Jul 19, 2026, 6:12 PM ET

Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing will start in the 26th position for this week's Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Wallace will start in that position thanks to NASCAR's qualifying metric after qualifying was canceled due to weather. In two All-Star race appearances at North Wilkesboro, Wallace has two finishes of sixth or better. After 20 races this year, Wallace has nine top-10 finishes with an average finish of 17.1. In practice for this week's race, Wallace ranked 14th in 20 consecutive lap averages, 13th in 25 consecutive lap averages, and eighth in 30 consecutive lap averages. The No. 23 Toyota driver has plenty of upside for Sunday's race and should be rostered in all DFS formats. --Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: DriverAverages.com

Jul 19, 2026, 5:59 PM ET

Austin Cindric of Team Penske will start in the 14th position for the Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Cindric was given the starting position after qualifying was canceled due to rain, and starting positions were set by the qualifying metric from the NASCAR rulebook. In two All-Star race appearances at North Wilkesboro, Cindric has a best finish of 18th. Through 20 races so far this season, Cindric has four top-10 finishes, including an eighth-place finish at Martinsville, another short track. In practice for this week's race, Cindric ranked 10th in 15- and 20-consecutive-lap averages and seventh in 25- and 30-consecutive-lap averages. Although he does not have the track history to indicate a favorable finish, Cindric's practice speeds do indicate that he will be a top-10 contender. As a result, he can be a sneaky pick for all formats.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: DriverAverages.com

Jul 19, 2026, 4:47 PM ET

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Stephen Kolek (personal) was reinstated from the family medical leave list on Sunday. He was immediately placed on the 15-day Injured List due to a right flexor strain. It sounds like Kolek suffered the injury during a rehab outing with Triple-A Omaha on Saturday. It's unclear how long Kolek is going to be sidelined with this issue. The right-hander hasn't made an appearance with the big league club since July 2. This season, Kolek owns a 4.50 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 34/12 K/BB ratio across 10 starts this season. There is no timetable available for Kolek, but he likely won't be back until some point in August.--Andy Webb
Source: Kansas City Royals

Jul 19, 2026, 4:38 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (back, thumb) was able to throw a successful bullpen session on Sunday. Scherzer recently had a rehab assignment paused last week. He received three cortisone injections in his right thumb, but is back to throwing the ball fairly quickly. He landed on the Injured List in mid-June due to back spasms. He suffered an injured thumb while rehabbing, but is hopeful to get back on the mound soon. The hope is that Scherzer can rejoin the Jays' starting rotation at some point in August. When healthy, Scherzer has been awful with a 10.23 ERA across six starts this season. Fantasy managers shouldn't wait around and hope the 41-year-old still has something left in the tank.--Andy Webb
Source: Keegan Matheson

Jul 19, 2026, 4:25 PM ET

Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (elbow) will be activated off the Injured List ahead of Monday's game against the Miami Marlins. Blanco is set to take the mound and make his season debut during the series opener against Miami. The veteran right-hander has been sidelined since having an internal brace procedure last June. He has been working his way back and building up his pitch count in the minor leagues. His return to the mound will move Tatsuya Imai to Tuesday, and shift Peter Lambert to Wednesday's series finale. Blanco hasn't pitched in a big league game since mid-May of 2025. Fantasy managers can't be sure what to expect from Blanco, but he could be someone worth adding in deep leagues.--Andy Webb
Source: Matt Kawahara

Jul 19, 2026, 4:17 PM ET

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (shoulder) was removed to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Houston Astros. Basallo appears to have tweaked his shoulder during his lone at-bat of the game in the second inning. Basallo was ultimately pulled from the game in the bottom half of the inning due to right shoulder discomfort. The O's are likely to have Basallo undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Sam Huff took over behind the plate and could see increased playing time if Basallo misses time. Adley Rutschman and Huff would split up the time behind the plate if Basallo lands on the Injured List. Fantasy managers should check back on Monday for another update on his status.--Andy Webb
Source: Roch Kubatko

Jul 19, 2026, 4:11 PM ET

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day Injured List on Sunday. Helsley has been on the shelf since July 3 due to right-elbow discomfort. The right-hander is currently dealing with inflammation around his UCL. The O's are currently having Helsley rest before they hopefully ramp him up soon. The decision to move Helsley to the 60-day IL clears a spot on the 40-man roster for catcher Sam Huff. Tyler Wells and Andrew Kittredge should continue splitting up the save chances in Baltimore. Helsley is unlikely to contribute again until late August or September.--Andy Webb
Source: Baltimore Orioles

