Brendan Donovan Scratched Due to Lingering Foot Pain
Brendan Donovan (foot) has been scratched from the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the visiting New York Yankees at Busch Stadium because of lingering foot pain, according to MLB.com's John Denton. Denton writes that it's an injury that caused Donovan's recent groin soreness. Manager Oliver Marmol thinks it could be a multi-day injury for Donovan but doesn't think it will require him to go on the injured list. Although the 28-year-old is day-to-day for now, this seems like something that could eventually require an IL stint if he can't play by the end of the weekend. The German native was an All-Star for the first time this year, but he's struggled in August, going 7-for-34 (.206) with a double, three RBI and five strikeouts in nine games. Since the All-Star break, he's hit .203 (16-for-79).Source: MLB.com - John Denton
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Jeremy Pena "Under the Weather" on Friday
Jeremy Pena (illness) is "under the weather" and getting some tests done, which is why he's out of the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the visiting Baltimore Orioles at Daikin Park. Mauricio Dubon will man the 6 and will hit eighth against Orioles right-hander Brandon Young. Pena will most likely return to the field for Game 2 of the series on Saturday, but fantay managers will want to check back then. The 27-year-old Dominican is having one of his finest seasons in the big leagues with a .318/.373/.492 slash line, .865 OPS, 13 homers, 45 RBI, 52 runs and 17 steals in 362 at-bats. Pena is also hitting .289 (13-for-45) with two homers, two doubles, a triple, five RBI and two steals in 11 games in August. Dubon is a light-hitting utility man that has never faced Young in his career. Avoid him for DFS.Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that shortstop Colby Thomas Getting Another Start on Friday
Colby Thomas will get another start in center field on Friday evening when the Athletics face the Los Angeles Angels. Thomas has begun to heat up at the plate, and the team is rewarding their former third-round pick with more opportunities. Over his last five games, Thomas has been swinging a hot bat, going 5-for-13 with a double, a home run, and five RBI. During this stretch, Thomas has started in three of his last four games and appears to be carving out a role in center field. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his playing time. Earlier this season, Thomas flashed upside power upside at Triple-A Las Vegas, launching 18 home runs with a .903 OPS through 81 contests. This evening, he will face Los Angeles southpaw Yusei Kikuchi and will bat in the cleanup spot.Source: MLB.com
Athletics outfield prospect Brady House Riding Pine on Friday Amid August Slump
Brady House will hit the bench on Friday evening when the Nationals face the Philadelphia Phillies. Since the start of August, the top-100 prospect has been a bit of a slump at the plate. Since August 1, House has held a .200/.216/.229 line with only one extra-base hit and a hefty 32.4% K rate. However, House was very productive in July, so fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with his production. In July, House posted a strong .270/.276/.392 line with three doubles and two home runs. While he has struggled to draw walks at the MLB level, holding a 45:5 K:BB through his first 43 games in D.C., he is worth keeping on your bench in deeper formats. Earlier in the season, House was one of the most productive hitters at Triple-A, carrying a .304/.353/.519 line. This evening, Paul DeJong will get the nod at the hot corner.Source: MLB.com
Washington Nationals third base prospect Elic Ayomanor has Emerged as "Top Target-Getter"
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Tyler Locklear Finding Footing in Major Leagues
Tyler Locklear has begun to find his footing in the major leagues. The Mariners shipped Locklear as the headline piece in the deal to acquire third baseman Eugenio Suarez at the trade deadline. Locklear has covered first base since moving to the desert as the Diamondbacks also shipped Josh Naylor to the Mariners in an earlier trade. During his first eight games serving as a full-time player, Locklear held a low .148/.303/.259 line with just four total hits. However, over his last five games, Lockear has tallied five total hits. Prior to his recent two-game skid, Locklear carried a three-game hitting streak. Earlier in the season at Triple-A, he held a .316 AVG with a strong .943 OPS. He could become a viable corner infielder in standard leauges if he continues to turn the corner.Source: MLB.com
Arizona Diamondbacks first base prospect Ryan Ritter Activated Off 10-Day Injured List
Ryan Ritter (finger) from the 10-day injured list before their contest on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ritter has been sidelined since July 19. In a corresponding move, the Rockies sent fellow young infielder Adael Amador to Triple-A. Through his first 31 games in Colorado before his injury, Ritter held a solid .238/.291/.347 line with a home run and a stolen base. At Triple-A this season, Ritter flashed immense upside. Through 55 games with the Albuquerque Isotopes, Ritter posted a stellar .303/.405/.610 slash line with 13 doubles, 16 home runs, and three stolen bases. Fantasy managers should expect Ritter to continue to see most of his time at the keystone with occasional starts at shortstop.Source: Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies have activated shortstop prospect Josh Naylor Out Sick on Friday
Josh Naylor (illness) is under the weather and will not play in Friday's series opener at Citi Field against the New York Mets. With Naylor out, Donovan Solano will start at first base and bat seventh against Mets left-hander Sean Manaea. Catcher Mitch Garver is the designatd hitter and is batting sixth. There's a good chance that Naylor will be back in the lineup for Game 2 of the series on Saturday, so fantasy managers will want to check back then. The 28-year-old Naylor has continued to hit well after being traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks last month, as he's gone 19-for-65 (.292) with four home runs, 10 RBI, 11 runs scored and 11 stolen bases in his first 18 games with the M's. Solano could be a worthwhile DFS sleeper on Friday with a career .300 average in 10 at-bats versus Manaea.Source: Seattle Times - Tim Booth
Seattle Mariners first baseman Tyler Black Promoted to Milwaukee
Tyler Black to the major leagues. In a corresponding move, the Brewers are placing outfielder Isaac Collins on the paternity list and outfielder Blake Perkins on the bereavement list. Black had a brief stint in the majors earlier this season and posted a .333 AVG across six PAs. He made his MLB debut during the 2024 campaign, where he appeared in 18 games. During this stint, Black held a modest .204/.316/.245 line with two doubles, three stolen bases, and a 17:7 K:BB. Black has gotten off to a slow start at Triple-A Nashville this season, posting a low .187 AVG with a .592 OPS. Given his underwhelming production this season and lack of MLB experience, he is best left for deeper NL-only formats.Source: Milwaukee Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers are promoting third base prospect Dyami Brown Stands Out on Friday
Dyami Brown was one of the players who "got the highest volume of targets from Trevor Lawrence" at training camp practice on Friday, per SI.com's John Shipley. Brown was able to score a touchdown and also showed impressive consistency. However, Shipley also notes that it was a light day of practice without pads, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. The 25-year-old was slow to begin training camp heading into his first season with the Jaguars, but he has turned it around as he seeks to win a depth role in the passing attack in 2025. He is projected to be the team's WR3 behind Brian Thomas Jr. and rookie Travis Hunter, and he's developed some strong chemistry with Lawrence. Unless Thomas or Hunter miss time with injury, though, Brown will probably reside on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues.Source: SI.com - John Shipley
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brenton Strange Sees Heavy Volume on Friday
Brenton Strange was one of the players who "got the highest volume of targets from Trevor Lawrence" during training camp practice on Friday, according to John Shipley of SI.com. Strange found the end zone and put forth an impressive display of consistency. However, Shipley also notes that it was a light day of practice, so fantasy managers should take it with a grain of salt. He flashed "serious speed to beat the secondary after the catch on an impressive deep throw from Lawrence during team drills." The 24-year-old caught his only target for 11 yards in the preseason opener last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Evan Engram out of town, has a real opportunity for a breakout season. Strange had a 40-411-2 line in 17 games (10 starts) in his second season in 2024. RotoBaller has him ranked as the TE21 for fantasy purposes.Source: SI.com - John Shipley
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Kenneth Walker III Could Sit on Friday
Kenneth Walker III (foot) "seems like a prime candidate to be one of the few Seahawks starters who does not play Friday" in the team's second preseason game versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Walker took art in a full-pads practice on Tuesday for the first time in more than a week and then rested on Wednesday. It's a routine that Walker has been going through the last couple weeks at training camp. It makes sense for Seattle to play it safe with the injury-prone Walker, who missed six of 17 games in 2024 an went on Injured Reserve in December with an ankle injury. He has yet to play a full season in his first three years with the Seahawks and could lose valuable backfield touches to Zach Charbonnet in order to keep him healthy. RotoBaller has Walker ranked as the RB16 in fantasy.Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
The Tacoma News Tribune's Gregg Bell writes that Seattle Seahawks running back Mike Tauchman Back in Action on Friday
Mike Tauchman (shoulder) is starting in right field and will bat seventh for Friday's series opener in Kansas City against the division-rival Royals and left-hander Noah Cameron. Tauchman did not play in Wednesday's series finale due to soreness in his right shoulder, but he's back in there to begin the weekend after a day off on Thursday. Although the 34-year-old veteran has hit a decent .277 (66-for-238) on the season, those setting DFS lineups will probably want to avoid him against a left-handed hurler. Tauchman has never faced Cameron in his career and is batting .268 (11-for-41) with three of his eight home runs on the year against left-handers. He's really struggled to this point in August, going 8-for-38 (.205) with a homer, two RBI, three runs and a 10:9 BB:K in 11 games played.Source: MLB.com
Chicago White Sox outfielder Haywood Highsmith Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Haywood Highsmith and a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for a protected 2026 second-round pick on Friday. Highsmith will get a fresh start in Brooklyn after he recovers from a torn meniscus in his right knee, which he suffered while training recently. He underwent surgery last week and is expected to be sidelined for at least eight weeks. The 28-year-old started in 42 games for the Heat throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, he wasn't a reliable contributor on the fantasy end overall, averaging 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 74 regular-season contests. Highsmith is considered questionable to open the season and will likely come off the bench for the Nets when he is available.Source: Shams Charania
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Miami Heat traded forward White Sox Reinstate Chase Meidroth From Injured List
Chase Meidroth (thumb) from the 10-day injured list and designated infielder Jacob Amaya for assignment in a corresponding move. Meidroth will immediately return to the starting lineup for Friday's series opener on the road against the division-rival Kansas City Royals and left-hander Noah Cameron, as he's playing second base and batting in the eight-hole. The 24-year-old missed only 10 days due to a bruised thumb and should return to primary duties at the keystone for the Pale Hose. Outside of some modest speed (11 stolen bases), Meidroth hasn't done much for fantasy managers in his first 84 big-league games, slashing .252/.330/.319 with three home runs, 15 RBI and 36 runs scored in 349 plate appearances. He has never faced Cameron in his career.Source: Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox announced on Friday that they reinstated rookie infielder Chase Burns Could Return in a Couple of Weeks
Chase Burns (elbow) could only spend a couple of weeks on the 15-day injured list in a "best-case" scenario. Burns could start throwing again later this week. The 22-year-old hard-throwing hurler was scheduled to come on in relief on Wednesday, but that plan was scrapped before the game when he reported significant shoulder stiffness. However, after an MRI exam, Reds doctors think that the rookie avoided a serious injury. Burns was officially diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right elbow. There's no denying the strikeout upside -- he has 57 punchouts in his first 34 1/3 big-league innings -- but he's also gone 0-3 with a 5.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP with 13 walks in his first eight starts with the Reds. It's great news that Burns avoided a major injury, but his workload will still be restricted to close out the 2025 season.Source: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that right-handed pitching prospect Amir Coffey Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Amir Coffey to a one-year contract. Coffey joins the Bucks after spending his first six NBA seasons in Los Angeles with the Clippers. In 2024-25, the 28-year-old appeared in 72 regular-season contests, posting averages of 9.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists during 24.3 minutes per game. He had been a helpful piece in the rotation for the Clippers most recently and could benefit from a fresh start in Milwaukee.Source: Shams Charania
On Thursday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Milwaukee Bucks signed free agent forward Josh Hader Won't Throw for "Approximately Three Weeks"
Josh Hader (shoulder) has a "left shoulder capsule strain," according to the team, and won't throw for "approximately three weeks." After that, Hader's next steps will be determined. The Astros placed the 31-year-old veteran southpaw on the 15-day injured list this week, but he won't be back when he's eligible to return and won't return to the big-league roster until September. In the meantime, right-hander Bryan Abreu will serve as the club's primary ninth-inning option after picking up his first save of the season on Wednesday against the Boston Red Sox. Losing Hader for an extended period is a tough blow for the Astros' bullpen as they try to hold off the Seattle Mariners for the lead in the American League West division. Hader has been strong once again in 2025 with a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 28 saves and 76 K's in 52 2/3 innings pitched.Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Houston Astros closer Wyatt Langford Returns Against Blue Jays
Wyatt Langford (forearm) is starting in left field and will bat second in Friday's series opener against the hosting Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander Chris Bassitt. Forearm tightness kept Langford out of the series finale on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he's ready to roll after a scheduled day off on Thursday. The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of Florida is hitting .239/.325/.412 and has already matched his home run total (16) from his rookie campaign. He's added 48 RBI, 15 stolen bases and 49 runs scored in 100 games played. Langford is riding a modest four-game hitting streak and has gone 9-for-38 (.237) with a homer, two doubles and five RBI in 11 games so far in the month of August. He has faced Bassitt just twice in his career and has two hit and an RBI against him.Source: MLB.com
Texas Rangers outfielder Jacob Misiorowski Activated and Starting on Friday
Jacob Misiorowski (leg) has been activated from the 15-day injured list and will make an abbreviated start in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Brewers put Misiorowski on the IL as a precaution earlier this month with a tibia contusion, but he'll rejoin Milwaukee's starting rotation without making a minor-league rehab start. The hard-throwing 23-year-old will be on a pitch count on Friday, so he may not go deep enough to qualify for a win, but he should still be in consideration for starting fantasy lineups given how dominant he's been early in his career. In his first seven MLB starts, he has recorded a 2.70 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 47 strikeouts and 14 walks in 33 1/3 innings.Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitching prospect Case Keenum Dealing With Leg Injury
Case Keenum (leg) injured his leg in training camp practice on Thursday and remained absent on Friday, according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. It's unclear at this time what it means for the team's snap distribution at quarterback for Sunday's preseason tilt against the Buffalo Bills. The 37-year-old veteran may not play in the second preseason game this weekend, but it's not a long-term injury and shouldn't keep him from being ready to begin the 2025 regular season. Keenum has been competing this summer with Tyson Bagent for the QB2 job in Chicago behind starter Caleb Williams. If Keenum is held out on Sunday, it will allow Austin Reed a chance for more reps. Keenum has played in only two games in three of the last four seasons with three different teams.Source: Chicago Tribune - Dan Wiederer
Chicago Bears backup quarterback Joe Flacco Won't Play Against Panthers
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Nick Chubb Expected to Play in Second Preseason Game
Nick Chubb (head) is expected to play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the Carolina Panthers after taking the majority of first-team reps during a joint practice with the Panthers on Thursday, according to Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle. Meanwhile, Dameon Pierce is expected to be held out after resting on Thursday. The 29-year-old Chubb recently was in the league's concussion protocol but has since been cleared and will at least handle a few series in Saturday's game. Chubb returned from a gruesome knee injury in 2023 but did not look explosive at all last year in his final season with the Cleveland Browns. He looked more explosive on Thursday, though, and he could have a sizeable role to open his first year in Houston with Pierce if Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) isn't ready to play in Week 1.Source: Houston Chronicle - Sam Warren
Houston Texans running back Ronald Acuna Jr. Back From the Injured List
Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf) from the 10-day injured list and outrighted catcher Sandy Leon to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move. The Braves have yet to release their starting lineup for Friday's series opener in Cleveland against the Guardians, but we're fully expecting Acuna to be in it. The 27-year-old Venezuelan will return to a strong .306/.429/.577 slash line with a 1.005 OPS, 14 home runs, 26 RBI, 48 runs scored and four stolen bases. The former MVP hasn't run as much this year after coming back from his second torn ACL, but he's contributing everywhere else and will return to being a must-start in fantasy lineups. He struggled in July before getting hurt, though, going 17-for-77 (.221) with five home runs, four doubles, a triple, eight RBI and 16 runs scored in 21 games.Source: Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves announced on Friday that they reinstated outfielder Jacob Misiorowski Could Pitch Against Reds on Friday
Jacob Misiorowski (leg) will pitch Friday in either a shorter big-league outing against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds or in a minor-league rehab game, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Misiorowski traveled with the team to Cincinnati, so he's firmly in the mix to come off the 15-day injured list to start Friday's series opener at Great American Ball Park. The 23-year-old hard-throwing right-hander is one of the best young arms in baseball and has gone 4-1 with a 2.70 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 47 strikeouts and 14 walks in 33 1/3 innings pitched over his first seven big-league starts. Although Miz would be in line for a shorter outing if he faces the Reds on Friday, his high-end strikeout upside would still make him a candidate for starting fantasy lineups.Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
The Milwaukee Brewers said that right-handed pitching prospect Khamzat Chimaev A Favorite At UFC 319
Source: UFC
Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to take on middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 on Saturday. Since signing with the promotion, the undefeated Chimaev has been on a tear, going 8-0 and going the distance only twice thus far. He was last seen in action in October at UFC 308, where he finished former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker via first-round submission. DraftKings sees Chimaev as the favorite with a salary of $8,900.Willson Contreras Still Not Ready to Play on Friday
Willson Contreras (foot) remains out of the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the visiting New York Yankees at Busch Stadium. Contreras was hit by a pitch on his foot on Tuesday and missed Wednesday's contest before having a scheduled day off on Thursday. It's merely a day-to-day injury for the 33-year-old former catcher, but he'll miss a second straight game. Alec Burleson is starting at first base and is batting third against Yankees right-hander Luis Gil. Contreras has gone hitless in each of his last three games and is batting .241 (7-for-29) for the month with two home runs, a double, four RBI and five runs scored in 10 games played. Check back on Saturday to see if he's ready to return to first-base duties. Burleson has never faced Gil in his career.Source: MLB.com
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Dricus Du Plessis Set For His Third Title Defense
Source: UFC
Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is scheduled for his third title defense against undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319 on Saturday. Du Plessis won the middleweight belt last year in January at UFC 297, where he defeated Sean Strickland via split decision. His first title defense was against former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, and Du Plessis defeated Adesanya by submitting him in the fourth round. In his last bout in February at UFC 312, Du Plessis rematched Strickland and outclassed the former champion en route to a unanimous decision win. DraftKings sees Du Plessis as the underdog with a salary of $7,300.Aaron Pico Set For UFC Debut
Source: UFC
Aaron Pico is set to make his promotional debut against undefeated Lerone Murphy in the co-main event of UFC 319 on Saturday. After suffering a second-round knockout loss to Adam Borics back in July 2019 at Bellator 222, Pico switched up his game plan, stopped being reckless, and since then, he's gone 9-1 in his last 10 bouts, losing only to Jeremy Kennedy back in 2022 after suffering a shoulder injury. He was last seen in action in February 2024 at PFL vs. Bellator: Champs, where he finished Henry Corrales via first-round TKO. DraftKings sees Pico as a slight favorite with a salary of $8,200.Wade Miley Sent on Rehab Assignment
Wade Miley (elbow) on a minor-league rehab assignment to Double-A Chattanooga. Miley has made only three appearances (two starts) for the Reds in 2025 and has been out since late June due to a flexor tendon strain in his left arm. Because of his long layoff, the 38-year-old southpaw will likely require at least a few rehab starts in the minors, but barring a setback, he could be an option for the Reds' big-league starting rotation later this month. Rookie right-hander Chase Burns (elbow) just went on the 15-day injured list with a flexor strain of his own, but it remains to be seen if Cincy will have a starting spot for Miley available when he's ready. Fantasy-wise, Miley won't be an intriguing waiver-wire option in any league when he returns with a career 7.0 K/9.Source: Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Friday that they sent left-hander