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Seth Hernandez Finding Groove at High-A, Could he Earn Another Promotion?
Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Seth Hernandez has settled in at High-A, allowing just one earned run over his last two starts and posting a 15:4 K:BB over 11 innings pitched. The Pirates' top-ranked prospect earned a promotion to Greensboro after dominating Single-A Bradenton through six starts, and now through eight starts at High-A, the right-hander owns a 2.88 ERA and 1.22 WHIP along with an impressive 36.0 percent strikeout rate. His 15.1 percent walk rate is something to keep an eye on, but after walking just 6.7 percent of batters at Single-A and given his recent success, that number will likely come down as the season progresses. The sixth-overall draft pick from the 2025 Draft isn't likely to debut in the majors this year, but has the makings of a quick mover who could climb the minor league ladder rapidly. Fantasy managers should have the 20-year-old on their radar for next season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Could Jesus Made Earn an MLB Debut in 2026?
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Jesus Made continues to show off the skillset that has made him MLB's top-ranked prospect. The switch-hitter recorded a three-hit game over the weekend and has two steals in his last four contests, bringing his season-long slash line to .281/.355/.441 with seven home runs and 23 steals while competing as one of the youngest players at Double-A. The 6-foot-1 Dominican is also walking at a 10.2 percent rate with a low 15.1 percent strikeout rate, showing he's not overmatched at that level. A test at Triple-A could happen in the second half, and his elite talent could help him earn a late-season debut in the majors despite his age. With above average hit, power, and run tools, fantasy managers would be wise to keep the 19-year-old on their radar in the event of an eventual call-up.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Leo De Vries Putting Tools on Display, Ready for Promotion to Triple-A?
Athletics shortstop prospect Leo De Vries continues to look plenty comfortable at Double-A Midland. MLB's No. 2 prospect overall is 7-for-23 (.304) over his last five games, including two doubles, a home run, a 2:4 BB:K, and even back-to-back three-steal games. For the season, the switch-hitter is slashing .283/.375/.426 with nine home runs and 28 stolen bases, while posting solid strikeout (20.6 percent) and walk rates (11.3 percent) despite being one of the youngest players at Double-A. A promotion to Triple-A in the coming weeks could be in the offing, and at that point, the toolsy Dominican would be at the doorstep to the majors. At 19 years old, a debut in the big leagues would be quite the feat, but given his talent, it also wouldn't be a surprise, so fantasy managers should keep him on their radar.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Brent Rooker Re-Evaluated This Week, Progress Stalled?
Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (knee) was away from the team on Tuesday while being evaluated at Stanford University for his knee injury, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. "I wouldn't say that his progress has stopped... it hasn't progressed as efficient as we'd like. So he's down there going through another exam," manager Mark Kotsay said. The A's placed the 31-year-old veteran outfielder on the 10-day injured list on June 12 with a bone bruise in his left knee, but he has been slow to recover, making it unlikely that he's back with the big-league squad before the mid-July All-Star break. Until Rooker can progress to facing live pitching, we won't have a better read on a clear timeline for his return. Before his knee injury, the two-time All-Star was hitting .200/.281/.389 with a .670 OPS, 10 home runs, 29 RBI, 20 runs scored, a 32% strikeout rate, and two stolen bases in 48 games across 203 plate appearances. Rooker has reached the 30-homer mark in his previous three seasons, but he's seriously in danger of coming up well short of that mark in 2026, barring a big second-half surge.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Byron Buxton Still Sidelined With Hip Impingement
