Brady House Turning the Corner in the Major Leagues
Brady House has enjoyed a productive week at the plate in the major leagues. Over his last six games, the No. 3-ranked prospect in the system has held a solid .280/.308/.320 line with a double and three RBI. Prior to this stretch, he held a much lower .232/.267/.286 line with just three doubles and a 16:3 K:BB over his last 14 contests. Under the hood, House boasts a .291 xBA, and it appears he is beginning to see some positive regression. Earlier in the summer, House was one of the most productive hitters at Triple-A, posting a .304/.353/.519 line through 65 games. During this stint, he went deep 13 times. Fantasy managers should continue to expect House to see nearly every day opportunity in the Washington lineup.Source: MLB.com
Washington Nationals third base prospect Marcelo Mayer Set to Be Primary Second Baseman
Marcelo Mayer is expected to see the majority of the opportunities at second base going forward. Mac Cerullo of The Boston Herald noted that Ceddanne Rafaela could factor in as well, especially when facing lefties. However, it appears the top prospect is expected to have an everyday role in the Boston starting nine going forward. Over his last 12 contests, Mayer has begun to find his footing in the big leagues, posting a strong 297/.297/.432 slash line with three doubles, one triple, and three RBI. Through 37 total games with Boston, Mayer has posted a .224/.263/.411 line with four long balls. Given that Mayer is expected to see significant playing time going forward, he is worth adding in all standard leagues.Source: Mac Cerullo
Boston Red Sox infield prospect Isaiah Jackson Signs Three-Year Extension
Isaiah Jackson has signed a new deal with the organization on Friday. According to Shams Charania, Jackson has agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with the Pacers. Jackson only appeared in five games last season before suffering a torn right Achilles tendon. Through four seasons, Jackson is averaging 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists across 15.0 minutes per game in 162 contests. The 23-year-old now has a clear path to playing time with Myles Turner departing this offseason. It's worth noting that Jackson hasn't played more than 16.8 minutes per game in a single season. It's unclear how he'll perform with such a high increase in playing time, but his fantasy value should be on the rise without Turner in the mix.Source: Shams Charania
Indiana Pacers center Jake Meyers Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
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Brandon Lowe Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
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Jesse Winker Heads Back to Injured List
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Kodai Senga Reinstated to Start on Friday
Kodai Senga (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Justin Hagenman to Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Senga will return from a near month-long absence due to a strained right hamstring to face the Kansas City Royals in the series opener on Friday. The 32-year-old Japanese hurler is typically a must-start in fantasy, but he'll have a considerably lower ceiling in his first start back after only throwing 68 pitches in his lone minor-league rehab start. As a result, the Mets will most likely be cautious with his pitch count on Friday, and Senga is unlikely to go very deep against KC despite the solid matchup. Before his injury, Senga was having a fine 2025 season, recording a sharp 1.47 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 70 strikeouts and 30 walks in 73 2/3 innings.Source: New York Mets
The New York Mets announced on Friday that they reinstated right-hander Alex Bregman Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Alex Bregman (quadriceps) was officially activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday and is starting at third and batting second at Fenway Park against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander Drew Rasmussen. Rookie Marcelo Mayer will move over to second base and will hit seventh. Bregman is back in action for the first time since suffering a strained quad muscle in late May, and he should be returned to fantasy lineups immediately. The Red Sox will ease him back into the fold this weekend and give him the day off on Saturday before he returns on Sunday to close out the first half of the season. The 31-year-old two-time All-Star was one of the team's most consistent hitters before his injury, and he's also batting .273 with a home run and three RBI in 11 career at-bats against Rasmussen.Source: MLB.com
Boston Red Sox third baseman Marvin Bagley III Joining the Wizards
Marvin Bagley III to a one-year deal on Thursday, according to Shams Charania. Bagley has put together an underwhelming career since being drafted No. 2 overall by the Sacramento Kings in 2018. He has bounced around quite a bit during his career, including one and a half seasons with the Wizards. During his career, Bagley is averaging 12.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 22.4 minutes per game in 289 contests. He didn't see much of the court last season and figures to be a role player in Washington this upcoming season.Source: Shams Charania
The Washington Wizards have signed free-agent forward Herbert Jones Signing Extension with Pelicans
