RADIO
Paul Sewald Holds On for Save No. 19, Still a Viable Option?
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald made it an adventure, but he navigated through some trouble on Monday to still close out his team's 5-4 win over the Giants. He earned his 19th save of the season, but allowed two runs on three hits. Heliot Ramos led off the ninth with a home run, and Bryce Eldrige singled and later scored on a single by pinch-hitter Drew Cavanaugh. Sewald got the final two outs with Eldridge stranded on first base as the potential tying run. The 36-year-old veteran has hit a bit of a rough patch, allowing six runs on eight hits in his last 3 2/3 innings across four appearances. If he continues to scuffle, Jonathan Loaisiga and Brandyn Garcia are candidates to step in and pick up some saves. Sewald did get the job done and still seems to be the top option for now, but his struggles definitely make this an important closer situation to monitor.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Gregory Soto Struggles in Eighth-Inning Opportunity
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Gregory Soto entered Monday's game against the Phillies in the bottom of the eighth inning with a three-run lead. He started his outing with a strikeout of Bryce Harper, but then allowed a home run to Brandon Marsh and a single to Bryson Stott, who later came around to score as well. Soto was charged with two runs on two hits in 2/3 of an inning. He did earn his seventh hold of the season, but he has allowed at least one run in five of his last eight games. He has a 14.85 ERA in those eight outings, and his season ERA is up to 4.37. As evidenced by his entry in the eighth inning, he seems to have lost his closer role to Dennis Santana and Mason Montgomery. Montgomery finished the game on Monday night in a non-save situation and seems to be the reliever to own in Pittsburgh at this point in the season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Byron Buxton Day-to-Day With Hip Impingement
An MRI exam on Monday showed that Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) is dealing with a right-hip impingement, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Manager Derek Shelton said that Buxton is day-to-day. It explains why Buxton was held out of Monday's series opener in Houston against the Astros. The 32-year-old veteran center fielder doesn't appear to be dealing with a very serious injury, but fantasy managers should not be surprised if he's out for a second straight game in the second game of the series at Daikin Park on Tuesday. The two-time All-Star and 12-year veteran currently leads the American League with 25 home runs in 73 games across 329 plate appearances after clubbing a career-high 35 round-trippers, driving in 83, and stealing 24 bags in 126 games played in 2025. In addition to his 25 homers this year, Buxton has slashed .268/.325/.573 with an .898 OPS, 43 home runs, 56 runs, and seven steals for the Twins. His xBA of .249 and xwOBA of .351 (wOBA of .382) point to regression, but Buxton remains a must-hold in all fantasy formats. Hopefully, his hip injury won't lead him to the injured list just before the All-Star break in July.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Jeremy Pena Headed to Injured List With Mild Calf Strain
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (calf) will head to the 10-day injured list with a mild left-calf strain, manager Joe Espada told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Espada said it should be a "minimum stint" on the IL. The Astros held Pena out of their starting lineup in Monday's series opener against the visiting Minnesota Twins, and now we know why. The good news is that the 28-year-old Dominican's injury isn't serious, and he could be back on July 10, just before the All-Star break next month, to face the Texas Rangers. Until then, both Nick Allen and Brice Matthews could split time at the 6 in Houston. Pena will head to the sidelines sporting a strong .295/.356/.443 slash line, .799 OPS, six home runs, 21 RBI,34 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across his 183 at-bats. It's been a trying 2026 season injury-wise, but when healthy, Pena has been consistent for fantasy managers, and he deserves to be stashed in most leagues while he rehabs. Pena's underlying metrics have been solid as well, as he sports a 37.6% hard-hit rate, 4% barrel rate, .297 xBA, and .345 xwOBA.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Brandon Marsh Continues Power Binge With Two More Homers on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh has been flexing his muscles all month, and that continued in Monday night's 11-7 loss to the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Marsh went 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs and also struck out three times in the contest. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder is now up to 14 homers on the season -- he's just three home runs shy of a new career high -- and he's up to a whopping nine round-trippers in June. In addition to his 14 homers, Marsh has 44 RBI in 80 games played and has become a must-add off the waiver wire for fantasy managers seeking more pop in their lineup. The former second-round selection by the Los Angeles Angels in 2016 came into Monday's contest against Pittsburgh with a .321/.353/.510 slash line, .863 OPS, 12 homers, 42 RBI, 46 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. Fantasy managers should expect some regression since he's basically playing every day and being exposed to more left-handed pitchers, but regardless, he's now rostered in nearly 80% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brendan Donovan Could Be Nearing Rehab Assignment
Seattle Mariners infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan (groin) will be reevaluated after the team's current homestand and could be nearing a rehab assignment, per Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. Donovan has been on the 10-day injured list since mid-May due to a left groin strain, but it appears he could be nearing a return around the All-Star break. Across 101 plate appearances in 2026 for Seattle, Donovan has hit .274/.386/.452 with three home runs, eight RBI, nine runs scored, and one stolen base. The 29-year-old does not offer much speed or power upside for fantasy managers, but he's a steady source of batting average when healthy. Seattle will have to shift some pieces around when Donovan returns, as the team's infield picture is crowded following the promotion of shortstop Colt Emerson to the big leagues. Still, Donovan's ability to play multiple positions should keep him in the Mariners lineup on a near-everyday basis once healthy.
