Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Ryan Ward, who is ranked as the team's No. 19 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is a left-handed power bat to monitor in deep fantasy baseball leagues in the short term. Since being called up to the majors for the first time, the 28-year-old former eighth-round selection in 2019 out of Bryant University has gone 11-for-43 (.256) with three home runs, four doubles, 11 RBI, and seven runs scored in his 46 plate appearances. The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder got the call to L.A. after hitting .254 (45-for-177) with six home runs, 31 RBI, 28 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 47 games played with Triple-A Oklahoma City this year. At least until Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) returns from his stay on the injured list, Ward can be an asset in deeper leagues for his power against right-handed arms. All three of his home runs and all 11 of his RBI have come off righties, and he's been afforded just three plate appearances against southpaws. Because he struggles against lefties, though, Ward is unlikely to have an everyday role this year in a crowded Dodgers lineup, especially once Hernandez returns.

Minnesota Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (elbow) thinks he will throw off a mound this weekend in Arizona, according to The Athletic's Dan Hayes. It would be the first time that Ober has set foot on a mound since he was placed on the 15-day injured list in early June with a flexor strain in his right elbow. Ober could need a couple of bullpen sessions before being cleared for a short minor-league rehab assignment, so he could have time to rejoin the Twins' starting rotation before the All-Star break in mid-July, barring a setback. The 30-year-old veteran won't be a priority addition off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in mixed leagues, though, after he posted a 4.59 ERA (4.96 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 18 walks in 66 2/3 innings pitched across his 12 starts before landing on the shelf. Ober still has above-average command, but with a drop in velocity this year and a career-low 16.4% strikeout rate, his fantasy upside has diminished as a starting option. While on the IL, Ober is rostered in only 18% of Yahoo leagues.

Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) will join the team on their road trip in Arizona and is scheduled for a light bullpen session, with his next steps to be determined, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Hayes is putting the puzzle pieces together and speculates that if the Twins are flying Abel from Minnesota to Phoenix, with his next turn scheduled for Sunday, it's likely that he'll come off the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's series finale against the D-Backs. In his two minor-league rehab starts with Triple-A St. Paul, Abel has looked like a pitcher ready to return to the majors, giving up an earned run with 10 strikeouts and no walks in eight innings pitched. He has been sidelined since the middle of April with right-elbow inflammation, but now is the time for fantasy managers to scoop him up if you need rotation help. The 24-year-old former 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 had a 3.98 ERA (2.75 FIP) and 1.57 WHIP with 23 K's and 10 walks in 20 1/3 innings over four outings (three starts) for the Twins before going on the IL. Abel is widely available, as he's rostered in just 18% of Yahoo leagues.

Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that there's a chance that outfielder Daulton Varsho (wrist) could be ready to return from the 10-day injured list on Saturday when he's first eligible, but he will "have to do a lot today and tomorrow," according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. If Varsho isn't activated this weekend, he may need to go on a short minor-league rehab assignment, consisting of a game or two. The 29-year-old left-handed-hitting center fielder is recovering from inflammation in his left wrist, but his return appears to be on the horizon. Before landing on the IL, Varsho was hitting a very mediocre .256/.331/.408 with a .738 OPS, five home runs, 17 RBI, 27 runs scored, and five stolen bases for the Blue Jays in 64 games across 236 plate appearances in his fourth season with the organization. Until he returns, the light-hitting Myles Straw should continue to see most of the playing time in center field for Toronto. Varsho is only rostered in 23% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.