RADIO
Zac Thornton Has Outgrown Streaming Status
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton has made five MLB starts, and the rookie has already given fantasy managers more than a short-term streaming case. He is 2-1 with a 2.43 ERA and 0.91 WHIP through 29 2/3 innings, completing at least six frames in four straight outings. Since returning from Triple-A on July 12, Thornton has allowed three earned runs over 19 1/3 innings. The strikeout ceiling is modest, with 22 punchouts on the season and a fastball that generally sits 89-92 mph. Thornton has compensated by limiting walks, keeping the ball in the park, and working deep enough to remain eligible for wins. RotoBaller ranks him 40th among its Week 18 waiver options and recommends him for 12-team leagues, while its rankings listed him at just 26% rostered. Thornton has earned a place on mixed-league rosters, even if managers remain selective against tougher lineups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Angels Promote Pitching Prospect Luke Murphy to the Majors
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Luke Murphy is being called up to the majors, according to MiLB Central. The 26-year-old earned the promotion after posting a 0.71 ERA across 34 appearances for Double-A Rocket City this season. Opposing hitters batted just .170 against the right-hander, who has handled late-inning work in the minors. The report did not specify Murphy's initial role in the Angels' bullpen or provide a corresponding roster move. His success at Double-A makes him a pitcher to monitor, particularly in AL-only and saves-plus-holds leagues, but fantasy managers should wait to see how Los Angeles uses him before making an addition in standard mixed formats.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Chris Olave Returns to Team Drills
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (chest) returned to team drills on Friday, according to Ross Jackson of LouisianSports.net. The 26-year-old recently signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $132 million after breaking out in 2025. Olave was medically cleared after dealing with a blood clot that sidelined him for the closing game of the 2025 season, which was his only absence of the year. The former Ohio St. star will look to build on last season after hauling in 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns on 156 targets. He should see more favorable matchups after the team selected Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. On paper, the two are perfect complements to each other's game. Additionally, Olave will get to work with Tyler Shough for a full season, which could lead to bigger statistical numbers this year.
Source: LouisianaSports.net - Ross Jackson
Source: LouisianaSports.net - Ross Jackson
Ryan Helsley Resumes Throwing
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (right elbow) has resumed throwing while recovering from inflammation around his UCL. The 32-year-old has been sidelined since feeling discomfort while warming in the bullpen July 1. An MRI showed no ligament damage, but this is his second right-elbow IL stint of the season after he was also out from May 1 through June 16. Baltimore transferred Helsley to the 60-day injured list July 19, leaving him ineligible to return until late August. He has a 4.11 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 21 strikeouts, and eight saves in 15 1/3 innings over 17 appearances. Resuming throwing is a meaningful step, though no timetable has been announced for mound work or a rehab assignment. He remains a stash in leagues with IL space.
Source: Jake Rill
Source: Jake Rill
Adley Rutschman Could Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (left wrist) is scheduled to resume hitting Saturday and could begin a minor-league rehab assignment sometime next week. Rutschman has been on the 10-day injured list since July 20, retroactive to July 19, with left wrist inflammation. The issue first surfaced on a swing during Baltimore's July 17 game in Houston, though he remained in the lineup the following day. Rutschman resumed throwing in the outfield July 25, making Saturday's hitting work the next important test for the wrist. The 28-year-old is batting .251 with 19 doubles, eight home runs, 47 RBI, and a .764 OPS in 67 games. Fantasy managers should continue holding him while waiting to see whether he is cleared for rehab games.
