July 3, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman
Andres Gimenez (ankle) is sitting out of Thursday's series finale against the New York Yankees after injuring his ankle in the win on Wednesday.
Leo Jimenez will start at second base and will bat in the nine-hole versus Yankees right-hander
Clarke Schmidt. The Athletic's Mitch Bannon reports that Gimenez should be available for Thursday's game off the bench, if needed. It means that Gimenez should return for this weekend's series against the visiting Los Angeles Angels. The 26-year-old was pulled from Wednesday's game in the ninth inning after injuring his ankle on a play at second base, but it's not an injury that should force him to the injured list. Fantasy managers should look for better DFS sleepers than Jimenez, who is hitting .227 (41-for-181) with four homers in his 65 big-league games, dating back to last year.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
July
3,
2025
New
York
Yankees
first
baseman
Paul
Goldschmidt
and
designated
hitter
Giancarlo
Stanton
are
both
out
of
the
starting
lineup
for
Thursday's
series
finale
against
the
division-rival
Toronto
Blue
Jays.
read more...
July 3, 2025
The New York Post's Jon Heyman writes that the New York Yankees are fielding trade calls for a first baseman with the July 31 trade deadline approaching, and they have expressed interest in Colorado Rockies third baseman
Ryan McMahon. Their current third baseman,
Jazz Chisholm Jr., has arguably been their second-best offensive player this year behind
Aaron Judge and has 14 home runs, 36 RBI, 33 runs scored and 10 stolen bases despite missing time with an injury. However, Heyman says that the Yankees know Chisholm belongs at the keystone, where he's Gold Glove-caliber.
DJ LeMahieu prefers second base over third base, but he's not the same player that won multiple batting titles. The 36-year-old veteran is hitting .254 with only two home runs and 12 RBI in 118 at-bats. McMahon is hitting just .216 on the year but has 12 homers and would be an upgrade over LeMahieu in the lineup.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
July 3, 2025
The New York Mets announced on Thursday that they placed right-handed reliever
Dedniel Nunez (elbow) on the 15-day injured list with a right-elbow sprain and recalled right-hander
Justin Hagenman from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. There's no exact timetable for Nunez's return, but it's possible he won't be ready to go for the start of the second half of the season on July 18. It's definitely a blow to the back end of New York's bullpen to close out the first half, as the 29-year-old Dominican hurler had allowed just two runs in six innings with eight strikeouts and two holds since returning from the minors last month. Nunez posted a 2.31 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with his first career save, 48 strikeouts and only eight walks in 35 innings in his first year in the big leagues in Queens in 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Mets
July 3, 2025
New York Mets left-hander
Sean Manaea (elbow, oblique) is expected to make one more minor-league rehab start on Tuesday before coming off the 60-day injured list, according to NJ Advance Media's Manny Gomez. The Mets would like to get Manaea one start in the big leagues before the All-Star break, but they're taking it "one step at a time." If the veteran southpaw does return before the break, it will be next Sunday, July 13, against the Kansas City Royals. The 33-year-old was initially shut down in spring training with an oblique strain before recently dealing with loose bodies in his left elbow. He was able to throw 60 pitches over three innings for Binghamton on Wednesday and should only need one more rehab start, assuming it goes well. Manaea had a late-career resurgence in 2024 with the Mets thanks to a lowered arm slot. Can he do it again? Fantasy managers stashing him all this time certainly hope so.
