Kyle Teel on Bench for Matinee
Kyle Teel is out of the lineup for the first game of his team's home doubleheader against the visiting Cleveland Guardians. Teel will take a seat with left-handed hurler Logan Allen taking the bump -- marking the second straight outing he'll sit against a southpaw. Switch-hitting backstop Edgar Quero will occupy behind home plate and bat cleanup for the Pale Hose. It makes sense that Chicago would prefer Quero to Teel against lefties, as the former's .435 (27-for-62) average is far superior to the latter's (.125). The White Sox's No. 2 prospect has been decent in his big-league debut, but has yet to leave the yard -- something he did eight times over 20 games earlier in the year with Triple-A Charlotte.Source: MLB.com
Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Juszczyk Says Christian McCaffrey Looks Healthy, Explosive
Kyle Juszczyk said that running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) "looks incredible. He looks so healthy, he looks so explosive." McCaffrey got a late start to the 2024 season due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis before spraining the PCL in his knee in Week 13. All in all, the 29-year-old All-Pro back played in just four games for the Niners last year, putting up 348 scrimmage yards and one touchdown. He was an absolute bust for fantasy managers after going off the board first overall in many drafts, but CMC is now fully healthy and was a full-go for minicamp practices this offseason. McCaffrey's extensive injury history makes him a pretty big risk-reward as a top-five fantasy RB, but he's still a high-end, three-down threat out of the backfield when he's healthy. If he stays healthy, McCaffrey could easily bounce back in 2025 and carry fantasy squads.Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
San Francisco 49ers fullback Colt Emerson Tallies Three Hits, Launches Home Run No. 8
Colt Emerson went 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, and two RBI during their contest against High-A Tri-City. This outing extended his current hitting streak to four games. Through this four-game stretch, the top-ranked prospect in Seattle has posted two multi-hit games and tallied three extra-base hits. Over his last 22 games, Emerson has been swinging a hot bat, posting an elite .341/.424/.600 slash line with eight doubles, one triple, four home runs, two stolen bases, 13 RBI, and a 13:12 K:BB. Through 72 games at High-A this season, the No. 18-ranked prospect in baseball on MLB.com has held an overall .271/.369/.429 line. If Emerson continues to find his footing, he should be in the mix to debut at Double-A in the second half.Source: MiLB.com
Seattle Mariners shortstop prospect Austin Warren Optioned to Triple-A Syracuse
Austin Warren to Triple-A Syracuse. The 29-year-old was up with the big-league squad to serve as an extra man for their doubleheader with the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday, but isn't needed beyond that role. Warren retired the only batter he faced in a third of an inning of work and will head back to Triple-A, where he holds a 3.82 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 38:12 K:BB ratio across 30 2/3 innings (20 appearances).Source: New York Mets
Per the team's transaction log, the New York Mets have optioned right-handed pitcher Jefferson Rojas Goes Deep on Thursday
Jefferson Rojas went 2-for-6 with a home run and two RBI during their contest against High-A Wisconsin. Since the start of July, Rojas has been one of the best hitters in the minor leagues. During this nine-game stretch, the No. 64-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com has posted an impressive .333/.385/.667 slash line with three doubles and three home runs. Before this recent surge at the plate, Rojas held a modest .176/.391/.294 line with just two extra-base hits. Rojas has spent the entire campaign with High-A South Bend and held a solid .282/.387/.483 slash line with 13 doubles and nine home runs. Even though Rojas remains several seasons away from his MLB debut, he appears to be quickly progressing in the Chicago system. If he continues to produce at this level, he could be in the mix to reach Double-A later in the second half.Source: MiLB.com
Chicago Cubs infield prospect Kyren Williams Showing Improved Explosiveness
Kyren Williams is more explosive. Williams ranked seventh in the league with 1,299 rushing yards in 2024 and tied for fifth with 14 rushing touchdowns. However, his 27 explosive rushes of 10-plus yards ranked tid for 11th in the NFL. They were also the second-fewest of any RB with over 250 carries. Williams' five fumbles tied for second-most among backs. "The first thing that stood out to us was his explosiveness," Gould said. The 24-year-old's numbers have been solid, but his lack of size and speed leave him less room for error than most feature backs, and he's expected to face more competition for touches, mostly from Blake Corum. Williams is still L.A.'s featured back, but he's on the RB1/2 borderline in fantasy.Source: TheRams.com - Wyatt Miller
Los Angeles Rams running backs coach Ron Gould has noticed this offseason that running back Tekoah Roby Punches Out Six on Thursday
