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Jets Place Receiver Tim Patrick on PUP List
The New York Jets placed wide receiver Tim Patrick (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday due to an undisclosed injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The good news for Patrick, who suffered a torn ACL and Achilles in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023 while with the Denver Broncos, is that his injury isn't considered serious, and he could be ready to play in the Jets' preseason opener on Aug. 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 32-year-old veteran wideout will probably open the 2026 campaign as the Jets' WR4, at best, behind Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and rookie Omar Cooper Jr., leaving him little room for fantasy value in all leagues. Patrick had 15 receptions on just 24 targets for 187 yards and three touchdowns in 16 regular-season games (three starts) in a crowded Jacksonville Jaguars' receiving room last year. He had back-to-back 700-yard seasons with a combined 11 touchdowns in Denver in 2020 and 2021 before injuries struck, and Patrick is now a veteran depth option for the Jets heading into his seventh NFL campaign.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Joe Ryan Scratched on Sunday With Arm Fatigue
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (arm) was scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday on extra rest against the Athletics due to right-arm fatigue, according to Twins reporter Audra Martin. Manager Derek Shelton said the Twins expect Ryan to pitch at some point against the division-rival Kansas City Royals next week in a series that starts on Tuesday, July 28. Minnesota elected to give the 30-year-old two-time All-Star some extra rest after his last start, in which he allowed eight runs on 10 hits (a career-high six home runs) with three strikeouts in only four innings against the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, but Ryan still isn't ready this weekend. Ryan is still having a fine 2026 season with a 6-6 record, 3.38 ERA (3.42 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 131 strikeouts and 25 walks in 114 1/3 innings across 21 starts, but he'll be more of a risk in starting fantasy lineups when/if he takes the hill against KC next week. He's struggled in his two starts against the Royals this year, too, posting a 5.40 ERA with two walks and eight K's in 10 innings pitched.
Source: Audra Martin
Source: Audra Martin
Dawson Knox Can Still Help Deep Dynasty Contenders
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox still has a place on deep contending rosters, but there is not much mystery left in his dynasty value. He caught 36 passes for 417 yards and four touchdowns last season, his best receiving line since 2022, and Buffalo followed by extending his contract through 2028. The Bills use the position enough to keep Knox involved. Their tight ends combined for 1,210 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, and Knox played all 17 games. The problem is that Dalton Kincaid remains the better fantasy bet after posting 571 yards and five scores in only 12 games. Jackson Hawes also played 487 offensive snaps as a rookie and scored three times, giving Buffalo another reason to spread the work around. Knox can still catch a touchdown or step into a larger role when Kincaid is unavailable. That is useful insurance in tight end-premium leagues, especially for contenders already carrying Kincaid. Rebuilders do not need to wait on a 29-year-old secondary option, and Knox is unlikely to offer a comfortable weekly floor while the entire room is healthy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mets Place Juan Soto on Injured List With Calf Strain
The New York Mets announced on Saturday that they placed outfielder Juan Soto (calf) on the 10-day injured list with a strained left calf and recalled infielder Eric Wagaman from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Soto, who already spent time on the IL in the first half of the season with a right-calf strain, has been bothered by his left calf since the first game after the All-Star break, and he was pulled from Friday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers with more discomfort in his left calf. An MRI exam showed a Grade 2 strain, and interim manager Andy Green said that Soto will miss more than the two weeks that he missed in April with his right-calf strain. It's a major bummer for fantasy managers, as the five-time All-Star has hit 21 homers and 52 RBI in only 84 games this season. Soto must be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues while he heals. With Soto sidelined, the switch-hitting Jorge Polanco figures to be the Mets' primary designated hitter.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Kalif Raymond Has a Role, But Limited Redraft Appeal
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond is going to play. The harder part is figuring out how often that matters for fantasy. Chicago brought him in on a one-year deal, and Ben Johnson knows exactly what Raymond can do after four years together in Detroit. Johnson said the veteran will be a "huge part" of the Bears' plans. Raymond still caught only 24 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown across 15 games last season. His biggest impact came on special teams, where he returned a punt 65 yards for a score. The Bears can manufacture touches for him, send him vertically, and use him in several spots. Steady targets are tougher to find. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III headline the receiver room, Colston Loveland is coming off a 713-yard season, and third-round rookie Zavion Thomas adds another speed element. Raymond also turns 32 in August. RotoBaller ranks him WR101, leaving him in the watch-list range for deeper leagues. He can help Chicago without becoming someone fantasy managers need to draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling Competing to Start
San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, and De'Zhaun Stribling are among the players competing for significant snaps alongside Mike Evans, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Pearsall is the most established holdover after catching 36 passes for 528 yards in nine games last season, an average of 58.7 receiving yards that led the team's wideouts. Staying healthy is the concern after a knee injury limited him to nine appearances and 20 games across his first two seasons. Kirk joined San Francisco on a one-year deal after recording 28 catches for 239 yards and one touchdown with Houston in 2025. Stribling, the 33rd overall pick in April, flashed during the offseason program and brings size, speed, and blocking ability. Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing are also in the mix, with Cowing viewed as the front-runner for punt-return duties. Evans has one starting spot locked down, but the rest of the rotation will be settled during camp.
Source: NBC Sports
Source: NBC Sports
Chris Olave Contract Talks Not Expected to Affect Camp Participation
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave and the team remain in talks on a contract extension, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. The current expectation is that the negotiations will not affect Olave's participation when training camp opens. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal after catching 100 passes for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games last season, all career highs. Olave also earned second-team All-Pro honors and reached 1,000 receiving yards for the third time in four years. His contract status is separate from the blood clot discovered in his lung before the 2025 finale, an issue that kept him out of team drills during part of the offseason program. The Saints are still working toward a new deal, but there is no indication that the talks themselves will keep Olave off the field at the start of camp.
Source: Nick Underhill
Source: Nick Underhill
Matthew Stafford Healthy, Set for Modified Camp Schedule
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is healthy but will follow a modified practice schedule during training camp, according to Stu Jackson of TheRams.com. Sean McVay said Stafford will sit out Sunday and will not practice on Days 1 and 3 of the team's four-day blocks. The third day is more mental than physical, while the overall plan is designed to keep the 38-year-old fresh and ready for Week 1. The scheduled rest is not tied to a new injury or setback. Stafford is coming off an MVP season in which he started all 17 games, led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, and threw eight interceptions. His planned absences should not change his fantasy outlook as long as he remains healthy and continues working on the Rams' schedule.
Source: Stu Jackson
Source: Stu Jackson
Kendrick Bourne Is a Sell in Dynasty Leagues
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne had two huge games last season. Almost everything else was empty. He caught 15 passes for 284 yards in Weeks 5 and 6 while San Francisco was missing several of its regular targets, then totaled 22 catches for 267 yards over his other 14 appearances. Arizona still gave him a two-year deal, and his history with Mike LaFleur should help him settle in as the third receiver. That role is better for the Cardinals than it is for fantasy managers. Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Trey McBride already command the attention in this passing game, and the quarterback job remains unsettled. Bourne turns 31 in August, so rebuilders should move him for whatever they can get. Contenders only need to hold in leagues deep enough for an injury-away veteran to matter. He may have a usable week or two if Arizona loses a starter, but the path to steady targets is narrow. There is no long-term value to wait on here.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nick Bosa, Fred Warner Cleared for Start of Training Camp
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) and linebacker Fred Warner (ankle) have been cleared for training camp. Bosa tore the ACL in his right knee during Week 3 last season and finished the year with 17 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles in three games. He will not open camp on an injury list, though the 49ers plan to bring him along gradually over the first few practices. Warner is further ahead in his recovery after fracturing and dislocating his right ankle in Week 6. He recorded 50 tackles, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in six games before the injury. General manager John Lynch said Warner is back at full speed. The return of both defensive leaders is a major boost for San Francisco, but Bosa's workload remains the situation to watch as camp begins.
