Fantasy managers need to stay sharp heading into the final days of June, and the latest MLB injury report as of June 29, 2026 is reshaping rosters across the board. The fantasy baseball waiver wire is buzzing with movement out of Baltimore in particular, where two key Orioles are now sidelined simultaneously. Whether you are looking to drop, stash, or stream, these four signals should drive your decisions today.
Chris Bassitt (BAL) — Injury Update (15-Day IL, Back Procedure)
Bassitt's back situation has gone from bad to worse. After being placed on the 15-Day IL on June 8 with low back discomfort, the 37-year-old right-hander has now undergone a minor back procedure. Baltimore GM Mike Elias indicated the team would reassess in a couple of weeks before determining next steps, which means a return is not imminent and may stretch well into July at the earliest.
From a fantasy baseball waiver wire perspective, Bassitt should be dropped in shallower leagues if you need the roster spot. His sinker accounts for 41% of his usage and has been allowing a .362 wOBA against — above the league average of .376 is close, but the bigger concern is simply availability. Deeper leaguers can stash him if the IL spot allows, but do not expect a meaningful contribution before the All-Star break.
In line with his recent form
Adley Rutschman (BAL) — Injury Update (7-Day IL, Concussion)
The bad news out of Baltimore does not stop with Bassitt. Rutschman was struck in the head by an errant throw during Thursday's game and has been placed on the 7-Day concussion IL. He will need to clear concussion protocol before returning, and there is no set timeline. Sam Huff is already in the organization providing catching depth, which limits the Orioles' urgency to rush Rutschman back.
Rutschman is one of the best fantasy catchers available in most formats, so hold him without question in standard leagues. His 2024 numbers against left-handed pitching were excellent — a .902 OPS across 182 plate appearances vs LHP — underscoring just how valuable he is when healthy. The concern right now is simply the uncertainty around concussion recovery timelines. Check the fantasy baseball waiver wire for a streaming catcher to bridge the gap, but do not drop Rutschman under any circumstances.
Early signal (high severity)
James McCann (NYM) — Return From Injury
On a more positive note for catcher-needy managers, Mets backstop James McCann is approaching the six-week mark of his May 19 IL placement and could rejoin the team in early July. Activity is expected to resume late next week, with reinstatement contingent on innings accumulation behind the plate during his rehab process.
McCann is a speculative add on the fantasy baseball waiver wire, especially in two-catcher or deeper leagues. His 2024 splits show modest production — a .683 OPS vs right-handed pitching across 149 plate appearances and a .638 OPS vs lefties — making him a back-end streamer at best. Still, with Rutschman now joining the concussion IL, the catcher position is suddenly thin. McCann is worth a pickup in deeper formats for managers willing to be patient through early July.
Early signal (medium severity)
Dylan Beavers (BAL) — Return From Injury (Oblique Strain)
The one piece of good MLB player news coming out of Baltimore is that outfielder Dylan Beavers is progressing well through his rehab assignment. He has completed six rehab games, is reportedly feeling good, and has a work day scheduled for Saturday with reinstatement looking imminent in the near term.
Beavers is a name to target on the fantasy baseball waiver wire right now before his return gets picked up more widely. As an outfielder with a path to playing time on a competitive Baltimore roster, he offers upside for managers willing to act early on the signal. His oblique recovery appears to be going smoothly, and the Orioles are clearly ready to bring him back soon. Grab him in any league where he is available before this news spreads further.
Early signal (medium severity)
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