RADIO
Joe Ryan Won't Pitch This Weekend for Twins
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan won't be part of the team's starting rotation for the first series in the second half of the season this weekend against the Chicago Cubs, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. It probably means that Ryan will make his first start of the second half in Monday's series opener against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians. Ryan tossed a scoreless inning on Tuesday for the American League in their 4-0 shutout of the National League in the Midsummer Classic, so the Twins will give a little extra rest going into the second half. The 30-year-old veteran and two-time All-Star faced Cleveland on the road back on May 9 and pitched well, allowing just one earned run while walking three and striking out five in six innings for a no-decision and quality start. Ryan is having a fantastic year in 2026 in his sixth year with the Twins, going 6-5 with a career-low 2.85 ERA (2.77 FIP) and 1.05 WHIP with 128 strikeouts and 25 walks in 110 1/3 innings across his league-high 20 starts. Fantasy managers will want to keep him in their starting lineups next week against the Guardians.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Orioles Place Blaze Alexander on Injured List With Fractured Hand
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Thursday that they placed infielder/outfielder Blaze Alexander (hand) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to July 13) with a fractured left hand and recalled infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. Alexander fractured his hand when he was hit by a pitch in the final game of the first half of the season on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals. It's unclear what Alexander's timetable for a return will be, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues should expect him to be out for around a month or more. It's literally a tough break for the 27-year-old utility man, as the former 11th-rounder by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018 was having a career year for the O's before the injury, slashing .312/.368/.439 with an .807 OPS, four home runs, 29 RBI, 31 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in his 221 at-bats in 2026. In mixed fantasy leagues, fantasy managers who have Alexander rostered can probably go in another direction to kick off the second half of the season.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Christian Encarnacion-Strand Worth a Waiver-Wire Look in AL-Only Leagues
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Thursday that they recalled corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from Triple-A Norfolk after placing infielder/outfielder Blaze Alexander (hand) on the 10-day injured list with a left-hand fracture. The Orioles acquired Encarnacion-Strand from the Cincinnati Reds back in April, and he hit .273/.309/.555 with 17 home runs, 48 RBI, 35 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 257 plate appearances with Triple-A Norfolk. The 26-year-old former fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2021 out of Oklahoma State University hit .233/.275/.404 with a .679 OPS, 21 home runs, 72 RBI, 55 runs scored, two steals, and a 27.1% strikeout rate in his three big-league seasons with the Reds. With Pete Alonso cemented in at first base in Baltimore, CES will either factor in at third base or designated hitter with the O's, and he still has enough power to be useful in AL-only and deep-mixed leagues if he gets consistent playing time. Unfortunately, he might only be a platoon right-handed power bat against lefties.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Mets Put Luke Weaver, Others on the Trade Block
Chelsea Janes of SNY reports that the New York Mets are officially telling contending teams that everyone but young stars Carson Benge, AJ Ewing, Christian Scott, Nolan McLean, and Juan Soto is available, according to a rival executive. "That doesn't mean everyone will go. But it means the Mets will listen on just about everyone, which is in keeping with what people familiar with their thinking have signaled for weeks," Janes said. It's expected that the Mets will spread out their sell-off over several weeks, which is why they're getting started immediately following this week's All-Star break. Right-handed starters Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes (leg) are the most obvious trade candidates before the early August trade deadline, but other names like right-handed reliever Luke Weaver could also go in the midst of a lost season for the Mets. The 32-year-old Weaver could be a particularly attractive late-inning bullpen piece that won't come at an exorbitant cost. The 11-year veteran has been one of the team's best relievers, sporting a 1.85 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, one save, 43 strikeouts, and 11 walks in 39 innings out of the 'pen in 2026 in his first year in Queens.
