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Ben Rice to Participate in Home Run Derby
New York Yankees first baseman/catcher Ben Rice will participate in this year's Home Run Derby during the All-Star break on Monday, July 13, according to MLB Communications. Rice will try to give the Yankees a record fifth Home Run Derby winner alongside Tino Martinez (1997), Jason Giambi (2002), Robinson Cano (2011), and Aaron Judge (2017). The only other known participant for this year's Derby in the American League is Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero. After breaking out in 2025 in his first full major-league season by hitting 26 home runs and driving in 65 in 138 regular-season games, Rice has backed up the breakout with another phenomenal season, slashing .267/.360/.565 with a .925 OPS, 25 home runs, 57 RBI, 59 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 85 games across 364 plate appearances. The 27-year-old former 12th-rounder in 2021 out of Dartmouth College is proving to be the real deal, but he has been on a skid at the plate since June 22, going 7-for-52 (.135) with three homers, four RBI, four runs, four walks, and 15 strikeouts in his last 14 games over 57 plate appearances.
Source: MLB Communications
Source: MLB Communications
Owen Murphy Sent Back to Triple-A, a Safe Drop in All Leagues?
The Atlanta Braves announced on Tuesday that they optioned right-handed pitching prospect Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett after he made his major-league debut in Monday's extra-inning loss to the division-rival New York Mets. The Braves' No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit in the 10th inning to take the loss while also walking a hitter and striking out one. Atlanta showed plenty of confidence in the 22-year-old in his first big-league appearance in a high-leverage spot, but he didn't rise to the occasion. Murphy's long-term role is clearly as a starter, but if he resurfaces in the majors again at some point in the second half, he might return to a bullpen role. In his first full season since recovering from Tommy John surgery, Murphy has gone 5-7 with a 4.44 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks in 16 starts with Double-A Columbus and Gwinnett. The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder is still an intriguing hold in dynasty/keeper leagues, but fantasy managers in single-year formats can continue to ignore Murphy for now. Murphy is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Konnor Griffin Could Miss at Least a Month With Torn Tendon in his Finger
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) is dealing with a torn tendon in his left ring finger, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Griffin could play through the injury, but rehab is the likeliest option and would keep him out for at least a month. The Pirates already have outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) and first baseman Spencer Horwitz (hamstring) on the injured list with the All-Star break looming next week. The 20-year-old rookie phenom recently returned from a forearm injury in late June, and now he could miss another month-plus with his finger ailment. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 has the potential to be a perennial All-Star as one of the best shortstops in the big leagues. In his first MLB season, he has hit .276/.332/.404 with a .736 OPS, five home runs, 25 RBI, 35 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases across his 225 at-bats. Griffin should be stashed everywhere if he returns to the IL, which seems likely, after injuring his finger while making a diving catch in Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo are both options to take over at the 6 in Pittsburgh with Griffin hurt again.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Michael McGreevy Given Extra Rest, Won't Start on Tuesday
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Michael McGreevy will be given extra rest and will not start either of the games during Tuesday's doubleheader versus the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Right-hander Matt Svanson will serve as the opener for Game 1 of the twin bill on Tuesday. McGreevy will most likely be pushed back to either Wednesday or Thursday against Milwaukee. The 25-year-old former 18th overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft out of the University of California, Santa Barbara, has gone 3-7 with a 3.12 ERA (4.32 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 60 strikeouts and 22 walks in 95 1/3 innings pitched across 17 starts in 2026. McGreevy allowed a season-high five earned runs in five innings against the Kansas City Royals on June 19, but he's allowed only two earned runs with two walks and seven strikeouts in 12 innings in his two most recent starts against the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. In his first start against the Brewers this year on May 26, McGreevy allowed five earned runs with three walks and six K's in just four innings in a loss.
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Shane Drohan a Must-Add Pitcher Amidst Recent Emergence in Milwaukee?