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) remains absent from the starting lineup for Wednesday's tilt against the hosting Houston Astros at Daikin Park due to a hip injury, according to MLB.com. Ryan Kreidler is making another start in center field for the Twins and will bat seventh versus Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai. Buxton is officially day-to-day with a right-hip impingement, and his next chance to rejoin the starting nine will come in Friday's series opener in the Bronx against the New York Yankees after the Twins are off on Thursday. The Twins and fantasy managers are definitely keeping their fingers crossed that the 32-year-old two-time All-Star won't need a stint on the injured list at the very end of the first half of the season. Buxton has a long injury history in his 11 years in the majors, but he's stayed healthy in 2026 and has been marvelous with a .268/.325/.573 slash line, .898 OPS, 25 home runs, 43 RBI, 56 runs, and seven steals in 73 games played after clubbing a career-high 35 homers and driving in 83 with 24 steals in 126 games in 2025. Check back on Buxton's status on Friday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Vinnie Pasquantino Hopes to Start Rehab Assignment Before All-Star Break
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) will continue his rehab in Arizona to start the month of July, but he's hoping to start a minor-league rehab assignment before the mid-July All-Star break, according to MLB.com. Pasquantino suffered a fractured hamate bone in his right hand during an at-bat on June 13 and had surgery the following day. The Royals also placed the Pasquatch on the 10-day injured list on June 14. Barring a setback during his rehab assignment, the left-handed slugger should return to the Royals starting lineup after the All-Star break in mid-July. The 28-year-old former 11th-round selection in 2019 out of Old Dominion University broke out with 32 RBI and 113 RBI in 160 games in 2025 in his fourth year in the big leagues, but before his injury in 2026, he was hitting just .224 (57-for-254) with six homers, 32 RBI, and a career-high 17.5% strikeout rate. Despite Pasquantino's slow start this year, he can provide game-changing power from the left side if he's healthy in the second half, and he's rostered in 64% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kris Bubic Dealing With Setback, Scratched From Rehab Start
Kansas City Royals senior vice president Scott Sharp said that left-hander Kris Bubic (elbow, shoulder) will be scratched from his minor-league rehab start on Wednesday night, according to Sports Radio 810. Bubic will return to Kansas City for further evaluation, and there is no timetable for his return from the 15-day injured list. The 28-year-old southpaw has been on the shelf since being placed on the IL in the middle of May with soreness in his left elbow, and he was pulled off his rehab in mid-June due to discomfort in his left shoulder. Bubic has avoided any structural damage in his elbow or shoulder, but because he hasn't been able to take the next step in his return, the Royals will have another look. At the very least, Bubic won't return to KC's starting rotation until late July in a best-case scenario. The former first-rounder in 2018 out of Stanford University was 3-2 earlier this year before his elbow injury with a 4.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts in 50 1/3 innings pitched over nine starts. Bubic has mixed-league fantasy value when healthy, but his uncertain timetable makes his second-half outlook very cloudy.
Source: Sports Radio 810
Source: Sports Radio 810
Jose Ramirez has Stitches Removed, Could Resume Swinging Soon
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) is making good progress after having surgery to fix a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Ramirez had the stitches removed from his hand on Tuesday, is feeling good, and could soon resume swinging a bat in his rehab process. The 33-year-old was previously able to resume gripping a bat and has been doing fielding drills while throwing at 140 feet. The seven-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner broke his left hamate bone against the Detroit Tigers on June 13 and was placed on the 10-day injured list the next day. The Guardians said he'd miss around five to seven weeks of action, with this Tuesday marking the two-week mark since J-Ram had surgery. Assuming Ramirez has no setbacks, he's still another three to five weeks away from returning to the big-league roster. Although his numbers are down compared to his lofty standards, Ramirez must be held in all fantasy formats. He's still logged a .757 OPS with 10 home runs, 18 doubles, 33 RBI, and 24 stolen bases while appearing in each of the team's first 72 games.
