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Pirates Take Outfielder Derek Curiel With Fifth Overall Pick
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Louisiana State outfielder Derek Curiel with the fifth overall pick on Saturday in the 2026 MLB draft. Curiel was considered the No. 12 prospect in this year's draft. The 21-year-old stands at 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds and bats from the left side of the plate. In his second and final season with the Tigers in 2026, he hit .353/.431/.526 with a .957 OPS, six home runs, 46 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 64 runs scored in 58 games and 274 plate appearances. He's a bit of a surprise to sneak into the top five picks of this year's draft because of the fact that he's considered more of a glove-first center fielder with more of an ability to hit for average than power. Curiel has great bat-to-ball skills, though, and a fluid swing from the left side. As things currently stand, Curiel could struggle to even reach 15 homers per season as he works his way up the minor-league ladder in the coming years, but perhaps he'll develop more power as he adds some weight to his currently lean frame. He has been compared to Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich without as much power.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sean Burke Now a Must-Add in 10-Team Leagues?
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Sean Burke carved up the Athletics on Friday, July 10, allowing one run over seven innings while striking out nine and walking nobody. It was another strong turn in a stretch that has changed his fantasy outlook. Burke has a 1.69 ERA, 42 strikeouts, and only five walks across his last 32 innings, and he now sits at 6-4 with a 3.41 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 115 strikeouts in 105 2/3 frames. The home run ball can still bite him, and he has given up four during that five-outing run. Still, this is not just a lucky ERA stretch. Burke owns a 26.4% strikeout rate, a 7.6% walk rate, and a 3.62 xERA. With a 66% Yahoo roster rate, he should already be gone in most 10-team leagues and deserves priority-add treatment anywhere he is still available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jackson Flora Selected by Giants with Fourth Pick in MLB Draft
The San Francisco Giants are selecting right-handed pitcher Jackson Flora out of UC Santa Barbara with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Flora is yet another pitcher out of UC Santa Barbara to be selected with a high-end pick, as the Angels called Tyler Bremner with the second overall pick in last summer's draft. Flora spent three seasons in college but turned in his most dominant season in 2026. Over a career-high 102 innings, the right-hander posted a sharp 1.06 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP, both of which set career-best marks by a wide margin. He struck out 133 batters while walking 32. Flora is best known for an elite fastball that can touch triple digits, which MLB.com gave a 70 grade during the pre-draft process. Flora has established himself as the clear No. 1 pitcher in the 2026 class and should be the first selected in all first-year player drafts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Marcus Semien To Begin Rehab Assignment After All-Star Break
New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (hip) will begin a rehab assignment after the All-Star Break. The level at which the assignment will begin has not been announced, but chances are this will be an extensive assignment given the news earlier in the week that the 35-year-old isn't expected to return to the Mets in July. Sidelined with a Grade 3 hip flexor strain on June 25, the veteran had an initial minimum recovery timeline of four to six weeks, which could effectively come to pass by the end of July. That being said, given that the Mets are seemingly out of a playoff spot for the time being, there is likely no rush to bring him back anytime soon. Semien has hit nine home runs and stolen six bases this season, albeit with a disappointing .214 batting average.
Source: Anthony DiComo
Source: Anthony DiComo
Twins Select Top Catching Prospect Vahn Lackey With Third Overall Pick
The Minnesota Twins are selecting catcher Vahn Lackey out of Georgia Tech with the third overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Lackey is not only considered the top catching prospect in this year's class but also one of the top all-around hitters. Lackey made his college debut at Georgia Tech in 2024, posting a modest .711 OPS over his first 36 games. However, over the past two seasons, Lackey has been one of the most dominant backstops in college baseball. During the 2025 campaign, Lackey posted a career-high .397/.519/.772 line with 16 doubles, 20 home runs and 15 stolen bases. According to MLB.com, Lackey has the raw profile to hit nearly 30 home runs once he reaches the big leagues. Additionally, his 50-grade speed should also provide him with added fantasy value as he swiped at least 15 bags in each of the last two seasons. Dynasty managers needing assistance behind the dish should feel confident taking the 21-year-old with a high first-year draft pick.
