July
3,
2025
The
Athletic's
Ken
Rosenthal
writes
that
the
Arizona
Diamondbacks
haven't
had
any
contract
talks
with
third
baseman
Eugenio
Suarez,
even
though
his
26
home
runs
on
the
year
are
tied
with
Phillies
outfielder
read more...
July 3, 2025
San Francisco Giants right-hander
Justin Verlander is winless in his first 13 starts this year, which is the longest streak by a Giants pitcher since at least 1901. It increases the odds that Verlander won't reach the 300-win milestone for his career since he's 42 years old and needs 38 wins to get there. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal points out that Verlander hasn't been terrible, though, as his park- and league-adjusted ERA is only 9% below league average, and he also missed time with a strained right pectoral muscle. "I feel like I kind of found something mechanically," Verlander said. It remains to be seen if he's right, as his average fastball velocity of 93.9 mph is below league average, and his strikeout rate is in the 26th percentile. His xERA of 5.09 is higher than his actual 4.26 ERA. Fantasy managers are probably less convinced than Verlander is that he can turn things around in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
July 3, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (wrist) began a minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday and is playing in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League, according to Jody Jackson. Carroll has recovered quickly from a chip fracture in his wrist. The 24-year-old former National League Rookie of the Year is eligible to return from the 10-day injured list on Friday. That might be a little premature for his return to the big-league squad, but barring a setback now that he's playing in rehab games, he has an excellent chance to make it back before the All-Star break. It's great news for the Diamondbacks and fantasy managers alike, as Carroll is one of the best all-around offensive contributors in the game. He's having a bounce-back campaign in 2025 and is currently hitting .255 with a league-high nine triples, 20 homers, 44 RBI, 57 runs scored and 10 steals in 72 games.
--Keith HernandezSource: Jody Jackson
July 3, 2025
The Cleveland Guardians recalled left-hander
Doug Nikhazy on Thursday as
Luis L. Ortiz was placed on the restricted list.
Kolby Allard was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. Nikhazy was hit hard in his MLB debut on April 26, allowing six earned runs in three innings. He's posted a 10.5% walk rate at Triple-A and continues to struggle with control, despite a solid 24.1% strikeout rate. The 25-year-old owned a 4.56 ERA and 1.46 WHIP across 49 1/3 innings with Triple-A Columbus. With a fastball averaging just 89.6 mph, Nikhazy offers little upside and should only be monitored in deep AL-only leagues.
--Shaun AlbinSource: GuardsInsider
July
3,
2025
Los
Angeles
Dodgers
third
baseman
Max
Muncy
(knee)
said
he
will
miss
at
least
the
next
six
weeks,
but
he
also
has
the
consolation
that
he
will
play
again
in
2025.
The
Dodgers
placed
Muncy
on
read more...
July 3, 2025
Baltimore Orioles right-hander
Grayson Rodriguez (lat) successfully made it through a bullpen session on Tuesday. "The bullpen was great," interim manager Tony Mansolino said afterward. "Fastballs, breaking balls, he was pumped, good velocity, all that stuff." Rodriguez has yet to pitch this year because of multiple arm injuries. He began the season on the shelf with elbow inflammation and then suffered a lat strain in late April, further delaying his 2025 debut. The Orioles are optimistic that Rodriguez will rejoin their pitching staff in August. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder delivered quality production over 116 2/3 innings last season. He finished 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA, 10.03 K/9, and 2.78 BB/9 across 20 starts.
--Connor ByrneSource: Baltimore Orioles
July 3, 2025
San Francisco Giants infielder
Casey Schmitt (hand) received a cortisone shot on his ailing left hand this week and is feeling "significantly better," manager Bob Melvin said. Schmitt went on the 10-day injured list June 30 (retroactive to June 27) after taking a pitch off the wrist on June 25. The 26-year-old has a good chance to come off the IL when he's first eligible on July 7. Before suffering the injury, Schmitt batted an impressive .276/.360/.439 with four homers, 15 RBI, and 13 runs scored over 112 plate appearances. He was especially effective filling in at third base for the injured
Matt Chapman in June. Chapman should return to reclaim third in the coming days, but Schmitt will continue serving as useful depth when the Giants activate him.
--Connor ByrneSource: San Francisco Giants
July 3, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander
Johan Oviedo (elbow/lat) will start a rehab assignment with Single-A Bradenton this weekend, according to the team. Oviedo has built up to 50 to 55 pitches during side sessions in his recovery from multiple arm injuries. He missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery before landing on the 60-day injured list this past spring with lat problems. Oviedo hasn't pitched in the majors since September 2023, but the 27-year-old is on track to return sometime in the second half of the season. He amassed 177 2/3 innings in 2023 and went 9-14 with a 4.31 ERA, 158:83 K:BB, and a 1.37 WHIP.
