Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (biceps) "feels considerably better" on Saturday, manager Dave Roberts told Maddie Lee of MLB.com. Ohtani is out of the starting lineup for the Fourth of July contest in L.A. against the division-rival San Diego Padres on Saturday night, as expected, but the Dodgers will "see how the day goes as far as availability tonight." Roberts said he's "hopeful" that Ohtani will be in the starting lineup for the series finale on Sunday. Ohtani was a little concerned about his right biceps muscle in his last at-bat in Friday's win over SD and was pulled as a precaution. He said it was in the same spot as something he felt a couple of months ago that resolved relatively quickly. Outfielder Andy Pages will serve as the Dodgers' designated hitter on Saturday and hit in the two-hole against Padres left-handed opener Wandy Peralta. The 31-year-old Ohtani should be considered day-to-day for now and looks likely to avoid a trip to the injured list just before the All-Star break. After a slow start at the plate, he quickly turned it around and is currently batting .288/.403/.524 with a .927 OPS, 18 homers, 50 RBI, 60 runs, and six steals in 309 at-bats. Ohtani isn't running as much, but he's still an elite five-category contributor as a hitter in 2026.

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Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (thumb) will not be in the team's starting lineup for Saturday's contest against the visiting Miami Marlins on the Fourth of July, according to MLB.com. Jonah Heim will catch right-hander Aaron Civale and will bat cleanup for the A's versus Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara. It's unclear how serious Langeliers' left-thumb injury is, but it's worth noting that the A's called up Brian Serven from Triple-A Las Vegas for more catching depth, which could be a sign that he could be on the verge of landing on the injured list, which would keep him out for the rest of the first half of the season. Langeliers was forced from Friday's game early with his thumb injury. The 28-year-old former ninth overall pick in 2019 out of Baylor University is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's healthy, as one of the best power-hitting catchers in baseball. He has hit .264 (87-for-330) with 20 long balls, 44 RBI, 51 runs, and two steals in 80 games so far in 2026. Heim will serve as the A's primary backstop for however long Langeliers is out.

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Kansas City Royals catcher/first baseman Salvador Perez (elbow) remains out of the starting lineup for Saturday's contest against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, according to MLB.com. Carter Jensen is doing the catching for right-hander Michael Wacha and will hit leadoff against Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo. It's the second straight game that Perez will sit due to soreness in his left elbow. It's not expected to be a serious injury, so fantasy managers could have the veteran backstop back on the field for Sunday's series finale at Kauffman Stadium. The 36-year-old nine-time All-Star might be on his last legs in his 15th year in the majors, as he enters play on Saturday sporting a rough .201/.241/.327 slash line with a career-low .568 OPS, 10 homers, 30 RBI, and 29 runs scored in his 81 games and 340 plate appearances. Since the start of June, he's gone 18-for-96 (.188) with a homer, four doubles, five RBI, eight runs scored, one walk, and 21 strikeouts.

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Tampa Bay Rays speedy outfielder Chandler Simpson (fingers) will miss a second straight game on Saturday in Houston against the Astros, according to MLB.com. Victor Mesa Jr. is making another start in left field for the Rays and will bat fifth against Astros right-hander Hunter Brown. Simpson is dealing with soreness in his right index and middle fingers and will miss a second straight game after he was scratched from Friday's lineup. It's not considered a serious injury, though, so fantasy managers could have Simpson back for Sunday's series finale at Daikin Park. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has not hit a single home run in his first two MLB seasons over 190 games and 765 plate appearances, so power is obviously not his forte. In 81 games in 2026, he's slashing .278/.317/.331 with a .648 OPS, 16 RBI, 20 steals, and 35 runs scored. Simpson hit just .211 (15-for-71) in 24 games in June, but he's currently riding a modest seven-game hitting streak in which he's gone 10-for-26 (.385) with three doubles, an RBI, three steals, and two runs scored.

