MLB News

Andrew Kittredge • RP • Orioles

Andrew Kittredge Takes Loss on Friday, Sees Value Fall in Baltimore Committee

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge took the loss in Friday's 7-6 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, allowing four unearned runs on two hits over two-thirds of the 10th inning. A throwing error by Jackson Holliday brought home the go-ahead run before Kittredge recorded two strikeouts, but Matt Olson followed with a three-run homer. Because all four runs were unearned, Kittredge's ERA dropped from 3.86 to 3.77. The larger fantasy concern came one inning earlier, when Tyler Wells worked a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts in a tied game. Wells ranks 53rd in RotoBaller's weekend waiver rankings with a 12-team recommendation, while Kittredge was left off the list after carrying a 15-team tag at midweek. Nearly every Yahoo waiver wire still has Kittredge available, with his roster rate at 6%. He remains worth monitoring in deep saves leagues, but Friday's usage pushed him further behind Wells and removed any urgency in standard formats.

5 hours ago

Jordan Romano • RP • Rockies

Jordan Romano Earns Another Save, Enters Priority Waiver-Wire Territory

Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jordan Romano worked around two leadoff singles to close out Friday's 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, retiring the next three hitters to earn his eighth save. Romano allowed two hits and struck out one in the scoreless inning. It was his fourth save in as many chances since joining Colorado's bullpen, where he has surrendered one earned run with nine strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Colorado has not formally named a closer, but Romano is getting the opportunities that matter. Each of his seven appearances for the club has come in the ninth inning, and he has converted every save chance. His 10.13 ERA with the Los Angeles Angels earlier this season remains a warning, especially after he allowed two baserunners Friday. Still, 94% of Yahoo leagues have left Romano on the waiver wire. He is a priority saves pickup in 12-team leagues and deeper and a viable target in competitive 10-team formats.

6 hours ago

Yasiel Puig • RF

Yasiel Puig's Sentencing Postponed for Third Time

Former MLB outfielder Yasiel Puig's sentencing has been postponed for a third time while the judge continues considering his post-conviction motion for acquittal, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic. Puig was convicted by a federal jury Feb. 6 of one count of obstruction of justice and one count of making false statements in connection with an investigation into an illegal sports gambling ring. No new sentencing date has been set.

6 hours ago

Nick Kurtz • 1B • Athletics

Nick Kurtz Reinstated From 10-Day Injured List

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, while infielder Max Muncy was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Kurtz had been out since July 10 with a right thumb capsule sprain, which also kept him out of the All-Star Game. The 23-year-old returns with a .266/.405/.497 slash line, 20 home runs, 61 runs, 66 RBI, and seven steals in 92 games. Kurtz can go right back into fantasy lineups. Muncy returns to Las Vegas four days after being recalled when Joshua Kuroda-Grauer landed on the injured list following surgery.

6 hours ago

Ralphy Velazquez • 1B • Guardians

Ralphy Velazquez's Triple-A Production Slowing in July

Cleveland Guardians first base/outfield prospect Ralphy Velazquez is an ideal fantasy prospect due to his 60-grade power and 50-grade hit tool. Between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus, Velazquez has had a nice age-21 season, but he has slowed down a bit statistically at Columbus in July. In 53 July at-bats, Velazquez is hitting .208 with two homers, eight RBI, and a .333 on-base percentage. All in all, between Double and Triple-A this season, Velazquez has 11 homers and 48 RBI while hitting .282 with 45 runs scored and a .378 on-base percentage. The left-handed hitting first baseman/outfielder was a former first-round pick by the Guardians in 2023, but might be looking at finishing this season in the minors. A premium dynasty prospect, Velazquez might be looking at 2027 as his time for a big league debut.

