Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Source: PGATour.com
Sungjae Im could be a true wildcard heading into The Open Championship. The golfer from South Korea has experienced a lot in his four appearances in the United Kingdom. Last year at Royal Troon, Im finished T-7 behind a strong 66-69 weekend. However, he has truly bottomed out since the PGA Championship where he missed the cut. Aside from a T-16 at the Memorial, the golfer has now missed consecutive cuts including last week at the Genesis Scottish Open. The largest concern with Im is approaching the green where he ranks 176th in strokes gained at -0.937. With very changeable conditions, Im's inability to keep balls on the green makes him difficult to consider as a betting option.Dominick Barlow to Sit Out Rest of Summer League
Dominick Barlow has been shut down for the remainder of the Summer League, per Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com. After signing a two-way contract with the 76ers, Barlow suited up twice for the team in Las Vegas. He notched 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 22.1 minutes. In 96 career NBA games, Barlow has averaged 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 12.5 minutes. He's been trying to find his footing in the league with the San Antonio Spurs and Atlanta Hawks. While his playing time in Philadelphia isn't guaranteed either, at just 22 years old, Barlow still has plenty of time to grow and improve his game.Source: Adam Aaronson
Philadelphia 76ers forward Xander Schauffele Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Source: Data Golf
Coming off a T8 finish last week at the Scottish Open, Xander Schauffele makes the trip to Northern Ireland this week to hopefully become the first person since Padraig Harrington in 2008 to defend in golf's oldest championship. His play at The Renaissance Club started and ended with the irons, averaging +2.38 strokes gained on approach, which led the field. His overall stat line was eerily close to that of his Open win last year. One grave concern is that he has failed to gain anything on the greens over his previous two starts, but the flat stick has the potential to have its importance diminished in the right conditions. At $11,400 on FanDuel, Schauffele would be worth some consideration if his relatively uneventful season decreases ownership levels.Tony Finau Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Source: PGATour.com
Tony Finau knows that the trends are not with him. The American golfer took some time off after a final round 76 at The Travelers Championship late in June. Finau finished T-66 in that event and only has one Top 10 result in 2025. He has not played that badly but consistency has been a huge issue. While putting has always been hit or miss, his approach to the green was ranked second last year. Currently, strokes gained there ranks 88th. Even off the tee, Finau has dropped into the red (114th) along with his putting (137th). Greens in regulation is only 106th at 65.3%. Worse, sand saves are 160th at 50.55%. Finau may be a golfer to fade this weekend given the potential conditions at The Open Championship. Oshae Brissett Links Up with Maccabi Tel Aviv
Oshae Brissett has signed a two-year deal with six-time EuroLeague champions Maccabi Tel Aviv. Brissett takes his talents across the pond after featuring in merely six NBA games last season. He was picked up late in the year by the Philadelphia 76ers, who gave Brissett a look amid an injury crisis. The 27-year-old averaged 8.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 23.7 minutes during his time in Philadelphia. Brissett won the Larry O'Brien Trophy with the Boston Celtics in 2024 and has averaged 6.6 points with 3.9 rebounds in 233 career NBA games.Source: Eurohoops
Forward Daniel Brown Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Source: PGATour.com
Daniel Brown was hopeful after a second round 66 at the Genesis Scottish Open. The English golfer made the cut and appeared poised to have a solid weekend. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be after a 73 and 72. The 281 on the Par-70 course had to be frustrating for the 30-year-old. Brown did finish in the Top 10 at the last Open Championship at Royal Troon after an opening round 65. However, many argue that Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland is a different beast. Getting off to a good start with a later tee time may be more of a challenge. Brown may face more windy, rainy conditions potentially and his form suggests a Royal Troon repeat may be unlikely. Rory McIlroy Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Source: Data Golf
