MacKenzie Gore Fans a Season-High 10 Hitters in Loss to Twins
Texas Rangers left-hander MacKenzie Gore was saddled with his sixth loss of the season in the 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field on Monday night, but he also had a season-high 10 strikeouts. Gore allowed four earned runs on four hits (two homers) while walking two. The 27-year-old southpaw was bit by the long ball early in this one, with most of the damage coming on a three-run homer off the bat of first baseman Josh Bell in the first inning. In his three starts in June, Gore has surrendered 10 earned runs on 21 hits (two homers) while walking eight and striking out 21 in 16 2/3 innings pitched. He's now 4-6 with a 4.27 ERA (3.65 FIP) and 1.31 WHIP with 86 strikeouts and 35 walks in 78 innings over his 15 starts in his first season with the Rangers. It's been an up-and-down year for Gore in 2026, but fantasy managers should consider him a strong streaming option for his upcoming matchup against his former team, the San Diego Padres. The Padres currently rank last in MLB in OPS at .652.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nick Kurtz Continues Power Binge With Two More Homers
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz is as hot as they come right now. In the A's 11-2 blowout win over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night, Kurtz went 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, five RBI, and a walk to raise his season average to .293 and his OPS to 1.006. Both of his home runs on the night were powered to the opposite field and were light-tower shots. Overall in his second season in the big leagues, Kurtz is hitting .293/.443/.563 with 18 home runs, a league-high 57 RBI, 51 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 325 plate appearances. The former fourth overall pick out of Wake Forest University in 2024 immediately turned into a fantasy star in his rookie campaign last year, hitting .290 (122-for-420) with 36 home runs and 86 RBI in 117 games played. Kurtz also leads the league this year with his 67 walks and .443 on-base percentage. So far in June, he's crushing baseballs to the tune of a .313 average (15-for-48) with eight home runs, a double, 16 RBI, 12 runs, and a steal. The combination of his elite raw power and his hitter-friendly home park in Sacramento is certainly paying off for fantasy managers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hideki Matsuyama Searching For Answers at US Open
There has been little to be excited about for Hideki Matsuyama as of late, coming off a T43 finish at Muirfield a couple weeks ago. The driver has abandoned him, as he's struggled to find fairways this season and isn't the longest player by any accounts. This deficiency there has also possibly creeped into the approach game, losing strokes there in two of his last four starts. He's been a commanding player from tee to green over his career and still retains a stellar short game. There is a ton of risk to take on given the current form, but overall talent and known ceiling when everything is in shape should warrant Matsuyama having some interest this week, but it's probably better suited for GPP.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Dynasty Hope Remains for Ja'Tavion Sanders Despite a Subpar Situation
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders has yet to make a fantasy impact in the NFL since coming into the league as a highly productive pass-catcher at Texas. The 2024 fourth-round pick missed five games in his sophomore season and ended the year with only 190 receiving yards on a paltry 6.6 yards per catch. Dating back to his time with Tampa, head coach Dave Canales has never had a tight end reach 50 receptions or 500 yards, and through his first three seasons, quarterback Bryce Young has yet to prove capable of supporting a high-volume passing offense. That said, if there is a tight end on the roster capable of spurring a philosophical shift, it is undoubtedly Sanders, with the rest of the depth chart built out by dedicated blockers Tommy Tremble and James Mitchell, along with 2025 fifth-round pick Mitchell Evans. At RotoBaller's dynasty TE40, there is still hope of a moderate third-year breakout for Sanders, but with two years remaining on his rookie deal, if the Panthers offense doesn't take a meaningful step forward in 2026, he could ultimately prove to be little more than a frustrating dynasty hold.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Garrett Whitlock a Top Reliever to Stash for Saves?
