MLB News

Justin Verlander • SP • Tigers

Justin Verlander Set for Simulated Game as Hip Recovery Continues

Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) is expected to throw a simulated game on Monday in Houston as he continues his recovery from left hip inflammation. Verlander completed his second rehab start on June 10 with Triple-A Toledo, where he allowed four runs on five hits over six innings. The future Hall of Famer made just one start before the injury, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks across 3 2/3 innings. Staying healthy will be the primary focus for Verlander in his 22nd major league season as he works to rejoin the Tigers rotation.

7 days ago

Heliot Ramos • LF • Giants

Heliot Ramos Nearing Return After Quad Strain, Rehab Assignment Imminent

San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos (quad) is progressing well as he works back from a right quad strain that has sidelined him since May 16. Ramos has progressed to batting practice and will continue his running progression, with a rehab assignment expected to begin within the next week. He is targeting a June return. Before the injury, Ramos was slashing .267/.307/.424 with a .731 OPS across 44 games. The 26-year-old has established himself as an everyday starter in a strong Giants lineup over the past two seasons and appears close to rejoining the roster.

7 days ago

Kris Bubic • SP • Royals

Kris Bubic's MRI Shows No Structural Damage After Rehab Setback

Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (elbow) underwent an MRI, which showed nothing structurally wrong after sustaining a setback in a Triple-A Omaha rehab start on June 9. He will resume his regular progression if the symptoms subside and is not expected to miss a significant additional amount of time. There is no timeline set for Bubic, who had a 4.11 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in nine starts before the injury after a strong 2025 season. The 28-year-old has been a steady presence since returning to the rotation after a full season as a bullpen arm in 2024, and will look to continue building back toward starter workload as he works his way back to the rotation.

7 days ago

Vinnie Pasquantino • 1B • Royals

Vinnie Pasquantino Undergoes Hand Surgery, Set to Miss 4-6 Weeks

Royals catcher Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) is expected to miss four to six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured right hand, according to manager Matt Quatraro. Pasquantino suffered the injury during a fifth-inning at-bat on Saturday and is now targeting a return around mid-to-late July. The 28-year-old was slashing .224/.309/.350 through 68 games in what has been a disappointing follow-up to his 2025 campaign, when he launched 32 home runs. His impact in the middle of the Royals lineup has been more limited this season, as his barrel rate has dropped from 10.8 percent to 7.3 percent. With a recovery timeline now in place, Pasquantino will look to regain his power stroke and provide a boost to Kansas City upon his return.

7 days ago

Grayson Rodriguez • SP • Angels

Grayson Rodriguez Leaves With Back Tightness, Hopeful to Make Next Start

Angels right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (back) left Sunday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays early with lower back tightness after just 2 1/3 innings of work. Rodriguez allowed two runs on three hits and two walks before exiting in the third inning after feeling tightness on his second-to-last pitch. He is currently listed as day-to-day and remains hopeful that he will be able to make his next scheduled start. The 26-year-old has struggled mightily in his first season with the Angels, posting an 8.06 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts across six starts. Early indications suggest Rodriguez has avoided anything significant, and a healthy return would give him an opportunity to reset after a difficult start to the season.

7 days ago

José Soriano • SP • Angels

Jose Soriano Expects to Make his Next Start Despite Being Banged Up

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jose Soriano (chest, leg) looked good on Saturday night against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays, but he was forced to leave his start early with chest and leg injuries, according to Jack Janes of The Sporting Tribune. Soriano threw five shutout innings with three hits allowed, two walks, and five strikeouts for his eighth win of the 2026 season. However, he left the game after throwing only 76 pitches and was hit by a 98 mph comebacker on the right side of his chest by the second batter of the game. He stayed in the game, but his chest tightened up between innings, and his legs also began to feel sore. "We wanted to kind of be cautious with him," Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. The good news for the Angels and fantasy managers is that the 27-year-old Dominican expects to make his next start. After starting the year by allowing just one run in his first six starts, Soriano entered his start on Saturday with a 5.28 ERA in his previous eight starts, so it was nice to see him pitch well against Tampa. Soriano won't have an easy matchup his next time out in Sacramento against the A's, although he did pick up a quality start with two earned runs allowed, one walk, and seven strikeouts against them in his first meeting in Anaheim on May 21.

