MLB News

Alejandro Kirk • C • Blue Jays

Alejandro Kirk Could be Back on Friday

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (thumb) will serve as the designated hitter for a minor-league rehab game at Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday and catch on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Manager John Schneider said that Kirk returning from the 60-day injured list on Friday is possible as the best-case scenario. The 27-year-old backstop is finally nearing a return after having surgery on his left thumb, which has kept him out since April 4. In two games on his rehab assignment so far, the Mexican catcher has gone 2-for-9 with a solo home run. When he's back in Toronto, he'll be the Jays' primary catcher, and he'll be worth adding off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of a fresh body at the position. Kirk was hitting just .150 (3-for-20) with a home run in five games before his injury, but the two-time All-Star can add some pop to Toronto's lineup after hitting a career-best 15 long balls in 130 regular-season games in 2025 in his sixth year in the big leagues. Kirk is rostered in only 24% of Yahoo leagues right now.

5 hours ago

Oneil Cruz • CF • Pirates

Oneil Cruz Day-to-Day With Hand Injury

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) cut his hand while sliding into home plate on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves and was out of the starting lineup for the series finale on Sunday as a result, according to Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan. Cruz is considered day-to-day and is unlikely to land on the 10-day injured list. The Pirates had a scheduled day off on Monday, so hopefully, he'll be feeling good enough to return to the starting nine for Tuesday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. When healthy, the Dominican outfielder is a must-start in all fantasy baseball formats because of his ability to contribute across all categories. Cruz currently ranks in the 100th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 79th percentile in xwOBA, and the 100th percentile in maximum exit velocity. He's currently slashing .264/.350/.472 with an .822 OPS, 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 45 runs scored in 64 games across 283 plate appearances. Cruz leads the league with 98 strikeouts, but he scorches the ball more often than not when he makes contact.

5 hours ago

Colt Emerson • 3B • Mariners

Colt Emerson Dealing With Back Tightness

Seattle Mariners rookie infielder Colt Emerson (back) was scratched from the lineup for Monday's series opener in Baltimore against the Orioles due to back tightness, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. Infielder Cole Young made the start at the 6 for the M's against right-hander Trey Gibson. The Mariners placed regular shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) on the 10-day injured list on Monday as well, so they're a bit thin at the position right now. The good news is that Emerson's injury isn't considered to be very serious, so he could return to the starting lineup at shortstop for Game 2 of the series at Camden Yards on Tuesday. Fantasy managers need to check back then. The 20-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2023 is one of the most intriguing young infielders in the game. Through his first 19 major-league ballgames, Emerson has gone 15-for-62 (.242) with four home runs, 10 RBI, and nine runs scored across his 69 plate appearances. He's currently rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues and has gone 5-for-21 (.238) with two homers, two doubles, three RBI, and three runs in six games so far in June.

6 hours ago

Max Muncy • 3B • Dodgers |

Max Muncy • 3B • Athletics

Max Muncy Reinstated From Injured List on Monday

The Athletics reinstated infielder Max Muncy (hand) from the 10-day injured list on Monday and optioned infielder Darell Hernaiz to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Muncy, who has been out of action since late April due to a fractured left hand, went 10-for-27 on his minor-league rehab assignment with three home runs and two doubles in seven games. The 23-year-old should be back in the starting lineup for the A's on Monday, although the team is facing a tough left-handed pitcher in Milwaukee Brewers southpaw Kyle Harrison. With Zack Gelof hitting well and occupying third base in Sacramento for the A's, Muncy could play regularly at the 6 for the A's upon his return, at least until Jacob Wilson (shoulder) returns from his own stint on the IL. The former first-rounder in 2021 was hitting just .239 (22-for-92) at the plate with two home runs, seven RBI, 15 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 26 games at the time of his hand fracture, and he's rostered in only 9% of Yahoo leagues right now.

9 hours ago

Shay Whitcomb • 3B • Astros

Astros Recall Shay Whitcomb to MLB Roster, Worth Adding in Deeper Leagues?

The Houston Astros are recalling infielder Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday and placing infielder Nick Allen (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring injury in a corresponding move, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Whitcomb, 27, has yet to play in more than 20 games at the major-league level since debuting with the Astros in 2024. Over his 54 games played in the big leagues, he's hitting just .167/.219/.267 with a .485 OPS, two home runs, 10 RBI, six runs scored, six walks, and 27 strikeouts across 96 plate appearances. Fantasy managers can probably continue to avoid the former fifth-rounder in 2020 out of the University of California, San Diego. He profiles as primarily a super-utility man at the major-league level who most likely will struggle to find consistent playing time yet again.