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock has been very effective in a setup role this season for the struggling Red Sox, allowing just seven earned runs while racking up 27 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings in his 22 appearances. He missed 15 days with left knee inflammation but returned last week and looked solid in two scoreless innings since coming back. Right now, he's clearly behind Aroldis Chapman in Boston's bullpen, and Chapman has been outstanding with 14 saves in 21 games. Chapman has been so good, though, that he's likely to be a hot commodity at the MLB Trade Deadline. If the Sox trade Chapman and keep Whitlock, Whitlock would quickly be an elite closer. Whitlock could also be on the trading block, though, leaving many unknown factors. If he ends up as the primary closer with the Red Sox or another team, he has the potential to be a great source of saves. If you're in a deep league where you have to move early, stashing him now could be a strategy that pays off down the stretch.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Jung Can Be An Elite Contact Contributor
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung is a great option on the waiver wire if you're looking for a consistent contact option from the hot corner. The 28-year-old righty has dramatically slashed his K% from 25.2% last year to 16.1% this year, while his batting average has jumped from .251 in 2025 to .302 in his first 67 games this season. His hard-hit rate and barrel rate have actually dipped a little bit, but he's putting the ball in play and making things happen from a premium run-production spot near the top of the order. Jung has eight homers to go with his 32 runs scored, 30 RBI, and his .360 wOBA. He has been especially effective at home, but wherever he has played, he has been solid enough to help fill in your roster if you need batting average and run production over pure power.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre' Harris Still the Odd Man Out in Improved Chargers Offense?
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris had a quiet rookie season after coming off the board in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, finishing the year with 344 receiving yards and one touchdown on 32 catches. With the Chargers' offense among the most hyped heading into 2026, the drumbeat surrounding Harris remains relatively muted, as the depth chart ahead of him appears securely locked in place. Even with the team's most targeted player from 2025 no longer on the roster, an expected move to more two-receiver sets under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will likely see Keenan Allen's 118 vacated opportunities distributed to other parts of the roster. Behind presumed starters Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, Harris could again face a rotational role, with 2026 fourth-round pick Brenen Thompson brought on board for his obvious fit in McDaniels' speed and spacing-based offense. Should things go as well for the Chargers as some are expecting, McDaniel could see head coaching opportunities again in 2027, which would create the possibility of another re-roll for Harris, but for the time being, he simply remains a dynasty hold as RotoBaller's WR64.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Ian Seymour Stepping Up as a Potential Stash Candidate?
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher/relief pitcher Ian Seymour seems to be moving towards a transition to a spot in the starting rotation after beginning the year in the bullpen. He has a 4.93 ERA and 4.64 FIP in his 38 1/3 innings this season, but his xERA is only 3.54, indicating he has had some below-average contact luck. He has 41 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings, and his 25% K% is enough to give him an intriguing upside. The 27-year-old lefty started against the Red Sox last Monday and went four innings, giving up just one run. On Sunday, he came in after an opener and worked 3 1/3 innings against the Angels, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks. He'll need to improve his control and efficiency as he stretches back out, but his strikeout upside makes him worth stashing in deep leagues if the Rays continue to position him to pitch as a starter or a predictable primary reliever going forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Lamar Jackson Still a Dynasty Cheat Code
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson followed up back-to-back MVP-worthy performances and a dominating QB1 finish in 2024 with a disappointing QB20 finish in 2025, missing four games and hampered by back and hamstring injuries for much of the season. By all accounts, Jackson heads into 2026 close to full health and with a new offensive scheme better designed to take advantage of his unique abilities. Jackson has had the highest passer rating in the league off of play action in each of the past two seasons, but it was used sparingly in Todd Monken's shotgun-heavy offense. With the Bears in 2025, new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle saw his team use play action at the second-highest rate in the league, contributing to Caleb Williams' QB5 finish. Even at 32 years old, five-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry poses one of the league's most serious threats with a head of steam, which should open up the passing game significantly when Jackson goes under center. At RotoBaller's QB4, Jackson is at his lowest value in the last three years, and with a potentially heightened passing ceiling to go with his unmatched rushing upside, he could ultimately become the biggest steal in 2026 dynasty startups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Curtis Mead Can be a Strong Infield Addition Off the Waiver Wire
Washington Nationals first baseman/third baseman Curtis Mead has become a regular part of his team's batting order, usually hitting third in the young lineup and providing nice run-production potential. Mead has swatted six homers in his last 20 games while going 18-for-73 (.247) with two doubles, 12 runs scored, and 15 RBI over that span. He has a 14% barrel rate to go with his 42.1% hard-hit rate, so there isn't anything flukey about his production. The 25-year-old righty has solid splits and has been very solid this season, cutting down his K% from 23.9% last year to 17.2% this year and increasing his BB% from 5.7% to 12.3%. His improved plate discipline has definitely helped his power production, and he can be a solid pickup in almost all formats if you need corner infield help.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Jayden Daniels Still Become the Dynasty QB1?
