Jacob Gonzalez, 1B/2B, PIT (CBS: 11% rostered) The White Sox activated Munetaka Murakami on Friday and promptly sent Jacob Gonzalez back to Triple‑A Charlotte — before surprisingly trading him to the Pirates. The loss of Konnor Griffin for the next two-plus months with a torn tendon in his left ring finger clearly factored into the decision. Gonzalez didn’t replicate that Charlotte‑inflated power, but he also didn’t embarrass himself in his first go‑round with the White Sox. He could prove to be an asset to both the Pirates and your fantasy squad over the dog days of summer.
Heriberto Hernandez, OF, MIA (CBS: 12% rostered) Hernandez has smacked six homers over the past three weeks, with four coming in the last seven days. He’s now up to 13 on the season, and with Owen Caissie on the IL for 2–4 weeks due to a calf strain, Hernandez has the perfect opportunity to build on what has already been a solid 2026 campaign.
Derek Hill, OF, PHI (CBS: 1% rostered) Derek Hill is a platoon bat — but the good side of the platoon. In only 128 at‑bats he’s slugged seven home runs and swiped ten bases. In deeper leagues, those counting stats hold value and shouldn’t be ignored.
Jackson Jobe, SP, DET (CBS: 17% rostered) The rehab has begun and the countdown is officially on. Jobe is 13 months removed from TJS, and in his first rehab appearance he topped out at 100.2 mph. Apparently the fastball hasn’t lost any of its giddy‑up. It’ll be a full month of rehab, but expect the interest level — and the cost — to climb with each outing. Spend a buck or two now, or considerably more as his return approaches.
Matthew Liberatore, SP, STL (CBS: 19% rostered) June wasn’t kind to the 26‑year‑old southpaw, but in his last three starts (16 IP) he’s picked up two wins and allowed only four earned runs while striking out 18. Give me Liberatore or give me another mediocre bullpen arm. It’s an easy choice.
Jake Mangum, OF, PIT (CBS: 22% rostered) Mangum is now up to 18 stolen bases and appears to have found a home at the top of the Pirates’ lineup. Just don’t count on any help in the power department. He has two home runs this year, but a quick scan of his Statcast page makes it very clear they’re an aberration. If you feel the need for speed, go get him.
Victor Mesa Jr., OF, TBR (CBS: 1% rostered) It’s hard to believe Mesa Jr. is still only 24, as we’ve been talking about him forever. Over the past week he’s gone 6‑for‑12 with two homers and a stolen base. He’s not a full‑time player… yet. But a small bid gives you a hot bat and the outside chance he grows into more than a strong‑side platoon role.
Tristan Peters, OF, CWS (CBS: 16% rostered) A bit of pop, some speed, decent plate coverage, and a steady diet of at‑bats make the former Savannah Banana a nice, affordable target if you’re looking to fill an outfield hole. Hitting for the cycle Friday night brought Peters a bit more into the spotlight this weekend.
Hector Rodriguez, OF, CIN (CBS: 5% rostered) Heading into the final day before the break, the Reds sit eight games under .500 in a tough NL Central. TJ Friedl hasn’t been the answer, and Blake Dunn isn’t quite ready to return. Meanwhile at Triple‑A Louisville, Hector Rodriguez has been hot and is now up to 23 homers in 346 at‑bats. Call it a hunch, but we’re going to see him in the second half — and quite possibly early in the second half.
Patrick Sandoval, SP, BOS (CBS: 5% rostered) Patrick Sandoval returned from his two‑year absence due to TJS in fine form. In 4⅓ innings against the White Sox he allowed five hits, one walk, one earned run, and struck out five. The heater touched 96.1 mph — a very good sign. A healthy Sandoval will go a long way toward helping the surging Red Sox chase down a Wild Card berth.
Zach Thornton, SP, NYM (CBS: 3% rostered) Last week we mentioned Jack Wenninger as a potential second‑half option in what will be a thinned Mets rotation. This week we’ll highlight today’s scheduled starter, Zach Thornton. We brought him up back on June 28, and with a potential Mets fire sale looming, he’s worthy of another mention.
Ryan Waldschmidt, OF, ARZ (CBS: 25% rostered) In his first kick at the can, Waldschmidt struck out 40 times in 112 at‑bats, earning a demotion — understandably so. He returned with a vengeance, slugging five homers in 45 at‑bats and walking more than striking out. It’s time to give Ryan Waldschmidt a second look.
Closer Report
Yoendrys Gomez, MIN (CBS: 47% rostered) I was a bit surprised to see Yoendrys Gomez still available in 53% of CBS leagues. In his last 12 appearances he’s allowed only two earned runs and is a perfect 6‑for‑6 closing out games. He now owns the ninth inning gig in “The Cities” and looks poised for a long, successful run. Give your FA pool a look — if he’s still sitting there, fix that faux pas right smartly.