Tekoah Roby struck out six batters across 5 2/3 innings of work against Triple-A Charlotte. In this start, Roby picked up the victory as he allowed just six hits, no runs, and one free pass. Since allowing six runs in each of his first starts at Triple-A this season, Roby has flipped the script and been very productive. Over his last 21 innings of work, the No. 10-ranked prospect in the system has posted a near-perfect 0.86 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP. During this stretch, Roby has tallied 21 strikeouts while allowing just five free passes. Earlier this season, Roby logged 47 innings with Double-A and posted a 2.49 ERA with an impressive 0.96 WHIP. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he could have a chance to make his MLB debut in the second half.Source: MiLB.com
St. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle Continues Dominant Run at Double-A
Source: MiLB.com
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle tossed five innings of one-run ball during his outing against Double-A Hartford. In this outing, Tolle allowed just four hits, one walk, and struck out five hitters. Since earning the promotion to Double-A on June 28, Tolle has been nothing short of impressive, logging 14 innings (three starts) to the tune of a 1.93 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP. During this stretch, the southpaw has struck out 22 hitters and allowed only three walks. Tolle opened the campaign with High-A Greenville, where he logged 49 2/3 innings. During this stint, Tolle posted a 3.62 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. He struck out 79 hitters and allowed only 14 walks. The 22-year-old has continued to impress in his debut campaign after being drafted with the 50th pick in last year's draft. If he continues this level of production, he could earn a taste of Triple-A later in the second half.Brandon Sproat Tosses Seven Shutout Frames on Thursday
Brandon Sproat tossed seven shutout frames on Thursday evening in their matchup against Triple-A Lehigh Valley. In this start, Sproat allowed just three hits and one walk. He struck out four. Since allowing four runs on June 22, Sproat has logged 18 straight shutout frames (across three starts). During this stretch, Sproat has struck out 18 batters and allowed just seven hits and five walks. This is an excellent sign for the budding right-hander, as he posted a hefty 7.33 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP over his last 46 2/3 innings at Triple-A before this recent surge. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on Sproat's development at Syracuse, as he should be in the mix to make his MLB debut in the second half. Given his recent production, he is worth stashing in all 12+ team leagues.Source: MiLB.com
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Hunter Dobbins to Start Friday
Hunter Dobbins (elbow) is returning from the 15-day injured list to start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. It'll be Dobbins' first appearance since June 20. The 25-year-old was shelved for three weeks with a strained right elbow. Before going on the IL, the rookie went 4-1 with a solid 4.10 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts against 16 walks in 59 1/3 innings and 12 appearances (10 starts). Dobbins will face a difficult test in his return against a Tampa Bay offense that ranks seventh in the majors in runs scored.Source: Christopher Smith - MassLive.com
Boston Red Sox right-hander Orioles Willing to Discuss Trading More Relievers
Bryan
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relievers
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Right-handers
Andrew
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Gabriel Arias Takes Live Batting Practice
Gabriel Arias (ankle) took live batting practice against right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) on Friday. Arias, who has been out since June 30 with a sprained left ankle, is progressing toward a return shortly after the All-Star break. The 25-year-old has hit a modest .231/.293/.369 with six home runs and 31 RBI in 281 plate appearances this season. The Guardians have mostly relied on Brayan Rocchio to handle shortstop in Arias' absence. Rocchio has gone 6-for-21 with a home run in eight games since the team recalled him from the minors.Source: MLB.com
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Shane Bieber Throws Live Batting Practice
Shane Bieber (elbow) threw 41 pitches in a live batting practice session Thursday, and then tossed BP against teammate Gabriel Arias (ankle) on Friday. It's encouraging progress for Bieber, who's on the road back from April 2024 Tommy John surgery. The Guardians are hopeful that the former Cy Young winner will return sometime this month. Bieber, 30, hasn't pitched in a major league game in over 15 months.Source: MLB.com
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Rhett Lowder Has Not Resumed Baseball Activities
Rhett Lowder (oblique) is continuing to rehab his injured left oblique, but he is not yet ready to resume baseball activities. The 23-year-old opened the season on the shelf with a forearm strain, and he then suffered an oblique strain during a Triple-A rehab start in late May. With Lowder still unable to perform baseball activities, there remains no timetable for his return. The injuries have prevented Lowder from building on last season's eye-opening debut. Now MLB Pipeline's 26th-ranked prospect, Lowder pitched to a 1.17 ERA in six starts and 30 2/3 innings with the Reds in 2024.Source: Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Christian Barmore "Dominant" this Spring
