Cody Williams Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Cody Williams scored 21 points in the Summer League loss to the Charlotte Hornets. The 20-year-old had trouble shooting the ball on Friday night, going 8-for-19 from the field and 3-for-11 from deep. He also didn't do much outside of his contributions on the scoring end. Williams finished his inaugural year by averaging only 4.6 points. While he's shown some signs of growth this summer, he has more work to do before earning a consistent spot in Utah's rotation, including improving his 25.9% shooting from behind the three-point line as a rookie. As of now, Williams isn't worth selecting in any fantasy format heading into the 2025 campaign, although there could be some streaming opportunities if guys like Ace Bailey and Lauri Markkanen get hurt.Source: ESPN
Utah Jazz forward Edward Cabrera Exits Early on Friday
Edward Cabrera (undisclosed) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's outing against the Baltimore Orioles. Oh no, this isn't what anyone wants to hear with Cabrera drawing significant interest ahead of the trade deadline. It's unclear what is wrong with Cabrera, but he was seen walking into the tunnel with the trainer following his fourth inning of work. Fantasy managers will have to wait until after the game for a better update on his status. Tyler Phillips took over on the mound in the fifth inning. Cabrera finishes this outing with four innings of work, four earned runs on eight hits while striking out six batters. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for another update on his status.Source: Kevin Barral
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Kyle Filipowski Leads the Way on Friday Night
Kyle Filipowski scored a game-high 32 points in Friday's Summer League loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He added six rebounds, five assists, and shot 3-for-7 from deep. The 21-year-old played well in the Salt Lake City version of Summer League, with that trend continuing on Friday night. Filipowski averaged 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in 72 games in his first season in the National Basketball Association. He wasn't a consistent fantasy performer, although he managed to amass 14.0 points and 8.6 rebounds in his 27 starts during the 2024 campaign. The Jazz are loaded with young talent, meaning it may be difficult for Filipowski to get routine playing time in his second season in the league. However, he may get some meaningful minutes as the year progresses, especially if he improves on the defensive end.Source: ESPN
Utah Jazz forward/center Joey Loperfido Scratched on Friday
Joey Loperfido (illness) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Athletics. Loperfido was planning to play through the illness, but ultimately has decided to take the night off. Myles Straw will take over in center field and bat ninth versus right-hander Luis Severino on Friday. Fantasy managers should consider Loperfido as day-to-day for now. Loperfido isn't someone that needs to be rostered right now, but he does have five hits over his last four games. Possibly, Loperfido becomes a deep league option, assuming he continues to hit well.Source: mlb.com
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Teoscar Hernandez (foot) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Hernandez is ready to play again after missing each of the last three games due to soreness in his left foot. Luckily, it was a minor issue that didn't require a trip to the injured list. Hernandez will bat fifth and play right field versus right-hander Logan Webb on Friday. He's in a bit of a slump recently, going 1-for-10 at the plate over his last four games. Despite that, fantasy managers should make sure to get him into their lineups ahead of first pitch.Source: mlb.com
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Sebastian Walcott Launches Ninth Home Run in Loss
Sebastian Walcott continues to show why he's one of the top young talents in baseball. The 19-year-old slugged his ninth home run of the season and drove in two runs across six at-bats in a wild 13-12 extra-innings loss to the Amarillo Sod Poodles on Thursday. Walcott's slash line of .238/.338/.381 may not leap off the page, but context matters. The phenom is five years younger than the average player in the Texas League. His elite tools continue to flash as he gains experience against advanced competition. Walcott is expected to spend the season refining his approach before making a serious push toward the majors in 2025. Rebuilding dynasty teams should be targeting him ahead of the trade deadlines. With a true five-tool skill set, Walcott has the potential to anchor fantasy rosters for years to comeSource: MLB Pipeline
Texas Rangers shortstop prospect Charlie Condon Stays Hot, Powers Yard Goats to 3-1 Victory
Charlie Condon continues to tear through Minor League pitching on his fast track to the big leagues. Condon went 2-for-4 with two singles, an RBI, and a run scored in Thursday’s win over the Portland Sea Dogs. Baseball America's preseason No. 42 prospect began the season in the Arizona Complex League before earning a quick promotion to High-A Spokane. Over 35 games, Condon slashed .312/.431/.420, prompting a call-up to Double-A Hartford. The third overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, Condon combines a plus hit tool with exceptional power, making him one of the most exciting bats in the Rockies' system. While his rise has been rapid, we likely won't see him in Colorado until 2026.Source: milb.com
