RADIO
Juan Soto Removed Early with Calf Soreness
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Soto was removed in the eighth inning due to left calf soreness. Before leaving, Soto singled and drew three walks in his four plate appearances on Thursday. Tyrone Taylor took over as a defensive replacement and could see more time out there if Soto lands on the Injured List. Interim manager Andy Green downplayed the severity of Soto's injury after the game. The Mets are off on Friday, so fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday to see if the superstar slugger is back in the mix.
Source: Anthony DiComo
Source: Anthony DiComo
Joe Ryan Won't Pitch This Weekend for Twins
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan won't be part of the team's starting rotation for the first series in the second half of the season this weekend against the Chicago Cubs, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. It probably means that Ryan will make his first start of the second half in Monday's series opener against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians. Ryan tossed a scoreless inning on Tuesday for the American League in their 4-0 shutout of the National League in the Midsummer Classic, so the Twins will give a little extra rest going into the second half. The 30-year-old veteran and two-time All-Star faced Cleveland on the road back on May 9 and pitched well, allowing just one earned run while walking three and striking out five in six innings for a no-decision and quality start. Ryan is having a fantastic year in 2026 in his sixth year with the Twins, going 6-5 with a career-low 2.85 ERA (2.77 FIP) and 1.05 WHIP with 128 strikeouts and 25 walks in 110 1/3 innings across his league-high 20 starts. Fantasy managers will want to keep him in their starting lineups next week against the Guardians.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Orioles Place Blaze Alexander on Injured List With Fractured Hand
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Thursday that they placed infielder/outfielder Blaze Alexander (hand) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to July 13) with a fractured left hand and recalled infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. Alexander fractured his hand when he was hit by a pitch in the final game of the first half of the season on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals. It's unclear what Alexander's timetable for a return will be, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues should expect him to be out for around a month or more. It's literally a tough break for the 27-year-old utility man, as the former 11th-rounder by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018 was having a career year for the O's before the injury, slashing .312/.368/.439 with an .807 OPS, four home runs, 29 RBI, 31 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in his 221 at-bats in 2026. In mixed fantasy leagues, fantasy managers who have Alexander rostered can probably go in another direction to kick off the second half of the season.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Christian Encarnacion-Strand Worth a Waiver-Wire Look in AL-Only Leagues
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Thursday that they recalled corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from Triple-A Norfolk after placing infielder/outfielder Blaze Alexander (hand) on the 10-day injured list with a left-hand fracture. The Orioles acquired Encarnacion-Strand from the Cincinnati Reds back in April, and he hit .273/.309/.555 with 17 home runs, 48 RBI, 35 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 257 plate appearances with Triple-A Norfolk. The 26-year-old former fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2021 out of Oklahoma State University hit .233/.275/.404 with a .679 OPS, 21 home runs, 72 RBI, 55 runs scored, two steals, and a 27.1% strikeout rate in his three big-league seasons with the Reds. With Pete Alonso cemented in at first base in Baltimore, CES will either factor in at third base or designated hitter with the O's, and he still has enough power to be useful in AL-only and deep-mixed leagues if he gets consistent playing time. Unfortunately, he might only be a platoon right-handed power bat against lefties.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Mets Put Luke Weaver, Others on the Trade Block
Chelsea Janes of SNY reports that the New York Mets are officially telling contending teams that everyone but young stars Carson Benge, AJ Ewing, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean, and Juan Soto is available, according to a rival executive. "That doesn't mean everyone will go. But it means the Mets will listen on just about everyone, which is in keeping with what people familiar with their thinking have signaled for weeks," Janes said. It's expected that the Mets will spread out their sell-off over several weeks, which is why they're getting started immediately following this week's All-Star break. Right-handed starters Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes (leg) are the most obvious trade candidates before the early August trade deadline, but other names like right-handed reliever Luke Weaver could also go in the midst of a lost season for the Mets. The 32-year-old Weaver could be a particularly attractive late-inning bullpen piece that won't come at an exorbitant cost. The 11-year veteran has been one of the team's best relievers, sporting a 1.85 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, one save, 43 strikeouts, and 11 walks in 39 innings out of the 'pen in 2026 in his first year in Queens.
