MLB News

Vinnie Pasquantino • 1B • Royals

Vinnie Pasquantino Suffers Hamate Injury on Saturday

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) left Saturday night's game against the Houston Astros with a right hand/hamate injury, according to the team. Pasquantino came out of the game after popping up in the fifth inning. The 28-year-old could be looking at an absence of at least a month if he fractured the hamate bone in his hand, so fantasy managers need to prepare for that possibility. Before leaving the contest, Pasquantino went 1-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and a strikeout in the eventual 8-7 loss to Houston at Kauffman Stadium. The timing of his injury comes at a bad time, too, as the Pasquatch has been hot at the plate lately. In 12 games in June, he has gone 14-for-47 (.298) with a home run, three doubles, seven RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base to raise his season slash line to .224/.309/.350 in 291 plate appearances. If Pasquantino lands on the injured list with his hamate injury, Jac Caglianone would most likely take over duties at first base for the Royals going forward.

7 days ago

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans Suffers Setback, Will Undergo Additional Testing

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) had a setback and will undergo additional testing, manager Matt Quatraro told Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star. "Cole woke up yesterday, not feeling as well arm-wise. So, when he came out to play catch yesterday, he had to cut it short. So we're going to get him some more testing in the next couple of days," Quatraro said. Ragans cut his throwing session short on Friday. The 28-year-old southpaw initially went on the 15-day injured list with a left-elbow impingement, and with his latest setback, he most likely won't be able to return before the mid-July All-Star break. Ragans was a first-time All-Star in 2024 but has dealt with injuries since, only making 13 starts in 2025 and just eight starts so far in 2026 due to his elbow troubles. Before going on the IL, he was 1-4 with a 4.84 ERA (6.19 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 23 walks in 35 1/3 innings pitched. His strikeout upside makes him stash-worthy in all fantasy leagues, but managers will need to be patient, as it doesn't look like he's going to return until the second half of the season now.

7 days ago

Royce Lewis • 3B • Twins

Royce Lewis Emerging as a Top Pickup Amidst Recent Hot Surge?

Minnesota Twins infielder Royce Lewis went 2-for-4 with a double and a solo home run in Saturday's 9-6 loss to the Cardinals. Lewis has been one of the hotter hitters in baseball since returning to the majors in early June. After going hitless in his first game back, he has hit safely in six straight contests, going 10-for-23 (.435) with two doubles, three home runs, four runs, and four RBI over that stretch. The power-speed combination he's shown during the hot streak gives him strong multi-category appeal. Lewis has started five of his last seven games at first base and appears to have taken over there for the foreseeable future while Brooks Lee remains at third. The combination of his recent power surge and newfound everyday role makes him a strong speculative add, especially with him still only rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues.

7 days ago

Tony Santillan • RP • Reds

Tony Santillan Bounces Back for Third Save, Still the Closer to Roster in Cincinnati?

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Tony Santillan picked up his third save of the season on Saturday against the Diamondbacks, working a perfect ninth inning to protect a one-run lead. He retired the side in order on three groundouts, throwing 10 of 14 pitches for strikes while navigating the heart of Arizona's lineup. It was Santillan's first save since May 19, and he remains the only pitcher on the Reds aside from the injured Emilio Pagan (hamstring) with multiple saves this season. With Pagan still sidelined, he figures to retake the closer role when he's ready to return. Still, until then, Santillan has been the most reliable option in high-leverage situations. The 29-year-old is probably the most likely Reds pitcher to get any save chances that come up in the near term. Santillan is currently rostered in just 9% of Yahoo leagues, making him worth a look for managers chasing saves while Pagan remains out.

7 days ago

Elvis Alvarado • RP • Athletics

Elvis Alvarado Emerging as Priority Closer to Pick Up?

Athletics right-hander Elvis Alvarado struck out two in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Saturday's 7-5 win over the Rockies. He has now converted saves in each of his last two outings and has pitched 5 scoreless innings since returning to the big-league roster on June 5. Alvarado has put himself firmly in the mix in the Athletics' closing committee. Hogan Harris, Scott Barlow, Justin Sterner, Jack Perkins, and Alvarado have all recorded at least one save for the Athletics this season. Through 15 innings this season, Alvarado owns a 5.40 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with a 20:7 K:BB ratio, while adding two saves and four holds. With momentum on his side, he's worth a look for fantasy managers chasing saves and is currently rostered in just 3% of Yahoo leagues.

7 days ago

Kaelen Culpepper • 3B • Twins

Kaelen Culpepper Removed Early from Triple-A Game, On Call-Up Watch?

Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper was removed early during his Triple-A game in Toledo on Saturday. There hasn't been a reason given yet, which could mean that the 23-year-old is heading to the big leagues. Before this game, Culpepper was slashing .277/.381/.504 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, and 15 stolen bases in 60 games at Triple-A this season. Culpepper is currently the Twins' No. 2 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. They selected him in the first-round of the 2024 draft out of Kansas State. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates. A move to the big leagues would make Culpepper a popular waiver wire addition.