--Keith HernandezSource: NJ Advance Media - Manny Gomez
July 3, 2025
New York Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza said that the goal is for right-hander
Kodai Senga (hamstring) to pitch in a minor-league rehab game for Double-A Binghamton this weekend. The skipper also said that Senga could be "in play" to come off the injured list before the All-Star break. The Mets' starting rotation should be getting reinforcements soon, with left-hander
Sean Manaea (elbow, oblique) also potentially returning to the fold before the All-Star break. Senga has been out since the middle of June with a strained right hamstring, but if all goes well with his rehab start this weekend, the 32-year-old veteran could return to action for the Mets by July 12 against the Kansas City Royals. Senga should be rostered in all fantasy leagues and will be a must-start as soon as he returns after going 7-3 with a 1.47 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 70 strikeouts in his 73 2/3 innings over 13 starts.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY
July 3, 2025
The Tampa Bay Rays reinstated shortstop
Ha-Seong Kim (hamstring, shoulder) from the 60-day injured list on Thursday and optioned infielder
Curtis Mead to Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move, according to Bally Sports' Ryan Bass. Kim is expected to make his debut with the team during the weekend series in Minnesota against the Twins. The 29-year-old will also be making his 2025 season debut after undergoing surgery on his shoulder in October of last year. He had a setback during his recovery in the minors due to a hamstring injury but is now 100 percent and ready to serve as Tampa's starting shortstop the rest of the season. The South Korean native should at least provide modest power and speed for fantasy managers looking for middle-infield depth the rest of the way. Kim's high-water mark was 17 homers, 60 RBI and 38 steals for the Padres in 2023.
--Keith HernandezSource: Bally Sports Florida - Ryan Bass
July 3, 2025
New York Yankees outfielder
Trent Grisham (hamstring) and catcher
Austin Wells (finger) are both back in the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander
Chris Bassitt. Grisham is in center field and batting leadoff, while Wells is catching and in the eight-hole. Grisham is back after missing the last two games with tightness in his left hamstring. The Yankees initially thought that the 28-year-old was going to need a trip to the injured list, but that won't be the case now. Wells missed four straight games with arterial damage in his left index finger, but he's also feeling good enough to return to the lineup. Grisham has hit .182 with a solo home run in 11 career at-bats against Bassitt, while Wells has a .250 average in eight career at-bats against Bassitt.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
July
3,
2025
The
Los
Angeles
Angels
placed
rookie
infielder
Christian
Moore
(thumb)
on
the
10-day
injured
list
on
Thursday
with
a
left-thumb
sprain
and
selected
the
contract
of
infielder
Chad
Stevens
from
the
read more...
July 3, 2025
After returning to the starting lineup on Wednesday after dealing with some neck soreness, Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman
Josh Naylor is getting the day off in Thursday's series finale against the division-rival San Francisco Giants with left-hander
Robbie Ray on the mound. Rookie
Tim Tawa is starting at first base and is batting eighth for the Snakes. After missing four straight games with a neck injury, Naylor returned on Wednesday and went 1-for-4 with an RBI in an extra-innings loss. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger has been mentioned as a potential trade candidate this summer after slashing a strong .303/.357/.471 with an .828 OPS, 10 home runs, 54 RBI, 42 runs and 10 steals in his 297 at-bats in his first year in the desert. Tawa has two hits in just three plate appearances against Ray.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
July 3, 2025
The Milwaukee Brewers returned outfielder
Blake Perkins (groin, shin) from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville to the seven-day injured list with a left-groin strain, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Curt Hogg. Perkins was recovering from a fractured right shin and had played in five games for the Sounds, going 3-for-13 with a home run, two RBI, three runs and two steals, but now he's going to miss more time with a new injury. Although there's no official timetable for the 28-year-old to return from his groin injury, it's likely that he'll be out through the All-Star break. Perkins has yet to play in the big leagues this year, and while he offers upside with his glove, it's going to be difficult for him to find frequent playing time in a crowded outfield picture in Milwaukee when he recovers from his groin injury. Perkins hit .240 with six homers, 43 RBI and 23 steals in 121 games in 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
July 3, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander
Nestor Cortes (elbow) made his first minor-league rehab start on Wednesday with Triple-A Nashville and looked good, throwing three shutout innings with only one hit allowed, no walks and four strikeouts against Triple-A Memphis. Cortes is making progress from a strained left elbow that has kept him sidelined since early April, but given his long layoff, he's unlikely to be an option to rejoin Milwaukee's starting rotation until the start of the second half of the season later this month. The 30-year-old Cuban southpaw was hit hard in his first two starts for the Brew Crew, allowing eight earned runs on seven hits (five homers) while walking seven and striking out eight in eight innings. Cortes has shown stretches of brilliance over his seven-year career, but he's dealt with multiple injuries in recent seasons and could be used out of the bullpen upon his return.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
July
3,
2025
Toronto
Blue
Jays
shortstop
Bo
Bichette
(knee)
remains
out
of
the
starting
lineup
for
Thursday's
series
finale
against
the
division-rival
New
York
Yankees.
Second
baseman
Andres
Gimenez
is
also
sitting
after
an
injury
read more...
July 3, 2025
The New York Mets placed right-hander
Paul Blackburn (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list on Thursday with a right-shoulder impingement, according to SNY. It's unclear what the corresponding move was for the Mets. Blackburn has rarely been healthy since joining the Mets midseason in 2024, and he had made only seven appearances (six starts) for New York this year before going back on the IL with a new ailment. The 31-year-old veteran has not been good in his 18 2/3 innings for the Mets this year, either, allowing 17 runs (16 earned) on 30 hits (two homers) while walking seven and striking out 15. He's currently sporting a 7.71 ERA and 1.98 WHIP and doesn't have any business being rostered in mixed leagues, especially that he'll now be out through the All-Star break.
--Keith HernandezSource: SNY
July 3, 2025
New York Yankees pitching prospect
Clayton Beeter was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday. The righty made his major league debut in 2024, striking out five batters and walking just one in 3 2/3 innings of work. The strikeout stuff has been there at Triple-A this season, fanning 35 batters (38.5 percent K%) in 21 innings pitched, however, he's also walked 17 batters (18.7 percent BB%). Nevertheless, the 26-year-old will get another shot in the big leagues, working out of the bullpen for the Yankees. With New York already with a couple of options at closer, Beeter doesn't have much value for fantasy, though.
--Jarod RuppSource: Yankees PR Dept.
July 3, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies outfield prospect
Justin Crawford went 3-for-4 with a double, a walk, and one run scored on Wednesday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The Phils' third-ranked prospect is 10-for-21 (.476) over his last five games, including four doubles and a home run, although surprisingly without even a single stolen base. The 21-year-old is sporting a .341/.415/.451 slash line with 26 steals, a .395 wOBA, and a 135 wRC+ through 65 games for the Iron Pigs. The former first-rounder is striking out at just a 17.8 percent clip while drawing walks at an above-average rate of 11.6 percent. As hot as he's been all season, it is somewhat surprising that he hasn't seen a promotion, but so long as he is not dealt before the trade deadline, look for the team to give him a shot in the majors in the second half, bringing with him solid contact skills and speed, which could make for a viable fantasy asset.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
July 3, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers pitching prospect
Logan Henderson was tagged for five earned runs in his latest start on Tuesday for Triple-A Nashville, yielding three hits (two home runs), one walk, and he hit one batter while striking out three in four innings of work. The Brewers' sixth-ranked prospect has been susceptible to the home run lately, allowing five home runs in his last three starts at Triple-A after allowing only three home runs total in his first eight games. Still, the right-hander owns a 3.12 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 20.8 percent K-BB% through 11 starts for the Sounds in 2025. The 23-year-old also pitched well in four starts in the majors earlier this year as well, posting a 1.71 ERA (3.04 FIP), 0.95 WHIP, and a 28.4 percent K-BB%, so expect him to get back on track and be in the big leagues later this year. When that happens, he'll be worthy of a roster spot in most 12-team leagues.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
July 3, 2025
The Los Angeles Dodgers are calling up outfielder
Esteury Ruiz from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday with third baseman Max Muncy (knee) undergoing additional testing after suffering an ugly-looking left-knee injury in the win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night, sources tell The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. Although nothing is official, this is sign that Muncy is heading to the injured list to close out the first half of the season. It wouldn't be a surprise given how bad the injury looked during a collision with White Sox outfielder
Michael Taylor during a stolen base attempt. The 26-year-old Ruiz stole a league-high 67 bases in 2023 with the A's and was hitting .292 with eight home runs and 38 steals in 66 games for OKC, but the speedster is unlikely to see enough playing time in L.A. to be worth anything more than an NL-only flier.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
July
3,
2025
Updating
a
previous
story,
Cleveland
Guardians
right-hander
Luis
L.
