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Spencer Jones Fills Stat Sheet on Friday, Worth Adding Amid Full-Time Role?
In his first game since being recalled from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre, New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones recorded a three-for-three night with a double and an RBI in his team's 5-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox. With Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (rib) in line for an extended absence due to a stress fracture in his rib, Jones seems likely to see the majority of the playing time in right field against right-handed pitching. The 25-year-old struggled in his first taste of big league pitching earlier this season, logging four hits in 27 plate appearances and striking out in over 40% of his trips to the plate. Swing-and-miss is the big issue in Jones' profile, as he has struck out in 32.4% of his 185 Triple-A plate appearances so far this season. However, he hit 35 home runs and stole 29 bases across 116 minor league games in 2025. Fantasy managers should be ready for the damage Jones might do to their batting average, but he could still be worth adding off the waiver wire for his power/speed upside.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Michael Harris II Dealing With Back Tightness, Not Believed to be Serious
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (back) was removed from Friday night's game early against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning with back tightness, according to Barrett Sallee of 680 The Fan. "We don't think it's anything serious," manager Walt Weiss said. "There's a pretty good chance he'll be back in there tomorrow." It sounds as though Harris escaped a major injury, so he could be right back in action for Game 2 of the series in Atlanta on Saturday. Before leaving the game late, the 25-year-old went 2-for-5 at the plate with a run scored and two strikeouts to raise his season average to .303 and his OPS to .854. He was replaced in center field at Truist Park by Eli White. The former third-round pick in 2019 hasn't run much yet (three steals) after reaching exactly 20 steals in three of his first four MLB seasons, but otherwise, Harris is having a career year. Coming into Friday's action, Harris had a robust .301/.336/.519 slash line, career-high .855 OPS, 13 long balls, 37 RBI, and 29 runs scored across 60 games and 229 plate appearances. He's been a must-start for fantasy managers in traditional leagues every day.
Source: 680 The Fan - Barrett Sallee
Source: 680 The Fan - Barrett Sallee
Byron Buxton Suffers Shoulder Contusion After Colliding With the Wall
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (shoulder) was removed from Friday night's game early against the division-rival Kansas City Royals with a right-shoulder contusion after he collided with the outfield wall while making a catch in the third inning, according to Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Buxton went 0-for-1 at the plate before eventually being replaced by Ryan Kreidler in center field. Until we know more about the severity of Buxton's injury, we'll consider him day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back for more information on the veteran outfielder on Saturday and to see if he's back in the starting lineup at Target Field. An extended absence for Buxton could lead to more playing time in center field for both Austin Martin and James Outman in Minnesota. The 32-year-old Buxton had a career-high 35 home runs and also drove in 83 runs and stole 24 bases in a resurgent 2025 season in his 11th year in the big leagues, but he's currently on pace to set a new career high in homers, as he entered Friday's action with 18 long balls in just 54 games played. Buxton has a lengthy injury history over his career, so fantasy managers won't be surprised if he lands on the injured list.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Jorge Soler Scratched From Friday Night's Lineup
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler (hip) ended up being scratched from the starting lineup for Friday night's series opener against the hosting Los Angeles Dodgers due to ongoing hip tightness, according to the team. Soler was pulled from Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rockies early with a hip injury, but he was initially in the starting lineup on Friday after a scheduled day off for the Halos on Thursday. The 34-year-old right-handed slugger isn't fully over the injury, but he could be back for Game 2 of the Freeway Series on Saturday. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. With Soler sitting again at Dodger Stadium, second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier replaced him as the team's designated hitter. The Cuban veteran swings and misses often and won't help much with batting average or on-base percentage, but he can help with power when he's in a groove at the plate. On the year through 58 games played, Soler has hit just .220 (47-for-214) with nine homers, 33 RBI, and 28 runs scored over his 243 plate appearances. He's only rostered in 25% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Los Angeles Angels
Source: Los Angeles Angels
Hunter Brown Could Make Next Start with Astros
Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (elbow) appears to be extremely close to rejoining the big league club. Brown made his third rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday. The right-hander reportedly felt good after the 57-pitch outing. Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters on Friday that Brown could potentially return to the Astros next week. The right-hander has been out since early April due to an elbow issue. The team should make a final decision in the coming days. Fantasy managers could get Brown back into the mix as early as next week.