Source: Around The NFL
Source: Around The NFL
Andrew Kittredge Takes Loss on Friday, Sees Value Fall in Baltimore Committee
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge took the loss in Friday's 7-6 defeat to the Atlanta Braves, allowing four unearned runs on two hits over two-thirds of the 10th inning. A throwing error by Jackson Holliday brought home the go-ahead run before Kittredge recorded two strikeouts, but Matt Olson followed with a three-run homer. Because all four runs were unearned, Kittredge's ERA dropped from 3.86 to 3.77. The larger fantasy concern came one inning earlier, when Tyler Wells worked a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts in a tied game. Wells ranks 53rd in RotoBaller's weekend waiver rankings with a 12-team recommendation, while Kittredge was left off the list after carrying a 15-team tag at midweek. Nearly every Yahoo waiver wire still has Kittredge available, with his roster rate at 6%. He remains worth monitoring in deep saves leagues, but Friday's usage pushed him further behind Wells and removed any urgency in standard formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brandon Aiyuk Remains on Left-Squad List
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Saturday that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) remains on the left-squad list, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. "I'm personally, and we as an organization, are going to focus on the players who are here," Lynch said. "We wish him well, we wish his family well," Lynch said. The Niners have been saying for a while now that Aiyuk will not play for the organization again after the two sides publicly exchanged barbs while he rehabbed a serious knee injury from the 2024 season. The 28-year-old former first-rounder in 2020 from Arizona State didn't play at all last year, and his off-the-field antics have essentially scared potentially interested teams like the Washington Commanders away this offseason. After signing a four-year, $120 million deal in August of 2024, Aiyuk played in only seven games before tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee. At some point, the 49ers are expected to outright release Aiyuk, at which point his market could pick up going into the 2026 season.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Jordan Romano Earns Another Save, Enters Priority Waiver-Wire Territory
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Jordan Romano worked around two leadoff singles to close out Friday's 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, retiring the next three hitters to earn his eighth save. Romano allowed two hits and struck out one in the scoreless inning. It was his fourth save in as many chances since joining Colorado's bullpen, where he has surrendered one earned run with nine strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings. Colorado has not formally named a closer, but Romano is getting the opportunities that matter. Each of his seven appearances for the club has come in the ninth inning, and he has converted every save chance. His 10.13 ERA with the Los Angeles Angels earlier this season remains a warning, especially after he allowed two baserunners Friday. Still, 94% of Yahoo leagues have left Romano on the waiver wire. He is a priority saves pickup in 12-team leagues and deeper and a viable target in competitive 10-team formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
49ers Place George Kittle on PUP List to Start Training Camp
The San Francisco 49ers placed tight end George Kittle (Achilles) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday for the start of training camp, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. Kittle is not ready to join the rest of his teammates for the start of camp after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in the wild-card victory over the Philadelphia Eagles back in January. He is optimistic that he will be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in Australia against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, but fantasy managers shouldn't be nearly as optimistic. The 49ers can activate Kittle from the PUP list at any time this summer. If the 32-year-old veteran is not ready for the beginning of the 2026 season, Jake Tonges will step in as the team's top pass-catching TE. Kittle, a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, is a risk/reward low-end TE1 target as he heads into his 10th year in the NFL. He'd be a massive value at the position if he returns to his pre-injury form, but the odds are against that, and he could miss the first couple of weeks of the 2026 season.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Yasiel Puig's Sentencing Postponed for Third Time
Former MLB outfielder Yasiel Puig's sentencing has been postponed for a third time while the judge continues considering his post-conviction motion for acquittal, according to Sam Blum of The Athletic. Puig was convicted by a federal jury Feb. 6 of one count of obstruction of justice and one count of making false statements in connection with an investigation into an illegal sports gambling ring. No new sentencing date has been set.
Source: Sam Blum
Source: Sam Blum
Rams, Ty Simpson Agree to Terms on Rookie Contract
The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Ty Simpson, the 13th overall pick in April's NFL draft, agreed to terms on his rookie contract on Saturday, and he's signing a four-year, $25.4 million fully guaranteed deal with a fifth-year option, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Simpson will receive a $14.9 million signing bonus. The Rams surprised everyone when they selected the University of Alabama product in the first round, and he will be immediately competing for the backup role in L.A. behind MVP Matthew Stafford with Stetson Bennett. Given the draft capital the Rams used and the money they are dishing out, we'd expect Simpson to win the backup job going into his rookie season in the NFL. Ideally, the Rams hope to develop Simpson for the next two seasons before they hand him the starting role as the heir apparent to Stafford in head coach Sean McVay's offense. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can ignore Simpson, while in dynasty/keeper leagues, he's a long-term upside stash.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Nick Kurtz Reinstated From 10-Day Injured List
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list Saturday, while infielder Max Muncy was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Kurtz had been out since July 10 with a right thumb capsule sprain, which also kept him out of the All-Star Game. The 23-year-old returns with a .266/.405/.497 slash line, 20 home runs, 61 runs, 66 RBI, and seven steals in 92 games. Kurtz can go right back into fantasy lineups. Muncy returns to Las Vegas four days after being recalled when Joshua Kuroda-Grauer landed on the injured list following surgery.
