MLB News

Kyle Stowers • LF • Marlins

Will Kyle Stowers' Two-Homer Game on Wednesday Get him Going?

Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers led the way on Wednesday in the team's 12-4 win over the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, going 4-for-5 with two home runs, a double, five RBI, and a strikeout to boost his season average to .226 and his OPS to .719. Stowers clubbed two of the team's five long balls on the day for his second multi-homer game of the 2026 season. The 28-year-old former second-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 out of Stanford University was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his first full year in Miami, when he hit .288/.368/.544 with a .912 OPS, 25 home runs, 73 RBI, 61 runs, and five steals in 117 games played. Stowers hasn't been nearly as good so far in 2026, though, as he's slashing .226/.308/.411 with seven home runs, 27 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 51 games after his outburst on Wednesday. Hopefully, his two-homer game against the Phils will get him going. Stowers was 9-for-49 (.184) with two homers, a double, a triple, 11 RBI, four runs, five walks, and 20 K's in 13 games in June going into Wednesday.

4 hours ago

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Royals Move Cole Ragans to 60-Day Injured List

The Kansas City Royals announced on Wednesday that they moved left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) to the 60-day injured list. The move likely means that we won't see Ragans back in Kansas City until after the mid-July All-Star break. The 28-year-old southpaw has been on the IL since May 8 with a left-elbow impingement, but he's now on the 60-day IL after suffering a setback last Friday. The former 30th overall pick in 2016 by the Texas Rangers broke out in 2024 in his first full year with the Royals, going 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA (2.99 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with a career-high 223 strikeouts and 67 walks in 186 1/3 innings pitched over his 32 starts. It was the first time that Ragans had exceeded 100 innings pitched in his four MLB seasons. Since then, he has struggled with injuries, making just 13 total starts last year and only eight starts in 2026. In his 35 1/3 innings this season, Ragans had a 4.84 ERA (6.18 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP, but with 45 strikeouts and 23 walks. The strikeout upside is clear, but fantasy managers have to wonder if Ragans will get healthy for the second half. He's currently rostered in 86% of Yahoo leagues.

5 hours ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Braves Transfer Spencer Strider to 60-Day Injured List

The Atlanta Braves announced on Wednesday that they transferred right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) to the 60-day injured list. Although Strider's MRI exam ruled out ligament damage in his right elbow, he was shut down for at least four weeks due to right-elbow inflammation. The move to put the 27-year-old on the 60-day IL will allow veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco to rejoin the big-league roster. Strider had Tommy John surgery in college and an internal-brace procedure on his elbow in 2024, which limited him to just two starts. He got a late start to the 2026 campaign due to an oblique injury as well, which is why Strider has only made eight starts (39 innings) so far this year. He's gone 4-2 with a 5.31 ERA (5.35 FIP) and 1.36 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 20 walks. The Braves are hoping that Strider will be able to help them in the second half, but he might not be ready to return until late August, leaving him little time to help fantasy managers the rest of the way. The Clemson alumni is rostered in 76% of Yahoo leagues, but that number will continue to drop through the summer months.

5 hours ago

Matthew Boyd • SP • Cubs

Matthew Boyd to Make a Rehab Start on Saturday

Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee, shoulder) is scheduled to make a minor-league rehab start on Saturday, according to CHGO Sports' Jared Wyllys. It's unclear right now which affiliate Boyd will start for this weekend. Boyd was nearing a return to Chicago's starting rotation earlier this month, but he suffered a setback with his left shoulder during a rehab outing on June 6 with Triple-A Iowa. It is unclear if Boyd will be cleared to come off the 15-day injured list following his rehab outing this Saturday, and it would likely depend on how deep he goes in the ballgame. If the 35-year-old veteran southpaw is cleared to join the Cubs next week, he could return to the rotation to face the last-place New York Mets. Boyd last pitched in the majors on May 3. Although it's a small sample size of only five starts in 2026, he didn't look nearly as good as he did in 2025 in his first year in Chicago, when he went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA (3.65 FIP), 1.09 WHIP, and 154:42 K:BB in 179 2/3 innings over 31 regular-season starts. Boyd has posted a 6.00 ERA this year with a 1.29 WHIP and 31:6 K:BB in 24 innings. Boyd's 22.8% strikeout rate doesn't give him a ton of fantasy upside, especially at his age, but he proved last year he still has some value as a back-end, matchup-based starter when he's healthy.

5 hours ago

Edward Cabrera • SP • Cubs

Edward Cabrera Should be Able to Make his Next Start

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that right-hander Edward Cabrera (hand) felt good on Wednesday, so he should be on a normal schedule for his next start, provided that his bullpen day goes well, according to Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports. Cabrera was pulled from his start on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies early due to a right-hand cramp, but the Cubs aren't too worried that it will cause him to miss his next scheduled start. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback with his hand, Cabrera should return to the mound next week in a strong matchup against the last-place Mets. The 28-year-old Dominican hurler has been inconsistent for the Cubs and fantasy managers in 2026 in his first year in Chicago, going 4-4 with a 5.21 ERA (5.14 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 61 strikeouts and 25 walks in 67 1/3 innings pitched across his 13 starts. Cabrera's walk rate is under 10% for the second straight year, but his strikeout rate has dipped to a career-low 21.3%. In his first start against the Mets on April 17 at Wrigley Field, Cabrera came away with a win, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while walking two and striking out four in six innings.

5 hours ago

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Lands on Injured List With Rib Fracture

The Cleveland Guardians placed rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (rib) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 14) on Wednesday with a right side rib fracture and recalled outfield prospect Kahlil Watson from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. DeLauter suffered the injury over the weekend and will now be sidelined until at least June 24. With outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) and star third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) also going on the IL this week, rookie Kahlil Watson, who has an intriguing power/speed profile, could see plenty of playing time to close out June in Cleveland. With a small crack in his rib, fantasy managers looking to stash DeLauter shouldn't be surprised if he doesn't make it back before the All-Star break in mid-July. The 24-year-old former 16th overall pick in 2022 out of James Madison University got off to a strong start to his rookie campaign in 2026, but he has cooled off recently and is currently slashing .263/.337/.408 with seven home runs, 34 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 240 at-bats. In 10 games in June, DeLauter went 8-for-35 (.229) with a double, two RBI, two runs, three walks, and 11 strikeouts. He's now rostered in fewer than half of Yahoo leagues (44%).

5 hours ago

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

Phillies Demote Rookie Pitcher Andrew Painter to Triple-A

The Philadelphia Phillies demoted right-hander Andrew Painter to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. After losing to the division-rival Miami Marlins on Wednesday, Painter is 1-8 with a 7.06 ERA in his first 14 appearances (12 starts) in his first year in the big leagues in 2026. The 23-year-old former 13th overall pick in 2021 struggled again on Wednesday in Philly's 12-4 loss, allowing six earned runs on six hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out three in just two innings pitched. Painter has really struggled of late, surrendering five-plus runs in each of his last three starts. It's unclear who will take Painter's spot in the starting rotation to close out the first half of the 2026 season. Painter will head back to the Iron Pigs to work on some things, but he'll most likely be back up with Philly at some point in the second half. Fantasy managers in single-year mixed leagues shouldn't consider him a must-hold amidst his struggles. Painter is currently rostered in only 11% of Yahoo leagues.

6 hours ago

Michael Harris II • CF • Braves

Michael Harris II's Back Injury Keeps him Out on Wednesday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (back) is out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's contest at Truist Park against the visiting San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com. Mauricio Dubon will take over in center field on Wednesday and will bat leadoff for the Braves against Giants left-hander Carson Whisenhunt. Harris is being considered day-to-day after being pulled from Tuesday's contest with lower-back tightness. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if he's ready to return to the starting nine for Thursday's series finale against San Fran. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has been a must-start for fantasy managers this year, as he comes into Wednesday's tilt with a .303/.337/.512 with an .850 OPS, 14 home runs, 41 RBI, 34 runs scored, and three steals in his 244 at-bats in 2026. Harris has gone 11-for-39 (.282) with a homer, three doubles, five RBI, and six runs in 10 games in June. With Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) potentially out through the All-Star break in mid-July, Atlanta can ill-afford to lose Harris for an extended stretch.

8 hours ago

Luke Raley • RF • Mariners

Luke Raley Missing Second Straight Game With Back Injury

Seattle Mariners outfielder Luke Raley (back) will sit out a second straight game due to a back injury on Wednesday against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, per MLB.com. Raley was scratched from Tuesday's contest at T-Mobile Park with back tightness. Victor Robles is starting in right field and batting sixth, while Connor Joe will start in left field and hit eighth against Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish. The M's are thin in the outfield this week with Raley nursing a back injury and Randy Arozarena (hamstring) landing on the injured list on Tuesday. For now, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider Raley day-to-day with his back ailment and check back for Thursday's series finale against the O's to see if he's ready to return to the lineup. The 31-year-old left-handed hitter typically only plays when the M's are facing a right-hander, which limits his fantasy upside. Raley has still managed 14 home runs on the season with a .241/.303/.503 slash line, .806 OPS, 35 RBI, 24 runs, and a stolen base in his 191 at-bats. Raley is on pace to set a new career high in long balls, with his previous high-water mark coming in 2024 with 22 bombs.

8 hours ago

Josh Naylor • 1B • Mariners

Josh Naylor Still Out With Shin/Wrist Injuries

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (shin, wrist) continues to sit out for Wednesday's game at T-Mobile Park against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, according to MLB.com. Miles Mastrobuoni will start at first again for the M's and will hit ninth in the order against Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish. Naylor is missing a second straight game due to shin and wrist injury, but he's expected to avoid a trip to the injured list. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if the left-handed slugger is ready to return for Thursday's series finale against Baltimore. Managers setting DFS lineups will want to steer clear of Mastrobuoni, especially at the bottom of the lineup. Naylor entered action on Wednesday slashing .253/.315/.372 with a .687 OPS, eight home runs, 32 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 27 runs scored in his 269 at-bats in his first full season with the Mariners. In 12 games in June, he's gone 12-for-48 (.250) at the plate with three homers, three doubles, eight RBI, seven runs, and a stolen base.

8 hours ago

Jasson Domínguez • DH • Yankees

Jasson Dominguez Back in Yankees Lineup on Wednesday

New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez (mouth) is starting in right field and will bat fifth for Wednesday's game against the visiting Chicago White Sox and left-hander Anthony Kay, according to MLB.com. Dominguez had a tooth pulled on Tuesday and sat out, but the switch-hitting Dominican will be back in there a day later in the Bronx. The Martian returned from the injured list over the weekend after recovering from a sprained shoulder, and he is in line to play every day for the Yankees with all of Aaron Judge (ribs), Trent Grisham (hamstring), and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) all on the IL. After not beginning the year on the Opening Day roster, Dominguez has only appeared in 11 games for the Yankees in 2026, going 8-for-38 (.211) with two home runs, five RBI, and five runs scored in 41 plate appearances. He has yet to deliver on his prospect hype since debuting in pinstripes in 2023, but his power/speed upside and everyday opportunity in the short term make him attractive in deeper fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues.

9 hours ago

Kahlil Watson • LF • Guardians

Guardians Promote Prospect Kahlil Watson to Majors, Worth a Speculative Add?

The Cleveland Guardians recalled outfield prospect Kahlil Watson from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday and placed rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (rib) on the 10-day injured list with a right side rib fracture in a corresponding move, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Watson, the team's 12th-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, could absolutely be worth a pickup in deeper fantasy leagues for his power/speed upside, with DeLauter, third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand), and outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) all going on the IL this week. The 23-year-old first-round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2021 gets his first call to the big leagues after hitting .255/.370/.491 with an .861 OPS, 12 home runs, 12 doubles, a triple, 35 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 44 runs scored across 56 games and 254 plate appearances at Columbus. Watson has played all three outfield spots in the minors, giving Cleveland plenty of options to get his bat in the lineup. Making contact could be a problem in his first taste of the big leagues, but fantasy managers in need of outfield help shouldn't ignore his power/speed upside if he plays regularly.

9 hours ago

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. a "Long Way" From Returning From the Injured List

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is a "long way" from returning from the 10-day injured list, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Because Acuna's hamstring is in the same spot as his previous injury this year, the Braves will be more cautious than they were when Acuna missed almost three weeks with a previous hamstring strain. The 28-year-old former MVP and five-time All-Star landed on the IL for the second time this year last week with another left-hamstring strain, and he's looking at another couple weeks on the sidelines, at the very least. Fantasy managers shouldn't necessarily expect Acuna to be back before the All-Star break in the middle of July. So far, the talented Venezuelan outfielder has been a bust in 2026 in fantasy with a .251/.373/.421 slash line, .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across 53 games played. However, despite his lengthy history of lower-body injuries, Acuna's five-category upside means he could still carry fantasy squads in the second half if he can stay out of the trainer's room.

9 hours ago

Agustín Ramírez • C • Marlins

Agustin Ramirez Showcasing Five-Category Profile, Worth Stashing?

Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez is rostered in 35% of Yahoo leagues for a reason. The 24-year-old Dominican right-handed hitter has only appeared in 31 games (129 plate appearances) for the Marlins this year, hitting .230/.318/.345 with a .663 OPS, two home runs, 14 RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases. He teased his five-category upside in 136 games in his rookie season in 2025 by hitting .231/.287/.413 with a .701 OPS, 21 home runs, 67 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 72 runs scored in 136 games across 585 plate appearances. In 29 games at Triple-A Jacksonville in 2026, Ramirez has slashed .237/.302/.412 with a .714 OPS, five home runs, five doubles, 13 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 19 runs scored in 126 plate appearances for the Jumbo Shrimp. Liam Hicks and Joe Mack have been handling the catching duties in South Beach since Ramirez was sent down in early May. If Ramirez can clean up his defense behind the dish, he could be back in the big leagues sooner rather than later. And when he's back, he definitely can offer five-category upside for fantasy managers at the catching position.

10 hours ago

Max Scherzer • SP • Blue Jays

Max Scherzer Going Back on Injured List With Back Spasms

The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that they placed veteran right-hander Max Scherzer (back) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 14) with back spasms and recalled right-hander Chad Patrick from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. Scherzer was scheduled to pitch on Wednesday evening at Fenway Park against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, but right-hander Braydon Fisher will now get the nod. The 41-year-old three-time Cy Young winner just came off the IL last week due to a right-forearm injury, so it's obviously a frustrating development for the future Hall of Famer. Scherzer has only made six starts in 2026 with Toronto and has gone 1-4 with an ugly 10.23 ERA (8.78 FIP) and a 1.73 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and 11 walks in 22 innings pitched. At this point in his career, he just has not been able to stay off the injury report with a long list of different ailments. He most likely will not be back from the IL before the mid-July All-Star break, and at this point, Scherzer returning in the second half as a starter won't be a lock.

10 hours ago

Shane Bieber • SP • Blue Jays

Shane Bieber Hit Hard in Rehab Start on Wednesday at Triple-A

Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) was hit around a little bit in his latest minor-league rehab start on Wednesday with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, allowing five earned runs on seven hits (two homers) while walking four and striking out two in five innings pitched. Bieber threw only 48 of his 80 pitches for strikes, but the good news is that he was sitting at 92 mph with his fastball in what is expected to be his final rehab start before he rejoins the Blue Jays' starting rotation for his 2026 season debut. The 31-year-old former American League Cy Young winner shouldn't be limited from a pitch-count perspective whenever his first start for the Jays comes, but he'll be a pretty risky fantasy streamer after his command was spotty on Wednesday. The former fourth-round pick in 2016 by the Cleveland Guardians out of the University of California, Santa Barbara, only made two starts in 2024 in his final season in Cleveland before needing Tommy John surgery. Bieber made only seven starts in his first year in Toronto last season, but he had a 4-2 record, 3.57 ERA (4.47 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, and 37:7 K:BB in 40 1/3 innings. He might need to shake off a little rust, and he's no longer a fantasy ace, but Bieber should have streaming appeal in mixed leagues based on matchups. He's rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues right now.

10 hours ago

Teoscar Hernández • LF • Dodgers

Teoscar Hernandez Could Start Rehab Assignment Early Next Week

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) is scheduled to take at-bats in a live batting practice session on Thursday, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Hernandez could go on a minor-league rehab assignment early next week, according to manager Dave Roberts. As long as the veteran outfielder doesn't suffer a setback on his rehab assignment, he could be back in the Dodgers' lineup late next week/weekend. The 33-year-old Dominican has been out for over two weeks with a strained left hamstring. At the time of his injury, the two-time All-Star was hitting .276/.348/.436 with a .785 OPS, seven home runs, 31 RBI, 30 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 51 games across 204 plate appearances in 2026. Hernandez had picked things up offensively in May, batting .325 (27-for-83) with three home runs, four doubles, 14 RBI, 14 runs, and a stolen base in 24 contests. When healthy, Hernandez is excellent in points leagues for his run production in the heart of the Dodgers' stacked batting order. He's rostered in 86% of Yahoo leagues and should not be floating around on the waiver wire anywhere.

11 hours ago

Griffin Jax • SP • Rays

Griffin Jax Seeing Waiver Value Soar Amid Impressive Stretch

Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitcher Griffin Jax is becoming a more useful fantasy option as he settles into a starting role. Across 44 innings, the 31-year-old owns a 1-5 record, 3.68 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts. The overall WHIP is not ideal, but Jax has been better since moving into the rotation, posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts over his last seven starts. Over his last two outings, Jax has been even sharper, not allowing an earned run with a 1.00 WHIP (across 10 frames). The former high-leverage reliever also brings high-end whiff potential after recording 99 strikeouts out of the bullpen last season. Workload remains the main caveat, as Tampa Bay has been careful while stretching him out, which may limit his win upside in the short term. The 32% Yahoo roster rate keeps the door open in many leagues, making Jax a viable deeper-format target for managers looking for rotation help with emerging strikeout appeal.

11 hours ago

Noah Cameron • SP • Royals

Noah Cameron Still Carries Waiver Appeal After Recent Stumble?

Kansas City Royals left-handed pitcher Noah Cameron remains a useful waiver-wire option for fantasy managers searching for pitching depth. Across 70 innings, the 26-year-old has a 3-4 record, 4.11 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 64 strikeouts. The season-long ERA is not especially exciting, but Cameron has been much better over his last seven starts, posting a 3.05 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 36:6 K:BB across 38 1/3 innings. The caveat is his latest outing, when he allowed four earned runs on seven hits, including two home runs, over 4 1/3 innings against the Houston Astros. That start adds some short-term risk, but Cameron's recent stretch keeps him above the standard streamer tier in deeper leagues. His 42% Yahoo roster rate leaves enough room for fantasy managers to act where steadier back-end rotation help is needed.

11 hours ago

Spencer Jones • RF • Yankees

Spencer Jones Worth Adding Ahead of Power Breakout?

New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones is starting to showcase his upside on the MLB level. The club's No. 6 prospect is hitting .239 with two home runs, seven RBI, four runs, one stolen base, and a .731 OPS over 46 major-league at-bats. However, Jones has been more productive since re-joining the Yankees in June, posting a .318/.423/.636 slash line with one double and two home runs. The power upside is the selling point. Jones posted a .949 OPS with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, and nine stolen bases over 156 at-bats at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before getting a longer look with New York. The strikeout risk is substantial, so he is not a safe batting-average play. Still only 8% rostered on Yahoo, Jones is a worthwhile deeper-league pickup for fantasy managers willing to chase impact power before it fully arrives. With Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list, Jones should see stable at-bats in this lineup, making him a worthy target for those in five-outfielder leagues, looking for power production.

11 hours ago

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