RADIO
Cam Sanders Picks Up Back-to-Back Saves Over the Weekend
Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Cam Sanders came on to record the final out for the Orioles in their win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, and he picked up a second consecutive save (his third on the year) in Saturday's victory. Yennier Cano was brought in for the ninth on Friday but gave up three runs before the O's called on Sanders to lock it down. The 29-year-old former 12th-round pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2018 out of LSU began the 2026 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His outing on Saturday was only his sixth appearance with Baltimore, and he's sporting a bloated 6.32 ERA (3.97 FIP), 1.66 WHIP, three saves, and a 19:12 K:BB in only 15 2/3 innings pitched in his second year in the majors. Late-inning relievers Ryan Helsley (elbow) and Felix Bautista (shoulder) remain on the injured list, with the Orioles going with a closer committee involving Cano, Andrew Kittredge, and Rico Garcia. Sanders' save chances over the weekend probably won't become a regular occurrence, and fantasy managers should have better save options to target on the waiver wire.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Bryan Hudson Enters the Closer Mix in Chicago
Chicago White Sox left-handed reliever Bryan Hudson struck out a batter in a perfect ninth inning on Saturday in the win over the division-rival Detroit Tigers for his fifth save of the season and his first since July 22. In his first full season with the White Sox, Hudson has gone 3-4 with a 3.14 ERA (2.87 FIP), 1.28 WHIP, and a 50:17 K:BB in 51 2/3 innings pitched across 54 appearances (six starts). The 29-year-old southpaw is part of a crowded committee situation for saves in Chicago, with Grant Taylor, Sean Newcomb, and Jordan Hicks also involved. Newcomb picked up the save for the Pale Hose on Sunday, and Taylor leads the back end of the bullpen with six saves on the year. So far in six appearances out of the bullpen in August, Hudson has allowed three earned runs on seven hits while walking none and striking out six for one save and two holds. He is probably more attractive in holds leagues, but fantasy managers desperate for saves in deeper formats could also give him a look. Hudson is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Ben Joyce A Saves Target To Close Out the Season
Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Ben Joyce didn't make his 2026 debut until Aug. 5 due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the entire first half of the season. The hard-throwing righty has thrown five scoreless innings with one hit allowed, one walk, and six strikeouts to get started, and he has recorded saves in each of his last two appearances. The Angels might continue to use a closer-by-committee down the stretch, also involving left-hander Samy Natera Jr. (he had a save last Tuesday) and right-hander Jose Fermin, but Joyce has a great opportunity to lead the team in save chances to close out the 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old former third-round pick in 2022 from the University of Tennessee had four saves in the 2024 season and has gone 4-1 with a 2.83 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 50:25 K:BB in 54 innings with the Halos since he made his major-league debut back in 2023. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues who are searching for saves should look Joyce's way off the waiver wire. He's rostered in only 12% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Red Sox Promoting Outfield Prospect Justin Gonzales to Double-A
The Boston Red Sox are promoting outfield prospect Justin Gonzales to Double-A Portland, an MLB source told Ari Alexander of 7 News. Gonzales gets the call to Portland after hitting .271 with 17 home runs, 58 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 68 runs scored in 89 games across 350 at-bats at High-A Greenville this year. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder is ranked as Boston's No. 2 prospect at MLB Pipeline, behind only shortstop prospect Franklin Arias. The 19-year-old Dominican bats from the right side of the plate and has some of the most raw power out of any of the team's position-player prospects. Gonzales generates tons of bat speed, which in turn lights up his exit velocities, and he's not hitting as many ground balls in 2026. He projects for 30-plus home runs at the major-league level and is extremely athletic and agile despite his hulking size. Gonzales has average speed and will most likely settle into a corner-outfield spot or at first base long-term. At just 19 years of age, nobody should be expecting Gonzales to make his big-league debut in Boston next year.
Source: 7 News - Ari Alexander
Source: 7 News - Ari Alexander
Cubs Promoting Outfield Prospect Ethan Conrad to High-A
The Chicago Cubs are promoting outfield prospect Ethan Conrad to High-A South Bend, according to Chase Ford of Milb Central. Conrad, the 17th overall pick last year from Wake Forest University, earned the promotion late in the season after hitting .246/.325/.436 with a .762 OPS, four home runs, 21 RBI, and 14 runs scored in 29 games and 123 plate appearances at Single-A Myrtle Beach. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound left-handed hitter is ranked as the Cubs' No. 3 prospect at MLB Pipeline, behind only outfielder/first baseman Josiah Hartshorn and catcher/first baseman Owen Ayers. Conrad has a solid gap-to-gap approach at the plate and makes a lot of hard contact, but like many young hitting prospects, he can get over-aggressive. The 22-year-old has a solid power/speed profile right now in the low levels of the minor leagues, with a chance to develop more with added strength. Conrad has plenty of developing to do and probably won't be a realistic candidate to make his major-league debut until 2028.