--Connor ByrneSource: Pittsburgh Pirates
July 3, 2025
San Francisco Giants third baseman
Matt Chapman (hand) successfully got through a batting practice session against a high-velocity machine on Thursday. He's now ready to go on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, according to Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle. Chapman is hopeful that he'll return to the Giants during their weekend series against the Athletics. The Giants have gone without him since he went on the 10-day injured list on June 9 with a sprained right hand. The 32-year-old was swinging a hot bat at the time and has slashed .243/.360/.452 with 12 homers, 30 RBI, 35 runs scored, and seven steals in 272 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: Shayna Rubin - The San Francisco Chronicle
July 3, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder/infielder
Tommy Edman will begin taking ground balls at third base, manager Dave Roberts said. The news comes after the Dodgers placed starting third baseman
Max Muncy on the 10-day injured list with a knee bruise. As long as Muncy is out, the Dodgers will rely on the combination of
Miguel Rojas,
Enrique Hernandez, and Edman to handle the hot corner. The versatile Edman has made 94 major league appearances at third, though none since 2022. He's starting at second base Thursday against the Chicago White Sox, while Rojas is in the lineup at third.
--Connor ByrneSource: David Vassegh
July 3, 2025
Miami Marlins catcher/first baseman
Agustin Ramirez made an early statement Thursday, crushing a 425-foot two-run homer off
David Festa in the first inning, his 13th of the season. He finished 1-for-4 with two lineouts but posted the game's two hardest-hit balls at 111.3 and 108.4 mph. Ramirez continues to flash elite power and is gaining serious fantasy appeal. The 23-year-old is slashing .248/.296/.479 over 61 games. With catcher and first base eligibility, he brings lineup flexibility that adds even more value. Ramirez is rostered in 60% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is a must-add for fantasy managers needing help at catcher or corner infield.
--Shaun AlbinSource: MLB
July 3, 2025
New York Yankees starter
Clarke Schmidt (forearm) exited Thursday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays with right-forearm tightness, Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network reports. Schmidt struggled over three innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits and two walks, before departing. The Yankees brought in right-hander
Clayton Beeter as his replacement. Forearm injuries are always concerning for pitchers because they often lead to Tommy John surgery. Schmidt already underwent the procedure back in 2017. Losing him for a sizable chunk of time would be a significant blow to the Yankees. They've battled a slew of injuries in their rotation, but Schmidt has been a reliable source of innings. The 29-year-old has gone 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA and 73:30 K:BB over 78 2/3 frames.
--Connor ByrneSource: Meredith Marakovits - YES Network
July 3, 2025
Michael Fulmer signed a minor-league deal with the Kansas City Royals on Thursday after clearing waivers, giving the 2017 All-Star a chance to revive his career. The right-hander tossed three scoreless innings over two appearances with the Cubs in June but couldn't stick on the 40-man roster. Overall, he posted a 4.76 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and three strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings with the Cubs and Red Sox this season. With injuries piling up in the Royals' rotation, Fulmer could be a call-up candidate if he performs well in Triple-A Omaha. The former Rookie of the Year remains a name to monitor in deep AL-only leagues.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Raising Royals
July 3, 2025
Miami Marlins right-hander
Eury Perez (1-2) dazzled in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Minnesota Twins. He allowed two baserunners while striking out seven over six dominant innings, picking up his first win of the season. It was his best start of the year and a strong rebound after tough outings versus Atlanta and Arizona. The 22-year-old flamethrower finally looked like the ace fantasy managers hoped for. He now owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts over 22 innings in 2025. While it's wise to tread lightly, Perez deserves a spot on your watch list and is only rostered in 34% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues. Perez's next start is scheduled to face the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. With another strong outing, he will become a must-add in standard leagues.
--Shaun AlbinSource: ESPN
July 3, 2025
Kansas City Royals second baseman
Michael Massey (ankle) has been returned from his rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha due to lingering injury concerns and will be re-evaluated. He was pulled from his last rehab game on June 29 after being hit by a pitch. The 26-year-old has struggled to stay on the field this season, and his .202 average with just two homers across 209 plate appearances offers little to be optimistic about. With Kansas City fading from playoff contention and Massey unable to stay healthy or produce, he holds no fantasy relevance outside deep AL-only leagues. Massey remains day-to-day, with no timetable for his return.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Kansas City Royals
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