July 5, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Indiana Pacers acquired center
Jay Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a second-round pick and a second-round pick swap. The 27-year-old averaged 6.9 points in a career-high 64 games last season. He also averaged 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in two starts. The Pacers recently saw
Myles Turner sign with the Milwaukee Bucks. As a result, the team is in need of a starting center. While that doesn't necessarily mean Huff will hold things down in the middle, it appears he'll have a chance to earn meaningful minutes with the Pacers, even if he doesn't start.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
July 5, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Houston Rockets are trading forward
Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards. In exchange, Houston will acquire two second-round picks. The Rockets selected the 20-year-old with the No. 20 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, well past where he was initially expected to be selected. He averaged 12.3 points as a rookie. However, Whitmore's production decreased throughout his sophomore campaign, although he did manage to average 25.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 54.5% shooting in his three starts. With that in mind, Whitmore has an excellent chance of holding a routine role in the rotation. There's also reason to believe he could earn a spot in the starting lineup. Either way, Whitmore might be in line for his most productive fantasy season to date.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
July 5, 2025
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Yu Darvish (elbow) appears to be nearing a return to the mound. Darvish threw a bullpen session on Saturday, which means he won't take the mound on Sunday. It seemed unlikely that Darvish would be activated off the 60-day injured list this weekend, but there was some hope. The Padres are expected to announce a plan for Darvish on Sunday. Darvish has been sidelined all season due to right elbow inflammation. It sounds like he should be ready to return to the Padres rotation at some point in July. That being said, it wouldn't be a bad idea for fantasy managers to stash Darvish now.
--Andy WebbSource: Annie Heilbrunn
July 5, 2025
San Diego Padres shortstop
Xander Bogaerts (hamstring) is in the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. His status for this game was uncertain coming in after Bogaerts suffered a hamstring injury late during Friday's contest. Clearly, it wasn't a big issue as Bogaerts is back in the lineup without missing any time. He'll cover shortstop and bat fifth versus left-hander
Patrick Corbin on Saturday. Bogaerts hasn't been great with the bat this season, but is heating up over the last week. Fantasy managers should make sure to get him into their lineups.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
July 5, 2025
The New York Yankees have signed free-agent first baseman
Jeimer Candelario to a minor-league contract on Saturday. Candelario was cut by the Cincinnati Reds after slashing .113/.198/.213 across 91 plate appearances to begin the season. He missed time in April with a back injury, but was released by the Reds last Sunday. Candelario has put together fairly decent numbers in the past. It's a low-risk move for the Yankees with the Reds still on the hook for the rest of Candelario's contract. Candelario figures to head to Triple-A until the Yankees need him. The switch-hitter isn't someone that needs to be rostered in fantasy leagues, but he would be a decent bench option for the Yankees down the stretch of the season.
--Andy WebbSource: Talkin' Yanks
July 5, 2025
Baltimore Orioles catcher
Gary Sanchez (knee) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves. It's unclear how Sanchez was injured, but he exited in the fifth inning due to left knee pain. Before exiting Sanchez was 0-for-2 at the plate during Saturday's contest.
Jacob Stallings took over behind the plate and figures to see increased playing time if Sanchez misses time. It really can't get worse for the Orioles who have
Adley Rutschman (oblique),
Maverick Handley (concussion), and
Chadwick Tromp (back) all on the injured list right now. The assumption is Sanchez will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Stallings figures to gain the most value as the last catcher standing in Baltimore.
--Andy WebbSource: Danielle Allentuck
July 5, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman
Rhys Hoskins (thumb) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the Miami Marlins. Hoskins suffered a left thumb injury while getting tagged out in the fourth inning. He was replaced by
Jake Bauers at first base in the fifth inning. Hoskins finished this game 1-for-1 with a triple, one RBI, and a walk. The expectation is that Hoskins will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. For now, fantasy managers should consider Hoskins as day-to-day, but they should check back for another update.
--Andy WebbSource: Milwaukee Brewers
July 5, 2025
Boston Red Sox right-hander
Tanner Houck (forearm) will make another rehab start this week, Tim Healey of the Boston Globe reports. Houck has been out since the middle of May with a right flexor pronator strain, and his road back to the majors has been difficult. The 29-year-old has combined for a 7.15 ERA over 11 1/3 innings in four rehab appearances (three starts) between the Double-A and Triple-A levels. He has also dealt with a dip in velocity. Houck endured similar struggles in the majors this year before going on the IL. After logging a stingy 3.12 ERA in a career-high 178 2/3 frames last year, Houck opened this season with an 8.04 ERA and 32:17 K:BB across 43 2/3 frames.
