Mason Tipton Hauls in 54-Yard TD in Preseason Opener
Mason Tipton caught one of his three targets for a 54-yard touchdown in a 27-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in preseason action on Sunday. Tipton provided one of the few offensive highlights of the game for the Saints when he hauled in a deep pass down the left sideline from Tyler Shough in the third quarter. The second-year receiver played in 11 games for the Saints in 2024, finishing with 14 catches for 99 yards as he battles to provide some depth behind Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks. Tipton's next preseason action comes on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.Source: NFL.com
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kendre Miller Runs for 15 Yards in Preseason Opener
Kendre Miller carried the ball six times for 15 yards and caught his lone target for a nine-yard gain in a 27-13 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. With Alvin Kamara resting, Miller got the start and handled the first two touches of the game for the Saints. It was an underwhelming performance for the third-year runner, who posted a long run of eight yards but didn't do much else in the loss. The talented running back is looking to break camp as the primary backup to Kamara after an injury-filled first two seasons in the league. If he wins the RB2 role in New Orleans, Miller would be a solid handcuff option to Kamara in deeper fantasy leagues. Miller's next preseason game comes on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.Source: NFL.com
New Orleans Saints running back Spencer Rattler Throws for 53 Yards in Preseason Loss
Spencer Rattler completed seven of his 11 passes for 53 yards and added three rushes for 22 yards and a lost fumble in a 27-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in preseason action on Sunday. Rattler, who has been battling with Tyler Shough and Jake Haener throughout training camp, got the start in the game and played into the second quarter. He had trouble moving the ball as he was unable to lead the Saints to any scoring drives in the contest. Shough, on the other hand, mostly played well and may have closed the gap between the two players as they both are vying to be under center when the regular season opens in Week 1. Rattler will look to bounce back in the Saints' next preseason game, which will come on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.Source: NFL.com
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough Solid in Preseason Opener
Tyler Shough completed 15 of his 22 passes for 165 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a 27-13 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Shough took over for Spencer Rattler in the second quarter and played into the fourth in his pro debut. He mostly played well, finding Mason Tipton for a 54-yard touchdown in the third quarter on a deep pass down the left sideline. That long TD helped ease the sting of a 43-yard pick-six that Shough threw to end his team's previous drive. Shough is locked in a battle with Rattler for the starting QB role in New Orleans and made a solid first impression on Sunday. He will look to keep the momentum going in his next preseason game, which will be Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.Source: NFL.com
New Orleans Saints quarterback Travis Bazzana Set to Join Triple-A
Travis Bazzana to Triple-A Columbus. Bazzana was the top pick in last year's MLB Draft out of Oregon State and is now just one stop away from the major leagues. After earning a brief taste of High-A following the draft last summer, Cleveland opted for Bazzana to open the 2025 campaign at Double-A. However, the 22-year-old missed time with injuries which halted his development. Since returning from the injured list, Bazzana has looked quite impressive at Double-A, which has resulted in his promotion. Through his last 18 games, he has held a .265/.367/.412 line with a .799 OPS. In 51 total games with Akron, Bazzana has carried a .256/.364/.426 line. He is worth monitoring as the Guardians could give him a brief taste of the majors before the end of the season.Source: MiLB.com
The Cleveland Guardians are promoting former first overall pick second baseman Ryan Sloan Promoted to High-A Everett
Source: MiLB Central
The Seattle Mariners are promoting right-handed pitching prospect Ryan Sloan to High-A Everett, according to MiLB Central. The former second round selection from last year's MLB Draft out of York Community HS has spent the entire season at Low-A. Through 70 2/3 total innings with the Modesto Nuts, Sloan has posted a 3.44 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. During this stretch, Sloan has struck out 77 hitters and shown elite control, allowing only 15 free passes. Since June 18 (last 34 IP), Sloan has looked quite dominant, holding a 1.59 ERA with an impressive 0.85 WHIP. Fantasy managers in dynasty formats should continue to keep a close eye on his status as he is quickly ascending prospect boards. If he can enjoy a strong start at High-A, he could be in the mix to spend most of the 2026 season at Double-A.Ryan Clifford Promoted to Triple-A
