RADIO
Samy Natera Jr. Now Firmly in the Mix for Saves in Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels rookie left-handed reliever Samy Natera Jr. is now firmly in the mix for saves in Anaheim after the Halos traded away relievers Kirby Yates and Ryan Zeferjahn at the deadline on Monday. Hard-throwing right-hander Ben Joyce will surely be involved as well, but Natera is worth consideration in deeper fantasy baseball leagues for managers who are desperate for saves. The Mexican hurler is currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. In the team's 4-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards on Thursday, Natera gave up a hit while walking none and striking out two in 1 1/3 innings for his second save of the season. The 26-year-old southpaw has looked good of late, giving up just one earned run with three walks and 23 strikeouts in his last 11 appearances out of the bullpen since he allowed a career-high four earned runs in two-thirds of an inning to the Boston Red Sox on the Fourth of July. Natera has a 2.16 ERA (1.90 FIP), 0.88 WHIP, and 38:10 K:BB in his first 25 relief innings at the big-league level.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Gunnar Henderson Unlikely to Sign With Baltimore Long-Term
ESPN's Buster Olney, who was appearing on Just Baseball, said that Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who is represented by super agent Scott Boras, "in all likelihood isn't going to sign there long-term." It comes after the Orioles traded away the former first overall pick, switch-hitting All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman, to the division-rival Boston Red Sox on Monday for a giant prospect haul. The 25-year-old Henderson has two years of team control remaining, but after that, Olney thinks he will bolt for the open market. The former second-rounder in 2019 broke out with 37 home runs, 92 RBI, and 21 stolen bases in his second full MLB season with Baltimore in 2024, and although he had a career-high 30 steals the following season, he hit just 17 home runs in 2025. Henderson has continued to decline in 2026, as he's currently slashing .218/.297/.393 with a career-low .690 OPS, 18 home runs, 47 RBI, 65 runs scored, and only eight steals in 114 games and 518 plate appearances. His batted-ball metrics do not point to a turnaround anytime soon.
Source: ESPN - Buster Olney
Source: ESPN - Buster Olney
Twins to Promote Top Infield Prospect Kaelen Culpepper to Major Leagues
The Minnesota Twins are promoting top infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper to the major leagues, according to Aaron Gleeman. Culpepper is currently viewed as the team's No. 2 prospect (behind only Walker Jenkins) and the overall No. 32 prospect in the sport on MLB.com. The budding infielder has battled injuries this season, but when on the field at Triple-A St. Paul, he has been nothing short of dominant. Through 74 games at the top club in the system, the former 21st overall selection has posted a .271/.367/.478 line with a .845 OPS. He has gone deep 14 times, added 15 doubles, and even swiped 17 bags. During the 2025 season, Culpepper hit 20 home runs and stole 25 bags over a 113-game stint. Managers should expect the infielder to see an everyday role at shortstop going forward. He is a priority target on the waiver wire in all formats given his elite five-category potential.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Adley Rutschman Hits in the Cages on Thursday
Boston Red Sox catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist) hit in the indoor cage aggressively on Thursday after throwing to the bases on the field, according to MLB.com. Rutschman has been on the 10-day injured list since July 20 with inflammation in his left wrist. The 28-year-old switch-hitting backstop is making progress, although he will still likely need a minor-league rehab assignment before making his Red Sox debut, which probably won't come until around mid-August, barring a setback. The Red Sox sent a big package of prospects to the Baltimore Orioles for Rutschman at the trade deadline on Monday, giving them a major upgrade at catcher whenever he's fully recovered from his wrist injury. Rutschman has battled injuries since last year and is hitting .251/.331/.433 with a .764 OPS, eight home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 runs scored in 67 games across 284 plate appearances this year. The BoSox are hoping the three-time All-Star can return to his pre-injury form and help the team get into the postseason. He has just 17 homers in the last two seasons combined after hitting 52 long balls in his first three years in the league with the O's.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Garrett Crochet Unlikely to be Stretched Out by End of September
Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said that left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder, lat) stretching out to six innings by the end of September is "probably not feasible," according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. "If he's healthy and right, and he looks like Garrett Crochet, I think we'd be foolish not to consider that," Tracy said when asked if Crochet could be used as a reliever. The Red Sox plan on getting the 27-year-old two-time All-Star back before the end of the regular season, but it could come as a reliever instead of a starter, which is bad news for fantasy managers who have been stashing him in single-year formats. After finishing second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025 in his first year in Boston, Crochet has made only six starts in 2026 and allowed 23 runs (21 earned) while walking 11 and striking out 37 in 30 innings pitched. Even if Crochet makes it back as a starter in the final month of the regular season, he won't have much time to help fantasy managers, and he'll have an extremely limited ceiling if he's not stretched all the way out.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Chase Meidroth Hits Two Long Balls in Extra-Inning Loss to Boston
Chicago White Sox infielder Chase Meidroth broke out in a big way in Thursday's wild 12-11 loss at Fenway Park to the Boston Red Sox by going 3-for-5 out of the leadoff spot with two home runs, four RBI, two walks, and one strikeout to boost his season batting average to .275 and his OPS to .757. Both of Meidroth's homers were two-run shots, one in the third inning off lefty Ranger Suarez, and the other in the 10th inning off lefty Aroldis Chapman. It was nice to see from the 25-year-old, who was 4-for-21 in his last seven games. The 25-year-old former fourth-rounder from the University of San Diego is now hitting .275/.352/.405 with 11 home runs, 44 RBI, 67 runs scored, and two stolen bases across his 407 at-bats in 2026 in just his second year in the big leagues with the Pale Hose. So far in August, Meidroth has been hot, going 6-for-17 (.353) with two homers, four RBI, and five runs scored, making him a waiver-wire consideration for infield depth in deeper leagues. He's rostered in just 34% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ronald Acuna Jr. Extends Hit Streak With Two-Homer Game Against Marlins
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. could be in the midst of coming alive offensively after what was a disappointing and injury-plagued first half of the season. In the team's 11-3 blowout win over the division-rival Miami Marlins at Truist Park on Thursday, Acuna went 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs and three RBI to extend his current hitting streak to a modest five games. It was the 28-year-old's second multi-homer game of the season and the 16th time in his career. During his five-game hitting streak in August, Acuna has gone 6-for-21 (.286) with three home runs, four RBI, and five runs scored. Since returning from his second stint on the injured list this year with hamstring issues, Acuna has hit .205 (8-for-39) with a .792 OPS, four homers, five RBI, eight runs scored, three walks, and 12 strikeouts in just 10 games played. The former MVP still has the talent to be a difference-maker down the stretch, but it's a bit worrisome that he hasn't been running yet since his return. Acuna is now slashing .244/.358/.436 on the season with a .794 OPS, 11 homers, 27 RBI, 15 steals, and 39 runs scored in his 234 at-bats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Arjun Nimmala Day-to-Day With Hand Laceration
Los Angeles Angels shortstop prospect Arjun Nimmala (hand), who was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the trade involving right-hander Jose Soriano, is day-to-day after leaving Double-A Rocket City's game on Thursday with a left-hand laceration, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Nimmala, who is considered the Angels' No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, doubled twice for the Trash Pandas before leaving the contest. The 20-year-old former 20th overall selection by Toronto in 2023 spent most of his time this year at Double-A New Hampshire, hitting .279/.355/.451 with an .806 OPS, four home runs, 11 RBI, 21 runs scored, and four stolen bases in only 33 games across 138 plate appearances. Nimmala came into Thursday's game, his second with Rocket City, hitting .261 (59-for-226) with eight homers, 34 RBI, 41 runs, and six stolen bases in 63 minor-league games with five different teams in 2026. The 6-foot, 190-pounder might only be average, at best, at defense at the 6 long-term, but he has intriguing power potential from the right side of the plate. Nimmala isn't expected to be a candidate for his MLB debut until 2028.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Dylan Cease Continues Excellent Season, Strikes Out 10 in Chicago
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease continued his amazing first season with the Jays at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, throwing seven shutout innings with two hits allowed, one walk, and 10 strikeouts to lower his season ERA to 2.28, which ranks second in the American League, behind only the Yankees' Cam Schlittler. Cease was handed a no-decision in the eventual 3-2 extra-inning loss after closer Louis Varland gave up a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to third baseman Alex Bregman. The 30-year-old hurler has been electric in 2026, and he's been especially hard to hit since the beginning of July, having allowed just four earned runs with 56 strikeouts in his six starts over that span. In addition to being second in the AL in ERA, Cease leads the league with his 184 strikeouts and is second in all of baseball. Cease will face Boston for the fourth time this year in his next outing. He's 2-1 against them with a sharp 1.83 ERA, 10 walks, and 24 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings. In his last meeting against them, he threw a one-hitter. Obviously, Cease has been a no-brainer must-start in all fantasy baseball leagues in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brandon Pfaadt Continues Hot Stretch on the Mound
