RADIO
Maikel Garcia Remains Out of Action With Hand Injury
Kansas City Royals infielder/outfielder Maikel Garcia (hand) remains sidelined for Thursday's series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to MLB.com. Nick Loftin will make another start at the hot corner for KC and will bat seventh against Cardinals left-hander Matthew Liberatore. Garcia is dealing with soreness in his left hand and will miss a second straight game. It's an injury that he has been dealing with for a while now, and it's unclear if it's serious enough to land him on the injured list. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see if Garcia is back in action. The 26-year-old Venezuelan has hit .257 (9-for-35) in 11 games in June with a double, a triple, nine RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base through 39 plate appearances. Garcia is rostered in most fantasy leagues because of his ability to contribute across all categories, although his counting stats have been lacking a bit so far in 2026. He enters Thursday's game with a .266/.326/.378 slash line, .705 OPS, only three home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs scored, and five steals in his 259 at-bats for the Royals.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Adolis Garcia to Have Season-Ending Lat Surgery on Wednesday
The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Thursday that outfielder Adolis Garcia (lat) will have season-ending surgery on his right lat on Wednesday, and it will be performed by Dr. Anthony Romero. Garcia's recovery is projected to take six to eight months for a full return to play, and he is expected to be ready for the start of the 2027 season. It's a tough break for the 33-year-old Cuban in his first year in Philly. The veteran outfielder was struggling with the Phillies before his lat injury, though, and he'll finish the year with a disappointing .195/.270/.329 with seven home runs, 21 RBI, 21 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 67 games across 259 plate appearances. The two-time All-Star hit a career-high 39 home runs and drove in 107 runs in 148 games in 2023 on his way to leading the Rangers to their first-ever World Series championship, but he has declined rapidly since then, and injuries certainly haven't helped. Garcia's season-ending injury could help rookie outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. stick around the rest of the year after his recent call-up. He deserves attention for his raw power from the left side of the plate in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: Philadelphia Phillies
Source: Philadelphia Phillies
Hagen Smith Still Worth Stashing Amid Shoulder Injury?
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith (shoulder) has been shut down for two weeks with a left shoulder impingement, delaying his MLB debut until some time later in the second half of the season. Chicago's fourth-ranked prospect had been performing well as of late, yielding just three earned runs on nine hits and six walks while striking out 25 over his last three starts (14 innings) heading into Saturday before getting tagged for eight runs (seven earned) and allowing a whopping four home runs in 4 1/3 innings of work in his latest outing. It felt like the left-hander's major league debut could come at any time, but fantasy managers will now have to wait until he returns to the mound and can prove to be effective once again. Without a clear timeline for return and knowing a debut won't come anytime soon, the 22-year-old is likely only worth stashing in the deepest of formats, but he could become one of the top arms to stash in all leagues later this year once he gets rolling again.
Source: James Fegan
Source: James Fegan
Karson Milbrandt Continues to Deal at Triple-A, a Top Arm to Stash?
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has looked right at home during his short time at Triple-A Jacksonville, allowing just one run on five hits in 11 innings so far for the Jumbo Shrimp. One critique could be that he has also walked six batters during that time, which registers as a 15.4 percent walk rate, and he's struck out seven batters, which is a 20.5 percent strikeout rate, quite a dip from the 38.3 percent rate we saw through nine starts at Double-A. Nevertheless, he's been able to limit damage, and if he keeps it up, a debut in the majors should happen later this year. Despite multiple blows to the starting rotation, the team has resisted calling up the 6-foot-2 hurler, but assuming he gets the walks under control and returns to his high-strikeout ways, look for the Marlins' fifth-ranked prospect to make a debut by August. For those who want to get ahead of that, the 22-year-old is worthy of stash consideration in most leagues for his strikeout potential. The former third-round draft pick will take his next turn on the mound on Saturday for Jacksonville for those who want to monitor his progress.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Does Caleb Durbin Still Have Deep-League Waiver Wire Appeal?
Boston Red Sox infielder Caleb Durbin got off to a disastrous start to the 2026 season, hitting .183 with one home run across 182 plate appearances through the end of May. However, the 26-year-old has started to turn it around a bit in June, hitting .220/.250/.415 with two home runs, four RBI, six runs scored, and one stolen base across 44 plate appearances this month. Durbin entered play on Thursday riding a 15-at-bat hitless streak, so fantasy managers should take note that his hot streak to open June may have been a mirage. Still, Durbin was a far more productive player across 506 plate appearances with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025, hitting .256 with 11 home runs and 18 stolen bases. He's also remained a fixture in the Boston lineup and may have a chance to work his way out of the extended slump in what's looking like it may be a lost season for the Red Sox. In deeper leagues, Durbin may still be worth targeting on the waiver wire ahead of a possible second-half bounce-back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is a 2026 MLB Debut in Doubt for Slumping Franklin Arias?
