August 5, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Jaylen Warren was listed as the top running back on the team's initial preseason depth chart. Veteran
Kenneth Gainwell is listed behind only Warren, while rookie
Kaleb Johnson is the third back on the depth chart. Johnson has been struggling with pass coverage, according to reports, which could limit his role early in the season and give Warren and Gainwell a chance to dominate the workload. Warren has always been excellent in pass coverage and could benefit from
Aaron Rodgers' tendency to check down to running backs. Johnson could still earn short-yardage and goal-line work as the preseason continues, but for now, Warren looks to be the clear frontrunner for work in the Steelers' backfield.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Mike DeFabo
August 5, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
DeMario Douglas has been the team's "second-best wide receiver" to date in training camp practices, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. Despite this, Graff writes that Douglas' playing time could be limited because he only works from the slot. In 17 games (seven starts) for New England last season, Douglas recorded 66 catches for 621 yards and three touchdowns. He looks to be the team's primary slot receiver and could be the number two target-earner behind
Stefon Diggs. Douglas doesn't have a ton of explosion down the field, and he's scored just three touchdowns in 31 career games, so his profile for fantasy is better suited towards PPR-scoring formats.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Chad Graff
August 5, 2025
Colorado Rockies relief pitchers
Victor Vodnik and
Juan Mejia will share closing opportunities while
Seth Halvorsen (elbow) is on the 15-day injured list, according to interim manager Warren Schaeffer. Both are 25-year-old righties, so there isn't an obvious split to target one over the other based on matchup. Vodnik has a 3.55 ERA and 4.05 FIP in 33 innings over his 34 appearances this season with 34 strikeouts. He had nine saves last year for the Rockies and has seven holds this year. Mejia has also appeared in 34 games this year and has a 4.05 ERA, 3.38 FIP, and 43 strikeouts in 40 innings. He does not have any saves in his major league career or even in Triple-A. However, he also has seven holds this season and had six saves in Double-A last year. Vodnik has slightly more experience, but Schaeffer could go to either option when the Rockies get a rare save situation.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Suzie Hunter
August 5, 2025
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher
Seth Halvorsen (elbow) has been diagnosed with a mild flexor strain and will not need surgery, according to interim manager Warren Schaeffer. Schaeffer called it, "a good report from an MRI" and added that Halvorsen could potentially pitch again this year. The 25-year-old righty has been the Rockies' primary closer this season and has 11 saves in his 42 games while posting a 4.99 ERA, 5.18 FIP, and 36 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings. He was placed on the 15-day injured list after leaving Saturday's game with the injury, but he still has value and is worth holding if possible at this point. While he is out,
Victor Vodnik and
Juan Mejia will share closing duties.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Patrick Saunders
August 5, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end
Cade Otton (hamstring) will remain out for the team's practice on Tuesday, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports. Otton has been sidelined for over a week with what Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles described as a "mild" hamstring strain. There's been no indication as of yet that Otton is at risk of missing regular-season time. If the injury does end up sidelining him,
Payne Durham and
Ko Kieft would be in line for more snaps at tight end in Tampa Bay. In 14 games for the Buccaneers in 2024, Otton recorded 59 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns. There's significant target competition for him in Tampa Bay due to the team's talent and depth at wide receiver, so Otton profiles as a TE2 for fantasy.
--Will BradySource: Fox Sports - Greg Auman
August 5, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
George Springer (concussion) is slated to get in a rehab game either Tuesday or Wednesday, and he could be back in the lineup for the first-place Blue Jays relatively quickly if all goes well. Springer landed on the 7-day concussion injured list on Friday after being hit in the head by a pitch on Monday. He never lost consciousness and was able to walk off the field on his own power after being hit in the side of the head by a fastball from Orioles reliever
Kade Strowd. He sat out a few games, and then the team ultimately opted to give him extra time to recover. Head injuries are always unpredictable, but if all goes well, he could be back in the lineup at some point this weekend when the Jays stop in Los Angeles to face the Dodgers. Watch closely for further updates, especially if you have Springer on your fantasy teams.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Keegan Matheson
August 5, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Shane Bieber (elbow) will make a rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday and should get one more rehab start before a decision is made to join the big league team, according to Blue Jays manager John Schneider. The Blue Jays acquired the former AL Cy Young award winner at the trade deadline as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery. He made his first start with the organization on Sunday and had six strikeouts in five innings while averaging 92.9 miles per hour on his fastball. The Jays are being patient with the veteran, though, and will give him two more rehab appearances before looking to add him to the rotation towards the latter half of the month. When he does arrive, Bieber looks like he'll be fantasy-relevant based on his rehab work, so he's a strong stash candidate if your league and roster allow.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Hazel Mae
August 5, 2025
Free-agent quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater is visiting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday and is expected to sign with the team, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Bridgewater will presumably be competing with
Kyle Trask for the backup job behind
Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. The 32-year-old Bridgewater spent most of 2024 coaching at Miami Northwestern Senior High School, but was lured out of retirement by the Detroit Lions in December. Miami Northwestern suspended Bridgewater in July due to an investigation into his involvement in alleged impermissible program benefits, and it appears Bridgewater is once again headed back to the NFL. A former first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings, Bridgewater will be entering his 11th NFL season. He's completed 66.4% of his career pass attempts and thrown for 75 touchdowns in 79 games played.