Ryan Clifford to Triple-A Syracuse, according to MiLB Central. Clifford was considered their No. 7-ranked prospect in their system prior to the promotion. The corner infielder has spent the entire season at Double-A. Through 105 games with Binghamton, Clifford posted a .243/.355/494 line with an .848 OPS. He tallied 18 doubles and launched an impressive 24 long balls while holding a 113:63 K:BB. During his first extended look at Double-A in 2024, Clifford held a lower .231/.359/.456 slash line with a .815 OPS. Fantasy managers should monitor his status at Triple-A, but it does not appear Clifford will be in the mix to join the MLB roster for the stretch run, as Pete Alonso is no danger to lose at-bats in the major leagues.Source: MiLB.com
The New York Mets have promoted first base prospect Jett Williams to Join Triple-A Syracuse
Jett Williams is set to be promoted to Triple-A Syracuse. Williams is considered their top-ranked prospect in the system on MLB Pipeline. The former 14th overall pick from the 2022 MLB Draft has spent the entire campaign at Double-A. Through 96 total games, Williams has enjoyed a very productive season, posting a .281/.390/.477 slash line with 29 doubles, 10 home runs, and 32 stolen bases. This was a much-needed bounce-back season for Williams as she struggled across the minor leagues last summer. Through 33 games split between Low-A, Double-A, and Triple-A, Williams held a much-lower .215/.358/.298 line with a low .656 OPS. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Williams as he could be in the mix to join the Mets for their playoff push if he can find his footing early at Triple-A.Source: MiLB.com
New York Mets infield prospect Jonah Tong Set to Earn Promotion to Triple-A
Source: MiLB.com
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong is set to be promoted to Triple-A Syracuse, according to MiLB Central. Tong has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the entire minor leagues this season and is finally earning a much-deserved promotion. The right-hander has spent the entire regular season at Double-A and has looked quite impressive. Through 102 total innings, the No. 2-ranked prospect in the New York system has posted a stellar 1.59 ERA with a 0.92 WHIP. During this stretch, Tong has struck out 162 hitters and only served up 44 free passes. Since the start of June, Tong has been even more dominant, posting a near-perfect 1.09 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, and a 90:20 K:BB. Given his dominance at Double-A, Tong may only need a brief taste of Triple-A before being considered to join the MLB roster.Carson Benge Moving up to Triple-A
Carson Benge was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse on Sunday evening. Benge has enjoyed an impressive campaign at both High-A and Double-A and is being rewarded with yet another in-season promotion. Benge opened the campaign by making his High-A debut and wasted little time, posting a .302/.417/.480 line with a .897 OPS and four home runs through a 60-game stint. He was then bumped up to Double-A, where he posted a strong .317/.407/.571 across a 32-game stint. During this stretch, Benge posted an impressive .978 OPS and went deep eight times. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on the former 19th overall pick from last year's MLB Draft, as he could have an outside chance of joining the Mets during the final weeks of the regular season.Source: MiLB Central
New York Mets outfield prospect Good Pit Strategy Helps Elevate Christopher Bell to Second
Source: Racing Reference
Although Christopher Bell has faded since his three straight wins earlier this season, he remains competitive as he finished second yesterday at Watkins Glen, giving him his third top two finish on a road course this season and his fourth second-place finish since his three-in-a-row streak. Like William Byron, Bell wasn't a major factor early but his team's decision to not flip Stage 2 gave him an advantage because while Shane van Gisbergen was able to drive through the field and pass everyone, the other drivers who flipped the stage could not and the rest of the drivers on the alternate pit strategy largely retained their positions. Bell conserved his tires a little better than everyone else and drove from 7th to 2nd in the last 17 laps, taking second on the last lap. The race moved him into a tie with Kyle Larson for fourth in the championship, but he's not really a contender for the regular season title.William Byron Extends Championship Lead with Fourth-Place Finish
Source: Racing Reference
