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Max Fried Set to Face Hitters Soon
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that left-hander Max Fried (elbow) should start facing hitters by either "the end of this month or the start of next month," according to Erik Boland of Newsday. Fried had another successful bullpen session on Friday and has been throwing off a mound for around a week as he works his way back from a bone bruise in his left elbow. The Yankees haven't given Fried a specific timetable for a return, but he's probably unlikely to be ready to rejoin the team's starting rotation before the All-Star break in mid-July. The 32-year-old veteran southpaw and three-time All-Star was lights-out in 2025 in his first year in the Bronx for the Yanks, going 19-5 with a 2.86 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 189:51 K:BB in his 32 starts. In 10 starts (61 2/3 frames) this year before going on the injured list with his elbow bruise, Fried went 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA (2.71 FIP) and 1.00 WHIP with 50 K's and 19 walks. He has ace potential when he's healthy for fantasy managers and should be stashed in all formats while he recovers.
Source: Newsday - Erik Boland
Source: Newsday - Erik Boland
Trevor Story "Progressing Nicely" From Sports Hernia
Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (hernia) is "progressing pretty nicely" from having surgery for a sports hernia, according to interim manager Chad Tracy. Story is jogging at a good pace and has swung off a tee. He won't be eligible to be activated from the 60-day injured list until just after the mid-July All-Star break, though. The Red Sox put Story on the 60-day IL on June 4 after he initially went on the 15-day IL back on May 16. The 33-year-old veteran and two-time All-Star is no stranger to injuries, but he had a resurgent season in 2025 and managed to stay healthy all year on his way to a .263/.308/.433 slash line with 25 home runs, 96 RBI, 31 stolen bases, and 91 runs scored across 157 games played. Story was struggling at the plate before suffering a hernia in 2026, going 34-for-165 (.206) with three homers, 19 RBI, 16 runs, eight walks, and 57 strikeouts in 176 plate appearances. There's still power/speed in his profile, but one has to wonder how much he'll have left when he returns from his hernia. Story is currently rostered in just 40% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Konnor Griffin Advancing in his Throwing Program
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (forearm) saw Dr. Keith Meister in Dallas on June 2 and began throwing plyometric balls on June 7, according to MLB.com. He started throwing from 90 feet on June 10 and extended to 150 feet with no pain while rehabbing in Florida. Griffin was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 31 with a strained right forearm, but if he can avoid any setbacks as he continues to ramp up, he could rejoin the big-league roster by late June. The 20-year-old will eventually need to embark on a minor-league rehab assignment before the Pirates reinstate him from the IL, but he figures to be back before the All-Star break next month if everything goes according to plan. Before his forearm injury, the former ninth overall pick in 2024 was holding his own in his first 51 big-league games, slashing .270/.327/.402 with a .729 OPS, four homers, 22 RBI, 14 steals, and 30 runs scored across 208 plate appearances. Griffin really started to figure things out in May, going 30-for-98 (.306) with two homers, seven doubles, a triple, nine RBI, seven steals, and 20 runs scored in 25 games. He entered the 2026 campaign as a can't-miss prospect, and he has looked the part.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jordan Lawlar to Have MRI for Hamstring Strain
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman/outfielder Jordan Lawlar (hamstring) suffered a strained right hamstring in Friday's series opener against the visiting Minnesota Twins and will undergo an MRI exam on Saturday, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. Before leaving the team's eventual 9-5 win at Chase Field, Lawlar went 2-for-4 at the plate with a strikeout. We won't know the severity of the 23-year-old's hamstring injury until the imaging comes back on his MRI, but it's a disappointing development after Lawlar just recently returned from a stint on the injured list due to a wrist injury. At the very least, he probably will not be ready to play in Game 2 of the series against the Twins on Saturday. Rookie Tommy Troy entered the game in place of Lawlar on Friday night and could be thrust into a regular role for the D-backs if Lawlar goes back on the IL. Lawlar, a former sixth overall pick in 2021, has hit just .207/.289/.296 with one homer, nine RBI, seven steals, and a 30.9% strikeout rate in 54 games since debuting in the majors in 2023. He's played in just 12 games for Arizona this year and has gone 12-for-38 (.316) with a homer, four RBI, four steals, three walks, and 10 K's. Lawlar is rostered in only 12% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Warriors and Heat Circle Kawhi Leonard as Trade Target
Los Angeles power forward Kawhi Leonard is reportedly on the Heat's Plan B list and the Warriors' Plan A list, though it remains unclear whether the Clippers will make him available, The Athletic's Sam Amick reports, building on Jake Fischer's reporting. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has reportedly told teams Leonard is not on the market, while the NBA's ongoing investigation into alleged cap circumvention involving Leonard and the Clippers adds transaction uncertainty for any team considering him. Leonard, 34, answered durability doubts with one of his best seasons, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals on 50.5 percent shooting across 65 games. He enters the final year of his deal at roughly $50.3 million. The fantasy read is simpler than the trade math: his production is elite and should travel to any contender, so the open questions are where he plays and whether the probe slows any potential deal.
