July 29, 2025
The Miami Marlins acquired outfield prospect
Matthew Etzel on Tuesday in exchange for catcher
Nick Fortes. Etzel has spent the 2025 season at Double-A, where he has struggled since being traded from the Orioles to the Rays last year. His batting average has dropped from .261 with the Orioles to .231 with the Rays. Despite his struggles, Etzel brings above-average speed, with 17 stolen bases this season. However, with a 25.9% strikeout rate and limited power, Etzel projects as a fringe major leaguer when he does eventually get the call.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Miami Marlins
July 29, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher
Joe Ross (back) threw a bullpen session on July 28 in Chicago, and "He's feeling really good," manager Rob Thomson said. The Phillies signed the 32-year-old Ross to a one-year, $4 million contract in the offseason, and he has appeared in 31 games for the team this year with a 5.28 ERA, 5.12 FIP, and 1.51 WHIP in his 44 1/3 innings, working primarily out of the bullpen. He has been sidelined since July 20 with back spasms, but he could return relatively soon, giving the team another depth option out of the bullpen.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
July
29,
2025
Tampa
Bay
Rays
second
baseman
Brandon
Lowe
(ankle/foot)
is
on
track
to
return
on
the
first
day
that
he's
eligible
to
be
reinstated
from
the
injured
list,
which
is
Wednesday,
when
the
Rays
take
on
the
read more...
July 29, 2025
Baltimore Orioles first baseman/outfielder
Ryan O'Hearn has cooled off after his red-hot start to the season, but he's still one of the top bats available headed into the MLB trade deadline. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Brewers are among the teams interested in adding O'Hearn, who is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of this season. O'Hearn is hitting .284 with 12 homers and a .360 wOBA on the year, but since June 1, he's hitting just .222 with three homers and a .292 wOBA. He still brings some left-handed pop, though, and the Brewers could use some extra power potential in their order. He would likely get playing time at first base, left field, and designated hitter for the Brew Crew, although they do have other options that also would deserve playing time in those spots.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Ken Rosenthal
July
29,
2025
According
to
The
Athletic's
Ken
Rosenthal,
the
Guardians
are
more
likely
to
be
sellers
at
the
MLB
Trade
Deadline
after
the
loss
of
closer
Emmanuel
Clase
to
non-disciplinary
leave.
He
mentions
both
outfielder
read more...
July 29, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles running back
Will Shipley is locked in a training-camp battle to emerge as the team's RB2 behind star
Saquon Barkley. Shipley, who the team has been high on, rushed 30 times for 82 yards and caught all four of his targets for 35 yards last season as a rookie. Whoever wins the RB2 role in Philly is unlikely to see much work behind Barkley, who handled 345 carries last year. That being said, the Eagles' RB2 would set up as one of the top fantasy handcuffs available if Barkley were to miss time in 2025. If he ultimately wins the job, Shipley is worth a look as a late-round dart throw as a handcuff and a must-draft for the manager who uses an early pick on Barkley.
--Matt TerelleSource: PhillyVoice.com
July 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Shane McClanahan (triceps/biceps) was able to play catch from 60 feet on Monday and "felt OK, nothing great," per manager Kevin Cash. McClanahan has been sidelined all season after leaving a start late in spring training with a triceps issue and lately working through left biceps soreness. He was scheduled to make a fourth start for the Durham Bulls last Thursday, but he felt the biceps soreness during a 10-pitch bullpen session last Monday. After a week off, he's back to throwing again, but he'll need to ramp back up once again before he's ready to make his season debut. He seemed to be on track for a return in early August before the latest setback, but he now could return late in August or early in September, depending on his health and the Rays' position in the playoff race.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
July 29, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kenneth Gainwell has been getting work in the team's passing game thus far in training camp. Gainwell, who signed with the Steelers this past offseason after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, has caught more passes (6) than he has had carries (5) through four practices. That may be a sign of things to come as the Steelers could opt to utilize him in a pass-catching role while rookie
Kaleb Johnson handles the early downs and short-yardage situations. Gainwell showed skill in the passing game while with the Eagles, catching 102 of 138 targets across 66 career games. The veteran back is worth a look as a dart-throw option in the later rounds of fantasy drafts this summer.
