July 9, 2025
Detroit Tigers right-handed reliever
Alex Lange (lat) has been returned from his rehab assignment after reporting mild lat tightness, the team announced. "We can't mess with this, because soreness can turn into injury quickly," said manager A.J. Hinch, who noted the Tigers are taking a "patient approach" with Lange. The 29-year-old underwent surgery on his right lat in June 2024 and still hasn't made it back to the majors over a year later. This latest setback will further delay his return to the bigs. In 2023, his most recent full season, Lange logged a 3.68 ERA with 10.77 K/9, 6.14 BB/9, and 26 saves over 66 innings.
Will Vest has since taken over as Detroit's closer.
--Connor ByrneSource: Detroit Tigers
July 9, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren has agreed to a fully guaranteed five-year maximum rookie contract extension, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The deal could be worth up to $250 million. Holmgren just finished his third NBA season, averaging 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 27.4 minutes. He was limited to 32 games due to a hip injury. The 23-year-old missed his entire rookie year with a foot problem. While Holmgren's health issues are something fantasy managers should keep in mind, he is a uniquely talented big man and is set to be part of the Thunder's core for the foreseeable future.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
July 9, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander
Robert Gasser (elbow) will start a rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League next week. It's a significant step for Gasser, who's on the comeback trail from June 2024 Tommy John surgery. He impressed in his first five major league starts before going under the knife, as he registered a 2.57 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP across 28 innings. Gasser fanned just 16 hitters during that span, but he helped make up for it by issuing only one walk. Barring any setbacks, the Brewers expect the 26-year-old to return sometime in August.
--Connor ByrneSource: Milwaukee Brewers
July 9, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder
Blake Perkins (groin, shin) will start a new rehab assignment on Friday, Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic reports. Perkins had been working back from a fractured right shin with Triple-A Nashville, but he landed on the seven-day injured list in the minors with a strained left groin last week. The injuries have prevented Perkins from factoring in at all in the big leagues this season. Known primarily for his standout defensive skills, the 28-year-old batted .240/.316/.332 with six home runs and 23 stolen bases over 434 plate appearances in 2024. When healthy, he'll come back to a Milwaukee outfield that has received quality production from
Jackson Chourio,
Sal Frelick, and
Isaac Collins.
--Connor ByrneSource: Jack Stern - Brewer Fanatic
July 9, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander
Nestor Cortes (elbow) will make his next scheduled rehab start at the High-A level on Thursday. The goal is for Cortes to throw 65 pitches in the outing, according to Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic. Cortes hasn't pitched in the majors since April 3 because of a strained left elbow. He made just two starts before the injury, one of which was a dud and the other a six-inning shutout. In total, Cortes has given up eight earned runs over eight frames in his first season as a Brewer. The 30-year-old should be back soon after the All-Star break, though it's unclear if he'll rejoin Milwaukee's rotation or pitch out of the bullpen.
--Connor ByrneSource: Jack Stern - Brewer Fanatic
July 9, 2025
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Zebby Matthews (shoulder) threw live batting practice before the team's 8-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. Matthews hadn't faced hitters since going on the 15-day injured list on June 5 with shoulder strain. The 25-year-old made four starts and posted a bloated 5.21 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP across 19 innings before landing on the shelf. To his credit, Matthews did strike out an impressive 25 hitters while walking eight in that span. Matthews figures to need a rehab assignment before rejoining the Twins' rotation, but he could return later this month.
--Connor ByrneSource: Dan Hayes - The Athletic
July 9, 2025
Veteran left-hander
Dallas Keuchel has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Kansas City Royals, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports. The deal guarantees Keuchel a prorated $2 million salary if he returns to the majors. The 37-year-old impressed the Royals during a workout last week, touching 92 mph on the radar gun. He'll now try to work his way back with Kansas City's Triple-A affiliate in Omaha. Keuchel, a two-time All-Star and a former AL Cy Young winner, has experienced a significant decline in recent years. In 2024, he made four starts as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers and pitched to a 5.40 ERA with 11 strikeouts and eight walks over 16 2/3 innings.
--Connor ByrneSource: Jeff Passan
July 9, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Merrill Kelly (calf) exited his start against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday with calf discomfort, according to Arizona Sports. However, Kelly and manager Torey Lovullo said after the team's 1-0 loss that they don't think it's a serious issue. Kelly fell to 7-5 on Tuesday, but he was outstanding over seven innings and 77 pitches of one-run, four-hit ball. The 36-year-old has recorded a strong 3.41 ERA this season with 107 strikeouts and 29 walks in 111 innings. Kelly's 1.05 WHIP ranks 12th among starters.
