RADIO
Troy Franklin a Dynasty Hold with Potentially Rough Times Ahead
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin took a sizable step forward in 2025, more than doubling his targets, receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown totals from an underwhelming 2024 rookie campaign. Unfortunately, with changes coming to the Broncos offense in 2026, Franklin's production is likely to plateau or crater following his WR33 finish. Quarterback Bo Nix is at his best when he's spreading the ball around, and following the additions of Jaylen Waddle via trade and capable pass-catching running back Jonah Coleman through the draft, Franklin will have a hard time reaching anything close to his 18% target share from 2025. Veteran Courtland Sutton still profiles as the go-to red zone weapon, and second-year player Pat Bryant showed flashes down the stretch and looked to be a major part of the game plan in two separate playoff outings that he left early with injury. Still only 23 years old and RotoBaller's WR79, Franklin is a dynasty hold coming off a 65-catch, 709-yard season. That said, even though Sutton is already north of 30, he agreed to a four-year extension last season that keeps him under contract through the 2029 season, meaning any eventual takeover by Franklin is likely to be a gradual one with fantasy frustrations along the way.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jackson Holliday Offers Balanced Five-Category Potential on the Waiver Wire
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday had the start of his 2026 season delayed after he suffered a fractured hamate bone in February. Since returning to the Orioles on May 19, Holliday has hit .227/.327/.386 with two home runs, six RBI, eight runs scored, and three stolen bases. The 22-year-old's production may not leap off the page in any one category. Still, Holliday has showcased an improved eye at the plate (13.5% walk rate) early on this year, and his barrel and hard-hit rates are in line with where they were in 2025. The former top prospect was a solid deep-league compiler last season, hitting 17 home runs and stealing 17 bases while hitting .242. Holliday appears locked into everyday playing time in an improved Baltimore lineup in 2026, which should allow him to rack up counting stats the rest of the way. He may not offer tremendous upside, but Holliday's balanced approach makes him a valuable middle infielder to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Trevor Lawrence Finally Becoming the Can't-Miss Player That Was Promised?
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has taken more than five years to approach anything close to the generational billing that made him the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Now that he finds himself in the best situation of his young career, past fantasy hurts have left him somewhat overlooked and underrated by the dynasty community. A physical specimen at 6'6" and 220 pounds, Lawrence's rushing prowess was unlocked in his first season with Liam Coen, resulting in career-highs of 359 yards and nine rushing scores. Over the final 10 weeks of the 2025 season, he was the fantasy QB1, and while the pecking order of an incredibly deep Jaguars' receiving room is one of the more hotly contested debates in fantasy circles, Lawrence benefits from throwing to all of them. Still only 26 years old, Lawrence is RotoBaller's dynasty QB11, but if Coen and the Jaguars can continue to build upon what they established in 2025, he could soon be viewed as one of the biggest bargains in the game.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Vest Deployed in Ninth Inning, Is he the Closer to Roster in Detroit?
Detroit Tigers right-hander Will Vest shut the door on the Seattle Mariners on Friday night, allowing a hit and a walk but striking out two in a scoreless ninth inning during his team's 7-3 win. Vest has struggled so far in 2026, recording a 1-4 record with a 6.86 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 22 strikeouts, and one save across 19 2/3 innings. However, Vest was arguably Detroit's top reliever in 2025, recording a 3.01 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 75 strikeouts and 23 saves across 64 appearances. Even though Friday's outing was a non-save situation, Vest's usage in the ninth inning could suggest that he is the closer to own in Detroit while Tigers closer Kenley Jansen (pelvis) is on the 15-day injured list due to pelvic inflammation. In deeper leagues, Vest could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a short-term source of saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Courtland Sutton an Undervalued Dynasty Depth Piece
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has finished as the WR13 or better in back-to-back seasons, proving himself a capable fantasy difference-maker and a favorite target of quarterback Bo Nix, particularly in the red zone. With the Broncos spending up to acquire Jaylen Waddle via trade, and Sutton now on the wrong side of 30, the ninth-year veteran has fallen woefully out of favor with the dynasty community, now sitting at WR48 in RotoBaller's latest rankings. The Broncos offense has found success by spreading the ball around, with Troy Franklin and Evan Engram combining for more than 170 targets in 2025, meaning it's entirely possible for Waddle to step in and lead the receiver room, while others further down the depth chart feel his impact more strongly. Sutton's ceiling has certainly been lowered, but in topping either 1,000 yards or double-digit touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, he's proven he can score points in a variety of ways, and at his lowest cost in years, he can still serve as a quality depth piece on a contending dynasty roster.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kirby Yates Loses Second Game, Will He Lose Save Opportunities?