--Matt TerelleSource: Alex Kozora on Twitter
July 29, 2025
Center
Thomas Bryant looks ready to pause his NBA career. Reports in Europe indicate that Bryant is in advanced negotiations with Panathinaikos, the 2024 EuroLeague champions. The Greek powerhouse was previously linked with
Jonas Valanciunas this offseason. However, the Lithuanian has now committed himself to the Denver Nuggets, and Panathinaikos has gone after another NBA big man. Bryant, who won the NBA championship with the Nuggets in 2023, split the 2024-25 season between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers. The eight-year veteran averaged 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds in 14.6 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportando
July 29, 2025
Brooklyn Nets guard
Cam Thomas remains a restricted free agent and doesn't seem close to signing an extension with the team. Thomas reportedly wants an annual salary of around $30 million, but the Nets have only offered a two-year deal worth about $14.1 million per season with a team option. After averaging a team-high 24.0 points per game in 2024-25, Thomas clearly values himself highly. However, he must lower his salary demands significantly to reach a multi-year agreement this summer. Ultimately, Thomas might choose to accept Brooklyn's $5.99 million qualifying offer, which would make him an unrestricted free agent next offseason. This would give him more options to sign a lucrative deal.
--Taavi PailkSource: Marc Stein
July 29, 2025
Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis appears to be back to full health following his bout with a mystery illness late last season. While speaking to the media in his native Latvia ahead of the 2025 EuroBasket, Porzingis addressed several topics, including his health status. "I feel fantastic, to be honest. I took time to rest after the season," Porzingis said. "In June, I completely rested with lower intensity, and all of that has gone away. I haven't felt any of that playoff fatigue anymore. I feel great and ready to join the national team." Health issues are always a concern with Porzingis, but he's a player who can help out fantasy managers in several categories. His role in Atlanta will probably be more significant than it was in Boston, which will boost Porzingis' fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sporta Studija
July 29, 2025
Los Angeles Clippers point guard
Chris Paul may stick around in the NBA for a few more years. Paul, who turned 40 in May, told ESPN's Malika Andrews that he wants to "enjoy" the upcoming campaign and doesn't know if it will be his final season in the National Basketball Association. At the same time, Paul definitely won't have the same impact he had on the Clippers during his first stint. He isn't guaranteed to receive regular playing time in his 21st year in the league, which will really hurt Paul's fantasy value. But it's going to be exciting to see the legendary guard still in action, perhaps even beyond the 2025-26 season.
--Taavi PailkSource: SportsCenter
July 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka has turned heads during his first NFL training camp. The first-round rookie out of Ohio State has shown precise routes, high football IQ, and the ability to play all three wide-receiver positions. He told reporters on Monday that he strives to be an overachiever and a perfectionist. "I think part of that has led me to get here," he went on to say. Egbuka has plenty of competition for targets as he will line up on the same field as
Mike Evans and
Chris Godwin, but the early signs are that his strong work ethic and dedication will lead to him having a successful NFL career. For now, he should be treated as a WR5 in redraft leagues for upcoming drafts, but he remains a blue-chip prospect in all dynasty formats.
--Matt TerelleSource: Buccaneers.com
July 29, 2025
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward
Brandon Miller (wrist) is on track to be fully healthy for the start of the 2025-26 campaign. In January, Miller underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist. "It's probably around 90-95% now," Miller told Diamond Vences of the Charlotte Observer. "I started contact (drills). I'll be ready the first day the season starts and I'm just excited to get back out on the court with my guys." His wrist injury limited Miller to only 27 outings during his sophomore career. He averaged 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals. Next season, Miller should be eager to make up for lost time and ready for another step in his development.
--Taavi PailkSource: Diamond Vences
July
29,
2025
Tampa
Bay
Buccaneers
running
back
Bucky
Irving
was
one
of
the
biggest
surprises
from
the
2024
draft
class.
He
wrestled
the
lead-back
role
away
from
Rachaad
White
mid-season
and
rushed
for
read more...