Source: Minnesota Twins
Source: Minnesota Twins
Grady Emerson Selected Second Overall by Rays
With the second overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, the Tampa Bay Rays are selecting high school shortstop Grady Emerson. The 18-year-old shortstop is widely considered the top high school prospect in this year's draft class and sits as MLB.com's No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class. Emerson, who is committed to Texas, was awarded the Gatorade National High School Baseball Player of the Year Award and has one of the most developed profiles despite his young age. According to MLB.com, Emerson generates high exit velocities while making smart decisions in the batter's box. Additionally, the left-handed-swinging bat has the potential to push for 25 home runs per season when he reaches the majors and possesses above-average speed on the bases. In terms of his glove, Emerson received a 60-grade fielding score on MLB.com, suggesting he has the tools to become one of the top all-around players when he debuts. While dynasty managers may have to wait several years before he reaches the majors, his raw upside makes him well worth selecting with a top pick in all first-year player drafts.
Source: Tampa Bay Rays
Source: Tampa Bay Rays
Bo Bichette Out With Lower-Body Soreness
New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (ankle) is out of the lineup for a second consecutive day with what is being described as sore legs and right-ankle soreness. It has been reported that Bichette took several foul balls off his legs, though he is also dealing with lingering ankle soreness. The 28-year-old is expected to be available off the bench but plans to use Sunday's game and the All-Star Break as a full reset. Before this recent absence from the lineup, he had played in every game for the Mets, albeit with mixed results. The news is somewhat concerning, given Bichette's extensive injury history, which includes multiple lower-body injuries that have landed him on the Injured List three times over the past two seasons. Whether the next few days are enough for him to complete his planned reset remains to be seen, making this a situation worth monitoring as the second half of the season approaches.
Source: Anthony DiComo
Source: Anthony DiComo
White Sox Select Roch Cholowsky With First Overall Pick
The Chicago White Sox are selecting shortstop Roch Cholowsky with the first overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Cholowsky made his college debut at UCLA during the 2024 season, where he posted a solid .308/.399/.500 slash line over a 52-game sample. However, in 2025 and 2026, Cholowsky emerged as one of the nation's best players. During this two-year stretch, the infielder posted an OPS above 1.000 in each campaign and hit at least 20 long balls in each season. In 2026, Cholowsky posted a .320/.452/.636 slash line over his final collegiate campaign. According to the MLB.com scouting report, the shortstop is credited with having the raw upside to have four-plus tools by the end of his development. He is known for an optimized swing which can translate to above-average power and a low swing-and-miss rate. Given his college experience, fantasy managers should expect Cholowsky to compete for an early MLB call-up in 2027 and likely begin his MiLB career in the upper minor leagues. His ability to hit for power and for a high average will make him a top pick in all dynasty first-year player drafts.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Travis d'Arnaud Runs the Bases
Los Angeles Angels catcher Travis d'Arnaud (foot) has progressed in his recovery from plantar fasciitis. First, on July 5, he resumed swinging a bat and throwing a baseball. Less than a week later, he ran the bases for the first time on Friday, a significant milestone as he continues to work his way back to the field. Limited in his playing time before the injury, the 37-year-old is still working to return from this significant injury and play again in 2026. While the Angels already have Logan O'Hoppe and Tyler Heineman, neither has run away with the job as an effective, fantasy-relevant catcher, making d'Arnaud a viable option only in deeper two-catcher leagues if he can return. That said, his offensive game is limited, making him a volume play at best.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Edwin Diaz Begins Rehab Assignment on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Ontario on Saturday. The 32-year-old pitcher recently started throwing live bullpen sessions to batters at the beginning of July and has now been deemed ready for game action. It's unclear how long this rehab assignment will last, but judging by the level of competition where he's starting, multiple appearances are likely in store. The former All-Star has been sidelined since April with loose bodies in his elbow that required surgery to remove. Now that his health is improving, he can and should be stashed on fantasy rosters with the expectation that he will rejoin the Dodgers at some point in August.
Source: Ontario Tower Buzzers
Source: Ontario Tower Buzzers
Noah Gray Set for Bigger Role in his Sixth Season?
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray is heading into his sixth year with the team in 2026, and although future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce is back for another season, the 27-year-old could have a bigger role on offense. The former fifth-rounder (162nd overall) in 2021 out of Duke caught 21 of his 37 targets for 178 yards (his fewest since his rookie season) and zero touchdowns in 16 games (six starts). It was a disappointing showing for Gray after he had career highs in catches (40), receiving yards (437) and touchdowns (five) the year before. He's a versatile contributor for the Chiefs, leading all offensive players in 2025 with 125 special teams snaps. Gray can also occasionally contribute a big play on offense, but unless Kelce misses time with injury, which is very possible at his age, he's unlikely to attract much interest in fantasy football. RotoBaller currently has Gray ranked as the No. 38 fantasy TE heading into the 2026 season.
