In The Field
3B Junior Caminero (hand) was hit on the hand by a pitch during the All-Star Game. X-rays came back negative, and he played in both games of the Rays doubleheader on Friday. Caminero has followed up his breakout 2025 season with another great half (.281 AVG with 29 HR, 63 R, 60 RBI, and 2 SB in 419 PA). 2B Gleyber Torres (oblique) has started a rehab assignment on Monday and required just two games before returning last time, but the Tigers may want to be more cautious this time around. He is expected back next week. Torres was hitting .280 with 4 HR, 26 R, 18 RBI, and 0 SB. 3B Blaze Alexander was placed on the 10-day IL with a fractured left hand. It was retroactive to July 13, which is the date he was hit on the hand by a pitch. Alexander had played himself into the starting role at third base for the Orioles (.312 AVG with 4 HR, 31 R, 29 RBI, and 9 SB in 246 PA). The Orioles recalled 3B Christian Encarnacion-Strand from Triple-A. He was hitting .273 with 17 HR, 35 R, 48 RBI, and 2 SB in 257 PA at Triple-A. If he gets regular playing time, there is power upside in his bat, but he is going to have to manage the strikeouts (30% K) to stick in the lineup long term. OF Julio Rodriguez (concussion) was not in the Mariners' lineup on Friday. He had been out since July 3. Rodriguez was activated off the concussion IL on Saturday. 1B Lenyn Sosa (wrist) has been able to start hitting after suffering a setback during his recovery from a wrist injury. OF Addison Barger (elbow/back) has been shut down from all baseball activities. He has been out since May 9 due to elbow inflammation and a stress reaction in his back. Barger is hopeful that he will play again this season, but time is starting to run out. OF Anthony Santander (shoulder) is still experiencing discomfort in his surgically repaired shoulder. He has been a disaster for the Blue Jays. He signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal in 2024 and has played in just 54 games the past two seasons (.175 AVG, 6 HR, 16 R, 18 RBI, and 0 SB). OF Brent Rooker was moved to the 60-day IL on Friday as he is going to miss the remainder of 2026 after having surgery to repair torn cartilage in his knee. Rooker was struggling before the injury (.200 AVG with 10 HR, 20 R, 29 RBI, and 2 SB in 203 PA). OF Angel Martinez (foot) started a rehab assignment on Friday with Triple-A Columbus. He was hitting .239 with 11 HR/9 SB in 243 PA before going on the IL. 3B Maikel Garcia (hand) has started swinging a bat and is going to be re-evaluated on Sunday. He has been out since June 23 with a muscle strain in his left hand. The next step is a full round of BP and then a rehab assignment. He was hitting .261 with 3 HR, 32 R, 30 RBI, and 5 SB in 294 PA, which is a far cry from his breakout 2025 season in which he hit .286 with 16 HR, 81 R, 74 RBI, and 23 SB in 666 PA. SS/OF Javier Baez (ankle) was able to take live BP this week and is scheduled to run the bases on Saturday. He has been out since late April. It has been slow progress, so it is going to require a lengthy rehab assignment before he is activated. 3B Brendan Donovan (groin) had his rehab assignment moved to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday. He has been out for almost two months, so the Mariners are going to want him to accumulate at-bats to get back into the swing of things. Once he does return, it will be interesting to see what the Mariners decide to do with their playing time because they have committed to playing Colt Emerson at 3B, J.P. Crawford at SS, Cole Young at 2B, and Josh Naylor at 1B. The most likely scenario is that Donovan plays regularly but moves positions between the INF and OF based on the matchup. SS Corey Seager (back) was able to start running on Friday. He will need to pick up the intensity before taking live BP and starting a rehab assignment. Seager has struggled to stay on the field and has not been productive when on the field (.182 AVG with 10 HR, 28 R, 25 RBI, and 1 SB in 219 PA). OF Aaron Judge (ribs) had an MRI last week that showed healing, but he is not at 100%. This means that OF Jasson Dominguez should continue to see regular playing time. He has hit .235 with 5 HR, 14 R, 11 RBI, and 6 SB in 144 PA. C Travis d'Arnaud (foot) started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake on Friday. He has been out since May 6 with plantar fasciitis. SS Marcelo Mayer (forearm) is still shut down from swinging a bat. He is without a timetable for his return. SS Jeremy Pena left Saturday's game early with a leg injury. 1B Christian Walker left Saturday's game due to right hip tightness. 3B Royce Lewis was out of the Twins' lineup on Saturday due to hamstring soreness.
