July 3, 2025
Chicago White Sox reliever
Jared Shuster (hand) began a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday. Shuster threw a scoreless inning in his first appearance. The 26-year-old southpaw hasn't pitched in the majors since June 4 because of a blister on his left hand. The injury continued an atrocious start to the season for Shuster, who has logged an 8.04 ERA with 12 strikeouts, five walks, and a 2.04 WHIP over 15 2/3 innings. He pitched to a much more respectable 4.30 ERA in a career-high 73 1/3 frames a year ago.
--Connor ByrneSource: FutureSox
July
3,
2025
Tampa
Bay
Rays
right-hander
Edwin
Uceta
survived
an
Athletics
rally
to
log
his
first
save
of
the
year
in
a
6-5
win
on
Wednesday.
With
closer
Pete
Fairbanks
getting
the
day
read more...
July 3, 2025
Cleveland Guardians left-hander
Joey Cantillo will start their game against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Righty
Luis L. Ortiz had been scheduled to take the mound, but Major League Baseball has placed him on paid leave for an unknown reason. The start against the Cubs' high-powered offense figures to be a short one for Cantillo, who has only totaled 28 1/3 innings in 21 appearances this season. The 25-year-old has registered a 3.81 ERA with 36:14 K:BB and a 1.38 WHIP.
--Connor ByrneSource: Zack Meisel - The Athletic
July 3, 2025
Cleveland Guardians right-hander
Luis L. Ortiz is under investigation by Major League Baseball and has been placed on paid leave, Jeff Passan of ESPN reports. The league did not provide a reason for the decision. Ortiz had been scheduled to start Cleveland's game on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs, so fantasy managers will need to adjust accordingly. The 26-year-old has made 16 starts this season and gone 4-9 with a 4.36 ERA, 96 strikeouts against 42 walks, and a 1.38 WHIP in 88 2/3 innings.
--Connor ByrneSource: Jeff Passan
July 3, 2025
Defenseman Brent Burns has decided to join the Colorado Avalanche for the 2025-26 NHL campaign, signing a one-year, $1 million pact with the team. Burns may earn a further $3 million with games-played bonuses. The veteran blue-liner, who turned 40 in March, has just finished a three-year spell with the Carolina Hurricanes. He had 29 points (six goals, 23 assists) in 82 games last season, marking his lowest scoring total since the 2020-21 campaign. Burns is no longer the player he once was, but he can still do a solid job. The 2017 Norris Trophy winner will enter next season having made 925 consecutive regular-season appearances, which puts him just 139 games behind Phil Kessel's all-time record.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
July 3, 2025
Cleveland Guardians reliever
Cade Smith (back) threw a pregame bullpen session on Wednesday and has shown improvement in his recovery from back spasms. The right-hander is day-to-day and shouldn't require a minor league rehab assignment. Although he's not on the 10-day injured list, it has been almost two weeks since Smith made an appearance on June 22. The 26-year-old earned his 15th hold of the season in that game. He owns a stingy 2.36 ERA with 53:13 K:BB and a 1.17 WHIP across 34 1/3 innings.
--Connor ByrneSource: Cleveland Guardians
July 3, 2025
The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Pius Suter to a two-year, $8.25 million contract. The Swiss forward was available as a free agent after enjoying a career year with the Vancouver Canucks in 2024-25. Suter notched 25 goals and 46 points in 81 games. The 29-year-old had managed only 53 points (28 goals, 25 assists) over the previous two seasons combined. Over his entire five-year NHL career, Suter has scored 82 goals and 162 points in 364 games. Suter is projected to start the next campaign on the third line, but he could also push for a top-six spot.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
July 3, 2025
Cleveland Guardians right-hander
Shane Bieber (elbow) threw a July 1 bullpen session that went "really well," according to manager
Stephen Vogt. The Guardians are determining next steps for the former AL Cy Young winner. Bieber suffered a setback a few weeks ago in his recovery from April 2024 Tommy John surgery, but he has gotten back on track since then. The Guardians are optimistic that he'll return in the second half of July. Bieber totaled just 12 innings last season after posting a 3.80 ERA with 7.52 K/9 and 2.39 BB/9 over 128 frames in 2023. Having undergone major surgery since then, fantasy managers should temper expectations when the former ace comes back this year.
