RADIO
Ty France Continues to Torment Royals, Homers Twice in Sunday's Win
For some reason, San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France just sees the ball better when he's playing against the Kansas City Royals. France continued his torrid hitting against KC in the Padres' 19-2 blowout victory on the road on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium, going 2-for-6 at the plate with two home runs and five RBI to boost his season average to .275 and his OPS to .872. The 32-year-old veteran right-handed hitter hit a grand slam in the eighth inning and had a solo homer in the ninth to cap a rare offensive explosion for the Friars. The big performance from France extended his current hitting streak to seven games. During that span, he has four home runs, nine RBI, seven runs scored, and four multi-hit games as he continues to heat up during the summer. After the big day, France is hitting .275/.335/.537 with 14 home runs, 39 RBI, 28 runs scored, and a steal in his 243 plate appearances in his first year back in SD. He's been hot lately, but France has mostly been far too inconsistent with a limited power ceiling, which is why he's rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues. His .246 expected batting average also doesn't make him extremely attractive as a hitter to target in the second half.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jackson Merrill Snaps Slump With Two Homers, Four RBI Against KC
San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill helped the Padres avoid a three-game sweep in Kansas City on Sunday against the Royals with a monster performance in the team's 19-2 rout at Kauffman Stadium. Kelly went 4-for-6 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, a stolen base, and a strikeout to boost his season batting average to .221 and his OPS to .640. It was the 23-year-old's first four-hit game and two-homer outing of the year, which was a nice way for him to snap an 0-for-13 slump offensively. With the stolen base, Merrill also reached the 20-steal mark for the first time in his career. Merrill has mostly been a speed asset in fantasy in what has otherwise been a disappointing third year in the majors. After the strong performance on Sunday against the Royals, Merrill is now slashing .221/.277/.363 with 12 home runs, 42 RBI, 45 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases across his 407 plate appearances. The Padres and fantasy managers are really hoping that his Sunday outburst will get him rolling for the rest of the second half of the season.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hunter Goodman Crushes Three Homers, Up to 30 on the Season
Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman has proved in 2026 that he's an elite power hitter, regardless of position. In the team's 9-6 loss at Coors Field on Sunday to the Cincinnati Reds, Goodman went 3-for-4 at the plate with three home runs, five RBI, and a strikeout to boost his season average to .257 and his OPS to .887. He became the first player in Rockies history to have two three-homer games in the same season. Perhaps even more impressive was that two of his three long balls came against Reds right-handed starter Hunter Greene. Goodman now trails only Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber, who has 33, for the National League home run lead in 2026. Additionally, he's slashing .257/.326/.561 in his second full season in the big leagues. He hit 31 homers and drove in 91 in 144 games played in 2025 as a first-time All-Star. With club control and an elite power bat, contending teams like the New York Yankees could come calling for Goodman with the August trade deadline quickly approaching.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Byron Buxton Could Return for Series Against Guardians
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) appears to be on track to be activated from the 10-day injured list for the series against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians that starts on Monday and runs through Thursday, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Buxton did defensive drills with outfield coach Grady Sizemore on Saturday and has been hitting for a few days. The Twins could really use Buxton's bat back in their starting lineup as they push to stay in contention in the American League as the trade deadline approaches. Before his hip injury, the three-time All-Star was having another fantastic season at the plate, slashing .271/.328/.575 with a .904 OPS, 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 75 games and 335 plate appearances. Buxton is unlikely to return to the 20-steal mark in 2026, but his power has been real after hitting a career-high 35 dingers in 126 games a year ago. He has been a must-start once again in fantasy lineups in 2026 and shouldn't be floating around on any waiver wires with his return from the IL looming.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Bobby Nightengale
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Bobby Nightengale
Casey Mize Pulled Early on Sunday With Groin, Wrist Injuries
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said that right-hander Casey Mize (groin, wrist) was pulled from his start early on Sunday in a loss to the Los Angeles Angels with groin tightness and a wrist issue after being hit by a comebacker, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. Mize will have more rehab and tests on his groin, but he said he left the game as a precaution. The 29-year-old only made it through 3 1/3 innings on Sunday, allowing an earned run on five hits while walking one and striking out five for a no-decision. He was pulled in the fourth inning after he was hit by a groundball off the bat of Angels outfielder Jo Adell in the left hand/wrist, but Mize had already been feeling tightness in his groin at that point. Mize should be considered day-to-day for now, and although his injuries don't appear to be very serious, his next scheduled start against the division-rival Kansas City Royals on Friday, July 24, should be considered up in the air. He's already missed time in 2026 due to injury, but Mize is currently in the midst of his best year as a pro, coming into his start on Sunday with a 2.79 ERA (2.69 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 77 K's and 18 walks across his 14 starts.
