Los Angeles Angels shortstop prospect Arjun Nimmala (hand), who was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in the trade involving right-hander Jose Soriano, is day-to-day after leaving Double-A Rocket City's game on Thursday with a left-hand laceration, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. Nimmala, who is considered the Angels' No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, doubled twice for the Trash Pandas before leaving the contest. The 20-year-old former 20th overall selection by Toronto in 2023 spent most of his time this year at Double-A New Hampshire, hitting .279/.355/.451 with an .806 OPS, four home runs, 11 RBI, 21 runs scored, and four stolen bases in only 33 games across 138 plate appearances. Nimmala came into Thursday's game, his second with Rocket City, hitting .261 (59-for-226) with eight homers, 34 RBI, 41 runs, and six stolen bases in 63 minor-league games with five different teams in 2026. The 6-foot, 190-pounder might only be average, at best, at defense at the 6 long-term, but he has intriguing power potential from the right side of the plate. Nimmala isn't expected to be a candidate for his MLB debut until 2028.

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Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease continued his amazing first season with the Jays at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, throwing seven shutout innings with two hits allowed, one walk, and 10 strikeouts to lower his season ERA to 2.28, which ranks second in the American League, behind only the Yankees' Cam Schlittler. Cease was handed a no-decision in the eventual 3-2 extra-inning loss after closer Louis Varland gave up a game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to third baseman Alex Bregman. The 30-year-old hurler has been electric in 2026, and he's been especially hard to hit since the beginning of July, having allowed just four earned runs with 56 strikeouts in his six starts over that span. In addition to being second in the AL in ERA, Cease leads the league with his 184 strikeouts and is second in all of baseball. Cease will face Boston for the fourth time this year in his next outing. He's 2-1 against them with a sharp 1.83 ERA, 10 walks, and 24 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings. In his last meeting against them, he threw a one-hitter. Obviously, Cease has been a no-brainer must-start in all fantasy baseball leagues in 2026.

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Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt has been unbelievable on the mound lately. Since being recalled on June 30, Pfaadt owns a 1.55 ERA, 1.03 WHIP in 40.2 innings across seven starts. He has quietly been excellent on the mound and deserves to be rostered in more fantasy leagues going forward. Overall this season, Pfaadt owns a 3.66 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 52/22 K/BB ratio across 20 games (10 starts) with the Diamondbacks. He's currently slated to take the ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday. Fantasy managers seeking pitching help should consider adding Pfaadt ahead of that start.

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Chicago White Sox catcher Joey Bart (hand) was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Bart was removed from the contest after getting hit by a pitch on the hand during the seventh inning of this contest. He was immediately removed from the game and replaced by Drew Romo. Before leaving, Bart was 0-for-2 at the plate and was hit by a pitch twice. It was announced afterwards that Bart suffered a fractured fifth metacarpal in his left hand. He'll likely undergo further testing, but a stint on the Injured List is almost guaranteed. Romo should see increased playing time behind the plate, and Edgar Quero will likely be recalled from Triple-A if Bart misses time.

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New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. has really struggled to make an impact during his first year with the team. Due to injuries, Robert has played in fewer than 40 games this season. When healthy, Robert is posting a .189/.280/.307 slash line with four home runs, 12 RBI, and two steals. Robert finally came alive with the bat during Thursday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. Robert collected three hits at the plate in the 13-6 victory. Hopefully, it's a sign that Robert is finally turning the corner at the plate. Deep league fantasy managers might want to give him a chance because his overall upside might be worth the risk.

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Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (finger) is scheduled to make his return to the mound versus the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, according to manager Terry Francona. Lodolo has been on the 15-day Injured List since mid-July due to a recurring blister issue. He allowed three runs on five hits while striking out four batters across 4.1 innings of work during his lone rehab start. It appears the Reds have seen enough to reinstate Lodolo after one rehab outing. He has registered a 4.60 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and a 50/27 K/BB ratio across 12 starts this season. He could be someone worth scooping up off the waiver wire if fantasy managers need another arm.

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San Diego Padres starting pitcher Robbie Ray is set to make his team debut against the Houston Astros on Friday. Ray is ready to take the mound after being acquired by the Padres during Monday's trade deadline. He should be well-rested with seven days off ahead of this start. The southpaw owns a 3.08 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and a 107/57 K/BB ratio across 22 games (21 starts) with the San Francisco Giants this season. He should bring some life to a Padres' pitching staff that has been crushed by injuries. The 34-year-old should be rostered in almost all fantasy formats at the moment.

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An MRI exam showed that Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (glute) is dealing with a mild left-glute strain, and he's considered likely to land on the injured list, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Ryan has had trouble replicating his delivery while pitching at less than 100% health, and it has shown in the results, as he has allowed 17 runs (16 earned) on 25 hits (seven home runs) while walking two and striking out 10 in 15 1/3 innings pitched in his three starts since the All-Star break. The Twins initially said Ryan was dealing with arm fatigue, but now we know that he has a glute strain. The 30-year-old should remain rostered in all fantasy leagues if/when he goes on the IL. Hopefully, it will be a short stay before Ryan can bounce back as a fantasy ace down the stretch. He's currently 6-8 with a 3.65 ERA (3.42 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 138 strikeouts and only 27 walks in 125 2/3 frames across 23 starts in 2026 in his sixth year with the Twins. The two-time All-Star's strikeout rate has dropped to 26.4% this year, but he's only walking 5.2% of the batters he faces as well.

