MLB News

Kemp Alderman • RF • Marlins

Kemp Alderman Showing Some Rust, Still a Stash Option in Deeper Leagues?

Miami Marlins outfield prospect Kemp Alderman has looked a bit rusty since returning from the injured list, going 3-for-19 (.158) in the five games since rejoining Triple-A Jacksonville. The Marlins' eighth-ranked prospect missed about a month with a fractured wrist, and had been hitting well before the injury, still sitting with a solid .287/.365/.503 slash line, even including the last five unproductive games. The concerning part is the fact that 50 percent of his plate appearances since his return have been strikeouts (11 out of 22), so he'll need to get that under control before he starts hitting for average again. Once he does, though, an MLB debut may not be too far off. Last season, the former second-rounder hit 22 home runs and stole 22 bases, and has shown that ability so far this year with 10 long balls and five steals through 45 games. If he can get back on track, the 23-year-old could be stash-worthy in deeper leagues for his ability to be a multi-category contributor on a team that has been hot lately, with the best record in June so far (14-4).

4 hours ago

Franklin Arias • SS

Franklin Arias Gets Back on Track, Promotion to Triple-A on the Way?

Boston Red Sox shortstop prospect Franklin Arias broke out of his mini-slump over the weekend, going 6-for-10 with a pair of three-hit games, which included three doubles and his first home run since June 2, a period of 14 games without one. The surge boosted his season-long slash line to .315/.395/.579 with 14 home runs and five stolen bases at Double-A Portland. Also notable was the fact that for the first time all season, the 5-foot-11 Venezuelan made a start at a position other than shortstop, manning second base for the Sea Dogs in Saturday's contest. Although he's played some second base in the past, it is something to keep an eye on, as more starts there could provide added versatility and create another pathway to Triple-A and eventually the majors, perhaps even in 2026. With Boston promoting Anthony Seigler from Triple-A to play second base with Isiah Kiner-Falefa (forearm) hitting the injured list, a promotion to Triple-A for Arias could be forthcoming. Once on the doorstep to the majors, Arias could become a stash option in deeper leagues.

4 hours ago

Maikel Garcia • 3B • Royals

Maikel Garcia Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Strain

The Kansas City Royals placed third baseman Maikel Garcia (hand) on the 10-day injured list with a left-hand muscle strain. Garcia had been dealing with lingering soreness before aggravating the injury during a June 16 game against the Washington Nationals. He missed three games, returned for two contests, and went 1-for-9 before Kansas City opted for an injured-list stint. The 26-year-old is batting .261/.320/.373 with three home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs, and five stolen bases across 69 games this season. The Royals recalled infielder Josh Rojas from Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding move. Rojas could see time at third base while Garcia is sidelined, but he's best to be left on the waiver wire as he held a .180 AVG over 69 games in the majors last summer.

4 hours ago

James Tibbs III • RF • Dodgers

James Tibbs III on the Verge of MLB Debut After Latest Injured Outfielder?

Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has gone somewhat cold as of late, hitting just .133 (4-for-30) over his last nine games. Despite the slowdown, it's worth noting that three of his four hits during this time have gone for extra bases (one double, two home runs) and the left-handed hitter has still been able to get on base at a .381 clip, thanks to more walks (12) than strikeouts (10) over that span. For the season, the Dodgers' 10th-ranked prospect is hitting .291 with a 1.000 OPS and 20 home runs. The former first-rounder's strikeout rate is on the high side at 26.0 percent, but he owns a strong 17.0 percent walk rate, and his 20 home runs are the second-most at Triple-A. Kyle Tucker (back) exited Monday's game with back spasms, and if it causes him to miss time, this could finally be Tibbs' moment. Either way, the 23-year-old should make his debut at some point this season, and is one of the top bats to stash for his power and RBI potential.