Source: Milb Central - Chase Ford
Source: Milb Central - Chase Ford
Bryan Woo Pulled as a Precaution With Shoulder Soreness
Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (shoulder) was pulled from Sunday's game against the division-rival Houston Astros after only 75 pitches because he was dealing with a little bit of soreness in his right shoulder, with manager Dan Wilson calling the early exit precautionary, per Shannon Drayer. Woo stayed in the contest long enough to earn his ninth win of the year, allowing two earned runs on three hits (two homers) while walking one and striking out five in six innings of work for a quality start as well. Because the Mariners don't seem too concerned about Woo's shoulder, fantasy managers should expect him to make his next start next weekend at home against the Chicago Cubs. After his quality start on Sunday evening on the road at Daikin Park in the 3-2 victory, Woo is now 9-8 in 2026 with a 4.10 ERA and 137 strikeouts in 138 1/3 innings pitched across his 24 starts. The former sixth-rounder in 2021 from Cal Poly gave up 10 earned runs in 10 innings in his final two starts in July, but he has now allowed just two earned runs in 18 innings over his last three starts against the Astros, Detroit Tigers, and New York Yankees.
Source: Shannon Drayer
Source: Shannon Drayer
Pitching Prospect Quinn Mathews to Start Game 1 of Doubleheader
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports that St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitching prospect Quinn Mathews will be called up from Triple-A Memphis to start Game 1 of the team's doubleheader on Monday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. Right-hander Andre Pallante will get the nod for Game 2 for the Cards. Mathews, the team's No. 8 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was called up on Aug. 1 to make his major-league debut and allowed two earned runs with three walks and three strikeouts in five innings in a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on the road. The 25-year-old southpaw and former fourth-rounder from Stanford University has gone 5-4 this year with a 3.27 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 120:61 K:BB in 99 innings and 21 starts for Memphis. Mathews will face a Reds squad that ranks 24th in the league in team OPS, but the young lefty could be sent right back down to Memphis following his second major-league start. In the long-term at the MLB level, Mathews projects as more of a back-end starter in St. Louis than an ace.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Maikel Garcia Could Rejoin the Royals on Monday
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro said that infielder/outfielder Maikel Garcia (hand) didn't play in a minor-league rehab game on Sunday, but if he's feeling good, there's a chance he could come off the 10-day injured list to rejoin the big-league club on Monday before their series opener at home against the Athletics. Garcia has gone 3-for-16 at the plate on his rehab assignment after joining Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, and the 26-year-old could be on the verge of rejoining the Royals for the first time since being put on the 10-day injured list with a muscle strain in his left hand back on June 23. When he's activated, Garcia should take over as the team's starting third baseman, which will push Nick Loftin back to a utility role off the bench. Garcia has just three home runs, 30 RBI, and five stolen bases in 2026 in his fourth full season in the majors, but he did have 16 homers, 74 RBI, and 23 steals in 160 games as a first-time All-Star in 2025, and he had 83 stolen bases from 2023-25. With eligibility in Yahoo leagues at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield, Garcia should at least be a versatile speed threat for fantasy managers the rest of the way. He's currently rostered in 76% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sporting Tribune - Jack Janes
Source: Sporting Tribune - Jack Janes
Brice Turang Lined Up to Return on Tuesday
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy indicated on Sunday that second baseman Brice Turang (knee) is lined up to return to the starting lineup for Tuesday's series opener against the visiting Seattle Mariners, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Brewers have a scheduled day off on Monday, but fantasy managers should be prepared to get Turang back into their starting lineups for the new week after he missed the entire four-game series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers due to discomfort in his left knee. The 26-year-old needs four home runs and four stolen bases the rest of the 2026 season for his first career 20-20 campaign in his fourth year in the big leagues. He came into Sunday's action with a solid .268/.360/.450 slash line, a career-best .810 OPS, 16 home runs, 76 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 74 runs scored in his 115 games and 523 plate appearances. Turang needs three home runs and six RBI to set new career highs in those categories, respectively. He'd be facing Mariners struggling right-hander Bryce Miller if he returns on Tuesday, as expected.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
Chase DeLauter Exits Early on Sunday With "Mild Hamstring Tightness"
Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (hamstring) exited Sunday's series finale against the visiting San Diego Padres early with "mild left-hamstring tightness," according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. DeLauter was removed in the third inning after going hitless in his lone plate appearance. He was replaced in right field by Angel Martinez. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger will have a scheduled day off on Monday, with his next chance to return to Cleveland's starting lineup coming in Tuesday's series opener at home against the San Francisco Giants. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. DeLauter came into Sunday's tilt against the Padres with a strong .286/.358/.443 slash line with an .801 OPS, 13 home runs, 57 RBI, 49 runs scored, and nine stolen bases across his 106 games and 452 plate appearances in his first year in the big leagues. It would be a shame for him to miss time the way he's been hitting, as he went 19-for-55 (.345) with a .919 OPS, two home runs, two doubles, six RBI, 11 runs scored, and three steals in 13 games in August going into Sunday's shutout loss to the Friars.
