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Julian Phillips Signs Training Camp Deal With Rockets
The Houston Rockets signed forward Julian Phillips to a training camp contract, the team announced. The 35th pick in the 2023 draft, Phillips lands his third NBA home after Minnesota declined his option in June, months removed from the February trade that sent him from Chicago to the Timberwolves. Still 22, the explosive athlete has never found a role, averaging 3.6 points and 1.5 rebounds across 167 career games. His deal is reportedly non-guaranteed, leaving him to compete for one of Houston's final roster spots. A career 32.0 percent three-point shooter, Phillips has yet to show a bankable fantasy skill, leaving him off the radar unless he first wins a roster spot and steady minutes.
Source: The Spot Up Shot
Source: The Spot Up Shot
Eli Raridon Taking Advantage of Thin Depth Chart
New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon has been pointed to as a player who stood out during the team's first practice of training camp on Saturday, with ESPN's Mike Reiss noting how an injury-thinned depth chart has allowed him to take reps behind 11th-year veteran Hunter Henry. Free agent acquisition Julian Hill was placed on season-ending injured reserve after tearing his ACL during OTAs, while 2025 undrafted free agent CJ Dippre opened training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list and was spotted with a brace on his left wrist. Taking advantage of the increased opportunity, Raridon made a deep highlight catch on a pass thrown by backup Tommy DeVito and earned the praise of Henry, who told reporters after practice, "The ceiling is high for him." Raridon is RotoBaller's rookie TE5, and has been pegged as a player to target in the middle rounds of dynasty rookie drafts, with a clear path to fantasy success both long-term and as an immediate contributor.
Source: Mike Reiss
Source: Mike Reiss
Harrison Ingram Gets Fresh Start in Utah
Forward Harrison Ingram is joining the Utah Jazz after two seasons on two-way deals with San Antonio, the team announced. The 48th pick in the 2024 draft became an unrestricted free agent when the Spurs pulled his qualifying offer, having appeared in just 12 NBA games over two years. His value lives in the G League, where the Dallas native stuffed the box score for the Austin Spurs, averaging 14.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. Terms weren't disclosed, leaving it unclear whether Ingram is on a standard deal, two-way contract, or camp pact. For fantasy, he stays off the radar outside the deepest G-league-aware dynasty formats.
Source: Tom Orsborn
Source: Tom Orsborn
Kayshon Boutte Makes the Play of the Day in Patriots Training Camp Opener
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was the subject of trade rumors throughout much of the offseason, but having reported for training camp and taking part as a full participant in the team's first public practice, he has reportedly made quick work of reminding everyone of his value to this offense. ESPN's Mike Reiss credited him with the play of the day, a diving 35-yard catch that had quarterback Drake Maye commenting, "It's nothing new. All year last year and the year before, he just keeps doing things right." Boutte's six touchdown catches in 2025 led all Patriots wide receivers and were second on the team behind tight end Hunter Henry. Still, with the additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, he will need to continue maximizing his training camp reps, either to keep a meaningful role on this team or to garner enough attention to make him a buzz-worthy trade candidate.
Source: Mike Reiss
Source: Mike Reiss
Nick Richards Pitched as a 76ers Free Agent Fit
Free-agent center Nick Richards could be a fit to back up Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, Evan Sidery suggests, floating him as the primary reserve big to round out a second unit that will include expected buyout addition Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Richards, 28, is an unrestricted free agent after last season's trade sent him from Phoenix to Chicago. The 6-foot-11 rim-runner is a high-percentage finisher and rebounder who averaged 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds in a larger role with Charlotte in 2024-25. This is speculation, not reported interest, so temper expectations. Given Embiid's knee history, whoever backs him up carries deep-league appeal, making Richards worth monitoring if Philadelphia signs him.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Kobe Bufkin Lands One-Year Camp Deal With Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a one-year deal with guard Kobe Bufkin, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The No. 15 pick in 2023, Bufkin has played 43 NBA games across three seasons with the Hawks and Lakers, but he revived his stock last season, averaging 24.8 points on 41.9 percent from three for the G League's South Bay Lakers before dropping 21.3 per game in Summer League. This is a training camp deal, and he will battle for an open roster spot behind Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears. Bufkin is a deep-dynasty flier, but he must make the team and earn minutes before he holds any redraft value.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Improved Offensive Efficiency Could Hurt Ka'imi Fairbairn's Fantasy Prospects
Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn led the NFL with 44 made field goals in 2025 despite missing two games with a quad injury, and his 12.9 standard fantasy points per game led the position, but changes to the Texans offense could hurt his value in 2026. The Texans scored touchdowns on only 45.9% of their red zone trips last season, better than only the Saints, Jets, and Chargers, but in trading for running back David Montgomery, they have acquired one of the league's most efficient red zone runners of the past three seasons. Since 2023, Montgomery has scored 29 rushing touchdowns from inside the 20-yard line, and his presence could drastically cut down on Fairbairn's scoring opportunities. With a field goal conversion percentage above 91% in three of the past four seasons, Fairbairn is still as reliable as they come, but with fewer projected chip shots, he could struggle to deliver upon his current ADP of K2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Finalizes Move to the 76ers
The Memphis Grizzlies and guard/forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have agreed to a buyout, and he plans to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers once he clears waivers, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The two-time champion reunites with LeBron James, his 2020 title teammate in Los Angeles, on a roster that also features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. Caldwell-Pope, 33, averaged 8.4 points and shot just 31.6 percent from three across 51 games before season-ending finger surgery in February. He gives Philadelphia veteran 3-and-D depth, but a crowded wing rotation caps his minutes and leaves him a deep-league flier at most in redraft.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Nathaniel Hackett Not Naming a Starting Running Back in Arizona
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett met with reporters on Saturday, and when asked whether he sees the team's new-look running back room as having a starter, he was quick to praise the room as a whole before briefly singling out incumbent veteran James Conner. He told the gathered media, "It's a great room... I'm really excited about it. I'm excited for [Conner] to get out there and show what he's got, I mean all the guys." After touching on the early nature of the offensive installation, he was asked specifically about third overall pick Jeremiyah Love, to which he responded, "He's definitely a rookie... And he'll keep growing every single day. I'm very excited for him. All those guys, not just him." The Cardinals added free agent Tyler Allgeier at the start of the new league year, while 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson will attempt to carve out his own role in a crowded room after two disappointing, injury-marred seasons. Still, expectations around Love are understandably high, and he enters his rookie season as RotoBaller's RB13.
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Lazaro Montes Goes Deep Again as MLB Debut is in Reach
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes continues to flash high-end power at the Triple-A level and is making a strong case to earn the call to the big leagues. Since joining the top club in the system (14 games), the young slugger has looked quite comfortable, carrying a .254/.338/.525 line with a .863 OPS. During Saturday's contest, Montes went 2-for-5 with his third Triple-A long ball. This was also his third straight game tallying at least two hits. Earlier in the season, the outfielder spent 79 games at the Double-A level, where he posted a .234/.369/.550 line with a .919 OPS and 25 home runs. Montes is solidifying himself as one of the top power bats in the minor leagues and is in prime position to earn the call as Seattle looks to secure its spot in the postseason.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Triple-A Surge Puts Luke Adams High on Stash Rankings
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Luke Adams has enjoyed a dominant stretch at Triple-A Nashville and is now firmly on the stash radar ahead of Week 18 of the fantasy baseball season. Over his last 20 games, the infielder has posted a stellar .323/.442/.581 line with a 1.022 OPS. During this stretch, the primary third baseman has hit five doubles, gone deep three times, and swiped three bases. On the season (49 games at Triple-A), Adams has held a .270/.413/.560 line with a .973 OPS, eight doubles, 12 home runs, and seven stolen bases. Currently in the majors, the Brewers have seen third baseman Joey Ortiz enjoy a recent surge at the plate himself, but Adams is emerging as the clear next-man-up in this infield. If he maintains this pace, he should earn a late-season taste of the big leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Spencer Jones Lands Thunder Offer Sheet
Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Spencer Jones has agreed to a two-year, $12 million offer sheet with the Oklahoma City Thunder, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Denver has until Sunday to match the fully guaranteed deal. Jones, a 6-7 3-and-D wing, was pressed into a bigger role by injuries last season, starting 37 of 64 games and averaging 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 39.6 percent from three. He torched the playoffs at an NBA-best 69.2 percent from deep. His fantasy value stays thin either way: a deep-league three-point specialist in Denver and likely buried down a crowded Thunder rotation if he leaves. Monitor whether the Nuggets match.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jaxon Wiggins Sees Stash Value Plummet Amid Triple-A Growing Pains
