pieces at the end of games, but for now, Alvarado doesn't seem like a strong play in standard-sized leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rockies Turn to Jimmy Herget for Second Save, the Closer to Roster in Colorado?
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jimmy Herget came on to close out his team's comeback win on Wednesday over the Red Sox, and he earned his second save of the year. His first save came all the way back on April 1, but he has been effective lately, with no runs allowed in his last four appearances. In those 4 1/3 innings, he has allowed three hits and two walks but also racked up seven strikeouts. The 32-year-old righty has primarily served as a setup man for Antonio Senzatela, but Senzatela came in earlier on Wednesday to give the Rockies a chance to climb back into the game. While Senzatela is still the primary option to roster in Colorado's bullpen, Herget could be the next man up if Senzatela is traded or whenever he needs a break. He's a deep-league option at this point, and he's someone to monitor closely in standard leagues in case roles shift.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Samuel Basallo Up to 12 Homers After First Multi-Homer Game on Wednesday
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo recorded the first multi-homer game of his career on Wednesday in the team's 7-6 loss in 10 innings to the hosting Los Angeles Angels. Basallo went 2-for-5 with two home runs, four RBI, and two strikeouts to raise his season batting average to .257 and his OPS to .782. It was nice to see Basallo have a good game after entering Wednesday's contest with a .177 average (11-for-62) with a homer, a double, six RBI, four runs, five walks, and 18 strikeouts in 19 games played in June. The 21-year-old Dominican backstop is now slashing .257/.317/.465 with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, and 29 runs scored in 249 plate appearances in his first full season in the big leagues with Baltimore. Basallo will need to improve against left-handed pitchers to take the next step offensively, but he hits righties enough to be an intriguing young fantasy asset at the position. He has hit .266 (45-for-169) against right-handers this year with 10 of his 12 home runs. Basallo is currently rostered in exactly half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Paul Goldschmidt Continues Resurgent Season, Homers Off Tigers Ace Twice
New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt certainly hasn't looked like an aging slugger in the Bronx in 2026. Goldschmidt had an impressive showing in Wednesday night's 4-2 win over the hosting Detroit Tigers, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two solo home runs off two-time Cy Young left-hander Tarik Skubal. It continues a theme of the former MVP victimizing left-handed pitchers. In his career against Skubal, Goldy is now 7-for-13 with four home runs. The 38-year-old former eighth-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009 out of Texas State University is now slashing .297/.355/.568 with 14 home runs, 39 RBI, and 30 runs scored in his 211 plate appearances in 2026 in his second year in New York and 16th total MLB season. With an expected batting average of .259 and an xwOBA of .342 (currently .384), it appears the seven-time All-Star could be hitting above his skis currently, but he should probably be rostered in more than 38% of Yahoo leagues. Fantasy managers need to ride the wave while it lasts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tommy Edman a Priority Target on the Waiver Wire Following Return from Injury?
Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Tommy Edman had the start to his 2026 season delayed by recovery from offseason ankle surgery that kept him out until mid-June. Across 24 plate appearances since his return, the 31-year-old is hitting .364 with one RBI. Edman has seen time at second base, third base, and in left field, and his positional versatility should continue to keep him in the Dodgers lineup on a near-everyday basis. The veteran switch-hitter may no longer be the high-end speed threat he once was at his peak, as he's stolen just nine bases across 134 games since joining the Dodgers in 2024. Still, Edman hit 13 home runs with 49 RBI and 49 runs scored across 397 plate appearances for Los Angeles in 2025. As long as he continues to see regular playing time, Edman profiles as a high-floor contributor whose multi-positional versatility should make him an appealing waiver wire target for deep-league fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Addison Barger Still Worth Stashing Despite Slow Recovery?
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (elbow) will fly to Toronto to get checked out by the Blue Jays' medical staff before beginning a rehab assignment, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Barger was originally scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday, but Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Barger's been experiencing soreness in his injured right elbow. It's been a lost season so far for the 26-year-old, who has logged just 28 MLB plate appearances in 2026 due to elbow and ankle issues. Barger was a key piece of Toronto's lineup against right-handed pitching in 2025, hitting .243/.301/.454 with 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 64 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 502 plate appearances. He could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his return, but fantasy managers should monitor to make sure he is still cleared to begin a rehab assignment following his meeting with the Blue Jays' medical team.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Blake Snell Scheduled to Throw 15-Pitch Bullpen on Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (elbow) is scheduled to throw a 15-pitch, fastball-only bullpen on Friday, per David Vassegh of AM 570 LA Sports. Snell is working his way back from surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, which he underwent on May 19. The 33-year-old also began the year on the injured list due to a shoulder issue, so he's thrown just three innings for the Dodgers in 2026. Snell was an effective pitcher when healthy in 2025, recording a 5-4 record with a 2.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts across 61 1/3 innings (11 starts). However, the veteran left-hander's profile is riddled with injury risk, as he's reached 130 innings in just one season since 2018. While it's a positive sign that Snell appears to be progressing, he's likely still at least a few weeks away from going out on a rehab assignment.
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Edward Cabrera Diagnosed With "Moderate" Left-Hamstring Strain
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a "moderate" left hamstring strain and does not have a timeline for his return, per Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports Network. Cabrera was removed early from his start on Tuesday against the New York Mets and immediately placed on the 15-day injured list due to the injury. It's been a rough first season in Chicago for the 28-year-old, who has recorded a 5-4 record with a 5.10 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts across 72 1/3 innings (14 starts). While it's unclear how long Cabrera will be out, he may be looking at an extended absence based on how quickly he was placed on the injured list. Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee, shoulder) is scheduled to come off the injured list on Thursday and will likely take Cabrera's place in the team's rotation.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Dansby Swanson Homers Twice, Drives in 11 in Doubleheader
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson had a monster day on Wednesday in the team's two wins over the hosting New York Mets in Queens during their doubleheader. In the first game of the twin bill, a 10-3 win by the Cubs, Swanson went off, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, seven RBI, and two strikeouts out of the nine-hole in the batting order to boost his season average to .194 and his OPS to .670. In the nightcap in Game 2, Swanson kept rolling, going 3-for-5 with a triple, four more RBI, a run scored, a stolen base, and a strikeout to get his average just over the Mendoza Line at .202. The 32-year-old veteran's first home run in Game 1 was a three-run shot off starter Nolan McLean in the sixth inning, and his second homer was a grand slam in the eighth frame. Swanson got off to a miserable start at the plate for the Cubbies in 2026, but he now has four of his 11 homers on the year during his last six games, and he's riding a modest six-game hitting streak into Thursday's series finale against the last-place Mets. Fantasy managers are hoping that he can keep this up for a while longer.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Spencer Horwitz Exits Early on Wednesday With Left-Hamstring Discomfort
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (hamstring) was forced to exit early from his team's game against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday due to left hamstring discomfort. Horwitz was 0-1 with a walk in two trips to the plate before being removed from the game. The 28-year-old has been one of Pittsburgh's key pieces on offense so far this season, hitting .280/.386/.455 with 10 home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored, and one stolen base across 295 plate appearances. Horwitz has emerged as the primary leadoff hitter in Pittsburgh and has the same number of walks (40) as strikeouts on the year. Pirates utility man Tyler Callihan took over at first base after Horwitz exited the game. If Horwitz hits the injured list, Callihan, outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez, and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna could all be in line for more playing time in Pittsburgh.
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
