July 12, 2025
New York Mets closer
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.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
July 12, 2025
Washington Nationals closer
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.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
July 12, 2025
According to Jon Morosi, free-agent infielder
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.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Morosi
July 12, 2025
Washington Nationals third baseman
Brady House made some noise with the bat during Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Coming into this game, House had zero home runs over his first 21 games. He blasted his first career home run off right-hander
Brandon Woodruff in the fourth inning. The fun didn't stop there as House went deep again in the eighth inning. He finished this game 3-for-4 with two homers and three RBI in the loss. House is 13-for-42 at the plate over his last 10 games. He's worth a look in deep leagues at the very least right now.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
July 12, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins was arrested in Fort Lauderdale for battery and domestic violence on Saturday. According to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, the 21-year-old remains in custody while being charged with touching or striking, battery, and domestic violence. Judkins was selected in the second round with the 36th overall pick by the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft. He also remains unsigned and now could face discipline under the NFL Personal Conduct Policy as more details come out about his arrest. If Judkins were to miss time this season,
Jerome Ford and
Dylan Sampson would see an increase in touches and snaps, bumping the draft stock a few spots for both Cleveland backs heading into upcoming fantasy drafts.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Zac Jackson
July 12, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies third baseman
Alec Bohm (ribs) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres. Bohm was hit in the rib cage by a pitch from
Yu Darvish in the second inning. He remained in the game for a few more innings until being replaced by
Edmundo Sosa in the bottom of the fourth inning. Bohm is reportedly dealing with a bruised left rib cage, so he figures to sit out on Sunday. The expectation is that it's a day-to-day issue and Bohm should be ready to go following the All-Star break. Fantasy managers should check back on Sunday just in case he is available to play.
--Andy WebbSource: Todd Zolecki
July 12, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman
Andrew Vaughn has come alive with the bat since joining his new team. His success at the plate continued during Saturday's game against the Washington Nationals. Vaughn went 2-for-4 with two doubles and four RBI in the 6-5 win over the Nats on Saturday. The right-handed slugger is 6-for-14 with 10 RBI since joining the Brewers on Monday. Vaughn figures to continue getting regular playing time while
Rhys Hoskins (thumb) is out. Fantasy managers looking for a boost in their lineup right now should consider adding Vaughn while he's hot at the plate.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
July 12, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher
Brandon Woodruff made his second start since returning from shoulder surgery on Saturday. Woodruff only gave up one earned run on two hits during his season debut last Sunday. The veteran right-hander wasn't quite as good in this one, but still delivered a solid performance. Woodruff allowed two earned runs on five hits while striking out 10 batters across 4.1 innings of work against the Washington Nationals on Saturday. This was only an 81-pitch outing from Woodruff as the Brewers didn't want to push him too hard. He has pitched well enough through the first two outings that he deserves to be rostered in most fantasy formats. It's unclear where he'll line up to pitch following the All-Star break.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
July 12, 2025
Washington Nationals starting pitcher
Shinnosuke Ogasawara has been optioned to Triple-A Rochester on Saturday. The rookie left-hander will head to the minors following his lackluster outing on Saturday. Ogasawara allowed three earned runs on four hits while striking out only one batter over four innings of work against the Milwaukee Brewers. This isn't a shocking move given Ogasawara has allowed seven runs over 6.2 innings of work so far in the big leagues. The assumption is that Ogasawara will be back after the All-Star break. This could be a procedural move in order to get an extra bullpen arm ahead of the break. The Nats haven't announced who will take the spot on the active roster or that Ogasawara would return following the break. Regardless, the rookie southpaw isn't someone that needs to be rostered in fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: Nationals Communications
July 12, 2025
Minnesota Twins outfielder
Byron Buxton continues to shine in what is shaping up to be the best season of his professional career. Buxton hit for the cycle on Saturday, leading the Twins to a 12-4 win over the Pirates. He went a perfect 5-for-5, capping off the afternoon by taking
Andrew Heaney deep in the seventh inning. The 31-year-old now has 21 home runs and 17 stolen bases on the year, delivering the elite five-tool production that injuries have often kept out of reach. With his value peaking, Buxton managers might consider selling high heading into the second half.
