MLB News

Ryan Clifford • 1B • Mets

Ryan Clifford's Dismal 2026 Continues in August

New York Mets first base/outfield prospect Ryan Clifford has gone ice cold at the plate over the last month, going 5-for-55 (.091) over his last 15 games. The Mets' eighth-ranked prospect has had a forgettable season overall, but the recent downturn has pushed his slash line to .182/.275/.358 with a sky-high 37.3 percent strikeout rate that ranks the worst at Triple-A among qualified hitters. On the bright side, after a 29-home run campaign in 2025, the 6-foot-3 slugger has still been able to produce 16 long balls in 100 games for Syracuse in 2026, but it may do little for his chances to make an MLB debut this year. The 23-year-old looks like he needs more seasoning at Triple-A before making the jump, and fantasy managers in redraft leagues can safely leave him on the waiver wire for now.

4 hours ago

Josh Naylor • 1B • Mariners

Josh Naylor Returns From Wrist Injury on Wednesday

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (wrist) is starting at first base and is batting sixth on Wednesday against the hosting New York Yankees and right-hander Will Warren, according to MLB.com. Naylor will return to action in the Bronx after taking the day off on Tuesday with soreness in his right wrist. Fantasy managers will want to get the 29-year-old left-handed slugger back in their starting lineups on Wednesday in traditional fantasy leagues against a right-hander. Naylor has been swinging a hot bat since July 26 in a span of 13 games, going 15-for-48 (.313) with an .898 OPS, two home runs, four doubles, five RBI, four runs scored, and two stolen bases in 53 plate appearances. The Canadian native has hit just 10 home runs in his 430 at-bats in 2026, but he also has 23 stolen bases and continues to be a rare speed threat at first base for fantasy managers. Naylor has gone hitless in just one career at-bat against Warren.

4 hours ago

Gavin Cross • CF • Royals

Gavin Cross Displaying Power Stroke at Triple-A

Kansas City Royals outfield prospect Gavin Cross has an extra-base hit in three consecutive contests for Triple-A Omaha and is now on a mini four-game hit streak, during which time he has gone 7-for-17 (.412), including two doubles and a home run. The Royals' 26th-ranked prospect had been on a tear from late June to late July, hitting .352 while collecting a hit in 26 of 27 games, but despite that and his recent four-game run, the former ninth-overall draft pick is still only batting .249 on the year with a .734 OPS. There is intriguing power and speed in his profile, but the 6-foot-2 slugger owns a high strikeout rate of 28.8 percent which could lead to additional cold spells. Even so, the 25-year-old should get a shot in the majors before the season is out, although there is little reason to stash him in redraft leagues.

4 hours ago

Jack Wenninger • SP • Mets

Jack Wenninger Struggling, 2026 Debut in Jeopardy

New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger's chances of making a 2026 debut are fading fast after the right-hander yielded six earned runs in back-to-back starts, allowing three home runs in one of those contests and conceding seven walks, one hit-by-pitch, and three wild pitches over 8 2/3 innings pitched (11 strikeouts) in all. The right-hander started the year strong, posting a 1.08 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 14.5 percent K-BB% over his first seven starts, but has recorded a 6.36 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, and a 6.4 percent K-BB% over his last 10 appearances. The Mets' ninth-ranked prospect will get a chance to right the ship in his next start on Wednesday for Syracuse, but as far as fantasy is concerned, the 24-year-old is off the stash radar in redraft leagues until further notice.

4 hours ago

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Byron Buxton Could Return to Twins Soon

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) was mashing during on-field batting practice at Target Field on Tuesday and could be close to coming off the 10-day injured list, according to Chris Long. Manager Derek Shelton said that Thursday is a possibility for Buxton. The 32-year-old veteran has been sidelined since the end of July due to a right-hip impingement, but he appears close to being ready to rejoin the major-league starting lineup without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. The Twins face the Philadelphia Phillies for the Field of Dreams game on Thursday, which would be a nice time for Buxton to make his return. Although the 12-year veteran doesn't run much these days, he continues to be an excellent source of power in 2026 (25 homers) after clubbing a career-high 35 long balls a year ago. Buxton was struggling at the plate in July in nine games before his hip injury, though, going 6-for-29 (.207) with a double, two RBI, a run scored, two walks, and seven strikeouts. He hasn't homered since June 22.

