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George Lombard Jr. Lands on Minor-League Injured List With Sprained Fingers
Top New York Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr. (fingers) was placed on the seven-day injured list at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with "a couple" sprained fingers on his left hand, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Lombard was injured in Tuesday's game with the Rail Riders when a runner slid into his glove at second base. The good news is that aside from Lombard's sprained fingers, tests on his left hand came back clean. The Yankees have "no idea" how long Lombard might be out for. He's considered baseball's No. 18 prospect in 2026, and he's currently hitting .258 with an .833 OPS in 62 games this year with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Double-A Somerset, adding eight homers, 25 RBI, 12 steals, and 48 runs scored across 287 plate appearances. The 21-year-old should be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues, and he could be an alternative option for the Bombers later this season at the 6 if they aren't happy with the combination of Anthony Volpe/Jose Caballero. In Yahoo leagues, Lombard is eligible at second base, third base, and shortstop, and he's rostered in only 4% of leagues.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Francisco Lindor to Start a Rehab Assignment on Friday
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf) will start a minor-league rehab assignment for Double-A Binghamton on Friday, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. It lines up with a previous report that the Mets expect Lindor to return from the 10-day injured list before the end of June. The 32-year-old five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger has been sidelined since the end of April with a left-calf strain, but he's nearing his return to the major-league roster. When Lindor returns to Queens, he'll resume starting duties at shortstop, allowing the Mets to move Bichette back to third base. It will mean less frequent playing time for the left-handed-hitting Brett Baty. Before landing on the IL, Lindor was hitting just .226 (21-for-93) with two home runs, five RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases for the Mets in his first 24 games played. Although it wasn't a great start, Lindor still has plenty of time to turn things around in 2026, and he should be rostered everywhere.
Source: New York Post - Mike Puma
Source: New York Post - Mike Puma
Ryan Jeffers Doing All Baseball Activities
Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (hand) has been running, throwing, lifting weights, doing catching drills, and, as of June 10, taking dry swings, according to MLB.com. Jeffers landed on the 10-day injured list on May 19 with a left-hamate bone fracture in his hand and had surgery on May 20. His next steps will be determined by how he handles his current workload. The next step for the left-handed-hitting backstop will be to gain clearance to face live pitching. After that, he'll likely require a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the major-league roster. At this time, it's unclear if Jeffers will have enough time to make it back before the All-Star break in mid-July. Before fracturing his hand, the 29-year-old former second-rounder in 2018 out of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington was hitting a strong .295 (36-for-122) with seven home runs, 26 RBI, 26 runs scored, and a stolen base as the Twins' primary catcher. At the moment, he's only rostered in 30% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs. With Jeffers out, Victor Caratini and Alex Jackson have been sharing time behind the plate in Minnesota.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cowboys Plan to Move George Pickens Around More on Offense
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said on Thursday that he is planning to move star wide receiver George Pickens around the formation more in 2026, per the team's official website. Pickens was absent from organized team activities in the spring after failing to reach a long-term contract extension with the organization, but he is present this week for mandatory minicamp. The 25-year-old former second-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 out of the University of Georgia broke out in 2025 after the Dallas Cowboys acquired him from Pittsburgh, catching 93 passes for a career-high 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns on 137 targets in 17 games (15 starts). The vast majority of Pickens' snaps in 2025 in his first year in Dallas came out wide, but it sounds like he could spend more time inside in the slot in Year 2 in Big D, which should help the Cowboys create more mismatches for the big-play threat. Even with CeeDee Lamb commanding a high target share, the Cowboys should continue to throw the ball enough under Schottenheimer to make Pickens a legitimate WR1 again in fantasy in 2026.
Source: DallasCowboys.com
Source: DallasCowboys.com
Prospect Trei Cruz Being Called Up From Triple-A, Worth a Look in Deep Leagues?
The Detroit Tigers are calling up outfield prospect Trei Cruz to the big leagues on Thursday after placing utility man Wenceel Perez (face) on the 10-day injured list, a source told Ari Alexander of 7 News. Cruz is the son of former big-leaguer Jose Cruz Jr. and the grandson of Jose Cruz. He becomes a third-generation big-leaguer now that he's in the majors for the first time. The 27-year-old Canadian native will give manager A.J. Hinch plenty of options off the bench for however long he's up in the majors. Cruz, a former third-round pick in 2020 out of Rice University, has hit just .225/.331/.326 with a .657 OPS, two home runs, 17 RBI, 20 runs scored, and a stolen base in 38 games in 2026 with Single-A Lakeland and Toledo. His biggest strength is his versatility, being able to hit from both sides and play pretty much every position on the diamond (he has experience everywhere except catcher, pitcher, and first base). MLB Pipeline has Cruz listed as Detroit's No. 22 prospect. What Cruz lacks in power, he makes up for with a mature approach at the plate and a high hard-hit rate. Most likely, Cruz will be a bench player for the Tigers.