Boston Red Sox shortstop prospect Franklin Arias has gone cold at Double-A Portland, going 2-for-16 (.125) over his last five games, and is batting just .222 in June. Despite the slowdown, Boston's top-ranked prospect has still been able to get on base this month, thanks to 10 walks compared to just nine strikeouts. Because of his hot start, the right-handed hitter still has a strong slash line of .307/.393/.559 with 13 home runs and five steals through 54 games for the Sea Dogs. His 10.7 percent walk rate and 13.2 percent strikeout shows a solid approach, which should help him break out of the recent slump and propel him to Triple-A in the coming weeks. When that happens, the talented Venezuelan will be knocking on the door to the majors and would be a stash consideration. For now, he is not a must-stash, but keen fantasy managers should keep an eye on his development.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Gabriel Moreno is a Must-Add Catcher Across All League Formats
Across 192 plate appearances in 2026, Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno is hitting .277/.359/.458 with six home runs, 24 RBI, 24 runs scored, and four stolen bases. The oft-injured backstop's 2026 season got off to a rough start when he suffered an oblique strain in early April, but he only missed about three weeks with the injury and has performed well since returning. Moreno's 9.6% barrel rate and 44.4% hard-hit rate are both career bests, and he's done it while maintaining strong walk (10.4%) and strikeout (17.7%) rates. The 26-year-old has also hit either third or fourth in the Diamondbacks order in all but one of his starts in June and is hitting .361 with three home runs over his last 36 plate appearances. When healthy, Moreno profiles as a top-12 fantasy catcher and should be a priority waiver wire target in any league where he remains available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zac Veen Extends Hit Streak to 19 Games at Triple-A, Promotion on the Way?
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen is sizzling at Triple-A Albuquerque, riding a 19-game hit streak, during which time he has gone 34-for-79 (.430) with 11 doubles, two triples, six home runs, and a pair of stolen bases. Including walks, the last time he did not get on base was back on May 17, a stretch of 23 games. The Rockies' 13th-ranked prospect earned a debut in the majors back in April of last year, but went just 4-for-34 (.118) with a 37.8 percent strikeout rate during his brief time there. However, after a solid season in Albuquerque in 2025 and with the heater he is on now in 2026, the former ninth-overall draft pick looks ready for another shot, currently the author of a .323/.415/.556 slash line with 10 home runs, 13 steals, a 13.6 percent walk rate, and an improved 19.9 percent strikeout rate through 62 games for the Isotopes. The 6-foot-3 slugger could get another shot in the majors by the All-Star break, and this time around, he may have more success given how well he is hitting. With the potential to be a multi-category contributor playing half his games at Coors Field, the 24-year-old is a worthy stash in deeper leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Giants-Braves Game Postponed on Thursday
The game on Thursday between the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves at Truist Park has been postponed due to inclement weather, the Braves announced. The game will be made up on Monday, Aug. 31, at 6:05 pm ET. Fantasy managers will want to remove any players from these two teams who might have been in their initial lineups for Thursday's slate of games. Right-hander Landen Roupp was scheduled to toe the rubber for the Giants, with veteran left-hander Martin Perez scheduled to go for the first-place Braves. Roupp will most likely be pushed back to Friday's series opener in Miami against the Marlins. Perez, meanwhile, could start his next game this weekend at home against the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. While Perez has exceeded expectations for the Braves in his 15th year in the big leagues, he won't be a recommended fantasy streamer if he starts against Milwaukee on Friday night.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Max Rajcic Called Up, is he a Viable Pickup After Strong Showing at Triple-A?
The St. Louis Cardinals are promoting pitching prospect Max Rajcic to the big leagues ahead of their game on Thursday against the Kansas City Royals, per Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat. Rajcic has been used almost exclusively as a reliever at Triple-A Memphis this season, recording a 4-2 record with a 2.88 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 46 strikeouts, and five saves across 40 2/3 innings (26 games). The 24-year-old opened the season in more of a bulk relief role, but he's gone exactly one inning in all but two appearances since May 16. Rajcic's strikeout stuff has played up out of the pen this season, as he's raised his strikeout rate from 18.4% in 2025 to 28.4%. St. Louis right-hander Riley O'Brien has taken over the team's closer role, but he's scuffled to a 6.00 ERA and 2.17 WHIP in June. If Rajcic continues to produce at the big league level, he could eventually see some save opportunities with the Cardinals.