Source: Sam Amick
Source: Sam Amick
Michael Soroka Dealing With Left-Glute Discomfort
The Arizona Diamondbacks have changed right-hander Michael Soroka's (glute) injury to left-glute discomfort, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. He will undergo an MRI exam on Saturday after he was pulled from Friday's start against the Minnesota Twins early with what the team initially described as discomfort in his left hip. Soroka only made it through one inning on Friday night at Chase Field, but he didn't allow a run while giving up two hits, walking none, and striking out none. The 28-year-old felt the injury while warming up between innings and wasn't allowed to stay in for the second frame. For now, we'll consider him day-to-day until we hear more, but Soroka is firmly in danger of missing his next turn through Arizona's starting rotation. It's been a resurgent season for the Canadian, as he's gone 8-3 for the Snakes with a 3.07 ERA (2.93 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and only 17 walks in 82 innings over his 15 starts. Soroka went from a fantasy afterthought to being rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Ja Morant Looms as a Plan B in the Post-Giannis Market
Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant's trade market has quieted, but Memphis is hopeful he becomes a Plan B for whichever team misses on Giannis Antetokounmpo, The Athletic's Sam Amick reports. The Heat reportedly have serious interest and could reset an otherwise soft market, while Sacramento has been willing to take Morant only with extra draft assets attached. The two-time All-Star is owed $87 million over the next two seasons, and his value has slipped after a 20-game campaign that produced 19.5 points and 8.1 assists on just 41.0 percent shooting, including 23.5 percent from three. Availability, not talent, is the question, as he has played only 79 games total since the start of the 2023-24 season. A fresh start with a contender could steady his role, but Morant remains a high-variance fantasy bet whose elite assist and scoring upside come with a shaky floor.
Source: Sam Amick
Source: Sam Amick
Jaylen Brown Sits at the Center of Boston's Giannis Pursuit
Milwaukee is expected to seek clarity on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes before or around Tuesday's draft, with Boston emerging as a major threat to Miami, The Athletic's Sam Amick reports. Any Celtics offer for the two-time MVP would likely have to start with Jaylen Brown plus significant draft compensation, potentially including up to three first-round picks. Brown is coming off a career year, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists as Boston's lead option during Jayson Tatum's absence. A move to Milwaukee could lift Brown's usage as a centerpiece, while Giannis would remain an elite fantasy anchor anywhere, even if paired with a healthy Tatum. If Boston whiffs, the Celtics are among the teams eyeing Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, the breakout name here after career highs of 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 37.9 percent from three.
Source: Sam
Source: Sam
Isaiah Stewart Available in Trade Talks
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart is available in trade talks, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The report notes that Detroit is searching for more shooting and playmaking, and Paul Reed could see a larger role if Stewart is moved. Stewart has two years and $30 million left on his deal, with the second season carrying a team option. The 25-year-old averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists last season, while Reed posted 7.8 points and 4.5 boards in a smaller role. A move could help Stewart if he lands with a team that needs frontcourt defense, while Reed would be the immediate fantasy name to monitor in Detroit.
Source: Sam Amick
Source: Sam Amick
Thunder, Bulls Among Teams Eyeing Move Up for Aday Mara
Center Aday Mara has become one of the key names driving the 2026 NBA Draft's trade-up market, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls among teams trying to move up for him, Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops reports. The 7-foot-3 Spaniard broke out at Michigan after two quiet years at UCLA, helping anchor a Big Ten regular-season title and national championship run while winning conference Defensive Player of the Year. He averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.6 blocks on 66.8 percent shooting, setting a school single-season record with 103 blocks. ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel pegs his range as starting at No. 8, though other outlets have placed him later in the first round. Mara projects as a blocks-and-boards anchor whose shaky free-throw shooting and limited perimeter game cap his fantasy ceiling, and any near-term value hinges on whether he lands with a contender or a team willing to give him immediate developmental minutes.
