Jonah Tong Strikes Out Eight on Friday
Source: MiLB.com
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong continued his dominant run at Double-A on Friday evening as he tossed six innings of one-run ball with three hits and three walks. He struck out eight batters. Since May 23, Tong has allowed just one run or fewer in each of his starts. During this dominant stretch, the right-hander has posted a near-perfect 1.03 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, and a 50:13 K:BB. Through 73 total innings with Double-A Binghamton, Tong has posted an impressive 1.73 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a 115:33 K:BB. This is an excellent sign for the budding ace, as he posted a modest 3.71 ERA and 1.32 WHIP during his time at High-A last summer. Given his fast development at Double-A, he should be in the mix to reach Triple-A very soon.Jackson Chourio Blasts Homer, Drives in Four
Jackson Chourio hit a three-run homer on Friday, helping the crew win 10-6 over the Colorado Rockies. Chourio added a walk and RBI force-out, which he also came around to score on. The 21-year-old has been solid recently and is putting up solid five-category production on the whole. He is now hitting .254 with 53 runs, 13 homers, 50 RBI, and 15 steals. That will certainly do for fantasy purposes, but he has struggled with reaching base (.285 OBP) and only has a .732 OPS. Not bad, but not quite what was imagined from him coming into the season. Still, the production has been there, and that's all that really matters to fantasy owners. If he were to make some adjustments and reach base more often, it could unlock another level to what are already solid numbers.Source: MLB.com
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Josh Hader Shuts Down Cubs for 22nd Save
Josh Hader got a one-out save on Friday, retiring the only batter he faced to close out the Chicago Cubs in a 7-4 victory. The ninth inning started as a non-save situation, but after a walk and a double it turned into a save opportunity, so the Astros summoned their closer. Hader is now 22-for-22 in save opportunities this season and has been nearly unhittable this year. The 31-year-old has an immaculate 1.72 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, and 56 strikeouts over 36 ⅔ IP. Hader is probably the best closer in baseball right now and should continue to be elite for fantasy managers.Source: MLB.com
Houston Astros closer Jose Berrios Tosses Seven Scoreless Innings in Fourth Win
Jose Berrios (4-3) dominated the Boston Red Sox on Friday, pitching seven shutout frames and striking out eight in a 9-0 win. Berrios scattered four hits and walked one in what was his best start of the season. The 31-year-old has been rock solid for a while now, with quality starts in six of his last seven outings. He holds a 3.26 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and has struck out 89 in 102 IP. While his numbers aren't flashy, Berrios is a workhorse who gets the job done. He is a stabilizer for any fantasy pitching staff and should be started most weeks. His next matchup is against the New York Yankees in Toronto on Wednesday, which will be a tough one. Still, with the way Berrios is pitching right now, it wouldn't be the worst idea to start him.Source: MLB.com
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Nick Martinez Flirts With No-Hitter, Settles for Win
Nick
Martinez
was
excellent
on
Friday,
tossing
eight
innings
of
one-hit
baseball
against
the
San
Diego
Padres
in
an
8-1
win.
Martinez
allowed
his
first
hit
in
the
ninth
inning,
where
he
wasread more...
Cincinnati
Reds
starting
pitcher
Gary Sanchez Homers, Reaches Five Times in Onslaught
Gary Sanchez had a monster game on Friday, going 4-for-5 with a homer, a double, and a walk in a 22-8 rout of the Tampa Bay Rays. Sanchez drove in four and scored three times in this one. The veteran backstop has been playing every day since Adley Rutschman (oblique) went on the IL, and so far he's made the most of it. In June, Sanchez is 13-for-34 (.382) with four homers and 14 RBI. We know the 32-year-old can hit for power when he's feeling good at the plate, and right now he looks confident. Sanchez isn't a must-add by any means, but in two-catcher leagues he is a decent option until Rutschman returns, which may not be for a while.Source: MLB.com
Baltimore Orioles catcher Trea Turner Blasts Two Homers, Steals Base
Trea Turner filled up the stat sheet in Friday's 13-0 win over the Atlanta Braves, going 4-for-6 with two homers, a double, and a stolen base. Turner blasted two solo homers and also came around to score on his other two hits. The 31-year-old continues to be a major contributor in fantasy, even if he isn't quite the hitter he once was in his prime. He is batting .302 with 58 runs, 11 homers, 37 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 331 at-bats this season. With his spot at the top of a dangerous Phillies' lineup secured, expect Turner's five-category production to continue through the rest of the season.Source: MLB.com
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Ron Washington to Remain on Medical Leave for Rest of the Season
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian informed his players on Friday that manager Ron Washington will remain on medical leave for the rest of the 2025 season. Washington, who is the oldest manager in the league at 73, was initially placed on leave on June 20 with an undisclosed medical issue. He was hoping to return to the team on Sunday night, but that will not happen now. Ray Montgomery, who was in his fourth year as the team's bench coach, will serve as the interim manager going forward in Anaheim. Minasian is optimistic about Washington's long-term prognosis and said he's "in good spirits." Washington experienced shortness of breath and looked fatigued at the end of a four-game series at Yankee Stadium, which ended on June 19. He has a club option for 2026, but Minasian would not speculate on Washington's future role with the organization.Imaging Negative on Jeremy Pena's Ribs on Friday
Jeremy
Pena
(ribs)
is
"pretty
sore"
but
had
imaging
on
his
ribs
that
came
back
negative
for
any
fractures
on
Friday
after
he
was
hit
by
a
pitch
in
the
7-4
win
overread more...
