MLB News

Hunter Goodman • C • Rockies

Hunter Goodman Up to 25 Long Balls After Three-Homer Game

Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman carried the offense in the team's 8-5 win on the road over the Minnesota Twins on Saturday night at Target Field, going 3-for-5 at the plate with three home runs, five RBI, and a strikeout to boost his season batting average to .246 and his OPS to .855. With the monster three-homer performance, Goodman is now up to 25 home runs on the season, which puts him in a tie for second in all of baseball with Yordan Alvarez and Byron Buxton, four homers behind Kyle Schwarber. The 26-year-old former fourth-round pick in the 2021 MLB draft out of the University of Memphis was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he hit .278/.323/.520 with an .843 OPS, 31 home runs, 91 RBI, and 73 runs scored in 144 games in his first full year in the majors. Goodman is running it back this year and is on pace to reach the rarified air of 40 home runs if he can stay healthy in the second half. He entered Saturday's contest in Minnesota with a .240/.307/.510 slash line, .818 OPS, 22 homers, 42 RBI, 49 runs, and a career-high five stolen bases. Goodman is obviously an elite source of raw power at the weakest position in fantasy, and he isn't slowing down whatsoever.

6 hours ago

Chase Burns • SP • Reds

Chase Burns Continues to Generate Whiffs, Fans 10 in No-Decision

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Chase Burns wasn't at his best in Saturday's 9-7 win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday at PNC Park, but he still racked up the strikeouts for his fantasy managers. Burns allowed a season-high five earned runs on a season-high nine hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out a season-high 10 batters in six innings of work for a no-decision. The hard-throwing 23-year-old was hit around a bit by the Bucs, but he still managed to generate 17 swings and misses on 93 pitches thrown, and he has gone at least five innings in all 16 of his starts in 2026 in just his second year in the majors. The former second overall pick in 2024 out of Wake Forest University has been one of the best young breakout arms so far in the first half of the year, and he's been a must-start in all fantasy leagues. Burns now owns a 2.36 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 112 strikeouts and 29 walks in 91 2/3 innings pitched. He'll have a challenging matchup on tap next against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers.

7 hours ago

Grant Holmes • SP • Braves

Grant Holmes Could Return to a Starting Role Next Week

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said on Saturday that right-hander Grant Holmes will be available for the team out of the bullpen in a relief role this weekend, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. If Holmes doesn't pitch in relief this weekend, he will be available to start next week on the Braves' homestand that runs from Tuesday, June 30, through Monday, July 6. Atlanta is giving the 30-year-old a mini-break from a starting role after slowing down of late. He only allowed one earned run in his last outing on June 22 on the road in San Diego against the Padres in a loss, but he went just 4 2/3 frames, and he has allowed 12 earned runs on 23 hits (five homers) while walking 13 and striking out 17 in 21 innings pitched in his last five starts. Holmes hasn't provided much length, either, not going beyond 4 2/3 frames in any of his last three starts. If he does not appear out of the bullpen this weekend, his next turn through the Braves' rotation would come in Tuesday's series opener versus the St. Louis Cardinals. Holmes, who has a 4.17 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and career-low 20.2% strikeout rate in 15 starts this year, will obviously be a shaky streaming option for fantasy managers if he starts that game.

7 hours ago

Daniel Palencia • RP • Cubs

Daniel Palencia Won't Return Before All-Star Break

Chicago Cubs right-handed closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is progressing from his elbow tendinitis, but manager Craig Counsell said that he will not be activated from the 15-day injured list until after the All-Star break in mid-July, according to Bruce Levine of the Marquee Sports Network. Palencia landed on the IL on June 16 and has yet to resume throwing. Fantasy managers stashing the 26-year-old high-leverage arm are going to need to be patient. In a best-case scenario, Palencia won't be back on Chicago's major-league roster until late July. In the meantime, Counsell is currently rolling with a closer-by-committee situation in the ninth inning that features Caleb Thielbar, Jacob Webb, and Trent Thornton. Thielber and Webb are both rostered in 2% of Yahoo leagues right now, while Thornton is available in all of Yahoo leagues. Palencia has a 2.70 ERA (3.46 FIP), 1.38 WHIP, three saves, 19 strikeouts, and six walks in 16 2/3 innings this year while dealing with injuries. He had a career-high 22 saves in 54 regular-season outings in 2025 in a breakout campaign. When he returns, Palencia should return to regular closing duties in the second half of the season.

7 hours ago

Mike Trout • CF • Angels

Mike Trout Takes 30 Swings, Runs, Feels "Great"

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) said he took 30 swings on Saturday -- 15 off a tee and 15 flips -- and said it felt "great," according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Trout also said he ran at around 50% intensity. The 34-year-old three-time MVP started doing baseball activities earlier this week and has been progressing, but he's not quite ready to face live pitching or go on a minor-league rehab assignment. He said that he's unlikely to participate in the Home Run Derby during the mid-July All-Star break, but he remains hopeful that he'll be cleared in time to take part in the Midsummer Classic. That means that barring a setback, Trout could come off the 10-day injured list in early July. The 11-time All-Star and nine-time Silver Slugger has not been able to stay healthy in recent seasons and is no longer the five-category stud he was in the prime of his career, but he has been pretty productive for fantasy managers in 2026, slashing .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS, 17 homers, 36 RBI, 54 runs scored, and seven steals across 74 games. He needs to remain stashed in all fantasy leagues.

7 hours ago

Heliot Ramos • LF • Giants

Heliot Ramos Expected to Return on Sunday

San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos (quad) is expected to be activated off the Injured List ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Ramos has been sidelined since May 15 due to a right quad strain. In his absence, Bryce Eldridge has been slugging the ball at designated hitter, while Casey Schmitt has looked solid in left field. According to Justice delos Santos, Ramos is expected to play right field when he returns. This season, Ramos is slashing .267/.307/.424 with four home runs and 20 RBI across 44 games. He's someone worth scooping up off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of an outfield bat.

9 hours ago

Cam Smith • RF • Astros

Cam Smith Exits Early During Saturday's Game

Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith (foot) was unable to finish Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Smith fouled a ball off his foot, but stayed in the game and actually homered during the at-bat. He attempted to stay in the game, but Smith was ultimately replaced by Joey Loperfido in the seventh inning. Before exiting, Smith went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in the win over Detroit. It sounds like his exit was precautionary, and Smith should be available for Sunday's series finale. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of Sunday's game for another update.

9 hours ago

Jacob Wilson • SS • Athletics

Jacob Wilson is Available off the Bench on Saturday

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (shoulder) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Wilson is on the bench for the third straight game while he recovers from a left shoulder injury. A's manager Mark Kotsay did mention that Wilson is available off the bench during this game. The indication that Wilson is available off the bench should mean that he'll be back in the lineup as early as Sunday. It doesn't sound like Wilson is going to require a stint on the Injured List because of this issue. Alika Williams will draw at least one more start at shortstop during Saturday's contest.

9 hours ago

Teoscar Hernández • LF • Dodgers

Teoscar Hernandez Likely to Return on Monday

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) is expected to be activated off the Injured List ahead of Monday's game against the Athletics, according to manager Dave Roberts. Hernandez has been sidelined since late May due to a hamstring injury. It sounds like the team plans to limit Hernandez upon his return. Ryan Ward and Alex Call should lose playing time, but they should still get opportunities, with Hernandez only playing three or four times a week. Even with limited at-bats, Hernandez offers enough upside with the bat to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats.

9 hours ago

Miguel Ullola • SP • Astros

Miguel Ullola Called Up to Majors

Houston Astros pitcher Miguel Ullola has been recalled to the big league roster on Saturday. Ullola will make his first trip to the big league roster in his career. As a starting pitcher, Ullola has struggled with a 6.21 ERA across 10 starts with Triple-A Sugar Land. They decided to shift him to the bullpen, which has turned out to be a good decision. Since moving to the bullpen, Ullola owns a 2.70 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 10 innings. The assumption is that he'll be used in the big league bullpen, which won't result in much fantasy value. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should keep Ullola on their radar in case he does end up in the rotation.

9 hours ago

Jorge Polanco • 1B • Mets

Jorge Polanco Starting Rehab Assignment on Saturday

New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco (Achilles, ankle), who hasn't played in a game for the Mets since April 14, is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. In addition to an ongoing Achilles issue, Polanco was pulled off his original rehab assignment due to soreness in his ankle. The 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican infielder is ready to test out his ankle again, and if he can avoid another setback, he could be back with the Mets at some point late next week. Once Polanco returns to the big-league lineup, he's expected to be eased in as the primary designated hitter for New York. In his 13th major-league season, Polanco was hitting just .179 (10-for-56) with a homer, two RBI, five walks, and 11 strikeouts in his first 14 games with the Mets before landing on the injured list. When right, Polanco can provide decent pop with second and third base eligibility. The Mets' offense could surely use the help. Polanco is rostered in only 19% of Yahoo leagues right now.

14 hours ago

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans to Have Elbow Surgery Next Wednesday

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) will have elbow surgery on Wednesday, July 1, with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. The extent of the surgery will be determined once ElAttrache gets inside to see exactly what's going on with Ragans' elbow. We'll have a better idea of Ragans' timetable for a return next Wednesday, but it's possible that he won't be able to return for the rest of the 2026 season and the first half of next year. The 28-year-old southpaw initially landed on the 15-day injured list in early May with an elbow impingement, and he has since been moved to the 60-day IL. He's still rostered in 74% of Yahoo leagues, but that number could be dropping drastically if his elbow surgery next week is season-ending. Even if his elbow procedure is minimal, we probably won't see Ragans until at least August. The former 30th overall pick by the Texas Rangers in 2016 was a first-time All-Star in 2024, but he's made just 21 starts since the start of the 2025 campaign due to injuries. Ragans had a 4.84 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in his eight starts in 2026 before elbow issues cropped up, but he also fanned 45 in 35 1/3 innings pitched.

15 hours ago

Wyatt Langford • LF • Rangers

Wyatt Langford Scratched on Saturday With Hamstring Tightness

Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford (hamstring) has been scratched from the starting lineup for Saturday night's game in Toronto against the Blue Jays due to tightness in his left hamstring, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. With Langford starting on the bench, Jarred Kelenic got the start in left field and is hitting sixth against Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease. It's yet another injury for Langford, who continues to deal with nagging injuries of all kinds. It's unclear how serious his hamstring injury is, though, so for now, we'll consider the right-handed slugger day-to-day. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Sunday to see if Langford is active for the series finale at the Rogers Centre. Since returning from a forearm injury on June 5, Langford has been money for fantasy managers, going 26-for-82 (.317) with seven home runs, five doubles, 16 RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 20 games played. When healthy, the former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida is one of the better young power/speed outfield options in the game.

15 hours ago

Caleb Kilian • RP • Giants

Caleb Kilian Remains a Priority Waiver Wire-Target for Saves in San Francisco

San Francisco Giants right-hander Caleb Kilian had a rough outing in his most recent appearance against the Athletics on Thursday, allowing four earned runs for his second blown save of the year. However, the 29-year-old has been one of San Francisco's most reliable relievers overall this season, pitching to a 3.97 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 40 strikeouts and five saves across 34 innings (33 games). Kilian has boosted his average fastball velocity to a career-best 96.9 miles per hour and has struck out 27.6% of the batters he's faced this season. Before his blowup against the A's, Kilian had recorded nine consecutive scoreless appearances. Kilian remains the most likely source of saves on the Giants roster and should be a priority target on the waiver wire in leagues where he is available.

15 hours ago

Willi Castro • 2B • Rockies

Willi Castro's Versatility Makes Him a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Amidst June Surge

Across 275 plate appearances in 2026, Colorado Rockies utility man Willi Castro is hitting .280/.353/.407 with six home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored, and six stolen bases. The 29-year-old has been on a tear in June, hitting .316 with four home runs and 14 RBI across 93 plate appearances this month. With just a 5.6% barrel rate, Castro does not profile as a significant power source for fantasy managers. Still, the veteran switch-hitter has a balanced profile at the plate that allows him to provide modest production across the other four categories. Castro also offers multi-positional eligibility, and his hitter-friendly home park in Colorado helps boost his abilities at the plate. In deeper league formats, Castro should be a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers due to his versatility.

16 hours ago

Jacob Wilson • SS • Athletics

Jacob Wilson Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire Amidst Ongoing Shoulder Issues?

