July 18, 2025
In a recent Locked on Cowboys podcast appearance, former Dallas Cowboys coach Glenn Smith said that coaches with the Cowboys have expressed that rookie fifth-round running back
Jaydon Blue is "borderline lazy" and that the team isn't happy with his work habits. Blue is expected to have a big role on offense and is very explosive, but it's not a great sign for him heading into training camp. The 21-year-old is also under 200 pounds and comes with ball-security issues from his college days. The Cowboys like Blue's speed and explosiveness, but he didn't work at all with the first-team offense in spring workouts, suggesting Dallas could open the year with a backfield consisting mostly of
Javonte Williams and
Miles Sanders. The Cowboys will be hoping that Blue can mature quickly, but he's also no lock to make the roster out of training camp.
--Keith HernandezSource: Locked on Cowboys
July 18, 2025
The Chicago Cubs have signed free-agent pitcher
Spencer Turnbull on Friday. Turnbull started the year with the Toronto Blue Jays, but was designated for assignment after making only three appearances. The 32-year-old was a solid swingman with the Philadelphia Phillies last season. He posted a 2.65 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 58/20 K/BB ratio across 17 games (seven starts) with the Phillies in 2024. He figures to serve in a similar role with the Cubs down the stretch of the second half. There's unlikely to be fantasy value here unless Turnbull becomes a full-time starter.
--Andy WebbSource: Jon Heyman
July 18, 2025
The Buffalo Bills signed second-round defensive tackle T.J. Sanders to his rookie contract on Friday, according to BuffaloBills.com's Maddy Glab. With the signing, the Bills have locked up all of the players from this year's draft class. Buffalo moved up 15 spots to take Sanders with the 41st overall selection back in April after he spent his college days at South Carolina. The 21-year-old interior defensive lineman is known for his twitch and explosiveness after recording 9.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss with the Gamecocks. He earned AP second-team All-SEC honors in 2024. Despite his pedigree, Sanders is likely to be a rotational player on Buffalo's defensive line in his first year in the league with Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones likely to play most of the snaps at defensive tackle.
--Keith HernandezSource: BuffaloBills.com - Maddy Glab
July 18, 2025
The San Francisco Giants have set their starting rotation for the upcoming second-half series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. The organization announced that right-hander
Justin Verlander will take the ball in the second half opener. After that,
Logan Webb will get the starting nod on Saturday. Then,
Robbie Ray is set to pitch in the series finale on Sunday. Verlander is still seeking his first win of the season as he takes an 0-7 record with a 4.70 ERA and 1.42 WHIP into Friday's outing. The 42-year-old is looking like basically a deep league option at this point in his career.
--Andy WebbSource: Alex Pavlovic
July 18, 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders placed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Friday. Wilkins suffered a foot injury in Week 5 of last year against the Denver Broncos and didn't play the rest of the season. The 29-year-old also didn't take part in minicamp this offseason, and now he won't be ready for the start of training camp. The former 13th overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2019 NFL draft out of Clemson spent the first five years of his NFL career in South Beach before joining the Raiders last year. In his five games played in 2024, Wilkins had 17 tackles (11 solo) and two sacks before his foot injury. When healthy, Wilkins has been a reliable run-stuffer in his time in the NFL. However, he'll turn 30 in December and might be in danger of missing the start of the regular season if he can't get on the field soon.
--Keith HernandezSource: Raiders PR
July 18, 2025
Chicago Cubs third baseman
Matt Shaw is in the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Shaw sat out the final three games ahead of the All-Star break, but will get another chance on Friday. The rookie slugger has been awful this season, going 1-for-27 at the plate during the month of July. The expectation is that the Cubs are going to add a third baseman at the trade deadline. It honestly might be too late for Shaw to save his everyday job, but a hot start to the second half could help him. Shaw isn't someone that needs to be rostered in most fantasy formats right now. He figures to lose playing time in the second half of the season.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
July 18, 2025
The Detroit Lions signed free-agent running back
Jabari Small to an undisclosed deal on Friday to add depth to their backfield ahead of training camp, a source tells FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The former Tennessee Volunteer was with the Tennessee Titans in 2024 as a rookie but didn't see any time on the field in a regular-season game. The 23-year-old will now be battling to make the 53-man roster out of training camp this summer and will be fighting an uphill battle.
Jahmyr Gibbs and
David Montgomery are Detroit's top two running backs, while they also have
Craig Reynolds,
Sione Vaki and
Kye Robichaux in their RB room. Small spent the majority of last season on the Titans' practice squad before being let go by the team back in May.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
July 18, 2025
Boston Red Sox outfielder
Masataka Yoshida is out of the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs. Yoshida started in four of the last five games ahead of the All-Star break. He was hitless in the final two games ahead of the break and finds himself on the bench ahead of Friday's game. The expectation is that Yoshida is only going to play against right-handed pitching. However, he's not even going to start all those games as he takes a seat against right-hander
Colin Rea on Friday. The Red Sox are going with the youth movement, so Yoshida is unlikely to see enough playing time to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
July 18, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie second-round running back
Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned and won't report to training camp with the rest of the team's rookies on Friday, per Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Right now, Judkins is focusing more on his legal matter after being arrested last week in Florida on domestic-violence charges. The Browns aren't in any rush to sign the 21-year-old to get him to camp, so Judkins could miss plenty of development time in camp this summer. His off-field situation is the most pressing matter, and one that could get him suspended in his first NFL season. It's all bad news for the Ohio State product's fantasy value in 2025. As of now, he's a shaky RB3/flex, while
Jerome Ford and
Dylan Sampson have become much more attractive in Cleveland's backfield. Stay tuned for more information on Judkins' legal situation.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
July 18, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers catching prospect
Marco Dinges has enjoyed an impressive first half and has been able to carry his success into his first taste of High-A. The backstop opened the season with Low-A Carolina, where he posted an elite .353/.500/.576 line with a 1.076 OPS through 26 contests. During this stretch, Dinges hit eight doubles and three home runs. This impressive start earned him an early promotion to High-A. Through his first 32 games with High-A Wisconsin, Dinges has held a .302/.364/.500 line with three doubles and six long balls. He has shown a strong eye at the plate, striking out just 26 times while drawing 13 walks. Given his rather quick progression through the lower levels, Dinges could earn a taste of Double-A later in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 18, 2025
Chicago White Sox left-handed pitching prospect Shane Murphy has looked very impressive during his first look at the Double-A level. Through 75 2/3 innings with Double-A Birmingham, Murphy has posted a stellar 1.55 ERA with a 0.82 WHIP. During this stretch, the southpaw has struck out just 60 hitters but has shown high command of his pitches, allowing just 11 free passes. Earlier this season, Murphy spent time with High-A but needed only 10 innings to prove he was ready to move up to the upper levels of the Chicago system. Last summer, Murphy spent the majority of his time with High-A, where he logged 91 1/3 innings to the tune of a 4.14 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Given his impressive first half, Murphy should be expected to reach Triple-A later this season.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 18, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect
Jesus Made has looked quite impressive during his first taste of Low-A ball. Made opened the 2025 regular season with Low-A Carolina after spending time at the rookie level in the Dominican Summer League during the 2024 season. Through his first 71 games with Low-A Carolina, the top-ranked prospect in Milwaukee has posted a .268/.377/.395 slash line with 17 doubles, three triples, four home runs, and 38 stolen bases. He has shown an elite eye at the plate, holding a 67:47 K:BB. In the DSL, he showed similar speed upside, swiping 28 bags across a 51-game stint. Even though Made remains several seasons away from his MLB debut, he is climbing up prospect boards quite quickly. He currently sits as the No. 7-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 18, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect Khal Stephen enjoyed an impressive first half of the campaign with High-A Vancouver. Through 48 1/3 innings of work, the No. 9-ranked prospect in the Toronto system has posted a stellar 1.49 ERA with a 0.85 WHIP. Through this stretch, the right-hander has struck out 49 hitters while showing elite control, allowing only 10 free passes. Since the start of June, Stephen has been near-perfect, holding a 0.89 ERA with a 0.74 WHIP. Earlier this season, he made his professional debut with Low-A but needed only seven starts to prove he was ready to make the jump to High-A. The Blue Jays drafted the 22-year-old in the second round of last year's draft out of Mississippi State. Given his impressive development, he could make his Double-A debut in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 18, 2025