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels followed up his 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year-winning season with a disappointing, injury-marred campaign in 2025. Now heading into his third season with improved weaponry and a new offensive scheme, Daniels has potentially become one of the best bargains in dynasty. The Commanders have added tight end Chig Okonkwo, running back Rachaad White, and third-round rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams to round out an offense that expects to have two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin back at full health after missing seven games in 2025. With new offensive coordinator David Blough borrowing elements from the Ben Johnson system that he ran as a backup quarterback in Detroit, Daniels is expected to spend more time under center, which should open up the passing game without diminishing what he can do with his legs. A year after coming off the board as early as first overall in some superflex dynasty startups, Daniels has fallen to RotoBaller's dynasty QB3, but is a good bet to work his way back into the QB1 conversation if he can stay healthy in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Orlando Ribalta Emerging as a Name to Know for the Nationals?
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Orlando Ribalta has been very effective as a setup man for the Nationals this season and could be a key name to watch if Clayton Beeter stumbles as closer. Ribalta has posted an impressive 1.80 ERA with a 3.40 FIP in his 20 appearances this season, earning two saves and four holds over 20 innings. He only has 14 strikeouts, so he isn't an elite strikeout producer, but he has limited his walks and only allowed a .171 batting average against him. Ribalta isn't a must-add until his role changes in standard-sized leagues, but he's definitely pitching effectively enough to watch closely. In shallower leagues where bullpen arms are stretched thin, he could be a nice speculative pickup from the waiver wire if you're trying to get ahead of the ever-shifting bullpen roles in Washington.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Was a Priority Free Agent for the Raiders and Could Be WR1
While building an offense around the No. 1 overall pick that would eventually become quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders signed former Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor to a three-year, $35 million deal, and according to Raider Nation Radio host Q Myers, Nailor was precisely the player the team was targeting in free agency. In a disastrous 2025 season that saw primary receiver Jakobi Meyers dealt to the Jaguars and All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers miss five games and face limitations in several others, no Raiders player reached 700 receiving yards. Outside of Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, Nailor's most significant competition is likely to come from the 5'9", 185-pound Tre Tucker, who led the team with 90 targets while playing 17 games in 2025. While acknowledging the vast talent disparity, some around the organization believe Nailor will be asked to do many of the things Jaxon Smith-Njigba did during new head coach Klint Kubiak's time in Seattle. With a clear path to becoming the number one receiver in what could soon become a significantly improved offense, Nailor is potentially being slept on as RotoBaller's dynasty WR86 and could become one of the better values in the later rounds of 2026 dynasty startups.
