RADIO
TreVeyon Henderson Still a Liability on Passing Downs
The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that it has "looked a bit like last season" with New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson in terms of his inability to separate himself on passing downs. The second-year player out of Ohio State is big and explosive with the ball in his hands, but he continues to make "just enough mistakes in pass protection that it feels like a risk to use him on third downs." The 23-year-old former second-rounder had a very promising rookie campaign in 2025, carrying the ball 180 times for 911 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and nine rushing touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (four starts), adding 35 catches for 221 yards and another score as a receiver. Henderson will once again have a key role in the Patriots' backfield, but his fantasy ceiling will be capped again while he shares the workload with Rhamondre Stevenson. As Graff mentions, Henderson's stock could skyrocket if he improves in pass protection, but until that happens, he should be considered more of a low-end RB2 with upside in Year 2.
Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff
Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff
Ohio State Ranked No. 1 in Preseason Coaches Poll
Ohio State is ranked as the No. 1 team in the country in the preseason coaches' poll via USA Today. The Buckeyes saw 11 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, headlined by Carnell Tate, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs in the top half of the first round. However, Ryan Day's program is never hurting on talent, and the team brings back starting quarterback Julian Sayin, star wideout Jeremiah Smith, and several other preseason All-Big Ten selections. The Buckeyes finished last season with an undefeated regular-season record before dropping games against Indiana in the Big Ten Championship and Miami in the second round of the College Football Playoff. Its 2026 schedule is loaded with difficult matchups, including games against No. 2 Oregon, No. 4 Texas, No. 6 Indiana, and No. 14 USC.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Kayshon Boutte's Stock is Surging
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is already up to four catches in training camp practice on Tuesday, according to the Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan, and he continues to see his stock surge this summer as a potential trade candidate before the start of the 2026 regular season. Boutte has stated his desire to remain with the Patriots, but after the offseason additions of Pro Bowler A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, Boutte could be the odd-man out after catching 78 passes for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns in 34 games (23 starts) in his first three years in the NFL. The 24-year-old former sixth-rounder from LSU did have a career-high six touchdowns in 14 regular-season games in 2025, but there is just a lot of competition for targets now in New England's WR room. Boutte is competing for a role in 2026 (if he stays in New England) with DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism. For fantasy purposes, Boutte's best path to fantasy relevance in 12-team formats would be a trade out of town.
Source: Boston Herald - Andrew Callahan
Source: Boston Herald - Andrew Callahan
Jonathon Brooks Won't Play in Hall of Fame Game
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that running back Jonathon Brooks will not play in Canton, Ohio, in Thursday's Hall of Fame preseason game versus the Arizona Cardinals, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The Panthers aren't planning on playing their starters to open the preseason slate, and it makes all the sense in the world not to put Brooks in harm's way when considering his history of knee injuries. The 23-year-old former second-rounder in 2024 from the University of Texas has played in only three games for the Panthers due to two torn ACLs. The Texas native is fully healthy this summer, though, and heads into his third NFL campaign as the favorite for change-of-pace duties behind Chuba Hubbard in Carolina. Hubbard will most likely continue to serve as the team's RB1, but Brooks has been impressive so far in camp and could cut into his overall touches, making him an intriguing late-round flier at the position, especially if you have Hubbard rostered. RotoBaller has Brooks ranked as the No. 40 fantasy RB for 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Xavier Legette Suffers a Stinger, Won't Play in Hall of Fame Game
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Tuesday that wide receiver Xavier Legette (neck) suffered a stinger in training camp practice and isn't dealing with a concussion, according to Steve Reed of The Associated Press. Legette will not play in Thursday's Hall of Fame preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, but he's expected to return to the practice field next week. It doesn't sound like the Panthers are worried about Legette's availability for the 2026 regular-season opener in early September, which is good news, considering rookie wideout Chris Brazzell II (knee) is already out for the season. As long as Legette doesn't pick up any more injuries, he figures to be the favorite for WR3 duties to begin the 2026 season in Carolina behind Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. The 25-year-old from South Carolina hasn't lived up to expectations after the Panthers took him 32nd overall in 2024, as Legette has recorded 84 catches for 860 yards and seven touchdowns in 31 games (25 starts) in his two seasons. He had a 35-363-3 line in 15 games in 2025, which was a step back from his rookie numbers. Fantasy managers in typical 12-team leagues should be avoiding Legette in drafts.