Jun 13

Yainer Diaz • C • Astros

Yainer Diaz Could Return Next Week

Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (oblique) could rejoin the team as early as next Monday, according to Brian McTaggart. Diaz has been sidelined since early May due to a left oblique strain. He began a rehab assignment in early June and appears to be nearing his return to the big league roster. The assumption is that Diaz will reclaim the starting catcher gig once he's back on the roster. Before going down, Diaz was slashing .238/.255/.347 with two home runs and 14 RBI across 26 games. Those aren't great numbers, but Diaz does have a good track record as a hitter throughout his career. Fantasy managers in need of help at the catching position should consider scooping up Diaz with his return looming.

Jun 13

Angel Martínez • LF • Guardians

Angel Martinez Suffers Foot Contusion

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Martinez suffered a left foot contusion when he fouled a ball off his foot during the first inning of this contest. He stayed in the game for a bit, but was replaced by Steven Kwan in the third inning. The X-rays on his left foot came back negative for any fractures. For now, fantasy managers should consider Martinez as day-to-day. He's the second Guardians outfielder to go down during this game, with Chase DeLauter (ribs) leaving as well. The Guardians will need to make some roster changes if neither player can get back in the lineup within a few days.

Jun 13

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Dealing With Rib-Cage Contusion

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter (ribs) was removed early during Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. DeLauter suffered a right ribcage contusion when he crashed into the wall during the first inning. He stayed in the game and singled in his lone at-bat of the game in the bottom of the inning. DeLauter was pulled for Daniel Schneeman after showing signs of discomfort while running to first base. It's unclear at the moment if DeLauter will be forced to miss additional time from this injury. For now, fantasy managers should consider DeLauter as day-to-day until more information on his status is available.

Jun 13

Roman Anthony • LF • Red Sox

Roman Anthony is Progressing Slowly

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (finger) is reportedly still experiencing discomfort when he attempts to swing the bat. Anthony has been out since early May due to a sprained ligament in his finger. He has attempted to resume baseball activities, but was shut down on multiple occasions. Despite the complications, Anthony believes that he is slowly progressing from his injury. Given his current pace, Anthony is unlikely to be back in the mix anytime soon. At best, Anthony might be able to rejoin the Red Sox roster in July after going through a rehab assignment. The young slugger still needs to be able to swing the bat before he can advance any further.

Jun 13

Eiberson Castellano • RP • Rockies

Rockies to Promote Prospect Eiberson Castellano, Worth a Pickup?

Colorado Rockies pitcher Eiberson Castellano has been called up to the big leagues on Saturday. The 25-year-old is set to make his MLB debut after pitching well in the minor leagues. This season, Castellano owns a 2.44 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 60:29 K:BB ratio across 11 appearances (10 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A. The expectation is that Castellano will work in a long relief role with Jeff Criswell being optioned to the minors. Castellano has worked as both a reliever and a starting pitcher during his time in the minors. He likely won't have fantasy value out of the bullpen, but he could be a deep league option if he sticks in the rotation.

Jun 13

José Ramírez • 3B • Guardians

Jose Ramirez Heading to Injured List with Fractured Hamate Bone

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) made an early exit from Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Ramirez was pulled in the sixth inning with an undisclosed injury. Now, Ramirez has been diagnosed with a fractured left hamate bone and will head to the Injured List. The Guardians haven't given a timetable for Ramirez, but he figures to miss at least a month of action. The expectation is that David Fry and Daniel Schneemann will see increased opportunities at the hot corner. The Guardians could turn to prospect Angel Genao, but that's likely dependent on how long Ramirez is going to be sidelined. This is a tough break for the Guardians and for fantasy managers who will be without the superstar slugger for an extended period of time.

Jun 13

Jack Flaherty • SP • Tigers

Tigers Place Jack Flaherty on Injured List With Peroneal Strain

The Detroit Tigers announced on Saturday that they placed right-hander Jack Flaherty (ankle, foot) on the 15-day injured list with a left peroneal strain and recalled infielder Hao-Yu Lee from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move. The Tigers pulled Flaherty from his start early on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians with an injury to his outer ankle/foot. The good news for Detroit is that they are getting ace left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) back on Saturday, with right-hander Casey Mize (groin) coming back from the IL on Sunday in the series finale against Cleveland. It's unclear how much time Flaherty will be forced to miss, but he will at least be out for a couple of turns through the starting rotation. The 30-year-old veteran has had a rough second year in Motown, losing a league-high eight games in his first 15 starts, also posting an ERA above 5.00 with a 1.57 WHIP, 78 strikeouts, and 34 walks in 65 2/3 innings pitched. Flaherty has been a bit unlucky this year, but even when considering his 4.60 expected ERA and 4.10 FIP, there's not a ton to like. He's currently rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues.

