RADIO
Cole Ragans to Have Elbow Surgery Next Wednesday
Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) will have elbow surgery on Wednesday, July 1, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. The extent of the surgery will be determined once ElAttrache gets inside to see exactly what's going on with Ragans' elbow. We'll have a better idea of Ragans' timetable for a return next Wednesday, but it's possible that he won't be able to return for the rest of the 2026 season and the first half of next year. The 28-year-old southpaw initially landed on the 15-day injured list in early May with an elbow impingement, and he has since been moved to the 60-day IL. He's still rostered in 74% of Yahoo leagues, but that number could be dropping drastically if his elbow surgery next week is season-ending. Even if his elbow procedure is minimal, we probably won't see Ragans until at least August. The former 30th overall pick by the Texas Rangers in 2016 was a first-time All-Star in 2024, but he's made just 21 starts since the start of the 2025 campaign due to injuries. Ragans had a 4.84 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in his eight starts in 2026 before elbow issues cropped up, but he also fanned 45 in 35 1/3 innings pitched.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Wyatt Langford Scratched on Saturday With Hamstring Tightness
Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford (hamstring) has been scratched from the starting lineup for Saturday night's game in Toronto against the Blue Jays due to tightness in his left hamstring, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. With Langford starting on the bench, Jarred Kelenic got the start in left field and is hitting sixth against Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease. It's yet another injury for Langford, who continues to deal with nagging injuries of all kinds. It's unclear how serious his hamstring injury is, though, so for now, we'll consider the right-handed slugger day-to-day. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Sunday to see if Langford is active for the series finale at the Rogers Centre. Since returning from a forearm injury on June 5, Langford has been money for fantasy managers, going 26-for-82 (.317) with seven home runs, five doubles, 16 RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 20 games played. When healthy, the former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida is one of the better young power/speed outfield options in the game.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Caleb Kilian Remains a Priority Waiver Wire-Target for Saves in San Francisco
San Francisco Giants right-hander Caleb Kilian had a rough outing in his most recent appearance against the Athletics on Thursday, allowing four earned runs for his second blown save of the year. However, the 29-year-old has been one of San Francisco's most reliable relievers overall this season, pitching to a 3.97 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 40 strikeouts and five saves across 34 innings (33 games). Kilian has boosted his average fastball velocity to a career-best 96.9 miles per hour and has struck out 27.6% of the batters he's faced this season. Before his blowup against the A's, Kilian had recorded nine consecutive scoreless appearances. Kilian remains the most likely source of saves on the Giants roster and should be a priority target on the waiver wire in leagues where he is available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Willi Castro's Versatility Makes Him a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Amidst June Surge
Across 275 plate appearances in 2026, Colorado Rockies utility man Willi Castro is hitting .280/.353/.407 with six home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored, and six stolen bases. The 29-year-old has been on a tear in June, hitting .316 with four home runs and 14 RBI across 93 plate appearances this month. With just a 5.6% barrel rate, Castro does not profile as a significant power source for fantasy managers. Still, the veteran switch-hitter has a balanced profile at the plate that allows him to provide modest production across the other four categories. Castro also offers multi-positional eligibility, and his hitter-friendly home park in Colorado helps boost his abilities at the plate. In deeper league formats, Castro should be a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers due to his versatility.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Wilson Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire Amidst Ongoing Shoulder Issues?
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (shoulder) has battled injury issues in 2026. After being placed on the injured list in early May due to a shoulder subluxation, Wilson re-injured the same shoulder on a play at the plate on Wednesday and has not played since. The Athletics have not yet placed Wilson on the injured list, so there's hope that he can make a quick return to the lineup. Across 214 plate appearances in 2026, Wilson is hitting .277/.310/.386 with four home runs, 26 RBI, 23 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 24-year-old's carrying category in fantasy is batting average, but his strikeout rate has risen from 7.5% in 2025 to 11.7% this season. Still, Wilson hit .311 with 13 home runs across 523 plate appearances a year ago and carries some upside if he can get healthy over the second half of the season. Fantasy managers in need of batting average may have an opportunity to add Wilson off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colt Emerson a Must-Add Waiver-Wire Target Ahead of Second-Half Breakout?