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Chig Okonkwo has Developed Strong Chemistry With New QB
Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo, who signed a three-year deal with the Commanders in free agency in March, thinks he has found the right landing spot to take his game to the next level, according to Zach Selby of the team's official website. "I feel like this is the place where I can finally just unleash," Okonkwo said. The 26-year-old has already "developed a strong connection" with quarterback Jayden Daniels, and Okonkwo has been impressed with his new QB. "He's a dog," Okonkwo said. "He gets the ball out super accurate." The former fourth-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 caught at least 50 passes in each of his last three seasons and had five total touchdowns. He should be more comfortable playing in D.C., which is only a few miles away from where he went to college at the University of Maryland. Daniels has connected in the past with TEs involved in the passing game, as he targeted Zach Ertz 91 times back in 2024. Okonkwo is a candidate to see an uptick in production in his first year in Washington for a team that lacks depth at receiver behind Terry McLaurin. He'll be a TE2 sleeper to target in upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Jeffery Simmons to See Fewer Snaps in 2026?
The Tennessee Titans rewarded pass-rusher Jeffery Simmons with a contract extension this offseason that made him the highest-paid interior defensive lineman ever (three years, $105.8 million), but ESPN's Turron Davenport reports that new head coach Robert Saleh plans to reduce Simmons' workload to keep him fresher for higher-leverage rushing situations. The 28-year-old former 19th overall pick out of Mississippi State in 2019 was a first-team All-Pro last year after recording a career-high 11 sacks to go along with 67 tackles (39 solo), 17 tackles for loss, and 21 QB hits, but Simmons could be even more efficient in 2026 with a fresher body. Saleh is well aware of Simmons' past snap counts, which have hovered around 81% since 2020. The Titans boosted their pass-rushing group around Simmons via offseason additions, so they should be better suited as a group to get after the opposing QB under Saleh. Simmons said he's pushing to be in the best shape of his life for the 2026 season, maintaining his meal plan from last offseason that allowed him to cut down on body fat while adding muscle and explosiveness. He had a cleanup procedure on his right elbow in February, but all signs point to him being a full-go for the regular-season opener in early September.
Source: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport
Source: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport
Robert Saleh Likes What he's Seen From Gunnar Helm
Tennessee Titans new head coach Robert Saleh has liked what he's seen from second-year tight end Gunnar Helm this offseason, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. "Gunnar looks good, man," Saleh said. "He looks like a legit dude - from what he was a year ago to what he is now, especially physically. Again, once pads come on, we'll be able to decide all that, but like all these guys, hopefully they take a big jump and find a way to grab the bull by the horns and take advantage of their opps." The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder last year out of the University of Texas is determined to improve on his rookie-year numbers of 44 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets in 16 games (10 starts). He ranked fourth on the team in catches with 44, which set a franchise record for rookie TEs, and he ranked fourth on the team in receiving yards. Helm has focused on improving his pad level, his second-level blocking, and his diet, and he was impressive during offseason OTAs and minicamp. With Chig Okonkwo now in Washington, Helm could be primed for a Year 2 breakout in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme. Fantasy managers should target Helm as a low-end TE2 with upside for more.
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Aaron Donald Spotted at Rams Facility, is he Coming Back?
Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire reports that retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald was spotted on Friday working out at the Los Angeles Rams' facility. There has been speculation this offseason that Donald will come out of retirement in 2026 to join All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett as the Rams seek another Super Bowl ring. The 35-year-old reportedly went through several drills for around an hour in Los Angeles, fueling more rumors that he could make a comeback this year. The last time the 35-year-old 10-time Pro Bowler, eight-time All-Pro, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year spoke about it, he said he was "flirting" with the possibility of an NFL return, but nothing has been decided yet. In his final season with the Rams in 2023, Donald recorded 53 tackles (28 solo), eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 23 QB hits in 16 regular-season starts. Despite being an interior D-lineman, he was one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL during his 10 years in the league, racking up a whopping 111 sacks, all with the Rams. L.A.'s defense already has one of the best pass-rushing groups in the league after they added Garrett, so a Donald return would make the Rams even more of a Super Bowl favorite for the upcoming season.
