RADIO
Vinnie Pasquantino Back From Injured List, Starting on Monday
The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday that they reinstated first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (wrist) from the 10-day injured list, and he is starting at first base and batting fifth in the series opener at Kauffman Stadium against the Athletics and right-hander Mason Barnett. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger has only six home runs and 33 RBI in 79 games so far in 2026 after hitting 32 home runs and driving in 113 runs in 160 games played a year ago. Pasquantino had surgery back on June 14 to fix a broken hamate bone in his right hand, and he had to go back on the IL due to soreness in his right wrist that kept him out for almost three more weeks. The Pasquatch's hand/wrist issues this year have sapped him of his power, but he is worth picking back up to see if he can help in the power department the rest of the way. Although he has disappointed in his fifth year in the majors with the Royals, Pasquantino has only struck out 17.9% of the time and has walked 11% of the time in his 336 plate appearances. He has gone hitless in just three career at-bats against Barnett.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Cooper Ingle Slowing Down at Triple-A in August
Cleveland Guardians catcher and outfield prospect Cooper Ingle is having a bit of a slow August in his return to Triple-A Columbus. He is hitting just 9-for-41 (.220) and has two homers to go with nine RBI in 11 games this month. Ingle saw some time with the Guardians, getting 21 at bats with the big-league club and failing to produce with only two hits and two RBI. Ingle had a productive July at Columbus to try to make the case for another shot in Cleveland but his momentum has slowed a bit. Ingle is the No. 5 prospect in the Guardians' system and has a 55-grade hit tool with just 45-grade power. The Guardians are playing Patrick Bailey and Austin Hedges at catcher right now so it's not looking like Ingle will get another shot at catcher. Right now it's best to leave Ingle on the waiver wire in redraft leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Maikel Garcia Reinstated From Injured List and Starting on Monday
The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday that they reinstated infielder/outfielder Maikel Garcia (hand) from the 10-day injured list, and he will start at third base and bat cleanup in his return in the series opener at home against the visiting Athletics and right-hander Mason Barnett. Fantasy managers in need of stolen bases should look to scoop Garcia up right away if he is available in your league. The 26-year-old Venezuelan has been injured for much of the year and has not lived up to expectations after hitting 16 home runs and stealing 23 bases in 2025, but he could do some damage for fantasy managers the rest of the way. Garcia will return to a .261/.320/.373 slash line with a .693 OPS, three home runs, 30 RBI, 32 runs scored, and five stolen bases in his 69 games and 294 plate appearances. He racked up 83 stolen bases from 2023 to 2025 with the Royals and is eligible at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield in Yahoo leagues. Garcia went 4-for-10 at the plate with a double and a steal in three minor-league rehab games last week with Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Puka Nacua Could Miss Entire Week of Practice
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) could miss the rest of this week's practices as the team continues to play it safe with him. Head coach Sean McVay said Monday that Nacua might not practice at all this week, according to Greg Beacham. The Rams only have sessions scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday after Nacua sat out Monday. That is a change from McVay's comments last Thursday, when he said he expected Nacua back this week "ready to go." Nacua has been sidelined since leaving the August 11 joint practice with the Dallas Cowboys because of soreness in his psoas. McVay continues to treat the issue as minor and is choosing caution with one of his veteran stars rather than pushing him back onto the field. There has been no indication of a setback. If Nacua sits Tuesday and Thursday as well, he will have gone the entire week without practicing.