Herbert Jones (shoulder) has signed a new deal with the organization on Thursday. According to Shams Charania, Jones has reached a three-year, $68 million extension with New Orleans. Jones will now be under contract for the next five years with a player option for the 2029-2030 season. He's currently rehabbing from shoulder surgery, but is expected to be ready for the beginning of the regular season. Before going down, Jones averaged 10.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 32.4 minutes per game in 20 games with New Orleans last season. He figures to be a significant part of the future in New Orleans.Source: Shams Charania
New Orleans Pelicans forward Jacob Toppin Returning to Hawks
Jacob Toppin to a one-year, two-way contract on Thursday. Toppin is back with the Hawks after finishing out last season with the organization. Before that, Toppin played a minor role in the New York Knicks rotation. He averaged 0.4 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.2 assists across 3.1 minutes per game in 16 games with the Knicks. He played much better in the G-League, averaging 19.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in eight games. He's unlikely to have a role in the regular rotation, but he could be a depth option if someone gets injured.Source: Michael Scotto
The Atlanta Hawks have signed forward Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Caleb Williams by pulling off a trade with the Carolina Panthers that netted the Bears the number one overall pick in the 2024 draft. Poles' future with the team will be closely linked to the success of both Williams and his second head coaching hire in Johnson, but he's locked in some additional security with this extension.Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
The Chicago Bears and general manager Ryan Poles have reached an agreement on a contract extension, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The new deal will keep Poles in Chicago through the 2029 season, and his contract length now matches that of first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Poles has a mixed track record in his time at the helm for Chicago. The team has struggled on the field, going 15-36 through his first three seasons in charge. However, Poles positioned the team to acquire quarterback Dalton Knecht Avoids Serious Injury
Dalton Knecht (calf) was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's summer league contest against the Dallas Mavericks. Knecht appeared to have suffered some sort of knee or leg injury late in the game. After further evaluation, Knecht was diagnosed with a right calf cramp. This appears to be a minor issue, so Knecht should be available for Saturday's summer league contest. He finished this game with 16 points and four rebounds in 26 minutes of action. Last season, Knecht finished with 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 19.2 minutes per game in 78 contests. He'll probably play a similar if not reduced role this upcoming season.Source: Dan Woike
Los Angeles Lakers guard MarShawn Lloyd in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
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Javon Small Signs Two-Way Deal
Javon Small to a two-way deal on Friday. Small was the No. 48 overall pick by Memphis during this year's draft. There is some upside here, but Small figures to spend a majority of his time in the G-League. He averaged 18.6 points, 5.6 assists, and 4.1 rebounds during his career at West Virginia. The Grizzlies do have decent depth at the guard spot, so it would take a few injuries for Small to get into the mix. However, Small could earn himself a spot with solid play in the G-League.Source: Michael Scotto
The Memphis Grizzlies have signed guard Cubs Could Look for 3B Help With Matt Shaw Struggling
Matt Shaw continuing to struggle. The Cubs gave the slumping Shaw a day off for Wednesday's series finale against the Minnesota Twins, as the 23-year-old former first-rounder is now hitting just .200 (41-for-205) with two homers, 15 RBI, 28 runs, 11 stolen bases and 45 strikeouts in 61 games in his first year in the majors. Names like Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez and Pirates 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes could be available later this month. The Cubs still believe that Shaw can be the long-term answer at third, but they may be inclined to add another third base bat if they think it will improve their chances of winning the rest of this season. Shaw's average exit velocity (83.2 mph) and hard-hit rate (26.9%) are ranked near the bottom of all MLB hitters.Source: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian
MLB.com's Jordan Bastian suggests that the Chicago Cubs could look for help at third base at this year's trade deadline with rookie Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Dustin Hopkins will "get every opportunity" to rebound from a down year in 2024, according to Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal. Hopkins had an excellent year in 2023 when he made 33 of his 36 kicks, including all eight attempts from beyond 50 yards. He was significantly worse in 2024, going just 18-27 overall and four-for-eight from 50+ yards out. Easterling notes that Hopkins' primary competition in Browns' camp is Andre Szmyt, who has yet to record a kick in an NFL game. Hopkins is just starting a three-year contract extension that he signed in July 2024, so the team is counting on him regaining his prior form. RotoBaller currently has Hopkins ranked as kicker #27 for fantasy.Source: Akron Beacon Journal - Chris Easterling
Cleveland Browns kicker Demarcus Robinson Sentenced to Three Years of Probation
