MLB News

Bobby Witt Jr. • SS • Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. Still Absent on Tuesday With Knee Injury

Kansas City Royals All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (knee) remains sidelined for Tuesday's contest in Tampa against the first-place Rays, per MLB.com. With Maikel Garcia (hand) landing on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, Tyler Tolbert is making the start at the 6 for the Royals and will hit eighth against Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan. Witt is missing a fourth straight game due to a Grade 1 sprain of the MCL in his right knee, but he went through a full pre-game workout on Monday, and the Royals are optimistic that he'll avoid a stint on the injured list. When healthy, the 26-year-old former second overall pick in 2019 is a must-start as a five-category contributor in all leagues. Witt, a two-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time Silver Slugger winner, comes into Tuesday's action with a .294/.368/.465 slash line, an .833 OPS, 10 home runs, 32 RBI, 28 runs scored, and 40 runs scored in 76 games across 337 plate appearances. Hopefully, Witt will be ready to return for the third game of a four-game series in Tampa on Wednesday.

4 hours ago

Luke Raley • RF • Mariners

Luke Raley Back From Illness, Starting in Pittsburgh

Seattle Mariners outfielder Luke Raley (illness) is starting in right field for Seattle and will bat sixth against the hosting Pittsburgh Pirates and right-hander Mitch Keller at PNC Park on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Raley missed three games against the Baltimore Orioles last week with tightness in his back and then missed the entire series over the weekend against the Boston Red Sox due to the flu, so this will be his first game back in the lineup since June 14. With the 31-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder feeling better and back in action, he'll be an option in DFS lineups against a right-hander. The former seventh-round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 out of Lake Erie College doesn't play much against southpaws, but he has done plenty of damage against righties, going 44-for-176 (.250) with all 14 of his home runs and all 35 of his RBI this year. Raley is rostered in only 16% of Yahoo leagues because he's not an everyday player, but his pop against righties is significant enough to warrant a roster spot in deeper leagues for outfield depth.

4 hours ago

Dominic Canzone • DH • Mariners

Dominic Canzone Out on Tuesday With Hamstring Injury

Seattle Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone (hamstring) is not in the team's starting lineup for Tuesday's tilt on the road at PNC Park against the hosting Pittsburgh Pirates, according to MLB.com. Victor Robles is starting in left field for the M's and will hit eighth against Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller. Canzone is considered day-to-day after leaving Sunday's game early against the Boston Red Sox with a hamstring injury. The Mariners had a day off on Monday, but he's still not feeling good enough to return for the series opener on Tuesday. The good news for the Mariners is that they reinstated outfielder Randy Arozarena (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list, and he will serve as the team's designated hitter on Tuesday. Left-handed-hitting outfielder Luke Raley (illness) is also back from an illness. The 28-year-old Canzone has been an asset against right-handers in mixed leagues in 2026, hitting .281/.353/.562 with a .915 OPS, 12 home runs, 33 RBI, 28 runs, and a stolen base in his 178 at-bats. He has already set career highs in homers and RBI in 70 games played in 2026.

4 hours ago

Jack Leiter • SP • Rangers

Jack Leiter has Ankle Surgery, Rangers Expect him Back This Year

Texas Rangers right-hander Jack Leiter (ankle) underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle to remove a loose body on Tuesday morning, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. The surgery was performed by Dr. Ned Amendola at Duke University. The Rangers expect Leiter to return before the end of the 2026 season, but his timeline for a return is fluid. It's an injury that Leiter had been pitching through for most of this year. The 26-year-old former second overall pick in 2021 out of Vanderbilt University struggled to a 3-7 record with a 5.29 ERA (4.76 FIP) and 1.44 WHIP with 83 strikeouts and 35 walks in 80 innings pitched across his 15 starts for Texas before landing on the 15-day injured list. With no timetable for a return in the second half of the season, fantasy managers in deep mixed leagues shouldn't feel compelled to hold onto him. Right now, Leiter is rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues. Considering his draft pedigree, Leiter has been a bust early in his MLB career with a 13-20 record, 4.95 ERA (4.53 FIP), 1.38 WHIP, 22.3% strikeout rate, and 10.1% walk rate in 267 1/3 innings over 53 appearances (50 starts) at the major-league level.

4 hours ago

Konnor Griffin • SS • Pirates

Konnor Griffin Starting Rehab Assignment on Wednesday

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly said that rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (forearm) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona on Wednesday, according to Alex Stumpf. Griffin has been on the 10-day injured list with a strained right forearm, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment, he could rejoin the Pirates' starting lineup this weekend or early next week. When the 20-year-old former ninth overall pick in 2024 is cleared to return from the IL, he will return to serving as the club's everyday shortstop. Griffin was touted as the league's next can't-miss prospect in spring training this year, and while he hasn't exactly been elite, he has more than held his own in 2026 in his first 51 major-league games, slashing .270/.327/.402 with a .729 OPS, four home runs, 22 RBI, 14 steals, and 30 runs scored across 208 plate appearances. Griffin really started to figure it out in 25 games in May before his forearm injury, going 30-for-98 (.306) at the plate with two homers, seven doubles, a triple, nine RBI, seven steals, and 20 runs scored in 108 plate appearances.

5 hours ago

Logan Henderson • SP • Brewers

Logan Henderson to Begin Rehab Assignment, Entering Must-Stash Territory?

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson (back) is scheduled to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Sunday, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. It's unclear where Henderson's rehab assignment will take place, but the 24-year-old is getting close to rejoining the Brew Crew after missing the last month with a strained lower back. An "early July" return is projected for Henderson as long as he doesn't suffer a setback with his back during his rehab assignment. Before getting injured, Henderson went 2-1 this year with a nice 2.74 ERA (2.40 FIP) and 1.04 WHIP with 30 strikeouts and only six walks in 23 innings pitched across his five starts for Milwaukee. With his return to Milwaukee's starting rotation not far off, fantasy managers needing rotation help should consider stashing the former fourth-round pick in 2021 out of McLennan Community College soon. He went 3-0 in his first five MLB starts in 2025 with a 1.78 ERA (3.02 FIP), 0.99 WHIP, and 33:8 K:BB in 25 1/3 innings pitched.

5 hours ago

Hunter Greene • SP • Reds

Hunter Greene Moving Rehab Assignment to Triple-A, on the Verge of a Return?

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) will move his minor-league rehab assignment to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, according to Milb Central. In Greene's first rehab start last Thursday in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League, the 26-year-old tossed four scoreless innings with one walk and six strikeouts. He topped out at 101.1 mph on the radar gun and threw 39 of his 54 pitches for strikes, a strong start to his rehab assignment. Greene has yet to pitch for the Reds in 2026 after having surgery in mid-March to remove bone chips from his right elbow, but he is on the verge of returning to the big-league roster and should be stashed in all fantasy formats now. If he continues to look good during his second rehab start for the Bats on Tuesday night, Greene could be cleared to rejoin Cincy's starting rotation before the All-Star break next month. The former second overall pick in the 2017 MLB draft has an elite 30% strikeout rate in his four MLB seasons and has had an ERA under 3.00 in each of his last two seasons. Somehow, he's only 68% rostered in Yahoo leagues.

5 hours ago

Randy Arozarena • LF • Mariners

Randy Arozarena Activated From Injured List on Tuesday

The Seattle Mariners activated outfielder Randy Arozarena (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. While the M's have yet to release their starting lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates and right-hander Mitch Keller at PNC Park, Arozarena should be back in the starting nine. The 31-year-old veteran outfielder is returning from a minor left-hamstring injury after a minimal stay on the IL. Fantasy managers will want to get the two-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year back in their starting lineups in all formats. Arozarena has been one of Seattle's most consistent offensive performers, 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. He's hitting an even .300 (12-for-40) with a homer, two doubles, seven RBI, four stolen bases, and seven runs scored in 11 games in June as well.

6 hours ago

Ernie Clement • 2B • Blue Jays

Ernie Clement Out Again With Hip Soreness

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement (hip) remains out of action for Tuesday's contest against the visiting Houston Astros, per MLB.com. Luis Urias will make the start at the keystone for Toronto and will bat seventh against Astros right-hander Pete Lambert. A sore left hip kept Clement out of the team's starting lineup on Friday and Saturday before he returned in Monday's series opener against the Astros, but apparently, he's not completely past the injury. The good news is that he's expected to be available off the bench on Tuesday at the Rogers Centre, so Clement is likely to return to the diamond for Wednesday's contest. The 30-year-old super-utility infielder makes a lot of contact and is currently hitting a strong .293 (86-for-294) on the season with seven home runs, 28 RBI, 35 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 76 games across 306 plate appearances. Clement doesn't possess a ton of over-the-fence pop, but he will certainly be a boost to your fantasy team's batting average, and he's eligible at first base, second base, third base, and shortstop in Yahoo leagues.

6 hours ago

Carlos Lagrange • SP • Yankees

Is Carlos Lagrange Ready for a Call to New York?

New York Yankees pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange did not allow a run in his latest appearance at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The hard-throwing right-hander did not allow a hit either and walked one while striking out two of the three batters he faced. It was a nice bounce-back from his previous appearance. Though none were considered earned runs in that outing, the Yankees' fourth-ranked prospect allowed four runs to cross the plate, in which he allowed two hits and two walks while not striking out a batter in an appearance for the first time all season. Since his move to the bullpen, the 6-foot-7 Dominican has produced a 2.19 ERA (4.61 FIP) with a 1.14 WHIP, and a 22.0 percent K-BB% over 12 1/3 innings pitched. The 23-year-old could be called upon to fortify New York's bullpen by midseason, but likely would not be in line for save opportunities. As such, the strikeout artist really only has value in leagues that reward holds, but in such leagues, he's a worthy stash option for his ability to rack up the punchouts.

6 hours ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Sitting Out Tuesday After Hamstring Cramp

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) is not in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game at the Toronto Blue Jays after suffering a right-hamstring cramp in Monday's series opener, according to MLB.com. Raynel Delgado will start at shortstop and will bat ninth for the Astros against Blue Jays veteran right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow), who is making his first start of the 2026 season. Manager Joe Espada said that Pena will be available off the bench on Tuesday, which means his hamstring injury isn't considered very serious. It sounds like Pena has a good shot to return to Houston's starting lineup on Wednesday. The Astros can ill-afford to lose Pena for any more time this year with Carlos Correa (ankle) already out for the season. The 28-year-old Dominican shortstop has only 161 at-bats so far in 2026 but is currently hitting a strong .286/.345/.453 with a .798 OPS, six home runs, 18 RBI, 29 runs, and seven stolen bases. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Wednesday to see if he's ready to return to action.

6 hours ago

Kade Anderson • SP • Mariners

Kade Anderson Dominates Again, Could He Force His Way to Seattle for a Debut?

Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Kade Anderson is making Double-A look easy at this point, cruising through six innings in his latest start where he did not allow a run, yielding only two hits and a walk while striking out eight batters. It was the fifth consecutive start in which the lefty did not allow a run, a stretch of 27 2/3 innings, and he's also struck out at least six batters in each of those contests, with 39 strikeouts compared to just three walks. The former third-overall draft pick owns a pristine 1.02 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, and an elite 37.4 percent K-BB%, all of which are tops in the minor leagues out of all pitchers who have thrown at least 50 innings. The Mariners have made it known that the southpaw is not part of their immediate plans in the major league rotation, but a test at Triple-A certainly appears to be on the horizon, and while a major league debut does not appear to be imminent, this kind of elite performance makes the 21-year-old a top pitching stash thanks to his high-strikeout upside coupled with strong command. Stash in an NA spot if available.

6 hours ago

Willi Castro • 2B • Rockies

Willi Castro Worth Adding Amid Impressive Surge at the Plate?

Colorado Rockies infielder/outfielder Willi Castro has become an increasingly useful waiver-wire option through his recent production and extensive positional eligibility. The 29-year-old is batting .275/.349/.395 with five home runs, 32 RBI, 33 runs, and five stolen bases across 233 at-bats this season. He has been especially productive over his last 30 games, hitting .311/.403/.447 with three homers, 16 RBI, 12 runs, and two steals. Castro is eligible at first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield in Yahoo leagues, giving fantasy managers valuable lineup flexibility. His improved 42.5% hard-hit rate (compared to the 37.3% last season) provides some support for his recent production, although a 5.4% barrel rate limits his projected home-run ceiling. Castro's 52% Yahoo roster rate still leaves him available in nearly half of leagues, where his balanced production and broad eligibility can address several roster needs.

6 hours ago

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).

6 hours ago

Shane Bieber • SP • Blue Jays

Shane Bieber a Top Waiver-Wire Target Ahead of Tuesday's Season Debut?

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list on Tuesday and is set to make his 2026 season debut against the Houston Astros. The 31-year-old completed five minor-league rehab starts and reached 80 pitches over five innings in his final appearance. Bieber struggled during that outing, allowing five earned runs on seven hits, four walks, and two home runs while striking out two. However, the control issues appear to have been an outlier after he issued only one walk across his previous four rehab starts. His fastball also averaged 91.8 mph and reached 93 mph, placing his velocity near its usual range. Bieber went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 37:7 K:BB over 40 1/3 innings after returning from Tommy John surgery last season. He is already rostered in 62% of Yahoo leagues, but Bieber should be treated as a top waiver-wire pickup wherever he remains available. He should provide reliable ratios, even when his workload is limited.

6 hours ago

Yoendrys Gómez • RP • Twins

Yoendrys Gomez Becoming a Priority Waiver-Wire Target for Saves?

Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Yoendrys Gomez has worked his way into the center of the club's ninth-inning picture and should be rostered more widely in fantasy leagues. The 26-year-old owns a 3.65 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 35 strikeouts, and seven saves across 37 innings and 31 appearances this season. Those overall ratios are weighed down by a difficult nine-game stretch with Tampa Bay, where Gomez recorded a 6.23 ERA before being designated for assignment. Since joining Minnesota, Gomez has registered a 1.37 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts over 19 2/3 innings while converting all six of his save opportunities. Manager Derek Shelton has not named an official closer, but Gomez has regularly handled the ninth inning with games on the line. A slightly lower arm slot and increased sweeper usage have helped drive his turnaround, with opponents batting .158 and slugging .184 against the pitch. Gomez is rostered in only 23% of Yahoo leagues, making him a priority pickup in 12-team formats for managers searching for saves.

6 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.

6 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.

6 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.

7 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.

7 hours ago

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