RADIO
Mets Place Juan Soto on Injured List With Calf Strain
The New York Mets announced on Saturday that they placed outfielder Juan Soto (calf) on the 10-day injured list with a strained left calf and recalled infielder Eric Wagaman from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Soto, who already spent time on the IL in the first half of the season with a right-calf strain, has been bothered by his left calf since the first game after the All-Star break, and he was pulled from Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers with more discomfort in his left calf. An MRI exam showed a Grade 2 strain, and interim manager Andy Green said that Soto will miss more than the two weeks that he missed in April with his right-calf strain. It's a major bummer for fantasy managers, as the five-time All-Star has hit 21 homers and 52 RBI in only 84 games this season. Soto must be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues while he heals. With Soto sidelined, the switch-hitting Jorge Polanco figures to be the Mets' primary designated hitter.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Andrew Kittredge Takes Loss on Friday, Sees Value Fall in Baltimore Committee
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge took the loss in Friday's 7-6 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, allowing four unearned runs on two hits over two-thirds of the 10th inning. A throwing error by Jackson Holliday brought home the go-ahead run before Kittredge recorded two strikeouts, but Matt Olson followed with a three-run homer. Because all four runs were unearned, Kittredge's ERA dropped from 3.86 to 3.77. The larger fantasy concern came one inning earlier, when Tyler Wells worked a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts in a tied game. Wells ranks 53rd in RotoBaller's weekend waiver rankings with a 12-team recommendation, while Kittredge was left off the list after carrying a 15-team tag at midweek. Nearly every Yahoo waiver wire still has Kittredge available, with his roster rate at 6%. He remains worth monitoring in deep saves leagues, but Friday's usage pushed him further behind Wells and removed any urgency in standard formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Romano Earns Another Save, Enters Priority Waiver-Wire Territory
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jordan Romano worked around two leadoff singles to close out Friday's 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, retiring the next three hitters to earn his eighth save. Romano allowed two hits and struck out one in the scoreless inning. It was his fourth save in as many chances since joining Colorado's bullpen, where he has surrendered one earned run with nine strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Colorado has not formally named a closer, but Romano is getting the opportunities that matter. Each of his seven appearances for the club has come in the ninth inning, and he has converted every save chance. His 10.13 ERA with the Los Angeles Angels earlier this season remains a warning, especially after he allowed two baserunners Friday. Still, 94% of Yahoo leagues have left Romano on the waiver wire. He is a priority saves pickup in 12-team leagues and deeper and a viable target in competitive 10-team formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yasiel Puig's Sentencing Postponed for Third Time
Former MLB outfielder Yasiel Puig's sentencing has been postponed for a third time while the judge continues considering his post-conviction motion for acquittal, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic. Puig was convicted by a federal jury Feb. 6 of one count of obstruction of justice and one count of making false statements in connection with an investigation into an illegal sports gambling ring. No new sentencing date has been set.
Source: Sam Blum
Source: Sam Blum
Nick Kurtz Reinstated From 10-Day Injured List
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, while infielder Max Muncy was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Kurtz had been out since July 10 with a right thumb capsule sprain, which also kept him out of the All-Star Game. The 23-year-old returns with a .266/.405/.497 slash line, 20 home runs, 61 runs, 66 RBI, and seven steals in 92 games. Kurtz can go right back into fantasy lineups. Muncy returns to Las Vegas four days after being recalled when Joshua Kuroda-Grauer landed on the injured list following surgery.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
Ralphy Velazquez's Triple-A Production Slowing in July
Cleveland Guardians first base/outfield prospect Ralphy Velazquez is an ideal fantasy prospect due to his 60-grade power and 50-grade hit tool. Between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus, Velazquez has had a nice age-21 season, but he has slowed down a bit statistically at Columbus in July. In 53 July at-bats, Velazquez is hitting .208 with two homers, eight RBI, and a .333 on-base percentage. All in all, between Double and Triple-A this season, Velazquez has 11 homers and 48 RBI while hitting .282 with 45 runs scored and a .378 on-base percentage. The left-handed hitting first baseman/outfielder was a former first-round pick by the Guardians in 2023, but might be looking at finishing this season in the minors. A premium dynasty prospect, Velazquez might be looking at 2027 as his time for a big league debut.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Dallas Keuchel Agrees to Minor-League Deal With Athletics
Free-agent left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Athletics and will report to Triple-A Las Vegas, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 38-year-old last appeared in the majors with Milwaukee in 2024, posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings over four starts. He returned to Triple-A Omaha in 2025 and went 2-1 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 30 strikeouts across 35 2/3 innings before being released in August. Keuchel, the 2015 American League Cy Young winner, will have to pitch his way back to the majors and carries no immediate fantasy value.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Max Clark Not Slowing Down Statistically at Triple-A Toledo
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has had a nice month of July at Triple-A Toledo, posting three homers and six RBI while hitting .333 with 13 runs scored and four stolen bases. As Clark continues to hit, he continues to make his case for a big league promotion. As the top prospect in the Tigers system, Clark is the main name to watch as the Tigers roster continues to take shape as the trade deadline nears. Clark has a 60-grade hit tool and a 70-grade run tool and has racked up 21 stolen bases at Toledo this year. At just 21 years old, the Tigers will have to make a decision on how they want Clark's career to progress. He has shown the capability to hit at a high level at Triple-A and the next step could be Detroit, but do the Tigers want to bring up Clark at such a young age? It's worth taking a chance in fantasy by stashing Clark and waiting for a promotion, especially if the Tigers are active at the trade deadline.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Karson Milbrandt Struggling To Find Consistency at Triple-A
