Jun 17, 2026, 8:59 PM ET

The Kansas City Royals announced on Wednesday that they moved left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) to the 60-day injured list. The move likely means that we won't see Ragans back in Kansas City until after the mid-July All-Star break. The 28-year-old southpaw has been on the IL since May 8 with a left-elbow impingement, but he's now on the 60-day IL after suffering a setback last Friday. The former 30th overall pick in 2016 by the Texas Rangers broke out in 2024 in his first full year with the Royals, going 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA (2.99 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with a career-high 223 strikeouts and 67 walks in 186 1/3 innings pitched over his 32 starts. It was the first time that Ragans had exceeded 100 innings pitched in his four MLB seasons. Since then, he has struggled with injuries, making just 13 total starts last year and only eight starts in 2026. In his 35 1/3 innings this season, Ragans had a 4.84 ERA (6.18 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP, but with 45 strikeouts and 23 walks. The strikeout upside is clear, but fantasy managers have to wonder if Ragans will get healthy for the second half. He's currently rostered in 86% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Kansas City Royals

Jun 17, 2026, 8:51 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves announced on Wednesday that they transferred right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) to the 60-day injured list. Although Strider's MRI exam ruled out ligament damage in his right elbow, he was shut down for at least four weeks due to right-elbow inflammation. The move to put the 27-year-old on the 60-day IL will allow veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco to rejoin the big-league roster. Strider had Tommy John surgery in college and an internal-brace procedure on his elbow in 2024, which limited him to just two starts. He got a late start to the 2026 campaign due to an oblique injury as well, which is why Strider has only made eight starts (39 innings) so far this year. He's gone 4-2 with a 5.31 ERA (5.35 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 20 walks. The Braves are hoping that Strider will be able to help them in the second half, but he might not be ready to return until late August, leaving him little time to help fantasy managers the rest of the way. The Clemson alumni is rostered in 76% of Yahoo leagues, but that number will continue to drop through the summer months.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Atlanta Braves

Jun 17, 2026, 8:45 PM ET

Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee, shoulder) is scheduled to make a minor-league rehab start on Saturday, according to CHGO Sports' Jared Wyllys. It's unclear right now which affiliate Boyd will start for this weekend. Boyd was nearing a return to Chicago's starting rotation earlier this month, but he suffered a setback with his left shoulder during a rehab outing on June 6 with Triple-A Iowa. It is unclear if Boyd will be cleared to come off the 15-day injured list following his rehab outing this Saturday, and it would likely depend on how deep he goes in the ballgame. If the 35-year-old veteran southpaw is cleared to join the Cubs next week, he could return to the rotation to face the last-place New York Mets. Boyd last pitched in the majors on May 3. Although it's a small sample size of only five starts in 2026, he didn't look nearly as good as he did in 2025 in his first year in Chicago, when he went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA (3.65 FIP), 1.09 WHIP, and 154:42 K:BB in 179 2/3 innings over 31 regular-season starts. Boyd has posted a 6.00 ERA this year with a 1.29 WHIP and 31:6 K:BB in 24 innings. Boyd's 22.8% strikeout rate doesn't give him a ton of fantasy upside, especially at his age, but he proved last year he still has some value as a back-end, matchup-based starter when he's healthy.--Keith Hernandez
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys

Jun 17, 2026, 8:35 PM ET

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that right-hander Edward Cabrera (hand) felt good on Wednesday, so he should be on a normal schedule for his next start, provided that his bullpen day goes well, according to Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports. Cabrera was pulled from his start on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies early due to a right-hand cramp, but the Cubs aren't too worried that it will cause him to miss his next scheduled start. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback with his hand, Cabrera should return to the mound next week in a strong matchup against the last-place Mets. The 28-year-old Dominican hurler has been inconsistent for the Cubs and fantasy managers in 2026 in his first year in Chicago, going 4-4 with a 5.21 ERA (5.14 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 61 strikeouts and 25 walks in 67 1/3 innings pitched across his 13 starts. Cabrera's walk rate is under 10% for the second straight year, but his strikeout rate has dipped to a career-low 21.3%. In his first start against the Mets on April 17 at Wrigley Field, Cabrera came away with a win, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while walking two and striking out four in six innings.--Keith Hernandez
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys

Jun 17, 2026, 8:27 PM ET

The Cleveland Guardians placed rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (rib) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 14) on Wednesday with a right side rib fracture and recalled outfield prospect Kahlil Watson from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. DeLauter suffered the injury over the weekend and will now be sidelined until at least June 24. With outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) and star third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) also going on the IL this week, rookie Kahlil Watson, who has an intriguing power/speed profile, could see plenty of playing time to close out June in Cleveland. With a small crack in his rib, fantasy managers looking to stash DeLauter shouldn't be surprised if he doesn't make it back before the All-Star break in mid-July. The 24-year-old former 16th overall pick in 2022 out of James Madison University got off to a strong start to his rookie campaign in 2026, but he has cooled off recently and is currently slashing .263/.337/.408 with seven home runs, 34 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 240 at-bats. In 10 games in June, DeLauter went 8-for-35 (.229) with a double, two RBI, two runs, three walks, and 11 strikeouts. He's now rostered in fewer than half of Yahoo leagues (44%).--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins

Jun 17, 2026, 8:15 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies demoted right-hander Andrew Painter to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. After losing to the division-rival Miami Marlins on Wednesday, Painter is 1-8 with a 7.06 ERA in his first 14 appearances (12 starts) in his first year in the big leagues in 2026. The 23-year-old former 13th overall pick in 2021 struggled again on Wednesday in Philly's 12-4 loss, allowing six earned runs on six hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out three in just two innings pitched. Painter has really struggled of late, surrendering five-plus runs in each of his last three starts. It's unclear who will take Painter's spot in the starting rotation to close out the first half of the 2026 season. Painter will head back to the Iron Pigs to work on some things, but he'll most likely be back up with Philly at some point in the second half. Fantasy managers in single-year mixed leagues shouldn't consider him a must-hold amidst his struggles. Painter is currently rostered in only 11% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale

Jun 17, 2026, 6:18 PM ET

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (back) is out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's contest at Truist Park against the visiting San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com. Mauricio Dubon will take over in center field on Wednesday and will bat leadoff for the Braves against Giants left-hander Carson Whisenhunt. Harris is being considered day-to-day after being pulled from Tuesday's contest with lower-back tightness. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if he's ready to return to the starting nine for Thursday's series finale against San Fran. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has been a must-start for fantasy managers this year, as he comes into Wednesday's tilt with a .303/.337/.512 with an .850 OPS, 14 home runs, 41 RBI, 34 runs scored, and three steals in his 244 at-bats in 2026. Harris has gone 11-for-39 (.282) with a homer, three doubles, five RBI, and six runs in 10 games in June. With Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) potentially out through the All-Star break in mid-July, Atlanta can ill-afford to lose Harris for an extended stretch.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 17, 2026, 6:02 PM ET

Seattle Mariners outfielder Luke Raley (back) will sit out a second straight game due to a back injury on Wednesday against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, per MLB.com. Raley was scratched from Tuesday's contest at T-Mobile Park with back tightness. Victor Robles is starting in right field and batting sixth, while Connor Joe will start in left field and hit eighth against Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish. The M's are thin in the outfield this week with Raley nursing a back injury and Randy Arozarena (hamstring) landing on the injured list on Tuesday. For now, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider Raley day-to-day with his back ailment and check back for Thursday's series finale against the O's to see if he's ready to return to the lineup. The 31-year-old left-handed hitter typically only plays when the M's are facing a right-hander, which limits his fantasy upside. Raley has still managed 14 home runs on the season with a .241/.303/.503 slash line, .806 OPS, 35 RBI, 24 runs, and a stolen base in his 191 at-bats. Raley is on pace to set a new career high in long balls, with his previous high-water mark coming in 2024 with 22 bombs.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 17, 2026, 5:56 PM ET

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (shin, wrist) continues to sit out for Wednesday's game at T-Mobile Park against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, according to MLB.com. Miles Mastrobuoni will start at first again for the M's and will hit ninth in the order against Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish. Naylor is missing a second straight game due to shin and wrist injury, but he's expected to avoid a trip to the injured list. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if the left-handed slugger is ready to return for Thursday's series finale against Baltimore. Managers setting DFS lineups will want to steer clear of Mastrobuoni, especially at the bottom of the lineup. Naylor entered action on Wednesday slashing .253/.315/.372 with a .687 OPS, eight home runs, 32 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 27 runs scored in his 269 at-bats in his first full season with the Mariners. In 12 games in June, he's gone 12-for-48 (.250) at the plate with three homers, three doubles, eight RBI, seven runs, and a stolen base.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 17, 2026, 5:17 PM ET

New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez (mouth) is starting in right field and will bat fifth for Wednesday's game against the visiting Chicago White Sox and left-hander Anthony Kay, according to MLB.com. Dominguez had a tooth pulled on Tuesday and sat out, but the switch-hitting Dominican will be back in there a day later in the Bronx. The Martian returned from the injured list over the weekend after recovering from a sprained shoulder, and he is in line to play every day for the Yankees with all of Aaron Judge (ribs), Trent Grisham (hamstring), and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) all on the IL. After not beginning the year on the Opening Day roster, Dominguez has only appeared in 11 games for the Yankees in 2026, going 8-for-38 (.211) with two home runs, five RBI, and five runs scored in 41 plate appearances. He has yet to deliver on his prospect hype since debuting in pinstripes in 2023, but his power/speed upside and everyday opportunity in the short term make him attractive in deeper fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 17, 2026, 5:07 PM ET