Source: Greg Beacham
Source: Greg Beacham
Tristan Wirfs Returns to Practice for the First Time in Camp
Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs (hamstring) returned to practice on Monday for the first time in training camp this summer, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. It is good news for Tampa's starting offensive line, but it remains to be seen if the Bucs have the 27-year-old play with the rest of the starters in Saturday's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. But barring a setback with his hamstring, the five-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro should be healthy and ready to go for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. The former 13th overall pick in 2020 from the University of Iowa will once again be tasked with protecting quarterback Baker Mayfield's blind side in 2026 in his seventh year in the NFL. Wirfs is one of the best tackles in the league and has been a Pro Bowler in all but his rookie campaign.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
TreVeyon Henderson Could Be Headed for 50-50 Backfield Split
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson could be headed for a fairly even workload split with Rhamondre Stevenson in 2026. Chad Graff of The Athletic believes the backfield may settle close to 50-50, with Stevenson handling more early-down and short-yardage work while Henderson is used to create explosive plays. Pass protection remains the biggest thing standing between Henderson and more obvious passing-down work. His issues in blitz pickup limited him in those situations as a rookie, even though he still led New England with 215 touches, 1,132 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns. Stevenson took back the lead role during the postseason, playing 70.1% of the offensive snaps compared to Henderson's 31.4%. The Patriots also currently list Stevenson first on their unofficial depth chart. Henderson should still have plenty of opportunities in Year 2, but this looks much more like a two-back approach than a full takeover.
Source: Chad Graff - The Athletic
Source: Chad Graff - The Athletic
Bucky Irving Will Play Against Chiefs on Saturday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that his starters, including running back Bucky Irving, will dress and play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Irving and the rest of the starting offensive unit were held out of the preseason opener on Friday against the New York Jets. The Bucs let Rachaad White walk in free agency in March, but they added pass-catching dynamo Kenny Gainwell to their backfield to replace him. The 23-year-old Irving should continue to be Tampa's go-to option on early downs and near the goal line, but Gainwell figures to eat into valuable pass-catching opportunities out of the backfield as the team tries to keep Irving healthy after he played in just 10 games in 2025. Irving had 1,514 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games as a rookie in 2024. Because of the lack of clarity in Tampa's backfield between Irving and Gainwell in a new offensive scheme, fantasy managers should target Irving as more of a low-end RB2.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Caleb Douglas Briefly Leaves Monday's Practice
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas briefly left Monday's practice and went inside, according to David Furones. Douglas was walking fine when he left and returned to the field before practice was over. He put his helmet back on but did not participate in the final period. There has been no injury announced or explanation given for why the rookie stepped away. Douglas has been one of Miami's more consistent performers this summer, with head coach Jeff Hafley recently saying he had earned his spot on the team's initial depth chart. The third-round pick also made his presence felt in Friday's preseason opener against Washington, catching one pass for 28 yards and leading Miami in receiving yardage. Monday's brief exit is something to note, but Douglas returning to the field before the end of practice is at least an encouraging sign.
Source: David Furones
Source: David Furones
River Ryan Nearing Injury Return and Could Be a Candidate for MLB Roster
Detroit Tigers pitching prospect River Ryan is recovering from a right hamstring strain that he suffered before he was traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Tigers in the Tarik Skubal trade. He has been on the IL and rehabbing with the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. Ryan could make a return and potentially pitch for the Tigers. Or the Tigers could leave him at Toledo and give him more work in the minors. It is a little bit of a risky dilemma for fantasy managers. Should they take a chance on Ryan who already made his major league debut with the Dodgers? With Oklahoma City, in the Pacific Coast League, Ryan was 3-1 this year with a 4.46 ERA and 1.29 WHIP to go with 43 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings pitched. Ryan is 28 years old and has brief MLB experience back in 2024. The Tigers could give him another look at the end of this year. Fantasy managers will want to pay attention.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Grade 2 Oblique Strain for Dansby Swanson, Could Miss 4-6 Weeks