The Los Angeles Angels have signed right-handed pitcher Tyler Bremner to a $7,689,525 contract. The Angels selected Bremner with the second overall pick in last week's MLB Draft out of UC Santa Barbara. According to Carlos Collazo of Baseball America, this contract is just over two million dollars under the slot value of the second overall pick. Bremner spent his entire collegiate career with Santa Barbara. After bouncing between the rotation and bullpen through his first two seasons, the right-hander found a starting role in the rotation this past spring. Across 14 starts (77 1/3 innings), the 21-year-old posted a 3.49 ERA with a 1.02 WHIP. During this stretch, he struck out 11 batters (12.9 K/9) while showing solid control, serving up just 19 free passes. He is credited with having an elite changeup and a fastball that can touch the upper 90s. Given his college experience, he could debut in the upper minor leagues next season.
--Andy SmithSource: Carlos Collazo
July 18, 2025
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the New York Mets are not expected to trade top pitching prospects
Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong, as well as infield prospect
Jett Williams, ahead of the trade deadline. While the Mets are expected to be active as they look to strengthen their roster in preparation for another deep playoff run, their top prospects are currently viewed as a key part of the team's future. McLean was moved up to Triple-A this season and has shown high strikeout upside, tallying 65 through 60 innings. Tong has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the minor leagues this season, posting a 1.94 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP through 78 2/3 innings with Double-A. Williams is viewed as their top hitting prospect and could even be in the mix to move up to Triple-A in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: Jon Heyman
July
18,
2025
The
New
York
Jets
and
tight
end
Mason
Taylor
have
agreed
to
terms
on
a
four-year
rookie
contract,
according
to
Cameron
Wolfe
of
NFL
Network.
The
Jets
drafted
Taylor
out
of
LSU
in
the
second
round
of
read more...
July
18,
2025
The
St.
Louis
Cardinals
will
activate
outfielder
Jordan
Walker
(appendix)
from
the
10-day
injured
list
Friday,
Katie
Woo
of
The
Athletic
reports.
The
team
cleared
room
for
him
by
optioning
infielder
Thomas
Saggeseread more...
July 18, 2025
It would be "surprising" if Detroit Lions quarterback
Hendon Hooker loses the backup job behind
Jared Goff to veteran
Kyle Allen, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. Detroit drafted Hooker out of Tennessee in the third round back in 2023, and he spent the majority of his rookie season rehabbing from a torn ACL. Hooker was the team's nominal backup for most of 2024, but Detroit signed veteran
Teddy Bridgewater to take over the job down the stretch of the season, signaling a lack of comfort with Hooker in the role. Pouncy writes that while Hooker should be considered the favorite entering camp, he "needs to show development." It would take an injury to Goff for either of Detroit's backup quarterback options to be fantasy-relevant.
--Will BradySource: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
July 18, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals closer
Ryan Helsley is a potential trade candidate as the July 31 deadline approaches, but he's "more likely" to remain with the team through the season, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Helsley will be a free agent over the winter, but even if the Cardinals don't re-sign the flamethrowing right-hander, they could get draft compensation back by issuing him a qualifying offer. In the meantime, Helsley could help the Cardinals chase down a playoff spot. They'll enter the second half of the season just 1 1/2 games out of wild-card position. While Helsley has helped the Cardinals' cause to this point, he hasn't been nearly as effective as he was from 2022-24. Over that three-season, 167 2/3-inning span, Helsley put up a lights-out 1.83 ERA with 12.08 K/9, 3.22 BB/9, and 82 saves in 95 chances. The 31-year-old has gone 19-for-24 on saves this season and pitched to a 3.27 ERA with 36:14 K:BB across 33 innings.
