RADIO
Josue De Paula Continues to Surge Up Dynasty Boards Amid 10-Game Hitting Streak
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Josue De Paula extended his hitting streak to 10 games on Friday evening. Facing Double-A Frisco, the team's top-ranked outfield prospect (per MLB.com) went 2-for-5 with a home run. During this impressive 10-game hitting streak, the 21-year-old has held a .388/.444/.673 slash line with two doubles, three home runs, and five stolen bases. On the season, MLB.com's No. 4 overall prospect has been nothing short of dominant, carrying an elite .323/.416/.554 line with a .970 OPS, 27 doubles, 16 home runs, and 25 stolen bases. While his MLB debut is still tentatively lined up for 2027, those in dynasty leagues should feel quite comfortable rostering him as he appears to be the next budding outfield prospect in the game.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Bryce Young a Non-Factor in 2026 Single-QB Drafts
By fantasy finish alone, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has shown steady improvement in each of his three seasons, rising from QB23 as a rookie to QB20 in Year 2 and a QB19 finish last season. Obviously, his actual path has not been as linear, with a performance-based benching in 2024, and he now enters a critical fourth season. Young demonstrated some of the highest highs of his career in 2025, throwing for 448 yards and three scores in a Week 11 overtime win over the Falcons, but he also failed to reach 200 passing yards in 12 of 17 outings. With few notable additions on the offensive side of the ball and the Panthers slated to face a first-place schedule in 2026, much will be asked of Young as he looks to earn a long-term extension. And even if he proves capable of taking another small step forward, in a year with so many fantasy-viable options at the position, Young is not a player who should factor into draft plans in single-quarterback leagues. He enters the year as RotoBaller's QB26.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre' Morgan Blasts Two Home Runs in Return From Triple-A Injured List
Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Tre' Morgan went 2-for-4 with two home runs in his return to Triple-A Durham on Friday evening. Morgan was sidelined with an injury for nearly a month but returned in impressive fashion. On the season, Morgan has spent only 15 games with the Durham Bulls and posted a low .182/.250/.436 line with a .686 OPS. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his production as Morgan could compete for a late-season promotion to the majors if he were to find his footing. During the 2025 campaign, the former third-round pick out of LSU posted a .274/.398/.412 line with eight home runs and eight doubles over 92 games at Triple-A. For now, Morgan should not be viewed as a viable stash option as he remains at least a month away from a potential debut.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Keaton Wagler Scores 26 Points as Clippers Outlast Minnesota
Los Angeles Clippers guard Keaton Wagler put up 26 points on 9-for-19 shooting in Friday's 128-120 overtime win over the Timberwolves, adding four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block over 28 minutes. The No. 5 pick ended his Vegas run on a high after a rocky debut of seven points on 1-for-7 shooting against Sacramento. The Illinois product bounced back with 23 points against Utah, and this game showed the on-ball creator the Clippers envisioned. His shooting stayed streaky, going 2-for-7 from deep here, but Wagler has a clearer path to early minutes than most rookies, with a chance to play alongside Darius Garland.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Yang Hansen Cleans the Glass in Blazers' Summer League Finale
Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen wrapped up his Summer League with nine points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks over 24 minutes in Friday's 83-79 loss to the Jazz. His shot did not fall in the sloppy finale (3-for-8 from the field), but the seven-footer stayed busy on the glass and protected the rim. The line fit a summer in which he did more as a rebounder, passer, and shot-blocker than as a scorer. That peripheral production is the heart of his fantasy case: a big who fills the box score with boards, blocks, and assists holds value even when his scoring goes quiet.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jake Bennett Emerging as a Priority Arm on the Waiver Wire
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Bennett picked up his fifth win of the season in his first start after the All-Star break on Friday, allowing just one hit across six scoreless innings in his team's 10-0 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. Since making his MLB debut on May 1, Bennett has recorded a 5-3 record with a 2.35 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts across 53 2/3 innings (nine starts). The 25-year-old left-hander does not have overwhelming strikeout stuff, as he's averaging 93.0 miles per hour on his fastball and has logged just an 18.7% strikeout rate. However, his command has been elite. Bennett posted a 5.7% walk rate across 39 1/3 innings at Triple-A before his promotion, and he's allowed a 4.4% walk rate in the big leagues so far. Bennett has also been hard to square up, surrendering a 5.8% barrel rate and just three total home runs. Fantasy managers should not expect a ton of strikeout upside, but Bennett remains an emerging young pitcher to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre Donaldson Flirts With Triple-Double in Heat's Comeback Win
