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James Tibbs III Continues to Make Case for a Call-Up, but When Will That Be?
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III reached base three times in his latest contest, collecting a hit and two walks, which is what he's done for most of the season. The Dodgers' 10th-ranked prospect is hitting .313 with a phenomenal .424 on-base percentage thanks to a strong 15.6 percent walk rate. Not only that, the former first-rounder has clubbed 16 doubles, two triples, and 18 home runs en route to a .621 slugging percentage, which is seventh-best in all the minors for players with at least 200 plate appearances, while his 60 runs scored and 55 RBI are both top 10 totals. The 23-year-old has done enough to earn a promotion to the big leagues, he just needs a spot to open up on the major league roster, and then he should get his shot. Look for that to happen in the coming weeks, and with his powerful bat in the second-best run-producing lineup in baseball (5.37 runs/game), there's good reason to stash the left-handed slugger in most fantasy leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ezequiel Duran's Multi-Positional Eligibility Makes Him a Priority Deep-League Waiver Wire Target
Across 212 plate appearances in 2026, Texas Rangers utility man Ezequiel Duran is hitting .292/.346/.453 with four home runs, 35 RBI, 27 runs scored, and five stolen bases. The 27-year-old is outperforming his underlying metrics at the plate, as he's benefitted from a .375 batting average on balls in play despite posting an underwhelming 38.9% hard-hit rate. Still, Duran's ability to play basically any position other than pitcher, catcher, and center field makes him an incredibly valuable asset to the Rangers and allows him to find everyday playing time while cycling around the diamond. Even if Duran's batting average comes down a bit as his BABIP regresses, he should still provide relatively balanced five-category production for fantasy managers. With his multi-positional eligibility, Duran should be a priority waiver wire target for deep-league fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nathaniel Lowe Emerging as a Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire
After opening 2026 in a bench role, Cincinnati Reds first baseman Nathaniel Lowe has emerged as a near-everyday player and a key piece of his team's lineup. Across 166 plate appearances on the year, Lowe is hitting .252/.337/.497 with nine home runs, 25 RBI, and 16 runs scored. The 30-year-old's .497 slugging percentage is the best mark of his career and a marked improvement from the .381 SLG he posted across 609 plate appearances in 2025. Lowe's power surge is backed up by his 13% barrel rate, his highest since 2020. He's also made a concerted effort to get the ball in the air, as his 14.1-degree average launch angle is by far the steepest of his career. Between the changes he's made at the plate, his playing time situation, and his hitter-friendly home park in Cincinnati, Lowe is emerging as a power bat to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
When Will Max Clark Make his Major-League Debut?
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark continues to hold his own at Triple-A, though he is not excelling to the point where a call-up to the majors feels like it is right around the corner. The Tigers' top-ranked prospect (MLB No. 7) is just 10-for-49 (.204) over his last 13 games, but on the bright side, three of his four home runs came during that stretch, and he also maintained an 11:12 BB:K over that span. For the season, the former third-overall draft pick is slashing .253/.341/.382 with four home runs, 12 steals, and solid walk (11.2 percent) and strikeout rates (16.7 percent). The organization has made it clear they are in no rush to bring him up to the majors, and if he is not hitting well, then his debut could be delayed a bit longer than previously anticipated. Look for the 21-year-old to earn a promotion this season, but it might be sometime after the All-Star break. With a skillset that could make him a five-category contributor, though, the left-handed hitter is still one of the top bats to stash in most fantasy leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Pirates Recall Esmerlyn Valdez, Worth a Pickup Following Triple-A Power Surge?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have recalled outfield prospect Esmerlyn Valdez, according to MLB Pipeline. Valdez is the ninth-ranked prospect in the Pirates system and has hit three home runs in his last four games at Triple-A. The 22-year-old got a brief run with Pittsburgh in early May and hit two home runs in five games, but he also struck out nine times in 18 plate appearances. Valdez has showcased big-time power upside during his time in Triple-A this season, hitting .255/.388/.526 with 13 home runs, 38 RBI, and 33 runs scored across 237 plate appearances. He's kept his minor league strikeout rate to a manageable 21.5% in 2026, but he's struggled with swing-and-miss in the past. Fantasy managers should not expect Valdez to help them with batting average or speed, but his power potential could still make him an appealing waiver wire target.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
Jake McCarthy Still Under the Weather on Thursday
Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy (illness) remains under the weather and is out of the starting lineup on Thursday in the series finale at Coors Field against the visiting Chicago Cubs, according to MLB.com. Troy Johnston is making another start in right field and will bat fifth against Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera. McCarthy was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to illness and will miss a second straight contest. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see if he's feeling good enough to return to action for the series opener in Sacramento against the Athletics. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has taken advantage of more playing time in the last month in Denver with both Mickey Moniak (ankle) and Brenton Doyle (oblique) on the injured list. The speedy outfielder is currently slashing .282/.326/.448 with four home runs, 27 RBI, 22 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in his 174 at-bats in his first year in Colorado.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Luis Robert Jr. Expects to Return This Season
New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (back) said he expects to return from his spine injury this season, according to Chelsea Janes of SNY. Robert said his back has been responding better in recent days, so he might run on the field by the end of the week. However, he doesn't know if the issue will fully subside or if it will be something he will have to play through the rest of the way. It's not exactly a ringing endorsement for fantasy managers who have been stashing the 28-year-old Cuban slugger, who is currently on the 60-day injured list. Robert has been sidelined since late May due to lumbar spine disc irritation. It sounds like he's making some progress of late, but there remains no timetable for his return to the Mets. Robert has always teased elite power/speed upside, but he has only delivered on that potential once, back in 2023 with the Chicago White Sox. There's no guarantee he'll be a reliable fantasy asset again in 2026 after hitting .224 (19-for-85) with two home runs, eight RBI, 10 runs, and two steals in 24 games to kick off his first year with the Mets. Robert is rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues currently.