Los Angeles Angels right-hander Kirby Yates was tagged for his second loss of the season on Friday night, entering a 0-0 game in the bottom of the ninth and allowing a walk-off solo home run to Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman. The veteran Yates has been the Angels' preferred option in the ninth inning in recent weeks after recording his first save of the year on May 23. However, Yates has posted a 4.82 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 9 1/3 innings (11 games) this year. He also owns a 1.93 HR/9 after being tagged for a 1.96 HR/9 across 41 1/3 innings in 2025, and his average fastball velocity has dipped to a career-worst 90.6 miles per hour. Yates has 99 career saves, and the Angels don't exactly have an obvious replacement for him in the closer role. Still, fantasy managers should proceed with caution if relying on Yates for saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
KC Concepcion's Versatility Could Provide an Early Dynasty Floor
Cleveland Browns wide receiver KC Concepcion is a versatile playmaker who has a chance to immediately command a team-leading target share in a Todd Monken offense that saw Zay Flowers finish as the fantasy WR7 in 2025. Concepcion played 69% of his collegiate snaps from the slot, but his lone season at Texas A&M showcased his ability to move across the formation, and in handling more than 65% of his snaps on the outside, he turned in his most productive season. Earning first-round capital, he is the most notable addition to a Browns offense that was led by rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in almost all receiving categories in 2025. While the starting quarterback job in Cleveland is still being sorted, low expectations for the offense as a whole are the biggest, but most temporary knock on Concepcion's profile, and with the ability to become an early go-to for either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders, he could provide an instantly usable weekly floor even in a bottom-half offense. Concepcion is RotoBaller's rookie WR4 and dynasty WR32.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Jones Fills Stat Sheet on Friday, Worth Adding Amid Full-Time Role?
In his first game since being recalled from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre, New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones recorded a 3-for-3 night with a double and an RBI in his team's 5-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox. With Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (rib) in line for an extended absence due to a stress fracture in his rib, Jones seems likely to see the majority of the playing time in right field against right-handed pitching. The 25-year-old struggled in his first taste of big league pitching earlier this season, logging four hits in 27 plate appearances and striking out in over 40% of his trips to the plate. Swing-and-miss is the big issue in Jones' profile, as he has struck out in 32.4% of his 185 Triple-A plate appearances so far this season. However, he hit 35 home runs and stole 29 bases across 116 minor league games in 2025. Fantasy managers should be ready for the damage Jones might do to their batting average, but he could still be worth adding off the waiver wire for his power/speed upside.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dylan Harper Remains a Bright Spot for San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs rookie guard Dylan Harper supplied a spark off the bench in Friday's 105-104 Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal. The No. 2 pick in the 2025 draft scored efficiently inside, going 6-for-12 from the field and 3-for-4 at the line while missing all three of his triples. He was one of the few bright spots in the defeat, posting a team-high plus-12 despite the 2-0 series hole. Harper's bench role behind De'Aaron Fox caps his ceiling, but the efficient scoring and rotation minutes keep him a usable DFS option for Monday's Game 3.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
De'Aaron Fox Shoots Well in a Loss to the Knicks
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox recorded 20 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block in Friday's 105-104 Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks. The former Kentucky Wildcat shot a highly efficient 8-for-12 from the field, including 2-for-2 from three-point range. Despite his scoring touch, Fox struggled with ball security, committing four turnovers. His performance wasn't enough to prevent San Antonio from falling into a 2-0 hole in the NBA Finals. The veteran point guard remains a crucial offensive engine next to Victor Wembanyama and will need to maintain his aggression as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Victor Wembanyama Scores 29 Points in Game 2 Loss
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama bounced back from a rough Game 1 showing in Friday's 105-104 loss to the New York Knicks, finishing with 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals, four blocks, and two three-pointers. The 22-year-old went 11-for-21 from the field and 5-for-8 at the line, giving fantasy managers the across-the-board production they have come to expect. The late-game sequence hurt, as Wembanyama committed a costly turnover and missed the potential winner, but his workload and defensive stats remain elite. San Antonio now trails 2-0, so he should stay heavily featured as the series shifts to New York.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
OG Anunoby Anchors Knicks' Defense in Finals Game 2
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby provided a steady two-way presence in Friday's 105-104 Game 2 win over the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. The former Raptor shot 5-for-10 from the field, 2-for-5 from deep, and a perfect 5-for-5 at the line while drawing the primary assignment on Victor Wembanyama. His biggest moment came late, when he sank three free throws after a Julian Champagnie foul to retake the lead. Anunoby's three-and-D role gives him a dependable DFS floor, with that defensive workload and timely shooting keeping his line steady behind Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Mikal Bridges Helps Knicks Secure a Game 2 Victory
