RADIO
Aaron Judge Shows Healing But Still Not Cleared for Baseball Activities
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (right rib) said Friday that follow-up imaging showed some healing in the stress fracture of his first rib on the right side. It was not enough to clear him for baseball activities, and additional doctors still need to review the results. Judge remains confident he will return this season, saying, "I don't see why I wouldn't," but there is still no timetable. Judge has not played since May 31 and is hitting .248/.375/.533 with 17 home runs, 43 runs, 38 RBI, and five steals in 59 games. Fantasy managers should continue holding him in every format. The lack of baseball work still makes an August return uncertain, while Jasson Dominguez should remain in the outfield mix as long as Judge is sidelined.
Source: Bryan Hoch
Source: Bryan Hoch
Brian Thomas Jr. is Capable of Outperforming His Current Redraft ADP
After recording 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2024, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. entered 2025 as a consensus top-12 fantasy wideout. Unfortunately, Thomas Jr. put together a disappointing season, hauling 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns on 91 targets across 14 games. Entering 2026, Thomas Jr. has plenty of target competition in Jacksonville between wide receivers Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter, as well as tight end Brenton Strange. However, Thomas Jr. is clearly the highest-upside pass-catcher on the Jaguars' roster. He also should be healthier this season than he was in 2025, at least to open the year. Thomas Jr. played through early-season shoulder and wrist issues in 2025 and then missed time with a high-ankle sprain late in the season. As the WR31 by current redraft ADP, Thomas Jr. has the potential to significantly outperform his draft-day price.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Shohei Ohtani Serving as DH After Having Knee Drained
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) had his bothersome left knee drained earlier this week, but he will serve as the designated hitter and bat leadoff for the Dodgers for Friday's series opener in New York against Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole, according to MLB.com. The Dodgers are playing it safe with Ohtani on the mound and skipped his final start before the All-Star break as a precaution, but he will be good to go to continue DH-ing for L.A. to start the second half of the season. The Dodgers aren't very concerned, so fantasy managers shouldn't be either. Although Ohtani is hitting just .200 in 20 career at-bats against Cole, he does have a home run and three RBI against him. The four-time MVP is a must-start in all fantasy lineups when he's active in the Dodgers' starting lineup. The six-time All-Star enters the second half of the 2026 season with a cool .293/.403/.549 slash line with a .953 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 65 runs scored, and six stolen bases across 88 games. The numbers aren't as gaudy as we've become accustomed to from Ohtani over the last few years, but he's still a must-start in fantasy.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chris Olave Could Be Poised for a Career Year in 2026
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave put together the best season of his career in 2025, recording 100 catches for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns on 156 targets across 16 games. Olave was held out of Saints OTAs in the spring due to a blood clot issue, but he's expected to be full go for the start of training camp. The 26-year-old will get some new target competition in New Orleans this season from rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (undisclosed), whom the Saints selected eighth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, Olave should still be the number one option in his team's passing game, at least to start the year. New Orleans also looks to be on track to have their best offense in a while, as the team will have emerging quarterback Tyler Shough under center for his first full season as the starter. Olave could be in line for a monster year in 2026 and profiles as a prime target for dynasty contenders even with his value surging.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Could Keelon Russell Be Sleeper Heisman Contender?
Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has very limited experience at the college level, but he has dazzled when given opportunities. Russell still has to earn the starting job over Austin Mack, but the redshirt freshman has reportedly wowed throughout the spring and summer. Last season, he completed 11-of-15 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. That action did come late in blowout wins over UL Monroe and Eastern Illinois, but Russell continued to show a spark in Alabama's spring game. He completed 21-of-33 passes for 240 yards with four touchdowns and an interception, scoring points on seven of nine possessions. Should Russell beat out Mack to officially win the starting job, the budding star could be a deep sleeper to be one of the nation's top players in 2026.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Duce Robinson Eyeing Florida State Turnaround
Florida State receiver Duce Robinson could have been one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, but instead opted to return to the Seminoles for his senior season. The 6-foot-6 receiver broke out last season, catching 56 passes for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns after transferring in from USC. Rather than going to the NFL, Robinson returned to Tallahassee with the goal of turning the program back around. Robinson stated that, "College football is better when Florida State is at their best. That's just a proven fact. Florida State, Tallahassee, has changed my life. I just want to see Tallahassee be great again." The Seminoles enter the season with head coach Mike Norvell on a scorching hot seat, and with unproven veteran quarterback Ashton Daniels set to start under center.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Source: Sports Illustrated
Jayden Maiava Due for Career Year?