Houston
Astros
shortstop
Byron Buxton Goes Yard, Steals a Base in Win
Byron Buxton continued his strong season in a 4-1 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday. Buxton clubbed his 18th homer, a 425-foot solo shot off right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long, and added a walk, a stolen base, and a second run scored in a 1-for-4 night. The 31-year-old has already tied last season's HR total in 37 fewer games and will have a chance at 30-plus for the first time in his career if he stays healthy (a big if for the injury-prone Buxton). He's also slashing an excellent .278/.346/.560 with 49 RBI, 51 runs scored, and 14 steals over 280 trips to the plate.Source: ESPN
Minnesota Twins outfielder Nathan Eovaldi Struggles in Return from Injury
Nathan Eovaldi had a rough outing against the Seattle Mariners on Friday in his return from a triceps injury. Making his first start since May 27, Eovaldi lasted just three innings and yielded three earned runs on five hits with two strikeouts against two walks over 45 pitches. Eovaldi didn't factor into the decision in a 7-6 loss for the Rangers. Despite Friday's subpar outing, Eovaldi still owns a stingy 1.87 ERA (2.38 FIP) with an elite 0.87 WHIP and 75:12 K:BB in 72 1/3 frames. The 35-year-old will try to bounce back Wednesday at home against the Baltimore Orioles.Source: ESPN
Texas Rangers right-hander Gunnar Henderson has Monster Game on Friday
Gunnar Henderson helped the team to an offensive explosion in a 22-8 rout over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. The 23-year-old star finished a double shy of the cycle in a 4-for-6 performance with one homer, two RBI, and an additional run scored. Henderson's eighth-inning HR came against shortstop Jose Caballero, who was pitching in mop-up duty, but fantasy managers will take it. He hadn't gone deep in a 19-game span dating back to June 5. While Henderson still has plenty of catching up to do to approach his MVP-caliber 2024 production, he's still batting a more-than-respectable .279/.352/.445 with nine homers, 25 RBI, 42 runs scored, and nine steals in 315 plate appearances.Source: ESPN
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Jhoan Duran Notches 12th Save
Jhoan Duran made quick work of the Detroit Tigers to pick up his 12th save in a 4-1 win on Friday. Duran retired the Tigers in order in the ninth inning on only nine pitches and struck out one. The hard-throwing 27-year-old has converted 12 of 14 save opportunities and posted a sparkling 1.69 ERA with 42 saves against 14 walks over 37 1/3 innings.Source: ESPN
Minnesota Twins closer Spencer Steer Slugs Three Home Runs in Win
Spencer Steer smashed three home runs on Friday as his club coasted to an 8-1 victory over the San Diego Padres. Steer clubbed a pair of solo homers off right-hander Dylan Cease and added a two-run shot against lefty Yuki Matsui in a 3-for-4 night. Friday's incredible performance aside, this has been a somewhat disappointing season for Steer. He's hitting .251/.303/.404 with nine homers, 31 RBI, 33 runs, six steals, and a career-low 6.7% walk rate in 297 plate appearances. Worsening matters, the 27-year-old also ranks near the bottom of the league in most key Statcast categories. However, Steer has been heating up lately with six multi-hit games since June 18.Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Camilo Doval Bounces Back to Pick Up 13th Save
Camilo Doval tallied save No. 13 in a 3-1 win against the Chicago White Sox on Friday. Doval was sharp in his inning of work, retiring the White Sox in order and striking out two over 16 pitches. It was a much-needed rebound after a pair of ugly outings in which Doval combined to allow five earned runs on five hits and two walks in 1 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old still carries a quality 2.70 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP in 36 2/3 frames, but he has succeeded despite a career-low 8.59 K/9.Source: ESPN
San Francisco Giants closer Lance McCullers Jr. to Start for Astros on Saturday
Lance McCullers Jr. (foot) will come off the 15-day injured list to start against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports. McCullers, who last pitched June 10, has been on the shelf with a sprained right foot. He made a quick enough recovery to forgo a rehab assignment and will return against a Chicago offense that has been among the league's best this year. McCullers has been understandably inconsistent this season in his first action since 2022. The 31-year-old has gone 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts against 16 walks in 29 1/3 innings.Source: Chandler Rome - The Athletic
Houston Astros right-hander Tanner Scott Survives Rally to Record 18th Save