New York Knicks guard/forward Mikal Bridges recorded 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal, and four three-pointers in Friday's 105-104 Game 2 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The former Villanova standout was highly efficient on the offensive end, shooting 8-for-13 from the floor and 4-for-6 from three-point range. His efforts helped the Knicks secure a narrow victory and take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. Bridges has been a vital two-way presence for New York throughout the postseason, providing timely outside shooting alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. He remains a reliable fantasy performer as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 on Monday.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Karl-Anthony Towns Records Another Finals Double-Double
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns finished Friday's Game 2 win over the San Antonio Spurs with 21 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, one block, one steal, and three three-pointers in a 105-104 victory. He went 8-for-12 from the field and 2-for-2 at the line, giving New York a clean scoring option around the basket and from deep. Towns also spent key stretches battling Victor Wembanyama as the Knicks moved ahead 2-0 in the NBA Finals. After posting 18 points and 12 rebounds in Game 1, Towns has opened the series with back-to-back double-doubles, keeping his fantasy profile elite even when the late-game offense runs through Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jalen Brunson Overcomes Cold Night to Seal Game 2
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson overcame a brutal shooting night in Friday's 105-104 Game 2 win over the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with 20 points, five rebounds, six assists, and five steals. The Knicks captain misfired often, going 7-for-25 from the field and 2-for-8 from deep, though he hit 4-for-5 at the line. Brunson buried a game-tying jumper down the stretch and sank the decisive free throw after a Victor Wembanyama collision. The cold shooting aside, his six assists and five steals kept the fantasy line productive, and that shot volume points to a bounce-back in Monday's Game 3 as New York carries a 2-0 series lead.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Michael Harris II Dealing With Back Tightness, Not Believed to be Serious
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (back) was removed from Friday night's game early against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning with back tightness, according to Barrett Sallee of 680 The Fan. "We don't think it's anything serious," manager Walt Weiss said. "There's a pretty good chance he'll be back in there tomorrow." It sounds as though Harris escaped a major injury, so he could be right back in action for Game 2 of the series in Atlanta on Saturday. Before leaving the game late, the 25-year-old went 2-for-5 at the plate with a run scored and two strikeouts to raise his season average to .303 and his OPS to .854. He was replaced in center field at Truist Park by Eli White. The former third-round pick in 2019 hasn't run much yet (three steals) after reaching exactly 20 steals in three of his first four MLB seasons, but otherwise, Harris is having a career year. Coming into Friday's action, Harris had a robust .301/.336/.519 slash line, career-high .855 OPS, 13 long balls, 37 RBI, and 29 runs scored across 60 games and 229 plate appearances. He's been a must-start for fantasy managers in traditional leagues every day.
Source: 680 The Fan - Barrett Sallee
Source: 680 The Fan - Barrett Sallee
Byron Buxton Suffers Shoulder Contusion After Colliding With the Wall
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (shoulder) was removed from Friday night's game early against the division-rival Kansas City Royals with a right-shoulder contusion after he collided with the outfield wall while making a catch in the third inning, according to Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Buxton went 0-for-1 at the plate before eventually being replaced by Ryan Kreidler in center field. Until we know more about the severity of Buxton's injury, we'll consider him day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back for more information on the veteran outfielder on Saturday and to see if he's back in the starting lineup at Target Field. An extended absence for Buxton could lead to more playing time in center field for both Austin Martin and James Outman in Minnesota. The 32-year-old Buxton had a career-high 35 home runs and also drove in 83 runs and stole 24 bases in a resurgent 2025 season in his 11th year in the big leagues, but he's currently on pace to set a new career high in homers, as he entered Friday's action with 18 long balls in just 54 games played. Buxton has a lengthy injury history over his career, so fantasy managers won't be surprised if he lands on the injured list.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Jorge Soler Scratched From Friday Night's Lineup
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler (hip) ended up being scratched from the starting lineup for Friday night's series opener against the hosting Los Angeles Dodgers due to ongoing hip tightness, according to the team. Soler was pulled from Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rockies early with a hip injury, but he was initially in the starting lineup on Friday after a scheduled day off for the Halos on Thursday. The 34-year-old right-handed slugger isn't fully over the injury, but he could be back for Game 2 of the Freeway Series on Saturday. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. With Soler sitting again at Dodger Stadium, second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier replaced him as the team's designated hitter. The Cuban veteran swings and misses often and won't help much with batting average or on-base percentage, but he can help with power when he's in a groove at the plate. On the year through 58 games played, Soler has hit just .220 (47-for-214) with nine homers, 33 RBI, and 28 runs scored over his 243 plate appearances. He's only rostered in 25% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Los Angeles Angels
Source: Los Angeles Angels
Hunter Brown Could Make Next Start with Astros
Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (elbow) appears to be extremely close to rejoining the big league club. Brown made his third rehab start with Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday. The right-hander reportedly felt good after the 57-pitch outing. Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters on Friday that Brown could potentially return to the Astros next week. The right-hander has been out since early April due to an elbow issue. The team should make a final decision in the coming days. Fantasy managers could get Brown back into the mix as early as next week.
