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Grant Delpit Signs Three-Year Extension with Browns
Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit has signed a new deal with the organization on Wednesday. They've agreed on a three-year, $48 million deal, including $35 million in guaranteed money. Delpit was expected to play out his final year in 2026, but the Browns aren't going to let him hit free agency. This past season, Delpit recorded 89 tackles, four pass breakups, and a career-high 3.0 sacks in 17 games with the Browns. The 27-year-old has been a viable option for this secondary since being drafted by the team in the second-round of the 2020 Draft. The Browns have now locked up both Delpit and Denzel Ward ahead of the 2026 season. The secondary should be solid in Cleveland, but we'll see how the rest of the defense looks without Myles Garrett.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Rangers Acquire Catcher Logan O'Hoppe From the Angels
The Texas Rangers are acquiring catcher Logan O'Hoppe and reliever Chase Silseth from the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league infielder Angel Arredondo, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. O'Hoppe, 26, is the primary haul for the Rangers in this deal. They were clearly looking for a catcher at this year's Aug. 3 deadline with both Danny Jansen (forearm) and Kyle Higashioka (forearm) sidelined by injuries. The former 23rd-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018 had 39 combined home runs with the Halos in 2024 and 2025, but his offensive production has taken a major step back in 2026, as he heads to Texas with a .209/.271/.295 slash line with only four home runs, 23 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 75 games and 256 plate appearances. The move to the Rangers should be good news for O'Hoppe's short-term fantasy value in deeper two-catcher formats, but it's unclear if he'll continue to see regular playing time once Jansen and Higashioka get healthy. In the immediate future, O'Hoppe should split playing time with veteran Elias Diaz.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Cade Klubnik Returns from Back Injury
New York Jets quarterback Cade Klubnik (back) was back on the practice field for the first day of training camp practice on Wednesday. Klubnik missed time during OTAs due to a lingering back tightness issue. He has now been cleared and resumed practicing on Wednesday. The fourth-round rookie is expected to compete with Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe for the No. 2 quarterback job behind Geno Smith. There is some developmental upside here with the Jets not being committed to 35-year-old Smith in the long-term. Klubnik is an interesting dynasty stash option for fantasy managers willing to play the waiting game.
Source: Rich Cimini
Source: Rich Cimini
Kawhi Leonard Probe Could Stretch Into 2027
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard remains at the center of an NBA investigation into possible salary-cap circumvention. Per Baxter Holmes of ESPN, the probe could stretch into 2027 if the league, team, and involved parties cannot agree on the findings or a settlement. The case centers on Leonard's $28 million endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt company that also had a $300 million sponsorship agreement with the Clippers. The team has denied wrongdoing, and any punishment could face a challenge from the players' union. For fantasy, the extended timeline keeps the Clippers' roster plans unsettled, with Leonard's planned trade to Toronto stalled and restricted free agent Bennedict Mathurin still stuck in a murky market.
Source: Baxter Holmes
Source: Baxter Holmes
Unclear When Aaron Judge Will be Re-Examined by Doctors
The New York Yankees have not determined when outfielder Aaron Judge (rib) will be re-examined by doctors, manager Aaron Boone told Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. There is no clear timetable for when Judge might return from the 60-day injured list since he has yet to resume baseball activities while he continues to heal from a stress fracture in his right first rib, an injury that has kept him sidelined for nearly two months at this point. It's been extremely frustrating for fantasy managers who have the 34-year-old slugger sidelined. Eventually, Judge will most likely need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated, so in a best-case scenario, he might not return to the big leagues until late August. The three-time MVP and eight-time All-Star obviously needs to remain stashed everywhere, as he could still be a difference-maker down the stretch. Before his rib injury, Judge hit .248/.375/.533 with a .907 OPS, 17 home runs, 38 RBI, 43 runs, and five steals in 214 at-bats. With Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger also on the IL right now, the Yankees' outfield depth is being tested, with Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones both pressed into regular playing time.
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Daniel Theis' EuroLeague Future Remains Unclear
Former NBA center Daniel Theis faces an uncertain future with ASVEL Villeurbanne, per BasketNews, as the French club sorts through major budget questions. Theis, 34, signed with ASVEL this summer after leaving Monaco, but the club's projected budget could fall from €59 million to about €24 million, putting several expensive additions in doubt. The German big man averaged 9.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 38 EuroLeague games for Monaco last season after helping the club reach the 2025 final in his first year there. Theis has not played in the NBA since 2024-25, so this is a EuroLeague matter with no stateside fantasy impact. His next step is worth monitoring only if he becomes available again.
