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Ceddanne Rafaela Still Out on Friday
Boston Red Sox second baseman/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (quadriceps) remains out of the starting lineup for the contest on Friday against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, per MLB.com. Eli White will make another start in center field for the BoSox and will bat ninth against Orioles right-hander Shane Baz. It will be the second straight game that Rafaela will sit out after he was pulled from Wednesday's tilt against the Seattle Mariners early with tightness in his quad muscle. Rafaela is being considered day-to-day for now, and he could return for Game 3 of a four-game series in Baltimore on Saturday. Fantasy managers will want to check back then. The 25-year-old from Curaçao is on the verge of his first 20-20 campaign in the big leagues this year, as he is currently slashing .282/.317/.443 with a .760 OPS, 16 home runs, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 67 runs scored in his 135 games and 569 plate appearances. Rafaela has been pretty consistent each month of the season and is a must-start in all fantasy formats when active for his contributions across the board in all categories.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Carlos Lagrange Close to Being Activated in Minors
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange (shoulder) is traveling to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, where he will report and continue his rehab, according to Francys Romero. Lagrange is expected to throw a live bullpen session before being activated from the seven-day minor-league injured list. The Yankees have kept their No. 4 prospect (per MLB Pipeline) out since early July after he was diagnosed with a capsular sprain in his right shoulder. The 23-year-old Dominican prospect has gone 1-4 with a 4.55 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 83:33 K:BB in 63 1/3 innings across 18 appearances (11 starts) for the Rail Riders this year at the Triple-A level. The 6-foot-7, 248-pounder is unlikely to be a call-up option for the Yankees this year as they battle for a playoff spot in the American League, but barring another injury, he should be in a great position to make his major-league debut early in 2027 if there is no lockout. Not only does Lagrange feature a high-90s fastball, but he has impressive secondary pitches that miss bats consistently. More consistency is still needed, but at his best, Lagrange has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation arm in the Bronx sooner rather than later.
Source: Francys Romero
Source: Francys Romero
Charlie Condon Has Seen his Bat Cool Off Over the Past Month
Colorado Rockies first base/outfield prospect Charlie Condon has gone nearly a month without hitting a home run at Triple-A Albuquerque. Condon, a 23-year-old out of Georgia, hit his last home run on August 6, but still does have 22 homers and 79 RBI this season for Albuquerque, with a .269 batting average and 95 runs scored. It has been a bit of a struggle at the plate recently for Condon, who hit just .221 in August with two homers and 14 RBI after a strong start to the season. The right-handed hitter is the No. 3 prospect in the Colorado system with a 55-grade hit tool and 55-grade power. Condon was passed over for a September call-up, maybe in part due to his recent struggles, but he still is a call-up candidate this year and offers high fantasy upside because of his strong tools as a hitter in a good hitting environment.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Max Fried to be Piggybacked on Friday in San Diego
The New York Yankees' current plan is to have right-hander Will Warren piggyback left-hander Max Fried in Friday's series opener in San Diego against the Padres, manager Aaron Boone told Greg Joyce of the New York Post. Warren could slide back into the team's starting rotation after that, but the Yankees are still trying to sort everything out with a few days off upcoming. Fried is still making the start, but this means that he could be in for more of an abbreviated start at Petco Park, making it more difficult for the 32-year-old southpaw to earn a quality start for his fantasy managers. The three-time All-Star has been strong in his 16 starts (90 innings) in 2026 with the Yanks, going 4-4 with a 2.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts in his second year in the Bronx. Fried has been on the injured list twice with left-elbow issues, though, and he went only 3 2/3 innings in his first start off the IL on Aug. 29 against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. The good news is that Fried has not allowed more than an earned run in any of his last four outings, but fantasy managers should not be banking on him going five or six innings on Friday night in SD against his former team.
