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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
Matt Chapman Cleared to Swing, Won't Return on Road Trip
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen) was cleared to resume swinging on Friday, but he won't return from the 10-day injured list during the team's current road trip, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. Chapman could return at the start of the next homestand, though, which runs from Friday, July 24, though Wedneday, July 29. It hasn't helped the 33-year-old veteran's trade value that he's been sidelined since early July, but he's taking the first step towards a return. It's unclear if Chapman will require a minor-league assignment before returning to the Giants' lineup later this month. Like most of the Giants hitters, Chapman has left a lot to be desired through the first half of the 2026 season, slashing .235/.324/.368 with a career-low .692 OPS, only seven home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored across 84 games and 352 plate appearances. He's in danger of failing to reach the 20-homer mark for the third straight season, but perhaps a change of scenery would do him some good. Chapman is only rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues after his abdominal strain.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Alex Pavlovic
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Alex Pavlovic
Lan Larison to Battle for RB3 Job in New England This Summer
New England Patriots running back Lan Larison is expected to compete with Terrell Jennings for the RB3 role in training camp this summer behind TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, according to The Boston Globe's Christopher Price. Larison, 24, went undrafted last year out of UC Davis before latching on with the Patriots. He was unable to get on the field at all in 2025 due to a broken foot that he suffered in the preseason, spending the entire campaign on Injured Reserve. Now healthy, Larison will attempt to win a depth role in New England's backfield while also competing for playing time with rookie Jam Miller and Myles Montgomery. The 5-foot-11, 209-pounder has a real shot to win the RB3 job going into the start of the 2026 regular season in early September, but he can be ignored for now in single-year fantasy football leagues.
Source: The Boston Globe - Chrisopher Price
Source: The Boston Globe - Chrisopher Price
Kyle Williams to Compete for Snaps in Three-Receiver Sets
New England Patriots second-year wide receiver Kyle Williams' path to consistent targets didn't get any easier heading into his sophomore campaign in 2026 after the Patriots added A.J. Brown via trade and Romeo Doubs in free agency, but Evan Lazar of Patriots.com writes that Williams is set to compete with Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, and DeMario Douglas for snaps in three-receiver sets in training camp this summer. Specifically, Williams and Douglas could be competing for a "speed" receiver role deep down the field. Hollins' versatility and willingness to do the dirty blocking work have endeared him to the coaching staff, and he gives the offense a more physical presence at the WR position. The 23-year-old Williams caught 10 of his 21 targets for 209 yards (20.9 yards per catch) and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games after he was taken in the third round in last year's draft out of Washington State. Williams' numbers didn't exactly stand out, but he has long-term appeal as a big-play wideout in dynasty/keeper leagues after averaging 20 yards a catch as a rookie. The volume probably won't be there again for him to matter much in 12-team fantasy leagues in 2026.
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Ace Bailey Sitting with Back Spasms
Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey (back) won't suit up for Friday's Summer League contest against the Portland Trail Blazers. It's an exhibition game, so the Jazz aren't going to risk anything. Bailey is reportedly dealing with back spasms, so this shouldn't be something that impacts his availability for training camp. He averaged 13.8 points per game across 27.6 minutes per game in 72 contests with the Jazz last season. Given the additions the Jazz made this offseason, Bailey might come off the bench this upcoming season. That could impact his fantasy value going forward.
Source: Ben Anderson
Source: Ben Anderson
Rashod Bateman Still Considered a Starter in Baltimore
Clifton Brown of the Baltimore Ravens official website lists veteran wide receiver Rashod Bateman as a projected starter for the 2026 season. Brown adds that Bateman is "looking for a healthy and productive campaign" after playing in 13 games and catching just 19 passes on 38 targets for 224 yards and two touchdowns in his fifth year in the NFL. It was even more of a disappointment after the 26-year-old had a career-best 756 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 45 catches in 17 regular-season games in 2024. Bateman could be considered a bounce-back candidate in 2026, but with no ties to the new regime in Baltimore after they fired long-time head coach John Harbaugh this offseason, it's extremely hard to recommend the former first-rounder in 2021 out of the University of Minnesota as anything more than a low-upside dart throw late in deep-league drafts. The Ravens don't have excellent WR depth behind WR1 Zay Flowers, but they did draft rookies Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt, who both should have more short- and long-term upside than Bateman.