6 hours ago

Dallas Keuchel • SP • Athletics

Dallas Keuchel Agrees to Minor-League Deal With Athletics

Free-agent left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Athletics and will report to Triple-A Las Vegas, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 38-year-old last appeared in the majors with Milwaukee in 2024, posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings over four starts. He returned to Triple-A Omaha in 2025 and went 2-1 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 30 strikeouts across 35 2/3 innings before being released in August. Keuchel, the 2015 American League Cy Young winner, will have to pitch his way back to the majors and carries no immediate fantasy value.

6 hours ago

Max Clark • CF • Tigers

Max Clark Not Slowing Down Statistically at Triple-A Toledo

Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has had a nice month of July at Triple-A Toledo, posting three homers and six RBI while hitting .333 with 13 runs scored and four stolen bases. As Clark continues to hit, he continues to make his case for a big league promotion. As the top prospect in the Tigers system, Clark is the main name to watch as the Tigers roster continues to take shape as the trade deadline nears. Clark has a 60-grade hit tool and a 70-grade run tool and has racked up 21 stolen bases at Toledo this year. At just 21 years old, the Tigers will have to make a decision on how they want Clark's career to progress. He has shown the capability to hit at a high level at Triple-A and the next step could be Detroit, but do the Tigers want to bring up Clark at such a young age? It's worth taking a chance in fantasy by stashing Clark and waiting for a promotion, especially if the Tigers are active at the trade deadline.

6 hours ago

Karson Milbrandt • SP • Marlins

Karson Milbrandt Struggling To Find Consistency at Triple-A

Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has flashed his potential in his age 22 season, but has struggled with his control since joining Triple-A Jacksonville. In 27 innings pitched for Jacksonville, Milbrandt has walked 24 batters and has allowed 17 earned runs. It's been a bit of a struggle for Milbrandt to find the form he showed at Double-A Pensacola, but he is still ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the Marlins' system. At Pensacola, Milbrandt was 4-1 with a 1.34 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 70 strikeouts in 47 innings. The strikeout rate was a product of his potential but Milbrandt hasn't found that same rate at Jacksonville. Milbrandt is worth looking at in dynasty leagues but might be best left on the waiver wire in redraft leagues as he works through some of his struggles.

6 hours ago

Connelly Early • SP • Red Sox

Connelly Early Throws Bullpen Session

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early (elbow) threw a successful one-inning bullpen session on Friday as he continues to work his way back from left posterior elbow inflammation. He also threw from 120 feet and participated in pitcher fielding drills, making it a busy and productive day. The plan is for the 24-year-old southpaw to throw a two-inning bullpen session sometime next week, followed by a live batting practice session. Once those steps are completed, the Red Sox expect him to begin a short rehab assignment, putting him on track to return well before the end of the regular season. Given this positive outlook, Early is worth holding in fantasy leagues, and if he is available on the waiver wire, he is worth adding before he is activated from the Injured List.

6 hours ago

Hagen Smith • SP • White Sox

Hagen Smith Working his Way Back From Injury

Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith has made two outings since returning from the injured list at Triple-A Charlotte. In those two outings, the left-hander has lasted one and two innings, respectively, as he makes his way back from a left-shoulder impingement. Smith gave up just one earned run in his last two appearances combined. He walked three batters in his first time back out since his injury and lasted just one inning. Control has been an issue for Smith despite his good numbers overall this season. In 55 innings this season, Smith has 82 strikeouts. He only has a 1-6 record this season with a 4.58 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Smith is the No. 2 overall prospect for the White Sox and has two 60-grade pitches in his fastball and slider. If Smith can work his way back from his shoulder injury, he would be a welcome addition to the White Sox roster down the stretch

7 hours ago

Cody Bradford • SP • Rangers

Cody Bradford Impresses During Rehab Start

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cody Bradford (elbow) threw three scoreless innings in his latest rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Thursday. The 28-year-old increased his pitch count to 48, throwing 39 of them for strikes while displaying impressive command. Although he allowed three hits, he struck out four batters and did not issue a walk. He likely has at least two more rehab starts before being activated and returning to the Rangers' starting rotation, with building up his pitch count remaining the primary focus. That said, his rehab assignment has been a success so far, and Bradford remains a low-cost stash with some upside in the deepest fantasy leagues.