Source: BasketNews
Source: BasketNews
Cyrus Allen Takes First-Team Reps
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen was taking first-team reps during Wednesday's practice. The fifth-round rookie was out there with Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, and Jalen Royals taking first-team reps during the first practice of training camp. Afterwards, head coach Andy Reid praised Allen for his work during Wednesday's practice. It sounds like Allen made the most of his chances, while Royals struggled with drops. It's only the beginning of camp, but Allen is someone to keep an eye on right now. The 23-year-old could be an interesting dynasty stash if he continues playing well.
Source: A to Z Sports
Source: A to Z Sports
Dodgers Expect Tyler Glasnow to Start a Rehab Assignment Soon
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he assumes that right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) will start a minor-league rehab assignment after throwing a live batting practice session on Wednesday, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Fantasy managers have been itching to get Glasnow back, but they'll have to wait a bit longer, as he's expected to need at least a couple of rehab starts before rejoining L.A.'s starting rotation, potentially around mid-August. The hard-throwing right-hander is currently on the 60-day injured list and has been out since early June due to lower-back spasms. Although the 32-year-old is running out of time to help fantasy rosters, he should remain stashed in an IL spot in all leagues until he's ready to return. Before his back injury, Glasnow had gone 3-0 with a sharp 2.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 39 2/3 innings pitched across his seven starts. Barring a setback, he should be back with the Dodgers before four-time MVP and two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (biceps, knee) rejoins the rotation.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Jalen McDaniels Heads to Kobe Storks
Forward Jalen McDaniels has signed a one-year deal with the Kobe Storks of Japan's B.LEAGUE, per BasketNews. The 6-foot-9 forward and older brother of Timberwolves wing Jaden McDaniels appeared in 252 NBA games, mostly with the Hornets, while also spending time with the 76ers, Raptors, and Wizards. He averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds during his NBA career but never carved out a steady role. McDaniels was more productive in the G-League, averaging 13.8 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Capital City Go-Go in 2024-25. The move to Japan keeps him off NBA fantasy boards, leaving him relevant only for overseas basketball followers.
Source: BasketNews
Source: BasketNews
Rashid Shaheed Preparing for Bigger Role
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is expected to have a larger role in the offense this upcoming season. He joined the team mid-season last year, finishing with 15 receptions during his nine games with the organization. After a full offseason and training camp with the Seahawks, Shaheed is expected to have an expanded role in 2026. He now has plenty of time to get more familiar with quarterback Sam Darnold and new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury. The Seahawks don't have many reliable targets outside of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Fantasy managers can be hopeful that Shaheed steps up and becomes more of a WR2 for this offense next season.
Source: seahawks.com
Source: seahawks.com
Bennedict Mathurin Floated in Bulls-Clippers Sign-and-Trade Idea
Restricted free-agent guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin has been tied to a proposed sign-and-trade framework that would send Isaac Okoro and second-round picks from the Chicago Bulls to the Los Angeles Clippers, per Evan Sidery. This is a speculative idea, not a reported deal, but it follows confirmed interest from Chicago and New Orleans in the Clippers wing. Mathurin, 24, averaged a career-high 17.6 points last season, though his outside shot fell apart after the deadline move to Los Angeles. A Chicago landing spot could give him more scoring chances than he would see with the Clippers, boosting his points and free-throw appeal. Okoro would give Los Angeles a defense-first wing, but he carries little fantasy value himself.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Shohei Ohtani Expected to Pitch Again This Year, Biceps Issue Downplayed
Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expects two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (biceps, knee) to pitch again in 2026, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Dodgers' concern is Ohtani overcompensating while his balky left knee heals, which is why the organization isn't rushing the four-time MVP back while the team has a big lead in the National League West. Friedman also downplayed Ohtani's biceps soreness. "If it weren't for the knee, he would be pitching right now," Friedman said. The 32-year-old Japanese superstar continues to serve as the team's regular designated hitter, but he has not made a start on the mound since July 3. The good news is that the six-time All-Star has been throwing plyo balls and is expected to play catch with a real baseball soon. Unfortunately for fantasy managers who have Ohtani the pitcher rostered, he might not rejoin the Dodgers' starting rotation until late August or early September. Ohtani has been excellent in his 14 starts (85 2/3 frames), going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA (2.62 FIP), 0.95 WHIP, and 95:26 K:BB.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Twins Place Byron Buxton on Injured List With Hip Impingement
The Minnesota Twins announced on Wednesday that they placed outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) on the 10-day injured list due to a right-hip impingement and recalled infielder Tristan Gray from Triple-A St. Paul in a corresponding move. Buxton will head back to the IL for the second time in the last three weeks due to a hip injury that has been bugging him since the end of June. The 32-year-old veteran had stayed healthy up until then, but there's now concern, given his lengthy injury history, that he may not be able to help fantasy managers much the rest of the way. Luke Keaschall made the start in center field for the Twins on Wednesday, but Alan Roden could also see playing time in place of Buxton for however long he's sidelined this time around. Buxton hit a career-high 35 home runs, drove in 83 runs, and stole 24 bases in a resurgent 2025 campaign, and he's been a strong source of power again in fantasy until recently, slashing .263/.320/.544 with an .864 OPS, 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs scored, and seven steals in 82 games across 362 plate appearances. Buxton should be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues with hopes he can return to his pre-injury form to close out 2026.