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava is entering his third season in Lincoln Riley's program. Maiava broke out last season, throwing for 3,711 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while running for six more scores on the ground. He will be without his top two targets from a year ago in Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, but the Trojans have no shortage of young talent in the receiving room. Tanook Hines, who recorded 561 yards as a true freshman, projects as the top option with NC State transfer Terrell Anderson running alongside him. Star freshman tight end Mark Bowman and freshman receivers Trent Mosley and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt figure to mix into the rotation as well. With more mouths to feed, the sky is the limit for Maiava in his senior season. The high-flying Trojans' offense will open the season against San Jose State on Saturday, August 29th as Maiava looks to catch the attention of NFL scouts during his senior campaign.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Texas Tech Inks Deal with Galaxy on Stadium Naming Rights
Texas Tech has agreed to a 15-year, $75 million deal with Galaxy to rename Jones AT&T Stadium to Galaxy Stadium, effective this year. The deal also includes NIL opportunities for players. Galaxy is an AI company that operates out of Dickens County, 70 miles from Lubbock. The stadium has been named Jones AT&T Stadium since 2006, and will open its new era on September 5th as the Red Raiders host Abilene Christian in the season opener.
Source: On3
Source: On3
North Carolina Quarterback Competition a "50-50 Battle"
Bill Belichick's first season at the helm of North Carolina's football program was a disaster, as the Tar Heels finished 4-8 (2-6 in conference play). Quarterback play was inconsistent from Gio Lopez, who threw 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Lopez has since transferred out as Belichick reconstructed the roster, bringing in Wisconsin transfer Billy Edwards Jr. and Texas A&M transfer Miles O'Neill as potential solutions. Edwards is the most experienced of the two, starting the 2024 season at Maryland before suffering an early-season injury at Wisconsin last year. He has thrown 512 passes in his four-year career, compared to the 20 thrown by O'Neill. O'Neill has the physical traits and the relationship with new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, which puts him squarely in the competition to start in Week 0's matchup against TCU in Ireland.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Christopher Vizzina, Tait Reynolds Competing for QB1 Job at Clemson
With Cade Klubnik off to the NFL, Clemson football enters a new era. Klubnik had started every game but one for the Tigers dating back to 2023. Head coach Dabo Swinney is not ready to name a starting quarterback quite yet, but On3's Pete Nakos would be shocked if third-year quarterback Christopher Vizzina was not the Week 1 starter. Vizzina did start the SMU game this past season, finishing the loss 29-for-42 for 317 yards and three touchdowns. Vizzina was a four-star quarterback in the class of 2023. He is competing with true freshman Tait Reynolds, a three-star out of Arizona. Reynolds has reportedly impressed Coach Swinney this spring and will continue to push Vizzina for the starting job, but it sounds as if the job is Vizzina's to lose.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Mets Unlikely to Trade Francisco Lindor
There is a possibility that the New York Mets will trade All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, but multiple executives across the industry told The Athletic's Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal that it's unlikely to happen. The Mets are in full-on sell mode to open up the second half of the 2026 season and are willing to listen to offers on nearly all of their players, including Lindor. But any team that shows interest in Lindor "would have to clear a high bar." Despite an injury-plagued and frustrating season to this point, New York still views Lindor as valuable, and at 32, he has the power to veto any trade. He's also owed more than $160 million after this season through 2031. The Mets think he can still be part of a winning team in 2027, which makes them unlikely to be interested in paying down his contract in a potential trade. A person close to the 32-year-old Puerto Rican said he is comfortable with the team and loves the city, and he wants to win with the Mets. In addition to hitting .210 (33-for-157) with only five home runs, 12 RBI, 22 runs, and two steals on the year, Lindor hasn't been as strong defensively at shortstop. Lindor could be showing some signs of a decline, but his buy-low window is firmly open, and he could easily turn things around in the second half if he's healthy.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal
Five-Star Receiver Monshun Sales Commits To Indiana
The Indiana Hoosiers have received the first-ever five-star commit in program history, as in-state star receiver Monshun Sales committed to Curt Cignetti's program on Friday. Sales picked Indiana over Ohio State, Alabama, LSU, and Texas, signaling that the Hoosiers are not going anywhere after winning last year's national title. Sales is the No. 1-ranked receiver in the 2027 class. Standing 6-foot-5, 195 pounds, he poses a dangerous combination of size and speed. Sales' commitment gives Hoosier fans more reasons to be ecstatic about the state of their program, which has never been in a better spot historically.
