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Dodgers Acquire Injured Lefty Kris Bubic in Trade With Royals
The Los Angeles Dodgers are adding another left-handed starting pitcher at the trade deadline by acquiring left-hander Kris Bubic (elbow, shoulder) from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-hander Carlos Duran on Monday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. It pales in comparison to L.A.'s blockbuster deal to land two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night, but the addition of the 28-year-old Bubic will give their rotation even more depth for the stretch run if he can bounce back from elbow and shoulder injuries that have kept him sidelined since all the way back on May 18. Even if Bubic makes it back at the tail end of the second half of the season, he probably won't have a spot in the Dodgers' suddenly crowded starting rotation once lefty Blake Snell (elbow) and right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) return. Bubic, a former first-rounder, was a first-time All-Star in 2025 with a career-best 2.55 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 116:39 K:BB in 20 starts. He wasn't fully healthy, though, and he's made only nine starts in 2026 while dealing with more arm injuries, which has tanked his fantasy value. Currently, Bubic is only rostered in 34% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Jeff Hafley Sees Every-Down Ability in Ollie Gordon II
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley believes running back Ollie Gordon II has the tools to stay on the field for all three downs, according to Cameron White. It is a notable vote of confidence in the second-year back, but it should not be viewed as a change at the top of the depth chart. De'Von Achane remains Miami's lead runner, while Gordon and Jaylen Wright are competing for work behind him. Gordon appeared in all 17 games as a rookie but finished with 199 yards and three touchdowns on 70 carries, averaging only 2.8 yards per attempt. He added seven catches for 32 yards and another score. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Gordon gives the Dolphins a bigger option between the tackles, though he will need to show more efficiency to earn a steady role. Hafley's comments are encouraging, but Gordon still needs a strong camp to separate from Wright and establish dependable fantasy value.
Source: Cameron White
Source: Cameron White
Red Sox Acquiring All-Star Catcher Adley Rutschman From the Orioles
The Boston Red Sox are acquiring three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist) in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. It's unknown what the Red Sox are sending to the division-rival Orioles in return for the former first overall pick. Most likely, the O's will receive some young, controllable pitching from the BoSox. Rutschman is currently on the 10-day injured list, but the 28-year-old switch-hitter is making progress towards a return and will be Boston's primary backstop over both Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong when he returns. Rutschman has struggled to get going in 2026 in his fifth year in the majors, slashing just .251/.331/.433 with a .764 OPS, eight home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 runs scored in just 67 games and 284 plate appearances. Injuries have gotten in his way for sure, and the Red Sox are banking on the talented catcher bouncing back after he was an All-Star in back-to-back seasons in Baltimore in 2023 and 2024. In Baltimore, it's now clear that Samuel Basallo (shoulder) is the team's catcher of the future.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Makai Lemon Held Out of Team Drills
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon did not participate in team drills during Monday's practice, according to Delaware Online. The first-round rookie remained in uniform and went through individual work, but the reason for his limitation was not disclosed. Lemon missed the final two weeks of Philadelphia's spring practices with a hamstring injury, though he said on August 1 that he was fully healed. There is no confirmation that Monday's absence from team periods was related to the same issue. The Eagles selected Lemon 20th overall after he caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns during his final season at USC. Missing team work is notable for a rookie learning a new offense, but Lemon was not completely sidelined. His participation in Philadelphia's next practice should provide a better indication of whether this was simply a precaution or the beginning of another absence.