Miami Heat guard Tre Donaldson flirted with a triple-double in Friday's 101-87 Summer League win over the Pistons, finishing with 20 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds on 8-for-12 shooting over 37 minutes. He saved his best for last, scoring 13 in a 35-point fourth quarter that erased a 72-66 deficit. The undrafted Miami product capped a strong summer, one that included a 22-point game against Cleveland, on the pace and playmaking that earned him a two-way deal. NBA minutes may be scarce on a Heat team filling out its backcourt, but Miami has developed guards through its G League affiliate before, and a pass-first lead guard fits that pipeline.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Reid Detmers is Poised for a Second-Half Breakout
Across 114 2/3 innings (20 starts) so far this season, Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers has recorded a 3-6 record with a 4.16 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 130 strikeouts. The 27-year-old owns excellent underlying metrics, as he's logged a 27.4% strikeout rate with just a 7.4% walk rate. Detmers' xERA (3.38) and FIP (3.21) both suggest that he's been a bit unlucky in his results in 2026. The main issue for the left-hander has been his 66% strand rate, which is below the MLB average of 72%. If Detmers can do a little better job of navigating traffic on the bases in the second half of the season, his ERA may match up with his already stellar WHIP and strikeout rates. With just a few minor tweaks to his profile, Detmers could be in line for a second-half breakout.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Meleek Thomas Extends Hot Summer League Run
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas stayed hot with 24 points on 10-for-20 shooting in Friday's 100-91 Summer League win over the Bulls, adding two assists, two rebounds, and one steal over 25 minutes. The Arkansas product has been the story of Cleveland's Vegas trip, leading the Summer League in scoring after a 35-point showing against Miami. He slid to No. 34 on draft night despite first-round buzz, and the summer has played like vindication. The catch for fantasy managers is the depth chart: Thomas sits behind James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, so the production reads as a long-term investment more than a source of rookie-year minutes.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Hannes Steinbach Grabs Double-Double in Loss to Sacramento
Charlotte Hornets forward/center Hannes Steinbach logged his third Summer League double-double in Friday's 92-90 loss to the Kings, going for 22 points and 11 rebounds on 7-for-10 shooting with one steal over 29 minutes. The No. 14 pick now has three double-doubles in five Vegas games, backing a college season at Washington that produced 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds a night. His work on the glass is the sort of skill that carries over immediately, and on a rebuilding Charlotte team without much settled frontcourt production, that alone should earn a lottery pick early looks. The scoring polish can develop from there.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Hunter Brown a Prime Buy-Low Candidate Coming Out of the All-Star Break
Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown had the first half of his 2026 season disrupted by a shoulder injury, which landed him on the injured list in early April and held him out until mid-June. Across 35 1/3 innings (seven starts) for the year, Brown has recorded a 1-0 record with a 3.57 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts. The 27-year-old is still averaging 96.0 miles per hour on his fastball and owns a solid 25.5% strikeout rate. However, his walk rate has spiked from 7.8% in 2025 to 14.4% in 2026. Still, Brown was one of the best pitchers in baseball a season ago, recording a 2.43 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 206 strikeouts and 12 wins across 185 1/3 innings. As he gets further removed from the shoulder injury, Brown's command could begin to return. Fantasy managers in need of starting pitching upside should target Brown as a buy-low candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emanuel Sharp Paces Sacramento in Win Over Charlotte