Source: 274 Sports
Source: 274 Sports
Clay Holmes to Begin a Rehab Assignment on Saturday
New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) will start his minor-league rehab assignment on Saturday with the High-A Brooklyn Cyclones, according to the team. Despite being out since mid-May due to a fractured fibula, Holmes is considered a significant trade deadline asset for a team that is expected to begin selling off pieces sooner rather than later. Holmes threw a live bullpen session on Tuesday during the All-Star break, and multiple teams are expected to scout his first rehab outing this weekend. The 33-year-old veteran holds a player option worth $12 million for next year and is also a candidate for an extension. In his first nine starts for the Mets in 2026, Holmes was great, going 4-4 with a 2.39 ERA (3.21 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 52 2/3 innings pitched. While Holmes' underlying metrics suggest he was fortunate to have the surface stats he did in the first half, he can still help fantasy managers in the second half with a return to full health, especially if he's pitching for a contender. He's only rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues at the moment, so fantasy managers with rotation needs should consider stashing him now.
Source: Brooklyn Cyclones
Source: Brooklyn Cyclones
Heliot Ramos Could Be Poised for a Second-Half Power Breakout
San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos had the first half of his 2026 season disrupted by a quad strain, which led to him being placed on the injured list in mid-May and ultimately cost him 37 games. However, Ramos has been productive when healthy this year, hitting .275/.311/.468 with eight home runs, 28 RBI, and 31 runs scored. The 26-year-old entered the All-Star break on a high note, logging a .319 batting average with three home runs across his first 48 plate appearances of July. Ramos also owns elite batted-ball metrics so far this season with a 16% barrel rate and a 51.2% hard-hit rate. Ramos' fantasy upside is limited by his pitcher-friendly home environment in San Francisco and his elevated 26% strikeout rate. Still, he offers high-end power potential for fantasy managers in leagues where he is currently unrostered.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blake Snell to Start a Rehab Assignment on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell (elbow) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Snell has dealt with shoulder and elbow issues for what feels like his entire Dodgers tenure since joining them before the 2025 season. The two-time Cy Young winner has made only 12 starts for the team during the regular season since the start of last year, and he's currently on the 60-day injured list after having a NanoScope procedure to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. Barring a setback, though, the talented left-hander could be back in L.A.'s starting rotation by early August. He has made just one start for the Dodgers in 2026, so he'll likely need more than just one rehab start on the farm to build his arm back up. Snell allowed five runs (four earned) with two walks and five strikeouts in just three innings in his only start this year on May 9 against the Atlanta Braves, but when he's right, he still has high-end strikeout upside and is worth stashing in all fantasy baseball leagues. He's currently rostered in just under 80% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
TJ Rumfield a Top Source of Batting Average on the Waiver Wire
Across 384 plate appearances this season, Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield is hitting .296/.380/.475 with 12 home runs, 47 RBI, and 42 runs scored. The 26-year-old's breakout success has come as a bit of a surprise, as he spent most of 2024 and all of 2025 in Triple-A as a member of the New York Yankees organization. Rumfield's underlying batted-ball metrics don't suggest tremendous upside, as he's logged just a 5.3% barrel rate and a 28.2% hard-hit rate. However, the lefty swinger has an elite plate approach, as he's walked in 10.4% of his plate appearances while posting an excellent 13.8% strikeout rate. With his ability to put the bat on the ball and his hitter-friendly home environment at Coors Field, Rumfield profiles as a high-end source of batting average for fantasy managers. Particularly in deeper leagues, Rumfield is a worthwhile waiver wire target for managers in need of a corner infield upgrade.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Makai Lemon "Feeling Great", "100 Percent" Ready for Camp
