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Colt Emerson a Priority Waiver Wire Target After Early MLB Success
Since making his MLB debut on May 17, Seattle Mariners infielder Colt Emerson has emerged as an impact bat. Across his first 61 big league plate appearances, Emerson is hitting .255/.328/.582 with four home runs, nine RBI, and eight runs scored. The 20-year-old top prospect showed off more speed at Triple-A as well, stealing 10 bases in 13 attempts across 38 games this season before being promoted to the Majors. Emerson's underlying hitting metrics don't quite match up to his top-line production, as he's logged subpar barrel (5.4%) and hard-hit (35.1%) in a small sample. He's also struck out in 29.5% of his MLB plate appearances after posting a 27.2% strikeout rate at Triple-A. Still, Emerson is a high-profile prospect with five-category upside who has settled into an everyday role at third base in Seattle. He profiles as a worthy waiver wire target across all fantasy formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jackson Holliday Offers Balanced Five-Category Potential on the Waiver Wire
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday had the start of his 2026 season delayed after he suffered a fractured hamate bone in February. Since returning to the Orioles on May 19, Holliday has hit .227/.327/.386 with two home runs, six RBI, eight runs scored, and three stolen bases. The 22-year-old's production may not leap off the page in any one category. Still, Holliday has showcased an improved eye at the plate (13.5% walk rate) early on this year, and his barrel and hard-hit rates are in line with where they were in 2025. The former top prospect was a solid deep-league compiler last season, hitting 17 home runs and stealing 17 bases while hitting .242. Holliday appears locked into everyday playing time in an improved Baltimore lineup in 2026, which should allow him to rack up counting stats the rest of the way. He may not offer tremendous upside, but Holliday's balanced approach makes him a valuable middle infielder to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Vest Deployed in Ninth Inning on Friday, Is He the Closer to Own in Detroit?
Detroit Tigers right-hander Will Vest shut the door on the Seattle Mariners on Friday night, allowing a hit and a walk but striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning during his team's 7-3 win. Vest has struggled so far in 2026, recording a 1-4 record with a 6.86 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 22 strikeouts, and one save across 19 2/3 innings. However, Vest was arguably Detroit's top reliever in 2025, recording a 3.01 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 75 strikeouts and 23 saves across 64 appearances. Even though Friday's outing was a non-save situation, Vest's usage in the ninth inning could suggest that he is the closer to own in Detroit while Tigers closer Kenley Jansen (pelvis) is on the 15-day injured list due to pelvic inflammation. In deeper leagues, Vest could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a short-term source of saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kirby Yates Serves Up Game-Winning Blast in Second Loss, Will He Lose Save Opportunities?
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Kirby Yates was tagged for his second loss of the season on Friday night, entering a 0-0 game in the bottom of the ninth and allowing a walk-off solo home run to Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. The veteran Yates has been the Angels' preferred option in the ninth inning in recent weeks after recording his first save of the year on May 23. However, Yates has posted a 4.82 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 9 1/3 innings (11 games) this year. He also owns a 1.93 HR/9 after being tagged for a 1.96 HR/9 across 41 1/3 innings in 2025, and his average fastball velocity has dipped to a career-worst 90.6 miles per hour. Yates has 99 career saves, and the Angels don't exactly have an obvious replacement for him in the closer role. Still, fantasy managers should proceed with caution if relying on Yates for saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Spencer Jones Fills Stat Sheet on Friday, Worth Adding Amid Full-Time Role?