Sacramento Kings guard Emanuel Sharp led six players in double figures with 16 points in Friday's 92-90 Summer League win over the Hornets, connecting on 4-for-9 from three while adding three steals, three assists, two rebounds, and one block over 30 minutes. The Houston product has been Sacramento's steadiest summer performer, pairing his shooting with disruptive perimeter defense that produced three or more steals in several outings. The No. 45 pick fits a specific need as a 3-and-D guard who can play off-ball next to lottery pick Darius Acuff Jr. His scoring efficiency has wavered in Vegas, so the defense and the outside stroke will be what earn a second-round rookie a foothold in the rotation.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Harry Ford Launches Home Run in Season Debut
Washington Nationals catcher Harry Ford had a memorable 2026 season debut in his team's 23-4 win over the Athletics on Friday night. The 23-year-old batted sixth and went two-for-five with a home run, a walk, three RBI, and three runs scored. A former top prospect in the Seattle Mariners system, Ford made his MLB debut with Seattle in 2025 but logged just eight plate appearances. He's struggled a bit this season with Triple-A Rochester, hitting .223/.370/.335 with four home runs, 22 RBI, and 35 runs scored across 257 plate appearances. Still, he was promoted by Washington for the second half of the season and could be in line to steal playing time from Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz. Ford's ability to get on base at a high rate may be what keeps his bat in the Washington lineup regularly, as he logged a 16.2% walk rate at Triple-A in 2025 and a 17.5% walk rate in the minors this season before being called up. Fantasy managers in need of catching help should consider targeting Ford on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kirby Yates Sees Struggles Continue on Friday, Takes Fifth Loss
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Kirby Yates racked up his third blown save and fifth loss of the season on Friday, allowing two earned runs in the ninth inning of his team's 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Across 21 2/3 innings in 2026, Yates has recorded a 0-5 record with a 3.74 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 28 strikeouts, and three saves. The veteran's underlying metrics are strong, as he's logged an impressive 30.8% strikeout rate with just an 8.8% walk rate. However, Yates' average fastball velocity is down to a career-worst 91.0 miles per hour. He's also run into some struggles in recent outings, allowing three earned runs over his last two innings pitched (three appearances). Yates remains the current closer to roster from the Angels. Still, fantasy managers may want to explore adding Angels right-handers Ryan Zeferjahn and/or Ben Joyce (shoulder) as potential replacement options.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Orioles Turn to Tyler Wells for Friday's Save, Emerging as Priority Closer to Roster
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells picked up his third save of the season on Friday, allowing one hit and one walk while collecting a strikeout in a scoreless ninth inning of his team's 3-2 win over the Houston Astros. The 31-year-old appears to be grabbing hold of the full-time closer role in Baltimore, as he's earned three saves while allowing just one earned run across eight innings (seven games) in July. Wells' overall numbers for the year are strong as well, as he's pitched to a 2.96 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 47 strikeouts across 45 2/3 innings. He's struck out 25.8% of the batters he's faced while logging a stellar 6.0% walk rate. Fantasy managers in need of saves should consider Wells a priority waiver wire target.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jamie Drysdale Signs Four-Year, $26 Million Contract With Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale will remain with the franchise on a four-year, $26 million contract. As a restricted free agent, the 24-year-old had a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for Monday. After struggling to stay healthy early in his NHL career, Drysdale has performed solidly for the Flyers. He matched his career high with 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) in 78 games last term, adding 94 blocks. Flyers general manager Daniel Briere expressed confidence that Drysdale's best performances are still to come, so it wouldn't be surprising if he nears the 40-point mark in the next few seasons.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Canadiens Bring Back Kirby Dach on One-Year Deal
Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach will play out the 2026-27 campaign on a one-year, $3.6 million contract. He received only a slight raise from his previous four-year, $13.45 million deal. Dach, who was a restricted free agent, struggled badly with injuries during his last contract. The 25-year-old was limited to 37 appearances in 2025-26, totaling 15 points (seven goals, eight assists). He's yet to play more than 58 games in a season for Montreal, so Dach's main goal next season should be an injury-free campaign. If he stays healthy, Dach could become a 40-point scorer while averaging about two hits per game.
