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Eli Raridon Continues to Flash in New England's Offense
New England Patriots rookie tight end Eli Raridon has been flashing early on during training camp and made another catch in team drills on Friday from quarterback Tommy DeVito on a corner/stop route, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. Raridon once again found the soft spot between defenders and finished strong at the catch point. The 22-year-old third-rounder from Notre Dame said that things are slowing down for him already this summer compared to back in the spring, and he's doing all the right things so far to become a contributor in the Pats' ascending offense in his first year in the NFL. Hunter Henry is still New England's unquestioned No. 1 pass-catching tight end who has strong chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye, though, which will undoubtedly limit Raridon's fantasy football upside in Year 1. But there's no denying that Raridon has the size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) and physicality to be a strong downfield, pass-catching presence for fantasy managers in the future. Raridon's draft stock in both single-year and dynasty/keeper leagues is on the rise this summer.
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Zachariah Branch is "Always Open"
Atlanta Falcons rookie wide receiver Zachariah Branch received praise from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during training camp on Friday, according to Tori McElhaney of the team's official website. "You see him, he's usually open," Tagovailoa said. The 22-year-old third-rounder out of the University of Georgia was also a standout during organized team activities in the spring, with Tagovailoa saying back then that the young pass-catcher reminded him of former Dolphins teammate Jaylen Waddle. That's pretty high praise. Branch could also have a path to immediate fantasy relevance in 2026 in his first year in the NFL, as none of Atlanta's WR spots are locked up besides Drake London as the unquestioned WR1. Branch will primarily be competing with former first-rounder Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus for the WR2 role this summer. The small slot receiver could face durability concerns in the NFL, but his speed could make up for it. Branch will most likely go undrafted in most single-year fantasy formats, but he has the skills and opportunity to quickly emerge as a waiver-wire priority in Atlanta. RotoBaller has Branch ranked as the WR80 going into 2026.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Rookie Receiver Ted Hurst Receives Praise From Teammate
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield said that rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst is "one of those guys where you can throw the ball up to him and he's probably going to come down with it," according to Pewter Report. The 22-year-old third-rounder from Georgia State has a big opportunity to serve as the team's true X receiver under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson now that future Hall of Famer Mike Evans is out of town. He has the size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and the speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash) to be a legitimate downfield weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa sooner rather than later. With that said, the Bucs could ease Hurst into the fold behind Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan in 2026. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues should be stoked if Hurst is on your roster after drawing some comparisons to Texans WR1 Nico Collins. RotoBaller has Hurst ranked just inside the top 100 at the WR position in 2026, but he has the skills and opportunity to rise quickly if an injury strikes Tampa's receiving corps early on.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Germie Bernard Seeing Usage as Receiver and Running Back
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard got a series with the first-team offense on Friday at training camp, and he was flexed into the backfield and then back out into the slot on one rep, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. It suggests that the 22-year-old former second-rounder from the University of Alabama could be moved around as somewhat of a gadget player in his first year in the NFL in head coach Mike McCarthy's offense in 2026. Bernard will primarily be battling veteran Roman Wilson for the WR3 role in Pittsburgh in his first year in the league, but Wilson could have the advantage due to his experience and strong chemistry with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He never put up elite receiving numbers in college, which could make him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect for fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues. Bernard has sneaky explosiveness. Pittsburgh's offense should be a bit more fantasy-friendly under McCarthy, but Bernard will most likely struggle for regular snaps in his first year in the NFL as long as all of DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Wilson stay healthy.
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Cyrus Allen Making Noise in Kansas City's Offense
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen has been making noise early on in training camp and had an outstanding one-handed catch up the middle of the field on Friday despite double coverage in 11-on-11 team drills, according to Matt McMullen of Chiefs.com. It was a perfect throw by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a great catch by Allen. Pete Sweeney of The Kansas City Star writes that Allen has "undoubtedly" been Mahomes' favorite target early on. "It feels like he's looking Allen's way every time he's out there," Sweeney writes. The 23-year-old was a fifth-round pick (176th overall) back in April from the University of Cincinnati, and although he's having a strong early showing in camp, it remains to be seen how much of a role Allen will have once the regular season arrives. Allen was a red-zone presence in college last year, but he doesn't have high-end speed or size. He will most likely have to contribute on special teams and work his way up the pecking order, but for now, he's an interesting flier in dynasty/keeper leagues in head coach Andy Reid's offense.