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com - Clifton Brown
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com - Clifton Brown
Noa Essengue Won't Play Due to Thumb Soreness
Chicago Bulls forward/center Noa Essengue (thumb) won't suit up for Friday's Summer League contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Essengue is dealing with right thumb soreness, so the team will hold him out of this exhibition contest. The Bulls are being cautious here, but there's no reason to believe that Essengue won't be ready to go by training camp. Essengue only played in two games for the Bulls before having season-ending shoulder surgery last year. The organization believes that the former No. 12 overall pick can be a key contributor down the road. The expectation is that Essengue will get a fair chance to prove himself on the rebuilding Bulls this upcoming season.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Dailyn Swain Absent on Friday with Wrist Soreness
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Dailyn Swain (wrist) is out for Friday's Summer League contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The rookie guard is dealing with wrist soreness, so they've decided to play it safe and hold him out of this contest. There is no reason to believe that this is going to be a long-term issue for Swain. The 21-year-old should be ready to go once training camp rolls around. The Bulls used the 15th overall pick on Swain during this year's draft. He figures to get decent run on the rebuilding Bulls.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Phil Mafah on the RB Bubble in Dallas Heading into Training Camp
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Nick Harris lists Dallas Cowboys running backs Phil Mafah, Jaydon Blue, and Malik Davis as on the bubble heading into training camp this summer. Behind workhorse Javonte Williams, the Cowboys don't have a clear-cut favorite for the RB2 role, "which will create a fascinating battle in training camp and the preseason." The 23-year-old Mafah, who was a seventh-rounder last year out of Clemson, played in only one game and had five rushing attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown. He also caught both of his targets for 11 yards. He's fully healthy and looking to keep the momentum going after a strong offseason "in the eyes of his coaches." Harris writes that Blue has more natural ability than Mafah and Davis due to his explosive speed and receiving abilities, but he will have to win over the coaches after he showed immaturity as a rookie in 2025. Going into training camp, Mafah is only a hold in deep dynasty/keeper leagues as he battles for a depth role in Big D.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
Lakers Expressing Interest in Jonathan Kuminga
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in bringing in forward Jonathan Kuminga this summer. Kuminga is currently an unrestricted free agent after declining a $24.3 million team option from the Atlanta Hawks. The speculation is that Kuminga is seeking a deal around $20-25 million per season. This might be too rich for the Lakers, but it sounds like the organization is still interested in doing a sign-and-trade. They've signed Ziaire Williams as depth, but they'd still like to add another wing to the mix. It's tough to imagine Kuminga having a ton of scoring chances in an offense surrounded by Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Javonte Williams has Cemented Himself as Long-Term Starting RB in Dallas
After a strong first year with the Dallas Cowboys, running back Javonte Williams has "cemented himself as the long-term starter," according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The 26-year-old was rewarded with a three-year, $24 million contract in February of this year after he had a career-high 252 rushing attempts for a career-high 1,201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 starts, adding 35 receptions for 137 yards and two scores as a pass-catcher. At the very least, Williams will be the team's early-down back again in 2026, or a bell-cow back once again "at the worst." There aren't any real threats to his heavy volume going into his second year in Dallas, with Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Mafah, among others, behind him on the RB depth chart. Williams loses some luster in PPR leagues, but at the very least, he should be treated as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in upcoming fantasy football drafts as Dallas' unquestioned RB1. RotoBaller currently has Williams ranked as the No. 15 fantasy RB for 2026, just behind the Los Angeles Rams' Kyren Williams.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris
Bucks Interested in Sign-and-Trade Involving Peyton Watson
