RADIO
Oneil Cruz Likely to Miss Four to Six Weeks with Hand Fracture
Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington said that the "rough timetable" for outfielder Oneil Cruz's (hand) return is four to six weeks, per Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now. Cruz was placed on the 10-day injured list earlier this week due to non-displaced fourth and fifth metacarpal fractures in his left hand. It's an unfortunate setback for the 27-year-old, who was in the midst of a stellar season. Across 283 plate appearances before the injury, Cruz hit .264/.350/.472 with 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 45 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases. Cruz's 34.6% strikeout rate is less than ideal, but his elite barrel (16.4%) and hard-hit (59.2%) rates allow him to be productive even through the swing-and-miss. Even with Cruz likely to be sidelined until mid-to-late July, fantasy managers should find a way to stash him in an IL or bench spot. Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum has taken over as the team's starting center fielder in Cruz's absence.
Source: Pittsburgh Baseball Now - Danny Demilio
Source: Pittsburgh Baseball Now - Danny Demilio
Padres Promote Catching Prospect Blake Hunt, Can He Establish a Consistent Role?
San Diego Padres catching prospect Blake Hunt has been called up from Triple-A El Paso ahead of the team's game on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. Hunt is taking Padres catcher Freddy Fermin's (concussion) spot on the active roster after Fermin was placed on the seven-day concussion IL. Hunt missed the start of the 2026 season due to an oblique strain and has logged just 32 plate appearances this year at Triple-A. Across 280 plate appearances at Triple-A as a member of the Seattle Mariners system in 2025, Hunt hit .272/.368/.452 with eight home runs, 35 RBI, 30 runs scored, and one stolen base. At 27 years old, Hunt does not profile as a high-upside prospect. Still, he should have a chance to emerge as the Padres' starting catcher while Fermin is out. San Diego's other catching option on the active roster is Rodolfo Duran, who owns a .683 OPS across 38 plate appearances this season.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
Kaelen Culpepper Day-to-Day with Glute Tightness
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper (glute) was removed early from his game with Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, fueling speculation that he might be headed to the big leagues. However, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports that Culpepper was pulled from the game due to glute tightness and is now considered day to day. The 23-year-old has hit well so far this season across 289 plate appearances at Triple-A, slashing .273/.377/.498 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, 53 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases. The Twins have gotten middling production from the infield trio of Brooks Lee, Tristan Gray, and Luke Keaschall, which could open a spot for Culpepper to make his MLB debut. Once healthy, Culpepper could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of a potential promotion due to his five-category production potential.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Hunter Brown Set to Return to Astros Rotation on Tuesday
Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (shoulder) will return to his team's rotation on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Brown has been on the injured list since early April due to a shoulder strain. The 27-year-old was one of the better pitchers in baseball in 2025, recording a 12-9 record with a 2.43 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 206 strikeouts across 185 1/3 innings (31 starts). He's largely looked like himself in his minor league outings while rehabbing the shoulder injury, recording a 1.88 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts across 14 1/3 innings (four starts). Upon his return, Brown profiles as a must-start starting pitcher with SP1 upside for fantasy managers.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Angel Martinez Not Ready to Return on Sunday With Bruised Foot
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field, according to MLB.com. Daniel Schneemann is starting in center field for Cleveland and will bat fifth against Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin), who is making his return from the injured list. Martinez will take a seat after fouling a pitch off his left foot in the team's victory on Saturday. Thankfully, X-rays came back negative, and manager Stephen Vogt hinted that Martinez would be available off the bench on Sunday. With an off day coming on Monday, Martinez has a good shot at returning to the starting lineup for Tuesday's series opener on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 24-year-old Dominican switch-hitter has already tied his career high with 11 home runs in 66 games in 2026 and is slashing .239/.276/.442 across 243 plate appearances. Schneemann is hitting .182 with a .455 OPS and an RBI in 11 career at-bats against Mize.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Xander Bogaerts Returns on Sunday After Being Hit by a Pitch