On The Mound
Jacob deGrom (glute) is scheduled to start on Monday against the Braves. He was scratched from his final start before the break due to a left glute strain. He threw a bullpen session on Saturday in preparation for his next start. Degrom has a 3.49 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 30% K, 6% BB, and 3.01 SIERA through 100.2 IP. Max Scherzer (back) has had his rehab assignment paused due to three injections in his right thumb. Father Time has caught up to Scherzer and has not been very kind over the past two seasons. Tanner Houck (elbow) has started throwing bullpens twice a week in Fort Myers, FL. He is trying to make it back before the end of the year after having hybrid reconstruction surgery on his right UCL. Clarke Schmidt (elbow) is scheduled to throw live BP on Saturday. This will be his first time facing live hitters. The next step is to start a rehab assignment. Kris Bubic (elbow/shoulder) is expected to start a throwing program next week. He has been out since mid-May. Since he has been out for so long, it is going to require a slow buildup. Bubic has also experienced two injuries (elbow inflammation and shoulder discomfort), so counting on him for any fantasy production would be a risky gamble. Nathan Eovaldi is dealing with an illness but is still expected to make his start on Sunday. Eovaldi has pitched well for the Rangers this year (4.04 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 26% K, 6% BB, and 3.32 SIERA in 111.1 IP). Max Fried (elbow) had a rehab start on Friday (4.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 B, and 4 K). The Yankees have said that he will make one more rehab start before being re-evaluated for a possible activation. Fried has a 3.21 ERA and 1.01 WHIP through 61.2 IP. Johan Oviedo (elbow) is scheduled for a bullpen session next week. He has been out since April 3 with a right flexor strain. He is working his way to return this season, most likely in a bullpen role. Connelly Early (elbow) started a throwing program during the All-Star break. For now, it is just flat ground work, so he will need to progress to mound work before a rehab assignment is considered. Early had a 3.44 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 24% K, 9% BB, and 4.02 SIERA in 91.2 IP. Ranger Suarez (groin) is expected to be activated on Tuesday to start against the Orioles. He has a 3.15 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 91.1 IP. Emerson Hancock (hand) is scheduled to start on Wednesday against the Reds. He left his start before the All-Star break early after being hit by a comebacker. Hancock has pitched well this year (3.17 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 24% K, and 6% BB). The Orioles signed Kyle Bradish to a five-year, $90 million contract extension. His results have been mixed this year (3.61 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 23% K, 11% BB, and 4.28 SIERA), but it is clear that the Orioles believe in him long term. His fastball is not great, but he has two above-average breaking balls, which will allow him to be successful. Jack Leiter (ankle) was able to do some mound work over the All-Star break. The next step (rehab assignment) will give us a better estimate of his return, but at this point, it looks to be towards the end of the season.
In The Bullpen
Carlos Estevez (shoulder) has started throwing again. If there are no setbacks, he is looking at an August return. The Royals' bullpen continues to be a mess, with Alex Lange blowing the save right out of the break. He has struggled as the closer (6.00 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 21%K, and 13% BB). Ben Joyce (shoulder) had positive news after his appearance in the Arizona Complex League. He averaged 100.2 mph with his fastball. Joyce has not appeared in a major league game this year, but he is making progress towards his 2026 debut. Given his injury history and middling results at the major league level (3.12 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 21% K, and 11% BB), there is no guarantee he jumps back into the closer role immediately. Aroldis Chapman picked up a save before the break and coming out of the break. He has been very good for the Red Sox (2.12 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 20 SV). There has been a lot of noise about him getting traded at the deadline, but recent news has trended towards the Red Sox holding onto him. Kirby Yates blew the save for the Angels on Friday. Yoendrys Gomez picked up a save for the Twins on Friday out of the break. He has moved himself into the primary saves role, but the underlying skills are scary (20% K, 11% BB, .236 BABIP, and 4.73 SIERA). Tyler Wells has been effective, recording a 2.96 ERA and 1.05 WHIP across 45.2 IP. He has paired a 26% strikeout rate with excellent control (6% BB), resulting in a strong 20% K-BB% and 3.35 SIERA. The last month has been even more encouraging, as Wells owns a 1.42 ERA while boosting his strikeout rate to 30% and his 24% K-BB%. If he's available, he deserves to be rostered in nearly every fantasy format, especially with Ryan Helsley on the IL.
Players to add this week:
C Yainer Diaz (HOU)-Yainer Díaz has started to find some life at the plate after a slow first half, hitting .248 with 6 HR, 18 R, 23 RBI, and 0 SB through 174 PA. The power hasn't fully arrived yet, but July has been encouraging with 3 HR, 6 R, and 6 RBI in just 28 PA. His 13% Barrel rate this month is a reminder that the raw power hasn't disappeared. Catcher is rarely deep, and Díaz has enough upside to make him worth stashing before the production catches up.