Source: A's Communications
Source: A's Communications
Ralphy Velazquez's Triple-A Production Slowing in July
Cleveland Guardians first base/outfield prospect Ralphy Velazquez is an ideal fantasy prospect due to his 60-grade power and 50-grade hit tool. Between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus, Velazquez has had a nice age-21 season, but he has slowed down a bit statistically at Columbus in July. In 53 July at-bats, Velazquez is hitting .208 with two homers, eight RBI, and a .333 on-base percentage. All in all, between Double and Triple-A this season, Velazquez has 11 homers and 48 RBI while hitting .282 with 45 runs scored and a .378 on-base percentage. The left-handed hitting first baseman/outfielder was a former first-round pick by the Guardians in 2023, but might be looking at finishing this season in the minors. A premium dynasty prospect, Velazquez might be looking at 2027 as his time for a big league debut.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Dallas Keuchel Agrees to Minor-League Deal With Athletics
Free-agent left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Athletics and will report to Triple-A Las Vegas, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 38-year-old last appeared in the majors with Milwaukee in 2024, posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts in 16 2/3 innings over four starts. He returned to Triple-A Omaha in 2025 and went 2-1 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 30 strikeouts across 35 2/3 innings before being released in August. Keuchel, the 2015 American League Cy Young winner, will have to pitch his way back to the majors and carries no immediate fantasy value.
Source: Jeff Passan
Source: Jeff Passan
Max Clark Not Slowing Down Statistically at Triple-A Toledo
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has had a nice month of July at Triple-A Toledo, posting three homers and six RBI while hitting .333 with 13 runs scored and four stolen bases. As Clark continues to hit, he continues to make his case for a big league promotion. As the top prospect in the Tigers system, Clark is the main name to watch as the Tigers roster continues to take shape as the trade deadline nears. Clark has a 60-grade hit tool and a 70-grade run tool and has racked up 21 stolen bases at Toledo this year. At just 21 years old, the Tigers will have to make a decision on how they want Clark's career to progress. He has shown the capability to hit at a high level at Triple-A and the next step could be Detroit, but do the Tigers want to bring up Clark at such a young age? It's worth taking a chance in fantasy by stashing Clark and waiting for a promotion, especially if the Tigers are active at the trade deadline.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Karson Milbrandt Struggling To Find Consistency at Triple-A
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has flashed his potential in his age 22 season, but has struggled with his control since joining Triple-A Jacksonville. In 27 innings pitched for Jacksonville, Milbrandt has walked 24 batters and has allowed 17 earned runs. It's been a bit of a struggle for Milbrandt to find the form he showed at Double-A Pensacola, but he is still ranked as the No. 4 prospect in the Marlins' system. At Pensacola, Milbrandt was 4-1 with a 1.34 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 70 strikeouts in 47 innings. The strikeout rate was a product of his potential but Milbrandt hasn't found that same rate at Jacksonville. Milbrandt is worth looking at in dynasty leagues but might be best left on the waiver wire in redraft leagues as he works through some of his struggles.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Connelly Early Throws Bullpen Session
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early (elbow) threw a successful one-inning bullpen session on Friday as he continues to work his way back from left posterior elbow inflammation. He also threw from 120 feet and participated in pitcher fielding drills, making it a busy and productive day. The plan is for the 24-year-old southpaw to throw a two-inning bullpen session sometime next week, followed by a live batting practice session. Once those steps are completed, the Red Sox expect him to begin a short rehab assignment, putting him on track to return well before the end of the regular season. Given this positive outlook, Early is worth holding in fantasy leagues, and if he is available on the waiver wire, he is worth adding before he is activated from the Injured List.
Source: Ian Browne
Source: Ian Browne
Hagen Smith Working his Way Back From Injury
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith has made two outings since returning from the injured list at Triple-A Charlotte. In those two outings, the left-hander has lasted one and two innings, respectively, as he makes his way back from a left-shoulder impingement. Smith gave up just one earned run in his last two appearances combined. He walked three batters in his first time back out since his injury and lasted just one inning. Control has been an issue for Smith despite his good numbers overall this season. In 55 innings this season, Smith has 82 strikeouts. He only has a 1-6 record this season with a 4.58 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Smith is the No. 2 overall prospect for the White Sox and has two 60-grade pitches in his fastball and slider. If Smith can work his way back from his shoulder injury, he would be a welcome addition to the White Sox roster down the stretch
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Cody Bradford Impresses During Rehab Start
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cody Bradford (elbow) threw three scoreless innings in his latest rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Thursday. The 28-year-old increased his pitch count to 48, throwing 39 of them for strikes while displaying impressive command. Although he allowed three hits, he struck out four batters and did not issue a walk. He likely has at least two more rehab starts before being activated and returning to the Rangers' starting rotation, with building up his pitch count remaining the primary focus. That said, his rehab assignment has been a success so far, and Bradford remains a low-cost stash with some upside in the deepest fantasy leagues.