The Milwaukee Bucks are still actively looking to make moves this offseason. According to Evan Sidery, Milwaukee is seriously interested in doing a sign-and-trade involving forward Peyton Watson. The Denver Nuggets have stated that they're confident they'll retain Watson, who is currently a restricted free agent. That could be difficult for Denver with them already having Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon locked into expensive contracts. If Watson joins the Bucks, he'd be competing for minutes with Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kyle Kuzma. A move to the rebuilding Bucks might be better for his overall fantasy value, but we'll see how it shakes out this offseason.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Pat Freiermuth Could Have a Bigger Role for Steelers in 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth could have an expanded role in 2026 in his sixth year with the organization in new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Freiermuth took a step back in 2025 in the Steel City in the first year with veteran QB Aaron Rodgers running the offense, and he had to share valuable targets with both Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington, which led to a disappointing 41-486-4 line in 17 regular-season games (eight starts) for fantasy managers. The Steelers added veteran receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who figures to be a big part of the Steelers' passing attack this year, but Smith and running back Kenneth Gainwell, who had a career-high 73 receptions in 2025, are gone. With all that said, fantasy managers still probably shouldn't consider Freiermuth as much more than a low-end TE2 target in TE-premium leagues. The former second-rounder in 2021 out of Penn State has never exceeded 732 receiving yards or seven touchdowns in his five seasons, and Rodgers hasn't typically relied heavily on the tight end position in his Hall of Fame career.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ray Fittipaldo
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ray Fittipaldo
Addison Barger Still Not Doing Baseball Activities
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (back, elbow) is still hoping to return this season, but he's currently still not doing any baseball activities, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. Per manager John Schneider, August is a best-case scenario for Barger's return from the 10-day injured list. It's been a lost season for the 26-year-old left-handed hitter, as he's appeared in only nine games for Toronto due to ankle, back, and elbow injuries. At this point, it's extremely hard to recommend holding the former sixth-rounder in 2018 in even deep-mixed fantasy leagues. Barger has gone 1-for-22 at the plate with two RBI, five walks, and five strikeouts in his nine games earlier this season after slashing .243/.301/.454 with a .756 OPS, 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 61 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 135 regular-season games in 2025 in his first full year in the big leagues. He's only rostered in 18% of Yahoo leagues at the moment and doesn't have a clear timetable for a return in the second half of the season.
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Source: Sportsnet - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Astros Call Up Outfield Prospect Lucas Spence on Friday
The Houston Astros announced on Friday that they selected the contract of outfield prospect Lucas Spence from Triple-A Sugar Land and placed outfielder Brice Matthews (knee) on the 10-day injured list with a sprained left knee in a corresponding move. Spence made the start in center field for the Astros and was hitting eighth in his big-league debut against the visiting Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Dean Kremer at Daikin Park. The 23-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville got the call to the Show after slashing .258/.353/.424 with a .776 OPS, six home runs, 44 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 36 runs scored in 63 games across 278 plate appearances with the FCL rookie-level Astros, Double-A Corpus Christi, and Sugar Land. The 6-foot, 195-pounder is the team's No. 10 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and he could help fill Houston's center field void to begin the second half of the season, making him an AL-only consideration off the waiver wire for his on-base skills and speed. There isn't much pop here, though, and he'll almost certainly only play against right-handed pitchers.
Source: Houston Astros
Source: Houston Astros
Brendan Donovan Moving his Rehab Assignment to Triple-A
Seattle Mariners infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan (groin) is moving his minor-league rehab assignment to Triple-A Tacoma on Friday night, according to Shannon Drayer. Donovan is moving to the highest minor-league level after starting a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League on Wednesday. The 29-year-old German native could require a rather lengthy rehab assignment due to the fact that he's been on the shelf for almost two months with a nagging groin injury. When he's ready to return to Seattle, though, he should play regularly for the M's, most likely as the starting third baseman. Before landing on the 10-day injured list, Donovan was hitting .274/.386/.452 with a career-high .839 OPS, three home runs, eight RBI, nine runs, and a stolen base in just 25 games and 101 plate appearances in a small sample size. With limited power/speed upside, Donovan isn't terribly attractive in fantasy baseball leagues except for his contact abilities, high average, and multi-position eligibility at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He's currently rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues. Barring a setback, there's no reason why Donovan shouldn't be back with the big-league squad before August.