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Tua Tagovailoa "Getting Better Every Day"
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (back) is "getting better every day," according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. Tagovailoa is not 100% recovered from back tightness, but he has practiced the last two days and appears to be on track to be back to full health soon. The 28-year-old took part in individual drills in Thursday's training camp practice. It doesn't seem to be anything the Falcons are overly concerned about. With Michael Penix Jr. (knee) still rehabbing a torn ACL and unlikely to be cleared for another couple of weeks, Tagovailoa has a clear path to claiming the starting QB job going into the start of the 2026 regular season as long as he can stay healthy himself. The former fifth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2020 from the University of Alabama is looking to bounce back in Atlanta after throwing for under 3,000 yards in each of his final two seasons in Miami due to injury (mainly concussion issues). Tagovailoa will have the weapons in Atlanta to do so if he wins the job over Penix, but fantasy managers will be treating him as a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues. UPDATE: Tagovailoa said he feels "great right now," per ESPN's Marc Raimondi.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden
Brian Thomas Jr. Continues to Impress
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said that wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is "showing strong hands" at the point of contact in training camp and has run routes "at a very high level" so far, according to Hays Carlyon of 101 XL. Thomas improved his chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the offseason and looks like a prime bounce-back candidate in 2026 in his third year in the league. The 23-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2024 from LSU burst onto the scene to post 87 catches, 1,282 yards, and 10 touchdowns on 133 targets in 17 games in his first year in the league before falling to a 48-707-2 line in 14 regular-season starts last year. Fellow wideout Parker Washington is getting most of the hype so far, but Thomas has also been impressive and will be a big part of the team's passing attack this year in Coen's second season leading the offense. Thomas will most likely go after Washington in upcoming drafts, making him a potential excellent value buy at the WR position. He's currently ranked as the No. 34 fantasy WR at RotoBaller, with Washington sitting at No. 32.
Source: 101 XL - Hays Carlyon
Source: 101 XL - Hays Carlyon
Kyle Monangai Remains Out of Practice
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (undisclosed) remains out of training camp practice on Friday for a second straight day, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. With Monangai out for undisclosed reasons, Salvon Ahmed is getting Monangai's reps behind starter D'Andre Swift. The 24-year-old Monangai should be considered day-to-day until we know more about his situation. Hopefully, he'll be able to get back on the practice field at some point this weekend. As a rookie in 2025, Monangai had 169 rushing attempts for 783 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and five touchdowns while adding 18 receptions on 30 targets for 164 yards as a receiver in 17 regular-season games (one start). He's expected to resume his role in 2026 as a complementary option to Swift in Chicago's backfield, limiting his overall fantasy upside. Monangai also isn't a particularly strong receiver, so his only real path to an improvement in Year 2 is to see more goal-line work and vulture touchdowns from Swift. Fantasy managers should consider the second-year back as a TD-dependent RB3/flex and a strong handcuff to Swift.
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Travis Hunter Operating Primarily on Defense Through Start of Camp
Through the first three days of training camp practice for the Jacksonville Jaguars, cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter has primarily been on the defensive side of the ball, per Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Hunter has played 39 total snaps -- 24 on defense and 15 on offense. The former second overall pick from the University of Colorado has just one catch on two targets on offense. The 23-year-old Heisman Trophy winner was being drafted as a WR2 in fantasy going into his rookie campaign, but he disappointed with only 28 catches on 45 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown in his first seven NFL games before suffering a season-ending LCL injury in his knee that required surgery. The good news is that Hunter is fully healthy this summer. The bad news is the Jaguars plan to use him more on defense in Year 2, which has tanked his 2026 redraft fantasy value. It's going to be hard for him to stand out in a crowded WR room that also includes Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and Brian Thomas Jr., not to mention pass-catching tight end Brenton Strange. It seems like Hunter is going to operate as more of a gadget player on offense in 2026 in Duval.
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco
Jaguars Looking to Get Brenton Strange Out in Space More
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said he is looking to get tight end Brenton Strange "out in space more" to take advantage of his receiving ability this year, according to Hays Carlyon of 101 XL. The Jaguars clearly believe in Strange, giving him a three-year, $48 million extension last month. The 25-year-old only managed to play in 12 games due to injury in 2025, but he still had a career-high 540 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 46 catches. It's clear that the Jaguars want the former second-rounder from Penn State to become a bigger part of their passing attack under Coen, but the problem for fantasy football purposes is that the Jaguars already have a very crowded receiver room with the likes of Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., and former Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Jacksonville also drafted TEs Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol this year, so there is some concern that they could eventually eat into Strange's workload. Fantasy managers shouldn't overreact to the hype and consider Strange a TE1 in 2026, but rather an intriguing TE2 with upside.
