RADIO
Owen Murphy Set to Make First Big-League Start on Saturday
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Owen Murphy is slated to make his first major-league start this Saturday versus the Texas Rangers, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The Braves' No. 5 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett last weekend and appeared in two games out of the bullpen, allowing two runs (one earned) on one hit while walking none and striking out four. The 22-year-old former 20th overall pick in 2022 made 16 starts in the minors with Gwinnett and Double-A Columbus before his call-up, going 5-7 with a 4.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 92:38 K:BB in 81 innings pitched. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder knows how to spin the ball and has displayed solid command and control of the baseball on the farm. Murphy is in his first season post-Tommy John surgery, so the Braves are probably going to be very cautious of his workload down the stretch. Murphy's start on Saturday could end up being a spot start to open the second half of the season, so fantasy managers in single-year leagues shouldn't spend much to land him on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Brewers Acquiring Lance McCullers Jr. From the Astros
The Milwaukee Brewers are acquiring veteran right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (shoulder) from the Houston Astros on Wednesday, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. It's unclear what the Astros are receiving in return. McCullers could be on the verge of coming off the 15-day injured list due to a right-shoulder impingement that has kept him sidelined since the middle of May. The 32-year-old has made three minor-league rehab starts already and might only need one more before Milwaukee activates him for the second half of the season. Arm injuries have been the story of McCullers' career. He missed all of the 2023 and 2024 seasons with arm troubles before posting a rough 6.51 ERA in 16 appearances for Houston in his return last year. The former first-rounder from 2012 could be an option for the Brewers' banged-up starting rotation in the second half, but fantasy managers should look to stay away. Before getting hurt again in 2026, McCullers was 2-3 with a 6.86 ERA and 1.52 WHIP with 43 strikeouts and 22 walks in 39 1/3 innings across eight starts in his ninth year in the majors.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Noah Schultz Remains a High-Upside Breakout Candidate to Target
Chicago White Sox left-hander Noah Schultz has bounced back and forth between Triple-A and the big leagues so far this season. The 22-year-old has largely struggled at the MLB level in 2026, recording a 3-6 record with a 5.60 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 53 innings (11 starts). However, Schultz pitched well in his final start before the All-Star break, throwing five innings of one-run ball with zero walks and four strikeouts against the Athletics. The young lefty has been utterly dominant in his time at Triple-A this year, recording a 38.6% strikeout rate across 23 innings. Command and consistency remain question marks in Schultz's profile, but his upside for fantasy managers is tantalizing. Particularly in deeper leagues, Schultz's second-half breakout potential could make him a worthy waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Jonah Heim a Worthy Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire?
Since being acquired from the Atlanta Braves in early May, Athletics catcher Jonah Heim has re-established his MLB career. Across 135 plate appearances with the A's, Heim is hitting .232/.281/.464 with eight home runs, 21 RBI, and 16 runs scored. The presence of star Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers limits Heim's playing time behind the plate. However, Heim has emerged as a regular at first base and designated hitter with A's first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) currently on the injured list. Heim's playing time may eventually dissipate once Kurtz returns to the Athletics lineup. Still, Heim has found a rhythm in his new hitter-friendly home park and profiles as a short-term source of power for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jasson Dominguez Emerging as a Second-Half Breakout Candidate to Target
Across 140 plate appearances in 2026, New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez is hitting .235/.273/.409 with five home runs, 11 RBI, 13 runs scored, and six stolen bases. With Yankees outfielders Aaron Judge (ribs) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) both currently on the injured list and facing uncertain return timelines, Dominguez has emerged as an everyday player in New York. The 23-year-old's overall stat line may not leap off the page, but he showed signs of improvement leading into the All-Star break. Across 44 plate appearances in July, Dominguez is hitting .262 with two home runs, two stolen bases, and a 13.6% strikeout rate. A former top prospect, Dominguez has consistently flashed five-category upside throughout his time in the Yankees' minor-league system. With an extended runway of playing time at the big-league level, Dominguez profiles as a second-half breakout candidate to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Teel Remains a High-Upside Waiver-Wire Target Despite Slow Start to 2026
Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel had the start of his 2026 season delayed by hamstring and knee injuries that kept him out until late June. The 24-year-old has gotten off to a bit of a slow start since returning, hitting .204/.295/.333 with two home runs, 13 RBI, nine runs scored, and a 36.1% strikeout rate across 61 plate appearances. However, Teel owns a 12.4% barrel rate and a 50% hard-hit rate, indications that his batted ball luck will start to turn over a larger sample size of at-bats. While the elevated strikeout rate is somewhat concerning, Teel struck out in a far more manageable 25.9% of his 297 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025. Once he gets his timing down at the plate, Teel could emerge as one of the better-hitting catchers in baseball. Despite his early struggles this season, Teel remains a second-half breakout candidate worth prioritizing on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brayan Rocchio Emerging as a Breakout Candidate to Target on the Waiver Wire
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio is quietly in the midst of a breakout season in 2026. Across 359 plate appearances on the year, the 25-year-old is hitting .276/.343/.408 with eight home runs, 44 RBI, 40 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases. Rocchio's quality of contact metrics remain subpar, as he's logged just a 2.9% barrel rate and a 31.5% hard-hit rate. However, Rocchio has cut down on his swing-and-miss in a big way so far this season, lowering his strikeout rate from 20.1% in 2025 to 13.6% in 2026. As a switch-hitter who also brings plus defense at a premium position, Rocchio is a lock for everyday playing time in Cleveland as long as he remains healthy. He's also moved into the top third of the Guardians' batting order in recent weeks, which should help him rack up counting stats. In any league where he's not already rostered, Rocchio should be considered a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bailey Ober a Waiver-Wire Target Following Injury Return?
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right flexor strain in late May, but he returned to his team's rotation on July 9 and pitched five innings of one-run ball against the Cleveland Guardians. Across 71 2/3 innings (13 starts) this season, Ober has recorded a 6-3 record with a 4.40 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts. The 31-year-old's average fastball velocity currently sits at a career-worst 89.0 miles per hour, and he's struck out just 17% of the batters he's faced in 2026. Ober also continues to struggle with the long ball, as he owns a 1.63 HR/9 on the year. However, pitching through arm troubles may help explain Ober's diminished velocity. If he can regain some pop on his fastball now that he's healthy, Ober could pair an improved strikeout rate with his already stellar command (6.3% walk rate). His profile carries some risk, but Ober could be worth targeting on the waiver wire coming out of the All-Star break.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Walker Jenkins Heads Into Second Half on a Roll, is He a Must-Stash?
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins picked up where he left off after spending a month on the injured list with a sprained shoulder, going 16-for-51 (.314) with four doubles, two triples, a home run, and two steals in the 13 games since his return. The Twins' top prospect recorded a .277/.386/.440 slash line with three home runs, seven steals, and nearly as many walks (23) as strikeouts (26) in 38 games for St. Paul, earning a spot on the 2026 AL All-Star Futures team. In the Futures game, the left-handed hitter walked twice, scored a run, and was caught trying to steal third, putting a bow on a fine first half for the promising prospect. The former fifth-overall draft pick appears poised for an MLB debut, possibly shortly after the All-Star break, and with a strong all-around game that includes contact, power, and speed, the 21-year-old should be considered one of the top stash candidates in all leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Hector Rodriguez Still Trending Up at Triple-A, a Top Stash for Power?
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez produced a strong first half at Triple-A Louisville, finishing 11-for-33 (.333) with five home runs over his final nine games before the break. For the season, the Reds' fifth-ranked prospect is slashing .284/.364/.546 with 23 home runs and six steals for the Bats. The left-handed hitter spent 53 games at Louisville last year, and though his strikeout rate increased from 16.5 percent to 20.2 percent from 2025 to 2026, his walk rate also increased from 5.2 percent to 10.4 percent, with both stats now sitting right around the Triple-A average. Though he logged at least 12 steals each season from 2022 through 2025, it isn't something fantasy managers looking for a stash option should count on, but his power is. With a barrel rate of 10.6 percent (81st percentile) and a max exit velocity of 113.7 mph (96th percentile), the power is legit. Fantasy managers in deeper 12-team leagues should consider stashing the 22-year-old who could help with home runs and RBI upon his call-up, which could happen by mid-August.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Now at Triple-A, is Lazaro Montes a Top Stash Option for Power?
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes was recently promoted to Triple-A Tacoma, and although it didn't take long (five games) for him to show off his power with a majestic 436-foot home run, the 6-foot-5 slugger's swing-and-miss tendency has been exploited at the minors' highest level. Through six games and 31 plate appearances for the Rainiers, the Mariners' third-ranked prospect has struck out 13 times, which is a 41.9 percent rate (12.9 percent walk rate). Still, if the left-handed hitter can get that down to a more tolerable level, he could make a major league debut later in the second half of the season, and his prodigious power should land him on the stash radar for fantasy. Home run-needy managers should monitor his progress, and if he gets on a roll, the 21-year-old could quickly become a top stash for his power potential.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
With MLB Debut Nearing, Should Jaxon Wiggins be Stashed?
Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins (elbow) returned to the mound at Triple-A Iowa this past Friday, a welcome sight for a big-league staff that could use some reinforcements. The right-hander is returning from a stint on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, and Friday's outing was his first appearance for Iowa since early April. The Cubs' top-ranked pitching prospect showed some rust Friday, walking three batters and throwing a wild pitch in only 2 2/3 innings of work, but was also able to strike out four batters with his fastball touching 98 mph. The Cubs have multiple starters on the injured list, so if Wiggins can increase his workload and look a bit sharper over his next couple of starts, the 6-foot-6 hurler could be in the big leagues sometime in August. With big strikeout potential, the 24-year-old quickly becomes a stash consideration who could prove to be a sneaky fantasy producer for the stretch run.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Bryce Eldridge a High-Upside Add in Deep Leagues?
San Francisco Giants designated hitter Bryce Eldridge reached the break at .271/.364/.468 with eight home runs, 28 runs, and 20 RBI in 217 plate appearances. Six of those homers came over his last 30 games. Yahoo managers have rostered Eldridge in just 22% of leagues. The power is not hiding. Eldridge carries a 92.3 mph average exit velocity, 54.4% hard-hit rate, and 12.5% barrel rate, and his .504 expected slugging percentage is better than the real mark. He has also trimmed his strikeout rate to 24.4% after sitting at 35.1% during his brief 2025 debut. There is no speed here, and first-base-only fantasy eligibility makes the roster fit a little tighter. Still, the bat belongs in deeper leagues. RotoBaller ranks Eldridge 72nd for Week 16 and recommends him in 15-team formats. He is a high-upside add for managers who need home runs.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
James Tibbs III Reinforces Stash Status Before Break
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III capped off a highly productive first half with a mini three-game hit streak in which he went 6-for-12 (.500), including a double and a stolen base. Notably, the Dodgers' ninth-ranked prospect also showed great improvement in his strikeout rate as of late, recording just three strikeouts over his last seven games across 27 plate appearances, which was only an 11.1 percent rate compared to a 26.1 percent rate before that. The left-handed hitter heads into the break with a strong .289/.406/.553 slash line with 21 home runs and a 16.3 percent walk rate, while his 74 runs scored and 71 RBI both rank second at Triple-A so far this year. A debut in the majors is starting to feel overdue, though it still may take an injury or trade to make it happen. Either way, look for a debut sometime in the second half, and given how productive he's been, if the former first-rounder were hitting anywhere in the potent L.A. lineup, he'd be a viable fantasy asset in deeper leagues, so managers with an NA spot should consider stashing the 23-year-old ahead of an eventual call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ezequiel Tovar a Rebound Add After a Brutal First Half?
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar dragged a .200/.243/.330 line into the break, with eight home runs, 32 runs, 32 RBI, and five steals in 341 plate appearances. His final 10 games were not much better at 5-for-31, although two of those hits left the yard. Colorado had him batting eighth or ninth during the final series. Not everything underneath is quite as ugly. Tovar owns a .221 expected average and .367 expected slugging percentage, both above the actual marks, and he hit 26 home runs in 2024. The 86 strikeouts are still hard to ignore, especially now that the lineup spot has cratered. RotoBaller ranks him 70th for Week 16 and recommends him in 12-team leagues. At 36% rostered on Yahoo, Tovar is a reasonable rebound add for managers looking for middle-infield power, but he remains a poor fit for anyone chasing batting average.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
