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Bryce Lance Carries Long-Term Dynasty Upside into 2026
After recording 51 catches for 1,079 yards and eight touchdowns across 13 games at North Dakota State in 2025, wide receiver Bryce Lance was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints enter 2026 with two high-end wide receiver options who are clearly ahead of Lance on the depth chart in Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson (undisclosed). However, New Orleans is still looking to replace the downfield ability of former wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, whom the team traded away at the 2025 trade deadline. Lance averaged over 21 yards per reception in his final collegiate season and tested out as an elite athlete at the 2026 Scouting Combine, so he could profile as the explosive big-play threat that the Saints are looking for. Lance may not provide fantasy-relevant production right away, but he's worth targeting in dynasty formats for his long-term upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Julio Rodriguez Returns to Mariners Lineup on Wednesday
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (leg) is serving as the designated hitter and will bat second for the team's game on Wednesday at home against the visiting Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Brady Singer, per MLB.com. Rodriguez was hit in the leg by a throw while running to first base on Monday night in the series opener against the Reds and was held out on Tuesday as a precaution, although he eventually entered the game and homered last night. The 25-year-old Dominican outfielder should be returned to starting fantasy lineups in all leagues now that he's recovered from his minor leg injury. The three-time All-Star and former American League Rookie of the Year in 2022 is currently hitting .258/.321/.426 with a .746 OPS, 15 home runs, 43 RBI, 48 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases in 91 games across 393 plate appearances in 2026. A third 30-30 season might not be in the cards for J-Rod this year due to injuries, but he is still a no-brainer must-start in all leagues when he's active. Rodriguez has struggled so far in July, going 3-for-13 with a homer, three RBI, two runs, two walks, and four strikeouts in just five games played after missing some time while on the concussion injured list.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Mike Gesicki Still Worthy of a Deep-League Dynasty Roster Spot?
Across 13 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki recorded 28 catches for 307 yards and two touchdowns on 42 targets. After a TE13 finish in 2024, Gesicki plummeted to TE41 last season. Entering 2026, Gesicki could play a larger role in the Bengals' offense after the offseason departure of former Cincinnati tight end Noah Fant. However, the 30-year-old's production outlook will likely remain tied to the health of Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, as Gesicki's best moments in Cincinnati have often come when Higgins is sidelined by injury. As long as Higgins and fellow superstar Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase are on the field, Gesicki is unlikely to see enough target volume to provide fantasy-relevant production. Still, the veteran tight end could remain a low-cost handcuff option for deep-league dynasty managers to roster for the upcoming season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
James Cook III Remains a High-End Running Back Option Entering 2026
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III earned second-team All-Pro honors for his work in 2025, when he recorded 1,912 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns on 342 touches across 17 games. The 26-year-old has always been an uber-efficient rusher, and he saw his workload spike from 14.9 touches per game in 2024 to 20.1 touches per game in 2025. The Bills promoted former offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach ahead of the 2026 season and did not make any notable additions to their running back room, so there's little reason to think that Cook III's role in the team's offense will change. By measure of per-game PPR scoring, Cook III has been a solid RB1 in back-to-back seasons. Entering 2026, he remains a high-end running back option for fantasy managers in redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Brazzell II Set to Compete for WR3 Role in Training Camp
Anthony Rizzuti of Panthers Wire writes that Carolina Panthers rookie third-round wide receiver Chris Brazzell II will be competing with Xavier Legette for the WR3 role this summer in training camp behind second-year wideout Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker. Legette, a former first-rounder, is running out of chances to prove himself, so he could quickly fall out of favor if Brazzell impresses during camp. The University of Tennessee will bring more of a speed element to the Panthers' offense, which is something they've been missing, so that could help set him apart from Legette as he heads into his first NFL campaign. Brazzell impressed head coach Dave Canales while developing chemistry with QB Bryce Young during offseason workouts, but he'll need to keep it going when the pads go on in camp. In 2025 with the Volunteers, Brazzell was an All-SEC first-team selection after catching 62 passes for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games. He's just inside RotoBaller's top-100 WR rankings for 2026, but his ADP could skyrocket if he's named the WR3 before the start of the season.
