Per MLB.com's Anthony DiComo, New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker (back) exited the first game of Thursday's doubleheader against the hosting Baltimore Orioles with back tightness. Oof. Winker returned from a lengthy stay on the injured list due to an oblique injury just two days ago, but was pinch-hit for in the fourth inning by teammate Mark Vientos as he's now apparently dealing with a back issue. Presumably, the injury occurred during the contest, and he's almost certainly scheduled for further testing. He can be considered day-to-day for now, but back ailments aren't the most straightforward of injuries. Fantasy managers should closely monitor the situation.

From RotoBaller

According to the team, the Baltimore Orioles have selected the contract of catcher David Banuelos from Triple-A Norfolk. Baltimore currently has four of their options at backstop on the injured list, so the 28-year-old will serve as a potential fill-in if necessary, with the team playing a doubleheader with the New York Mets on Thursday. Banuelos has spent time in Triple-A and High-A in 2025, compiling an abysmally low .088/.188/.193 triple slash through 21 appearances. There's no reason to believe he'll make an impact in fantasy, and can be ignored for what will likely be a short stint with the big-league squad.

From RotoBaller

Per the team, the Tampa Bay Rays have transferred outfielder Richie Palacios (knee) to the 60-day injured list. It's nothing more than a procedural move for Tampa Bay, which clears a spot on the 40-man roster for newly acquired right-handed pitcher Bryan Baker. Palacios was recently pulled off his minor-league rehab assignment while dealing with intermittent soreness in his sprained right knee, but has since resumed baseball activities and will hopefully be ready to start another rehab stint following the All-Star break. The 28-year-old has taken just four at-bats for the Rays in 2025 since picking up the injury in mid-April, and is currently still set for a Jul. 24 return.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hand) won't be in the team's lineup for their series finale against the visiting Chicago Cubs. The veteran was plunked by a pitch in Wednesday's 4-2 victory over Chicago and forced from the contest early. Initial X-rays returned negative, but it appears he'll still need some time to recover from the contusion. Teammate Harrison Bader will patrol center field in his stead with Willi Castro moving up to the leadoff spot as Minnesota goes for the sweep. After a slow beginning to the season, Buxton was red-hot through May and June, boasting a .312 average with 13 home runs, eight steals, 34 RBI, and 30 runs scored. He's cooled quite a bit in July (.172) but is still on pace to set career-highs in homers and steals, and record his first 20/20 season in the majors.

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Per the team, the New York Yankees have released infielder DJ LeMahieu. Wow. The veteran was designated for assignment by New York on Wednesday, and after clearing waivers, unclaimed, was let go by the organization. LeMahieu had an incredible first two seasons with the Yankees from 2019 to 2020, but has declined in recent years and posted an unappealing .266/.338/.336 triple slash with five extra-base hits (two homers, three doubles) across 45 appearances in 2025. That, along with Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s ability at the keystone, was enough to split ways with the 36-year-old. LeMahieu will now look for more work with another MLB squad, but doesn't project to be a hot commodity on the open market.

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New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler yielded four hits and three earned runs over 5 1/3 innings of work in Wednesday's 9-6 win over the visiting Seattle Mariners. He issued two free passes and struck out seven to notch his first MLB win. The 24-year-old fired 52 of 72 pitches for strikes and picked up ten whiffs for a strong 33% CSW, while recording the seven fastest pitch velocities in the outing. Schlittler fell victim to the long ball -- allowing two solo homers -- but was mainly solid in his big-league debut. He'll get a chance to stick in the rotation with teammate Clarke Schmidt (elbow) likely to require Tommy John surgery, and should get his next start in a road series against the Atlanta Braves following the All-Star break. Schlittler is worth a speculative add until he proves otherwise.