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
Justin Verlander Lit Up by Four Home Runs in Rehab Start
Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) had a rough showing in his minor-league rehab start on Wednesday for Triple-A Toledo, allowing four earned runs on five hits (four home runs) while walking two and striking out three in 5 2/3 innings of work for the Mud Hens. It was in stark contrast to his first rehab start with Toledo on June 2, when he threw five shutout innings over 64 pitches. Despite the ugly results on Wednesday, the good news is that Verlander averaged 92.9 mph with his fastball and got up to 86 pitches in the outing, meaning his next start could be back in the big leagues for the Tigers against his former team, the Houston Astros. That would be a solid matchup for the 43-year-old three-time Cy Young winner and former MVP, but he still won't be recommended as a fantasy streamer after having not pitched in the majors since March 30. And in his lone start in 2026 for Detroit, Verlander allowed five earned runs in 3 2/3 innings to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He's going to be plugged back into the Tigers' starting rotation, but the future Hall of Famer doesn't have much left, and fantasy managers should have better upside options at their disposal.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Kenley Jansen on Track to Return on Friday
Detroit Tigers right-handed reliever Kenley Jansen (pelvis) was a bit "rusty" in his minor-league rehab outing on Wednesday at Triple-A Toledo, but manager A.J. Hinch said he is still on track to be reinstated after a minimum stay on the 15-day injured list, according to Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. It points to Jansen returning for Friday's series opener in Cleveland against the division-rival Guardians, which is the first day he's eligible to come off the IL. The 38-year-old veteran allowed three earned runs on two hits while walking one and striking out one in two-thirds of an inning during his rehab outing on Wednesday with the Mud Hens. With Jansen out recently, the Tigers have mixed and matched in the ninth inning with right-handers Will Vest and Kyle Finnegan. Jansen wasn't exactly pitching great before his pelvis injury, going 1-3 with a 4.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, seven saves, and a 19:9 K:BB -- but given his experience, he's likely to be Detroit's primary option for saves again once he's activated. Just don't expect Jansen to have a very long leash if he continues to be inconsistent.