Nearing the end of a historic season for Rory McIlroy, perhaps the event that's garnered the most attention from the 36-year-old kicks off on Thursday. It will be the fellow Northern Irishman's second crack at this course, having missed the cut in 2019. His length off the tee certainly gives him more scoring chances, so long as the long fescue doesn't come into play. Accuracy can reward players just as much, which is why we see the multitude of player types that have gotten the job done through the years. The ball striking as a whole needs to take better form, but +1.88 strokes gained putting average over his last two starts is worth taking a shot on. The stage wasn't too bright at Augusta, and don't expect it here either.Josh Okogie Waived by Hornets
Josh Okogie. Okogie had a $7.7 million contract for next season, which would have become guaranteed if he had remained with the Hornets past Tuesday. The 26-year-old moved to Charlotte in January as part of a trade that sent Nick Richards to Phoenix. He averaged 8.9 points and 1.8 steals per game with the team. Okogie had a decent stint with the Hornets, but unfortunately for him, the team did not see a role for him next season. Over 416 career games, Okogie has averaged 8.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 19.1 minutes. He is expected to attract decent interest from teams as a free agent.Source: NBA.com
The Charlotte Hornets have waived guard/forward Daniel Berger Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Source: PGATour.com
Daniel Berger enjoyed a nice run early in the Spring that culminated in a T-3 at the RBC Heritage Open. The American golfer has struggled since the PGA Championship, missed a few cuts, and was outside the Top 50 last week at the Genesis Scottish Open. Berger just cannot make birdies the past few tournaments. His strokes gained to putting has dropped all the way to 138th on tour and is now -0.144. Royal Portrush may not be the most receptive to birdie opportunities but keep in mind Shane Lowry did shoot -15 in 2019. Putts per round is particularly troublesome for Berger. He averages 29.83 putts per opening round then 29.33 and 29.36. That may not be a recipe for success even in DFS formats or this Open Championship.Tommy White Looking Strong at High-A
Tommy White has enjoyed a productive first half with High-A Lansing. Through 57 contests, the 40th overall pick in last year's MLB Draft has held a .273/.339/.482 slash line with an .821 OPS. During this stretch, White hit 16 doubles, added 10 home runs, swiped three bags, and held a 31:19 K:BB. White was one of the most dominant hitters in the minor leagues in the first half as he posted a remarkable 19-game hitting streak in April. After being selected in last year's draft out of LSU, White reported to Low-A. Through 25 games in Stockton, White held a .224/.303/.299 slash line with just four total extra-base hits (two home runs) and a 21:9 K:BB. Given White's strong High-A debut, he could earn a taste of Double-A later in the second half.Source: MiLB.com
Athletics third base prospect Aidan Miller Shows Elite Speed Upside in the First Half
Aidan Miller swiped an impressive 34 bags throughout the first 69 games of the Double-A regular season. During this stretch, Miller posted a .234/.354/.379 slash line. He hit nine doubles, two triples, eight home runs, and held a 78:44 K:BB. However, he has begun to see his bat heat up, as evidenced by his .915 OPS, which includes two long balls and two doubles over his last 12 contests. Last season, the No. 21-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com spent most of his time playing between Low-A and High-A before earning a small look at Double-A over the final month. At Low-A and High-A, Miller held a .267/.375/.463 line with 28 doubles, 11 long balls, and 21 stolen bases in 97 games. If Miller can continue to find his swing, he should be in the mix to reach Triple-A later this season.Source: MiLB.com
Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect Termarr Johnson Struggling at Double-A