Source: Locked On Raiders Podcast
Source: Locked On Raiders Podcast
Pete Crow-Armstrong Hits for the Cycle in Walk-Off Win Over Rockies
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong accomplished something special in Monday night's series opener at Wrigley Field in a 5-4 walk-off win over the visiting Colorado Rockies. Crow-Armstrong went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate to hit for the cycle while driving in two runs and scoring once as Chicago's leadoff hitter. It was the first cycle of the 24-year-old's career, and he hit his 13th home run in the process. With the rare performance, PCA is now hitting .277 on the season with an .844 OPS, and he's been incredibly hot offensively of late, hitting .452 with 10 extra-base hits in his last 10 games. Crow-Armstrong was a first-time All-Star in his second full season in the big leagues with the Cubs in 2025, reaching 31 homers, 95 RBI, 35 stolen bases, and 91 runs scored in 157 regular-season games, but he tanked in the second half. His plate discipline is still a work in progress, as he's in just the ninth percentile in chase rate and the 26th percentile in strikeout rate, but he's in the 89th percentile in hard-hit rate and the 77th percentile in xwOBA. Crow-Armstrong can be a streaky hitter, but he's as dynamic as they come when he's on a roll, and it's safe to say he's on a nice little roll right now.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Colt Keith Goes Off on Monday Night With Three Home Runs
Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith had a day to remember on Monday night in Houston in the Tigers' 9-3 win over the hosting Astros at Daikin Park. Keith went 3-for-4 at the plate with three home runs, a career-high six RBI, and a strikeout to boost his season batting average to .267 and his OPS to .701. The 24-year-old left-handed hitter went 62 games to begin the 2026 season without clearing the fences before hitting his first home run of the year on June 11 against the Minnesota Vikings, and now he sits at four round-trippers after an out-of-nowhere display of power. The former fifth-rounder in 2020 came into Monday's series opener with a .257/.299/.335 slash line, .634 OPS, just one home run, 10 RBI, 24 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 191 at-bats. Keith hit exactly 13 home runs in each of his first two years in the big leagues. He's on a homer binge right now, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect it to last. Keith has minimal power and speed, but he is eligible at first, second, and third base in Yahoo leagues, which makes him more attractive as bench depth in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dustin May Dominates Padres, Hurls Complete-Game Shutout
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Dustin May had all of his stuff working during his start at Busch Stadium on Monday night in the team's 3-0 victory. May threw a complete-game, nine-inning shutout with only one hit allowed, one walk, and nine strikeouts to win his fifth game of the year and lower his season ERA to 3.75. In his last two games, May has thrown 15 shutout innings with five hits allowed, two walks, and 15 strikeouts, so he's clearly been locked in the zone lately. The 28-year-old former third-rounder by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 had a perfect game going against San Diego through six innings before walking outfielder/second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. to start the seventh frame. Third baseman Manny Machado broke up the no-hitter later that same inning. Since May 27, May has given up three earned runs or fewer in four straight starts, which has built his case as a waiver-wire pickup in fantasy baseball. May could have another stellar start this weekend on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals. Run to the waiver wire and grab him. He's only rostered in 53% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Erik Sabrowski Begins Rehab Assignment
Cleveland Guardians left-handed reliever Erik Sabrowski (elbow) was scheduled to begin his minor-league rehab assignment on Sunday with High-A Lake County, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Lake County's game ended up getting rained out on Sunday, so the 28-year-old's next chance to make a rehab appearance will come on Tuesday. Sabrowski landed on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his left elbow on May 25, but if he can avoid a setback in a couple of rehab games, he could be back in Cleveland's bullpen by the weekend. Although Sabrowski is merely a late-inning setup man for the Guards in front of closer Cade Smith, he has become relevant in deeper fantasy leagues that reward holds for his dominant performance so far in 2026. Before injuring his elbow, the Canadian hurler went 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA (1.87 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 39 strikeouts and 13 walks in 21 innings out of the bullpen. He's currently rostered in 18% of Yahoo leagues. Despite missing time with an injury, Sabrowski is tied for the major-league lead in holds (17) with St. Louis' JoJo Romero.
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Carlos Estevez Transferred to 60-Day Injured List
The Kansas City Royals announced that they have transferred relief pitcher Carlos Estevez (shoulder) to the 60-day injured list. It's a procedural move for the team, as Estevez has been out since late March and remains eligible to return at any time. The veteran right-hander first hit the IL with a foot injury, but then suffered a rotator cuff strain during a rehab appearance in early May. Estevez was shelled in his lone outing of 2026, allowing six earned runs while recording just one out. His average fastball velocity in that appearance was 91.3 miles per hour, a significant drop-off from his average fastball velocity of 96.1 mph in 2025. Estevez was a highly valuable fantasy closer in 2025, pitching to a 2.45 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 54 strikeouts and 42 saves across 66 innings. Kansas City has had major difficulty filling the ninth-inning role this season, so Estevez could immediately take over as the closer upon his return. However, the 33-year-old currently remains without a firm return timetable and has yet to progress to throwing off a mound.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Brandon Woodruff Set for Second Rehab Start on Tuesday, MLB Return Imminent?