Source: SNY Mets
Source: SNY Mets
Marvin Mims Jr. May Need a Change of Scenery to Matter in Dynasty Formats
Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. is still only 24, but another major addition has made his 2026 role harder to trust. He finished last season with 37 catches for 322 yards and one touchdown, down from 503 yards and six scores in 2024. Denver then traded a first-round pick, among other selections, for Jaylen Waddle. Courtland Sutton remains, and Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant are also fighting for snaps. Mims will still matter to the Broncos because he is one of the NFL's better returners, but that does not help fantasy managers much. He played only 33% of Denver's offensive snaps last year, even before Waddle arrived. There is still a patience case in dynasty. Mims is 24, can create with the ball in his hands, and is entering the final season of his rookie contract. He has also acknowledged this could be his last year in Denver. Contenders should not count on him for 2026. Rebuilders with room should hold rather than sell for scraps, since a new team in 2027 may offer the receiving opportunity he has yet to find.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey Benson's Dynasty Appeal Is Fading in Arizona
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson finally had a shot at replacing James Conner last September, then his own knee injury erased the opportunity. A meniscus procedure ended his season after four games. He had been productive in that brief run, taking 29 carries for 160 yards and catching 13 of 16 targets for another 64, but Arizona spent the offseason building around other backs. Conner reworked his deal to stay. Tyler Allgeier signed for two years. Then the Cardinals used the third overall pick on Jeremiyah Love, who is expected to rise to the top of Mike LaFleur's depth chart. Benson was still rehabbing during the offseason program, though the team expects him back for training camp. Even healthy, finding weekly work will be difficult. Love, Allgeier, and Conner are the obvious top three, and Benson has appeared in only 17 games across two seasons. The 4.9 career yards per carry keep a little intrigue alive, but this is not an automatic buy-low. Contenders cannot count on him, and rebuilders should be willing to move him for a useful return rather than wait for the depth chart to get even tighter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Davis Offers Only Deep Dynasty Stash Appeal in a Crowded Backfield
New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis made a little go a long way last season, but the depth chart never opened the way it seemed it might. After Braelon Allen suffered a season-ending MCL injury in Week 4, Davis moved into the No. 2 spot behind Breece Hall. His best day came in Cincinnati, where he turned 12 touches into 109 yards. That was the exception. Davis finished 2025 with 43 carries for 236 yards and 21 catches for 186 yards, only 64 touches in 16 games even with Allen out for most of the season. Now Allen is back, and the Jets signed Hall to a multi-year extension in May. Aaron Glenn still likes the idea of using all three, though offseason work had Hall first, Allen second, and Davis third. The efficiency is real. Davis has averaged 5.6 yards per carry through two seasons and can help in the passing game. The workload is the problem. He belongs on rosters only in deep dynasty leagues, and neither contenders nor rebuilders should be paying much to get him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey McBride Is a Dynasty Cornerstone, Not a Sell-High Candidate
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is the kind of player dynasty managers can overthink after a monster season. He caught 126 passes for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, one year after going 111-1,146-2. The 169 targets matter more than the touchdown spike. McBride has now topped 100 catches in back-to-back seasons, something no tight end had done before, and Arizona has him under contract through 2029. There is some uncertainty at quarterback, but Jacoby Brissett enters camp as the likely starter. Gardner Minshew II is the veteran alternative, while third-round rookie Carson Beck looks more like a longer-term option. Mike LaFleur has already talked about finding different ways to use McBride in the new offense. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson remain part of a capable receiving group, but that did not keep McBride from leading the Cardinals in catches, yards, and receiving touchdowns last year. RotoBaller ranks him as the dynasty TE2. Contenders should be willing to pay for the weekly advantage, and rebuilders have no reason to move him just because his value is high. It would take another cornerstone asset, plus a meaningful piece, to make selling worthwhile.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brock Purdy Is a Smart Dynasty Buy for Contenders