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Blaze Jordan Consistent Since Promotion to Triple-A
Blaze Jordan has been a steady contributor for Triple-A Worcester since his promotion on June 3. The 22-year-old earned the call-up by slashing .320/.415/.513 at Double-A and has already launched four home runs in just 31 games at his current level. Jordan continues to display advanced polish and plate discipline, striking out at a stellar 11.4% clip since the promotion. Alex Bregman currently blocks his path to the majors, but uncertainty around Bregman's contract situation could eventually clear the way for Jordan to claim a spot in Boston. Fantasy managers should watch closely as the deadline approaches.Source: milb.com
Boston Red Sox third base prospect Jonah Tong Joins Second-Half Hot List
Source: milb.com
New York Mets right-hander Jonah Tong continues to shine for the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies. The 22-year-old flamethrower leads all of Minor League Baseball with 125 strikeouts across 78 2/3 innings this season. After starting the year as Baseball America's No. 75 overall prospect, Tong has quickly climbed the ranks. The Canadian-born righty holds a stellar 1.94 ERA and will be featured in the MLB Futures Game over the All-Star break. While Tong's MLB debut is likely on track for 2026, a banged-up Mets rotation and continued dominance from the phenom could force the team's hand as they battle the Phillies for the NL East crown. Fantasy managers should keep him firmly on their radar in all formats.Jett Williams is Ice-Cold Through July
Jett Williams has endured a rough start to July. Williams walked once while going 0-for-3 Thursday, in the Rumble Ponies 2-1 win over the Altuna Curve. Through Thursday, the 21-year-old is slashing just .172/.265/.276 in 29 at-bats this month and has yet to steal a base. Some time off during the All-Star break could help the speedster reset mentally and get back on track. Baseball America's preseason No. 58 prospect has shown promise overall in his 2025 campaign. Over 75 games with Binghamton this season, Williams has racked up 23 doubles, five triples, and 24 steals in 29 attempts. Williams still needs to prove he can handle a Triple-A promotion before earning a call-up to Queens, but his dynamic skill set remains intriguing. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should continue to monitor his second-half performance closely.Source: milb.com
New York Mets shortstop prospect Sauce Gardner Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Garrett Wilson, who is seeking in the range of $25-30 million per year. Gardner has stated that he would like to retire as a Jet, but the team will probably need to move fast to avoid prices going up. The 24-year-old defensive back is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 and has already become one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL. The former fourth overall pick in 2022 out of Cincinnati is a two-time Pro Bowler and also won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022. Gardner finished with 49 tackles (36 solo), his first career sack, an interception and nine pass breakups in 15 starts in 2024.Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner wants to be the highest-paid cornerback in the league. Additionally, the Jets need to figure out when to extend wide receiver Rhamondre Stevenson Heading into an Important Season
Rhamondre Stevenson a four-year, $36 million extension last summer, which kicks in for the 2025 season. The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that the extension for Stevenson already looks like a bad move after he had 207 carries for 807 yards (career-low 3.9 yards per carry) last year, although he did score a career-high seven rushing touchdowns. On top of it, the Pats selected rookie TreVeyon Henderson in the second round this year, so New England now have an out to move on from Stevenson if he struggles again in 2025. The biggest drawback to the 27-year-old last year were his seven fumbles. He has nice size and abilities in the passing game, but he won't be guaranteed much under the new coaching staff and will face plenty of competition from Henderson. RotoBaller has Stevenson ranked as the RB35 in fantasy.Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff
The New England Patriots gave running back Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
The Athletic's Alec Lewis writes that safety Josh Metellus and the Minnesota Vikings have mutual interest in hammering out a contract extension, but it remains to be seen if they can find common ground on a deal. Metellus has been an integral contributor for defensive coordinator Brian Flores for his ability to play as a linebacker and in the slot, so the Vikings would surely like to keep his versatility around as he heads into the final year of his current contract. The 27-year-old defensive back is also a captain and contributes on special teams. The former sixth-rounder has had 100-plus combined tackles the last two years in Minnesota, and while his versatility could complicate extension talks, it also allows him to play up in the box more often than most safeties and rack up tackles for fantasy managers in IDP leagues.2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Tua Tagovailoa's last year with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins aren't in a pretty salary-cap situation moving forward, so if they have a five- or six-win season this year, it's possible that ownership decides it's time for a hard reset. It's quite possible that Miami's decision-makers going into next year think that Tua's concussion history and limitations as a pocket passer don't make him an ideal franchise signal-caller. The former first-rounder's value, both in fantasy and real life, all depend on his health and what he can produce in 2025. If the Dolphins were to cut Tagovailoa after this year, it would come with a hefty $79 million dead-cap hit. There's bounce-back potential for Tua and the Dolphins offense, but fantasy managers shouldn't be taking him as anything more than a QB2 with upside.Source: The Athletic - Jim Ayello
