RADIO
Nick Kurtz Officially Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
The Athletics officially announced on Saturday that they placed first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to July 10) with a right-thumb capsule sprain and recalled catcher Brian Serven from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Kurtz suffered the injury on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers when he jammed his right hand while trying to catch a ball in the first inning. He will miss the end of the first half of the season, next week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia, and the start of the second half of the year next weekend. Joey Meneses was called up from the minors and made the start at first base for the A's on Friday night against the Chicago White Sox, and he and Jeff McNeil could see more playing time for the team until Kurtz can return. Kurtz needs to be held in all fantasy leagues as an elite source of power at the first base position. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger is hitting .266/.405/.497 with a .902 OPS, 20 homers, 66 RBI, 61 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 334 at-bats after hitting 36 homers and driving in 86 in only 117 games played in 2025 as a rookie.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
Rookie Left-Hander Eduardo Rivera Called Up by Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox recalled left-handed pitching prospect Eduardo Rivera from Triple-A Worcester to start Saturday's game versus the New York Mets, according to MLB insider Hector Gomez. The 23-year-old southpaw could cover multiple innings as the opener in Queens on Saturday, but he should not be considered a viable fantasy streamer. Per MLB Pipeline, Rivera is considered Boston's No. 25 prospect. The former 11th-round pick by the Athletics in 2021 made his big-league debut in Boston back on April 22 against the New York Yankees and threw 3 1/3 shutout innings with one hit allowed, three strikeouts, and no walks. At Double-A Portland and Worcester on the farm, Rivera has gone 7-2 with a 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 62:24 K:BB in 48 innings across 22 appearances (four starts). He could go deeper than most traditional openers on Saturday, but even against the last-place Mets, Rivera should be avoided for fantasy purposes. There's also a good chance he'll be sent back to Worcester after the game, so fantasy managers shouldn't be looking to pick him up.
Source: Hector Gomez
Source: Hector Gomez
Konnor Griffin Moved to 60-Day Injured List
The Pittsburgh Pirates transferred shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) to the 60-day injured list on Saturday to open up roster spots for newly-acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-hander Brandon Eisert, according to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. The Pirates placed Griffin on the 10-day IL on Tuesday with a torn tendon in his left ring finger, and he was given an eight- to 10-week timeline for a return, so he'll be out well into the second half of the season. The earliest he'll be able to return will be on Sept. 4. It's a tough break for the Bucs and for the 20-year-old rookie phenom, who was holding his own in his first 225 major-league at-bats, hitting .276/.332/.404 with a .736 OPS, five home runs, 25 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 35 runs scored in his first MLB season in 2026. With Griffin out for the foreseeable future, Jared Triolo has been manning the 6 in Pittsburgh, but Gonzalez could see some time there as well after the Pirates acquired him from the Chicago White Sox on Friday night. Griffin is still rostered in 77% of Yahoo leagues despite his serious finger injury.
Source: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf
Source: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf
White Sox Call Up Lefty Pitching Prospect Tyler Schweitzer
The Chicago White Sox announced before Saturday's contest against the Athletics that they recalled left-handed pitching prospect Tyler Schweitzer from Triple-A Charlotte. Schweitzer, a former fifth-rounder in 2022 out of Ball State University, made his big-league debut with the White Sox earlier this year and posted a 4.50 ERA (3.23 FIP) and 1.50 WHIP with a save, four strikeouts, and three walks in just eight innings pitched over five relief appearances. The team's No. 21-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has gone 2-2 with a 4.68 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 36:8 K:BB in 42 1/3 innings pitched across 20 appearances (four starts) with the Knights in the minors in 2026. Schweitzer will be replacing Brandon Eisert in Chicago's bullpen to close out the first half of the season after the White Sox sent Eisert to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade on Friday night. He will most likely operate as a middle reliever now that he's back in the majors, and fantasy managers in all leagues can ignore him for now.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
Munetaka Murakami Joins Home Run Derby Field
Chicago White Sox corner infielder Munetaka Murakami will be the final entrant in this year's Home Run Derby, which will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday, according to MLB. Murakami just returned from the injured list after missing over six weeks with a hamstring strain in Friday's win over the Athletics and went 1-for-5 at the plate with an RBI double, a run scored, and four strikeouts. The 26-year-old Japanese native took the league by storm earlier this season before his injury in his first year in the States, and he's currently hitting .239/.375/.556 with a .931 OPS, 20 home runs, 42 RBI, 44 runs scored, and a stolen base across 58 games played and 251 plate appearances. Murakami should remain high up in Chicago's batting order going into the second half of the season. He's displayed plenty of power potential, but he also has a 33.5% strikeout rate and can go cold for stretches. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues may want to consider selling high before we even get to the second half. Murakami holds a .218 xBA and a .373 xwOBA (wOBA of .392), so regression is expected.