Source: Jake Rill
Source: Jake Rill
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Back After One-Game Absence
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (hamstring) is back in the starting lineup Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Guerrero left Tuesday's loss to Washington after feeling tightness in his right hamstring while reaching first base and turning toward second on an infield single. He sat out Wednesday before Toronto's scheduled off-day Thursday. The 27-year-old returns with a .264 batting average, six home runs, 44 RBI, seven stolen bases, and a .700 OPS this season. Fantasy managers can get Guerrero back into their lineups immediately.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
De'Zhaun Stribling Continues to Impress as Starting Role is in Reach
The Athletic's Vic Tafur reports San Francisco 49ers rookie wideout De'Zhaun Stribling continues to check off nice practices with a starting receiver role within reach. Stribling has been turning heads at the start of training camp and generating buzz that will start to increase his ADP in fantasy football. With recent news of Ricky Pearsall (knee) likely heading into season-ending surgery on his knee, it has opened the door for Stribling to be a fantasy-relevant receiver in Year 1. However, the team decided to bring back Deebo Samuel Sr. on a one-year deal on Thursday. It has yet to be seen if adding Samuel was a move to add depth to the roster or to play a contributing role this season. Stribling was the 33rd overall pick and the 49ers' first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was widely considered a big-bodied development receiver coming out of Ole Miss and was seen as a reach to some in the football community. Nonetheless, Stribling has a chance to be a starting receiver in a Kyle Shanahan offense, which means he will be worth keeping tabs on as training camp progresses.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Heriberto Hernandez Offers 20-Homer, 10-Steal Upside
Miami Marlins outfielder Heriberto Hernandez is batting .238/.307/.480 with 16 home runs, 43 RBI, 29 runs, and seven stolen bases across 256 at-bats. The power has firm support beneath it. Hernandez owns a 92.2 mph average exit velocity, 51.1% hard-hit rate, and 13.2% barrel rate, while his .506 expected slugging percentage sits comfortably above his actual mark. The batting average will remain volatile because of a 25.2% strikeout rate, but Hernandez has played regularly in Miami's corner outfield and already provides more than home runs alone. Reaching 20 homers and 10 steals is firmly within range with two months remaining. Despite that profile, only 18% of Yahoo leagues have him rostered. RotoBaller ranks Hernandez 36th among its Week 18 waiver options and recommends him for 12-team formats. His combination of legitimate power and useful speed makes him a strong addition at that league depth.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Griffin Jax Is Too Good to Leave on the Waiver Wire
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Griffin Jax has settled into a full-time rotation role and now owns a 3.74 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts across 86 2/3 innings. He struck out 10 Texas Rangers while allowing one earned run on five hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings Tuesday, although Tampa Bay's quiet offense left him with the loss in a 4-1 game. The occasional blowup remains the concern, most recently when Boston tagged Jax for seven runs on July 17. His strikeout ability, stable workload, and SP/RP eligibility still make that risk worth accepting. RotoBaller's Week 18 rankings had Jax on 53% of Yahoo rosters and placed him 20th overall with an add recommendation for leagues of 10 teams or deeper. He is too valuable to remain available at that league depth.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emeka Egbuka Having a Strong Summer So Far
Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is having a strong summer so far and had a big touchdown catch from quarterback Baker Mayfield that was the highlight play of Friday's training camp practice, according to Adam Slivon of PewterReport.com. Egbuka added a few more catches on the day. There were questions coming into camp about who would be the beneficiary of a bigger workload after the departure of future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, and it appears that Egbuka is ready to handle more targets. Chris Godwin Jr. has plenty of chemistry with Mayfield, but durability is a concern with him. The 23-year-old Egbuka, the 19th overall pick last year from Ohio State, started strong with 25 catches, 445 yards, and five touchdowns in his first five NFL games. However, he faded down the stretch and had just one TD the rest of the way in 12 games played while moving around on offense and learning the entire route tree. Egbuka should have a more defined role in 2026 in the Z spot in new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's scheme, and it would not be a surprise if he finishes the year as the team's leading wideout. RotoBaller has Egbuka ranked as the No. 20 fantasy WR, making him a strong WR2 target for a potential Year 2 breakout.