4 hours ago

Hunter Barco • SP • Pirates

Hunter Barco Sharp in Latest Outing at Triple-A

Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Hunter Barco looked sharp in his latest outing at Triple-A Indianapolis, tossing six innings of one-hit ball while walking two and striking out three. The Pirates' ninth-ranked prospect has worked as both a starter and reliever for Indy this year, with much better results as a starter, posting a 2.75 ERA and 1.19 WHIP compared to a 6.94 ERA and 1.97 WHIP. The former second-rounder debuted with the Pirates last year, and made six appearances earlier in 2026, all out of the bullpen. The 6-foot-4 hurler could get another shot in Pittsburgh this year, but his fantasy relevance will depend on whether he's working as a starter or reliever. With the Bucs acquiring Clay Holmes, there currently isn't a need for a closer, and long relief would only make him viable in leagues that reward holds. Even so, the 25-year-old is a name worth monitoring in the event Paul Skenes' recent velocity dip turns into anything more serious and the Pirates end up needing a rotation arm.

5 hours ago

Jefferson Rojas • SS • Mets

Jefferson Rojas Making Good First Impression With New Club

Recently acquired New York Mets infield prospect Jefferson Rojas cranked his first home run on Tuesday as a member of his new organization, as part of a three-hit night for Binghamton. It was the second three-hit performance in his last three games, and the Mets' newly-anointed top-ranked prospect is now slashing .272/.340/.470 with 16 home runs and 18 steals in 97 games at Double-A this season. The 5-foot-11 Dominican came over in a trade with the Cubs, and looks like a candidate for some time at Triple-A before the season is out, although an MLB debut in 2026 isn't likely. The right-handed hitter offers a little bit of power and speed to go along with low strikeout rates during his time in the minors (16.2 percent), so he could be an intriguing fantasy option in 2027, and with the ability to play shortstop, second base, or third base, there are multiple pathways to the majors.

5 hours ago

Kyle Karros • 3B • Rockies

Rockies Place Kyle Karros on Concussion Injured List

The Colorado Rockies announced on Wednesday that they placed third baseman Kyle Karros (concussion) on the seven-day concussion injured list and recalled infielder Adael Amador from Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move. Karros was forced from Tuesday's game early against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks after colliding with teammate Ezequiel Tovar while both players were going after a ground ball. It came the inning after the 24-year-old hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning. At the very least, Karros will be out of action for the Rockies for the next week. In his absence, veteran utility man Willi Castro is expected to see most of the playing time at the hot corner in Denver. In 112 games and 396 plate appearances in 2026 in his first full year in the big leagues, Karros is slashing .265/.361/.424 with a .785 OPS, 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 58 runs scored, and five steals. It's bad timing for the young right-handed slugger, as he has hit a cool .298 (14-for-47) with a homer, two doubles, nine RBI, nine runs scored, and two steals in 14 games since July 24.

5 hours ago

Jackson Chourio • LF • Brewers

Jackson Chourio Dealing With Sore Thumb, In Wednesday's Lineup

Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said on Wednesday that outfielder Jackson Chourio (thumb) has been dealing with a sore thumb, not second baseman Brice Turang, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. However, Chourio is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale at Petco Park against left-hander Robbie Ray, starting in left field and hitting leadoff. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the 22-year-old's status going forward. If his thumb worsens, he'll be a candidate to land on the injured list. The Venezuelan outfielder has hit .278/.341/.480 with an .821 OPS, 17 home runs, 48 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 58 runs scored in 352 at-bats in 2026 in his third year in the big leagues for Milwaukee. Chourio hit only .229 (24-for-105) with a .588 OPS, one homer, five doubles, nine RBI, four steals, 18 runs, seven walks, and 27 strikeouts in 26 games in July, but he's picked things up so far in 11 games in August, going 12-for-37 (.324) with four homers, a double, six RBI, six runs scored, and one steal in 45 plate appearances. He's gone 1-for-3 in his career against Ray.

5 hours ago

Brice Turang • 2B • Brewers

Brice Turang In Wednesday's Lineup in San Diego

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (thumb) is starting at second base and is batting second in Wednesday's series finale against the hosting San Diego Padres and left-hander Robbie Ray despite reportedly suffering a thumb sprain on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. It's a bit of a surprise that Turang is in there a day after being diagnosed with a sprained thumb, but manager Pat Murphy said he misspoke, and it's actually outfielder Jackson Chourio, who is in Wednesday's lineup, who is dealing with an injured thumb. Turang is good to go and will face a pitcher whom he has gone hitless against in five career at-bats. The 26-year-old left-handed-hitting second baseman is having another fine season overall in 2026 and is four home runs and four stolen bases away from the first 20-20 campaign of his MLB career. Turang has struggled against lefties this year, though, going 25-for-121 (.207) against them with only one of his 16 home runs, so fantasy managers setting DFS lineups probably will want to fade him.