--Connor ByrneSource: Cleveland Guardians
July 3, 2025
Calgary Flames center Morgan Frost is re-upping with the team on a two-year, $8.75 million contract. He became a restricted free agent on July 1 after completing a two-year, $4.2 million deal. Frost joined the Flames in January when the Philadelphia Flyers traded him and Joel Farabee in a deal involving Andrei Kuzmenko and Jakob Pelletier. After registering back-to-back 40-point campaigns, he put up 37 points (14 goals, 23 assists) in 81 appearances. Frost is likely to stay around the 40-point range in 2025-26 as a middle-six forward for Calgary.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
July 3, 2025
Minnesota Twins shortstop
Carlos Correa is not in the lineup for their game against the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
Brooks Lee will start at short and bat fourth against Marlins starter
Eury Perez. This looks like a rest day for Correa, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI in a 2-1 win over the Marlins on Wednesday night. After playing just 86 games in 2024, Correa has already appeared in 75 contests this year. Correa's production hasn't been up to his typical standards, though. He's hitting .259/.299/.387 with seven homers, 29 RBI, 32 runs scored, and a career-low 5.5% walk rate in 291 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: Minnesota Twins
July 3, 2025
Winger Gustav Nyquist has agreed to a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets. The Swedish veteran will remain in the Western Conference after suiting up for the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild during the 2024-25 campaign. Nyquist had a tough season, finishing with 11 goals and 28 points in 79 appearances. However, he registered a career-high 75 points just a year ago, and Nyquist could turn out to be a steal for the Jets if he can get anywhere close to the same performance level next season. The 35-year-old might get a spot in the top six to replace Nikolaj Ehlers, who is still an unrestricted free agent.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
July 3, 2025
New Jersey Devils forward Cody Glass has re-signed with the team on a two-year, $5 million deal. Glass, who moved to New Jersey from Pittsburgh in March, was a restricted free agent. While his time with the Penguins was difficult, Glass found some success with the Devils, posting seven points (two goals, five assists) in 14 outings. However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to keep up the same level of productivity in 2025-26, as Glass is expected to fill a bottom-six role for New Jersey.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
July 3, 2025
Right wing Anthony Mantha will start the 2025-26 NHL season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He inked a one-year, $2.5 million deal with Pittsburgh as a free agent on Wednesday. Mantha could earn a further $2 million through bonuses. Mantha is a four-time 20-goal scorer who can make a significant impact if he's healthy. Last season, he was limited to just 13 games with the Calgary Flames due to a knee injury. He picked up seven points (four goals, three assists) and had 16 hits. For his career, Mantha has managed 303 points (146 goals, 157 assists) in 507 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
July 3, 2025
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher
Keegan Akin (shoulder) was placed on the injured list on Wednesday with left shoulder inflammation. The 30-year-old lefty has appeared in 39 games for the Orioles this season, spanning 38 innings with a 3.32 ERA, 4.30 FIP, 1.42 WHIP, and 23.3% strikeout rate. Akin's WHIP is up this season, and his strikeout rate is down after a strong 2024. He has worked as an opener for a few games this season but will now be sidelined through at least the All-Star break. Right-handed reliever
Yennier Cano was recalled from Norfolk to take Akin's place in the bullpen.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Baltimore Orioles
July 3, 2025
Houston Astros second baseman/third baseman
Luis Guillorme (hamstring) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday due to a right hamstring strain. Guillorme has been a versatile utility option off the bench for Houston since joining the team on June 14. After spending parts of six seasons with the Mets, he played for the Braves, Angels, and Diamondbacks last season. He hit .248 in Triple-A in 57 games but only .150 (3-for-20) after his promotion.