Source: PewterReport.com - Adam Slivon
Source: PewterReport.com - Adam Slivon
49ers "Continuing to Evaluate" Ricky Pearsall
The Athletic's Matt Barrows reported that the San Francisco 49ers are continuing to evaluate Ricky Pearsall's (knee) after he aggravated last year's knee injury in practice on Wednesday. Pearsall had experienced swelling during the first couple of days of training camp, which led to the initial health concerns. The news got worse for Pearsall on Thursday after reports that the 49ers were not expecting the 25-year-old to make any contributions in 2026. The 49ers were hoping the PCL issue would heal itself in the offseason, but it now appears that Pearsall is heading for season-ending surgery. As a result, the 49ers have signed Deebo Samuel Sr. for extra receiving depth, but he has yet to start practice with the team.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Christian Scott Has Become a Must-Roster Starter in 12-Team Leagues
New York Mets starting pitcher Christian Scott strengthened his case for a permanent 12-team roster spot Wednesday, allowing one run on five hits and one walk while striking out seven over six innings against the Atlanta Braves. It was his longest start of the season and lowered his ERA to 2.99. Scott now has 85 strikeouts in 69 1/3 innings, giving fantasy managers plenty of value even when he does not work deep into games. The control and workload still deserve attention. Scott has issued 30 walks, and Wednesday was the first time he completed six innings in 15 starts. Still, his 1.24 WHIP is manageable, and the Mets continue to give him regular turns in the rotation. Only 29% of Yahoo leagues have Scott rostered, while RotoBaller ranks him 52nd among its Week 18 waiver options with an add recommendation for 12-team formats. He has pitched his way beyond streamer status at that depth.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenny Gainwell Used "Primarily as a Receiver"
During Friday's training camp practice, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving saw most of the first-team work, with Kenny Gainwell "primarily utilized as a receiver out of the backfield," according to Adam Slivon of PewterReport.com. Gainwell was quarterback Baker Mayfield's primary checkdown option out of the backfield as well, which is where he thrived last year with the Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, catching a career-high 73 passes for 489 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 85 targets in 17 regular-season games. Rachaad White is no longer in Tampa, but the Bucs signed the 27-year-old Gainwell to a two-year, $14 million contract to help complement Irving. Irving should be Tampa's primary early-down back, but there are signs that the Buccaneers want to manage his workload after a down sophomore season in 2025 due to ankle and shoulder injuries. Gainwell is primarily a pass-catching back, but he has also averaged 4.4 yards per carry as a runner in his five NFL seasons, and he probably won't strictly be a third-down option for head coach Todd Bowles. The former fifth-rounder in 2021 by the Philadelphia Eagles is an ascending RB3/flex play (more valuable in PPR leagues) as he enters his first year in Tampa.
Source: PewterReport.com - Adam Slivon
Source: PewterReport.com - Adam Slivon
Kyle Schwarber Returns To Phillies Lineup Friday
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (illness) is back in the starting lineup Friday against the Baltimore Orioles after missing the past two games with a gastrointestinal issue. Schwarber last appeared Monday against the Miami Marlins, reaching base twice and scoring a run. The 33-year-old returns with a .252 batting average, 33 home runs, 62 RBI, and a .910 OPS this season. The illness only cost him two games, and fantasy managers can put one of Philadelphia's top power hitters back into their lineups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wan'Dale Robinson Projected to Lead the Titans in Catches
Buck Reising of A to Z Sports writes that former New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson gives him a reason to believe he could be a "cheat code" for Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Cam Ward in 2026 in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme. The Titans gave the 25-year-old a four-year, $78 million deal in free agency, which seemed like a lot for a slot receiver with limited physicality because of his size (5-foot-8, 185 pounds). Reising adds that Robinson could be a "huge key" to unlocking the potential for the rest of the Titans' offense under Daboll, who worked with Robinson in New York. The former second-rounder in 2022 from the University of Kentucky had 185 catches for 1,713 yards and seven touchdowns the last two years in the Big Apple, including his first 1,000-yard season in 2025. Reising projects Robinson to lead the Titans in catches in his first year with the team, and he could be the primary reason why Ward takes a step forward in his sophomore campaign. Robinson is a nice flex wideout to have, especially in point-per-reception leagues.
Source: A To Z Sports - Buck Reising
Source: A To Z Sports - Buck Reising
Bucky Irving Given Most Carries During Practice on Friday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving was given the most carries during practice on Friday, according to Pewter Report's Adam Slivon. The Bucs had their best day on the ground so far in training camp with Irving leading the way. The 23-year-old provided the biggest run of the day on a delayed handoff through the middle of the field that would have been a "game-changing run." Additionally, Kenny Gainwell was primarily utilized as a receiver out of the backfield during practice. Irving has seen his fantasy stock steadily decline over the summer due to unfavorable reports about his health. If he continues to impress in camp, it will not take long for his ADP to rise back to where it was a year ago.
