RADIO
Mike Trout Nearing Return, Could Rejoin Angels This Week
Angels superstar Mike Trout (hamstring) continues to make encouraging progress from the right hamstring strain that has sidelined him since June 18. Trout ran the bases on Sunday without any reported issues and remains on track to return during the Angels' upcoming road trip, potentially as early as July 7 or 8. The 34-year-old is looking to build on a strong start to the 2026 season, slashing .234/.394/.472 with an .866 OPS across 74 games. His power has remained intact, and he was heating up before the injury, slugging .741 with three home runs over the seven games leading up to his absence. Fantasy managers should remain optimistic that Trout can carry that momentum into his imminent return.
Source: Rhett Bollinger
Source: Rhett Bollinger
Cam Skattebo Drawing High Praise From New Head Coach
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh described running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) as a "top-tier back," per Jordan Raanan of ESPN. A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Skattebo collected 617 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 125 touches across eight games as a rookie before suffering a season-ending ankle injury. Despite the injury, the 24-year-old is expected to be fully healthy and ready to go for the start of 2026. The Giants have solid depth at the running back position in the form of Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary. However, it appears as though Harbaugh and the rest of the new coaching staff in New York view Skattebo as the team's lead back. RotoBaller currently ranks Skattebo as the 19th-best running back for redraft leagues heading into 2026.
Source: ESPN - Jordan Raanan
Source: ESPN - Jordan Raanan
Jakob Marsee's X-Rays Come Back Negative After Knee Scare
Marlins outfielder Jakob Marsee (knee) was removed early from Sunday's game against the Athletics after taking a 97 mph fastball off the kneecap. He stayed in the game long enough to complete a trip around the bases before exiting in the following half-inning. Fortunately, X-rays came back negative, and the 25-year-old is currently considered day-to-day. Marsee has struggled to find consistent production this season, slashing .192/.316/.296 across 88 games after posting an .841 OPS in 55 games during his breakout rookie campaign in 2025. He has already shown offensive upside at the major league level, and a short reset could help him regain the form that made him an intriguing fantasy option last season.
Source: Christina De Nicola
Source: Christina De Nicola
Logan O'Hoppe is Returning to the Lineup on Sunday
Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe (head) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Boston Red Sox. O'Hoppe sat out of Saturday's contest after taking a foul tip to the mask during Friday's game. Luckily, O'Hoppe has avoided a concussion and only missed one game because of the injury. He'll be back behind the plate and bat eighth versus left-hander Ranger Suarez on Sunday. O'Hoppe isn't having a ton of success at the plate this season and is only worth looking at in deep leagues right now.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Brenton Doyle to Remain on Injured List
Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle (oblique) was pulled off his minor league rehab assignment on Sunday. Doyle was placed on the 10-day Injured List on May 21 due to a left oblique contusion. He was making progress while playing at Triple-A Albuquerque before aggravating his injury on Saturday. The Rockies have pulled Doyle off his rehab assignment and will further evaluate him in Denver. It doesn't sound like Doyle is going to be ready to return before the All-Star break. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates on his status. He could be a mixed league option once he's cleared to play again.
Source: Rockies PR
Source: Rockies PR
Martin Perez Likely Headed to Injured List
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Martin Perez (elbow) is expected to be placed on the 15-day Injured List, according to manager Walt Weiss. Perez was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's outing after he was hit by a comebacker in the forearm. He was pulled out of the game and underwent X-rays, which came back negative. Despite the news on the X-rays, the Braves are still likely opting to place Perez on the shelf. They don't have any off days this week, so they could use another healthy arm ahead of the All-Star break. This is expected to be a minimal stint on the Injured List for Perez. He should be back shortly after the All-Star break, but the Braves should give more information on his status later.
Source: Chad Bishop
Source: Chad Bishop
Edwin Diaz Throws Bullpen Session on Sunday
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Edwin Diaz (elbow) threw a live bullpen session before Sunday's game against the San Diego Padres. Diaz said afterwards that he felt better than he did earlier in the season. Diaz has been sidelined since he underwent surgery in April to remove loose bodies from his elbow. He remains on the 60-day Injured List, but Diaz believes he'll be able to rejoin the Dodgers bullpen shortly after the All-Star break. The assumption is that Diaz will resume the full-time closer role once he's back with the team. Fantasy managers who need bullpen help down the stretch of the season should stash Diaz now.
Source: Jack Harris
Source: Jack Harris
Tommy Edman is Scratched from Sunday's Lineup
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman (foot) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers have decided to hold out Edman for a day after he was hit by a pitch on the foot during Saturday's contest. It sounds like the Dodgers are just being safe, so fantasy managers shouldn't need to worry about Edman heading to the Injured List because of this. Alex Freeland will cover second base while Miguel Rojas takes over at the hot corner versus left-hander JP Sears on Sunday. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups ahead of the first pitch.
Source: Jack Harris
Source: Jack Harris
Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Chicagoland Lineups?
Joe Gibbs Racing's Christopher Bell is starting sixth after qualifying for the Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. This will be Bell's first Cup Series race at Chicagoland, although he does have two O'Reilly Series starts at the site with a best finish of 12th. In 18 races completed this season, Bell has seven top-10 finishes with an average finish of 17.7. During practice for this week's race, Bell ranked as high as 10th in 20 consecutive lap averages. Bell has stated to media members that despite making gains in his recovery, he is not fully healed from his wrist injury after a few weeks. The injury status, as well as Bell's low upside and inconsistency this season, makes him a driver only worth DFS consideration for tournaments.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Chicagoland?
Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing will start in seventh for this week's Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Briscoe matches the starting position that he also had in last week's race at Sonoma Raceway. The No. 19 Toyota driver has never raced at Chicagoland in the Cup Series, but he did have two starts at the site in the O'Reilly Series, with two top-15 finishes. In 18 races so far this year, Briscoe has eight top-10 finishes and an average finish of 16.0. In practice for this week's race, Briscoe ranked ninth in 10 consecutive lap averages and sixth in both 15 and 20 consecutive lap averages. With top-notch equipment and practice speeds, Briscoe is a driver who fantasy players can rely on for DFS this week.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
William Byron Is an Underrated DFS Option for Chicagoland Lineups
Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron will start in the 10th position for this week's Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. This will be the second time in Byron's Cup career that he will start inside the top 10 at Chicagoland. In two previous races at the site, Byron has a best finish of eighth from his last appearance there in 2019. Through 18 races this year, Byron has eight top-10 finishes, including at all four races at 1.5-mile Intermediate tracks. In practice for this week's race, Byron ranked fourth in 10 and 20 consecutive lap averages and third in 15 consecutive lap averages. Byron is one of the more underrated DFS options for this week's race due to his top-5 caliber practice speeds and overall consistency at Intermediate ovals this year.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
Should Fantasy Managers Consider Chase Elliott for Chicagoland DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports will start ninth for this week's Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Elliott also competed in the O'Reilly Series race at the site earlier in the weekend, where he went on to finish in second. In four previous races at Chicagoland, Elliott has had two top-5 finishes and an average finish of 8.8. With 18 races completed this season, Elliott has two wins, eight top-10 finishes, and an average finish of 13.2. The No. 9 Chevrolet driver also has three top-10 finishes at 1.5-mile Intermediate oval tracks like Chicagoland this season, including a win at Texas. In practice for this week's race, Elliott ranked among the top 15 fastest in 5- 20 consecutive-lap averages. Considering his past history and overall consistency at Intermediate oval tracks, Elliott is a driver to consider rostering for DFS, especially in tournaments, as he can be a potentially sneaky option.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
Could Carson Hocevar be A Top-10 Contender at Chicagoland?
Spire Motorsports driver Carson Hocevar is starting in the 15th position for this week's Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. This will be Hocevar's first time participating in a Cup race at Chicagoland in his career. After 18 races this season so far, Hocevar has one win, seven top-10 finishes, and an average finish of 14.6. Hocevar also has two top-15 finishes at 1.5-mile Intermediate tracks, including Kansas and Texas. In practice for Sunday's race, Hocevar ranked eighth in five consecutive lap averages while displaying top-15 speeds in all other categories. Due to his equipment and practice speeds, Hocevar is a driver who is capable of competing for a top-10 finish and is one of the more favorable DFS options to consider for all formats.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Day-to-Day After Injuring his Toe on Sunday
The New York Yankees announced that infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (toe) left Sunday's series finale early against the visiting Minnesota Twins with right big-toe discomfort. Chisholm was examined by Dr. Christopher Ahmad at Yankee Stadium, and X-rays came back negative. He will be reassessed on Monday. Before leaving in the fifth inning, Chisholm went 1-for-2 at the plate. Jose Caballero shifted from third base to second base, with veteran Amed Rosario entering the game to play third. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Monday to see if the switch-hitting infielder is back in the starting lineup for the team's series opener against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays on the road. The 28-year-old entered Sunday's game with a .223 (66-for-296) batting average and an on-base percentage just over .300, but Chisholm continues to provide high-end power/speed skills at second base for fantasy managers. He has 12 long balls, 33 RBI, 43 runs scored, and 26 stolen bases in 296 at-bats in 2026 in his second full season in the Bronx.
Source: New York Yankees
Source: New York Yankees
Bubba Wallace May Have a Strong Performance at Chicagoland
Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing will start in eighth for the Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Wallace will start inside the top 10 at the site for the first time in his first race there with 23XI. In two previous races at Chicagoland, with Richard Petty Motorsports, Wallace's best finish is 23rd. Through 18 races so far this season, Wallace has eight top-10 finishes with an average finish of 17.0. At 1.5-mile Intermediate tracks this year, Wallace has three top-10 finishes, including a fifth-place finish at Kansas. In practice for this week's race, Wallace displayed top-5 speeds in the five-, 10-, and 15-consecutive-lap average categories in practice. Although Wallace's high starting position leaves little Place Differential upside, he does have a fast enough car to place in the top five and be a great DFS option for tournaments.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
Byron Buxton Aggravates Hip Injury, Pulled Early on Sunday
The Minnesota Twins said that outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) was removed from Sunday's series finale early in New York against the Yankees due to a "re-aggravation of a prior hip injury," according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Buxton had a hit in his only plate appearance on the day and was replaced in center field by Kyler Fedko. The 32-year-old could have injured his hip during his stolen base attempt in the first inning. Buxton missed four games earlier this week due to a hip impingement but had returned to the starting lineup for Saturday's contest at Yankee Stadium. It's unclear how serious the injury is, but given Buxton's lengthy injury history, it would not be a surprise to see him land on the 10-day injured list to give him an extended break during the upcoming All-Star break from July 13-16. If he's just day-to-day, Buxton's next chance to play will come on Tuesday against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians after a scheduled day off on Monday. The two-time All-Star doesn't run much these days, but his resurgence in power the last two years has made him fantasy relevant in all leagues. Buxton has hit 25 homers in 74 games in 2026 after clubbing 35, driving in 83 runs, and stealing 24 bases in 126 games in 2025.
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Joey Logano Qualifies Outside of the Top 30 at Chicagoland
Team Penske's Joey Logano is starting 31st for this week's Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Compared to his past races from 2019 on back, this is the lowest starting position of Logano's Cup career at Chicagoland. In 11 races at the site, Logano has six top-10 finishes, all of which came in his last six Cup events. After 18 races so far this season, Logano has 10 top-20 finishes, including two at 1.5-mile Intermediate oval tracks with an overall average finish of 20.8. In practice for this week's race, Logano ranked 29th in 10 consecutive lap averages, 22nd in 15 consecutive lap averages, 13th in 20 consecutive lap averages, and fifth in 25 consecutive lap averages. Although Logano has struggled at times on Intermediate ovals, Logano's practice speeds indicate that he still has the equipment to compete for a top-20 finish. Due to his upside, Logano is best suited as a cash game play for DFS.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
Shohei Ohtani Back in Dodgers Lineup Against Padres
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (biceps) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting leadoff in Sunday's series finale against the division-rival San Diego Padres and left-hander JP Sears, according to MLB.com. Ohtani was pulled as a precaution from Friday's contest in L.A. against the Pads after he felt something in his biceps muscle late in the game. The Dodgers gave Ohtani the day off in Saturday night's win, and now that he's back in the starting nine, he should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups, even against a southpaw. The 32-year-old four-time MVP has gone 1-for-12 so far in three games in July, but he hit .333 (30-for-90) with eight homers, three doubles, a triple, 19 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 24 games played in June, and he remains a must-start, five-category contributor as a hitter in fantasy leagues. He has hit .258 (25-for-97) with six of his 18 home runs this year against left-handed pitchers, and Ohtani has four hits and an RBI in eight career at-bats against Sears.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Alex Bowman Worth Consideration for Tournament DFS Lineups at Chicagoland?
Alex Bowman will start in the 12th position for this week's Eero 400 at Chicagoland Speedway. Bowman is the track's most recent winner as he won at the site in 2019. In five prior races at Chicagoland, Bowman has three top-10 finishes and an average finish of 18.6. With 14 races completed in the 2026 season, Bowman has three top-10 finishes with an average finish of 22.6. One of Bowman's top-10 finishes this year came at Texas, another track of a similar type to Chicagoland. In practice for this week's race, Bowman ranked as high as 16th in 15 consecutive lap averages. The No. 48 Chevrolet driver does start high enough to be a potential Place Differential risk, as his practice speeds indicate that he will finish in the top 20. However, with Bowman still aligned with one of the best teams in the field, he is worth consideration for tournament DFS lineups.
Source: DriverAverages.com
Source: DriverAverages.com
Ty Gibbs Could Contend at Chicagoland
Don't be surprised if Ty Gibbs contends for the win at Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday evening. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver has been stout at the intermediate tracks this season, posting finishes of fifth at Las Vegas, sixth at Darlington, ninth at Kansas, and sixth at Charlotte. For the eero 400 on Sunday evening in the Windy City, Gibbs qualified fifth and also posted the fifth-fastest lap in practice. As far as track history goes, Gibbs has never raced at Chicagoland Speedway in the major NASCAR series, but the Cup Series hasn't raced at this track since 2019, so there are quite a few drivers that do not have much experience. As far as DFS goes this weekend, Gibbs is a tournament play at $9.0K on DraftKings, as he has some dominator upside but not much Place Differential potential. Still, he's in a Toyota, and those cars have all the speed right now.
Source: ifantasyrace
Source: ifantasyrace
Chris Buescher Qualifies Third at Chicagoland
The Roush-Fenway Keselowski Racing Fords brought some good speed to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend, and it was apparent in qualifying, with Chris Buescher leading the way with a third-place effort. His teammate and team owner, Brad Keselowski, was fourth-fastest, so that was a good run for that team as well. As far as race expectations, there's no reason to think that Buescher won't be able to compete for a top-10 finish in the eero 400 on Sunday. The No. 17 Ford has been stout on this track type this season, with finishes of sixth at Las Vegas, ninth at Darlington, 10th at Kansas, and fifth at Texas. Buescher also had the eighth-best 10-lap average during practice on Friday, showing that the No. 17 Ford has good long-run speed for the race on Sunday night.
Source: Jayski
Source: Jayski
Brad Keselowski Has Best Qualifying Result of Season at Chicagoland
Brad Keselowski typically doesn't qualify very well, and that has been quite apparent this season. His average starting position thus far in 2026 is a worse-than-average 22.1. That's why it was a bit surprising to see Keselowski's name near the top of the qualifying results at Chicagoland this weekend, as the No. 6 Ford ended up fourth-fastest in the session. This will be Keselowski's first start better than 12th since Darlington back in March, a race that he nearly won. So what should we expect out of Keselowski on Sunday? Although a race-winning effort may be out of the question, a top-10 finish (and possible top-five) probably isn't. The No. 6 Ford has posted solid finishes on intermediate tracks this season, with a 10th at Las Vegas, a second at Darlington, a sixth at Kansas, a 13th at Texas, and a 15th at Charlotte. When it comes to DFS, Keselowski is strictly a tournament play, as he offers no Place Differential upside, but if he sneaks in and leads a bunch of laps, it wouldn't take a lot for him to hit value at his $8.0K salary on DraftKings.
Source: Autoweek
Source: Autoweek
Corey Heim an Easy DFS Play at Chicagoland
After winning at the San Diego Naval Base Coronado a couple of weeks ago, Corey Heim is back in Cup Series action for 23XI Racing this weekend at Chicagoland Speedway--and the young driver picked up right where he left off. Heim posted the sixth-fastest lap in practice on Friday evening, and was third-best when it came to 10-lap average, showing that the No. 67 Toyota had good long-run speed for the race. Then qualifying happened, and because of his early draw, Heim ended up with the 28th-best lap. That's good news for DFS players, though, as Heim is now a great Place Differential play in daily fantasy games. And at just a $7,500 driver salary on DraftKings, he's affordable as well. Heim has a 15th-place finish at Kansas this season as well as a 19th-place result at Charlotte, both of which are somewhat comparable to Chicagoland.
Source: Jayski
Source: Jayski
Gleyber Torres Hasn't Resumed Hitting
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (oblique) has been doing work on the base paths, but hasn't resumed hitting yet. Torres landed on the Injured List on June 17 due to an oblique strain. He received a cortisone shot to help his recovery progress, but it has still been slow for Torres. The fact that Torres isn't swinging yet should basically rule him out until after the All-Star break. Once he's able to do that, Torres will likely still need a minor league rehab assignment before he returns to the Tigers' lineup. This is the second time that Torres has suffered this oblique injury this season. The Tigers are likely going to bring him along slowly, so fantasy managers might not see him until closer to August. Zach McKinstry has been getting most of the reps at second base while Torres is out.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Maikel Garcia is Not Swinging Yet
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (hand) doesn't appear to be making a ton of progress in his rehab work. Garcia has been sidelined since June 23 due to a muscle strain in his left hand. He continues doing rehab work, but Garcia is unable to swing a bat yet. This news should basically rule out Garcia until after the All-Star break. He'll need to start swinging a bat, and then he'll likely go on a minor league rehab assignment. The Royals should give a better update on his status during the break. In the meantime, Nick Loftin figures to continue seeing the bulk of the playing time at the hot corner. Fantasy managers should continue to hold Garcia with positive news, hopefully in the near future.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Munetaka Murakami is Nearing Rehab Assignment
Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (hamstring) was able to run the bases without any issues for the second straight day ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. Barring any setbacks, Murakami is expected to head to Triple-A Charlotte to begin a minor league rehab assignment early next week. The lefty slugger has been sidelined since May 30 due to a right hamstring strain. If everything goes well, Murakami could return to the White Sox lineup for the final series before the All-Star break against the Athletics. At worst, it sounds like the White Sox should have Murakami back after the break, which is huge for this offense. Murakami blasted 20 home runs with 41 RBI before landing on the shelf at the end of May.
Source: Scott Merkin
Source: Scott Merkin
Jeremy Pena Could Return Next Weekend
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (calf) is expected to play in some minor league rehab games this week. Pena landed on the Injured List last Tuesday due to a calf strain. He has been doing some light work, but he appears to be ready for game action. Barring any setbacks, the Astros are hopeful that Pena can return for the final series before the All-Star break against the Texas Rangers. Pena was swinging a hot bat before he landed on the shelf, so hopefully this doesn't cool him off. Nick Allen figures to continue seeing a majority of the playing time at shortstop while Pena is out.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Dustin May is Scheduled to Start on Monday
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Dustin May (ankle) is scheduled to take the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. This is positive news after the right-hander was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's outing. He took a comebacker off the ankle, and it was unclear if he was going to require a stint on the Injured List. He'll avoid a stint on the shelf and take the ball in an important divisional matchup on Monday. This decision will push Michael McGreevy back a day, so he'll pitch in one of the doubleheader contests on Tuesday. May has struggled during his last two outings, but was excellent throughout most of the month of June. Fantasy managers looking for pitching help should consider scooping him up off the waiver wire.
Source: Daniel Guerrero
Source: Daniel Guerrero
Shea Langeliers Remains Out on Sunday
Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (thumb) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Miami Marlins. This marks the second straight game that Langeliers has missed due to a left thumb contusion. The A's are off on Monday, so the team is hopeful to get him back for Tuesday's series opener versus the Detroit Tigers. In his absence, Brian Serven will draw the start behind the plate and bat ninth against right-hander Eury Perez. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of Tuesday's game for another update on Langeliers. In the meantime, they should pull him out of their lineups on Sunday with him missing his second straight contest.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Josh Jung Out on Sunday With Sore Knee
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (knee) fouled a ball off his knee on Saturday in the loss to the Detroit Tigers and came in feeling sore, which is why he's out of the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Jung is being evaluated to determine if he'll be available off the bench on Sunday at Globe Life Field. With Jung out, Ezequiel Duran will start at the hot corner and bat cleanup for Texas against Tigers right-hander Casey Mize. Until we know more on Jung's knee injury, he should be considered day-to-day. His next chance to return will be on Tuesday against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels after a scheduled day off on Monday. The 28-year-old, who has a long injury history early in his career, has managed to stay healthy in 2026 and has been a big-time value in fantasy, hitting .297/.362/.449 with an .811 OPS, nine home runs, 34 RBI, 41 runs, and a stolen base in his 323 at-bats. Since June 18, Jung has gone 18-for-62 (.290) with a homer, six doubles, four RBI, and nine runs scored in 15 games played.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