--Shaun AlbinSource: MLB.com
July 12, 2025
Athletics shortstop
Jacob Wilson (hand) returns to the lineup Saturday, batting second against the Toronto Blue Jays. Wilson had been sidelined since Tuesday's 10-1 win over the Braves after taking a pitch off his left hand. The Rookie of the Year candidate missed three games but brings his steady presence back to the top of the A's lineup. Wilson has been excellent in his debut season, slashing .335/.379/.468, though his lack of power and speed caps his fantasy ceiling. Fantasy managers should continue to start Wilson for batting average and runs, especially as the A's offense continues to trend upward.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Athletics
July 12, 2025
Boston Red Sox left-hander
Garrett Crochet (10-4) delivered his finest outing of an already stellar season on Saturday. The 26-year-old southpaw tossed a complete game shutout against the Rays, striking out nine and allowing just three baserunners in a 1-0 victory. Crochet needed only 100 pitches to go the distance and didn't allow an extra-base hit all afternoon. He enters the second half firmly in the American League Cy Young conversation, with a 2.23 ERA and 160 strikeouts over 129 1/3 innings.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Boston Red Sox
July 12, 2025
Atlanta Braves designated hitter
Marcell Ozuna is showing signs of life at the plate, launching his 13th home run of the season in Saturday's 7-6 win over the Cardinals. Ozuna crushed a second-inning pitch from
Erick Fedde 422 feet to left, highlighting a 2-for-4 day that also included an infield single. He's slashing .239/.364/.396 on the year, with his slugging percentage down 150 points from his 2024 All-Star campaign. A pair of homers heading into the break could spark a second-half turnaround for Ozuna. He remains a high-upside hold in all formats.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Atlanta Braves
July 12, 2025
New York Yankees outfielder
Aaron Judge remained red-hot in his MVP chase, belting his 35th home run of the season in Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Cubs. Judge went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a two-run homer off
Brad Keller in the ninth inning, driving in the Yankees' only runs of the game. Slashing an absurd .358/.465/.739 on the season, Judge will face Cubs southpaw
Shota Imanaga on Sunday in his final matchup before the All-Star break. Judge's 12% home run rate against lefties only boosts his DFS upside in this matchup.
--Shaun AlbinSource: mlb.com
July 12, 2025
Chicago Cubs left-hander
Matthew Boyd ended the first half of his season on a high note in a 5-2 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday. Boyd improved to 10-3 with a season-high eight innings of scoreless, four-hit ball, notching six strikeouts and no walks. He threw 85 pitches, 62 for strikes, and will head into the All-Star break having allowed two or fewer earned runs in nine consecutive starts. The first-time All-Star, 34, has tallied 13 quality starts and logged an ace-like 2.34 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP, 102 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 111 2/3 frames.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
July 12, 2025
Chicago Cubs closer
Daniel Palencia shut the door on the New York Yankees to collect his 11th save in a 5-2 win on Saturday. Palencia entered with one out and a man on first in the bottom of the ninth inning and retired both hitters he faced, striking out
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and inducing a
Trent Grisham groundout. He needed just nine pitches to close out the Yankees. Palencia has gone six straight appearances without allowing an earned run, dropping his ERA to 1.62 in 33 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old right-hander also carries a 0.90 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and 11 walks, and his only blown save came back on May 19.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
July 12, 2025
The San Diego Padres announced that they have optioned right-hander
Ryan Bergert to Triple-A El Paso and recalled righty reliever
Alek Jacob. Bergert spent two-plus weeks on the 15-day injured list and returned Friday to throw 4 2/3 innings of two-run ball with seven strikeouts in a win against the Philadelphia Phillies. With the first half of Bergert's season done and the Padres in immediate need of bullpen help, it made sense to option him. The 25-year-old rookie is sure to return sometime in the second half, having put up a 2.84 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and 30:14 K:BB across 31 2/3 innings and 10 appearances (six starts).