Tanner Scott worked in and out of trouble on Friday to notch save No. 18 in a 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals. After striking out Bobby Witt Jr. to start the bottom of the ninth, Scott loaded the bases on two singles and a walk. Jac Caglianone came to the plate with a chance to tie or win the game, but Scott got him to ground into a double play to end it. Scott has blown five save opportunities this season, but his most recent one came back on May 28. He has converted seven straight saves since then and has surrendered a meager two earned runs in 13 1/3 innings in June. That's more along the lines of what the Dodgers and fantasy managers expected from Scott entering the season. Overall, the 30-year-old has recorded a 3.46 ERA with 42:6 K:BB and a 1.03 WHIP in 39 innings.Source: ESPN
Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed reliever Devin Williams Earns 11th Save
Devin Williams pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his 11th save in a 3-0 win over the Athletics on Friday. Williams struck out one and needed 15 pitches to shut the door on the A's. It was the right-hander's eighth straight scoreless appearance and his ninth in 10 outings this month. Notably, before turning to Williams in the ninth, the Yankees used fellow saves candidate Luke Weaver in the eighth. Weaver tossed a 1-2-3 frame and logged his seventh hold. He hasn't received a save opportunity since returning from a three-week stay on the injured list on June 20. Williams, meanwhile, has notched two saves in that span. Manager Aaron Boone said a week ago that Williams and Weaver would each close games, but it appears they'd rather use the latter in a setup role when both pitchers are available.Source: ESPN
New York Yankees reliever Ace Bailey to Report to Utah on Saturday
Ace Bailey plans to report to the team on Saturday. "We've had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives," said a Jazz Representative. "We feel good about everything. We'll have a press conference Sunday and practice Monday." The former Scarlet Knight was anticipated to be the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, he fell to the Jazz at No. 5 after refusing to participate in individual workouts for any NBA teams. In 30 games at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Without question, his name should be mentioned in the Rookie of the Year conversation, assuming he stays healthy. He'll also have a chance to start immediately with the Jazz. All things considered, Bailey will be one of the first rookies selected by fantasy managers in rookie drafts, especially now that he intends to suit up for Utah.Source: Jonathan Givony
According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Utah Jazz forward Sonny Gray Tosses Complete-Game Shutout
Sonny Gray was outstanding on the mound during Friday's outing against the Cleveland Guardians. Gray was unbelievable as he allowed only one hit to Nolan Jones throughout the entire game. This is a bit surprising considering how bad Gray has been on the road this season. Despite that, Gray tossed a complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts in the victory. Gray has been inconsistent at times this season, but fantasy managers will get a huge boost from this outing. His next start should come against the Pirates in Pittsburgh next week.Source: mlb.com
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Justin Edwards, Sixers Agree on a New Contract
Justin Edwards. Instead, both sides agreed to a new deal, with the 21-year-old in line to sign a three-year contract. He went undrafted in 2024. Fortunately, Edwards earned a two-way contract last summer before Philly signed him to a standard deal in March. He was more productive than expected, finishing his rookie campaign by averaging 10.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 44 games while playing slightly better in his 26 appearances in the starting lineup. Edwards likely won't see nearly as many starts this season, assuming Paul George (adductor, knee), Joel Embiid (knee), and Tyrese Maxey (finger) stay healthy. He may also have trouble finding consistent work, although dynasty managers can consider keeping him on the roster due to his potential upside.Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Philadelphia 76ers declined the $1.9 million team option on forward Nestor Cortes Beginning Rehab Assignment on Wednesday
Nestor Cortes (elbow) threw a two-inning simulated game on Friday. It appears to have gone well as Cortes will now begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday. The expectation is that Cortes is going to need multiple rehab outings before being cleared to return. If everything goes well, Cortes should be back in the Brewers rotation by around the All-Star break. The southpaw has been sidelined since early April due to a left elbow strain. He could be worth stashing in deep leagues.Source: Adam McCalvy