Demarcus Robinson was sentenced to three years' probation as a result of a DUI charge he received last November, according to The Orange County Register. Robinson was a member of the Los Angeles Rams at the time but signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with San Francisco in March. The NFL has not yet announced whether Robinson will face a suspension or any other sort of discipline. Last season, Robinson played 17 games for the Rams and caught 31 passes for 505 yards and seven touchdowns. He figures to slot in behind Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings on the 49ers' depth chart at receiver. However, Aiyuk may miss the start of the season as he recovers from an ACL tear he suffered last October.Source: The Orange County Register
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Thairo Estrada Missing Third Straight Game
Thairo Estrada (thumb) is out of the team's starting lineup on Friday against the hosting Cincinnati Reds for the third straight game while dealing with a jammed left thumb. Kyle Farmer will get the starting nod at second base and will hit in the eight-hole in the series opener against Reds rookie right-hander Chase Burns. The good news for Estrada is that X-rays on his injured thumb came back negative. However, it's unclear if the 29-year-old will be able to return to the Rockies lineup on Saturday or Sunday before next week's All-Star break. The Venezuelan infielder has hit a solid .284 (33-for-116) in 29 games in 2025, but he isn't going to provide fantasy managers with much power (two homers), and he's stolen only one base after putting up consecutive 20-steal seasons with the Giants in 2022 and 2023.Source: MLB.com
Colorado Rockies infielder Jalen Nailor In Line for WR3 Role in Minnesota
Jalen Nailor "will be the team's No. 3 receiver," according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Lewis also notes that Nailor showed up to organized team activities in the "best shape of his life." Nailor played 17 games for Minnesota last season, recording 28 receptions for 414 yards and six touchdowns. His most productive stretch of the season might have been from Week 2-3, where he tallied a combined six catches for 85 yards and two scores. That's noteworthy because those are the two games that fellow Minnesota wideout Jordan Addison missed in 2024. Addison could be facing an early-season suspension due to a DUI citation he received last summer. If that happens, Nailor could be a sneaky end-of-roster add for fantasy managers.Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Andrew Thomas Could Miss Start of 2025 Season
Malik Nabers. Nabers averaged 22.9 PPR points per game when sharing the field with Thomas compared to just 16.5 PPR points without him.Source: Giants Wire - Dan Benton
New York Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) "makes no promises about returning in Week 1, although that very much remains his goal," according to Dan Benton of Giants Wire. Thomas underwent surgery to fix a Lisfranc foot injury in October. The 26-year-old former first-round pick was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2022, but he's been limited to just 16 games across the last two seasons. With Thomas on the field, the Giants have been significantly better (6-10 record) in that span than without (3-15). His presence impacted New York's top fantasy targets, such as wide receiver Lars Nootbaar Back in Cardinals Lineup on Friday
Lars Nootbaar (ribs) is starting in left field and will bat fifth in Friday's series opener against the visiting Atlanta Braves and right-hander Grant Holmes at Busch Stadium. Nootbaar has been bothered by a rib injury dating back to last week, and he was forced out of Thursday's contest prematurely with soreness. However, the 27-year-old is feeling good going into the weekend and will wind up returning the very next day. The left-handed-hitting outfielder has hit just .230 on the season for the Cards with 12 home runs. Nootbaar has been slightly better so far in July, going 7-for-27 (.259) with a homer, two doubles, two RBI and five runs scored in eight games and 30 trips to the plate. Despite the fact he only has 12 homers in 86 games, he's only three homers shy of setting a new career-high. Nootbaar has gone hitless in just one at-bat against Holmes in his career.Source: MLB.com
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder DL Hall Opening in Front of Quinn Priester on Friday
DL Hall will serve as the opener for Friday's series opener at American Family Field against the visiting Washington Nationals, with right-hander Quinn Priester serving as the bulk reliever, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. Hall could give a bit more length than a traditional opener, as he's gone three innings in both of his opening assignments for the Brew Crew. Still, he won't be around long enough to potentially pick up a win for fantasy managers, so he's not really worth any streaming consideration against the Nats. The 26-year-old southpaw has pitched well overall in just 10 outings (two starts) in 2025, posting a 2.29 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with 13 K's in 19 2/3 frames. Priester, who has a 3.59 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 65:30 K:BB this year in 82 2/3 innings, will be the much more attractive fantasy starter on Friday over Hall.Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Alex Bregman Expected to Return on Friday
