Jul 26, 2026, 11:59 AM ET

Chicago White Sox infielder Colson Montgomery (shin) is not in the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the Houston Astros after fouling a ball off his shin on Saturday in the ninth inning, according to MLB.com. Luisangel Acuna will make the start at the 6 and will bat eighth against Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco. It's the second time in the last week that Montgomery has fouled a ball off his shin, causing him to miss time. We'll consider him day-to-day for now. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Monday to see if the left-handed slugger is ready to play in the series finale against the visiting New York Yankees. The 24-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2021 is hitting just .218 (80-for-367) with a 31.9% strikeout rate in his first full year in the big leagues, but he's rostered in 90% of Yahoo leagues because of his power upside (24 home runs in 98 games played in 2026). In 17 games (73 plate appearances) so far in July, Montgomery has gone just 14-for-68 (.206) with three home runs, two doubles, 10 RBI, eight runs, four walks, and 23 strikeouts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 26, 2026, 11:52 AM ET

Chicago White Sox right-hander Sean Burke continued to pitch well despite the White Sox taking a 4-1 loss on Saturday to the visiting Houston Astros. In six innings on the mound, Burke allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits while walking one and striking out 10, and was hit with his fifth loss of the year. The 26-year-old has had double-digit strikeouts in two of his last four starts, which have all been quality starts for his fantasy managers. The former third-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Maryland is now 7-5 on the year with a 3.19 ERA (3.43 FIP) and 1.11 WHIP with 130 strikeouts and 35 walks in 118 1/3 innings across 21 appearances (17 starts) in his third year in the majors. Burke needs just four more strikeouts to set a career high in that category. He's rostered in 78% of Yahoo leagues, but he's deserving of more attention with his uptick in strikeouts. Burke has eight-plus strikeouts in five of his last seven outings. He'll have a tough matchup on deck against the New York Yankees, although the Bombers have the fifth-most strikeouts in the big leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 26, 2026, 11:44 AM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes started off Saturday's outing strong, but he faltered late in the team's 11-0 blowout loss to the division-rival Chicago Cubs. Skenes allowed five earned runs on six hits while walking two and striking out 11 in 5 1/3 innings of work to take his ninth loss of the season. The 24-year-old three-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner is now 9-9 in his third major-league season with a career-high 3.65 ERA (2.72 FIP) and 1.06 WHIP with 149 strikeouts and 28 walks in 120 2/3 innings pitched across his league-high 22 starts. Skenes hasn't been quite as untouchable as he was in his first two seasons with the Pirates, and Saturday's five-run outing snapped a streak of three straight starts with two earned runs allowed or fewer. Even though Skenes hasn't been as dominant as many were hoping for in 2026, he still has plenty of swing-and-miss stuff, as he generated 22 swings and misses on 105 pitches against Chicago. Fantasy managers should keep him in their starting lineups for his next scheduled outing against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds next week. In his two starts against the Reds this year, Skenes has a 4.50 ERA with four walks and 12 K's in 10 innings pitched.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 26, 2026, 11:37 AM ET

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease had a phenomenal outing on Saturday night in the team's 6-0 shutout win over the division-rival Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, as he threw a complete-game shutout with just one hit allowed, three walks, and 12 strikeouts to pick up his seventh victory of the year and lower his season ERA to 2.46. It was Cease's third career complete game, and it took him 120 pitches to finish the masterful outing. It's been an amazing season for Cease in his first year in Toronto, and he has unbelievably allowed just one hit in two of his last three starts. He is chugging right along with four straight quality starts in July, and he now has a 1.09 WHIP with a league-high 167 strikeouts and 48 walks in 113 1/3 innings on the season. Cease joined only Nolan Ryan as the second pitcher to allow no more than one hit while pitching at least eight innings and striking out at least 10 in back-to-back road starts. He'll obviously be a must-start in his next scheduled outing next week against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 26, 2026, 11:31 AM ET

