MLB News

Sterlin Thompson • RF • Rockies

Sterlin Thompson Hits First Two Homers of his Career Against Cubs

Colorado Rockies rookie outfielder Sterlin Thompson had a day to remember on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field in the team's 8-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Thompson, who was serving as the designated hitter and batting eighth in the lineup, went 3-for-4 with the first two home runs (both solo) of his career, a double, and a strikeout to raise his season batting average to .242 and his OPS to .722. It was nice to see from the 24-year-old, who has battled for playing time since being called up by the Rockies. Thompson is now hitting .242/.319/.403 with two homers, nine RBI, seven runs scored, five walks, and 18 strikeouts in 69 plate appearances in his first 24 games in the major leagues. The former 31st overall pick in 2022 out of the University of Florida will likely struggle for regular at-bats now that Jake McCarthy has recovered from an illness, and he will likely head back to Triple-A Albuquerque when Mickey Moniak (ankle) returns from the injured list next week. Thompson isn't rostered in any Yahoo leagues right now.

5 hours ago

Ryan O'Hearn • RF • Pirates

Ryan O'Hearn Sparks Offense, Tallies Career-High Six RBI in Sacramento

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Ryan O'Hearn led the offensive onslaught at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park in Sacramento on Wednesday night in the team's 12-4 victory over the hosting Athletics. O'Hearn went 3-for-5 at the plate with a two-run home run, a double, and a career-high six RBI to boost his season average to .290 and his OPS to .826. The 32-year-old veteran left-handed slugger took advantage of the hitter-friendly venue and drove in two runs with each of his three hits on the night. The former eighth-round selection by the Kansas City Royals in 2014 out of Sam Houston State University is now hitting a cool .290/.351/.475 with 11 home runs, 41 RBI, 33 runs scored, and one stolen base in his 60 games across 245 plate appearances in 2026 in his first year with the Pirates. In 15 games in June, he's gone 16-for-58 (.276) with three homers, two doubles, 11 RBI, and five runs scored. The key this year is that he has improved against lefties as well, going 17-for-63 (.270) against them with three of his 11 long balls.

5 hours ago

Kyle Bradish • SP • Orioles

Kyle Bradish has Dominant Outing Against M's for Fourth Win

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish had perhaps his best start of the year on Wednesday night in Seattle in the team's 5-3 win over the Mariners, giving up just one earned run on five hits while walking two and striking out a season-high 12 batters in a season-high 7 2/3 innings for his fourth win of the season. Fantasy managers had to be pleased to see Bradish bounce back on Wednesday after giving up a combined 10 earned runs on 16 hits (four homers) while walking six and striking out eight in eight innings in his previous two starts versus the Toronto Blue Jays and Mariners. The 29-year-old former fourth-round pick in 2018 by the Los Angeles Angels out of New Mexico State University has had trouble with his command in 2026 with a career-worst 11.7% walk rate, and it hasn't helped that his strikeout rate has fallen from a career-best 37.3% last year to 24.2% this season. Still, it was nice to see him walk only two on Wednesday and bounce back with a dominant showing. Bradish will be a must-start his next time out against the last-place Angels.

5 hours ago

Julio Rodríguez • CF • Mariners

Julio Rodriguez Dealing With Hamstring Injury

Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson said that outfielder Julio Rodriguez (hamstring) was pulled from Wednesday's game early against the Baltimore Orioles due to a hamstring spasm, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. Rodriguez tweaked his hamstring making a leaping catch in center field and was seen heading to the trainer's room. Before leaving, he went 1-for-3 at the plate with a run scored and two strikeouts. It looks like the Mariners pulled the 25-year-old All-Star as a precaution, and his injury doesn't appear to be very serious. Fantasy managers still shouldn't expect J-Rod to play in Thursday's series finale at T-Mobile Park against the Orioles, but he should be available this weekend in Seattle for a series against the Boston Red Sox. The three-time All-Star has hit .248/.310/.426 this year with a .736 OPS, 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 39 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 74 games across 326 plate appearances. After his second 30-30 season in 2025, Rodriguez is a clear must-start in fantasy when he's active.

5 hours ago

Clayton Beeter • RP • Nationals

Clayton Beeter Can be a Top Closer Addition Off the Waiver Wire

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Clayton Beeter hit a few bumps in the road early in June, but he seems to have regained his footing and remains the top closer option for the Nationals. Beeter gave up two runs in back-to-back appearances to start the month, but he has bounced back with three scoreless innings in his last three games. He hasn't allowed a hit in those outings and has racked up five strikeouts while walking just one. Gus Varland did get the team's most recent save on Tuesday, but Beeter had pitched back-to-back days in non-save situations coming into that contest. After getting two days off, he is positioned well for potential closing opportunities this weekend in Tampa Bay and can be a solid option if you're shopping for saves on the waiver wire.

