Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart was seeing the ball well in the team's 11-5 rout over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night at Great American Ballpark, going 2-for-4 at the plate with three RBI and a walk to raise his season batting average to .256 and his OPS to .822. In what has been a breakout first half for the 22-year-old former first-rounder in 2022, he now has a .341 on-base percentage, .481 slugging percentage, 19 home runs, 64 RBI, 50 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in 91 games and 396 plate appearances in his first full season in the big leagues. Wednesday's contest was Stewart's second multi-homer performance of his career. After a lull following a hot start at the plate, Stewart has picked things up heading into the All-Star break, going 17-for-54 (.315) with five home runs, five doubles, 10 RBI, and 10 runs scored in 13 games across 58 plate appearances since June 24. He has done enough in the first half in his second year in the majors to earn his first All-Star appearance in 2026. Stewart is now rostered in 94% of Yahoo leagues.

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong continued his strong start to July in the team's 9-7 victory over the hosting Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night at Camden Yards. Crow-Armstrong went 2-for-4 at the plate as the leadoff man with two solo home runs, three runs scored, a walk, and two strikeouts, to become the league's first 20-20 player in 2026. The 24-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has an eight-game hitting streak in which he's gone 13-for-28 (.464) with four home runs, a double, seven RBI, nine runs scored, and three stolen bases. His strong run of late offensively has boosted his season line to .296/.386/.542 with a .928 OPS, 21 home runs, 52 RBI, 23 stolen bases, and 60 runs scored in 92 games and 400 plate appearances. Crow-Armstrong is proving he's the real deal after hitting 31 homers, driving in 95 runs, and stealing 35 bases in his second full season in the big leagues in 2025 with the Cubbies. After a brutal second half last year, he has rebounded and displayed better plate discipline.

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Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease nearly had the second no-hitter of his career in Wednesday night's 10-0 shutout victory over the hosting San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Cease was marvelous, allowing just one hit and no runs while walking three and striking out 11 to win his sixth game of the year and lower his ERA to 2.56. The 30-year-old took a no-hitter into the ninth inning, but outfielder Heliot Ramos led off the frame with a single to break it up. Cease threw 81 of his 118 pitches for strikes and recorded his sixth game of the 2026 season with double-digit strikeouts. In addition to his strong 2.56 ERA, Cease also has a 1.13 WHIP and American League-leading 148 strikeouts in 98 1/3 innings in his first year in Toronto. The former sixth-rounder of the Chicago Cubs in 2014 now has back-to-back shutouts going into the All-Star break after tossing seven shutout frames with a walk and nine strikeouts his last time out against the division-rival Seattle Mariners. Cease is certainly in play to start the All-Star Game next week for the AL.

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Minnesota Twins shortstop/third baseman Brooks Lee has been a key contributor for the Twins this season and has climbed from the bottom of the lineup to the second spot in the batting order. Through 89 games, the 25-year-old switch-hitter is hitting .252 with 14 homers, 13 doubles, and 55 RBI. Last season, he had 16 homers, but needed 139 games to get there with a .286 wOBA. This season, his wOBA is up to .323, and he has hit eight homers in his last 34 games with a .340 wOBA since May 31. He's added five stolen bases as well, and his solid overall counting stats can be a big boost to your roster if you need help on the left side of the infield. While his contact metrics won't blow anyone away, his consistent, solid production and premium spot near the top of the batting order make him a well-rounded addition from the waiver wire or via trade to fortify your infield.

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Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is hitting below the Mendoza Line this season, but he could be a key pickup for the second half if he's available on the waiver wire or via a cheap trade. Duran hit .170 with one homer through the first 26 games of the season, but in May, he turned things around and hit .261 with nine homers and a .372 wOBA in 27 games. He's cooled back off in June and July, hitting .161 with three homers and only a .215 wOBA. Duran is an extremely streaky hitter and did pick up multiple hits in two of his last three games. He has dropped way down the lineup, lately, and has failed to live up to his draft-day expectations. However, if he gets hot in the second half with the Red Sox or another team after a change of scenery, he could be a key difference-maker down the stretch.