6 hours ago

Jose Altuve • 2B • Astros

Jose Altuve Sidelined With Foot Injury in Series Finale Against Giants

Houston Astros second baseman/outfielder Jose Altuve (foot) is not in the team's starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the hosting San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com. Altuve is undergoing more tests after tests came back negative for a fracture when he was pulled from Tuesday's game early after being hit by a pitch on the left foot. Nick Allen is making the start at the keystone on Wednesday and will bat eighth against Giants right-hander Adrian Houser. Altuve was initially diagnosed with a left-foot contusion and will be considered day-to-day for now. Hopefully, Altuve will be ready to rock for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Seattle Mariners on Friday after a scheduled day off on Thursday. Altuve is nowhere near the power/speed threat at the second base position that he used to be, as he comes into Wednesday's action with a mediocre .240/.304/.391 slash line, .695 OPS, 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 54 runs scored, and two steals in 96 games in 2026. So far in 10 games in August, though, he's gone 11-for-34 (.324) with a homer, a double, five RBI, and five runs scored.

6 hours ago

Geraldo Perdomo • SS • Diamondbacks

Geraldo Perdomo Active on Wednesday Against Rockies

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (knee) is starting at the 6 and batting leadoff on Wednesday in the series finale against the division-rival Colorado Rockies and right-hander Ryan Feltner, per MLB.com. Perdomo dealt with knee soreness in Monday's series opener against the Rockies and was held out as a precaution on Tuesday, but he's back in there and ready to set the table against Colorado. The 26-year-old switch-hitting Dominican infielder will be looking for his first hit against Feltner, whom he's gone hitless against in seven at-bats. Perdomo has mostly been underwhelming for fantasy managers in 2026 after a career year in 2025, but he is batting .368 (14-for-38) with a 1.021 OPS, a homer, a double, two triples, four RBI, and four runs scored so far in 10 games in the month of August.

6 hours ago

Shane McClanahan • SP • Rays

Shane McClanahan Looks Good in Tuesday's Rehab Start

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan (back) looked good in his minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, throwing three shutout innings with no hits allowed, no walks, and two strikeouts. The 29-year-old southpaw hit 95.7 mph on the radar gun and threw a total of 30 pitches in the outing. If the Rays feel comfortable returning McClanahan to their starting rotation after just one rehab start, he will most likely be on a short leash his next time on the mound, limiting his fantasy upside. After missing each of the last two years due to complications from Tommy John surgery, McClanahan is 9-6 in 2026 with a 3.09 ERA (3.34 FIP) and 1.12 WHIP with 91 strikeouts and 35 walks in 99 innings pitched across 20 starts. The two-time All-Star allowed six runs (five earned) on July 19 against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, but he allowed one or fewer runs in his other four starts in the month of July. McClanahan can definitely help fantasy managers in all leagues down the stretch and is rostered in 84% of Yahoo leagues.

7 hours ago

Willson Contreras • 1B • Red Sox

Willson Contreras Playing Through Sore Hamstring

Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (hamstring) hasn't looked right lately and was seen grabbing at his hamstring after flying out in his first plate appearance on Tuesday against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays, although he stayed in the game, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Contreras has been one of the team's most consistent hitters all season long, but he has just one home run in an 18-game stretch, dating back to July 20, after going 0-for-4 with a strikeout on Tuesday night. Fantasy managers will want to check in on Contreras to see if he's active for Wednesday's contest in Toronto against right-hander Jose Soriano. The 34-year-old Venezuelan veteran and former catcher has a .280/.389/.523 slash line and a career-best .912 OPS with 23 home runs, 70 RBI, 58 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 109 games and 447 plate appearances in his first year in Beantown. Since July 25, Contreras has gone 7-for-40 (.175) with a homer, four RBI, six runs scored, 10 walks, and 17 strikeouts in 14 games. It's possible that his offensive production has suffered of late while playing at less than 100%.

7 hours ago

Jose Altuve • 2B • Astros

Jose Altuve to Get More Imaging on his Foot on Wednesday

Houston Astros second baseman/outfielder Jose Altuve (foot) had imaging on his foot, which came back negative, manager Joe Espada told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Altuve will go for more imaging on Wednesday after being removed from the game following a hit-by-pitch on his left foot against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. The 36-year-old veteran, former MVP, and nine-time All-Star was diagnosed with just a contusion, which gives fantasy managers hope that he won't need a stint on the injured list. Check back soon to see if he's available to play in Wednesday's series finale in the Bay Area against the Giants and right-hander Adrian Houser. Altuve is no longer in his prime in his 16th year in the majors, but he's still rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues and has a .240/.304/.391 slash line with a .695 OPS, 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 54 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 96 games and 409 plate appearances. He's off to a good start in 10 games in August, going 11-for-34 (.324) with a homer, a double, five RBI, and five runs scored.

