MLB News

Colson Montgomery • SS • White Sox

Colson Montgomery Continues to Display Power, Homers Twice on Wednesday

Chicago White Sox infielder Colson Montgomery came into Wednesday's game against the New York Yankees in the Bronx hitting just .221 (55-for-249) through his first 68 games of his first full year in the big leagues. Montgomery also entered the day with 17 home runs after hitting 21 in 71 games as a rookie in 2025, and he continued to flex his muscles at the plate by going 2-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI in the 10-5 loss on the road. Both of his round-trippers were of the solo variety for his first career multi-home run game. Montgomery is now hitting .225/.319/.502 with 19 home runs, 13 doubles, 44 RBI, and 35 runs scored in 288 plate appearances. Of his seven hits so far in June, six of them have gone for extra bases. The 24-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2021 doesn't make all that much contact and hasn't been an asset for his on-base percentage, but he has plenty of power to spare and now ranks ninth in baseball with his 19 home runs.

4 hours ago

A.J. Ewing • CF • Mets

A.J. Ewing's Elite Speed Makes him an Appealing Waiver-Wire Target

Across 134 plate appearances since making his MLB debut in mid-May, New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing is hitting .250/.333/.362 with two home runs, 11 RBI, 14 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. The 21-year-old has struggled with both swing-and-miss (29.2%) and power (5.3% barrel rate) early in his MLB career, which is a bit of a worrying combination. Still, Ewing has demonstrated an ability to get on base (11.2% walk rate) and profiles as a significant speed threat. Across 124 minor league games in 2025, Ewing stole 70 bases. With his elite speed, Ewing consistently ran high BABIPs in the minors despite his underwhelming contact quality. If he can cut down on the whiffs as he gets more reps against big-league pitching, Ewing could emerge as a solid source of batting average and a tremendous source of speed for fantasy managers over the second half of the 2026 season.

5 hours ago

Antonio Senzatela • RP • Rockies

Is Antonio Senzatela Still the Top Source of Saves in Colorado?

Colorado Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela has hit a bit of a rough patch in recent outings, allowing five earned runs over his last 4 2/3 innings (four appearances). Still, the 31-year-old has largely been a revelation after being moved to the bullpen full-time in 2026. Across 39 1/3 innings (21 games) in 2026, Senzatela has recorded a 6-0 record with a 2.29 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 32 strikeouts, and three saves. While he doesn't offer much swing-and-miss upside relative to other top closer options, Senzatela is averaging 97.3 miles per hour on his fastball and appears to have taken over as the Rockies' preferred option in the ninth inning. Senzatela is currently in the final guaranteed year of his contract with Colorado (club option for $14 million in 2027), so fantasy managers should be aware that he could easily be moved before this year's trade deadline. For now, the veteran could be worth targeting on the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of saves.

5 hours ago

Chase Meidroth • 2B • White Sox

Chase Meidroth Carries Deep-League Appeal on the Waiver Wire

Across 299 plate appearances in 2026, Chicago White Sox infielder Chase Meidroth is hitting .278/.347/.399 with six home runs, 25 RBI, 43 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 25-year-old's underlying power metrics are marginally improved this season, as he's logged a 5.0% barrel rate after posting a 1.6% barrel rate in 2025. Still, Meidroth is highly unlikely to provide fantasy managers with much power or run production. On the other hand, Meidroth has established himself as a plus defender at second base with a solid hit tool, which should keep him in the White Sox lineup on an everyday basis. He also stole 14 bases in 122 MLB games in 2025, so his speed output could pick up over the course of a larger sample size in 2026. In deeper leagues, fantasy managers in need of stability in the middle infield may want to consider targeting Meidroth on the waiver wire.

5 hours ago

Phil Maton • RP • Cubs

Phil Maton a Worthy Stash Candidate With Clear Path to Save Opportunities?

Chicago Cubs right-hander Phil Maton has largely struggled so far in 2026, recording a 5.92 ERA and 1.77 WHIP with 27 strikeouts across 24 1/3 innings pitched (28 games). However, he may now have a chance to earn save chances in Chicago following the news that Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is hitting the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation. Maton put together an excellent season in 2025, recording a 2.79 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 81 strikeouts and five saves across 61 1/3 innings split between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers. He missed roughly three weeks earlier this season with knee tendinitis, which could explain some of his issues in 2026. Maton has been better in recent appearances, allowing just two earned runs over his last 12 outings. In deeper leagues, he could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a source of saves.

5 hours ago

Jacob Gonzalez • 1B • White Sox

Jacob Gonzalez Remains a Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire

Chicago White Sox infielder Jacob Gonzalez got off to a hot start to his MLB career after making his debut on May 31, posting an .841 OPS across his first 23 plate appearances. However, the 24-year-old has struggled of late and is currently mired in a 0-19 skid at the plate. Across 47 plate appearances overall, Gonzalez is hitting .195/.298/.268 with one home run, five RBI, three runs scored, and a 29.8% strikeout rate. Still, Gonzalez got off to a ridiculous start to the 2026 season at Triple-A, hitting .319 with 19 home runs, 62 RBI, 42 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across 238 plate appearances. He also appears likely to have an extended runway to prove himself at the big-league level with White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (hamstring) currently on the injured list with a hamstring injury. Despite the current skid, Gonzalez could still be worth targeting on the waiver wire for his power upside.

6 hours ago

Troy Melton • SP • Tigers

Troy Melton Remains a Starting Pitcher Streamer to Target on the Waiver Wire

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton (back) was scratched from his start on Monday against the Houston Astros due to lower back tightness. However, the 25-year-old is listed as Detroit's probable starter on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox and appears to have avoided a trip to the injured list. Melton missed time to start the season with elbow inflammation, but he's been effective since returning to the Tigers' rotation on May 24. Across 25 2/3 innings (four starts), Melton has recorded a 3-0 record with a 2.81 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts. Melton's 13.7% strikeout rate is unimpressive, but he posted a 32.4% strikeout rate across 75 1/3 minor league innings in 2025. As he gets more MLB innings under his belt, Melton could emerge as more of a swing-and-miss threat. In deeper leagues, Melton profiles as a worthy waiver wire target for fantasy managers.

6 hours ago

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.

6 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.

7 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.

7 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.

7 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.

7 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%).

7 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.

8 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.

10 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.

10 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.

10 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.

11 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.

11 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.

11 hours ago

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