9 hours ago

Dylan Cease • SP • Blue Jays

Dylan Cease to Start on Tuesday for Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease (hamstring) will come off the 15-day injured list to start on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Cease will return to Toronto's banged-up starting rotation after missing two weeks with a left-hamstring strain. He allowed five runs in four innings of work in his lone minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo last Thursday, but his stuff looked good, and he got up to 75 pitches in the outing. The 30-year-old veteran will be a bit riskier in his first start off the shelf against a Phillies team that has looked much better of late. However, Cease has pretty much been a must-start in fantasy baseball leagues in his first year with Toronto, going 3-3 with a 3.05 ERA (2.59 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 26 walks in 62 innings pitched over his 11 starts. Overall, the Phillies still rank third-worst in major-league baseball with a .687 OPS on the year.

9 hours ago

Daulton Varsho • CF • Blue Jays

Daulton Varsho Missing Third Straight Game With Wrist Injury

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (wrist) is out of the starting lineup once again for Monday's series opener at the Rogers Centre against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, per MLB.com. Myles Straw will make another start in center field for Toronto and will bat seventh against Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez. Varsho is not expected to require a stint on the injured list due to inflammation in his left wrist, but this will be his third straight game on the bench. The good news is that the 29-year-old made an appearance in Sunday's series finale against the Baltimore Orioles as a defensive replacement, signaling that he could be back on the field in a starting role as early as Game 2 of the series in Canada on Tuesday. Varsho hit off a pitching machine earlier on Monday and could be available as a pinch-hitter in the series opener. He's a defensive stalwart in center for the Jays, but he's provided very little for fantasy managers in 2026 with his bat, hitting .256 (54-for-211) with five home runs, 17 RBI, 26 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 63 games played.

9 hours ago

Chandler Simpson • LF • Rays

Chandler Simpson Still Out With Thumb Injury on Monday

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (thumb) remains sidelined for Monday's series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field, according to MLB.com. Cedric Mullins is making another start in center field and will bat ninth for the Rays against Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early. Simpson will miss a third straight start due to a sore left thumb that has him considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Tuesday to see if he's ready to return for Game 2 of the series. The speedy 25-year-old has yet to homer in 169 major-league games since debuting with the Rays in 2025, but he does have 58 stolen bases and provides elite speed on the basepaths. Simpson also makes a lot of contact at the plate and is hitting .276/.312/.328 with a .639 OPS, four doubles, a league-high four triples, 12 RBI, and 30 runs scored in his 60 games played in his first full year in the big leagues. Fantasy managers setting DFS lineups should stay away from Mullins in the lefty-on-lefty matchup.

9 hours ago

J.P. Crawford • SS • Mariners

J.P. Crawford Placed on Injured List With Hand Contusion

Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 7) on Monday with a right-hand contusion, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Infielder Ryan Bliss has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move. Crawford will be eligible to return from the IL next Tuesday, when the Mariners start their homestand. The 31-year-old veteran was hit by a pitch on his hand late last week and needs a little more rest. He should be ready to return when eligible next week. In the meantime, Colt Emerson will continue to fill in as the M's primary shortstop, with Patrick Wisdom picking up more playing time at the hot corner in Seattle. Crawford is only rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues at this point because of his limited fantasy ceiling across all categories. The 10-year veteran goes to the shelf hitting just .228 (44-for-193) on the season with 10 home runs, 23 RBI, 31 runs scored, and one stolen base in 233 plate appearances across 55 games played.

10 hours ago

Khristian Curtis • SP • Pirates

Khristian Curtis Earns the Call to Triple-A, Will he Debut in 2026?

The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting right-handed pitching prospect Khristian Curtis to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians on Monday, according to Chase Ford of Milb Central. Curtis, a 12th-round selection back in 2023 out of Arizona State University, earned the promotion to the top level in the minors despite going 0-7 with a 4.73 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 67:25 K:BB in 53 1/3 innings pitched across his 12 starts for Double-A Altoona this year. The 24-year-old is the club's No. 21 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. Despite his near-5.00 ERA and winless showing at Altoona, Curtis is one of Pittsburgh's top pitching prospects and could realistically make a push for a spot on the major-league roster at some point next year. He has good size at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, and some of the best stuff among all of the Bucs' pitching prospects. Curtis gets plenty of swings and misses with his fastball, cutter, slider, and changeup. Control has been an issue for him on the farm, but stuff-wise, Curtis should be on the stash radar of fantasy managers in deeper keeper leagues going into the second half of the 2026 season.