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
Max Scherzer to Make a Rehab Start on Friday
Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Max Scherzer (back) said he's traveling with the team out west and will make a minor-league rehab start on Friday with High-A Vancouver, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Scherzer will rejoin the team in Seattle on Saturday, throw a side session on Sunday, and determine his next steps from there. The Blue Jays have already said that the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer will require multiple rehab starts, so Scherzer won't be an option to rejoin Toronto's starting rotation next week, and he most likely won't be a realistic option to come off the 15-day injured list until after the All-Star break in mid-July. The three-time Cy Young winner has once again had an injury-plagued season with the Jays. He's been out since mid-June due to back spasms on the left side of his back, and before that, he had a lengthy stay on the IL with forearm tendinitis. Scherzer has only been able to make six starts in 2026 and has gone 1-4 with a rough 10.23 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, 14 strikeouts, and 11 walks in 22 innings. Fantasy managers should continue to ignore the fading star.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
George Springer Lands on Paternity List
The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that they placed outfielder/designated hitter George Springer on the paternity list and recalled outfielder Jonatan Clase from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. With Springer now away from the team for the birth of his child, Sean Keys will serve as the DH for Wednesday's series finale against the New York Mets and right-hander Freddy Peralta at the Rogers Centre. Springer will be away from the team for up to three days, so he could miss most of the upcoming series against the Seattle Mariners that starts on Friday, July 3. The 36-year-old veteran and four-time All-Star hasn't been able to replicate his resurgent 2025 campaign, when he hit .309/.399/.560 with 32 home runs, 84 RBI, and 18 stolen bases in 140 regular-season games. Through 63 contests and 279 plate appearances in 2026, the 13-year veteran is slashing just .221/.308/.373 with a .681 OPS, eight home runs, 21 RBI, 29 runs, and six steals. Fantasy managers should not be expecting him to return to his 2025 form in the second half.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Returns From Back Injury on Wednesday
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (back) is starting at first base and is batting in the two-hole for Wednesday's series finale against the visiting New York Mets and right-hander Freddy Peralta, per MLB.com. Guerrero was scratched from Tuesday's starting lineup due to back tightness, but he's back in there a day later. The 27-year-old five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger has been among the biggest fantasy disappointments in 2026, as he comes into Wednesday's game with a .268/.347/.348 slash line, .695 OPS, only four home runs, 34 RBI, 45 runs scored, and six stolen bases in his first 299 at-bats. The buy-low window for fantasy managers is still wide open for Vladdy, who should rebound in the second half based on his .294 expected batting average, .415 expected slugging percentage, and .347xwOBA. Guerrero ranks in the 65th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 35th percentile in hard-hit rate, and the 65th percentile in walk rate. He'll be searching for his first hit against Peralta, whom he has gone hitless against in six career at-bats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
De'Anthony Melton Signs New Deal With Golden State
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton has agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal to stick with the franchise, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The new contract also reportedly includes a player option. The 28-year-old previously declined a $3.45 million player option earlier this offseason. The veteran averaged a career-best 12.3 points while also adding 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Melton rejoins the backup backcourt rotation, but the Warriors seem to be far from done making changes to the roster.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Ariel Hukporti Moving From New York to Philadelphia
Free-agent center Ariel Hukporti is signing a one-year, $3.4 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 24-year-old was not part of the regular rotation with the New York Knicks last season, averaging 2.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 9.2 minutes per game. With Hukporti and Adem Bona, the 76ers now have a pair of young athletic centers behind Joel Embiid. The signing could signal that Andre Drummond's time in Philadelphia has come to an end. The Knicks have now lost both Hukporti and Mitchell Robinson in free agency this offseason.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Returns to Yankees Lineup for Series Finale