In his first game since being recalled from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre, New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones recorded a three-for-three night with a double and an RBI in his team's 5-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox. With Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (rib) in line for an extended absence due to a stress fracture in his rib, Jones seems likely to see the majority of the playing time in right field against right-handed pitching. The 25-year-old struggled in his first taste of big league pitching earlier this season, logging four hits in 27 plate appearances and striking out in over 40% of his trips to the plate. Swing-and-miss is the big issue in Jones' profile, as he has struck out in 32.4% of his 185 Triple-A plate appearances so far this season. However, he hit 35 home runs and stole 29 bases across 116 minor league games in 2025. Fantasy managers should be ready for the damage Jones might do to their batting average, but he could still be worth adding off the waiver wire for his power/speed upside.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Michael Harris II Dealing With Back Tightness, Not Believed to be Serious
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (back) was removed from Friday night's game early against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning with back tightness, according to Barrett Sallee of 680 The Fan. "We don't think it's anything serious," manager Walt Weiss said. "There's a pretty good chance he'll be back in there tomorrow." It sounds as though Harris escaped a major injury, so he could be right back in action for Game 2 of the series in Atlanta on Saturday. Before leaving the game late, the 25-year-old went 2-for-5 at the plate with a run scored and two strikeouts to raise his season average to .303 and his OPS to .854. He was replaced in center field at Truist Park by Eli White. The former third-round pick in 2019 hasn't run much yet (three steals) after reaching exactly 20 steals in three of his first four MLB seasons, but otherwise, Harris is having a career year. Coming into Friday's action, Harris had a robust .301/.336/.519 slash line, career-high .855 OPS, 13 long balls, 37 RBI, and 29 runs scored across 60 games and 229 plate appearances. He's been a must-start for fantasy managers in traditional leagues every day.
Source: 680 The Fan - Barrett Sallee
Source: 680 The Fan - Barrett Sallee
Byron Buxton Suffers Shoulder Contusion After Colliding With the Wall
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (shoulder) was removed from Friday night's game early against the division-rival Kansas City Royals with a right-shoulder contusion after he collided with the outfield wall while making a catch in the third inning, according to Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Buxton went 0-for-1 at the plate before eventually being replaced by Ryan Kreidler in center field. Until we know more about the severity of Buxton's injury, we'll consider him day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back for more information on the veteran outfielder on Saturday and to see if he's back in the starting lineup at Target Field. An extended absence for Buxton could lead to more playing time in center field for both Austin Martin and James Outman in Minnesota. The 32-year-old Buxton had a career-high 35 home runs and also drove in 83 runs and stole 24 bases in a resurgent 2025 season in his 11th year in the big leagues, but he's currently on pace to set a new career high in homers, as he entered Friday's action with 18 long balls in just 54 games played. Buxton has a lengthy injury history over his career, so fantasy managers won't be surprised if he lands on the injured list.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Jorge Soler Scratched From Friday Night's Lineup
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler (hip) ended up being scratched from the starting lineup for Friday night's series opener against the hosting Los Angeles Dodgers due to ongoing hip tightness, according to the team. Soler was pulled from Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rockies early with a hip injury, but he was initially in the starting lineup on Friday after a scheduled day off for the Halos on Thursday. The 34-year-old right-handed slugger isn't fully over the injury, but he could be back for Game 2 of the Freeway Series on Saturday. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. With Soler sitting again at Dodger Stadium, second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier replaced him as the team's designated hitter. The Cuban veteran swings and misses often and won't help much with batting average or on-base percentage, but he can help with power when he's in a groove at the plate. On the year through 58 games played, Soler has hit just .220 (47-for-214) with nine homers, 33 RBI, and 28 runs scored over his 243 plate appearances. He's only rostered in 25% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Los Angeles Angels
Source: Los Angeles Angels
Hunter Brown Could Make Next Start with Astros
Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (elbow) appears to be extremely close to rejoining the big league club. Brown made his third rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday. The right-hander reportedly felt good after the 57-pitch outing. Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters on Friday that Brown could potentially return to the Astros next week. The right-hander has been out since early April due to an elbow issue. The team should make a final decision in the coming days. Fantasy managers could get Brown back into the mix as early as next week.