Source: Rams Wire - Cameron DaSilva
Source: Rams Wire - Cameron DaSilva
Nick Kurtz Officially Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
The Athletics officially announced on Saturday that they placed first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to July 10) with a right-thumb capsule sprain and recalled catcher Brian Serven from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Kurtz suffered the injury on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers when he jammed his right hand while trying to catch a ball in the first inning. He will miss the end of the first half of the season, next week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia, and the start of the second half of the year next weekend. Joey Meneses was called up from the minors and made the start at first base for the A's on Friday night against the Chicago White Sox, and he and Jeff McNeil could see more playing time for the team until Kurtz can return. Kurtz needs to be held in all fantasy leagues as an elite source of power at the first base position. The 23-year-old left-handed slugger is hitting .266/.405/.497 with a .902 OPS, 20 homers, 66 RBI, 61 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 334 at-bats after hitting 36 homers and driving in 86 in only 117 games played in 2025 as a rookie.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
Rookie Left-Hander Eduardo Rivera Called Up by Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox recalled left-handed pitching prospect Eduardo Rivera from Triple-A Worcester to start Saturday's game versus the New York Mets, according to MLB insider Hector Gomez. The 23-year-old southpaw could cover multiple innings as the opener in Queens on Saturday, but he should not be considered a viable fantasy streamer. Per MLB Pipeline, Rivera is considered Boston's No. 25 prospect. The former 11th-round pick by the Athletics in 2021 made his big-league debut in Boston back on April 22 against the New York Yankees and threw 3 1/3 shutout innings with one hit allowed, three strikeouts, and no walks. At Double-A Portland and Worcester on the farm, Rivera has gone 7-2 with a 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 62:24 K:BB in 48 innings across 22 appearances (four starts). He could go deeper than most traditional openers on Saturday, but even against the last-place Mets, Rivera should be avoided for fantasy purposes. There's also a good chance he'll be sent back to Worcester after the game, so fantasy managers shouldn't be looking to pick him up.
Source: Hector Gomez
Source: Hector Gomez
Konnor Griffin Moved to 60-Day Injured List
The Pittsburgh Pirates transferred shortstop Konnor Griffin (finger) to the 60-day injured list on Saturday to open up roster spots for newly-acquired infielder Jacob Gonzalez and left-hander Brandon Eisert, according to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. The Pirates placed Griffin on the 10-day IL on Tuesday with a torn tendon in his left ring finger, and he was given an eight- to 10-week timeline for a return, so he'll be out well into the second half of the season. The earliest he'll be able to return will be on Sept. 4. It's a tough break for the Bucs and for the 20-year-old rookie phenom, who was holding his own in his first 225 major-league at-bats, hitting .276/.332/.404 with a .736 OPS, five home runs, 25 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 35 runs scored in his first MLB season in 2026. With Griffin out for the foreseeable future, Jared Triolo has been manning the 6 in Pittsburgh, but Gonzalez could see some time there as well after the Pirates acquired him from the Chicago White Sox on Friday night. Griffin is still rostered in 77% of Yahoo leagues despite his serious finger injury.
Source: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf
Source: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf
White Sox Call Up Lefty Pitching Prospect Tyler Schweitzer
The Chicago White Sox announced before Saturday's contest against the Athletics that they recalled left-handed pitching prospect Tyler Schweitzer from Triple-A Charlotte. Schweitzer, a former fifth-rounder in 2022 out of Ball State University, made his big-league debut with the White Sox earlier this year and posted a 4.50 ERA (3.23 FIP) and 1.50 WHIP with a save, four strikeouts, and three walks in just eight innings pitched over five relief appearances. The team's No. 21-ranked prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has gone 2-2 with a 4.68 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 36:8 K:BB in 42 1/3 innings pitched across 20 appearances (four starts) with the Knights in the minors in 2026. Schweitzer will be replacing Brandon Eisert in Chicago's bullpen to close out the first half of the season after the White Sox sent Eisert to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade on Friday night. He will most likely operate as a middle reliever now that he's back in the majors, and fantasy managers in all leagues can ignore him for now.
