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
July 3, 2025
ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers showed playmaking ability while also showing off his speed as a kickoff returner during offseason workouts, demonstrating why the Vikings think he's a likely starter for them despite being a relatively obscure player since the Indianapolis Colts took him in the sixth round back in 2020. "He's been a great addition," defensive coordinator Brian Flores said. "He's got great football IQ and acumen." Flores said he's been tracking Rodgers since he played at the University of Massachusetts. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $15 million contract this offseason. He was suspended for all of 2023 due to gambling but played in 15 regular-season games for the Eagles in 2024 and had 26 tackles (17 solo) and a forced fumble in 15 regular-season games (three starts). He should have a bigger role in Minnesota.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
July 3, 2025
With Green Bay Packers center Elgton Jenkins skipping the entire offseason program, second-year center Jacob Monk got the bulk of the work with the starters, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "He's done a nice job," head coach Matt LaFleur said of the 2024 fifth-round pick. "He's a lot more comfortable and confident in terms of going out there and knowing what to do. And for him it's just going to come down to those live reps." Jenkins is going to be the team's starter at center when games start, but Monk got some important time this offseason to show that he's a valuable backup. The 24-year-old was selected in the fifth round in 2024 out of Duke. He also has experience at guard and tackle, giving the Packers key depth and versatility on the offensive line.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
July 3, 2025
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he sees new defensive back Avonte Maddox as a guy who will "fit right in with us" after evaluating him during the offseason program, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. Maddox is a Detroit native and looked good during offseason workouts. The former fourth-rounder brings a lot of experience to help Detroit's secondary as a Super Bowl champion and veteran player that spent the last seven years with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal in free agency with the Lions after starting last season as the starter in the slot for the Eagles before eventually losing the gig to impressive rookie Cooper DeJean. In Detroit, he's expected to be a key backup behind starter Brian Branch.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Eric Woodyard
July 3, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Boston Celtics and free-agent forward
Josh Minott have agreed to a two-year, $5 million deal. Before free agency, the Timberwolves had the option to extend Minott's contract for $2.19 million for the 2025-26 season, but declined. The 22-year-old saw action in 46 games during the 2024-25 campaign while averaging 2.6 points and 1.0 rebounds in 6.0 minutes per contest. Despite limited playing time during his three years in Minnesota, Minott may see an expanded role in Beantown with forward
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) most likely sidelined for the majority of the upcoming season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
July 3, 2025
New York Mets starting pitcher
Sean Manaea (elbow, oblique) allowed six hits and three runs (two earned) over three innings in Wednesday's outing for Double-A Binghamton. The 33-year-old walked one and struck out three, working up to 60 pitches (39 strikes). Manaea was shut down for a bit upon the findings of a loose body in his elbow, but was able to make his fifth rehab start as he works back from an oblique injury that's sidelined him all season. While there's been no news on the next steps for the veteran, he's expected to make at least one more trip to the mound next week. He's eligible to return from the injured list in ten days, though it's worth mentioning that's New York's last game before the All-Star break. It's been a slow-moving process, but he should rejoin the team's rotation within the next few weeks, barring any setbacks.
--Alex CiullaSource: MLB.com
July 3, 2025
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson singled out rookie fourth-round linebacker Ruben Hyppolite as the player that the coaches saw the most improvement from this spring, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Hyppolite saw plenty of run with the starting defense at weakside linebacker -- a position he didn't have much experience at after playing middle linebacker at Maryland -- with veteran T.J. Edwards sidelined with a soft-tissue injury. "He's done a great job adjusting to that speed as we've gone through, and that's going to have to show up once we do get the pads on," Johnson said. "But I think he's been improving every single day, and really, we're hoping that course continues." The 23-year-old with 4.39-second 40-yard dash speed could be in the lead for the battle for the No. 3 linebacker job heading into training camp.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
July 3, 2025
Free-agent forward/center
Sandro Mamukelashvili signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with a second-year player option with the Toronto Raptors, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Mamukelashvili spent the last two campaigns with the Spurs, posting averages of 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per contest during 61 regular-season games. He also shot 50.2 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three-point range. The 26-year-old will provide the Raptors with more depth at center behind starting big man
Jakob Poeltl.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
July 3, 2025
Colorado Rockies first baseman
Michael Toglia won't be in the team's lineup for their home series finale with the Houston Astros. The 26-year-old will get a routine day of rest after suiting up for the previous 15 games.
Orlando Arcia will get the start at first base and bat seventh for Colorado against southpaw
Brandon Walter. Toglia has struggled in 2025 to the tune of a .202/.263/.368 triple slash with ten home runs and three steals. It's a far cry from the 25/10 he sported a season ago, and an extended hot streak would be required for him to challenge those figures. The switch-hitting former first-round pick has seen a decline in the quality of his contact and plate discipline compared to 2024.
