MLB News

Jacob Melton • LF • Rays

Jacob Melton Dealing With Hamstring Tightness, Breakout Season Interrupted

Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton (hamstring) is reportedly dealing with right hamstring tightness after being removed from a Triple-A Durham Bulls game on Saturday, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The No. 6 prospect in the Rays' system has already missed time this season due to left ankle discomfort and could miss additional time while recovering from the new issue. Melton is hitting .306 in the minor leagues this season, posting a .407 OBP and a .952 OPS with six home runs across 41 games at two levels. The injury is not expected to be serious for the 25-year-old, but it creates another interruption during what has been the best season of his young career in the Rays' organization.

5 hours ago

Emmanuel Rodriguez • CF • Twins |

Manuel Rodríguez • RP • Rays

Emmanuel Rodriguez Dealing With Thumb Soreness, Remains Day-To-Day

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez was scratched from a High-A Cedar Rapids rehab game on Tuesday due to apparent thumb soreness and is now considered day-to-day, according to Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune. The 23-year-old is the No. 52 prospect in Major League Baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, as he continues working his way through the Twins' farm system. Across 29 games at multiple levels this season, Rodriguez is hitting .253 with a .902 OPS and six home runs in 95 at-bats before the injury. He owns a .911 OPS with a .254 batting average throughout his minor league career and will look to avoid any further setbacks during his recovery.

5 hours ago

Sebastian Walcott • SS • Rangers

Sebastian Walcott Suffers Head Injury, Placed on Double-A Injured List

Texas Rangers infielder Sebastian Walcott, the No. 10 prospect in Major League Baseball, has been placed on the Double-A injured list after being hit in the head by a wild pickoff attempt over the weekend. A clear timetable for his return has not yet been announced. The top-ranked prospect in the Texas system has had an injury-ridden campaign, missing nearly the entire first half after undergoing an internal brace procedure in the offseason. However, when on the field, the infielder has been quite productive, hitting .308 with a .934 OPS in 13 games for Double-A Frisco this season. Dynasty managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status, but it appears he could be in danger of another lengthy absence. Despite the disappointing season, he remains on track to compete for his MLB debut sometime during the 2027 season and continues to hold elite long-term value in all dynasty formats.

5 hours ago

Shohei Ohtani • DH • Dodgers

Shohei Ohtani Expected to Resume Throwing, Remains on Track for Pitching Return

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) is expected to resume playing catch during the club's upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs after being sidelined from pitching with left knee inflammation and right biceps discomfort, according to Jack Harris of the California Post. The four-time MVP is still without a timetable for his return to the mound, but this marks another positive step in his recovery. Ohtani made 14 starts before the injury, posting a 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts across 85 2/3 innings. He has continued to produce at an elite level at the plate, slashing .292/.397/.544 with a .941 OPS. The Dodgers are not expected to rush the 32-year-old after acquiring Tarik Skubal to strengthen their rotation ahead of the deadline.

5 hours ago

Kevin Gausman • SP • Cubs

Kevin Gausman Traded to Cubs, Adds Veteran Presence to Rotation

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman was traded to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday in exchange for minor-league infielder Ty Southisene and outfielder Brett Bateman, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Gausman has taken a slight step back this season following a strong 2025 campaign, posting a 4.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 23 starts. Even so, the 35-year-old still provides an experienced presence in the middle of a playoff rotation and owns a career 3.85 ERA behind one of baseball's best splitters. Gausman is also coming off a strong outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings, as the Cubs continue to strengthen their rotation for the stretch run.

6 hours ago

Tarik Skubal • SP • Dodgers

Tarik Skubal Set for Dodgers Debut, Poised to Bolster Rotation

Newly acquired Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Tarik Skubal is reportedly set to make his Dodgers debut on Tuesday in the club's upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs. After spending the first six and a half seasons of his career with the Detroit Tigers, Skubal was traded to Los Angeles on Saturday in the biggest starting pitching move at the trade deadline. The two-time All-Star has started 16 games this season for Detroit, posting a 2.79 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts across 96 2/3 innings. Skubal has put together an elite stretch over the past few seasons and is expected to anchor the Dodgers' rotation as the club looks to make another deep postseason run.

