Cristian Javier Throws 49 Pitches in Triple-A Rehab Start
Cristian Javier (elbow) made his first Triple-A rehab start on Thursday and threw 49 pitches (30 strikes) in 2 2/3 innings. Javier gave up one run on three hits with two walks and a strikeout as he continues progressing toward an August return to the majors. The 28-year-old hasn't pitched in the bigs since May 2024 as a result of Tommy John surgery. As the owner of a lifetime 3.59 ERA over 116 appearances (82 starts), Javier could help Houston's rotation upon his return. He's among a handful of Astros starting options on the mend from long-term injuries, joining the likes of Luis Garcia (elbow), Spencer Arrighetti (thumb), and J.P. France (shoulder). The team hopes to get all of those reinforcements back in the coming weeks as it pushes for an AL West title.Source: MiLB.com
Houston Astros right-hander Griffin Conine Begins Throwing Program
Griffin Conine (shoulder) has begun a throwing program as he recovers from season-ending surgery on his left shoulder, Kevin Barral of Fish on First reports. Conine, who dislocated his shoulder on April 19, threw from 60 feet on Tuesday and will increase the distance by 15 feet every other day. The 28-year-old expects to be cleared for full swings with the bat in three to four weeks, and he should be ready for the Arizona Fall League or an international winter league. Conine debuted in 2024 and has amassed just 160 plate appearances since then, but he has hit a productive .274/.338/.445 with four home runs and 19 RBI. If healthy, he'll have a good chance to earn a roster spot next spring.Source: Kevin Barral - Fish on First
Miami Marlins outfielder Mason Miller Records Four Outs to Secure 20th Save
Mason Miller notched a four-out save to finish off a 5-2 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday. Miller entered a 5-2 game with two outs and runners on the corners in the bottom of the eighth inning, and he put out the fire by getting Jose Altuve to fly out. The 26-year-old retired back-to-back hitters to start the ninth before walking Cam Smith, but he induced a Jon Singleton flyout to nail down an A's win. Miller struck out one and totaled 23 pitches to record his 20th save in 23 tries. While Miller's 3.86 ERA over 37 1/3 innings is significantly higher than the 2.49 mark he put up in 65 frames last year, the right-hander has returned to his dominant form with 10 straight scoreless appearances. With the July 31 trade deadline coming up, the A's have reportedly told teams that Miller isn't going anywhere.Source: ESPN
Athletics closer Rays Prefer to Keep Pete Fairbanks
Pete Fairbanks will be on the move before the July 31 trade deadline. The Rays would "strongly prefer" to retain the right-hander, according to Patrick Mooney, Will Sammon, and Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Rays are 53-50 and just 1 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot, so they're not lining up as sellers. Even if they weren't in contention, they'd be under no immediate pressure to trade Fairbanks. The 31-year-old still has another season of team control remaining in the form of a $7 million club option that could max out at $11 million with incentives. Even $11 million would be a reasonable price for Fairbanks, who's on track for a third straight season of 20-plus saves. He has racked up 17 saves in 20 chances and posted a 2.84 ERA (2.99 xERA) with a 1.13 WHIP over 38 innings, though his 32:15 K:BB leaves plenty to be desired.Source: Patrick Mooney, Will Sammon, Katie Woo - The Athletic
It doesn't appear that Tampa Bay Rays closer Ryan Helsley Expecting Trade Before Deadline
Ryan
Helsley
has
drawn
interest
from
five
or
more
teams
leading
up
to
the
July
31
trade
deadline,
Katie
Woo
and
Will
Sammon
of
The
Athletic
report.
The
Cardinals
improved
to
53-51
withread more...
St.