While it's probably unlikely, The Athletic's Jim Ayello points out there's a chance that the 2025 season is quarterback Rashawn Slater has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
The Los Angeles Chargers and left tackle Rashawn Slater remain in contract-extension negotiations, but Slater said during mandatory minicamp in June that he had "full confidence" that a deal would get done. Slater is currently scheduled to play on his $19.04 million fifth-year option in 2025. The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that the 26-year-old is one of the best left tackles in the league, which should allow him to command a top-of-the-market extension. Slater should be in the ballpark of Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs, who is the highest-paid tackle in the NFL at $28.15 million in average annual value. He made the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career in 2024 as one of the league's best left tackles despite missing two games early on with a pectoral injury. Slater's presence on the left side is a huge boost for quarterbackByron Buxton Returns on Friday
Byron Buxton (hand) is back in center field and will bat in his customary leadoff spot for Friday's series opener at Target Field against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates and right-hander Paul Skenes. Buxton was hit by a pitch on his left hand in Wednesday's win over the Chicago Cubs, but thankfully he didn't suffer any fractures and will return on Friday after sitting out on Thursday. Although the matchup isn't an ideal one, Buxton enters Friday's action as one of five players to lead their team in home runs (20), RBI (53) and stolen bases (17). The 31-year-old veteran is hitting .270/.338/.544 with an .881 OPS while also scoring 60 runs in 285 at-bats. If Buxton can stay healthy in the second half, 2025 should easily be a career year for him. In eight games in July so far, he's gone 5-for-29 (.172) with a homer, two doubles, two RBI and two steals.Source: MLB.com
Minnesota Twins outfielder Carlos Lagrange Continues Impressive Stretch
Carlos Lagrange has continued to impress at Double-A Somerset. In his most recent outing on July 8, the No. 17-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com logged 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts. In this outing, Lagrange served up four walks and allowed just two hits. Since allowing five runs on June 12, Lagrange has gone on to post an impressive 2.61 ERA with a 1.16 WHIP over his last four outings. Across these 20 2/3 innings, Lagrange has struck out 34 hitters while allowing 15 walks. The 22-year-old opened the season with High-A but was able to earn the call to Double-A after posting a 4.10 ERA across 41 2/3 innings. Despite his recent dominant stretch, fantasy managers should expect Lagrange to remain at Double-A through the remainder of the second half.Source: MiLB.com
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect Jacob Wilson Remains Absent From A's Lineup
Jacob Wilson (hand) will miss a third straight game for Friday's series opener against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays in Sacramento. With Wilson still nursing a left-hand injury, Max Muncy will shift to shortstop and will bat seventh against Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer. Wilson is being considered day-to-day, so there's hope he could return to the lineup for one of the final two days of the first half of the regular season on Saturday or Sunday before next week's All-Star break. Believe it or not, the 23-year-old Wilson ranks second in MLB (behind Aaron Judge) with a .335 average (111-for-331) despite having one of the shortest and slowest swings in the game. Wilson's xBA of .290 is still strong, but it foreshadows regression in the second half. Muncy is hitting only .218 in his first 52 MLB games, but he does have eight homers.Source: MLB.com
Athletics shortstop Nolan Schanuel Returns to Action on Friday
Nolan Schanuel (calf) is starting at first base and batting second for Friday's series opener against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks and right-hander Ryne Nelson. Schanuel was held out of Thursday's series finale against the Texas Rangers as a precaution due to tightness in his calf, but he's feeling fine a day later and will return for the start of the final series of the first half of the regular season. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter has gone 9-for-38 (.237) with a homer, seven RBI and two runs scored in nine games so far in the month of July. On the season, he's hitting .267/.356/.394 and lacks high-end power (eight home runs) that most fantasy managers are looking for at the first base position. Elsewhere, Schanuel ranks in the sixth percentile in hard-hit rate and the 55th percentile in xwOBA.Source: MLB.com