New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (head) is starting at second base and is batting fifth in Wednesday's series finale in the Bronx against the visiting Detroit Tigers and right-hander Troy Melton, according to MLB.com. Chisholm took an elbow to his head during a collision with outfielder Jasson Dominguez on Monday and was pulled early, and then he sat out of Tuesday's contest. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger was able to clear the concussion protocol, though, and now he's back on the field for the Yankees. Fantasy managers will want to get Chisholm back in their starting lineups right away for his high-end power/speed upside. Chisholm is batting just .222 (63-for-284) with a .305 on-base percentage and a 28.7% strikeout rate in 321 plate appearances on the season, but he's one of the best power/speed options in fantasy with eligibility at second base. He'll be looking to get back on track on Wednesday after going hitless in his last eight plate appearances over four games with five strikeouts.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Collin Sexton Finds New Backup Role With Los Angeles
Free-agent guard Collin Sexton has agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The combo guard has mostly come off the bench for his last two teams, Charlotte and Chicago, and will be the first guard off the bench in Los Angeles as well. It's a role he's thrived in, averaging 15.4 points per game last season while shooting 40.1% from three-point land. The Sexton acquisition is one of a flurry of moves by the Lakers today. The team also traded for center Walker Kessler and signed forward Sandro Mamukelashvili and wing Quentin Grimes.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Brandon Nimmo Likely to Avoid the Injured List
Although Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo (shoulder) is out of the lineup on Wednesday for a third straight game against the Cleveland Guardians with a left AC joint sprain in his shoulder, MLB.com's Henry Palattella reports that he's likely to avoid a trip to the injured list. That's great news for the Rangers, who placed outfielder Wyatt Langford (hamstring) on the IL over the weekend and shortstop Corey Seager (back) on the IL on Wednesday. Nimmo ended Sunday's win over the Toronto Blue Jays with a fantastic catch, but he crashed against the outfield wall and injured his shoulder, causing him to miss the series in Cleveland. Manager Skip Schumaker said on Tuesday that Nimmo was day-to-day and could avoid a stint on the IL. "It was a much better day today, which was good," Schumaker said. "From yesterday to today, it was much better." Nimmo has hit .262/.333/.420 with eight home runs and 29 RBI in 82 games in his first year in Texas, but he had a .759 OPS in 25 games in June, which was over 100 points higher than his .657 OPS in May. Alejandro Osuna is making another start in left field on Wednesday, with utility man Ezequiel Duran in right field.
Source: MLB.com - Henry Palattella
Source: MLB.com - Henry Palattella
Quentin Grimes Joins New-Look Lakers Squad
Free-agent wing Quentin Grimes is signing a four-year, $60 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 26-year-old has provided a scoring spark off the bench for the majority of his career, averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. Grimes reunites with point guard Luka Doncic in Los Angeles. The duo played together in Dallas to begin the 2024-25 season, when Grimes shot a career-high 39.8% from distance. Grimes could find himself in a starting role in his new city, with the Lakers roster lacking notable names on the wings.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Sandro Mamukelashvili Joins Lakers Frontcourt Rotation
Free-agent forward Sandro Mamukelashvili has agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal includes a fourth-year player option. The 27-year-old exceeded expectations in his lone season with the Toronto Raptors, averaging 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 52.3% from the field and 38.9% from downtown. Mamukelashvili rarely started with the Raptors, but that is likely to change in Los Angeles following the departure of LeBron James. His defensive inefficiencies can be masked by new center Walker Kessler, while providing important floor spacing for the Luka Doncic-run offense.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Guard Jevon Carter Staying in Orlando
Orlando Magic guard Jevon Carter is signing a new one-year, $3.5 million contract to remain with the team, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 30-year-old was acquired from Chicago in February and carved out a role, especially with Anthony Black missing a large chunk of time in March. Carter wound up averaging 7.2 points and 2.3 assists in 20.4 minutes in 30 games with the club. Carter won't get much playing time when Black and Jalen Suggs are healthy, but has provided a steady hand when either misses games.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Corey Seager Returning to Injured List With Back Injury