Source: Shawn McFarland
Source: Shawn McFarland
It's Time To Stash AJ Smith-Shawver
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) is set to make one more rehab start this week for Triple-A Gwinnett after throwing 86 pitches in his most recent outing on Thursday. The 23-year-old has been impressive during his rehab assignment, recording 21 strikeouts over 17.2 innings while posting a 1.53 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. The expectation is that this upcoming start will be his final one before being activated by the Braves, allowing fantasy managers to add him now before his value rises. Smith-Shawver has shown success in the past, posting a 3.86 ERA with a 22.0% strikeout rate in 2025 before suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery in June 2025. Now that he is on the verge of returning to Atlanta, he could be a prime candidate to replace the struggling Reynaldo López, who has allowed nine earned runs over his last two starts.
Source: Ian Quillen
Source: Ian Quillen
Hector Rodriguez Could be Impact Addition for the Reds
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has surprised a bit with his consistent power in his age-22 season at Triple-A Louisville. Rodriguez has tallied 24 homers in 374 at-bats with 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and a .275 batting average. Given 45-grade power by scouts, Rodriguez has surpassed expectations with his power this season. He is now the No. 3 prospect in the Reds' system. The Dominican Republic native could be a late-season addition to the Reds in the outfield. The left-handed-hitting bat could add some pop to the Cincinnati outfield, and with Blake Dunn currently on the injured list, there could be an opening for Rodriguez at the big-league level. Rodriguez should produce solid numbers if promoted and would be a good addition to fantasy teams over the second half of the season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Nick Pivetta Faces Live Hitters
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (forearm) threw to live batters on Friday, marking a significant step forward in his recovery from a right flexor strain. The 33-year-old threw 20 pitches during the planned session, and if all goes well, the Padres expect him to face live hitters again next week. Sidelined since the middle of April, Pivetta has had little opportunity to make an impact in fantasy. With just 16.0 innings pitched, the mid-round fantasy pick has been unable to provide a return on the investment fantasy managers made during draft season. With this latest step forward, the hope is that he can begin a rehab assignment after a few more successful live batting practice sessions. If all goes well, he has a chance to return for the final month of the regular season.
Source: Dennis Lin
Source: Dennis Lin
Puka Nacua Expected to Practice Despite Seeking Contract Extension
Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua is expected to practice in training camp despite seeking a contract extension this summer, head coach Sean McVay told reporters. Nacua has quickly outplayed his rookie contract and is heading into the final year of the four-year, $4.08 million deal he signed with the Rams in June of 2023 after he was selected with the 177th overall pick in the fifth round out of BYU. The 25-year-old has made two Pro Bowls in his first three NFL seasons and has accumulated an insane 4,191 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns on 313 receptions (432 targets) in 44 regular-season games to begin his career. Nacua led the league in receptions (129) and yards per game (107.2) while setting career highs in receiving yards (1,715), targets (166), and touchdown catches (10) in 16 regular-season games in 2025. The Rams might be a little hesitant to commit to Nacua for the long term after some questionable off-the-field decisions he's made in the last year, but ultimately, they are expected to get something done with him. He's still the clear No. 1 fantasy receiver and should be an easy top-five pick in all formats this year.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Joe Musgrove Throws to Live Batters
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (elbow) threw his first live batting practice session on Friday. He tossed 23 pitches, and while that is fewer than the nearly 40 pitches he threw a week earlier, facing live hitters is a much more significant step. This marks another major milestone for the 33-year-old hurler, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery in October 2024. He is set to throw again at some point next week, and will likely need to throw multiple live batting practice sessions before being assigned to a rehab assignment. However, if he continues to check all the boxes, there is a chance he could be activated from the Injured List sometime in September. That said, it's unclear whether he will be eased back into action after such a long layoff, which caps his fantasy upside for the 2026 season.
Source: Dennis Lin
Source: Dennis Lin
Zac Veen has Appeal as a Potential Five-Category Contributor
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen has had quite the consistent 2026 season at Triple-A Albuquerque, and that could result in some time up with Colorado in the second half of the season. In 333 at-bats at Albuquerque, Veen is hitting .312 with 16 homers and 63 RBI to go with 62 runs scored and 15 stolen bases. The No. 7 overall prospect for the Rockies, Veen is producing in his age-24 season, and it might be the perfect time for a call-up to the big leagues. The left-handed hitting outfielder has a 50-grade hit tool with 45-grade power and a 55-grade run tool. So Veen does not have the tools of a prolific big league home run hitter, but his speed should make him a five-tool prospect. A call-up to Colorado and the chance to play his home games at Coors Field would make Veen immediately attractive for fantasy purposes. Now might be the time to add Veen to fantasy rosters in anticipation of potential time in Colorado this season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