5 hours ago

Coby Mayo • 3B • Orioles

Coby Mayo Can Be a Nice Pick-Up For Power

Baltimore Orioles first baseman/third baseman Coby Mayo continues to flash upside for the Orioles, although he remains a strikeout risk. Mayo is hitting only .194 on the season with a 32.5% K%, but he has been a little more effective lately, hitting .222 over his last 16 games with three doubles, four homers, a .278 ISO, and a .327 wOBA. If you need power from a corner infield spot, Mayo offers home run potential, with his contact metrics trending in the right direction. He will potentially cost you some batting average points and hurt your strikeout totals, but if your roster is built to withstand that hit in exchange for some raw power, it's hard to match Mayo's power potential from the waiver wire. The 24-year-old former top prospect has plenty of room to continue to develop over the rest of the season, and he can provide a power boost in deep leagues right away.

6 hours ago

Tristan Beck • RP • Giants

Tristan Beck Earns First Save for Giants, Worth a Pick-Up in Deeper Leagues?

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tristan Beck earned his first save of the season on Wednesday against the Braves, as the Giants continue to use a committee approach to fill their closer role. Matt Gage started the ninth inning with his team leading 7-2, but he only recorded one out while allowing three runs on four straight hits. Beck came on with a three-run lead and retired Ozzie Albies on a groundout before striking out Austin Riley to end the game. Before Gage, the Giants used Sam Hentges and Ryan Walker in the seventh and eighth innings, but they never went to Caleb Kilian, who has been their primary closer lately. Kilian had pitched in three of the previous four games, and he'll likely remain the primary option in save situations for now. It is worth watching the situation, though, since Beck got the job done on Wednesday and could be worth a pick-up in deep leagues if he earns more high-leverage work.

6 hours ago

Alex Vesia • RP • Dodgers

Alex Vesia Tallies Third Save, Remains Elite Closer Handcuff to Roster

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia worked an adventurous ninth inning on Wednesday against the Rays, but he was able to preserve his team's one-run lead and lock down his third save of the season. The 30-year-old lefty issued three walks (one intentional) and struck out Cedric Mullins on a 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded for the final out of the game. Vesia has a 2.59 ERA and 2.32 FIP in his 33 games this season, earning 11 holds to go with his three saves. He has only allowed a run in one of his last 16 games, and he remains one of the team's top setup options ahead of Tanner Scott, who is closing while Edwin Diaz (elbow) is on the shelf. Scott got saves on both Monday and Tuesday, so Vesia was called on to fill in on Wednesday. Vesia is a great handcuff to pick up to attach to Scott since he's the next man up, even though Wednesday's game was definitely not his cleanest outing.

6 hours ago

Jacob Webb • RP • Cubs

Cubs Turn to Jacob Webb for Save, is he the Short-Term Name to Roster?

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jacob Webb entered the ninth inning of a three-run game against the Rockies on Wednesday night and was able to secure his second save of the season. Webb allowed a solo home run to Kyle Karros, and he has given up a run in three of his last four starts, but he still could have some fantasy value if he continues to be one of the primary options to fill in for the injured Danny Palencia (elbow), who is on the 15-day injured list. Webb is expected to share the closer role with lefty Caleb Thielbar, who got two outs in the eighth inning on Wednesday before Webb entered. Webb now has a 3.13 ERA, 3.76 FIP, and 1.29 WHIP in his 32 games, with 37 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings. It looks like he'll get the first chance to pick up saves for Chicago while Palencia is out, so he's worth a short-term pickup if you need saves for the next few weeks. Thielbar could also get the call if lefties are in the mix, so he's also worth considering as a speculative pickup for saves in deep leagues.

6 hours ago

Julio Rodríguez • CF • Mariners

Julio Rodriguez Leaves Early on Wednesday With Undisclosed Injury

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (undisclosed) was removed from Wednesday night's game early against the visiting Baltimore Orioles due to an undisclosed injury, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. J-Rod left the dugout with a trainer and went to the clubhouse. Before leaving the contest, Rodriguez went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double, a run scored, and two strikeouts. Victor Robles moved from right field to center field, with Rob Refsynder entering the game to play right field for the M's. Seattle can ill-afford to lose the 25-year-old Dominican for an extended amount of time with Randy Arozarena (hamstring) going on the injured list on Tuesday and Luke Raley (back) also banged up of late. We should have an update on Rodriguez early on Thursday, so check back then. Even if it's not a serious injury, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be in the lineup for the series finale against the O's at T-Mobile Park on Thursday. Rodriguez came into Wednesday's tilt with a .248/.310/.426 slash line, .736 OPS, 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 39 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 74 games across 326 plate appearances.

15 hours ago

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.

16 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.

17 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.

17 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.

17 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.

17 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.

17 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.

17 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.

18 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.

19 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.

19 hours ago

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