Source: Shannon Drayer
Source: Shannon Drayer
Michael Soroka Could Return in Early August
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka (glute) will throw bullpen sessions on Saturday and Tuesday, manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. It could be followed by a simulated game the following Saturday, which would put him in line for a potential return to the starting rotation around the beginning of August. Once he's ready to resume pitching in games, the D-backs plan on having Soroka make at least one minor-league rehab start. The 28-year-old Canadian hurler has been out since June 19 with a glute strain. Before his injury, though, Soroka was in the midst of a career resurgence in the desert, going 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA (2.93 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 82 innings pitched across his 15 starts. He's currently rostered in 68% of Yahoo leagues, but fantasy managers in need of rotation help in mixed leagues will want to target him off the waiver wire as his return gets closer. At the very least, Soroka should be a matchup-based streamer down the stretch in fantasy.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Spencer Schwellenbach Without a Clear Timetable to Return in 2026
When MLB.com's Mark Bowman asked if it's just a maybe that right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) pitches this year, Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said, "I wouldn't say it's inaccurate. I think there is a chance we see both of them (also Spencer Strider) this year. But sitting here today, it's hard to say." Reports surfaced in late June that Schwellenbach could be a candidate to rejoin the Braves' starting rotation in late August or early September, but there haven't been any real updates since then. The 26-year-old is recovering from surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow and has yet to pitch at all this year. The fact that we haven't heard of Schwellenbach starting a throwing program could mean that he won't pitch at all for the Braves in 2026. He definitely has a long way to go, which is why he's rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues right now. In 38 starts and 234 1/3 innings pitched in his first two years in the big leagues, Schwellenbach has handled himself well, going 15-11 with a 3.23 ERA (3.27 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 235 strikeouts and 41 walks for the Braves. UPDATE: Schwellenbach has yet to begin a minor-league rehab assignment, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Chad Bishop.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Spencer Strider Might Not Pitch Again for Braves This Year
When MLB.com's Mark Bowman asked if it's accurate that it feels like right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) is done for the 2026 season, Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said, "I wouldn't say it's inaccurate. I think there is a chance we see both of them (also Spencer Schwellengach) this year. But sitting here today, it's hard to say." The Braves moved Strider to the 60-day injured list in mid-June after he was initially shut down with inflammation in his right elbow. Dr. Keith Meister recommended that Strider be shut down for a month to rest his elbow, but there hasn't been much of an update since. At the very least, the 27-year-old won't be eligible to return to the Braves' starting rotation until sometime in September if he makes it back at all in 2026. With the uncertainty surrounding the availability of Strider for the rest of the season, it's fair to consider dropping him in single-year leagues, if you haven't already done so. He's currently rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues after going 4-2 with a 5.31 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts in 39 innings in his first eight starts of the year. UPDATE: Strider will have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Keith Meister next week and could also be scheduled for an MRI exam, per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Chad Bishop.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Sebastian Walcott to Return to Double-A on Friday
Texas Rangers infield prospect Sebastian Walcott (elbow) is expected to serve as the designated hitter and bat leadoff for Double-A Frisco on Friday night against Double-A Tulsa as he returns from the 60-day injured list, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. The 20-year-old top prospect started a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League during the All-Star break earlier this week and is now returning to Frisco following an internal-brace surgery on his right elbow. He has been playing catch as well, but it's unclear at this point when exactly he'll be ready to play defense for the Rough Riders. In 124 games across 552 plate appearances last year at Frisco, Walcott hit .255/.355/.386 with a .741 OPS, 13 home runs, 59 RBI, 32 stolen bases, and 71 runs scored at Double-A. The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder is considered the fifth-best shortstop prospect in all of baseball in 2026, and his 40-homer upside at the next level at a premium position makes him a must-stash right now in dynasty/keeper leagues. Walcott's lengthy recovery from elbow surgery means he probably won't debut in the big leagues for the Rangers until next year, though.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Nathan Eovaldi Dealing With Illness, Could Start on Sunday
Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (illness) came in feeling under the weather on Friday, but he could still potentially start in Sunday's series finale in Atlanta against the Braves, according to MLB.com's Kennedi Landry. Fantasy managers will want to check back in on Eovaldi's condition going into Sunday's game to see if he's still on track to start in a less-than-ideal matchup to kick off the second half of his season. The 36-year-old veteran has maintained a high floor for fantasy managers because of his ability to miss bats and throw strikes consistently. Eovaldi finished the first half of the 2026 season with Texas with a 9-7 record, 4.04 ERA (4.02 FIP), and 1.12 WHIP with 120 strikeouts and 26 walks in 111 1/3 innings pitched across 18 starts. Going into the All-Star break, Eovaldi allowed three runs or fewer in each of his final five starts, and he had at least nine punchouts in each of his final four starts before the Midsummer Classic. He'll be a bit riskier against Atlanta on the road, though, if he's still not 100% recovered from his illness.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Jacob deGrom Likely to Return to the Rotation Next Week
Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom (glute) will throw a bullpen session on Saturday and will likely start one of the games at home against the Chicago White Sox in a series that starts on Monday, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. deGrom, who is no stranger to injuries during his career, suffered a mild left-glute injury before the All-Star break, but he will avoid the injured list and return to the starting rotation for the second series of the second half of the season. The 38-year-old veteran continues to have a tough time staying healthy, but when available, the two-time Cy Young winner has stayed relevant in all fantasy leagues and will take a 7-5 record, 3.49 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 122 strikeouts over 100 2/3 innings and 18 starts into the second half of the 2026 season. The five-time All-Star will definitely be riskier in starting fantasy lineups in his first start back coming off his glute injury, and the matchup against the suddenly potent White Sox isn't an ideal one. Despite his age, deGrom is offering a strong 30.4% strikeout rate and 5.5% walk rate.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Geraldo Perdomo Returns to Friday's Lineup
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (hand) is back at the 6 and is hitting second for Friday's series opener against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Michael McGreevy at Chase Field, per MLB.com. Perdomo has been dealing with a recurring left-hand issue recently and had a cortisone injection during the All-Star break, but he's feeling better now and will begin the second half of the season in Arizona's starting lineup. Fantasy managers have to wonder if the 26-year-old switch-hitting Dominican's hand issues have been the reason why he has struggled at the plate in 2026. In 323 at-bats in the first half of 2026, Perdomo had a disappointing .241/.354/.356 slash line with a .710 OPS, only six home runs, 34 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 46 runs scored in 92 games after a career-high 20 homers, 100 RBI, and 27 steals in 161 contests in a breakout 2025. Fantasy managers are hopeful that Perdomo can pick things up in the second half, but his xBA of .251 and xwOBA of .326 don't point to a massive turnaround coming.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Julio Rodriguez Remains on Injured List to Begin the Second Half
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (concussion) remains on the seven-day concussion injured list for the start of the second half of the season in the team's series finale on Friday against the San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com. Victor Robles is making the start in center field and will bat eighth for the M's against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp. Rodriguez has been on the shelf with a concussion since July 3, but he could be reinstated by Seattle during the team's homestand to begin the second half. The 25-year-old Dominican center fielder should remain stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy baseball leagues while he recovers from his head injury. When healthy, J-Rod, a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner, can contribute in all five categories. He finished the first half of 2026 with a .259/.323/.424 slash line, .747 OPS, 14 home runs, 40 RBI, 46 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases across his 344 at-bats. Rodriguez is a rare offensive talent who already has two 30-30 campaigns in his first four years in the majors.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Will Smith Shut Down Again With More Neck Issues