Source: Bellevile News-Democrat - Jeff Jones
Source: Bellevile News-Democrat - Jeff Jones
Luke Raley Taking Another Day Off With Back Injury
Seattle Mariners outfielder Luke Raley (back) is not ready to rejoin the starting lineup in Thursday's series finale against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, per MLB.com. With Randy Arozarena (hamstring) on the injured list and Julio Rodriguez (hamstring) dealing with hamstring spasms, the M's will roll with an outfield of Miles Mastrobuoni in left field, Victor Robles in center, and Dominic Canzone in right on Thursday against Orioles right-hander Shane Baz. Raley will be missing his third straight game, and if he continues to be unavailable going into the weekend series against the Boston Red Sox, he could be a candidate to join Arozarena on the IL. The 31-year-old left-handed slugger rarely plays against left-handed pitchers, but he is producing plenty of power against righties for fantasy managers, currently hitting .241/.303/.503 with an .806 OPS, 14 home runs, 35 RBI, 24 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 191 at-bats in 2026. Raley is currently rostered in 21% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jesus Made Suffers Quad Injury, MLB Debut in 2026 in Jeopardy?
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Jesus Made (quad) left Wednesday's game for Double-A Biloxi after a collision that occurred with the left fielder, both of whom were tracking a fly ball. Made stayed in the game for the rest of the inning but did not return to the field in the following inning. MLB's No. 1 prospect suffered what is being described as a left quad contusion, but the fact that he stayed in the game could mean the injury is minor and he may not need a trip to the injured list. The switch-hitter is slashing .276/.349/.427 with six home runs, 21 steals, and a 27:43 BB:K in 59 games for the Shuckers this season. If he were to miss time, it would delay his inevitable promotion to Triple-A and throw cold water on the possibility of a 2026 MLB debut, so managers should continue to monitor his progress. Should he make it to Triple-A, the 19-year-old would quickly become a top player to stash for fantasy with his ability to be a five-category contributor.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
Julio Rodriguez Sitting Out With Hamstring Injury
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (hamstring) is out of the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Baltimore Orioles at T-Mobile Park after injuring his hamstring on Wednesday night, according to MLB.com. Victor Robles will start in center field for the M's and bat eighth against Orioles right-hander Shane Baz. The Mariners said that Rodriguez was only dealing with hamstring spasms on Wednesday evening, so he should be considered day-to-day for now. Check back on Friday to see if he's available to play in the series opener versus the Boston Red Sox. Seattle's outfield depth is being tested this week with J-Rod hurt, Luke Raley (back) nursing injuries, and Randy Arozarena (hamstring) landing on the injured list earlier this week. Robles, Miles Mastrobuoni, and Dominic Canzone are starting in the outfield on Thursday. When active, Rodriguez continues to be a must-start in all fantasy baseball formats. The 25-year-old Dominican All-Star is slashing .249/.310/.429 with a .739 OPS, 13 homers, 35 RBI, 40 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in his 301 at-bats so far in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
White Sox Promote Outfield Prospect Junior Perez to Majors, Worth a Pickup?
The Chicago White Sox have recalled outfield prospect Junior Perez from Triple-A Charlotte ahead of the team's series finale on Thursday night against the New York Yankees. Perez is taking the roster spot of White Sox outfielder Everson Pereira (concussion), who was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list. Perez opened 2026 with the Athletics but was acquired by the White Sox in mid-May. Across 241 Triple-A plate appearances split between the two organizations this season, he's hit .217/.292/.401 with seven home runs, 26 RBI, 38 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. Swing-and-miss is a major issue for the 24-year-old, as he owns a 34.9% strikeout rate on the season. However, he owns intriguing power/speed upside after recording 26 home runs and 27 stolen bases across 587 minor league plate appearances in 2025. If Perez can carve out consistent playing time in Chicago, he could be worth a deep-league waiver wire pick-up.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
Josh Naylor Returns for Series Finale Against Baltimore
Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (shin, wrist) is back at first base and is batting third for the M's in their series finale on Thursday against the visiting Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Shane Baz, according to MLB.com. Naylor will return to the starting nine after sitting out the last two games with a bruised shin and wrist soreness. Fantasy managers will want to get him back into their starting lineups in traditional formats against a right-handed pitcher. The Canadian native is hitting .253 (68-for-269) with eight home runs, 32 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 27 runs scored in his first full season in the big leagues. So far in 12 games in June, Naylor has gone 12-for-48 (.250) with three home runs, three doubles, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base in 52 plate appearances. He has only faced Baz three times in his career and has one hit.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