Alex Bregman (quadriceps) to come off the 10-day injured list to rejoin the team before Friday's game at Fenway Park against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays. Bregman should be in the starting lineup on Friday against Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen after missing 43 games with a strained right quad muscle that he suffered on May 23. With the team sending David Hamilton to Triple-A Worcester on Thursday, it appears that rookie Marcelo Mayer will now occupy second base with Bregman returning. However, Romy Gonzalez, who has started five of the last six games at the keystone, will likely also be in the mix. The 31-year-old Bregman will be Boston's everyday third baseman again, but he'll be rested on Saturday before playing on Sunday in the final game of the first half of the season.Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Mass Live's Chris Cotillo expects Boston Red Sox third baseman Ryan Bergert Slated for Friday Start
Ryan Bergert (forearm) will be activated from the 15-day injured list ahead of their series opener against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. Bergert has been shelved for a few weeks with a right-forearm contusion after a comebacker hit him during his last start against the Washington Nationals, but he's progressed quickly. He'll take the mound against a Phillies squad that's scored the ninth-most runs per game thus far (4.62). The 25-year-old was solid for the Friars before his injury, posting a 2.67 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 1-0 record through five starts (nine appearances), but won't have an easy ask against a strong Philadelphia lineup.Source: Sammy Levitt
Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan San Diego reports that San Diego Padres starting pitcher Julio Rodriguez Won't Suit Up for Midsummer Classic
Julio Rodriguez will not be able to participate in this season's All-Star game. Per the team, "He will take the break to recuperate, rest, and prepare for the second half." It's an interesting way for that statement to be worded, though the sentiment is clear. The Dominican Republic native has missed only one of Seattle's 93 games thus far, even while dealing with back and ankle ailments, so a few extra days of rest wouldn't be the worst thing for him. Despite the strange syntax, fantasy managers shouldn't worry about any underlying issues, as the organization is likely just keeping their star player fresh for the second half. He's slashing a disappointing .244/.301/.386 in his worst pre-All-Star stretch to date.Source: Shannon Drayer
Shannon Drayer of Sports.MyNorthwest.com reports that Seattle Mariners outfielder Chiefs, Trey Smith Expected to Work Out Long-Term Extension
Source: The Athletic - Zak Keefer
The Kansas City Chiefs welcomed back franchise-tagged offensive guard Trey Smith to mandatory minicamp last month, a good sign that both sides will eventually work out a new long-term contract extension, according to The Athletic's Zak Keefer. "There's no secret we'd like to get Trey locked up," general manager Brett Veach said earlier this year. The 26-year-old allowed only 1.5 sacks in 2024 and has been part of two of the team's Super Bowl championships. If the two sides cannot agree on an extension before the start of the 2025 season, Smith will make $23.4 million, which would make him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. He has started 67 of 68 regular-season games for KC and all of their 13 playoff games since he was selected in the sixth round back in 2021. Smith has become one of the best right guards in the league.Colson Montgomery Sitting for Day Game
Colson Montgomery won't be in his team's lineup for the first game of their doubleheader with the Cleveland Guardians on Friday. Teammate Chase Meidroth will take his place in the field and bat leadoff against southpaw Logan Allen. It appears to be just a routine game off for the 23-year-old, who has started each of the past six contests since the White Sox promoted him. Montgomery is hitting a crisp .333 (6-for-18) over that span, and a .315 expected batting average shows it isn't a fluke. The quality of contact might not be there, but he certainly hasn't looked overmatched in his professional debut.Source: MLB.com
Chicago White Sox shortstop Bernhard Raimann a Candidate for an Extension This Summer
Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson (shoulder).Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann is a candidate to receive a contract extension from the team, possibly as early as this summer. The former third-round selection in 2022 is entering the final year of hi four-year, $5.3 million rookie deal. Raimann initially struggled when he was thrust into a full-time starting role halfway through his rookie campaign, but he's now become one of the better left tackles in the league since that point. According to Spotrac, the 27-year-old tackle is projected to earn $20 million annually on his next deal. If the Colts fail to extend him, Raimann will have plenty of suitors on the open market next March. In the meantime, he'll be protecting the blind side in 2025 for either quarterback C.J. Stroud Could Sign Multi-Year Deal Before 2026 Season
C.J. Stroud has a strong 2025 season, it's more likely that the team will work out a multi-year contract extension with him before the start of the 2026 campaign, writes The Athletic's Mike Jones. Stroud took the league by storm in 2023 as a rookie but regressed last year because of poor offensive line play and struggles by then-offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. If Stroud and the Texans offense are able to rebound in 2025, Jones thinks that Stroud could follow San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy as the next signal-caller to get a five-year, $250 million-plus contract. Given Stroud and the offense's struggles in 2024, RotoBaller now has him ranked as the No. 20 fantasy QB going into the 2025 campaign. The Texans remade their O-line, but there's no guarantee it will be better and give Stroud more time to find his weapons.Source: The Athletic - Mike Jones
If Houston Texans quarterback