Source: Delaware Online
Source: Delaware Online
Gavin Cross has Rare Combination of Power and Speed
Kansas City Royals outfield prospect Gavin Cross had a stretch in late July when he hit a home run in six straight games for Triple-A Omaha. Altogether, he finished the month of July with seven homers and 23 RBI while hitting .337. It was a big month for the former first-round pick out of Virginia Tech. The left-handed hitting outfield prospect is the No. 26-ranked prospect in the Royals' system and has 11 homers and 42 RBI this season at Omaha in 337 at-bats. He's added 22 stolen bases and 50 runs scored while hitting .243 overall. The 25-year-old could be looking at a shot to man the outfield for the Royals this season and is worth a look in fantasy leagues. His 50-grade power and 50-grade speed make him an intriguing stash as someone who could produce given an opportunity this season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Rays Acquire Catcher Liam Hicks From the Marlins
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired catcher/first baseman Liam Hicks from the Miami Marlins on Monday in exchange for third base prospect Brayden Taylor, High-A shortstop Adrian Santana, and High-A pitcher Jacob Kisting, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Hicks will give the Rays an immediate upgrade at the catching position over both Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes for the remainder of the year, but he can also spend time at first base and designated hitter if Tampa wants to get creative with their lineup. The 27-year-old Canadian left-handed hitter will continue to be a lineup regular with his new squad after breaking out in 2026 with the Fish to the tune of a .282/.363/.432 slash line, a .795 OPS, 14 home runs, 62 RBI, 54 runs scored, and three stolen bases in his 354 at-bats in just his second year in the big leagues. Hicks stayed hot in July, batting .280 (26-for-93), although he had only one homer and a .692 OPS in 25 games. The move to Tampa should be at least a slight boost for Hicks' run-production opportunities.
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Source: New York Post - Joel Sherman
Kaelon Black Misses Practice With Adductor Injury
San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black (adductor) did not practice Monday because of an adductor injury, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The team has not announced when the injury occurred or provided a timetable for his return. Black had been receiving added work behind Christian McCaffrey with Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James sidelined, including six touches during one early team-heavy practice. San Francisco selected the rookie 90th overall after he rushed for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns during his final season at Indiana. His absence adds to a thin backfield that recently brought in veteran Khalil Herbert for depth. Black had made a good early impression, but the injury interrupts an important stretch for a third-round pick trying to earn a place in the regular-season rotation. He remains a deeper dynasty name to monitor, though his fantasy outlook will stay uncertain until the 49ers provide a recovery timeline and he returns to practice.
Source: Nick Wagoner
Source: Nick Wagoner
Hagen Smith Works in Relief Over Last Five Outings at Triple-A
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith worked one out in relief in his latest outing for Triple-A Charlotte. Since he returned from the IL on July 19, Smith has worked solely in relief and hasn't started a game in his last five appearances. Saturday was his shortest outing in relief since his return as he has lasted at least 1 inning in each of his other four appearances. In his relief outings, he has only allowed one earned run in 5 1/3 innings pitched. The switch to relief in Triple-A could foreshadow a similar move at the big-league level. Smith is a high-strikeout pitcher with 86 strikeouts this season in 57 1/3 innings pitched. That could make him ideal for a high-leverage relief role with the White Sox if given the opportunity. That might not be ideal for fantasy but it is worth monitoring what the White Sox want to do with Smith for the rest of this season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Padres Finalizing a Deal for Pitcher Robbie Ray
The San Diego Padres are finalizing a deal to acquire veteran left-hander Robbie Ray from the division-rival San Francisco Giants on Monday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. It's unclear at this time what the Padres are shipping to the Giants in exchange. Ray will be an immediate upgrade for the Friars' starting rotation alongside right-hander Michael King while the team waits for the returns of both right-handers Nick Pivetta (forearm) and Joe Musgrove (elbow). The 34-year-old Ray has gone 10-6 with a 3.08 ERA (4.36 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with 107 strikeouts and 57 walks in 122 2/3 innings pitched in his 22 appearances (21 starts) for the Giants this year. Ray has been much better since the start of June, going 7-0 with a 1.65 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. The 13-year-old veteran won't gain much of a boost fantasy-wise with the move to San Diego, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect his strong run of form to continue through the rest of the season, especially with a walk rate over 10% and a strikeout rate that has fallen from 33.3% in 2024 to 20.9% this year. Ray will definitely give SD a better shot at sneaking into the postseason in a wild-card spot, though.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
De'Zhaun Stribling Remains Sidelined With Hamstring Tightness
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (hamstring) remains day-to-day with hamstring tightness and did not practice Monday, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The rookie also sat out Saturday's session, but the injury has been described as tightness rather than a strain. Stribling had opened camp well before the absence, catching several passes during team drills and earning praise from Brock Purdy for his route details and reliability. San Francisco selected him 33rd overall in April after he finished his lone season at Ole Miss with 55 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns. The 49ers have not announced when Stribling will return, so his status will remain worth checking when the team practices again. A short absence should not dramatically alter his outlook, but every missed rep matters for a rookie trying to establish his place in the receiving rotation. He remains more of a dynasty prospect than a dependable redraft option at this stage.