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed
Jets Confident That Kenyon Sadiq Will be Ready for Week 1
New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq (hernia) had a setback after having surgery in the offseason for a hernia, head coach Aaron Glenn told Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Glenn said that Sadiq will "be out for a little bit." However, Glenn also said he's not worried about Sadiq and that he's "very confident" he'll be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in September. The 21-year-old former 16th overall pick from the University of Oregon will continue to sit out of practice at training camp. Ultimately, Sadiq should be good for the start of the regular season, but he is missing valuable reps in camp that could put him behind the eight ball in terms of his involvement in New York's offense early in his rookie season, especially since the Jets already have a very capable pass-catching TE in Mason Taylor. Sadiq's elite athleticism and pass-catching prowess down the field make him a popular dynasty/keeper pick going into his rookie campaign, but fantasy managers in redraft formats might want to temper expectations as more of a low-end TE2 with upside in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Dontayvion Wicks Serving as WR1 Amid Eagles' Injuries
With Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers DeVonta Smith and rookie Makai Lemon both sitting out of training camp practice on Tuesday due to hamstring injuries, Dontayvion Wicks is serving as the team's WR1, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP.com. Wicks has a massive opportunity in 2026 in his fourth year in the NFL after being acquired from the Green Bay Packers in an offseason trade. The 25-year-old has a clear path to WR2 duties in Philly behind Smith after the Eagles sent A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. The former fifth-rounder in 2023 from the University of Virginia has impressed in training camp so far as he looks for an expanded role in Philly's new-look offense. Head coach Nick Sirianni has compared Wicks to veteran wideout Keenan Allen because of his versatility. As long as he doesn't get injured, Wicks figures to beat out Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore, and depending on Lemon's development, there's a path to WR2 duties. Wicks is gaining some steam early in camp and could continue to rise up draft boards at the WR position. Currently, RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 80 fantasy WR after catching 108 passes for 1,328 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first three seasons with Green Bay.
Source: 94WIP.com - Eliot Shorr-Parks
Source: 94WIP.com - Eliot Shorr-Parks
Jahmyr Gibbs' Negotiations Won't be Affected by Recent RB Deal
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that running back Bijan Robinson's record-setting deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday is "certainly not gonna hurt" the team's own negotiations with star RB Jahmyr Gibbs, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Robinson and Atlanta agreed to a three-year extension that includes $51 million guaranteed. Gibbs, who is also managing a tight back, continues to hold in during training camp until he gets a new deal. He missed a fifth straight practice on Monday, but as long as the three-time Pro Bowler and the Lions reach a deal sooner rather than later, fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned about taking the elite dual-threat back as the No. 1 overall pick in drafts this fall. Gibbs told a reporter on Monday that "only time will tell" when he returns to the field this summer. When asked whether he needs a new deal before returning to the field, Gibbs said, "It's not about that," but he refused to elaborate. Eventually, Gibbs should become the NFL's highest-paid RB after holding the record for most touchdowns scored (49) in a player's first three seasons in the league.
