August 3, 2025
San Diego Padres right-hander
Dylan Cease (4-10) collected his fourth win of the season in a 7-3 decision against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Cease allowed just one hit over five scoreless innings and tallied nine strikeouts against one walk on 90 pitches (59 strikes). The 29-year-old's name was popular in the rumor mill leading up to the July 31 trade deadline, but the Padres decided to keep him. That paid off on Sunday, but Cease still owns an underwhelming 4.60 ERA in 123 1/3 innings (up from 3.47 last season). Cease has been a great source of strikeouts, though, as he ranks fourth in the majors with 162. Only
Zack Wheeler,
Tarik Skubal, and
Garrett Crochet - all aces - have punched out more hitters than Cease. He's scheduled to face the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
August 3, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) suffered a groin injury in practice on Sunday. The 27-year-old had a similar groin injury last season, forcing him to play in only 11 games. Highsmith has been a stalwart on the Steelers' defense since 2020, compiling 35.5 sacks over his career. If Highsmith is forced to miss the start of the season, it would be a blow to the Steelers' defense, which was a top-five fantasy DST in 2024. Fantasy managers should monitor his status closely as his absence could impact the Steelers' defensive fantasy production.
--Don FanelliSource: Nick Farabaugh
August 3, 2025
Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Payton Tolle is getting promoted to Triple-A Worcester. Boston's 2024 second-rounder did not pitch with an affiliate after being drafted last season, but has been able to climb two levels in 2025 after beginning the year at High-A. The 22-year-old pitched well at High-A, posting a 3.62 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 31.6 percent K-BB% with 79 strikeouts in 49 2/3 innings pitched, but excelled when faced with tougher competition at Double-A, recording a 1.67 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, and a 30.3 percent K-BB% with 37 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched. Boston's top pitching prospect (third overall) could make a late-season MLB debut on his current trajectory, otherwise, with that type of strikeout stuff, the 6-foot-6 lefty could be contributing to fantasy teams early next season.
--Jarod RuppSource: Andrew Parker
August 3, 2025
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver
Quez Watkins (undisclosed) has been placed on injured reserve. The 27-year-old left Friday's practice with an injury and did not return. Watkins, who began his career in 2020 with the Eagles, compiled a stat line of 98 receptions, 1,249 yards, and six touchdowns over four seasons, with his 2021 season being his most productive. His placement on IR is not expected to have any fantasy relevance, as he was far down the depth chart and looking to secure a roster spot on his new team. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals signed wide receiver
Nate McCollum.
--Don FanelliSource: Arizona Cardinals
August 3, 2025
Houston Astros infielder
Carlos Correa hit his first home run since June 28, a span of 23 games, in a 6-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday. It was one of just three hits for Houston, which was no match for Red Sox starter
Lucas Giolito. Correa, meanwhile, now has his first homer in his second stint with the Astros. He starred with the Astros from 2015-21, left in free agency for the Minnesota Twins, and is back in Houston after the two teams swung a deal at the July 31 trade deadline. The Astros and fantasy managers are left to hope the trade will reignite Correa during a down season. The 30-year-old is hitting .266/.318/.390 with eight homers, 32 RBI, and 43 runs scored over 377 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
August 3, 2025
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford (back) will not participate in a jog-through and will focus on static throwing, treadmill running, and core exercises on Monday, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay. "It's static throwing," said McVay about Stafford's workout on Monday. The 37-year-old has been sidelined from training camp due to back soreness, which McVay says is a precaution. His absence from team activities raises concerns because it disrupts his ability to develop chemistry with his pass catchers, especially new wide receiver
Davante Adams. Last season, Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Fantasy managers should closely watch his back issue, as it could affect his availability and performance at the start of the season.
--Don FanelliSource: Sara Barshop
August 3, 2025
The Chicago White Sox have released right-hander Noah Syndergaard, per Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Syndergaard signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox in June and ended up reaching the Triple-A level with the organization. However, Chicago moved on after Syndergaard was lit up for nine earned runs on 10 hits (five homers) with 2:1 K:BB over two appearances and eight innings. The 32-year-old Syndergaard has pitched in the majors for five teams, but he's best known for his run as a front-end starter with the New York Mets early in his career. Syndergaard hasn't appeared in the bigs since 2023, though, and it continues to appear unlikely that he'll ever reach the game's highest level again.