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Dansby Swanson to Go on Injured List With Oblique Injury
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Sunday that shortstop Dansby Swanson (oblique) will go on the 10-day injured list with a left-oblique injury, according to Taylor McGregor of the Marquee Sports Network. The severity of his oblique injury is not yet determined, and Swanson will undergo an MRI exam on Monday. The 32-year-old shortstop had to be pulled from Sunday's loss to the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals early after swinging at the first pitch he saw on the day. Even if Swanson's oblique injury isn't severe, fantasy managers should expect him to miss more than 10 days and possibly up to a month or more. With Swanson going on the shelf, expect the Cubs to move second baseman Nico Hoerner over to the 6, with Pedro Ramirez and James Triantos as options to see playing time at the keystone in Chicago. Swanson is two homers and three steals away from his second straight 20-20 campaign, but he also came into Sunday's series finale with a career-low .216 average (87-for-403) and a .704 OPS in 118 games played. For his power/speed abilities at a premier position, Swanson should be stashed in most fantasy leagues while he recovers.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Taylor Ward Missing Fourth Straight Game on Sunday
Seattle Mariners outfielder Taylor Ward (quadriceps) is sitting out his fourth straight game on Sunday night versus the division-rival Houston Astros, per MLB.com. Dominic Canzone is in right field and is batting third against Astros right-hander Hunter Brown. If Ward cannot return following Monday's scheduled day off for Tuesday's series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on the road, he could be forced to the injured list. The 32-year-old veteran right-handed slugger has been a major disappointment for his fantasy managers in 2026, as he enters Sunday's action slashing .240/.370/.337 with a .707 OPS, only seven home runs, 30 RBI, 65 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 442 at-bats after hitting a career-high 36 home runs and driving in 103 runs in 157 games played for the Los Angeles Angels last year. Since being acquired from the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline on Aug. 3, Ward has gone 5-for-32 (.156) at the plate with the M's with no home runs, no walks, and six strikeouts in 32 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dansby Swanson Exits Early with Side Injury
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (side) was removed early during Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Swanson was pulled from the contest during his first plate appearance after being in pain following a swing. The expectation is that he'll undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if Swanson ends up landing on the Injured List. Pedro Ramirez figures to see an expanded role if Swanson is placed on the shelf. He'd be worthy of a spot in mixed leagues if he does indeed get more playing time. For now, Swanson should be considered day-to-day until the team reveals further details.
Source: Chicago Cubs
Source: Chicago Cubs
Shane McClanahan to Return on Monday
According to Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (back) will be activated from the 15-day Injured List and start against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. McClanahan is finally back in the mix after being sidelined since the end of July due to mild back tightness. He looked excellent during his lone rehab start with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday. The expectation is that McClanahan will be working with a restricted workload at first. Even with restrictions, McClanahan should be rostered and started in all fantasy formats. Fantasy managers should double-check the waiver wire to see if he's available ahead of Monday's outing.
Source: Marc Topkin
Source: Marc Topkin
Justin Wrobleski Placed on Injured List with Forearm Issue
According to David Vassegh, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski (forearm) was placed on the 15-day Injured List on Sunday. Wrobleski has struggled over his last three starts, so the forearm issue could be partially to blame for his lack of success lately. The Dodgers haven't revealed a timetable on the southpaw yet, so fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more updates. The 25-year-old owns a 3.56 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 100/28 K/BB ratio across 126.1 innings of work this season. In a corresponding move, Kyle Hurt was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take the spot on the active roster.
Source: David Vassegh
Source: David Vassegh