--Connor ByrneSource: San Diego Padres
July 12, 2025
Miami Marlins third baseman
Connor Norby (hand) was not in the starting lineup Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles because of soreness in his left hand, Nate Karzmer of Fish on First reports. The Marlins started
Javier Sanoja at the hot corner and batted him ninth versus left-hander
Trevor Rogers. Norby has been a regular in Miami's lineup this season, but the 25-year-old has struggled to a .241/.289/.364 line with six home runs, 26 RBI, 33 runs, and seven stolen bases in 273 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: Nate Karzmer
July 12, 2025
Houston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena (rib) fielded ground balls before the team's game against the Texas Rangers on Saturday, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. It's the latest positive development for Pena as he works back from a small fracture in one of his left ribs. The Astros have gone without Pena since he suffered the injury on June 27, but he could be back right after the All-Star break. Pena had a tremendous first half of the season, slashing .322/.378/.489 with 11 homers, 40 RBI, 48 runs scored, and 15 steals across 350 plate appearances.
Mauricio Dubon and
Zack Short have divided time at shortstop in Pena's absence.
--Connor ByrneSource: Brian McTaggart - MLB.com
July 12, 2025
New York Mets right-hander
Dedniel Nunez (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery next week, manager
Carlos Mendoza announced. Nunez went on the 15-day injured list with a sprained elbow on July 3, but he'll now miss the rest of this season and a large portion (perhaps all) of the 2026 campaign. He previously underwent TJ surgery in 2021 while a member of the San Francisco Giants. Nunez debuted in the majors with the Mets last year and made a great first impression, notching a 2.31 ERA with 48:8 K:BB in 35 innings. However, the 29-year-old missed most of August and all of September with a flexor injury. He returned to the majors on May 5 this year and was unable to replicate last season's production. Nunez's 2025 will wrap up with a 4.66 ERA, 11 strikeouts, and six walks over 9 2/3 frames.
--Connor ByrneSource: SNY
July 12, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Lars Nootbaar (side) departed the team's game against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday with left-side discomfort, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. He went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before the Cardinals replaced him in left field with
Jose Fermin in the top of the sixth inning. Nootbaar has been trying to play through intercostal/ribcage soreness for the past couple of weeks, but he has missed multiple games and been pulled on more than one occasion as a result of the injury. With the All-Star break coming up, the first half of his season may be over. The 27-year-old has hit a modest .227/.332/.381 with 12 homers, 37 RBI, 50 runs scored, and four steals in 386 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: Derrick Goold
July 12, 2025
The Los Angeles Angels made a notable change in their rotation Friday, optioning right-hander
Jack Kochanowicz to Triple-A Salt Lake. The team recalled left-handed reliever
Jake Eder in a corresponding move. The Angels have remarkably used the same five starters all year, but they've seen enough of Kochanowicz for the time being. He toed the rubber Thursday and yielded eight earned runs over 2 2/3 innings in a loss to Texas. That outing capped off a brutal first half of the season for the 6-foot-7 Kochanowicz, who's 3-9 with a 6.03 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, and 65:45 K:BB across 94 frames (19 starts). Kochanowicz easily ranks last among qualified starters in ERA. There's no word on who will take over for the 24-year-old in the Halos' rotation. The Angels won't need a fifth starter again until July 22, which gives them time to find an alternative.
--Connor ByrneSource: Los Angeles Angels
July 12, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Terry McLaurin is entering the final year of his deal and is a candidate to be a holdout or hold-in at training camp this summer. McLaurin has five straight 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and has at least 900 receiving yards in each of his six years in the NFL, but The Athletic's Mike Jones writes that he's unlikely to land a deal that rivals that of Bengals wideout
Ja'Marr Chase, who got four years and $161 million. However, it's possible that McLaurin tops the four-year, $115 million deal the Bengals gave receiver
Tee Higgins. The 29-year-old had a strong 23.2% target share last year and excelled with impressive rookie quarterback
Jayden Daniels, also scoring a career-high 13 touchdowns. McLaurin will see regression in the TD department, but with Daniels looking like an elite QB, McLaurin is now in WR2 territory in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike Jones
July 12, 2025
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Pablo Lopez (shoulder) is throwing on flat ground from 75 feet as he works back from a shoulder injury, according to the team. Lopez suffered a Grade 2 strain of the teres major on June 4 and was transferred to the 60-day injured list on June 11. As a result, he won't be eligible to return until the first half of August. The loss of Lopez has been a significant blow to both the Twins and fantasy managers, as the 29-year-old has gone 5-3 with a 2.82 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and 61:14 K:BB in 60 2/3 innings this season.
