Fantasy managers need to act fast on today's MLB injury news. As of June 28, 2026, the Baltimore Orioles are dealing with a wave of roster moves that will shake up your fantasy baseball waiver wire decisions, while a pair of return-from-injury timelines offer potential upside for those willing to stash or stream. Here is everything you need to know to stay ahead of your league.

Adley Rutschman (BAL) — 7-Day IL

Rutschman was struck in the head by an errant throw during Thursday's contest and will be placed on the injured list as a result. Beyond the immediate roster impact, he will need to clear concussion protocol before the Orioles can activate him, which adds meaningful uncertainty to any return timeline.

At catcher — the thinnest position in fantasy baseball — losing Rutschman for even a week is significant. His switch-hitting profile has produced a strong .902 OPS against left-handed pitching (182 PA in 2024), making him one of the few catchers with genuine upside regardless of the matchup. With Sam Huff providing depth in Baltimore, Huff is a speculative add in deeper leagues but no long-term solution.

Drop everything and check your fantasy baseball waiver wire for catcher depth right now. Early signal (high severity)

Chris Bassitt (BAL) — 15-Day IL

Bassitt, who was already sidelined since June 8 with low back discomfort, has now undergone a minor back procedure that will push his return even further into the future. General Manager Mike Elias indicated the organization will reassess in a couple of weeks before determining next steps for the 37-year-old right-hander.

Bassitt's sinker has been his bread-and-butter pitch, accounting for 41 percent of his usage, though it has allowed a .362 wOBA compared to the league average of .376 — a narrower edge than fantasy managers might hope for. The back procedure introduces real questions about whether he returns as the same effective pitcher, making him a drop candidate in standard leagues.

Remove Bassitt from your active roster and use that spot on your fantasy baseball waiver wire for a streamer or a player with a clearer path back. In line with his recent form

Felix Bautista (BAL) — Return From Injury

This is the most intriguing stash candidate of the day. Bautista, Baltimore's elite closer, has begun mound throwing for the first time since undergoing torn labrum and rotator cuff surgery on his shoulder last August. The Orioles have not ruled out a bullpen return before the season ends.

Before his injury, Bautista was one of the most dominant closers in the game. If he can work his way back to health and reclaim the ninth inning in Baltimore, the saves upside is enormous. That is a significant if, and the injury severity should not be minimized — shoulder surgeries of this complexity often carry long rehab timelines even after mound activity begins.

Bautista is a high-ceiling stash in deeper leagues if your roster has the space. Monitor his progress closely over the next few weeks. Early signal (high severity)

James McCann (NYM) — Return From Injury

McCann is approaching the six-week mark from his May 19 IL placement and could rejoin the Mets in early July, pending innings accumulation behind the plate during his rehab assignment in Arizona. The timeline is narrowing toward an imminent return.

McCann is a backup catcher in fantasy terms, posting a .638 OPS against left-handed pitching and .683 against right-handers in 2024 across a modest 233 PA. He carries the most value in two-catcher formats or as a streamer if your primary catcher is unavailable. His return matters more for NL-only and deeper mixed leagues than standard 12-team formats.

Keep an eye on this one heading into the July 4th holiday stretch — an early July return would land on a favorable part of the schedule. Early signal (medium severity)

Dylan Beavers (BAL) — Return From Injury

Beavers has progressed well through six rehab games after an oblique strain, with a reinstatement to the active roster described as likely imminent. The outfielder has a workout scheduled Saturday before the Orioles make their final call.

Beavers is a name worth monitoring on the fantasy baseball waiver wire, particularly in AL-only and deeper formats where Baltimore outfield depth carries roster value. Oblique strains can linger and re-aggravate, so confirm the official reinstatement before picking him up in competitive leagues.

With Rutschman out and the Orioles bullpen in flux, any Baltimore player contributing regularly earns a look. Early signal (medium severity)

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