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Source: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
Zay Flowers Agrees to Four-Year Extension With Ravens
Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers and the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension on Tuesday that includes $108 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Flowers gets paid after catching 237 passes on 342 targets for 3,128 yards and 14 touchdowns in 50 regular-season games in his first three years in the NFL. The former 22nd overall pick in 2023 from Boston College was named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last two years, and he recorded a career-high 1,211 receiving yards and five touchdowns on a career-high 86 receptions in 17 starts in 2025, even with star quarterback Lamar Jackson missing time with various injuries. The 25-year-old now ranks in the top 10 at the receiver position in guaranteed money and average annual value. The Ravens drafted a couple of rookie pass-catchers this year, but Flowers will remain the unquestioned WR1 for Jackson in a new offense as the team looks to bounce back from missing the playoffs last year. Flowers should be considered a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 target in fantasy football drafts as he heads into his fourth year in the NFL.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Marlins Calling Up Agustin Ramirez on Tuesday
The Miami Marlins are calling up catcher Agustin Ramirez from Triple-A Jacksonville on Tuesday, according to Kevin Barral of Fish on First. Ramirez will join the team for their series in Atlanta this week against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, and he could be the team's primary backstop over Joe Mack after the Marlins traded catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. The 24-year-old Dominican slugger was sent back to the farm earlier this year to work on his defensive skills behind the plate after hitting .230 (26-for-113) with two homers, 14 RBI, 14 runs, and three steals in 31 games played. Ramirez impressed with a .231/.287/.414 slash line, .701 OPS, 21 home runs, 67 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 72 runs scored in 136 games and 585 plate appearances in 2025 in his first year in the big leagues. With the Jumbo Shrimp down on the farm, Ramirez slashed .254/.332/.427 with seven home runs, 29 RBI, and 17 stolen bases. It's unclear how much playing time Miami will give Ramirez now that he's back in the majors, but his power/speed upside alone at the catching position makes him an intriguing waiver-wire pickup. He's rostered in just over 30% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Fish On First - Kevin Barral
Source: Fish On First - Kevin Barral
Luke Weaver a Priority Waiver-Wire Pickup for Saves-Needy Managers
The New York Mets sent veteran right-handed reliever Luke Weaver to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Monday's trade deadline, and he figures to immediately become the Pirates' preferred option for saves in the ninth inning. It means that Weaver is one of the bigger trade-deadline winners in terms of a boost to his fantasy value for the rest of the 2026 season. The 32-year-old was excellent for the Mets in his 42 relief appearances (44 innings), posting a 1.84 ERA and 0.82 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 11 walks, but he had just one save in his first year in Queens. The former first-rounder by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014 from Florida State University has been nearly untouchable since the start of June, allowing just two runs (one earned) while walking only three and striking out 21 in 19 1/3 innings to go with his only save of the season and eight holds. At the very least, Weaver should continue to be a great source of holds in the Steel City, but the expectation is that he'll see a big boost in save opportunities now that he's not setting up for closer Devin Williams with the Mets.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Clay Holmes Worth Waiver Consideration as he Nears a Return With New Team
The New York Mets shipped right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) to the Chicago Cubs at Monday's trade deadline, even though he's still on the 60-day injured list with a fractured fibula that he suffered when he was hit by a comebacker on May 15 against his former team, the New York Yankees. It's a bit unclear what Holmes' role will be with his new club when he's reinstated from the IL, but either way, he could be a meaningful role player in fantasy leagues. The 33-year-old veteran made his third minor-league rehab start on Sunday with High-A Brooklyn, throwing 5 1/3 innings and 73 pitches, so it appears he's on the verge of joining Chicago's major-league roster. Holmes will have more fantasy appeal if he joins the Cubbies' starting rotation, but he does have experience as a high-leverage reliever as well, saving 74 games for the Yankees from 2022 to 2024. Before his fibula injury with the Mets, Holmes went 4-4 with a 2.39 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 52 2/3 frames across nine starts. Fantasy managers who have room on their roster and need pitching depth should consider picking Holmes up. He's rostered in only 35% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Chargers Have a Role Planned for Keaton Mitchell
In signing speedy running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year deal, the Los Angeles Chargers provided offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel with a unique weapon that could find a significant role in 2026. McDaniel recently told ESPN's Dan Graziano, "He's as dynamic as they come with the ball in his hands in space," going on to say, "He's a matchup issue for every defense. I think he has a lot of pass-game value that he hasn't been able to really represent in his career, but it's showing so far in camp. He's a playmaker that I'm very excited about." Mitchell is likely to work as the Chargers' primary change-of-pace back behind presumed starter Omarion Hampton, with last year's leading rusher Kimani Vidal serving as more of a direct handcuff, more capable of handling a full workload if called upon. While any fantasy viability for Vidal is injury-dependent, Mitchell should see his own standalone value and is a high-upside swing as RotoBaller's RB42.