Source: SNY Mets
Source: SNY Mets
Shohei Ohtani Won't Pitch This Weekend Following Knee Treatment
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) won't rejoin the starting rotation to begin the second half of the season for the weekend series against the New York Yankees following his knee treatment over this week's All-Star break, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ohtani has been kept from starting (as a pitcher) over the last two weeks due to a minor left-knee injury. He had the knee drained before the break but has continued to serve as the team's designated hitter with no ill effects. If Ohtani returns for the next series next week, he'll be facing the Philadelphia Phillies on the mound. The Japanese superstar and four-time MVP is a must-start whenever he toes the rubber as a pitcher, but he'll be a bit riskier in fantasy lineups and could be on a pitch count whenever he makes his first start of the second half. The 32-year-old veteran has been excellent on the mound in 2026, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.61 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings pitched across his 14 starts for the Blue.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Bo Bichette Returns to Lineup Following All-Star Break
New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (ankle) is starting at third base and batting third for Thursday's series opener at Citizens Bank Park against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola, according to MLB.com. Bichette sat out the final series of the first half of the season last weekend and is now ready to roll to begin the second half after being bothered by ankle and leg soreness. The 28-year-old rebounded from a horrific start to the 2026 campaign in his first year in Queens, but he's still taking a disappointing .255/.300/.376 slash line with a .677 OPS, 10 home runs, 51 RBI, 48 runs scored, and a stolen base into the second half after 380 first-half at-bats. However, Bichette went 10-for-34 (.294) with five RBI to begin the month of July, and his expected batting average of .285 and xwOBA of .330 (wOBA of .297) point to positive regression in the second half. The buy-low window is firmly open for Bichette in fantasy leagues. He's walking just 6.1% of the time, but he's also striking out only 17.7% of the time.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
JoJo Parker Showing Off Power and Speed at Single-A
Toronto Blue Jays infield prospect JoJo Parker is performing admirably in his first taste of professional baseball, slashing .242/.381/.426 with nine home runs and 21 stolen bases through 72 games at Single-A Dunedin. The Jays' top-ranked prospect was particularly hot from mid to late June, which included a four-hit game and five home runs over a nine-game stretch, but was just 1-for-19 (.053) in the five games before the break. The former first-rounder even got to participate in the All-Star Futures game earlier this week, going 1-for-2 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored for the American League squad. Already MLB's No. 27 prospect overall, the 19-year-old is still a couple of years away from the majors, but his above-average hit and power tools make for a strong asset in dynasty leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jonny Farmelo is Finally Healthy and Productive, but When Will He Debut?
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Jonny Farmelo is having a solid 2026 campaign at High-A Everett, slashing .271/.387/.486 with seven home runs and 25 steals, and has been particularly hot as of late, going 17-for-49 (.347) with five doubles, a triple, and three home runs over his last 11 games. The Mariners' fifth-ranked prospect was limited to just 75 games between 2024 and 2025 as a result of ACL and rib injuries, but is finally healthy and is starting to live up to his potential as a former first-round draft pick. The 6-foot-1 slugger could see time at Double-A in the second half, but a major league debut will likely have to wait until 2027. Still, with highly rated power and speed tools, the 21-year-old is a solid dynasty league asset, and redraft managers should familiarize themselves with the left-handed hitter in preparation for next season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ramon Laureano Is a Clear Drop After Season-Ending Hip Surgery
San Diego Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano (right hip) is not worth carrying into the second half. He underwent surgery June 5 to repair a torn labrum and now sits on the 60-day injured list. MLB lists October as the optimistic return window, with 2027 more likely. That makes the roster call easy in redraft leagues. Laureano had already slipped to .203/.286/.374 with seven homers, 23 runs, 21 RBI, and seven steals in 53 games before the procedure. The hip may help explain the collapse after he finished April at .252, but it does nothing for fantasy managers now. San Diego initially called up Jase Bowen, while Gavin Sheets started in left field throughout the final four games before the break. Keeper and dynasty managers can hold at minimal cost. Everyone else should cut him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mets Reinstate Marcus Semien From the Injured List
The New York Mets announced on Thursday that they reinstated infielder Marcus Semien (hip) from the 10-day injured list and designated infielder Zack Short for assignment in a corresponding move. The Mets have not released their starting lineup for Thursday's series opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, but Semien should be back at the keystone to face veteran right-hander Aaron Nola. Semien is back from a Grade 3 hip-flexor strain that landed him on the IL on June 25. Despite a rough first half of the season, he should pick up as the Mets' starting second baseman to begin the second half, although fantasy managers in deeper leagues may want to keep him on their benches on Thursday against Nolan, whom he's hitting .111 in his career against in nine at-bats. The 35-year-old Semien slashed just .214/.271/.341 with a .613 OPS in 290 first-half at-bats, adding nine home runs, 29 RBI, 30 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 80 games and 318 plate appearances. His offensive profile is nearing rock bottom in his first year in Queens.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Is Aidan Miller Worth Stashing as Window to Return Nears?