--Connor ByrneSource: Arizona Sports
July 9, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman
Nolan Arenado (shoulder) plans to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Washington Nationals, Daniel Guerrero of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Arenado hasn't played since he suffered an impingement in his right shoulder last Friday. The 34-year-old explained that hitting caused the injury. "Throwing feels great," he told Guerrero. "I played long toss two days ago on Sunday night, and it felt amazing. Just hitting, kind of going across the body doesn't feel great." Arenado has slashed a modest .244/.304/.391 with 10 home runs and 41 RBI in 336 plate appearances this year.
--Connor ByrneSource: Daniel Guerrero - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
July 9, 2025
According to MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo, Boston Red Sox third baseman
Alex Bregman (quadriceps) won't return on Wednesday, but "any time after that is in play." Manager Alex Cora notes that a return on Thursday is a strong possibility. "He feels good. Let's see how he reacts tomorrow to everything he did today. Then, we'll make a decision on him, probably tomorrow." Bregman has seemingly responded well to heavy activity over the last few days and is poised to rejoin the team before they break for the Midsummer Classic. He'll be a welcome sight to the BoSox and fantasy managers, as the 31-year-old hasn't appeared in a game since May 23 while battling a strained right quadriceps.
--Alex CiullaSource: Chris Cotillo
July 9, 2025
The Athletic's Dan Hayes reports that Minnesota Twins reliever
Jhoan Duran (illness) was unavailable for Tuesday's home win against the Chicago Cubs due to illness. Hayes also notes that he was sent home early to prevent infecting his teammates. It's possible that the 27-year-old won't be available for another day or two while he recovers, but it doesn't sound like anything serious. Duran has been superb in 2025, compiling a 1.56 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 45:16 K:BB ratio with 13 saves in 41 appearances (40 1/3 innings). Fellow bullpen arms
Griffin Jax and/or Louie Varland figure to handle late-inning duties while he's sidelined.
--Alex CiullaSource: Dan Hayes
July 9, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Shane McClanahan (triceps) issued one free pass and struck out a batter over one inning on Tuesday in his first rehab appearance for the Florida Complex League Rays. The 28-year-old hasn't pitched in a major-league game since undergoing Tommy John surgery in August of 2023 and a subsequent triceps issue that popped up during spring training. McClanahan displayed all four of his pitches in the outing and is progressing well, per the team. If all goes according to plan over the next few days, the Rays expect him to make his next rehab outing for Triple-A Durham Sunday -- a significant step as he looks to rejoin the big-league squad in early August. As of now, he's on track to do so. We'll learn more about his progress in a few days.
--Alex CiullaSource: Ryan Bass
July 9, 2025
MLB.com's Theo DeRosa reports that initial testing on Athletics shortstop
Jacob Wilson's (hand) hand returned negative, and he's considered day-to-day. The former first-round pick took a
Didier Fuentes pitch to the hand in the first inning of Tuesday's 10-1 win over the Atlanta Braves and was immediately removed from the contest. It's good news that X-rays returned clean, but the team will reevaluate him on Wednesday to determine how long he'll be sidelined. With the All-Star break looming, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get some extra rest if his hand hasn't improved in a few days. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be shelved for too long, but we'll know more shortly.
--Alex CiullaSource: Theo DeRosa
July 9, 2025
Nicolai Hojgaard did finish T-24 at the Rocket Classic. The Danish golfer enjoyed as solid result on the PGA Tour for the first time since a T-16 at the Cognizant Classic way back in March. Hojgaard does mix his time between the tour in Europe and the PGA Tour. He did enjoy one of his better efforts two years ago at The Renaissance Club. That T-6 drew some considerable notice. That may be why his Top 20 betting number has shortened to +250. Hojgaard can be a case in frustration when it comes to his driver. He ranks 162nd on tour in driving accuracy at 52.99%. This is in stark contrast to greens in regulation where he rolls in at 9th (70.59%). His DFS fortunes likely ride on that driver especially with the Scottish weather.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
July 9, 2025
Harry Hall has not won in 2025. However, the English golfer does have six consecutive Top 25 finishes on the PGA Tour. The 27-year-old highlights a field where some younger golfers could make some noise at the Genesis Scottish Open. Currently, Hall is now +6000 via DraftKings to win the event. Digging a little deeper shows he is +210. This is nestled between J.J. Spaun (+200) and Ryan Fox (+225). With some of the top golfers looking ahead to next week, perhaps Hall has an even better chance. He has mentioned about atoning for a final round 78 at The Renaissance Club. Hall was lurking around the Top 10 before disaster struck. That was two years ago and Hall has improved a little since then.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
July 9, 2025
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker reports that superstar outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. (back) will be reassessed on Wednesday to determine his next steps. The 27-year-old was a late scratch for Tuesday's loss to the Athletics after tweaking his back in the weight room before the game, and Atlanta is being extra cautious with the face of their franchise. Acuna Jr. has made it clear he wants to participate in the All-Star game and Home Run Derby, but the team won't put him in danger of missing extended time if he doesn't feel right. Snitker noted that the training staff treated the Venezuelan native throughout Tuesday's contest, so the hope is that a day of rest was enough to shake his ailing back. He can be considered day-to-day until we're led to believe otherwise.
