Brian Thomas Jr. Returns to Practice on Thursday
Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) went down with a shoulder injury earlier this week at mandatory minicamp and was held out of the rest of the practice for precautionary reasons. On Thursday, Thomas returned and looked perfectly OK while being a full participant, according to SI.com's John Shipley. The 22-year-old second-year wideout will be just fine for the start of training camp in late July and should be considered a strong low-end WR1 with plenty of upside going into Year 2. The former 23rd overall pick was a Pro Bowler in his rookie campaign after catching 87 of 133 targets for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts). Thomas shouldn't have anything to worry about as far as being quarterback Travis Lawrence's top target after the team took two-way player Travis Hunter with the second overall pick.Source: SI.com - John Shipley
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter Plays Offense and Defense in Final Minicamp Practice
Travis Hunter played both offense and defense in the same day in front of the media on Thursday in the team's final day of mandatory minicamp, according to SI.com's John Shipley. It's a preview of what's to come in training camp this summer, and Shipley writes that Hunter seems to be handling the weight of the role well so far. The 22-year-old second overall pick started focusing on offense first early this offseason, but the Jags plan on using him on both sides of the ball in his rookie year in 2025. The Heisman Trophy winner is an elite athlete and should be Jacksonville's No. 2 wideout behind Brian Thomas Jr. right away, but it's unclear exactly how often he'll be targeted and how many snaps a game he'll be involved on offense. The upside is intriguing, but fantasy managers should consider him a WR4/flex, at best.Source: SI.com - John Shipley
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie first-round wide receiver/defensive back John Klingberg Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Source: NHL.com
Edmonton Oilers defenseman John Klingberg will be a healthy scratch for Thursday's Game 4 against the Florida Panthers. The Swedish veteran had a tough time in Monday's Game 3, finishing with a minus-three rating in a 6-1 loss, prompting Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch to replace him with Troy Stecher for Thursday's game. Stecher was a regular in the lineup early in the postseason but has not played since Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Dallas Stars. He has gone scoreless in six outings, while recording six shots, seven blocks, and six hits. The 31-year-old is expected to join Darnell Nurse on the second defensive pairing.Viktor Arvidsson Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Source: NHL.com
Edmonton Oilers winger Viktor Arvidsson will come out of the lineup as a healthy scratch for Game 4 against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals on Thursday. Arvidsson has made five consecutive appearances and recently enjoyed a three-game point streak, but the Oilers have decided to switch things up after suffering a 6-1 spanking in Game 3 on Monday. Jeff Skinner will take Arvidsson's spot in the lineup, joining Adam Henrique and Trent Frederic on the third line. The 33-year-old has been in the lineup for only two games this postseason, but Skinner has made a positive impact in both games, scoring once and recording one assist.Christian Yelich Back in Brewers Lineup
Christian Yelich (wrist) is back in the starting lineup for Thursday's series opener against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Sonny Gray at American Family Field, serving as the designated hitter and batting cleanup. A swollen right wrist caused Yelich to miss the last two games, but he's back in there to start a crucial divisional series against a pitcher that he has plenty of experience with. The 33-year-old left-handed hitter has hit .250 against Gray with a home run and four RBI in 24 career at-bats. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Yelich can pick things back up after going just 3-for-17 with eight strikeouts in his last five games played. He's hitting just .233 on the season but with 13 homers, 41 RBI and 10 stolen bases, and he ranks in the 72nd percentile in average exit velocity and sports a .248 xBA.Source: MLB.com
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Stuart Skinner Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Source: NHL.com
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner will start Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Edmonton's starter for the night was uncertain after Skinner was pulled in Game 3, during which he allowed five goals on 23 shots. However, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch has decided to keep faith in Skinner on Thursday night. Two consecutive losses in the Finals have dropped Skinner's postseason record to 7-6. He has registered a 2.84 goals-against average, a .894 save percentage, and three shutouts. Edmonton desperately needs a strong performance from Skinner on Thursday, as the team trails the series 2-1.Ducks Acquire Chris Kreider From Rangers
Source: NHL.com
The Anaheim Ducks have acquired winger Chris Kreider from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward prospect Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round pick. The Rangers also gave up a 2025 fourth-round pick in the transaction. Kreider had to waive his 15-team no-trade list, which included Anaheim, to make the deal happen. Since making his NHL debut in 2012-13, Kreider has played exclusively for the Rangers and will leave the Big Apple as the third-highest goal-scorer in franchise history. The 34-year-old has recorded 326 goals and 582 points in 883 career games. Next season, Kreider will look to put together a bounce-back campaign after finishing this term with only 30 points (22 goals, eight assists) in 68 appearances.Jazz Chisholm Jr. Sitting Out With Groin Injury
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (groin) is out of the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the hosting Kansas City Royals after being pulled from Wednesday's game with left-groin tightness. The previous day, the 27-year-old left the contest prematurely with neck tightness, so it's not much of a surprise that he's out on Thursday. Oswald Peraza is starting at third and batting ninth on Thursday against Royals right-hander Seth Lugo. For now, fantasy managers should consider Chisholm to be day-to-day and check back to see if he's active for Friday's series opener in Beantown against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. Peraza, who has hit .170 (17-for-100) with three homers, 11 RBI and 13 runs scored this year, would become the team's primary third baseman if Chisholm requires another stint on the injured list.Source: MLB.com
New York Yankees third baseman Aaron Judge Out for First Time All Season
Aaron Judge is getting his first breather of the 2025 season in Thursday's series finale at Kauffman Stadium against the Kansas City Royals. With Judge on the bench, Cody Bellinger will shift to right field and will hit cleanup against veteran right-hander Seth Lugo. Judge has been the best player in baseball this year, but everyone needs a break eventually. The 33-year-old two-time MVP and six-time All-Star is hitting an absurd .394/.490/.779 with a 1.269 OPS, 25 home runs, 59 RBI, 64 runs scored and six steals in 249 at-bats. He has also homered four times in his last three games. Expect to see him back in the lineup for Friday's series opener at Fenway Park against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. Bellinger is currently riding an eight-game hitting streak (10-for-33 with a homer and four RBI) and has hit .286 with a homer and two RBI in seven career at-bats against Lugo.Source: MLB.com
New York Yankees outfielder Cedric Mullins Resting Against Tough Southpaw
Cedric Mullins will take the day off on Thursday against the visiting Detroit Tigers and left-hander Tarik Skubal. Colton Cowser will handle center field duties and will hit ninth, with Dylan Carlson playing left field and batting eighth. Mullins actually has reverse splits against lefties this year, going 13-for-46 (.283) against them, but with just two of his 10 home runs on the season. He's hitting just .217 (31-for-143) against right-handers in 2025. Since returning from a stay on the injured list due to a hamstring injury, Mullins has gone 2-for-8 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored in two games. DFS managers should be looking to avoid both Cowser and Carlson against last year's American League Cy Young winner. Cowser has never faced Skubal, while Carlson is hitting .143 against him in seven career at-bats.Source: MLB.com
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Edwin Diaz Picks Up 15th Save on Thursday
New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz bailed the Mets out on Thursday at Citi Field to help them sweep the division-rival Washington Nationals, but it wasn't easy. He was called on to clean up the messread more...
Jeff McNeil Clubs Three-Run Homer in Win
New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil continued to swing a hot bat in Thursday's 4-3 victory over the division-rival Washington Nationals at Citi Field to complete the sweep. McNeil went 1-for-2 in the contest withread more...