Chicago Cubs top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins recently returned to Triple-A Iowa following a lengthy stint on the injured list but has not had the most productive return to action. Wiggins was cleared to return to Iowa on July 10 but has yet to turn in a successful outing. Over his last three starts (7 2/3 innings of work), Wiggins has allowed a hefty 11 runs while posting a 9:11 K:BB. While this recent skid has put a late-season MLB debut in question, he enjoyed an impressive run in the minor leagues last summer, which keeps the door open. During the 2025 season, Wiggins logged 78 innings across High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A to the tune of a 2.19 ERA and a sharp 1.03 WHIP. While he is not a high-end stash target, he is worth monitoring, as a late-season promotion could still be in play.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Late-Season MLB Debut Looks Unlikely for Seaver King Amid Lengthy IL Stint
Washington Nationals infield prospect Seaver King has remained on the shelf at Triple-A Rochester for nearly the entire month due to an oblique strain. While this injury has not completely ruled him out of a 2026 debut, it has made his path to MLB at-bats far more difficult, especially if he still needs additional time to recover. King began the 2026 campaign at the Double-A level, but needed just 35 contests to prove he was ready to join the top club. With Harrisburg, the former 10th overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft held a .336/.427/.567 slash line with 10 doubles, five home runs and five stolen bases. Over his first 33 contests at the top ranks, King looked just as sharp, carrying a .275/.338/.443 line with five home runs and four stolen bases. While his recent injury has dropped his stash value, he could emerge as a potential late-season option if he were to return to action in the coming weeks.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Connelly Early Traded to Washington
The Boston Red Sox have traded left-handed starting pitcher Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead. Early was able to break camp with the Boston starting rotation but has been on the shelf since late June with an elbow injury. Early made his MLB debut late in the 2025 campaign and flashed high-end upside, logging his first 19 1/3 MLB innings to the tune of a 2.33 ERA and a sharp 1.09 WHIP. In 2026, Early posted a solid 3.44 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP across 92 2/3 innings. He totaled 93 punchouts while walking 8.7% of the hitters he has faced. While Early is still on the 15-day injured list, he recently began throwing, which suggests he should make his Nationals debut later in August. He remains a worthy stash candidate in all standard leagues as he should remain solid fantasy value down the stretch once back on the bump.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Blake Corum to Be a "Big Factor" in Rams Offense
When asked about his expectations for running back Blake Corum ahead of the team's first week of training camp, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay was effusive in his praise of the third-year runner. He spoke of Corum's steady nature, which allowed him to overcome some adverse injury situations as a rookie before breaking out as a sophomore. Projecting forward, McVay told the gathered media, "The way that he approaches it, I'd be surprised if doesn't do anything other than get better and impact the team in a positive way," before putting a point on the topic by saying, "He's a stud, and he's gonna be a big factor in what we're gonna do this year." Corum displayed balance and explosiveness in 2025 as part of one of the league's best offenses, and he ran particularly hot in the touchdown department to end the year, scoring five times over the final six games of the season to pace as the RB17 over that stretch. Heading into his third year, he is RotoBaller's RB33 on standalone value alone, but has league-winning upside as a direct handcuff to Kyren Williams.
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Source: The Coachspeak Index
Curtis Mead to Join Boston Red Sox in Major Trade
The Washington Nationals have traded infielder Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early. Mead has enjoyed a strong campaign in D.C. and is now set to play a key role as the Red Sox look to claim a Wild Card down the stretch run. Through 87 games with the Nationals in 2026, Mead has posted a strong .254/.352/.500 slash line with 17 doubles, 17 home runs and six stolen bases. His current production is expected to remain sustainable given his underlying marks. The 25-year-old has generated a .260 xBA with a borderline elite .358 xwOBA and a high .458 xSLG. Mead is expected to occupy the hot corner, which will move Caleb Durbin to the keystone. His power upside should provide him with prime RBI opportunities over the final months of the season as he joins one of the game's hottest lineups.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Denny Hamlin Willing to Take Risks for First Brickyard 400 Victory
Denny Hamlin has been close to winning the prestigious Brickyard 400 several times in the past, but he has yet to seal the deal at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 17 career attempts at this race, Hamlin has posted seven finishes of sixth or better, including a third-place run in last year's event. With this finally be the year for Hamlin to break through? There's no doubt that the No. 11 Toyota has been one of the fastest cars all season long, especially at intermediate tracks, and after posting the fifth-fastest 10-lap average in practice on Friday afternoon, it looks as though Hamlin has yet another fast race car to work with. He also qualified fifth for this weekend's race. When interviewed about the elusive Brickyard 400 win earlier this week, Hamlin stated, "I've got a couple shots at this left. I'm certainly willing to take a few more risks here." In a race that often comes down to strategy, taking a risk could be exactly how Denny gets his first Brickyard victory.
Source: Speedway Digest
Source: Speedway Digest
Kyle Larson Looking at Another Great Brickyard 400
Kyle Larson has been one of, if not the best at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Next Gen car. He won the 2024 Brickyard 400, and was in position to get another victory last season, but had to settle for a second-place result behind winner, Bubba Wallace. This weekend, the No. 5 Chevrolet looks fast yet again, as Larson posted the best 10-lap average in practice on Friday and qualified in 10th-place on Saturday. If the No. 5 Chevrolet has that type of speed on race day, there's no doubt that Larson will be a contender for the win. In DFS, Kyle Larson ($10.5K) makes for an excellent pick, as he has a little bit of Place Differential upside (because he starts 10th) along with dominator and race-winning potential.
Source: Jayski
Source: Jayski
Bubba Wallace Hits Wall in Practice, Qualifies 29th for Brickyard 400
After winning the Brickyard 400 last season, many eyes were on Bubba Wallace heading into the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend to see if the 23XI Racing driver can go back-to-back. And while that certainly isn't out of the question for Bubba on Sunday, it's not going to be easy. Wallace got into the wall during practice on Friday afternoon, and although that didn't cause any significant damage to the No. 23 Toyota, Bubba has struggled to find speed since. He ended up with the 20th-fastest lap in that practice session (out of 39 cars) and then went a little slower in qualifying, ending up 29th-best. That will be the worst starting position that Bubba has ever had at this race track. With that being said, don't be surprised if he rebounds for a solid finish, as Indianapolis is one of Bubba's best tracks. He's currently on a four-race streak of top 10s here, including the win last season. In DFS, Bubba Wallace ($9.0K on DraftKings) is a solid Place Differential option, although if you pick him, you have to have confidence that he will be able to find some more speed on race day.
Source: Motorsport
Source: Motorsport
Ty Gibbs Should Be Fast at Indianapolis
The No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota piloted by Ty Gibbs has been fast all season long, and it looks like the young driver will have yet another hot rod to race with this weekend in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. When it came to lap averages in practice, Gibbs had the fourth-best five-lap average, the second-best 10-lap average, and the fastest 15-lap average. He then went out in qualifying and ended up fourth-fastest, giving him good track position to start the race on Sunday. Now, with that being said, starting position has never been an issue for Gibbs at this race track, as he has started fifth and sixth over his two career starts here. However, finishing the race has been a problem, as Gibbs has yet to crack the top 20 in his two Brickyard 400 attempts. That could easily change this weekend, though, as the No. 54 Toyota has performed better than normal all season long. In DFS, Gibbs ($8.8K on DraftKings) is a fascinating alternate dominator to consider on the slate. He can definitely be used in tournament lineups.
Source: ifantasyrace
Source: ifantasyrace
Carson Hocevar Wins Pole for Brickyard 400
Carson Hocevar posted the fastest time in Brickyard 400 qualifying on Saturday afternoon, turning a lap of 48.232 seconds to beat his teammate, Daniel Suarez, for the pole position. Hocevar will now lead the Cup Series field to the green flag in one of the most prestigious races of the season on Sunday afternoon. But now the question is, can he win? One thing that Hocevar definitely has going for him is that it is extremely difficult to pass at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, so the good track position should help him quite a bit. Additionally, Indy has been a good track for Carson, as he finished 10th in his race last season after posting a 12th-place result in his first-ever start here. In DFS, Hocevar ($8.3K on DraftKings) makes for an interesting tournment play, as he is an affordable option, but if he falls back from his first-place starting spot, that could negate some of the dominator FPTS he captures.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Adley Rutschman Begins Throwing the Ball
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist) has started to make some progress on his road to return. Rutschman was able to throw on the field ahead of Saturday's game versus the Atlanta Braves. He has not started catching yet, so Rutschman still has some hurdles to jump before rejoining the O's lineup. He's eligible to come off the Injured List on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should check back in the middle of next week for another update on his status.
Source: Matt Weyrich
Source: Matt Weyrich
Carson Whisenhunt Draws the Start on Sunday
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Carson Whisenhunt will be recalled to take the mound against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The Giants have decided to call upon Whisenhunt to fill the void in the rotation left by Trevor McDonald (elbow), who landed on the Injured List. Whisenhunt has only started two games for the Giants this season, but has pitched well in Triple-A Sacramento. The 25-year-old figures to get an extended look with McDonald out and the Giants likely to move some veteran pitchers at the trade deadline. Whisenhunt draws a favorable start on Sunday and could be worth snagging in deeper mixed leagues.
Source: Shayna Rubin
Source: Shayna Rubin
Ranger Suarez to Start on Sunday
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (groin, illness) will return to the mound for Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. There was some speculation that Suarez's start would be pushed back while he recovers from an illness. He was deemed healthy, so Suarez is back on the mound for the first time since early July. During the first half, Suarez posted a 3.15 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 97/26 K/BB ratio across 91.1 innings of work. He should be rostered and started in just about every fantasy format. The move to start Suarez on Sunday will push Payton Tolle back to Monday's game against the Athletics.
Source: Ian Browne
Source: Ian Browne
Shohei Ohtani Postpones Bullpen Session Due to More Knee Discomfort
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) won't throw his scheduled bullpen session on Saturday. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Ohtani has "kicked the can" on his bullpen session because his knee wasn't feeling 100 percent healthy. The Dodgers remain confident that Ohtani will pitch again this season. Given where they sit in the standings, the Dodgers have little incentive to push Ohtani back to the mound. The 31-year-old will continue to serve as the designated hitter, but it's unclear when he'll get back on the mound. Fantasy managers shouldn't be confident that they'll get much of anything from Ohtani as a pitcher down the stretch of the season.
Source: David Vassegh
Source: David Vassegh
Edwin Diaz to be Activated on Wednesday
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (elbow) is expected to be activated from the Injured List on Wednesday, according to David Vassegh. He'll make one final rehab appearance with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday. Diaz is finally ready to return after being sidelined since April 20 due to right elbow surgery. The expectation is that Diaz will take over the closer role once he's back in the Dodgers' bullpen. Tanner Scott should have a few more days in the closer role before Diaz returns. The 32-year-old should be rostered in basically all fantasy formats.
Source: David Vassegh
Source: David Vassegh
George Lombard Jr. Viewed as "Big-League Ready"
New York Yankees shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. is putting together an impressive season in the minor leagues. There have been rumblings that Lombard could head to the big leagues this season. Across three different leagues, Lombard is slashing .281/.408/.500 with 11 home runs, 29 RBI, and 12 steals in 70 games. The 21-year-old has played so well that he has put himself in the conversation for a promotion, according to Bryan Hoch. Lombard has played fewer than 50 games at Triple-A, so the Yankees might opt to continue having him get reps there. However, the former first-round pick could force the Yankees' hand if he continues to hit this well.
Source: Bryan Hoch
Source: Bryan Hoch
Kyler Gordon, T.J. Edwards Not Ready for Start of Training Camp
The Chicago Bears placed cornerback Kyler Gordon (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list and linebacker T.J. Edwards (leg) on the Non-Football Injury list on Saturday, per Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune. It was announced in late May that the 26-year-old Gordon was battling a soft-tissue injury, but the exact nature of his injury is unknown. It's bad news after the former second-rounder in 2022 from the University of Washington played in only three games in 2025 due to multiple soft-tissue injuries. Without knowing the severity of his latest injury, Gordon's availability for the start of the 2026 regular season could be in question. The 29-year-old Edwards is recovering from a broken fibula that he suffered in the team's wild-card playoff win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers, but he was a full participant during mandatory minicamp in early June, making it likely that he'll be ready for the start of the regular season in the fall. The former undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin only played in 10 regular-season games last year, but he had four straight seasons of 100-plus combined tackles before that from 2021 to 2024 with the Bears and Philadelphia Eagles.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
Jets Place Receiver Tim Patrick on PUP List
The New York Jets placed wide receiver Tim Patrick (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday due to an undisclosed injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The good news for Patrick, who suffered a torn ACL and Achilles in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023 while with the Denver Broncos, is that his injury isn't considered serious, and he could be ready to play in the Jets' preseason opener on Aug. 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 32-year-old veteran wideout will probably open the 2026 campaign as the Jets' WR4, at best, behind Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and rookie Omar Cooper Jr., leaving him little room for fantasy value in all leagues. Patrick had 15 receptions on just 24 targets for 187 yards and three touchdowns in 16 regular-season games (three starts) in a crowded Jacksonville Jaguars' receiving room last year. He had back-to-back 700-yard seasons with a combined 11 touchdowns in Denver in 2020 and 2021 before injuries struck, and Patrick is now a veteran depth option for the Jets heading into his seventh NFL campaign.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