Philadelphia Eagles rookie first-round wide receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring) said that he's "feeling great" and is "100%" ready to go for the start of training camp after dealing with a hamstring injury during the offseason program, according to Olivia Reiner of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Lemon could be eased into camp at the end of July, but once he's a full-go, he has an opportunity to become Philly's WR2 behind DeVonta Smith in his first year in the NFL after the Eagles traded Pro Bowler A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots this offseason. The 20th overall pick out of USC comes to the NFL after having recorded 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 receptions in 12 games in 2025 in his third and final year at USC for the Trojans. Lemon has the clear runway to become a weekly flex option for fantasy managers in his first year in the league, but there should be some hesitation from managers with the Eagles coming off a frustrating 2025 campaign on offense in which they really struggled to move the ball through the air. In redraft leagues, RotoBaller has Lemon ranked as the No. 45 pass-catcher. He'll be more attractive in dynasty/keeper leagues for his athleticism and big-play abilities out of the slot.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Olivia Reiner
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Olivia Reiner
Ian Seymour Emerging as a Breakout Candidate to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 64 2/3 innings (33 games) in 2026, Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Ian Seymour has recorded a 6-2 record with a 4.59 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 75 strikeouts. The 27-year-old opened the year in a traditional relief role, but he's been operating as a starter or bulk reliever since early June. Seymour has demonstrated intriguing swing-and-miss upside overall this season, posting a 27.8% strikeout rate. He's been even better since moving into his current role, recording a 30.9% strikeout rate over his last seven outings (33 2/3 innings). While Seymour's ERA is a bit elevated, he's been hurt by an abnormally low 66.2% strand rate. If the left-hander can do a better job of getting out of jams in the second half of the season, he could be a major value-add for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Max Clark Could Bring Elite Five-Category Skill Set to Detroit Outfield
Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark has spent the whole season in Triple-A Toledo and has shown off some of the five-tool skills that made him such a highly regarded prospect. Clark has eight homers and 35 RBI while hitting .264 with 58 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. Clark has had a pretty successful July before the All-Star break with two homers and three RBI in 38 at-bats while hitting .289. The 21-year-old is the Tigers' top overall prospect and received a 60 overall scouting grade with a 70 run grade. Clark has the speed and arm to be a big-league outfielder; the question is when he will get his chance in Detroit. James Outman and Matt Vierling are manning center field right now for the Tigers, so there seems to be a spot for Clark to work his way towards. It would be beneficial for fantasy managers to monitor Clark's progress, as he has elite-prospect skills and a favorable profile for fantasy given his ability to hit for power and steal bases.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
A.J. Ewing a Priority Speed Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 227 plate appearances in 2026, New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing is hitting .274/.347/.438 with seven home runs, 25 RBI, 27 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. The 21-year-old got off to a bit of a slow start after making his MLB debut in mid-May, hitting .238 with one home run and a 32.4% strikeout rate across his first 74 plate appearances in the big leagues. However, Ewing has turned it on since the start of June, hitting .290 with six home runs and five stolen bases across his last 153 trips to the plate. Ewing's strikeout rate is still slightly elevated at 26%, but the young outfielder also draws walks at a 9.7% clip. His ability to get on base allows his speed to play up, which is his main appeal for fantasy managers. Ewing stole 70 bases across 124 minor league games in 2025. For fantasy managers in need of speed, Ewing profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Showing Strong Connection With New Quarterback
The New York Giants have a lot riding on new tight end Isaiah Likely after they signed him to a three-year, $40 million deal in free agency in March, so it's good to hear from John Fennelly of Giants Wire that he and new quarterback Jaxson Dart "have already shown a connection in early workouts this past spring." The former fourth-rounder by the Baltimore Ravens out of Coastal Carolina in 2022 could never get out of Mark Andrews' shadow in his four seasons with the Ravens, but he'll have a chance to immediately break out in 2026 in his first year in the Big Apple after following head coach John Harbaugh to the Giants. The G-Men think that the 26-year-old can become offensive coordinator Matt Nagy's receiving tight end out of the slot to create mismatches for opposing defenses. Likely can also be used as a blocker, but the Giants will probably have others do most of that. After catching 135 of his 194 targets for 1,568 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first four NFL seasons with the Ravens, Likely will enter 2026 as a low-end TE1 target/high-end TE2 target in fantasy drafts with the potential for a true breakout in New York.