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Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jacob Webb closed out his team's 9-7 win in Baltimore with a clean ninth inning, getting three straight groundouts to earn his fourth save of the season. He has not given up a run in seven straight outings, going 2-0 with two saves and a hold, while also recording eight strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. On the season, the 32-year-old righty has a 3.18 ERA and 3.85 FIP, with 47 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings. Webb seems to be the preferred option in the closer committee when available, although Trent Thornton earned a save on Tuesday after Webb came in to escape a bases-loaded jam in the seventh. The Cubs' primary closer, Daniel Palencia (elbow), is recovering from a flexor strain and will not return until after the break. He has not started a rehab assignment yet, so Webb could remain in an expanded role for a few more weeks, making him a valuable option in the bullpen for your fantasy team. For as long as he's getting high-leverage work, he's a strong option to grab from waiver wires or to start if you have him on your roster.

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New York Mets relief pitcher Devin Williams has picked up 13 saves in his 33 games this season, but he has allowed three runs on six hits in his last two outings and was charged with his second blown save of the year on Monday. His opportunities have been limited due to his team's overall struggles, and his 4.85 ERA and 1.65 WHIP are definitely not what fantasy managers were hoping for when they drafted him as a top closer. He does have 43 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings, so the potential is still there, but irregular work and limited opportunity have held him back. If the Mets' new youth-infused lineup can help jumpstart their team in the second half, Williams has an elite ceiling. He's worth checking in on as a buy-low candidate since his manager could be frustrated with the Mets' disappointing season so far.

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Toronto's SP Dylan Cease recorded 11 strikeouts in 8 innings collecting the win in a 10-0 win over San Francisco on Wednesday, Jul. 8.

Angels' LF Jo Adell had five RBIs going 2-for-4 with two home runs in a 13-1 win over Texas on Wednesday, Jul. 8.

Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (hand) made an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Athletics. Dingler took a foul tip off his right thumb during the first inning of this contest. The Tigers decided to play it safe and pull Dingler out of the game for precautionary reasons. The expectation is that Dingler is headed for X-rays, so the team can rule out any significant injuries. The 27-year-old was named to the American League All-Star team recently, so hopefully he'll be ready to go for that. Jake Rogers took over behind the plate and figures to see a bulk of the time behind the plate while Dingler is down.

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Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (illness) was forced to make an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Kurtz appeared to have jammed his hand during the first inning of this contest. Luckily, that wasn't the reason for his departure. Instead, Kurtz was pulled out of the game due to illness. He was hitless in his lone plate appearance and was replaced by Jeff McNeil at first base. Fantasy managers should consider Kurtz as day-to-day. Hopefully, he'll be ready to go in time for next week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday for another update on his status.

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Miami Marlins outfielder Owen Caissie (calf) was forced to make an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Caissie was taken out in the second inning of this contest due to right calf tightness. He was pulled out of the contest before even coming up to the plate. Griffin Conine took over in right field and could see extra playing time out there over the next few days. The severity of the injury is unknown, so fantasy managers should consider Caissie as day-to-day. This season, Caissie is slashing .239/.297/.459 with 12 home runs, 50 RBI, and four steals in 79 games.

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Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (foot) was forced to make an early exit from Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox. Contreras fouled a ball off his foot during his at-bat in the third inning. He was able to finish out the plate appearance, but exited the game afterwards. The team is calling the injury a left foot contusion, so it appears he has avoided any fractures. Before exiting the game, Contreras was hitless in his two plate appearances. For the moment, fantasy managers should consider Contreras as day-to-day. It wouldn't be shocking if he sits out for a game or two, but he should avoid a trip to the Injured List. The 34-year-old recently accepted an invitation to compete in the upcoming Home Run Derby. He might decide to opt out of that event, but it depends on the progress he makes over the next few days.

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Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo (finger) won't be available to play during the upcoming All-Star Futures Game on Sunday. Liranzo is currently on the 7-day Injured List due to a left index finger laceration that required stitches. The organization doesn't believe that Liranzo has progressed enough to allow him to play in Sunday's Futures Game. He has been replaced by infielder Max Anderson from the team's Triple-A Toledo roster. The expectation is that Liranzo will return to action shortly after the break. He's slashing .211/343/429 with nine home runs and 31 RBI in 201 plate appearances at Double-A this season. The Tigers viewed Liranzo as a key piece to the future, but he still needs more time to develop his game.

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Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) recently underwent an MRI, but the results came back inconclusive. The right-hander will get a second opinion with the news that Woodruff is dealing with a right anterior shoulder capsule issue on Wednesday. Dr. Keith Meister will be the one doing the second opinion, the same doctor who performed Woodruff's shoulder surgery in 2023. The veteran right-hander is looking at an extended absence and is possibly done for the season. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more information.