Source: Panthers Wire - Anthony Rizzuti
Source: Panthers Wire - Anthony Rizzuti
J.J. McCarthy Carries Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal into 2026
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy struggled in his first chance to be an NFL starter in 2025. McCarthy missed seven games due to ankle, concussion, and hand issues and finished the year with 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Minnesota brought in some significant competition for McCarthy in free agency, signing veteran quarterback Kyler Murray. Given Murray's established track record from his time with the Arizona Cardinals, it wouldn't be a surprise if McCarthy is limited to QB2 duties in 2026. However, the Vikings reportedly plan to allow the battle between Murray and McCarthy to run through training camp and the preseason. McCarthy is just 23 years old, and Minnesota could still view him as a key piece of the team's future. McCarthy also brings some fantasy juice with his legs, as he rushed for 181 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games last season. With his value at a low point, McCarthy could be a worthy buy-low candidate for dynasty managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet Placed on PUP List
The Seattle Seahawks placed running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday as he continues to make his way back from offseason knee surgery to fix a torn ACL that he suffered in the postseason, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 25-year-old has reportedly made good progress in his rehab this offseason, but he's still fully expected to miss the start of the 2026 regular season this fall, which will obviously hurt his fantasy redraft value. With Kenneth Walker III now in Kansas City, the Seahawks are expected to use some sort of committee approach in the backfield to begin the season, involving rookie Jadarian Price, George Holani, and Emanuel Wilson. But once Charbonnet is cleared to return for his season debut, he figures to eventually be a key piece of Seattle's backfield once again. The former second-rounder in 2023 out of UCLA had a bigger role next to Walker in 16 regular-season games last year and posted a career-high 730 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on 184 carries while also catching 20 passes for 144 yards through the air. RotoBaller currently has Charbonnet ranked as the No. 62 fantasy RB for the upcoming season.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Nnamdi Madubuike Not Medically Cleared to Play
Baltimore Ravens two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) missed all but two games last year due to a significant neck injury. He had surgery in April and hasn't been medically cleared by team doctors to return to the field, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. If the 28-year-old pass-rusher gets the green light to return, though, he could be one of the biggest additions to their defense for the 2026 season, even when considering the offseason addition of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. General manager Eric DeCosta said last week on 105.7 The Fan that things are "pointed in the right direction" for Madubuike. The former third-rounder in 2020 out of Texas A&M was a Pro Bowler in both 2023 and 2024 before injuring his neck last year. In his six years with Baltimore, he has recorded 30 sacks, 203 tackles (124 solo), 42 tackles for loss, 69 QB hits, and two pass breakups in 78 games played (66 starts). Most likely, the Ravens will ease Madubuike in this summer and in the preseason if he's cleared to play, but his presence on the D-line in Baltimore this year could be a huge boost if he can recapture his pre-injury form.
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Romeo Doubs Set to Serve as Patriots Top Inside Receiver
Evan Lazar of the New England Patriots' official website writes that new wide receiver Romeo Doubs projects as the team's top inside receiver and profiles more like a high-volume "big" slot in a similar role to former wideout Stefon Diggs, who led the team with 85 catches, 1,103 yards, and four touchdowns on 102 targets through 17 regular-season games in 2025. The Patriots essentially replaced Diggs with the additions of both Doubs and Pro Bowl pass-catcher A.J. Brown this offseason. The 26-year-old Doubs will try to expand on a career year in his final season with the Green Bay Packers, when he had 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns on 85 targets in 16 regular-season contests. While Doubs is going to have a big role while working with a rising young QB in Drake Maye, he's nothing special athletically, and he figures to be more of a complement to Brown in New England than a true star. Fantasy managers shouldn't overpay for his services on draft day. RotoBaller currently has Doubs ranked as the No. 53 fantasy WR for the 2026 season.