--Connor ByrneSource: Scott Merkin - MLB.com
August 3, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Nick Chubb (knee) is drawing concern at training camp as the "burst needed to get through to the second and third level of the defense is nowhere to be found," according to Cole Thompson of the Texas Wire. The 29-year-old is two seasons removed from a devastating knee injury and is coming off a season-ending broken foot that he suffered in Week 15 last year. Chubb, who is entering his eighth season, signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with Houston and was set to take on a larger role with the uncertain availability of running back
Joe Mixon (foot). Mixon is considered week-to-week due to a foot injury. While Chubb may have been a sneaky late-round fantasy flyer given Mixon's situation, he will have to show signs of his old self before he can be considered a reliable fantasy option this season.
--Don FanelliSource: Cole Thompson
August 3, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander
Johan Oviedo (elbow, lat) will make his 2025 debut on Monday with a start against the San Francisco Giants, Colin Beazley and Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report. Oviedo, currently on the 60-day injured list, hasn't pitched for the Pirates since Sept. 27, 2003. He missed the entire 2024 campaign as a result of Tommy John surgery and has been on the shelf all of this season with a lat injury. After making six rehab starts, including one at the Triple-A level, the 27-year-old is ready to rejoin the Pirates' rotation. Oviedo will take over for left-hander
Bailey Falter after he went to the Kansas City Royals at the July 31 trade deadline. In 2023, his most recent season in the bigs, Oviedo went 9-14 with a 4.31 ERA, a 1.37 WHIP, and 158:83 K:BB over a career-high 32 starts and 177 2/3 innings.
--Connor ByrneSource: Colin Beazley, Noah Hiles - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
August 3, 2025
Seattle Mariners infield prospect
Colt Emerson has earned a promotion to Double-A Arkansas after a strong showing at High-A Everett to begin the year. The Mariners' top-ranked prospect was slashing .277/.385/.451 with 11 home runs, six steals, and nearly as many walks (53) as strikeouts (68) over 89 games. His last 12 games were especially strong, going 16-for-44 (.364) with four doubles, three home runs, and an 8:8 BB:K. With one of the best hit tools in the minor leagues, expect the 20-year-old to push for at-bats at Triple-A next year and potentially make his big league debut. With solid pop and speed to go along with his hit tool, he should be scooped up if not already stashed away in dynasty formats.
--Jarod RuppSource: MLB Pipeline
August 3, 2025
Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje is getting promoted to Double-A Arkansas. The Mariners' eighth-ranked prospect's promotion comes on the heels of a career-high 10-strikeout performance on Saturday. The switch-pitcher did not pitch well in his three relief appearances earlier this year, which has inflated his season-long ERA of 4.58, but he has looked good in 16 games as a starter, posting a 3.59 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP, a .193 batting average against, and 80 strikeouts in 72 2/3 innings pitched. With the ability to pitch as either a righty or a lefty, the 22-year-old is one of the more intriguing prospects to keep tabs on, as his unique skill gives him an advantage other pitchers can't rely on, and it could also help get him to the majors sooner than he would have otherwise.
--Jarod RuppSource: MLB Pipeline
August 3, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Cristopher Sanchez was dominant on Sunday, earning his 10th win of the season in a 2-0 victory over the Tigers. He pitched eight scoreless innings, allowing five hits and one walk while striking out six. He needed only 84 pitches to complete the outing. The 28-year-old has been sensational this season, as his ERA is now down to 2.40 on the year with 145 strikeouts and 34 walks in 138 ⅔ innings. This was a great bounce back after allowing four runs in his previous start, which was only the second time he's given up more than three runs all season. He looks like a true ace for fantasy purposes, and could end the season regarded as a top-12 starting pitcher.
--Jeremy HeistSource: MLB.com
August 3, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher
Jhoan Duran earned his 18th save of the season and his second since being dealt to the Phillies before the trade deadline. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning to shut the door on a 2-0 win against the Tigers. He struck out one and didn't allow anyone to reach base. The 27-year-old is one of the best closers in the sport and now figures to be even better for fantasy with the team upgrade. Although the Phillies have historically stuck to closer-by-committee approaches, Duran should see the large bulk of save chances with occasional usage in very high-leverage spots earlier in the game if needed.
--Jeremy HeistSource: MLB.com
August
3,
2025
Minnesota
Twins
relief
pitcher
Cole
Sands
pitched
a
scoreless
eighth
inning
on
Sunday
in
a
5-4
win
over
the
Guardians.
He
struck
out
two
and
walked
one.
He
was
brought
on
to
face
the
third,
read more...
August
3,
2025
According
to
Indianapolis
Colts
head
coach
Shane
Steichen,
quarterbacks
Anthony
Richardson
Sr.
and
Daniel
Jones
will
play
in
Thursday's
preseason
matchup
with
the
Ravens.
While
Steichen
didn't
reveal
who
would
start
the
contest,
read more...
August 3, 2025
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher
Keegan Akin took the loss on Sunday in a 5-3 defeat to the Cubs by allowing a two-run walk-off home run to
Justin Turner in the bottom of the ninth inning. He entered the inning in a tie game before the first batter reached on an error and the second batter sent one into the stands. This isn't good for his claim to the closer's role, as he's currently in a committee with
Yennier Cano and
Corbin Martin for the job. He did earn the save yesterday with a scoreless ninth inning, but this outing will likely make the situation murkier. With
Felix Bautista injured and
Seranthony Dominguez traded, there may not be a definitive closer for a while in Baltimore.
--Jeremy HeistSource: MLB.com
August 3, 2025
San Diego Padres relief pitcher
Robert Suarez earned his 32nd save of the season in Sunday's 7-3 victory over the Cardinals. The Padres held a 7-0 lead entering the ninth before
Adrian Morejon gave up four singles and a walk to make the game a save situation. This is the second save that Suarez has gotten since
Mason Miller was dealt to San Diego at the trade deadline, which is a great sign for his fantasy value moving forward. Many assumed that the 34-year-old would lose the closing job to the young flamethrower whom the Padres gave up their best prospect for, but that doesn't seem to be the case. He definitely has a much shorter leash now with Miller waiting in line behind him, but Suarez is still worth starting in fantasy.
--Jeremy HeistSource: MLB.com
August 3, 2025
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers released wide receiver
Marquez Callaway on Sunday. The 27-year-old is best known for his time with the New Orleans Saints, where he totaled 83 catches for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns in 42 regular-season games. Since then, he spent time on practice squads for several teams before agreeing to a deal with San Francisco on July 31. However, Callaway now finds himself back on the market. It's safe to assume he'll see some attention from clubs around the National Football League, although his fantasy value can't get any lower. That isn't expected to change anytime soon. In a corresponding move, the 49ers signed wide receiver
Robbie Chosen.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Adam Schefter
August 3, 2025
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Joshua Palmer (groin) didn't practice on Sunday. The wideout signed a three-year deal with the Bills in March after spending his first four seasons with the Chargers. He appeared in 59 regular-season games in Los Angeles, catching 82 passes for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bills lack depth at the wide receiver position, so Palmer has a legitimate chance to secure a meaningful role with the club throughout the 2025 campaign. However, he'll need to shake off his current ailment. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. With
Khalil Shakir (ankle) week-to-week,
Elijah Moore and
Keon Coleman should get more first-team work in the days ahead, at the very least.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Sal Capaccio
August 3, 2025
Free-agent wide receiver
Robbie Chosen agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers. The 32-year-old began his career with the Jets. He had some quality years in New York, amassing 207 catches for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns in 62 regular-season contests. Since then, Chosen has made stops in Carolina, Arizona, and Miami, although it's safe to say he wasn't nearly as productive. It's unknown how long the relationship between Chosen and the 49ers will last. However, he could find himself on the field in Week 1, especially since the team is dealing with injuries at the wide receiver position. Still, Chosen has a long way to go before earning a spot in fantasy lineups. In a corresponding move, San Francisco released wideout
Marquez Callaway.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Adam Schefter
August
3,
2025
Cincinnati
Bengals
running
back
Tahj
Brooks
continues
to
make
waves
during
training
camp,
with
Chris
Roling
of
USA
Today
reporting
that
the
rookie
"just
keeps
impressing."
The
Bengals
held
their
annual
night
practice
at
Paycor
Stadium
in
read more...