Jul 19, 2026, 2:53 PM ET

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher JoJo Romero (appendicitis) was placed on the 15-day Injured List on Friday. Romero is currently being treated for appendicitis and appears unlikely to return when first eligible. He could return on July 29, but it doesn't sound like he'll be ready to pitch until at least August. This news is probably going to impact his value ahead of the trade deadline on August 3. Romero has been arguably the best reliever in St. Louis this season. He owns a 3.35 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and a 43/16 K/BB ratio across 44 appearances this season. Due to his lack of saves, Romero isn't someone who needs to be rostered in most fantasy formats that don't count holds.--Andy Webb
Source: stltoday.com

Jul 19, 2026, 2:45 PM ET

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Martin Perez (forearm) is expected to rejoin the starting rotation on Wednesday. On Saturday, manager Walt Weiss said Perez is likely going to be ready for the upcoming homestand beginning on Monday. If the Braves slot Perez into Wednesday's spot, that would give Chris Sale an extra day of rest. The veteran southpaw has been out since July 6 due to a left forearm contusion. So far this season, Perez owns a 3.54 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a 62/32 K/BB ratio across 18 games (14 starts) with the Braves. Perez lacks swing-and-miss stuff, but still offers low-end fantasy value. He's someone worth considering in deep leagues for fantasy managers seeking help in the pitching department.--Andy Webb
Source: mlb.com

Jul 19, 2026, 2:38 PM ET

Heavy rain cancelled qualifying at North Wilkesboro Speedway this weekend, which means Ryan Blaney will lead the field to the green for the Window World 450 on Sunday evening. Blaney got the top starting spot thanks to the order being set by the metric. And with North Wilkesboro being a short, flat track, it can be expected that the No. 12 Ford will be strong all evening. Blaney won at Phoenix earlier this season (another flat track) and his Penske teammate, Joey Logano, has arguably had the best car here at North Wilkesboro over the last two years in the All-Star Races. This weekend, Blaney looked strong in practice, ranking sixth-best in 15-lap average. The In-Season Challenge is also continuing this weekend, and Blaney is matched against Christopher Bell, who is the favorite to win this race. That should be a good battle to watch on Sunday night as well, as both cars should contend for the race win.--Jordan McAbee
Source: Jayski

Jul 19, 2026, 2:34 PM ET

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (elbow) took the mound for a rehab start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. It went well as Smith-Shawver tossed 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing four hits, while striking out five batters. He threw 72 pitches and touched nearly 100 mph on his fastball at one point. Smith-Shawver is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in June of last year. He's expected to make a couple more rehab outings before rejoining the Braves rotation. The 23-year-old could be an option for the Braves in early August. Smith-Shawver could be worth stashing for fantasy managers who are desperate for pitching help.--Andy Webb
Source: milb.com

Jul 19, 2026, 2:27 PM ET

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez (ankle) was activated off the 15-day Injured List on Sunday. Vasquez is back after landing on the IL on July 3 due to a right ankle bruise. The expectation is that Vasquez will start either Monday or Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves. This season, Vasquez owns a 4.71 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and a 60/27 K/BB ratio across 17 games (16 starts). In a corresponding move, right-hander Jhony Brito was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. Before landing on the shelf, Vasquez allowed 14 earned runs over his last three outings. There is some deep league value for fantasy managers seeking pitching help, but Vasquez isn't a must-have player.--Andy Webb
Source: San Diego Padres

Jul 19, 2026, 2:22 PM ET

When it comes to short, flat tracks, Christopher Bell is always one of the favorites. And after a very impressive practice session at North Wilkesboro this weekend, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver is the unanimous favorite to win Sunday evening's Window World 450 race. In practice, Bell led the way in 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-lap average. He's also the defending winner here at North Wilkesboro (last year's All-Star Race) and had the dominant car at Phoenix earlier this season (another flat track) before finishing runner-up to Ryan Blaney in that race. Bell starts third for this weekend's event at North Wilkesboro and should be the driver to beat. In DFS, he's a slam-dunk pick, and he comes in at an affordable price on DraftKings ($10.2K) as well--compared to his upside anyway.--Jordan McAbee
Source: ifantasyrace