Source: Dan Graziano
Source: Dan Graziano
Agustin Ramirez a Top Stash Option With Open Role on MLB Roster
The Miami Marlins traded away catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks to the Tampa Bay Rays at Monday's trade deadline, opening up a clear path for catcher Agustin Ramirez to return to the big leagues. The 24-year-old Dominican backstop hit .231/.287/.413 with 21 home runs, 67 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 72 runs scored in 136 games (585 plate appearances) with the Marlins as a rookie in 2025. Ramirez only appeared in 31 games (129 plate appearances) earlier this year before being sent to Triple-A Jacksonville in May after hitting .230 (26-for-113) with two homers, 14 RBI, three stolen bases, 13 walks, and 28 strikeouts. With both Hicks and Joe Mack on the roster, the Marlins were afforded the luxury of sending Ramirez back to the minors to improve his defensive work behind the plate. In 59 games with the Jumbo Shrimp this year, Ramirez has hit .254/.332/.427 with a .759 OPS, seven home runs, 29 RBI, 17 steals, and 33 runs scored in 241 plate appearances. His combination of power and speed at the catcher position is rare, making him worth a speculative waiver-wire pickup before his eventual return to the majors. Ramirez is currently rostered in just over 30% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Mike McCarthy Declines to Name a Starting Running Back
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy spoke with the media on Tuesday, and when asked about running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, he declined to name a definitive starter, instead referring to them as a "dynamic one-two punch." He went on to say, "I don't want to have to worry about what back is in there... Both of those guys give us that flexibility." Warren led the Steelers backfield with 958 rushing yards on 211 attempts in 2025, while Dowdle, who signed a two-year deal this offseason, has topped 1,000 yards in each of his last two stops with the Panthers and Cowboys. Both backs are also capable pass-catchers, giving Pittsburgh one of the more well-rounded running back situations regardless of who is on the field. While both players are capable of outperforming their 2026 ADP, RotoBaller ranks them back to back, but gives Dowdle a narrow edge as the RB30 to Warren's RB31.
Source: Mike DeFabo
Source: Mike DeFabo
Jeff Hoffman Back on Waiver-Wire Radar With New Club
The Minnesota Twins acquired veteran right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman at Monday's trade deadline to further bolster their bullpen for the stretch run, and the move should make the 33-year-old more attractive off the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues. Hoffman opened the 2026 season as the closer for the Toronto Blue Jays, but a rough start to the year led to him being demoted from the role, which caused him to lose most of his fantasy appeal. Overall, he is 6-7 with a 3.94 ERA (2.49 FIP), 1.37 WHIP, only five saves, 75 strikeouts, and 18 walks in his 48 innings out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays. However, since the start of June, Hoffman has turned things around, posting a 1.21 ERA (2.34 FIP) with eight walks, 30 strikeouts, two wins, a blown save, and six holds. Yoendrys Gomez has been the Twins' closer, but if he struggles at all, the Twins probably won't hesitate to turn to Hoffman, who has 50 career saves in his 11 big-league seasons. Right now, Hoffman is rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues. He's a more intriguing speculative stash for saves now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Mason Montgomery Emerging as Potential Waiver-Wire Target
Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed reliever Mason Montgomery allowed one hit and struck out the side in his inning of work on Monday to pick up his third save of the year in the 4-3 win on the road against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. The 26-year-old southpaw was used in this contest after both left-hander Gregory Soto and the newly-acquired Camilo Doval, and all three of his saves this season have come since July 11. Montgomery has been strong at the back end of Pittsburgh's bullpen since the start of July, giving up just two earned runs with five walks, 26 strikeouts, two wins, three saves, and a hold. In just his third major-league season and first with the Bucs in 2026, Montgomery has gone 4-3 with a 3.72 ERA (2.75 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, and 72:21 K:BB in 46 innings across 47 appearances (five starts). Montgomery has become more intriguing as a deep-league source of saves, but his opportunities figure to dwindle after the Pirates acquired right-handed reliever Luke Weaver from the New York Mets at Monday's trade deadline. Weaver is expected to become Pittsburgh's primary closer the rest of the way.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Makai Lemon Not Practicing with Hamstring Injury
