MLB News

Roman Anthony • LF • Red Sox

Roman Anthony Starts Swinging a Bat

Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said on Thursday that outfielder Roman Anthony (finger) has started swinging a bat, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. "Off a tee, short flips, there's some of that action going on. It's mainly up to about 30 swings at this time, and he's doing well. He began swinging yesterday. There's no clear next steps yet," Tracy added. "He just started doing it. It's probably going to remain that way for a little while and see how he's feeling. And then if that continues to go well, then we'll start talking about building out a progression to more stuff. But he at least has a bat in his hand swinging." The former top outfielder prospect has been a bust in 2026, having played in only 30 games due to a torn tendon in his right ring finger. The 22-year-old has been out since early May, and there's no clear timetable for his return. Anthony is still rostered in 72% of Yahoo leagues for his power/speed upside, but it might not be until late August or early September until we see him back with the Red Sox's big-league club.

4 hours ago

Shohei Ohtani • DH • Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani Out as DH on Thursday With Knee Soreness

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) reported soreness in his knee on Thursday, manager Dave Roberts told Maddie Lee of The Los Angeles Times, and the team decided to give him the day off against the Seattle Mariners. Roberts said he's very confident Ohtani will be back in the starting lineup as a hitter for Friday's series opener against the visiting Boston Red Sox. With Ohtani out in Thursday's series finale against Seattle, outfielder Teoscar Hernandez is serving as the DH and will bat seventh against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo. Ohtani's bothersome left knee has kept him from pitching since facing the San Diego Padres back on July 3, and there's no timetable for him to return to the mound. The Dodgers continue to say that they are being ultra-cautious with the four-time MVP. Ohtani has five home runs in 21 games in July, but he's also hitting just .265 (22-for-83) with eight walks and 21 strikeouts in 92 plate appearances. They may continue to give him days off here and there as he continues to manage his knee injury, with the ultimate goal being to have Ohtani as healthy as possible for the playoffs.

4 hours ago

Nick Kurtz • 1B • Athletics

Nick Kurtz Back in A's Lineup on Thursday

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (forearm) is back at first base and is leading off on Thursday against the visiting Boston Red Sox and right-hander Sonny Gray, per MLB.com. Kurtz was pulled from Wednesday's game early in Sacramento after being hit by a pitch on his forearm, but X-rays and an MRI exam came back negative, and he won't have to miss any time. Fantasy managers in all traditional leagues will want to get the left-handed slugger back into their lineups immediately, even though he's been a bit cold at the plate lately. The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2024 from Wake Forest University is hitting .260/.399/.491 on the year with an .890 OPS, 21 homers, 69 RBI, 62 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across his 346 at-bats after clubbing 36 homers and driving in 86 in just 117 games as a rookie in 2025. Kurtz offers elite power, regardless of position, but July hasn't been his best month, as he's gone 5-for-38 (.132) with a .485 OPS, two homers, five RBI, three runs, two walks, and 19 Ks in 12 games during the month. He has never faced Gray in his MLB career.

5 hours ago

Quinn Mathews • RP • Cardinals

Cardinals Top Prospect Quinn Mathews to Make MLB Debut on Saturday

St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitching prospect Quinn Mathews will be called up from Triple-A Memphis to make his major-league debut and start on Saturday in Toronto against the Blue Jays, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The 25-year-old 6-foot-5, 188-pounder should immediately be in play as a waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers in all league formats as the Cardinals' No. 7 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The former fourth-round pick in 2023 from Stanford University is getting the call to the Show after going 5-3 with a 3.13 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 111:52 K:BB in 92 innings across 19 starts at Memphis this year. Mathews has been particularly effective since June, posting a sharp 1.55 ERA in his 52 1/3 innings. He features a fastball, sinker, slider, and a changeup, and he'll occasionally mix in a curveball for good measure. Mathews has plenty of strikeout upside with an 11.5 K/9 in his three minor-league seasons, but mechanical issues have hurt his command/control at times. He could have a strong MLB debut this weekend against a Blue Jays offense with the second-worst OPS (.684) in all of baseball in 2026.