6 hours ago

Luis García Jr. • 1B • Yankees

Yankees Acquire Luis Garcia Jr. From the Nationals

The New York Yankees are acquiring infielder Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals on Sunday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Per Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, the Nationals will receive right-handers Ben Grable, Yovanny Cruz, Jack Cebert, and Jake Bird. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter leads the National League with a .560 slugging percentage and is hitting .283/.313/.560 with 23 home runs on the year. He's also under club control through the end of the 2027 season. Garcia is a bit of an odd fit for the Yanks, who were believed to be seeking a right-handed bat at the trade deadline this year. Not only does he hit from the left side, but he's been playing first base, where New York is already set with Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt. However, the Yankees still have Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list, and they've scored the fifth-fewest runs since Judge got hurt. Garcia will most likely split time at DH (until the Yankees get healthier) and second base, but he could continue to be shielded against left-handed pitchers (he has only 57 plate appearances against them in 2026).

9 hours ago

Jacob Wilson • SS • Athletics

Jacob Wilson is Dealing with Patellar Tendonitis

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (knee) is being held out of the starting lineup during Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers. A's manager Mark Kotsay said Wilson is out due to patellar tendonitis in his right knee. He added that this injury is manageable and he believes Wilson will be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Wilson has been struggling at the plate lately, so maybe this injury has played a part in that. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about a lengthy absence, as this sounds like a day-to-day issue. Alika Williams will cover shortstop and bat seventh versus right-hander Keider Montero on Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back on Tuesday for another update.

10 hours ago

Aidan Smith • CF • Mets

Aidan Smith Headlines Prospect Haul for Mets in Trade With Rays

Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Aidan Smith, along with two other prospects, is heading to the New York Mets in exchange for right-hander Freddy Peralta. The Rays bulk up their starting rotation, but it costs them three prospects. Smith is the most notable, as he ranked as the Rays' 15th-best prospect in their system. The Mets also acquired right-hander Gary Gill Hill and second baseman Emilien Pitre in exchange for Peralta. According to MLB Pipeline, Hill and Pitre ranked as the 26th and 27th-best prospects in the Rays system. Between the three, Smith holds the most upside, but he still needs time in the minor leagues. None of these players is likely to contribute right away, but it's not a terrible return on Peralta, who is a free agent after the season.

10 hours ago

Will Smith • C • Dodgers

Will Smith Needs 3-4 Weeks to Ramp Up

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) was able to throw ahead of Saturday's game against the Boston Red Sox. That is an encouraging sign in what is still a long road to recovery for Smith. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday that Smith will need at least 3-4 weeks to ramp back up, which includes a rehab assignment. He has been out since the middle of June due to neck inflammation. Given this current timetable, Smith should be able to get back in the mix by late August or early September. Fantasy managers with an IL spot available should continue to hold Smith. Dalton Rushing figures to continue doing a majority of the catching, with Eliezer Alfonzo getting mixed in as well.

11 hours ago

Kyle Harrison • SP • Brewers

Kyle Harrison is Expected to Return Against Pirates

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (forearm) is expected to return from the 15-day Injured List during their upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The series begins on Monday and goes through Thursday, but the Brewers haven't said which day Harrison is going to pitch. His lone rehab start was with High-A Wisconsin on Thursday, so a return on Wednesday seems likely. Harrison was struggling a bit before the injury, but has mostly been solid this season. The southpaw deserves to be rostered in most fantasy formats down the stretch of the season.