Source: Brian McTaggart
Source: Brian McTaggart
Dylan Cease Likely to Rejoin Rotation Next Week
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease (hamstring) is expected to rejoin the starting rotation next week, according to manager John Schneider. Cease threw a 75-pitch rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday. It appears the right-hander is feeling good enough after that outing to get back on the big league mound. Cease has been sidelined since late May due to a hamstring injury. This season, Cease is posting a 3.05 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and a 92:26 K:BB ratio across 62 innings. As of right now, Cease is currently lined up to face the Philadelphia Phillies. There's still time for his timetable to change, but it sounds like fantasy managers are getting Cease back very soon.
Source: Keegan Matheson
Source: Keegan Matheson
J.P. Crawford Removed After Being Hit on his Hand by a Pitch
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) was removed early during Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Crawford was pulled from the contest after he was hit by a pitch on the hand during the third inning. The X-rays came back negative for any fractures, so Crawford should be considered day-to-day. Before leaving the game, Crawford was 1-for-1 at the plate with a single and a run scored. His departure moved Colt Emerson to shortstop, and Patrick Wisdom took over third base. The expectation is that we'll see more of that if Crawford is forced to miss any time from this injury. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday for another update on his status.
Source: Cody Stavenhagen
Source: Cody Stavenhagen
Daulton Varsho Pulled With Wrist Injury
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (wrist) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Varsho appeared to have aggravated his wrist during his first at-bat of the game. The expectation is that he'll likely undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. The 29-year-old was hitless in his lone plate appearance of the game. For now, fantasy managers should consider Varsho as day-to-day until further notice. Yohendrick Pinango and Myles Straw are candidates to see increased playing time if Varsho sits out. Between the two, Pinango is the better streaming option, assuming Varsho misses time. UPDATE: X-rays came back negative after the game, and manager John Schneider said that Varsho has been dealing with inflammation in his left wrist over the last couple of games, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.
Source: Keegan Matheson
Source: Keegan Matheson
Samuel Basallo Removed with Abdominal Discomfort
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (abdominal) was removed early during Friday's contest versus the Toronto Blue Jays. Basallo was lifted in the sixth inning due to right abdominal discomfort. He was 0-for-2 at the plate before leaving this game. At the moment, it's unclear if Basallo will be forced to miss additional time from this injury. The O's should provide an update on his status shortly. It wouldn't be shocking to see Basallo sit out the rest of the weekend. Adley Rutschman would be in line for more work behind the plate if Basallo does miss time.
Source: Andy Kostka
Source: Andy Kostka
Chandler Simpson Exits with Thumb Injury
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (thumb) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Miami Marlins. Simpson was removed mid-game due to left thumb discomfort. The severity of the injury is unknown right now, but the team should provide an update on his status soon. Before leaving, Simpson was hitless in two plate appearances. The expectation is that Victor Mesa Jr. and Ryan Vilade would have expanded roles if Simpson is forced to miss time. Fantasy managers should consider Simpson as day-to-day for now.
Source: Marc Topkin
Source: Marc Topkin
Ramon Laureano Out 4-5 Months After Hip Surgery
San Diego Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano (hip) will miss four to five months after having labrum surgery on his right hip on Friday, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. As a result, the Padres announced on Friday that they transferred Laureano to the 60-day injured list. It's unlikely that Laureano will return for the Friars this season, which is why Acee suggests that the offensively-challenged Padres could now be looking for a left-handed-hitting outfielder who can play left field at the early August trade deadline. Bryce Johnson is starting in left and batting seventh for SD in Friday's series opener against the New York Mets and right-hander Christian Scott at Petco Park, but Johnson isn't the answer to San Diego's hitting woes this season and profiles best as a fourth or fifth outfielder. The 31-year-old Laureano will end up finishing his first full season with the Pads with a disappointing .203/.286/.374 slash line, .660 OPS, seven home runs, 21 RBI, seven steals, and 23 runs scored across just 53 games. Gavin Sheets will most likely see most of the starts in left going forward, opening up more playing time at first base for Ty France.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