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) will make his second rehab start in the Arizona Complex League on Tuesday before the Brewers "decide if he's ready to rejoin their rotation," per MLB.com. Woodruff has been sidelined since late April due to right shoulder inflammation. The 33-year-old was effective before being placed on the injured list, recording a 2-1 record with a 3.60 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts across 30 innings (six starts). However, the veteran right-hander has been battling shoulder issues for multiple seasons now and has not made more than 12 starts in a season since 2022. He was able to throw 68 pitches in his first Complex League start, but allowed five hits and three earned runs across 3 2/3 innings. Woodruff remains worth rostering in deeper fantasy leagues when healthy, but his production is difficult to project given his injury history.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Rachaad White to be Involved in Committee Backfield in Washington?
Zach Selby of Commanders.com writes that new running back Rachaad White is one of several RBs in the Washington Commanders' committee approach to the backfield heading into the 2026 season. White, a third-rounder by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022 out of Arizona State, was relegated to a backup role behind Bucky Irving in the second half of his rookie deal. The 27-year-old has mostly been lauded as a pass-catcher in his four-year NFL career, having hauled in 205 passes (230 targets) for 1,450 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 67 total games (48 starts) with the Bucs. White said that Washington's RB room is "loaded" with players who can fit different roles. Second-year back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has the best chance to become the Commanders' lead back, with White as the primary pass-catcher. However, the team also has Jerome Ford, Jeremy McNichols, and rookie Kaytron Allen fighting for roles. White will probably only be worth considering as a late-round option for depth at the RB position in point-per-reception formats in 2026 in his first year in D.C. RotoBaller has White ranked as the No. 41 RB in PPR setups, just two spots in front of Croskey-Merritt.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Matthew Boyd Set to Throw a Bullpen on Tuesday
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd (shoulder, knee) is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Tuesday before the Cubs "figure out what's next," according to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. Boyd has been sidelined since early May. He was initially placed on the injured list due to a torn meniscus in his knee. However, he started experiencing shoulder soreness while rehabbing the knee injury. The shoulder is likely the larger issue for Boyd at this point, but it appears he could be getting close to going back out on a rehab assignment. Across 24 innings (five starts) in 2026, Boyd has recorded a 2-1 record with a 6.00 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 31 strikeouts. While his ERA in a small sample size is unsightly, his 25% K-BB rate and 2.35 FIP suggest he's due for better results. Boyd's profile comes with significant injury risk, but he could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his potential return.
Source: Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Source: Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has Best Shot to Become Commanders Lead Back?
Washington Commanders second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who has missed some offseason work due to a soft-tissue injury, has the best chance to become the team's lead back in 2026, according to Zach Selby of Commanders.com. Croskey-Merritt, also known as Bill, has "quickness on the outside and has enough burst to run through creases at the line of scrimmage." The 25-year-old rushed for 805 yards in 2025, third in his draft class, and added eight touchdowns on 175 carries over 17 games (seven starts). JCM must still improve in pass protection, but he showed plenty of patience and decisiveness as a ball-carrier despite not being taken until the seventh round in the 2025 NFL draft. Croskey-Merritt was used sparingly as a pass-catcher as a rookie, hauling in nine passes on just 13 targets for 68 yards. Newcomer Rachaad White will most likely operate as Washington's primary pass-catching back, with Jerome Ford and Jeremy McNichols providing veteran depth. Ball security was another issue for JCM as a rookie, and if those issues resurface in Year 2, he could quickly lose touches to White, Ford, and McNichols. Fantasy managers should consider Croskey-Merritt as an RB3/4 with upside if he proves himself more in passing situations.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Eury Perez Scheduled for Rehab Start at Triple-A on Thursday
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez (hamstring) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, per Stephen Strom of 104.3 WQAM. Strom reports that Perez is expected to pitch 3-4 innings and/or throw about 50 pitches. Perez has been on the 15-day injured list since late May with a hamstring strain, but it appears he's getting close to making his return to the Marlins rotation. Across 62 2/3 innings (12 starts) before the injury, the 23-year-old recorded a 3-6 record with a 4.60 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts. With his average fastball velocity of 98.3 miles per hour and his 27.2% strikeout rate, Perez remains a high-upside starting pitcher option for fantasy managers. However, he's struggled with both command (10.6% walk rate) and home runs (1.58 HR/9) so far this season.