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Jacob Webb Remains the Closer to Roster in Chicago
Across 43 1/3 innings (44 games) in 2026, Chicago Cubs right-hander Jacob Webb has recorded a 3-2 record with a 2.91 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 50 strikeouts, and five saves. The 32-year-old has begun to emerge as Chicago's preferred ninth-inning option in July, logging three saves across seven outings so far this month. Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) is expected to return from his current elbow injury in mid-August, so Webb's fantasy value as a source of saves could be relatively short-lived. Still, he's performed well in the role so far, and his 27% strikeout rate backs up his strong results. For fantasy managers in need of a short-term saves solution, Webb profiles as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Washington Jr. has the Potential to Grow into RB2 Role
Las Vegas Raiders rookie fourth-round running back Mike Washington Jr. has the "potential to grow into a second option in the backfield" in 2026 in his first year in the league behind RB1 Ashton Jeanty, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Washington has a nice blend of size (6-foot-2, 228 pounds) and speed (4.33-second 40-yard dash) and rushed for 1,070 yards (606 yards after first contact) and eight touchdowns at the University of Arkansas last year. He added 28 receptions for 226 yards and another touchdown as a pass-catcher. The Raiders expect Jeanty to have a heavy workload under new head coach Klint Kubiak, but "that shouldn't take away from Washington playing meaningful snaps" in his first year in the league as the top backup in Vegas. Washington took reps with the second team and occasionally with the first-team offense during the offseason program. The 23-year-old has a clear path to RB2 duties, but he still has plenty to clean up, including ball-security issues he showed in college. He'll be trying to hold off undrafted rookie RB Roman Hemby in training camp.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Luke Adams Gets Back on Track With Multi-Hit Performance
Milwaukee Brewers corner infield prospect Luke Adams went 2-for-4 with a run scored on Tuesday, getting back to pre-All-Star-break form. The Brewers' 11th-ranked prospect was 9-for-20 (.450) in the six-game lead-up to the break, but came out of the break just 1-for-11 (.091) before Tuesday night's multi-hit effort. The former 12th-rounder missed over a month earlier this season due to injury, but has been productive when on the field, recording a .952 OPS, .416 wOBA, and 147 wRC+ in the 45 games he's played for Nashville. With 12 home runs on the season and plenty of power metrics ranking in the 84th percentile or better, there's ample fantasy intrigue in his bat, which makes for a potential stash candidate in deeper 14-team and NL-only leagues, but there is no current opening on the MLB roster at the moment, and the 6-foot-4 slugger would have to be added to the 40-man roster ahead of an MLB debut.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jacoby Brissett to Report for Start of Training Camp
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett will report for the start of the team's training camp on Wednesday, a source told Ben Volin of The Boston Globe. However, Volin said he wouldn't expect to see Brissett on the field much until his contract situation is resolved. The 33-year-old veteran and former third-rounder by the New England Patriots in 2016 out of North Carolina State is looking for a raise going into his 11th year in the league after becoming Arizona's starting QB in 2025, when he threw for a career-high 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 games (12 starts) in his first year with the organization. The Cardinals agree that Brissett has earned a new contract, but despite negotiating for the last several months, the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. Expect something to happen sooner rather than later so that the Cardinals can get Brissett back on the field as he tries to learn new head coach Mike LaFleur's offense. Fantasy managers should treat the veteran gunslinger as a low-end QB2 with regression most likely coming his way in what should be a much more balanced offense in 2026 under LaFleur.
Source: The Boston Globe - Ben Volin
Source: The Boston Globe - Ben Volin
Zac Thornton Emerging as a Starting Pitcher Streamer to Target on the Waiver Wire
New York Mets starting pitcher Zac Thornton picked up his first win of the season on Tuesday night, throwing six scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his team's 4-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Thornton has spent most of the 2026 season at Triple-A, where he's recorded a 4.02 ERA across 62 2/3 innings. However, the 24-year-old was recalled by New York on July 12 and has been extremely effective across his last two starts, throwing 13 scoreless innings while allowing just five hits and three walks. Thornton averages just 92 miles per hour on his fastball and has posted a 19.5% strikeout rate in the big leagues this season, so fantasy managers should not expect high-end strikeout upside. Still, the young left-hander has allowed just a 6.9% walk rate, and opposing batters are hitting .173 against him. In the midst of his current hot streak, Thornton profiles as a starting pitcher streamer to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
No Timetable for Garrett Crochet to Resume Throwing
