Baltimore Orioles closer Felix Bautista (shoulder) has "a lot of swelling" in his shoulder, and team doctors can't make a diagnosis until the swelling goes down, according to interim manager Tony Mansolino. The skipper also said it's going to be "weeks not days" of Bautista being on the injured list. The Orioles aren't going to rush the 30-year-old back since they aren't anywhere close to the playoff race, so fantasy managers might not get him back until mid to late August. Baltimore traded left-handed reliever Gregory Soto to the New York Mets over the weekend, ensuring that righty Seranthony Dominguez is the club's primary ninth-inning option until Bautista is able to return. Bautista was a first-time All-Star in 2023, missed the entire 2024 campaign due to injury, and has bounced back with a 2.60 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 19 saves in 2025.

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Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (rib cage) remains out of the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the visiting Boston Red Sox at Target Field. Buxton felt irritation in his side on Saturday and was held out of the series finale on Sunday against the Washington Nationals before an MRI exam showed left-side rib cartilage inflammation. The 31-year-old All-Star escaped any sort of serious injury and is considered day-to-day, which means he could be back in action in the series against Boston as soon as Tuesday. Fantasy managers will want to keep him out of their lineups another day and check back on Tuesday. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is starting in center field for the Twin and will bat ninth on Monday against Red Sox right-hander Richard Fitts. Keirsey should be avoided in DFS. He's gone 7-for-71 (.099) on the year with a homer and eight steals.

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The New York Mets have been discussing third baseman Mark Vientos in trade talks this week, and rival executives think that the team is willing to move him by this Thursday's July 31 deadline, league sources told SNY's Andy Martino. The Mets aren't looking to move any of their young infielders -- they've also received interest in Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio -- but rival executives think Vientos is more available than Baty and Mauricio. The 25-year-old hit 27 home runs with an .837 in a breakout 2024 campaign. He might not be as good this year, but interested teams view Vientos as a player that can carry a team when he gets hot. The former second-round has struggled on both offense and defense in 2025, but he's currently on a six-game hitting streak and could see more playing time with a change of scenery to finish this year.

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The San Francisco Giants aren't expected to trade closer Camilo Doval by this Thursday's July 31 trade deadline. However, rival executives think the Giants would be smart to move him. Opportunistic teams could take advantage, and the Giants' bullpen has been such a team strength this year that they could probably afford to lose him. San Fran's bullpen ranks second in ERA (3.23), third in opponents' OPS (.643) and first in WHIP (1.16). The 28-year-old Doval is also under team control through the 2027, which makes him even much more valuable around the league. If Doval were to be dealt this week, All-Star Randy Rodriguez, who has emerged as one of the best relievers in MLB, would almost certainly take over the closing duties for the Gigantes. Doval has incredible arm talent and has bounced back nicely from a disastrous 2024 that saw him sent to the minors.

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The Detroit Tigers are acquiring right-hander Chris Paddack from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for an unnamed minor-leaguer, according to multiple team sources. Paddack is the first of several players the Twins are expected to trade by Thursday's July 31 deadline. The 29-year-old Paddack, who will be a free agent this winter, is 3-9 on the year with a 4.95 ERA and 83 batters in 21 starts and 111 innings. While Paddack's numbers don't look great, he'll be joining the first-place Tigers and has looked healthy with improved velocity after recovering from his second Tommy John surgery that he had in May of 2022. He will give the Tigers a reliable starter for the No. 5 spot since prospect Jackson Jobe (elbow) tore his ACL. The acquisition of Paddack could also allow the Tigers to move prospect Troy Melton to the bullpen. Paddack's 6.4 K/9 is a career low, but he could be a useful matchup-based streamer in Detroit.

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Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (groin) is scheduled to throw four innings in his next minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, according to Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer. Greene pitched in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League last Wednesday and threw two scoreless innings while striking out four and walking one for his first appearance in a game since June 3. The 25-year-old hurler is recovering from a strained right groin and could need a third rehab outing before the Reds feel comfortable having him rejoin their starting rotation for the final two months of the season. The hard-throwing righty should be rostered in all fantasy leagues, especially now that he's nearing a return to Cincy. The former first-rounder looked strong before his injury with a 2.72 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 73 K's in 59 2/3 frames over 11 starts.

