Jul 19, 2026, 4:25 PM ET

Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (elbow) will be activated off the Injured List ahead of Monday's game against the Miami Marlins. Blanco is set to take the mound and make his season debut during the series opener against Miami. The veteran right-hander has been sidelined since having an internal brace procedure last June. He has been working his way back and building up his pitch count in the minor leagues. His return to the mound will move Tatsuya Imai to Tuesday, and shift Peter Lambert to Wednesday's series finale. Blanco hasn't pitched in a big league game since mid-May of 2025. Fantasy managers can't be sure what to expect from Blanco, but he could be someone worth adding in deep leagues.--Andy Webb
Source: Matt Kawahara

Jul 19, 2026, 4:17 PM ET

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (shoulder) was removed to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Houston Astros. Basallo appears to have tweaked his shoulder during his lone at-bat of the game in the second inning. Basallo was ultimately pulled from the game in the bottom half of the inning due to right shoulder discomfort. The O's are likely to have Basallo undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Sam Huff took over behind the plate and could see increased playing time if Basallo misses time. Adley Rutschman and Huff would split up the time behind the plate if Basallo lands on the Injured List. Fantasy managers should check back on Monday for another update on his status.--Andy Webb
Source: Roch Kubatko

Jul 19, 2026, 4:11 PM ET

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day Injured List on Sunday. Helsley has been on the shelf since July 3 due to right-elbow discomfort. The right-hander is currently dealing with inflammation around his UCL. The O's are currently having Helsley rest before they hopefully ramp him up soon. The decision to move Helsley to the 60-day IL clears a spot on the 40-man roster for catcher Sam Huff. Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge should continue splitting up the save chances in Baltimore. Helsley is unlikely to contribute again until late August or September.--Andy Webb
Source: Baltimore Orioles

Jul 19, 2026, 2:53 PM ET

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher JoJo Romero (appendicitis) was placed on the 15-day Injured List on Friday. Romero is currently being treated for appendicitis and appears unlikely to return when first eligible. He could return on July 29, but it doesn't sound like he'll be ready to pitch until at least August. This news is probably going to impact his value ahead of the trade deadline on August 3. Romero has been arguably the best reliever in St. Louis this season. He owns a 3.35 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and a 43/16 K/BB ratio across 44 appearances this season. Due to his lack of saves, Romero isn't someone who needs to be rostered in most fantasy formats that don't count holds.--Andy Webb
Source: stltoday.com

Jul 19, 2026, 2:45 PM ET

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Martin Perez (forearm) is expected to rejoin the starting rotation on Wednesday. On Saturday, manager Walt Weiss said Perez is likely going to be ready for the upcoming homestand beginning on Monday. If the Braves slot Perez into Wednesday's spot, that would give Chris Sale an extra day of rest. The veteran southpaw has been out since July 6 due to a left forearm contusion. So far this season, Perez owns a 3.54 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a 62/32 K/BB ratio across 18 games (14 starts) with the Braves. Perez lacks swing-and-miss stuff, but still offers low-end fantasy value. He's someone worth considering in deep leagues for fantasy managers seeking help in the pitching department.--Andy Webb
Source: mlb.com

Jul 19, 2026, 2:34 PM ET

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) took the mound for a rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. It went well as Smith-Shawver tossed 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing four hits, while striking out five batters. He threw 72 pitches and touched nearly 100 mph on his fastball at one point. Smith-Shawver is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June of last year. He's expected to make a couple more rehab outings before rejoining the Braves rotation. The 23-year-old could be an option for the Braves in early August. Smith-Shawver could be worth stashing for fantasy managers who are desperate for pitching help.--Andy Webb
Source: milb.com

Jul 19, 2026, 2:27 PM ET

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez (ankle) was activated off the 15-day Injured List on Sunday. Vasquez is back after landing on the IL on July 3 due to a right ankle bruise. The expectation is that Vasquez will start either Monday or Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves. This season, Vasquez owns a 4.71 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and a 60/27 K/BB ratio across 17 games (16 starts). In a corresponding move, right-hander Jhony Brito was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. Before landing on the shelf, Vasquez allowed 14 earned runs over his last three outings. There is some deep league value for fantasy managers seeking pitching help, but Vasquez isn't a must-have player.--Andy Webb
Source: San Diego Padres

Jul 19, 2026, 2:20 PM ET

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) is scheduled to do soft toss hitting in the batting cage on Sunday. This is good progress as Seager is working to return from lower back inflammation that has kept him sidelined since mid-June. This is an issue that has continued to plague Seager throughout the season. There is no official timetable for his return, so fantasy managers will need to continue to be patient. According to Kennedi Landry, Seager is going to be back eventually this season, which isn't a great sign. When healthy, Seager was struggling heavily at the plate. Fantasy managers in redraft formats might want to start looking for a replacement.--Andy Webb
Source: Kennedi Landry

Jul 19, 2026, 2:12 PM ET

New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (elbow) received his second round of shots, including another PRP injection on Friday. The southpaw threw 10 pitches off the mound on Friday and could progress to a full bullpen session this week. Rodon is working his way back from left elbow inflammation that has kept him sidelined since late June. There is currently no official timetable for Rodon's return to the rotation. It'll ultimately depend on his progress, but the hope is that Rodon can return in early August. Fantasy managers should continue to hold the southpaw and hope he can be a contributor in the second half of the season.--Andy Webb
Source: Gary Phillips