Louis
Cardinals
closer
Robert Stephenson Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Robert Stephenson (biceps) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL. The team selected left-hander Jose Quijada's contract in a corresponding move. Shifting Stephenson to the 60-day IL doesn't affect his timeline to return, as it has been almost two months since he went on the 15-day IL on June 2 with a stretched nerve in his right biceps. He's still eligible to come back in early August, but that's unlikely to happen. Stephenson missed all of last season because of Tommy John surgery and returned in late May to log two appearances before going back on the shelf. Those are the only appearances Stephenson has made since he signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Angels before the 2024 campaign.Source: Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels announced that they have transferred right-handed reliever Emeka Egbuka Earns Praise from Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield called his team's rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka an "absolute stud" during a recent episode of New Heights with Travis and Jason Kelce. The Bucs surprised many when they used a first-round selection on Egbuka this past April despite already rostering receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan. Egbuka starred at Ohio State in college, recording 81 catches for 1,011 yards and ten touchdowns as a senior in 2024. Tampa Bay recently placed Godwin (ankle) on the active/physically unable to perform list, and it's unclear if he'll be ready to go for the start of the season. That would open up a clear pathway to playing time for Egbuka early in the season. If he can take advantage of the early opportunity and run with it, Egbuka could be a draft-day steal for fantasy managers.Source: New Heights
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mets Not Pursuing Eugenio Suarez
Eugenio Suarez before the July 31 trade deadline, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. The Mets are instead prioritizing acquiring bullpen help, according to Heyman, who lists starting pitching and center field as other potential areas of focus for the club. On paper, Suarez would be a clear upgrade over Mets third base options Ronny Mauricio, Mark Vientos, and Brett Baty. They've combined for mediocre-at-best production, while Suarez has been one of the top power hitters in the league. Nevertheless, it doesn't appear that the Mets and Diamondbacks will line up on a deal for the two-time All-Star.Source: Jon Heyman
The New York Mets are not one of the teams pursuing Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Stefon Diggs Impresses at Patriots Camp
Stefon Diggs has been "remarkably fluid in his routes and a consistent target" for quarterback Drake Maye, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. It's a great sign for the 31-year-old coming off an ACL tear he suffered in October 2024. Diggs played well for the Houston Texans before the injury, hauling in 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. The Patriots signed him to a three-year, $63.5 million contract this past offseason, and he'll be relied upon to be the number one receiver in an offense that is desperate for playmakers in the passing game. Diggs may no longer have the same downfield juice he did in his peak, but he could be a PPR monster if healthy. In Drake Maye's second season, New England's offense should be improved to at least some degree relative to 2024.Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff
New England Patriots wide receiver Johan Oviedo Tosses Five Innings in Double-A Rehab Start
Johan Oviedo (elbow, lat) was terrific in a rehab outing with Double-A Altoona on Thursday. Oviedo threw five innings and allowed just one earned run with no walks over 63 pitches in his second rehab start at that level. The 27-year-old fanned five, threw 42 pitches for strikes, and reached 97 mph on his fastball. Oviedo could move to Triple-A next as he works back from multiple arm injuries that have kept him out of action since 2023. After missing last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Oviedo has been on the shelf this year with a lat issue. He went 9-14 with a 4.31 ERA and 158:83 K:BB across 32 starts and 177 2/3 innings with the Pirates in 2023.Source: Jon Mozes - MiLB.com
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Keon Coleman Struggling to Separate in Practice
Keon Coleman "failed to deliver on several opportunities" in practice on Wednesday, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. Buscaglia notes that Coleman struggled to create separation, which has been a consistent issue throughout his NFL career so far. Buffalo used a second-round pick on Coleman in 2024, and he caught 29 passes for 556 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Khalil Shakir emerged as the team's top wide receiver target last season, and the Bills signed veteran Joshua Palmer to compete with Coleman on the outside. Coleman will have every opportunity to win a prominent role, but he's off to an inauspicious start to training camp after early reporting indicated he was also inconsistent during minicamp in the spring. He's a high-upside bet in fantasy, but he has a long way to go before he's can be counted on as a consistent contributor.Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Buffalo Bills second-year wide receiver Christian Wilkins Released by Raiders
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot) has been released by the team, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It's a shocking turn of events for the 29-year-old, who signed a long-term deal with Las Vegas worth over $100M in March 2024. Wilkins played 51 straight games for the Miami Dolphins from 2021 to 2023, but injuries limited him to just five appearances for the Raiders in 2024. Rapoport reports that Wilkins and the team disagree about how to treat his ongoing foot injury, with Wilkins preferring rehab and the Raiders pushing for surgery. When he's on the field, Wilkins is a difference-maker on the interior. He recorded nine sacks, 10 TFLs, and 23 QB hits in 2023. His health is a limiting factor, but Wilkins will surely have a chance to latch on somewhere else and prove he can still contribute.Eugenio Suarez Remains "Top Priority" for Mariners
Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the two teams may not be finished dealing. Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez remains the Mariners' "top priority" as the July 31 trade deadline approaches, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports. The Mariners are among many teams pursuing Suarez, a soon-to-be free agent who's likely to wind up on the move in the next week. The 34-year-old has upped his stock by slashing .252/.325/.593 with 36 home runs and a league-best 86 RBI over 416 plate appearances. He was previously a Mariner from 2022-23 and would provide a sizable upgrade over current third basemen Ben Williamson and Miles Mastrobuoni. Between Suarez and catcher Cal Raleigh, the Mariners would have two elite sluggers who have combined for 75 homers and 170 RBI this year.Source: Daniel Kramer
The Seattle Mariners made a big splash Thursday in acquiring first baseman Quintez Cephus Signs With 49ers
Quintez
Cephus,
according
to
Jennifer
Lee
Chan
of
NBC
Sports
Bay
Area.