Source: New York Post - Greg Joyce
Source: New York Post - Greg Joyce
Cam Cannarella Showing Some Power Late in the Season
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Cam Cannarella has hit two homers in his last two games with Triple-A Jacksonville after failing to hit a home run in the month of August. In 34 games with Jacksonville, Cannarella has three homers and eight RBI with 25 runs scored and 11 stolen bases while hitting .289. Cannarella's speed is his greatest asset, but he has shown off the power a bit late in the year. The left-handed hitting outfielder is the Marlins' No. 6 prospect and has 60-grade speed with a 55-grade hit tool and just 45-grade power. The Marlins have a very deep outfield at the major league level, and Cannarella looks like he might take a year or two to make his debut in Miami. But when he does, he will offer plus stolen-base potential and a solid batting average.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Konnor Griffin Officially Activated on Friday
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) has officially been activated from the 60-day injured list on Friday, according to Danny Demilio of PGH Baseball Now. Griffin should be making his return to the 6 in the starting lineup for the Bucs for their series opener on Friday night at PNC Park against the Los Angeles Angels and right-hander Ryan Johnson. Fantasy managers who need middle-infield help in all formats should scoop Griffin up immediately, as he is only rostered in 69% of Yahoo leagues at the moment. The 20-year-old former top prospect got off to a bit of a slow start in his first major-league season, but he was beginning to figure things out offensively before tearing the sagittal band on his left ring finger two months ago. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 will return to a .276/.332/.404 slash line with a .736 OPS, five home runs, 25 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 35 runs scored. Griffin's power is still developing, but he is one of the top young power/speed assets at a premium position in MLB.
Source: PGH Baseball Now - Danny Demilio
Source: PGH Baseball Now - Danny Demilio
Andrew Fischer Having Monster Season In Brewers' Farm System
Milwaukee Brewers third base prospect Andrew Fischer has two homers in his last three games and now has 44 combined homers and 106 RBI between High-A Wisconsin and Double-A Biloxi with a combined .270 batting average and 98 runs scored. In 63 games with Biloxi, Fischer is hitting .245 with 24 homers and 56 RBI to go with 47 runs scored. At just 22 years old, Fischer is having a great minor-league season and is the No. 5 prospect in the Milwaukee organization. He boasts 65-grade power and a 40-grade hit tool. So for fantasy purposes he looks like a strong future contributor in homers, RBI, and potentially runs, but could be a drag for batting average. Fischer is a very strong play in dynasty leagues formats and looks to be a year or two away from joining the Brewers in the major leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Anthony Eyanson has Been Lights-Out Since Trade to O's
Since he came over to the Baltimore Orioles organization from the Boston Red Sox in the Adley Rutschman deal, pitching prospect Anthony Eyanson has been lights-out pitching for the Orioles' Double-A affiliate, the Chesapeake Baysox. In five starts with Chesapeake, Eyanson has a 2-1 record with a 2.00 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 40 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched. The right-hander was equally dominant with the Red Sox this season, pitching to a 4-0 record at Double-A Portland with a 1.69 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. Eyanson is now the No. 2 prospect on the Orioles and features a 60-grade fastball with a 65-grade slider and 55-grade curveball. The 21-year-old has shown great strikeout upside in the minor leagues, with his slider being a big potential wipeout pitch. He still looks maybe a year away, however, from joining the Orioles and potentially featuring in their starting rotation.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Gage Wood Features Elite Strikeout Upside
Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect Gage Wood pitched four strong innings in his start on Thursday night with two earned runs, four hits, and two walks to go with 10 strikeouts. The strikeout upside is a picture of what makes Wood such a special pitching prospect. The results haven't been overwhelming for Wood at Double-A Reading, but he has featured that strikeout potential. In 16 starts at Reading, the right-hander has pitched 63 2/3 innings and struck out 94 batters, which is at an elite level. But he has an ERA of 4.81 and a WHIP of 1.29, which are good but not great at Double-A. Wood features a 70-grade fastball with a 55-grade curveball and a 50-grade slider. Overall, Wood looks like a promising future fantasy starter but now looks more like a dynasty league play than a redraft play, as he will probably remain in the minors for the rest of this season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Franklin Arias Still Worth a Stash But Could Debut Next Season
In 30 games with Triple-A Worcester, Boston Red Sox top shortstop prospect Franklin Arias has hit well with four homers, 25 RBI, and a .302 batting average. Arias, however, was not called up as September rosters expand, as the Red Sox feature depth at shortstop with Trevor Story returning from injury and playing ahead of Andruw Monasterio. Arias nonetheless has been impressive in the minors this season, playing at Double-A Portland and Worcester and combining to hit .313 with 23 homers and 77 RBI between both levels. Arias, signed out of Venezuela, is just 20 years old and has a very bright fantasy future. He is graded out with a 60-grade hit tool and 55-grade power. A right-handed hitter, Arias still could be called upon this season, but at age 20 it is more likely he begins next season with the big-league club, and he will be a nice fantasy option at shortstop.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Eugenio Suarez Back From Personal Matter on Friday