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (head) is back in the starting lineup on Sunday and is batting cleanup for the Padres against the hosting Baltimore Orioles and left-hander Trevor Rogers, per MLB.com. Bogaerts was pulled from Saturday's win early at Camden Yards after he was hit by a pitch in the head. Thankfully, he cleared concussion protocol and will be back in the lineup a day later. Fantasy managers may want to keep Bogaerts on their bench, as he's currently hitting .148/.303/.185 with a double, an RBI, four runs scored, four walks, and nine strikeouts in nine games so far in June. The 33-year-old veteran had a very mediocre .231/.310/.354 slash line on the year with a .664 OPS, eight home runs, 27 RBI, nine stolen bases, and 29 runs scored across his 229 at-bats for the Friars. Bogaerts is also hitless in five career at-bats against Rogers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Andres Gimenez Scratched on Sunday With Wrist Soreness
The Toronto Blue Jays announced that they scratched infielder Andres Gimenez (wrist) from the starting lineup on Sunday against the division-rival New York Yankees with left-wrist soreness. Ernie Clement will make the start at the 6 on Sunday for the Jays while batting seventh against Yankees right-hander Will Warren. Davis Schneider enters the starting nine and will man the keystone for Toronto. For now, we'll consider Gimenez to be day-to-day with his wrist injury. The 27-year-old Venezuelan infielder could be back for Tuesday's series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox after a scheduled day off on Monday if his injury isn't serious. Gimenez remains mostly a glove-first player as the Blue Jays' starting shortstop. He doesn't carry much fantasy appeal due to his lack of upside with the bat. Gimenez comes into Sunday's action with a weak .222/.269/.351 slash line, .620 OPS, six home runs, 30 RBI, seven stolen bases, and 16 runs scored in 243 plate appearances across his 68 games played. He has cleared 10 home runs twice in his six-year MLB career, and not since 2023.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Randy Arozarena Missing Another Game With Hamstring Injury
Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena (hamstring) is missing another game in Sunday's series finale against the Washington Nationals, according to MLB.com. Luke Raley is making another start in left field for the M's and will bat cleanup on Sunday against Nationals left-hander PJ Poulin. Arozarena is sitting out a second straight game after he left Friday's win over the Nats with soreness in his left hamstring. The 31-year-old Cuban outfielder didn't require further testing on his hamstring, so he's considered day-to-day and is unlikely to land on the injured list. With another scheduled day off coming on Monday, there's a good chance Arozarena will be back in action for Tuesday's series opener at T-Mobile Park versus the Baltimore Orioles. The two-time All-Star has been money for his fantasy managers so far in 2026, slashing .291/.377/.448 with an .826 OPS, seven home runs, 33 RBI, 19 stolen bases, and 47 runs scored in 71 games across 302 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Still Out With Back Injury
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (back) will miss a second straight game on Sunday in the series finale against the division-rival New York Yankees due to lower-back tightness, per MLB.com. Charles McAdoo is starting at first base as the team takes on right-hander Will Warren. Guerrero's injury isn't believed to be serious, so he should have a good shot to make his return for Tuesday's series opener versus the division-rival Boston Red Sox after another scheduled day off on Monday. Vlad's back issues could help explain why he has hit just .184 (7-for-38) with no homers, three doubles, three RBI, four runs scored, four walks, and five strikeouts in 10 games so far in June. The five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner is hitting a strong .280 (69-for-246) on the year, but the Canadian slugger has only three round-trippers in 68 games played in 2026. Guerrero currently sits in the 75th percentile in xwOBA and 64th percentile in hard-hit rate with an expected batting average of .298. Now is the time to buy low on him in fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chase DeLauter Out on Sunday With Rib Contusion
Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (ribs) is not in the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival Detroit Tigers, according to MLB.com. David Fry is starting in right field for Cleveland and will bat sixth against Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin), who is making his first start back from the injured list. DeLauter was forced to exit Saturday's game against Detroit early with a right rib-cage contusion after he crashed into the outfield wall. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. With the team scheduled for a day off on Monday, DeLauter will hopefully be ready to return for Tuesday's series opener in Milwaukee against the Brewers. In his first MLB season, the 24-year-old former 16th overall pick in 2022 out of James Madison University is batting .263/.337/.408 with a .745 OPS, seven home runs, 34 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 240 at-bats. The left-handed-hitting outfielder has been cold so far in June, going 8-for-35 (.229) with a double, two RBI, two runs scored, three walks, and 11 strikeouts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hunter Greene to Start a Rehab Assignment on Thursday
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) will start a minor-league rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Thursday, June 18, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Greene has yet to pitch for the Reds in 2026 after having surgery on March 11 to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Because of his lengthy absence, the hard-throwing 26-year-old will need at least a handful of minor-league rehab starts. However, manager Terry Francona said it's possible that the former second overall pick in 2017 could rejoin Cincy's starting rotation before the All-Star break in mid-July. Greene is currently on the 60-day injured list, but with his season debut getting closer, fantasy managers should already be looking to pick him up off the waiver wire if he's available in your league. When healthy, Greene has clear ace potential, having posted an ERA under 3.00 in each of his last two seasons and with a career 30% strikeout rate. He's currently rostered in only 65% of Yahoo leagues, so scoop him up immediately if you can.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Royals Place Vinnie Pasquantino on Injured List With Hand Fracture
The Kansas City Royals announced on Sunday that they placed infielder Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) on the 10-day injured list with a right hamate fracture in his hand and recalled outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Pasquantino fractured his right hand in Saturday's game against the Houston Astros and will likely be out for at least a month. In the first game without the Pasquatch on Sunday against the Astros, Jac Caglianone will move to first base and bat third, while Lane Thomas makes the start in right field and bats eighth against Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti. The 28-year-old Pasquantino has only hit .224 (57-for-254) this year, but he went 14-for-47 (.298) with a homer, three doubles, seven RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base in 12 games in June. The former 11th-round pick in 2019 out of Old Dominion University hit a career-best 32 long balls and drove in 113 runs in 160 games a year ago, but he's only at six homers so far in 2026. Despite the disappointing start to 2026, Pasquantino is deserving of being stashed in most fantasy leagues for his power upside while he heals.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Ryan Helsley has Another Stellar Rehab Outing
Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Ryan Helsley (elbow) had another strong minor-league rehab outing for Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday night against Memphis, setting down the order 1-2-3 in the sixth innings while striking out two, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Helsley threw nine of his 14 pitches for strikes. In his two rehab appearances for Norfolk, Helsley has tossed two shutout innings with no walks and five strikeouts, and the Orioles might be ready to reinstate him from the 15-day injured list. Before getting hurt, the 31-year-old veteran was looking great as Baltimore's primary closer in 2026, allowing three earned runs on seven hits while walking seven, striking out 15, and recording seven saves in his first 12 appearances for the team. The two-time All-Star appears to be on the verge of rejoining the back end of the Orioles' bullpen, and he should immediately slot back in as manager Craig Albernaz's preferred choice in the ninth inning. Fantasy managers should run to their waiver wire and check if Helsley is available. He's currently rostered in 84% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Max Muncy Stays Hot With Two-Homer Game on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy carried the offense in a 7-1 victory on Saturday night in Chicago against the White Sox, going 3-for-3 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, and two walks to boost his season average to .272 and his OPS to .912. It was more than enough offense for the Dodgers on a night when starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto flirted with a perfect game. Despite being 35 years old, Muncy continues to rake and produce for the Dodgers and fantasy managers in his 11th year in the big leagues. He's now hitting .272/.372/.540 with a .912 OPS, 16 home runs, 28 RBI, and 46 runs scored in 65 games across 247 plate appearances this season. The two home runs on Saturday night were his first of the month, and he's now hitting .342 (13-for-38) with three doubles, seven RBI, and seven runs scored in 12 games during the month. Fantasy managers need to continue to ride Muncy while he's hot and pick him up in leagues where he's still available. Muncy is currently rostered in 83% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Flirts With Perfect Game in Win Over White Sox
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto was nearly unhittable on Saturday in the team's 7-1 win over the hosting Chicago White Sox. Yamamoto took a perfect game into the eighth inning and a no-hitter into the final frame. A Mookie Betts error with two outs in the eighth inning broke up the perfect game, and Tristan Peters broke up the no-no in the ninth with a solo home run to lead off the frame. Yamamoto still had an excellent line in his seventh win of the season, giving up just one earned run on one hit while walking none and striking out seven to lower his season ERA to 2.52. The 27-year-old Japanese native had an incredible run of retiring 45 straight batters, dating back to his previous start, which is second in MLB history to Yusmeiro Petit. Yamamoto has carried over his dominance from last year and now has a 0.84 WHIP with 80 strikeouts and 15 walks in 85 2/3 innings across his 13 starts. He has won four straight games and hasn't given up more than one run in five straight appearances. Continue to run Yamamoto out there as a must-start in fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