The
team
waived
running
back
Israel
Abanikanda
to
make
room
on
the
rosterread more...
The
San
Francisco
49ers
have
signed
wide
receiver
Kyle Bradish Throws Two Innings in Rehab Start
Kyle Bradish (elbow) threw two innings in his first rehab start with High-A Aberdeen on Thursday. Making his first appearance in a game since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2024, Bradish yielded one earned run on two hits with four strikeouts against one walk over 37 pitches (22 strikes). He regularly sat in the 94 to 96 mph range and featured "tremendous" offspeed offerings, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. It was an encouraging performance for Bradish, who broke out as one of the game's top starters in 2023 and was on his way to another great season in 2024 before he had to undergo surgery. The 28-year-old remains on track to rejoin the Orioles' pitching staff in August.Source: Jake Rill - MLB.com
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Packers Looking to Expand Tucker Kraft's Role
Tucker
Kraft's
role
in
the
passing
game,
according
to
Mark
Oldacres
of
Packers
Wire.
Kraft
took
a
step
forward
in
his
second
season
inread more...
The
Green
Bay
Packers
are
searching
for
ways
to
expand
tight
end
Josh Naylor Traded to Seattle
Josh
Naylor
from
the
Arizona
Diamondbacks
in
exchange
for
left-handed
pitching
prospect
Brandyn
Garcia
and
right-handed
pitching
prospect
Ashton
Izzi.
With
theread more...
The
Seattle
Mariners
have
acquired
first
baseman
Darnell Mooney Leaves Practice With Undisclosed Injury
Darnell Mooney (undisclosed) came off the field with a trainer during training camp practice on Thursday after missing a catch and didn't return, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. It's unclear what type of injury Mooney is dealing with and how severe it is, but we should have clarification on his status soon. The 27-year-old had a nice bounce-back season in his first year in Atlanta last year, catching 64 of his 106 targets for 992 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 16 starts. He also had career-highs in yards per catch (15.5) and yards per target (9.4). If healthy, Mooney should once again serve as the WR2 in Atlanta behind Drake London. While fantasy managers shouldn't necessarily be expecting a repeat of 2024, Mooney should still be useful as at least a WR4/flex with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. heading into his first full year as the starter.Source: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Trevor Lawrence Says He's 100 Percent Healthy
Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) said he's 100 percent healthy after missing seven games last year due to a shoulder injury and a concussion, per Jags beat writer John Oehser. Lawrence required season-ending surgery in December on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. "I feel really good," Lawrence said. "It's the best I felt in a long time physically." In addition to rehabbing in the offseason, the 25-year-old former first overall pick spent time honing in on his footwork. Lawrence so far hasn't lived up to his draft billing, but he was a Pro Bowler in 2022 and should be able to have a bounce-back season in head coach Liam Coen's offense in 2025. He'll have a nice one-two punch of Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter at wideout as well, making him a decent QB2 target with upside in superflex fantasy formats.Source: Jaguars.com - John Oehser
Speaking at the team's first training camp practice on Wednesday, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Quinshon Judkins Might Not Report to Training Camp for a While
Quinshon
Judkins
on
the
field
at
training
camp
for
a
while.
Judkins
was
arrested
on
July
12read more...
Cleveland
Browns
general
manager
Andrew
Berry
said
on
Thursday
that
he
doesn't
expect
to
see
rookie
second-round
running
back
Brandon Aubrey Taking Part in Practice
Brandon Aubrey (shoulder) made five of his six field-goal tries into the wind during training camp practice on Thursday, per Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. It's notable that Aubrey is practicing early on in training camp this summer after he had surgery on his shoulder in the offseason. The 30-year-old should be a full-go for the start of the regular season and should be considered one of the top fantasy kicking options going into his third year with Dallas. Aubrey has been a Pro Bowler in both of his first two NFL seasons and is coming off a 2024 in which he made 40 of a league-high 47 field-goal attempts, including a long of 65, in 17 regular-season games. He also made all 30 of his extra-point attempts. RotoBaller has Aubrey ranked as the top fantasy kicker.Source: Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
Dallas Cowboys kicker Jameson Williams to be Used More as a Deep Threat?