7 hours ago

Riley Greene • LF • Tigers

Riley Greene Dealing With Hamstring Injury

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene (hamstring) left Tuesday's game early against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians due to tightness in his right hamstring, according to the team. Fantasy managers should consider Greene to be day-to-day for now and check back later on Wednesday to see if he's in the starting lineup for the contest against the visiting Guardians and left-hander Foster Griffin. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has sacrificed power for more contact in 2026 in his fifth year in the big leagues with Detroit, slashing .273/.366/.450 with an .816 OPS, 16 home runs, 54 RBI, 65 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 117 games across 492 plate appearances. The three-time All-Star (each of the last three years) had a career-best 36 long balls and 111 RBI in 157 regular-season games a year ago, so fantasy managers hoping for another 30-homer campaign in 2026 have been disappointed. Greene has struggled so far in August in eight games, going 6-for-28 (.214) with a homer, a double, an RBI, seven runs, three walks, and 12 strikeouts. Fantasy managers probably should expect him to sit out on Wednesday against a lefty, especially after tweaking his hamstring on Tuesday.

7 hours ago

Brice Turang • 2B • Brewers

Brice Turang Suffers Sprained Thumb on Tuesday

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (thumb) suffered a sprained thumb in the loss to the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. "Might not be the best time," manager Pat Murphy said. Milwaukee's middle-infield depth is being tested right now after the Brewers put infielder Cooper Pratt (hamstring) on the injured list on Sunday. For now, fantasy managers should consider Turang as day-to-day, but don't be surprised if he's not in the lineup for Wednesday's contest against the Padres or if he lands on the IL himself. Milwaukee starts a big series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Thursday night. Turang is a nice power/speed option at the keystone in fantasy and is currently slashing .269/.361/.453 with a career-high .814 OPS, 16 home runs, 75 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 74 runs scored in 114 games in 2026 in his fourth year in the majors. He's three home runs from setting a new career high and well within reach of the first 20-20 campaign of his career.

8 hours ago

Nick Kurtz • 1B • Athletics

Nick Kurtz Unlikely to Return This Season

MLB.com's Martin Gallegos writes that "it's looking unlikely" that Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) will return this season. Kurtz's platelet-rich plasma injection on Aug. 4 went well, but he has to be in a brace for four weeks after that. "Four weeks of no mobility. You probably can do the timeline and think through the scenarios in front of us for Nick," manager Mark Kotsay said. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger is trying to recover from a right-thumb strain, but with time running out in the season and with the A's sitting at 47-72 overall and well out of the postseason race, the probability is low that Kurtz will return in 2026. Jeff McNeil and rookie Tommy White should continue to split playing time at first base in Sacramento the rest of the way if Kurtz is unable to return. Kurtz's injury is a big blow for fantasy managers, as the former first-rounder has 57 total home runs and 155 RBI in 216 games and 923 plate appearances in his first two MLB seasons since debuting in 2025.

8 hours ago

Shane Drohan • SP • Brewers

Shane Drohan Remains an Appealing Waiver Wire Target Despite Recent Struggles

Across 93 innings in 2026, Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Shane Drohan has recorded a 6-4 record with a 3.87 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 93 strikeouts. The 27-year-old has run into some struggles of late, allowing 13 earned runs across his last 17 innings (three starts). However, Drohan has had an impressive first year in the big leagues overall. He's done a nice job of both limiting walks (7.2% walk rate) and home runs (0.87 HR/9). Drohan's 23.8% strikeout rate is not eye-popping, but it's a solid mark for a left-hander with his profile and versatile pitch mix. He's also gone at least six innings in five out of his last six starts, which gives him an excellent chance to rack up wins while pitching for the Brewers. Even amidst his recent rough patch, Drohan is worth targeting on the waiver wire as a starting pitcher streamer.

8 hours ago

Kyle Karros • 3B • Rockies

Kyle Karros' Balanced Production Gives Him Waiver-Wire Appeal

Across 396 plate appearances this season, Colorado Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros is hitting .265/.361/.424 with 10 home runs, 44 RBI, 58 runs scored, and five stolen bases. The 24-year-old struggled to a .585 OPS across 156 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025, but he's emerged as Colorado's everyday third baseman with a stellar second season in 2026. Karros' power profiles as roughly average, as he's logged an 8.0% barrel rate and a 41.6% hard-hit rate. However, his excellent 11.9% walk rate provides him with a stable production floor, and playing his home games at Coors Field should continue to prop up his batting average. With his well-rounded profile at the plate, Karros profiles as a useful piece to target on the waiver wire across most league formats.

8 hours ago

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