Jul 19, 2026, 2:20 PM ET

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) is scheduled to do soft toss hitting in the batting cage on Sunday. This is good progress as Seager is working to return from lower back inflammation that has kept him sidelined since mid-June. This is an issue that has continued to plague Seager throughout the season. There is no official timetable for his return, so fantasy managers will need to continue to be patient. According to Kennedi Landry, Seager is going to be back eventually this season, which isn't a great sign. When healthy, Seager was struggling heavily at the plate. Fantasy managers in redraft formats might want to start looking for a replacement.--Andy Webb
Source: Kennedi Landry

Jul 19, 2026, 2:14 PM ET

Heading into the 21st race of the season (North Wilkesboro on Sunday night), Joey Logano is 17th in the points standings and eight points behind the cutline for the final spot in the Chase. In other words, Logano needs a good run this weekend if he wants to keep his postseason hopes alive--and this is the perfect track for him to do so. Short, flat tracks are where Team Penske really thrives, and with North Wilkesboro being a 0.625-mile flat oval, it definitely fits that category. Over the last two All-Star Races here at North Wilkesboro, Logano has arguably had the best car, and the No. 22 Ford was strong in practice for the Window World 450 this weekend, ranking fifth-best in 30-lap average during the session. Logano will start from 10th-place for this weekend's race and should be able to run inside that mark all night. He's a solid DFS play on DraftKings at an affordable $9.5K salary. --Jordan McAbee
Source: Catchfence

Jul 19, 2026, 2:12 PM ET

New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (elbow) received his second round of shots, including another PRP injection on Friday. The southpaw threw 10 pitches off the mound on Friday and could progress to a full bullpen session this week. Rodon is working his way back from left elbow inflammation that has kept him sidelined since late June. There is currently no official timetable for Rodon's return to the rotation. It'll ultimately depend on his progress, but the hope is that Rodon can return in early August. Fantasy managers should continue to hold the southpaw and hope he can be a contributor in the second half of the season.--Andy Webb
Source: Gary Phillips

Jul 19, 2026, 1:54 PM ET

Ty Gibbs has been one of the strongest drivers all season long--thanks in big part to Toyota overall being so fast--and there's no reason to think that the No. 54 Toyota won't have speed again at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday evening. Despite starting back in 14th at Phoenix earlier this year (another flat track like North Wilkesboro), Gibbs rallied to a fourth-place finish and even led 12 laps. This weekend at North Wilkesboro, Ty will start from the outside pole, and his Toyota was very strong in practice on the long run, ranking fourth-fastest in 30-lap average. When it comes to DFS, Gibbs comes in at a very affordable $8.5K on DraftKings, making him a very interesting tournament option in the daily fantasy contests this weekend.--Jordan McAbee
Source: ifantasyrace

Jul 19, 2026, 1:41 PM ET

Ross Chastain was set to start from 13th place for the Window World 450 race at North Wilkesboro Speedway this weekend, but an inspection penalty will nullify that. Since the No. 1 Chevrolet failed inspection three times, Chastain will have to drop to the rear for the start of the North Wilkesboro race and then also serve a pass-through penalty in the pits once the race goes green. For DFS and fantasy purposes, though, Chastain will still be scored from his 13th-place official starting spot. This will obviously make it difficult for Chastain to be competitive on Sunday night, as the No. 1 team will be in a big hole to start the race. When it comes to DFS this weekend, it's likely going to be best to stay away from Ross Chastain ($8.1K on DraftKings).--Jordan McAbee
Source: Motorsport

Jul 19, 2026, 1:30 PM ET

Cleveland Guardians first base/outfield prospect Ralphy Velazquez could be ready to make a second-half impact for fantasy managers. Velazquez, the Guardians' top overall prospect, has had good overall numbers between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus this season, and if given an opportunity in Cleveland, he could make some noise in the fantasy landscape. The 21-year-old left-handed hitter has been productive between two levels this year, hitting .292 with 11 homers and 47 RBI to go with 44 runs scored. Velazquez is still young, but has a power tool that is graded out at 60 with a 50 hit tool. He will likely not provide much on the base paths, but he could be a solid power bat for years to come in fantasy. Fantasy managers will want to take a chance on him in the second half of this season for the upside, but there is no guarantee that he makes his big league debut this season. So it's a little bit of a risky add but offers a ton of upside.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 19, 2026, 1:22 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III has been a part of two trades already in his career and is primed to contribute to his newest team, the Dodgers. Tibbs is producing in a big way for Triple-A Oklahoma City with 21 and 72 RBI, a .290 batting average to go with 74 runs scored. A former first-round pick by the San Francisco Giants, Tibbs is now the No. 9 prospect in the Dodgers' system. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter is delivering at a rate beyond his prospect pedigree and could be ready for a spot in the Dodgers' outfield right now. The Dodgers have no shortage of big-league-ready talent in the outfield, but Tibbs could be a sneaky addition to fantasy rosters. His Pacific Coast League numbers suggest he is ready for his big-league debut and could contribute in fantasy if given the opportunity.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 19, 2026, 1:16 PM ET

