MLB News

Kody Clemens • 1B • Twins

Kody Clemens Still a Waiver Target for Power Going into Second Half

Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Kody Clemens heads into this week's All-Star break only four home runs shy of a new career high in that category. The 30-year-old veteran has a .243/.303/.482 slash line with a .785 OPS, 16 home runs, 46 RBI, 45 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 301 at-bats at the halfway mark in what has turned out to be a career year in his first full season in Minnesota (fifth in the majors). The former third-round pick by the Detroit Tigers in the 2018 MLB draft out of the University of Texas at Austin homered in three straight games to begin the month of July and had a span of five home runs and 12 RBI in eight games from June 26 through July 4. Clemens went hitless in 17 plate appearances with an RBI, a run scored, a walk, and seven strikeouts across four games going into the All-Star break, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that he's a sneaky waiver-wire addition for power-hungry fantasy managers going into the second half of the season. Clemens is rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. Making him more attractive is the fact that he's eligible at first base, second base, and the outfield in those same formats.

4 hours ago

Cole Carrigg • CF • Rockies

Rookie Outfielder Cole Carrigg Still Worth Rostering During Cold Spell?

Colorado Rockies rookie outfielder Cole Carrigg, who is ranked by MLB Pipeline as the team's No. 6 prospect, has been one of the more intriguing power/speed prospects to stash in fantasy baseball this year, but he's in a bit of a slump going into the All-Star break. Carrigg went 27-for-85 (.318) with four homers, six doubles, three triples, 21 RBI, 23 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his first 26 major-league games after debuting with Colorado on June 9. He's fallen into a funk offensively going into this week's All-Star break, though, going hitless in his last 18 plate appearances with an RBI, two walks, and seven strikeouts in his last five games to drop his season slash line to .273/.356/.515 with an .871 OPS in 119 plate appearances. The midway point of the season is coming at a good time for the 24-year-old switch-hitter, who was a second-round pick in 2023 out of San Diego State University. Going into the second half, Carrigg is still a fine upside outfielder to roster in mixed fantasy leagues, although he has struggled away from hitter-friendly Coors Field, batting .208 with two of his homers, eight walks, and 15 strikeouts.

4 hours ago

Garrett Crochet • SP • Red Sox

Garrett Crochet Still hasn't Been Cleared to Throw

Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder) still has not been cleared to throw, interim manager Chad Tracy told MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. Instead, Crochet is still playing catch with weighted plyometric balls as he tries to recover from inflammation in his left shoulder. The talented southpaw was put on the injured list way back on April 29 with shoulder inflammation before he had a setback with a low-grade lat strain while facing hitters at the end of May. The 27-year-old two-time All-Star has essentially recovered from his lat strain but now needs to get over the hump with his shoulder injury. The fact that Crochet hasn't resumed throwing essentially rules out a return before the end of July, and with a lengthy minor-league rehab assignment now probably necessary, fantasy managers may not see him again until mid-to-late August. It's been a frustrating development in 2026 for those who have Crochet rostered after he finished second in the American League Cy Young voting last year. In his six starts with Boston this year before going down, he struggled to a 6.30 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 37:11 K:BB in 30 innings. Crochet's high-end upside makes him stash-worthy in all fantasy leagues, though.

4 hours ago

Roman Anthony • LF • Red Sox

Roman Anthony to Continue to Rehab in Florida

Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy confirmed that outfielder Roman Anthony's (finger) follow-up appointment with Dr. Gary Lourie in Georgia revealed no new information about the finger/hand injury that has kept Anthony on the injured list since May 5, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Anthony will continue to build up strength at the team's spring training complex in Fort Myers, Florida. "Everything's healing, going the way it should, so he'll go down to Florida and continue to do his thing so we can get ramped up quicker," Tracy said. The 22-year-old former top prospect has been out since May 7 due to a partially torn tendon in his right ring finger. Anthony is quickly developing an injury-prone label after he was shut down late last season due to injury. Although there is no clear timetable for Anthony's return, this might be the perfect time to buy low on him in dynasty/keeper leagues. When healthy, Anthony still has one of the best power/speed profiles of any young outfielder in the game, and he'll be a lineup regular for the BoSox whenever he returns to action in the second half. Anthony was hitting .229 (25-for-109) with a homer, five RBI, 12 runs, and two stolen bases before going down earlier this year.