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy played only nine games last season, but the production held up when he was on the field. He threw for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while adding 147 rushing yards and three more scores. That is 23 total touchdowns in nine starts. Purdy will never offer the rushing ceiling of the elite fantasy quarterbacks, though he has already shown he can deliver strong numbers within Kyle Shanahan's offense. He is 26, signed through 2030, and has thrown 84 touchdown passes in 49 career games. San Francisco also gave him a new group of weapons. Mike Evans and Christian Kirk were added, Ricky Pearsall returns, and the 49ers selected De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick. George Kittle's recovery from a torn Achilles remains the biggest concern around the offense. RotoBaller ranks Purdy as the dynasty QB14, placing him near the front of the QB2 tier. Rebuilders do not need to force a deal, but contenders looking for a stable Superflex starter should be asking what it takes to acquire him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Shohei Ohtani Won't Pitch This Weekend Following Knee Treatment
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) won't rejoin the starting rotation to begin the second half of the season for the weekend series against the New York Yankees following his knee treatment over this week's All-Star break, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ohtani has been kept from starting (as a pitcher) over the last two weeks due to a minor left-knee injury. He had the knee drained before the break but has continued to serve as the team's designated hitter with no ill effects. If Ohtani returns for the next series next week, he'll be facing the Philadelphia Phillies on the mound. The Japanese superstar and four-time MVP is a must-start whenever he toes the rubber as a pitcher, but he'll be a bit riskier in fantasy lineups and could be on a pitch count whenever he makes his first start of the second half. The 32-year-old veteran has been excellent on the mound in 2026, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.61 FIP) and 0.95 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and 26 walks in 85 2/3 innings pitched across his 14 starts for the Blue.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Justin Jefferson's Down Year Gives Dynasty Contenders an Opening
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson did not suddenly stop being an elite dynasty asset because 2025 went sideways. The touchdowns vanished. He scored only twice, and Minnesota cycled through J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer while Jefferson finished with 84 catches for 1,048 yards on 141 targets. It was his worst full season, yet he still cleared 1,000 yards for the sixth time in six years. One season earlier, he posted 103 receptions, 1,533 yards, and 10 scores. The quarterback question remains, with McCarthy and Kyler Murray headed for a camp battle, while Jauan Jennings joins Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson in a deeper group of pass-catchers. None of that changes the larger point. Jefferson turned 27 in June, remains under contract through 2028, and sits fourth in RotoBaller's dynasty wide receiver rankings. He will cost plenty. For a contender with depth to spare, though, this is the rare moment to see whether a frustrated manager will move him. Rebuilders should hold unless the return includes another cornerstone asset.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bo Bichette Returns to Lineup Following All-Star Break
New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (ankle) is starting at third base and batting third for Thursday's series opener at Citizens Bank Park against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola, according to MLB.com. Bichette sat out the final series of the first half of the season last weekend and is now ready to roll to begin the second half after being bothered by ankle and leg soreness. The 28-year-old rebounded from a horrific start to the 2026 campaign in his first year in Queens, but he's still taking a disappointing .255/.300/.376 slash line with a .677 OPS, 10 home runs, 51 RBI, 48 runs scored, and a stolen base into the second half after 380 first-half at-bats. However, Bichette went 10-for-34 (.294) with five RBI to begin the month of July, and his expected batting average of .285 and xwOBA of .330 (wOBA of .297) point to positive regression in the second half. The buy-low window is firmly open for Bichette in fantasy leagues. He's walking just 6.1% of the time, but he's also striking out only 17.7% of the time.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
JoJo Parker Showing Off Power and Speed at Single-A
Toronto Blue Jays infield prospect JoJo Parker is performing admirably in his first taste of professional baseball, slashing .242/.381/.426 with nine home runs and 21 stolen bases through 72 games at Single-A Dunedin. The Jays' top-ranked prospect was particularly hot from mid to late June, which included a four-hit game and five home runs over a nine-game stretch, but was just 1-for-19 (.053) in the five games before the break. The former first-rounder even got to participate in the All-Star Futures game earlier this week, going 1-for-2 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored for the American League squad. Already MLB's No. 27 prospect overall, the 19-year-old is still a couple of years away from the majors, but his above-average hit and power tools make for a strong asset in dynasty leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jonny Farmelo is Finally Healthy and Productive, but When Will He Debut?
