The fantasy baseball waiver wire is buzzing with Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets injury news on June 23, 2026. From a significant catcher loss to promising bullpen and rotation comebacks, there is plenty for managers to act on before tonight's slate. Stay ahead of the competition by understanding each signal's fantasy impact before your leaguemates do.

Adley Rutschman (BAL) — Injury Update

Rutschman was struck in the head by an errant throw during Thursday's contest and has been placed on the 7-day injured list. He will also need to clear concussion protocol before being eligible to return, adding uncertainty to any timetable. This is a significant blow to fantasy rosters built around one of the most productive catchers in the game.

With Sam Huff already in Baltimore providing depth behind the plate, the Orioles have a short-term solution in place, but Huff is a thin streaming option at best. Rutschman owners should stash him and look to the waiver wire for emergency catcher coverage immediately — do not wait to see how concussion protocol progresses.

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 there is now some encouraging news: he appears to be working toward a return. The right-hander will likely need at least one bullpen session and potentially a live batting practice round before beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, so fantasy managers should not expect him back immediately.

Bassitt's sinker (SI) accounts for 41 percent of his pitch mix and has been allowing a .362 wOBA compared to the .376 league average — a marginal edge that suggests he can be effective when healthy. He is worth holding in deeper leagues, but his timeline remains murky enough that streaming alternatives make sense in the short term.

In line with his recent form

Felix Bautista (BAL) — Return from Injury

This is the headline fantasy baseball waiver wire story for Orioles fans: Bautista is throwing off a mound for the first time since undergoing right shoulder surgery in August. Baltimore has not ruled out a bullpen return before the season ends, which makes this one of the most intriguing late-season speculative pickups available.

Before his injury, Bautista was among the most dominant closers in baseball. If he can reclaim that role, his saves upside is enormous. Managers in keeper and dynasty formats should be especially aggressive in claiming him now, while the uncertainty keeps his acquisition cost low. Monitor each bullpen session closely — velocity reports will tell the real story.

Early signal (high severity)

James McCann (NYM) — Return from Injury

McCann has been cleared to resume baseball activities following a right quadriceps strain and could face live competition as early as next week. His activation from the IL is expected pending a game appearance, giving Mets fantasy managers a clear and relatively short timeline to plan around.

McCann is primarily a deep-league or two-catcher-format option, but his imminent return does affect the playing time of whoever has been filling in for New York behind the dish. His 2024 splits show an .683 OPS vs. right-handed pitching across 149 PA, giving him modest but usable value in favorable matchups. Monitor his activation status on the fantasy baseball waiver wire as roster decisions solidify around him.

Early signal (medium severity)

Dean Kremer (BAL) — Return from Injury

Kremer completed his first rehab outing since April 18, delivering an encouraging 66-pitch effort with 38 strikes and 12 whiffs. He may need just one more rehab start before potentially rejoining the Orioles rotation in early July, making him one of the more actionable fantasy baseball pickups available right now.

One note of caution: Kremer's four-seam fastball (FF), which he deploys on 32 percent of pitches, has been allowing a .376 wOBA against a .355 league average, suggesting he will need his secondary offerings to carry the workload. That whiff rate from the rehab outing is a positive sign. Stash him in any league with available roster spots — he is potentially one good start away from a rotation slot on a competitive team.

Trending well below his recent form

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