--Connor ByrneSource: Katie Woo - The Athletic
July 18, 2025
The Atlanta Braves have designated right-hander
Jesse Chavez for assignment. His roster spot is going to righty
Dane Dunning, whom the Braves acquired from the Texas Rangers on Thursday. This is the third time this season the Braves have designated Chavez, who re-signed on minor-league deals in the previous two instances. It stands to reason that the 41-year-old will do the same in this case. He has thrown just eight innings and allowed eight earned runs with the Braves this year. On the other hand, Chavez has fared much better with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he has registered a 2.05 ERA with 36 strikeouts and 12 walks in 30 2/3 frames.
--Connor ByrneSource: Atlanta Braves
July 18, 2025
The Chicago Bears and rookie offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo have a "deal in place," according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Trapilo was the 56th overall pick out of Boston College in the 2025 draft. He'll be part of a re-made offensive line in Chicago after the unit was one of the league's worst in 2024. Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright figure to be the Bears' starters at tackle in 2025, but Jones fractured his fibula last season and could be limited in training camp as a result. Trapilo played both left and right tackle in college, so he could be called upon to step in for Jones if needed. Alongside new playcaller Ben Johnson, better offensive line play in Chicago is a reason for optimism around second-year quarterback
Caleb Williams.
--Will BradySource: Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs
July 18, 2025
The Detroit Lions and offensive lineman Tate Ratledge have come to terms on a rookie contract, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Detroit drafted Ratledge out of Georgia with the 57th pick in the 2025 draft. The 24-year-old played five seasons at Georgia, holding a starting role in each of his final three. Ratledge played right guard in his final season with the Bulldogs, but he's reportedly been cross-training at center for the Lions this offseason. Detroit lost two starters from their 2024 offensive line in right guard Kevin Zeitler and All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, so there's opportunity for Ratledge to earn immediate playing time at either position. The Lions have had one of the NFL's best rushing attacks over the past few seasons, so Ratledge's ability to adjust to the pro game quickly will be critical for their offensive success.
--Will BradySource: Jordan Schultz
July 18, 2025
New York Mets right-hander
Paul Blackburn (shoulder) began a rehab assignment Thursday in the rookie-level Florida Coast League. The 31-year-old was strong over 3 2/3 innings, as he allowed one earned run on three hits while piling up eight strikeouts against two walks. Blackburn has been on the 15-day injured list since July 3 with a shoulder impingement. He previously missed the first two months of the season with knee inflammation, and things haven't gone well when Blackburn has been healthy enough to pitch. In six appearances (four starts) in June, Blackburn went 0-3 with a 7.71 ERA, a 1.98 WHIP, and 15:7 K:BB over 18 2/3 innings. The Mets estimate that Blackburn will return later this month. However, he'll face an uphill battle in getting his rotation spot back, especially if the team upgrades around the July 31 trade deadline.
--Connor ByrneSource: MiLB.com
July
18,
2025
The
Las
Vegas
Raiders
and
rookie
wide
receiver
Jack
Bech
have
come
to
terms
on
a
four-year
contract,
according
to
Tashan
Reed
of
The
Athletic.
Bech
was
one
of
the
many
second-round
selections
in
this
year's
read more...
