Fantasy managers need to react quickly to a wave of Baltimore Orioles news dominating the fantasy baseball waiver wire on June 27, 2026. From a concussion sidelining one of the game's top catchers to a closer making his first throws since shoulder surgery, the MLB injury report is packed with high-impact moves. Whether you're streaming, stashing, or scrambling for waiver wire pickups, here's the intelligence you need 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. Beyond the initial timeline, he will need to clear concussion protocol before returning to action — a process that is inherently unpredictable and could extend his absence significantly if symptoms linger.
Rutschman is one of the most valuable fantasy catchers in the game, and his absence creates an immediate void that needs to be addressed on the fantasy baseball waiver wire. Sam Huff is already up providing depth behind the plate in Baltimore, making him a thin but relevant streamer in two-catcher leagues. Don't wait on this one — Rutschman owners should be grabbing a backup immediately.
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 encouraging news on his road to recovery. The right-hander appears set to begin working toward a return, though he will likely need at least one bullpen session and potentially a round of live batting practice before embarking on a minor-league rehab assignment.
For fantasy managers who stashed Bassitt, patience may be about to pay off. His sinker — which he throws at a 41% usage rate — has actually been somewhat hittable this season with a .362 wOBA allowed against a league average of .376, but his overall profile and Baltimore's rotation needs make him a solid streaming target once activated. He's likely a week or more away from a big-league return, so monitor his bullpen sessions closely before using a waiver claim.
In line with his recent form
Felix Bautista (BAL) — Return from Injury
This is the stash signal Orioles fans and deep-league managers have been waiting for. Bautista, who has been on the 60-day IL after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his shoulder, has begun his first mound throwing since the procedure. The Orioles have not ruled out a bullpen return before the end of the season.
This is strictly a deep-league and dynasty stash at this stage — Bautista is a long way from pitching in a major-league game. Returning from the combination of a torn labrum and rotator cuff is among the most demanding recoveries in baseball. That said, if you have the roster spot, this is worth monitoring closely. When healthy, Bautista is closer-quality talent, and any signal of a real return before September is worth tracking on the fantasy baseball waiver wire.
Early signal (high severity)
James McCann (NYM) — Return from Injury
McCann has been cleared to resume baseball activities after a right quadriceps strain and could see live competition as early as next week. Activation from the 10-day IL appears imminent, making him a timely piece of MLB player news for two-catcher fantasy formats.
McCann's fantasy value is modest but real in deeper leagues, particularly as a two-catcher league streamer. His 2024 splits show a .638 OPS vs. left-handed pitching and a .683 OPS vs. right-handed pitching across a combined 233 plate appearances — not a power bat, but serviceable in a pinch. With activation looming, he's worth a look as a handcuff or streamer if your catcher situation is thin and you need a quick fix from the fantasy baseball waiver wire.
Early signal (medium severity)
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