Source: Minnesota Twins
Source: Minnesota Twins
James Cook III Could be Looking at Fewer Touches
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III led the NFL in rushing last year with 1,621 yards and 12 touchdowns on 309 carries in 17 regular-season games, with the Bills rushing the ball 52.4% of the time under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. The offense has leaned more heavily on the running game since Brady took over play-calling duties in Week 11 of 2023, but Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com questions whether the Bills will throw more under Brady in 2026. "I don't think you ever go into each game with a mindset of, 'This is how many carries he's going to have.' But it does pile up throughout the season, and I give him a lot of credit," said Brady. "I would love to be able to get Ray Davis, Ty Johnson, Frank Gore Jr., those guys involved, and I hope those opportunities come up this year. James was just playing at such a high level last year. And this year again we're looking at everything." Cook is a three-time Pro Bowler who runs behind an elite offensive line, but fantasy managers may want to expect some regression in the rushing department in 2026, especially since the Bills made a concerted effort to upgrade their receiving room in the offseason. Don't forget that Cook had just four rushing touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons, then exploded for 28 rushing TDs in the last two seasons.
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Taysom Hill Says Goodbye to the Saints
Former New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill posted a goodbye message to the Saints on his X account on Wednesday, per the team. After nine seasons with the team after they picked him up as an undrafted free agent out of BYU, Hill is moving on as he heads into his 10th NFL campaign in 2026. The 35-year-old was the ultimate Swiss Army Knife for the Saints on offense, working as a quarterback, tight end, running back, and wide receiver. In his nine years in the Big Easy, he had 489 carries for 2,551 yards and 34 touchdowns while also catching 110 passes for 1,034 yards and 11 touchdowns in 118 regular-season games (54 starts). As a QB, Hill threw for 2,426 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on his 308 pass attempts. Hill played in only 21 games the last two years due to injuries, and it's unclear what his health picture looks like this summer. It's impossible to predict his fantasy football value without a team to attach his name to, but at this point in his career, it seems unlikely that he'd have a major role if he lands with a new organization for the 2026 season.