6 hours ago

Jazz Chisholm Jr. • 2B • Yankees

Jazz Chisholm Jr. Exits With Apparent Leg Injury on Thursday

New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (leg) was forced to leave Thursday's loss to the Chicago White Sox early with an apparent leg injury, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Chisholm was pulled from the game in the 11th inning after coming up lame while running a groundout in the ninth inning, and he was replaced at the keystone by Jose Caballero. The left-handed slugger went 1-for-3 at the plate with two walks and a strikeout before leaving late. The severity and specific nature of the 28-year-old's injury are unknown, but it could be a minor injury due to the fact that he wasn't pulled from the game right away. The two-time All-Star came into Thursday's tilt with a .223/.298/.408 slash line with a .705 OPS, 16 home runs, 45 RBI, a league-high 30 stolen bases, and 53 runs scored in 101 games across 400 plate appearances. Chisholm is of little help for your average and on-base percentage thanks to a 30% strikeout rate, and his power is down in 2026, but fantasy managers cannot complain about his stolen-base contributions for a player who is eligible at second base. Check back on Friday to see if Chisholm is active for Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs.

7 hours ago

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo to Face Live Hitters on Friday

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) will test out his new breaking-ball grip when he faces live hitters on Friday, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic. It will be Lodolo's first time facing hitters since going on the 15-day injured list on July 12 with another blister on his finger. The 28-year-old southpaw teased high-end strikeout upside when he entered the league in 2022 as a former first-round pick out of TCU, but he has failed to live up to expectations and hasn't been able to stay healthy enough to make 30 starts in a single season. In just 12 starts (62 2/3 innings) this year, Lodolo has gone 3-2 with a 4.60 ERA (5.10 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 27 walks. He's had a career-low 17.9% strikeout rate and career-high 9.7% walk rate, which is not what you want to see. Still, he's rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues with hopes that he can at least be a viable matchup-based streamer to close out the year. The Reds will likely have Lodolo make at least one minor-league rehab start if his simulated game goes off without a hitch on Friday.

9 hours ago

Merrill Kelly • SP • Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly's July Turnaround Makes Him a 12-Team Add

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has rebuilt his mixed-league value with five strong July starts. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.95 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts across 27 2/3 innings this month. He capped that stretch Monday by holding the Pittsburgh Pirates to one unearned run on four hits and one walk while striking out six over 5 2/3 innings. Kelly still carries a 4.86 ERA and 1.45 WHIP through 109 1/3 innings, and his 71 strikeouts leave little margin for error when the ratios slip. That makes him more matchup-dependent than the typical must-start arm. Still, Kelly was rostered in only 38% of Yahoo leagues when RotoBaller's Week 18 rankings were published. He ranks 55th overall with an add recommendation for leagues of 12 teams or deeper and has pitched well enough to earn a roster spot at that depth.

10 hours ago

JJ Bleday • LF • Reds

JJ Bleday Belongs on More 12-Team Rosters

Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday is batting .231/.339/.470 with 18 home runs, 45 RBI, 40 runs, and six stolen bases through 331 plate appearances. The average is still a weakness, but a .260 expected mark suggests he has deserved better. More importantly, Bleday's 10.8% barrel rate, 42.1% hard-hit rate, and .468 expected slugging percentage support the power that has kept him in the heart of Cincinnati's lineup. Bleday has started regularly in the corner outfield and offers enough walks and occasional speed to contribute beyond home runs. Yahoo managers have left him unclaimed in 74% of leagues, even though he ranks 49th in RotoBaller's Week 18 waiver rankings with an add recommendation for 12-team formats. He is not a batting-average asset, but managers seeking power and run production should not leave him available at that league depth.

10 hours ago

Jake Burger • 1B • Rangers

Jake Burger's Power Is Worth the Batting-Average Risk

Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger is batting .236/.297/.426 with 19 home runs, 66 RBI, 45 runs, and two stolen bases across 385 at-bats. The average remains a drag, but the power is legitimate. Burger owns a 90.0 mph average exit velocity, 46.2% hard-hit rate, and 11.1% barrel rate, and he has already surpassed the 16 homers he hit during an injury-plagued 2025 season. Managers still need to accept the volatility. Burger's .231 expected average and 26.6% strikeout rate leave him vulnerable to prolonged cold stretches, and his value is concentrated in home runs and RBI. That tradeoff remains worthwhile when a regular first baseman with this kind of power is available in 78% of Yahoo leagues. Burger ranks 54th in RotoBaller's Week 18 waiver rankings and carries an add recommendation for 12-team formats. He belongs on rosters at that league depth wherever power is the priority.