Source: Pewter Report - Adam Slivon
Source: Pewter Report - Adam Slivon
Panthers Place Chris Brazzell II on Injured Reserve, Officially Ending His Season
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Carolina Panthers have placed rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell II (knee) on Injured Reserve, officially ending his season. The 22-year-old suffered a torn LCL in his left knee on a noncontact play during training camp on Wednesday. The Panthers selected Brazzell with the 83rd overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Brazzell offered a rare combination of size and speed to the Carolina offense, which would have allowed for Tetairoa McMillan to be moved around the formation more often. McMillan has spoken publicly about wanting to play from the slot more often to get the ball in his hands and create more mismatches. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until 2027 to see both 6'4 receivers on the field at the same time.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Matt Gay in the Lead in Kicker Competition in Vegas
The Athletic's Sam Warren reported that kicker Matt Gay is in the lead for the Las Vegas Raiders' kicking competition. Additionally, Gay was perfect during practice today, while undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa doinked one off the right upright from 40 yards away but made everything else. The two are competing to replace long-time Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson. Gay enters camp as the favorite to win the competition because of his NFL experience. However, Matsuzawa has an opportunity to win the kicking competition if he can perform consistently on deep kicks. Over the last few seasons, Gay has struggled on 50-plus-yard kicks with the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Buccaneers Not Happy About the Way Baker Mayfield Spoke About the Organization
ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are unhappy with quarterback Baker Mayfield's comments about the organization recently. This comes a day after Mayfield said he feels "disrespected" by his contract situation after trying to work out an extension with the team before training camp. However, the team has offered him a two-year deal worth slightly above $100 million, according to Schefter. Mayfield is heading into the final year of the three-year, $100 million deal that he signed with the Bucs in 2024. The 31-year-old wanted to get a deal done before training camp and will now focus solely on playing football. This could be Mayfield's final season with the Bucs, and it will be interesting to see how the situation plays out during the 2026 season.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Daniel Rodriguez An Underdog At UFC Belgrade
Daniel Rodriguez will look to extend his win streak when he takes on Uros Medic in the main event of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. In April, Rodriguez was released from a Mexican jail after being imprisoned for eight months due to an arrest at the border when he was caught in possession of marijuana. He was last seen competing back in July 2025, where he extended his win streak to three by beating Kevin Holland via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Rodriguez as a big underdog with a salary of $6,800.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Uros Medic Set For UFC Belgrade Main Event
Uros Medic will look to extend his win streak when he faces off against Daniel Rodriguez in the main event of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Known as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, Medic has never gone the distance, with only three of his fights making it out of the first round. Medic was last seen in the Octagon in February at UFC Houston, where he extended his win streak by finishing Geoff Neal via first-round knockout. DraftKings sees Medic as a big favorite with a salary of $9,400.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Freddy Peralta Scratched From Scheduled Start on Friday
New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta has been scratched from his start against the Miami Marlins on Friday due to "interest in him picking up from contenders," per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. With the Mets currently 16 games under .500 and Peralta set to hit free agency at the end of the season, the veteran right-hander appears to be a near-lock to be moved at the upcoming trade deadline. Peralta has had a down year so far in 2026, recording a 5-9 record with a 4.99 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts across 113 2/3 innings (22 starts). However, the 30-year-old posted three straight 200-plus strikeout seasons from 2023 through 2025. He's reportedly drawn interest from a wide range of contending teams and could be in line for a strong close to the season following a change in scenery.
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Navajo Stirling Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Undefeated prospect Navajo Stirling will try to remain undefeated as he faces off against former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz in the co-main event of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Stirling was last seen in action in June at UFC Vegas 119, where he extended his win streak by finishing Ion Cutelaba via second-round TKO. Since signing with the leading promotion, Stirling has gone 5-0. DraftKings sees Blachowicz as the favorite with a salary of $9,000.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Cowboys Want to Get Jaydon Blue More Involved in Passing Game
Dallas Cowboys second-year running back Jaydon Blue has been a standout so far in training camp this summer and "continues to burn up the practice field with big runs," according to All City DLLS's Clarence Hill. Blue had two would-be touchdowns on long runs on Thursday and also saw a lot of run with the first-team offense, alternating with RB1 Javonte Williams. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said the team loves Blue's speed and "want to get him involved in the passing game" to take advantage of opposing defenses that are looking to take away receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens on the outside. "I think what we feel like we have in Jaydon when you're playing defenses that are trying to change the math and cheat to really elite receivers, which we have, there's usually a favorable matchup in that regard," Schottenheimer said. After a disappointing rookie year in 2025, Blue is looking like the favorite for RB2 duties in Dallas behind Williams and ahead of Malik Davis and Phil Mafah. At the very least, Blue is shaping up as the handcuff to roster if you also have Williams.