Ortiz
is
being
investigated
by
the
league
after
a
betting-integrity
firm
flagged
a
pair
of
his
pitches
that
had
received
unusual
gambling
activity,
according
to
sources.
read more...
July 3, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks infield prospect
Jordan Lawlar (hamstring) is expected to miss multiple weeks with his latest hamstring injury, according to manager Torey Lovullo. The former first-rounder had been placed on the 7-day IL after being removed from a game on June 25. Lawlar was hitting well at Triple-A all year, slashing .319/.410/.583 with 10 home runs and 18 stolen bases, but now it appears he'll be out until August. The D-backs' top-ranked prospect dealt with hamstring injuries last season as well, and was limited to just 14 games between Double and Triple-A, so the team won't look to rush him back, especially without an opening on the big league roster. The 22-year-old dropped 10 spots on MLB.com's latest refresh list, but there is still 20/20 potential here whenever he's finally able to get regular major league at-bats.
--Jarod RuppSource: Jose M. Romero
July 3, 2025
Colorado Rockies shortstop
Ezequiel Tovar (oblique) is running the bases at Coors Field before Thursday's series finale against the visiting Houston Astros, and interim manager Warren Schaeffer said that the team is close to sending Tovar on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 23-year-old has already been taking swings off a tee, so if he doesn't suffer a setback while running on Thursday, he could be cleared to start playing in rehab games this weekend and come off the injured list before the All-Star break in mid-July. Tovar has been away from the team since early June with a left-oblique strain, but it sounds like he could be on the cusp of a return. Rookie
Ryan Ritter has been filling in as Colorado's starting shortstop with Tovar out. Tovar had a breakout year in 2024 with 26 homers, 78 RBI and 45 doubles but had gotten off to a slow start in his first 32 games this year.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
July 3, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect
Bubba Chandler allowed one earned run on three hits and four walks while striking out six in 3 1/3 innings pitched in his latest start this past Saturday. After a dominating start to the year, some command issues have cropped up for the Pirates' top prospect, registering a 15.0 percent walk rate over his last 10 starts while posting a 4.75 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, and a 10.4 percent K-BB%. What seemed like an imminent promotion to the big leagues earlier this season has now turned into potentially a handful of starts in the second half, a disappointing outcome for fantasy managers who have stashed him in hopes of a major league debut. The ceiling is still high, and Pittsburgh's general manager Ben Cherington recently stated the team wants him to be in the majors this season.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
July 3, 2025
The Colorado Rockies announced on Thursday that they recalled rookie right-handed reliever
Zach Agnos from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned right-hander
Angel Chivilli to Albuquerque in a corresponding move. Although it's hard to bank on anything from the back end of the worst team in baseball's bullpen, the return of Agnos is notable for fantasy managers scrounging for saves and high-leverage arms that could have an impact in the second half. The 24-year-old former 10th-rounder in 2022 out of East Carolina had a short stint as the Rockies' closer earlier this year and picked up his first four saves, but he also struggled to an 0-3 record, 5.48 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 12 strikeouts and nine free passes in 21 1/3 innings pitched in 20 appearances. As things currently stand,
Seth Halvorsen is the primary option for saves for the last-place Rockies.