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder, lat) said on Tuesday that he and the training staff still don't have a timetable for when he will restart his throwing program, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Crochet was initially placed on the injured list on April 29 with inflammation in his left shoulder, but he felt lat tightness two days later while throwing a one-inning simulated game, and he hasn't thrown a baseball since. "Making a lot of progress in the strength department right now," Crochet said. When asked if there was a chance he might not pitch again this season, the ace said, "It's tough to say." He's now on the 60-day IL after originally hoping his IL stint would last the minimum 15 days. Crochet started throwing weighted plyo balls in mid-June but stopped near the start of July. His shoulder injury is the biggest issue, as he called his lat injury "super minor." In shallow-mixed fantasy leagues, we wouldn't blame any managers for cutting the 27-year-old southpaw, as at this point, it's looking more likely that he won't return until September, if at all. Currently, he's still rostered in 94% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
Source: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
AJ Smith-Shawver a Priority Waiver-Wire Stash Ahead of Impending Return
Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) has yet to pitch in the big leagues in 2026 as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June 2025. However, the 23-year-old began a minor league rehab assignment in late June and has now made four appearances in the minors, with his two most recent starts coming at Triple-A. Smith-Shawver has pitched well in his rehab outings, recording a 1.98 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP with 16 strikeouts across 13 2/3 innings. Before getting injured last season, the hard-throwing right-hander recorded a 3-2 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 44 1/3 innings (nine starts). With Braves left-hander Martin Perez (forearm) landing on the injured list in early July due to a forearm contusion, Smith-Shawver should immediately have a role in the Atlanta rotation once he's ready to return to the big leagues. Particularly in deeper leagues, fantasy managers should look to stash Smith-Shawver off the waiver wire ahead of his impending return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sammy Stafura Stays Red-Hot With Multi-Hit, Multi-Steal Performance
Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect Sammy Stafura logged yet another multi-hit performance on Tuesday, his 10th multi-hit effort in his last 15 games at High-A, while adding a pair of steals. After an uneven start to the season, which included two stints on the injured list, Stafura is now making up for it. Since June 25, a period of 17 games, the Pirates' 10th-ranked prospect has gone on an otherworldly run of production, hitting .413 with 12 home runs, 36 RBI, 26 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases, good for a .565 wOBA and 227 wRC+ over that period. He's doing so despite an elevated 26.8 percent strikeout rate over that span, although it is an improvement over the 33.3 percent rate he produced at High-A prior to this recent run of success. As a career .251 hitter in the lower levels of the minors, the 21-year-old may have fallen off the dynasty radar, but this type of production shouldn't be ignored, and the former second-rounder may finally be living up to his draft-day potential.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Edwin Diaz More Likely to Return Next Week
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it's "possible" that right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) returns from the 60-day injured list this weekend, but the skipper also downplayed Diaz flying to the East Coast for just one series, according to David Vassegh of 570 LA Sports. It sounds like Diaz won't make his return against his old team, the New York Mets, this weekend, but rather early next week back in L.A. for a series against one of his other former teams, the Seattle Mariners. The hard-throwing right-handed reliever has been out since late April after having surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. While the Dodgers could ease him back into save situations late in games upon his return, they are fully expected to make him their primary closer sooner rather than later, so he should be scooped up off the waiver wire immediately if he's still available in any fantasy leagues. In his four minor-league rehab outings, Diaz has thrown four scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and just one walk. Left-hander Tanner Scott's fantasy stock is about to take a pretty big hit when Diaz returns.
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Paul Sewald Allows Two Runs in Blown Save as Rough Patch Lingers
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald had a rough outing on Tuesday night against the Athletics, allowing two earned runs on two hits for his second blown save of the season. The 36-year-old ranks sixth in baseball with 23 saves, but he's hit a rough patch of late. Across his last eight innings pitched (nine games), Sewald has allowed four home runs and 10 earned runs. The long ball has been a major issue for the veteran right-hander, as he's allowed 2.23 HR/9. Sewald has the advantage of experience on his side, as he's collected 109 saves across 421 career MLB games. He also owns a 28.8% strikeout rate with just a 6.2% walk rate, good for a stellar 22.6% K-BB rate. However, Arizona may be forced to go in a different direction in the ninth inning if Sewald keeps allowing home runs at his current pace.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jonny Farmelo Earns the Call to Double-A
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect Jonny Farmelo earned a promotion to Double-A Arkansas and logged his first game there on Tuesday, collecting a hit and drawing a walk while also stealing a base in the contest. The promotion comes after a solid first half at High-A Everett, where the Mariners' fifth-ranked prospect hit .267 with a .387 on-base percentage thanks to a 15.5 percent walk rate, along with 13 home runs and 26 stolen bases in 83 games. The former first-round draft pick was limited to 75 games total over the last two seasons because of injuries, but now fully healthy, his full tool set has been on display in 2026. The left-handed slugger has a solid hit tool, along with plus power and speed that make him a strong dynasty asset in fantasy so long as he can stay on the field. The 21-year-old could be knocking on the door to the majors sometime next year.