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt has been unbelievable on the mound lately. Since being recalled on June 30, Pfaadt owns a 1.55 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 40 2/3 innings across seven starts. He has quietly been excellent on the mound and deserves to be rostered in more fantasy leagues going forward. Overall this season, Pfaadt owns a 3.66 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 52:22 K:BB across 20 games (10 starts) with the Diamondbacks. He's currently slated to take the ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. Fantasy managers seeking pitching help should consider adding Pfaadt ahead of that start.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Luis Robert Jr. Increases Value with Three-Hit Performance
New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. has really struggled to make an impact during his first year with the team. Due to injuries, Robert has played in fewer than 40 games this season. When healthy, Robert is posting a .189/.280/.307 slash line with four home runs, 12 RBI, and two steals. Robert finally came alive with the bat during Thursday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. Robert collected three hits at the plate in the 13-6 victory. Hopefully, it's a sign that Robert is finally turning the corner at the plate. Deep league fantasy managers might want to give him a chance because his overall upside might be worth the risk.
Source: baseba
Source: baseba
Joey Bart Suffers Fractured Hand on Thursday
Chicago White Sox catcher Joey Bart (hand) was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Bart was removed from the contest after getting hit by a pitch on the hand during the seventh inning of this contest. He was immediately removed from the game and replaced by Drew Romo. Before leaving, Bart was 0-for-2 at the plate and was hit by a pitch twice. It was announced afterwards that Bart suffered a fractured fifth metacarpal in his left hand. He'll likely undergo further testing, but a stint on the Injured List is almost guaranteed. Romo should see increased playing time behind the plate, and Edgar Quero will likely be recalled from Triple-A if Bart misses time.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
Nick Lodolo to Return on Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (finger) is scheduled to make his return to the mound versus the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, according to manager Terry Francona. Lodolo has been on the 15-day Injured List since mid-July due to a recurring blister issue. He allowed three runs on five hits while striking out four batters across 4.1 innings of work during his lone rehab start. It appears the Reds have seen enough to reinstate Lodolo after one rehab outing. He has registered a 4.60 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and a 50/27 K/BB ratio across 12 starts this season. He could be someone worth scooping up off the waiver wire if fantasy managers need another arm.
Source: Mike Petraglia
Source: Mike Petraglia
Robbie Ray to Make Team Debut on Friday
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Robbie Ray is set to make his team debut against the Houston Astros on Friday. Ray is ready to take the mound after being acquired by the Padres during Monday's trade deadline. He should be well-rested with seven days off ahead of this start. The southpaw owns a 3.08 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and a 107/57 K/BB ratio across 22 games (21 starts) with the San Francisco Giants this season. He should bring some life to a Padres' pitching staff that has been crushed by injuries. The 34-year-old should be rostered in almost all fantasy formats at the moment.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Joe Ryan Likely to Go on Injured List With Glute Strain
An MRI exam showed that Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (glute) is dealing with a mild left-glute strain, and he's considered likely to land on the injured list, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Ryan has had trouble replicating his delivery while pitching at less than 100% health, and it has shown in the results, as he has allowed 17 runs (16 earned) on 25 hits (seven home runs) while walking two and striking out 10 in 15 1/3 innings pitched in his three starts since the All-Star break. The Twins initially said Ryan was dealing with arm fatigue, but now we know that he has a glute strain. The 30-year-old should remain rostered in all fantasy leagues if/when he goes on the IL. Hopefully, it will be a short stay before Ryan can bounce back as a fantasy ace down the stretch. He's currently 6-8 with a 3.65 ERA (3.42 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 138 strikeouts and only 27 walks in 125 2/3 frames across 23 starts in 2026 in his sixth year with the Twins. The two-time All-Star's strikeout rate has dropped to 26.4% this year, but he's only walking 5.2% of the batters he faces as well.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