--Connor ByrneSource: Tim Healey - Boston Globe
July 5, 2025
The Cleveland Guardians have activated right-hander
Paul Sewald (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list and optioned lefty
Doug Nikhazy to Triple-A Columbus. Sewald is back after an IL stint that lasted over two months. He hasn't pitched in the majors since April 28 because of a shoulder strain. The 35-year-old recorded an unappealing 6.17 ERA in 11 2/3 innings before going on the shelf, but he did strike out 15 and walk just three during that span. While Sewald combined for 81 saves with multiple clubs from 2021-24, he's more likely to be a source of holds for a Cleveland team that has an established closer in
Emmanuel Clase.
--Connor ByrneSource: Tim Stebbins - MLB.com
July 5, 2025
San Diego Padres right-hander
Michael King (shoulder) hasn't taken a major league mound since May 18 because of a nerve issue in his throwing shoulder. A month and a half later, King is pain-free, but he's not ready to resume throwing from a mound. "This is as optimistic as we've been, (but) we're still guarding the optimism," manager Mike Shildt told Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune. King has gone 4-2 over 10 starts and tossed 55 2/3 innings of 2.59 ERA ball with 64:17 K:BB and a 1.02 WHIP this season. There's still no timetable for his return, but at least the team is taking an optimistic tone.
--Connor ByrneSource: Jeff Sanders - San Diego Union-Tribune
July 5, 2025
The Boston Red Sox will activate designated hitter/outfielder
Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) during a homestand that runs through all of next week. Yoshida will play two rehab games at the Double-A level this weekend and then get Monday off, Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. The Red Sox could activate him anytime after that. The 31-year-old underwent surgery on his right shoulder last October and has spent the past several months working back from it. Yoshida will mostly spend time at DH when he returns, but he'll also be part of Boston's outfield mix. The Japan native appeared in 108 games last year and hit .280/.349/.415 with 10 homers, 56 RBI, 45 runs scored, and two stolen bases over 421 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: Chris Cotillo - MassLive.com
July
5,
2025
Pittsburgh
Pirates
right-hander
Mitch
Keller
is
drawing
interest
from
the
New
York
Mets,
according
to
Noah
Hiles
of
the
Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette.
Keller
has
been
popular
in
rumors
leading
up
to
the
July
31
trade
deadline,
which
read more...
July 5, 2025
The New York Yankees plan to promote right-handed pitching prospect
Cam Schlittler from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre during the upcoming week, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. Schlittler will start at home on either Tuesday or Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners. The Yankees are in dire need of immediate rotation help with
Ryan Yarbrough on the 15-day injured list and
Clarke Schmidt likely to undergo Tommy John surgery. They'll turn to Schlittler, their 10th-ranked prospect at MLB Pipeline. A seventh-round pick in 2022, the 24-year-old has combined for a 2.82 ERA with 11.62 K/9 and 3.05 BB/9 in 76 2/3 innings between the Double-A and Triple-A levels this season. Schlittler will face a tough test in his first start against a Seattle offense that has scored the fifth-most runs on the road in 2025.
--Connor ByrneSource: Joel Sherman - New York Post
July
5,
2025
Corey
Heim's
birthday
didn't
go
as
planned.
The
Toyota
Racing
driver
was
poised
to
make
his
third
Cup
Series
start
of
the
season
this
weekend
at
the
Chicago
Street
Course,
but
after
the
No.
67
Toyota
made
contact
with
the
wall
read more...
July 5, 2025
In a recent episode of the 'Locked On Ravens' podcast, former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Qadry Ismail shared his thoughts on sixth-round rookie wideout
LaJohntay Wester, noting he could become a valuable weapon for quarterback
Lamar Jackson. Wester reportedly took well to punt returns during OTAs, and also made a few plays in the passing game that caught the eye of the former athlete. Ismail also noted that Wester "hasn't looked overwhelmed by anything thrown at him." The 23-year-old broke out during his final season with Florida Atlantic in 2023 (108/1,168/8) but took a slight step back upon his transfer to Colorado in 2024. Baltimore's pass-catching corps isn't one that projects to have much vacant playing time, but the rookie seems bound for at least a role on special teams. He's little more than a deep dynasty stash currently.
--Alex CiullaSource: Jack Carlough
July 5, 2025
Houston Astros right-hander
Luis Garcia (elbow) has progressed along with his live batting practice sessions without any setbacks. The right-hander has had an extended absence after undergoing Tommy John Surgery in May of 2023. Now, more than two years later, he finds himself on the cusp of beginning another rehab assignment. He started one last year, but was ultimately shut down due to renewed soreness. As such, the team is more likely to take things slowly here in an added effort to eliminate any setbacks. When healthy, Garcia has proven to be a valuable fantasy asset, posting a career 3.68 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 25.3% strikeout rate over his four years as a member of the Astros. His fantasy value for 2025 is limited, but he's worth stashing in AL-Only leagues as Garcia is aiming for a return in early August.
