MLB News

Max Scherzer • SP • Blue Jays

Max Scherzer Throws Successful Bullpen Session on Monday

Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Max Scherzer (back) threw a bullpen session on Monday that went well, manager John Schneider told Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. Scherzer has been recovering from back spasms that sent him to the 15-day injured list last week. Even though the future Hall of Famer has failed to stay healthy towards the end of his career, the Blue Jays believe he could return from his back injury sooner rather than later. Our best guess is that Toronto will take things slowly with the three-time Cy Young winner and hold him out beyond the All-Star break in mid-July. The 41-year-old eight-time All-Star has not pitched well when healthy in 2026 in his second year with Toronto, going 1-4 with a career-worst 10.23 ERA (8.79 FIP) and 1.73 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and 11 walks in 22 innings in just six starts. Given his inability to stay healthy the last two years for the Jays, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Scherzer shifted to a relief role in the second half. He's rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues.

4 hours ago

Addison Barger • RF • Blue Jays

Addison Barger Set to Start Rehab Assignment on Thursday

The hope is that Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (elbow) will start a minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Barger will need around a week of rehab games before he is reinstated from the 10-day injured list to rejoin Toronto's major-league roster. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter has appeared in only nine games for the Blue Jays in 2026 due to elbow and ankle injuries, and he had just one hit in 28 plate appearances with two RBI, five walks, and seven strikeouts. He has been out since the middle of May with inflammation in his right elbow. Barring a setback on his rehab assignment, Barger should return to action in the big leagues before the All-Star break next month. Barger should be a lineup regular against righties when fully healthy, giving him some waiver-wire appeal in deeper fantasy leagues for his power from the left side of the plate and eligibility at both third base and in the outfield. He's currently rostered in only 20% of Yahoo leagues, but don't forget that he clubbed 21 homers and drove in 74 in 135 regular-season games last year before helping to lead the Jays to the World Series in the postseason.

4 hours ago

Yordan Alvarez • DH • Astros

Yordan Alvarez Won't Take Part in Home Run Derby

Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez, the front-runner for MVP in the American League this year, said he will not participate in this year's Home Run Derby. "I'm still open," Alvarez said on Sunday, "but not this year." Alvarez hit his 25th home run of the year in Sunday's 2-1 win over the visiting Cleveland Guardians at Daikin Park, and he trails only Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber for the major-league home run lead. Alvarez had an invitation to take part in the 2022 Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium, but he went on the injured list with a right-hand injury right before the All-Star break. He also missed the 2023 All-Star game due to an oblique injury. The Astros haven't had a competitor in the Home Run Derby since third baseman Alex Bregman did it in both 2018 and 2019. Alvarez is set to compete in his fourth career All-Star game next month in Philly. He's currently slashing .322/.428/.640, and his 1.068 OPS and .640 slugging percentage lead all of baseball. After an injury-plagued 2025 campaign that limited him to only 48 games, the former AL Rookie of the Year has bounced back in a huge way in 2026.

4 hours ago

Bobby Witt Jr. • SS • Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. Still Out With Knee Injury

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (knee) remains out of the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the hosting Tampa Bay Rays, according to MLB.com. Maikel Garcia is starting at shortstop and batting second, with Nick Loftin starting at the hot corner and batting eighth against Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen. The Royals believe that Witt will avoid going on the injured list, but he has yet to play since being pulled from last Thursday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee. The longer the All-Star shortstop remains out, the greater the chance that he will go on the IL to close out the month of June. The 26-year-old two-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger can do it all on the baseball field and is one of the best five-category contributors in the game. He's currently slashing .294/.368/.465 with an .833 OPS, 10 home runs, 32 RBI, 28 stolen bases, and 40 runs scored in 76 games played and 337 plate appearances. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday to see if he can return to the starting nine for the Royals. UPDATE: According to MLB.com's Brian Murphy, Witt hit in the batting cages, fielded grounders, and ran the bases before Monday's game against Tampa.