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Sawyer Gipson-Long Completes Bullpen Session on Thursday
Sawyer Gipson-Long (neck) completed a bullpen session on Thursday. Gipson-Long was placed on the 15-day injured list on July 2 with a neck strain. This was the first time the Mercer product was able to complete a bullpen session since being placed on the injured list. Through 23 innings this season, Gipson-Long posted a 4.70 ERA with a strong 1.09 WHIP. During this stretch, Gipson-Long tallied 18 strikeouts while showing elite command, allowing walks at a 4.3% rate. Gipson-Long made his MLB debut during the 2023 campaign and held a 2.70 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP through 20 innings. He was unable to pitch in the majors in 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. When he is cleared to return, he will likely be deployed in a long relief role, which will limit his fantasy value.Source: Evan Woodbery
Detroit Tigers right-handed pitching prospect Corbin Carroll Out on Friday
Corbin Carroll is taking the day off for Friday's series opener on the road against the Los Angeles Angels with left-hander Tyler Anderson on the mound. Instead, veteran Randal Grichuk will start in right field and will hit sixth versus Anderson. It will be Carroll's day of rest since he came off the injured list last Friday. In the six games since his return from a wrist ailment, the former National League Rookie of the Year has gone just 5-for-26 (.192) with a homer, double, triple, three RBI, four runs and a steal in 28 plate appearances, but he's also carrying a modest four-game hitting streak into the weekend series in Anaheim. The 24-year-old should be back on Saturday and should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups. Grichuk will be a viable DFS sleeper who has hit .308 with a homer and two RBI in 13 career at-bats against Anderson.Source: MLB.com
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Braylon Payne Heating Up at Low-A
Braylon Payne has begun to turn the corner following his slow start at Low-A. Over his last 15 contests, last season's 17th overall pick has posted an impressive .345/.424/.638 slash line with one double, two triples, four home runs, and five stolen bases. During this stretch, he has held a 19:8 K:BB. Before this surge, Payne held a much lower .219/.345/.314 slash line with just three doubles and two home runs across his first 37 games of the regular season. After last year's MLB Draft, Payne received a brief four-game taste of Low-A, where he went 7-for-16. If Payne continues to find his swing, he should earn a promotion to High-A in the coming weeks. The Elkins HS product currently sits as the No. 9-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com.Source: MiLB.com
Milwaukee Brewers outfield prospect Cam Collier Holding His Own at Double-A
Cam Collier has held a .296/.425/.366 line through his first 21 games with Double-A Chattanooga. Collier earned a promotion to Double-A earlier in June and has shown elite contact skills with a strong eye at the plate during his first look. However, his power has yet to translate to this level as he has tallied just five extra-base hits (all doubles). He has only struck out 20 times and drawn an impressive 15 walks. Earlier in the season, the No. 62-ranked prospect on MLB.com posted a .293/.370/.415 line with High-A before earning the promotion. Last season, the former 18th overall pick spent most of his season with High-A, where he held a .248/.355/.443 line. If Collier can begin to hit for power, he could be in the mix to earn a brief taste of Triple-A towards the end of the regular season.Source: MiLB.com
Cincinnati Reds third base prospect Brice Matthews Hitting Eighth in MLB Debut
Brice Matthews is starting at second base and is batting eighth in his major-league debut for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Texas Rangers and right-hander Jack Leiter at Daikin Park. Matthews, who is ranked as the team's top prospect per MLB Pipeline, was called up from Triple-A Sugar Land after slashing .283/.400/.476 with an .876 OPS, 10 home runs, 39 RBI, 51 runs scored and 25 steals in 73 games on the farm. It remains to be seen how long the 23-year-old right-handed hitter will be up with the Astros and if he'll stick around through the All-Star break, but the Astros need Jose Altuve in their banged-up outfield right now. At the very least, Matthews' raw power/speed combination is worthy of waiver-wire consideration in the short term in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues.Source: MLB.com
Houston Astros infield prospect 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
Jake
Meyers
(calf)
on
the
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prospect
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The
Houston
Astros
placed
outfielder
Brandon Lowe Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Brandon
Lowe
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on
the
10-day
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list
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infielder
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The
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Rays
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Jesse Winker Heads Back to Injured List
Jesse
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The
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