Happy Fourth of July, fantasy managers — and while the fireworks are flying, so is critical fantasy baseball waiver wire news that could reshape your roster heading into the second half. As of July 4, 2026, a cluster of MLB injury updates demands your attention, from a back procedure pushing a Baltimore starter further into limbo to a shortstop on the verge of a mid-season comeback. Here is what you need to act on today.

Chris Bassitt (BAL) — Injury Update

Bassitt was already sidelined on the 15-Day IL after being placed there on June 8 with low back discomfort, but the situation just got worse. He has now undergone a minor back procedure, and Baltimore GM Mike Elias indicated the club will reassess in a couple of weeks before determining next steps. At 37 years old, back procedures carry meaningful risk for extended absence.

For fantasy managers still holding Bassitt, the window for a timely return before the All-Star break has effectively closed. Depending on your roster depth, this is a strong candidate for a waiver wire drop in most formats — free up that SP slot and target someone with a clearer activation path.

His sinker had been his primary weapon this season (41% usage rate), though it allowed a .362 wOBA against compared to the .376 league average — a modest edge that no longer matters while he sits. In line with his recent form.

Trevor Story (BOS) — Return From Injury

Here is one of the most intriguing fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups you can make right now. Story is progressing well from sports hernia surgery and is eligible for activation the day after the All-Star break, making him a legitimate mid-season stash with real upside at a thin position.

The key question is whether Story can recapture his pre-injury value as a shortstop who contributes across multiple categories. His 2024 splits showed a strong .794 OPS against right-handed pitching over 86 plate appearances, though he struggled significantly against lefties (.472 OPS in just 20 PA). Keep that platoon split in mind when setting lineups after his return.

If your league has room to stash, grab Story now before his activation triggers a waiver rush. Early signal (high severity).

Felix Bautista (BAL) — Return From Injury

Bautista, Baltimore's elite closer who was lost to right labrum and rotator cuff surgery, has been cleared to resume mound work. That is genuinely encouraging news, but the Orioles have not established a concrete return timeline — so fantasy managers should treat this as a watch-and-wait situation rather than an immediate fantasy baseball pickup.

Elite closers with save opportunities are rare commodities, and Bautista was among the best before going down. If he surfaces on your waiver wire in shallower leagues, a speculative handcuff or stash is worth the bench slot — but do not drop a productive reliever to chase a timeline that remains uncertain.

Early signal (medium severity).

James McCann (NYM) — Return From Injury

McCann is working his way back from a right quad strain and is currently on a rehab assignment, with reports suggesting he could return to the active roster within the next week. The Mets catcher offers moderate fantasy value in deeper leagues where catcher scarcity makes any capable option worth rostering.

His 2024 numbers were serviceable rather than spectacular — a .638 OPS against lefties and .683 OPS against righties across 233 combined plate appearances. He is not a difference-maker, but if your catcher situation is thin, monitor his Triple-A performance before pulling the trigger on an activation. This is a depth move, not a must-add.

Early signal (medium severity).

AJ Smith-Shawver (ATL) — Return From Injury

Smith-Shawver is making tangible progress through his return from Tommy John surgery, completing his second rehab start and limiting damage to just one run. The Braves are reportedly preparing to advance him to a higher level in their farm system soon, which signals genuine optimism about his trajectory.

As a fantasy baseball waiver wire target, Smith-Shawver is a speculative stash for managers in keeper or dynasty formats, or in deeper redraft leagues with IR slots to spare. He is not a plug-and-play option yet, but the direction of travel is encouraging. Watch for a Triple-A assignment as the next meaningful milepost.

Early signal (medium severity).

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