5 hours ago

Bryan Abreu • RP • Astros

Astros Place Reliever Bryan Abreu on the Restricted List

The Houston Astros announced on Monday that they placed right-handed reliever Bryan Abreu on the restricted list and recalled right-hander Logan VanWey from Triple-A Sugar Land in a corresponding move. It's unclear exactly why Abreu has landed on the restricted list, but it could be due to visa issues with the team playing in Toronto for a series this week. If the 29-year-old Dominican is dealing with a visa issue, we probably won't see him back with the team until their series opener on Thursday versus the Detroit Tigers. Abreu had a shot to lock down the team's closer duties to begin the 2026 season with left-hander Josh Hader on the injured list, but he got off to a rough start and is currently carrying a 6.39 ERA (6.78 OPS), 1.82 WHIP, five saves, 33 strikeouts, and 24 walks in 25 1/3 innings out of the bullpen this year for the Astros. Now that Hader is back from his biceps injury and locked in as the team's unquestioned closer, Abreu is less attractive in fantasy baseball. He's currently rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues.

5 hours ago

Trent Grisham • CF • Yankees

Trent Grisham Making Progress, Doing Agility Exercises

New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham (hamstring) has been performing on-field agility exercises, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. The Yankees are discussing whether Grisham will accompany the team on their road trip to Detroit and Boston. "We're really encouraged by how well he's doing," manager Aaron Boone said. The 29-year-old left-handed-hitting center fielder is recovering from a mild strained right hamstring that landed him on the 10-day injured list on June 13. It's unclear exactly when Grisham might be a candidate to be reinstated from the IL, but he could have a shot to make it back before the All-Star break in mid-July if he continues to make progress. With both Aaron Judge (ribs) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) also on the IL, the Yankees have been forced to rely regularly on rookie Spencer Jones and now Jasson Dominguez in their outfield next to Cody Bellinger. Grisham had a career-best 34 home runs and 74 RBI in 143 regular-season games for the Yanks last year and can provide nice pop from the left side as outfield depth for fantasy managers. However, his high swing-and-miss rates mean he will be a batting average drain (currently hitting .232). Grisham has eight homers, 35 RBI, and six steals in his 66 games played in 2026. He's rostered in 44% of Yahoo leagues while he heals.

5 hours ago

Jack Flaherty • SP • Tigers

Jack Flaherty to Make a Rehab Start on Tuesday

Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty (ankle) will make a minor-league rehab start on Tuesday at Double-A Erie, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Reports coming out of Flaherty's bullpen session were all positive, so he could be cleared to return from the 15-day injured list after making only one rehab start in the minors. Fantasy managers probably are in no rush to pick the 30-year-old veteran starter back up off the waiver wire, though, after he went 1-8 with a 5.35 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.57 WHIP with 78 strikeouts and 34 walks in 65 2/3 innings pitched over his first 15 starts before injuring his ankle. The former first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014 allowed three runs or fewer in each of his last five starts, though. If Flaherty can improve his command in the second half of the year in Detroit -- he currently has an 11.1% walk rate -- positive regression should follow. While he's recovering from his ankle injury, Flaherty is rostered in 42% of Yahoo leagues.

5 hours ago

Corey Seager • SS • Rangers

Corey Seager Still Day-to-Day, Potential Return Date Unclear

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (concussion) is still day-to-day after being placed on the seven-day concussion injured list last week, but he was out on the field with the team during warmups and defensive drills before Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. Seager will travel with the team this week, but it's to be determined when he might return to play. It's been an injury-plagued 2026 season for the 32-year-old veteran, as he also spent time in the first half of the season with a back injury. In addition to more injuries for the five-time All-Star and two-time World Series MVP, Seager has hit a very disappointing .186/.284/.373 with a .657 OPS, nine home runs, 24 RBI, 25 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 177 at-bats this year. Seager's track record makes him worth holding in most fantasy baseball leagues, but there is concern that he could continue to struggle at the plate and with injuries into the second half. Right now, he's rostered in 88% of Yahoo leagues. Ezequiel Duran will continue to hold down the fort at the 6 in Texas until Seager is cleared to return from the IL. UPDATE: Seager is scheduled to take live batting practice on Tuesday, according to The Dallas Morning News' Evan Grant.