10 hours ago

Kevin Gausman • SP • Blue Jays

Kevin Gausman Among Blue Jays Veterans Who Could Fit Phillies

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman is among several available veterans who could fit the Philadelphia Phillies' trade-deadline needs, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Philadelphia is looking for rotation depth, a late-inning reliever, and another bat. Starting pitcher Shane Bieber, relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman, designated hitter George Springer, and center fielder Daulton Varsho were also mentioned as possible fits. The clubs share a spring-training complex in Florida, giving Toronto's front office familiarity with Philadelphia's prospects. Morosi did not report that talks involving any individual player were advanced. For now, the trade speculation does not change the fantasy value of any of the five Blue Jays.

10 hours ago

Shane McClanahan • SP • Rays

Shane McClanahan Exits With Apparent Back Issue

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (back) left Thursday's start against the Texas Rangers after three innings with an apparent lower-back issue, according to Ryan Bass. McClanahan reached toward his lower back and tried to stretch before walking off with head athletic trainer Joe Benge. The left-hander did not allow a hit, but he was charged with one run after issuing two walks and hitting a batter. He struck out three and threw 49 pitches, 29 for strikes. Tampa Bay has not announced a diagnosis or said whether McClanahan will need testing. Fantasy managers should consider his next start uncertain until the Rays provide more information.

11 hours ago

Jonathan Loáisiga • RP • Diamondbacks

Jonathan Loaisiga Enters the Deep-League Saves Mix

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga has a path to save chances after manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald from the closer role. Arizona will play matchups rather than name one replacement, and Brandyn Garcia handled the ninth inning Wednesday before Lovullo confirmed the committee. Juan Morillo and Kevin Ginkel also remain part of a crowded late-inning picture. Loaisiga owns a 2.57 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 31 strikeouts and one save through 42 innings, but he has allowed three earned runs over his last two appearances. The strong ratios give him some value while the role develops, though the modest strikeout total keeps him dependent on saves and holds. Loaisiga is not included in RotoBaller's July 30 waiver rankings, so he remains a speculative addition rather than a priority pickup. He is worth considering in 15-team and NL-only leagues, while managers in 12-team formats should monitor Arizona's next few save chances.

11 hours ago

River Ryan • SP • Dodgers

River Ryan Could be Worth a Late-Season Stash

Los Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect River Ryan (hamstring) is sidelined by a hamstring injury and is missing time on the injured list at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was placed on the injured list at the end of June and hasn't pitched since. The 27-year-old right-hander boasts a 65-grade fastball, a 60-grade slider, and a 55-grade cutter and curveball. The stuff is there for the minor league veteran. Should he be able to work past his current injury, he might find his way back in Los Angeles after making his brief MLB debut in 2024. In 36 1/3 innings with Oklahoma City, Ryan has compiled a 3-1 record this season with a 4.46 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 43 strikeouts against just eight walks. That kind of control is a good sign moving forward, and he should be in L.A. this summer if he can demonstrate full health. It could be a good move to stash him now.

11 hours ago

James Tibbs III • RF • Dodgers

James Tibbs III Has Cooled Off Over Past Two Months

Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has slowed down recently after a hot start to the season. Tibbs III has been at Triple-A Oklahoma City the whole year and has hit .209 in June and .254 in July after starting the season by hitting .326 in May. He has still shown nice power throughout the season with 21 homers and 73 RBI with 77 runs scored. Altogether, he is still hitting .283 so his batting average hasn't come down all that much even with the rough past two months. Tibbs III is the No. 9 prospect in the Dodgers' system and has a 50-grade hit tool with 50-grade power. The left-handed hitter is now 23 years old. Originally a first-round pick by the San Francisco Giants out of Florida State, Tibbs III has already spent time in the Red Sox organization before coming over to the Dodgers. Tibbs III's recent slide could mean that he doesn't debut until next season, so fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on his progress.

11 hours ago

Quinn Mathews • RP • Cardinals

Quinn Mathews Deals Gem in Latest Triple-A Start

St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Quinn Mathews is coming off a superb start at Triple-A Memphis in which he hurled seven shutout innings with three hits and an unearned run with 10 strikeouts against three walks. Mathews picked up a win for his efforts, moving his overall record this season to 5-3. The left-hander has spent the entire season at Memphis, compiling a 3.13 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP with 111 strikeouts in 92 innings pitched. In four July starts, Mathews has racked up a 1.04 ERA and 0.77 WHIP as he has raised the level of his game as the summer months have heated up. The No. 7 prospect on the Cardinals' list, Mathews boasts a 60-grade changeup and a 55-grade slider. After four years at Stanford, the 25-year-old is nearing big league ready and it would be wise to add him now before a potential late-season promotion.