Source: Giants Wire - John Fennelly
Source: Giants Wire - John Fennelly
Kenley Jansen a Closer to Fade Coming Out of the All-Star Break
Across 23 2/3 innings (27 games) in 2026, Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen has recorded a 1-4 record with a 4.56 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 25 strikeouts, and 11 saves. The 38-year-old has held onto the ninth-inning role in Detroit despite some ups and downs this season, recording saves in two out of his last three appearances before the All-Star break. However, Jansen's profile carries some major red flags for fantasy managers. The veteran right-hander has struggled with command this season, as his 13.1% walk rate is his worst since 2010 and his 12.1% K-BB rate is the worst of his career. Jansen has also had major difficulty keeping the ball in the ballpark, allowing 1.90 HR/9. The combination of walks and homers is a dangerous one for closers, as it leads to blow-up outings and blown saves. Detroit is also currently eight games under .500, which could lead to Jansen being traded to a team where he's no longer the closer. All things considered, fantasy managers may want to avoid Jansen in the second half of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kade Anderson Sees Stash Value Climb with Path to Majors
Seattle Mariners starting pitching prospect Kade Anderson suffered his first loss this season at Double-A Arkansas on July 3, lowering his overall record to 8-1 on the year. It was one of the only blemishes on Anderson's pitching record this season at Arkansas, with a microscopic 1.36 ERA and 0.69 WHIP to go with 108 strikeouts in 72 2/3 innings pitched. The top overall prospect for the Mariners, Anderson seems to be biding his time before making a big league debut. But will he need some development time at Triple-A before getting the call up to Seattle? A left-hander with an elite grade (60) on his fastball and changeup, the former first-round pick looks close to a sure thing at the big-league level. He could be a difference-maker in fantasy leagues over the second half. With Emerson Hancock banged up on the MLB roster with a hand injury, Anderson's path to the majors looks clearer than ever.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Isaac Paredes Profiles as a Steady Source of Power and Run Production
Across 384 plate appearances so far this season, Houston Astros infielder Isaac Paredes is hitting .254/.349/.417 with 12 home runs, 49 RBI, and 39 runs scored. The 27-year-old's underlying batted-ball metrics are underwhelming, as he owns a 5.9% barrel rate and a 30% hard-hit rate. However, Paredes specializes in pulling the ball in the air to left field, which makes him a perfect fit for Houston's Daikin Park. The righty slugger also does a nice job of controlling the strike zone, logging a 9.6% walk rate with a 15.9% strikeout rate. With Astros third baseman Carlos Correa (ankle) out for the season due to ankle surgery, Paredes is locked into an everyday role in Houston as long as he stays healthy. Paredes' profile may not offer tremendous upside for fantasy managers, but he should continue to be a solid source of power and run production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wan'Dale Robinson Entering Training Camp With Momentum in New Digs
TennesseeTitans.com's Jim Wyatt writes that the wide receiver who ended the offseason with the most momentum for the Tennessee Titans was newcomer Wan'Dale Robinson. Second-year QB Cam Ward and Robinson seemed to struggle to connect early in offseason workouts, but "I think that worked itself out some in June." Robinson, veteran Calvin Ridley, and rookie first-rounder Carnell Tate are locked in as the top three wideouts going into Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, with second-year pass-catchers Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor battling for snaps behind them. Tennessee signed Robinson to a four-year, $78 million deal in free agency in March after he had 92 catches on 140 targets for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in 2025 in a breakout year with the New York Giants. He has familiarity with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll from their time together in New York, but with the Titans expected to use a lot of two-tight end sets, fantasy managers should expect some target regression in 2026 in his new home. RotoBaller has Robinson ranked as the No. 51 overall fantasy WR as more of a flex option than a weekly set-and-forget wideout.