New England Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore played in just four games during the 2024 campaign after experiencing blood clots. The former second-round pick out of Alabama in 2021 was entering his first season following a four-year, $83 million contract, andFelix Bautista Not Likely to be Moved at the Trade Deadline
The Baltimore Orioles have reported that they are open to being sellers at the trade deadline this year after a disappointing season thus far, as they sit 11.5 games back in the AL East and have a 42-50 record. Per SportsNetAstros List Probable Starters for Weekend Series
The Houston Astros have listed their probable starting pitchers for their upcoming weekend series against the Texas Rangers. The plan is forEli Morgan Begins Rehab Assignment
Eli Morgan (elbow) has started a rehab assignment with the Arizona Complex League on Thursday. Morgan will resume his rehab work after he suffered a setback in mid-June. The right-hander has been sidelined most of the season due to an elbow issue. Before going down, Morgan posted a 12.27 ERA, 2.04 WHIP, and 4/3 K/BB ratio across seven appearances with the Cubs. It's worth noting that Morgan posted a 1.93 ERA in 32 outings with the Cleveland Guardians last season. The veteran right-hander could be an option out of the bullpen in the second half of the season.Source: mlb.com
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Ezequiel Tovar Goes Hitless in Triple-A on Thursday
Ezequiel Tovar (oblique) was the designated hitter for the Albuquerque Isotopes on Thursday and was 0-for-4 with one strikeout. Tovar is now 2-for-20 with four strikeouts in July as he continues to rehab from his injury back in early June. On the season for the Rockies, he is slashing .258/.301/.406 with three home runs, 14 runs scored, 10 RBI, and two stolen bases in 138 plate appearances. It has been a disappointing showing from Tovar thus far in 2025, primarily due to his injuries, but he was coming off a season in 2024 in which he had 26 home runs and slashed .269/.295/.469. The Rockies have not yet announced, nor has it been reported, how many more rehab games they would like Tovar to play before calling him back up. However, with the All-Star break right around the corner, Tovar will likely return sometime after the break.Source: MLB.com
Colorado Rockies shortstop Bryan De La Cruz Remains Sidelined with Oblique Issue
Bryan De La Cruz (oblique) remained out of the starting lineup for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barres on Thursday. De La Cruz is currently on the 7-day injured list with an oblique issue. The hope is that he'll be able to return soon, but there is no clear timetable for his return. Since joining the Yankees organization, De La Cruz is slashing .256/.333/.452 with nine home runs, 26 RBI, and six steals in 47 games. He figures to be in the mix as a depth piece if the Yankees need help down the stretch. De La Cruz isn't someone worth rostering in fantasy formats right now.Source: Greg Joyce
New York Yankees outfielder Nationals Release Their Weekend Rotation
Mitchell Parker on Friday, Shinnosuke Ogasawara on Saturday, and Jake Irvin on Sunday, per Mark Zuckerman, beat writer for the Nationals. The Nationals are coming off a three-game series against the Saint Louis Cardinals that ended on Thursday, while the Brewers had a day off on Thursday after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier in the week. As far as the pitching matchup goes, Parker will take his 4.72 ERA to the rubber on Friday and face off against Quinn Priester. Ogasawara, who is stepping in for injured Trevor Williams (elbow), will face off against Brandon Woodruff Saturday, and Irvin, with his 4.78 ERA, will go on Sunday against Freddy Peralta. The Nationals will be facing a tough lineup this weekend that is eighth in MLB in runs scored.Source: Mark Zuckerman
The Washington Nationals announced their weekend starters on Thursday, as they will go with Justin Slaten Not Currently Throwing
Justin Slaten (shoulder) is currently not throwing, but is instead doing plyometric exercises. It appears the Red Sox have backed off the throwing program and are focusing on building strength in Slaten's shoulder. The right-hander has been sidelined since late May due to right shoulder inflammation. Slaten doesn't appear to be close to returning to the bullpen. He figures to need multiple weeks of throwing before getting back into the mix. Slaten isn't worth holding in fantasy leagues with his return unclear right now.Source: Christopher Smith
Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Nestor Cortes Throws Four Scoreless Innings
Nestor Cortes (elbow) continued his rehab work with High-A Wisconsin on Thursday. The southpaw tossed four scoreless innings, allowing three hits, zero walks, and two strikeouts. Cortes only threw 54 pitches during this outing, but the Brewers don't want to push him too hard this early into rehabbing. Afterwards, Cortes said he'd have at least one more rehab start, but will probably end up pitching two games before rejoining the Brewers rotation. He figures to be ready to return before the end of July.Source: Adam McCalvy