Source: Brian McTaggart
Source: Brian McTaggart
Dylan Cease Likely to Rejoin Rotation Next Week
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease (hamstring) is expected to rejoin the starting rotation next week, according to manager John Schneider. Cease threw a 75-pitch rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday. It appears the right-hander is feeling good enough after that outing to get back on the big league mound. Cease has been sidelined since late May due to a hamstring injury. This season, Cease is posting a 3.05 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and a 92:26 K:BB ratio across 62 innings. As of right now, Cease is currently lined up to face the Philadelphia Phillies. There's still time for his timetable to change, but it sounds like fantasy managers are getting Cease back very soon.
Source: Keegan Matheson
Source: Keegan Matheson
J.P. Crawford Removed After Being Hit on his Hand by a Pitch
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) was removed early during Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers. Crawford was pulled from the contest after he was hit by a pitch on the hand during the third inning. The X-rays came back negative for any fractures, so Crawford should be considered day-to-day. Before leaving the game, Crawford was 1-for-1 at the plate with a single and a run scored. His departure moved Colt Emerson to shortstop, and Patrick Wisdom took over third base. The expectation is that we'll see more of that if Crawford is forced to miss any time from this injury. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday for another update on his status.
Source: Cody Stavenhagen
Source: Cody Stavenhagen
Daulton Varsho Pulled With Wrist Injury
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (wrist) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Varsho appeared to have aggravated his wrist during his first at-bat of the game. The expectation is that he'll likely undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. The 29-year-old was hitless in his lone plate appearance of the game. For now, fantasy managers should consider Varsho as day-to-day until further notice. Yohendrick Pinango and Myles Straw are candidates to see increased playing time if Varsho sits out. Between the two, Pinango is the better streaming option, assuming Varsho misses time. UPDATE: X-rays came back negative after the game, and manager John Schneider said that Varsho has been dealing with inflammation in his left wrist over the last couple of games, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.
Source: Keegan Matheson
Source: Keegan Matheson
Samuel Basallo Removed with Abdominal Discomfort
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (abdominal) was removed early during Friday's contest versus the Toronto Blue Jays. Basallo was lifted in the sixth inning due to right abdominal discomfort. He was 0-for-2 at the plate before leaving this game. At the moment, it's unclear if Basallo will be forced to miss additional time from this injury. The O's should provide an update on his status shortly. It wouldn't be shocking to see Basallo sit out the rest of the weekend. Adley Rutschman would be in line for more work behind the plate if Basallo does miss time.
Source: Andy Kostka
Source: Andy Kostka
Chandler Simpson Exits with Thumb Injury
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (thumb) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Miami Marlins. Simpson was removed mid-game due to left thumb discomfort. The severity of the injury is unknown right now, but the team should provide an update on his status soon. Before leaving, Simpson was hitless in two plate appearances. The expectation is that Victor Mesa Jr. and Ryan Vilade would have expanded roles if Simpson is forced to miss time. Fantasy managers should consider Simpson as day-to-day for now.
Source: Marc Topkin
Source: Marc Topkin
Ramon Laureano Out 4-5 Months After Hip Surgery
San Diego Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano (hip) will miss four to five months after having labrum surgery on his right hip on Friday, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. As a result, the Padres announced on Friday that they transferred Laureano to the 60-day injured list. It's unlikely that Laureano will return for the Friars this season, which is why Acee suggests that the offensively-challenged Padres could now be looking for a left-handed-hitting outfielder who can play left field at the early August trade deadline. Bryce Johnson is starting in left and batting seventh for SD in Friday's series opener against the New York Mets and right-hander Christian Scott at Petco Park, but Johnson isn't the answer to San Diego's hitting woes this season and profiles best as a fourth or fifth outfielder. The 31-year-old Laureano will end up finishing his first full season with the Pads with a disappointing .203/.286/.374 slash line, .660 OPS, seven home runs, 21 RBI, seven steals, and 23 runs scored across just 53 games. Gavin Sheets will most likely see most of the starts in left going forward, opening up more playing time at first base for Ty France.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Wei-En Lin Moving to Triple-A, Can he Compete for Early MLB Debut?