--Connor ByrneSource: Minnesota Twins
July 12, 2025
San Diego Padres right-handed pitcher
Joe Musgrove (elbow) tossed his first bullpen since undergoing Tommy John surgery last October. He threw a handful of pitches at about 75% intensity and measured his fastball at around 80 mph. Both Musgrove and the training staff are happy with the results as he continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery. Barring any setbacks, the 32-year-old is expected to advance to full bullpen sessions in August. Before getting injured, he owned a 3.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 103 strikeouts over 99 2/3 innings in 2024. Musgrove isn't likely to pitch for the Padres this season, but his offseason progress is something to monitor heading into 2026.
--Dave Funnell - RotoBallerSource: Kevin Acee
July 12, 2025
The Athletic's Joe Rexrode believes that giving Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary a contract extension this summer seems like a smart decision as the former second-rounder in 2022 enters his fourth NFL season. McCreary is by no means an elite defensive back, but he's been versatile and durable for the Titans, missing just four games in his first three years in the league. Tennessee also has plenty of question marks on defense and in their defensive backfield, so it would seem to be a wise move to get the 25-year-old locked in long term. The Auburn alum actually took a step back in 2024, posting a career-low 50 tackles (43 solo), one sack, 12 tackles for loss and only one pass breakup in 15 games (seven starts) in his third season. McCreary spent most of his time in the slot last year and struggled, so the Titans may want to move him back outside, especially if they sign him to an extension.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Joe Rexrode
July 12, 2025
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Zebby Matthews (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday. Matthews has been down since June 5 with a strained right shoulder. The 25-year-old made four starts before going on the 15-day injured list and registered an unappealing 5.21 ERA and 1.47 BB/9 in 19 innings, though he did amass 25 strikeouts against eight walks. Matthews could factor back into Minnesota's rotation later this month if he gets through his rehab unscathed.
--Connor ByrneSource: Minnesota Twins
July 12, 2025
New York Yankees ace
Max Fried (finger) exited his start against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday with what appeared to be a blister on his left thumb, Jack Curry of YES Network reports. The Yankees replaced him with right-hander
Ian Hamilton. Fried didn't resemble his All-Star self Saturday, as he labored through three innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks. The 31-year-old left-hander struck out two during a 73-pitch outing in which he totaled just 39 strikes. Notably, Fried has landed on the injured list multiple times in his career because of blisters. The Yankees should have more on his status after the game.
UPDATE: The Yankees announced that Fried has a blister on his left index finger. --Connor ByrneSource: Jack Curry - YES Network
July 12, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans is entering the final year of his two-year, $41 million deal in 2025, and The Athletic's Dan Pompei writes that the team could have a difficult time retaining the future Hall of Famer beyond this season, especially at a similar price to what they just re-signed
Chris Godwin at. Despite being close to turning 32 years old, Evans hasn't shown signs of slowing down, posting 1,000 yards receiving in 2024 for the 11th straight season while also scoring 11 touchdowns. Tampa certainly doesn't want to lose one of the greatest players in franchise history who is also highly respected in the locker room, but it remains to be seen how this will play out following the 2025 season after they took wideout
Emeka Egbuka in the first round this year. For fantasy purposes, Evans is a high-end WR2.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dan Pompei
July 12, 2025
Given Seattle Seahawks left tackle Charles Cross' age (24), position and status as the team's best offensive lineman, The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar thinks that signing him to a contract extension before training camp this summer seems like an obvious decision. Cross is one of six extension-eligible players from the team's 2022 draft class, joining outside linebacker Boye Mafe, running back
Kenneth Walker III, right tackle Abe Lucas, cornerback Riq Woolen and safety Coby Bryant. Shawn-Dugar adds that Cross should have a salary floor of at least $21 million per year on any new deal he gets. Seattle picked up the 24-year-old's fifth-year option back in April, but it doesn't mean it will prevent them from getting a long-term deal done before the start of the 2025 season. Cross is the unquestioned starting left tackle and will protect new quarterback
Sam Darnold's blind side.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Michael-Shawn Dugar
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