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
CT Scan Comes Back Negative for Seth Lugo
Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo's (head) CT scan came back clear, and he will continue to be monitored, according to the team. Lugo was hit in the forehead by a 106.6 mph line drive off the bat of Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo on Wednesday night in a scary scene at Kauffman Stadium. The veteran hurler was able to get up right away, although he quickly had a large lump on his head and was pulled from the game as a precaution. The 36-year-old will also likely be put through concussion tests, but for now, he appears to have avoided a serious injury. Lugo's next scheduled start on Monday against the Washington Nationals is up in the air, though, and fantasy managers will want to check back again in the next few days. Before leaving on Wednesday, Lugo allowed an earned run on three hits with one walk and two strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings pitched. The savvy veteran doesn't light up the radar gun or punch out hitters at a high rate, limiting his fantasy upside, but he's still a matchup-based streaming option in the right matchups.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Foster Griffin a Waiver-Wire Target With Good Upcoming Matchup
Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin had another solid outing on Wednesday at Oracle Park against the San Francisco Giants, although he did not factor into the decision. Griffin allowed just one earned run on six hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out five in six innings for a quality start. Since allowing 14 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings on May 14 and May 19 against the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets, the 30-year-old southpaw has steadied the ship by giving up only five earned runs on 16 hits (five homers) while walking three and striking out 20 in 22 innings over his last four starts. Griffin's strong start on Wednesday in the Bay Area dropped his season ERA to 3.46 (4.75 FIP) and his WHIP to 1.09 in his 14 starts. He has struck out 74 and walked 21 in 78 innings pitched. Griffin is due for some regression the rest of the way, but fantasy managers should consider picking him up off the waiver wire for his next scheduled outing against the Kansas City Royals, who rank 25th in baseball with a .693 OPS.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Clayton Beeter Still the Reliever to Roster for Saves in Washington
Despite a recent rough patch, Washington Natinals right-handed reliever Clayton Beeter is the best source of saves in D.C. Beeter hasn't had the best start to June -- he's allowed four earned runs on five hits while walking one and striking out four in 3 2/3 innings in three outings -- but he entered the month with a 2.30 ERA, 15 strikeouts, 12 walks, a win, four saves, and two holds for the Nationals as their top option for the ninth inning. Overall, the 27-year-old former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 out of Texas Tech University has gone 2-1 with a 3.72 ERA (4.81 FIP), 1.29 WHIP, four saves, three holds, 19 strikeouts, and 13 walks in 19 1/3 innings pitched. Before the calendar flipped to June, Beeter had six straight scoreless appearances for the Nats to solidify his role as their closer. We're not saying that Beeter is a high-end closing option in fantasy, but for managers scrounging for saves, he's rostered in just 11% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Antonio Senzatela Still Worth Rostering After Struggles in June?
Colorado Rockies veteran right-hander Antonio Senzatela has looked like a different pitcher this year after being moved to a relief role. In his first 16 outings out of the bullpen in 2026 through May, Senzatela had a 1.36 ERA (3.23 FIP) with 26 strikeouts, nine walks, a 4-0 record, three saves, and two holds. The 31-year-old Venezuelan hurler is being hit hard by regression so far in June, though, giving up five runs (four earned) on nine hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out six in 5 1/3 innings pitched in four appearances. He's gone 2-0 in those outings, but he's blown three saves, including on Wednesday night against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field in an eventual 3-2 victory. All three of his blown saves on the season have come in his last four appearances. Overall, Senzatela is still 6-0 with a 2.11 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, three saves, and 32 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings pitched, but his 3.39 FIP shows that more regression is likely in store. The Venezuelan hurler has just a 7.5 K/9, which isn't ideal for a late-inning arm. A likely trade candidate this summer, Senzatela isn't a must-roster reliever despite his shiny surface stats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jose A. Ferrer a Top Closer Handcuff?
With Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz not living up to his lofty expectations so far in 2026, left-handed reliever Jose A. Ferrer is gaining some steam as one of the top handcuff relievers in baseball. The 26-year-old Dominican southpaw did blow a save chance on Tuesday at Camden Yards against the Baltimore Orioles, allowing two earned runs on three hits (one homer) while striking out one, but he also backed into his first win of the season. Despite his hiccup earlier this week, Ferrer has been solid in late-inning, high-leverage situations for Seattle in 2026 and is 1-1 with a 2.10 ERA (3.24 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, three saves, 26 strikeouts, and only seven walks in his 30 innings out of the bullpen. He has allowed a run in only five of his 33 outings for the M's in his fourth year in the majors (first in Seattle), and if Munoz continues to struggle, don't be surprised if Ferrer is given more save opportunities by manager Dan Wilson. Ferrer's 19.7% strikeout rate isn't ideal, but he's also walking just 5.3% of the batters he faces. Fantasy managers looking for a closer handcuff should look no further than Ferrer, who is rostered in only 7% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Walbert Urena a Potential Breakout Pitcher?
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Walbert Urena picked up the fourth win of his first season in the big leagues on Tuesday night over the visiting Houston Astros, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing three hits, walking five, and striking out seven. The 22-year-old Dominican hurler is now 4-4 in his rookie season for the Halos with a 2.44 ERA (4.01 FIP) and 1.35 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 33 walks in 55 1/3 innings pitched over his 12 appearances (10 starts). Urena has exceeded expectations so far in his first big-league season, but his lack of control is something that is keeping him from being a true breakout candidate in his first year. He threw only 59 of his 107 pitches for strikes on Tuesday against Houston, and he has at least three walks in each of his last four starts. His five-walk performance this week was his second such outing of 2026. If Urena can start to limit the free passes, he'll become much more attractive off the waiver wire. Right now, Urena is rostered in 31% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