11 hours ago

Luis Arraez • 2B • Giants

Luis Arraez Returns for Series Finale in San Diego

San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (leg) is back in the starting nine for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival San Diego Padres at Petco Park, starting at second base and batting leadoff against left-hander Kyle Hart, per MLB.com. Arraez was pulled from Friday's contest against his former team due to cramps in his leg, and he was also scratched from Saturday's loss as a precaution. Despite facing a southpaw to begin Sunday's game, the 29-year-old left-handed hitter and three-time batting champion should be returned to starting lineups in all traditional formats. Arraez could be on his way to a fourth batting title in 2026 in his first year in San Fran, as he's currently hitting a league-best .328 (136-for-415) with four home runs, 43 RBI, 10 steals, and 52 runs scored in 104 games and 459 plate appearances. While Arraez provides almost no power upside for fantasy managers, he's an excellent source of batting average, and his fantasy value could improve if he's dealt to a contender before Monday's Aug. 3 trade deadline.

11 hours ago

Willson Contreras • 1B • Red Sox

Willson Contreras Returns for Sunday Night in L.A.

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (head) is starting at first base and will bat cleanup for the BoSox in Sunday night's series finale on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Emmet Sheehan, according to MLB.com. Contreras was hit in the head by a pitch in Friday's series opener against the Dodgers, and Boston held him out of Saturday's lineup as a result. However, he avoided a concussion and is returning to action on Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to get the 34-year-old veteran Venezuelan slugger back in their starting lineups in all leagues as he looks to stay hot in August. The four-time All-Star is having a heck of a season in 2026 in his first year in Beantown, hitting .288/.396/.547 with a .943 OPS, 23 home runs, 67 RBI, 55 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 102 games played across 419 plate appearances. Contreras was red-hot in July, going 20-for-62 (.323) at the plate with five home runs, four doubles, 14 RBI, 14 runs scored, and a stolen base in 20 games played and 82 plate appearances.

11 hours ago

Nick Kurtz • 1B • Athletics

Nick Kurtz Out Again on Sunday, to Visit With Hand Specialist

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) is not in the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the visiting Detroit Tigers, according to MLB.com. Jeff McNeil will make the start at first base and will hit eighth against Tigers right-hander Keider Montero in Sacramento. Kurtz played on Thursday and Friday after being hit by a pitch on Wednesday, but the 23-year-old left-handed slugger is now out on Sunday for a second straight game and is scheduled to visit with a hand specialist on Monday in Los Angeles. Manager Mark Kotsay said initial X-rays on Kurtz's hand were "kind of unclear," so the A's want more clarity moving forward. The good news is that the A's have a scheduled day off on Monday, but it seems unlikely that Kurtz will be ready to roll on Tuesday for the series opener in Cincinnati against the Reds, even if doctors like what they see in L.A. on Monday. Fantasy managers need to prepare for a potential trip to the injured list. Kurtz is an elite source of power in just his first full MLB season in 2026, but he's been banged up so far in the second half and hit just .114 (5-for-44) with a .454 OPS, two homers, five RBI, three runs scored, four walks, and 23 strikeouts in 14 games in July.

11 hours ago

Matt Chapman • 3B • Giants

Matt Chapman Not Ready to Return From the Injured List

San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen), who was supposed to be ready by the All-Star break in mid-July and then again this weekend in San Diego against the division-rival Padres, is still not ready, according to Evan Webeck of The California Post. Chapman was scheduled to meet with team doctors on Sunday to reassess his situation. He has been able to swing the bat and play defense, but he's still having trouble running the bases. The 33-year-old veteran has not played since suffering an abdominal strain on June 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and there is no timetable for his return. Because of his injury, Chapman doesn't figure to be traded before Monday's Aug. 3 deadline. Before his injury, the former All-Star was a disappointment for fantasy managers offensively, slashing .235/.324/.368 with a .692 OPS, seven home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored across his 307 at-bats in his third year in the Bay Area. Chapman should return this season, but his activation from the IL is no longer imminent. UPDATE: Per the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser, Chapman will have another MRI exam on Monday.