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon is not practicing on Tuesday, listed with a hamstring issue by The Athletic's Zach Berman. Joining Lemon on the DNP list is DeVonta Smith, who deals with a hamstring concern of his own, but while the veteran has years of chemistry banked with quarterback Jalen Hurts, as evidenced by their two red zone touchdown connections on Monday, Lemon is still looking to establish a role in Sean Mannion's offense. The 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lemon did not participate in team drills on Monday, and his status will need to be monitored, as he factors as a critical piece in replacing the production of three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown. With the WR2 spot up for grabs across from Smith, Lemon is RotoBaller's WR45, but any lingering concerns could cause his ADP to drop.
Source: Zach Berman
Source: Zach Berman
DeVonta Smith Sidelined With Hamstring Injury
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) will not practice on Tuesday as he deals with a hamstring issue. After a quiet start to training camp, quarterback Jalen Hurts turned in his best practice of the summer on Monday, throwing his first three touchdowns of competitive sessions, with two of them going to Smith during red zone work. Now with Smith sidelined, along with first-round pick Makai Lemon, who is dealing with a hamstring ailment of his own, Hurts will look to build further chemistry with a new-look receiver room in year one with Sean Mannion calling plays. With an offseason of offensive change, Smith represented one of the few pieces of stability, so his status will need to be monitored in the coming days, but he's expected to be a major piece of the Eagles' passing attack and is RotoBaller's WR12.
Source: Zach Berman
Source: Zach Berman
Carlos Rodon Could Move to Rehab Assignment Next
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) threw to live hitters at Yankee Stadium on Monday and could go out on a minor-league rehab assignment next, according to Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record. Rodon threw roughly 40 pitches during his session on Monday, and he could make a rehab start this Saturday. He's been out since June 28 with inflammation in his left elbow, but Rodon is nearing his return to New York's starting rotation and should be scooped up if he's available in any fantasy leagues. Barring a setback after making a couple of rehab starts most likely, Rodon could be back with the Yankees by the end of August. The 33-year-old veteran southpaw and three-time All-Star got a late start in 2026 after having surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow last October, but he's been solid in his nine starts, going 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA (3.44 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 26 walks in 46 1/3 innings. Rodon does have a career-high 13.4% walk rate, but his 26.8% strikeout rate is his highest mark since 2022 with the San Francisco Giants.
Source: The Bergen Record - Pete Caldera
Source: The Bergen Record - Pete Caldera
Rams General Manager Declines to Speak on Puka Nacua's Contract Negotiations
While recently speaking with reporters, Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead declined to answer a question about wide receiver Puka Nacua's ongoing contract negotiations, saying, "We'll keep that between us." He did offer up that the first-team All-Pro is "in a great spot," following an offseason in which he drew headlines for some of his off-field antics. Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions on his way to a WR1 finish in 2025, and when he's healthy and involved, he is one of fantasy's biggest difference-makers. The former fifth-round pick has seen his value grow year over year, and as RotoBaller's WR1, he belongs in the conversation for the first overall pick in 2026 drafts.
