RADIO
Jacob deGrom Will Start on Thursday
Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom (triceps) will make the start on Thursday against the Washington Nationals, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. The Rangers pulled deGrom from his last start early last Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels after just two innings due to fatigue in his right triceps, but he has responded well since then and will toe the rubber against the Nats on Thursday. The 38-year-old veteran hurler still has enough strikeout upside to be relevant in nearly all fantasy baseball leagues, but a potential short leash on Thursday will limit his DFS upside against Washington as he returns from another injury. In his 23 starts for Texas this year over 120 2/3 innings pitched, the two-time Cy Young winner has gone 8-8 with a 3.95 ERA (3.25 FIP) and a 1.17 WHIP with 147 strikeouts and 31 walks. Fantasy managers need to keep in mind that he has not gone beyond five innings since his final start in June.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Blue Jays Targeting Saturday Return for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (concussion) is going through a full workout today that consists of running, fielding groundballs, and taking on-field batting practice, and the team is still targeting Saturday for his activation from the seven-day concussion injured list, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Guerrero could play in a minor-league rehab game on Thursday or Friday with Single-A Dunedin if he clears his concussion testing. Fantasy managers can only hope that the 27-year-old six-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner can reset offensively after his short stint on the concussion IL to finish strong in 2026. Through his first 430 at-bats this year, Vladdy has been one of the biggest busts in fantasy, slashing .263/.337/.356 with a career-worst .693 OPS, only seven home runs, 46 RBI, 61 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 115 games and 486 plate appearances. Despite how bad he has been, especially in the power department, Guerrero should remain rostered in all fantasy leagues. He is rostered in 96% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Taylor Ward Serving as DH in Return From Quad Injury
Seattle Mariners outfielder Taylor Ward (quadriceps) is back in the team's starting lineup for Wednesday's game on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers, serving as the designated hitter and batting eighth against right-hander Dustin May, per MLB.com. Ward is returning to action after missing each of the last five games due to a quad injury. Dominic Canzone is starting in right field and will bat third for the M's. Fantasy managers who have Ward rostered might want to think about keeping him benched until he can show some signs of life at the plate. The 32-year-old right-handed slugger has not been able to find his power stroke this year and has only seven long balls after clubbing a career-high 36 homers and driving in 103 in a career year with the Los Angeles Angels in 2025. Since joining Seattle at the trade deadline, Ward has gone 5-for-32 (.156) at the plate with zero homers, zero walks, and six strikeouts in eight games. He has one hit in just three career at-bats against May.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jacob Wilson Missing Another Game on Wednesday
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (shoulder) will sit out another game on Wednesday on the road against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, according to MLB.com. Donovan Walton will get the nod at the 6 for the A's and will hit eighth against Royals veteran right-hander Seth Lugo. Wilson will start on the bench for a third straight game due to soreness in his left shoulder. The 24-year-old Wilson's fantasy stock continues to slide in what has been a disappointing and injury-plagued 2026 season. The former first-rounder from Grand Canyon University is currently slashing .266/.298/.388 with a .685 OPS, seven home runs, 37 RBI, 37 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 80 games and 337 plate appearances in his second full season in the majors. Dating back to last year, Wilson has homered just 20 times with nine stolen bases, leaving little upside in fantasy at the premier shortstop position. In 10 games so far in August, Wilson has gone 7-for-37 (.189) with zero homers, four RBI, no walks, and six strikeouts. He is now rostered in just under 50% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Willy Adames Returns From Back Injury on Wednesday
San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (back) is starting at shortstop and batting third in Wednesday's contest on the road against the Cleveland Guardians and left-hander Parker Messick, per MLB.com. Adames will return for the first time in exactly a week due to recurring back spasms. Christian Koss, who was filling in at the 6 with Adames out, will slide over to third base on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Adames still has pop at the shortstop position -- he has hit 19 home runs in 116 games -- but he's hitting only .224 (100-for-446) with a .285 on-base percentage and career-worst .697 OPS in 485 plate appearances. Adames hit just over .200 in 24 games in July with four homers, 13 RBI, 10 walks, and 28 strikeouts, and he has gone 8-for-38 (.211) with a homer, three RBI, seven walks, and 10 K's in 11 games so far in August. He is returning on Wednesday in Cleveland against a pitcher he has never faced. Against lefties in 2026, Adames is hitting a soft .186 (21-for-113) with only three of his 19 home runs.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ryan Flournoy Standing Out in Cowboys Camp