July 18, 2025
Los Angeles Angels infielder/outfielder
Chris Taylor (hand) began a rehab assignment in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Thursday. Taylor had a big night, going 3-for-3 with a double, two RBI, and a run scored. The 34-year-old hasn't appeared in the majors since suffering a fractured left hand on a hit by pitch on June 9. That continued a brutal start to the season for Taylor, who has combined to hit .200/.246/.323 with one home run in 69 plate appearances between the Dodgers and Angels. He wasn't much better over a larger sample size of 246 plate appearances last year, when he batted .202/.298/.300 in 246 trips to the plate.
--Connor ByrneSource: AngelsMiLB
July 18, 2025
Seattle Mariners right-hander
Luis Castillo has been given the nod to start the first game after the All-Star break against their division opponent, the Houston Astros. This is a big series for the Mariners, as they find themselves five games behind the Astros in the AL West race. Castillo has been solid for the Mariners with a 3.41 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and a 93/42 K/BB in 19 starts. Castillo will continue to be a strong option for fantasy managers to deploy in the second half, and although his 7.73 K/9 is something that leaves a lot to be desired, he provides a lot of quality innings. Following Castillo,
Logan Evans will get the ball on Saturday, while Sunday's starter is to be determined.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Adam Jude
July 18, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Brandon Pfaadt is scheduled to start on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals for the start of the second half. It is odd that Pfaadt is the first to start after the All-Star break, considering he owns a 5.16 ERA in 99 1/3 innings pitched thus far in 2025. Nonetheless, Pfaadt will attempt to build off his strong outing on July 9 against the San Diego Padres, where he threw eight innings, allowed two earned runs, struck out four, and didn't walk a batter. Outside of his 5.16 ERA, he holds a 1.31 WHIP and an 84/23 K/BB ratio over 19 starts. Pfaadt will be hard to trust until he starts pitching to his potential. Following Pfaadt,
Ryne Nelson will toe the rubber on Saturday while
Merrill Kelly is set to pitch the final game of the series.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Alex Weiner
July 18, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander
Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to toe the rubber versus the Milwaukee Brewers in their first series post-All-Star break. Glasnow faced the Brewers in his last turn through the rotation on July 9, which was also his first start back from his shoulder injury that had kept him out since late April. With the Dodgers sending
Yoshinobu Yamamoto and
Clayton Kershaw to the All-Star game, it makes sense that they come out of the break starting Glasnow. Thus far this season, Glasnow has a 3.52 ERA in 23 innings pitched. His last time around against the Brewers, he tossed five innings, allowed two hits, three walks, no runs, and struck out five. Following Glasnow,
Emmet Sheehan will get the ball on Saturday while Clayton Kershaw is set to start on Sunday.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: David Vassegh
July 18, 2025
MLB.com's Francys Romero reported on Thursday that Kansas City Royals reliever
Carlos Estevez might be one of the bullpen pitchers drawing the most interest. Teams like the Yankees have been keeping an eye on him in recent months, per sources. The Royals have underachieved thus far this season, and it appears that the Detroit Tigers could be running away with the division, meaning the Royals may be inclined to trade their 32-year-old closer, who is having an excellent season with a 2.36 ERA and 25 saves. At this point, it's unclear what other teams are considering him, but depending on where Estevez lands, it's possible it could alter his role. That being said, he is second in MLB in saves. Making it hard to imagine that whatever team potentially acquires him would not deploy him as their closer; however, fantasy managers will want to keep their eyes on what happens with Estevez as the trade deadline approaches at the end of July.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Francys Romero
July 18, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Yegor Chinakhov does not see a future for himself in Ohio and has requested a trade. Chinakhov's agent, Shumi Babaev, posted a statement on his behalf on social media Thursday. "I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade," Chinakhov said in the post. "I would like to move to a different location. Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here." First-year head coach Dean Evason scratched Chinakhov several times last season after he returned from a back injury. With health issues constantly affecting him, Chinakhov has made only 175 appearances in four seasons. In 2024-25, he played in 30 games, scoring seven goals and 15 points. The Blue Jackets signed Yegor Chinakhov to a two-year, $4.2 million contract extension last offseason.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
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