5 hours ago

Mitch Bratt • SP • Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Set to Promote No. 14 Prospect Mitch Bratt to Make MLB Debut

Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed pitching prospect Mitch Bratt has joined the club's taxi squad and is expected to be activated to make his major-league debut against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. The 22-year-old is ranked as the No. 14 prospect in Arizona's system by MLB Pipeline. Bratt has gone 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 44 1/3 innings and 11 starts for Triple-A Reno. His strong command has been the foundation of his success, although his arsenal is built more around location and pitch mixing than overpowering velocity. The left-hander recently returned from an injured-list stint caused by shoulder inflammation and allowed two runs over four innings while working on a limited pitch count. He may therefore have a restricted workload during his debut. Bratt is expected to fill the rotation opening created by Michael Soroka's glute injury, but Arizona has not guaranteed him an extended stay. He is worth a speculative addition in deeper leagues, while standard-league managers should monitor his workload and initial performance before using a roster spot.

5 hours ago

Deyvison De Los Santos • 1B • Marlins

Deyvison De Los Santos Stays Hot, Worthy of Stashing?

Miami Marlins first base prospect Deyvison De Los Santos stayed hot on Sunday, going 3-for-5 and extending his current hit streak to seven games, during which time he's gone 13-for-29 (.448) with three doubles, two home runs, and a pair of stolen bases. The latest hot stretch has pushed his season-long slash line to .273/.325/.445 with eight home runs and 11 steals. Last year at Triple-A, the powerful slugger recorded a 22.4 percent strikeout rate, but has lowered that to 18.8 percent in 2026, which should help make his case for a return to the majors. The 6-foot-1 Dominican made a brief three-game debut with the Marlins at the beginning of this season, going 2-for-7 with three strikeouts during his time there. The 23-year-old blasted 40 home runs in 2024, and though his power took a step back last year (12 home runs), he's still got an average exit velocity of 90.1 mph and a max EV this year of 113.1 mph (93rd percentile), so he's still hitting it hard. The right-handed hitter could get the call to the majors again soon, and with his home run upside and improved strikeout rate, along with the potential to add some steals, he makes for a solid stash option in deeper leagues.

5 hours ago

Ben Malgeri • CF • Tigers

Tigers Promote Ben Malgeri, a Worthy Pickup in Standard Leagues?

According to Chris McCosky, the Detroit Tigers selected the contract of outfielder Ben Malgeri from Triple-A Toledo, placing the 26-year-old on a major-league roster for the first time in his career. Detroit optioned outfielder Trei Cruz to Toledo in a corresponding move, while right-hander Burch Smith was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Malgeri earned the promotion by batting .296/.401/.496 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, 47 runs, eight stolen bases, and a .897 OPS across 250 Triple-A at-bats. The right-handed hitter also offers defensive versatility, having played all three outfield positions during his professional career. However, Cruz's demotion does not necessarily guarantee Malgeri regular playing time with Detroit. His combination of on-base ability, moderate power, and speed makes him an intriguing addition in deeper leagues, but standard-league managers should monitor his early usage before committing a roster spot. Malgeri is currently available in all standard Yahoo leagues, leaving him widely available as a speculative pickup.

5 hours ago

Justin Steele • SP • Cubs

Cubs Don't Expect Justin Steele to Start Games This Year

Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said that he doesn't expect left-hander Justin Steele (elbow) to start games this season, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network. Hoyer pointed toward a healthy 2027 season for Steele but didn't rule out Steele helping in a relief role at some point late in the summer. The 30-year-old southpaw had surgery on his UCL last May and suffered a setback in late April when he was diagnosed with a flexor strain in his left arm. Steele resumed throwing on Monday, but fantasy managers can't count on him to be an asset as a starter this season, which won't make him stash-worthy in the majority of formats. The former fifth-rounder in 2014 was a first-time All-Star for the Cubs in 2023 in his third year in the big leagues, and he has a 3.30 ERA (3.49 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, 24.4% strikeout rate, and 7.3% walk rate in 506 2/3 innings across 102 big-league appearances (91 starts) in his five seasons with the Cubs. Steele is rostered in only 8% of Yahoo leagues.