After recently returning from a stay on the seven-day concussion injured list last week, Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) has been placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday due to a back injury that kept him out of Tuesday's starting lineup against the Cleveland Guardians, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. In a corresponding move, utility man Josh Smith has returned to the big-league roster. Nicky Lopez is making another start at the 6 for Texas on Wednesday and is hitting ninth in the batting order against Guardians left-hander Joey Cantillo. In what has been a lost season for Seager to this point, it's especially concerning for the Rangers and his fantasy managers that Seager already missed a month with a back injury earlier in the first half. Seager will now be out through the All-Star break and probably won't be ready to return until sometime in August. In the meantime, expect Ezequiel Duran to see most of the work at shortstop in Texas. Seager has hit just .182/.292/.374 with 10 homers, 25 RBI, 28 runs scored, and a career-worst 26.9% strikeout rate in his 219 plate appearances in 2026.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Mike Conley Continuing Career With Boston
Guard Mike Conley has agreed to a one-year contract with the Boston Celtics, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, that will allow the veteran to play his 20th NBA season. At this point in his career, however, the 38-year-old isn't much more than an end-of-bench mentor. His three-point shooting percentage dropped from a career average of 38.7% to 33.7% in 54 games last season. The Celtics also roster Derrick White and Payton Pritchard to man the point guard rotation, so Conley is unlikely to match the career-low 18.4 minutes per game he got in Minnesota last season.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Michael Brennan Brings Elite Driving to John Deere Classic
Michael Brennan's first full year on Tour has been up and down, as he has made 11 of 17 cuts while recording three finishes inside the top 30. He now turns to the John Deere Classic, where he will be making his tournament debut. TPC Deere Run typically rewards precise short-iron play, driving accuracy, and players who can make plenty of birdies. Brennan ranks 101st on approach (-0.049 strokes per round), 59th in driving accuracy, and 44th in birdie-or-better percentage. Where he stands out is off the tee, where he ranks second on Tour (+0.803 strokes per round) and third in driving distance. If he can continue to gain significant strokes off the tee, he will just need the rest of his game to come along to contend here. At $8,500 on DraftKings, he offers strong upside for DFS lineups.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
Aneyas Williams has Big Shoes to Fill at Notre Dame
Notre Dame running back Aneyas Williams is slated for a significant workload following the departure of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Notre Dame's No. 1 and No. 2 running backs were selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving an important hole to fill in the Irish offense. Williams, who has flashed in limited action, is a prime breakout candidate at the RB spot this season. The 20-year-old rising junior has tallied 58 rushing attempts for 443 yards and caught 20 passes for 212 yards across 27 career games. He also added seven total touchdowns. The sample size is small, but he's made a solid impact when called upon behind two stud ball carriers. While sophomore Kedren Young and freshman Javion Osborne will likely play a part in the backfield, Williams is in the driver's seat to handle the most touches for the National Championship hopefuls.
Source: Sports Reference CFB
Source: Sports Reference CFB
Sungjae Im Remains a Volatile Play at TPC Deere Run
Sungjae Im has been in steady form lately, making 10 of his last 12 cuts, including three top-10 finishes. He now turns to the John Deere Classic, where he has recorded a T12 and a missed cut in his two most recent appearances. TPC Deere Run typically rewards accurate short-iron play, driving accuracy, and players who can make plenty of birdies. Im ranks just 144th in strokes gained on approach (-0.633 per round), 65th in driving accuracy, and 96th in birdie-or-better percentage. Where he has excelled is with his short game, ranking 14th around the green (+0.346) and 32nd in putting (+0.336). That should help him this week, but he'll likely need to find more with his irons to contend in what is typically a low-scoring event. At $8,400 on DraftKings, Im offers plenty of upside, but he remains one of the most volatile players on Tour.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
Jake Bennett a Priority Waiver-Wire Addition With Opportunity to Stick in Rotation