Termarr Johnson has posted an underwhelming .176/.263/.306 slash line with one double and two stolen bases. During this stretch, he has struck out eight times and drawn three walks. Through 78 total games with Double-A Altoona this season, the former fourth overall pick from the 2022 MLB Draft has held a .247/.329/.3775 slash line with nine doubles, two triples, eight home runs, and 12 stolen bases. Johnson received a brief taste of Double-A at the end of the 2024 campaign and held a similar .229/.316/.396 line with two long balls across 14 games. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 21-year-old's progression as he could be in line to earn a similar taste of Triple-A at the end of this season. However, given his modest production, the Pirates may opt to keep him with Double-A to continue his development.Source: MiLB.com
Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect Travis Bazzana Knocks Double in Rehab Game
Travis Bazzana (oblique) went 1-for-3 with two runs, two walks, and two strikeouts during his rehab game on Tuesday in the Arizona Complex League. In the opening frame, he hit a leadoff double against left-hander Blake Snell, who was also on a rehab assignment. Bazzana reported to Cleveland's ACL affiliate on July 5 for his assignment and held a .222/.462/.333 slash line with two doubles, two RBI, and an 8:4 K:BB. The Guardians are gradually increasing Bazzana's workload. As a result, fantasy managers should not expect him to return to Double-A for at least another week. Before his injury, last year's first overall pick held a .252/.362/.433 line with five doubles and four home runs through his first 33 games with Double-A. Bazzana remains a top dynasty asset at the keystone despite his injury-riddled campaign.Source: Cleveland Guardians
Cleveland Guardians second base prospect Eduardo Tait Continues to Hit at Low-A
Eduardo Tait has continued to enjoy a strong season with Low-A Clearwater. Through his first eight games in July, the No. 7-ranked catcher in minor leagues on MLB.com has held a .241/.333/414 line with two doubles, a home run, and seven RBI. Through 73 total games, the No. 4-ranked prospect in Philadelphia has held a .254/.328/.445 line with 19 doubles, a triple, and 11 home runs. He has yet to swipe a bag and has posted a solid 64:30 K:BB. Last summer, Tait received a brief look at the Low-A level and held a similar .269/.316/.462 slash line with five doubles and five home runs across 28 games. If Tait can continue to show improvements at Low-A, he should be in the mix to join High-A later in the second half.Source: MiLB.com
Philadelphia Phillies catching prospect Harry Ford Hits Slump in July
Harry Ford hit a bit of a slump through the start of July at Triple-A Tacoma. The budding backstop has held a modest .206/.341/.353 slash line with two doubles and a long ball across eight games. However, during June, Ford held a much higher .263/.380/.406 line with five doubles, two home runs, and 15 RBI through 20 games. After spending the entire 2024 campaign at the Double-A level, the No. 5-ranked prospect in the system was given the nod to open the 2025 campaign with Triple-A. Through 69 games, Ford has posted a strong .292/.409/.446 slash line with 14 doubles, nine home runs, and four stolen bases. While he did join the Seattle taxi squad for a few days in June, he never appeared in an MLB contest. However, given his impressive first half, he should earn his true debut in the coming weeks.Source: MiLB.com
Seattle Mariners catching prospect Clayton Kershaw Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
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Corbin Carroll Goes Yard In All-Star Game
Corbin Carroll made his one hit count in Tuesday's All-Star Game, which the National League team won on a 6-6 tie with a 4-3 tie-breaker home run swing-off. Carroll went 1-for-1 with a solo home run and a walk. The 24-year-old uncorked on a sixth-inning Casey Mize splitter, launching it into the right-field seats to put the NL team up 6-0. Corbin has had another successful season so far, but has traded some of his batting average and speed for power, slashing .245/.324/.550 with 21 HR, 62 runs scored, 47 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 361 plate appearances.Source: MLB.com
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Brent Rooker Hits Three-Run Homer In ASG, Participates In Swing-Off