Source: Johnny Askounis
Source: Johnny Askounis
Grizzlies Keep Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on a $21.6 Million Option
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Memphis Grizzlies guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is exercising his $21.6 million player option for 2026-27. The 33-year-old returns on the final year of the deal he signed with Orlando in 2024, having landed in Memphis last June in the Desmond Bane trade. Right pinky surgery in February ended his season early, and he averaged 8.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.5 rebounds across 51 games while shooting just 31.6 percent from three, well below his 36.5 percent career mark. The opt-in itself does little for fantasy, since Caldwell-Pope is a low-usage 3-and-D piece on a retooling team. The decision worth tracking is whether Memphis keeps him, trades him or eventually explores a buyout, which could clear backcourt minutes for Cam Spencer and the rest of the young guard group.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
D'Angelo Russell Picks Up Wizards Option
Washington Wizards guard D'Angelo Russell has opted into his $6 million player option for the 2026-27 season, according to Jake Fischer. The 30-year-old remains under contract after being acquired by Washington during the season, although he never reported to the Wizards after the trade. Russell averaged 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 2025-26, numbers that were well below his usual fantasy standard. Unless Washington carves out a real rotation role or moves him elsewhere, Russell looks more like a cap-friendly trade piece than a reliable fantasy target.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Can Jalen Tolbert Find Fantasy Relevance in a Wide-Open Dolphins Receiver Room?
After four up-and-down seasons with the Cowboys, wide receiver Jalen Tolbert signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Miami Dolphins, and after spending 2025 behind one of the league's top tandems in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, he now finds himself in arguably the most wide-open receiver room in the NFL. Tolbert's 49 receptions in 2024 are the highest single-season total of any wide receiver on Miami's roster, topped only by running back De'Von Achane, who has averaged more than 72 catches per year over the past two seasons. The Dolphins spent heavily on the position in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell in the third round before taking Kevin Coleman Jr. in round five, but Tolbert's versatility could allow him to carve out an early role in a room rounded out by Tutu Atwell and incumbent Malik Washington. On average, no Dolphins receiver is going earlier than round 18 in 2026 drafts, with Tolbert ranked as RotoBaller's WR91. While history would suggest at least one player will outperform ADP, a true fantasy ceiling is still capped in what projects to be one of the league's lowest scoring offenses, and Tolbert will be difficult to trust anywhere outside of best ball formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Noelvi Marte a Priority Waiver Wire Breakout Candidate?
Cincinnati Reds outfielder/third baseman Noelvi Marte has logged just 67 plate appearances at the big-league level so far this season, hitting .206/.254/.382 with three home runs, three RBI, seven runs scored, and four stolen bases. After getting off to an awful start to the year, the 24-year-old was optioned to Triple-A in mid-April and did not make his MLB return until early June. Since being recalled, Marte's playing time has been sporadic, and he's been unable to carve out an everyday role. Marte has typically posted poor defensive metrics in the outfield, which limits his real-life value. Still, Marte is an intriguing bat for fantasy managers, as he has three home runs and three stolen bases in just 36 plate appearances in June. Across 360 plate appearances with the Reds in 2025, he hit .263 with 14 homers and 10 steals. If Marte can re-emerge as a regular in Cincinnati, he offers five-category upside at the plate. Real impediments are standing in the way of a potential breakout for Marte, but he could still be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Devin Singletary Hold a Role in a Healthy Giants Backfield?
A somewhat forgotten man of the 2026 offseason, New York Giants running back Devin Singletary agreed to restructure the final year of the contract he signed in 2024, and he appears to have fallen down the depth chart after joining the team as the free agent replacement for Saquon Barkley. As the only Giants running back to play all 17 games in 2025, Singletary's five rushing touchdowns helped to keep him at least fantasy viable while covering up for his poor efficiency and 3.7 yards per carry average. He finished the year in a usable timeshare situation, seeing 24.9 snaps per game to Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s 41.9 over the final nine weeks of the season, but in the first half of the year, with Cam Skattebo in the lineup, Singletary was the clear third option and at times hardly saw the field. From Weeks 2 through 7, with Skattebo serving as the primary back, Singletary topped a 30% snap share one time, in a game missed by Tracy. In three early-season games in which all three backs were healthy, the 28-year-old saw snap shares of 6%, 6%, and 4%. With Skattebo on track for a Week 1 start following the ankle injury that ended his rookie season, Singletary does not factor into 2026 drafts and is a player who can likely be dropped in dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Cole Carrigg a Must-Add Breakout Candidate on the Waiver Wire?