Source: Nick Wagoner
Source: Nick Wagoner
Zac Veen's Speed Makes him a Promising Pickup
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen is coming off a game in which he homered and added three hits to raise his batting average for the season with Triple-A Albuquerque to .317 and his homer total to 20. Altogether, he has 77 RBI, 73 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases this season at Albuquerque in 369 at-bats. Veen has demonstrated his five-category ability in the Pacific Coast League this year, making him an intriguing prospect for a shot with the big-league club. He's the No. 7 overall prospect in the Rockies' system and is a former first-round pick in 2020. The 24-year-old looks like a likely big-league call-up candidate and is therefore worth stashing in pretty much all fantasy leagues. His 55-grade speed makes him a five-tool-candidate worth taking a chance on now. When called up, he will reward the chance taken on him.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Mike Evans Misses Practice With Quad Strain
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (quadriceps) did not practice Monday because of a quad strain, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. The team has not announced when the injury occurred or how long Evans is expected to be sidelined. San Francisco signed the six-time Pro Bowler to a three-year deal in March after he spent his first 12 NFL seasons with Tampa Bay. Evans was limited to eight games in 2025, finishing with 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns. Before last season, he had opened his career with 11 straight 1,000-yard campaigns. The 49ers have no reason to push the 32-year-old veteran through a soft-tissue injury early in camp, but the lack of a timetable makes his next practice status worth watching. Evans' fantasy outlook remains unchanged for now, though a longer absence would become more concerning as the preseason approaches.
Source: Nick Wagoner
Source: Nick Wagoner
A.J. Brown Keeps Practicing After Dislocating Thumb
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (thumb) stayed on the field after dislocating his left thumb during Monday's practice, according to Doug Kyed. The injury happened during a one-on-one rep against Christian Gonzalez. Brown put the thumb back in place, was checked by the medical staff, and returned with a brace. He remained a full participant and finished with four catches, including three during 11-on-11 work. Brown joined New England in a June trade after catching 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games for Philadelphia last season. His ability to finish practice is reassuring, but the injury still bears watching because it could affect his comfort catching the ball over the next few days. For now, there is no indication that Brown is facing an extended absence, and his fantasy outlook remains unchanged unless the thumb becomes more troublesome.
Source: Doug Kyed
Source: Doug Kyed
Hector Rodriguez Developing into Power Source at Triple-A
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez is coming off a four-hit performance at Triple-A Louisville, complete with a home run and three RBI. It was the latest power surge in a season-long display of power hitting for the outfielder. Rodriguez has turned in a season of 27 homers and 69 RBI with 72 runs scored in 405 at-bats with Louisville to go with a .274 batting average. At 22 years old, Rodriguez is the No. 3 prospect in the Reds' organization. Rodriguez has a 55-grade hit tool with a 55-grade run tool. He has become a consistent power source in Louisville, although he only has 45-grade power. The Reds could use a bat like his in the big league lineup, so it might be worth stashing Rodriguez and waiting for a call-up. If given an opportunity in Cincinnati, he could easily produce fantasy-relevant numbers.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jaylen Warren Gets More Work With First-Team Offense
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren saw more work with the first-team offense during Monday's practice, according to Nick Farabaugh. It is worth noting in a backfield expected to feature both Warren and offseason addition Rico Dowdle, though one practice does not mean the competition has shifted. Steelers running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. said this spring that the team wants to keep both backs fresh and expects the weekly split to depend on the game plan. Warren is coming off the best season of his career, rushing 211 times for 958 yards and six touchdowns while catching 40 passes for 333 yards and two scores in 16 games. He started 15 contests and finished with 1,291 yards from scrimmage. Monday's usage is encouraging for Warren's fantasy outlook, but Dowdle should remain involved after topping 1,000 rushing yards for Carolina last season. The backfield still looks likely to be shared, with future practices offering a better indication of whether Warren can separate.