Kodai Senga Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Kodai Senga (hamstring) suffered a right-hamstring strain during his start on Thursday against the division-rival Washington Nationals and will go on the 15-day injured list, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. The Mets won't know the exact severity of his hamstring injury until Senga undergoes an MRI exam on Friday. The 32-year-old injured himself covering first base on a ground ball in the sixth inning in which he came down awkwardly on his right leg on a high throw that he had to jump for. It's unclear how much time he'll need to miss, but it's a big blow for fantasy managers and the Mets. Before leaving, Senga was masterful, tossing 5 2/3 shutout innings while allowing just one hit, walking one and striking out five for his seventh win of the year. Keep Senga stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy formats.Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
New York Mets right-hander Brendan Donovan Still Out on Thursday
Brendan Donovan (toe) remains out of action for Thursday's series opener against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Nolan Gorman will get another start at second base and will hit seventh against Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, who is making his MLB debut. Donovan is dealing with a sprained capsule in the joint of his left big toe and will miss his second straight game, but he doesn't believe it's a situation that will land him on the injured list. The 28-year-old could return to the lineup at some point this weekend in Milwaukee. Gorman continues to be a disappointment for the Cardinals offensively and enters Thursday's action hitting just .220 (24-for-109) with three homers, 14 RBI and 14 runs scored. However, he's batting .368 (7-for-19) with two homers, a double and five RBI in eight games in June.Source: MLB.com
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Tigers Send Beau Brieske to the Minors
The Detroit Tigers announced on Thursday that they optioned right-hander Beau Brieske to Triple-A Toledo and selected the contract of left-hander Matt Gage from Toledo in a corresponding move. To makeread more...
Maxwell Hairston Tweaks Hamstring
Source: Around The NFL
Buffalo Bills rookie defensive back Maxwell Hairston (hamstring) missed Thursday's minicamp practice session due to a hamstring injury. General manager Brandon Beane said the Kentucky product "tweaked" his hamstring and is getting treatment. Per Beane, the expectation is that he'll be ready for training camp. Buffalo's No. 30 overall selection in April's draft, Hairston projects to eventually slot into the team's second cornerback spot that was vacated by the departure of ex-Bill Rasul Douglas. The 21-year-old is most likely in no danger of missing training camp, and figures to play a prominent role in the Bills' secondary at some point in his first professional campaign.Luke Raley Starting Rehab Assignment on Thursday
Luke Raley (oblique) is scheduled to start his minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday with Triple-A Tacoma, according to The Seattle Times' Adam Jude. It could be a rather lengthy rehab assignment for Raley, who has been sidelined since late April with a strained right oblique. But once the 30-year-old veteran left-handed slugger returns to Seattle, he could be on the strong side of a platoon in right field against right-handed pitchers. Before his injury, he was hitting just .206/.345/.324 with two home runs, eight RBI, 10 runs scored and two stolen bases in 24 games played. Raley's power/speed combination makes him worth rostering in deep-mixed leagues as a depth piece. In 2023 and 2024 with the Tampa Bay Rays and Mariners, Raley combined for 41 home runs, 107 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 255 games.Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Seattle Mariners first baseman/outfielder Will Johnson Sitting with Hamstring Tightness
Source: Around The NFL
According to head coach Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals defensive back Will Johnson (hamstring) has not participated in the team's mandatory minicamp because of a tight hamstring. Gannon also noted that the rookie will be ready for training camp. Arizona got a steal in the Michigan alum, who was regarded as a first-round pick but saw his draft stock fall due to injuries. Johnson is expected to contribute immediately to the Cardinals' defensive backfield, but he is unfortunately already missing valuable practice time in his inaugural campaign. It's excellent news that he's expected back by training camp, insinuating that it isn't a significant issue. He'll look to aid a defensive unit that ranked thirteenth-worst with 342.5 yards allowed per game last season.Drew Waters Sitting Against Yankees
Drew Waters is not in the team's starting lineup in Thursday's series finale against the visiting New York Yankees at Kauffman Stadium. With Waters sitting, Nick Loftin will draw into the lineup in left field and will bat in the seven-hole against Yankees right-hander Will Warren. Waters has really struggled so far in the month of June through nine games, going 5-for-25 with a steal, three runs, two walks and nine strikeouts. Overall, the 26-year-old has hit .269/.307/.359 with a below-average .666 OPS, just one home run, 13 RBI, 20 runs and five stolen bases in 167 at-bats on the year. DFS managers are better off looking elsewhere on Thursday. Loftin has a solid .281 average (9-for-32) in a limited sample size with a homer, three RBI and a stolen base.Source: MLB.com
Kansas City Royals outfielder Diontae Johnson Focused on Returning to Form in 2025
Diontae Johnson is focused on changing the perception surrounding him this season after a tumultuous 2024, he told ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi on Wednesday. Johnson was all over the place last season, leading the Carolina Panthers in receiving through the first seven games before a mid-year trade to Baltimore -- and eventual release after he refused to play in Week 13. The Texans claimed him, and he caught two passes for them in Week 18, but was waived after their wild-card win over the Chargers due to his "visible frustration" after playing just 15 snaps. The 28-year-old will get a chance to prove himself in Cleveland, as the target competition behind fellow WR Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku isn't too daunting. Still, the offense's success will largely depend on who is calling signals for the Browns in 2025, and even that might not be a guarantee on a weekly basis.Source: Kevin Patra
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Noble Meyer Trending in the Right Direction at High-A
Noble Meyer allowed one earned run on four hits and one walk while striking out three over four innings of work on Wednesday for High-A Beloit. The 20-year-old appears to be rounding into form over his last five starts, posting a 3.32 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 22.5 percent K-BB% in 19 IP, compared to a 7.13 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, and a 7.9 percent K-BB% in 17 2/3 IP over his first five starts of the year. At this rate, the Marlins' fourth-ranked prospect should get a handful of starts at Double-A by season's end. The 6-foot-5 hurler is young, but with his big frame and first-round pedigree, MLB.com's top prospects list gives the youngster a 2026 ETA. With 145 strikeouts in 121 2/3 career minor league innings (10.73 K/9, 26.9 percent K%), he has good strikeout stuff and is a pitcher worth keeping an eye on in dynasty leagues.Source: MiLB.com
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Marcus Stroman Strikes Out Four in First Rehab Start
Marcus Stroman (knee) made his first minor-league rehab start with Double-A Somerset on Wednesday against Double-A Portland and looked good, allowing an earned run on one hit while walking two and striking out four in 3 1/3 innings pitched. It was the first game for Stroman since he landed on the 15-day injured list back on April 11 with inflammation in his left knee. The 34-year-old is being built back up as a starter on his rehab assignment, but that doesn't mean he'll be guaranteed a starting rotation spot when he's back in the Bronx. The two-time All-Star let up 12 earned runs on 12 hits (two homers) while walking seven and striking out seven in 9 1/3 innings over three starts early this season before injuring his knee. Even if Stroman is able to bounce back upon his return and induce more ground balls, there's little fantasy upside remaining in his arm.Source: Milb.com
New York Yankees right-hander Sandy Alcantara's Command Improving?
Sandy Alcantara has looked better his last two starts, but they came against the lowly Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates. However, manager Clayton McCullough saw a difference in "the quality of Sandy's throws." A rival official also said, "I walked away saying he is about three or four starts away from being the Sandy of old." The 29-year-old Dominican is sitting on an ERA north of 7.00 with a 1.49 WHIP in his first 13 starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, but if he's able to bounce back, he will be one of the best starters available on the trade market this summer. Like many hurlers coming off TJ surgery, Alcantara's walk rate was bloated. Most of his stuff is back to pre-injury quality, but command has eluded him. He's using his fastball and curve more while adapting his pitch mix depending on the lineups he faces. Fantasy managers shouldn't give up on Alcantara.Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal and Eno Sarris
Miami Marlins right-hander Bo Melton to Dabble at Cornerback
Bo Melton took practice reps with the defensive backs during this week's mandatory minicamp. "Everybody turned and looked at me like, 'What are you doing?'" said Melton on Wednesday. Despite this week marking the first time that the 26-year-old ran with the DBs, it isn't the first discussion he and coach Matt LaFleur have had about it. Reportedly, when Melton joined the team in 2023, LaFleur inquired about his defensive prowess from the short time he spent in Rutgers' defensive backfield early in his collegiate career. The former Scarlet Knight hasn't just been an offensive asset for the Pack during his tenure with the squad, as he's also recorded four tackles on 154 career special-teams snaps. Whether he sticks remains to be seen, but it's a smart move for Green Bay to try to develop him at the position after the departure of his former teammate Jaire Alexander.Source: Grant Gordon
Per NFL.com's Grant Gordon, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Josue De Paula Riding Seven-Game Hit Streak
Josue De Paula went 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored on Wednesday, extending his hitting streak to seven games at High-A Great Lakes. The Dodgers' second-ranked prospect is having a strong season, slashing .281/.418/.458 with eight home runs, 23 RBI, 40 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases. The 6-foot-3 slugger continues to impress with his approach as well, logging more walks (47) than strikeouts (46). With Dalton Rushing soon to graduate from the prospect ranks, De Paula is in line to become the team's top-ranked prospect and should push for a promotion to Double-A within the coming weeks.Source: MiLB.com
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Cardinals Recall Michael Siani From Triple-A
Michael Siani from Triple-A Memphis and optioned right-hander Chris Roycroft to Memphis and designated outfielder Ryan Vilade for assignment in corresponding moves. Siani played in 18 games with the Cardinals earlier this year before being sent down and went 4-for-16 with four runs scored, one walk and six strikeouts. The 25-year-old could see some occasional starts in center field to spell Victor Scott II, but he will most likely be a bench outfielder for the Cards in his return to the big leagues. In 124 games for St. Louis last year, Siani slashed .228/.285/.285 with a weak .570 OPS, two home runs, 20 RBI, 42 runs scored and 20 stolen bases in 334 plate appearances. He's really only an option for depth in NL-only leagues for his speed.Source: St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals announced on Thursday that they recalled outfielder Kodai Senga Leaves Thursday's Start With Leg Injury
Kodai Senga (leg) injured his right leg while covering first base in the top of the sixth inning at Citi Field against the division-rival Washington Nationals and was forced to leave the game, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. It didn't look good, and Senga was seen grabbing at his right hamstring before spending a long time down on the ground being surrounded by coaches and trainers. He walked off the field under his own power with a pronounced limp. The good news is that Senga was excellent on the mound before leaving, throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts. The bad news is the injury didn't look good, and it's very possible he'll be forced to the 15-day injured list. Fantasy managers will need to check back for the severity of his injury, but this could be a big blow to New York's starting rotation.Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
New York Mets right-hander Zyhir Hope Collects Two Hits, Swipes Two Bags on Wednesday
Zyhir Hope went 2-for-3 with a walk and two stolen bases on Wednesday for High-A Great Lakes. He was also caught stealing once. The Dodgers' third-ranked prospect now has seven steals on the year, however, four of them came in his first six games of the season, so we'll see if the 20-year-old will pick up the pace again. Either way, the left-handed slugger is performing well in his first taste of High-A pitching, slashing .300/.403/.488 with seven home runs, 37 RBI, 33 runs scored, and a strong 13.9 percent walk rate. Look for the team to give him a shot at Double-A later this season, and with strong all-around tools, the former 11th-round draft pick could make it to the big leagues as soon as next year.Source: MiLB.com
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Jordan Hicks Throws a Bullpen Session
Jordan Hicks (toe) landed on the 15-day injured list on June 3 after injuring his right big toe while making a relief appearance against the Miami Marlins on June 1. MLB.com reports that Hicks threw a bullpen session on Tuesday before the team's game at Coors Field against the division-rival Colorado Rockies. Because he's now in a relief role, the hard-throwing 28-year-old shouldn't require a lengthy rehab process and could return to San Fran's bullpen in mid-June. After being demoted from a starting role, Hicks allowed two earned runs in his first 3 1/3 innings of relief. Overall, he's had a tough season in 2025 with a 1-5 record, 6.47 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with 43 strikeouts and 20 walks in 48 2/3 frames over 13 appearances (nine starts). As long as he stays in relief, his fantasy impact will be minimal.Source: MLB.com
San Francisco Giants right-hander George Lombard Jr. Hits First Home Run at Double-A
George Lombard Jr. smacked his first Double-A home run in Game 2 of Somerset's doubleheader on Wednesday, going 4-for-8 with two RBI, three runs scored, and two stolen bases between both games. He's now got three multi-hit games in his last four contests, and although the 20-year-old is batting just .225 at Double-A through 32 games, his 16.8 percent walk rate has helped him to a .358 OBP. As a result, the former first-rounder has tallied 10 steals for the Patriots and 21 total between High-A and Double-A. The Yankees' top prospect may finish out the season at Double-A, but could be looking at a major league debut sometime later next year if all goes well, so dynasty managers will want to keep an eye on how he progresses over the final months.Source: MiLB.com
New York Yankees shortstop prospect