William Byron never led at Watkins Glen, but he earned a respectable fourth-place finish in a race where three of his championship rivals Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson ran terribly. As a result, Byron boosted his championship lead to 42 points, which means he will very likely win the regular season championship unless he crashes at Richmond or Daytona. Byron initially faded but came to the fore in Stage 2 when he stayed out of the pits to collect stage points. Byron's decision not to flip Stage 2 turned out to be the right one as almost all the drivers who did except for Shane van Gisbergen were not able to drive up through the field. He briefly returned to second on Lap 74 before being passed by both Christophers Bell and Buescher, but he did what he needed to do to make the regular season championship nearly a done deal.Despite Finishing Sixth, Watkins Glen Might've Been Ryan Blaney's Best Road Race
Ryan Blaney had possibly the best Cup Series road course race of his entire career at Watkins Glen yesterday, where he earned his first ever pole on a road course, led 35 laps (the most he has ever led on aAlex Bowman Loses Ground Above Playoff Cutline, but Still Pretty Safe
Source: Racing Reference
Although Alex Bowman earned points in both stages, his 20th-place finish caused him to lose points to both Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece in the battle for the last two spots in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Bowman started ahead of both drivers in ninth but Buescher overtook him for the eventual Stage 1 win shortly before he inherited the lead when all three drivers stayed out of the pits to collect stage points. Bowman elected to stay out for stage points gain in Stage 2 while Buescher and Preece pitted during that stage, which turned out to be the better strategy. When Bowman finally pitted on lap 58, he had fallen far behind the other two before falling even further from 13th to 20th in the last 15 laps of the race. He remains ahead of both drivers with a 26-point lead over Buescher and a 60-point lead over Preece, but he still has to be sweating bullets.Kyle Larson Finishes Last After Brake Failure and Spin
Source: Racing Reference
Kyle Larson's summer slump continued at Watkins Glen yesterday. After qualifying 26th, Larson had only made up two positions when he spun out on Lap 6. The spin was the result of an unforced error but Larson attributed it to losing his brakes, an unusual circumstance for so early in the race. Although his car did not seem to suffer much cosmetic damage, Larson fell 15 laps down and finished last in a race that had no DNFs. He did manage to double his point total late in the race by setting the fastest lap long after he was out of contention, but he fell 85 points behind his points-leading teammate William Byron, which pretty much takes him out of having any realistic hope for winning the regular season championship.Jeff Hoffman Wins Despite Five Walks, Blown Save
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MacKenzie Gore Bounces Back With 10-Strikeout Gem
MacKenzie Gore (5-12) dominated the San Francisco Giants in an 8-0 blowout on Sunday to lock down his fifth win of the season. Gore threw six shutout innings and allowed three hits with 10 strikeouts against one walk in a much-needed return to form. After earning a place on the NL All-Star team in the first half of the season, Gore has allowed six-plus earned runs in three of five second-half outings. In his previous start, a 16-7 loss to the Athletics on Aug. 5, Gore was lit up for eight earned runs on 12 hits with no strikeouts and a walk across three innings. After rebounding on Sunday, he'll head into his next start Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies with a 4.09 ERA, a 1.33 WHIP, and 158:47 K:BB in 132 frames. Gore has excelled in two meetings this year with the Phillies, who have combined for just three earned runs and six hits with 19 strikeouts and no walks over 12 innings.Source: ESPN
Washington Nationals left-hander Grant Taylor Earns Fourth Save
Grant Taylor threw a perfect ninth inning to notch his fourth save in a 6-4 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. Taylor tossed just eight pitches, seven for strikes, and struck out one for his first save since July 4. The last-place White Sox don't get many save opportunities or have one go-to closer, which is a headache for fantasy managers. Taylor, who's among a few candidates for saves in their bullpen, has pitched to a 3.91 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP, 30:9 K:BB, and six holds in 22 innings as a rookie.Source: ESPN
Chicago White Sox right-hander Max Fried's Slump Continues in Loss
Max Fried's recent slide continued in a 7-1 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday. Fried fell to 12-5 after surrendering four earned runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and one walk in five innings. The All-Star southpaw has only recorded one quality start in seven tries since July 1. Over that 36-inning span, Fried has given up 24 earned runs and 41 hits with 31:15 K:BB. Fried still owns a stingy 2.94 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 135:36 K:BB across 144 innings, but the Yankees and fantasy managers need him to get back on track with time running out in the regular season. He's scheduled to face the St. Louis Cardinals on the road on Saturday.Source: ESPN
New York Yankees ace JoJo Romero Logs Four-Out Save