From RotoBaller

According to the team, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad (oblique) has continued to remain in the bullpen sessions phase of his throwing program as he steadily works toward live batting practice the next step in his rehabilitation. The 27-year-old is still battling back from a nagging oblique injury that's plagued him since spring training. Assad appeared to be nearing a return in April, but a setback has robbed him of even more time. Currently, Chicago believes he'll still be able to contribute in 2025 and has tentatively scheduled him for a return in mid-August. Depending on how the remainder of his rehab goes, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Cubs be stingy with his workload when he rejoins the major league roster.

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The New York Post's Mike Puma reports that the New York Mets have designated outfielder Travis Jankowski for assignment. Second baseman Luisangel Acuna was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. The 34-year-old joined the team a few weeks ago, but earned just one at-bat -- a sacrifice hit -- and was already the veteran's third stop this season (White Sox, Rays). Overall, in 2025, Jankowski is batting .244 (11-for-45) with two doubles, two steals, eight runs scored, and two RBI in 26 appearances. He'll be on the lookout for more work if he goes unclaimed.

From RotoBaller

Per MLB Insider Robert Murray, the Baltimore Orioles are trading right-handed reliever Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays. The complete trade details have not been disclosed yet. Baker has been solid for Baltimore in 2025, pitching to the tune of a 3.52 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 49:9 K:BB ratio over 42 appearances (38 1/3 innings). He projects to provide the Rays with another middle-relief arm out of the bullpen, and could be used in high-leverage situations if necessary, as he'd earned ten holds with the Orioles. The Florida native can be avoided for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reports that the New York Mets are recalling second baseman Luisangel Acuna to the big-league squad. Acuna was demoted a few weeks back as he wasn't garnering frequent at-bats for New York, but he'll be up with the team on Thursday at least for their scheduled doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles. The 23-year-old has had trouble consistently impacting the game with his bat, but has been a critical piece for the Amazins' in late-game base-running and defensive situations due to his athleticism. In 12 appearances for Triple-A Syracuse in 2025, he's slashing a solid .289/.346/.378. It's unclear how long he'll stay in the majors, but he doesn't project to make a difference in fantasy lineups as of now.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (lat) was diagnosed with a lat strain and has been on the injured list since the start of the season. He threw 25 pitches during a bullpen session on Friday, which included using fastballs and breaking pitches. The next step in his throwing progression should be facing live hitters. According to Jacob Calvin Meyer of the Baltimore Sun, there is no update on Rodriguez as of Wednesday. The 25-year-old will continue to rehab, but it's still unclear when he will make his season debut. Based on this progression, a mid-to-late August return from the injured list seems the most likely. Fantasy managers with an IL spot should continue to stash Rodriguez for now.

From RotoBaller

Houston Astros outfielder Jake Meyers (calf) was taken out of Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians with right calf tightness. The 29-year-old returned to the lineup on Wednesday after missing the last two games with calf soreness. He re-aggravated the same calf injury while running to the outfield before the game started. Meyers was helped off the field. Having two calf injuries to the same calf in four days usually means that the Astros brought him back too soon and he may end up on the injured list. The severity of the calf injury is unknown and Meyers remains day-to-day. Kenedy Corona and Taylor Trammell would likely see an increase in playing time if Meyers were to miss any time.

From RotoBaller

Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (oblique) has been on rehab assignment with Triple-A Albuquerque since Saturday. He is hitting .125 (2-for-16) with three strikeouts over four games in Triple-A. The 23-year-old has been on the injured list since June 6 with a left oblique strain. Depending on his recovery from each rehab game, Tovar could possibly return to the Rockies lineup before the All-Star break. The Rockies, though, may choose to be cautious with him, and he may not return until after the All-Star break. He slashed .258/.301/.406 with three home runs and 10 RBI across 32 games before landing on the injured list. Tovar is available in 46% of Yahoo Fantasy Leagues and is worth an add for fantasy managers needing a shortstop or middle infield help, as he's very close to returning to action.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish (elbow) continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery and could be ready for a rehab assignment soon. According to interim manager Tony Mansolino. Bradish has thrown a pair of live batting practices in Florida and will have one more before potentially beginning a rehab assignment. Bradish made eight starts last season for the Orioles, going 2-0 with a 2.75 ERA, 2.61 FIP, and 12.1 K/9. He looked to be developing into a possible front-line starter for Baltimore before needing Tommy John. He could ramp up and return in August or September, which would give fantasy owners a good chance to evaluate his fantasy potential for next season. He's definitely someone to keep an eye on to see if he can return to form after the surgery and extensive recovery.