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith's neck continued to bother him as he tried to ramp up his baseball activities recently, so the Dodgers decided to shut him down again this week, manager Dave Roberts told The California Post's Jack Harris. The Dodgers remain hopeful that Smith can start to ramp up again after this and still expect him to return in 2026. It has quickly turned into a lost season for Smith, who initially was expected to avoid a trip to the injured list because of his neck injury. The 31-year-old veteran and three-time All-Star has been sidelined since June 5, and in a best-case scenario, he probably won't be back with the Dodgers until sometime in mid-August. Remember, the Dodgers have a big lead in the National League West going into the second half of the season this weekend and aren't in a hurry to rush any of their injured stars back. Smith's ongoing neck issues have created a prolonged audition period for backup Dalton Rushing. When healthy, Smith was underwhelming offensively in his 173 at-bats, hitting .249/.338/.382 with six homers, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 52 games.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Dodgers Expect Shohei Ohtani to Pitch on Wednesday Against Philadelphia
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the team expects two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) to make his next start on the mound in Philadelphia on Wednesday against the Phillies, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. The Dodgers kept Ohtani from making his final start on the mound before the All-Star break due to ongoing irritation in his left knee. The four-time MVP had his knee drained just before the All-Star break, and he's not missing any time as a hitter, so fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried going into the second half. It's not an ideal matchup for fantasy purposes for Ohtani in his first start back on the mound, but the six-time All-Star has been a must-start in all leagues when he toes the rubber for the Dodgers. The Japanese sensation has been excellent on the mound in his first 14 starts in 2026, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.61 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with a 95:26 K:BB in 85 2/3 frames.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Brandon Woodruff's "Outlook Isn't Good"
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said the plan is for right-handed veteran Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) to address the media on Sunday regarding his right-shoulder injury, but the skipper said "the outlook isn't good," according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I'm going to let Woody get specific with you and let him be the one to announce what he wants to announce," Murphy said. The 33-year-old veteran has made only nine starts this year due to recurring shoulder problems, and he landed on the injured list in early July with an injury to his right anterior shoulder capsule. It's looking more and more likely that Woodruff could be heading toward another season-ending shoulder surgery, so fantasy managers who have been stashing him might need to be ready to cut him entirely in single-year formats. Despite shoulder issues and a drastic dip in velocity before being shut down again recently, Woodruff had pitched well with a 2.98 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts in 45 1/3 frames across nine starts. Even if surgery isn't needed, the earliest Woodruff can return from the 60-day IL is in September.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Samuel Basallo a Priority Catcher Addition for the Second Half?
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo reached the break at .248/.309/.464 with 16 home runs, 46 RBI, and 34 runs in 301 plate appearances. He was only 10-for-48 over his final 15 games, but four of those hits left the yard and he drove in 11. Basallo remains available in half of Yahoo leagues. Baltimore has found room for his bat alongside Adley Rutschman, using Basallo at catcher, first base, and designated hitter. The power checks out: a 91.5 mph average exit velocity, 46.2% hard-hit rate, 13.1% barrel rate, and .482 expected slugging percentage. He does chase too much, at 40.2%, so the average may come and go. That is a manageable trade-off at catcher. RotoBaller ranks Basallo 22nd overall for the weekend, second among catcher pickups, and recommends him in 10-team leagues. He is a priority add for managers still searching for second-half power at the position.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Friday's Game Between Guardians-Pirates Postponed
The Cleveland Guardians announced that their game on Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Progressive Field has been postponed due to poor air quality. The contest will be made up as part of a split doubleheader on Saturday. The scheduled starters for the two teams -- right-hander Gavin Williams for Cleveland and right-hander Jared Jones for Pittsburgh -- will most likely be pushed back to the first game of the twin bill on Saturday. Both hurlers should be kept in starting fantasy lineups in traditional leagues for their first starts of the second half this weekend. Williams comes out of the All-Star break with a 10-4 record, 3.81 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 134:37 K:BB in his 113 1/3 innings while sporting a career-high 29.1% strikeout rate and career-low 8.0% walk rate through his first 19 starts in 2026. Jones has only made eight starts after returning from right-elbow surgery. He has high-end fantasy upside, but he's unsurprisingly been up and down through his first 35 innings in 2026, posting a 4.37 ERA (3.67 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with a 39:11 K:BB for the Bucs.
Source: Cleveland Guardians
Source: Cleveland Guardians