JoJo Romero recorded four outs on Sunday to secure a 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs and collect his third save of the year. The left-hander had to work around three singles and a walk in his 1 1/3 innings, but he managed his 13th scoreless appearance in 14 tries since the beginning of July. Romero now has a microscopic 1.98 ERA with 38:18 K:BB and a 52.3% groundball rate over 41 innings. He should continue to receive save opportunities thanks to the departure of former Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, whom they sent to the New York Mets at the July 31 trade deadline.Source: ESPN
St. Louis Cardinals reliever Tyquan Thornton Reps With First-Team Offense, Impressing Chiefs in Training Camp
Tyquan Thornton played the first three snaps of the team's first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. His usage "should make it clear how much the Chiefs have liked him in camp," according to Jesse Newell of The Athletic. With Marquise Brown (ankle) battling an ankle injury and Rashee Rice (groin) both fighting a groin issue and looking at a likely suspension to open the season, Thornton could have a chance to earn targets in Kansas City. A second-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022, Thornton has yet to find his footing in the NFL. In 28 games (13 starts) with New England, he logged just 39 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns. However, it appears Thornton will be granted a second chance in Kansas City. He could be a name to monitor early in the season, given the team's uncertainty at wide receiver.Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jacory Croskey-Merritt Earns Praise from Dan Quinn
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Travis Homer Suffers Calf Injury
Travis Homer (calf) suffered a calf injury that forced him to leave Sunday's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Homer had two carries for six yards and two catches for 15 yards before getting hurt. The 27-year-old is entering his seventh NFL season and has been with Chicago since 2023. In 10 games in 2024, Homer earned just nine total touches. If he is forced to miss time, seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai's path to both a roster spot and playing time may be more secure.Source: ESPN - Courtney Cronin
Chicago Bears running back Matthew Golden Has Earned Jordan Love's Trust
Jordan Love said he's "got a lot of confidence" in rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Golden worked with the first-team offense in Green Bay's first preseason game on Saturday against the New York Jets. A first-round draft pick out of Texas, Golden has an opportunity to become the lead target-getter for the Packers in 2025. His role could become even larger if third-year wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot) is forced to miss time as a result of a sprained foot. Golden has tremendous upside in fantasy and could see his average draft position continue to rise throughout the remainder of the preseason.Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Green Bay Packers quarterback Keegan Akin Suffers Blown Save, Takes the Loss
Keegan Akin blew a save and received the loss in Sunday's 3-2 defeat to the Athletics. He entered the ninth with a one-run lead but ultimately gave up a two-run double to Willie MacIver. His final line was two runs on two hits and one walk with two strikeouts in one inning. This is the second loss he's taken in his last four appearances, but he did lock down a successful save on Friday. The 30-year-old became the favorite for the ninth inning after a Felix Bautista injury and Seranthony Dominguez trade, and figures to remain there despite the poor performances. The Orioles have nothing to play for in 2025, and Akin's 3.56 ERA still represents one of the better marks in their bullpen.Source: MLB.com
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Chris Buescher Scores Another Top-5 Run At Watkins Glen
RFK Racing's Chris Buescher faced plenty of pressure to perform in Sunday's NASCAR Cup race as both last year's Go Bowling at the Glen winner at Watkins Glen International and as the final driver currently in the 2025 playoffs on points.Chargers Defense Dominates in Preseason Win
Spencer Rattler, while rookie Eric Rogers had two interceptions, including a 43-yard pick-six. The unit also stopped the Saints on a crucial fourth-and-goal and recorded five total sacks and seven tackles for losses. RotoBaller projects the Chargers as a top-10 DST this season, and this impressive outing shows they are ready to step up in a division with dangerous, mobile quarterbacks.Source: NFL
The Los Angeles Chargers defense put on a dominant performance in a 27-13 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints. Under second-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, the defense held the Saints to just three points and 127 total yards in the first half. This strong showing comes a week after the unit forced five turnovers against the Lions. Fourth-year linebacker Caleb Murphy recorded two sacks against Saints starter