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Karson Milbrandt Remains High on Stash Rankings Despite July Blip
In two July starts, Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt hit a bump in the road at Triple-A Jacksonville, allowing nine earned runs over 3 2/3 innings pitched. It's simply a bump in the road, because Milbrandt has been very good in the minors over the rest of the season. In four total June starts for Jacksonville, Milbrandt allowed a total of five earned runs over 19 1/3 innings pitched. Between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville, Milbrandt has recorded a 4-3 overall record with a 2.70 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over 70 innings pitched with a whopping 90 strikeouts. The strikeout rate, compiled mainly at Pensacola, is elite and is very enticing for fantasy managers in search of starting pitchers. Milbrandt, the Marlins' No. 4 overall prospect, has four elite pitches, but his control needs work according to his scouting grades. With the quality strikeout rate and four top-notch pitches, Milbrandt has the looks of a successful fantasy option and should be in serious contention for a second-half promotion.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Brenton Strange a High-Upside Streaming Option in 2026
After recording career highs of 46 receptions, 540 yards, and three touchdowns in 2025, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange agreed to a three-year extension worth up to $48 million dollars, and the only thing truly working against him heading into 2026 is the overall depth of the Jaguars' pass catchers. While certainly a luxury problem for an NFL offense, fantasy managers could face the frustration of trying to determine how targets will be allotted on a week-to-week basis. Jacksonville comes into the season with an impressive receiver room of Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and two-way player Travis Hunter, a foursome that did not see a single snap together in 2025. Working in Strange's favor is the obvious positional advantage that should see him on the field at close to an every-down rate. Strange missed five games in 2025 with a hip injury that landed him on injured reserve, but in returning for the final seven games of the regular season, he closed the year as the TE8. Now pushed entirely out of most drafts by the uncertainty of his situation, Strange remains a high-upside swing in deeper leagues, and at RotoBaller's TE18, he is certain to enter into the weekly streaming conversation in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
George Lombard Jr. a Name to Closely Monitor for Late-Season Call-Up
New York Yankees infield prospect George Lombard Jr. is currently on a rehab assignment for the FCL Yankees after injuring his left hand at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. A first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Lombard has impressed when healthy this season, racking up 10 homers and 27 RBI with a .263 batting average between three minor league teams this season, including Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Lombard is the top prospect in the Yankees' minor league system. The 21-year-old boasts an elite power bat and fielding skills graded as elite. The elite fielding won't help us in fantasy, but it could help Lombard get a look in New York quicker than otherwise. He can also run a bit on the bases and has recorded 12 stolen bases between the three minor league levels. The Yankees have some capable middle infielders at the big-league level in Jose Caballero and Anthony Volpe, among others, but Lombard needs to prove his health first. If he can return to action, a big-league shot could follow, and fantasy managers will want to pay attention for his five-category upside.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Chris Godwin Jr. a Strong Bounce-Back Candidate in 2026
When healthy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. has built a case as one of fantasy's most reliable players, finishing as a WR3 or better in six straight seasons and pacing as the overall WR2 through the first seven weeks of 2024 before a catastrophic leg injury ended his season. How he will look almost two years removed from the injury remains to be seen after battling through lingering issues and failing to find consistency throughout most of last season, but with six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans departing in free agency, the path is wide open for a meaningful bounce-back. After the Buccaneers deployed 11 personnel at one of the league's highest rates in 2025, Godwin's rising slot usage in recent years could cause an understandable tinge of concern as the team transitions to new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's tight end-heavy system. Still, along with 2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, he clearly projects as one of Tampa's top two receivers, and as a player who began his career almost primarily on the outside, he should have little trouble staying on the field. Godwin has fallen to RotoBaller's WR46 and could prove to be a late-round steal if the Buccaneers offense as a whole can stay healthier than what we last saw in 2025.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Act Now on Red Hot Guardians Prospect Angel Genao
Cleveland Guardians infield prospect Angel Genao maintained a scorching pace at Triple-A Columbus before the All-Star break during the month of July. In 33 July at-bats, Genao is hitting a whopping .515 with one homer and four RBI to go with 10 runs scored. The talented switch-hitting, Dominican Republic native is making a case for promotion to Cleveland, and savvy fantasy managers will want to hop on board now. Since his call-up to Columbus from Double-A Akron, Genao is hitting .308 with seven homers and 28 RBI to go with 41 runs scored. The Guardians' No. 2 overall prospect has an elite hit tool and has the speed to be a nuisance on the base paths. He has a total of eight steals between Double-A and Triple-A this season. The 22-year-old is a must-stash for the second half and could be a sneaky source of batting average and runs scored for fantasy rosters.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