11 hours ago

Luke Adams • 3B • Brewers

Luke Adams Making Case For Promotion to Milwaukee

Milwaukee Brewers third base prospect Luke Adams has put together a nice month of July with a .305 batting average in 59 at bats with two homers and six RBI with 14 runs scored. The 22-year-old right-handed hitter missed some time with an injury this season but has returned in early June. In 182 total at bats this year between the ACL Brewers and Triple-A Nashville, Adams has 15 homers and 38 RBI with 40 runs scored while hitting .269. Adams is the No. 16 ranked prospect in the Brewers' system with a 50-grade hit tool and 50-grade power. A former 12th round pick in the draft, Adams doesn't have the prospect pedigree of some others, but he is nonetheless putting up some nice numbers at Triple-A. He could be looked at by the Brewers for a spot on the big league roster especially at third base where Milwaukee is a bit thin.

11 hours ago

Angel Genao • 3B • Guardians

Angel Genao Could Bring Skills To Cleveland Infield Later This Summer

Cleveland Guardians infield prospect Angel Genao has hits in five of his last six games at Triple-A Columbus. Genao is red-hot in Columbus, hitting .382 in 76 July at bats, including two homers and 12 RBI to go with 14 runs scored. Genao is the No. 2 prospect in the Guardians' system and the switch-hitter has made a name for himself in his age 22 season in the minors. Genao has been so impressive that he is making a late-season promotion seem more and more likely and thus it might be a good idea to stash Genao on your roster. At the big league level, Cleveland has Travis Bazzana (second base) and Brayan Rocchio (shortstop) up the middle defensively. But Genao could force his way to Cleveland with his performance. At age 22 and already at Triple-A, Genao is on track to potentially make his MLB debut later this season. His 60-grade hit tool and 55-grade run tool could be on display in Cleveland later this summer.

12 hours ago

Seaver King • SS • Nationals

Seaver King Sidelined By Oblique Injury, Big-League Debut Unlikely This Year

Washington Nationals shortstop prospect Seaver King is currently sidelined with a left-oblique strain, making a late-season big-league debut improbable. King is the No. 4 overall prospect in the Washington system and has a 50-grade hit tool with a 70-grade run tool. So he has the potential to be a big-time contributor in stolen bases in the major leagues. In his age-23 season, King has recorded nine stolen bases combined between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester. King's current injury is problematic because at age 23 he is primed to make his major league debut, but he will first have to demonstrate full health in the minors. At the big league level, Washington has CJ Abrams at shortstop and Nasim Nunez up the middle at second base. So it's looking like next year might be the year for King to make his MLB debut. Fantasy managers will want to be patient until then.

12 hours ago

Luke Weaver • RP • Mets

Luke Weaver Remains a High-End Waiver-Wire Stash Option

New York Mets right-hander Luke Weaver has been one of the better relief pitchers in baseball so far this season, recording a 1.88 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 44 strikeouts, 15 holds, and one save across 43 innings (41 games). The Mets have deployed Weaver in a setup role in front of veteran closer Devin Williams for the majority of 2026. However, Williams has struggled to a 4.29 ERA and 1.60 WHIP across 35 2/3 innings on the year. Additionally, with the Mets out of contention, both Weaver and Williams could be candidates to be moved at the upcoming trade deadline. Rival teams could view Weaver as a viable closer, as he logged 12 saves across two seasons with the New York Yankees in 2024 and 2025. Whether he stays with the Mets or gets traded, Weaver could have a path to saves in the final few months of the season and profiles as a worthy waiver wire stash candidate.

12 hours ago

Clay Holmes • SP • Mets

Clay Holmes a Priority Waiver-Wire Stash Ahead of Impending Injury Return

New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) has not pitched since mid-May due to a fractured fibula. However, the 33-year-old has now made two minor league rehab starts and appears to be on the doorstep of a return to the big leagues. Holmes got off to an excellent start to the 2026 season before the injury, recording a 4-4 record with a 2.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts across 52 2/3 innings (nine starts). The 33-year-old does not profile as a high-end source of strikeouts for fantasy managers, as he's posted just a 20.9% strikeout rate this year. Still, he's logged an elite 56% ground ball rate, which has helped him limit damage from the long ball (0.51 HR/9). Holmes could also get moved to a contender at the upcoming trade deadline, which may help him rack up wins. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Holmes should be viewed as a priority stash candidate off the waiver wire.

12 hours ago

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