August 27, 2025
Miami Marlins catcher prospect
Joe Mack went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI against Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday. Mack connected for his 15th homer of the season, marking his second straight game with a long ball. The lefty hitter has been surging in the second half, owning an .884 OPS with 10 homers compared to a .693 OPS with five homers in the first half. He has a typical catching profile with plenty of power and patience at the plate, with some swing and miss concerns. The 22-year-old is hitting .243/.312/.411 in 309 plate appearances at Triple-A this season. There's a chance we see him in the majors before the end of the year, and he would likely only be worth considering in NL-only leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: MiLB.com
August 27, 2025
The Pittsburgh Pirates will start right-handed pitcher
Carmen Mlodzinski on Wednesday against the Cardinals and righty
Braxton Ashcraft on Thursday. Mlodzinski has served as both a starter and a reliever for the Pirates this season, going 3-7 with a 3.89 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and a 20.2% strikeout rate in 81 innings of work. He has been pitching between two and four IP recently, so he may not pitch deep enough into the game to be win-eligible. Therefore, despite the strong matchup, fantasy managers may want to steer clear of streaming him in Wednesday's matchup.
--Connelly DoanSource: MLB.com
August 27, 2025
Cincinnati Reds third base prospect
Sal Stewart went 1-for-3 with a solo home run in a 7-0 victory against Triple-A Columbus. Stewart has been red-hot at the plate since being promoted to Triple-A on July 18, slashing .323/.401/.669 with 10 homers in 147 plate appearances. The quality of contact has been elite with a 49.5% hard-hit rate and 20.4% barrel rate, which only trails the recently promoted phenom
Samuel Basallo at Triple-A. Stewart has shown solid plate discipline and is limiting strikeouts during this time as well. The 21-year-old possesses an enticing power and speed blend, as he has 20 homers and 17 steals in 476 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A this year. He is currently ranked as the number one prospect in the Reds system according to MLB.com.
--Kyle McCarthySource: MiLB.com
August 27, 2025
The Minnesota Twins will activate and start right-handed pitcher
Simeon Woods Richardson (illness) for Wednesday's series finale against the Blue Jays, per The Athletic's Dan Hayes. The 24-year-old has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul while recovering from an illness. His rehab results have been similar to his big-league results, which have been OK overall. Woods Richardson owns a 5-4 record with a 4.24 ERA, a 1.40 WHIP, and a 19.8% strikeout rate in 80 2/3 innings pitched with the Twins this season. Given that the start will be his return to the big leagues and he will be facing a tough opponent, fantasy managers may not want to slot him into their lineups right away.
--Connelly DoanSource: Dan Hayes - X.com
August 27, 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers activated starting pitcher
Blake Snell (paternity list) from the paternity list on Tuesday. Snell was placed on the paternity list on August 23. The 32-year-old should slot back into the rotation later in the week, but fantasy managers should keep an eye out as the team releases probable pitchers in the coming days. Snell has only made six starts this season due to shoulder inflammation, going 3-2 with a 1.97 ERA, a 1.38 WHIP, and a 22.2% strikeout rate in 32 innings pitched. It is tough to judge him on such a small sample size, but Snell's track record is more than enough evidence to have him in fantasy managers' lineups whenever he takes the mound.
--Connelly DoanSource: MLB.com
August 27, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect
Justin Crawford went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in an 11-9 loss against Triple-A Omaha. Crawford homered for the second consecutive game and has continued a really productive season. He's hitting .331/.408/.448 with six homers and 42 stolen bases. The speedy outfielder has been remarkably consistent throughout the year, hitting at least .290 in every month. Crawford has displayed a career-best walk rate that has allowed him to rack up so many steals. While he should make enough contact and the speed is obvious, the lack of a true power ceiling lowers the upside for fantasy a bit.
--Kyle McCarthySource: MiLB.com
August 27, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) passed his physical and has been activated from the PUP list, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Wirfs missed all of training camp while recovering from surgery on his right knee. His activation indicates that he will return to practice soon, but it doesn't guarantee that he'll be ready for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. If Wirfs ends up missing the first few games of the 2025 season, Charlie Heck and Luke Goedeke would earn additional opportunities on the offensive line.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
August 27, 2025
Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary (leg) has been placed on season-ending Injured Reserve, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The team did not designate McGary to return, which means he will miss the entire 2025 season. This is a major loss for the Falcons, who had benefited from McGary's dependable protection at the end of the offensive line. He has started 47 of 51 possible games over the last three seasons, including 16 in 2024. He was rewarded with a two-year, $30 million extension earlier this month. Elijah Wilkinson should step up as the Falcons' primary right tackle with McGary out for the season. Jack Nelson could also earn additional opportunities in the trenches.
