Spencer Arrighetti Nearing a Rehab Assignment
Spencer
Arrighetti
(thumb)
could
begin
a
rehab
assignment
in
the
next
week
or
two,
according
to
Astros
general
manager
Dana
Brown.
Arrighetti
is
currently
throwing
live
batting
practice
in
Florida,
and
a
rehab
assignmentread more...
Houston
Astros
right-hander
Jauan Jennings Seeking New Deal or Trade From 49ers
Jauan
Jennings
wants
a
new
contract
or
to
be
traded
heading
into
the
2025
NFL
season.
Jennings,
who
is
set
to
make
$7.5
million
in
the
last
year
of
his
currentread more...
San
Francisco
49ers
wide
receiver
Max Fried Still Dealing With a Blister on his Finger
Max
Fried
(finger)
said
it's
still
too
soon
to
know
if
he'll
pitch
against
the
Atlanta
Braves
after
the
All-Star
break,
but
his
blister
is
moving
in
the
"right
direction"
and
"getting
better,"read more...
New
York
Yankees
left-hander
Zach Eflin Decent in Rehab Outing at Double-A Chesapeake on Sunday
Zach Eflin (back) was decent in his rehab outing on Sunday with Double-A Chesapeake, throwing four innings while allowing five hits, two earned runs, one walk, two strikeouts, and giving up one home run. He is scheduled to throw Friday in Sarasota and then potentially rejoin the Orioles' rotation after that. Eflin was removed from his start on June 28 due to lower-back discomfort. After a few weeks off, this was his first rehab start, and it does not appear he experienced any setbacks, suggesting he will likely rejoin the Orioles rotation shortly after the All-Star break. So far this season, Eflin has battled multiple injuries, and when he has been healthy, he has not been great with a 5.95 ERA, 1.44 WHIP. His advanced metrics aren't much better (4.25 xERA and 4.41 SIERA). He will look to get back on track in the second half, but understandably, fantasy managers may want to see a good start or two before putting him in their starting lineups.Source: Jake Rill
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Bailey Ober Continues to Throw Bullpens
Bailey
Ober
(hip)
has
been
able
to
throw
multiple
bullpen
sessions
since
landing
on
the
injured
list
July
2,
MLB.com
reports.
Following
his
start
on
June
28
against
the
Detroit
Tigers,
Ober
landedread more...
Minnesota
Twins
right-hander
Zebby Matthews Sharp in His Rehab Outing on Sunday
Zebby
Matthews
(shoulder)
threw
four
shutout
innings
with
nine
strikeouts,
no
walks,
and
one
hit
allowed
in
his
start
Sunday
for
Triple-A
St.
Paul.
His
fastball
reached
97-98
mph,
and
he
got
12
outsread more...
Minnesota
Twins
pitcher
Alex Ovechkin Not Thinking About Retirement
Source: Sammi Silber
Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin has denied rumors that 2025-26 will be his final season in the NHL. Ovechkin is about to begin the final year of his current contract, and it has been rumored that the 2025-26 season will be his last in the NHL after the Capitals' marketing team sent out an email in late May referring to next season as Ovechkin's last. However, when speaking to Sport-Express in Russia, the Capitals captain said, "Anything can happen" when asked if he would continue playing in the NHL after next year. Ovechkin will turn 40 before next season starts, but if 2024-25 is any indication, fantasy managers should still hold him in high regard.Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
Source: ESPN
The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired goaltender Arturs Silovs from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Chase Stillman and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Silovs moves to Pittsburgh following an outstanding AHL campaign. He led the Abbotsford Canucks to their first-ever Calder Cup victory, going 16-7 in the playoffs with a 2.01 goals-against average and a .931 save percentage. Silovs also impressed during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but he made only nine starts for Vancouver in 2024-25. The Latvian netminder had a 2-6-1 record last term with the Canucks, allowing 3.65 goals on average with a .861 save percentage. Due to Tristan Jarry's inconsistent form, the Penguins have struggled with goaltending, and Silovs may get an extended look at some point if things don't improve next season.Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Source: The Hockey News
Winger Nikolai Kovalenko has signed a two-year deal with CSKA Moscow of the KHL. The 25-year-old will return to Russia after only one full NHL season. He featured 57 times for the San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche in 2024-25, scoring seven goals and 20 points. Kovalenko made his NHL debut during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Avalanche moved him to San Jose in December in a deal that brought the team goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood. The Sharks did not issue a qualifying offer to Kovalenko, making him an unrestricted free agent, and he ultimately signed with the three-time KHL champions.Daylen Lile Enjoying Productive Stretch in Washington