12 hours ago

Sam Antonacci • LF • White Sox

Sam Antonacci a Speed and Batting Average Asset to Target on the Waiver Wire

Across 361 plate appearances entering play on Sunday, Chicago White Sox outfielder/second baseman Sam Antonacci had hit .279/.369/.413 with eight home runs, 32 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. The 23-year-old does not profile as a high-end power source, as he's posted just a 6.6% barrel rate and a 36.3% hard-hit rate. The lefty swinger has also logged just a .519 OPS against left-handed pitching this season, which has led the White Sox to deploy him in a big-side platoon role. However, Antonacci has displayed an impressive plate approach for a young player, limiting his strikeout rate to 15.8%. He also offers high-end speed that helps him run a high batting average on balls in play. As a quality source of batting average, stolen bases, and runs scored, Antonacci profiles as a must-add waiver wire target across most league formats.

12 hours ago

Tommy Edman • 2B • Dodgers

Tommy Edman a Versatile Depth Piece to Target on the Waiver Wire

After missing the start of the 2026 season while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Tommy Edman has been a standout performer since his return. Across 129 plate appearances, the 31-year-old is hitting .313/.394/.455 with two home runs, 18 RBI, 19 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Edman does not profile as a high-end power source, as he's logged just a 6.7% barrel rate and a 38.2% hard-hit rate. His batting average may be due for some regression as well, as his current .388 batting average on balls in play is significantly higher than his career mark of .294. Still, Edman brings a balanced profile at the plate, and his presence in the Dodgers lineup should allow him to continue racking up runs and RBI. Particularly given his multi-positional eligibility, Edman profiles as a must-roster depth piece for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.

12 hours ago

Tyler Wells • RP • Orioles

Tyler Wells Emerging as a Worthy Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target

Across 54 innings (43 games) in 2026, Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells has recorded a 2.67 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 53 strikeouts, 10 holds, and four saves. With Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, Baltimore has utilized multiple relievers in the ninth inning. However, Wells earned the team's most recent save on Friday and may be establishing himself as Baltimore's preferred closer. Wells has notched a strong 19.0% K-BB rate this season. He's also been difficult to square up, as he's allowed just a 31.5% hard-hit rate and 1.00 HR/9. Even if Wells does not see every save chance for Baltimore the rest of the way, he profiles as a reliable source of quality ratios, and his ability to work multiple innings in high-leverage spots puts him in a position to steal wins. Particularly in deeper leagues, Wells looks like a worthy waiver wire target.

12 hours ago

Brandyn Garcia • RP • Diamondbacks

Brandyn Garcia Emerging as a Must-Add Saves Source

Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Brandyn Garcia has emerged as one of his team's better bullpen arms so far this season, recording a 2.10 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 36 strikeouts, 13 holds, and three saves across 30 innings (36 games). Garcia has logged an impressive 31.9% strikeout rate while posting just a 6.2% walk rate. He also owns a stellar 65.6% ground ball rate and has not allowed a home run yet in 2026. The 26-year-old appears to be establishing himself as the preferred closer in Arizona, as he's notched saves in each of his last two appearances. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Garcia should be a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers in need of saves.

12 hours ago

Caleb Thielbar • RP • Cubs

Caleb Thielbar Remains a Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target

Chicago Cubs left-hander Caleb Thielbar picked up his third save of the season on Saturday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 5-2 win over the New York Yankees. Across 34 innings (39 games) in 2026, Thielbar has recorded a 3.97 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 43 strikeouts. The 39-year-old has missed bats at an impressive rate so far this season, striking out 30.3% of the batters he's faced. With Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) currently on the injured list due to elbow inflammation, Thielbar appears to be part of a closer committee in Chicago with right-handers Trent Thornton and Jacob Webb. While fantasy managers should not expect Thielbar to see every save opportunity for the Cubs, the veteran left-hander could be worth targeting on the waiver wire in deeper leagues as a quality source of strikeouts and the occasional save.

13 hours ago

MLB News

LEGEND