July 29, 2025
Indianapolis Colts running back
DJ Giddens has had a strong start to training camp and looks like the RB2 behind workhorse
Jonathan Taylor. Giddens has ripped off a few highlights on cutback runs as the pads have come on in practice. Head coach Shane Steichen has provided glowing reviews of the team's 2025 fifth-round pick, saying, "he's kind of a glider." He continues gushing about his burst and vision, as well as his ability to thrive on outside zone runs. The Kansas State product is seen as a potential third-down back who has the ability to be dynamic as a runner and as a receiver out of the backfield, with Steichen noting his "natural" hands. As part of a really strong 2025 running back class, Giddens has a strong collegiate profile with a career 6.0 yards per carry at Kansas State. He is one of the more valuable handcuffs in fantasy this year behind Jonathan Taylor.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Stephen Holder
July 29, 2025
Baltimore Orioles catcher/designated hitter
Adley Rutschman (oblique) made a strong impression in his return from the 10-day injured list in Monday's 11-4 win over the Blue Jays. The 27-year-old, who was out with a strained left oblique, went 3-for-5 with a single, two doubles, two RBI, and a strikeout. It was a welcome performance for the O's and fantasy managers, as Rutschman has slashed just .235/.324/.385 with eight home runs and 22 RBI in 281 plate appearances this season. He has underperformed expectations this season, and the catcher position has been surprisingly deep for fantasy leagues. However, Rutschman was a former first-round pick and has been a solid fantasy contributor for his career.
--Connelly DoanSource: MLB.com
July 29, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie catcher
Endy Rodriguez (elbow) has been doing low-level strengthening and range-of-motion exercises in Florida as he recovers from right elbow inflammation. Elbow issues have plagued the 25-year-old throughout his career, and he has been on the 60-day injured list since the middle of June. Rodriguez is currently dealing with some residual soreness, and his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, would like to take a slower, concerted effort before performing any more procedures. Rodriguez was a former prospect, but hasn't been healthy enough to make an extended big-league impression. He slashed .173/.246/.250 with no home runs and two RBI in 57 plate appearances this season with the Pirates before his injury.
--Connelly DoanSource: MLB.com
July 29, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after Monday's 11-4 loss to the Orioles that outfielder/designated hitter
George Springer (shoulder/head) is "doing all right" after being hit by a pitch in the ninth inning. The incident was a scary one, as Springer had a 96 MPH fastball clip his shoulder but strike him in the side of the helmet. Schneider said that Springer was alert after being hit. He went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout before exiting. This is overall great news for the 35-year-old, who is having a resurgent season. Springer has slashed .291/.383/.506 with 18 home runs, 57 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in 408 plate appearances. Fantasy managers should wait to see if he will return to the lineup next, although it seems reasonable that he may get at least a day off.
--Connelly DoanSource: Shi Davidi - X.com
July 29, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
Parris Campbell suffered an MCL sprain in his knee, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. Campbell was helped off the field during Saturday's practice and appears set to miss some time. It could've been worse news for the 28-year-old, but unfortunate nonetheless. The former 2nd round pick has bounced around a few teams over the past few seasons, with the Cowboys being his fourth team in four years. His career high for yards and receptions came during his final season in Indianapolis, when he recorded 63 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns. He currently projects as a depth piece battling for a spot in the Cowboys receiver room behind established studs in
CeeDee Lamb and
George Pickens.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Calvin Watkins
July 29, 2025
Minnesota Twins right-hander Pierson Ohl will make his major-league debut on Tuesday. Ohl began the season at Low-A Fort Myers and quickly ascended through the system. In 22 minor league appearances this season, Ohl has showcased an electric six-pitch mix, anchored by a low-90s fastball/sinker combo. Known for his control, he's posted a 5.3% walk rate at Triple-A. Ohl will take the mound against a young but talented Red Sox lineup, with
Lucas Giolito pitching for Boston. With solid control and a favorable matchup, Ohl offers streaming upside in his debut.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Chase Ford
July 29, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that second baseman
Hyeseong Kim (shoulder) could serve time on the injured list with a left shoulder injury, per the Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. The 26-year-old has been managing an injury for about a week and did not play on Sunday. However, he did start in Monday's 5-2 win over the Reds, going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. Kim has been solid in limited playing time this season, slashing .304/.338/.406 with two home runs, 15 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in 146 plate appearances. Fantasy managers should keep an eye out for more news, as Kim was healthy enough to play a full game on Monday.