7 days ago

Corey Seager • SS • Rangers

Corey Seager has "Mild" Concussion Symptoms

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (head) has "mild" concussion symptoms, which is why he was held out of the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox on Sunday night, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. Seager missed a third straight game on Sunday after he collided with Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen on Thursday. The oft-injured 32-year-old could eventually land on the seven-day concussion list if he cannot return to the Rangers' lineup sooner rather than later, but for now, he's being considered day-to-day. With Seager out again on Sunday, super-utility man Ezequiel Duran got the start at the 6 and hit cleanup for Texas. Seager, a five-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger winner, and two-time World Series MVP, has already missed time in 2026 with a back injury, and he's hitting a disappointing .186 (33-for-177) with nine home runs, 24 RBI, 25 runs scored, and a stolen base across his 47 games and 204 plate appearances in his 12th year in the big leagues. Initially, the Rangers said Seager was dealing with rib and jaw injuries, but with a concussion being added on Sunday, it's certainly more worrisome that he might require another IL stint.

7 days ago

Josh Naylor • 1B • Mariners

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Josh Naylor's Shin

Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson said that X-rays came back negative on first baseman Josh Naylor's shin on Sunday after he fouled a ball off his right shin in the series finale against the Washington Nationals, according to MLB.com's Daniel Kramer. Naylor was forced from Sunday's loss early, but it looks like he might have avoided a serious injury. Before departing, the 28-year-old left-handed slugger went 1-for-3. The Mariners have a scheduled day off on Monday, so Naylor could be right back in the team's starting lineup for Tuesday's series opener in Seattle against the Baltimore Orioles. The Canadian native entered play on Sunday with a .252/.315/.368 slash line, .683 OPS, eight home runs, 32 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 27 runs scored in 67 games across 293 plate appearances. He has gone 12-for-48 (.250) with three long balls, two doubles, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and a steal in 12 games so far in June. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday to see if Naylor is feeling good enough to return to the field at T-Mobile Park.

7 days ago

Kyler Fedko • LF • Twins

Twins Promote Outfield Prospect Kyler Fedko, Will he Carve Out a Starting Role?

The Minnesota Twins selected the contract of outfield prospect Kyler Fedko from the minors on Sunday and designated infielder Orlando Arcia for assignment in a corresponding move, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Fedko is in the big leagues for the first time after slashing .286/.372/.578 with a .950 OPS, 15 home runs, 11 doubles, two triples, 45 RBI, nine stolen bases, and 44 runs scored in 58 games and 239 plate appearances with Triple-A St. Paul. The 26-year-old right-handed hitter was originally a 12th-round selection in 2021 out of the University of Connecticut. After not doing much in the first couple of years of his pro career in the minors, Fedko broke out in 2025 in 130 games with St. Paul and Double-A Wichita, clubbing 28 home runs, driving in 82, and stealing 38 bases in 566 total plate appearances. Fedko can play all three outfield positions, but it remains to be seen how much he'll play in Minnesota. At the very least, though, he'll be in play for the short side of a platoon somewhere in the outfield against left-handed pitchers.

7 days ago

Andrés Muñoz • RP • Mariners

Andres Munoz Exits Early on Sunday With Back Tightness

Seattle Mariners right-handed closer Andres Munoz (back) was pulled from Sunday's game early against the Washington Nationals with lower-back tightness, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. The Mariners wanted Munoz to get some work in a 7-1 ballgame since he hadn't pitched in almost a week, and he exited after allowing both of the runners he faced to reach base. It's unclear how serious Munoz's back injury is, but for now, we'll consider him day-to-day. The 27-year-old Mexican hurler is a two-time All-Star and has 88 saves in his career, but he hasn't been consistent in 2026 and is now injured. Going into Sunday's appearance, Munoz had a career-worst 5.18 ERA (3.56 FIP), 1.36 WHIP, 10 saves, 37 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 24 1/3 innings pitched. Nobody should be outright dropping Munoz, even if he lands on the injured list, but Jose A. Ferrer is certainly a speculative stash candidate in case Munoz misses extended time.