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Detroit Tigers pitching prospect River Ryan (hamstring) has yet to pitch for his new team after being dealt from the Dodgers in the Tarik Skubal trade as he recovers from a hamstring injury. The right-hander was placed on the injured list on June 26 and hasn't pitched since June 17. The former 11th-rounder was seemingly headed toward a recall to the majors (he debuted in 2024), sporting a 2.81 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and a 24.6 percent K-BB% in seven starts before he melted down for eight earned runs on 10 hits, a walk, and a hit batter in his final start before the injury. Without a clear timeline for return, a late-season return to the majors seems like the best-case scenario, but 2027 might be more realistic at this point. Either way, there is little reason to stash him in redraft leagues at this point.

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Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (illness) remains out sick for Thursday's series finale at Fenway Park against the visiting Chicago White Sox, per MLB.com. Nick Sogard will make the start at first base for the BoSox and will hit leadoff against White Sox right-hander Luis Castillo. Contreras was feeling under the weather on Wednesday and left the contest early, and now he'll take a seat the following day as he tries to rest up. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see if the right-handed slugger is feeling good enough to return for the series opener at home against the visiting Athletics. The 34-year-old Venezuelan veteran has been a must-start in all fantasy formats in 2026 in his best season as a pro in his first year in Boston. The four-time All-Star and 11-year veteran is currently slashing .288/.395/.540 with a .936 OPS, 23 home runs, 70 RBI, 57 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 105 games and 430 plate appearances. Contreras had one of his best months in July, hitting .323 (20-for-62) with a 1.117 OPS, five homers, four doubles, 14 RBI, 14 runs, and a stolen base in 20 games played.

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Milwaukee Brewers infield/outfield prospect Jett Williams (wrist) was placed on the 7-day injured list on July 22 with a wrist injury. Initially, the team deemed it a minor injury, but finally, after not having played in a game since July 7, he was finally placed on the IL. Before going down with the injury, the Brewers' fifth-ranked prospect rode a nine-game hit streak and appeared to be making the case for an MLB debut, but that may have to wait until 2027 now with no timetable for his return. Through 80 games for the Sounds, the former first-rounder slashed .234/.341/.385 with nine home runs and 21 steals while logging time at shortstop, third base, and center field this year. The 22-year-old is eligible at 2B, SS, and OF in Yahoo! leagues, and his versatility, well-rounded bat, and speed should eventually help him get to the majors, but for now, he's off the redraft stash radar.

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Seattle Mariners infield/outfield prospect Michael Arroyo continues to impress at Triple-A Tacoma, producing four multi-hit performances in his last six games for the Rainiers and drawing more walks and hit-by-pitches (five) than strikeouts (four) during that time. In all, the 5-foot-10 Colombian is hitting .337 with a .921 OPS through 22 games since his promotion to Triple-A. The Mariners' fourth-ranked prospect began the season at Double-A, and his ability to compete at the minors' highest level along with his positional versatility (2B, OF) could earn him a late-season debut in the majors, too. With solid contact and power along with an ability to steal bases, the 21-year-old has the makings of a potential multi-category contributor for fantasy, so the right-handed hitter should be considered a high-end stash option in deeper 12+ team leagues.

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Milwaukee Brewers corner infield prospect Luke Adams is in the midst of a prolonged slump at the plate, going 5-for-34 (.147) over his last 11 games, and has now also gone 16 games without a home run. On the bright side, the Brewers' 11th-ranked prospect has still managed to get on base thanks to his keen eye, drawing seven walks compared to just five strikeouts during his 11-game slump, and has even been hit by pitches five times during that stretch. The 6-foot-4 slugger missed a month and a half earlier this season due to injury, and through 58 games at Nashville, he's slashing .249/.400/.497 with 12 home runs and seven steals. A low 14.8 percent strikeout rate may point to brighter days ahead, but at this point, a 2026 debut feels like a long shot unless perhaps Jake Bauers' (abdomen) recent injury ends up requiring a stint on the injured list, although Adams is not currently on the 40-man roster. Until the 22-year-old's bat shows signs of life again, he's likely not worth the roster spot needed to stash him, and there may be better options to fill an NA slot if available.

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Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that the team is holding out hope, but there's "probably a slim chance" that right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) will pitch again this season, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. The Reds will have more information on Thursday night after Greene receives a second opinion on his right elbow. Cincy placed the hard-throwing right-hander on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday after he felt discomfort in his elbow during a bullpen session on Tuesday. Greene already got a late start in 2026 while recovering from right-elbow surgery, so this obviously is not a good sign for the former second overall pick. The former All-Star has ace potential, but injuries have hampered him the last two years, and he's likely to end the 2026 campaign with a 2-2 record, 6.83 ERA (3.56 FIP), 1.37 WHIP, and 33:9 K:BB in just 27 2/3 innings pitched across five starts. Another elbow surgery could cause him to miss the entire 2027 campaign, which would be a worst-case scenario for Greene and the Reds. In single-year fantasy baseball leagues, it's probably safe to dump Greene at this point.