--Will BradySource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
August 5, 2025
Baltimore Orioles first baseman
Ryan Mountcastle (hamstring) will not be activated until after the team's current series in Philadelphia against the Phillies. He will continue his rehab assignment in Triple-A Norfolk and could return on Friday, when the O's start their next series at home against the Athletics. Mountcastle hit just .246 in his 52 games with two homers and a .274 wOBA this season before landing on the 60-day injured list. He's been sidelined since the end of May, so the team is just giving him time to get fully back up to speed. In six games in Norfolk, Mountcastle is an impressive 9-for-23 (.391) with three doubles, two homers, and a 50% hard-hit rate. Following the
Ryan O'Hearn trade, he should have a clear path to playing time once he is activated, and it'll be fascinating to see how well he can finish the season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jake Rill
August 5, 2025
Atlanta Braves outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf) remains day-to-day while getting treatment for his calf strain, according to manager Brian Snitker. The All-Star outfielder was able to hit in a batting cage on Monday, but he remains without a timetable to return, since the team will wait until he's pain-free before activating him. Acuna has been sidelined since July 29 with this calf strain after missing the start of the season while recovering from last year's knee injury. In his 55 games, Acuna has 14 homers, four stolen bases, a .306 batting average, and a .427 wOBA, but his limited action has been a disappointment to his fantasy owners. He has such a high ceiling that he's still worth holding at this point, although the Braves have little reason to rush him back since they are out of playoff contention.
--Zach ThompsonSource: David O'Brien
August 5, 2025
Indianapolis Colts running back
Tyler Goodson is listed as the RB2 behind
Jonathan Taylor on the team's first unofficial depth chart. Fifth-round rookie
DJ Giddens has reportedly been a standout in training camp practices, but he's listed behind Goodson as the RB3 for the time being. Goodson is entering his third year with the Colts. In 16 games in 2024, Goodson recorded 214 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 43 total touches. While Taylor is expected to dominate carries and early-down work in Indianapolis, there should be an opportunity for the winner of the RB2 role to earn snaps on passing downs. Taylor also has a history of ankle issues, so either Goodson or Giddens could emerge as an intriguing late-round handcuff option with a strong preseason.
--Will BradySource: Indianapolis Colts - Amanda Foster
August 5, 2025
Winger Jimmy Vesey has signed a two-year contract with Geneve-Servette HC of Switzerland's National League. The American forward, who turned 32 in May, will move overseas for the first time in his career. Vesey has 626 NHL regular-season appearances under his belt, scoring 101 goals and 194 points. He had an underwhelming campaign in 2024-25 with the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche, finishing with only eight points (five goals, three assists) in 43 contests. Given his age, Vesey is unlikely to earn a new NHL contract. But he will have some good company in Switzerland, with former NHLers Antti Raanta, Markus Granlund, and Sami Vatanen among his teammates.
--Taavi PailkSource: Geneve-Servette HC
August 5, 2025
Anaheim Ducks right wing Sam Colangelo agreed to terms on a new two-year contract Monday. It's reportedly a $1.7 million deal for Colangelo, who posted 10 goals and 12 points in 32 appearances with the Ducks last season. The contract is a two-way deal for the first year and will become a one-way pact for the second season. In 2024-25, Colangelo was one of nine players with double-digit goals for the Ducks, and the 23-year-old averaged a point per game in 40 AHL appearances. He clearly has some talent, and Anaheim will continue to develop it next season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Andrew Knoll
August 5, 2025
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer signed a three-year entry-level contract Monday. The top pick of this year's draft reiterated his desire to start his NHL career in the upcoming season. "Feels amazing," Schaefer said. "Obviously, it's something I've wanted to do my whole life and to do it your first year -- there's still a lot of work, but that was my dream and I want to play in the NHL this season. I wanted to really badly. I know there's going to be a lot of hard work that comes with it, but I think I'm ready." Schaefer is still only 17 and could be sent back to the OHL next season. If he sticks with the Islanders, Schaefer is likely to play a significant role on the blue line, as not getting enough action would hurt his development.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
August 5, 2025
Guard/forward
Brandon Boston Jr. has joined 2025 EuroLeague champions Fenerbahce on a one-year contract. The former Kentucky Wildcat moves to Europe after playing four years in the NBA. Following a three-year stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Jr. put together a strong campaign with the New Orleans Pelicans. In 2024-25, Boston Jr. notched 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 23.6 minutes over 42 appearances with the Pelicans. Surprisingly, the 23-year-old failed to land an NBA deal after a good season. However, he now has a chance to impress in Turkey with a team that features many former NBA players.