Across 42 plate appearances since making his MLB debut on June 9, Colorado Rockies outfielder Cole Carrigg is hitting .222/.333/.528 with three home runs, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and one stolen base. With Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle (oblique) on the injured list, Carrigg has taken over as the team's everyday center fielder. The power he's shown at the big-league level so far comes as a bit of a surprise, as he hit just six home runs across 257 Triple-A plate appearances before his promotion. He's logged an 11.1% barrel rate in a small sample with Colorado, but his 33.3% hard-hit rate may be a sign that his current power output is unsustainable. Still, Carrigg's 14.3% walk rate and 21.4% strikeout rate are indicators of a strong plate approach. He also hit .338 with 30 stolen bases in 57 games at Triple-A in 2026, so he profiles as a significant speed threat once he gets more MLB games under his belt. For fantasy managers in need of speed and some batting average upside, Carrigg profiles as a viable waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Whittington a Dynasty Drop Candidate
Los Angeles Rams second-year wideout Jordan Whittington saw the third-most snaps of all wide receivers on the team in 2025, but that translated to only 171 yards on 18 receptions. Even with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams missing a combined four games, the third receiver spot in Los Angeles carries very little value in an offense that had three tight ends on the field for almost a third of their snaps. The Rams spent a 2026 pick on tight end Max Clare while bypassing the wide receiver position until the sixth round, suggesting a continuation of their heavy personnel usage, and little chance of fantasy relevance for Whittington outside of a catastrophic injury to either Nacua or Adams. At RotoBaller's dynasty WR142, the 2024 sixth-round pick is a deceptively difficult player to move on from given his proximity to the top of the depth chart in what again should be one of the league's highest scoring offenses, but accounting for his usage, both past and projected, Whittington is little more than a roster-clogger whose bench spot could likely be better utilized in all but the deepest of dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gregory Soto Remains a Must-Add Closer on the Waiver Wire
Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Gregory Soto has taken hold of his team's closer role. Across 31 1/3 innings (32 games) in 2026, the 31-year-old has pitched to a 3.16 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 37 strikeouts, and 11 saves. Soto has run into a bit of a rough patch in June, allowing five earned runs across 3 2/3 innings (five games) this month. However, the veteran has still recorded saves in five out of his last six appearances and does not appear to be in danger of being removed from the ninth inning in Pittsburgh. Soto's underlying metrics support his strong performance so far this season, as he's averaging 97.2 miles per hour on his fastball and has recorded a 29.6% strikeout rate. Given his role in the Pirates bullpen and his production to this point, Soto is a must-add reliever in all fantasy leagues where he's not already rostered.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kerry Carpenter a Priority Power Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 166 plate appearances in 2026, Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter is hitting .234/.313/.497 with 10 home runs, 29 RBI, and 16 runs scored. Carpenter has struck out in 31.9% of his plate appearances, which limits his batting average ceiling. Detroit also utilizes the lefty-swinger in a strict platoon role, as Carpenter has logged just 14 total plate appearances against left-handed pitching. Still, the 28-year-old owns a 46.3% hard-hit rate and has posted a double-digit barrel rate in five consecutive campaigns. He's already hit four home runs across just 45 appearances in June. As the weather begins to heat up in the summer months, Carpenter could be in line for a significant power surge. In deeper leagues, Carpenter profiles as one of the batter power bats available on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DeMario Douglas Could Still Struggle to Find a Reliable Role in 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas has routinely provided a spark out of the slot, averaging more than 6.2 yards after catch per reception through his first three years in the league, but his waning usage in 2025 led to career lows of 447 yards on only 31 receptions. The arrival of Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator had many calling for a modest breakout based on the past success of slot receivers Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, and Wes Welker in his system, but with the Patriots opting for a bigger, more physical style of play, Douglas often ceded slot work to the 6'4", 221-pound Mack Hollins and saw a sub-30% snap share in 14 of 17 games. McDaniels has spoken about wanting to get Douglas more involved, but most of the moves made by New England this offseason suggest a path toward even more heavy personnel usage, with Douglas now buried on a depth chart topped by new additions A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. Douglas will continue to have his moments in McDaniels' game plan-specific offense, but outside of RotoBaller's top 300, he is not a player who can be trusted in 2026 fantasy leagues, other than deep best-ball formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luis Castillo Allows Five Runs in Long-Relief Role, a Safe Cut in All Formats?