Since being promoted to the big leagues in mid-May, Seattle Mariners infielder Colt Emerson has emerged as his team's everyday shortstop. Across 116 plate appearances, the 20-year-old is hitting .212/.293/.481 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, 15 runs scored, and one stolen base. Emerson's underlying metrics are a bit concerning, as his strikeout rate (31.9%) is higher than his hard-hit rate (31.3%). Still, Emerson has gotten to some power at the MLB level, and he's widely considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Emerson stole 10 bases across 38 games at Triple-A before his promotion, so he has some untapped speed potential once he starts getting on base more consistently. Given his upside, Emerson profiles as a worthy waiver wire target despite some of his early struggles in the big leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mickey Moniak Carries High-End Power Potential on the Waiver Wire
Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak missed a month after being placed on the injured list with ankle tendinitis in late May. However, the 28-year-old was reinstated by Colorado on Monday and has jumped back into a big-side platoon role for the Rockies. Moniak has been highly productive so far this season, hitting .275/.328/.581 with 12 home runs, 29 RBI, 22 runs scored, and one stolen base across 174 plate appearances. The 28-year-old owns a 12.7% barrel rate in 2026, and he's mashed right-handed pitchers to a .976 OPS. Moniak's playing time ceiling is limited by his platoon role, which holds down his fantasy value. Still, Moniak profiles as a valuable power source when he's in the lineup, and his favorable home park in Colorado helps boost his overall numbers. Fantasy managers in need of power should target Moniak on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Shane Bieber Remains a Waiver-Wire Target Despite Rough First Outing
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber had the start of his 2026 season delayed by an elbow issue, but he was able to return to the mound for Toronto on Tuesday. The 31-year-old struggled in his first outing of the year, allowing nine hits and four earned runs across 3 2/3 innings against the Houston Astros. Bieber was not much better in his minor league rehab outings before returning to the big leagues, allowing 13 earned runs across 17 innings (five starts). Still, Bieber was effective in a small sample size for Toronto in 2025, recording a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts across 40 1/3 innings (seven starts). Bieber's average fastball velocity of 92 miles per hour in his first start of 2026 is right in line with where he sat last season. Fantasy managers should not expect Bieber to provide the same production he once did at his peak, but the veteran right-hander still profiles as a quality waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jesus Sanchez Hits Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesus Sanchez (ankle) has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right ankle sprain. The news came shortly after the 28-year-old underwent X-rays and an MRI, with both examinations revealing no structural damage or fractures. Still, manager John Schneider revealed on Saturday that the outfielder was very sore a day after injuring himself while making a leaping catch in the outfield. With the pain proving too much to overcome, Toronto will be without Sanchez's services for at least the next 10 days, though there is no word on whether this will be a minimal stay. As part of the corresponding move, Yohendrick Pinango was recalled by the Blue Jays and will provide Toronto with additional depth in the outfield. The 24-year-old is batting eighth and starting in left field on Saturday.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Source: Arden Zwelling
Jesus Sanchez MRI Reveals No Fracture
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesus Sanchez (ankle) underwent an MRI on Saturday to determine the severity of the ankle injury he sustained on Friday night. With both the X-rays and MRI coming back negative, he and the Blue Jays will now work to determine the next steps toward getting him back on the field. It is still possible that he will require a trip to the injured list, as manager John Schneider revealed that it remains an option. Regardless, the results are encouraging, as everything is structurally sound, and his return will largely depend on his pain tolerance. Once the soreness subsides, the team should have a better idea of how to proceed, but for now, consider him day-to-day.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Source: Arden Zwelling
Romy Gonzalez Could be Activated on Sunday
Boston Red Sox second baseman Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) could be activated on Sunday, according to manager Chad Tracy. The 29-year-old had targeted Saturday for his return, but that timeline will ultimately fall short, possibly by just one day if things go according to plan. After suffering a shoulder injury last season, it was determined that he would need surgery to address the issue following a setback this past winter. He has yet to play this season, and given the bevy of injuries the team has endured, the Red Sox could certainly use his bat as a boost. He has struggled to the tune of just two hits over 21 plate appearances during his rehab assignment, though he has limited the damage by striking out only six times. He is worth rostering in the deepest of leagues, with the potential to provide even more value if he can recapture last season's success.
