Fantasy managers need to act fast on a busy June 25, 2026 news cycle that is reshaping rosters across the league. From a concussion-related IL stint for one of the best catchers in fantasy baseball to a PED suspension that wipes out a productive outfielder, the fantasy baseball waiver wire is heating up with high-severity moves. Here is everything you need to know to stay ahead of your competition.

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. Beyond the initial recovery period, he will also need to clear concussion protocol before the Orioles can activate him, which introduces meaningful uncertainty around his timeline.

With Sam Huff already on the roster providing depth behind the plate, Baltimore has coverage, but Rutschman owners are facing a significant fantasy impact. As a switch-hitter, Rutschman posted a .902 OPS against left-handed pitching over 182 plate appearances in 2024 and a .631 OPS against righties over 456 PA — his split value makes him especially dangerous in favorable matchups, which makes his absence all the more costly.

Early signal (high severity) — Hit the fantasy baseball waiver wire now for a reliable handcuff catcher or streaming option. Sam Huff is the most obvious add in Baltimore-heavy leagues.

Chris Bassitt (BAL) — 15-Day IL

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 live batting practice before beginning a minor league rehab assignment.

Bassitt's primary pitch is a sinker, which he throws 41% of the time. That sinker has allowed a .362 wOBA compared to a .376 league average, meaning it has been a slightly above-average pitch for generating weak contact. A healthy Bassitt is a streaming asset worth holding, but managers in deeper leagues should monitor his rehab progression closely before banking on a near-term return.

In line with his recent form — Stash him in deeper leagues if you have the roster flexibility, but do not drop a productive arm waiting on a timeline that still involves multiple steps before activation.

Jurickson Profar (SFG) — Role Reduction

Profar has been suspended for a PED violation — his second in as many seasons — and his appeal has been completed, meaning the suspension is now in effect. Adding to the fantasy damage, he is also ineligible for postseason play, which strips away late-season value even if he returns.

This is a drop in virtually all formats. The PED suspension creates an immediate roster hole in San Francisco's outfield, which could open playing time opportunities for Giants outfield depth pieces. Check your fantasy baseball waiver wire for any Giants outfielders who benefit from the vacancy, particularly in NL-only or deeper mixed leagues.

Early signal (high severity) — Profar should be dropped immediately in most leagues. Redirect your waiver priority toward his potential replacements in the Giants lineup.

Felix Bautista (BAL) — Return From Injury

Bautista, Baltimore's elite closer before his August shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff, has resumed throwing off a mound. The Orioles have not ruled out a bullpen return before the end of the season, which is meaningful news for dynasty and deep keeper leagues.

The timeline remains fluid — off-mound throwing is an early step in a long process — but even the possibility of Bautista reclaiming closer duties in Baltimore is worth monitoring. If he works through a successful rehab assignment and approaches late-season activation, he would immediately vault back onto the fantasy baseball waiver wire as a high-priority add.

Early signal (high severity) — Stash in dynasty formats if you have the space. In redraft leagues, keep him on your watchlist and be ready to pounce if his rehab accelerates.

James McCann (NYM) — Return From Injury

McCann has been cleared to resume baseball activities following a right quadriceps strain and is expected to face live competition as early as next week before a potential activation. For Mets catching depth purposes, his return is relevant in NL-only and two-catcher formats.

McCann posted a .683 OPS against right-handed pitching over 149 plate appearances in 2024 and a .638 OPS against lefties in 84 PA — modest but functional numbers for a backup catcher. His return would likely reshape the Mets' catching rotation and could affect the value of whoever has been filling in during his absence.

Early signal (medium severity) — A useful MLB player news item for two-catcher leagues, but not a priority fantasy baseball pickup in standard formats. Monitor for activation timing and its impact on the broader Mets catching situation.

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