Source: New Orleans Saints
Source: New Orleans Saints
C.J. Stroud, Texans Not Close to a Contract Extension
The Houston Texans' belief in quarterback C.J. Stroud as their franchise signal-caller remains strong, but the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the two sides are not close on a contract extension. Stroud had his fifth-year option picked up by Houston in April, and he has two years remaining on his rookie contract. Both sides seem comfortable kicking the can down the road as far as a contract extension, and Rapoport adds that the fact that extension talks are even happening backs up the Texans' position that Stroud is their unquestioned long-term plan at QB. The Texans probably are in no rush to lock up the 24-year-old former second overall pick in 2023 from Ohio State after he regressed in 2025 in his third year in the league, especially in the team's playoff loss to the New England Patriots. All reports are that Stroud is locked in and has made great strides towards a bounce-back in his fourth NFL season, but ultimately, his success in 2026 could come down to whether the offensive line can protect him. Stroud threw for 4,000-plus yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five picks in 15 regular-season starts as a rookie, so he has it in him. In two-QB superflex leagues, his lowered cost is enticing if you're betting on a bounce-back. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 23 fantasy QB, right behind Sam Darnold.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Puka Nacua Likely to be Extended Next Offseason
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that we should not expect the Los Angeles Rams to agree to a long-term contract extension with star wide receiver Puka Nacua before the start of the 2026 regular season. Nacua has one more year left on his rookie deal, and the Rams have already spent a lot of money in a lot of different places. Additionally, the Rams would like to see how Nacua has matured after very questionable off-the-field and public decisions were made that didn't put the star pass-catcher in a good light in 2025. The 25-year-old former fifth-rounder in 2023 from BYU has already taken steps to improve his decision-making, including going to therapy, as he seeks an expected lucrative extension next offseason. The two-time Pro Bowler has quickly become one of the best, if not the best, receivers in his three years in the NFL, catching 313 passes for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in 44 regular-season games. Contract and off-the-field issues aside, Nacua should be considered the unquestioned top fantasy WR in 2026 drafts.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Mike LaFleur Compares Michael Wilson to Rams Star Receiver
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur had high praise for wide receiver Michael Wilson on Wednesday, comparing him to Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is widely considered the best wideout in the game, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. LaFleur made the comparison because of how both Nacua and Wilson are strong players who can excel inside the tackles while being physical, but they can also play outside. The 26-year-old Wilson showed similar Nacua-like dominance in the second half of last season and finished with his first 1,000-yard campaign while scoring seven times on 78 receptions in 17 games in his third year in the NFL. Wilson has quite a ways to go to be considered in the same light as Nacua, but it's clear that LaFleur has high expectations for the former third-rounder in 2023 from Stanford. Wilson's production cannot be ignored going into 2026, but fantasy managers also cannot expect that same volume to repeat itself in LaFleur's offense. He will probably be a bit overvalued in fantasy drafts because of his inflated numbers a year ago while sharing the field with Marvin Harrison Jr., who isn't going away as a key member of LaFleur's offense. RotoBaller has Wilson ranked as the No. 40 fantasy WR in 2026.
Source: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
Source: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
Ricky Pearsall Could be Facing Knee Surgery
Updating a previous report, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) missed Wednesday's training camp practice with swelling in his right knee, and The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows report that he might now be looking at surgery. Pearsall injured his PCL in the same knee in Week 4 of last year, which forced him to miss six games. The 25-year-old was bothered by the same knee, at times when he returned to close out the 2025 season, too. Pearsall finished with 36 receptions for 528 yards and zero touchdowns on 53 targets in just nine starts. The former 31st overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Florida only played in 11 games as a rookie due to injury, and he could be looking at starting the 2026 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list or Injured Reserve, which would obviously tank his fantasy football value going into his third year in the NFL. The 49ers are concerned, and fantasy managers should be as well. If Pearsall requires knee surgery, rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling would be the favorite for WR3 duties in San Fran behind Mike Evans and Christian Kirk.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur and Matt Barrows
Jerry Jeudy Healthy for Training Camp
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (hamstring) reported to training camp healthy and took part in the team's first practice on Wednesday, according to Scott Petrak of The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram. Despite dealing with a hamstring injury during offseason workouts in the spring, Jeudy was a full-go for the start of camp as he looks to bounce back in 2026. The 27-year-old former 15th overall pick in 2020 by the Denver Broncos out of the University of Alabama caught 50 of his 106 targets for only 602 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games. It was especially disappointing after Jeudy was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 in his first year in Cleveland, when he had a 90-1,229-4 line in 17 games. On paper, Jeudy's prospects for a bounce-back don't look promising in 2026, with Cleveland's less-than-ideal QB battle and added target competition in the form of rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. It explains why Jeudy has fallen to No. 66 in RotoBaller's WR rankings for the upcoming season. Jeudy isn't going away in the Browns' offense, but he figures to be more of a boom/bust WR4/flex, at best.
Source: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
Source: The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
Cam Ward Thinks he has Improved Going into Year 2
Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Cam Ward thinks he has improved as he heads into his second year in the NFL in 2026, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "I am the same person," Ward said. "But I think I have become a better football player. I think that has been the biggest thing that I have changed. But I am the same person, keep the same routine. A lot of stuff has helped me get to this point, so there is no big thing to change." After the Titans used the first overall pick on Ward last year, he threw for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his rookie campaign, with a passer rating of 80.3. It was definitely an up-and-down year with plenty of growing pains, but Ward showed improvements in the final few weeks, and he's expected to take the next step under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll in 2026. The 24-year-old is showing more situational awareness and confidence, and he'll have more receiving weapons in rookie first-rounder Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson. Ward is a low-end QB2 with upside, but he'll have to prove himself in Year 2 to land on the fantasy radar of those in single-QB, 12-team formats.