Source: 104.3 WQAM - Stephen Strom
Source: 104.3 WQAM - Stephen Strom
RJ Harvey has Surgery to Repair Torn Labrum in his Shoulder
Denver Broncos second-year running back RJ Harvey (shoulder) quietly suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder during the team's season-ending loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game in January and had surgery to fix it in the offseason, multiple sources with knowledge of the situation told The Denver Post's Luca Evans. Harvey didn't do much work during organized team activities, but has been practicing. The 25-year-old second-round pick last year out of the University of Central Florida stepped into a big role in the second half of the 2025 season after J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury, and the rookie finished with 540 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 146 carries, adding 47 receptions for 356 yards and five more TDs in 17 regular-season games (seven starts) to finish as the RB1 in half-PPR scoring. It sounds like he has enough time to get back to 100% health for the start of the 2026 regular season, but the offseason addition of rookie Jonah Coleman and the re-signing of Dobbins definitely have hurt Harvey's upside as he enters his sophomore campaign. It's hard to imagine Harvey being more than an inconsistent RB3/flex for fantasy managers this year unless one of Dobbins or Coleman misses time with an injury in 2026. RotoBaller has Harvey ranked as the No. 35 fantasy back for the upcoming season.
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans
Yainer Diaz Could Return on Tuesday
Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (oblique) took live at-bats on Monday after his scheduled rehab appearance with Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday was rained out, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. McTaggart reports that Houston "wants (Diaz) activated" on Tuesday so he can be behind the plate for Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (shoulder), who is scheduled to return from the 60-day injured list to start against the Detroit Tigers. Diaz has not appeared in the big leagues since early May due to an oblique strain. He got off to a slow start before the injury, hitting .238/.255/.347 with two home runs, 14 RBI, and seven runs scored across 106 plate appearances. However, the 27-year-old hit .256 with 20 home runs and 70 RBI across 567 plate appearances in 2025. Fantasy managers in need of help behind the plate should consider targeting Diaz on the waiver wire ahead of his return.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Giants Open to Trade Offers for Several Top Players
The San Francisco Giants are open to trade offers for several top players, such as first baseman Rafael Devers, third baseman Matt Chapman, and shortstop Willy Adames, according to ESPN's Buster Olney. Olney reports that "obvious" trade candidates such as starting pitcher Robbie Ray and infielder Luis Arraez are available as well. It's been a disappointing year for the Giants, who are currently 14 games under .500 and entered play on Monday nine games out of a National League Wild Card spot. Both Devers and Adames are currently underperforming and are locked into big-money deals that extend into the next decade, so neither is likely to have much value on the open market. Chapman is also signed long-term, but he's been solid at the plate this season (117 wRC+) and remains an elite defender at third base. If San Francisco does aggressively pursue a rebuild, all three of Devers, Chapman, and Adames would likely see their fantasy outlook improve in a more hitter-friendly environment.