6 hours ago

Elly De La Cruz • SS • Reds

Elly De La Cruz Officially Activated From Injured List

The Cincinnati Reds officially activated shortstop Elly De La Cruz (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and optioned outfielder Will Benson to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Fantasy managers should be ready to get De La Cruz back into their starting lineups against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers and right-hander Brandon Sproat on Tuesday. The 24-year-old has yet to play in June due to a strained right hamstring, but now that he's back, he'll return to being a must-start fantasy asset in all formats. Middle infielder Matt McLain will shift back to second base with De La Cruz back in the fold. De La Cruz is a five-category contributor as one of the elite athletes in the big leagues. He is returning to a .280/.346/.509 slash line with an .855 OPS, 12 home runs, 37 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 40 runs scored across his 58 games played and 257 plate appearances. De La Cruz has had at least 22 homers and 37 stolen bases in his first two full MLB seasons.

6 hours ago

Emilio Pagán • RP • Reds

Emilio Pagan Expects to Begin Rehab Assignment on Thursday

Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan (hamstring) threw a 25-pitch live bullpen session on Monday and said he expects to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday with Triple-A Louisville, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. The original plan was for Pagan to pitch in rehab games on Thursday and Saturday, but he's hoping he can return from the 15-day injured list sooner than that. The 35-year-old veteran is finally nearing a return to the back end of Cincy's bullpen after being sidelined since early May due to a Grade 2 left-hamstring strain that he suffered at Wrigley Field against the division-rival Chicago Cubs. Right-handed reliever Tony Santillan has pitched better recently as manager Terry Francona's preferred closing option in the ninth inning, but the expectation is that Pagan will return to the closer's role when he returns from the IL, potentially this weekend. Even though Pagan wasn't exactly pitching well before his hamstring injury, he did have six saves in 15 outings, and he has 71 career saves in 10 big-league seasons. Pagan is rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues. Fantasy managers in need of saves need to pick him up now.

6 hours ago

Matthew Boyd • SP • Cubs

Matthew Boyd's Next Start Will be With the Cubs

Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd's (knee, shoulder) next start will be with the Cubs, manager Craig Counsell told Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune. It's unclear when Boyd's next start will come, but Thursday at the New York Mets is in play. However, things could change after the team's game against the Mets was postponed on Monday due to inclement weather. If Boyd is pushed back to this weekend, he'll have a much more difficult matchup on the road against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. The 35-year-old veteran southpaw will be a shaky fantasy play, regardless, in his first game back after being sidelined since early May after having surgery on his meniscus. Boyd then had a setback due to left-shoulder soreness that kept him sidelined even longer. After making the All-Star team for the first time in his career in 2025, Boyd has gone 2-1 for the Cubs this season with a 6.00 ERA (2.35 FIP), 1.29 WHIP, and 31:6 K:BB in 24 innings across five starts. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be as good as he was in 2025, but Boyd still offers plenty of streaming potential as a crafty veteran with excellent command.

7 hours ago

Eury Pérez • SP • Marlins

Eury Perez Close to Rejoining Marlins Starting Rotation?

Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that right-hander Eury Perez (thigh) felt great on Monday during his pitch design and was "sneezing 95," according to Marlins reporter Jeremy Tache. It sounds like Perez is getting close to coming off the 15-day injured list and rejoining the Marlins' starting rotation. The 23-year-old could be reinstated from the IL to start on Wednesday in a good matchup against the Texas Rangers as long as he recovers well from his throwing session on Monday. Perez has been sidelined for four weeks due to a right-gracilis muscle strain. Although a matchup against Texas this week is enticing for fantasy managers, keep in mind that Perez only threw 51 pitches in his lone minor-league rehab start, so he will likely be limited from a pitch-count perspective if he returns to the rotation this week. The Dominican hurler will be returning to a 3-6 record, 4.60 ERA (4.66 FIP), and 1.26 WHIP with 72 strikeouts and 28 walks in 62 2/3 innings across his 12 starts. Perez has a nice 27.2% strikeout rate this year, but he also carries a career-high 10.6% walk rate.