--Andersen PickardSource: Mike Garafolo
August 27, 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed relief pitcher
Alex Vesia (oblique) on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to Aug. 23, with a right-oblique strain. Vesia last pitched on Aug. 21, tossing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. The 29-year-old has put together another useful season for the Dodgers while serving several roles, going 3-2 with four saves and 21 holds to go with a 2.75 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP, and a 33.0% strikeout rate in 52 1/3 innings of work.
Tanner Scott should continue to lead the Dodgers' bullpen in high-leverage situations, but who may be called upon in Vesia's absence is anyone's guess, given how the Dodgers mix and match their bullpen usage.
--Connelly DoanSource: MLB.com
August 27, 2025
Free agent defensive end Za'Darius Smith has generated interest from several NFL teams, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Smith, a free agent, is reportedly "training and waiting on the right situation." The 32-year-old has spent 10 seasons with the NFL, splitting 2024 between the Browns and Lions. Over 17 games last year, he amassed 35 tackles, 17 quarterback hits, and nine sacks. He remains an impact defender who could provide a spark to a team with playoff aspirations. Although Week 1 is fast approaching, it's possible that Smith waits until midseason to sign. By holding off on signing somewhere for now, Smith could wait for the right opportunity to present itself, such as filling the void left by an in-season injury.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeremy Fowler
August 27, 2025
The Athletics promoted right-handed pitching prospect
Mason Barnett after placing left-handed pitcher
Jacob Lopez on the injured list. Barnett is the Athletics' number 11 overall prospect according to MLB.com, and his role is still to be determined. His numbers are poor at Triple-A Las Vegas this year, owning a 6.13 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, and a 10.8% K-BB% in 119 innings. The right-hander is striking out fewer hitters and walking more than he has at any stop in the minors this season. He's coughed up six runs in each of his last two outings in what has been a tough month of August. Given the role uncertainty and unfriendly home ballpark, Barnett doesn't profile to be relevant for fantasy purposes except in the deepest of leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: MiLB.com
August 27, 2025
Free agent cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (neck) will undergo a CT scan in October to ensure his spinal fusion was successful, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Samuel underwent neck surgery back in April, which scared off several teams and complicated his free agency. Rather than signing now and trying to pass a physical, Samuel will wait until October to get his CT scan and meet with medical professionals, who can confirm to teams that he's healthy. The 25-year-old just wrapped up a four-year stint with the Los Angeles Chargers in which he totaled 176 tackles, 37 passes defended, and three interceptions through 50 games.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeremy Fowler
August 26, 2025
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (leg) will open the season on the team's 53-man roster, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Johnson missed all of training camp and the preseason after injuring himself while training away from the team. There's been plenty of mystery surrounding his status, including his timetable to return to the field. Biggs notes that the cornerback is targeting a Week 1 return, but he hasn't been able to practice yet. At the very least, the Bears' decision to leave Johnson on their initial 53-man roster indicates that he should return for one of the first few games, if not the season opener.
--Andersen PickardSource: Brad Biggs
August 26, 2025
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told the media that he expects linebacker Micah Parsons (back, personal) to play in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Schottenheimer noted that the star defender will likely be on limited reps for the first game because he hasn't practiced in a while and has also been dealing with back tightness. This remains consistent with what Schottenheimer has previously said about his expectations for Parsons. However, it's unclear if the 26-year-old linebacker is on the same page. He requested a trade on August 1 while proclaiming that he didn't want to play for the Cowboys anymore, and it seems as though his stance hasn't changed since then.
--Andersen PickardSource: Clarence Hill
August 26, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs tight end
Robert Tonyan was released on Tuesday, the team announced. The move leaves
Travis Kelce,
Noah Gray, and
Jared Wiley as the Chiefs' three rostered tight ends. Tonyan has spent seven seasons in the NFL, and he made waves with 52 catches, 586 yards, and 11 touchdowns as a Green Bay Packer in 2020. Outside of that campaign, he has been unexceptional, as his reception count dwindled to 11 in 2023 and zero in 2024. It remains to be seen whether Tonyan will land on another 53-man roster or if he'll have to settle for a practice squad spot.
--Andersen PickardSource: Kansas City Chiefs
August 26, 2025
Denver Broncos quarterback
Sam Ehlinger was released on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes as Denver trims down its roster to 53 players, and it leaves the team with just
Bo Nix and
Jarrett Stidham in its quarterback room. Ehlinger appeared in all three preseason games, completing 42 of 57 pass attempts for 415 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also took four sacks. The former sixth-round pick hasn't appeared in a regular season game since the 2022 campaign with the Colts. He's a candidate to join the practice squad in Denver or elsewhere, but his path to playing time includes numerous obstacles. He should be left on waivers in all fantasy leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
August 26, 2025
Atlanta Falcons quarterback
Easton Stick was released on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The move helped the Falcons trim their roster down to 53 players, and it leaves Atlanta with only
Michael Penix Jr. and
Kirk Cousins in its quarterback room. Stick appeared in all three preseason games, completing 54 of 78 pass attempts for 520 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also took five sacks. The former fifth-round pick spent his first six NFL seasons with the Chargers before inking a deal with Atlanta in April. Now, he'll look for a new landing spot as Week 1 approaches. NewOrleans.Football's Mike Triplett reported that the Saints looked into signing Stick before he wound up with Atlanta, so perhaps they'll continue to show interest now that he's a free agent again. Regardless of where the veteran quarterback ends up, he should be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
August 26, 2025
Houston Texans wide receiver
Tank Dell (knee) was placed on the PUP list Tuesday, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. This was merely a procedural move to get Dell off the 53-man roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Placement on the PUP list comes with the requirement that a player misses at least four games, which won't be a problem for Dell given that he's expected to be sidelined for most or all of the season while he recovers from a dislocated knee and torn ACL, MCL, and LCL.
Nico Collins and
Christian Kirk will operate as
C.J. Stroud's primary targets in the passing game, while tight end
Dalton Schultz and rookies
Jayden Higgins and
Jaylin Noel also look to get involved.
--Andersen PickardSource: DJ Bien-Aime
August 26, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers released wide receiver
Robbie Chosen on Tuesday despite a productive preseason. After he signed with the 49ers earlier this month, the 32-year-old appeared in all three of the team's exhibition games and racked up nine catches for 117 yards. Chosen was a factor earlier in his career, especially when he amassed 95 receptions for 1,096 yards and three touchdowns with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. His numbers have dropped off considerably since then, though, and he combined for just five catches in 11 games with the Miami Dolphins from 2023-24.
--Connor ByrneSource: San Francisco 49ers
August 26, 2025
The San Diego Padres have optioned left-hander
JP Sears to Triple-A El Paso and called up right-hander
Alek Jacob. Sears was acquired from the Athletics on July 31 alongside flamethrowing closer
Mason Miller. Since then, he has bounced back and forth between Triple-A and the majors, last being recalled on August 20. The 29-year-old has made 25 major league starts this season, posting a 5.01 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and a .265 opponents average. After a difficult season, Sears will look to bounce back and turn his performance around at the Triple-A level.
--Julian BrookeSource: San Diego Padres
August 26, 2025
The Tennessee Titans released quarterback
Trevor Siemian on Tuesday. However, they'd like to bring him back as a member of their practice squad, according to Paul Kuharsky. The 33-year-old journeyman yo-yoed between the Titans' active roster and practice squad in 2024, but he didn't appear in any games. He rejoined the Titans as a free agent earlier this month and went on to complete 8 of 11 passes for 68 yards in two preseason games. The Titans will head into the season with rookie starting QB
Cameron Ward, the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, and veteran backup
Brandon Allen.
--Connor ByrneSource: Paul Kuharsky
August 26, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys waived running back
Deuce Vaughn on Tuesday, but he could return as a member of the team's practice squad, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. Now 23 years old, Vaughn joined the Cowboys as a sixth-round pick from Kansas State in 2023. He appeared in 14 games in his first two seasons and totaled 110 yards on 40 carries. In his bid for a roster spot this summer, Vaughn played in all three of the Cowboys' preseason games and ran for 64 yards on 17 attempts. It wasn't enough to convince Dallas to put Vaughn on its roster. The team will instead open the season with
Javonte Williams,
Jaydon Blue,
Miles Sanders, and
Phil Mafah as its running back quartet.
--Connor ByrneSource: Calvin Watkins - Dallas Morning News
August 26, 2025
Baltimore Orioles right-hander
Roansy Contreras is reportedly the likely starter candidate for Wednesday's game against the Boston Red Sox, though the team has not made an official announcement. Contreras has yet to pitch in the majors this season after bouncing around during the offseason. The 25-year-old has spent most of 2025 with Triple-A Norfolk, where he has a 3.73 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 28 appearances, including 14 starts. Contreras owns a career 4.72 ERA and a 10-16 record from previous stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels.
UPDATE: The O's will use Dietrich Enns as their opener on Wednesday against Boston, but Contreras is expected to be the bulk reliever behind him.--Julian BrookeSource: Jake Rill
August 26, 2025
Chicago Bears quarterback
Case Keenum (leg) has made the 53-man roster and will open 2025 as the team's third-string signal-caller. Keenum has been dealing with a minor leg injury this month, but it won't be enough to keep him off the roster. The well-traveled 37-year-old joined the Bears in free agency in April after a second stint with the Houston Texans. He didn't play at all last year after suffering a foot injury and hasn't attempted 100-plus passes in a season since 2019, which he spent with Washington. With
Caleb Williams entrenched as QB1 and
Tyson Bagent locked into the No. 2 role, Keenum shouldn't see any meaningful action this season unless things go catastrophically wrong for the Bears.
--Connor ByrneSource: Sean Hammond - Chicago Tribune
August 26, 2025
New York Mets catcher
Francisco Alvarez (thumb) is scheduled to begin his rehab assignment Wednesday as he works his way back from a thumb ligament sprain. The injury occurred August 17 during the Little League Classic, and he was placed on the injured list the next day. The 23-year-old has been aggressive in his recovery, taking batting practice ahead of schedule and pushing toward a quick return. Before the injury, the fourth-year catcher was slashing .265/.349/.438 with a .787 OPS and seven home runs in 56 games. Alvarez is aiming to rejoin the club by early September.
--Julian BrookeSource: Laura Albanese
August 26, 2025
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed wide receiver
Jalen McMillan (neck) on Injured Reserve with a return designation on Tuesday. The move means that McMillan will be eligible to come back in Week 5, but he may have to miss more time than that as he recovers from a sprained neck. The 23-year-old suffered the injury in a preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 16. McMillan, a third-round pick from Washington in 2024, impressed with 37 catches, 461 yards, and eight touchdowns in 13 games as a rookie. He hauled in seven of those scores in the Buccaneers' final five games of the season, but he won't be able to build on that performance until at least October. The Bucs will also open the year without
Chris Godwin (ankle), which will give first-round rookie
Emeka Egbuka a prime opportunity to step up as the team's No. 2 receiver after
Mike Evans.
--Connor ByrneSource: Scott Smith - Buccaneers.com
August 26, 2025
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Pablo Lopez (shoulder) is scheduled to make his second rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A St. Paul in Toledo. If all goes well, Lopez is expected to follow a standard buildup and reach four innings or roughly 65 pitches. The righty has been on the 60-day injured list since June 5 with a teres major strain in his right shoulder. He is expected to return in late August or early September for a struggling Twins team. The 29-year-old had been a major asset in the rotation prior to the injury, delivering a 2.82 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings pitched.
--Julian BrookeSource: Bobby Nightengale
August 26, 2025
Baltimore Ravens tight end
Isaiah Likely (foot) has avoided the Injured Reserve and will open the season on the team's 53-man roster. Likely underwent surgery on his foot after suffering a small fracture on July 29, but he has recovered quickly enough that he'll be available early in the season. The 25-year-old set career highs in receptions (42), yards (477), and touchdowns (six) last season, providing the Ravens a solid pass-catching option at the position behind
Mark Andrews (undisclosed). While Andrews is dealing with an undisclosed injury, indications are that he'll be ready for the Ravens' Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 7. Likely may not be a sure thing for that game, but he will make his 2025 debut sometime in September.
--Connor ByrneSource: Brian Wacker - Baltimore Sun
August 26, 2025
Chicago White Sox outfielder
Luis Robert Jr. (hamstring) left Tuesday's game early with left-hamstring soreness after grounding out in his only at-bat of the night.
Michael A. Taylor took over in center field in the top of the fourth inning. Robert Jr. will undergo further evaluation, and the severity of the injury remains unknown. The 28-year-old is slashing just .223/.297/.364 with 14 home runs in his sixth season, a disappointing line for someone with his explosive tools. Fantasy managers should monitor his status closely as updates become available.
--Julian BrookeSource: Chicago White Sox
August 26, 2025
New York Jets wide receiver
Xavier Gipson (shoulder) is expected to make the team's initial 53-man roster, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Gipson missed New York's final preseason game with a shoulder injury and is questionable for Week 1. The 24-year-old's primary utility through his first two NFL seasons has been on special teams, as he has 27 career catches in 34 games played. New York is looking for wide receivers to step up behind top wideouts
Garrett Wilson and
Josh Reynolds, so Gipson could theoretically earn some playing time in the slot once he's able to get back on the field. Still, he should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
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