Source: Montreal Canadiens PR
Source: Montreal Canadiens PR
Blues Sign Connor McMichael to Six-Year, $40 Million Deal
St. Louis Blues forward Connor McMichael has been handed a six-year, $40.5 million contract by the team. He was a restricted free agent after earning $2.1 million in each of the last two seasons. The Blues brought in McMichael from the Washington Capitals in the deal that sent Jordan Kyrou to D.C. last month. He's scored over 100 points over the last two years, though McMichael had a mediocre 46-point campaign in 2025-26. With a larger role in St. Louis, the 25-year-old could make a greater impact. A middle-six role awaits him, along with regular power-play time.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Logan Henderson Battles Forearm Cramping During Friday's Start
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson (forearm) said that he was dealing with a forearm cramp in the fifth inning of his start on Friday night's win over the Miami Marlins, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Henderson was visited by a trainer, but he stayed in the game and finished with one earned run allowed on three hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out four in five innings for a no-decision at American Family Field. The 24-year-old didn't have an amazing first outing out of the All-Star break, but it was another solid showing, and he lowered his season ERA to under 3.00 in the process. Henderson said he was already feeling better after the game on Friday night, so as of now, it looks like he has a good shot at taking the mound for his next scheduled outing next week in a great matchup against the last-place New York Mets. RotoBaller has been encouraging fantasy managers to snag Henderson off the waiver wire for weeks now, and there's no better time to do so as he heads into a matchup against the Mets.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Spencer Steer Clubs Two Homers, an Ascending Source of Power
Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer got his second half started on the right foot in the team's 7-2 win over the Colorado Rockies at hitter-friendly Coors Field on Friday night. Steer took advantage of the thin air in Denver to go 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, and a strikeout. The 28-year-old right-handed slugger is now batting .250/.330/.441 on the year with 16 home runs and 40 RBI in 362 plate appearances in his fifth year in Cincy. Steer is in just the 41st percentile in hard-hit rate in 2026, but he also sits in the 81st percentile in barrel rate, the 76th percentile in expected slugging, and the 74th percentile in xwOBA. He's also in the 77th percentile in xISO and is well on his way to setting a new career high in home runs this season with 16 through his first 92 games -- his career high was set in 2023 with 23 long balls. Steer isn't going to wow with his batting average or on-base skills, but the power is real in a hitter-friendly home environment. Fantasy managers seeking power need to add him off the waiver wire now. Steer is only rostered in 35% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Drake Baldwin Gets his Second Half Started With Five-RBI Night
Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin led the charge in Friday night's 15-1 blowout win over the visiting Texas Rangers at Truist Park to get the second half of the season started, going 3-for-4 at the plate out of the leadoff spot with a home run, five RBI, two runs scored, and a walk to raise his season batting average to .261 and his OPS to .804. Baldwin's home run was a three-run shot off right-hander Cal Quantrill in the fourth inning, and it was his 16th long ball of the year after he slugged 19 in an impressive rookie campaign in 2025. It was nice to see the second-year backstop go deep to begin the second half, as it was just his second round-tripper since June 17. Baldwin missed some time in the first half with an injury, but he has still produced an OPS over .800 with 51 RBI and a stolen base in 324 plate appearances. In 12 games in July before this week's All-Star break, Baldwin hit. 256 (11-for-43) with a homer, seven RBI, and seven runs scored. A second-half breakout could be coming for the former third-rounder from Mississippi State University.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Padres Want to Move Off Xander Bogaerts' Contract
San Diego Padres infielder Xander Bogaerts has not lived up to his contract during his time with the organization. The Padres have Bogaerts locked up through 2033, but would reportedly like to get out of the contract. The speculation is that the Padres would attach Bogaerts in a potential Mason Miller trade at the deadline. It would be a shame to lose Miller, but Padres' fans would rejoice at being out of the $25 million per season owed to Bogaerts through 2033. This season, Bogaerts is slashing .224/.317/.331 with nine home runs, 37 RBI, and 12 steals in 91 games. The 33-year-old has almost no value by himself, so the Padres would likely have to package him with a superstar just to get out of the deal.
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune
Blaze Alexander has No Timetable for Return
Baltimore Orioles infielder Blaze Alexander (hand) currently has no timetable to return from the 10-day Injured List. Alexander landed on the shelf on Thursday after suffering a fractured left hand during last Sunday's game. The plan is for Alexander to have weekly checkups on his hand until it is completely healed. After that, Alexander can begin the road to getting back to the Orioles lineup. While Alexander is out, Coby Mayo figures to see a majority of the time at the hot corner. He could be worth adding for fantasy managers who are patiently waiting for the return of Alexander.
Source: Jacob Calvin Meyer
Source: Jacob Calvin Meyer
JoJo Romero is Placed on 15-Day Injured List
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher JoJo Romero (appendicitis) was placed on the 15-day Injured List, retroactive to July 14. This is a tough blow to the Cardinals' bullpen to begin the second half of the season. Romero has been one of the best relievers on this roster. The southpaw has allowed one earned run over his last 10 innings of work. It's unclear how much time he'll need on the IL, but Romero will at least be sidelined until the end of July. In a corresponding move, reliever Scott Blewett has been recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Friday. Romero is worth holding in fantasy formats where holds matter. He figures to get back on the mound at the end of July or early August.
Source: John Denton
Source: John Denton
Wilyer Abreu Goes Deep Twice in Second Game of Doubleheader
Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu closed out the team's doubleheader sweep of the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on Friday with a big performance in Game 2, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs and three RBI in the 5-3 victory to boost his season average to .263 and his OPS to .777. Abreu went 1-for-4 with a walk in the 10-0 shutout win in Game 1 of the twin bill. It was the 27-year-old left-handed-hitting Venezuelan outfielder's first multi-homer game of the 2026 season, and his first since July of last year versus the Chicago Cubs. It was nice to see from him to start the second half of the year after he went 8-for-39 (.205) with a homer, four doubles, four RBI, seven runs scored, six walks, and 13 strikeouts in his first 10 games in the month of July. Abreu now sits on 13 homers, 46 RBI, and six stolen bases with a .777 OPS in 409 plate appearances on the 2026 campaign. He'll look to stay hot at the plate to begin the second half in Game 3 of the series on Saturday in Beantown.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Angel Martinez is Beginning Rehab Assignment on Friday
Cleveland Guardians infielder/outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) is beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus on Friday, according to Tim Stebbins. The plan is to ease Martinez into game action, so he'll get in five innings on Friday. Martinez hasn't played in a game since breaking his foot on June 13. This season, Martinez is slashing .239/.276/.442 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI across 66 games. The 24-year-old was playing an everyday role in the outfield before landing on the Injured List in mid-June. He could be someone worth stashing in deep leagues as he ramps up his return.
Source: Tim Stebbins
Source: Tim Stebbins
Daniel Palencia Could be Looking at a Mid-August Return
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Friday that right-handed reliever Daniel Palencia's (elbow) timeline for a return from the 15-day injured list is unclear, but he speculated that it could come in the middle of August, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers. It's not exactly what fantasy managers who have been stashing Palencia want to hear. He's currently rostered in 60% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs a right-elbow injury. The 26-year-old Venezuelan hurler presumably will return as the Cubs' primary closer when he's healthy, but he might not have much of a runway to close out the year and return much fantasy value. Before his elbow injury landed him on the IL, Palencia was 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA (3.46 FIP), 1.38 WHIP, three saves, 19 strikeouts, and just six walks across his 16 2/3 frames. The Cubs' late-inning saves picture has turned into a committee situation going into the second half of the season involving Jacob Webb, Trent Thornton, and Caleb Thielbar.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Max Scherzer has Rehab Stint Paused
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (back, thumb) was recently pulled off his rehab assignment. The veteran right-hander recently received three cortisone injections in his injured thumb during the All-Star break. Scherzer was rehabbing the back injury that landed him on the Injured List last month. He re-injured his hand during his most recent rehab start on Wednesday. Scherzer is aiming to throw the ball this weekend. If that goes well, Scherzer should resume his rehab assignment shortly. It doesn't sound like Scherzer is nearing a return to the Jays' rotation anytime soon. The 41-year-old got smacked around to the tune of a 10.23 ERA when he was healthy this season. Fantasy managers in all formats are better off looking for a replacement at this point.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Source: Arden Zwelling
Edward Cabrera Could Return in Second Week of August
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said on Friday that right-hander Edward Cabrera (hamstring) could return from the 15-day injured list in the second week of August, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The Cubs placed Cabrera on the IL on June 24 with a strained left hamstring, but he resumed a throwing program a week before the All-Star break. It remains to be seen if Chicago will require him to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the big-league starting rotation, but if he does, it might just be one start on the farm. The 28-year-old Dominican has been tough to trust in starting fantasy lineups in his first year on the North Side of Chicago, as he's gone 5-4 with a 5.10 ERA (5.06 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 65 strikeouts and 29 walks in 72 1/3 innings covering his 14 starts. Not only has Cabrera not been able to stay healthy, but he's also sporting a career-low 21% strikeout rate in his sixth year in the big leagues. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues aren't going to be in any hurry to add him back off the waiver wire when he's back in August. He's currently rostered in 42% of Yahoo leagues while he's on the IL.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
MLB Shuts Down Mets A.I. Pitching Program
Former New York Mets reliever Adam Ottavino recently talked about the team using an artificial intelligence pitching program on his YouTube channel. The organization would use an AI program to pick the pitches. The MLB got wind of the Mets doing this and cracked down on teams doing this league-wide. It doesn't sound like the Mets were the only team doing this, but they were the main team that got caught. It's unclear if the Mets were punished or fined for doing this. Ottavino played with the Mets from 2022-2024. He is now retired after a brief stint with the New York Yankees last season.
Source: Adam Ottavino
Source: Adam Ottavino