Source: ESPN - Buster Olney
Source: ESPN - Buster Olney
J.K. Dobbins Nearly Signed With the Jaguars
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins had a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars nearly done in free agency earlier this year before he re-signed with the Broncos on a two-year, $8 million fully guaranteed deal, a source told Luca Evans of The Denver Post. Before suffering a season-ending Lisfranc foot injury, Dobbins ranked fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (772) through 10 games in 2025 in his first year in Denver. When healthy, the 27-year-old has been one of the best RBs in per-touch effectiveness, but the former second-rounder by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 out of Ohio State has never played a full season in his five years in the NFL. The Broncos averaged 4.8 yards per carry with Dobbins healthy last year, and 3.8 yards per carry without him, so they clearly think he's important to their backfield. Second-year back RJ Harvey (shoulder) isn't an ideal between-the-tackles runner, which is why Denver added Jonah Coleman in the fourth round of this year's draft. Dobbins' upside is obvious, but durability issues give him a scary floor, especially in what could be a three-headed monster of a backfield in Denver in 2026. Right now, RotoBaller has Dobbins ranked as the No. 31 fantasy RB as he looks to battle for touches with Coleman and Harvey in his second year with the Broncos.
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans
Trea Turner Removed From Monday's Game Early With Bruised Wrist
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (wrist) was removed from Monday night's game early against the division-rival Miami Marlins with a right-wrist bruise, according to Lochlahn March of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Turner will be evaluated further after the game. Before being hit by a pitch on his right hand, Turner went 0-for-3 in the contest to drop his season average to .216 and his OPS to .594. Edmundo Sosa replaced him at the 6 and would likely see most of the starts at shortstop for the Phils going forward if Turner is forced to miss additional time. Fantasy managers will want to check back later or on Tuesday morning for an update on Turner's condition. The three-time All-Star came into Monday's contest with an ugly .219/.269/.330 slash line, a career-worst .598 OPS, seven home runs, 21 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and 41 runs scored in a league-high 288 at-bats and 70 games played in his 12th year in the big leagues. Positive regression should be coming for the veteran shortstop, but not much, as he sits with an xBA OF .231 and an xSLG of just .344. Turner sits in just the 37th percentile in hard-hit rate and the ninth percentile in xwOBA. UPDATE: X-rays on Turner's right wrist came back negative, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Lochlahn March
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Lochlahn March
Justin Verlander Throws Sim Game on Monday
Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) threw a simulated game on Monday instead of returning to the starting rotation to face his former team, the Houston Astros, according to the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. In four innings during his sim game, Verlander threw 66 pitches while facing Hao-Yu Lee, Jake Rogers, and Wenceel Perez. The 43-year-old future Hall of Famer isn't a lock to be reinstated from the 60-day injured list to rejoin the Tigers' starting rotation next, so he could be asked to throw another simulated game or make a minor-league rehab start first. If he does make his next start in the big leagues, it would likely come this Saturday against the division-rival Chicago White Sox in what would be a clear matchup to stay away from. The nine-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young winner, and former MVP doesn't have much left in the tank at this point in his outstanding career, and fantasy managers should have plenty of better upside options available off the waiver wire. Even with Verlander nearing a return to Detroit, he's only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Gleyber Torres Leaves Early on Monday With Side Injury
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (side) left Monday night's game early against the Houston Astros with a left-side injury after swinging at a first-pitch fastball in the second inning, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Before leaving, Torres went 0-for-1 at the plate with a strikeout. He was replaced at second base by Hao-Yu Lee. The 29-year-old Torres had just returned from the injured list in early June with a left-oblique strain, so he could very well be going right back on the IL with a similar injury. The Venezuelan infielder makes a lot of contact and gets on base thanks to a strong eye at the plate, but otherwise, he doesn't move the needle all that much for fantasy managers. Coming into Monday's series opener against Houston at Daikin Park, Torres was slashing .282/.397/.397 with a .794 OPS, only four home runs, 18 RBI, and 26 runs scored in 156 at-bats in 2026. Since returning from the IL on June 2, he had gone 14-for-40 (.350) with two homers, four doubles, seven RBI, and eight runs scored in 10 games played, so this would be extremely bad timing for a setback with his previously injured oblique.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
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