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Jonny Farmelo is having a solid 2026 campaign at High-A Everett, slashing .271/.387/.486 with seven home runs and 25 steals, and has been particularly hot as of late, going 17-for-49 (.347) with five doubles, a triple, and three home runs over his last 11 games. The Mariners' fifth-ranked prospect was limited to just 75 games between 2024 and 2025 as a result of ACL and rib injuries, but is finally healthy and is starting to live up to his potential as a former first-round draft pick. The 6-foot-1 slugger could see time at Double-A in the second half, but a major league debut will likely have to wait until 2027. Still, with highly rated power and speed tools, the 21-year-old is a solid dynasty league asset, and redraft managers should familiarize themselves with the left-handed hitter in preparation for next season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Ramon Laureano Is a Clear Drop After Season-Ending Hip Surgery
San Diego Padres left fielder Ramon Laureano (right hip) is not worth carrying into the second half. He underwent surgery June 5 to repair a torn labrum and now sits on the 60-day injured list. MLB lists October as the optimistic return window, with 2027 more likely. That makes the roster call easy in redraft leagues. Laureano had already slipped to .203/.286/.374 with seven homers, 23 runs, 21 RBI, and seven steals in 53 games before the procedure. The hip may help explain the collapse after he finished April at .252, but it does nothing for fantasy managers now. San Diego initially called up Jase Bowen, while Gavin Sheets started in left field throughout the final four games before the break. Keeper and dynasty managers can hold at minimal cost. Everyone else should cut him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mets Reinstate Marcus Semien From the Injured List
The New York Mets announced on Thursday that they reinstated infielder Marcus Semien (hip) from the 10-day injured list and designated infielder Zack Short for assignment in a corresponding move. The Mets have not released their starting lineup for Thursday's series opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, but Semien should be back at the keystone to face veteran right-hander Aaron Nola. Semien is back from a Grade 3 hip-flexor strain that landed him on the IL on June 25. Despite a rough first half of the season, he should pick up as the Mets' starting second baseman to begin the second half, although fantasy managers in deeper leagues may want to keep him on their benches on Thursday against Nolan, whom he's hitting .111 in his career against in nine at-bats. The 35-year-old Semien slashed just .214/.271/.341 with a .613 OPS in 290 first-half at-bats, adding nine home runs, 29 RBI, 30 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 80 games and 318 plate appearances. His offensive profile is nearing rock bottom in his first year in Queens.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Harold Fannin Jr. May Be a Steal at Current Redraft ADP
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. recorded 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets across 16 games as a rookie. Even while splitting reps with veteran tight end David Njoku, Fannin Jr. finished the year as the TE8 in per-game PPR scoring. Entering 2026, Fannin Jr. profiles as the unquestioned TE1 in Cleveland following the offseason departure of Njoku in free agency. While the Browns used a pair of top-40 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft on wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, Fannin Jr. may still profile as the most reliable and consistent target in the Cleveland passing game. The Browns' quarterback situation remains one of the NFL's worst on paper, which is a definite concern for Fannin Jr.'s fantasy upside. However, the 22-year-old specializes in winning in the short and intermediate areas of the field, which should make him a security blanket for whoever is lining up under center for Cleveland. Fannin Jr.'s track record as a high-volume target-earner dates back to his final year in college at Bowling Green, when he led the country in both receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555). As the seventh tight end off the board by current redraft ADP, Fannin Jr. profiles as a value selection for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Aidan Miller Worth Stashing as Window to Return Nears?
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller (back) has been sidelined all season with a back injury that cropped up late last season. Although it didn't keep him off the field in 2025, it has prevented him from playing in any games so far in 2026, and the Phillies top-ranked prospect looks like a long shot to return before the end of July after undergoing a procedure at the beginning of June that had a six-to-eight-week return timetable, but has yet to begin a rehab assignment. The former first-rounder had a good chance to make an MLB debut this season after a strong 2025 campaign in which he hit 13 home runs and stole 52 bases before a late-season promotion to Triple-A, but a 2027 debut is looking more likely at this point. Either way, fantasy managers in redraft leagues should keep tabs on his progress because even if there is a small chance he can make it to the majors in 2026, the 22-year-old has a strong all-around skillset that would make him a viable fantasy asset when he finally arrives in the Show and would make him stashworthy ahead of a potential call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jose Altuve's July Power Spike Opens a Sell Window