Daylen Lile has enjoyed a recent surge at the plate. Over his last 18 games, the No. 9-ranked prospect in the D.C. system on MLB.com has posted a .292/.343/.369 slash line with two doubles, one home run, and three stolen bases. While he has yet to show much power upside in the major leagues, he has shown solid contact skills as he tallied at least one hit in a 14-game stretch earlier in July. During his first 15 games in Washington, Lile held a .152/.200/.326 slash line with just three doubles and a home run. Earlier in the season, the 22-year-old posted an impressive .337/.407/.500 slash line with seven doubles, two long balls, and six swiped bags across his first 26 games with Triple-A. Given his steady progress in the majors, he should continue to have an everyday role after the All-Star break.Source: MLB.com
Washington Nationals outfield prospect Brice Matthews Quiet in First Look at the Majors
Brice Matthews has yet to tally a hit during his first week in the major leagues. The top-ranked prospect in Houston was given the starting nod at the keystone in each of his first two games but went 0-for-7 with five strikeouts. He did not draw a walk. The Astors opted to keep him on the bench on Sunday during their final game of the first half. Fantasy managers should expect Matthews to remain on the team following the All-Star break. However, if he continues to struggle, they will likely send him back to Triple-A to further his development. Earlier this season with Sugar Land, Matthews posted a strong .283/.400/.476 line with 12 doubles, 10 home runs, and 25 stolen bases across 73 contests. Given his five-category upside, he is worth holding in all 12+ team leagues for the time being.Source: MiLB.com
Houston Astros infield prospect Nick Kurtz Continues Power Surge on Sunday
Nick Kurtz went 2-for-4 with a double and a home run during their victory on Sunday over the Toronto Blue Jays. Kurtz would go deep in the fifth inning with a two-run show off Toronto relief pitcher Justin Bruihl. Over his last nine contests, the Wake Forest product has been one of the most productive hitters in the major leagues, boasting a .344/.447/.938 slash line with four doubles and five long balls. Following his slow start in the majors, the former fourth overall pick has posted a remarkable .287/.376/.713 line with seven doubles and 16 home runs across his last 35 games. Earlier this season, Kurtz flashed immense power upside with Triple-A Las Vegas. The 22-year-old should continue to be viewed as a must-start first baseman in all formats.Source: MLB.com
Athletics first base prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez Dealing with Side Injury
Emmanuel Rodriguez (side) was removed from Saturday's contest against Triple-A Iowa due to a side injury. He is currently being evaluated by the team, but has not yet provided any further details. Rodriguez was recently sidelined for nearly a month due to a right hip injury and could face another extended absence. Since returning to Triple-A following the hip injury, Rodriguez went 6-for-13 with a double, a home run, and seven RBI across four contests. Overall, the No. 2-ranked prospect in Minnesota has enjoyed a productive campaign with Triple-A St. Paul, holding a .254/.41/.428 line with seven doubles, five home runs, and seven stolen bases. If the 22-year-old can continue to perform with St. Paul, he could be in contention to join the major leagues later in the second half.Source: MLB.com
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Cole Young Extends Hitting Streak to Five Games
Cole Young went 2-for-4 with a home run during their victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday afternoon. Young would hit his second MLB long ball in the final frame off Detroit reliever Tommy Kahnle. During this five-game hitting streak, the former 21st overall pick has begun to find his footing in the big leagues. He has held a .389/.476/.778 slash line with a double and two home runs. Before this surge, the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Seattle system held a modest .230/.271/.270 slash line with four doubles and a 25:4 K:BB. Earlier in the season, Young spent 54 games with Triple-A Tacoma and posted a solid .277/.392/.461 line with 13 doubles, five home runs, and four stolen bases before moving up to Seattle. For now, he is worth a look in deeper formats as a middle infielder with upside.Source: MLB.com
Seattle Mariners infield prospect Noah Cameron Strikes Out Eight on Sunday
Noah Cameron was dominant in his most recent outing on Sunday afternoon against the New York Mets. In this outing, Cameron was given a no-decision as he tossed 6 2/3 shutout innings. He allowed seven hits and served up two free passes. He matched a season-high eight strikeouts. Since allowing five runs to the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 27, the southpaw has found his footing, logging 18 1/3 innings (three starts) to the tune of a stellar 0.98 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. Through 70 total innings in the major leagues, the rookie has held his own, posting a 2.31 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP. During this stretch, he has struck out 58 batters while posting an above-average 8.0% walk rate. Given his strong debut, he will likely remain in the Kansas City rotation during the entire second half.Source: MLB.com
Kansas City Royals pitching prospect Yoshinobu Yamamoto Tosses Gem Against Giants