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Deshaun Watson Takes All the First-Team Reps on Wednesday
The Cleveland Browns opened training camp on Wednesday, and it was quarterback Deshaun Watson who took all the first-team reps, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into it, though, as head coach Todd Monken said he will continue to split first-team QB reps in practice between Watson and second-year signal-caller Shedeur Sanders. Watson struggled on Day 1, throwing interceptions on back-to-back throws in 11-on-11 drills. Monken didn't disclose a timetable for naming a starting QB this summer, but he did say he plans to play his starters in the preseason. It will likely be Sanders' turn with the first-team offense on Thursday. There were conflicting reports this offseason speculating on which way Monken might be leaning for the starting QB role, but the bottom line is both Watson's and Sanders' play will determine the winner in camp and the preseason. Whoever wins the starting gig will likely be on a short leash and will be no more than a volatile, low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Jaydon Blue Flashing Early in Camp, Remains in Competition for No. 2 Role
Dallas Cowboys second-year running back Jaydon Blue has flashed early in training camp this summer and had one of the highlights of the first day of practice on Wednesday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "My speed is what I'm best at. Once I get in the open field and it's one-on-one, I don't think anyone in this league can stand a chance," Blue said. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer said back in June that the 22-year-old Blue has been "night and day" in terms of his performance this year compared to last year. Javonte Williams is Dallas' clear RB1 after a career year in his first year with the Cowboys in 2025, but the RB2 job is up for grabs, and based on Blue's strong work so far, he may very well be the favorite. The former fifth-rounder from the University of Texas could never get his legs under him in a trying rookie campaign, as he had only 38 rushing attempts for 129 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch for five yards in five games played. Blue is battling with Malik Davis and Phil Mafah for the RB2 role this summer, with his elite speed giving him a leg up. The time is now for Blue to make his move.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Kyler Murray Leads Vikings in QB Snaps on Wednesday
ESPN's Kevin Seifert reports that the Minnesota Vikings had a relatively even split of snaps between quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy in the first training camp practice on Wednesday, but Murray had the slight edge in first-team snaps with 16 to McCarthy's 12. Will Ragatz reported that it was a solid first day for both Murray and McCarthy in their QB1 battle. Murray had some impressive throws, but also some misses. McCarthy has plenty of arm strength, but the Vikings are going to need to see more accuracy to all parts of the field after a pretty disastrous first full season as the starter in 2025. Whoever wins this QB battle will be no more than a QB2 in superflex leagues, but Murray has more NFL experience and fantasy upside as a dual-threat signal-caller with an upgraded receiving corps in his new home. Murray has felt like the favorite going into training camp, but head coach Kevin O'Connell isn't tipping his hand. If Murray wins the starting job, as expected, he'll have QB1 upside, based on matchups, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as his top-two receivers.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Jordan Addison Impresses in First Training Camp Practice
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was "everywhere" during the team's first training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Will Ragatz. This comes after a recent report that Addison and new quarterback Kyler Murray worked with each other for two months leading up to training camp. The 24-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2023 out of USC is motivated going into the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 after a career-worst season that saw him catch 42 of his 79 targets for 610 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games after combining for 19 touchdown receptions in his first two seasons. Minnesota's lackluster quarterback play in 2025 didn't help matters. Addison will continue to be in the shadow of All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, but a bounce-back campaign could be in the cards if Murray seizes the QB1 gig and elevates the Vikings' passing attack from what it was a year ago. His case for being a WR3/4 sleeper in fantasy drafts this year is dependent on Murray winning the job in training camp and clicking with Addison in 2026. So far, so good.