Source: Chicago White Sox
Source: Chicago White Sox
Munetaka Murakami Joins Home Run Derby Field
Chicago White Sox corner infielder Munetaka Murakami will be the final entrant in this year's Home Run Derby, which will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday, according to MLB. Murakami just returned from the injured list after missing over six weeks with a hamstring strain in Friday's win over the Athletics and went 1-for-5 at the plate with an RBI double, a run scored, and four strikeouts. The 26-year-old Japanese native took the league by storm earlier this season before his injury in his first year in the States, and he's currently hitting .239/.375/.556 with a .931 OPS, 20 home runs, 42 RBI, 44 runs scored, and a stolen base across 58 games played and 251 plate appearances. Murakami should remain high up in Chicago's batting order going into the second half of the season. He's displayed plenty of power potential, but he also has a 33.5% strikeout rate and can go cold for stretches. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues may want to consider selling high before we even get to the second half. Murakami holds a .218 xBA and a .373 xwOBA (wOBA of .392), so regression is expected.
Source: MLB
Source: MLB
Edwin Diaz Nearing a Rehab Assignment
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) threw live batting practice for the second time on July 8 and is getting closer to starting a minor-league rehab assignment, according to MLB.com. Diaz was initially placed on the 15-day injured list on April 20 due to loose bodies in his right elbow. He eventually had surgery and was transferred to the 60-day IL on May 10. Barring a setback once Diaz begins his rehab assignment, he's expected to rejoin L.A.'s bullpen in late July. The 32-year-old Puerto Rican veteran and three-time All-Star has only appeared in seven games for the Dodgers in his first year with the team in 2026 due to his elbow injury, and he was uncharacteristically bad before that, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits (one homer) while walking five and striking out 10 in six innings pitched. Diaz also had four saves, and with 257 career saves over nine-plus years in the league, he's expected to resume primary closing duties for manager Dave Roberts when he returns from the IL. If for some reason Diaz is available on your league's waiver wire, scoop him up immediately. He's rostered in 81% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Shohei Ohtani Hopes to be Ready to Pitch After All-Star Break
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) said, "The goal is to be able to throw according to regular schedule" after the All-Star break, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Ohtani will have his left knee drained and will receive a pain-relieving injection on Sunday. "Although I could've started today, it would've still been pushing the envelope a little bit," Ohtani said on Friday. The Dodgers scratched the four-time MVP from his scheduled start on Friday night versus the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks, but he still took his regular spot in the starting lineup as the designated hitter and went 1-for-4 at the plate with a solo homer in the 9-3 loss. The 32-year-old should avoid a trip to the injured list to begin the second half of the season, but unfortunately, we won't get to see him in next week's All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Ohtani remains a must-start in all fantasy lineups as both a hitter and pitcher whenever he's active. He's hitting .290/.403/.540 with a .943 OPS, 21 homers, 57 RBI, 63 runs, and six steals as a hitter and is 8-2 as a pitcher with a sharp 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 95:26 K:BB in 85 2/3 innings and 14 starts in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Joshua Palmer Has Little Dynasty Appeal Left
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) is healthy enough to be back at minicamp, but his dynasty outlook still looks bleak after a rough first season in Buffalo. Palmer caught 22 of 37 targets for 303 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games, missing five contests before landing on Injured Reserve ahead of the playoffs. He said in June that he was close to his pre-injury form. That helps, though the target picture got worse. Buffalo traded for DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir remains in place, Keon Coleman is pushing for a larger role, and fourth-round rookie Skyler Bell adds another younger option. Palmer has topped 600 receiving yards once in five seasons, and even a contract running through 2027 does not guarantee enough volume to matter. RotoBaller ranks him WR126 in dynasty and WR113 for redraft. There is no reason for contenders to chase him, and rebuilders have better places to park a roster spot. Palmer is a sell if there is still a buyer, but otherwise he is a deep-league hold through camp rather than an automatic cut.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kirby Yates Bounces-Back to Earn Third Save, Still the Top Option in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates pitched a scoreless ninth inning on Friday to earn the save against the Minnesota Twins. The 39-year-old surrendered a one-out double to Trevor Larnach before retiring the final two batters of the game. The save was Yates' third of the season, and he has provided a stable presence in an otherwise unsettled Angels bullpen. On the year, he owns a 3.00 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP while posting a 32.6% strikeout rate and an 8.1% walk rate across 21 innings. Fantasy managers are encouraged to add Yates in all formats, as he is currently the Angels' most trusted option at the back end of the bullpen.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tyler Nickel Hits Six Threes in Knicks Summer League Loss