Brent Rooker. The slugger hit a combined three long balls in Tuesday's All-Star Game, which saw the National League team win a 6-6 tie with a 4-3 tie-breaker home run swing-off. Rooker's one at-bat came in the top of the seventh inning, in which he drilled a Randy Rodriguez fastball into the center-field seats to cut the NL lead in half. He also led off for the American League team in the swing-off, going 2-for-3 in his HR opportunities. The 30-year-old hit 17 HR in Monday's Home Run Derby, but notoriously did not advance due to a one-inch difference in his longest HR. Rooker is putting together another solid season, slashing .279/.355/.505 with 20 HR, 60 runs scored, and 54 RBI in 426 plate appearances.Source: MLB.com
The All-Star break was all about home runs for Athletics outfielder/designated hitter Eugenio Suarez Hit In Pinky In All-Star Game, X-Rays Negative
Eugenio Suarez (pinky) did not enjoy Tuesday's All-Star Game as much as other players, but fortunately, he seems to have avoided any serious injury. Suarez entered the game in the top of the fifth inning as a defensive replacement. He grounded out in his first at-bat, and then got hit in the left hand by a pitch in the eighth inning. He ran the bases before being subbed out defensively, and he did not participate in the tie-breaker home run swing-off. The good news is that X-rays after the game came back negative, per FOX Sports' Rowan Kavner. The 33-year-old has followed up his strong 2024 campaign this season, slashing .250/.320/.569 with 31 HR, 58 runs scored, and 78 RBI in 391 plate appearances. His name has also come up in potential trade talks heading toward the trade deadline.Source: Rowan Kavner - X.com
Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Pete Alonso Launches Three-Run Homer In Mid-Summer Classic
Pete Alonso made sure to get in on the action in Tuesday's All-Star Game, which resulted in the National League team winning a 6-6 tie on a 4-3 home run swing-off. Alonso went 1-for-2 with a three-run HR. The 30-year-old lined a sixth-inning Kris Bubic fastball to the opposite field, depositing it in the right-field seats to put the NL team up 5-0. The Polar Bear put together a strong first half, slashing .280/.376/.532 with 21 HR, 53 runs scored, and 77 RBI in 423 plate appearances. He has managed to provide his trademark high-end power while also maintaining what would be a career-high batting average.Source: MLB.com
He did not participate in Monday's Home Run Derby, but New York Mets first baseman NL All-Stars Win On Tie-Breaker Home Run Swing-Off
Baseball fans got to see several new game features in Tuesday's All-Star Game, with the National League team winning a 6-6 tie on a 4-3 home run swing-off. The American League team scored two runs in the top of the ninthJunior Colson Competing for Starting Job
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Junior Colson is a "name to watch" in the competition to start next to Daiyan Henley at linebacker in 2025, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. A third-round pick in 2024, Colson played 11 games and made just one start as a rookie last season. Pro Football Focus graded Colson 180th out of 189 qualified linebackers in 2024. However, he missed time in training camp last summer after undergoing an appendectomy and then landed on Injured Reserve for a portion of the regular season due to an ankle injury. Popper notes that the Chargers re-signed veterans Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye over the offseason, and that those two figure to be Colson's main competition in camp.Ravens Looking to Extend Isaiah Likely
Isaiah Likely, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Zrebiec also writes that the team believes Likely to have "star potential." A fourth-round draft pick back in 2022, Likely is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He's played a complementary role to star Ravens tight end Mark Andrews to this point in his career, but that sounds as if it could be changing. Likely set career-highs in catches (42), receiving yards (477), and touchdowns (6) in 2024. While he probably still needs Andrews to miss time to be a must-start fantasy tight end this season, the workload split between the two will be one to monitor throughout training camp and the preseason.Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
The Baltimore Ravens "figure to make a push to extend" tight end Kyle Pitts Not in Falcons' Long-Term Plans?
