Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that right-hander Daniel Palencia (elbow) had a "great" bullpen on Saturday and will throw another bullpen on Tuesday, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. Montemurro notes that the Cubs' current timeline for Palencia puts him on track to begin a rehab assignment the week of August 3. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since mid-June due to a flexor strain. Across 16 2/3 innings (19 games) before the injury, Palencia recorded a 2.70 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 19 strikeouts and three saves. The Cubs have taken a committee approach to the ninth inning in Palencia's absence, but Palencia could re-assume the team's primary closer role upon his return. In leagues where Palencia is available on the waiver wire, he profiles as a priority stash candidate ahead of a potential mid-August return.

Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Kyle Harrison (forearm) is set to make a rehab start with High-A Wisconsin this upcoming week, per Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Hogg notes that Harrison "should be ready to rock" during Milwaukee's next home stand, which begins on August 3. Harrison has been on the 15-day injured list since early July due to left forearm tightness. However, it appears as though the 24-year-old has avoided significant structural damage. Across 83 2/3 innings (17 starts) in 2026, Harrison has recorded an 8-2 record with a 3.01 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts. Harrison was struck out 29.6% of the batters he's faced while surrendering just a 5.9% walk rate. Upon his return, the hard-throwing lefty profiles as a must-start pitcher across all fantasy formats.

Boston Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said that recently acquired infielder Curtis Mead will play second base for Boston, per Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. The Red Sox acquired Mead from the Washington Nationals in exchange for starting pitcher Connelly Early (elbow) on Saturday night. While Mead mostly played the corner infield spots in Washington, he has experience at second base as well. With Mead at second base, Caleb Durbin will remain Boston's primary third baseman. Mead has been one of the more surprising breakout success stories of the 2026 season, hitting .254/.352/.500 with 17 home runs, 48 RBI, 49 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 327 plate appearances with the Nationals. With his ability to play multiple infield spots, Mead should see everyday playing time for the Red Sox the rest of the way.

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (arm) has had his next start rescheduled to Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals, per Twins beat writer Aaron Gleeman. Ryan was originally scheduled to pitch on Sunday against the Athletics, but he was scratched due to "general arm fatigue." While Ryan's arm troubles remain a concern until he has proven he is fully healthy, it appears as though whatever he is dealing with will not require a stint on the injured list. Across 114 1/3 innings (21 starts) this season, the 30-year-old has recorded a 6-6 record with a 3.38 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 131 strikeouts. Ryan is widely considered to be a potential trade chip at the upcoming deadline, so it behooves Minnesota to make him appear as healthy as possible to interested suitors.