--Taavi PailkSource: EuroLeague
August 5, 2025
Point guard
Jeff Dowtin Jr. has signed a three-year deal with six-time EuroLeague champions Maccabi Tel Aviv. The 28-year-old has decided to take his talents overseas after bouncing around five teams during his four-year NBA career. Last season, Dowtin Jr. made 41 appearances with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 7.0 points and 1.9 assists in 15.1 minutes. Maccabi has also just announced the signing of Dowtin Jr.'s teammate from Philadelphia,
Lonnie Walker IV. Earlier in the offseason, the Israeli club brought in
Oshae Brissett from the NBA.
--Taavi PailkSource: Maccabi Tel Aviv
August 5, 2025
Shooting guard
Lonnie Walker IV will return to Europe for the start of the 2025-26 season after signing a three-year deal with six-time EuroLeague winners Maccabi Tel Aviv. Walker IV also began last season overseas with Zalgiris Kaunas but finished it with the Philadelphia 76ers. The former first-round pick posted 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game with the 76ers. However, Philadelphia declined to exercise its team option on Walker IV's contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. Walker IV reportedly has an NBA out clause in his contract with Maccabi, so he might be back in North America soon.
--Taavi PailkSource: Maccabi Tel Aviv
August 5, 2025
Boston Celtics center
Neemias Queta revealed that he underwent offseason surgery to address a lingering knee problem. "It's been good," Queta told Bobby Manning of CLNS of his recovery. "We've been dealing with this stuff (since) a couple years ago. We just decided it was a great time for us to do it. We're trying to get back to 100%. We feel pretty confident in the process and we're just grateful that we were taken care of, and I want to make sure I'm healthy and get back to 100% and I feel like I'm on the right path to do that." So far, Queta's role with the Celtics has been limited, but with
Kristaps Porzingis and
Luke Kornet leaving and
Al Horford's return unlikely, he may become a player to watch for fantasy managers next season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Bobby Manning
August 5, 2025
Guard/forward
Johnny Juzang has agreed to a deal to join the Minnesota Timberwolves. ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Juzang will sign a one-year contract. Juzang was left looking for a new team after the Utah Jazz waived him on June 30. The 24-year-old had some solid stretches with the Jazz, averaging 8.9 points and 2.9 rebounds in 19.8 minutes last season. However, he'll face much tougher competition for playing time with the Timberwolves and looks set to start the 2025-26 season as a third-stringer at the end of the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: Shams Charania
August 5, 2025
Guard/forward
Ricky Council IV will join the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Council IV agreed to a one-year deal. The 24-year-old became a free agent after being waived by the Philadelphia 76ers last month. Council IV showed some strong performances with the 76ers during the 2024-25 season but struggled with efficiency. He averaged 7.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 17.1 minutes, shooting 38.2 percent from the field and 25.8 percent from behind the arc. With the Nets, Council IV needs to improve his shooting to earn regular playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Shams Charania
August 5, 2025
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after Monday's 8-5 extra-inning loss to the Rangers that outfielder
Austin Slater (hamstring) will be placed on the injured list after injuring his hamstring in the game. Slater went 0-for-1 with a groundout and injured himself running the ball out in his at-bat. The 32-year-old was recently acquired by the Yankees and has put together a .223/.284/.400 slash line with five home runs, 12 RBI, and one stolen base in 142 plate appearances this season with the Yankees and White Sox.
--Connelly DoanSource: Max Goodman - X.com
August 5, 2025
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Monday that outfielder superstar
Aaron Judge (elbow) will return from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. Judge was placed on the IL at the end of July with a flexor strain in his right elbow. This is great news for the Yankees and fantasy managers, as the Yankees have started August with a four-game losing streak. The 33-year-old has once again been an elite fantasy producer, slashing .342/.449/.711 with 37 home runs, 90 runs scored, 85 RBI, and six stolen bases in 459 plate appearances.
--Connelly DoanSource: Ma Goodman - X.com
August 5, 2025
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said Monday that starting pitcher
Hunter Greene (groin) will make his next rehab start on Friday and will aim to throw up to 80 pitches. The 25-year-old, who went on the injured list at the beginning of May with a right groin strain, threw 66 pitches in his third rehab start with Triple-A Louisville. Greene's rehab starts have been up-and-down, but the good news is that he has been able to progress closer to a return to the Reds. He had picked up this season where he left off in 2024, going 4-3 with a 2.72 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP, and a 30.8% strikeout rate.