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Minnesota Twins second baseman/outfielder Luke Keaschall is making his first start in center field and will bat seventh on Wednesday against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Slade Cecconi, according to MLB.com. Keaschall is already eligible in the outfield, in addition to second base, in Yahoo leagues, so it's not a ground-breaking development, but the 23-year-old could see regular starts in center field for the Twins for however long Byron Buxton (hip) stays on the injured list. Keaschall has struggled offensively in his first full season in the big leagues, as he enters Wednesday's action with a .255/.341/.347 slash line, .688 OPS, four home runs, 26 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and 46 runs scored in 86 games across his 337 plate appearances. He's gone 9-for-39 (.231) with two homers, a double, two RBI, eight runs, and a steal in his last 14 games, but he's gotten going so far in July and carries a modest five-game hitting streak into Wednesday's tilt at Target Field. In three career at-bats against Cecconi, Keaschall has one hit.

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The Los Angeles Angels announced on Wednesday that they reinstated outfielder Mike Trout (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list before their game against the division-rival Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field and designated infielder Donovan Walton for assignment in a corresponding move. Trout is serving as the Angels' designated hitter and will bat second in Wednesday's game against Rangers left-hander MacKenzie Gore. The 34-year-old three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star makes his return to the Halos' lineup without going on a minor-league rehab assignment after missing almost three weeks with a strained right hamstring. Although the former 25th overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft has had a resurgent 2026 season, nobody is expecting him to return to an MVP level the rest of the way, and injuries will probably continue to be an issue. But fantasy managers will want to get him back into their lineups after he has hit .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS, 17 homers, 36 RBI, 54 runs, and seven steals in his 265 at-bats this year. Trout is hitting .200 with an RBI in just five career at-bats against Gore.

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The Athletic's Dan Hayes reports that it sounds as if right-hander Bailey Ober (elbow) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start on Thursday against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians. It will be Ober's first start for the Twins since going on the IL in late May with a right flexor strain in his elbow. In his two minor-league rehab starts on the farm, Ober gave up seven runs with six strikeouts and no walks in 8 1/3 total innings. He got up to 76 pitches in his final rehab outing, so he shouldn't be faced with a pitch-count limit in his return to Minnesota's starting rotation this week. The 30-year-old veteran lacks considerable fantasy upside because of his decreased velocity and career 23.2% strikeout rate. In his 66 2/3 innings pitched with the Twins in 2026, Ober has a career-low 16.4% strikeout rate while going 6-3 with a 4.59 ERA (4.98 FIP), 1.21 WHIP, and 46:18 K:BB in 12 starts. In five starts in May, Ober went 3-2 with a rough 5.97 ERA (6.08 FIP), 17 strikeouts, and five walks in 28 2/3 innings. Nobody should be in a rush to scoop him up off the waiver wire or start him on Thursday against Cleveland.

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Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras will take part in the Home Run Derby on Monday, July 13, during next week's All-Star break, becoming the first Red Sox player to participate in the event in 15 years, since Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz participated in the event in 2011 in Phoenix. In his first year in Boston, the three-time All-Star is in the midst of a career season, slashing .287/.381/.545 with a career-best .926 OPS, 20 home runs, 16 doubles, 61 RBI, 46 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 87 games played and 362 plate appearances. Contreras' 20 home runs in the first half match his home run total from a year ago in 2025 in 135 games played in his final season with the St. Louis Cardinals. He's easily on pace to shatter his career high in the category of 24, which was set in 2019 with the Chicago Cubs in his fourth year in the league. The former catcher won't be one of the favorites in this year's Home Run Derby as a first-time participant.

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Seattle Mariners infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan (groin) worked out on Tuesday in Arizona and will go through another workout on Wednesday, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. The hope is that he will start playing in minor-league rehab games in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League after that. The 29-year-old utility man is making progress, but he's not going to be ready to rejoin Seattle's major-league roster before the end of the first half of the season this Sunday. Depending on how Donovan's rehab assignment goes, though, he could be ready for the start of the second half on Friday, July 17. The former seventh-rounder of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018 out of the University of South Alabama was expected to be a key contributor for the M's in 2026, but he's managed to play in just 25 games due to injuries, going 23-for-84 (.274) with three homers, eight RBI, nine runs, and a stolen base. Donovan is more attractive in real baseball than fantasy because of his low power/speed ceiling, but he hits for average and is eligible at second base, third base, shortstop, and outfield in Yahoo leagues. He's currently rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues.

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