Source: Brian McTaggart
Source: Brian McTaggart
Dylan Cease Likely to Rejoin Rotation Next Week
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease (hamstring) is expected to rejoin the starting rotation next week, according to manager John Schneider. Cease threw a 75-pitch rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday. It appears the right-hander is feeling good enough after that outing to get back on the big league mound. Cease has been sidelined since late May due to a hamstring injury. This season, Cease is posting a 3.05 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and a 92:26 K:BB ratio across 62 innings. As of right now, Cease is currently lined up to face the Philadelphia Phillies. There's still time for his timetable to change, but it sounds like fantasy managers are getting Cease back very soon.
Source: Keegan Matheson
Source: Keegan Matheson
J.P. Crawford Removed After Being Hit on his Hand by a Pitch
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) was removed early during Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Crawford was pulled from the contest after he was hit by a pitch on the hand during the third inning. The X-rays came back negative for any fractures, so Crawford should be considered day-to-day. Before leaving the game, Crawford was 1-for-1 at the plate with a single and a run scored. His departure moved Colt Emerson to shortstop, and Patrick Wisdom took over third base. The expectation is that we'll see more of that if Crawford is forced to miss any time from this injury. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday for another update on his status.
Source: Cody Stavenhagen
Source: Cody Stavenhagen
Daulton Varsho Pulled With Wrist Injury
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (wrist) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Varsho appeared to have aggravated his wrist during his first at-bat of the game. The expectation is that he'll likely undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. The 29-year-old was hitless in his lone plate appearance of the game. For now, fantasy managers should consider Varsho as day-to-day until further notice. Yohendrick Pinango and Myles Straw are candidates to see increased playing time if Varsho sits out. Between the two, Pinango is the better streaming option, assuming Varsho misses time. UPDATE: X-rays came back negative after the game, and manager John Schneider said that Varsho has been dealing with inflammation in his left wrist over the last couple of games, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.
Source: Keegan Matheson
Source: Keegan Matheson
Samuel Basallo Removed with Abdominal Discomfort
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (abdominal) was removed early during Friday's contest versus the Toronto Blue Jays. Basallo was lifted in the sixth inning due to right abdominal discomfort. He was 0-for-2 at the plate before leaving this game. At the moment, it's unclear if Basallo will be forced to miss additional time from this injury. The O's should provide an update on his status shortly. It wouldn't be shocking to see Basallo sit out the rest of the weekend. Adley Rutschman would be in line for more work behind the plate if Basallo does miss time.
Source: Andy Kostka
Source: Andy Kostka
Chandler Simpson Exits with Thumb Injury
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (thumb) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Miami Marlins. Simpson was removed mid-game due to left thumb discomfort. The severity of the injury is unknown right now, but the team should provide an update on his status soon. Before leaving, Simpson was hitless in two plate appearances. The expectation is that Victor Mesa Jr. and Ryan Vilade would have expanded roles if Simpson is forced to miss time. Fantasy managers should consider Simpson as day-to-day for now.
Source: Marc Topkin
Source: Marc Topkin
Ramon Laureano Out 4-5 Months After Hip Surgery
San Diego Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano (hip) will miss four to five months after having labrum surgery on his right hip on Friday, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. As a result, the Padres announced on Friday that they transferred Laureano to the 60-day injured list. It's unlikely that Laureano will return for the Friars this season, which is why Acee suggests that the offensively-challenged Padres could now be looking for a left-handed-hitting outfielder who can play left field at the early August trade deadline. Bryce Johnson is starting in left and batting seventh for SD in Friday's series opener against the New York Mets and right-hander Christian Scott at Petco Park, but Johnson isn't the answer to San Diego's hitting woes this season and profiles best as a fourth or fifth outfielder. The 31-year-old Laureano will end up finishing his first full season with the Pads with a disappointing .203/.286/.374 slash line, .660 OPS, seven home runs, 21 RBI, seven steals, and 23 runs scored across just 53 games. Gavin Sheets will most likely see most of the starts in left going forward, opening up more playing time at first base for Ty France.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Wei-En Lin Moving to Triple-A, Can he Compete for Early MLB Debut?