The Athletics are promoting left-handed pitching prospect Wei-En Lin from Double-A Midland to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, according to Milb Central. The 20-year-old native of Taiwan earned the promotion to the Aviators after going 3-1 with a sharp 1.93 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 53 strikeouts and 13 walks in 51 1/3 innings pitched across his 10 starts. The 6-foot-2, 179-pound southpaw is ranked as the A's No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and could be in line to make his major-league debut in the second half of the 2026 season if he continues to impress this summer in Sin City. Lin typically sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and has a diverse pitch mix that also features a slider, curveball, changeup, and splitter, all of which have the potential to be plus offerings. His greatest strength is his ability to throw strikes, which could earn him a ticket to Sacramento sooner rather than later. Lin doesn't have high-end fantasy upside, but he should at least become a backend starter for the A's once he reaches the big leagues.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Max Muncy Out of Friday's Lineup With Sore Nose
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (nose) is out of the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener for the Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels, according to MLB.com. Muncy was involved in a scary collision at first base on Thursday night with Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas and was removed from the game after being checked on by trainers. The good news is that the 35-year-old passed concussion testing and is day-to-day, so Muncy could be back in the starting nine for Game 2 of the Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. Santiago Espinal is starting at third and will bat ninth on Friday versus Angels left-hander Reid Detmers. Muncy enters Friday's action hitting .254/.347/.513 with an .860 OPS, 14 home runs, 22 RBI, and 40 runs scored in his 189 at-bats for the Blue in his 11th year in the majors. Durability has become an issue for Muncy late in his career, but when healthy, he's still valuable in most fantasy leagues for his power and run production in the heart of the Dodgers' stacked lineup. UPDATE: Manager David Roberts said that Muncy is sore after Thursday's collision, but he otherwise feels fine and is expected to return to the starting lineup on Saturday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Angels Promote Samy Natera Jr., Will he Compete for High-Leverage Role?
The Los Angeles Angels are promoting rookie left-handed pitching prospect Samy Natera Jr. to the majors on Friday, according to Milb Central. Natera gets his first major-league promotion after going 5-0 with a 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 44:18 K:BB with one save in 30 innings pitched out of the bullpen at Triple-A Salt Lake. The 26-year-old Mexican native will take the roster spot of pitcher Shaun Anderson, who has been designated for assignment. Natera was originally a 17th-round selection by the Halos in 2022 out of New Mexico State University. In his four minor-league seasons in the Angels system, Natera has posted a 3.60 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, nine saves, 271 strikeouts, and 113 walks in 192 2/3 innings pitched across 96 appearances (24 starts). In Anaheim, he will most likely handle lower-leverage situations, and he won't be guaranteed to stick around long, so fantasy managers can ignore Natera for now. Natera is not included as one of the Angels' top-30 prospects at MLB Pipeline.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Jorge Soler Back as the DH Against Dodgers on Friday
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler (hip) is serving as the team's designated hitter and is batting cleanup for the Angels in Friday's series opener in the Freeway Series against the hosting Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Roki Sasaki, according to MLB.com. Soler was pulled early from Wednesday's game against the Colorado Rockies as a precaution with a left-hip injury, but he's back in there as the DH after the team had a scheduled day off on Thursday. The 34-year-old Cuban veteran slugger is batting just .220 (47-for-214) on the season with nine home runs, 33 RBI, and 28 runs scored in 58 games across 243 plate appearances. Soler remains an asset for power and run production in deeper leagues, but he will continue to be a drag on your on-base percentage and batting average. In 14 games since May 19, Soler is hitting .236 (13-for-55) with a homer, double, triple, five RBI, and seven runs scored across his 58 plate appearances. He has gone hitless in just three career at-bats against Sasaki.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kings Want to Trade Their Larger Contracts
The Sacramento Kings are reportedly looking to offload one or more of their larger contracts, according to James Ham. This is not surprising with the Kings having Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis all under big deals heading into next season. The Kings would like to dump some salaries, but usually that comes with giving up draft picks as well. A team that is likely headed towards a rebuild is probably hesitant to give up a bunch of draft capital. Sabonis would probably be the easiest player to move given his age and upside. The Kings are going to have a tough time unloading the contracts of DeRozan or LaVine, but they need to at least feel out potential deals.
Source: James Ham
Source: James Ham