Source: MiLB Central
Source: MiLB Central
Jac Caglianone Out of Wednesday's Lineup
Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone (shoulder) is not in the team's starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the visiting San Francisco Giants, per MLB.com. Veteran Starling Marte will make the start in right field for the Royals and will bat seventh against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp. Caglianone should be considered day-to-day for now after he was pulled from Tuesday's game early against the Giants after hurting his right shoulder during a diving attempt in the outfield. Fantasy managers need to make sure he's on their benches for Wednesday while checking back on Thursday to see if he's active for the series opener against the division-rival Detroit Tigers. The 23-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Florida has come on strong in 2026 after a slow start to his first full season in the majors, and he's now hitting .258/.316/.463 with a .779 OPS, 16 long balls, 37 RBI, 46 runs scored, and three steals in 337 at-bats. Perhaps the most encouraging is that he's hitting .248 (25-for-101) with five of his 16 bombs against left-handed pitchers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sungjae Im Hoping The Open Sparks a Turnaround in Approach Play
Sungjae Im put together his most complete week of the season at The Open Championship, finishing T14 while gaining strokes throughout the bag. His biggest issue this year has been approach play, where he lost strokes in 13 straight events before gaining +1.65 at Royal Birkdale. He now looks to carry that momentum into the 3M Open, where he had finishes of T15 and T2 in his first two appearances before missing the cut in his last two trips here. Im ranks 59th off the tee (+0.146 strokes per round), 47th in putting (+0.180), and 14th around the greens (+0.345). As mentioned, the concern remains his irons, where he ranks just 150th on approach (-0.672) and 127th in proximity from 175-200 yards, a range that accounted for 22% of approach shots here last year. At $8,500 on DraftKings, Im offers plenty of upside, but fantasy managers will have to decide whether The Open was the start of an approach turnaround or simply a teaser of what could be.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
Royals Place Bobby Witt Jr. on Injured List With Back Tightness
The Kansas City Royals announced on Wednesday that they placed shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (back) on the 10-day injured list with lower-back tightness and selected the contract of infielder Andrew Velazquez from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Velazquez is starting at shortstop and batting ninth on Wednesday against San Francisco Giants right-hander Landen Roupp, but both Tyler Tolbert and Nick Loftin could fill in at the 6 in KC for however long Witt is sidelined. This will be the first time in Witt's career that he has landed on the IL. He was originally held out of Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres with back tightness before returning for Monday's series opener against the Giants, only to be pulled mid-game with more back tightness. It doesn't sound like the Royals are very concerned, though, which means Witt could be back when his 10 days on the IL are up. It could help explain why the three-time All-Star has hit only .196 (11-for-56) with a .536 OPS, one homer, two doubles, three RBI, seven runs, two steals, four walks, and 13 strikeouts in 14 games in the month of July. Witt is a must-hold in all fantasy leagues while he recovers.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Murf Gray's Second Home Run at Double-A was a Grand One
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman prospect Murf Gray was recently promoted to Double-A, his second promotion of the season already, and he's collected a hit in three of the first four games for Altoona, including his second home run at that level on Tuesday, which was a grand slam. Not only that, the Pirates' third-ranked prospect is showing patience, drawing three walks compared to just two strikeouts so far with the Curve. The Fresno State product was a 2025 draft pick, 73rd overall, but is seeing time in professional baseball for the first time this season and has not disappointed. Across all three levels this year, the 6-foot-3 slugger owns a .323/.405/.610 slash line with 25 home runs, and though he tended to chase pitches in college, he is striking out at just a 19.2 percent rate while drawing walks at a 10.5 percent rate, so it looks like he's developed in that area. At this rate, the 22-year-old could be in the mix for an MLB debut next year, and his dynasty arrow is pointing up at the moment.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Alex Lange Bounces Back on Tuesday, Tallies Save in Scoreless Frame
Kansas City Royals right-hander Alex Lange recorded his ninth save of the season on Tuesday night, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts in his team's 3-2 win over the San Francisco Giants. Lange had struggled in July leading up to his outing on Tuesday, allowing eight earned runs across 3 2/3 innings (four games) this month. However, it appears as though Kansas City is sticking with him as its primary option in the ninth inning. Although he's recorded a 6.15 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP across 41 innings so far this year, Lange has converted a respectable nine out of 11 save chances. Fantasy managers should be aware of the damage he might do to their ratios, but Lange remains a viable source of saves to target on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