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The Minnesota Twins said that right-hander Zebby Matthews (foot) left his start early on Saturday on the road against the New York Yankees with a laceration of his right foot, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Before leaving, Matthews struggled on the mound in the Bronx, allowing four earned runs on three hits (two homers) while walking four and striking out five in 4 2/3 innings of work. Right now, Matthews will be considered day-to-day, but he'll definitely be up in the air to make his final start of the first half of the season next weekend in an excellent matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. The 26-year-old 6-foot-5, 225-pound hurler came into Saturday's start on the Fourth of July with a 4-5 record, 4.15 ERA (4.76 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 12 walks in 56 1/3 innings across his nine starts in just his third year in the majors. Matthews allowed two or fewer runs in four of his five June starts, so Saturday was a disappointment against a tough team. If he can make his next start next weekend, Matthews will be a prime streaming option in fantasy.

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Seattle Mariners infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan (groin) will start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. Donovan has been sidelined with a strained left groin since the middle of May, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment, he could return just before the All-Star break and play with the M's next weekend. The 29-year-old former seventh-rounder by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018 from the University of South Alabama was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his final year in St. Louis, slashing .287/.353/.422 with a .775 OPS, 10 homers, 50 RBI, 64 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 118 games and 515 plate appearances. Donovan has a limited fantasy ceiling because of his middling power and speed, but his high-contact approach makes him appealing for his high average and on-base percentage, not to mention he's eligible at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield in Yahoo leagues. He's currently rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues.

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Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli's next start will be moved up to the series finale on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates after originally being slated to make his next start on Monday in the series finale against the Houston Astros. It means that Cavalli won't be in line for a two-start week next week just before the All-Star break. Right-hander Miles Mikolas will now likely be pushed back to Monday's game against the Astros. Cavalli is coming off the best start of his season last Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, when he threw seven innings with a season-high 13 strikeouts and an unearned run allowed, but MLB handed him a seven-game suspension for his part in a benches-clearing incident. The Nationals will move him up so he can get another start in before potentially serving his suspension next week. The 27-year-old has a solid 3.69 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 102 K's in 90 1/3 innings in a career-high 18 starts in 2026 and will be on the streaming radar on Sunday against a Pirates team that ranks first in baseball in strikeouts, but they're also second in OPS.

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The Texas Rangers announced on Saturday that they placed right-handed reliever Jakob Junis (hip) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to July 1) with a right-hip impingement and activated right-handed reliever Chris Martin (shoulder) from the 15-day IL in a corresponding move. Junis' rough recent stretch now has a bit more context. The 33-year-old veteran may have been pitching at less than 100% health over his last seven outings, when he gave up six earned runs in 6 2/3 innings. The former 29th-round pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2011 is now 1-1 with a 2.80 ERA (3.08 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, a career-high five saves, 27 strikeouts, and six walks in 35 1/3 innings pitched over 31 appearances (one start). Junis won't be eligible to return to Texas' bullpen until the second half of the season after the All-Star break. He's only rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues, and that number will likely dip to below 10% now that he's on the shelf with an injury.

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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer's paternity leave is up on Saturday, but he's now being placed on the family medical emergency list, which is purely transactional, according to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet. Springer is "tying up some loose ends," according to manager John Schneider. He will miss the rest of the weekend series in Seattle against the Mariners and will likely rejoin the club for the series opener on Monday versus the San Francisco Giants. The 36-year-old four-time All-Star needs a little more personal time after welcoming a new addition to the family this week. It might actually be good for Springer to get some time away. After a resurgence in 2025 that saw him hit 32 home runs, drive in 84, and steal 18 bases in 140 regular-season games before leading the Jays to the World Series, he has struggled in 2026, slashing .221/.308/.373 with a .681 OPS, eight homers, 21 RBI, and six steals in 63 games played.