New York Knicks forward Tyler Nickel scored 18 points and grabbed four rebounds in Friday's 91-65 Summer League loss to the Brooklyn Nets. The No. 47 pick shot 6-for-11 from the field and 6-for-10 from three-point range, giving New York one of its few bright spots in a one-sided defeat. Nickel's shooting is the clear fantasy hook after he arrived from Vanderbilt with a movement-shooter profile. He will need to show more than spot-up value to push for regular-season minutes, but the three-point volume gives him a skill worth tracking.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Trevor Etienne Is a Hold, Not a Dynasty Buy
Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne is still only 22, but there is not much reason to buy the dip after a quiet rookie season. The 5-foot-8, 198-pound fourth-round pick played all 17 games in 2025 and saw just 23 offensive touches, rushing 20 times for 94 yards and catching three passes for 13 yards. Most of his work came on special teams, where he returned 31 kickoffs and 20 punts. The backfield has only gotten tighter. Chuba Hubbard remains the lead back, Jonathon Brooks (knee) was back on the field during offseason work, and Carolina added AJ Dillon in March. Brooks is still being managed after missing all of last season, so Etienne is not completely buried, but he has yet to show that he can earn a regular offensive role. RotoBaller now has him outside its top 75 dynasty running backs and at RB84 for redraft. That makes him a reasonable hold in deeper dynasty leagues, especially for managers with room to wait on a young back. He is not a player contenders or rebuilders should be actively targeting, though, and can be left undrafted in ordinary redraft formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Romano Blows Save on Friday, Should Managers be Concerned?
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jordan Romano allowed one earned run on one hit and three walks while failing to convert on a save opportunity on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. The 33-year-old had converted two consecutive saves before this stumble. It's also worth noting that Juan Mejia recorded the save by getting the final out in the bottom of the ninth inning. On the season, Romano owns a 7.71 ERA and a 2.14 WHIP between his time with the Los Angeles Angels and the Rockies. While those numbers are ugly, he still appears to have a tenuous grip on the closer's role in Colorado. No lead ever feels particularly safe with the Rockies, but the club has been searching for a reliable late-inning option all season. Ten different pitchers on the staff have recorded at least one save, and none has more than four. Even so, Romano has closing experience and has picked up two saves during his brief four-game stint with Colorado. For now, fantasy managers are encouraged to stick with the 33-year-old, but they should be prepared to replace him at a moment's notice.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Lazaro Montes on the Stash Radar Amid Recent Promotion to Triple-A?
Seattle Mariners top outfield prospect Lazaro Montes was recently bumped up to the top club in the system following his impressive production at Double-A. To open the season, the 21-year-old carried a .234/.369/.550 line with a sharp .919 OPS over 79 contests at Double-A. During this stretch, Montes hit 25 home runs and chipped in five stolen bases. However, what prompted his promotion was the .253/.413/.614 line and 1.064 OPS he held over the final 25 games at Double-A. While the 21-year-old has gotten off to a slower start at Triple-A, going just 2-for-18 over the first four games, managers should continue to closely monitor his production as his power upside is among the highest in the sport. If Montes can find his footing, the No. 26-ranked prospect in the sport could compete for a late-season promotion to Seattle.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Nae'Qwan Tomlin Scores 20 Points in Cavaliers Loss
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin finished with 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block across 29 minutes in Friday's 99-93 Summer League loss to the Indiana Pacers. Tomlin tied Meleek Thomas for the team lead in scoring and gave Cleveland one of its best two-way lines despite the loss. The 25-year-old already flashed late-season upside with a 26-point regular-season game in April, and this outing showed the same activity-based appeal. Tomlin is still working toward a consistent offensive role, but his ability to rebound, defend, and hit enough jumpers could help him earn a longer look in Cleveland's rotation.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Kade Anderson Remains in Play for Second-Half Call-Up
Seattle Mariners top pitching prospect Kade Anderson has continued to showcase elite upside at the Double-A level during his first professional season. Through 14 total starts, the former LSU standout has posted an elite 1.46 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, and a sharp 108:10 K:BB over 72 2/3 innings. Over his last six outings, the left-hander has struck out at least eight hitters in all but one and has even hit the nine-punchouts mark in four of these outings. Overall, in his profile, Anderson has allowed two runs or fewer in 13 of his 14 starts, with his lone five-run outing on May 15 remaining a distinct outlier this season. However, given that Seattle has ample depth on their MLB roster, Anderson remains potentially far from a call-up. Despite this, his upside per start makes him an elite stash target in all 12-team leagues with N/A spots.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