--Alex CiullaSource: Mark Bowman
July 9, 2025
Ryan Fox has won twice in 2025. The golfer from New Zealand most recently won the RBC Canadian Open in June and has five results inside the Top 20 over his past six events. Fox has shot 69 or better in three straight final rounds. That includes the U.S. Open at Oakmont. If one includes the Myrtle Beach win in May, Fox may be one of the hotter golfers few are mentioning. That may be because of his volatile start to 2025 where he missed several cuts at lower-tiered events. One ominous red flag may be again the word accuracy. Fox ranks 137th in driving accuracy at 55.9%). He is 131st in greens in regulation at 64.71%. With all the pot bunkers, sand saves at 52.27% (152nd) is yet another concern. Fox might be one to fade in DFS formats here.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
July 9, 2025
The San Antonio Spurs have traded guard
Malaki Branham to the Washington Wizards. Branham was shipped out along with fellow guard
Blake Wesley and a second-round draft pick in exchange for big man
Kelly Olynyk. He will leave Texas after averaging only 9.1 minutes per game in 2024-25. Overall, Branham posted 8.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 19.0 minutes with the Spurs over three seasons. Although he has shown some potential at times, Branham's fantasy outlook seems bleak after leaving San Antonio, since the Wizards have several guards ahead of him on the depth chart, including established players like
CJ McCollum and
Marcus Smart.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
July 9, 2025
Max Greyserman did play at the Genesis Scottish Open last year. The American golfer was inside the Top 20 most of the event and finished T-21 behind a final round 67. Greyserman fired all four rounds in the 60's in what could be described as fair weather by Scottish standards. He has played 20 events in 2025 and comes off a playoff tie for second at the Rocket Classic. He lost to Aldrich Potgieter on the fifth playoff hole in Detroit. Greyserman has seen his betting numbers shorten to +8000 for this week's event. While putting has been solid (24th in strokes gained), his 55.42% driving accuracy is always a concern. When he lands balls in the fairway, he gets in a rhythm quickly. Greyserman could be a bit of a wagering wildcard especially if the weather stays mostly benign.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
July 9, 2025
The Washington Wizards have acquired guard
Blake Wesley in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs. Wesley was part of a deal that saw San Antonio land veteran big man
Kelly Olynyk. The 22-year-old moves to D.C. after spending three seasons with the Spurs. He averaged 3.7 points and 2.0 assists in 11.8 minutes per game. Wesley struggled to make an impact in Texas, and he also faces a tough battle for playing time in Washington, with veteran guards
CJ McCollum and
Marcus Smart ahead of him on the depth chart, along with young talents like
Bub Carrington and
Tre Johnson.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
July 9, 2025
Harris English has had quite the 2025 campaign. The American golfer won the Farmers Insurance Open earlier in the year. Also, English has made the weekend 14 of 16 times this season and stands 9th in FedEx Cup points. The United Kingdom has not been quite as kind to English. His efforts at the Genesis Scottish Open have not been poor but have been little of note. Finishing outside the Top 25 twice was not too much of a surprise as English does not truly thrive playing links-golf. The key with English is the putter. He ranks 17th in strokes gained at 0.396. More vital for the American may be his start. Typically, English averages 30.06 putts per round in Round 1. That ranks 162nd on tour and cannot happen in Europe.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
July 9, 2025
Corey Conners has enjoyed an excellent 2025 where he currently ranks 13th in FedEx Cup points. The Canadian golfer has five Top 10 efforts on the season already. Conners has only missed the cut once all year in 16 events. The one concern was that Conners did withdraw from the U.S. Open in June. His right wrist appears recovered enough to play in Scotland. Conners had enjoyed nine results inside the Top 30 in 10 tournaments before the injury. His accuracy is his biggest asset as Conners has a greens in regulation percentage at 69.03 (31st). Add in his 14th-ranked driving accuracy at 68.27% and Conners might have a decent chance when it comes to a Top 20 betting option. If he gets caught in the rough, Conners ranks 5th there at 66.27%. If Conners is 100%, utilizing him would be wise.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
July 9, 2025
The San Antonio Spurs have acquired forward/center
Kelly Olynyk in a trade with the Washington Wizards. The Wizards only recently picked up Olynyk from the New Orleans Pelicans but are moving him on in exchange for guards
Malaki Branham,
Blake Wesley, and a 2026 second-round pick. Olynyk will add depth behind star big man
Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio, which will limit his fantasy value. Last season, Olynyk averaged 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 20.3 minutes across 44 games with the Pelicans and Toronto Raptors.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
July 9, 2025
Daniel Brown played the two events in Europe last year with mixed results. The English golfer fired a 65 during Round 1 of The Open Championship. He held pretty firm after that and wound up with a Top 10 effort. However, Brown largely struggled at the Genesis Scottish Open in 2024. The Sunday was particularly rough as he shot a 74 falling further away from contention. He has finished twice in contention in three PGA career events. Brown has one international win in 2023 (ISPS Handa World Invitational). Recently, he triumphed at the BMW International Open as he held off Jordan Smith by two strokes. This tournament may serve more as a tuneup for the following week for Brown. Keep that in mind when it comes to betting options (currently +10000 to win).
