MLB News

Ryan Ward • LF • Dodgers

Ryan Ward a Left-Handed Power Bat to Monitor in Deep Fantasy Leagues?

Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Ryan Ward, who is ranked as the team's No. 19 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is a left-handed power bat to monitor in deep fantasy baseball leagues in the short term. Since being called up to the majors for the first time, the 28-year-old former eighth-round selection in 2019 out of Bryant University has gone 11-for-43 (.256) with three home runs, four doubles, 11 RBI, and seven runs scored in his 46 plate appearances. The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder got the call to L.A. after hitting .254 (45-for-177) with six home runs, 31 RBI, 28 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 47 games played with Triple-A Oklahoma City this year. At least until Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) returns from his stay on the injured list, Ward can be an asset in deeper leagues for his power against right-handed arms. All three of his home runs and all 11 of his RBI have come off righties, and he's been afforded just three plate appearances against southpaws. Because he struggles against lefties, though, Ward is unlikely to have an everyday role this year in a crowded Dodgers lineup, especially once Hernandez returns.

4 hours ago

Bailey Ober • SP • Twins

Bailey Ober Expects to Throw Off a Mound This Weekend

Minnesota Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (elbow) thinks he will throw off a mound this weekend in Arizona, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. It would be the first time that Ober has set foot on a mound since he was placed on the 15-day injured list in early June with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Ober could need a couple of bullpen sessions before being cleared for a short minor-league rehab assignment, so he could have time to rejoin the Twins' starting rotation before the All-Star break in mid-July, barring a setback. The 30-year-old veteran won't be a priority addition off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in mixed leagues, though, after he posted a 4.59 ERA (4.96 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 18 walks in 66 2/3 innings pitched across his 12 starts before landing on the shelf. Ober still has above-average command, but with a drop in velocity this year and a career-low 16.4% strikeout rate, his fantasy upside has diminished as a starting option. While on the IL, Ober is rostered in only 18% of Yahoo leagues.

5 hours ago

Mick Abel • SP • Twins

Mick Abel Could Return to Twins Rotation on Sunday

Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) will join the team on their road trip in Arizona and is scheduled for a light bullpen session, with his next steps to be determined, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Hayes is putting the puzzle pieces together and speculates that if the Twins are flying Abel from Minnesota to Phoenix, with his next turn scheduled for Sunday, it's likely that he'll come off the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's series finale against the D-Backs. In his two minor-league rehab starts with Triple-A St. Paul, Abel has looked like a pitcher ready to return to the majors, giving up an earned run with 10 strikeouts and no walks in eight innings pitched. He has been sidelined since the middle of April with right-elbow inflammation, but now is the time for fantasy managers to scoop him up if you need rotation help. The 24-year-old former 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 had a 3.98 ERA (2.75 FIP) and 1.57 WHIP with 23 K's and 10 walks in 20 1/3 innings over four outings (three starts) for the Twins before going on the IL. Abel is widely available, as he's rostered in just 18% of Yahoo leagues.

5 hours ago

Daulton Varsho • CF • Blue Jays

Daulton Varsho Could Return on Saturday for Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that there's a chance that outfielder Daulton Varsho (wrist) could be ready to return from the 10-day injured list on Saturday when he's first eligible, but he will "have to do a lot today and tomorrow," according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. If Varsho isn't activated this weekend, he may need to go on a short minor-league rehab assignment, consisting of a game or two. The 29-year-old left-handed-hitting center fielder is recovering from inflammation in his left wrist, but his return appears to be on the horizon. Before landing on the IL, Varsho was hitting a very mediocre .256/.331/.408 with a .738 OPS, five home runs, 17 RBI, 27 runs scored, and five stolen bases for the Blue Jays in 64 games across 236 plate appearances in his fourth season with the organization. Until he returns, the light-hitting Myles Straw should continue to see most of the playing time in center field for Toronto. Varsho is only rostered in 23% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.

5 hours ago

Addison Barger • RF • Blue Jays

Addison Barger May Not Start Rehab Assignment Until Next Week

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (elbow) has yet to begin a minor-league rehab assignment and might not get into games until early next week, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Barger has been slow to recover from inflammation in his right elbow, and it's the second time this year already that he's been on the IL, previously missing time with two sprained ankles. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter has only played in nine games so far this season, going 1-for-22 at the plate with two RBI, two runs scored, five walks, and seven strikeouts. It's easy to write him off because of how much time he has already missed, but fantasy managers shouldn't forget that he was an asset for the Jays in 2025 in his first full season in the majors, slashing .243/.301/.454 with a .756 OPS, 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 61 runs scored, and four steals in 135 regular-season games. Barger was also a key offensive piece in the team's run to the World Series in the postseason, and he should play regularly against right-handers when he returns from the IL. He's still rostered in 20% of Yahoo leagues as he rehabs his elbow.

5 hours ago

Quinn Priester • SP • Brewers

Quinn Priester to Have Season-Ending Surgery

After consulting with Dr. Gregory Pearl, Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (rib) has decided to have season-ending first-rib-removal surgery, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Priester expects to be out for eight to 10 months before returning to 100% health. Priester will have thoracic outlet compression surgery on Monday after dealing with symptoms since last year. He attempted to pitch through it in 2026, but he was unsuccessful on those attempts and went 0-5 with a 15.75 ERA, 2.87 WHIP, and 18:24 K:BB in 16 innings across eight starts in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League and with High-A Wisconsin and Triple-A Nashville. It will end up being a lost season for Priester, who looked good in his first year in Milwaukee in 2025, when he went 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA (4.01 FIP), 1.24 WHIP, and 132:50 K:BB in 157 1/3 innings across 29 outings (24 starts). The former 18th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 is hoping to be fully ready for the start of the 2027 season, but this isn't a condition that is easy to return from.