7 hours ago

AJ Smith-Shawver • SP • Braves

It's Time To Stash AJ Smith-Shawver

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) is set to make one more rehab start this week for Triple-A Gwinnett after throwing 86 pitches in his most recent outing on Thursday. The 23-year-old has been impressive during his rehab assignment, recording 21 strikeouts over 17.2 innings while posting a 1.53 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. The expectation is that this upcoming start will be his final one before being activated by the Braves, allowing fantasy managers to add him now before his value rises. Smith-Shawver has shown success in the past, posting a 3.86 ERA with a 22.0% strikeout rate in 2025 before suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery in June 2025. Now that he is on the verge of returning to Atlanta, he could be a prime candidate to replace the struggling Reynaldo L pez, who has allowed nine earned runs over his last two starts.

7 hours ago

Héctor Rodríguez • LF • Reds

Hector Rodriguez Could be Impact Addition for the Reds

Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has surprised a bit with his consistent power in his age-22 season at Triple-A Louisville. Rodriguez has tallied 24 homers in 374 at-bats with 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and a .275 batting average. Given 45-grade power by scouts, Rodriguez has surpassed expectations with his power this season. He is now the No. 3 prospect in the Reds' system. The Dominican Republic native could be a late-season addition to the Reds in the outfield. The left-handed-hitting bat could add some pop to the Cincinnati outfield, and with Blake Dunn currently on the injured list, there could be an opening for Rodriguez at the big-league level. Rodriguez should produce solid numbers if promoted and would be a good addition to fantasy teams over the second half of the season.

7 hours ago

Nick Pivetta • SP • Padres

Nick Pivetta Faces Live Hitters

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (forearm) threw to live batters on Friday, marking a significant step forward in his recovery from a right flexor strain. The 33-year-old threw 20 pitches during the planned session, and if all goes well, the Padres expect him to face live hitters again next week. Sidelined since the middle of April, Pivetta has had little opportunity to make an impact in fantasy. With just 16.0 innings pitched, the mid-round fantasy pick has been unable to provide a return on the investment fantasy managers made during draft season. With this latest step forward, the hope is that he can begin a rehab assignment after a few more successful live batting practice sessions. If all goes well, he has a chance to return for the final month of the regular season.

7 hours ago

Joe Musgrove • SP • Padres

Joe Musgrove Throws to Live Batters

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (elbow) threw his first live batting practice session on Friday. He tossed 23 pitches, and while that is fewer than the nearly 40 pitches he threw a week earlier, facing live hitters is a much more significant step. This marks another major milestone for the 33-year-old hurler, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery in October 2024. He is set to throw again at some point next week, and will likely need to throw multiple live batting practice sessions before being assigned to a rehab assignment. However, if he continues to check all the boxes, there is a chance he could be activated from the Injured List sometime in September. That said, it's unclear whether he will be eased back into action after such a long layoff, which caps his fantasy upside for the 2026 season.

7 hours ago

Zac Veen • LF • Rockies

Zac Veen has Appeal as a Potential Five-Category Contributor

Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen has had quite the consistent 2026 season at Triple-A Albuquerque, and that could result in some time up with Colorado in the second half of the season. In 333 at-bats at Albuquerque, Veen is hitting .312 with 16 homers and 63 RBI to go with 62 runs scored and 15 stolen bases. The No. 7 overall prospect for the Rockies, Veen is producing in his age-24 season, and it might be the perfect time for a call-up to the big leagues. The left-handed hitting outfielder has a 50-grade hit tool with 45-grade power and a 55-grade run tool. So Veen does not have the tools of a prolific big league home run hitter, but his speed should make him a five-tool prospect. A call-up to Colorado and the chance to play his home games at Coors Field would make Veen immediately attractive for fantasy purposes. Now might be the time to add Veen to fantasy rosters in anticipation of potential time in Colorado this season.