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve reached the break at .235/.307/.404 with 11 home runs, 45 runs, 27 RBI, and two steals in 74 games. He did give fantasy managers something to sell. Altuve homered three times in 44 July plate appearances, including the first-half finale, after missing 17 games with a left oblique strain. The bigger picture has not changed much. His 85.8 mph average exit velocity is among the weakest marks of his career, and Statcast sits at a .228 expected average with a .342 expected slugging percentage. Altuve is also striking out at a career-high 22.1% clip. Jeremy Peña returned July 10 and immediately reclaimed the leadoff spot, pushing Altuve to fifth for the final three games. The name still matters, and so does the recent power. This is a good time to see what both can fetch.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen McMillan Emerging as a Sneaky Redraft Sleeper Ahead of 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan's 2025 season was derailed by a preseason neck injury that kept him out until Week 15. However, the 24-year-old should be healthy heading into 2026, and he will have an opportunity to earn a larger role in the Tampa Bay passing game following the offseason departure of former Bucs' wideout Mike Evans. McMillan has flashed upside across the first 17 games of his NFL career, recording 49 catches for 639 yards and eight touchdowns on 73 targets. While Emeka Egbuka is likely locked into the WR1 role in Tampa Bay, presumed Bucs WR2 Chris Godwin Jr. is entering his age-30 season and has battled both injuries and declining production in recent years. As the WR59 by current redraft ADP, McMillan profiles as a sneaky sleeper for fantasy managers to target in drafts ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
George Lombard Jr. Could Join Yankees Well Before September
The Athletic's Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty write that if New York Yankees shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. (fingers) shows that his sprained fingers are no longer an issue, he "could find himself playing shortstop in the Bronx well before the calendar turns to September." Lombard, the Yankees' top prospect per MLB Pipeline, began a rehab assignment on Monday, and the team is hoping that he will return to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre soon. "He's been pushing himself before the injury," general manager Brian Cashman said last week. "Definitely was thriving and conquering the final level. Looking forward to getting him back and active. He might be a choice at some point." The 21-year-old former first-rounder in 2023 has hit .263/.396/.475 with an .870 OPS, 10 home runs, 27 RBI, 12 stolen bases, and 51 runs scored in 64 games across three minor-league levels in 2026 and is the clear shortstop of the future in the Bronx, perhaps as early as the next month or two to take over for Anthony Volpe at the 6. Lombard is one of the best shortstop stashes in all fantasy baseball formats for the second half.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty
Ketel Marte Is a Second-Half Buy After Cold July
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte went into the break batting .256/.311/.461 with 17 home runs, 51 runs, 54 RBI, and four steals across 92 games. The final stretch was ugly. Marte hit .196 with no homers in 49 July plate appearances, ending the half on an 0-for-9 skid against the Dodgers. That is the opening for a trade offer. His expected line still looks like Ketel Marte. Statcast has him at a .293 expected average and .496 expected slugging percentage, with a .364 xwOBA against a .332 actual mark. The contact quality has backed off from 2025, but a 91 mph average exit velocity, 44.9% hard-hit rate, and 10.9% barrel rate are hardly warning signs. Arizona gave him 364 of 405 plate appearances in the leadoff spot. Buy the cold finish, not the idea that Marte suddenly stopped being a difference-maker.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Pitts Sr. a Risky Pick at Current Redraft ADP?
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. put together the best season of his career in 2025, recording 88 catches for 928 yards and five touchdowns on 118 targets across 17 games. Atlanta rewarded Pitts Sr. with a three-year, $54 million contract extension over the offseason, and he now enters 2026 as the clear number two option in the team's passing game behind star wide receiver Drake London. Pitts Sr. finished 2025 as the TE5 in per-game PPR scoring, so his current redraft ADP as the sixth tight end off the board is defensible. However, Pitts Sr. has an extended history of fantasy underperformance, failing to record more than 53 catches, 667 receiving yards, or four touchdowns in any season between 2022 and 2024. The Falcons also have one of the more questionable quarterback situations in the NFL, with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) working his way back from injury and Tua Tagovailoa coming off a brutal season with the Miami Dolphins in 2025. Pitts Sr. has definite upside, but he may be a player for redraft managers to avoid at his current price.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josue Briceno Rehabbing, is a 2026 Debut in Play?