4 hours ago

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Starting Rehab Assignment on Monday

The Atlanta Braves announced that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is starting his minor-league rehab assignment on Monday with the rookie-level Florida Complex League Braves. It means that if Acuna can avoid a setback with his hamstring, he could be ready to roll for the Braves coming out of the All-Star break this Friday in the series opener against the Texas Rangers. The former MVP has been on the 10-day injured list for over a month due to a strained left hamstring that put him on the IL for the second time this year. The 28-year-old Venezuelan outfielder has high-end power/speed upside on one of the better teams in baseball, but injuries continue to make him a big risk/reward asset. Now is probably the last time that interested fantasy managers might be able to buy low on him before he returns for the second half. Before his second left-hamstring injury, Acuna was batting .251 (49-for-195) with seven long balls, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across his 53 games and 236 plate appearances. The five-time All-Star could be a difference-maker in the second half for Atlanta if he can just stay on the field.

4 hours ago

Shohei Ohtani • DH • Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani has his Knee Drained on Sunday

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) was set to have his bothersome left knee drained on Sunday evening, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The Dodgers scratched Ohtani from his scheduled start on the mound in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks, but the 32-year-old four-time MVP served as the designated hitter all weekend and even clubbed his 22nd home run of the year in Sunday's loss. The Dodgers are having Ohtani get his knee taken care of during the All-Star break, and unfortunately, we won't get to see the unicorn play in the Midsummer Classic on Tuesday. The good news for fantasy managers is that Ohtani is expected to be ready to rejoin L.A.'s starting rotation for the start of the second half this weekend. The six-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner isn't running as much, but otherwise, he's been a beast offensively, slashing .293/.403/.549 with a .953 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, and 65 runs scored in 335 at-bats. As a pitcher, he's in the National League MVP conversation with an 8-2 record, 1.79 ERA (2.61 FIP), and 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 14 starts over 85 2/3 innings.

5 hours ago

Nathan Flewelling • C • Rays

Nathan Flewelling Claims MVP Honors in Futures Game

Tampa Bay Rays catching prospect Nathan Flewelling was named Futures Game MVP after his impressive showing on Sunday afternoon. In this contest, the No. 75-ranked prospect in baseball went 1-for-1 with a two-run home run. Flewelling joined the Rays system in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft and has spent his entire 2026 campaign at the High-A level. Through 73 games with Bowling Green, the young backstop has carried a .261/.394/.496 line with 12 doubles, 16 home runs, and six stolen bases. However, over his last 19 contests, Flewelling has taken his production to a much higher level, posting a .324/.484/.662 line with three doubles and six home runs. Given his current trajectory, dynasty managers should expect the No. 2 prospect in the system to receive a taste of Double-A ball in the coming weeks.

5 hours ago

Héctor Rodríguez • LF • Reds

Is Hector Rodriguez the Priority Stash Target for Home Run Potential?

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has continued to showcase high-end power at the top club in the minor leagues and is a high-end stash heading into the All-Star break. Despite carrying a modest .260 AVG over his last 14 games at Triple-A Louisville, Rodriguez has launched five home runs over this stretch with a .931 OPS. Overall on the season, the team's No. 5-ranked prospect (according to MLB.com) has hit 14 doubles, 23 home runs, and swiped six bags, while carrying a .284/.364/.564 line with a .910 OPS. The corner outfielder is worth a close look in the second half, as he may not need to wait long to earn the call, with both Noelvi Marte and JJ Bleday beginning to show some inconsistencies in the majors. For now, Rodriguez is a viable stash candidate in 12+ team leagues for managers needing late-season home run potential.

5 hours ago

Walker Jenkins • CF • Twins

Walker Jenkins a Must-Stash With MLB Debut Approaching?

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins has been very productive in his return to Triple-A. The team's top-ranked prospect missed time this season due to a shoulder injury but has quickly put himself back on the stash radar since being cleared to return. Over his last 13 contests with St. Paul, the former fifth overall pick has posted an elite .314/.364/.529 line with a .893 OPS. During this stretch, the 21-year-old has hit four doubles, gone deep once and chipped in two stolen bases. This surge is worth emphasizing as Jenkins carried a much lower .256/.296/.389 line with just two round-trippers over the first 25 games of the Triple-A regular season. With the Twins sitting outside the current playoff picture, they could look to sell at the upcoming deadline, which would allow Jenkins to face minimal competition for second-half at-bats at the big-league level.

6 hours ago

River Ryan • SP • Dodgers

Should Managers Still Stash Dodgers Top Pitching Prospect River Ryan?

Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect River Ryan put himself at the top of the stash rankings during the first half of the season, as he was not only flashing elite potential at the Triple-A level but also had a clear path to MLB innings. With both Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow on the shelf, Ryan appeared to be on the doorstep of returning to Los Angeles. However, on June 17, Ryan took a massive step back, serving up a season-worst eight earned runs and 10 hits before ultimately being placed on the 7-day injured list with a hamstring strain. Since moving to the IL, Ryan has not progressed in his recovery and is without a clear timetable. While managers should continue to monitor his status, it appears Ryan may face an uphill battle to return to the majors in 2026. With Blake Snell set to embark on his rehab stint, managers in all 12-team formats should no longer view Ryan as a viable stash target, as his path to MLB innings will be far more challenging down the stretch.

6 hours ago

Heliot Ramos • LF • Giants

Heliot Ramos Worth a Roster Spot Moving Forward?

San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos finished the first half of the 2026 season with a .275/.311/.468 slash line with eight home runs, 28 RBI, 31 runs scored, and no stolen bases. Over the past seven days leading up to the break, he hit .333 with a .933 OPS. Ramos has been hitting leadoff for the Giants, and his underlying data and quality of contact remain elite. He owns an impressive .350 xwOBA (76th percentile), .283 xBA (89th percentile), .505 xSLG (89th percentile), 92.5 mph average exit velocity (91st percentile), and a 16.4 percent barrel rate (96th percentile) and a 51.2 percent hard-hit rate (91st percentile). While he is clearly impacting the ball well, he is not maximizing that power, which is evidenced by his 10.5 percent pull air rate, and when you combine that with hitting in one of the most difficult ballparks in the Majors in Oracle Park, it is the reason why his run production and power on the surface still remain below average. Nonetheless, Ramos is doing what he needs to do to hit the ball hard, and playing time should not be an issue for him either. He is a must-roster player in five outfield formats, and his underlying data suggests he should be stronger in the second half of the season.

6 hours ago

Joey Cantillo • SP • Guardians

Joey Cantillo has 20 Whiffs on Sunday, Must-Roster Player Moving Forward?

Cleveland Guardians left-hander Joey Cantillo wrapped up a solid first half of the season on Sunday, going up against one of the hottest lineups in the Majors, the Miami Marlins, and holding them to one run. He went five innings, allowing six hits, one earned run, two walks, and racked up nine punchouts with a very impressive 20 whiffs and 44 percent CSW (Called Strike plus Whiff rate). After Sunday's outing, Cantillo wrapped up his first half with an 8-4 record, 3.56 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and a 105:49 K:BB ratio through 20 starts (101 innings pitched). Cantillo has found tremendous success utilizing his secondary pitches, the changeup and curveball, both of which have 41.5 percent and 38.1 percent whiff rates, respectively. His fastball has left some room for improvement, but he pitches in a rotation that consistently gets the most out of its pitchers in Cleveland, and Cantillo will remain a solid option moving forward and should be rostered in all 12-plus-team formats.

6 hours ago

Gage Jump • SP • Athletics

Gage Jump Worth a Roster Spot for the Second Half?

Athletics left-hander Gage Jump finished the first half of the 2026 season 3-4 with a 3.51 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings pitched (nine starts). This is Jump's first taste of MLB, and overall he has been fairly solid, especially given that he pitches half his games at Sutter Health Park, one of MLB's friendliest ballparks. That being said, Jump has pitched to a 6.20 ERA at home and a 0.75 ERA on the road, so it's been night and day for him, so something fantasy managers will want to continue to monitor moving forward as they make weekly start/sit decisions. When we peek under the hood, most of Jump's ERA estimators support his strong start to his career, with a 3.96 xERA and 3.31 FIP. When you combine that with his solid control and strikeout upside (48:15 K:BB ratio), Jump has proven to be useful in all formats. Some may argue there is even more to be had, as his strikeout rate in the Minors was 33.1 percent in Triple-A this year, and 28.4 percent in Double-A in 2025. Jump should continue to be rostered in all formats for the second half, but should be considered a strong start when he's on the road, and a consideration to sit when at home.

6 hours ago

Erik Miller • RP • Giants

Erik Miller Worth Stashing for Second-Half Saves?

San Francisco Giants left-hander Erik Miller worked 1 1/3 innings on Sunday, struck out two, allowed one hit, walked none, and allowed no runs against the Rockies, picking up his second win of the season. Miller also has an impressive 10 holds for the year, along with two saves in three opportunities and a 3.29 ERA, with 38 punchouts in 27 1/3 innings (32 appearances). His WHIP remains incredibly high for a reliever (1.50), and his control at times falters tremendously (16.5 percent walk rate), but his stuff and velocity are good enough to keep his high WHIP afloat. He generates a ton of strikeouts and whiffs (31.4 percent and 34.4 percent, respectively), and allows a .190 xBA. Caleb Kilian appears to be the preferred choice to close out games for the Giants, as he has eight saves in 11 opportunities; however, he has blown two saves in the past six outings and has a 4.74 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. It's a long shot that Miller becomes the preferred closer, as he is also utilized as a left-handed specialist; however, if Kilian continues to falter, it could keep the door open for Miller. If you are in saves-and-holds leagues, Miller will continue to provide solid value in deeper formats.

6 hours ago

Jacob Webb • RP • Cubs

Jacob Webb Earns Another Save for Cubs, Entering Must-Roster Status?

Chicago Cubs right-hander Jacob Webb notched his fifth save of the season on Sunday, working two-thirds of an inning and recording both outs without any traffic. Webb has not allowed a run since June 20, his last blown save, and since then has recorded two wins, three saves, and two holds. On the season as a whole, he now has a solid 3.05 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and a 48:16 K:BB ratio with five saves (nine opportunities), seven holds, and three wins in 42 appearances. He has clearly taken over as the preferred option in the Cubs bullpen for saves, and provides tremendous short-term value while Daniel Palencia (elbow) is on the injured list and is expected back in late July. The Cubs are also a top option to shop for a reliever on the market as the trade deadline approaches, so Webb's value may be short-lived; however, based on the 2026 closer market, he has entered must-roster status in deeper formats.

7 hours ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler Continues to Pitch With a Chip on his Shoulder, Fans 10 on Sunday

After admitting that he turned down an invitation to the 2026 All-Star Game in Philadelphia next week, Philadelphia Phillies veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler had another dominant outing on Sunday in the team's 5-0 shutout win in Motown over the Detroit Tigers. Wheeler outdueled ace Tarik Skubal, tossing six shutout innings, allowing only two hits, walking two, and striking out 10 batters to lower his season ERA to 2.13 and pick up his 10th win of the 2026 season. After initially being a National League All-Star snub, the 36-year-old declined an invite and said that he wouldn't stand for being disrespected. Wheeler had been pitching well all year, but this seems to have really lit a fire under him, and he's now recorded double-digit strikeouts in his last three starts while fanning 34 hitters in 17 1/3 innings over that span. In addition to his sharp 2.13 ERA, Wheeler has a 0.89 WHIP with 108 strikeouts and only 22 innings over 15 starts and 93 innings in his 12th year in the league. The three-time All-Star has exceeded expectations after coming into the 2026 campaign as more of a question mark following thoracic outlet syndrome that shut him down early in 2025.

16 hours ago

Carlos Rodón • SP • Yankees

Carlos Rodon Could Get Back on a Mound Next Week

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) has had a few good days of throwing, according to the New York Daily News' Gary Phillips. Rodon wasn't scheduled to throw on Sunday, but he will throw just about every day during the All-Star break, and it could include a bullpen session. The 33-year-old three-time All-Star isn't going to be ready to rejoin New York's starting rotation just out of the break next weekend and will most likely need several bullpen sessions before embarking on a minor-league rehab assignment later this month. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Rodon to be a realistic candidate for a return to New York's starting rotation until August, especially when considering he got a late start to the 2026 season after having surgery on the same elbow last October to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur. Despite durability concerns, Rodon can still help fantasy managers in all leagues in the second half after going 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA (3.44 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 26 walks in 46 1/3 innings across his nine starts for the Yanks.

16 hours ago

Max Fried • SP • Yankees

Max Fried Could Make a Rehab Start on Friday

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that left-hander Max Fried's (elbow) live bullpen session on Saturday went well, and his next step is "likely" a minor-league rehab game, which could come as soon as Friday, July 17, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. In his live session with Double-A Somerset this weekend, Fried went three innings and threw 44 pitches. The 32-year-old three-time All-Star will look to build up his pitch count late next week in his first rehab start since going on the 15-day injured list back on May 16 due to a bone bruise in his left elbow. Because of how long he's been away from the Yankees' rotation, fantasy managers should expect Fried to make at least two rehab starts and potentially return before the end of July. The former seventh overall pick by the San Diego Padres in 2012 must remain stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues. Before getting hurt, Fried was 4-3 in his 10 starts (61 2/3 innings) with a 3.21 ERA (2.71 FIP), 1.00 WHIP, and 50:19 K:BB in his second season in the Bronx. If he can stay healthy in the second half, Fried could help carry fantasy pitching staffs.

16 hours ago

Jurrangelo Cijntje • SP • Cardinals

Jurrangelo Cijntje Heading to Triple-A After All-Star Break

The St. Louis Cardinals are promoting switch pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje from Double-A Springfield to Triple-A Memphis when minor-league play begins after the All-Star break, according to Rob Rains of the St. Louis Sports Page. Cijntje, the team's No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will make the jump to the highest level on the farm after going 3-4 with a 5.04 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 100 strikeouts and 40 walks in 80 1/3 innings pitched across 17 starts. The 23-year-old former 15th overall pick by the Seattle Mariners out of Mississippi State University was acquired by the Cardinals in the Brendan Donovan trade in the offseason. Cijntje obviously has unique talents on the mound for his ability to pitch from both sides, but the native of the Netherlands hasn't really stood out with either arm yet in the minors in 2026. If Cijntje does debut in the big leagues this year with the Red Birds, it likely won't be until later in the season, and it'll likely come in a bullpen role that won't give him a ton of fantasy baseball value. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder is a natural southpaw, but he has shown better stuff from the right side so far as a pro.

16 hours ago

Emerson Hancock • SP • Mariners

Emerson Hancock has X-Rays Come Back Negative

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock (finger) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's outing against the Tampa Bay Rays. Hancock was struck in the hand by a comebacker during the first inning of this game. He attempted to stay in the game, but Hancock was taken out in the second inning. He finished this outing with 1.2 innings of work and two strikeouts. Luckily, the X-rays came back negative, so it appears Hancock has avoided any significant injuries. The All-Star break begins on Monday, so Hancock will get a few days to rest before game action returns. The hope is that he'll be able to avoid a trip to the Injured List, and the Mariners can just slot him towards the back of the rotation to give him as much time as possible to recover.

18 hours ago

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