Yoshinobu Yamamoto bounced back in a big way on Sunday, tossing seven shutout frames against the San Francisco Giants in a 5-2 win. Yamamoto scattered three hits and two walks while punching out seven. Unfortunately for the 26-year-old righty, he was saddled with a no-decision after Tanner Scott blew a save in the ninth. Still, it was a big step in the right direction for Yamamoto, who was coming off a disastrous outing against the Milwaukee Brewers in which he didn't escape the first inning. Things have been a bit shaky for the Japanese star lately, with solid starts sandwiched between rough ones. Still, his numbers look good for the season, as he is 8-7 with a 2.59 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts in 104 ⅓ IP. His next start is TBD as we head into the all-star break, but Yamamoto will be a must-start in fantasy regardless of who he faces.Source: MLB.com
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shota Imanaga Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Shota Imanaga (6-3) authored a dominant start on Sunday, tossing seven one-run innings against the New York Yankees in a 4-1 win. Imanaga was excellent throughout this one, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out six. After a solid start to his season, Imanaga missed a month and a half with a hamstring injury. Since his return, he has been fine, but this was by far the best he has looked. Imanaga is now 6-3 with a 2.65 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts in 68 IP. He isn't much of a strikeout artist, but Imanaga does a good job preventing runs and baserunners. He is a must-start pitcher in fantasy, and lines up to start against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, subject to any changes the Cubs decide to make to their rotation during the All-Star break.Source: MLB.com
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Nathan Eovaldi (7-3) pitched into the eighth inning on Sunday, allowing just one run and picking up the win against the Houston Astros. Eovaldi scattered five hits, walked one, and struck out eight over 7 ⅔ IP in what was another convincing performance. The 35-year-old veteran is having a career season, with a lights-out 1.58 ERA and 0.85 WHIP supported by a 94:14 K:BB ratio over 91 IP. Regression is almost certain with numbers like that, but even with that baked in, he should still be considered a must-start fantasy option regardless of matchup. Eovaldi is in line to face the Detroit Tigers next Sunday, but things could change if the Rangers' rotation gets shuffled after the All-Star break.Source: MLB.com
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Ryan Helsley Escapes With Save
Ryan Helsley finished off a 5-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday, picking up his 19th save. Helsley made things interesting in this one, allowing a walk and a single before getting three straight outs, including a strikeout, to escape the jam. The 30-year-old fireballer has been decent this year, converting 19 of 24 save opportunities and pitching to a 3.27 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 36 strikeouts in 33 IP. There are some worrisome signs, as Helsley has allowed too many baserunners and is striking out fewer batters than in previous seasons. Still, he hasn't been bad enough for the Cardinals to consider taking him out of the closer role, so fantasy owners should roll with him as long as he keeps getting the job done.Source: MLB.com
St. Louis Cardinals closer Mason Miller Earns Another Save
Mason Miller earned his second save in as many days on Sunday, closing out a 6-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Miller allowed just a single and struck out one in his inning of work. The flamethrower had his stuff today, hitting 104 mph on his fastball. While his numbers are a touch inflated this season, it has still been a good sophomore campaign for Miller. He is 19-for-22 in save opportunities, and carries a 4.04 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 57 strikeouts in 35 ⅔ IP. A couple of blow-up outings are making those ratios look mediocre, but it is clear that when Miller is on, he is nearly untouchable. He should be regarded as an elite closer for fantasy, albeit on an A's team that won't win a ton of games.Source: MLB.com
Athletics closer David Bednar Continues Scoreless Streak
David Bednar slammed the door on the Minnesota Twins on Sunday, tossing a clean ninth inning to preserve a 2-1 win. Bednar allowed a leadoff single to Carlos Correa, but then got three straight outs, including two punchouts, to pick up his 13th save. The 30-year-old righty has been lights out since late May, going 18 straight appearances (17 ⅓ IP) without allowing an earned run and converting all nine of his save chances in that time frame. Bednar is down to a 2.53 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 45 strikeouts in 32 IP on the season. Even with a shaky start, he has been one of the best closers in the majors.Source: MLB.com
Pittsburgh Pirates closer Tyler Reddick Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Source: Racing Reference