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller (back) has been sidelined all season with a back injury that cropped up late last season. Although it didn't keep him off the field in 2025, it has prevented him from playing in any games so far in 2026, and the Phillies top-ranked prospect looks like a long shot to return before the end of July after undergoing a procedure at the beginning of June that had a six-to-eight-week return timetable, but has yet to begin a rehab assignment. The former first-rounder had a good chance to make an MLB debut this season after a strong 2025 campaign in which he hit 13 home runs and stole 52 bases before a late-season promotion to Triple-A, but a 2027 debut is looking more likely at this point. Either way, fantasy managers in redraft leagues should keep tabs on his progress because even if there is a small chance he can make it to the majors in 2026, the 22-year-old has a strong all-around skillset that would make him a viable fantasy asset when he finally arrives in the Show and would make him stashworthy ahead of a potential call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jose Altuve's July Power Spike Opens a Sell Window
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve reached the break at .235/.307/.404 with 11 home runs, 45 runs, 27 RBI, and two steals in 74 games. He did give fantasy managers something to sell. Altuve homered three times in 44 July plate appearances, including the first-half finale, after missing 17 games with a left oblique strain. The bigger picture has not changed much. His 85.8 mph average exit velocity is among the weakest marks of his career, and Statcast sits at a .228 expected average with a .342 expected slugging percentage. Altuve is also striking out at a career-high 22.1% clip. Jeremy Peña returned July 10 and immediately reclaimed the leadoff spot, pushing Altuve to fifth for the final three games. The name still matters, and so does the recent power. This is a good time to see what both can fetch.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
George Lombard Jr. Could Join Yankees Well Before September
The Athletic's Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty write that if New York Yankees shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. (fingers) shows that his sprained fingers are no longer an issue, he "could find himself playing shortstop in the Bronx well before the calendar turns to September." Lombard, the Yankees' top prospect per MLB Pipeline, began a rehab assignment on Monday, and the team is hoping that he will return to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre soon. "He's been pushing himself before the injury," general manager Brian Cashman said last week. "Definitely was thriving and conquering the final level. Looking forward to getting him back and active. He might be a choice at some point." The 21-year-old former first-rounder in 2023 has hit .263/.396/.475 with an .870 OPS, 10 home runs, 27 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and 51 runs scored in 64 games across three minor-league levels in 2026 and is the clear shortstop of the future in the Bronx, perhaps as early as the next month or two to take over for Anthony Volpe at the 6. Lombard is one of the best shortstop stashes in all fantasy baseball formats for the second half.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty
Ketel Marte Is a Second-Half Buy After Cold July
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte went into the break batting .256/.311/.461 with 17 home runs, 51 runs, 54 RBI, and four steals across 92 games. The final stretch was ugly. Marte hit .196 with no homers in 49 July plate appearances, ending the half on an 0-for-9 skid against the Dodgers. That is the opening for a trade offer. His expected line still looks like Ketel Marte. Statcast has him at a .293 expected average and .496 expected slugging percentage, with a .364 xwOBA against a .332 actual mark. The contact quality has backed off from 2025, but a 91 mph average exit velocity, 44.9% hard-hit rate, and 10.9% barrel rate are hardly warning signs. Arizona gave him 364 of 405 plate appearances in the leadoff spot. Buy the cold finish, not the idea that Marte suddenly stopped being a difference-maker.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