Source: 7 News - Ari Alexander
Source: 7 News - Ari Alexander
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
Deshaun Watson Lacking Consistency During Offseason Workouts
The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that Cleveland Browns new head coach Todd Monken would have liked to have a starter already named going into training camp in late July, but he "wants and needs to see more" from both quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders this summer. Ultimately, Monken said he will play "whoever gives us the best chance to score, and I won't know that until we play." He wants to see more "consistency and confidence" from both Watson and Sanders in training camp than what he saw this spring. Jackson adds that it's safe to say that Watson "looked like the same player in his return from a year and a half away that he was before his two Achilles tendon injuries." Watson is healthy and threw downfield occasionally with confidence, but he "lacked consistency and too often threw into traffic." Jackson doesn't think there is much reason to want Watson to play unless he's "clearly their best option." The 30-year-old Watson has been a Pro Bowler three times (all before he came to Cleveland), but it appears he might have to thoroughly outplay Sanders to win the starting gig going into Week 1. Either way, this QB situation is one to ignore for fantasy managers, if at all possible. Whoever wins the starting job this summer probably will have a very short leash to begin the regular season.
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
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
Dan Quinn Likes Rachaad White's Ability as a Pass-Catcher
Commanders.com's Zach Selby writes that Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn likes the competition in the running back room during offseason workouts. Quinn mentioned Rachaad White specifically and his ability as a pass-catcher. It's unclear yet if there will be one designated starter, but multiple players will play a part in the team's rushing attack in 2026. Second-year back Jacory Croskey-Merritt could be the odds-on-favorite for lead-back duties in D.C. after leading the squad with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries in 17 games (seven starts) in his rookie campaign. However, the 25-year-old needs to work on his pass protection (he only caught nine passes for 68 yards) and his ball security in order to do so. Meanwhile, White has the most experience as a dual-threat back in the NFL, even if he has averaged under 4.0 yards per carry as a ball-carrier in his four years in the league. In PPR leagues, White will be a sneaky RB3/flex target with upside in his new digs, although his ADP could rise quickly if he begins to gain more steam over Croskey-Merritt in training camp this summer.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
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
Is Dylan Crews a Post-Hype Sleeper to Target on the Waiver Wire?
Across 100 plate appearances since being recalled from Triple-A in mid-May, Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews has struggled to a .189/.230/.337 slash line with four home runs, 14 RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases. However, the 24-year-old has begun to play a bit better of late, as he's logged a hit in six out of his last seven games. A former top prospect, Crews has had difficulty getting his MLB career off the ground to this point, owning a .622 OPS across 554 big-league plate appearances. He posted solid numbers but was not dominant in his time at Triple-A in 2026, hitting .258 with five home runs, seven stolen bases, and a 24.9% strikeout rate across 177 plate appearances. Still, Crews logged a 13.4% barrel rate and 50.9% hard-hit rate in the minors. Those marks have dropped to 9.1% and 42.9% in the Majors this season, but they still suggest that he's due for better results than what he's gotten so far. Fantasy managers may want to look at Crews on the waiver wire ahead of a possible breakout at the plate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Waldschmidt Goes Deep in Return to Triple-A, Back on Stash Radar?
Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt was optioned back to Triple-A on Monday as the team felt that he needed to work on hitting breaking pitches. Then, in his first game back with Reno on Wednesday, the D-backs' top-ranked prospect did just that, sending a German Marquez (forearm) knuckle-curve over the fence for his first home run since April 26. The former first-rounder had a fantastic 2025 and a strong start to 2026 that led to his promotion to the big leagues, however, he scuffled a bit in his first taste of the majors, slashing .259/.314/.357 with zero home runs and a 32.8 percent strikeout rate in 122 plate appearances. The 23-year-old still managed to swipe five bags, though, which kept him somewhat fantasy relevant during his tenure. The right-handed hitter will hopefully get back on track at Triple-A and should be back in the big leagues later this year. Though he did not show the home run power during his 33-game debut, it is there, and together with his speed and what figures to be an improved approach, the University of Kentucky product should be back on the stash radar in deeper leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Martin Perez Offers Matchup-Based Streaming Appeal on the Waiver Wire
Atlanta Braves left-hander Martin Perez has quietly been a key part of his team's success so far in 2026, recording a 5-3 record with a 2.90 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts across 62 innings (14 games). The 35-year-old has been used as both a reliever and a starter this season, but now he's made five consecutive starts dating back to May 19 and looks to have established himself as a member of the Braves rotation. Perez's 20.8% strikeout rate in 2026 is the highest mark of his 15-year MLB career, so he does not offer much swing-and-miss upside for fantasy managers. Still, the veteran generates a ton of ground balls (46.7% ground ball rate) and limits home runs (0.87 HR/9). He also should have plenty of chances to pick up wins while pitching in Atlanta. Perez's numbers may regress a bit from where they currently sit, but he could still be a viable streaming option for fantasy managers in the right matchups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Ward a Left-Handed Power Bat to Monitor in Deep Fantasy Leagues?