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy "continues to build" on his 2025 breakout, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Machota also reports that Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott "has a lot of trust" in Flournoy. Flournoy established himself as the WR3 in Dallas behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens last season, recording 40 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns on 56 targets across 16 games. As long as Lamb and Pickens stay healthy in 2026, it could be difficult for Flournoy to provide consistent production for fantasy managers. Still, the 26-year-old is an improving young player who appears to be carving out a role for himself in the Cowboys' offense. In deeper league formats and dynasty leagues, Flournoy could be worth rostering entering 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Samuel Basallo Reinstated and Starting on Wednesday
The Baltimore Orioles reinstated catcher Samuel Basallo (shoulder) from the 10-day injured list, and he is starting at first base and batting cleanup for the O's in Wednesday's contest against the division-rival New York Yankees and right-hander Will Warren at Camden Yards, manager Craig Albernaz told Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun. Basallo is back in the big leagues after going 1-for-9 with a double in two minor-league rehab games. Wednesday will be his first game action back with Baltimore since July 19. The 22-year-old Dominican backstop will be returning to a .241/.305/.450 slash line with a .756 OPS, 16 home runs, 46 RBI, and 34 runs scored in his 282 at-bats in just his second year in the majors. The left-handed hitter is one of the better young power options at the catcher position, and he is the club's long-term option behind the plate after they traded Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox earlier this month. If you need help at catcher, Basallo should be scooped up off the waiver wire immediately. He is rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues right now. Basallo has four hits and an RBI in 10 career at-bats against Warren.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Bhayshul Tuten "Looked Like an Absolute Star" in Joint Practice
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten "looked like an absolute star" in the team's joint practice with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, according to John Shipley of Sports Illustrated. A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tuten recorded 386 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 93 touches across 15 games as a rookie. With former Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. now a member of the New Orleans Saints, Tuten could have a chance to break out as the clear RB1 in Jacksonville in 2026. The Jaguars signed veteran back Chris Rodriguez Jr. in free agency, and the team is currently listing Tuten and Rodriguez Jr. as co-starters. However, it appears as though Tuten could be separating himself with his play in training camp. The 22-year-old profiles as a high-upside running back who could wind up as a steal for fantasy managers at his current redraft ADP of RB25.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Jaydon Blue Dealing with Sore Shoulder
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue (shoulder) sat out the team's joint practice with the New Orleans Saints due to shoulder soreness, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. Machota reports that Blue suffered the shoulder injury during the Cowboys' preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Blue appeared in just five games as a rookie and finished the year with 134 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 39 touches. Entering 2026, veteran running back Javonte Williams remains firmly atop the Cowboys' depth chart at the position. However, Blue appears to have a chance to earn the team's RB2 role, with Phil Mafah and Malik Davis profiling as his primary competition. While Blue has reportedly had a solid training camp so far, this shoulder injury could threaten to derail his progress. Fantasy managers should monitor for further updates on Blue in the coming days.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Jacory Croskey-Merritt atop Commanders Running Back Depth Chart
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the current favorite to be his team's starter in the backfield, according to Ben Standig of the Last Man Standig Substack. A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Croskey-Merritt recorded 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries across 17 games (seven starts) as a rookie. The Commanders also roster veteran backs Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols (quadriceps), as well as rookie Kaytron Allen, all of whom could push Croskey-Merritt for playing time. Croskey-Merritt recorded just nine catches on 13 targets last season, so he's unlikely to play a true three-down role in Washington. Still, the 25-year-old is a high-upside rusher who should provide value for fantasy managers as long as he sees regular work in the Commanders' offense. RotoBaller currently ranks Croskey-Merritt as the RB38 for redraft leagues entering 2026.