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The Atlanta Braves recalled second-ranked prospect JR Ritchie back to the big leagues on Saturday, according to MLB Pipeline. Ritchie, who has already made eight appearances (seven starts) for the Braves this year, is ranked 50th among all prospects in 2026. In his 40 2/3 innings at the major-league level this year, the 23-year-old former first-rounder in 2022 has gone 1-2 with a 4.87 ERA (5.59 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 25 walks. His last start for the Braves came on June 23 against the San Diego Padres, when he gave up five runs (four earned) on five hits while walking four and striking out seven in five innings of work. Like fellow prospect Didier Fuentes, Ritchie could be used as more of a long-relief arm out of Atlanta's bullpen to close out the first half of the season. The Braves have six current rotation options with Ritchie, although they could be considering moving Grant Holmes to the bullpen permanently in the second half. Ritchie will need to improve his command to garner more interest in mixed fantasy baseball leagues.

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Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman has wasted little time making himself useful after right ankle surgery. Through 52 plate appearances, the 31-year-old is batting .378/.462/.556 with one home run, nine RBI, five runs, and one stolen base. He has played six of the Dodgers' past seven games while bouncing between second base, third base, and left field, giving fantasy managers three-position eligibility. The .378 average will come down, but Edman's .330 expected average and career-best 90.5 mph average exit velocity suggest this is more than a run of soft singles. He is also striking out just 17.3% of the time. The crowded Dodgers roster can still move him down the order or onto the bench occasionally, keeping him from being an automatic shallow-league add. RotoBaller recommends him in 12-team leagues, and his 25% Yahoo roster rate leaves plenty of room to act. At that depth, Edman's balanced production and flexibility make him a must-add.

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Kansas City Royals reliever Alex Lange has converted all seven of his save chances since moving into the late-inning mix on June 3. His latest came June 28, when he retired the White Sox in order two days after being tagged for five runs in a blowout loss. That quick return to the ninth was a useful vote of confidence. Lange owns a 4.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 37:21 K:BB over 36 1/3 innings, so the risk is obvious. Kansas City still has Lucas Erceg, Daniel Lynch IV, and Matt Strahm available, but Lange has received the save chances. Carlos Estevez (shoulder) also suffered another setback and received an injection July 1, making an imminent return unlikely. RotoBaller ranks Lange 21st among closers and recommends him in 12-team leagues. At 23% rostered on Yahoo, he is worth a claim for saves-needy managers who can absorb the ratio volatility.

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Minnesota Twins reliever Yoendrys Gomez has moved to the front of a crowded ninth-inning picture. He converted save chances on June 28 and 29, giving him nine on the season, while no other Minnesota pitcher has more than two. Gomez owns a 3.57 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 36 strikeouts through 40 1/3 innings. His June 29 save was shaky, but he followed it with a scoreless inning on July 1. Minnesota still has not named a full-time closer, leaving some risk. Andrew Morris is the main alternative after posting an 18:3 K:BB with one save over the past 30 days. Even so, Gomez remains the best bet for the next opportunity and offers SP/RP eligibility. RotoBaller ranks him 20th among closers and recommends him in 12-team leagues, while he is rostered in only 26% of Yahoo formats. Managers chasing saves should treat him as one of the better widely available claims, not a completely secure closer.

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Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald remains the ninth-inning option even after a rough finish to June. The 36-year-old worked a scoreless ninth in a tie against Milwaukee on Friday, July 3, after surrendering five runs over his previous two appearances. He has 19 saves, a 4.35 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts in 31 innings, with one blown save. That save total matters more than the uneven ratios in most standard formats. A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez remain on the 60-day injured list, and Puk was recently shut down after a shoulder setback. Kevin Ginkel and Juan Morillo provide late-inning alternatives, but MLB still lists Sewald as the closer. RotoBaller's latest weekend rankings place him among 12-team adds, a fair recommendation given the recent damage. Sewald is rostered in 64% of Yahoo leagues, and managers chasing saves should still make the claim while accepting some ERA risk.