Updating a previous report, the Los Angeles Dodgers don't expect two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) to be back on the mound as a pitcher for "some time," according to Jack Harris of The California Post. "The benefits just don't seem to outweigh the cost at this time of the season," manager Dave Roberts said. The Dodgers already announced that Ohtani will not make his next scheduled start on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, and it's unclear when the talented Japanese sensation will get back on the mound. The four-time MVP felt discomfort in his bothersome left knee while playing catch this weekend. The good news is that the two-way All-Star will continue to serve as the designated hitter in the Dodgers' lineup. Ohtani hasn't made a pitching start since July 3 due to a knee problem that originally surfaced in mid-June. The 32-year-old received a lubricant injection in his knee last Sunday, but it apparently hasn't done enough to get him past the hump. Roberts said he fully expects Ohtani to pitch again this year and described the current layoff as more of a precaution. L.A.'s big lead in the National League West definitely has played a part in the Dodgers' cautious approach. Unfortunately for fantasy managers who have Ohtani rostered as a pitcher, it might be a while until he makes another start.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris

Jul 19, 2026, 1:11 PM ET

Washington Nationals middle-infield prospect Seaver King (oblique) has had a stellar minor-league season between Double-A Harrisburg and Triple-A Rochester before landing on the injured list. Between both levels, the talented infielder is hitting .306 with 10 homers and 51 RBI to go with 50 runs scored and nine stolen bases. King has a five-tool profile and is graded out with 70 speed. Unfortunately for fantasy managers this season, King landed on the IL in early July with an oblique injury. He has a bit of a tough road to the majors this season, as the Nationals have a solid middle infield led by CJ Abrams and Nasim Nunez, and King will have to work his way back to full health in the second half with the oblique injury, which can be tricky to deal with. But the Wake Forest product is the No. 6 prospect in the Nationals system and offers high upside with his elite speed.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 19, 2026, 1:02 PM ET

Don't let Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith's 0-5 record fool you; he has the pitching tools to be a successful player for fantasy managers. Smith has pitched to an 0-5 mark at Triple-A Charlotte this season with a 4.67 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. His 77 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched give a good look into his upside, and his fastball and slider are both graded out at 60. The left-hander out of Arkansas is the No. 3 overall prospect for the White Sox, and while he has only been used in starting situations in the minors, he could be looked at as a high-leverage bullpen arm in the big leagues. Control has been a struggle for Smith a bit in the minors, but his high-quality pitches make him a fantasy target, especially in dynasty leagues. Shallow league owners will also want to plant a flag on Smith as a waiver wire option because of the upside if he is called up by Chicago this season.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 19, 2026, 1:01 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers seventh-year veteran Justin Herbert has become one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the league in recent years, but for those who have always believed in his talent, the situation he now finds himself in makes him an obvious target in 2026 drafts. 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton comes into the year at full health after missing eight games as a rookie, as does an offensive line that played poorly enough through its own injury struggles to earn Herbert a token MVP vote. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel brings excitement into the building, and a heavy investment at both fullback and tight end should lead to more big-play opportunities through heavy play-action usage. Unable to crack the top nine since his QB2 finish of 2021, Herbert is well-positioned to rejoin the fantasy elite, and at RotoBaller's QB8, he can still be found in the middle rounds of single-quarterback drafts.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 19, 2026, 12:56 PM ET

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (back) is out of the lineup for Sunday's series finale versus the visiting San Diego Padres due to back tightness, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Manager Matt Quatraro said it progressed during Saturday's win, and the Royals wanted to be cautious with the All-Star shortstop on Sunday. With Witt out, Tyler Tolbert will handle shortstop duties and will bat eighth against Padres right-hander German Marquez. The Royals rightfully aren't going to take any chances with one of the best all-around players in the league. Fantasy managers will need to check back to see if the 26-year-old three-time All-Star can play in Monday's series opener against the San Francisco Giants. For now, we'll consider him day-to-day. Witt went hitless in nine plate appearances in the first two games of the series against SD and is batting just .200 (11-for-55) with a .532 OPS, a homer, two doubles, three RBI, seven runs, two steals, three walks, and 12 K's in 13 games in July to drop his overall line to .280/.350/.451 on the season with an .801 OPS. Witt might be a little banged up, but he's a must-start when he's active in most fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers

Jul 19, 2026, 12:52 PM ET

With little expected of the Miami Dolphins offense in 2026, Pro Bowl running back De'Von Achane has fallen to RB10 by current ADP, making him a potential bargain in the opening rounds of drafts. While the offensive exodus from Miami looks bad on paper, it's important to remember that this was a bottom-eight unit in 2025 in terms of both yardage and points scored, and Achane still turned in the most consistent fantasy season of any running back in the league. As the only back to score double-digit points in every game of the fantasy season, he finished the year as the RB5, and with Malik Washington and tight end Greg Dulcich the most accomplished pass catchers behind him on the roster, Achane could easily lead the team in targets in 2026. While there is obvious risk in counting on a 191-pound back to string together his third straight healthy season, especially considering the workload he's projected to carry, the upside case could see him crack the top five once more, which is tremendous value for a player that robust drafters could potentially land as their second running back.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 19, 2026, 12:51 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop prospect Jett Williams is producing a fine month of July for Triple-A Nashville and is making a case for promotion to the big-league club. In 22 July at-bats, Williams is hitting .364 with four stolen bases. The talented right-handed hitter is graded out at 65 for his running skill and has 21 steals on the season in Nashville. Williams was a first-round pick by the New York Mets and was sent over to Milwaukee in the Freddy Peralta trade. The 22-year-old's strengths are his defense and his base running ability, but he can contribute at the plate for fantasy managers. In 304 at-bats this season, Williams has nine home runs and 41 RBI to go with 60 runs scored for Nashville. Williams should be watched as a potential contributor in the steals and runs scored categories who can also add occasional power and pure hitting.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 19, 2026, 12:48 PM ET

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) will start Sunday's series finale against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on the bench after he was pulled from Saturday's game early with cramps in his right hamstring, per MLB.com. Nick Allen is starting at shortstop on Sunday and will hit ninth for Houston against Orioles right-hander Brandon Young. The good news for Pena is that he took part in baseball activities on Sunday, so he could very well be back in the starting nine for Monday's series opener at Daikin Park against the visiting Miami Marlins. It's been an injury-plagued 2026 campaign for the 28-year-old Dominican shortstop, but when active, he's been a solid contributor for the Astros at the plate with a .295/.359/.430 slash line, a .789 OPS, six home runs, 22 RBI, 37 runs scored, and eight stolen bases in his 200 at-bats. In just five games played in July, Pena has gone 5-for-17 (.294) with an RBI and three runs scored. A 20-20 season is highly unlikely at this point, but Pena can still provide fantasy managers with decent counting stats the rest of the way if he can avoid more injuries in the second half.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 19, 2026, 12:39 PM ET

Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (hip) is absent from the team's starting lineup on Sunday for the series finale against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. LaMonte Wade is starting at first base and batting cleanup for the Astros against Orioles right-hander Brandon Young. It shouldn't be a huge surprise that Walker is resting after being pulled from Saturday's contest at Daikin Park with tightness in his right hip after a swing late in the game. The good news is that manager Joe Espada said that the 35-year-old veteran is feeling better and is doing baseball activities, so he could be ready to return to the starting nine for Monday's series opener against the visiting Miami Marlins. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Walker's status then. Walker has already reached the 20-homer mark in 98 games and 406 plate appearances in 2026 in his second year in Houston, but he's hitting .234 (85-for-364) with a .310 on-base percentage and .766 OPS. He's also hitting just .175 (7-for-40) with a .623 OPS, a homer, three doubles, two RBI, five runs, three walks, and 15 strikeouts in 12 games so far in July.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome

Jul 19, 2026, 12:38 PM ET

St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitching prospect Quinn Mathews is red-hot in July and is coming off an excellent pitching outing on Saturday for Triple-A Memphis. Mathews went six innings and allowed just one run on three hits with four strikeouts in a no-decision. With his start on Saturday, Mathews lowered his July ERA to 1.42 with a 0.74 WHIP in three starts during the month. Altogether in Memphis this year, Mathews is 4-3 overall with a 3.39 ERA and 1.16 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 85 innings pitched. A fourth-round pick out of Stanford, Mathews has risen to the Cardinals' No. 6 overall prospect. The strikeout upside of Mathews makes him a tantalizing prospect on the waiver wire, and fantasy managers should act accordingly. His upside makes him worth an early shot, and he could pay off with a strong second half.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball