As of June 24, 2026, the fantasy baseball waiver wire is buzzing with urgent Baltimore and New York news that could reshape your roster decisions this week. From a high-severity catcher injury to a once-dominant closer taking his first mound steps since surgery, there is a lot to unpack. Here is what every fantasy manager needs to know before tomorrow's slate locks.

Adley Rutschman (BAL) — Injury Update

Rutschman was struck in the head by an errant throw during Thursday's game and has been placed on the 7-day injured list. He will need to clear concussion protocol before any return is possible, meaning fantasy managers should not count on a quick turnaround — concussion timelines are notoriously unpredictable and can extend well beyond the minimum IL stint.

With Sam Huff already on the roster providing depth behind the plate, the Orioles have coverage, but Huff is no replacement for Rutschman's fantasy upside. Rutschman owns an .902 OPS versus left-handed pitching and a .631 OPS versus righties across 638 plate appearances in 2024, making him a clear two-way asset when healthy. Drop him in deeper formats if roster space is tight; hold in most leagues.

Early signal (high severity)

Chris Bassitt (BAL) — Injury Update

Bassitt was placed on the 15-day IL on June 8 with low back discomfort, but encouraging news emerged Tuesday: he appears to be working toward a return. The right-hander will need at least one bullpen session and potentially a live batting practice round before beginning a rehab assignment, so a return before mid-July seems optimistic.

As a starting pitcher, Bassitt leans heavily on his sinker, using it 41 percent of the time. That pitch has allowed a .362 wOBA against, which sits above the .376 league average — context worth noting as he ramps back up from a back issue that could affect his ability to generate ground balls. Stash him if you can, but temper your expectations for a fast return to fantasy relevance.

In line with his recent form

Felix Bautista (BAL) — Return from Injury

This is the most intriguing fantasy baseball waiver wire development on the board right now. Bautista, the hard-throwing Orioles closer who underwent right shoulder surgery in August, has begun throwing off the mound for the first time since the procedure. Baltimore has not ruled out a bullpen return before the season ends.

The timeline is still murky — shoulder surgeries carry real risk of setback — but if Bautista can work his way back, he would immediately reclaim closer duties in Baltimore. He is worth a speculative stash in all formats given his elite save upside. Monitor bullpen session reports closely over the coming weeks.

Early signal (high severity)

James McCann (NYM) — Return from Injury

McCann has been cleared to resume baseball activities and could face live competition as early as next week, with activation from the IL expected pending game appearances. For fantasy managers, he is worth a quick waiver wire check in two-catcher leagues or deeper mixed formats.

McCann posted a .683 OPS versus right-handed pitching and a .638 OPS versus lefties across 233 plate appearances in 2024 — modest numbers that keep him as a streaming option rather than a must-add. His value is primarily to Mets owners who need a backup catcher, or managers in daily-move leagues who can spot-start him against favorable matchups.

Early signal (medium severity)

Cade Povich (BAL) — Return from Injury

Povich made an encouraging rehab debut, posting 3.1 innings and generating five whiffs in his first outing. He will need at least two more rehab starts before the Orioles consider him for the rotation, so a realistic return window is probably mid-to-late July at the earliest. With Bassitt also on the mend, Baltimore's rotation picture is worth watching closely for fantasy baseball pickups.

Povich's four-seam fastball, his most-used pitch at 41 percent of offerings, has allowed a .321 wOBA against — well below the .355 league average — which is a legitimate reason for optimism. If the sharp command from his rehab debut carries over, he could be a strong fantasy baseball waiver wire target by the time he returns. Add now in deeper leagues before his roster ownership spikes.

Trending above his recent form

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