--Dave Funnell - RotoBallerSource: Matt Kawahara
July 5, 2025
The Atlanta Braves have released veteran outfielder
Alex Verdugo, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. Verdugo cleared waivers after the Braves designated him for assignment on Wednesday. After spending the winter on the open market, Verdugo joined the Braves on a one-year, $1.5 million contract in late March. It didn't work out, as Verdugo slumped to a .239/.296/.289 line in 213 homer-less plate appearances with Atlanta. The 29-year-old previously spent time with the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Yankees. He has batted a respectable .270/.326/.406 with 70 homers in 3,393 trips to the plate in the bigs.
--Connor ByrneSource: David O'Brien - The Athletic
July 5, 2025
Houston Astros starter
Cristian Javier (elbow) has thrown multiple live bullpen sessions as he continues to ramp his arm back up to game form. The right-hander last pitched for the Astros at the end of May 2024 before succumbing to an elbow injury that ultimately led to him needing Tommy John Surgery the following month. Now, thirteen months later, he has worked his way up to this point and is awaiting clearance to begin what should be a lengthy rehab assignment. Javier is worth stashing in the deepest of leagues as a flyer, given that he is returning after such a lengthy absence.
--Dave Funnell - RotoBallerSource: Matt Kawahara
July 5, 2025
Cincinnati Reds right-hander
Hunter Greene (back, groin) will begin a Triple-A rehab assignment on Tuesday, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Greene has been on the 15-day injured list twice this year because of a strained right groin, and the latest issue has kept him out since June 3. The 25-year-old has also dealt with back soreness. When he has been able to pitch, Greene has gone 4-3 with a 2.72 ERA, a whopping 73 strikeouts against 14 walks, and a 0.97 WHIP in 59 2/3 innings. He could make a significant impact in the second half of the season if he stays healthy.
--Connor ByrneSource: Charlie Goldsmith - FOX 19
July 5, 2025
Veteran right-handed reliever
Hector Neris has agreed to a Major League contract with the Houston Astros, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 reports. Neris became available when the Los Angeles Angels released him on Thursday. He has posted a horrific 7.80 ERA with 20 strikeouts, eight walks, and seven holds over a combined 15 innings between the Angels and Braves this season. The well-traveled 36-year-old is now ready for his third stint in Houston, where he pitched from 2022-23 and again in 2024. Neris has served as a solid high-leverage option for a large portion of his career, but those days may be over.
--Connor ByrneSource: Ari Alexander - KPRC 2
July 5, 2025
Houston Astros right-hander
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) will throw one more bullpen session before advancing to face live batters. This upcoming session will be his third such bullpen since injuring his hand in April during the team's batting practice. Assuming there are no setbacks here, Arrighetti will look to throw to live batters before entering a rehab assignment. This is all positive progress for someone who was looking to build on last season's success. The right-hander is (1-1) on the season with a 5.59 ERA, but his rookie season saw him record an ERA more than one full run lower (4.53), with an impressive 27.1% strikeout rate. He looks poised to be back in Houston's lineup at some point in August and is worth stashing in 12-team leagues.
--Dave Funnell - RotoBallerSource: Matt Kawahara
July 5, 2025
The Toronto Blue Jays have placed reliever
Yimi Garcia (ankle) on the 15-day injured list with a sprained left ankle. The team recalled right-hander
Robinson Pina from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. This continues an injury-plagued year for Garcia, who just returned from a long stay on the IL this week.. He missed the final week of May and all of June because of a shoulder impingement. Garcia returned on Wednesday to allow two earned runs over one inning in an 11-9 win over the New York Yankees. The 34-year-old righty has logged 21 frames this season and pitched to a 3.86 ERA with 25 strikeouts, 12 walks, six holds, and three saves.
--Connor ByrneSource: Toronto Blue Jays
July 5, 2025
Yankees right-hander
Clarke Schmidt (elbow) has likely suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow and is expected to require Tommy John surgery, manager Aaron Boone announced. Unfortunately for Schmidt and the Yankees, this isn't a surprising outcome after he exited his start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday with forearm tightness. Schmidt is now poised to undergo his second Tommy John procedure since 2017, the year the Yankees drafted him 16th overall. Now 29, Schmidt has developed into a quality starter for the Yankees. He'll finish this season 4-4 with a 3.32 ERA and 73:30 K:BB over 78 2/3 innings. Assuming he does undergo TJ surgery, Schmidt probably won't return to a major league mound until late next season or in 2027.