5 hours ago

Jett Williams • SS • Brewers

Will Jett Williams Reach the Major Leagues in 2026?

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop prospect Jett Williams is on the list of a talented group of prospects who make their home at the position up the middle. Cooper Pratt is a recent call-up at the position, and Jesus Made is one of the most talented names in the minors at the position. But don't count out Williams, who is hitting .217 with nine homers, 37 RBI, and 15 stolen bases at Triple-A Nashville. The numbers aren't necessarily overwhelming, but Williams is a first-round pick of the New York Mets before arriving in Milwaukee's system in the Freddy Peralta trade this past winter. Williams is part of a loaded Brewers infield and will have to increase his production in order to garner a call-up to the big league level. He has the pedigree to predict future fantasy success, but it will be an uphill battle to contribute to the Brewers this year or in the near future. Given his lack of a clear path to MLB at-bats and following Pratt's promotion, Williams is best left as a deep-league stash target in 12+ team leagues with multiple N/A spots.

6 hours ago

Jaxon Wiggins • SP • Cubs

Jaxon Wiggins a Name to Monitor in Deeper Leagues Amid Rehab Assignment

Chicago Cubs right-handed pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins is currently on a rehab assignment at High-A South Bend, where he pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing one run with three strikeouts in a start on Sunday. It's been an injury-plagued year for Wiggins, the second-round pick out of the University of Arkansas, but the promising right-hander was part of the Futures Game last season as a representative of the Chicago Cubs organization. Wiggins pitched to a 2.19 ERA between three levels in 2025, capped off by a finale at Triple-A Iowa. Across 78 innings, he totaled 97 punchouts with a stellar 1.03 WHIP. Recovering from right elbow inflammation, Wiggins is a promising prospect, and savvy fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his progress as he rehabs. Given Chicago's lack of starting pitching depth, Wiggins could become a priority pitching prospect to stash in the coming weeks once he returns to Triple-A.

6 hours ago

Zac Veen • LF • Rockies

Zac Veen Emerging as Priority High-Upside Stash Candidate in Week 13

Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen had a taste of the major leagues in 2025 with the Rockies, but did little in his cameo appearance. Over his first 12 MLB games, Veen carried a low .112 average with a 14:2 K:BB. He was unable to earn a spot on the team's Opening Day roster due to injury and performance, and, as a result, has spent the whole season in Triple-A Albuquerque. Veen, a left-handed hitting outfielder, battled injury to begin the season, but has produced with 11 homers and 48 RBI in 246 at-bats at the Triple-A level to go with 14 steals and a .325 batting average. Those well-rounded numbers could make Veen, a former first-round pick, a sneaky stash option as he continues to knock on the door to a return trip to Colorado. With many outfielders on the MLB roster dealing with injuries, including Jordan Beck, Brenton Doyle, and Mickey Moniak, Veen could push for a promotion in the near future, given his dominant performance.

6 hours ago

Grant Taylor • RP • White Sox

Grant Taylor Worth Adding Despite Limited Save Opportunities?

Chicago White Sox right-handed relief pitcher Grant Taylor offers fantasy value even without a full-time closer role. Across 37 2/3 innings, the 24-year-old is 2-0 with two saves, five holds, a 2.39 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts. Taylor has been especially effective over his last 15 appearances, recording a 2.14 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and 28:4 K:BB across 21 innings. Seranthony Dominguez remains Chicago's primary closer, while Bryan Hudson is also part of the late-inning mix, so Taylor should not be treated as the unquestioned ninth-inning option. However, his strikeout production and strong ratios give him standalone value in saves-plus-holds formats, and he would be a logical candidate for more save chances if Dominguez continues to struggle (six earned runs over his last 11 frames). Taylor remains available in most Yahoo leagues at a 21% roster rate, making him an appealing bullpen pickup for fantasy managers seeking immediate strikeouts with the potential to earn saves.