It looked for most of Sunday's race at Sonoma that Ryan Preece was actually going to upset In-Season Tournament favorite Tyler Reddick to advance to the semifinal against Ty Gibbs, which was very shocking as Preece spent much of Stage 3 inside the top 10, while Reddick was outside of it, even though he is a vastly better road racer and driver in general. Much like his Mexico City run, he showed uncharacteristic mediocrity for much of the race, but a decision to pit for fresh rubber when a caution came out for a loose tire bunched up the field, and Reddick passed Preece on a restart as Preece ran into the back of Noah Gragson and slightly damaged his car. At that point, he blasted through the field to finish sixth, making him the only driver to finish in the top 10 in all three Challenge races, but he's tending to run worse than his finishes, so don't be surprised if Gibbs upsets him at Dover.Ty Gibbs One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
In an odd coincidence, all three NASCAR Cup Series drivers named Tyler advanced to the final four of NASCAR's In-Season Challenge tournament bracket. While Tyler Reddick is not really a surprise, both Ty Dillon and Ty Gibbs definitely were as DillonKyle Larson Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
Kyle Larson had a curiously mediocre run at Sonoma, a track where he had earned impressive wins twice before in 2021 and 2024 as well as four consecutive poles from 2017-2022. Larson wasn't remotely in contention, spending most of the raceJohn H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Source: Racing Reference
As usual for the Legacy Motor Club drivers on road courses, neither John Hunter Nemechek nor Erik Jones ran very well at Sonoma on Sunday. But also as usual, Nemechek had more road-course speed than Jones, who was at times battling the slowest cars like Katherine Legge's. That allowed Nemechek to beat Jones to advance to the semifinal of the In-Season Challenge bracket, where he will face Ty Dillon at Dover. Since Nemechek is 22nd in points and Dillon is 31st, he is more likely to advance, but the fact that both drivers were so low in points is really a reflection of how the tournament has a terrible format that rewards mediocrity rather than performance, especially by starting the tournament on a drafting track. Even if Nemechek wins the bracket, it won't be that significant of an accomplishment.Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Source: Racing Reference
Improbably, Ty Dillon advanced to the semifinal of NASCAR's In-Season Challenge after bumping his opponent Alex Bowman out of the way despite Bowman outrunning Dillon for nearly the entire race. Although his 17th-place finishing position was the best of his career at Sonoma, he still didn't actually run very well as his average running position was 24th, and his average running position at Chicago of 25th was even worse. Really, all this proves is how single-race finishing results have little to do with how drivers are actually running. Despite the fact that he was actually a top ten points scorer at Sonoma because he scored points in both stages, he still only ranks 31st in the championship nearly 100 points behind his teammate A.J. Allmendinger, and it's unlikely he will beat John Hunter Nemechek to make the final of the tournament.Julio Rodriguez Homers for Third Straight Day
Julio Rodriguez went yard for the third consecutive game on Sunday in an 8-4 win over the Detroit Tigers. Rodriguez blasted a solo home run off right-hander Jack Flaherty in the third inning, but that was hardly his lone contribution. He also chipped in an RBI double, drew two walks, stole a base, and scored three times in a 2-for-3 afternoon as the Mariners completed a three-game road sweep. Rodriguez terrorized the Tigers all weekend, finishing the series 6-for-12 with three HRs, six RBI, eight runs, two steals, and four walks. An All-Star for the third time this season, Rodriguez enters the break hitting .252/.313/.417 with 14 homers, 50 RBI, 63 runs, and 17 steals in 431 plate appearances. The 24-year-old is poised to begin his career with four 20/20 seasons in a row.Source: ESPN
Seattle Mariners outfielder Riley Greene Smacks 24th Home Run in Loss
Riley
Greene
went
deep
for
the
second
game
in
a
row
in
an
8-4
loss
to
the
Seattle
Mariners
on
Sunday.
Greene
connected
on
a
solo
home
run
off
left-hander
read more...
Detroit
Tigers
outfielder
Tanner Scott Blows Save on Sunday
Tanner
Scott
recorded
his
major
league-worst
seventh
blown
save
in
a
5-2
win
over
the
San
Francisco
Giants
on
Sunday.
Leading
2-0,
the
Dodgers
called
on
Scott
to
put
away
the
Giantsread more...
Los
Angeles
Dodgers
closer
Ceddanne Rafaela Goes Deep Again on Sunday
Ceddanne Rafaela continued his July power surge in a 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Rafaela finished 1-for-3 with a two-run shot off Rays starter Ryan Pepiot, giving him five dingers in 11 games this month. The 24-year-old has gone 16-for-41 (.390) with six doubles, 15 RBI, and 10 runs in July, and his hot hitting goes back several weeks. Rafaela owned an uninspiring .647 OPS entering June, but that number has skyrocketed by 150 points in the past month and a half. He'll head into the second part of the season slashing .271/.314/.483 with 14 homers, 48 RBI, 55 runs, 13 steals, and an above-average 19.4% strikeout rate in 341 plate appearances. He's already just one HR away from tying the career-high 15 he hit last year in 152 games. With Rafaela ranking in the top 20% of hitters in xSLG and barrel rate, his spike in power looks legitimate.Source: ESPN
Boston Red Sox infielder/outfielder