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Max Anderson A Steady Force At Triple-A
Detroit Tigers infield prospect Max Anderson started the month of August with two straight multi-hit efforts, bringing his batting average this season to .314. Anderson racked up five combined hits and raised his totals between Low-A Lakeland and Triple-A Toledo to .314 with 13 homers and 43 RBI to go with 50 runs scored over 283 at-bats as he missed some game time due to a left quad strain in April and May. Anderson, the No. 8 prospect in the Tigers' organization, has been back healthy for some time and thriving with the Toledo Mud Hens. Given a 50-grade hit tool with 50-grade power, Anderson is a former second-round pick out of Nebraska. The Tigers' direction as of now is up in the air, so it is hard to say how they will use Anderson to close out this season. However, with the ability to play second or third base, Anderson could give the Tigers a versatility boost as a utility infielder depending on how the trade deadline plays out. He's a name to monitor for a stash the rest of the way as the Tigers' direction becomes more apparent.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Tua Tagovailoa Returns to 11-on-11 Work
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (back) returned to 11-on-11 drills during Monday's practice, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Tagovailoa had been sidelined since the start of training camp with back tightness, but he rejoined full-team periods during Atlanta's first padded session. His workload remained limited to a handful of reps, including a well-placed completion to Drake London over linebacker Christian Harris. Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with the Falcons after completing 67.7% of his passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 14 starts for Miami last season. He is expected to compete with Michael Penix Jr., who continues to work back from ACL surgery. Monday's return is a good step for Tagovailoa, though the Falcons will likely continue managing his workload after the brief absence. He remains a possible Superflex option if he wins the starting job, but Atlanta's quarterback competition is still unsettled.
Source: Marc Raimondi
Source: Marc Raimondi
Angel Genao Demonstrating Consistency In Minors
Cleveland Guardians infield prospect Angel Genao started the month of August with two multi-hit games and added three combined RBI to his total. Genao put together a 2-for-4 effort followed up by a 3-for-4 effort, raising his batting average to .308 with Triple-A Columbus. Overall, the talented middle infielder is hitting .299 between Double-A Akron and Columbus on the season. The No. 2 overall prospect in the Guardians system, Genao has been consistent all season and is seeking a late-season look at MLB action. Genao has a 60-grade hit tool and a 55-grade run tool and could be a valuable piece for fantasy lineups should he get a shot in Cleveland. With the ability to play multiple infield spots, he has some versatility, but Cleveland is pretty set with Jose Ramirez at third, Brayan Rocchio at shortstop, and Travis Bazzana at second base. Nonetheless, Genao could be worth a late-season stash and could make an impact on fantasy rosters.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Kyle Monangai Back on Field After Brief Absence
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai returned to the field Monday after missing three straight practices with what head coach Ben Johnson described as a soft-tissue issue, according to Chris Emma. Monangai was in full pads for warmups and drills, but it was not immediately clear how much team work he handled. The second-year back is coming off an impressive rookie season, rushing 169 times for 783 yards and five touchdowns while adding 18 catches for 164 yards across 17 games. He and D'Andre Swift became the only running back duo in the NFL to each top 750 rushing yards in 2025, helping Chicago finish third in the league with 2,456 rushing yards. Monday's return is encouraging after the short absence, though his practice workload will be worth watching over the next few days. Monangai remains an important part of Chicago's backfield and carries standalone fantasy appeal alongside Swift.
Source: Chris Emma
Source: Chris Emma
Daniel Rodriguez Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Daniel Rodriguez suffered a first-round TKO loss to Uros Medic in the main event of UFC Belgrade on Saturday. The fight lasted only 30 seconds as Medic dropped Rodriguez with a left hand to the chin, followed by a couple of punches and a kick to the body while Rodriguez was down, and a few seconds later, the referee stopped the fight. In 30 seconds of action, Rodriguez managed to land only one significant strike. With the loss, Rodriguez dropped to 20-6 as a pro and is now 10-5 in the UFC.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Cyrus Allen Expected Back at Practice Later This Week
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen (shin) is expected to return to practice later this week, according to Nate Taylor. Head coach Andy Reid provided the update Monday after Allen missed the team's first padded practice. The fifth-round rookie was carted off Saturday following a collision during a special teams drill, but he avoided a serious injury and was diagnosed with a bone bruise on his shin. Allen had been making a strong impression before getting hurt, continuing a productive offseason that included several standout catches during rookie minicamp and mandatory minicamp. Kansas City selected him 176th overall after he caught 51 passes for 674 yards and 13 touchdowns at Cincinnati last season. Allen is competing for a reserve receiver role and could also contribute on special teams, so a return later this week would keep the injury from costing him much evaluation time. He is not a redraft target, but his progress remains worth tracking in deeper dynasty formats.