Zack Short was called up to fill Guillorme's utility role in the infield. Guillorme will be out through the All-Star break and potentially longer, depending on the severity of his strain.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Brian McTaggart
July 3, 2025
Chicago White Sox outfielder
Michael A. Taylor (trapezius) left Wednesday's game with what the team called a trap contusion after his collision with Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy. Taylor dove in headfirst while trying to steal third base and collided squarely with Muncy's knee. While Muncy left the game with what could be a serious knee injury, Taylor was also removed with a bruise on his upper back in the trapezius region. The 34-year-old righty is hitting just .214 with four homers, seven stolen bases, and a .291 wOBA in his 75 games for Chicago. He was replaced by
Brooks Baldwin, who is one of the top candidates to get more playing time if Taylor is out.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chicago White Sox
July 3, 2025
Athletics second baseman
Zack Gelof (hand, ribs) played nine innings on Wednesday night for Triple-A Las Vegas, and as long as there were no issues, he should be ready to join the A's at some point this weekend against the Giants in Sacramento. Gelof has yet to play a game in the majors this season after surgery to repair a hamate fracture in his right hand. While he was working his way back from that surgery, he was shut down due to a stress reaction in his ribs. Gelof hit only .211 last season in 138 games, but he had 17 homers and 25 stolen bases with a .276 wOBA to still carry fantasy value. The 25-year-old is a key part of the team's young core, and he should return as the primary second baseman the rest of the season, joining an exciting young lineup once he's available.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Martin Gallegos
July 3, 2025
Cincinnati Reds first baseman/outfielder
Spencer Steer (hand) was scratched from Wednesday night's game in Boston, but since X-rays were negative, he has been diagnosed with a hand contusion. Steer was hit by a pitch by Bryan Bello in the seventh inning of the suspended game, which resumed on Wednesday afternoon. He was able to finish that game, but the injury swelled to the point where he was scratched on Wednesday night. Manager Terry Francona said, "We didn't think it made a whole lot of sense to play him. We'll see how he shows up tomorrow. Depending on how he's feeling, we'll see what to do." Steer could end up with a quick stint on the injured list, or he could be back in the lineup as soon as Friday in Philadelphia. Keep a close eye out for an update on Steer's hand and availability for the last week before the All-Star break.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Charlie Goldsmith
July
3,
2025
Los
Angeles
Dodgers
third
baseman
Max
Muncy
(knee)
had
to
leave
Wednesday
night's
game
after
his
knee
was
wrenched
sideways
in
a
collision
with
White
Sox
outfielder
Michael
A.
Taylorread more...
July 3, 2025
Seattle Mariners first base prospect
Tyler Locklear went 2-for-4 with a home run and a stolen base during their contest against Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday evening. This was Locklear's second-straight game tallying two hits and fifth-straight game reaching base safely. Since June 1, Locklear has enjoyed a productive stretch at the plate, posting a .310/.403/.640 slash line with seven doubles, one triple, eight home runs, and four stolen bases. Through 79 total games at Triple-A this season, Locklear has held a solid .293/.381/.478 line with 20 doubles, 11 round-trippers, and 13 swiped bags. The No. 11-ranked prospect in he system was given a taste of the majors last season but posted a low .156 AVG through 16 games. Given his production at Triple-A, Locklear should be in the mix to return to the big leagues in the coming weeks.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 3, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect Gage Stanifer enjoyed another dominant outing at High-A on Wednesday evening. Facing High-A Everett, Stanifer tossed 5 1/3 innings of one-hit ball with three walks and nine punchouts. He did not allow a run. This was Stanifer's second-straight contest tallying nine punchouts. Over his last 24 innings at High-A, Stanifer has posted an impressive 2.63 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP. During this stretch, the 21-year-old has struck out a remarkable 45 hitters while allowing only 12 free passes. Through 31 total innings at High-A, Stanifer has held a 3.13 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP. Earlier this season, Stanifer spent time with Low-A, where he posted a near-perfect 0.69 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP across 26 innings of work. Given his impressive production, he could be in the mix to earn a brief taste of Double-A in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 3, 2025
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect
Carlos Lagrange struck out 10 batters across six innings of one-run ball en route to picking up the victory over Double-A Reading on Wednesday evening. In this outing, Lagrange walked only two batters. Over his last three outings, Lagrange has hit the double-digit strikeout mark twice. Lagrange opened the season with High-A but needed only 41 2/3 innings ot prove he was ready to make the jump to Double-A. Through his stint at High-A, Lagrange has struck out 64 batters while holding a modest 4.10 ERA. In his first 25 1/3 innings of work at Double-A, the No. 17-ranked prospect in the Yankee system has held a similar 4.97 ERA but has continued to flash high strikeout upside, tallying 34 over this stretch. Fantasy managers should expect Lagrange to spend the remainder of the season with Double-A Somerset.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 3, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitching prospect Brody Hopkins tossed seven innings of one-run ball en route to taking a hard-luck loss to Double-A Columbus on Wednesday evening. In this outing, Hopkins allowed just five hits and no walks. He struck out nine hitters. Since allowing six earned runs on June 6, Hopkins has been one of the most productive pitchers at Double-A. Over his last 21 1/3 innings (four starts), the No. 8-ranked prospect in the system has posted a stellar 1.69 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, with a 26:12 K:BB. Through 78 2/3 total innings at Double-A this season, Hopkins has held his own, posting a 3.43 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP. The 23-year-old could be in the mix to earn a late-season taste of Triple-A if he continues to find success. However, he will likely not be in contention to reach the majors until 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 3, 2025
New York Mets outfielder
Brandon Nimmo helped lead his team to a 7-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the second game of a Wednesday doubleheader. After going hitless in the first game, Nimmo went 2-for-5 with a grand slam and a stolen base in the nightcap. Nimmo kicked off the scoring in the game, blasting his third career grand slam in the second inning. The veteran is now hitting .254 with 16 homers, 38 runs, 47 RBI, and eight steals across 311 at-bats. He is working on a moderate hot streak, hitting .298 with three homers and eight RBI over his past 15 contests.