From RotoBaller

San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier in the week. However, does not change his timeline for return. King continues to make progress and is scheduled to have a bullpen session on Thursday after having thrown off flat ground a few times already. Once King passes this hurdle, he will likely go on a rehab assignment. The 30-year-old has been sidelined since May with a pinched thoracic nerve in his right shoulder. He owned a 2.59 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 64 strikeouts over 55 2/3 innings before landing on the injured list. King may not return until some time in August, but fantasy managers should continue to stash him in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Alex Cobb (hips) is working his way back from hip inflammation and has received injections on both sides, but he is still a long way from making his Tigers' debut. According to manager A.J. Hinch, "He's still symptomatic... I feel for him because it's not a lack of effort or a lack of toughness or lack of anything, other than his body's failing him right now." Cobb has not been able to pitch all season for the Tigers after signing with the team as a free agent this past offseason. The 37-year-old veteran will likely need an extensive rehab once he's able to start ramping up, so time is running out on his opportunity to pitch this season for Detroit. The team will continue to work with him to get him back in the mix, but he seems very unlikely to make any fantasy impact this season.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that right-hander Hunter Greene (groin) is headed to the team's spring training facility in Arizona to continue his rehab. "There's no roadmap for the next step in the pitcher's progression," said Francona. The 25-year-old has not pitched since early June and has been on the injured list twice with a groin issue. The Reds are being cautious with him, given that he has not yet begun a pitching progression, which makes an August return seem the most likely. Before landing on the injured list, Greene posted a 2.72 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 73 strikeouts across 59 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Greene for now.

From RotoBaller

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jon Gray (wrist) took a huge step in his road to recovery on Wednesday night, pitching two innings for the Round Rock Express. He gave up a home run to Sam Hilliard but didn't allow any other hits while picking up one strikeout and throwing 32 pitches, 20 of which were strikes. Gray has been sidelined all season after fracturing his wrist on a comebacker in Spring Training, but he is now ramping up and should be ready to join the Rangers' rotation after the All-Star break at the end of July or early in August. If you are in deep leagues or need rotation depth, Gray is an option to monitor as he continues his recovery.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Keegan Akin (shoulder) will likely go on a rehab assignment after the All-Star break, but the 30-year-old lefty has been shut down for the next five to seven days after receiving an injection in his shoulder. Akin has been on the 15-day injured list since July 2 after going 3-0 in his 39 games for the O's with a 3.32 ERA and 4.30 FIP. The lefty has made a few starts this season as an opener and has been a fairly versatile piece out of the bullpen for Baltimore over the past few seasons. He still has one more year of team control, becoming a free agent after the 2026 season. He could be a name to watch at the trade deadline if the Orioles sell off parts, but he'll need to prove he's healthy and over this shoulder issue first.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin (back) is lined up to pitch a rehab game on Sunday, according to Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino. He last pitched on June 28 against the Rays, but he was forced to leave that start early due to lower back discomfort. Before landing on the injured list for the second time this season, Eflin went 6-5 in 12 starts with a 5.95 ERA, 5.71 FIP, and 1.44 WHIP. He was hit hard with a 2.32 HR/9 and an average exit velocity of 89.5 miles per hour against him, but the Orioles are still hopeful he will be able to contribute down the stretch. Eflin is also a name that has been swirling as a trade candidate for a second straight season since the O's could choose to move him at the Trade Deadline a year after acquiring him from the Rays.

From RotoBaller