Jameson Williams has noticed new offensive coordinator John Morton's aggressiveness in his approach to taking deep shots down the field, and it's one of the major areas that Williams thinks he has improved since a year ago, writes ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "My route running -- coach Johnny Mo is letting me run more routes," Williams said. "I knew I could run more routes, but he's putting me in position to run more routes so I'm getting better with cuts and angles and how to run this route and that route, so I would say I'm more polished in my route game." There is a lot of pressure on Morton after Detroit's offense averaged 29 points per game over the last three seasons under Ben Johnson, who is now in Chicago. Williams broke out in 2024, but there are a lot of mouth to feed in this offense, making him a boom/bust WR2/3 target in fantasy.Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Detroit Lions wide receiver Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Receiving Trade Interest
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. could be on the move ahead of this year's trade deadline. The assumption is that the D-Backs are going to be heavy sellers at the deadline this summer. This team has a handful of players on expiring deals that could help contending organizations. The obvious targets are Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Eugenio Suarez. However, the D-Backs are also reportedly getting calls about Gurriel's availability. Gurriel is having a down year, slashing .245/.295/.406 with 12 home runs, 48 RBI, and seven steals in 95 games. The good news is that Gurriel is signed through 2026 with a team option for 2027. Gurriel has a good track record with a WAR of 2.0 or better in each of the last four seasons coming into 2025. The D-Backs should be able to get a decent return on Gurriel even with his stats being down right now.Source: John Gambadoro
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Yimi Garcia Shut Down from Throwing
Yimi Garcia (elbow) has been shut down from throwing for the next two weeks, according to Jays' manager John Schneider. Garcia recently experienced nerve symptoms in his elbow while rehabbing an ankle injury. He received a cortisone injection in his elbow, so he'll need to give it some time to rest. He'll be re-evaluated after the two weeks and will hopefully be able to resume his rehab work. Hopefully, Garcia can be back in the Toronto bullpen by the end of August. He's not someone that needs to be rostered in fantasy formats right now.Source: Arden Zwelling
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Michael Woods II Misses Thursday's Practice With Hand Injury
Michael
Woods
II
(hand)
was
not
on
the
field
for
training
camp
practice
on
Thursday
due
to
a
hand
injury,
according
to
Scott
Petrak
of
The
Elyria
Chronicle
Telegram.
It's
unclearread more...
Cleveland
Browns
wide
receiver
Alek Manoah Throwing Simulated Game on Saturday
Alek Manoah (elbow) is scheduled to pitch a simulated game with Single-A Dunedin on Saturday. The organization wants to wait until Saturday when the team is back at home so it's easier to control Manoah's pitch count. The right-hander continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery from last season. He'll still need a few rehab starts to build up his strength and stamina before returning to the Jays rotation. The hope is that Manoah can be an option for the Jays at some point in August.Source: Keegan Matheson
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Andres Gimenez Begins Running
Andres Gimenez (ankle) began a running progression on Thursday. This is a positive step forward for Gimenez who has been sidelined since early July due a sprained left ankle. There doesn't appear to be a timetable for his return right now. Jays' manager John Schneider said the first day of running went better than expected for Gimenez. It's unclear if Gimenez will require a minor league rehab assignment before getting back into the mix in Toronto. Gimenez has struggled this season, slashing .218/.300/.322 with five home runs, 23 RBI, and 10 steals in 61 games. He's only worth a look in deep leagues at the moment.Source: Arden Zwelling
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Cordarrelle Patterson Out With Undisclosed Injury
Cordarrelle Patterson (undisclosed) missed the team's first training camp practice on Thursday with an undisclosed injury, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Patterson is considered day-to-day, which means he should be able to rejoin his teammates soon. In his first year with the Steelers in 2024, Patterson carried the ball 32 times for 132 yards and no touchdowns while catching 12 of his 14 targets for 80 yards and a touchdown. Although Najee Harris is out of town, the Steelers added Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon in free agency and drafted Kaleb Johnson, so the 34-year-old Patterson once again figures to struggle for consistent touches in a backfield that also includes Jaylen Warren. Patterson is definitely versatile on offense, but he will be off the fantasy radar once again in most leagues.Source: SI.com - Jacob Punturi
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jorge Soler Resting on Thursday
Jorge Soler (back) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Thursday's game against the Seattle Mariners. This comes a day after Soler was forced to leave Wednesday's game due to back tightness. The Angels are going to play it safe and have Soler sit out this game to rest. This doesn't sound like the type of issue that would force Soler to miss an extended period of time. For now, fantasy managers should consider Soler as day-to-day. LaMonte Wade Jr. will cover right field and bat eighth versus right-hander Logan Evans on Thursday.Source: mlb.com
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Ja'Lynn Polk Dealing With Muscle Tightness
Ja'Lynn Polk (undisclosed) missed another training camp practice on Thursday with what is considered minor muscle tightness, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. The Patriots are playing it safe with Polk early in camp, but any practice he misses could be crucial for last year's second-round pick who is battling for a roster spot this summer. The 23-year-old was previously dealing with a shoulder injury earlier this offseason, but he passed his physical, which is why he was left off the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin camp. Polk has plenty of ground to make up after he caught only 12 passes in 15 games for New England as a rookie in 2024. He will have opportunities with this new coaching staff, but it won't be easy to find playing time in what is now a somewhat crowded receiver room.Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
New England Patriots wide receiver