Source: Ian Browne
Source: Ian Browne
Teoscar Hernandez is Mashing on his Rehab Assignment
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) has homered in each of his three games with Triple-A Oklahoma City to begin his minor-league rehab assignment. The 33-year-old outfielder started this rehab assignment earlier in the week while recovering from a left hamstring strain and has turned all three of his base hits during that span into home runs. He now sports a solid .273 batting average while striking out just once. Considering how well he is swinging the bat, and with previous reports suggesting he could be reinstated as early as Monday, it appears that he is all but ready to make his return to the Dodgers' lineup. Through 51 games this season, the 11-year veteran is hitting .276 with seven home runs and 31 RBI.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Kade Anderson Won't Get Promoted Until the Stretch Run?
The Seattle Mariners have floated the idea of creating a "super 'pen" for the stretch run late in the season, perhaps featuring promotions for pitching prospects Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. Anderson, the former third overall pick in 2025 out of Louisiana State University and the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has dominated this year at Double-A Arkansas, going 8-0 with a stingy 1.22 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, and 99:10 K:BB in 66 2/3 innings across his 13 starts. It was reported in mid-June that the 21-year-old southpaw wasn't in Seattle's immediate plans for a big-league call-up, and this report by Jude corroborates that we probably won't see Anderson make his MLB debut until much later in 2026. He's currently rostered in 12% of Yahoo leagues, but fantasy managers in mixed redraft leagues won't have much incentive to hold him now, especially since he might not even pitch in a starting role if he joins the M's for the stretch run. But in dynasty/keeper leagues, Anderson is a must-stash for his clear high-end upside for 2027 and beyond.
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Christian Scott Activated and Starting Against Phillies
The New York Mets announced on Saturday that they reinstated right-hander Christian Scott (hip) from the 15-day injured list and optioned rookie left-hander Zach Thornton to Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Scott is returning to the Mets' starting rotation after a brief stint due to right hip impingement. The 27-year-old former fifth-rounder in 2021 out of the University of Florida isn't returning to the most fantasy-friendly matchup, but he should certainly be in play as a waiver-wire pickup for starting-pitching-needy fantasy managers. In his return from Tommy John surgery this year, Scott has looked solid in his first nine starts for the Mets, going 2-0 with a 3.10 ERA (3.84 FIP) and 1.35 WHIP with 47 strikeouts and 19 walks in 40 2/3 innings pitched in his second season in the big leagues. The Phillies as a team rank just 22nd in the majors with a .703 OPS, but they have been heating up and won't be an easy matchup for Scott in his return. He's only rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available as a pitching reinforcement heading into the last portion of the first half of the season.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Jack Flaherty to Officially Return on Sunday Against Astros
Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty (ankle) will officially come off the 15-day injured list to start on Sunday in the series finale against the Houston Astros at Comerica Park, manager A.J. Hinch told Jared Ramsey of the Detroit Free Press. Flaherty has been sidelined since June 13 with an injury to a tendon in his ankle. The 30-year-old veteran has had a frustrating season to this point, leading the league with eight losses while posting a 5.35 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.57 WHIP with 78 strikeouts and 34 walks in 65 2/3 innings pitched over his 15 starts in his second year in Detroit. Flaherty sits in just the fourth percentile in hard-hit rate this year, but he's in the 73rd percentile in strikeout rate and didn't allow more than three earned runs in any of his last five starts before going on the IL with his ankle injury. His xERA (4.64) and xwOBA (.334) suggest he's had some bad luck in the first half as well, so Flaherty shouldn't just be blindly avoided in fantasy leagues because of his eight losses and ERA over 5.00.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Jared Ramsey
Source: Detroit Free Press - Jared Ramsey