Source: Last Man Standig Substack - Ben Standig
Source: Last Man Standig Substack - Ben Standig
George Pickens the Cowboys' "Best Offensive Player" in Joint Practices
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens "continues to have a strong camp" and was the team's "best offensive player" in a joint practice with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Pickens had a breakout first season in Dallas in 2025, recording 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns on 137 targets across 17 games. The Cowboys may get more out of star wideout CeeDee Lamb this season, who missed time in 2025 with an ankle injury. However, it appears as though Pickens is still standing out amongst Dallas' myriad offensive weapons and could be in line for another big year. RotoBaller currently ranks Pickens as the WR8 for redraft leagues heading into 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Tyler Warren Leaves Practice With Groin Injury
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren appeared to suffer a groin injury during Wednesday's joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons, according to Joel A. Erickson. Warren went down during the session and walked off with a trainer, with James Boyd noting that he had a noticeable limp. The second-year tight end has been one of Indianapolis' busiest targets throughout camp after a big rookie season. Warren caught 76 passes for 817 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games in 2025, earned a Pro Bowl selection and added another score on the ground. He was also heavily involved in last week's joint practice with New England, catching three passes on the Colts' final two-minute drive alone. Warren has quickly become a major part of Shane Steichen's offense. The timing isn't great. Indianapolis has another joint practice against Atlanta on Thursday before the two teams meet in Saturday's preseason game.
Source: Joel A. Erickson
Source: Joel A. Erickson
Terrance Ferguson Set for TE1 Role in Los Angeles?
The "best version" of the Los Angeles Rams' offense will have tight end Terrance Ferguson leading the team's tight ends in catches and yards, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Atkins also writes that he believes Ferguson "will emerge from (the Rams' tight ends) as the player worthy of an every-week, game-planned role." A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Ferguson recorded 11 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns on 25 targets across 14 games (three starts) as a rookie. The Rams' tight end room is extremely crowded, featuring Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Davis Allen (quadriceps), and 2026 second-rounder Max Klare. However, the Rams use multiple tight end formations at one of the highest rates in the league. Ferguson also appears to be separating himself from the pack with his strong performance this summer. His value is rising in both redraft and dynasty formats entering 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Jakobi Meyers' Redraft Ceiling Is Getting Harder to Trust
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers was terrific after arriving last season, catching 42 passes for 483 yards and three touchdowns on 61 targets in nine games. He hasn't suddenly lost his job. Meyers is still listed as a starter, and he caught two red-zone touchdowns from Trevor Lawrence during the Aug. 13 joint practice with New Orleans. The problem is everything happening around him. Parker Washington has been one of Jacksonville's best players in camp, Brian Thomas Jr. is healthy again, and Travis Hunter is back taking offensive reps. That's a lot of competition for a player whose fantasy value has usually come from steady target volume. RotoBaller has Meyers at WR45 in its Aug. 18 PPR rankings, which feels a lot more reasonable than expecting last year's post-trade pace to carry over untouched. Meyers should still have useful PPR weeks and Lawrence clearly has a role for him. The ceiling just looks a little shakier now with this many receivers pushing for the football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Khalil Shakir Still Has Late-Round Sleeper Appeal
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir keeps hanging around the later rounds, and the case for taking him there is pretty straightforward. He led Buffalo with 72 catches and 719 receiving yards on 95 targets last season, scoring four times. Josh Allen's first pass of the preseason opener went right back to him for 21 yards. DJ Moore changes the target picture, sure, but Shakir wasn't living on deep shots in the first place. A lot of his damage comes underneath and after the catch. RotoBaller has Shakir 125th overall in its Aug. 19 PPR rankings. That's a pretty cheap entry for a receiver who has led the Bills in receiving yards two years in a row. There probably isn't a monster breakout coming with Moore, Keon Coleman and Dalton Kincaid around. Fine. Shakir doesn't need one to pay this off. If you're looking for a late receiver who can actually make your lineup instead of just sitting there as an upside stash, he still makes plenty of sense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
