Fantasy managers need to act fast as June 26, 2026 brings a wave of roster-altering news across the league. The fantasy baseball waiver wire is heating up with a concussion sidelining one of the top catchers in the game, a high-profile PED suspension, and a pair of pitchers trending toward returns. Here is everything you need to know to stay ahead of your leaguemates right now.
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. Before he can return, he will need to clear concussion protocol, making his timeline genuinely uncertain. This is one of the most significant roster moves fantasy managers should be monitoring on the fantasy baseball waiver wire this week.
Rutschman is arguably the top fantasy catcher available in most formats, so losing him even briefly stings. Sam Huff is already up providing depth behind the plate for Baltimore, but he is not a roster-worthy option in most leagues. If you are caught without a backup, scanning the waiver wire for streaming catcher options is essential right now.
Early signal (high severity)
Chris Bassitt (BAL) — Injury Update
Bassitt has been on the 15-day IL since June 8 with low back discomfort, but there is now some cautious optimism around a potential return. He is expected to need at least one bullpen session and possibly a live batting practice outing before beginning a minor league rehab assignment. Fantasy managers holding him should be patient but engaged.
For context, Bassitt's sinker — which he deploys at a 41 percent usage rate — has been allowing a .362 wOBA against a league average of .376, suggesting his stuff was generating weak contact before the injury. That pitch profile gives him some floor as a fantasy starter when healthy. Do not drop him without checking the waiver wire for his expected return timeline.
In line with his recent form
Felix Bautista (BAL) — Return From Injury
Baltimore's elite closer is throwing off a mound for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in August to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff. The Orioles have not ruled out a bullpen return before the end of the season, which is notable news for dynasty and keeper league managers who may have stashed him on injured list spots.
Bautista was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball before the injury, and the fact that he is progressing to mound work is genuinely encouraging. However, this type of surgery typically carries a lengthy recovery timeline and significant risk of setback. In redraft leagues, he is likely not worth a waiver claim unless your IL slots are wide open. In dynasty, he remains a high-value hold.
Early signal (high severity)
Jurickson Profar (SFG) — Role Reduction
Profar has been suspended for a PED violation — his second such suspension in consecutive seasons — and the appeal process has been completed, meaning the suspension is now active. He is also ineligible for postseason play, compounding the fantasy damage for managers in leagues that account for playoff eligibility.
This is an immediate drop in virtually every format. Profar had carved out a useful fantasy role with the Giants, but a suspension combined with postseason ineligibility removes nearly all of his remaining value. Check your fantasy baseball waiver wire for Giants outfield depth, including any players who may inherit at-bats as a result of his absence. Do not wait — this news is already close to 31 hours old.
Early signal (high severity)
James McCann (NYM) — Return From Injury
McCann has been cleared to resume baseball activities following a right quad strain that has kept him out since May 18. He could potentially face live competition as early as next week, making him a name to watch on the fantasy baseball waiver wire for managers desperate at catcher — especially with Rutschman now also going down.
McCann's 2024 splits show he posted a .683 OPS against right-handed pitching across 149 plate appearances and a .638 OPS against lefties in 84 plate appearances. He is a streaming option at best in most formats, but given the scarcity at catcher right now, he is worth picking up in deeper leagues as a handcuff or short-term fill-in. Monitor his MLB player news closely over the next few days for a firm return date.
Early signal (medium severity)
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