--Alex CiullaSource: MLB.com
July 3, 2025
The Washington Commanders' coaching staff noticed that defensive tackle Daron Payne showed more leadership and was more outgoing around the building this offseason, per ESPN's John Keim. Head coach Dan Quinn said Payne had "laser focus" this spring. "He just looks really good, really intent-ful. You can really see him taking that leadership role to the next step. He's been the guy that's really just stood out to me the most from that standpoint," defensive coordinator Joe Whitt said. The 28-year-old had 11.5 sacks in a contract year in 2022 but has posted eight total sacks the last two seasons. He had 96 pass-rush wins and a win rate of 11.6% from 2020-22, but he's recorded just 39 wins and a 7.6% win rate the last two seasons. Washington needs Payne to be more productive in 2025, and if he isn't, he could be cut next offseason for $16 million in savings.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - John Keim
July 3, 2025
Miami Marlins outfielder
Dane Myers will take a seat for the final game of their home series with the Minnesota Twins. The former sixth-round pick will get the day off with right-handed hurler
David Festa taking the mound. Teammate
Derek Hill will operate in center field, batting ninth, with
Jesus Sanchez handling right-field duties and hitting from the two-hole. It will be Hill's first outing since injuring his wrist in late May. Myers has been solid for the Marlins across 58 appearances this season, batting .297 with a 91st percentile xBA (.293). While the Rice alum hasn't been as effective against righties (.265), he's hitting southpaws very well (.362).
--Alex CiullaSource: MLB.com
July
3,
2025
ESPN's
Tim
McManus
writes
that
Philadelphia
Eagles
wide
receiver
Danny
Gray
made
an
impression
this
offseason
during
OTAs
and
minicamp
practices
open
to
reporters,
using
his
4.33-second
speed
to
stretch
the
field
and
accelerate
past
defenders
read more...
July 3, 2025
According to Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com, Philadelphia 76ers guard
Jared McCain (knee) isn't on the team's Summer League roster. McCain is still recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee. The injury cut short his first season in the NBA after just 23 contests. While healthy, the 21-year-old averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 25.7 minutes per contest. Currently, it's not certain if McCain will be available for the team's training camp and if he could remain a solid fantasy contributor during the 2025-26 campaign.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Kyle Neubeck
July 3, 2025
New York Giants safety Dane Belton was making plays seemingly every practice this spring and had three interceptions in the five workouts open to the media. ESPN's Jordan Raanan writes that the former fourth-rounder in 2022 will have a role as the third safety this year, even if he's not a starter. It appeared as though Belton was going to be an afterthought after the team signed Jevon Holland earlier this offseason, but that just hasn't been the case. "He has been really good for us here early. Like he's had a really good spring," defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said. "[We're] finding ways to get him on the field, what he can do for us to help us." The 24-year-old defensive back showed some progress in his third year in the league in 2024, finishing with 56 tackles (28 solo), one sack, one interception, six pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 17 games (six starts).
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
July 3, 2025
Colorado Rockies catcher
Hunter Goodman is getting a breather for the team's series finale against the visiting Houston Astros. It appears to be a regular day of rest for the right-handed slugger, with fellow backstop
Austin Nola getting the start behind home plate and batting eighth. Goodman missed a few days with a hamstring issue recently, but looked no worse for wear when he launched two homers on Tuesday. He's produced well in his third campaign with Colorado and is fresh off a red-hot June in which he slashed .342/.373/.734 with six doubles, two triples, 15 runs scored, and 17 RBI. The 25-year-old has already set a career-high with 16 long balls.
--Alex CiullaSource: MLB.com
July 3, 2025
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kaiir Elam started only 12 games in three seasons with the Buffalo Bills with two interceptions before the Cowboys acquired him in a trade, but he flashed on numerous occasions in OTAs and minicamp, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. Elam had multiple interceptions in offseason practices and dropped two more while showing an ability to run with receivers. Archer goes on to write that the Cowboys need Elam to be a factor in 2025 with all the uncertainty surrounding cornerback Trevon Diggs (knee) and third-round rookie
Shavon Revel Jr. (knee), who are both working their way back from knee surgeries. The Cowboys didn't exercise Elam's fifth-year option after the Bills took him 23rd overall in the 2022 NFL draft out of Florida, so perhaps he's extra motivated going into his first year in Dallas. That's what the Cowboys are banking on.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
July 3, 2025
NBA reporter Matthew Tynan reports that San Antonio Spurs point guard
Dylan Harper (groin) will be unavailable to suit up for the California Classic held in San Francisco due to a groin issue. The Rutgers standout was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after the Mavs selected
Cooper Flagg. He will have the opportunity to suit up alongside
Victor Wembanyama and
Stephon Castle.
De'Aaron Fox will also be good to go for the upcoming campaign after season-ending surgery to repair tendon damage to his left pinkie finger back in March. Harper will likely take on a heavy workload during his rookie season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Matthew Tynan
July 3, 2025
Wednesday's doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers was a mixed bag for shortstop
Francisco Lindor and the New York Mets. Lindor went 0-for-4 in Game 1 as the Mets dropped a 7-2 decision. The team turned it around in a 7-3 win in the nightcap, though, and Lindor was a key contributor. For the first time in 191 games, Lindor did not hit leadoff for the Mets. They dropped him to second in the order, and Lindor responded by going 3-for-4 with a solo homer, a double, and three RBI. It ended a week-long skid for the 31-year-old switch-hitter, who was mired in a 2-for-29 slump entering the evening. Just named to his fifth All-Star team, Lindor is now slashing 261/.330/.457 with 17 homers, 46 RBI, 52 runs scored, and 13 steals in 385 plate appearances. He's well on his way to a third straight 20/20 campaign.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
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