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is not being reinstated from the 10-day injured list for the team's series finale in Baltimore on Sunday against the Orioles, according to MLB.com. Mike Yastrzemski is making the start in right field for Atlanta and will bat eighth against Orioles right-hander Shane Baz. Acuna is believed to be ready to go following his second IL stint due to a left-hamstring strain, but the Braves are being cautious with him. He likely would have returned this weekend in Baltimore had his minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Gwinnett not been rained out on Friday. Barring something unforeseen, the Braves should activate the former MVP for Monday's series opener versus the division-rival New York Mets. The 28-year-old Venezuelan outfielder has been a massive disappointment for fantasy managers so far in 2026 because of his hamstring issues, but he still has five-category upside and could be a difference-maker down the stretch. Acuna will be returning to a .251/.373/.421 slash line with a .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across his 195 at-bats.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 26, 2026, 11:25 AM ET

New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (hamstring) said he will undergo testing on his left hamstring after he was removed from Saturday night's game early against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Bellinger is hoping to avoid a stint on the injured list, but we'll know more after his tests. "It just feels a little tight. I really don't think it's anything too serious," Bellinger said. The 31-year-old veteran outfielder was pulled from Saturday's game after hitting a double in the eighth inning. He went 2-for-4 in the contest with the double and an RBI before departing, and Bellinger is currently riding a six-game hitting streak while picking up at least one hit in 11 of his last 12 games. It's definitely bad timing for him to pick up an injury. The former MVP and three-time All-Star is currently batting .259/.350/.420 with a .770 OPS, 11 homers, 53 RBI, 52 runs, and 10 steals in his 374 at-bats in 2026. At the very least, fantasy managers should not expect Bellinger to be in the lineup for the series finale against Philly on Sunday Night Baseball.--Keith Hernandez
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips

Jul 26, 2026, 11:20 AM ET

The Washington Nationals are recalling third baseman Brady House from Triple-A Rochester on Sunday to fill the vacancy after the Nats traded infielder Curtis Mead to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night in exchange for left-hander Connelly Early, a team source told Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. House was Washington's primary third baseman this year before Mead took over and ran away with the job. The former 11th overall pick in 2021 hit just .227/.282/.399 with a .681 OPS, seven home runs, 25 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a stolen base in his 163 at-bats, though, before being sent to the farm in mid-May. At Rochester, House hit .301/.342/.500 with eight homers, 34 RBI, 26 runs scored, and three steals in 50 games across 222 plate appearances before getting the ball back to the Show. Jorbit Vivas and Jose Tena could also be options for playing time at the hot corner in D.C. now that Mead is gone, but House figures to get the first shot at the primary role, making him worth a look off the waiver wire in deeper leagues for corner-infield help. House is rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum

Jul 26, 2026, 11:13 AM ET

Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford (ankle, foot) said X-rays came back negative after he suffered a left-ankle/foot injury in Saturday's game against the division-rival Seattle Mariners, and he expects to be fine for Sunday's game, according to Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports. Fantasy managers should consider the 24-year-old right-handed slugger to be day-to-day for now. Given Langford's already lengthy injury history early in his MLB career, we would not be surprised if the Rangers hold him out of Sunday's contest against Seattle. If Langford is held out on Sunday, his next chance to return to action would be for Monday's series finale against the Mariners. Langford, a former first-rounder, has already missed 52 of a possible 104 games in 2026 due to various injuries, so the Rangers probably won't push him to play on Sunday. In his third year in the big leagues, Langford is hitting a strong .290 (61-for-210) with 12 home runs, 29 RBI, 34 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 52 games across 224 plate appearances. His power/speed upside makes him roster-worthy in all fantasy formats.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DLLS Sports - Jeff Wilson

Jul 26, 2026, 11:05 AM ET

Athletics All-Star catcher Shea Langeliers (knee) could miss the rest of the 2026 season after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 28-year-old will decide whether he will have surgery to fix his torn meniscus. Regardless of Langeliers' decision on surgery, it will likely end any trade talks around a player who is considered one of the best catchers in baseball. The A's weren't planning to trade him before the Aug. 3 deadline, but multiple teams had hoped the A's stance would soften on Langeliers. If his season is over, Langeliers will finish with a .263/.332/.497 slash line with 23 home runs and 51 RBI in 93 games. Not only does he bring high-end power to the weak catching position in fantasy, but Langeliers is one of the top defensive backstops in the league, catching 11 runners this season on 35 stolen-base attempts. He was on pace to become just the third catcher in big-league history with three straight seasons of at least 29 home runs. Jonah Heim, who will take over catching duties in Sacramento, is now a prime waiver pickup in two-catcher fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan

Jul 26, 2026, 11:00 AM ET

The Miami Dolphins spent five 2026 draft picks on offensive skill position players, and despite being the first of that group selected, third-round rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas has flown well beneath the fantasy radar to this point, even in what projects to be a wide-open receiver room. With Dolphins rookies having already reported for training camp, national NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe believes Douglas could earn a starting role and become a necessary target for quarterback Malik Willis in an offense in search of playmakers outside of running back De'Von Achane. A more heralded third-round pick, fellow rookie Chris Bell is beginning the year on the non-football injury list as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered in November, while none of the veteran receivers on the roster has a 50-catch NFL campaign under their belt. With one of the lowest projected scoring offenses in the league, it's entirely possible that none of Miami's receivers rise to fantasy prominence in 2026, but at RotoBaller's WR107, Douglas has an obvious path to outperforming expectations as a rookie.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Cameron Wolfe

Jul 26, 2026, 10:49 AM ET

After skipping out on the team's voluntary offseason program and holding in during mandatory minicamp amidst an ongoing contract dispute, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett made headlines by reporting to training with the rest of the Cardinals' veterans, but through the first three practices of camp, he has yet to take part in any team drills, according to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. Brissett has participated in individual drills and stood with the quarterbacks during 11-on-11 sessions, but has yet to take a rep of his own. Currently in the final season of a two-year pact that would pay him a base salary just shy of $4.9 million, negotiations have been reported as productive, but Brissett may potentially refrain from taking part in team drills until a new deal is done. A fantasy revelation after taking over as starter in 2025, Brissett was the QB6 from Weeks 6 through 18, commanding the pass-heaviest offense in the league, but with more balance expected under first-time head coach Mike LaFleur and uncertainty about his starting role on a team that could be looking to the future early into the year, the 33-year-old veteran is RotoBaller's QB29 for 2026.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Josh Weinfuss

Jul 26, 2026, 10:38 AM ET

Even as his teammate James Cook III has developed into one of the league's true bell cow runners, veteran running back Ty Johnson has maintained an important change-of-pace role, seeing at least 40 carries and 25 targets in each of the past two seasons. While Cook's spot atop the depth chart makes it difficult for any other Buffalo running back to accumulate stats, Johnson's comfort in the passing game could lead to limited fantasy viability should an injury force him into a larger role in 2026. That said, in such a scenario, it would likely be third-year back Ray Davis serving as more of a direct handcuff to Cook, making the soon-to-be-29-year-old Johnson difficult to trust even with a clearing ahead of him. With a lack of standalone value and no obvious path to a substantially increased workload, Johnson is not a player that fantasy drafters will need to consider in 2026.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 26, 2026, 10:25 AM ET

After showing promising signs in the early stages of his rookie year, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton suffered a season-ending shin injury in Week 9, but he carries no injury designation into his second season, and he was on the field for the Seahawks' first practice of training camp. With a penchant for making timely big plays, Horton scored touchdowns on five of his 13 receptions in 2025, reaching double-digit fantasy points in four of his eight games played. Unfortunately, across the remaining four games, he totaled only one catch for ten yards, making him an untrustworthy boom-or-bust play outside of best ball formats. Following Horton's injury, Seattle traded for Rashid Shaheed, and although the 27-year-old speedster caught only 15 passes across his nine regular season games, he showed up as a difference-making special teams player during the Seahawks' championship run, and with the team locking him up on a three-year, $51 million contract, there are expectations that he'll play a larger offensive role after a full training camp in Renton. The battle for outside reps opposite Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be one to watch throughout camp, but by avoiding the physically unable to perform list, Horton is well positioned to grow into a more consistent fantasy contributor, and he is worth a look in the closing rounds of 2026 drafts.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Gregg Bell