Source: Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
Source: Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
Casey Mize Bounces Back With Dominant Outing Against Yankees
Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize was in top form on Monday night in the Bronx in the team's 7-3 win over the hosting New York Yankees. Mize cruised through seven shutout innings with only one hit allowed, no walks, and a season-high 10 strikeouts to lower his season ERA to 2.63 and pick up his third win of the 2026 season. It was nice to see from Mize, who had allowed seven earned runs on 14 hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out nine in only 10 1/3 innings in his last two starts against the Houston Astros and Yankees. The 29-year-old former first overall pick out of Auburn University in 2018 has kept the good times rolling in 2026 after making his first All-Star squad in 2025. Mize is now sporting a 2.63 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 68:14 K:BB in 65 innings across his 12 starts, and he also has a career-high strikeout rate in his sixth year in the big leagues. Fantasy managers should be leaving Mize in their starting lineups for his next scheduled outing against a banged-up Texas Rangers club.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Corbin Burnes Set for Re-Imaging in Early July
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (elbow, shoulder) will undergo a new round of imaging in either the first or second week of July, per Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Burnes has not pitched since undergoing Tommy John surgery in early June 2025. While working his way back from the elbow injury earlier this month, he suffered a teres major strain in his shoulder that will likely delay his return to the big league mound until September. Across 64 1/3 innings (11 starts) for Arizona in 2025, Burnes recorded a 3-2 record with a 2.66 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts. When healthy, the 31-year-old remains a high-upside starting pitcher option for fantasy managers. However, it's difficult to justify stashing him in the majority of league formats given his highly uncertain health profile.
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
Brandon Nimmo Diagnosed With Sprained AC Joint in his Shoulder
Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo (shoulder) has been diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. The Rangers haven't made a decision on whether he'll go on the injured list, and he will undergo further testing on Tuesday. With the All-Star break coming in the middle of July, don't be surprised if the Rangers place Nimmo on the 10-day IL this week. The 33-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder injured his shoulder in Sunday's series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays when he crashed into the outfield wall to make a game-ending catch, and he was kept out of the starting lineup in Monday's series opener against the Cleveland Guardians as a result. The Rangers just put Wyatt Langford (hamstring) on the IL over the weekend, so they'll be pretty thin in the outfield if Nimmo joins him on the IL this week. Alejandro Osuna should play regularly, with utility man Ezequiel Duran an option to move to the outfield to close out the first half of the season if Nimmo goes on the shelf. In his first year in Texas, Nimmo has slashed .262/.333/.420 with a .753 OPS, eight home runs, 29 RBI, 35 runs, and three steals in 317 at-bats.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
A's Call Up Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, Will he Have a Big Role in Big Leagues?
The Athletics announced on Monday that they called up infield prospect Joshua Kuroda-Grauer from Triple-A Las Vegas, with shortstop Jacob Wilson (thumb) landing on the 10-day injured list to begin the week. Kuroda-Grauer is considered the team's No. 9 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The A's also called up right-handed pitching prospect Kade Morris, who is the team's No. 11 prospect. In his major-league debut, Kuroda-Grauer made the start at second base and was batting ninth on Monday in Monday's series opener in Sacramento against the Los Angeles Dodgers and left-hander Eric Lauer. The 23-year-old former third-rounder in 2024 out of Rutgers got the call to the big leagues for the first time after slashing .323/.367/.478 with an .845 OPS, seven home runs, 23 doubles, four triples, 44 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 76 runs scored in 75 games between Double-A Midland and Las Vegas this year. With both Wilson and Zack Gelof (hand) currently on the IL, Kuroda-Grauer could play regularly for the A's to close out the first half of the regular season. With a similar profile to Wilson -- contact-oriented with a low ceiling as far as power goes -- fantasy managers in shallow mixed leagues can probably hold off on adding him off the waiver wire.
