RADIO
Christian Encarnacion-Strand a Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 104 plate appearances since being promoted to the big leagues in mid-July, Baltimore Orioles infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand has hit .229/.272/.458 with six home runs, 22 RBI, eight runs scored, and one stolen base. Once considered a top prospect in the Cincinnati Reds farm system, Encarnacion-Strand has some clear flaws at the plate. He rarely walks (4.8% walk rate) while also striking out too much (26.9% strikeout rate). The 26-year-old is also only seeing partial playing time at third base in Baltimore, as the team also occasionally deploys infielder Coby Mayo at the hot corner. However, Encarnacion-Strand has posted an excellent 17.1% barrel rate this season, demonstrating his high-end power upside. His work in the big leagues is a continuation of his strong performance in the minors, as he hit 19 home runs across 297 plate appearances at Triple-A this season before being called up. For deeper league managers in need of power, Encarnacion-Strand profiles as a worthy waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Smith Looks Like the Closer to Roster in San Francisco
Across 28 1/3 innings (30 games) in 2026, San Francisco Giants right-hander Dylan Smith has recorded a 2.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 36 strikeouts, and three saves. Smith has begun to see some save opportunities since the trade deadline, recording two saves in his last seven appearances. The 26-year-old's 11.5% walk rate is slightly elevated, but he's struck out 29.5% of the batters he's faced in 2026. Smith has also done a nice job of limiting hard contact, allowing just 0.64 HR/9. San Francisco also has a pair of veteran relievers in Sam Hentges and Jason Foley who could be capable of working in the ninth inning, so fantasy managers may not want to expect Smith to see every save opportunity for the Giants. However, Smith profiles as the highest upside option of the group and has a chance to emerge as the closer in San Francisco over the final month of the regular season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hogan Harris a Quality Deep-League Saves Source to Target
Across 56 2/3 innings (60 games) this season, Athletics left-hander Hogan Harris has recorded a 3.65 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 75 strikeouts, and 13 saves. The 29-year-old's elevated WHIP is largely due to his 13.5% walk rate. However, Harris mitigates the damage of his free passes to some extent with his stellar 29.0% strikeout rate. Most importantly for fantasy managers, Harris appears to have established himself as the A's preferred ninth-inning option at this point in the season. Four of his 13 saves have come in August, and he's pitched in the ninth inning in six out of his last seven appearances. While fantasy managers should be prepared to absorb some ratio damage, Harris profiles as a quality source of both strikeouts and saves to target on the waiver wire in deeper league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rafael Flores Jr. Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Across 73 plate appearances since being promoted from Triple-A earlier this year, Pittsburgh Pirates catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores Jr. is hitting .266/.356/.594 with six home runs, 14 RBI, and 10 runs scored. The 25-year-old has struggled with swing-and-miss, striking out in 30.1% of his plate appearances. However, his underlying batted-ball metrics suggest elite power upside, as he's logged a 19.0% barrel rate and a 45.2% hard-hit rate. Flores Jr. has also demonstrated an ability to get on base that provides him with a high floor at the plate. He's posted a 12.3% walk rate in the big leagues and recorded a 16.7% walk rate across 276 plate appearances at Triple-A before getting promoted. Flores Jr. is not known as a plus defender behind the plate, which held down his prospect stock during his time in the minors. Still, Pittsburgh has been willing to try him out at first base, which gives him a higher playing time ceiling than most catchers. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Flores Jr. has clear waiver wire appeal.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pete Fairbanks Leaves Appearance on Monday Due to Nerve Irritation
Miami Marlins right-hander Pete Fairbanks (hand) was removed from his appearance on Monday night against the Boston Red Sox due to nerve irritation, per Stephen Strom of the Marlins Radio Network. Fairbanks entered the game in the ninth inning with the score tied 2-2, but he walked the lone batter he faced and was promptly removed from the game. It's been a season to forget for the 32-year-old, who has recorded a 6.02 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 40 1/3 innings (44 games). Fairbanks has had stretches of usefulness for fantasy managers, as he's still recorded 18 saves and posted a stellar 32.4% strikeout rate. However, he's been prone to blow-up outings and could now be headed for his second stint on the injured list in 2026. If Fairbanks misses time, Marlins right-hander Calvin Faucher could see the majority of Miami's save chances.