--Connelly DoanSource: Fabian Ardaya - X.com
July 29, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to terms on a four-year, $100 million extension with left tackle Bernhard Raimann, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The big extension includes $60 million guaranteed and puts Raimann in the top five for left tackle salaries in the league. The Colts' 2022 third-round pick was arguably the most consistent starter on the Colts' offensive line in 2024, earning an 82.0 pass-blocking grade and 80.7 run-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus. Both grades were top 15 among all eligible offensive tackles, and his 85.1 overall grade ranked top 10. The 27-year-old has started 40 of 45 career games for Indianapolis and is viewed as one of the core pieces in the trenches.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Mike Garafolo
July 29, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Monday that the team is contemplating placing utilityman
Tommy Edman (ankle) on the injured list after he tweaked his right ankle running the bases on Sunday. Edman was not in the lineup for Monday's 5-2 win over the Reds. While his defensive versatility has helped the Dodgers this season, he hasn't provided much in terms of offense. The 30-year-old has slashed just .225/.280/.389 with 11 home runs, 42 RBI, and three stolen bases in 322 plate appearances. Fantasy managers should wait to hear more before considering any roster moves.
--Connelly DoanSource: Fabian Ardaya - X.com
July 29, 2025
The Washington Nationals received unfortunate news Monday, confirming that top pitching prospect
Travis Sykora (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery, likely sidelining him for the entire 2026 season. Sykora had been dominant through four minor league levels this season, posting a 44.3% strikeout rate at High-A, and was expected to make his MLB debut in 2026. However, after just two starts and 4 2/3 innings at Double-A, his season is now over. Despite the setback, Sykora remains a top stash in dynasty formats, as his long-term upside is undeniable.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Mark Zuckerman
July 29, 2025
Kansas City Royals catcher/first baseman
Salvador Perez (elbow) exited Monday's 10-7 loss to the Braves in the fifth inning after being hit by a pitch on the left elbow in the third inning. Perez went 1-for-1 with an RBI single before being replaced by
Freddy Fermin. The good news is that X-rays came back negative, and Perez said he could play on Tuesday, per MLB.com's Anne Rogers. Fantasy managers should wait to see the lineup card for Tuesday, but it sounds as though Perez is merely day-to-day. The 35-year-old has put together another solid season from a fantasy perspective, slashing .254/.298/.461 with 18 home runs and 63 RBI in 421 plate appearances.
--Connelly DoanSource: Anne Rogers - X.com
July 29, 2025
The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired infielder
Jadher Areinamo from the Brewers in exchange for
Danny Jansen on Monday. Areinamo, primarily a middle infielder, has impressed this season with 24 doubles, 11 home runs, and 15 stolen bases. Last year, he led the Midwest League in batting average (.301) and doubles (30). At 21, Areinamo has shown his ability to thrive at the High-A level. Keep an eye on his development as the Rays could promote him to Double-A if his progress continues at this pace.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Mark Feinsand
July 28, 2025
The Minnesota Twins acquired catcher/first base prospect
Enrique Jimenez from the Tigers on Monday in exchange for
Chris Paddack. The Twins view Jimenez as a high-floor catching option with potential to impact the major league club in the future. Ranked as the Twins' No. 20 prospect, Jimenez showcases advanced plate discipline, striking out in just 21.9% of his at-bats while walking 12%. Standing at 5'9", Jimenez may not have ideal size but excels defensively, throwing out 33% of base stealers over the past two seasons. He'll provide solid depth for the Twins as he continues to develop.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Robert Murray
July 28, 2025
The Milwaukee Brewers recalled right-hander
Craig Yoho ahead of their matchup with the Chicago Cubs Monday. Yoho made a brief appearance in the ninth inning, recording two outs while issuing two walks and throwing 16 pitches in an 8-4 victory. Despite a rough major league season with an 8.22 ERA through seven appearances, Yoho has been impressive at Triple-A, posting a 0.84 ERA and a 30.5% strikeout rate. With his struggles at the big league level, it's best to take a wait-and-see approach before rostering Yoho in all formats.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Milwaukee Brewers
July 28, 2025
San Diego Padres right-hander
Ryan Bergert is likely to start against the New York Mets on Tuesday, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. That would push
Yu Darvish back to Wednesday's series finale.
Nick Pivetta would then get the ball Friday to begin a series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Bergert, who has been in the minors for the past two weeks, has made 10 appearances (six starts) in the bigs this year and posted a 2.84 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP, 30 strikeouts, and 14 walks in 31 2/3 innings. He'll face a Mets offense that ranks a middle-of-the-pack 15th in the majors in runs scored.
--Connor ByrneSource: AJ Cassavell - MLB.com
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