Jul 26, 2026, 10:14 AM ET

While he has never finished as a top 70 wide receiver for fantasy, Dallas Cowboys fifth-year veteran KaVontae Turpin is no stranger to making highlight-worthy catches, with the explosive playmaking ability he's long brought to the return game translating offensively whenever he's been given an opportunity. During last season's Week 17 fantasy championship, he housed his only target for an 86-yard touchdown that was enough to make him the WR10 on the week. Unfortunately, a lack of consistent involvement and a stacked depth chart ahead of him make him difficult to trust as anything more than a late-round dart throw in deep best ball leagues. Even there, he has only cracked the top 24 of the position four times over the past two seasons, and having never hit 20 fantasy points in a game, he lacks the true upside to single-handedly win weeks when he does pop off. An older prospect when he came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Turpin will soon turn 30, and he is not a player expected to have a major fantasy impact in 2026.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 26, 2026, 10:06 AM ET

The Houston Rockets signed forward Julian Phillips to a training camp contract, the team announced. The 35th pick in the 2023 draft, Phillips lands his third NBA home after Minnesota declined his option in June, months removed from the February trade that sent him from Chicago to the Timberwolves. Still 22, the explosive athlete has never found a role, averaging 3.6 points and 1.5 rebounds across 167 career games. His deal is reportedly non-guaranteed, leaving him to compete for one of Houston's final roster spots. A career 32.0 percent three-point shooter, Phillips has yet to show a bankable fantasy skill, leaving him off the radar unless he first wins a roster spot and steady minutes.--Brian Dailisan
Source: The Spot Up Shot

Jul 26, 2026, 10:01 AM ET

New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon has been pointed to as a player who stood out during the team's first practice of training camp on Saturday, with ESPN's Mike Reiss noting how an injury-thinned depth chart has allowed him to take reps behind 11th-year veteran Hunter Henry. Free agent acquisition Julian Hill was placed on season-ending injured reserve after tearing his ACL during OTAs, while 2025 undrafted free agent CJ Dippre opened training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list and was spotted with a brace on his left wrist. Taking advantage of the increased opportunity, Raridon made a deep highlight catch on a pass thrown by backup Tommy DeVito and earned the praise of Henry, who told reporters after practice, "The ceiling is high for him." Raridon is RotoBaller's rookie TE5, and has been pegged as a player to target in the middle rounds of dynasty rookie drafts, with a clear path to fantasy success both long-term and as an immediate contributor.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Mike Reiss

Jul 26, 2026, 9:55 AM ET

Forward Harrison Ingram is joining the Utah Jazz after two seasons on two-way deals with San Antonio, the team announced. The 48th pick in the 2024 draft became an unrestricted free agent when the Spurs pulled his qualifying offer, having appeared in just 12 NBA games over two years. His value lives in the G League, where the Dallas native stuffed the box score for the Austin Spurs, averaging 14.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals. Terms weren't disclosed, leaving it unclear whether Ingram is on a standard deal, two-way contract, or camp pact. For fantasy, he stays off the radar outside the deepest G-league-aware dynasty formats.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Tom Orsborn

Jul 26, 2026, 9:50 AM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was the subject of trade rumors throughout much of the offseason, but having reported for training camp and taking part as a full participant in the team's first public practice, he has reportedly made quick work of reminding everyone of his value to this offense. ESPN's Mike Reiss credited him with the play of the day, a diving 35-yard catch that had quarterback Drake Maye commenting, "It's nothing new. All year last year and the year before, he just keeps doing things right." Boutte's six touchdown catches in 2025 led all Patriots wide receivers and were second on the team behind tight end Hunter Henry. Still, with the additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, he will need to continue maximizing his training camp reps, either to keep a meaningful role on this team or to garner enough attention to make him a buzz-worthy trade candidate.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Mike Reiss

Jul 26, 2026, 9:48 AM ET

Free-agent center Nick Richards could be a fit to back up Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, Evan Sidery suggests, floating him as the primary reserve big to round out a second unit that will include expected buyout addition Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Richards, 28, is an unrestricted free agent after last season's trade sent him from Phoenix to Chicago. The 6-foot-11 rim-runner is a high-percentage finisher and rebounder who averaged 8.9 points and 7.5 rebounds in a larger role with Charlotte in 2024-25. This is speculation, not reported interest, so temper expectations. Given Embiid's knee history, whoever backs him up carries deep-league appeal, making Richards worth monitoring if Philadelphia signs him.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Evan Sidery