Source: 101 XL - Hays Carlyon
Source: 101 XL - Hays Carlyon
Tony Romo Placed on Leave at CBS Following Arrest
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is on leave from his role at CBS Sports until further notice, according to the network. Former defensive lineman J.J. Watt will work alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson for the time being. Romo had an open container of alcohol in his vehicle when he was stopped by police last week and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to authorities. He performed poorly on field-sobriety tests and was taken into custody, booked, and released. Romo was later cited for refusing "to take a test for intoxication after arrest." He has a court appearance scheduled for Sept. 21. The 46-year-old has been the lead game analyst for CBS' NFL coverage since 2017 after making four Pro Bowl appearances during an NFL career that went from 2004 to 2016, all with the Cowboys. Romo is still the franchise's leader in touchdown passes (248).
Source: Austin Karp
Source: Austin Karp
Tucker Kraft Activated From the PUP List on Friday
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) has been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list and will practice on Friday, head coach Matt LaFleur told Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Kraft won't immediately join 11-on-11 team drills, but he'll do other stuff in training camp as he continues his recovery from a torn ACL last year. It's big news for one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. The 25-year-old from South Dakota State looked like one of the best at his position, if not the best, in eight games in 2025 before his season-ending knee injury, catching 32 of 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns for the Packers. Despite coming off a serious knee injury, Kraft's price in upcoming fantasy drafts isn't going to be discounted, with everyone fully expecting the breakout to come in 2026 if he can stay healthy all year. Although nothing is official yet, the former third-rounder should be ready to roll for Week 1 of the regular season in early September, barring a setback with his knee in camp. UPDATE: Kraft took part in individual drills only during his first training camp practice on Friday.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
A.J. Ewing an Emerging Rookie Outfielder With Plenty to Offer
New York Mets rookie outfielder A.J. Ewing can contribute across all fantasy baseball formats and is getting enough playing time to make him relevant in mixed leagues to close out the 2026 campaign. In his first 69 major-league contests across 279 plate appearances in 2026, Ewing is hitting .268/.339/.411 with a .750 OPS, seven home runs, 12 doubles, 27 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and 32 runs scored for the last-place Mets. He is hitting a modest .258 (24-for-93) with a .713 OPS, three home runs, five doubles, eight RBI, 14 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 23 games (102 plate appearances) in July, but he continues to contribute everywhere and has a high long-term ceiling, primarily for his speed and amazing contact skills at the plate. Ewing's work against lefties is also very encouraging, as he's gone 17-for-63 (.270) against them with two of his seven home runs on the year. Fantasy managers searching for outfield depth upgrades could do a lot worse than an emerging young player like Ewing off the waiver wire. Ewing is rostered in only 29% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
TJ Rumfield Still a Rookie to Target on the Waiver Wire
Colorado Rockies rookie first baseman TJ Rumfield just continues to hit, and yet he is still rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues. Rumfield has become the Rockies' everyday starter at first base in 2026 in his first year in the big leagues. He has not looked like a rookie, slashing .293/.376/.467 with an .843 OPS, 13 home runs, 53 RBI, and 46 runs scored in 106 games across 428 plate appearances. Rumfield has been pretty solid away from hitter-friendly Coors Field, too, batting .286 (54-for-189) on the road with five of his 13 home runs in 54 games played. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger has also held his own against southpaws, batting .252 (29-for-115) against them with two of his 13 home runs on the season. After hitting over .300 in both May and June, Rumfield has continued to hit in July, going 23-for-79 (.291) with a .764 OPS, a homer, four doubles, eight RBI, and nine runs scored in 23 games and 91 plate appearances. At 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, Rumfield doesn't pack quite as much punch as you'd think, but his hit tool is extremely strong. If you need an average boost, Rumfield is widely available on the waiver wire.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Max Clark a Must-Add Ahead of MLB Debut
