MLB Player News

Smith inked a minor league contract with the Blue Jays back in November and was hitting .195/.319/.208 with 11 stolen bases across 91 plate appearances this season at Triple-A Buffalo. The 29-year-old speedster would make sense for a contending team as a late-inning pinch-running specialist.

Alvarez, 24, will crush the 6-to-8 week prognosis that was assigned to him after he was diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his right knee. He should see the overwhelming majority of the starts behind the plate, and he’s worthy of consideration for those who need help at the position.

Heyman reports that that deal is a seven-year, $31 million contract that includes team options and escalators, with Jeff Passan of ESPN saying the deal could max out to $79 millon. It’s yet another extension in 2026 for a player that hasn’t received MLB experience, and it comes for a 21-year-old who has hit .338/.447/.500 with seven homers and 18 stolen bases over 56 games with Triple-A Nashville. The 5-foot-7 outfielder should get a chance to play for the Brew Crew before 2026 comes to an end, but he is more of a long-term play from a fantasy perspective.

Bello, 27, was optioned to Triple-A after forging an ugly 6.34 ERA over 61 innings over 12 appearances with Boston to open the year. The right-hander will likely make at least a couple of appearances in the minors in hopes that he can find the form that made him one of the better young starters in baseball over the last couple of seasons.

Senga is working his way back from lumbar trouble, but now he’ll need to recover from an arm ailment. The 33-year-old will likely undergo testing to determine the severity and the cause of the irritation, but fantasy managers who are hoping for a Senga return should begin looking elsewhere, if they haven’t already.

Hays is now technically off the 40-man roster, and that creates room for Braden Montgomery to join the club. Hays was pulled off his rehab assignment at the beginning of the month while recovering from his left calf strain, and won’t be eligible to rejoin Chicago until the early portion of July.

Nishida went 12-for-29 (.241) without an extra base hit or a stolen base after being promoted from Triple-A near the end of May. He’ll head back to Triple-A with Braden Montgomery ready to join the White Sox in a corresponding move.

Sandlin gets the demotion after struggling over 3 1/3 innings and allowing three runs against the Phillies on Sunday. The 25-year-old will likely be back before the season concludes, but fantasy managers should look elsewhere whenever that promotion takes place.

Rock, 25, was acquired by the White Sox in a deal for Oliver Dunn in the middle of May. The left-hander will have a chance to make his MLB debut while with the White Sox, but likely in a role that doesn’t have any fantasy significance.

Montgomery will be making his MLB debut Tuesday against the Braves. The 12th pick of the 2023 draft, Montgomery was acquired in the Garret Crochet blockbuster, and the 23-year-old has a chance to be a contributor in several fantasy categories. He’s worth roster consideration for those who need the outfield help.

Wagner is up with Xander Bogaerts on the paternity list. Wagner will provide some depth in the infield for the three days Bogaerts is away from the club.