--Matt TerelleSource: MLB.com
July 3, 2025
New York Yankees infield prospect
Roderick Arias went 2-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI during their contest against Low-A Clearwater on Wednesday evening. Over his last five games, Arias has posted an impressive .400/.478/.850 line with three home runs and nine RBI. However, before this productive surge, Arias went 1-for-24 over his last six games with an 11:2 K:BB. Overall, the 20-year-old has struggled to find consistency at the Low-A level, posting a .192/.316/.303 line through 53 games. He has tallied 11 doubles, hit four home runs, but holds a 70:36 K:BB. Last season, the No. 5-ranked prospect in the system spent 124 games with Low-A and held a slightly higher .233/.335/.393 line with just 13 home runs. Given his struggles, he will likely not be in the mix to join High-A in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 3, 2025
Detroit Tigers right-hander
Jack Flaherty turned in a solid start in the second game of a Wednesday doubleheader against the Washington Nationals. In the 9-4 loss, Flaherty allowed three runs on five hits over five innings of work while walking two and striking out nine. He escaped with a no-decision while notching 16 swinging strikes in the outing. The veteran had a brutal June, posting a 6.84 ERA in the month, so his first July effort was definitely a step in the right direction. Overall, Flaherty has a 5-9 record, 4.84 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 109 strikeouts across 89 1/3 innings of work in 2025.
--Matt TerelleSource: MLB.com
July 3, 2025
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect
Lazaro Montes has yet to slow down since earning the call to Double-A Arkansas. On Wednesday evening, Montes went 3-for-4 at the plate with a triple, an RBI, and two runs. This outing extended his current hitting streak to five games. During these five games, Montes has tallied two triples, two home runs, five RBI, and a 3:5 K:BB. Through his first eight games at Double-A, Montes has posted an impressive .333/.462/.800 line with three round-trippers with a 7:8 K:BB. The No. 2-ranked prospect in the Seattle system opened the campaign with High-A, where he posted a .268/.387/.572 slash line across 67 games. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on Montes as he is developing into one of the top hitters in the minor leagues. He remains on track to contend for his MLB debut next summer.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
July 3, 2025
Cincinnati Reds first baseman
Christian Encarnacion-Strand had a big day in his team's Wednesday doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox. After picking up just one hit in the first game, a Reds loss, Encarnacion-Strand went 2-for-5 with a grand slam in the nightcap to help lead Cincinnati to an 8-4 win. Encarnacion-Strand's grand slam was a clutch one as it erased a 3-0 Red Sox lead in the seventh inning. The veteran is now hitting .206 with six homers, 13 runs, and 19 RBI across 126 at-bats this season. He will need to hit more consistently to be considered a fantasy option going forward.
--Matt TerelleSource: MLB.com
July 3, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Josh Lowe had a productive day in his team's 6-5 win over the Athletics on Wednesday. Lowe went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in the win. The veteran outfielder tied the game at 2-2 with his solo blast in the sixth inning, a shot that traveled 413 feet with an exit velocity of 107.3 MPH. Lowe is now hitting .269 with six homers, 29 runs, 15 RBI, and six steals across 156 at-bats this season. He has been struggling to find his power stroke after hitting 20 homers back in 2023, with only 16 dingers since, but he at least has theoretical 20-homer, 20-steal potential in fantasy if he can get his bat going again.
--Matt TerelleSource: MLB.com
July 3, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander
Ryan Pepiot notched a quality start in a 6-5 win over the Athletics on Wednesday. Pepiot allowed two runs on four hits over six innings of work while striking out nine and walking three in the win. He led the game with 14 swinging strikes while improving his record to 6-6 on the season. Pepiot has been a reliable fantasy starting pitcher, posting a 3.34 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts across 102 1/3 innings of work on the season. The veteran has allowed more than three earned runs in a start just twice all season and will look to keep it going in his next outing, which is scheduled for Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers.
--Matt TerelleSource: MLB.com
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