6 hours ago

Randy Arozarena • LF • Mariners

Randy Arozarena Could Rejoin the Mariners This Week

Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena (hamstring) did some baserunning on Sunday and could come off the 10-day injured list before the team's series opener on Tuesday on the road against the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. Seattle has a scheduled day off on Monday. The 31-year-old has been cleared to travel with the M's during their road trip this week, so if he doesn't come back on Tuesday, he could return at any point this week. When Arozarena returns to Seattle's starting lineup, he should be considered a must-start in all fantasy formats. The Cuban slugger has been money at the plate so far in 2026 in his second full season with the Mariners, slashing .291/.377/.448 with an .826 OPS, seven home runs, 33 RBI, 19 stolen bases, and 47 runs scored across 71 games and 302 plate appearances. With the two-time All-Star out recently with a minor hamstring pull, Victor Robles has received extra run in Seattle's outfield.

6 hours ago

Héctor Rodríguez • LF • Reds

Hector Rodriguez Showing Off Power at Triple-A, Is he Nearing a Promotion?

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez provides a good stash option while at Triple-A Louisville, for fantasy managers looking to add a high-impact power bat. With the Bats, the left-handed swinging 22-year-old has 17 home runs and 49 RBI this season while hitting for a solid .292 batting average. His .909 OPS shows off his power skills, and he has even added six stolen bases this season at the top level of the system. Should the Reds decide to look his way, Rodriguez could bring some of that power to the notoriously hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park. Fantasy managers in deeper 12+ team, five-outfielder leagues should act now to acquire Rodriguez and reap the rewards later in the season.

6 hours ago

Braden Montgomery • RF • White Sox

Braden Montgomery Still a Top Waiver-Wire Target Amid Slow Start to MLB Career?

Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Braden Montgomery has produced modest results since reaching the majors, but his prospect pedigree and everyday role make him an appealing proactive waiver-wire target. The 23-year-old is batting .231/.268/.385 with one home run, four RBI, five runs, and a .653 OPS over his first 39 MLB at-bats. Chicago promoted Montgomery after he batted .314/.422/.548 across 56 games between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte, including a 15-for-34 run during a nine-game hitting streak immediately before his call-up. The White Sox have committed to playing their No. 2 prospect regularly, primarily in right field, giving him a secure opportunity to work through his early adjustment. Montgomery's swing-and-miss tendencies create some batting-average risk, but his raw power and strong minor-league production give him considerable breakout potential. Montgomery is rostered in just 20% of Yahoo leagues, making him a worthwhile proactive pickup in 12-team formats or deeper.

6 hours ago

Blake Snell • SP • Dodgers

Blake Snell Throws Off of a Mound

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell (elbow) threw off a bullpen mound on Saturday to a standing catcher, according to Sonja Chen of MLB.com. Snell is slowly making progress after having a scope on May 19 to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. The 33-year-old won't be ready to rejoin the Dodgers' starting rotation until the second half of the season, and it's unclear exactly when that might be. But based on the quick return of Detroit Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal after a similar procedure on his elbow, Snell could return in late July or early August. The two-time Cy Young winner has only made 12 starts for the Blue since joining the team before the start of the 2025 campaign, and in his lone start this year, he allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits while walking two and striking out five in only three innings pitched. Snell has been extremely volatile for fantasy managers because of injuries the last two years, but he had a 2.35 ERA in his 11 starts last year and has a 30% career strikeout rate, making him stash-worthy almost everywhere for a second-half return. He's rostered in 75% of Yahoo leagues.

6 hours ago

Luis Lara • CF • Brewers

Luis Lara Offers Well-Rounded Fantasy Profile, Remains Top Stash Candidate?

Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Luis Lara is doing everything he can at Triple-A Nashville to encourage a promotion to the major leagues. The outfielder is hitting .313 with 56 runs, seven homers, 30 RBI, and 20 stolen bases across 67 games of action. That power-speed combination should play at the big league level (.873 OPS in 246 at-bats). The Brewers have shown an ability to get the most out of all types of players in Milwaukee, and Lara profiles as another player who could thrive at American Family Field. With the Brewers beckoning, Lara is a name to target in the waiver-wire process, and he could provide immediate dividends for fantasy managers. Additionally, earlier in June, the Brewers inked the top-100 prospect ot a seven-year contract extension, signaling his long-term role on this roster. Entering Week 13, Lara profiles as a top outfield prospect to stash as he is on the trajectory to compete for an MLB debut in the coming weeks.

6 hours ago

Will Smith • C • Dodgers

Will Smith Won't Return on Current Road Trip

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday that catcher Will Smith (neck) will not travel on the team's current road trip, which starts on Monday, June 22, in Minnesota and ends on Wednesday, July 1, in Sacramento against the A's, per MLB.com's Sonja Chen. Smith could return early next homestand, though, which starts on Thursday, July 2, against the division-rival San Diego Padres, and he might need a short minor-league rehab assignment. The 31-year-old veteran recently received a cortisone injection in his neck to help him deal with inflammation that has kept him sidelined for the last two weeks. The three-time All-Star should be stashed in most fantasy baseball formats despite his injury and the fact that he has disappointed with a .249 average (43-for-173), six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 2026 before landing on the 10-day injured list. His replacement, Dalton Rushing, has hit .254 (34-for-134) with eight long balls, 22 RBI, and 21 runs scored in 45 games in his first full year in the majors.

7 hours ago

Teoscar Hernández • LF • Dodgers

Teoscar Hernandez Hoping to Return to Dodgers on June 29

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Sunday that outfielder Teoscar Hernandez's (hamstring) minor-league rehab assignment will be with Triple-A Oklahoma City and that the hope is he will return for a series in Sacramento against the Athletics, starting on Monday, June 29, according to Sonja Chen of MLB.com. Hernandez should be cleared to begin a rehab assignment this week at OKC after taking live batting practice the last few days. The 33-year-old veteran right-handed slugger has been sidelined with a Grade 1 hamstring strain since late, May, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment this week and weekend, he could be ready to go to begin next week. The Dominican outfielder could be eased back into the Dodgers' starting lineup next week, but he's an everyday player for the team when he's fully healthy. Hernandez was hitting a strong .276/.348/.436 with a .785 OPS, seven home runs, 31 RBI, 30 runs, and two steals in 181 at-bats before tweaking his hamstring. The two-time All-Star has at least 25 home runs in each of his last five seasons, dating back to 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays.

7 hours ago

Jackson Holliday • 2B • Orioles

Is Jackson Holliday Still a Worthy Waiver-Wire Option Despite Cold Start?

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday (groin) remains an intriguing waiver-wire option despite a slow start and some short-term uncertainty. The 22-year-old is batting .200/.286/.388 with four home runs, 12 RBI, 14 runs, and three stolen bases over 85 at-bats since returning from right hamate surgery. His production has dipped further over his last 15 games (.174 AVG), but his combination of power, speed, and regular playing time when healthy preserves his fantasy upside. Last summer, the former top-ranked prospect produced 17 home runs and 17 stolen bases across 149 games, demonstrating the multi-category ceiling that remains. Holliday was removed after experiencing groin tightness on Saturday and sat out the following game, but the Orioles consider him day-to-day, and he does not expect the issue to require an injured-list stint. Managers should continue to monitor his status, but he should not be in danger of missing much time this coming week. Holliday's Yahoo rostership rate sits at 32%, leaving him available in roughly two-thirds of leagues as an upside pickup for managers who can tolerate some immediate uncertainty.

7 hours ago

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