Source: All City DLLS - Clarence Hill Jr.
Source: All City DLLS - Clarence Hill Jr.
Shane McClanahan Headed to the Injured List Due to Back Issue
Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said that starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (back) will be placed on the 15-day injured list, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Topkin also reports that Neander characterized McClanahan's injury as "pretty minor" and that the team is hopeful he will only miss two starts. After missing the entire 2024 and 2025 seasons due to elbow and triceps injuries, McClanahan has managed to stay relatively healthy in 2026. Across 99 1/3 innings (20 starts) on the year, the 29-year-old has recorded a 9-6 record with a 3.09 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 91 strikeouts. McClanahan may not carry the same high-end upside he did before his extended battle with arm troubles, but he remains a quality source of ratios for fantasy managers when healthy.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Jan Blachowicz In Dire Need Of Win
Former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz will try to bounce back in the win column when he takes on undefeated prospect Navajo Stirling in the co-main event of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Blachowicz was scheduled for a rematch with Bogdan Guskov in Saturday's UFC, but Guskov was pulled to face Magomed Ankalaev this past Saturday at UFC Abu Dhabi. Blachowicz was last seen in the Octagon in December at UFC 323, where he fought Bogdan Guskov to a majority draw. DraftKings sees Blachowicz as the underdog with a salary of $7,200.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Rashee Rice Being Eased in After Knee Surgery
The Athletic's Jesse Newell reports that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is still sitting out live drills in training camp as he recovers from offseason knee surgery. Rice's absence has allowed young players like Cyrus Allen and Andrew Armstrong to get more run with the first-team offense early in camp. When everyone is fully healthy, Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton are the Chiefs' top three receivers, while Allen and recent draft pick Jalen Royals figure to be rotational players for depth at the position. The Chiefs are in no rush to get the 26-year-old Rice back into the fold, but the full expectation is that he'll be a full-go for the start of the 2026 regular season. Injuries and off-the-field issues have made him somewhat of a risk as a fantasy wideout, but when he's been on the field, there's no arguing that he has high-end upside as quarterback Patrick Mahomes' favorite weapon. The former second-rounder in 2023 from SMU had 938 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, but he played in a combined 12 games the last two years. If Rice can put in a full season in 2026, he has clear WR1 upside when it's all said and done.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Marcin Tybura Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Marcin Tybura will try to bounce back in the win column as he welcomes Aleksandar Rakic to the heavyweight division on the main card of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Tybura is coming off back-to-back losses to recent signings, Ante Delija and Tyrell Fortune. Prior to those losses, Tybura was on a two-fight winning streak, beating Jhonata Diniz and Mick Parkin. DraftKings sees Tybura as a big underdog with a salary of $6,900.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Mets Setting High Asking Price for Freddy Peralta
The New York Mets are asking teams for a "top-100 prospect and more" in return for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, according to Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. With the Mets currently 16 games under .500 and Peralta set to hit free agency at the end of the season, the veteran right-hander is one of the safer bets to be moved at the upcoming trade deadline. Peralta's value around the league may be at a relative low point, as he's recorded a 5-9 record with a 4.99 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts across 113 2/3 innings (22 starts) on the year. Still, the 30-year-old recorded a 2.70 ERA with a 28.2% strikeout rate across 176 2/3 innings in 2025. He may be one of the few available arms at the deadline who carries true high-end upside for contenders.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal
Aleksandar Rakic Set For Heavyweight Debut
Aleksandar Rakic is scheduled to make his heavyweight debut against Marcin Tybura on the main card of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. Rakic finds himself in a tough spot as he's lost four fights in a row. His last win was back in March 2021 against Thiago Silva. Rakic was last seen in action in October at UFC 321, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Azamat Murzakanov. DraftKings sees Rakic as a massive favorite with a salary of $9,300.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