--Connelly DoanSource: Casey Drottar - X.com
August 5, 2025
Boston Red Sox outfield prospect
Jhostynxon Garcia was red-hot last week, hitting .417 with four home runs, four doubles, and 13 RBI at Triple-A Worcester. The 22-year-old slugger is now slashing .305/.375/.587 with 15 homers and 44 RBI in just 54 games, making a strong case for a September call-up. Garcia's power plays to all fields and against both lefties and righties, giving him everyday potential at the next level. He'll need to tighten his approach against advanced pitching, but he's quickly becoming one of the more exciting breakout bats in the Red Sox system.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Tyler Milliken
August 5, 2025
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Olivia Sayer reported Monday that Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
Grant Holmes (elbow) will opt for non-surgical rehabilitation of his right elbow inflammation. Holmes was placed on the 60-day injured list on July 27, so his season would have been over regardless of his rehab approach. The 29-year-old popped onto fantasy radars in 2024 and he had logged a 3.99 ERA, a 1.34 WHIP, and a 25.0% strikeout rate in 115 innings pitched this season before landing on the IL. Fantasy managers should check in next spring for more info on his rehab.
--Connelly DoanSource: Olivia Sayer - X.com
August 5, 2025
Minnesota Twins top prospect
Walker Jenkins was named Texas League Player of the Week after a dominant showing at Double-A. The 20-year-old outfielder crushed three home runs, added two doubles, drove in five runs, and scored eight times last week for the Wichita Wind Surge. Jenkins is now slashing .304/.414/.486 and continues to make a strong case for a late-season promotion. If he stays healthy, the former first-round pick could open 2026 at Triple-A and push for his MLB debut soon after. Dynasty managers should already have the rising star on their radar.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Minor League Baseball
August 5, 2025
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Michael King (shoulder) may only end up making one rehab start and could have his next start be with the Padres, per manager Mike Shildt. King has been on the 60-day injured list since the end of May with right shoulder inflammation. He made his first rehab start on Sunday with Triple-A El Paso. However, Shildt said Monday, "I'm not going to put it in pen yet, but we'll put it in dark pencil that he's got a good chance to make his next start for the Padres." The 30-year-old had an outstanding 2024 season and was on his way to a solid 2025, going 4-2 with a 2.59 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and a 28.4% strikeout rate in 10 starts and 55 2/3 innings pitched. While his rehab start wasn't great, fantasy managers may be inclined to put him right back into their lineups once they get confirmation of his return.
--Connelly DoanSource: Jesse Borek - X.com
August 5, 2025
Detroit Tigers infield prospect John Peck was named Midwest League Player of the Week after going 9-for-17 to boost his season average to .308. The 23-year-old offers defensive versatility and intriguing power-speed upside, with 10 home runs and 16 stolen bases through 87 games. While his 25.9% strikeout rate remains a concern, Peck has shown the ability to produce despite the swing-and-miss. As he continues to develop, improving his plate discipline will be key. Still, Peck is emerging as a notable name in the Tigers' system and could climb prospect rankings if the bat holds.
--Shaun AlbinSource: West Michigan Whitecaps
August 5, 2025
Houston Astros starting pitcher
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) is set to rejoin the big-league team and will start Wednesday's game against the Marlins, per Julia Morales. Arrighetti has been on the injured list since early April with a fractured thumb. The 25-year-old did not look great in his three rehab starts across Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Sugar Land, compiling a 5.73 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. However, he showed some fantasy promise in 2024, going 7-13 with a 4.53 ERA, a 1.41 WHIP, and a 27.1% strikeout rate in 145 innings pitched. Arrighetti only covered 11 IP in his three rehab starts, so fantasy managers should not be surprised if his pitch count is kept in check on Wednesday. The Marlins have hit well lately and Arrighetti's rehab production wasn't great, so fantasy managers may not want to slot him into their lineups right away.
--Connelly DoanSource: Julia Morales - X.com
August 5, 2025
Miami Marlins left-handed prospect Julio Mendez was named Florida State League Player of the Week after tossing five hitless innings with six strikeouts and two walks for Single-A Jupiter. The 20-year-old has struggled overall this season with a 4.52 ERA and 2-6 record, but he's now allowed just two earned runs across his last three starts. While the recent stretch is promising, Mendez will need to improve his 13.2% walk rate to stay on the radar. Still, the lefty is showing signs of progress and is worth monitoring in deeper dynasty leagues.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Jupiter Hammerheads
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