Jul 26, 2026, 9:40 AM ET

The New Orleans Pelicans have agreed to a one-year deal with guard Kobe Bufkin, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The No. 15 pick in 2023, Bufkin has played 43 NBA games across three seasons with the Hawks and Lakers, but he revived his stock last season, averaging 24.8 points on 41.9 percent from three for the G League's South Bay Lakers before dropping 21.3 per game in Summer League. This is a training camp deal, and he will battle for an open roster spot behind Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears. Bufkin is a deep-dynasty flier, but he must make the team and earn minutes before he holds any redraft value.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Michael Scotto

Jul 26, 2026, 9:38 AM ET

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn led the NFL with 44 made field goals in 2025 despite missing two games with a quad injury, and his 12.9 standard fantasy points per game led the position, but changes to the Texans offense could hurt his value in 2026. The Texans scored touchdowns on only 45.9% of their red zone trips last season, better than only the Saints, Jets, and Chargers, but in trading for running back David Montgomery, they have acquired one of the league's most efficient red zone runners of the past three seasons. Since 2023, Montgomery has scored 29 rushing touchdowns from inside the 20-yard line, and his presence could drastically cut down on Fairbairn's scoring opportunities. With a field goal conversion percentage above 91% in three of the past four seasons, Fairbairn is still as reliable as they come, but with fewer projected chip shots, he could struggle to deliver upon his current ADP of K2.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 26, 2026, 9:32 AM ET

The Memphis Grizzlies and guard/forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have agreed to a buyout, and he plans to sign a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers once he clears waivers, per Shams Charania of ESPN. The two-time champion reunites with LeBron James, his 2020 title teammate in Los Angeles, on a roster that also features Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown. Caldwell-Pope, 33, averaged 8.4 points and shot just 31.6 percent from three across 51 games before season-ending finger surgery in February. He gives Philadelphia veteran 3-and-D depth, but a crowded wing rotation caps his minutes and leaves him a deep-league flier at most in redraft.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Shams Charania

Jul 26, 2026, 9:26 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett met with reporters on Saturday, and when asked whether he sees the team's new-look running back room as having a starter, he was quick to praise the room as a whole before briefly singling out incumbent veteran James Conner. He told the gathered media, "It's a great room... I'm really excited about it. I'm excited for [Conner] to get out there and show what he's got, I mean all the guys." After touching on the early nature of the offensive installation, he was asked specifically about third overall pick Jeremiyah Love, to which he responded, "He's definitely a rookie... And he'll keep growing every single day. I'm very excited for him. All those guys, not just him." The Cardinals added free agent Tyler Allgeier at the start of the new league year, while 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson will attempt to carve out his own role in a crowded room after two disappointing, injury-marred seasons. Still, expectations around Love are understandably high, and he enters his rookie season as RotoBaller's RB13.--Patrick McGrath
Source: The Coachspeak Index

Jul 26, 2026, 9:25 AM ET

Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Lazaro Montes continues to flash high-end power at the Triple-A level and is making a strong case to earn the call to the big leagues. Since joining the top club in the system (14 games), the young slugger has looked quite comfortable, carrying a .254/.338/.525 line with a .863 OPS. During Saturday's contest, Montes went 2-for-5 with his third Triple-A long ball. This was also his third straight game tallying at least two hits. Earlier in the season, the outfielder spent 79 games at the Double-A level, where he posted a .234/.369/.550 line with a .919 OPS and 25 home runs. Montes is solidifying himself as one of the top power bats in the minor leagues and is in prime position to earn the call as Seattle looks to secure its spot in the postseason.--Andy Smith
Source: MiLB.com

Jul 26, 2026, 9:23 AM ET

Milwaukee Brewers infielder Luke Adams has enjoyed a dominant stretch at Triple-A Nashville and is now firmly on the stash radar ahead of Week 18 of the fantasy baseball season. Over his last 20 games, the infielder has posted a stellar .323/.442/.581 line with a 1.022 OPS. During this stretch, the primary third baseman has hit five doubles, gone deep three times, and swiped three bases. On the season (49 games at Triple-A), Adams has held a .270/.413/.560 line with a .973 OPS, eight doubles, 12 home runs, and seven stolen bases. Currently in the majors, the Brewers have seen third baseman Joey Ortiz enjoy a recent surge at the plate himself, but Adams is emerging as the clear next-man-up in this infield. If he maintains this pace, he should earn a late-season taste of the big leagues.--Andy Smith
Source: MiLB.com