Source: Dan Graziano
Source: Dan Graziano
Rasmus Hojgaard Looks to Retain Momentum at Wyndham Championship
It took until the penultimate event of the regular season for Rasmus Hojgaard to finish inside the top five this season, but it's better late than never. His week in Detroit felt mundane for the first couple of days before the 25-year-old went crazy in round three, shooting a nine-under 61. It was the third consecutive day that score had been posted by someone, but he was the only one who nearly won the tournament because of it. His length off the tee was a great advantage to have, but it was the nearly seven and a half strokes he gained on the greens that were the difference. He'll hope to continue that this week at Sedgefield CC, but the accuracy woes that plague him are more concerning here. The Dane is hitting less than 50% of fairways this season and ranks 102nd in strokes gained on approach (-0.046). That alone makes him a scary option, even with his bright week up north.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
Cody Bellinger Continues to Make Progress
New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger (hamstring) continues to make progress and has performed outdoor running drills while also hitting and throwing, manager Aaron Boone said on Aug. 2. Bellinger was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left-hamstring strain on July 27 and is expected to miss four to six weeks of action. He's currently on the 10-day injured list, with an expected return of late August or early September. With Aaron Judge (rib) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) also still sidelined, the Yankees went out and acquired outfielder Heliot Ramos from the San Francisco Giants on Monday to help give the team some more outfield depth as they push for a playoff spot down the stretch. Even though the 31-year-old Bellinger has a ways to go before returning to the big-league roster, he should be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues. The former MVP and three-time All-Star was slashing .259/.350/.420 with a .770 OPS, 11 home runs, 53 RBI, 52 runs, and 10 stolen bases in his 374 at-bats in 2026 before injuring his hamstring.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yankees Still Optimistic That Aaron Judge Will Return This Year
The New York Yankees remain optimistic that outfielder Aaron Judge (rib) will return before the end of the season, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "We currently are still very optimistic that he's going to return, but there's challenges with all that too. There's a very high likelihood that he fits the time frame to come back and join us. That's what I'm hoping and holding onto," general manager Brian Cashman said. The Yankees need more pop and are currently 3.5 games out of first place in the American League East, but they aren't going to rush the 34-year-old All-Star back. Judge has not played for the Yankees since May 31 due to a fracture in his rib, and there is no specific timetable for his return, so fantasy managers must remain patient and hope it comes sooner rather than later. With Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton also still on the injured list, the Yankees traded for left-handed infielder Luis Garcia Jr. and outfielder Heliot Ramos at the deadline to help boost the offense. Before his injury, Judge was hitting .248/.375/.533 with a .907 OPS, 17 homers, 38 RBI, 43 runs, and five stolen bases in 214 at-bats. The three-time MVP should be stashed in all fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Bryce Young Will Not Play in Hall of Fame Game
With the first action of the 2026 preseason slated for Thursday, August 6, when the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals meet for the Hall of Fame Game, participation and usage of teams' starters and depth players will soon become a major storyline, and the Panthers have already announced that quarterback Bryce Young will not see any action in the preseason opener. With head coach Dave Canales telling reporters that most of the team's starters will sit, veteran Kenny Pickett will draw the start. Young enters his fourth season with no long-term extension in place, making 2026 a critical proving year after three up-and-down seasons, and at RotoBaller's QB26, he is viewed as little more than an occasional streaming option in single-quarterback leagues.
Source: Steve Reed - AP News
Source: Steve Reed - AP News
Jacob deGrom Opts to Stay in Texas at Trade Deadline
The Atlanta Braves informed the Texas Rangers of their desire to land right-hander Jacob deGrom at the trade deadline, people briefed on the discussions told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Other teams also expressed interest in the 38-year-old, and the Rangers told him that they would make a deal happen if he wanted to waive his no-trade clause for Atlanta. But deGrom said no, explaining that he "wanted to win in Texas." He made it clear that when he signed a five-year, $185 million free-agent contract with the Rangers in December of 2022, he wanted to see it through. Texas led the American League West by two games as recently as last Tuesday, but then they lost five straight to fall to two games under .500 and 2.5 games behind the Houston Astros in the division. deGrom, a five-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young winner, currently has a career-worst 3.96 ERA (3.32 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 135 strikeouts and 29 walks in 113 2/3 innings across his 21 starts. He'll be looking to bounce back in a solid matchup against the Baltimore Orioles this weekend after allowing five earned runs with five walks and three strikeouts in only 3 1/3 innings in a loss to the Astros last Saturday.