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Chris Cotillo of Mass Live writes that Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz intrigues the Boston Red Sox, and they could end up trading for him this week. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rays stance on not trading key players "may be softening" because of how poorly they've played recently. ESPN's Buster Olney also reported that the Rays "could shift to become sellers." The 33-year-old fits the Red Sox because he's a right-handed bat with pop who has 18 home runs and 19 doubles in 2025. He's a clear upgrade at first base over Abraham Toro and Romy Gonzalez. Also making him more attractive is the fact that he's under control beyond this year, and the Red Sox aren't guaranteeing that Triston Casas (knee), who is out for the year, will be the starter in 2026. Diaz has a $12 million club option for 2026 and a vesting option for 2027 (based on plate appearances).

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The Baltimore Orioles announced on Monday that they reinstated catcher Adley Rutschman (oblique) from the 10-day injured list and designated catcher Jacob Stallings for assignment in a corresponding move. Fantasy managers will need to check back shortly, but Rutschman should be back in the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays at Camden Yards. The 27-year-old switch-hitting backstop will return as the O's starting catcher after missing a month-plus with a strained left oblique. Despite a disappointing 2025 season to this point, the former first-rounder should be rostered in all fantasy leagues and should be returned to starting lineups. Rutschman has hit .227/.319/.372 to this point with eight home runs, 20 RBI and 31 runs for the disappointing Orioles.

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The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Monday that they optioned right-hander Tobias Myers to Triple-A Nashville and recalled right-hander Craig Yoho from Nashville in a corresponding move. Myers made five starts with the Brew Crew to begin the year before being sent to the minors. He rejoined the big-league squad in a relief role last week and made two appearances, throwing three scoreless innings with no walks and four strikeouts. The 26-year-old will now go back to Nashville and could be stretched out in a starting role so that he can be ready to provide depth out of the bullpen down the stretch and potentially into the postseason. The former sixth-rounder by the Baltimore Orioles in 2016 is off the fantasy radar right now and has a 4.30 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 19:10 K:BB in eight appearances (five starts) in Milwaukee this year.

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Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) is "ramping up his workload," according to general manager Dana Brown, and once he gets through that, the Astros plan to have him face live pitching. Brown wants Alvarez to go on a short minor-league rehab stint, too, before rejoining the big-league team. "I'll take a 75% Yordan Alvarez over some of the guys we have now," Brown added. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger was cleared to start hitting slow toss last week and has now gotten to the point where's he ready to see live pitching. It means that barring a setback, he could be back with the Astros by next week. Expect the Astros to ease him back in, and it's possible Alvarez serves as the primary DH the rest of the year. The three-time All-Star didn't look like himself in just 100 at-bats earlier this year, but he could be a difference-maker if he bounces back to form for the final two months.

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Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown thinks that shortstop Jeremy Pena (ribs) "will be back here soon" and could come off the injured list as early as Friday, Aug. 1. Brown wants to get Pena into a few minor-league rehab games and then get him back with the major-league squad. The 27-year-old has already taken on-field batting practice and was scheduled to face live pitching late last week. He has been out since late June with a small rib fracture, but Pena has made good progress and should be back soon as Houston's starting shortstop. Zach Short and Mauricio Dubon have filled in at the 6 in the last month with Pena injured. Fantasy managers will be hoping Pena can be as good as he was before his injury, as he hit .322 (102-for-317) with 11 home runs, 40 RBI, 48 runs scored and 15 stolen bases as a first-time All-Star in his first 82 games in 2025.

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St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Tekoah Roby (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery and is expected to miss the entire 2026 season. The 23-year-old right-hander, acquired from Texas in the 2023 deadline deal for Jordan Montgomery, had made six starts at Triple-A Memphis after being promoted in June. Following a rough start, Roby had allowed just two earned runs over his last 21 innings before the injury. Durability remains a concern, as Roby also missed significant time in 2023. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, but his high-spin curveball is widely regarded as his most effective weapon. Continue to stash Roby in dynasty formats.

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Seattle Mariners No. 9 prospect Tyler Locklear exploded at Triple-A Tacoma last week, notching back-to-back four-hit games with five home runs and 10 RBI on the week. The 24-year-old first baseman is now slashing .316/.401/.543 with 19 homers and 18 steals on the year. After struggling in a brief MLB stint last season (.156 in 49 plate appearances), Locklear is making a strong case for a return. With Seattle cycling through underwhelming first base options, they recently acquired Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks for help. It means that if Locklear joins the big-league club down the stretch, it will most likely be in a bench role.