Seattle Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo entered his team's game against the Boston Red Sox on Friday night in the sixth inning and struggled, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits across four innings of work. The 33-year-old has generally pitched better since being moved from the rotation into a hybrid starter/reliever role, as he had allowed just six earned runs with 22 strikeouts across 23 innings (five appearances) since the switch leading into Friday. However, Castillo's overall line for the year remains ugly. Across 70 2/3 innings, he's recorded a 2-6 record with a 5.22 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts. At this point, Castillo appears to be the clear odd man out in a Seattle rotation that includes Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Emerson Hancock. Barring an injury to one of the Mariners' top arms, Castillo is likely safe to drop in most fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Joe Flacco One of 2026's Most Trustworthy Backups
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco began his 2025 campaign with the Cleveland Browns, and through four starts, he threw six interceptions to only two touchdowns, scored fewer than 5.3 fantasy points per game, and looked as if his time in the NFL was coming to an end. Following a rare in-division mid-season trade, he started six games for the Bengals in place of an injured Joe Burrow and immediately became a viable fantasy option while elevating the entire Cincinnati offense. He finished as the QB7 or better in three of those games, and in signing a one-year deal this offseason to return to the Bengals, he remains a must-roster backup in superflex dynasty leagues and raises the floor of receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as well as running back Chase Brown. With Joe Burrow RotoBaller's QB5 for 2026, any appearance by Flacco still represents a worst-case scenario, but at 41 years old, the 19-year veteran is more than capable of preventing a complete bottoming out if called into action.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Helsley Stumbles Again on Friday, Is it Time to Panic?
Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Helsley had a rough outing on Friday night, allowing three runs (two earned) and recording just two outs to blow the save in his team's 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Helsley was activated from the injured list on Wednesday after missing nearly two months due to elbow inflammation. His first two appearances since returning have been a struggle, as he's allowed four earned runs on three home runs across 1 2/3 innings. The 31-year-old got off to a solid start to the season before the injury, recording a 2.51 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 15 strikeouts, and seven saves across 10 2/3 innings. Still, he will need to right the ship quickly to maintain the closer role now, as Orioles right-hander Rico Garcia has been one of the better relievers in baseball this season and could easily reclaim the job if Helsley continues to struggle.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jordan Lawlar Pulled With Undisclosed Injury on Friday Night
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman/outfielder Jordan Lawlar (undisclosed) was pulled from Friday night's game against the Minnesota Twins early at Chase Field with an undisclosed injury after beating out a bunt single in the eighth inning, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Before being removed prematurely, Lawlar went 2-for-4 at the plate with a strikeout. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues will want to check back on Saturday morning for a better idea of what the 23-year-old is dealing with, but don't expect him to be back in the starting lineup for Game 2 of the series against the Twins. The former sixth overall pick in 2021 has a history of injuries and just recently returned from the injured list. In just his third year in the big leagues after coming up as one of the top prospects in the game, Lawlar entered play on Friday with a .294 average (10-for-34) with a homer, four RBI, four steals, and six runs scored in just 11 games played for the Snakes. Lawlar is currently rostered in only 13% of Yahoo leagues, and another trip to the IL would be a major disappointment for a player who so far has been a first-round bust.
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
Will Ty France's Two-Homer Game on Friday Get him Going?