--Keith HernandezSource: Rockies Club Information
July 3, 2025
Houston Astros outfielder
Chas McCormick (oblique) is scheduled to travel to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday and start a minor-league rehab assignment on Friday, according to manager Joe Espada. As long as McCormick doesn't suffer a setback with his oblique, he could be activated from the 10-day injured list and rejoin the big-league club early next week. The 30-year-old veteran has been sidelined since late May with a strained left oblique and will provide outfield depth for the Astros when he's back. McCormick had been serving as a bench player for Houston before his injury and was hitting .256 (11-for-43) with no homers, two RBI, a steal and six runs scored in 36 games played. He had a career-best 22 long balls, 70 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 115 games for the 'Stros back in 2023, but he's facing an uphill battle for regular playing time in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
July 3, 2025
Houston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena (ribs) is not doing baseball activities yet, but general manager Dana Brown said he could resume baseball activities this weekend in Los Angeles. The Astros placed Pena on the 10-day injured list on Monday with a small rib fracture on his left side after he was hit by a pitch. It's good news that the 27-year-old could resume baseball activities this weekend, but by no means should fantasy managers be expecting him to return from the IL before the end of the first half of the season. However, it's possible that Pena could be ready to roll for the start of the second half of the season on July 18 if he continues to make good progress after he resumes baseball activities. Pena is having a career year for fantasy managers in 2025 and should remain stashed in all leagues. Until he's back
Mauricio Dubon will serve as the team's primary shortstop.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
July 3, 2025
Per the Houston Astros, outfielder/designated hitter
Yordan Alvarez (hand) received some encouraging news from a hand specialist that examined him on Wednesday. Alvarez received additional imaging, which showed that the main cause of his current pain is merely inflammation, and the small fracture that had been sustained is now a non-factor in the pain that Alvarez is experiencing. He received two injections on Wednesday and will refrain from baseball activity with his hand in the coming days. The specialist also determined that the 28-year-old's hand has made noticeable progress when compared to the imaging done over the last several weeks. While it's good news, there's still no timetable for the All-Star's return. In a best-case scenario, Alvarez will be ready to go for the start of the second half of the season on July 18.
--Keith HernandezSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara-
July 3, 2025
ESPN's David Newton writes that it was obvious to teammates that Carolina Panthers second-year linebacker Chau Smith-Wade had a stellar offseason and will be a factor for the team in 2025. "Man, I think he's been the most impressive player," Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn said. "Chau took advantage of an opportunity," head coach Dave Canales said. "He made tackles. He had an opportunity on an interception, and he made it." Newton adds that Smith-Wade's ability to play corner, nickel and safety makes him even more valuable to a young defense that finished last in the NFL in 2024. The 22-year-old ended his rookie campaign on Injured Reserve in December due to an illness. The former fifth-rounder finished 2024 with 39 tackles (24 solo) an interception and a forced fumble in 14 games (four starts). Smith-Wade had taken over the slot role before his illness sidelined him.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - David Newton
July 3, 2025
The Utah Jazz announced that forward
Ace Bailey has signed his rookie contract. Utah selected Bailey with the fifth overall pick in last month's NBA Draft. The former Rutgers standout was anticipated to be the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, he fell to the Jazz at No. 5 after refusing to participate in individual workouts for any NBA teams. Rumors surfaced pre-draft about whether Bailey wanted to play in Utah. He squashed the rumors by reporting to Summer League practices this week. In 30 games at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Without question, his name should be mentioned in the Rookie of the Year conversation, assuming he stays healthy.
--Andrew LennoxSource: The Salt Lake Tribune
July 3, 2025
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris thinks that linebacker Divine Deablo is capable of wearing the green dot as essentially the quarterback of the defense in 2025, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi. Morris has been impressed with Deablo's size (6-foot-3), length and speed, and he has a realistic shot at winning a starting job at inside linebacker next to Kaden Elliss. The 26-year-old former third-rounder (80th overall) by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 out of Virginia Tech had just 63 tackles (35 solo) and one sack in 14 starts in his fourth year with the Raiders in 2024, which was his lowest tackle output since his rookie season. It sound like Deablo will have a great chance for a bounce-back season in his first year with the Falcons, but he's probably not going to be on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues. Deablo has 100-plus tackles just once in his four years in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi
July 3, 2025
Houston Astros catcher
Yainer Diaz won't be in the team's lineup for the final game of their series with the hosting Colorado Rockies. The Dominican Republic native got the starting nod for the previous six contests, but he'll take a seat with Houston squaring off against left-handed pitcher
Kyle Freeland.
Victor Caratini will cover behind home plate in his stead and bat sixth. Diaz has had a tough time getting going this year, but he's underproducing his expected stats by a decent margin. He's a candidate for positive regression, considering not much has changed in his underlying profile. However, it's worth noting that the 26-year-old has struggled mightily against righties (.231) after batting .297 or better against them the past two campaigns.
--Alex CiullaSource: MLB.com
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