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has flashed his potential in his age 22 season, but has struggled with his control since joining Triple-A Jacksonville. In 27 innings pitched for Jacksonville, Milbrandt has walked 24 batters and has allowed 17 earned runs. It's been a bit of a struggle for Milbrandt to find the form he showed at Double-A Pensacola, but he is still ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the Marlins' system. At Pensacola, Milbrandt was 4-1 with a 1.34 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 70 strikeouts in 47 innings. The strikeout rate was a product of his potential but Milbrandt hasn't found that same rate at Jacksonville. Milbrandt is worth looking at in dynasty leagues but might be best left on the waiver wire in redraft leagues as he works through some of his struggles.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Connelly Early Throws Bullpen Session
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early (elbow) threw a successful one-inning bullpen session on Friday as he continues to work his way back from left posterior elbow inflammation. He also threw from 120 feet and participated in pitcher fielding drills, making it a busy and productive day. The plan is for the 24-year-old southpaw to throw a two-inning bullpen session sometime next week, followed by a live batting practice session. Once those steps are completed, the Red Sox expect him to begin a short rehab assignment, putting him on track to return well before the end of the regular season. Given this positive outlook, Early is worth holding in fantasy leagues, and if he is available on the waiver wire, he is worth adding before he is activated from the Injured List.
Source: Ian Browne
Source: Ian Browne
Hagen Smith Working his Way Back From Injury
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith has made two outings since returning from the injured list at Triple-A Charlotte. In those two outings, the left-hander has lasted one and two innings, respectively, as he makes his way back from a left-shoulder impingement. Smith gave up just one earned run in his last two appearances combined. He walked three batters in his first time back out since his injury and lasted just one inning. Control has been an issue for Smith despite his good numbers overall this season. In 55 innings this season, Smith has 82 strikeouts. He only has a 1-6 record this season with a 4.58 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Smith is the No. 2 overall prospect for the White Sox and has two 60-grade pitches in his fastball and slider. If Smith can work his way back from his shoulder injury, he would be a welcome addition to the White Sox roster down the stretch
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Cody Bradford Impresses During Rehab Start
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cody Bradford (elbow) threw three scoreless innings in his latest rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Thursday. The 28-year-old increased his pitch count to 48, throwing 39 of them for strikes while displaying impressive command. Although he allowed three hits, he struck out four batters and did not issue a walk. He likely has at least two more rehab starts before being activated and returning to the Rangers' starting rotation, with building up his pitch count remaining the primary focus. That said, his rehab assignment has been a success so far, and Bradford remains a low-cost stash with some upside in the deepest fantasy leagues.
Source: Shawn McFarland
Source: Shawn McFarland
It's Time To Stash AJ Smith-Shawver
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) is set to make one more rehab start this week for Triple-A Gwinnett after throwing 86 pitches in his most recent outing on Thursday. The 23-year-old has been impressive during his rehab assignment, recording 21 strikeouts over 17.2 innings while posting a 1.53 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. The expectation is that this upcoming start will be his final one before being activated by the Braves, allowing fantasy managers to add him now before his value rises. Smith-Shawver has shown success in the past, posting a 3.86 ERA with a 22.0% strikeout rate in 2025 before suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery in June 2025. Now that he is on the verge of returning to Atlanta, he could be a prime candidate to replace the struggling Reynaldo López, who has allowed nine earned runs over his last two starts.
Source: Ian Quillen
Source: Ian Quillen
Hector Rodriguez Could be Impact Addition for the Reds
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has surprised a bit with his consistent power in his age-22 season at Triple-A Louisville. Rodriguez has tallied 24 homers in 374 at-bats with 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and a .275 batting average. Given 45-grade power by scouts, Rodriguez has surpassed expectations with his power this season. He is now the No. 3 prospect in the Reds' system. The Dominican Republic native could be a late-season addition to the Reds in the outfield. The left-handed-hitting bat could add some pop to the Cincinnati outfield, and with Blake Dunn currently on the injured list, there could be an opening for Rodriguez at the big-league level. Rodriguez should produce solid numbers if promoted and would be a good addition to fantasy teams over the second half of the season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Nick Pivetta Faces Live Hitters
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (forearm) threw to live batters on Friday, marking a significant step forward in his recovery from a right flexor strain. The 33-year-old threw 20 pitches during the planned session, and if all goes well, the Padres expect him to face live hitters again next week. Sidelined since the middle of April, Pivetta has had little opportunity to make an impact in fantasy. With just 16.0 innings pitched, the mid-round fantasy pick has been unable to provide a return on the investment fantasy managers made during draft season. With this latest step forward, the hope is that he can begin a rehab assignment after a few more successful live batting practice sessions. If all goes well, he has a chance to return for the final month of the regular season.
Source: Dennis Lin
Source: Dennis Lin