Source: Nate Taylor
Source: Nate Taylor
Xavier Worthy Expected to Miss a Few Days With Shoulder Sprain
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) is expected to miss only a few days after suffering a shoulder sprain during Saturday's practice. Head coach Andy Reid provided the update Monday, according to Matt Derrick, after Worthy sat out the team's first padded session of camp. The 23-year-old is coming off a difficult second season, catching 42 passes for 532 yards and one touchdown in 14 games. Worthy dislocated his right shoulder in the 2025 opener and underwent surgery in January to repair a torn labrum, so another shoulder issue is worth monitoring even with the short timetable. There is no indication that the current sprain will threaten his availability for the regular season, and Kansas City has little reason to rush him back this early in camp. Worthy's fantasy outlook remains unchanged for now, though his participation will be worth checking once the Chiefs return to practice.
Source: Matt Derrick
Source: Matt Derrick
Jahmyr Gibbs Still Not Practicing at Lions Camp
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (back) was present for Monday's practice but remained out of uniform, leaving him without a practice appearance through the team's first five camp sessions, according to The Detroit News. His absence has been linked to contract talks, though Gibbs denied that he needs a new deal before returning to the field. Asked when he might practice, Gibbs said, "Only time will tell." The 24-year-old became eligible for an extension this offseason and is under contract through 2027 after Detroit exercised his fifth-year option. Gibbs is coming off a 2025 season in which he totaled 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns while catching 77 passes. Five missed practices in early August are not enough to change his standing near the top of fantasy drafts, but the lack of a clear explanation makes the situation worth watching until he returns.
Source: The Detroit News
Source: The Detroit News
Luther Burden III the "Clear Front-Runner to be WR1"
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III had a few tough catches down the sideline during training camp practice on Monday and is the "clear front-runner to be the WR1" for the Bears this year, according to 247 Sports. The Burden "hype is real." Burden has been the most popular second-year breakout candidate in fantasy circles pretty much all offseason after he came on strong late last year for the Bears. It's a no-brainer because Chicago traded away veteran receiver DJ Moore in the offseason, giving Burden a clear path to more targets and a sizeable role in the passing game in an ascending Bears offense under head coach Ben Johnson. The 22-year-old former second-rounder from the University of Missouri caught 47 of his 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (five starts) in 2025 as a rookie and has done nothing but draw praise from the coaching staff all offseason. The hype has gotten out, so don't expect Burden to come cheap as a WR2 with upside in upcoming fantasy football drafts. RotoBaller has Burden ranked as the No. 21 fantasy WR for 2026.
Source: 247 Sports
Source: 247 Sports
Mariners Land Taylor Ward in Trade With the Orioles
The Seattle Mariners are acquiring outfielder Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles on Monday in exchange for right-handers Alex Hoppe, Harrison Kreiling, and Brock Moore, a source told Jake Rill of MLB.com. Ward will return to the American League West and give the Mariners some much-needed pop from the right side of the plate as they seek a return to the postseason in 2026. The 32-year-old veteran outfielder hit .246/.383/.346 with a .730 OPS, only seven home runs, 30 RBI, 64 runs scored, four stolen bases, and a league-high 87 walks in 111 games and a league-high 506 plate appearances in his lone season in Baltimore before being dealt. Ward is as patient as they come at the dish (perhaps too patient), and he's been a massive bust for fantasy managers this year after clubbing a career-high 36 home runs and driving in 103 runs in 157 games with the Los Angeles Angels in 2025. The M's are banking on positive regression in the slugging department for Ward in his return to the AL West. Ward's fantasy baseball value shouldn't change all that much with the move to Seattle and pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park.