6 hours ago

Walbert Ureña • SP • Angels

Walbert Urena Quietly Becoming a Pitcher to Roster in Deeper Leagues

Los Angeles Angels rookie right-hander Walbert Urena pitches for one of the worst teams in baseball, but he has gained steam off the waiver wire after going 4-5 with a 2.60 ERA (4.15 FIP) and 1.35 WHIP with 58 strikeouts and 35 walks in 62 1/3 innings pitched across his first 13 major-league appearances (11 starts) for the Halos. The 22-year-old Dominican took his fifth loss of the year in his last outing on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, giving up four runs (three earned) while walking two and striking out only three, but he threw a season-high seven innings. Urena already has six quality starts and has allowed three or fewer runs in nine straight outings to attract some eyeballs around the league. He's been a bit fortunate, though, with a bloated walk rate of 12.9% and with a below-average 21.3% strikeout rate. Urena has plenty of potential to stick around in the Angels' starting rotation for the rest of the season, but if his command doesn't improve, he's very likely to be hit by regression at some point soon. Right now, he's rostered in 40% of Yahoo leagues.

6 hours ago

Jake McCarthy • CF • Rockies

Jake McCarthy Offers Speed Off the Waiver Wire in Colorado

Colorado Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy missed some time recently due to an illness, but he has picked up where he left off at the plate and is starting to become a staple in the Rockies' lineup. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has gone 5-for-13 with two runs scored in four games since returning from his illness, and he's slashing .289/.333/.444 with a .777 OPS, four home runs, 27 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 24 runs scored across 60 games and 207 plate appearances in his first year in Denver in 2026. McCarthy has seen more regular playing time in Colorado in the last month with both Mickey Moniak (ankle) and Brenton Doyle (oblique) on the injured list, but even when they both return, it might be hard for manager Warren Schaefer to keep him out of the lineup with the way he's been swinging the bat. He has never had much power -- career high of eight home runs in 2024 with the Arizona Diamondbacks -- but if you need speed, McCarthy is your man off the waiver wire. He's rostered in only 11% of Yahoo leagues.

6 hours ago

Zebby Matthews • SP • Twins

Zebby Matthews Worth a Waiver-Wire Look After Bounce-Back Outing

Minnesota Twins right-hander Zebby Matthews had a nice bounce-back performance on Tuesday in his start against the Texas Rangers on the road, allowing two earned runs on eight hits while walking none and striking out four in seven innings to earn his third win of the year. In his previous start on June 11, he surrendered a season-high seven earned runs on nine hits (three homers) while walking one and fanning four in six innings in a loss to the Detroit Tigers on the road. Even though Matthews has allowed seven earned runs in two of his last four outings, the 26-year-old former eighth-round pick in 2022 out of Western Carolina University has recorded quality starts for his fantasy managers in five of his seven outings in 2026. He'll be hard to trust in his next scheduled outing against the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers, but Matthews is a rising young arm who deserves more attention from fantasy managers on the waiver wire. He's currently 3-4 with a 4.78 ERA (4.69 FIP) and 1.18 WHIP with 34 strikeouts and only nine walks in 43 1/3 innings in his third year in Minnesota. Matthews is available in over 80% of Yahoo leagues.

7 hours ago

Will Vest • RP • Tigers

Will Vest Still Worth Targeting After Fourth Blown Save?

Detroit Tigers right-handed reliever Will Vest was garnering some interest off the waiver wire recently with regular closer Kenley Jansen (pelvis) on the injured list. Vest picked up his first save of the year on June 1 and also won his second game of the year on June 7 to peak interest among those desperate for saves, but now that Jansen is back from the IL, Vest's path to save chances is shrinking. Additionally, the 31-year-old veteran blew his fourth save of 2026 in his last appearance out of the bullpen on June 16 against the Houston Astros, allowing an earned run on one hit while walking one in just one-third of an inning. Jansen has been shaky in his own right this year and is 38 years old, but Vest hasn't exactly put himself at the top of the line as a closer handcuff in Detroit with his 2-4 record, 6.45 ERA (3.68 FIP), and 1.48 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and nine walks in 22 1/3 innings. If Jansen gets injured again or demoted from the closer's role, it could be Kyle Finnegan, and not Vest, as the next man up for saves for manager A.J. Hinch. Vest is rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues.

7 hours ago

Aaron Ashby • RP • Brewers

Aaron Ashby Continues to Rack Up Wins, Attracting More Waiver Interest

Milwaukee Brewers left-handed reliever Aaron Ashby doesn't always pitch in high-leverage spots at the end of games, but he's still been clutch out of the bullpen for the first-place Brewers and for fantasy managers alike in 2026. The 28-year-old southpaw has an MLB-leading 10 wins (zero losses) in his 33 appearances (one start as an opener) while pitching to a 2.80 ERA (2.85 FIP) and 1.33 WHIP with 61 strikeouts and 22 walks in 45 innings pitched. Ashby actually has a 6.00 ERA (5.43 FIP) with four walks and 10 strikeouts in nine innings pitched over seven outings in June, but it hasn't stopped him from picking up a win and two holds. He gave up a run in his last outing on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians, but the Brewers once again bailed him out for his major-league-leading 10th victory. Not only is Ashby attractive as a vulture for wins off the waiver wire, but he's also sporting a career-high 31.6% strikeout rate. A career-high 11.4% walk rate is getting him in trouble, too. If you need wins, Ashby might be worth targeting, and he's rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues.

7 hours ago

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.

8 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.

8 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.

8 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.

8 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.

8 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.

8 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.

8 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.

8 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.

8 hours ago

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