Boston Red Sox rookie left-hander Jake Bennett, who is ranked as the team's No. 6 prospect at MLB Pipeline, has pitched well in his first six major-league starts and should have a long leash in Boston's starting rotation going into the second half of the 2026 season, with both Garrett Crochet (shoulder) and Connelly Early (elbow) on the injured list. In his first 33 innings pitched in the majors, Bennett has posted a 3.27 ERA (3.11 FIP) and 1.06 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and seven walks for a 2-3 record. The 25-year-old could end up being a steal after Boston acquired him in a trade with the Washington Nationals over the offseason. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of the University of Oklahoma has been much sharper in his last three starts, giving up just three earned runs with two walks and 17 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings pitched after he allowed nine earned runs with five walks and eight strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in his first three big-league starts. With great command of his pitches and an opportunity to stick in Boston's rotation the rest of the year, Bennett is a priority waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers in need of rotation help. Bennett is currently rostered in under 20% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler in Sign-And-Trade With Utah
The Los Angeles Lakers have sent multiple draft picks to the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal for center Walker Kessler, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Lakers are subsequently giving the 24-year-old a four-year, $130 million contract with a fourth-season player option. Los Angeles was linked to multiple centers this offseason as they searched for a rim-runner to pair with Luka Doncic. Kessler's 2025-26 season was cut short after just five games, but he continued his run of averaging a double-double that dated back to the 2024-25 season. During that campaign, he led the league with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game. Kessler has also averaged 2.4 blocks per game across his four seasons. In return, the Jazz are receiving unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Davis Riley Needs Turnaround at TPC Deere Run
Davis Riley has struggled for most of the season, missing the cut in nine of 16 events while recording just two top-40 finishes. He now turns to the John Deere Classic, where he missed the cut in his lone appearance in 2024. There is not much going right for Riley at the moment, as he ranks 149th in total strokes gained (-1.368 per round), 154th off the tee (-1.045), and 144th on approach (-0.577). One bright spot has been his putting, where he ranks 23rd on Tour (+0.395), and he also sits sixth in proximity from 100-125 yards (16'10"), an important distance this week at TPC Deere Run. Still, there simply is not enough going well in Riley's game right now to justify rostering him in DFS, even at just $6,200 on DraftKings.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
Jacob Webb a Short-Term Source of Saves in Chicago
With Chicago Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (elbow) on the injured list for the foreseeable future, right-handed reliever Jacob Webb has emerged as a candidate for saves in Chicago's bullpen alongside the likes of Caleb Thielbar, Trent Thornton, Ryan Rolison, and Jordan Wicks. The 32-year-old veteran has blown two of his save chances in June, but since his last blown save on June 20 against the Toronto Blue Jays, he has thrown four scoreless innings with one hit allowed, four walks, six strikeouts, and two wins. Overall, the former 18th-round selection by the Atlanta Braves in the 2014 MLB draft out of Tabor College has gone 3-2 with a 3.47 ERA (3.93 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, two saves, 45 strikeouts, and 14 walks in 36 1/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen in his seventh year in the big leagues. Sporting a career-best 28.5% strikeout rate this year, Webb, along with Thielbar, should be considered a favorite for saves with the Cubs as long as Palencia remains sidelined. Fantasy managers desperate for saves should consider Webb off the waiver wire, and he's rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Mitchell Robinson Shipping Up to Boston
Free-agent center Mitchell Robinson is leaving the New York Knicks for the division-rival Boston Celtics, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal is reportedly for three years and 47.4 million dollars, with a player option in his third season. A rebounding and shot-blocking savant, Robinson averaged 8.8 boards and 1.2 blocks in just 19.6 minutes per game, playing an important role for the NBA champions. He should be in line for more playing time with his new team, competing with Neemias Queta for a starting spot in the Celtics' lineup next season.
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Source: Shams Charania - ESPN
Mackenzie Hughes Relying on Short Game at TPC Deere Run
Mackenzie Hughes has had a quiet season, recording just two top-25 finishes while making eight of 14 cuts. He now turns to the John Deere Classic, where he has recorded a T16 and a missed cut in two previous appearances. TPC Deere Run typically rewards accurate short-iron play, driving accuracy, and players who can make plenty of birdies. Hughes ranks 122nd in strokes gained on approach (-0.244 per round), 136th in driving accuracy, and 142nd in birdie-or-better percentage. Despite those struggles, his short game has remained a strength, ranking 12th around the green and 45th in putting. Hughes will likely need to lean on that short game once again, but he may struggle to keep up with the birdies needed to contend here this week.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