Fantasy managers in all league formats need to consider picking up Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark off the waiver wire before he makes his major-league debut this weekend. The club's top overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline, is coming up from Triple-A Toledo after slashing .276/.368/.434 with 11 home runs and 21 bases in 90 games with the Mud Hens. The 21-year-old former third overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft should immediately take over in Detroit as the starting center fielder due to his prospect pedigree and five-category upside. The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder, who hits from the left side, has only average pop, but he has started lofting the ball in the air more often. Clark profiles more as a strong table-setter for the Tigers atop the lineup, and he could form a dangerous one-two punch for years to come with infielder Kevin McGonigle. Most intriguing for fantasy purposes with Clark is his plus-plus speed, so fantasy managers in need of that need to hop on Clark immediately.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Erik Miller Emerging as Priority Target for Deep-League Saves
San Francisco Giants left-hander Erik Miller picked up another save in the 4-1 win over the division-rival San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Thursday, and he's becoming an option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues who are desperate for saves. The 28-year-old southpaw allowed a hit and struck out a batter on Thursday night to earn his fourth save of the year and his second in as many outings. He's beginning to gain the trust of manager Tony Vitello and appears to be the current favored option in the ninth inning over right-handers Caleb Kilian and Dylan Smith. Before picking up two saves in his last two appearances, Miller went 24 appearances without a save in the Giants' bullpen. On the year, the former fourth-rounder by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019 out of Stanford University is 2-0 with a 2.78 ERA (3.26 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 22 walks in 32 1/3 innings in his third year in the major leagues. Miller's four saves in 2026 are the first four saves of his career, but more opportunities should be coming before the year is up. He's rostered in only 4% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Gregory Soto Sees Fantasy Value Drop Following Another Loss
It's becoming harder to recommend holding Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed reliever Gregory Soto after he took a loss on Thursday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds. Soto entered a tied ballgame at 2-2 in the ninth inning and allowed the winning run on a hit, two walks, and a strikeout in two-thirds of an inning to lose his third game of the year. Despite the loss, the 31-year-old veteran southpaw did come into his appearance on Thursday in Cincinnati with seven straight scoreless outings, which included two saves with seven strikeouts and two walks. Despite being up and down all year, the Dominican reliever has been Pittsburgh's most consistent source of saves. Soto now sits at 5-3 with a 3.77 ERA (3.76 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP, 13 saves, 52 strikeouts, and 20 walks in 45 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. The leash is going to be short with Soto, and if more struggles follow, Mason Montgomery could begin to see more save opportunities in the Steel City. Soto is currently rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kaleb Johnson Seeing Opportunities with First-Team Offense
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson earned a third-down rep with the first-team offense on Friday, as pointed out by Steelers beat writer Nick Farabaugh. Friday's session was a low-intensity walk-through, so Johnson's work with the starting offense carries less signal than it might in a full-padded practice, but his dynasty managers will surely welcome any signs of momentum gained. Johnson was a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft but disappointed as a rookie with only 69 rushing yards on 28 carries. He now looks for a clean slate with a brand new coaching staff, and while he remains firmly behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle on the depth chart, his presence in a situational third-down role should be viewed with encouragement in a Steelers offense likely to continue featuring its backs in the passing game. Johnson is outside RotoBaller's top 300 players for 2026 and has fallen to RB57 in the latest dynasty rankings.
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Raiders Looking to Maximize Malik Benson's Abilities
Since landing with the Las Vegas Raiders as a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft, rookie wide receiver Malik Benson has drawn praise for his ability to stress a defense vertically. Benson made a number of deep catches throughout OTAs and minicamp, and he has continued to make plays during the team's first practices of training camp, already taking reps with the first-team offense. The Raiders have one of the more wide open receiver depth charts in the league, so anything Benson can do to stand out will help his chances not just to make the team but to become a meaningful contributor, and Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko wants to keep testing him while taking advantage of his 4.37 speed, telling reporters earlier in the week, "We're going to want to maximize what he does, how he comes off the ball, be able to challenge him mentally and do different things with him and just see him grasp the offense and take it from the meeting room to the field." Benson currently sits outside of RotoBaller's top 300 players for 2026, but if he can continue to earn meaningful reps in three-receiver sets alongside Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker, he could become a usable piece in best ball formats.