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Ryan Ward, who is ranked as the team's No. 19 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is a left-handed power bat to monitor in deep fantasy baseball leagues in the short term. Since being called up to the majors for the first time, the 28-year-old former eighth-round selection in 2019 out of Bryant University has gone 11-for-43 (.256) with three home runs, four doubles, 11 RBI, and seven runs scored in his 46 plate appearances. The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder got the call to L.A. after hitting .254 (45-for-177) with six home runs, 31 RBI, 28 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 47 games played with Triple-A Oklahoma City this year. At least until Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) returns from his stay on the injured list, Ward can be an asset in deeper leagues for his power against right-handed arms. All three of his home runs and all 11 of his RBI have come off righties, and he's been afforded just three plate appearances against southpaws. Because he struggles against lefties, though, Ward is unlikely to have an everyday role this year in a crowded Dodgers lineup, especially once Hernandez returns.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Carson Beck Carries Stash Appeal for Dynasty Rebuilders
After completing 72.4% of his pass attempts for 3,813 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 16 games for the University of Miami in 2025, quarterback Carson Beck was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Beck may be entering his rookie season as the QB3 in Arizona behind veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II. However, neither Brissett nor Minshew II projects as the Cardinals' quarterback of the future, which could put Beck in a position to earn a starting opportunity at some point in 2026 or 2027. Arizona has a strong core of offensive weapons around its quarterbacks in tight end Trey McBride, wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, and running back Jeremiyah Love, which could help Beck have success if he gets on the field. For dynasty managers in the midst of a rebuild, taking a shot on Beck in rookie drafts could be a worthy dart throw.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Travis Hunter Overvalued in Redraft Leagues?
Across seven games before he suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2025, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter (knee) recorded 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown on 45 targets. Hunter is still working his way back to full health, but it appears he'll be ready to go for the start of 2026. While balancing playing on both sides of the ball as a rookie, Hunter struggled to provide consistent production as a wideout. The same dynamic may be at play again in 2026, as the Jaguars have one of the league's deepest wide receiver rooms between Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington. If Hunter runs into injury issues and/or the Jags are getting strong production from their other top wideouts, the team could decide to focus Hunter's energy on the defensive side of the ball, at least in the short term. RotoBaller currently ranks Hunter as the WR73 for PPR-scoring redraft formats entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bailey Ober Expects to Throw Off a Mound This Weekend
Minnesota Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (elbow) thinks he will throw off a mound this weekend in Arizona, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. It would be the first time that Ober has set foot on a mound since he was placed on the 15-day injured list in early June with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Ober could need a couple of bullpen sessions before being cleared for a short minor-league rehab assignment, so he could have time to rejoin the Twins' starting rotation before the All-Star break in mid-July, barring a setback. The 30-year-old veteran won't be a priority addition off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in mixed leagues, though, after he posted a 4.59 ERA (4.96 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 18 walks in 66 2/3 innings pitched across his 12 starts before landing on the shelf. Ober still has above-average command, but with a drop in velocity this year and a career-low 16.4% strikeout rate, his fantasy upside has diminished as a starting option. While on the IL, Ober is rostered in only 18% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Mick Abel Could Return to Twins Rotation on Sunday
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) will join the team on their road trip in Arizona and is scheduled for a light bullpen session, with his next steps to be determined, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Hayes is putting the puzzle pieces together and speculates that if the Twins are flying Abel from Minnesota to Phoenix, with his next turn scheduled for Sunday, it's likely that he'll come off the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's series finale against the D-Backs. In his two minor-league rehab starts with Triple-A St. Paul, Abel has looked like a pitcher ready to return to the majors, giving up an earned run with 10 strikeouts and no walks in eight innings pitched. He has been sidelined since the middle of April with right-elbow inflammation, but now is the time for fantasy managers to scoop him up if you need rotation help. The 24-year-old former 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 had a 3.98 ERA (2.75 FIP) and 1.57 WHIP with 23 K's and 10 walks in 20 1/3 innings over four outings (three starts) for the Twins before going on the IL. Abel is widely available, as he's rostered in just 18% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