Source: Marlins Radio Network - Stephen Strom
Source: Marlins Radio Network - Stephen Strom
Joe Espada May Not Receive a New Contract After 2026
"One high-ranking Houston Astros official said that (team manager) Joe Espada will not receive a new contract after the season," per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Following a tough home stand in which Houston went 3-6 against a trio of division opponents, the Astros parted ways with general manager Dana Brown on Monday. While Espada's job is currently safe, it sounds like his days in Houston could be numbered as well. Now in his third season as the Astros manager, Espada has compiled a 240-214 record but has yet to win a postseason game. Entering play on Monday, the Astros sat at 65-66 but were tied for the division lead in the American League West. If Espada can lead his team on a deep postseason run, he may have a chance to salvage his job.
Source: USA Today - Bob Nightengale
Source: USA Today - Bob Nightengale
Joe Ryan Scheduled to Throw Live Bullpen on Wednesday
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (glute) will throw a live, one-inning bullpen session on Wednesday, per Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Ryan has been on the injured list since early August due to a glute strain. While the 30-year-old appears to be making progress towards a return to the big leagues, Hayes reports that Twins manager Derek Shelton said Ryan will need to appear in minor league rehab games before he can be activated. Across 125 2/3 innings (23 starts) in 2026, Ryan has recorded a 6-8 record with a 3.65 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 138 strikeouts. The right-hander's slightly inflated ERA is due to his tendency to allow home runs, but his 21.2% K-BB rate remains elite. Once healthy, Ryan remains a must-start fantasy starting pitcher.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Nick Pivetta Set to Re-Start Rehab Assignment this Week
San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (forearm) is set to make a rehab start with Single-A Lake Elsinore, per Annie Heilbrunn of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Pivetta is currently on the 60-day injured list due to a flexor strain and last pitched for the Padres in mid-April. He previously made a start with Lake Elsinore on August 4, but was pulled early and had his rehab assignment put on pause. Roughly three weeks later, it appears Pivetta is feeling good enough to get back on the mound for live game action. The 33-year-old has had a lost season due to injury in 2026, but he was extremely productive in his first year with the Padres in 2025. Across 181 2/3 innings (31 starts), Pivetta recorded a 13-5 record with a 2.87 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 190 strikeouts. If he can make his way back to the big leagues, Pivetta could impact fantasy leagues in the final few weeks of the regular season.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Annie Heilbrunn
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Annie Heilbrunn
Shea Langeliers Begins Hitting and Throwing Progression
Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (knee) has begun both hitting and throwing progressions, per Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Langeliers has been on the injured list since late July after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee. However, the 28-year-old appears to be tracking toward returning before the end of the regular season. Across 416 plate appearances before the injury, Langeliers hit .263/.332/.497 with 23 home runs, 51 RBI, 55 runs scored, and two stolen bases. With a 14.9% barrel rate and a 45.6% hard-hit rate, Langeliers profiles as one of the top power-hitting catchers in all of baseball. The A's are completely out of playoff contention, which could lead the team to be relatively cautious with their star backstop. Still, Langeliers is a must-start fantasy catcher as soon as he returns to the big leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Riley Greene Rejoins Tigers, Spotted Doing Conditioning Work on Monday
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene (hamstring) was on the field at Comerica Park doing conditioning work before his team's game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, per Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. Greene last played on August 11 and is currently on the 10-day injured list due to a hamstring strain. He had been rehabbing at the Tigers' team facility in Florida during Detroit's most recent road trip, but it appears he's back with the team and could be getting closer to a return to the field. Across 492 plate appearances in 2026, Greene is hitting .273/.366/.450 with 16 home runs, 54 RBI, 65 runs scored, and three stolen bases. While Greene's overall numbers are down from his banner 2025 campaign, he's still posted excellent barrel (14.6%) and hard-hit (48.3%) rates. Once healthy, he profiles as a must-start fantasy outfielder.
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Chase DeLauter Scratched With Hamstring Tightness
Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (hamstring) was scratched from Monday's starting lineup against the Los Angeles Angels with tightness in his left hamstring, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. It is the same issue that cropped up during the team's last homestand that caused DeLauter to miss some time. Angel Martinez is starting in right field for Cleveland and is hitting sixth against Angels right-hander George Klassen at Angel Stadium. Fantasy managers need to pull DeLauter from their starting lineups on Monday and hope he can return for Game 2 of the series in Anaheim on Tuesday. We will consider the left-handed slugger to be day-to-day until further notice. DeLauter is rostered in just over 70% of Yahoo leagues in what has been a productive first year in the big leagues. The former first-rounder came into the new week hitting .288/.363/.450 with an .813 OPS, 13 home runs, 59 RBI, 52 runs scored, and nine steals in 413 at-bats. He has been red-hot in 17 August games, going 23-for-66 (.349) with two homers, two doubles, two triples, eight RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases. UPDATE: The Guardians are hopeful that DeLauter can return to the lineup on Tuesday.