Jul 26, 2026, 9:22 AM ET

Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Spencer Jones has agreed to a two-year, $12 million offer sheet with the Oklahoma City Thunder, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Denver has until Sunday to match the fully guaranteed deal. Jones, a 6-7 3-and-D wing, was pressed into a bigger role by injuries last season, starting 37 of 64 games and averaging 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 39.6 percent from three. He torched the playoffs at an NBA-best 69.2 percent from deep. His fantasy value stays thin either way: a deep-league three-point specialist in Denver and likely buried down a crowded Thunder rotation if he leaves. Monitor whether the Nuggets match.--Brian Dailisan
Source: Shams Charania

Jul 26, 2026, 9:20 AM ET

Chicago Cubs top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins recently returned to Triple-A Iowa following a lengthy stint on the injured list but has not had the most productive return to action. Wiggins was cleared to return to Iowa on July 10 but has yet to turn in a successful outing. Over his last three starts (7 2/3 innings of work), Wiggins has allowed a hefty 11 runs while posting a 9:11 K:BB. While this recent skid has put a late-season MLB debut in question, he enjoyed an impressive run in the minor leagues last summer, which keeps the door open. During the 2025 season, Wiggins logged 78 innings across High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A to the tune of a 2.19 ERA and a sharp 1.03 WHIP. While he is not a high-end stash target, he is worth monitoring, as a late-season promotion could still be in play.--Andy Smith
Source: MiLB.com

Jul 26, 2026, 9:17 AM ET

Washington Nationals infield prospect Seaver King has remained on the shelf at Triple-A Rochester for nearly the entire month due to an oblique strain. While this injury has not completely ruled him out of a 2026 debut, it has made his path to MLB at-bats far more difficult, especially if he still needs additional time to recover. King began the 2026 campaign at the Double-A level, but needed just 35 contests to prove he was ready to join the top club. With Harrisburg, the former 10th overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft held a .336/.427/.567 slash line with 10 doubles, five home runs and five stolen bases. Over his first 33 contests at the top ranks, King looked just as sharp, carrying a .275/.338/.443 line with five home runs and four stolen bases. While his recent injury has dropped his stash value, he could emerge as a potential late-season option if he were to return to action in the coming weeks.--Andy Smith
Source: MiLB.com

Jul 26, 2026, 9:16 AM ET

The Boston Red Sox have traded left-handed starting pitcher Connelly Early to the Washington Nationals in exchange for infielder Curtis Mead. Early was able to break camp with the Boston starting rotation but has been on the shelf since late June with an elbow injury. Early made his MLB debut late in the 2025 campaign and flashed high-end upside, logging his first 19 1/3 MLB innings to the tune of a 2.33 ERA and a sharp 1.09 WHIP. In 2026, Early posted a solid 3.44 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP across 92 2/3 innings. He totaled 93 punchouts while walking 8.7% of the hitters he has faced. While Early is still on the 15-day injured list, he recently began throwing, which suggests he should make his Nationals debut later in August. He remains a worthy stash candidate in all standard leagues as he should remain solid fantasy value down the stretch once back on the bump.--Andy Smith
Source: Jeff Passan

Jul 26, 2026, 9:13 AM ET

When asked about his expectations for running back Blake Corum ahead of the team's first week of training camp, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay was effusive in his praise of the third-year runner. He spoke of Corum's steady nature, which allowed him to overcome some adverse injury situations as a rookie before breaking out as a sophomore. Projecting forward, McVay told the gathered media, "The way that he approaches it, I'd be surprised if doesn't do anything other than get better and impact the team in a positive way," before putting a point on the topic by saying, "He's a stud, and he's gonna be a big factor in what we're gonna do this year." Corum displayed balance and explosiveness in 2025 as part of one of the league's best offenses, and he ran particularly hot in the touchdown department to end the year, scoring five times over the final six games of the season to pace as the RB17 over that stretch. Heading into his third year, he is RotoBaller's RB33 on standalone value alone, but has league-winning upside as a direct handcuff to Kyren Williams.--Patrick McGrath
Source: The Coachspeak Index