ESPN's Jesse Rogers is hearing that Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (oblique) suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain, which carries a normal timetable of four to six weeks. It would leave him ready for the postseason, but fantasy managers might be without him for the rest of the 2026 regular season. The 32-year-old veteran is expected to be placed on the 10-day injured list before Monday's series opener against the Chicago White Sox after he injured himself on his first swing of the day in Sunday's series finale against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues should not feel the need to keep Swanson stashed, as he might not be back until mid-September in a best-case scenario. In the meantime, the Cubs will slide Nico Hoerner from second base to shortstop, with Pedro Ramirez most likely to see most of the playing time at the keystone going forward. In his fourth year with the Cubs, Swanson has hit a career-low .216 (87-for-403) but has 18 home runs, 66 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 78 runs scored in his 119 games played and 458 plate appearances.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Tank Dell on "His Own Plan," Preseason Status Remains Uncertain
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) still does not have a clear preseason game plan as he works back from the serious knee injury that cost him the entire 2025 season. Asked Monday whether Dell will play in an exhibition game, head coach DeMeco Ryans said the receiver is on "his own plan," according to Aaron Wilson. "Whatever that entails, geared toward what's best for Tank Dell," Ryans added. Dell has made progress in camp, including taking team-drill reps for the first time on August 10 and catching a pass from Davis Mills during that session. Houston has been careful with his workload throughout the process, and Ryans' latest comments make it clear the team is not setting a preseason deadline for him. Dell suffered a dislocated left kneecap, torn ACL and additional damage in December 2024. For now, getting him ready at the right pace matters more than forcing him into an exhibition game.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Parks Harber Making Case For MLB Promotion at Age 24
San Francisco Giants third base prospect Parks Harber is having a solid age 24 season in the minors but could need some more seasoning before getting an MLB debut. After starting the season in Double-A, Harber was promoted to Triple-A Sacramento on July 17. With Sacramento, Harber totaled 104 at bats and hit .317 with five homers and 22 RBI along with a .917 OPS showing off his on-base skills. In all, between two teams, Harber hit .294 with 17 homers and 69 RBI. The right-handed hitter is the No. 13 prospect for the Giants and has 55-grade power and a 45-grade hit tool. The 6-foot-3, 217 pounder has the looks of a future major league regular but it is unknown if the Giants will decide to call him up before the end of this season or wait until next year to have him debut at the beginning of the 2027 season. Redraft managers will have to make a similar decision whether to take a risk on Harber.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Buccaneers Unsure if Emeka Egbuka Will be Ready for Week 1
Updating a previous report, FOX Sports' Greg Auman reports that there is not a lot of clarity right now on Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka's toe injury and how long he will be sidelined. Head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that Egbuka is "day-to-day, week-to-week," and when asked if the injury could impact his availability for Week 1 in 27 days, Bowles said he was "not sure at this time." The 23-year-old's status for the 2026 regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals could be in question, which will make him a much riskier WR2 target in upcoming fantasy football drafts. Even if Egbuka is ready to go for Week 1, the Bucs could ease him back into a prominent role. Fellow wideout Jalen McMillan also has not practiced in nearly two weeks while nursing a knee injury in camp. If both Egbuka and McMillan are not 100% early on, Chris Godwin Jr. could be in line for a big target share, with rookie Ted Hurst and Tez Johnson potentially seeing the field more as well. Stay tuned for more updates on Egbuka's toe. He almost certainly will not play in the second preseason game this Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs with the starters.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
EJ Crowell Expected to be Ready for Week 1
Alabama running back EJ Crowell (lower body) missed practice again on Monday after missing last week's scrimmage with a lower-body injury, but offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said he expects the freshman to be ready for Week 1. "EJ is doing great. Sooner than later, he'll be back," Grubb said. "Definitely not season-ending. Fully expect him to be ready for the first football game." Crowell is competing for immediate playing time with Daniel Hill and Trae'shawn Brown. Veteran running back AK Dear (ankle) is expected to miss the start of the season after suffering an ankle injury in Thursday's scrimmage. With Dear sidelined, the Tide could open the year with Crowell as the lightning to the 240-pound Hill's "Thunder."
Source: Mike Rodak - Bama247
Source: Mike Rodak - Bama247
Xavier Worthy Limited to 7-on-7 Work Monday
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) remained limited Monday as he works back from a shoulder sprain. Worthy took part in 7-on-7 drills but was held out of 11-on-11 work, according to Pete Sweeney. The injury dates back to August 1, and Worthy missed several practices before returning in a limited capacity on August 10. He has been getting more involved since then, including catching passes during offensive periods last Thursday, but Kansas City still isn't putting him through full-team work. Worthy appeared in 14 games last season while dealing with multiple injuries, finishing with 42 catches for 532 yards and one touchdown. Monday was another step forward, just not a full return. The next notable benchmark will be Worthy getting back into 11-on-11 drills as the Chiefs continue to manage the shoulder.
Source: Pete Sweeney
Source: Pete Sweeney