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
James Wood Throws Out to 120 Feet, Hits Off Tee
Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood (oblique) threw out to 120 feet and hit off a tee on Monday, according to Danielle Allentuck of The Washington Post. Wood is not quite on the verge of a return from a strained left oblique, but the 23-year-old All-Star is making notable progress. If he requires a minor-league rehab assignment, Wood probably will not be an option to return to the big-league roster before the calendar flips to September early next week. Still, he should be held in all fantasy baseball leagues for the potential damage he could do in the final month of the regular season. The former second-rounder by the San Diego Padres in 2021 is one of the best young power/speed assets in the league, and he'll eventually be returning to a .265/.393/.535 slash line with a .928 OPS, 30 home runs, 73 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 100 runs scored. Wood still carries a high 28.6% strikeout rate in his third year in the big leagues, but he makes up for it by hitting the ball as hard as anyone when he does make contact at the plate.
Source: The Washington Post - Danielle Allentuck
Source: The Washington Post - Danielle Allentuck
Bryan Woo 100 Percent Confident he Can Start on Wednesday
Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (shoulder) is "100% confident" that he can make his scheduled start on Wednesday at home against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to The Seattle Times' Adam Jude. Woo had his last start on Aug. 16 cut short due to soreness in his right shoulder, and the Mariners skipped his last scheduled start over the weekend against the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old threw a successful bullpen session on Sunday, though, and thinks he will be cleared to toe the rubber this Wednesday. Fantasy managers will want to be cautious with his start this week while coming off an injury, although he will be on extra rest. Woo allowed 10 earned runs with four walks and 13 strikeouts in 10 innings in his final two starts of July against the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers, but he's rebounded in three starts in August against the Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, and Astros, allowing just two earned runs with three walks and 15 strikeouts in 18 innings pitched. He is 9-8 in 2026 with a 4.10 ERA (3.29 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 137 strikeouts and only 29 walks in 138 1/3 innings across his 24 starts on the year in his fourth year in the majors.
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Colt Emerson to Have Season-Ending Wrist Surgery on Wednesday
Seattle Mariners rookie infielder Colt Emerson (wrist) is scheduled to have season-ending wrist surgery on Wednesday, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. There was a lot of excitement around Emerson, one of the team's top overall prospects, making his major-league debut in 2026, but it did not last long. The 21-year-old left-handed-hitting infielder struggled with big-league pitching in his first 69 games and 241 plate appearances, slashing .190/.246/.335 with a .581 OPS, eight home runs, six doubles, a triple, 23 RBI, 24 runs scored, three stolen bases, 15 walks, and 83 strikeouts. It was not what Emerson, his fantasy managers, or the Mariners expected, but the good news is that the young infielder is expected to be ready for the start of spring training early in 2027. Barring a setback with his wrist injury, Emerson is still in line as the club's starting shortstop over the long term, so fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues should be looking to buy low on the shortstop prospect this winter. Brock Rodden is starting at the 6 on Monday for the M's, but veteran J.P. Crawford (wrist) could come off the injured list as early as Tuesday to regain starting shortstop duties.
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Giants Place Willy Adames on Injured List With Elbow Sprain
The San Francisco Giants placed shortstop Willy Adames (elbow) on the 10-day injured list on Monday with a sprained left elbow, according to Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle. Adames was injured in Sunday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox while sliding into home plate. He had missed some time last week with a recurring back injury as well, but his elbow injury will cause him to miss at least the next 10 days for the Gigantes. Christian Koss will most likely see most of the playing time at the 6 for the Giants while Adames is out, starting in Monday's series opener at home against the Cincinnati Reds. The 30-year-old Adames still has plenty of pop and has provided 21 home runs in his second season in the Bay Area, but he has also hit just .230 (107-for-465) with a .289 on-base percentage in 121 games across 505 plate appearances. With the Giants well out of playoff contention this year, the team will not be in any rush to bring Adames back for the final month of the regular season if he is not making great progress in his rehab.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Shayna Rubin
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Shayna Rubin