2B Ezequiel Duran (TEX)-Ezequiel Duran is quietly putting together one of the better seasons of his career, slashing .268 with 10 HR, 40 R, 50 RBI, and 7 SB through 328 PA. He's never been known for elite underlying metrics, but he's found ways to produce while offering useful positional flexibility. The bat has heated up in July, where he's hitting .275 with 4 HR, 6 R, 9 RBI, and 1 SB across 44 PA. If you need a player who can help in several categories without costing much, Duran deserves a look.
SS Brayan Rocchio (CLE)-Brayan Rocchio has quietly become a useful fantasy middle infielder, batting .276 with 8 HR, 40 R, 44 RBI, and 15 SB through 359 PA. He won't wow anyone with his exit velocities, but the contact skills are solid, and the stolen bases play. July has been another productive month, as he's hitting .317 with 3 HR, 7 R, 10 RBI, and 1 SB across 44 PA. If you're looking for a player who contributes a little bit everywhere, Rocchio fits the bill.
OF Lane Thomas (KCR)-Lane Thomas has quietly put together another useful fantasy season, hitting .238 with 8 HR, 28 R, 32 RBI, and 4 SB through 274 PA. The overall numbers don't jump off the page, but he's been locked in during July, batting .326 with 3 HR, 8 R, and 9 RBI over 51 PA. Even better, the underlying quality of contact has spiked with an 18% Barrel rate and 62% HardHit during that stretch. If that carries over, Thomas could be one of the better second-half waiver pickups.
SP Ian Seymour (TBR)-Ian Seymour has quietly emerged as a solid fantasy option despite a 4.59 ERA, pairing it with an excellent 1.16 WHIP through 64.2 IP. The underlying profile has been strong all season (28% K, 19% K-BB%, 3.53 SIERA), and it's taken another step forward over the last 30 days. During that stretch, Seymour owns a 4.10 ERA, but more importantly, has posted a 32% strikeout rate, 27% K-BB%, and an outstanding 2.73 SIERA. The ERA hasn't caught up to the skills yet, making him one of the better buy-low pitching targets available.
SP Jake Bennett (BOS)-Jake Bennett has impressed whenever he's taken the mound, posting a 2.35 ERA and 0.88 WHIP across 53.2 IP. The low 18% strikeout rate limits his fantasy ceiling, but he pounds the strike zone (4% BB) and keeps the ball on the ground (48% GB). Over the last month, he's somehow been even better with a 0.82 ERA and 0.64 WHIP, although the underlying metrics haven't changed much. A .174 BABIP and 99% strand rate have driven that dominant run, making him a strong regression candidate despite the excellent surface stats.
SP Gage Jump (OAK)-Gage Jump has flashed plenty of upside during his rookie season, compiling a 3.78 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 52.1 IP. He misses bats (25% K) with an above-average 109 Stuff+, and his 3.75 SIERA suggests the skills back up the production. His last month has been more uneven, as he has posted a 4.34 ERA, but he has also increased his strikeout rate to 29% while maintaining a strong 3.47 SIERA. The inflated .378 BABIP suggests he's pitched better than the ERA indicates, making him an intriguing upside stash.
RP Tyler Wells (BAL)-Tyler Wells has been effective, recording a 2.96 ERA and 1.05 WHIP across 45.2 IP. He has paired a 26% strikeout rate with excellent control (6% BB), resulting in a strong 20% K-BB% and 3.35 SIERA. The last month has been even more encouraging, as Wells owns a 1.42 ERA while boosting his strikeout rate to 30% and his 24% K-BB%. If he's available, he deserves to be rostered in nearly every fantasy format, especially with Ryan Helsley on the IL.
SP Peter Lambert (HOU)-Peter Lambert has quietly been one of the more productive surprises this season, posting a 3.03 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 92.0 IP. He has shown enough swing-and-miss ability (24% K) to be useful, but the 10% walk rate keeps him from taking the next step, leading to a 4.16 SIERA. Over the last month, he's been even better, pitching to a 2.57 ERA while increasing his strikeout rate to 28%, though a 96% strand rate has helped fuel the run prevention. Even with some regression likely, Lambert has pitched well enough to be rostered in most mixed leagues.
2B Ernie Clement (TOR)-Ernie Clement keeps doing what he's always done--putting the bat on the ball. He's hitting .298 with 8 HR, 43 R, 32 RBI, and 3 SB through 379 PA while striking out less than 10% of the time. July has been more of the same, as he's batting .311 over 48 PA with only an 8% strikeout rate. The lack of power caps his ceiling, but if you're chasing batting average and everyday at-bats, Clement continues to provide value.
Registered members can click on the following link to see the complete weekly report: http://www.fantistics.com/baseball00/M-Strategyplus.