August 3, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Mike Gesicki (hamstring) was absent from practice on Sunday after appearing to injure his hamstring during Saturday's practice at Paycor Stadium in front of fans. The veteran appeared in all 17 regular-season contests for Cincinnati in 2024. While he wasn't consistently productive, he still finished the year with 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns. Gesicki has built a strong relationship with
Joe Burrow, who urged the team to re-sign him this offseason, so it's reasonable to assume he could be a little more involved. He should be considered day-to-day. Hopefully, the team releases a positive update regarding his health in the next day or two. If for some reason Gesicki can't get on the field in Week 1,
Noah Fant, who has looked good so far since signing with the team on July 31, would be in line for more opportunities.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Dave Clark
August 3, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher
Ben Casparius was called upon in a big situation during Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Initially,
Blake Treinen was tasked with closing the door, but he experienced some troubles. Treinen recorded two outs, but allowed a hit and a pair of walks. After that, manager Dave Roberts decided to go with Casparius to get the final out of the ballgame. He was able to retire
Yandy Diaz and earn his second save of the season. The Dodgers are still without
Kirby Yates (back) and
Tanner Scott (elbow) right now. Treinen has been struggling, so maybe Casparius gets more save chances going forward. He's someone to keep an eye on over the next week or so.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
August 3, 2025
Chicago Cubs third baseman
Justin Turner is having a tough time at the plate this season, but came away the hero during Sunday's game versus the Baltimore Orioles. Turner came into the game as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning with the game tied 3-3. The right-handed slugger delivered a two-run walk-off home run to send the Wrigley faithful home happy. It's nice to see the veteran slugger having a happy moment in what has been an ugly 2025 campaign. Turner doesn't hit well enough or even get on the field enough to warrant rostering in fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: ESPN.com
August 3, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder
Nick Gonzales was struggling coming into this series, but put together an outstanding series in Coors Field. Gonzales posted a four-hit effort in a tough 17-16 loss on Friday. He went hitless on Saturday, but came back ready to play on Sunday. Gonzales went 4-for-5 with three singles, a double, and one RBI in the win on Sunday. This eight-hit series has raised his batting average from .253 to .275 on the season. There still isn't enough upside here to warrant rostering Gonzales in most fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
August 3, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman
Spencer Horwitz put together an outstanding game at the plate during Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. He got the fun started with a two-run home run off right-hander
Bradley Blalock in the second inning. Horwitz followed up the fun with a three-run shot off southpaw
Ryan Rolison in the sixth inning. He finished his day 3-for-5 with two homers and six RBI in the win. This was an awesome performance for Horwitz, but he's not consistent enough at the plate to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
August 3, 2025
Athletics third baseman
Luis Urias (back) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Urias never got a chance to take an at-bat as he was pulled out in the second inning due to back spasms. There is no word on the severity yet, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.
Max Schuemann moved over to second base in his place. Schuemann could see a few more games over at second if Urias misses a couple of games.
--Andy WebbSource: Martin Gallegos
August 3, 2025
Miami Marlins outfielder
Kyle Stowers came up clutch for his team during Sunday's game against the New York Yankees. He came up to the plate and delivered a three-run home run off
Brent Headrick in the fourth inning. Stowers finished this game going 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBI in the win. The Yankees are certainly happy this series is over as Stowers hit two homers with eight RBI during this three-game series. Stowers is having a nice breakout campaign and deserves to be rostered in most fantasy formats right now.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
August 3, 2025
San Francisco Giants third baseman
Rafael Devers came alive at the plate during Sunday's game against the New York Mets. His biggest hit of the game came in the form of a three-run home run off right-hander
Frankie Montas in the third inning. He continued to have fun with an RBI single in the fourth inning as well. Devers finished this game 3-for-4 with a homer, four RBI, two runs scored, and a walk in the win. It hasn't been a great start to his career in San Francisco, but maybe this is a sign of good things to come.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
August 3, 2025
New York Yankees right-hander
Luis Gil (0-1) took the loss in a rough season debut against the Miami Marlins on Sunday. Returning after missing four months with a high-grade lat strain, Gil lasted 3 1/3 innings and yielded five runs on five hits with four walks against three strikeouts in a 7-3 defeat. Gil threw 77 pitches, just 44 for strikes, and his velocity topped out at a game-high 98.5 mph. While Sunday didn't go well for Gil, there are still high hopes for him after he took home AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2024. Gil went 15-7 and posted a 3.50 ERA with 171:77 K:BB in 151 2/3 innings last season. He was an asset for both the Yankees and fantasy managers a year ago, but it's anyone's guess if he'll regain that form down the stretch. The 27-year-old's second start is scheduled for Saturday against a tough Houston Astros team.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
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