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Red Sox Discussing Trade for Adley Rutschman
Even though catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist) is currently on the 10-day injured list with a wrist injury, the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles are discussing him in a trade, sources tell Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Feinsand writes that "there is a feeling that a deal could be completed at some point" at the deadline on Monday, Aug. 3. With the Red Sox now in the thick of the playoff hunt in the American League, they have become buyers at the deadline and are looking to upgrade their catching situation from Carlos Narvaez and Connor Wong. The 28-year-old switch-hitting Rutschman has had an injury-plagued and disappointing 2026 season, but the former first overall pick in 2019 from Oregon State University would still be an upgrade over both Narvaez and Wong. Rutschman is currently hitting .251/.331/.433 with a .764 OPS, eight home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 runs scored in his 247 at-bats. If Rutschman is traded, Samuel Basallo (shoulder), who is also on the IL, would become Baltimore's clear catcher of the future. UPDATE: ESPN's Buster Olney reports the Red Sox and O's "have a deal arranged" for Rutschman.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
Source: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
Guardians Acquiring Jo Adell From the Angels
The Cleveland Guardians are acquiring outfielder Jo Adell from the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports that the Angels will receive minor-league catcher Jacob Cozart in exchange. The rebuild continues for the struggling Angels, as they've also traded catcher Logan O'Hoppe and right-hander Jose Soriano. The 27-year-old Adell will give the Guardians some more thump in their lineup. In his seventh year in the majors with the Halos, the right-handed slugger has hit .239/.287/.395 with a .682 OPS, 16 home runs, 62 RBI, 46 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 111 games across 456 plate appearances. Adell has been somewhat of a disappointment for fantasy managers in 2026 after he hit a career-high 37 long balls and drove in 98 runs in 152 games for the Angels a season ago. The move to Cleveland won't really be all that much of a fantasy boost, as the Guards rank dead-last in baseball with a .680 OPS, and Adell's swing-and-miss ways won't suddenly be cured by the move.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Kenny Pickett to Start Hall of Fame Game Against Cardinals
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Monday that quarterback Kenny Pickett will start the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 6, against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. No clear-cut starters will play in the game for the Panthers. Now that veteran Andy Dalton is no longer in Carolina, Pickett is the favorite to serve as Bryce Young's backup in 2026 in his first year with the team. The 28-year-old former 20th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 from the University of Pittsburgh is with his third different team in the last three years, having spent 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles and 2025 with the Las Vegas Raiders. Pickett played in 11 games (three starts) the last two seasons and threw for only 479 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions with the Eagles and Raiders in a backup role. He will only become an option in the deepest of superflex leagues in 2026 if he's forced into the starting role if Young goes down with an injury.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Notre Dame-USC Rivalry Renewed Beginning in 2030
Notre Dame and USC have agreed to a four-year series beginning in 2030 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, USC Football announced on X. The two sides have met 96 times since 1926, including every year since 1946 (except the 2020 COVID-19-shortened season). The two storied programs will not square off in 2026, 2027, 2028, or 2029 due to scheduling conflicts. While it's a shame the series is being paused, it's great news that one of the sport's best rivalries will be renewed at the start of the next decade. In an era of realignment and crowded conferences, this is a big win for college football. The Irish are riding a three-game winning streak against the Trojans and lead the all-time series 36-30-3.
Source: USC Football
Source: USC Football
Rangers Have Spoken to Teams About Nathan Eovaldi
The Texas Rangers have spoken to teams about right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, according to the MLB Network's Jon Morosi. However, Eovaldi has a full no-trade clause, and he's under contract for $24 million next season, which could make any potential trade by Monday's Aug. 3 deadline hard to pull off. Eovaldi being moved on Monday doesn't make a whole lot of sense for the reasons listed above, and because the Rangers are still in the thick of the playoff hunt in the American League, just 2.5 games behind the Astros in the AL West and 1.5 games out of the final wild-card spot in the AL. The Rangers are going to need the 36-year-old veteran starting pitcher if they are going to get into the postseason this year. In his 15th year in the big leagues, Eovaldi has gone 10-9 with a 4.31 ERA (4.30 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 135 strikeouts and 30 walks in 127 1/3 innings pitched across his 21 starts. The two-time All-Star has managed to stay healthy for the most part, and he still has a useful 25.3% strikeout rate and 5.6% walk rate to make him relevant in all fantasy baseball leagues. UPDATE: In addition to Eovaldi, the Rangers are discussing left-handers MacKenzie Gore and Jacob Latz with other teams at the deadline, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
