Fantasy managers need to stay sharp on the fantasy baseball waiver wire as a wave of injury updates reshapes rosters heading into the week of June 9, 2026. From a concerning back scare in Baltimore to a crowded Arizona depth chart complicating a veteran's comeback, today's MLB player news carries real implications for your lineup decisions. Here's everything you need to know about the latest signals to help you make smarter fantasy baseball pickups before your leaguemates do.
Chris Bassitt (BAL) — Injury Update
Bassitt was pulled from his last start Thursday against the Red Sox due to lower-back tightness, triggering immediate concern across fantasy leagues. He was held back in Baltimore for evaluation, which is never an encouraging sign for a veteran pitcher dealing with a spine-adjacent issue.
The good news for fantasy managers: early indications suggest Bassitt will not miss a start in the rotation, barring any setbacks. If you have him stashed or were considering targeting him on the fantasy baseball waiver wire, hold tight — his next scheduled appearance is not currently in jeopardy. That said, monitor any updates closely, as lower-back issues can escalate quickly for starting pitchers.
Confidence: 85%
Carlos Santana (ARI) — Return From Injury
Santana is advancing through ACL rehab and has progressed to live at-bats and batting practice, signaling that a return is on the horizon. The veteran first baseman's health trajectory is moving in the right direction, which is encouraging on its own.
However, fantasy managers should temper expectations before rushing to the fantasy baseball waiver wire for Santana. The Diamondbacks have a crowded 1B/DH depth chart featuring Smith, Vargas, Groover, and the pending returns of both Gurriel and Lawlar. Santana's role upon activation is genuinely unclear, which limits his immediate fantasy upside even if he returns healthy. He's a watchlist add for deeper leagues, not a must-claim in standard formats.
Confidence: 65%
Jacob Wilson (OAK) — Return From Injury
The 24-year-old Oakland infielder has been cleared to test his partially dislocated left shoulder in minor-league games, a significant step forward in his recovery. Per MLB player news reports, Wilson is expected to come off the 10-day IL within the next week.
For dynasty and deeper league managers, Wilson is absolutely worth monitoring and picking up now if he's available on your fantasy baseball waiver wire. At just 24 years old with a clear path back to the big-league roster, the upside here is real. Standard league managers should keep him on the watch list, but the IL return timeline makes him a speculative pickup at best for this week.
Confidence: 65%
Yaramil Hiraldo (BAL) — Return From Injury
Baltimore reliever Yaramil Hiraldo has resumed throwing off the mound as he recovers from right shoulder inflammation, which landed him on the 60-day IL. While this is a positive step in his rehab process, he still requires a full rehab assignment before any activation is possible.
Fantasy managers in standard leagues should not prioritize Hiraldo on the waiver wire at this time. Even upon completing his rehab assignment, there is no guarantee he returns to the majors this season. Dynasty and keeper league managers may want to note his progress, but he carries significant uncertainty given both the severity of his IL placement and the unclear timeline.
Confidence: 65%
Cade Povich (BAL) — Return From Injury
Povich has recovered sufficiently from left elbow inflammation to throw off the mound and is expected to need just one rehab start before he's ready to return. The Baltimore lefty could slot back into the rotation, particularly if he comes back before Kremer or Bassitt are fully healthy.
This makes Povich one of the more interesting fantasy baseball pickups to target right now, especially in AL-only and deeper mixed leagues. A rotation opportunity in Baltimore is a realistic outcome if the timing works in his favor. With one rehab start standing between him and a return, managers should get ahead of this on the fantasy baseball waiver wire before the news breaks wider.
Confidence: 65%
Get Real-Time Fantasy Intelligence
Staying ahead of the injury wire is what separates good fantasy managers from great ones. With multiple Baltimore starters in flux and several players days away from IL activations, the margins are razor thin this week. Don't rely on slow news cycles when roster decisions need to be made in real time. Get real-time signals and AI-powered lineup advice at PlayCaller — free 7-day trial at playcallerapp.com