7 days ago

Emilio Pagán • RP • Reds

Emilio Pagan to Throw Live Bullpen Session on Friday

Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan (hamstring) has been cleared to throw a live bullpen session on Friday, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. After already throwing a couple of normal bullpen sessions, Pagan has been cleared to face live hitters for the first time after a recent MRI exam showed that his Grade 2 left-hamstring strain is healing nicely. If the 35-year-old continues to avoid setbacks late next week, he'll likely be cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment. Pagan has been sidelined since May 6 with his hamstring injury, so fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he's required to make several appearances on the farm. In his absence, the Reds' bullpen has been one of the worst in baseball this season. Tony Santillan is the best bet for save chances until Pagan returns, but once he's reinstated from the 15-day injured list, manager Terry Francona should go right back to Pagan as the preferred closing option in the ninth inning. The 10-year veteran has 71 career saves and locked down six games before his injury, but he also allowed 10 earned runs with six walks and 11 K's in 14 relief innings. Pagan is currently rostered in 62% of Yahoo leagues.

7 days ago

Nick Pivetta • SP • Padres

Nick Pivetta Throwing From 90 Feet

San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (elbow) began playing catch in late May and has progressed to throwing from 90 feet with some intensity on Wednesday, June 10, according to MLB.com. Pivetta was originally placed on the injured list on April 14 and has since been transferred to the 60-day IL after an MRI exam showed a flexor strain in his right elbow. He is making progress, but the Padres still don't expect him to return until some point in the second half of the season. The 33-year-old veteran still has plenty of boxes to check in his rehab. We won't have a better idea on a more specific timetable for a return in 2026 until he resumes throwing off a mound. Pivetta was excellent for the Friars in 2025 in his first year with the club, going 13-5 with a 2.87 ERA (3.49 FIP), 0.98 WHIP, and 190:50 K:BB in 181 2/3 innings over his 31 starts. He made just four starts this year before being shut down, and he hadn't looked nearly as good, giving up eight earned runs while walking six and fanning 24 in 16 innings. However, he was also sporting a 1.23 FIP in a small sample size. With the potential to still help fantasy managers in the second half, Pivetta is rostered in 72% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs.

7 days ago

Cooper Pratt • SS • Brewers

Brewers to Promote Cooper Pratt, a Must-Add in All Formats?

According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, the Milwaukee Brewers are promoting top-100-ranked prospect Cooper Pratt to the major leagues. Per MLB.com, Pratt is considered the overall No. 63 prospect in the sport and the No. 4-best prospect in the team's system. Pratt joined the Brewers in the sixth round of the 2023 MLB Draft but has quickly progressed through the system. During the 2025 campaign, Pratt spent the entire season with Double-A, where he posted a .238/.343/.348 slash line with eight home runs and 31 stolen bases. He has spent the opening months of the 2026 campaign with Triple-A Nashville where he has taken a step forward, carrying a .244/.353/.393 line with six long balls and an impressive 17 stolen bases. His promotion suggests the Brewers could view him as a full-time option to replace the struggling Joey Ortiz at shortstop. His high-end speed and emerging power make him a worthwhile pick-up in all standard 12-team formats.

7 days ago

J.P. Crawford • SS • Mariners

J.P. Crawford Expects to Return on Tuesday, Set to Play Third Base in Seattle?

Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) said that he expects to be activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Kramer also reports that Crawford has been taking grounders at third base "almost exclusively" during the team's current road trip. While Crawford made 53 appearances at shortstop this season before the injury, Mariners prospect Colt Emerson has taken over as the team's everyday shortstop in Crawford's absence. It appears that Seattle could be planning a position change for the veteran, who has graded out as a poor defender at short by the advanced metrics over the past couple of seasons. Across 233 plate appearances before the hand injury, Crawford hit .228/.356/.409 with 10 home runs, 23 RBI, 32 runs scored, and one stolen base. Moving to third base could allow him to maintain everyday playing time in Seattle, at least until Mariners infielder Brendan Donovan (groin) makes his return from a groin strain.

7 days ago

Konnor Griffin • SS • Pirates

Konnor Griffin Will Continue Rehab in Florida During Pirates' Upcoming Road Trip

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (elbow/forearm) is headed to the team's complex in Florida to continue his rehab during the team's upcoming west coast road trip, per Aiden Stepansky of MLB.com. Griffin has been on the 10-day injured list since late May due to a flexor strain in his throwing arm. While Griffin looks to be making some progress, he does not appear to be on the verge of a return to the Pirates lineup just yet. The 20-year-old got off to a solid start to his first season in Pittsburgh before the injury, hitting .270/.327/.402 with four home runs, 22 RBI, 30 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. Given his importance to the Pirates' long-term outlook, the team could choose to be extra cautious with his recovery. In Griffin's absence, Jared Triolo has taken over as Pittsburgh's everyday shortstop.