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Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Troy Melton has given fantasy managers enough reason to stop treating him as a one-start streamer. The 25-year-old blanked the Yankees for 6 1/3 innings on Wednesday, July 1, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out seven. It was his third straight quality start. Over that stretch, Melton has surrendered only two earned runs and five hits with an 18:4 K:BB across 18 1/3 innings. He is now 4-1 with a 2.05 ERA and 0.80 WHIP through 44 frames. Melton is not overpowering, as his 19.2% strikeout rate sits below league average, and seven home runs allowed help explain his 3.07 xERA. Still, a 6.0% walk rate and 35.0% hard-hit rate give the strong results some substance. RotoBaller's Week 14 rankings list him at 42% rostered and recommend an add in 12-team leagues. That is the right range, particularly with a projected home matchup against the Athletics next.

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Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez has played his way into a meaningful role. He has started six straight games in right field, with the last four coming from the cleanup spot. Through his first 69 plate appearances, the 22-year-old hit .339 with six home runs, 16 RBI, and a 1.133 OPS. He stayed productive after his four-game homer streak ended, going 6-for-14 with four RBI from July 1-3. The strikeouts are the obvious concern. Valdez has fanned in 31.9% of his plate appearances, while his .269 expected average sits well below his .339 mark. What happens when he connects is the draw: a 29.3% barrel rate, 53.7% hard-hit rate, and .634 expected slugging percentage. He has not stolen a base, making this a power pickup rather than a five-category play. RotoBaller recommends adding Valdez in 10-team leagues, and he is still rostered in only 47% of Yahoo formats. Managers looking for home runs and RBI should check the wire now.

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Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano will have his scheduled start on Saturday scratched due to back spasms. The severity of the issue is unknown, and it remains unclear whether he will pitch again before the All-Star Break. It has not been an easy stretch as of late for the 36-year-old, who struggled through his last start on June 26 while dealing with a finger injury. He appears to have fully recovered from the ailment on his finger, but now he faces yet another setback that will keep him out of Saturday's contest. In his place, Sean Sullivan has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque and will start for the Rockies on Saturday.

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New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (elbow) is getting closer to throwing his first live bullpen session. He is nearing the one-year mark since undergoing an internal brace procedure in July 2025, and a live bullpen session would represent a major milestone in his recovery. Thus far, he has been limited to side sessions and mound work, but reports that he is ready to take this next step suggest his recovery has been progressing well behind the scenes. If things continue on this trajectory, he could begin a rehab assignment later this month, with the hope of rejoining the Yankees' rotation down the stretch. If he earns a spot at the back end of New York's rotation, he is worth rostering in the deepest fantasy leagues.

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New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (elbow) is set to throw 35 pitches over two up-and-down simulated innings on Sunday. It has been reported that if this session goes smoothly, he will increase his workload to 40 pitches later in the week. The 32-year-old is said to have felt completely normal after his last live bullpen session, which is great news for both him and the Yankees. In addition to making progress with his health, he has also reportedly been working on mechanical tweaks to his repertoire. Despite the significant forward progress, it's worth noting that the southpaw still has a long way to go in his recovery and will almost certainly require a rehab assignment. As such, a return later in July should be considered the best-case scenario.

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Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo (shoulder) is starting in right field and batting cleanup for the Rangers in Saturday's contest at home against the visiting Detroit Tigers and right-hander Jack Flaherty, per MLB.com. Nimmo suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder last Sunday when he crashed into the outfield wall to make the final out of the game, which caused him to miss the last four games. The 33-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder will return on the Fourth of July and give the injury-wrecked Rangers' lineup a boost to finish out the weekend. In his first year in Texas, Nimmo has underwhelmed, slashing .262/.333/.420 with a .753 OPS, eight home runs, 29 RBI, 35 runs scored, and three stolen bases in his 317 at-bats. He closed out the month of June on a heater, though, going 15-for-48 (.313) with five doubles, a homer, a triple, four RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base in 12 games, and fantasy managers are hoping he can pick up where he left off after missing the last four games. Nimmo has only faced Flaherty twice in his career, but he's picked up two hits against him.

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