After spending much of the early portion of the 2026 season in a bulk relief role, Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Shane Drohan was moved to his team's starting rotation in early June. The 27-year-old has pitched well since the role change, recording a 2-1 record with a 3.22 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts across 36 1/3 innings (seven starts). Drohan demonstrated high-end strikeout upside in the minor leagues in 2025, recording a 34.5% strikeout rate across 54 innings while pitching in the Boston Red Sox organization. While fantasy managers should not expect that same level of dominance now that he's a regular part of an MLB rotation, Drohan's swing-and-miss ceiling is likely higher than his current strikeout rate of 22.8%. Drohan carries streamer appeal across all fantasy formats and may even be a priority waiver wire target in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Braxton Garrett Emerging as a Top Stash Candidate Amid Torrid Triple-A Stretch
To this point in 2026, Miami Marlins left-hander Braxton Garrett has thrown just 4 1/3 innings (two starts) at the big-league level. However, the 28-year-old has dominated Triple-A hitters, recording a 3-2 record with a 1.55 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts across 64 innings (12 starts). Garrett has been particularly unhittable of late, as he's logged 27 strikeouts without allowing an earned run across his last 24 innings (four starts). After missing the entire 2025 season following internal brace surgery in his elbow, Garrett may now be rounding back into form. He was an effective pitcher for the Marlins back in 2023, recording a 3.66 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 156 strikeouts and nine wins across 159 2/3 innings. Given how well he's pitched in the minors, it may only be a matter of time before Garrett is back in Miami.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ezequiel Tovar a Top Waiver-Wire Target Ahead of Second-Half Breakout?
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar has had a rough season overall in 2026, hitting .209/.252/.345 with eight home runs, 32 RBI, 31 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 321 plate appearances. However, the 24-year-old has begun to heat up a bit in July, hitting .250 with a .888 OPS and two home runs across 19 plate appearances so far this month. Tovar has proven an ability to hit for power at earlier points in his career, slugging 26 home runs across 695 plate appearances in 2024. He also has the benefit of playing his home games in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field, which should help his current batting average on balls in play of .257 regress closer to his career mark of .320 over the second half of the season. At worst, Tovar's excellent defense at shortstop should keep him in the Rockies' everyday lineup and allow him to rack up counting stats at a decent rate. Particularly in deeper leagues, he could be a second-half breakout candidate to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Paul Goldschmidt Still a Waiver-Wire Priority Amidst Current Slump?
New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has emerged as a key piece of his team's lineup in 2026, hitting .266/.325/.505 with 14 home runs, 41 RBI, 31 runs scored, and one stolen base across 243 plate appearances. The 38-year-old has cooled off in recent weeks after a red-hot June, as he's currently hitless in his last 27 plate appearances. Still, Goldschmidt owns a strong 11.7% barrel rate and should continue to see regular playing time in New York with both Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Aaron Judge (ribs) currently sidelined by injury. Goldschmidt has also mashed left-handed pitching to a 1.162 OPS so far this season, so he has a clear use case for fantasy managers. Even amidst his current slump, Goldschmidt is a worthwhile waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Garrett Whitlock a Top Reliever Stash to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 29 innings (30 games) so far in 2026, Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock has recorded a 4-1 record with a 2.48 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 34 strikeouts, and one save. To this point, Boston has largely utilized Whitlock in a setup role in front of veteran closer Aroldis Chapman. However, Chapman has allowed six earned runs over his last seven appearances (six innings), which could open the door for Whitlock to see more save opportunities. Boston could also look to move Chapman at the upcoming trade deadline. Even if Whitlock remains limited to his current role, he could carry some value in deeper fantasy leagues. The 30-year-old owns a sterling 24.6% K-BB rate, and his frequent high-leverage usage puts him in position to rack up more wins than the typical reliever. Fantasy managers looking for relief upside on the waiver wire may want to prioritize Whitlock.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Daulton Varsho Carries Five-Category Upside on the Waiver Wire
Across 287 plate appearances so far this season, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho is hitting .246/.314/.404 with seven home runs, 23 RBI, 32 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. Varsho has dealt with nagging injury issues in recent seasons, so health risk is a part of his profile. However, the 30-year-old has largely stayed on the field in 2026, outside of a short stint on the injured list due to a wrist ailment. Varsho has sacrificed power for increased contact ability this year, as his barrel rate has dropped from 15.9% to 6.5% and his strikeout rate has fallen from 28.4% to 20.9%. While that tradeoff is not ideal for fantasy managers, Varsho carries latent power upside. If he can find the right balance of contact and power in the second half of the season, he could provide five-category production for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Waldschmidt Re-Emerging on Fantasy Radar as he Nears Second MLB Stint
Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Ryan Waldschmidt has 112 major league at-bats this season but is now spending his time in Triple-A Reno. The Diamondbacks' top overall prospect got a look at the big league level but did not hit a home run and drove in eight runs while swiping five bags and hitting .254. Arizona chose to send him back for some seasoning in the minors, and he has six homers and 29 RBI at Reno with six stolen bases while hitting .293. In 184 at-bats at Reno, Waldschmidt has shown promising signs, including amassing an OPS of .910, the best mark of his minor-league career. With an outfield full of depth at the big-league level, including Corbin Carroll, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Max Kepler, among others, it would appear that Waldschmidt could spend more time in the minors. However, the right-handed bat could be one fantasy managers keep in mind as they look for stashes for the second half. Should he get another opportunity for the Diamondbacks, Waldschmidt should produce and has the potential to provide five-category upside.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jason Adam Expected to be Out Until August
An MRI exam on San Diego Padres right-handed reliever Jason Adam's right shoulder showed no major structural damage, instead just a strain in the subscapularis muscle, according to MLB.com. Adam expressed hope that he can return from the 15-day injured list in early-to-mid August after landing on the IL on July 2. The 34-year-old veteran suffered a season-ending thigh injury late in the second half last season and hasn't been quite the same for the Friars as a high-end setup guy in 2026, going 2-2 with a 2.51 ERA (4.69 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, two saves, 22 strikeouts, and eight walks in 32 1/3 innings out of the bullpen in his second full season in San Diego. In fantasy baseball leagues that count holds, though, Adam is deserving of a roster spot, as he currently ranks seventh in baseball with 17 holds. Until he's able to make his way back to the Padres' bullpen in August, both lefty Adrian Morejon and righty Bradgley Rodriguez will be tasked with more high-leverage setup spots late in games in front of flamethrowing closer Mason Miller.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hector Rodriguez's Power Numbers Put Him in High-End Stash Territory
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez is mashing at Triple-A Louisville this season, and fantasy managers should start to take notice. The 22-year-old outfielder has 19 homers and 53 RBI while hitting .285. Rodriguez, the No. 5 prospect for the Reds, has a shot to make the big league club with current Reds outfielders Dane Myers and Blake Dunn on the 10-day IL. Now would seem to be prime time for Rodriguez to make an impact on the big-league club. He has demonstrated the power numbers at Triple-A while hitting for a good average and appears ready for the majors. Fantasy managers should take notice and add the power-hitting left-handed bat prior to his call-up. He could be a difference-maker in fantasy leagues down the stretch run, making him a worthy stash target in 12+ team, five-outfielder formats.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Could Marlins Give Karson Milbrandt a Look at Big-League Level?
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has pitched well in the minors this season between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville. His numbers were dominant at Pensacola, with a 4-1 record, a 1.34 ERA, and a 1.00 WHIP. His strikeout rate was also excellent at Double-A, with 70 strikeouts over 47 innings. His numbers have come back to earth a bit at Triple-A after his promotion, with a 4.15 ERA and 1.66 WHIP at Jacksonville. The dip in numbers is a bit concerning but is to be expected to some extent after just five Triple-A starts. Milbrandt, the No. 4 overall prospect for the Marlins, might have a path to the majors with Marlins starting pitcher Janson Junk currently on the 15-day IL. Should Milbrandt get a look to fill Junk's spot in the near future, he could prove to be a worthwhile pickup for fantasy managers in most leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Heliot Ramos Stays Hot, Hits Two Homers and Drives in Five Runs
San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos is heating up with the weather. In the team's 10-1 blowout win over the visiting Toronto Blue Jays at Oracle Park on Monday night, he went 3-for-5 out of the leadoff spot with two home runs, a triple, five RBI, three runs scored, and a strikeout to boost his season average to .274 and his OPS to .806. It was Ramos' first career game with multiple home runs and his first game with five RBI. The 26-year-old is now hitting .313 (10-for-32) with four home runs, a double, two triples, eight RBI, and eight runs scored in eight games since coming off the injured list on June 28. Overall, the Puerto Rican native is batting .274/.314/.492 with eight home runs, 28 RBI, and 27 runs scored across his 197 at-bats in 2026 in his fifth year in the big leagues with the Gigantes. Under the hood, Ramos appears set for a strong second half after an injury-plagued first half, as he currently sits with an xBA of .287 and an xwOBA of .357 (wOBA of .344). Ramos is in the 93rd percentile in hard-hit rate, the 96th percentile in barrel rate, and the 91st percentile in xSLG.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