Jun 13

Randy Arozarena • LF • Mariners

Randy Arozarena Out of Saturday's Lineup with Hamstring Injury

Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena (left hamstring) exited Friday's game against the Nationals after tweaking his hamstring on a groundout to first base and will be held out of Saturday's lineup. Arozarena limped down the line and was removed as a precaution. Manager Dan Wilson described it as "a little bit of a hamstring strain, might have been more of a spasm or a cramp kind of a thing." Arozarena passed strength tests, did not require imaging, and told reporters he expects to be ready in a couple of days. Arozarena has been one of Seattle's most productive players this season, posting a strong .291/.377/.448 line with 18 doubles, seven home runs, and 19 stolen bases. While he remains out of action on Saturday, Luke Raley and Victor Robles will cover the corner outfield positions while Julio Rodriguez remains the center fielder.

Jun 13

Kris Bubic • SP • Royals

Kris Bubic Suffers Setback in First Rehab Outing

Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (shoulder) suffered a setback in his recovery as he exited his first rehab outing early on Tuesday. Bubic allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits in 1 1/3 innings during the outing with Triple-A Omaha. Manager Matt Quatraro said Bubic's forearm feels good, but his shoulder did not respond well to the start. Bubic is scheduled to see a doctor this weekend for further evaluation. Bubic was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 18 with left elbow soreness after his May 14 start against the White Sox, but will now be further evaluated for another injury. What was initially expected to be a short absence has dragged on. In nine starts before the injury, he went 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA. Managers in deeper 12+ team leagues should still view him as a viable stash option heading into Week 12, as he was very productive on the bump last season, logging 116 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.55 ERA.

Jun 13

Shohei Ohtani • DH • Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani Returns to Lineup on Saturday After Injury Scare

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (knee) was held out of Friday's lineup against the White Sox due to left-knee inflammation, but he is back in the starting nine ahead of their contest on Saturday. Ohtani experienced discomfort in his left knee and hamstring area following a stolen-base attempt (nullified by a foul ball) and was removed as a precaution. Fortunately, the superstar avoided a major injury and is back at the top of the Dodger lineup serving as the designated hitter. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case the team opts to give him rest days at the dish and potentially modify his short-term pitching schedule. Through 67 games in the batter's box, Ohtani has posted a stellar .305/.421/.543 line with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, and six stolen bases, and remains a must-start option in all formats.

Jun 13

Paul Sewald • RP • Diamondbacks

Paul Sewald Remains Priority Target for Saves on the Waiver Wire

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Paul Sewald has settled in as the primary closer and continues to deliver strong results in high-leverage situations. Sewald owns a 3.20 ERA and 0.71 WHIP with 28 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings across 28 appearances. He has already recorded 16 saves and has been particularly sharp in recent outings, posting a 1.29 ERA over his last seven appearances. His command has been excellent, and he has limited hard contact while generating consistent swing-and-miss with his sweeper-and-fastball combination. While the Diamondbacks' bullpen has some depth behind him, Sewald has earned the trust of the coaching staff in the ninth inning and looks like the clear closer moving forward. For fantasy managers in need of saves, he remains a reliable and productive option in leagues where he's still available, as he is currently rostered in about 65% of Yahoo leagues.

Jun 13

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. • 1B • Blue Jays

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Out of Lineup With Back Tightness

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (back) is out of the lineup on Saturday due to back tightness. Manager John Schneider commented before the game that the five-time All-Star's back tightened up during Friday's contest and that his absence on Saturday is purely precautionary to avoid aggravating the issue. The good news is that he is feeling better, and the hope is that with minimal time off, he can return to full health. His status is considered day-to-day, with updates likely to provide more clarity ahead of Sunday's game. The usually durable and reliable first baseman has hit just three home runs this season and is enduring what would be considered a down year by his standards, despite posting a .280 batting average. Charles McAdoo will get the start at first base on Saturday and is batting eighth in the lineup.

Jun 13

Giancarlo Stanton • DH • Yankees

Giancarlo Stanton Suffers Setback While Running the Bases

New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (calf) suffered a setback earlier this week while running the bases. Manager Aaron Boone said that the 36-year-old felt a tweak earlier in the week and that additional imaging may be needed to determine the extent of the injury. There had been some hope that Stanton would return to the lineup at some point during the Yankees' upcoming homestand, but that optimism is now in jeopardy. Given his extensive injury history, the team would be wise to continue taking a cautious approach with his recovery. As such, there is no timetable for his return until more is known about the severity of the setback.

Jun 13

Carlos Estévez • RP • Royals

Carlos Estevez Ramping Up Intensity and Volume

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez (shoulder) has begun throwing from flat ground and has ramped up both the intensity and volume of his work. While there have been no reports regarding the total number of throws or the distance involved, it is nonetheless a positive sign for a pitcher who has missed most of the season with a right rotator cuff strain. There is no timetable for his return, nor is it known what the next steps in his recovery will be, but it is evident that the 33-year-old is on the mend and moving in the right direction. The Royals will likely continue to bring him along slowly, given the nature of the injury and concerns surrounding his velocity during Spring Training. When he does return, there is no guarantee he will reclaim the role of the team's closer, despite the uncertainty developing at the back end of the bullpen between Lucas Erceg and Alex Lange.

Jun 13

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