The Athletics are promoting left-handed pitching prospect Wei-En Lin from Double-A Midland to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, according to Milb Central. The 20-year-old native of Taiwan earned the promotion to the Aviators after going 3-1 with a sharp 1.93 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 53 strikeouts and 13 walks in 51 1/3 innings pitched across his 10 starts. The 6-foot-2, 179-pound southpaw is ranked as the A's No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and could be in line to make his major-league debut in the second half of the 2026 season if he continues to impress this summer in Sin City. Lin typically sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and has a diverse pitch mix that also features a slider, curveball, changeup, and splitter, all of which have the potential to be plus offerings. His greatest strength is his ability to throw strikes, which could earn him a ticket to Sacramento sooner rather than later. Lin doesn't have high-end fantasy upside, but he should at least become a backend starter for the A's once he reaches the big leagues.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Max Muncy Out of Friday's Lineup With Sore Nose
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (nose) is out of the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener for the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels, according to MLB.com. Muncy was involved in a scary collision at first base on Thursday night with Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas and was removed from the game after being checked on by trainers. The good news is that the 35-year-old passed concussion testing and is day-to-day, so Muncy could be back in the starting nine for Game 2 of the Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. Santiago Espinal is starting at third and will bat ninth on Friday versus Angels left-hander Reid Detmers. Muncy enters Friday's action hitting .254/.347/.513 with an .860 OPS, 14 home runs, 22 RBI, and 40 runs scored in his 189 at-bats for the Blue in his 11th year in the majors. Durability has become an issue for Muncy late in his career, but when healthy, he's still valuable in most fantasy leagues for his power and run production in the heart of the Dodgers' stacked lineup. UPDATE: Manager David Roberts said that Muncy is sore after Thursday's collision, but he otherwise feels fine and is expected to return to the starting lineup on Saturday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Angels Promote Samy Natera Jr., Will he Compete for High-Leverage Role?
The Los Angeles Angels are promoting rookie left-handed pitching prospect Samy Natera Jr. to the majors on Friday, according to Milb Central. Natera gets his first major-league promotion after going 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 44:18 K:BB with one save in 30 innings pitched out of the bullpen at Triple-A Salt Lake. The 26-year-old Mexican native will take the roster spot of pitcher Shaun Anderson, who has been designated for assignment. Natera was originally a 17th-round selection by the Halos in 2022 out of New Mexico State University. In his four minor-league seasons in the Angels system, Natera has posted a 3.60 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, nine saves, 271 strikeouts, and 113 walks in 192 2/3 innings pitched across 96 appearances (24 starts). In Anaheim, he will most likely handle lower-leverage situations, and he won't be guaranteed to stick around long, so fantasy managers can ignore Natera for now. Natera is not included as one of the Angels' top-30 prospects at MLB Pipeline.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Jorge Soler Back as the DH Against Dodgers on Friday
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler (hip) is serving as the team's designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the Angels in Friday's series opener in the Freeway Series against the hosting Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Roki Sasaki, according to MLB.com. Soler was pulled early from Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rockies as a precaution with a left-hip injury, but he's back in there as the DH after the team had a scheduled day off on Thursday. The 34-year-old Cuban veteran slugger is batting just .220 (47-for-214) on the season with nine home runs, 33 RBI, and 28 runs scored in 58 games across 243 plate appearances. Soler remains an asset for power and run production in deeper leagues, but he will continue to be a drag on your on-base percentage and batting average. In 14 games since May 19, Soler is hitting .236 (13-for-55) with a homer, double, triple, five RBI, and seven runs scored across his 58 plate appearances. He has gone hitless in just three career at-bats against Sasaki.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