Source: Athletics
Source: Athletics
Max Scherzer Returns to Playing Catch, Could Throw Off a Mound on Tuesday
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that starting pitcher Max Scherzer (back) played catch on Monday and could throw off a mound on Tuesday, per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Scherzer was placed on the 15-day injured list in mid-June due to back spasms. Before the back injury, the veteran right-hander missed roughly six weeks with forearm and ankle issues. Scherzer has struggled mightily even when healthy this season, recording a 1-4 record with a 10.23 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts across 22 innings (six starts). Scherzer's myriad injury issues may help explain some of his difficulties on the mound. Still, the 41-year-old's days as a reliable starting pitcher option for fantasy managers may be behind him. It's unclear whether Scherzer will require a rehab start before returning to the mound for Toronto, but he will likely remain sidelined through the All-Star break either way.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Tyler Glasnow Resumes Throwing Progression, Dodgers "Being Very Cautious"
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Monday that right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) has resumed a throwing progression, but that the team is still "being very cautious right now" to avoid any more setbacks, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. It's unclear when Glasnow will be cleared to take the next step in his rehab and throw off a mound, but he will not return from the 60-day injured list before next month's All-Star break. The Dodgers initially didn't think Glasnow would be out for long with his back injury, but the hard-throwing 32-year-old veteran had a setback and is being brought along slowly now. He has been on the IL since early May due to lower-back spasms. Despite the unclear return timeline -- it could be August before Glasnow is back in the big-league starting rotation -- he's a must-stash in all fantasy baseball leagues for his strikeout upside on the best team in baseball. Glasnow was 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA (3.25 FIP) and 0.83 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 13 walks in 39 2/3 frames across his seven starts before his back injury.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Addison Barger Suffers Setback, Will Be Shut Down for Multiple Weeks
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that outfielder/third baseman Addison Barger (elbow, back) suffered a stress reaction in his back and will be shut down for a couple of weeks, per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Barger was working his way back from an elbow injury that has sidelined him since early May, but it appears he will remain on the shelf through the All-Star break at the least. It's been a nightmarish season so far for Barger, who also missed time earlier in the year with an ankle issue and has logged just 28 MLB plate appearances in 2026. The 26-year-old emerged as a quality big-side platoon bat in 2025, hitting .243 with 21 home runs across 502 plate appearances. Without him, Toronto will likely continue to rely on Nathan Lukes and Yohendrick Pinango as their primary corner outfielders.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Keider Montero Moving to Tigers Bullpen
Detroit Tigers right-hander Keider Montero will shift to his team's bullpen "for now," per Jason Beck of MLB.com. The 25-year-old has made 16 appearances (15 starts) for Detroit so far this season, recording a 4-5 record with a 3.39 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 56 strikeouts across 87 2/3 innings. With just a 16.1% strikeout rate, Montero has not provided much swing-and-miss value for fantasy managers. Still, he's limited free passes (5.2% walk rate) and hard contact (7.7% opponent barrel rate). The Tigers have multiple veterans in their current starting rotation who may not be with the team after the trade deadline, which could open the door for Montero to return to a fantasy-relevant role. However, he currently projects for a bulk relief role and can likely be dropped in shallower leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Luis Robert Jr. Set to Begin Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (back) is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Tuesday, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Robert Jr. has been sidelined since late April with lumbar spine disc irritation, but it appears he could be on the doorstep of a return to the big leagues. Across 98 plate appearances before the injury, Robert Jr. hit .224/.327/.329 with two home runs, eight RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 28-year-old had lowered his strikeout rate to a career-best 17.3%, but he also logged just a 2.9% barrel rate. When fully healthy, Robert Jr. carries high-end power/speed upside. However, he's only reached 450 plate appearances once in seven MLB seasons.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