7 hours ago

Agustín Ramírez • C • Marlins

Agustin Ramirez a Top Stash Candidate Ahead of Looming Return?

After posting a .653 OPS across his first 129 plate appearances of the season, Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville in early May. Since his demotion, Ramirez has shown off his five-category upside, hitting .240/.309/.424 with six home runs, 17 RBI, 21 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases across 139 plate appearances. The 24-year-old also proved he can produce at the big-league level in 2025, hitting 21 home runs and stealing 16 bases across 585 plate appearances. Defense is the big question mark for Ramirez, who graded out as one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball last season. Still, Miami recently placed catcher/designated hitter Liam Hicks (back) on the 10-day injured list, which could be the opportunity Ramirez needs to get back to the Majors. Fantasy managers in need of upside at the catcher position may want to consider stashing Ramirez ahead of his impending return.

7 hours ago

Garrett Crochet • SP • Red Sox

Garrett Crochet hasn't Resumed Throwing

Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder, lat) won't resume throwing yet, interim manager Chad Tracy said on Monday. Crochet had a scheduled re-evaluation of his shoulder on Monday, which showed that he is "improving." However, it wasn't enough for Crochet to take the next step in his recovery. The 27-year-old southpaw has been on the injured list since late April with inflammation in his left shoulder, and he encountered a setback along the way in early June when he suffered a low-grade lat strain. Crochet said that his shoulder is the bigger issue. He has been throwing a plyometric ball while he rehabs, but he's not to the point where he can pick up a real baseball yet. We already know that Crochet will be out beyond the mid-July All-Star break, and we don't have a specific timetable for when he might be able to rejoin Boston's big-league starting rotation. The two-time All-Star has league-winning upside when fully healthy, but he's been a major disappointment in 2026 in his second year in Boston, posting a 6.30 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 37 strikeouts in 30 innings over just six starts.

7 hours ago

Blaze Alexander • 3B • Orioles

Blaze Alexander Injures his Knee on Monday

Baltimore Orioles infielder/outfielder Blaze Alexander (knee) was pulled from Monday's game early against the Los Angeles Angels with discomfort in his right knee, according to Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com. Manager Craig Albernaz said that Alexander has a muscle contusion from fouling a ball off his knee, and it locked up on him when he sat down ahead of the third inning. Albernaz said Alexander will be fine, but he could be held out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Angels. Alexander was hitless in his only at-bat on Monday with a strikeout before Coby Mayo replaced him at third base in the eventual 6-1 win in Anaheim. The 27-year-old should be considered day-to-day for now. Alexander has been a huge asset for the O's in 2026 in his first year in Baltimore, hitting .310 (53-for-171) with three home runs, 23 RBI, eight stolen bases, and 22 runs scored across 67 games played. He's eligible at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield in Yahoo leagues and is rostered in 18% of those formats.

7 hours ago

Samad Taylor • LF • Padres

Samad Taylor Emerging as a High-Upside Speed Target on the Waiver Wire

Entering 2026, San Diego Padres outfielder Samad Taylor had logged just 14 big league plate appearances since the start of 2024. However, the 27-year-old posted a .906 OPS across 222 Triple-A plate appearances to open the year, earning himself a promotion to the big leagues in early June. Taylor has performed well in a limited sample size since being called up, hitting .340/.400/.420 with one home run, eight RBI, 11 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 57 plate appearances. Taylor has struck out in 28.8% of his trips to the plate, so his batting average is likely to drop as his .485 batting average on balls in play regresses to the mean. Still, Taylor offers elite speed upside as long as he can hold onto a regular role. He stole 44 bases across 137 games at Triple-A in 2025 and 50 across 136 Triple-A games in 2024. For deeper league managers in need of speed, Taylor is a viable waiver wire target.

7 hours ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Dealing With Hamstring Cramp

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) was pulled from Monday's game early against the Toronto Blue Jays with a cramp in his right hamstring, the team announced. Before leaving the contest, Pena was 1-for-2 at the plate with a run scored as the Astros' leadoff hitter. Raynel Delgado moved from third base to shortstop to fill in for Pena to finish out the 4-2 loss to Toronto at the Rogers Centre. Carlos Correa (ankle) is out for the season, and Nick Allen (hamstring) is also on the injured list, so if the 28-year-old Pena misses more time with his hamstring injury, the Astros' infield depth will be tested. It doesn't sound like a very serious injury for Pena, though, and he should be considered day-to-day for now. Check back later on Tuesday to see if he's available to return to the starting nine as the series in Toronto against the Jays continues. Pena has missed time with injuries already this year, but he's hitting a strong .286/.345/.453 with a .798 OPS, six homers, 18 RBI, seven steals, and 29 runs scored in his 42 games across 177 plate appearances.

7 hours ago

Henry Bolte • CF • Athletics

Henry Bolte Profiles as a Must-Add Outfielder Ahead of Potential Breakout

Athletics outfielder Henry Bolte opened the 2026 season at Triple-A and dominated, hitting .348 with 12 home runs and 17 stolen bases across 177 plate appearances. The 22-year-old's strong performance earned him a promotion to the big leagues in mid-May. Bolte has maintained his impressive production since being called up, hitting .315/.400/.414 with two home runs, 10 RBI, 11 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across 130 plate appearances in the big leagues. Bolte's elevated 28.5% strikeout rate is a bit of a concern, and his 5.3% barrel rate does not suggest high-end power upside. However, Bolte's elite speed and his 50% hard-hit rate should allow him to continue to run a high batting average on balls in play. If he can ever learn to elevate the ball a bit more (63.2% ground ball rate), Bolte's power could take off as well. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Bolte profiles as a must-add outfielder ahead of a potential breakout season.

7 hours ago

Walker Jenkins • CF • Twins

Walker Jenkins Worth Stashing Now That he's Back From Injury?

The Minnesota Twins activated outfield prospect Walker Jenkins (shoulder) from the seven-day injured list at Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday, according to Milb.com. Jenkins has been sidelined since May 3 with a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder, but he's expected to rejoin the Saints' starting lineup on Tuesday. Now that Jenkins is back in action, fantasy managers in deeper redraft leagues should consider stashing the Twins' top prospect with the first half of the season coming to an end soon. The 21-year-old former fifth overall pick in 2023 has hit an impressive .302/.422/.481 with a .903 OPS, four home runs, 12 RBI, 20 runs scored, and five stolen bases in just 29 games in 2026 with St. Paul, Single-A Fort Myers, and High-A Cedar Rapids. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder has a smooth and repeatable swing from the left side of the plate and offers plus raw power potential for the long term in Minnesota. Jenkins is currently rostered in 5% of Yahoo leagues.

7 hours ago

Paul Goldschmidt • 1B • Yankees

Is Paul Goldschmidt a Must-Add First Baseman Amid Resurgent Campaign?

New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt opened the 2026 season in a part-time role, logging just 33 plate appearances through the end of April. However, a late-April injury to Yankees designated hitter/outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (calf) opened the door for Goldschmidt and Yankees first baseman Ben Rice to both log everyday playing time. The veteran Goldschmidt has taken full advantage of the opportunity, hitting .293/.355/.543 with 12 home runs, 37 RBI, 27 runs scored, and one stolen base across 203 plate appearances. His barrel rate, which dipped to 7.9% in 2025, is back up to 11.7% this season. He's also remained absolutely dominant against left-handed pitching, posting a 1.222 OPS across 85 plate appearances versus southpaws. Goldschmidt's playing time could take a hit once Stanton is healthy. Still, Stanton is currently without a firm return timeline, and Goldschmidt has been too good for the Yankees to fully remove him from his current role. At least until Stanton returns, Goldschmidt should be viewed as a must-start first baseman by fantasy managers.

8 hours ago

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