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Ryan Reaves Traded to Sharks
Source: ESPN
The Toronto Maple Leafs traded winger Ryan Reaves to the San Jose Sharks on Thursday in exchange for defenseman Henry Thrun. Reaves is set to suit up for his seventh NHL franchise next season. The 38-year-old enforcer made 35 appearances with the Maple Leafs in 2024-25, recording two assists and 103 hits. He ranks seventh all-time in the NHL with 3,065 hits. Additionally, Reaves has racked up 1100 penalty minutes in 912 career games. The veteran forward will add toughness and physicality to a young Sharks team but won't have any fantasy value in 2025-26.Vladislav Kolyachonok Moves to Dallas
Source: ESPN
The Dallas Stars have acquired defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for defenseman Matt Dumba. The Stars also sent out a 2028 second-round pick to shed Dumba's contract, which has a $3.75 million cap hit. Kolyachonok is on a much cheaper deal and could likely match Dumba's production if he makes the team for the 2025-26 season. The Belarusian blue-liner will begin the second season of a two-year, $1.55 million contract. Last term, he recorded seven points (two goals, five assists), 31 blocks, and 27 hits in 35 games with the Penguins and Utah Hockey Club.Matt Dumba Lands in Pittsburgh
Source: ESPN
The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired defenseman Matt Dumba in a trade with the Dallas Stars. Dallas received defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok and a 2028 second-round draft pick as part of the deal. Dumba played only one season with the Stars, having moved to Texas as a free agent on a two-year, $7.5 million contract last summer. It was a quiet campaign for Dumba, who posted 10 points (one goal, nine assists), 60 blocks, and 70 hits in 63 outings. Dumba was a 50-point guy early in his career with the Minnesota Wild, but he has seen very little offensive success in recent years and is unlikely to be a fantasy factor in 2025-26.Mackie Samoskevich Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Source: ESPN
Florida Panthers winger Mackie Samoskevich has re-signed with the team for one year. According to reports, the deal is worth $775,000, the league minimum. Samoskevich enjoyed a decent rookie campaign in 2024-25, ranking 11th in scoring among first-year players with 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 72 outings. He also averaged 1.9 hits per game. During the playoffs, Samoskevich made only four appearances, but he should be a regular again in the Panthers lineup once the 2025-26 season begins.Josh Manson Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
Source: Sportsnet
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson has signed a two-year, $7.9 million contract extension with the club. He was scheduled to hit free agency next summer before agreeing to a new deal with the Avalanche. Manson has spent three and a half seasons in Denver. He's had a difficult time with injuries and made only 48 appearances in 2024-25. Manson picked up 15 points (one goal, 14 assists) and had 105 hits during the campaign. From a fantasy perspective, Manson offers little, but he's been a reliable defenseman throughout his NHL career, and the Avalanche will be happy to keep him around.Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Source: Sportsnet
Edmonton Oilers forward Isaac Howard is set to make his NHL debut in 2025-26 after signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the club. The Oilers acquired Howard on Tuesday from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for fellow forward prospect Sam O'Reilly. Howard is ready to make the jump to the big league after dominating in the NCAA. He won the 2025 Hobey Baker Award as the top college player and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year. During the campaign, Howard registered 26 goals and 52 points in 37 appearances. Howard could find immediate success on a high-scoring team like the Oilers, although he might also face some growing pains at the beginning of his NHL career.Luis Morales Moving to Bullpen at Triple-A Las Vegas
Luis Morales has recently transitioned into a bullpen role at Triple-A Las Vegas. After posting a 5.90 ERA over six starts following his late-May promotion, the A's have shifted Morales into a multi-inning relief role over his last four outings. The early results have been encouraging. Morales has allowed just two earned runs on eight hits across nine innings out of the pen, showing improved effectiveness in shorter stints. The 22-year-old features a lively fastball that can touch 99 mph, along with a slider, curveball, and changeup in his arsenal. Fantasy managers should monitor this development closely. The Athletics may be grooming Morales for a late-season relief role or adjusting his long-term trajectory toward a high-leverage bullpen profile. Dynasty managers should continue to hold, while redraft managers should take a wait-and-see approach.Source: milb.com
Athletics right-handed pitching prospect