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Naz Reid Agrees to a New Contract with Minnesota
Naz Reid agreed to a five-year, $125 million deal to remain with the team. The 25-year-old was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2024. However, he is coming off arguably the best year of his career, finishing the 2024-25 campaign by averaging 14.2 points and 6.0 rebounds. As of now, he's projected to come off the bench for the Timberwolves, although that could change depending on what Julius Randle does this offseason. If Randle doesn't stay with the franchise, Reid may move into the starting lineup, which will improve his fantasy potential even more.Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Hunter Goodman Dealing With Hamstring Soreness
Hunter Goodman (hamstring) was out of the starting lineup for the second straight game on Friday. It seemed a bit odd that Goodman was sitting in consecutive games considering how well he has been hitting this season. Now, it's being revealed that Goodman is dealing with hamstring tightness. For the moment, Goodman is considered day-to-day as the organization wants to give him a few days to rest. If it doesn't get better quickly, Goodman could be placed on the injured list. Braxton Fulford will see increased playing time while Goodman is out.Source: Kelsey Wingert-Linch
Colorado Rockies catcher Keibert Ruiz Moved to 7-Day Injured List
Keibert Ruiz (concussion) has been shifted to the 7-day injured list on Friday. Ruiz was hit in the head by a foul ball during Monday's game. As a result, Ruiz was placed on the 10-day injured list. However, he'll be moved to the 7-day injured list after being diagnosed with a concussion. That means, Ruiz is now eligible to come off the IL on Tuesday. In the meantime, Riley Adams and Drew Millas will split up the time behind the plate.Source: Mark Zuckerman
Washington Nationals catcher Jordan Westburg Exits Early After Aggravating Finger Injury
Jordan Westburg (finger) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Westburg appears to have re-aggravated his left finger injury during a head-first slide on a double. He stayed in to run the bases, but Westburg was replaced by Ramon Urias afterwards. The assumption is that Westburg will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. He finished this game 1-for-1 with a double. Urias figures to see increased playing time if Westburg misses a few games.Source: Jake Rill
Baltimore Orioles infielder Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Roman
Wilson
excelled
on
in-breaking
routes
over
the
middle
of
the
field
in
college
at
Michigan,
which
should
fit
quarterback
Aaron
Rodgers'
skills
nicely,
according
to
Theread more...
Pittsburgh
Steelers
wide
receiver
Josh Simmons on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Patrick Mahomes' blind side. There's still a chance Moore wins the job, but it's clear that Simmons is the future at left tackle for the Chiefs.Source: ESPN.com - Adam Teicher
Kansas City Chiefs rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons (knee) worked as the starting left tackle during offseason practices despite coming off a torn patellar tendon in his final year in college at Ohio State. Per ESPN's Adam Teicher, barring a setback, it looks like Simmons is on schedule to be the team's starting left tackle when the 2025 regular season begins. "We weren't quite sure how much we were going to be able to get out of him, but he looks strong," head coach Andy Reid said. "You can tell that he rehabbed. He did a nice job with it." The 22-year-old will be tested more in training camp when the pads go on, and he'll primarily competing with Jaylon Moore for the right to protect quarterback Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb both negotiated four-year deals recently, so perhaps that's what Parsons is trying to do as well. Contract talks aside, Parsons has at least 12 sacks in four straight seasons and will remain a high-end IDP fantasy target going into 2025 drafts.Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero says that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons already had a handshake deal months ago on a new contract extension, but the length of the pending extension is where the current hangup is. The Cowboys and Jones have always favored locking up their stars on long-term deals for five or six years, but the trend in the league of late has been shorter contract extensions. Parsons, who is 26 years old, might prefer a shorter contract extension that would allow him another bite at the apple as he nears the end of his career. Both quarterback