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
July 9, 2025
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
Anthony Davis has undergone a procedure to repair a detached retina that he suffered during the season, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The star big man is expected to be fully healthy for training camp. Davis is gearing up for his first full campaign in Dallas. Due to a groin injury, he was limited to only nine appearances with his new team in 2024-25, averaging 20.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks in 29.6 minutes per game. With
Kyrie Irving (knee) expected to be sidelined for most of next season, the stage is set for Davis to make a big impact.
--Taavi PailkSource: Shams Charania
July 9, 2025
Jacob Bridgeman wants to get more birdie chances. When the American golfer does so, he has success. Out of 13 made cuts, he has finished inside the Top 25 seven times. Those extra rounds have boosted his strokes gained to putting to fourth on the PGA Tour (0.681). Consider that everything else concerning his game is mostly around average. Bridgeman does rank 39th in overall scrambling efficiency. The Renaissance Club is links-style golf with an American influence. Weather will play a role as Bridgeman is a +12000 long shot to win. With 4.08 birdies per round (29th), Bridgeman might be a look come Thursday or Friday in DFS formats.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
July 9, 2025
Denver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic has no interest in signing a contract extension this offseason. The three-time MVP is eligible to sign a three-year, $200 million extension until Oct. 20, but he reportedly plans to delay contract negotiations until next summer. In 12 months, Jokic could earn an extra $77 million on his contract. Currently, Jokic is two years into a five-year, $276 million deal. Since Jokic still has several seasons left on his current contract, he isn't leaving anytime soon, and the Nuggets have no reason to panic. It's simply a financial decision for Jokic to wait until next summer before starting extension talks.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
July 9, 2025
Colorado Rockies left-handed pitching prospect
Sean Sullivan tossed seven innings of one-run ball en route to picking up the victory over Double-A Portland on Tuesday evening. In this outing, Sullivan allowed just four hits and no walks. He struck out seven. This was Sullivan's second-straight contest tallying at least seven punchouts. Since allowing four runs on June 19, Sullivan has logged 17 innings (three starts) to the tune of a 3.18 ERA with a 1.06 WHIP. The 22-year-old has logged 56 2/3 innings with Double-A Hartford this season and posted a strong 3.06 ERA with an impressive 0.94 WHIP. He has shown elite control, allowing just 10 walks. Given his steady production with Double-A, the No. 8-ranked prospect in the system should be in the mix to join Triple-A later this summer.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 9, 2025
Detroit Tigers infield prospect
Kevin McGonigle went 1-for-4 with a single during his Double-A debut on Tuesday evening. McGonigle recently moved up to the top spot on the Detroit prospect list on MLB.com. He also now sits as the No. 7-ranked overall prospect on MLB.com. The former 2023 draft pick spent most of the first half with High-A West Michigan and posted a remarkable .372/.463/.648 slash line with 19 doubles, seven home runs, and three stolen bases. During this stretch, he drew 23 walks and struck out just 19 times. Last season, McGonigle spent most of his time with Low-A, where he held a .326/.407/.470 line. Even though the Monsignor Bonner HS product appears to be at least two seasons away from his MLB debut, he is quickly ascending prospect boards and should be in contention to be the top-ranked prospect in the sport at the start of the 206 campaign.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 9, 2025
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect
Max Clark went 1-for-4 in his Double-A debut on Tuesday evening. Clark would hit a single in the third inning of the contest. The 20-year-old is considered the No. 2-ranked prospect in Detroit and the No. 12 overall prospect on MLB.com. The former third overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft spent the first half of the season with High-A West Michigan. Through 68 games, Clark posted a solid .285/.430/.427 line with 12 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, and 12 stolen bases. During his first stint at High-A during the 2024 campaign, Clark held a lower .264/.344/.421 line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Clark's progression with Double-A. If he can enjoy a strong second half, he could be in the mix to open the 2026 season with Triple-A, which would put him on track to join the majors later that summer.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
RADIO