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (shoulder) has battled injury issues in 2026. After being placed on the injured list in early May due to a shoulder subluxation, Wilson re-injured the same shoulder on a play at the plate on Wednesday and has not played since. The Athletics have not yet placed Wilson on the injured list, so there's hope that he can make a quick return to the lineup. Across 214 plate appearances in 2026, Wilson is hitting .277/.310/.386 with four home runs, 26 RBI, 23 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 24-year-old's carrying category in fantasy is batting average, but his strikeout rate has risen from 7.5% in 2025 to 11.7% this season. Still, Wilson hit .311 with 13 home runs across 523 plate appearances a year ago and carries some upside if he can get healthy over the second half of the season. Fantasy managers in need of batting average may have an opportunity to add Wilson off the waiver wire.

16 hours ago

Colt Emerson • 3B • Mariners

Colt Emerson a Must-Add Waiver-Wire Target Ahead of Second-Half Breakout?

Since being promoted to the big leagues in mid-May, Seattle Mariners infielder Colt Emerson has emerged as his team's everyday shortstop. Across 116 plate appearances, the 20-year-old is hitting .212/.293/.481 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, 15 runs scored, and one stolen base. Emerson's underlying metrics are a bit concerning, as his strikeout rate (31.9%) is higher than his hard-hit rate (31.3%). Still, Emerson has gotten to some power at the MLB level, and he's widely considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Emerson stole 10 bases across 38 games at Triple-A before his promotion, so he has some untapped speed potential once he starts getting on base more consistently. Given his upside, Emerson profiles as a worthy waiver wire target despite some of his early struggles in the big leagues.

16 hours ago

Mickey Moniak • LF • Rockies

Mickey Moniak Carries High-End Power Potential on the Waiver Wire

Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak missed a month after being placed on the injured list with ankle tendinitis in late May. However, the 28-year-old was reinstated by Colorado on Monday and has jumped back into a big-side platoon role for the Rockies. Moniak has been highly productive so far this season, hitting .275/.328/.581 with 12 home runs, 29 RBI, 22 runs scored, and one stolen base across 174 plate appearances. The 28-year-old owns a 12.7% barrel rate in 2026, and he's mashed right-handed pitchers to a .976 OPS. Moniak's playing time ceiling is limited by his platoon role, which holds down his fantasy value. Still, Moniak profiles as a valuable power source when he's in the lineup, and his favorable home park in Colorado helps boost his overall numbers. Fantasy managers in need of power should target Moniak on the waiver wire.

16 hours ago

Shane Bieber • SP • Blue Jays

Shane Bieber Remains a Waiver-Wire Target Despite Rough First Outing

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Shane Bieber had the start of his 2026 season delayed by an elbow issue, but he was able to return to the mound for Toronto on Tuesday. The 31-year-old struggled in his first outing of the year, allowing nine hits and four earned runs across 3 2/3 innings against the Houston Astros. Bieber was not much better in his minor league rehab outings before returning to the big leagues, allowing 13 earned runs across 17 innings (five starts). Still, Bieber was effective in a small sample size for Toronto in 2025, recording a 4-2 record with a 3.57 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts across 40 1/3 innings (seven starts). Bieber's average fastball velocity of 92 miles per hour in his first start of 2026 is right in line with where he sat last season. Fantasy managers should not expect Bieber to provide the same production he once did at his peak, but the veteran right-hander still profiles as a quality waiver wire target.

16 hours ago

Jesús Sánchez • RF • Blue Jays

Jesus Sanchez Hits Injured List With Ankle Sprain

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jesus Sanchez (ankle) has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right ankle sprain. The news came shortly after the 28-year-old underwent X-rays and an MRI, with both examinations revealing no structural damage or fractures. Still, manager John Schneider revealed on Saturday that the outfielder was very sore a day after injuring himself while making a leaping catch in the outfield. With the pain proving too much to overcome, Toronto will be without Sanchez's services for at least the next 10 days, though there is no word on whether this will be a minimal stay. As part of the corresponding move, Yohendrick Pinango was recalled by the Blue Jays and will provide Toronto with additional depth in the outfield. The 24-year-old is batting eighth and starting in left field on Saturday.

16 hours ago

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