10 hours ago

Kevin Alcántara • RF • Cubs

Kevin Alcantara Sent Back to Triple-A

The Chicago Cubs are sending outfielder Kevin Alcantara back to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, according to Tommy Birth of the Des Moines Register. Alcantara, 23, only appeared in 12 games for the Cubs and had just one hit in 10 plate appearances with a run scored, one walk, and four strikeouts. The move to demote the Dominican outfielder comes a day after he made a baserunning mistake in the team's extra-inning win at Wrigley Field over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night. In just 25 games at the big-league level since making his major-league debut in 2024 in Chicago, Alcantara has hit .200/.250/.200 with no homers, an RBI, four runs, one stolen base, two walks, and nine strikeouts. He'll return to Iowa, where he has slashed .242/.339/.567 with a .906 OPS, 15 long balls, 32 RBI, 27 runs scored, and three steals across 41 games and 180 plate appearances. Alcantara could be back up with the Cubbies this year, but probably only as outfield depth.

10 hours ago

Dylan Crews • CF • Nationals

Dylan Crews Still Worth a Pickup Amid Slump?

Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews has not enjoyed much success in his return to the majors, but the upside still keeps him on the waiver-wire radar. Crews is hitting .197 through 16 games since returning to Washington, though he showed signs of life Saturday, June 6, against the Arizona Diamondbacks by going 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored. Crews' waiver appeal is more about upside than immediate production. The surface numbers remain light, but his 91.3 mph average exit velocity and improved strikeout profile in comparison to his 2025 rate give fantasy managers a reason to stay interested before the results fully show up. The former second-overall pick has also posted a 46.9% hard-hit rate, which is well above the average marks. Crews is best viewed as an upside waiver-wire target for managers who can afford to wait on the former top prospect as he finds his footing.

12 hours ago

Ryne Nelson • SP • Diamondbacks

Is Ryne Nelson a Useful Pickup For Matchup-Based Innings?

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson gave fantasy managers a useful outing Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks across seven innings in a no-decision. Nelson has now worked at least seven innings in four of his last five starts, giving him steady volume despite some uneven results. Across 13 starts, he has struck out 55 hitters, while walking 21 with a 4.60 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP over 72 1/3 innings. Nelson's waiver appeal comes more from volume and matchup-based value than overpowering strikeout upside. He has allowed 15 home runs, so there is still some risk in the profile, but the steady innings and low 6.9% walk rate keep him useful in the right spots. Nelson is worth adding for managers looking for solid rotation depth and a boost in WHIP, given his above-average command.

12 hours ago

Spencer Steer • LF • Reds

Spencer Steer a Must-Add with Five-Category Potential

Cincinnati Reds first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer has gone hitless in three straight games, but his overall production still keeps him on the waiver-wire radar. The 28-year-old is hitting .266 with nine home runs, 24 RBI, 38 runs scored, and 12 doubles with a 50:25 K:BB across 218 at-bats. Steer has also chipped in three stolen bases and shown solid upside on the base paths earlier in his career, swiping double-digit bags in two of his previous three seasons. He showcased his overall upside on Tuesday, June 2, against the Kansas City Royals, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, three runs scored, and two RBI. Steer's appeal comes from his ability to help in power and runs while offering useful lineup flexibility. He continues to bat in the heart of the Cincinnati lineup, which will keep him in a prime position to bolster his counting stats. Rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues, Steer is worth adding wherever he remains available for managers looking for corner-infield or outfield help across the five standard categories.

12 hours ago

Zebby Matthews • SP • Twins

Zebby Matthews Emerging as Top Waiver-Wire Option Among Starting Pitchers

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews bounced back Friday against the Kansas City Royals, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks across seven innings in a 5-3 win. The outing helped settle things after a rough start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 31, when he allowed a season-high seven earned runs over 4 1/3 innings. Through five starts, Matthews owns a 4.15 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts across 30 1/3 innings. Matthews has allowed three earned runs or fewer in four of his five outings and has worked at least six innings four times. The five home runs allowed keep some risk in the profile, but the workload, and 26:8 K:BB give him enough waiver appeal for fantasy managers needing rotation help. Rostered in 31% of Yahoo leagues, Matthews is worth adding in standard leagues as a solid depth starter who should deliver an elite WHIP.

12 hours ago

Trey Gibson • SP • Orioles

Orioles Promote Trey Gibson, Worth Adding in Deeper Leagues?

The Baltimore Orioles are promoting right-hander Trey Gibson ahead of Monday's start against the Seattle Mariners. Gibson is Baltimore's No. 4 prospect according to MLB.com and has made two MLB starts this season (three appearances), posting a 3.65 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, five strikeouts, and seven walks across 12 1/3 innings. Gibson's prospect status and immediate rotation opportunity make him worth watching, but his early MLB sample carries some risk. His 5:7 K:BB and 6.10 FIP point to command concerns through the small sample, so fantasy managers should keep expectations measured. At Triple-A Norfolk this season, Gibson has posted a 3.55 ERA with 38 punchouts over 38 innings of work. Rostered in less than 1% of Yahoo leagues, Gibson is a speculative add in deeper formats, but he should be treated as a risky option until he shows better command.

12 hours ago

Matt Shaw • RF • Cubs

Matt Shaw Expected to Return From Injured List on Tuesday

Chicago Cubs infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw (back) is expected to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Shaw spent a few days on a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A and is now in line to rejoin a Cubs lineup that has struggled offensively and on the bases lately. Shaw has hit .242 with three home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs scored, three stolen bases, and a .400 slugging percentage across 95 at-bats this season. The overall production has been modest, but the power-speed mix gives him some fantasy appeal if he works back into regular playing time. During his debut season, Shaw hit 13 home runs and swiped 17 bags over a 126-game stint. Fantasy managers should monitor his role once he returns, as he will likely remain a super-utility option, which limits his value in standard leagues.

12 hours ago

Garrett Whitlock • RP • Red Sox

Garrett Whitlock Likely to be Activated on Tuesday

Boston Red Sox right-handed reliever Garrett Whitlock (knee) is likely to be activated from the 15-day injured list for the middle game of a three-game series at Tropicana Field against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, June 9, following a successful minor-league rehab outing for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, per MLB.com. Whitlock is close to returning from inflammation in his left knee that landed him on the IL on May 28. While he has zero saves on the season and is more of a late-inning setup man, he's still one of the BoSox's most valuable relief pitchers. He struck out a batter and gave up a hit and two walks in a scoreless appearance on Saturday for Worcester. Whitlock's knee injury was never considered very serious, so he will be ready to go on Tuesday to provide more depth in Boston's bullpen. The 29-year-old former 18th-round pick by the New York Yankees out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham has gone 3-1 this year with a 3.20 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts in his 19 2/3 innings of work. Whitlock is rostered in only 14% of Yahoo leagues.

13 hours ago

Emilio Pagán • RP • Reds

Emilio Pagan Could Throw Off a Mound This Week

Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan (hamstring) will be re-evaluated for a strength deficit on Monday, June 8, and is set to resume throwing off a mound in the immediate aftermath, pending the outcome of those tests, according to MLB.com. Pagan landed on the 15-day injured list on May 6 with a Grade 2 strained left hamstring. Given the length of his absence, he will most likely require a short minor-league rehab assignment once he's cleared to face live hitters. Barring a setback with his hamstring, Pagan could return to the back end of Cincy's bullpen before the calendar flips to July. The Reds' bullpen has struggled in his absence, so manager Terry Francona will likely reinstate Pagan as the primary ninth-inning option when he's activated from the IL. The 35-year-old veteran reliever had a rough 6.43 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and six saves in 14 innings this year before getting injured, and he had a career-high 32 saves in 70 outings in 2025 in his second year with the club.

13 hours ago

Kris Bubic • SP • Royals

Kris Bubic to Start a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday

The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday that they expect left-hander Kris Bubic (elbow) to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with Triple-A Omaha. Bubic is finally ready to return to game action after building up his arm over the last couple of weeks. Since he hasn't pitched in a game since May 14 due to soreness in his left elbow, Bubic will most likely require multiple starts in the minors before he's cleared to come off the 15-day injured list and rejoin KC's starting rotation. Barring a setback, though, the 28-year-old southpaw should return to the big-league roster before the start of July. Before his elbow injury sidelined him, Bubic had gone 3-2 for the Royals with a 4.11 ERA (3.72 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 26 walks in 50 1/3 innings across nine starts. He was a first-time All-Star in 2025, going 8-7 with a career-low 2.55 ERA (2.89 FIP), 1.18 WHIP, and 116:39 K:BB in 20 starts covering 116 1/3 innings. Fantasy managers searching for rotation depth may want to consider stashing Bubic sooner rather than later.

14 hours ago

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