Kyle Pitts is on the team's radar, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The former number four overall pick in the 2021 draft, Pitts has been a disappointment relative to the hype he received as a prospect. Last season, Pitts logged 47 catches for 602 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. The four touchdowns were actually a career-high for the 24-year-old, who has 10 receiving touchdowns in 61 career games played. Pitts enters 2025 on the last year of his rookie contract. He's still the presumptive starter for Atlanta heading into training camp, but the news that he's not in the team's long-term plans could mean his role in the offense will continue to be de-emphasized.Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
There have been no rumors indicating that an extension for Atlanta Falcons tight end Browns in "No Rush" to Sign Quinshon Judkins to Rookie Deal
Quinshon Judkins' domestic violence incident and are in "no rush to sign (him) to his rookie contract or get him to camp," according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Judkins was arrested on domestic battery charges on Saturday night in Florida. The Browns used a second-round selection on him in this year's draft but have not yet signed him to his rookie contract. Judkins is due to report to training camp on Friday alongside the quarterbacks and the rest of the rookies. However, Cabot writes that the Browns have stressed to Judkins that he must "make his domestic incident the high priority over football." If Judkins misses time in camp or during the season due to potential suspension, more playing time would open in the Browns backfield for both incumbent back Jerome Ford and fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson.Source: Cleveland.com - Mary Kay Cabot
The Cleveland Browns are seeking clarity around rookie running back Robert MacIntyre Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Source: Data Golf
It was a disappointing week at the Scottish Open for Robert MacIntyre, who posted a T65 in his title defense while averaging minus-1.19 strokes off the tee and minus-0.56 strokes putting. Thursday's two-under 68 was the best round of his tournament, as he failed to break 70 any of the following three days. He'll make his way to Royal Portrush for the 153rd Open, where he finished T6 in 2019. Given his 36th overall ranking in strokes gained off the tee for the season, the chances of that part of his game struggling for a second consecutive week are slim. Putting is still a concern, but he should do enough everywhere else to be a decent option at $10,800 on FanDuel.Shane Lowry Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Source: Data Golf
The vibes have to be immaculate for Shane Lowry, who makes his return this week to Royal Portrush. The site of his lone major championship, it was a joyous occasion to watch through the rain and muck of the week's weather. He was undoubtedly the best player that week, leading the field in strokes gained on approach and ranking highly both off the tee and around the green. Things are a bit unknown for the 38-year-old after two poor outings in his last two starts at the U.S. Open and Travelers Championship. He lost over 10 strokes between his putting and short game at Oakmont before missing the cut, and things didn't improve much in Connecticut. Still, his favoritism among the fans who will be in attendance and the typically accurate ball striking make him worth a nod, especially given how his season as a whole has gone.Brian Harman Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
Source: Data Golf
Since his run in late spring that included a win at the Valero Texas Open and a T3 at the RBC Heritage, Brian Harman has struggled to find consistency in both his iron play and off the tee. He's averaged -0.37 in strokes gained on approach over his last three starts. The driver has straightened itself out over that span, but his distance is still concerning. His win at Royal Liverpool two years ago was a perfect storm that may not always present itself in the unforgiving style of golf in this part of the world. The 38-year-old has not performed well with long irons, ranking outside the top 100 in many proximity distances beyond 200 yards. Still, his recent track record in this championship can't be overlooked, and he could be played in certain situations or people leaning into his clear comfort level for links golf, which many American players struggle with.JC Latham Could be Looking at Big Improvement in Second Season
Source: The Athletic - Joe Rexrode
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle JC Latham struggled in his first year in the NFL in 2024 after being taken seventh overall out of Alabama. Although he played right tackle for the Crimson Tide in college, Tennessee was intent on using him at left tackle in his first year in the league, but that backfired, so they have moved him back to the right side heading into 2025. The Athletic's Joe Rexrode writes that the 22-year-old tackle has lost 30 pounds, and if he's more comfortable on the right side this year, he could be one of the team's most improved players. Latham started all 17 games last year and played 1,095 offensive snaps, and while he wasn't amazing, he also didn't completely fall on his face despite playing in what was a bad offense. It was clear that Latham would be switching sides on the O-line after the Titans signed Dan Moore to a four-year deal.Tykee Smith Could be Every-Down Player for Bucs
Source: The Athletic - Dan Pompei
Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year cornerback Tykee Smith, who also has experience at safety, could become an every-down player for the team in 2025, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic. Smith's production as a nickel corner in his rookie season -- 54 tackles (38 solo), two interceptions, seven pass breakups and three forced fumbles in 13 games (six starts) -- led head coach Todd Bowles to consider playing him more. The 24-year-old could be a safety-nickel combination player this year, writes Pompei, and playing next to a healthy Antoine Winfield Jr. could elevate his game. Bowles has also said that he's considering moving the former third-rounder out of Georgia to full-time safety after 589 of his 672 defensive snaps in 2024 came as a slot corner. Tampa has an opening at safety after releasing Jordan Whitehead.