Jul 19, 2026, 1:30 PM ET

Cleveland Guardians first base/outfield prospect Ralphy Velazquez could be ready to make a second-half impact for fantasy managers. Velazquez, the Guardians' top overall prospect, has had good overall numbers between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus this season, and if given an opportunity in Cleveland, he could make some noise in the fantasy landscape. The 21-year-old left-handed hitter has been productive between two levels this year, hitting .292 with 11 homers and 47 RBI to go with 44 runs scored. Velazquez is still young, but has a power tool that is graded out at 60 with a 50 hit tool. He will likely not provide much on the base paths, but he could be a solid power bat for years to come in fantasy. Fantasy managers will want to take a chance on him in the second half of this season for the upside, but there is no guarantee that he makes his big league debut this season. So it's a little bit of a risky add but offers a ton of upside.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 19, 2026, 1:22 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has been a part of two trades already in his career and is primed to contribute to his newest team, the Dodgers. Tibbs is producing in a big way for Triple-A Oklahoma City with 21 and 72 RBI, a .290 batting average to go with 74 runs scored. A former first-round pick by the San Francisco Giants, Tibbs is now the No. 9 prospect in the Dodgers' system. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter is delivering at a rate beyond his prospect pedigree and could be ready for a spot in the Dodgers' outfield right now. The Dodgers have no shortage of big-league-ready talent in the outfield, but Tibbs could be a sneaky addition to fantasy rosters. His Pacific Coast League numbers suggest he is ready for his big-league debut and could contribute in fantasy if given the opportunity.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 19, 2026, 1:16 PM ET

Updating a previous report, the Los Angeles Dodgers don't expect two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) to be back on the mound as a pitcher for "some time," according to Jack Harris of The California Post. "The benefits just don't seem to outweigh the cost at this time of the season," manager Dave Roberts said. The Dodgers already announced that Ohtani will not make his next scheduled start on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, and it's unclear when the talented Japanese sensation will get back on the mound. The four-time MVP felt discomfort in his bothersome left knee while playing catch this weekend. The good news is that the two-way All-Star will continue to serve as the designated hitter in the Dodgers' lineup. Ohtani hasn't made a pitching start since July 3 due to a knee problem that originally surfaced in mid-June. The 32-year-old received a lubricant injection in his knee last Sunday, but it apparently hasn't done enough to get him past the hump. Roberts said he fully expects Ohtani to pitch again this year and described the current layoff as more of a precaution. L.A.'s big lead in the National League West definitely has played a part in the Dodgers' cautious approach. Unfortunately for fantasy managers who have Ohtani rostered as a pitcher, it might be a while until he makes another start.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris

Jul 19, 2026, 1:11 PM ET

Washington Nationals middle-infield prospect Seaver King (oblique) has had a stellar minor-league season between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester before landing on the injured list. Between both levels, the talented infielder is hitting .306 with 10 homers and 51 RBI to go with 50 runs scored and nine stolen bases. King has a five-tool profile and is graded out with 70 speed. Unfortunately for fantasy managers this season, King landed on the IL in early July with an oblique injury. He has a bit of a tough road to the majors this season, as the Nationals have a solid middle infield led by CJ Abrams and Nasim Nunez, and King will have to work his way back to full health in the second half with the oblique injury, which can be tricky to deal with. But the Wake Forest product is the No. 6 prospect in the Nationals system and offers high upside with his elite speed.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 19, 2026, 1:02 PM ET

Don't let Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith's 0-5 record fool you; he has the pitching tools to be a successful player for fantasy managers. Smith has pitched to an 0-5 mark at Triple-A Charlotte this season with a 4.67 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. His 77 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched give a good look into his upside, and his fastball and slider are both graded out at 60. The left-hander out of Arkansas is the No. 3 overall prospect for the White Sox, and while he has only been used in starting situations in the minors, he could be looked at as a high-leverage bullpen arm in the big leagues. Control has been a struggle for Smith a bit in the minors, but his high-quality pitches make him a fantasy target, especially in dynasty leagues. Shallow league owners will also want to plant a flag on Smith as a waiver wire option because of the upside if he is called up by Chicago this season.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 19, 2026, 12:56 PM ET

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's series finale versus the visiting San Diego Padres due to back tightness, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Manager Matt Quatraro said it progressed during Saturday's win, and the Royals wanted to be cautious with the All-Star shortstop on Sunday. With Witt out, Tyler Tolbert will handle shortstop duties and will bat eighth against Padres right-hander German Marquez. The Royals rightfully aren't going to take any chances with one of the best all-around players in the league. Fantasy managers will need to check back to see if the 26-year-old three-time All-Star can play in Monday's series opener against the San Francisco Giants. For now, we'll consider him day-to-day. Witt went hitless in nine plate appearances in the first two games of the series against SD and is batting just .200 (11-for-55) with a .532 OPS, a homer, two doubles, three RBI, seven runs, two steals, three walks, and 12 K's in 13 games in July to drop his overall line to .280/.350/.451 on the season with an .801 OPS. Witt might be a little banged up, but he's a must-start when he's active in most fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers