Justin Haley Hopes to Repeat Corey LaJoie's Strong Sonoma Run From Last Year
Source: Racing Reference
Justin Haley's season has been somewhat disastrous thus far, but if he has any hope of turning around, it could happen at Sonoma. Last year, Corey LaJoie had one of his best runs of the year in the No. 7 car at Sonoma, where he finished 11th and had an average running position of 15th. However, Haley does not have as strong a record at Sonoma as LaJoie does, as he only finished in the top 20 once, earning a 12th-place finish in 2022 when he drove for Kaulig Racing. If Spire Motorsports' road-course cars are as fast as they seemed to be last year (especially at Watkins Glen), Haley may be an excellent dark-horse selection to earn place-differential points. The speed Michael McDowell showed last week at Chicago is certainly promising, but ultimately he's been running too poorly everywhere to be seriously considered for DFS play.Ty Dillon Likely to Be Eliminated From In-Season Challenge
Source: Racing Reference
After backing into the Round of 16 in the NASCAR In-Season Challenge because he finished both of the first two races while his heavily-favored opponents Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski both crashed, Ty Dillon's run will likely end on Sunday now that he is facing Alex Bowman, a driver who has earned top-10 finishes in all three of his road/street-course starts, while Dillon has never had one in his career. At $5,000, Dillon is one of the most inexpensive drivers in the field, but in five Sonoma starts, he has never finished better than 23rd. The fact that he had his best qualifying run on Saturday and starts a career-best 26th indicates he's even less likely to gain place-differential points than he was in previous years. There are plenty of drivers who are available relatively cheaply who should be considered before him.Shelby Miller Getting Second Opinion on Forearm
Shelby Miller (forearm) will seek a second opinion after getting his MRI results. It's usually not good news when a pitcher is seeking a second opinion on an elbow or forearm issue. It seems like the D-Backs and Miller are trying to avoid having Tommy John surgery. The 34-year-old is currently sidelined with a right forearm strain, but we'll see what happens after the second diagnosis. It is looking increasingly likely that Miller is done for the season. That would be tough news for the D-Backs who are already without Justin Martinez (elbow), AJ Puk (elbow), and Jalen Beeks (back) right now. That being said, the D-Backs are likely going to use a committee of Kevin Ginkel, Kendall Graveman, and Kyle Backhus as their closer going forward.Source: Arizona Sports
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Owen Caissie Gets on Base Three Times in All-Star Futures Game
Owen Caissie didn't let the All-Star Futures Game slow him down, going 1-for-2 with two walks and an RBI double in the contest that saw the NL squad emerge victorious over the AL team by a score of 4-2. Over his last nine games for Triple-A Iowa, the Cubs' top prospect has gone 14-for-35 (.400) with eight home runs, 10 RBI, 15 runs scored, and a 10:8 BB:K. For the season, the left-handed slugger is slashing .278/.386/.575 with 19 home runs and a strong 14.0 percent walk rate, although it comes with a 30.2 percent strikeout rate. The 23-year-old should make his MLB debut this season, but with a crowded outfield in Chicago, there is no path to at-bats at the moment. Managers in very deep and NL-only leagues in need of some power production should consider stashing the former second-round draft pick ahead of his eventual call-up.Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Max Muncy Progressing to Stationary Bike
Max Muncy (knee) has progressed to using a stationary bike, according to the team's manager Dave Roberts. He continued by saying that Muncy is trending really well from his left knee bone bruise. Muncy has been out since early July and is expected to miss about six weeks of action. That timetable would put him around mid-August to get back into the mix at third base. In his absence, Tommy Edman and Miguel Rojas have been splitting up duties at the hot corner. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Muncy through the injury.Source: mlb.com
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Cole Custer is A Value Option Worth Consideration for Sonoma DFS Lineups
Source: DriverAverages.com
Haas Factory Team driver Cole Custer will start 27th for Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350 after qualifying. Custer has never qualified lower than this position in his entire Cup career at Sonoma Raceway. In two Cup starts at Sonoma, Custer has two finishes of 21st or better, but has only scored positive Place Differential once. With 19 races completed this season, Custer has five top-20 finishes, with his only top-10 being claimed at Mexico City, another road course venue. The No. 41 Ford driver also has finished with positive PD in two of the three road course events this season. In practice, Custer ranked 18th in overall lap averages and 25th in five consecutive lap averages. Based on his practice speeds and overall results at road courses this season, Custer is one of the more favorable DFS value options to consider for all formats this week.Kyle Bradish to Throw on Saturday
Kyle Bradish (elbow) is set to take the ball and throw two innings next week in Florida. If everything goes well, Bradish is likely to go out on a rehab assignment after his two-inning outing on Saturday. Bradish is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in June of last year. Barring any setbacks, Bradish should be able to get back into the mix at some point in August. It's unclear how much Bradish will be used down the stretch of the season as the O's place in the standings could dictate that. Bradish isn't someone that must be stashed right now as it's unsure when he'll return at the moment.Source: Roch Kubatko
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Josue De Paula Named All-Star Futures Game MVP
Josue
De
Paula
went
1-for-2
with
a
three-run
home
run
in
the
fourth
inning
of
Saturday's
All-Star
Futures
Game
that
erased
a
2-0
deficit,
putting
the
NL
squad
aheadread more...
Los
Angeles
Dodgers
outfield
prospect
Could Erik Jones Be A Decent Value Option for Sonoma DFS Lineups?
Erik Jones of Legacy Motor Club obtained a starting position of 31st after qualifying for Sunday's Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Jones is the lowest-qualifying Toyota driver of the week for Sunday's race and is matched up against his teammate,Adley Rutschman to Play Catch Next Week
Adley Rutschman (oblique) is scheduled to play catch next Saturday, July 19 in Florida. That being said, Rutschman won't be ready to return to the field right after the All-Star break. The switch-hitting catcher continues to work his way back from an oblique issue that has sidelined him since mid-June. Rutschman has been swinging the bat and hitting off a tee, but there is still more work that needs to be done. Fantasy managers might not get Rutschman back into the mix until possibly August. He was struggling with the bat before going down, but is still worth rostering in most fantasy formats.Source: mlb.com
Baltimore Orioles catcher Cody Ware is Not A Top Recommendation for Sonoma Lineups
Cody Ware of Rick Ware Racing will start 36th after qualifying for this week's Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. Ware is the lowest-qualifying Ford driver in the field for this week's race. In four previous Cup races at Sonoma, WareAaron Nola Throws Bullpen Session
Aaron Nola (ankle, rib) was able to throw a 40-pitch bullpen session on Saturday. Nola continues to work his way back from a right ankle sprain and also a stress fracture of his right rib. The right-hander is currently scheduled to throw a live batting practice session on Tuesday and Saturday of next week. There is still more work to do, but hopefully Nola will be able to return to the starting rotation in early or mid-August. Nola has been sidelined the last two months, so his return to the mound will almost be like a trade deadline acquisition for Philadelphia. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Nola and be patient.Source: mlb.com
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Alec Bohm Unlikely to Play on Sunday
Alec Bohm (ribs) is unlikely to play during Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres. Bohm was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's contest. He was hit by a pitch in the left ribs by Yu Darvish in the second inning. Bohm stayed a little longer, but was pulled out for Edmundo Sosa in the fourth inning. It doesn't sound like a major injury, but the issue could affect him swinging the bat. That being said, the Phillies are likely going to play it safe and rest Bohm with this being the last game before the All-Star break. If that happens, Bohm would have until July 18 to recover and get ready to play again. Sosa figures to draw the start at third base on Sunday.Source: Lochlahn March
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Trout Homers, Drives in Four
Mike Trout had a huge night in his team's 10-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. The hall-of-fame-bound veteran went two-for-four with a walk, home run, and four RBI. Trout may not be the MVP-level player he was in his prime, but he's still posted an .830 OPS with 17 home runs, 40 RBI, and 36 runs scored. Trout's hard-hit rate is back over 50% after it dropped under that mark for the first time in four seasons in 2024, and his expected stats suggest he's actually been unlucky in both the batting average and slugging department. Health is always the key for Trout, but he should be a productive power bat for fantasy managers if he can stay on the field the rest of the way.Source: MLB.com
Los Angeles Angels outfielder/designated hitter Willi Castro Homers, Drives in Three
Willi Castro went 3-for-4 with a walk, home run, and three RBI in his team's 12-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. Castro is having a solid season overall, hitting .269 with nine home runs, 24 RBI, 41 runs, and eight stolen bases. The versatile switch-hitter has also logged double-digit games at second base, third base, and both corner outfield positions. Castro's 10.1% walk rate is the best of his career, as is his 43.5% hard-hit rate (entering play on Saturday). With his multi-position eligibility and modest power/speed ability, Castro is an underrated piece in fantasy.Source: MLB.com
Minnesota Twins utility man Julio Rodriguez Logs Three-Hit Day
Julio Rodriguez had a monster game in his team's 15-7 win over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, going 3-for-5 with a walk, home run, two additional runs scored, three RBI, and a stolen base. The 24-year-old All-Star hasn't lived up to his massive potential so far in 2025, slashing .249/.308/.405 with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, 60 runs, and 16 stolen bases. Even so, Rodriguez remains a high-level fantasy option because of his five-category potential while playing every day in a resurgent Seattle lineup. He won't participate in the All-Star game due to a desire to take time to recuperate, so fantasy managers can hope the extra rest will power him to a big second half.Source: MLB.com
Seattle Mariners outfielder Carson Kelly Continues Breakout Season with Big Night
Carson Kelly powered his team to a 5-2 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday, going 2-for-3 with a walk, home run and two RBI. Kelly has been one of the best-hitting catchers in baseball so far this season, slashing .272/.374/.518 with 12 home runs, 33 RBI, and 36 runs scored in 230 plate appearances. The 30-year-old is walking at a 13.9% rate while striking out in just 16.1% of his plate appearances. Kelly's 109.7 mph maximum exit velocity, 10.1% barrel rate, and 44.3% hard-hit rate are all career highs. The veteran is a must-start catcher in all fantasy formats as we head into the second half of the season.Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs catcher Brent Rooker Homers, Drives in Three
Brent Rooker went 2-for-2 with a walk, home run, and three RBI in his team's 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. The 30-year-old has been excellent this season, slashing .278/.352/.505 with 20 homers, 54 RBI, and 60 runs in 422 plate appearances. Rooker's 22% strikeout rate is over 6% lower than his career norm, and his .293 xBA and .546 xSLG suggest that he's underperformed his underlying metrics to this point. Rooker has established himself over the past two seasons as a legitimate late-blooming breakout bat, and he looks like one of the better power and run producers in baseball.Source: MLB.com
Athletics designated hitter/outfielder Mason Miller Notches 18th Save
Mason Miller picked up his 18th save of the season on Saturday in his team's 4-3 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Miller pitched a scoreless ninth inning, striking out two and allowing a walk. The 26-year-old right-hander has allowed just one earned run in his last 10 1/3 innings pitched, converting five of six save chances in that stretch. For the season, Miller is 18/21 on save opportunities with a 4.15 ERA, 10.8 WHIP, and 56 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings. His 4.15 ERA is a bit inflated due to an abnormally low 64.8% strand rate, but Miller's 2.77 xERA and 28.1% K-BB rate point to how dominant he's truly been.Source: MLB.com
Athletics closer Travis Etienne Jr. Needs to Bounce Back in 2025
Travis
Etienne
Jr.
needs
to
have
a
strong
year
to
be
considered
a
"marquee
target"
in
free
agency
next
offseason.
If
not,
he
couldread more...
According
to
Jeff
Howe
of
The
Athletic,
Jacksonville
Jaguars
running
back
Jose Ramirez Swipes Three Bases on Saturday
Jose Ramirez peppered the box score in a 6-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. Ramirez finished 1-for-3 with two walks and a run scored, and he was a force on the bases, swiping three bags. The seven-time All-Star has now stolen three bases in a game twice this year. Already with eight steals in 12 contests this month, he's up to 29 on the season and on pace to surpass the career-high 41 he amassed a year ago. Along with that, the switch-hitting 32-year-old is once again posting outstanding numbers at the dish. He's slashing .297/.367/.510 with 18 homers, 48 RBI, and 53 runs scored in 387 plate appearances.Source: ESPN
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Ryan Helsley Takes First Loss of Season
Ryan Helsley (3-1) suffered his first loss of the season Saturday in a 7-6 game against the Atlanta Braves. Helsley came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning in a 6-6 game and surrendered a leadoff single to Nacho Alvarez Jr., who advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. Alvarez moved to third on a Drake Baldwin single before scoring on a Jurickson Profar groundout. Helsley didn't record any strikeouts or walks during an 11-pitch inning that snapped a modest streak of six straight scoreless appearances. The 30-year-old right-hander is having a decent season, but he hasn't been the lights-out option he was from 2022-24. Across 32 innings, Helsley has pitched to a 3.38 ERA with a mediocre 1.41 WHIP, 35:13 K:BB, and 18 saves in 23 opportunities.Source: ESPN
St. Louis Cardinals closer Raisel Iglesias Perfect in Save Opportunity
Raisel Iglesias recorded his second save in as many games in a 7-6 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday. After the Braves called on him for the third straight day, Iglesias retired the Cardinals on 11 pitches (nine strikes) and struck out one in a perfect bottom of the ninth inning. The 35-year-old has now piled up 14 straight scoreless appearances. Thanks to his struggles earlier in the season, Iglesias still has a disappointing 4.42 ERA in 36 2/3 innings. To his credit, though, Iglesias has continued to amass strikeouts (42) while limiting walks (seven).Source: ESPN
Atlanta Braves closer Tanner Scott Nails Down 19th Save
Tanner Scott picked up his 19th save in a 2-1 nail-biter against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday. Scott pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning and struck out both Jung Hoo Lee and Casey Schmitt to help the Dodgers snap a seven-game losing streak. It was a much-needed rebound for the left-hander, who combined to surrender three earned runs on six hits over two frames in his previous two outings. Scott's 3.77 ERA through 43 innings is about two runs higher than his pristine 1.75 mark from last year, but he has logged a strong 1.09 WHIP with excellent strikeout and walk numbers (49:7 K:BB).Source: ESPN
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Randy Arozarena Continues Hot Hitting in Victory
Randy Arozarena had a huge game at the plate in a 15-7 beatdown of the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. Arozarena finished 3-for-5 with a homer, two RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base to continue a power-packed July. In his first 11 games of the month, Arozarena has gone deep six times while knocking in nine runs and scoring 10 times. Arozarena got off to a slow start through the first couple of months this season, but he has been much better since early June and is on track for another prolific campaign. The 30-year-old is slashing .249/.356/.452 with 16 homers, 46 RBI, 52 runs, and 16 stolen bases in 407 plate appearances. At minimum, Arozarena looks like a shoo-in for his fifth consecutive 20/20 season.Source: ESPN
Seattle Mariners outfielder Wan'Dale Robinson Wants More Downfield Opportunities this Season
Wan'Dale
Robinson
has
repeatedly
expressed
his
displeasure
regarding
his
role
throughout
the
offseason.
The
24-year-old,
who
played
nearly
80%
of
his
snaps
in
the
slot
last
season,
is
hoping
to
getread more...
New
York
Giants
wide
receiver
Noelvi Marte Goes Yard Again on Saturday
Noelvi Marte continued his recent power surge on Saturday, homering for the third time in four games in a 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies. Marte blasted a seventh-inning solo shot off right-hander Tyler Kinley for his lone hit in a 1-for-4 day. The 23-year-old missed most of May and all of June with an oblique strain, but he has made up for lost time since the Reds activated him July 4. In his first eight games back, Marte has gone 7-for-24 with three homers, five RBI, four runs scored, and 3:2 K:BB. The former top prospect has taken 100 trips to the plate this year and hit a highly productive .293/.340/.565 with six HRs, 22 RBI, 14 runs, and four steals. Marte has significantly cut his strikeout rate since last season, going from 31% to 15%, and the results have been encouraging.Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Edwin Diaz Records Six-Out Save
Edwin Diaz secured his 19th save of the year in a 3-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. The 31-year-old right-hander had to work harder than usual for this one, as the Mets called on him to pitch two innings. Diaz issued a one-out walk to Bobby Witt Jr. in the eighth inning, but he retired the other six hitters he faced and struck out one over 22 pitches. The three-time All-Star has now gone 12 straight appearances without allowing a run and has given up just one since the beginning of May. Diaz, who has only blown one save, owns a sparkling 1.66 ERA with a 0.87 WHIP and 55:13 K:BB.Source: ESPN
New York Mets closer Kyle Finnegan Blows Save, Loses on Saturday
Kyle Finnegan (1-3) blew his sixth save of the year and ended up with his third loss in a 6-5 game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. The Nationals called on Finnegan to pitch the bottom of the ninth and preserve a 5-3 lead, but he wasn't up to the challenge. Finnegan retired just one batter while allowing three hits, two walks (one intentional), and three earned runs. Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin walked it off with an RBI single. It was the worst outing for Finnegan since he gave up three earned runs in a loss to the Colorado Rockies on June 16. He had totaled eight straight scoreless appearances since then to lower his ERA to 2.36. That number is now up to a still-solid 3.12 through 34 2/3 innings after Saturday's meltdown. Finnegan also has a 1.18 WHIP with 18 saves and 27:12 K:BB.Source: ESPN
Washington Nationals closer DJ LeMahieu Drawing Interest from Multiple Teams
DJ LeMahieu is reportedly drawing interest from multiple organizations. LeMahieu was released by the New York Yankees on Thursday. Despite still being owed $22 million, LeMahieu was let go by the organization. Now, LeMahieu can decide where he wants to play for the rest of the season. LeMahieu hasn't been terrible at the plate this season. He's slashing .266/.338/.336 with two home runs and 12 RBI across 45 games. He's able to play multiple positions and his postseason experience could be helpful for a contending team. His fantasy value is dependent on where he lands. However, LeMahieu probably won't be anything more than a deep league option, but is someone to keep an eye on right now.Source: Jon Morosi
According to Jon Morosi, free-agent infielder