Source: Paul Gutierrez
Source: Paul Gutierrez
Anthony Firkser Returning to the Lions
The Detroit Lions have signed veteran tight end Anthony Firkser following his release from the Commanders on Wednesday, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter. An undrafted free agent in 2017, Firkser has played for five different teams across eight professional seasons, appearing in seven games for the Lions in 2025, which marked his second stint with the team. Tasked with an expanded role in the wake of Sam LaPorta's move to injured reserve, Firkser caught eight passes for 53 yards but could be tabbed for more special teams responsibilities in 2026. He joins a Lions depth chart of LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Tyler Conklin and will be looking to earn one of the final spots on the Lions' 53-man roster.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Red Sox Interested in Xavier Edwards
With the Boston Red Sox recently losing infielder Curtis Mead (wrist) to a fractured wrist shortly after acquiring him from the Washington Nationals last weekend, they are looking for additional infield help at the trade deadline, and The Athletic reports that Miami Marlins shortstop Otto Lopez and middle infielder Xavier Edwards are of interest to Boston. Like Mead, Edwards was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays as a minor leaguer, and current Red Sox assistant general manager Taylor Smith worked for the Rays as the director of predictive modeling. Boston's preference appears to be a shortstop. While Edwards started 108 games for the Fish in 2024 and 205 at the 6, he lacks a strong arm, which is why the Marlins moved him to second base this year in favor of Lopez. In addition to Mead, shortstop options Trevor Story and Marcelo Mayer are also on the injured list in Boston right now, so they are desperately seeking middle-infield options as they push for a postseason berth down the stretch. The switch-hitting Edwards has above-average speed and makes elite contact at the plate. The 26-year-old is currently slashing a strong .292/.373/.401 with a .775 OPS, six homers, 39 RBI, 51 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal, Will Sammon, and Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal, Will Sammon, and Katie Woo
Carlos Rodon Could be on Verge of Rehab Assignment
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) faced hitters in a "two-up" session of around 30 pitches on Wednesday, July 29, with Double-A Somerset, and "by all accounts, it went well," according to manager Aaron Boone. The skipper said it's still unclear if Rodon's next outing will come in a minor-league rehab game. The 33-year-old southpaw was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 30) on July 3 with left-elbow inflammation, but he could return in early August if he avoids setbacks on his rehab assignment. Rodon should be stashed in an IL spot in most fantasy leagues (he's rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues), especially with his return potentially not far off. He got a late start in 2026 after having surgery last October to remove loose bodies from his elbow, but he's been solid when available for the Yankees this year, going 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA (3.45 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 52 strikeouts and 26 walks in 46 1/3 innings over nine starts. The three-time All-Star can help nearly all fantasy teams down the stretch if he's healthy.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kayshon Boutte the Patriots' Best Offensive Player Early in Camp
New England Patriots fourth-year wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was the subject of trade speculation throughout the offseason, but he continues to stack plays in the early days of training camp, and The Athletic's Chad Graff is the latest media member to point him out as the team's best offensive player to this point. Graff includes Boutte on his initial 53-man roster projection, putting him in over 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams. Once viewed as a potential first-round pick, injuries and off-field concerns saw Boutte fall to the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and now in the final year of his rookie deal, the desire to be featured in a primary role would be understandable from the player's perspective. Instead, Boutte has quietly gone about his business, making highlight-worthy catches whenever his number has been called. Receiver has become the deepest position on the Patriots' roster, as evidenced by Graff's exclusion of Williams from his initial roster projection, so trade rumors could resurface as camp injuries continue to pop up around the league. But after being viewed as a fantasy afterthought for much of the offseason, Boutte is back in the conversation as a potential contributor, particularly as a big-play threat in best ball formats.
Source: Chad Graff
Source: Chad Graff
Tigers Scratching Casey Mize From Friday's Start
The Detroit Tigers are scratching right-hander Casey Mize from his start on Friday against the Athletics, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Mize is not injured, and no trade is in place, but the Tigers are being cautious with the Aug. 3 trade deadline looming. Detroit will go with a bullpen game on Friday. For the time being, Mize is scheduled to make his next start after the deadline on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners. The Tigers are viewed as sellers going into Monday's deadline, with lefty ace Tarik Skubal being the real prize from Detroit for contenders, but Mize could also be dealt during the best year of his MLB career. Going into Friday's action, the 29-year-old has gone 4-6 with a career-best 2.70 ERA (2.58 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 85 strikeouts and 19 walks in 86 2/3 innings across 16 starts in his sixth year in the majors. Mize hasn't been without injuries, but when healthy, he has posted a career-best 24.9% strikeout rate with an excellent 5.6% walk rate.
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Kyle Williams Not a Lock for 53-Man Roster
After a slow start to his second training camp, New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams made several notable plays during the team's first padded practice of the summer on Thursday. The obvious caveat is that those plays came with Tommy DeVito under center, as Williams continues to run primarily with the second-team offense, and in an early projection of the team's 53-man roster, The Athletic's Chad Graff has the 2025 third-round pick on the outside looking in. Graff acknowledges the unlikeliness of Williams being left off the roster despite an early lack of involvement and points to the team's upcoming preseason games as a crucial opportunity for him to show he belongs, potentially by earning a role in the return game. Williams caught only 10 passes as a rookie, and with wide receiver now representing the deepest position on the Patriots roster, it's unlikely he becomes a reliable fantasy contributor even if he does make the team, reflected by his fall to WR91 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings.