Source: MLB
Source: MLB
Edwin Diaz Nearing a Rehab Assignment
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) threw live batting practice for the second time on July 8 and is getting closer to starting a minor-league rehab assignment, according to MLB.com. Diaz was initially placed on the 15-day injured list on April 20 due to loose bodies in his right elbow. He eventually had surgery and was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 10. Barring a setback once Diaz begins his rehab assignment, he's expected to rejoin L.A.'s bullpen in late July. The 32-year-old Puerto Rican veteran and three-time All-Star has only appeared in seven games for the Dodgers in his first year with the team in 2026 due to his elbow injury, and he was uncharacteristically bad before that, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits (one homer) while walking five and striking out 10 in six innings pitched. Diaz also had four saves, and with 257 career saves over nine-plus years in the league, he's expected to resume primary closing duties for manager Dave Roberts when he returns from the IL. If for some reason Diaz is available on your league's waiver wire, scoop him up immediately. He's rostered in 81% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Shohei Ohtani Hopes to be Ready to Pitch After All-Star Break
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) said, "The goal is to be able to throw according to regular schedule" after the All-Star break, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Ohtani will have his left knee drained and will receive a pain-relieving injection on Sunday. "Although I could've started today, it would've still been pushing the envelope a little bit," Ohtani said on Friday. The Dodgers scratched the four-time MVP from his scheduled start on Friday night versus the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks, but he still took his regular spot in the starting lineup as the designated hitter and went 1-for-4 at the plate with a solo homer in the 9-3 loss. The 32-year-old should avoid a trip to the injured list to begin the second half of the season, but unfortunately, we won't get to see him in next week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Ohtani remains a must-start in all fantasy lineups as both a hitter and pitcher whenever he's active. He's hitting .290/.403/.540 with a .943 OPS, 21 homers, 57 RBI, 63 runs, and six steals as a hitter and is 8-2 as a pitcher with a sharp 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 95:26 K:BB in 85 2/3 innings and 14 starts in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Kirby Yates Bounces-Back to Earn Third Save, Still the Top Option in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday to earn the save against the Minnesota Twins. The 39-year-old surrendered a one-out double to Trevor Larnach before retiring the final two batters of the game. The save was Yates' third of the season, and he has provided a stable presence in an otherwise unsettled Angels bullpen. On the year, he owns a 3.00 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP while posting a 32.6% strikeout rate and an 8.1% walk rate across 21 innings. Fantasy managers are encouraged to add Yates in all formats, as he is currently the Angels' most trusted option at the back end of the bullpen.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jordan Romano Blows Save on Friday, Should Managers be Concerned?
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jordan Romano allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks while failing to convert on a save opportunity on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. The 33-year-old had converted two consecutive saves before this stumble. It's also worth noting that Juan Mejia recorded the save by getting the final out in the bottom of the ninth inning. On the season, Romano owns a 7.71 ERA and a 2.14 WHIP between his time with the Los Angeles Angels and the Rockies. While those numbers are ugly, he still appears to have a tenuous grip on the closer's role in Colorado. No lead ever feels particularly safe with the Rockies, but the club has been searching for a reliable late-inning option all season. Ten different pitchers on the staff have recorded at least one save, and none has more than four. Even so, Romano has closing experience and has picked up two saves during his brief four-game stint with Colorado. For now, fantasy managers are encouraged to stick with the 33-year-old, but they should be prepared to replace him at a moment's notice.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Lazaro Montes on the Stash Radar Amid Recent Promotion to Triple-A?
Seattle Mariners top outfield prospect Lazaro Montes was recently bumped up to the top club in the system following his impressive production at Double-A. To open the season, the 21-year-old carried a .234/.369/.550 line with a sharp .919 OPS over 79 contests at Double-A. During this stretch, Montes hit 25 home runs and chipped in five stolen bases. However, what prompted his promotion was the .253/.413/.614 line and 1.064 OPS he held over the final 25 games at Double-A. While the 21-year-old has gotten off to a slower start at Triple-A, going just 2-for-18 over the first four games, managers should continue to closely monitor his production as his power upside is among the highest in the sport. If Montes can find his footing, the No. 26-ranked prospect in the sport could compete for a late-season promotion to Seattle.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kade Anderson Remains in Play for Second-Half Call-Up
Seattle Mariners top pitching prospect Kade Anderson has continued to showcase elite upside at the Double-A level during his first professional season. Through 14 total starts, the former LSU standout has posted an elite 1.46 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, and a sharp 108:10 K:BB over 72 2/3 innings. Over his last six outings, the left-hander has struck out at least eight hitters in all but one and has even hit the nine-punchouts mark in four of these outings. Overall, in his profile, Anderson has allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of his 14 starts, with his lone five-run outing on May 15 remaining a distinct outlier this season. However, given that Seattle has ample depth on their MLB roster, Anderson remains potentially far from a call-up. Despite this, his upside per start makes him an elite stash target in all 12-team leagues with N/A spots.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Luke Adams Firmly on the Stash Radar Following Four-Hit Performance
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Luke Adams has enjoyed a recent surge at the Triple-A level and has put himself on the stash radar for those in deeper redraft leagues. On Friday evening, the 22-year-old went 4-for-5 with a home run and a stolen base. This was another strong showing for Adams as he now carries an elite .344/.463/.688 line with three doubles, one triple, two home runs, two stolen bases, and a 7:5 K:BB. Through 40 total games at the Triple-A level this season, the former 12th-round selection out of Hinsdale Central HS has posted a .264/.412/.581 line with a .993 OPS, six doubles, 11 home runs and six stolen bases. While Adams will likely need more time at Triple-A, he has already begun to showcase high-end power upside. If he maintains this pace, he could replace their current third baseman, Joey Ortiz, on the MLB roster early in the second half.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kyle Harrison Hits The Injured List
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (forearm) has been placed on the 15-day Injured List with left forearm tightness. The move is retroactive to July 9, 2026. The 24-year-old southpaw revealed that he had been dealing with soreness on the outside of his left elbow for the past few weeks, which helps explain his recent decline in performance. While Harrison himself wasn't too concerned about the injury, the team deemed it necessary to move him to the Injured List nonetheless. Over his last two starts, Harrison totaled just 6.2 innings while striking out only five batters, all while experiencing diminished velocity. There is no clear timetable for his return, but it appears likely that he will miss more than the minimum 15 days given the nature of the injury and the fact that he has been dealing with it for several weeks. Left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser was recalled in the corresponding move, just a few days after a strong outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.
Source: Curt Hogg
Source: Curt Hogg
Is Quinn Mathews the Top Pitching Prospect to Stash Following Seven-Inning Gem?
St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitching prospect Quinn Mathews turned in another stellar showing at the Triple-A level this past week and has potentially solidified himself as the top pitching prospect to stash ahead of the All-Star break. On July 9, the left-hander logged seven innings (which marked a season high) with just two hits allowed, no runs, and a sharp 7:2 K:BB. Since May 28, the former Stanford standout has been borderline elite at the top club, posting a 1.87 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and a 53:18 K:BB over 43 1/3 innings of work. Prior to this surge, the 25-year-old posted a much higher 5.55 ERA over the first 35 2/3 innings. Given his current run at Triple-A, Mathews has put himself into the elite tier of stash candidates as his MLB debut could come shortly after the All-Star break.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
James Tibbs III Falling Off Stash Radar Amid Lengthy Triple-A Skid
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has seen his production dip at Triple-A Oklahoma City and is falling off the stash radar as the All-Star break approaches. Over his last 17 contests at Triple-A, the 23-year-old has posted an underwhelming .220/.360/.322 line with a low .622 OPS. During this stretch, Tibbs hit just one home run. However, over his first 69 Triple-A contests, Tibbs was among the highest-performing hitters at the level. During this part of the early season, the No. 96-ranked prospect on MLB.com, Tibbs, has carried a much higher .297/.412/.602 line, 20 home runs, and a 1.014 OPS. While this recent skid has pushed him off the stash radar, those in deeper 15-team leagues should continue to monitor his progress, as he could still play a role in the majors down the stretch.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