7 hours ago

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing in Minor-League Doubleheader Saturday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) will play in a doubleheader on Saturday for Triple-A Gwinnett after Friday's minor-league game was rained out. Braves manager Walt Weiss expects the superstar to play seven innings in each game, eliminating the possibility of him being reinstated from the Injured List today. Weiss also mentioned that he is waiting to hear from the 28-year-old outfielder when he feels ready to return, though it is expected to happen sooner rather than later. Acu a has hit one home run, stolen one base, and is batting .217, but those aren't the numbers that concern the Braves. Instead, the team has focused on the quality of his contact, as the former All-Star has hit 14 balls in play at 95 mph or harder. All that being said, he is close to returning and should be immediately inserted into all fantasy lineups once he is finally reinstated from the Injured List.

7 hours ago

Michael Soroka • SP • Diamondbacks

Michael Soroka to Throw Simulated Game on Saturday

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka (glute) will throw a simulated game, consisting of two innings or 35 pitches, on Saturday, July 25, according to MLB.com. Soroka has been on the 15-day injured list since June 20 due to a left-glute strain, but he's making progress and could be ready to rejoin Arizona's starting rotation in either late July or early August. The 28-year-old is expected to need at least one minor-league rehab start before coming off the IL, though, so an early August return is more realistic. The former 28th overall pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2015 has had a resurgent season in 2026, his seventh in the big leagues and first in Arizona, going 8-3 for the Snakes with a career-best 3.07 ERA (2.93 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 82 innings across his 15 starts. Soroka's 23.7% strikeout rate is nothing to write home about, but he's also sporting a career-low 5.1% walk rate and is inducing a lot of weak contact with a 34.1% hard-hit rate. When he returns from the IL, he could continue to be a strong streaming option in fantasy baseball leagues. Soroka is currently rostered in 67% of Yahoo leagues.

7 hours ago

Juan Soto • LF • Mets

Juan Soto Going for Imaging on his Calf on Saturday

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) will get imaging done on his nagging left calf on Saturday after he was pulled from Friday's contest early against the Los Angeles Dodgers, interim manager Andy Green told Tim Britton of The Athletic. Green isn't ruling out a trip to the injured list for Soto. "This has nagged him for a week," Green said. "Anytime you get an image, you're concerned." The Mets haven't released their lineup for Saturday's contest at Citi Field against the Dodgers, but Soto almost certainly will not be in it. The 27-year-old Dominican All-Star spent time on the IL earlier this year with a right-calf strain, and he's been dealing with issues in his left calf since the first game following the All-Star break earlier this month. Since then, he has mostly served as the Mets' designated hitter to keep him off his feet as much as possible. Fantasy managers need to prepare for the possibility that Soto will miss more time going forward. In his ninth year in the league, he's hitting .283 (83-for-293) with league highs in on-base percentage (.408) and OPS (.947) while adding 21 homers, 52 RBI, 46 runs scored, and seven steals.

7 hours ago

Jac Caglianone • RF • Royals

Jac Caglianone Returns From Shoulder Injury on Saturday

Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone (shoulder) is starting in right field and is batting third for the Royals in Saturday's contest against the division-rival Detroit Tigers and right-hander Casey Mize, per MLB.com. Caglianone will return to action on Saturday in Motown after missing each of the last three games with right-shoulder soreness that was the result of him diving for a ball in the outfield. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger came off the bench as a pinch-hitter in Friday's loss to Detroit and is now ready to rejoin the starting nine. Fantasy managers will want to plug the second-year player back into their starting lineups against the right-hander on Saturday. Cags has gone hitless in each of his last three games, but before that, he was hitting .271 (16-for-59) with two homers, five doubles, seven RBI, and seven runs scored in 14 games to begin the month of July. After a slow start in 2026, his first full year in the majors, the former sixth overall pick from the University of Florida has turned things up and is currently slashing .257/.315/.462 with a .777 OPS and 16 home runs in 338 at-bats.

8 hours ago

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