San Diego Padres first baseman Ty France had a much-needed big game on Friday night, even if the Padres lost another game on the road in a 9-7 ballgame to the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. France went 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, a double, and five RBI to raise his season average to .259 and his OPS to .796. His first long ball of the game was a grand slam in the first inning, and he later added a solo blast in the fourth inning, with both of his round-trippers coming off veteran right-hander Jacob deGrom. The 31-year-old veteran first baseman homered for the first time since May 29, and the Padres are hoping that his strong performance in the series opener in Texas will help him turn things around for the rest of June. France entered Friday's action with a rough .132 average (5-for-38) with a double, an RBI, three runs scored, four walks, and 14 strikeouts in 13 games in June. He is now slashing .259/.306/.490 on the year with eight homers, 24 RBI, 17 runs scored, and a steal in his 158 plate appearances in his return to San Diego in 2026. France is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues and has unfortunately been much more useful to the Padres for his glove than his bat.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tatsuya Imai Bounces Back With Career-High 11 Strikeouts on Friday
Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai got off to a rough start to his first year in the United States and landed on the injured list with a dead arm. The 28-year-old Japanese native entered his start on Friday night at Daikin Park against the Cleveland Guardians with an ugly 6.43 ERA (5.24 FIP) and 1.51 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 24 walks in 35 innings over his first nine starts and looking to rebound after giving up five earned runs on four hits while walking one and striking out one in just two-thirds of an inning his last time out on June 12 against the Kansas City Royals. He did just that on Friday night, picking up his fourth win of 2026 by giving up three earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out a career-high 11 batters in six innings pitched. It was only the second time in his first 10 MLB outings that he didn't allow a walk, and Imai did most of his damage against Cleveland with his nasty slider. Imai's ERA still sits above 6.00, but he has now recorded three quality starts in his last five outings and looks to be turning a corner as we near the All-Star break next month.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jeremy Pena Continues Strong Month of June With Two-Homer Game
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena hasn't been much of a power threat this year, but he went off on Friday night in the team's 9-3 win at Daikin Park over the visiting Cleveland Guardians by going 3-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and a strikeout to raise his season average to .289 and his OPS to .812 out of the leadoff spot. The 28-year-old Dominican shortstop missed some time earlier this season with an injury, but he has been reliable all year when he's been available, coming into Friday's game with a .279/.344/.415 slash line, .759 OPS, four home runs, 15 RBI, 26 runs scored, and five stolen bases in his 147 at-bats. Pena is heating up with the weather, too, recording multi-hit games in three straight games with four extra-base hits and six RBI. He's now up to a .289/.351/.461 slash line with six home runs in 168 plate appearances. Pena now has three home runs in his last two games and came into Friday with a .291 average (16-for-55) with a homer, four doubles, seven RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 15 games in June. Continue to ride him in fantasy leagues while he's hot.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cam Schlittler Continues Dominant 2026 Season, Fans Career-High 13
New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler was as dominant as ever on Friday night in the team's 5-0 shutout win in the Bronx over the visiting Cincinnati Reds, tossing six shutout innings with four hits allowed, no walks, and a career-high 13 strikeouts to lower his season ERA to 1.71. It was his eighth win of the year in what has quickly become a breakout campaign for Schlittler in just his second year in the big leagues with the Yankees. The 25-year-old former seventh-round pick in 2022 out of Northeastern University came into the day with a league-best 1.82 ERA (2.31 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP with 96 strikeouts and 18 walks in 39 innings pitched over his 15 starts. He also leads the league with a 3.8 WAR, 6.4 hits per nine, and 0.5 home runs allowed per nine innings. Schlittler has allowed one earned run or fewer in nine of his last 11 starts and gets a good matchup next against the Detroit Tigers. He has become a must-start in all fantasy leagues and is headed for his first All-Star appearance in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sean Newcomb to Serve as Opener on Saturday
Chicago White Sox pitcher Sean Newcomb (triceps) is scheduled to take the mound as the opener for Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Newcomb was removed during his most recent appearance due to a triceps contusion. It appears he's feeling good enough to take the mound again on Saturday. The southpaw owns a 2.76 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 40:11 K:BB ratio across 42.1 innings of work this season. The expectation is that Newcomb could give the White Sox a few innings on Saturday. He has looked strong as a multiple-inning reliever this season. There is some low-end streaming value here with Newcomb possibly pitching around two innings on Saturday.
Source: Scott Merkin
Source: Scott Merkin
Edwin Uceta to Begin Throwing in Late-June
Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Edwin Uceta (shoulder) will resume a throwing program in late June, according to Marc Topkin. Rays manager Kevin Cash confirmed on Friday that Uceta will begin throwing in about 10 days. The right-hander has been shut down since suffering a setback in late May. He has been sidelined all season while recovering from a right shoulder strain. When healthy, Uceta can be a legitimate late-inning option for the Rays. He could very well insert himself into the save conversation once he's able to get on the mound. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to make an impact in Tampa Bay until at some point in July at the earliest.
Source: Marc Topkin
Source: Marc Topkin