CJ Abrams Continues Breakout Campaign With Two More Home Runs
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams stayed red-hot at the dish in Tuesday night's 8-7 loss to the hosting Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, and a walk to raise his season batting average to .279 and his OPS to .892. Both of Abrams' blasts in the thin air in Denver were two-run shots, and the 25-year-old All-Star has now homered in three straight games. During that stretch, he has four home runs and eight RBI, which makes him one of the hottest hitters in baseball this week. It hasn't just been limited to this week, though, as the former sixth overall pick in 2019 by the San Diego Padres is having a fantastic 2026 season, slashing .279/.354/.538 with an .892 OPS, 24 home runs, 76 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 61 runs scored across his 366 at-bats in his fourth full season in D.C. The two-time All-Star is having his best month yet in July, hitting .309 (17-for-55) with six homers, three doubles, 16 RBI, nine runs, and two stolen bases in 14 games played. Abrams is obviously a must-start fantasy shortstop.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jordan Romano Emerging as Closer to Roster in Colorado
Colorado Rockies right-hander Jordan Romano picked up his seventh save of the season on Tuesday night, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts in his team's 8-7 win over the Washington Nationals. Romano opened the 2026 season with the Los Angeles Angels and got off to a brutal start, recording a 10.13 ERA across eight innings (11 games). However, the 33-year-old has been significantly better since catching on with the Rockies, posting a 1.59 ERA with eight strikeouts and three saves across 5 2/3 innings (six games). Romano has appeared in the ninth inning in all six of his outings with Colorado, recording saves in three out of his last five appearances. For fantasy managers in need of saves, Romano profiles as an obvious waiver wire target.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Manny Machado Heating Up Again, Hits Two Homers Against Braves
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado went hitless in the first three games out of last week's All-Star break over the weekend, but he's turned things around so far this week and had another big game offensively in Tuesday's 8-3 win over the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park. Machado went 2-for-5 at the plate with two solo home runs and a strikeout to raise his season average to .204 and his OPS to .727. The 34-year-old veteran and seven-time All-Star has been a disappointment average-wise and with a .294 on-base percentage, but he's now up to 22 home runs on the year and has added 59 RBI, 50 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 413 plate appearances, so he has still been an asset in counting stats and for his power. Machado also homered in Monday's series opener in Atlanta, so he's gone deep three times in the last two days after going 0-for-9 over the weekend in the series in Kansas City against the Royals. So far in 16 games and 69 plate appearances in July, Machado is hitting .281 (16-for-57) with a 1.005 OPS, six home runs, a double, 13 RBI, 10 runs, and a steal. Fantasy managers who bought low on him have been pleased.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Fantasy Expectations Low for Kirk Cousins in a Bridge Role
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is no stranger to competing with a first-round pick in his first season with a new team, though the comparisons to his 2024 campaign with the Falcons end just below surface level. The Falcons shocked the football world by selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft weeks after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal. In contrast, Fernando Mendoza was always going to wind up with the Raiders, even if his selection with the first overall pick was not made official until after Cousins had signed his two-year, $12.6 million bridge quarterback contract. With new Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak preaching patience for Mendoza, Cousins is expected to start the season with the starting job and could be given plenty of leash in an offense that should show signs of improvement from a year ago. That said, the soon-to-be-38-year-old's per-game fantasy production has been on the decline for years, and little is expected of RotoBaller's QB33 in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Maverick McNealy Looking to Continue Strong Season at 3M Open
Maverick McNealy has put together a very solid season, recording nine top-25 finishes with only two missed cuts through 17 events. He looks to keep the momentum going at the 3M Open, where he has finishes of T16, T49, T3, and a missed cut in four appearances. TPC Twin Cities typically rewards accuracy off the tee, precision on approach, and converting opportunities on and around the greens. McNealy ranks 63rd off the tee (+0.127 strokes per round), 113th on approach (-0.103), 18th in putting (+0.432), and 13th around the greens (+0.358). His biggest concern is precision, where he ranks 122nd in driving accuracy and 143rd in proximity from 175-200 yards, a range that accounted for 22% of all approach shots here last year. McNealy is one of the stronger players in this field, and if he can have even a neutral week with his irons, his elite short game gives him a chance to contend.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
