Roto Riteup: June 26, 2026

Any fantasy prognosticators out there pencil in Curtis Mead for 14 homers before the All-Star break?

On the Agenda: 

1. Closer Chaos
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

Closer Chaos

Righty Mason Barnett earned his second save of the season in a 9-6 victory over the Giants. Elvis Alvarado might not be out of the closer mix just yet, but Barrett has an opportunity to join as the latest member of the A’s closer carousel. Barnett rocks a 95-mph four-seam fastball and a 112 Stf+ slider. In 14.2 innings with the A’s this season, he has a 19:7 K:BB and has allowed two earned runs.

In that same contest, in the top of the ninth, Caleb Kilian surrendered four earned runs, blowing the save and taking a loss. Kilian had been solid in the few weeks prior. We assume that his role is intact since manager Tony Vitello named him his closer two weeks ago and there aren’t any strong candidates in the bullpen to replace him.

Gus Varland served up five runs (including two two-run home runs) to the Phillies on Friday. It was the seventh time in 10 games that he’s allowed at least one run. His ERA ballooned to 6.75 and he was demoted to Triple-A after the game. Meanwhile, his Brother Louis is thriving.

Quick Hits

Junior Caminero hit a career-high three home runs on Thursday.

Caminero has five two-homer games — one on April 24 this season and four in 2025.

Houston Astros starter Tatsuya Imai hurled a gem at Comerica Park.

He allowed just two hits, no walks and struck out 11. That’s 21 strikeouts in his last two starts. Mortimer!

Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh remained hot, taking Cade Cavalli deep in the sixth, racking up another three runs batted in. He’s batting .324 and slowly creeping up on NL average leaders Otto Lopez (.340) and Jung Hoo Lee 이정후 (.332).

Bryce Miller punched out 11 in a 5-1 loss to the Pirates. It was his first time allowing more than two earned runs this season. He has averaged 8.5 strikeouts per start over his last four.

Various News and Notes

Connor Norby was optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville by the Miami Marlins. Norby had a rough June and his playing time over the last two weeks was sparse. Christopher Morel, who was designated for assignment on Sunday, went unclaimed in waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Jacksonville as well. Kyle Stowers has been starting at first base frequently. Javier Sanoja might earn more consistent playing time.

Evan Carter has been out since June 13 with an oblique injury. He begins a rehab assignment on Friday and should return to the Rangers lineup sometime next week.

Max Kepler completed his 80-game suspension for testing positive for PEDs. He was supposed to play left field and bat fifth, but the game was postponed due to rain.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in Yahoo)

Pitcher for Today: Joey Cantillo, CLE (28%) vs. SEA

Cal Raleigh isn’t right and the Mariners have been brutal against southpaws — an 86 wRC+ (third worst) and a .218/.299/.339 slash against them.

Other Options: Walker Buehler, SD (23%) vs. LAD

I promise you my brain isn’t taking a trip on a Ferris wheel. Expect Buehler to step up and pitch well against his former squad. Over his last four starts (at TEX, at BAL, vs. CIN, at PHI), Buehler sports an impressive 1.71 ERA, and a 22:5 K:BB.

Pitchers for Tomorrow: Jack Perkins, ATH (6%) at LAA

There are several studs on the slate. Some of the starters I wanted to recommend (Dustin May, Foster Griffin, Michael Wacha) are over 50% rostered, so we must go in another direction. If you’re able to digest potential ratio damage, then consider Jack Perkins. He has yet to throw more than five innings, though this will be his fifth start since converting from reliever to join the rotation. Three of his first four starts were at home (and Vegas) and his ERA (7.50) wasn’t pretty, but his xFIP was 50% lower. He racked up 24 strikeouts (nine walks) in those 18 innings. The Angels offense has a 25.1% strikeout rate against RHPs, the highest in the league.

Other Options: Kumar Rocker, TEX (7%) at TOR

More strikeout upside here, though perhaps he can escape with two or fewer earned runs. The Blue Jays offense is scaring anyone these days. They’re in the bottom third in runs scored over the last month.