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Corbin Carroll Day-to-Day With Hyperextended Elbow
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (elbow) is considered day-to-day with a hyperextended right elbow, manager Torey Lovullo told Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic. Carroll will not have imaging and will have a chance to return to the starting lineup for Monday's series opener at home against the visiting Athletics. The 25-year-old All-Star hurt his elbow when he struck out swinging in the seventh inning of Sunday's extra-inning win over the St. Louis Cardinals, and he went 1-for-4 at the plate with a double and two strikeouts before being pulled. Thankfully, Carroll appears to have dodged a bullet and might not have to miss any time. The former 16th overall pick in 2019 came into Sunday's series finale at Chase Field with a .250/.345/.480 slash line, an .825 OPS, 14 home runs, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across 352 at-bats in 2026. The three-time All-Star also leads the league with 10 triples, and he remains a must-start in all fantasy lineups as a five-category contributor and one of the most valuable outfielders in the game.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Jose M. Romero
Source: The Arizona Republic - Jose M. Romero
Kyle Karros Breaking Out, Emerging as Waiver Wire Target
Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros has impressed in his first full MLB season, slashing .259/.353/.430 with a .783 OPS across 95 games. His 48 runs scored rank second on the Rockies, highlighting his ability to provide value throughout the lineup. The 23-year-old has taken a major step forward thanks to improved contact quality, with a 43.7 Hard-Hit% that ranks above league average. He has also shown advanced plate discipline with a 12.2 BB%, giving him a strong foundation for continued success. With consistent playing time available, Karros has become an intriguing waiver wire option for fantasy managers looking for an emerging contributor.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jasson Dominguez, Spencer Jones Emerging as Yankees Trade Chips
New York Yankees outfielders Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones are reportedly among the club's top trade assets ahead of the upcoming deadline. Jones was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on July 4 after slashing .233/.317/.370 with a .687 OPS in 30 games this season. Dominguez has also struggled to find consistent production, hitting .231/.267/.399 with a .666 OPS after posting a .719 OPS across 123 games last year. Despite the disappointing results, both young outfielders still offer significant long-term offensive upside. With the Yankees battling for first place in the AL East, the organization appears willing to move young talent in exchange for immediate help in its pursuit of a postseason run.
Source: Francys Romero
Source: Francys Romero
Andres Munoz Regaining Form, Emerging as Second-Half Fantasy Target
Seattle Mariners right-hander Andres Munoz has built positive momentum entering the second half of the season after overcoming a difficult start. Over his last 30 appearances, Munoz has posted a 2.86 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, looking much more like the All-Star reliever fantasy managers saw in 2024 and 2025. His season numbers have improved to a 3.96 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP, putting him in position for a strong second half. Munoz has consistently shown the ability to dominate hitters with his elite arsenal, and his recent stretch suggests he is returning to that level. Fantasy managers should remain confident in the 27-year-old as a high-upside reliever for the remainder of the season.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Andres Gimenez Showing Slight Power Growth, Still a Limited Fantasy Option
In his second year with the Toronto Blue Jays, middle infielder Andres Gimenez has shown a slight improvement at the plate, slashing .231/.275/.361 as the season enters the second half. Those numbers still sit below his career averages, and he has struggled recently, hitting .205 with a .256 slugging percentage over his last 15 games. The 27-year-old has already matched his home run total from last season, offering a modest increase in power production. However, his 3.4 Barrel% remains well below league average, limiting his offensive upside. While the extra power is encouraging, Gimenez still profiles as a low-ceiling fantasy option and is unlikely to provide much more than modest production for fantasy managers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Stephen Kolek Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Flexor Strain
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Stephen Kolek (elbow) was reinstated from the family medical leave list on Sunday. He was immediately placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right flexor strain. It sounds like Kolek suffered the injury during a rehab outing with Triple-A Omaha on Saturday. It's unclear how long Kolek is going to be sidelined with this issue. The right-hander hasn't made an appearance with the big league club since July 2. This season, Kolek owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 34/12 K/BB ratio across 10 starts this season. There is no timetable available for Kolek, but he likely won't be back until some point in August.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Max Scherzer Throws Bullpen Session on Sunday
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (back, thumb) was able to throw a successful bullpen session on Sunday. Scherzer recently had a rehab assignment paused last week. He received three cortisone injections in his right thumb, but is back to throwing the ball fairly quickly. He landed on the Injured List in mid-June due to back spasms. He suffered an injured thumb while rehabbing, but is hopeful to get back on the mound soon. The hope is that Scherzer can rejoin the Jays' starting rotation at some point in August. When healthy, Scherzer has been awful with a 10.23 ERA across six starts this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't wait around and hope the 41-year-old still has something left in the tank.
Source: Keegan Matheson
Source: Keegan Matheson
Ronel Blanco to Make Season Debut on Monday
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (elbow) will be activated off the Injured List ahead of Monday's game against the Miami Marlins. Blanco is set to take the mound and make his season debut during the series opener against Miami. The veteran right-hander has been sidelined since having an internal brace procedure last June. He has been working his way back and building up his pitch count in the minor leagues. His return to the mound will move Tatsuya Imai to Tuesday, and shift Peter Lambert to Wednesday's series finale. Blanco hasn't pitched in a big league game since mid-May of 2025. Fantasy managers can't be sure what to expect from Blanco, but he could be someone worth adding in deep leagues.
Source: Matt Kawahara
Source: Matt Kawahara
Samuel Basallo Exits Early with Right Shoulder Discomfort
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (shoulder) was removed to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Houston Astros. Basallo appears to have tweaked his shoulder during his lone at-bat of the game in the second inning. Basallo was ultimately pulled from the game in the bottom half of the inning due to right shoulder discomfort. The O's are likely to have Basallo undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Sam Huff took over behind the plate and could see increased playing time if Basallo misses time. Adley Rutschman and Huff would split up the time behind the plate if Basallo lands on the Injured List. Fantasy managers should check back on Monday for another update on his status.
Source: Roch Kubatko
Source: Roch Kubatko
Ryan Helsley is Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day Injured List on Sunday. Helsley has been on the shelf since July 3 due to right-elbow discomfort. The right-hander is currently dealing with inflammation around his UCL. The O's are currently having Helsley rest before they hopefully ramp him up soon. The decision to move Helsley to the 60-day IL clears a spot on the 40-man roster for catcher Sam Huff. Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge should continue splitting up the save chances in Baltimore. Helsley is unlikely to contribute again until late August or September.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