--Connor ByrneSource: Bryan Hoch - MLB.com
July
5,
2025
New
York
Yankees
first
baseman
Paul
Goldschmidt
and
designated
hitter
Giancarlo
Stanton
are
not
in
the
team's
lineup
against
the
New
York
Mets
on
Saturday.
The
right-handed
duo
will
take
a
read more...
July 5, 2025
Washington Nationals right-handed pitcher
Mason Thompson (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list on Saturday. In a corresponding move, the Nationals optioned right-handed pitcher
Zach Brzykcy to Triple-A Rochester and shifted right-handed pitcher
Derek Law to the 60-day injured list. Thompson has been sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery during the 2024 campaign. He participated in a rehab assignment, logging eight innings across time in the Florida Complex League, as well as with Double-A and Triple-A. In 2023, Thompson logged 54 innings out of the bullpen and posted a 5.50 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP. However, in 2022, Thompson was quite effective, posting a 2.92 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Thompson to have a low-average role in the bullpen as he begins to increase his workload.
--Andy SmithSource: Washington Nationals
July 5, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals third baseman
Nolan Arenado (shoulder) was scratched from Saturday's lineup due to a right shoulder impingement when they continue a series against the Chicago Cubs. Arenado was held out of action earlier in the week due to a finger injury and now appears to have another injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to Sunday's contest as he could he held out of action for a few games. After a productive stretch in June, Arenado has taken a step back over his last eight games, holding a low .179/.207/.250 slash line with just two doubles and two RBI. Before this skid, he held a much higher .344/.382/.547 line over his last 10. This afternoon, the Cardinals will have
Thomas Saggese cover the hot corner and bat in the five-hole.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Jones
July 5, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman
Andres Gimenez (ankle) is not in the starting nine on Saturday when the Blue Jays continue a series against the Los Angeles Angels. Gimenez suffered an ankle injury during the contest against the Yankees on Wednesday. While he was able to return to the starting nine on Friday, Gimenez was eventually lifted from that game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could be in danger of sitting out on Sunday as well. Over his last 11 contests, Gimenez has been one of the most productive hitters in the sport, posting a .342/.390/.447 slash line with one double, one home run, and nine RBI. Through 61 total games this season, Gimenez has held a .218/.300/.322 line. This afternoon,
Davis Schneider will cover the keystone and bat in the nine-hole.
--Andy SmithSource: Toronto Blue Jays
July 5, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (foot) is back in the starting nine on Saturday when the Blue Jays continue a series against the Los Angeles Angels. Guerrero was held out of action on Friday after suffering a minor foot injury on Thursday. However, the 26-year-old was able to avoid a serious injury and is making a quick return to the starting nine. Over his last 10 games, Guerrero has been in a bit of a skid at the plate, posting a modest .237/.341/.421 slash line with one double, two home runs, and five RBI. Through 86 total games this season, Guerrero has held a .274/.378/.439 slash line with 17 doubles and 12 round-trippers. He sits in the 96th percentile in xwOBA and 100th percentile in xBA, which suggests he should be in store for a massive second half. He is a strong play in DFS this afternoon, facing Los Angeles Angels right-hander
Jack Kochanowicz.
--Andy SmithSource: Toronto Blue Jays
July 5, 2025
The Arizona Diamondbacks have optioned infielder
Tim Tawa to Triple-A Reno. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks have activated outfielder
Corbin Carroll (wrist) from the 10-day injured list. Tawa has enjoyed an extended stint in the majors this season. During his first taste of the majors, the rookie infielder has held a modest .200/.262/.355 slash line with six doubles and six home runs. Tawa has generated a low .300 xwOBA, .224 xBA, .394 xSLG, and an 88.8 mph average exit velocity, which are all below the average marks of qualified hitters. Earlier this season, Tawa was hitting for high power at Triple-A, launching three home runs and adding two doubles. Fantasy managers should expect Tawa to return to Arizona later in the second half as an injury replacement.
--Andy SmithSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
July 5, 2025
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Jordan Walker (appendix) is working on a swing adjustment with the staff at Double-A Springfield, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Dispatch. Walker last played in the big leagues on June 22 before dealing with appendicitis, and he previously missed time in June with a wrist injury as well. He's struggled mightily in 191 plate appearances for the Cardinals, slashing .210/.267/.295 with a 33% strikeout rate. The former top prospect has struck out at a similarly untenable 38.5% rate in 26 minor league plate appearances, so he clearly needs more time to work out the kinks in his new swing. Per Goold, Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak says he hopes Walker can make his return within two weeks.
--Will BradySource: Derrick Goold - St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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