7 days ago

Oneil Cruz • CF • Pirates

Oneil Cruz Likely to Miss 4-6 Weeks With Hand Fracture

Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said that the "rough timetable" for outfielder Oneil Cruz's (hand) return is four to six weeks, per Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now. Cruz was placed on the 10-day injured list earlier this week due to non-displaced fourth and fifth metacarpal fractures in his left hand. It's an unfortunate setback for the 27-year-old, who was in the midst of a stellar season. Across 283 plate appearances before the injury, Cruz hit .264/.350/.472 with 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 45 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases. Cruz's 34.6% strikeout rate is less than ideal, but his elite barrel (16.4%) and hard-hit (59.2%) rates allow him to be productive even through the swing-and-miss. Even with Cruz likely to be sidelined until mid-to-late July, fantasy managers should find a way to stash him in an IL or bench spot. Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum has taken over as the team's starting center fielder in Cruz's absence.

7 days ago

Blake Hunt • C • Padres

Padres Promote Catching Prospect Blake Hunt, Can He Establish a Consistent Role?

San Diego Padres catching prospect Blake Hunt has been called up from Triple-A El Paso ahead of the team's game on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles. Hunt is taking Padres catcher Freddy Fermin's (concussion) spot on the active roster after Fermin was placed on the seven-day concussion IL. Hunt missed the start of the 2026 season due to an oblique strain and has logged just 32 plate appearances this year at Triple-A. Across 280 plate appearances at Triple-A as a member of the Seattle Mariners system in 2025, Hunt hit .272/.368/.452 with eight home runs, 35 RBI, 30 runs scored, and one stolen base. At 27 years old, Hunt does not profile as a high-upside prospect. Still, he should have a chance to emerge as the Padres' starting catcher while Fermin is out. San Diego's other catching option on the active roster is Rodolfo Duran, who owns a .683 OPS across 38 plate appearances this season.

7 days ago

Kaelen Culpepper • 3B • Twins

Kaelen Culpepper Day-to-Day with Glute Tightness

Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper (glute) was removed early from his game with Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, fueling speculation that he might be headed to the big leagues. However, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports that Culpepper was pulled from the game due to glute tightness and is now considered day to day. The 23-year-old has hit well so far this season across 289 plate appearances at Triple-A, slashing .273/.377/.498 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, 53 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases. The Twins have gotten middling production from the infield trio of Brooks Lee, Tristan Gray, and Luke Keaschall, which could open a spot for Culpepper to make his MLB debut. Once healthy, Culpepper could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of a potential promotion due to his five-category production potential.

7 days ago

Hunter Brown • SP • Astros

Hunter Brown Set to Return to Astros Rotation on Tuesday

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (shoulder) will return to his team's rotation on Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Brown has been on the injured list since early April due to a shoulder strain. The 27-year-old was one of the better pitchers in baseball in 2025, recording a 12-9 record with a 2.43 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 206 strikeouts across 185 1/3 innings (31 starts). He's largely looked like himself in his minor league outings while rehabbing the shoulder injury, recording a 1.88 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts across 14 1/3 innings (four starts). Upon his return, Brown profiles as a must-start starting pitcher with SP1 upside for fantasy managers.

7 days ago

Angel Martínez • LF • Guardians

Angel Martinez Not Ready to Return on Sunday With Bruised Foot

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field, according to MLB.com. Daniel Schneemann is starting in center field for Cleveland and will bat fifth against Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin), who is making his return from the injured list. Martinez will take a seat after fouling a pitch off his left foot in the team's victory on Saturday. Thankfully, X-rays came back negative, and manager Stephen Vogt hinted that Martinez would be available off the bench on Sunday. With an off day coming on Monday, Martinez has a good shot at returning to the starting lineup for Tuesday's series opener on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 24-year-old Dominican switch-hitter has already tied his career high with 11 home runs in 66 games in 2026 and is slashing .239/.276/.442 across 243 plate appearances. Schneemann is hitting .182 with a .455 OPS and an RBI in 11 career at-bats against Mize.

7 days ago

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