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez is serving as the designated hitter and is batting fifth for Friday's contest against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers and left-hander Shane Drohan at Great American Ball Park, per MLB.com. Suarez missed the final two games of the series against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday and Wednesday to take his US naturalization test, but he is back now and ready for the weekend series in Cincy. The Reds placed the 35-year-old Venezuelan on outright waivers recently, but he was not picked up and will finish out the 2026 season with the Reds before becoming a free agent this winter. Suarez still has some pop, but he is striking out 35% of the time in his 13th MLB season. The two-time All-Star is also hitting just .206 (77-for-373) with a .298 on-base percentage, 20 home runs, 59 RBI, and 36 runs scored across 107 games and 426 plate appearances this year. It has been a steep decline for Suarez, who tied a career high with 49 round-trippers in 2025 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Xavier Edwards Still Has Some Inflammation in his Thumb
Miami Marlins middle infielder Xavier Edwards (thumb) has done rotational work in the cages and can throw without playing catch, according to manager Clayton McCullough. However, he still has some inflammation in his left thumb when trying to fully squeeze his hand. Edwards departed the Aug. 30 game early after his glove caught the sliding Jorbit Vivas of the Washington Nationals, and he was diagnosed with a sprained thumb and placed on the 10-day injured list the following day. Barring a setback, Edwards is expected to come off the IL in mid-September to try to help the Fish make a push for the final wild-card spot in the National League. It is good news that the 27-year-old speedster should return before the end of the regular season, but he is running out of time to help fantasy managers. In 500 at-bats this year, Edwards has provided a .282/.361/.376 slash line with a .737 OPS, six home runs, 51 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 59 runs scored. Edwards does not have much pop at all, but he is an excellent source of average and can also run. He is still rostered in 86% of Yahoo leagues while on the shelf.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Blue Jays Hope Shane Bieber Can Return This Year
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber (shoulder) is scheduled to play catch on Friday, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. No return timeline has been given for Bieber yet. The Blue Jays are hoping that he can return this year, but it is unclear if it will be a September thing or a "maybe in the playoffs" thing. Fantasy managers definitely should not be holding out hope that the veteran hurler will be able to help them down the stretch. If Bieber pitches at all again this year, it will most likely be if the Blue Jays make it into the postseason. The 31-year-old former two-time All-Star and Cy Young winner has gone 5-2 in his second year with the team with a 4.37 ERA (5.14 FIP) and 1.42 WHIP with 44 strikeouts and 24 walks in 55 2/3 innings across his 11 starts. Arm issues have hampered Bieber in recent seasons, and he has not reached the 20-start mark since 2023 with the Cleveland Guardians. Bieber was actually better in seven second-half starts for the Blue Jays before being shut down with a shoulder injury, posting a 2.84 ERA with 14 walks and 31 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. He is rostered in only 38% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Cade Cavalli Set to Start on Saturday Against Dodgers
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli (calf) has been cleared to make his next start on Saturday on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to MLB.com. Cavalli only made it through four innings in his previous start last Saturday against the division-rival Miami Marlins after he was hit by a line drive on his calf. The 28-year-old was able to avoid a major injury, though, and should be fine to pitch again this weekend against the defending World Series champion Dodgers. Cavalli has been a strong fantasy option in his first full major-league season in 2026, going 12-5 with a 3.12 ERA (3.38 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 177 strikeouts and 46 walks in 152 2/3 innings across his 29 starts. The former first-round pick in 2020 from the University of Oklahoma allowed more than two earned runs only once in his six starts in August, posting a 1.75 ERA (3.93 FIP) with 10 walks and 47 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched. Cavalli should be good for a full workload in his return to the mound on Saturday, but the matchup is obviously not ideal.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
White Sox Reinstate Kyle Teel From Injured List
The Chicago White Sox announced on Friday that they reinstated catcher Kyle Teel (ankle) from the 10-day injured list and optioned catcher Drew Romo to Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move. Fantasy managers will want to check back a bit later on Friday to see if Teel is immediately back in Chicago's starting lineup for Friday's contest at home against the division-rival Minnesota Twins and right-hander Zebby Matthews. In six minor-league rehab games, Teel went 7-for-22 at the plate with a home run and a double. He will be rejoining the big-league squad after landing on the IL early in the second half of the season due to a sprained left ankle. Injuries have limited the 24-year-old former first-rounder by the Boston Red Sox to just 19 games and 63 at-bats in 2026 in his second year in the big leagues with the Pale Hose. In those 19 games, Teel has gone just 12-for-63 (.190) with two home runs, 14 RBI, nine runs scored, six walks, and 27 strikeouts. Despite the poor start in a limited sample size, Teel should play regularly down the stretch and has more offensive upside than the other catcher on Chicago's big-league roster, Jake Rogers.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