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
Jonah Tong Heating Up at Triple-A Syracuse
New York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong is starting to heat up at Triple-A Syracuse, turning in a very solid month of July with a 2-0 record in five starts with a 3.65 ERA and 1.34 WHIP to go with 29 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings pitched. Tong has major league experience with the Mets at age 23 and is looking to find his way back with the big league club. This season, Tong pitched three games with New York and came away with a 1-1 record and 3.60 ERA 1.50 WHIP. He had seven strikeouts in 10 innings pitched. That stint of three games came in relief, so Tong has shown the ability to work as both a starter and reliever. In the minors this season, though, Tong has been used solely as a starter and that would no doubt be best case scenario for fantasy. He is still ranked as their No. 2 overall prospect and offers a 70-grade fastball with a 60-grade changeup. He is definitely worth stashing in the midst of his hot streak at Triple-A hoping for a big league encore as a starter this time around.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Brian Thomas Jr. Described as "Unreal" by Head Coach
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was one of fantasy's biggest disappointments in 2025, but reports coming out of training camp would suggest he's primed for a bounce-back in Year 3. Head coach Liam Coen touched upon the connection he's seen between Thomas and quarterback Trevor Lawrence since the spring, telling reporters, "I've just sensed a different dude in terms of confidence, the way he carries himself, his communication... I am confident in him right now, and I know Trevor is, too." Coen also referred to his route-running as "unreal" and anticipates a major downfield role for him in 2026. It is worth noting that much of Thomas' rookie season success came when the team was drawing up plays for him closer to the line of scrimmage, so caution is still warranted with a deep receiver room capable of making him more of a boom or bust play than a sure thing, but with his current ADP pushed all the way down to WR34, he represents a high-upside swing in the middle rounds of drafts.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Ryan Gerard is Hoping to Keep Hot Putter Going at Wyndham Championship
After a T9 finish last week in Detroit, Ryan Gerard has now posted back to back top 10 performances, the fourth in his last seven starts. Mostly all of this recent success comes from a putter that can make putts in bunches, while not really doing anything to separate himself from tee to green. Even with how well he scored last week, he still ranked outside the top 40 in both strokes gained ball striking metrics. The good news is that he's one of the more accurate players from tee to green, which Sedgefield demands. The bad news is he's missed the cut here in two career appearances. Expect him to play all four days this time around, but he'll need to have better production with the iron play to be a real DFS asset.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Mets to Promote Pitching Prospect Jefry Yan to Majors
The New York Mets are promoting left-handed pitching prospect Jefry Yan to the big leagues, sources told Francys Romero. Yan will make his way to the big leagues after stepping away from baseball for five years after signing with the Los Angeles Angels before returning to the minors in 2021. The 29-year-old Dominican hurler has gone 2-2 with a 3.24 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 77:28 K:BB in 41 2/3 innings over 35 relief appearances this year for Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. Yan's 16.6 K/9 makes him a potential high-leverage arm at the back end of New York's bullpen, especially after the team shipped right-handed reliever Luke Weaver to the Pittsburgh Pirates at Monday's trade deadline. But to be effective and trusted in the big leagues, Yan will need to show better control as well. In seven minor-league seasons, he has a 4.50 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 20 saves, a 13.2 K/9, and a 6.6 BB/9. Yan can probably be ignored in most fantasy leagues for now, but we'll keep an eye on his role as he makes his way to the majors for the first time.
Source: Francys Romero
Source: Francys Romero