Detroit Tigers catching/first baseman prospect Josue Briceno (wrist) continues to work his way back from wrist surgery that he had before the season began, and is 10 games into his rehab assignment that has thus far been split between Single-A and with the team's Complex League affiliate, going 7-for-29 (.241) with a pair of doubles, a home run, and a 5:6 BB:K. The Tigers' third-ranked prospect is coming off a promising 2025 campaign in which he impressed at High-A to the tune of a .296/.422/.602 slash line through 55 games, which included an 11-game stretch in which he blasted eight home runs, before earning a promotion to Double-A midseason. Though Double-A proved more challenging, he still hit .232 with a 12.6 percent walk rate as one of the younger players at that level. The 6-foot-4 Venezuelan possesses highly rated hit and power tools, and although a 2026 debut is unlikely, the 21-year-old is worth monitoring, and he could be making a fantasy impact in 2027.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Tyler Glasnow Throws a Bullpen Session
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) is progressing slowly in his recovery from lower back spasms, but he was able to throw a bullpen session last weekend, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, and he's hoping to clear each step in his rehab without his back flaring up. The Dodgers initially thought Glasnow wouldn't need to go on the injured list in early May, but he hasn't pitched since and is currently on the 60-day IL. The good news is that the hard-throwing right-hander is making progress in his throwing progression, although he still has plenty of boxes to check and will likely require at least a couple of minor-league rehab starts before he's cleared to rejoin L.A.'s starting rotation at some point in August. Fantasy managers need to remain patient and keep the high-upside strikeout arm stashed in all league formats. The 32-year-old veteran and former fifth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 went 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings in seven starts before his back injury sidelined him.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Drake Baldwin Is Built for a Second-Half Rebound
Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin still carried a .254/.345/.437 line with 15 homers and 46 RBI into the break, even after an oblique injury scrambled his summer. He was activated June 15, then went 3-for-48 with 22 strikeouts during the rest of the month. July looked more normal: 11 hits and a .396 on-base percentage in 53 plate appearances. The bat is still loud. Baldwin owns a 51.2% hard-hit rate, a 15.3% barrel rate, and a .512 expected slugging percentage, well above the actual mark. Atlanta has also kept him busy, starting him 44 times behind the plate and 27 more at designated hitter. The swing decisions have slipped, with his chase rate up to 34% and his strikeout rate at 22.3%. That is the blemish. It is not enough to fade a catcher with this much impact and this secure a role. Baldwin remains a strong second-half rebound target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft's Dynasty Upside Remains Sky-High Despite Injury Setback
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft's (knee) 2025 season came to a premature end when he suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 9. However, the latest reporting indicates that Kraft is on track to be fully ready to go for the start of the 2026 season. The 25-year-old looked to be on his way to a breakout campaign before getting injured last year, recording 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 44 targets across eight games, ranking as the TE4 by per-game PPR scoring. While Kraft may not be the highest-target-volume tight end in the NFL, he averaged a ridiculously efficient 15.3 yards per reception in 2025. If Kraft gets back to full health and continues along the development arc he was on before the injury, he could have TE1 overall upside. With his current injury status, now might be the last buy-low window dynasty managers have on Kraft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Sirota's Arrow Pointing Way Up in Dynasty Leagues
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Mike Sirota produced a very impressive first half between High-A and Double-A, posting similar stats at both levels while slashing .319/.475/.562 with 14 home runs, 11 steals, and nearly as many walks (74) as strikeouts (79). His elite 21.1 percent walk rate (and eight hit-by-pitches) has helped the Dodgers' second-ranked prospect to an incredible stretch of 72 consecutive games reaching base at least once. The former third-round draft pick was having a strong 2025 between Single-A and High-A, in which he slashed .333/.452/.616 with 13 home runs and five steals in 59 games before a knee injury in July ended his season prematurely, so it is good to see that the injury is clearly behind him and hasn't hampered his play this season. The Northeastern University product could see time at Triple-A later this year, and with an ability to hit for contact, power, and steal bases, the 23-year-old has emerged as a high-end dynasty asset and a name to monitor in redraft leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Dodgers Have "No Idea" When Will Smith Will be Back
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) has been swinging a bat, but "his recovery is stagnant," according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. "Certainly expect him back this year," manager Dave Roberts said of Smith. "Just have no idea when." The Dodgers went from Smith not needing a stint on the injured list to him missing more than a month with a neck issue. Thankfully for the Dodgers, they can take their time with their starting backstop because of their healthy lead over both the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres in the National League West division, and it has also given them a chance to give Dalton Rushing extended playing time. Before his neck injury, the 31-year-old Smith was hitting a disappointing .249 (43-for-173) with six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored across 52 games and 201 plate appearances. We'd say that he's a solid buy-low candidate for the second half, but that's a hard sell because of his uncertain timetable and the fact that the Dodgers are in no position to rush any of their injured stars back.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Lamar Jackson's Dynasty Value on the Rise with New Coaching Staff in Baltimore?
Thanks largely to hamstring and back injuries that caused him to miss four games, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson put together an underwhelming season by his own lofty standards in 2025. Across 13 games, the 29-year-old threw for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 349 yards and two scores. After a QB1 finish in 2024, Jackson fell to QB16 in per-game scoring in 2025. Entering 2026, Jackson will be working with a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle and a revamped wide receiver corps that includes 2026 draftees Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. As he enters his age-29 season, Baltimore may look to utilize Jackson's legs less often in order to keep him healthy. Even still, Jackson has proven he's the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in fantasy football when Baltimore's offense is fully operational. With a new coaching staff around him, Jackson remains an elite dynasty asset.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