The Cleveland Guardians recalled outfield prospect Kahlil Watson from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday and placed rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (rib) on the 10-day injured list with a right side rib fracture in a corresponding move, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Watson, the team's 12th-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, could absolutely be worth a pickup in deeper fantasy leagues for his power/speed upside, with DeLauter, third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand), and outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) all going on the IL this week. The 23-year-old first-round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2021 gets his first call to the big leagues after hitting .255/.370/.491 with an .861 OPS, 12 home runs, 12 doubles, a triple, 35 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 44 runs scored across 56 games and 254 plate appearances at Columbus. Watson has played all three outfield spots in the minors, giving Cleveland plenty of options to get his bat in the lineup. Making contact could be a problem in his first taste of the big leagues, but fantasy managers in need of outfield help shouldn't ignore his power/speed upside if he plays regularly.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins

Jun 17, 2026, 4:57 PM ET

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is a "long way" from returning from the 10-day injured list, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Because Acuna's hamstring is in the same spot as his previous injury this year, the Braves will be more cautious than they were when Acuna missed almost three weeks with a previous hamstring strain. The 28-year-old former MVP and five-time All-Star landed on the IL for the second time this year last week with another left-hamstring strain, and he's looking at another couple weeks on the sidelines, at the very least. Fantasy managers shouldn't necessarily expect Acuna to be back before the All-Star break in the middle of July. So far, the talented Venezuelan outfielder has been a bust in 2026 in fantasy with a .251/.373/.421 slash line, .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across 53 games played. However, despite his lengthy history of lower-body injuries, Acuna's five-category upside means he could still carry fantasy squads in the second half if he can stay out of the trainer's room.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman

Jun 17, 2026, 4:13 PM ET

Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez is rostered in 35% of Yahoo leagues for a reason. The 24-year-old Dominican right-handed hitter has only appeared in 31 games (129 plate appearances) for the Marlins this year, hitting .230/.318/.345 with a .663 OPS, two home runs, 14 RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases. He teased his five-category upside in 136 games in his rookie season in 2025 by hitting .231/.287/.413 with a .701 OPS, 21 home runs, 67 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 72 runs scored in 136 games across 585 plate appearances. In 29 games at Triple-A Jacksonville in 2026, Ramirez has slashed .237/.302/.412 with a .714 OPS, five home runs, five doubles, 13 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 19 runs scored in 126 plate appearances for the Jumbo Shrimp. Liam Hicks and Joe Mack have been handling the catching duties in South Beach since Ramirez was sent down in early May. If Ramirez can clean up his defense behind the dish, he could be back in the big leagues sooner rather than later. And when he's back, he definitely can offer five-category upside for fantasy managers at the catching position.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milb.com

Jun 17, 2026, 3:58 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that they placed veteran right-hander Max Scherzer (back) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 14) with back spasms and recalled right-hander Chad Patrick from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. Scherzer was scheduled to pitch on Wednesday evening at Fenway Park against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, but right-hander Braydon Fisher will now get the nod. The 41-year-old three-time Cy Young winner just came off the IL last week due to a right-forearm injury, so it's obviously a frustrating development for the future Hall of Famer. Scherzer has only made six starts in 2026 with Toronto and has gone 1-4 with an ugly 10.23 ERA (8.78 FIP) and a 1.73 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and 11 walks in 22 innings pitched. At this point in his career, he just has not been able to stay off the injury report with a long list of different ailments. He most likely will not be back from the IL before the mid-July All-Star break, and at this point, Scherzer returning in the second half as a starter won't be a lock.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Toronto Blue Jays

Jun 17, 2026, 3:46 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) was hit around a little bit in his latest minor-league rehab start on Wednesday with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, allowing five earned runs on seven hits (two homers) while walking four and striking out two in five innings pitched. Bieber threw only 48 of his 80 pitches for strikes, but the good news is that he was sitting at 92 mph with his fastball in what is expected to be his final rehab start before he rejoins the Blue Jays' starting rotation for his 2026 season debut. The 31-year-old former American League Cy Young winner shouldn't be limited from a pitch-count perspective whenever his first start for the Jays comes, but he'll be a pretty risky fantasy streamer after his command was spotty on Wednesday. The former fourth-round pick in 2016 by the Cleveland Guardians out of the University of California, Santa Barbara, only made two starts in 2024 in his final season in Cleveland before needing Tommy John surgery. Bieber made only seven starts in his first year in Toronto last season, but he had a 4-2 record, 3.57 ERA (4.47 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, and 37:7 K:BB in 40 1/3 innings. He might need to shake off a little rust, and he's no longer a fantasy ace, but Bieber should have streaming appeal in mixed leagues based on matchups. He's rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues right now.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milb.com