Source: Chad Graff
Source: Chad Graff
Shohei Ohtani to be Back in the Leadoff Spot on Friday
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (knee) will be back in the leadoff spot for the Dodgers for Friday's series opener against the visiting Boston Red Sox and left-hander Ranger Suarez, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The Dodgers held Ohtani out of Thursday's win over the Seattle Mariners as a precaution due to more soreness in his nagging left knee, which has kept him from starting as a pitcher since July 3. The two-way superstar and four-time MVP is expected to continue serving as the team's DH, although there's no timetable for his return to the mound. The 32-year-old Japanese sensation is a must-start in all fantasy lineups when he's active as a hitter and pitcher, and he'll be back in action as the DH on Friday. Although Ohtani hasn't attempted a stolen base in July, he's still hitting a decent .265 (22-for-83) with an .844 OPS, five home runs, six doubles, 15 RBI, and eight runs scored in 21 games and 92 plate appearances during the month.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Joshua Baez Crushes Home Run No. 32 as MLB Debut Nears
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez launched his 32nd home run of the Triple-A regular season on Thursday evening. Facing Jacksonville, the outfielder went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI. Baez has enjoyed a recent power surge at Memphis, hitting four long balls over his last 11 contests. On the season, the No. 48-ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline's recent update has carried a .251/.323/.577 slash line with a dominant .900 OPS. He has swiped an impressive 16 bags and added another 19 doubles with three triples. With the Cardinals now expected to entertain offers on some veteran pieces, including outfielder Lars Nootbaar, Baez's MLB debut could come shortly after the deadline. His five-category appeal makes him a top stash target across all formats.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Twins Acquire Reliever A.J. Minter From Mets
The Minnesota Twins acquired left-handed reliever A.J. Minter from the New York Mets on Thursday night in exchange for prospects Bruin Agbayani and Billy Amick, league sources told Will Sammon of The Athletic. Minter will help bolster Minnesota's bullpen. The veteran southpaw didn't make his season debut with the Mets until late May after recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he's been solid for New York since his return, posting a 2.35 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 20 strikeouts and only two walks in 23 innings pitched on the season. Minter most likely will continue to be a non-factor for saves in his new home, though, making him unattractive in most fantasy baseball leagues. Agbayani is already ranked as the Mets' No. 22 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The 19-year-old middle-infield prospect is a hit-over-power type from the left side of the plate. He has above-average speed on the bases as well, but in the long-term, he's not expected to stick at shortstop. In only 10 games at Single-A Fort Myers this year, Agbayani has hit .268/.412/.342 with three doubles, six RBI, 12 runs, and two steals.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Mike McCarthy Praises Roman Wilson, Wants to Get Him Involved Across the Field
After two disappointing seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, wide receiver Roman Wilson could benefit from a new coaching staff, and he has earned the praise of head coach Mike McCarthy for the work he's done in the initial practices of training camp. McCarthy has been impressed by what the 2024 third-round pick has shown out of the slot, telling reporters he's done a "hell of a job" working on the inside and suggesting he could soon see more work on the outside. After injuries all but deleted his rookie season, Wilson earned some early training camp buzz last year but caught only 12 passes for 166 yards in his second season. Ranked outside RotoBaller's top 300 players for 2026, fantasy expectations remain low, but if Wilson can continue to build momentum and carve out a larger role, he could eventually work his way back into the streaming conversation in an offense projected to see a higher passing volume under McCarthy.
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Cooper Ingle Remains Firmly on Stash Radar
Cleveland Guardians catching prospect Cooper Ingle was optioned back to Triple-A Columbus earlier in July after his brief MLB debut. While this demotion greatly impacted his short-term fantasy value, since returning to the top club in the minor leagues, the backstop has looked very productive, suggesting he should see another stint in the coming weeks. Over his last 15 games since returning to Triple-A, Ingle has posted a dominant .413/.472/.714 line with an eye-catching 1.187 OPS. During this noted stretch, Ingle has launched four home runs and tacked on seven doubles. Three of these home runs have come over his last four games. In the majors, Ingle appeared in just seven contests and held a low .095 average. Given Cleveland's lack of production behind the plate this season, Ingle may not have to wait long for another look.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