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New York Mets prospect Ryan Clifford was named Eastern League Player of the Week after a dominant stretch at Double-A. The 21-year-old slugger batted .522 with four home runs and eight walks, showcasing his advanced power and plate discipline. On the season, Clifford is slashing .245/.367/.497 with 21 home runs, a 26.6% strikeout rate, and an impressive 15.5% walk rate. A former 11th-round pick in the 2022 draft, Clifford has rapidly climbed the Mets' farm system. With continued production, the first baseman/outfielder could be on the fast track to Triple-A later this summer.

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Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said that right-hander Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) will make another minor-league rehab start, and if it goes well, he's expected to come off the injured list and rejoin the big-league club. Arrighetti threw 62 pitches in his latest rehab start on Saturday with Double-A Corpus Christi and allowed three runs (two earned) while walking one and striking out two in 3 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old wasn't all that sharp, so the Astros will give him another game on the farm to tighten things up and also lengthen out. When Arrighetti is cleared to rejoin the big leagues, he should immediately jump right back into the starting rotation and be relevant in mixed fantasy leagues. The former sixth-rounder made only two starts before his injury and wasn't exactly sharp with six earned runs allowed in 9 2/3 frames.

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The Detroit Tigers are one of the strong suitors for Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez with the July 31 trade deadline coming this week, would love to finalize a deal before Suarez and the D-backs finish a series in Detroit this Wednesday, according to USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale. Arizona is in Motown for a three-game series this week. Suarez is one of the most attractive and available bats at this year's deadline and is basically a lock to get moved at this point with the Snakes selling. Detroit has been using a combination of Zach McKinstry, Matt Vierling and Colt Keith at the hot corner lately, so Suarez would be a massive upgrade over that committee. The 34-year-old Venezuelan slugger currently leads baseball with 87 RBI and is tied for fourth with his 36 home runs. A move to Detroit might actually be a slight downgrade fantasy-wise for Suarez.

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Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Aug. 31 as part of MLB's gambling investigation, according to Zack Meisel of MLB.com. Clase's teammate, right-hander Luis L. Ortiz, is already under the same parameters and hasn't pitched since June 27. This is big news for the fantasy community, as the 27-year-old is one of baseball's top closers despite taking step back statistically in 2025. The Dominican right-hander is 5-3 with a 3.23 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 47 1/3 innings while converting saves in 24 of his 29 chances. Clase was a potential trade chip before this week's July 31 deadline, but that's unlikely to happen now that he's out through August. Manager Stephen Vogt hasn't said how he plans to treat the closing situation with Clase out at least a month, but fantasy managers should run to add Cade Smith immediately.

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The Atlanta Braves acquired right-hander Carlos Carrasco from the New York Yankees on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations, according to Jack Curry of the YES Network. It's the second straight day that the Braves have acquired a right-handed starting pitcher to help their injury-plagued rotation, as they acquired Erick Fedde from the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. The 38-year-old Carrasco will hopefully eat innings for the Braves down the stretch, but his move to a secure starting role should only attract interest from fantasy managers in NL-only leagues. His first start for Atlanta could come this Thursday versus the Cincinnati Reds. The Venezuelan native was recently pitching at Triple-A for the Yanks and had a rough 5.91 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 25:10 K:BB in eight outings (six starts) in pinstripes this year.

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Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ramon Laureano has had a resurgent 2025 season and is a "more attractive" trade target for rival teams than teammate Cedric Mullins, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. In 275 plate appearances, Laureano is hitting .275/.338/.514 with 14 home runs, 43 RBI, 39 runs scored, and four stolen bases. He's earned every day playing time in recent weeks, split between both left and right field. Baltimore holds a reasonable $6.5 million club option on the 31-year-old Laureano for 2026, so they could feasibly keep him through the deadline. If he does get dealt, Laureano would be at greater risk of falling into a corner outfield platoon. He's been better against right-handed pitching so far this season, but for his career, Laureano has been better against left-handers (.794 OPS) than righties (.745 OPS).

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Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin is a prime candidate to get moved at the trade deadline, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The 31-year-old Eflin will be a free agent at season's end and does not figure to be in the team's long-term plans, with right-handers Kyle Bradish (elbow) and Tyler Wells (elbow) both expected to be back in the rotation in 2026. Eflin has had a down year in 2025, logging a 5.78 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 47 strikeouts in 67 innings (13 starts). However, the veteran was much better in 165 1/3 innings (28 starts) split between the Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays in 2024, going 10-9 with a 3.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 134 strikeouts. Eflin has also been limited by injuries this season, so it's possible that an extended stretch of improved health could lead to him regaining his prior form down the stretch.

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