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Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that right-hander Trey Yesavage (knee) is dealing with a meniscus injury in his left knee and will visit with a specialist on Monday to determine his next steps, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Surgery "is always a possibility" when a player sees a specialist, per Schneider, but "we're obviously hoping to avoid that." Going under the knife would almost certainly cut the 23-year-old's first full season in the big leagues in 2026 short. The Blue Jays pulled the East Carolina product from his start early on Tuesday against the Houston Astros and then placed him on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday. Even if Yesavage avoids surgery, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him back in two weeks. The former 20th overall pick in 2024 continues to struggle to refine his command with an 11.9% walk rate while going 5-5 with a 3.65 ERA (4.08 FIP), 1.14 WHIP, and 91:46 K:BB in 93 2/3 frames across his 18 starts. Keep Yesavage stashed unless we find out that he needs season-ending knee surgery.

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Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has fallen on hard times after a strong start to the season. The Marlins' fourth-ranked prospect began the year with a 1.31 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 23.6 percent K-BB% over his first 12 starts, which included three starts at Triple-A, but since then he owns an 11.95 ERA, 2.31 WHIP, and a shocking -2.8 percent K-BB% (he's walking more batters than he is striking out) over his last five starts. The right-hander was seemingly on the precipice of a major league debut in June, but after his latest outing in which he yielded seven earned runs on seven hits (three home runs), two walks, and one hit batsman, it looks like hopes of a 2026 debut are fading fast. If he can right the ship and string together a couple of good outings, starting with his next start this Saturday, perhaps a 2026 debut will be back in play, but it will likely be too late to help fantasy managers. The talented 22-year-old is worth monitoring, but for now, he's off the stash radar.

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Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen has been red-hot again at Triple-A Albuquerque, going 15-for-38 (.395) over his last eight games, with 11 of those 15 hits going for extra bases (five doubles, one triple, five home runs). The Rockies' top prospect, who also authored a 25-game hit streak earlier this year, is now slashing .315/.389/.603 with 21 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 96 games for the Isotopes. Unfortunately for Veen, Colorado seemingly has a glut of outfield depth at the moment, with a productive big league unit that includes recently-graduated prospect Cole Carrigg, along with fellow prospect Charlie Condon also waiting in the wings for a call-up. Still, Veen may have the edge over Condon the next time the team needs to fill a void in the outfield, as the left-handed hitter has already made his major league debut and is already on the 40-man roster. With the potential to contribute across multiple categories, the former ninth-overall draft pick is a worthy stash consideration who could be in position to help managers in the run-up to and in the fantasy playoffs in deeper 12+ team leagues if he were to get the call.

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Milwaukee Brewers first baseman/outfielder Jake Bauers (abdomen) is out of his team's lineup for their Thursday matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates and right-handed starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft. This will be three consecutive games where Bauers has not been in the starting lineup as he battles an abdominal issue. The 30-year-old has had a breakout year in 2026, hitting .270/.375/.503 with 20 home runs, 64 RBI, 68 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 403 plate appearances. Bauers has posted an elite 13.6% walk rate while also logging a 13.6% barrel rate and a 52.9% hard-hit rate. It's not yet clear whether Bauers will require a trip to the injured list. If he does miss extended time, first baseman Andrew Vaughn and outfielder Luis Lara are both candidates to see an increase in playing time.

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Across 114 1/3 innings (20 starts) in 2026, Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has recorded an 8-9 record with a 5.04 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 76 strikeouts. While the veteran right-hander's overall line is not pretty, he's been significantly better of late. Across 32 2/3 innings since the start of July, Kelly has pitched to a 3.03 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and three wins. The 37-year-old has recorded a measly 15.9% strikeout rate on the year, which limits his fantasy upside. Still, Kelly has a long track record as a proven innings-eater, and he appears to be pulling himself out of his rough first half of the 2026 season. In the right matchups, Kelly carries streamer appeal in deeper league formats.

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Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (hamstring) remains out of his team's lineup for the second straight game on Thursday. Guerrero Jr. has been in and out of the Toronto lineup since exiting early from a game on July 28 due to hamstring tightness. While the Blue Jays have not indicated that their star first baseman will require a trip to the injured list, it's obviously a concern for fantasy managers that Guerrero Jr. will get a second straight day off on Thursday. It's been a frustrating year overall for the 27-year-old, who is hitting .259/.338/.349 with six home runs, 44 RBI, 55 runs scored, and seven stolen bases across 456 plate appearances. With Guerrero Jr. out of the lineup, the Blue Jays have shifted third baseman Kazuma Okamoto across the diamond to first base and used infielders Ernie Clement and Josh Smith to cover the hot corner.

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