Source: Will Ragatz
Source: Will Ragatz
Matt Chapman Expected to Return This Weekend
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello said that third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen) will return from the 10-day injured list at some point this weekend during the series against the division-rival San Diego Padres, which starts on Thursday, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. Despite missing a month with an abdominal strain, the 33-year-old veteran third baseman will return just before the Aug. 3 trade deadline without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. The former first-rounder will return to a mediocre .235/.324/.368 slash line with a .692 OPS, seven home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored in his 307 at-bats before going on the shelf. Chapman's return to close out July is good timing with the Giants losing infielder/outfielder Casey Schmitt to a likely season-ending torn meniscus in his knee this week. He'll take over starting third base duties at some point this weekend, and it remains to be seen if he'll be involved in a deadline deal as the Giants look to sell for the future.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Alex Pavlovic
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Alex Pavlovic
Casey Schmitt "More Than Likely" Done for the Season
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello said that infielder/outfielder Casey Schmitt (knee) will undergo knee surgery, which will "more than likely" end his 2026 season, according to Tristi Rodriguez of NBC Sports. No date has been set for Schmitt's surgery, but it will be "as soon as possible." The 27-year-old will require arthroscopic surgery to fix the torn meniscus in his left knee that he suffered earlier this week. Depending on the specifics of Schmitt's surgery, the utility man could miss anywhere from three to six weeks to four to six months, although the Giants expect it to be in the latter range. A more invasive surgery will put an end to what has been a breakout campaign for the former second-rounder. In his 387 at-bats in his fourth year in the majors, Schmitt has hit .271/.301/.483 with a .784 OPS, a career-high 21 home runs, 55 RBI, 47 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 98 games played. Infielder Christian Koss made a second straight start at third for the Gigantes on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers, but regular third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen) appears to be close to returning from a stint on the injured list.
Source: NBC Sports - Tristi Rodriguez
Source: NBC Sports - Tristi Rodriguez
Shota Imanaga No Longer Starting for Cubs on Thursday
Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga is no longer listed as the team's probable starter for Thursday's series finale against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals, according to Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune. Right-hander Javier Assad will now get the nod. Montemurro speculates that nothing is wrong with Imanaga physically, but the Cubs are pushing him back to Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the New York Yankees to have him take Jameson Taillon's spot. The 32-year-old Japanese native will get a little extra rest, but he'll also get a downgrade in matchup against the Yanks. In his third MLB season with the Cubbies, Imanaga has gone 7-8 with a 3.72 ERA (4.40 FIP) and 1.09 WHIP with 113 strikeouts and 29 walks in 121 innings pitched across his 21 starts. Imanaga has been pretty lights-out in his last five starts (29 innings), allowing only five earned runs (1.55 ERA) while walking six and striking out 25. The Yankees rank second in baseball in home runs, but they also have the fifth-most strikeouts, making Imanaga a risk-reward fantasy starter this weekend.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
Byron Buxton Remains Out With Hip Injury on Wednesday
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) is not in the team's starting lineup for Wednesday's contest against the division-rival Kansas City Royals, per MLB.com. Buxton will unsurprisingly sit out after leaving Tuesday's contest early with soreness in his right hip, an injury that recently landed the veteran center fielder on the injured list. It's uncertain if this new injury is serious enough to send Buxton back to the IL, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. His next chance to return will be for Thursday's series finale against KC at Target Field. Luke Keaschall is starting in center field and will bat eighth on Wednesday against Royals right-hander Randy Dobnak. The 32-year-old Buxton had managed to stay mostly healthy in 2026 up until recently. The three-time All-Star has hit .263/.320/.544 with an .864 OPS, 25 home runs, 45 RBI, 57 runs, and seven steals in 82 games and 362 plate appearances after a resurgent 2025 campaign that saw him hit a career-high 35 long balls in 126 games. Buxton has played in just nine games in July and has hit .207 (6-for-29), and he might finally be wearing down.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Vinnie Pasquantino Heading Back to Injured List With Wrist Soreness
The Kansas City Royals announced on Wednesday that they are placing first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (wrist) back on the 10-day injured list with soreness in his right wrist and are recalling outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. With Pasquantino out of the starting lineup again on Wednesday against the division-rival Minnesota Twins, Salvador Perez will start at first and bat cleanup, with Carter Jensen catching right-hander Randy Dobnak and batting leadoff against Twins right-hander Joe Ryan. This will be the second time on the IL for Pasquantino in 2026 after previously requiring surgery on June 14 to fix a broken hamate bone in the same hand. It's unclear if the 28-year-old lefty slugger will be ready when he's eligible to return on Aug. 8, but our guess is he won't be. Perez and Jac Caglianone will likely split playing time at first in KC with Pasquantino out again, opening up extra playing time for Nick Loftin. Pasquantino has been a massive bust this year, hitting just .232 (68-for-293) with six homers, 33 RBI, 34 runs, and four steals after breaking out for 32 homers and 113 RBI in 160 games in 2025. For the power upside alone, the Pasquatch is worth stashing in the majority of fantasy leagues while he heals.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
