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Emmanuel Rodriguez Dealing With Thumb Soreness, Remains Day-To-Day
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Emmanuel Rodriguez was scratched from a High-A Cedar Rapids rehab game on Tuesday due to apparent thumb soreness and is now considered day-to-day. The 23-year-old is the No. 52 prospect in Major League Baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, as he continues working his way through the Twins' farm system. Across 29 games at multiple levels this season, Rodriguez is hitting .253 with a .902 OPS and six home runs in 95 at-bats before the injury. He owns a .911 OPS with a .254 batting average throughout his minor league career and will look to avoid any further setbacks during his recovery.
Source: Bobby Nightengale
Source: Bobby Nightengale
Myles Garrett Not Partcipating in Practice, Expected Back Next Week
Los Angeles Rams superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett (lower-body soreness) has not practiced for three straight days, though head coach Sean McVay did not seem concerned about his status. McVay said, "It's nothing to worry about," and added that he "expects [Garrett] to be back for the next practice block." The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in June after a record-breaking 2025 season with the Cleveland Browns. With McVay not concerned about his overall outlook, Garrett should be ready to help the Rams get over the hump in 2026, potentially alongside Aaron Donald.
Source: Sarah Barshop - ESPN
Source: Sarah Barshop - ESPN
Saints Place Ja'Lynn Polk on Retired List
The New Orleans Saints have placed wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk on the reserve/retired list after he was excused from the last two practices. The Saints acquired Polk from the New England Patriots last season after he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that ended his 2025 season before it began. The 2024 second-round pick played just 15 games with the Patriots, totaling 87 yards and two touchdowns, before being traded to New Orleans. Polk helped the University of Washington reach the National Championship game alongside quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Bears receiver Rome Odunze. With Polk out of the picture in New Orleans, rookie wide receiver Bryce Lance should see an uptick in work as the WR4, behind Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, and Devaughn Vele.
Source: Kat Terrell - ESPN
Source: Kat Terrell - ESPN
Sebastian Walcott Suffers Head Injury, Strong Season Put on Hold
Texas Rangers infielder Sebastian Walcott, the No. 10 prospect in Major League Baseball, has been sidelined at Double-A Frisco after being hit in the head by a wild pickoff attempt on Sunday. A timetable for his return has not yet been announced. Walcott is hitting .308 with a .934 OPS in 13 games for Double-A Frisco this season. He also owns a 1.019 OPS over 15 games in total this season as he continues to progress through the Rangers' farm system. Walcott's offensive profile is highlighted by elite exit velocity and bat speed, positioning him to produce elite slugging numbers at the major league level.
Source: Jeff Wilson
Source: Jeff Wilson
Shohei Ohtani Expected to Resume Throwing, Remains on Track for Pitching Return
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani (knee) is reportedly expected to resume playing catch during the club's upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs after being sidelined from pitching with left knee inflammation and right biceps discomfort. The four-time MVP is still without a timetable for his return to the mound, but this marks another positive step in his recovery. Ohtani made 14 starts before the injury, posting a 1.79 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 85 strikeouts across 85 2/3 innings. He has continued to produce at an elite level at the plate, slashing .292/.397/.544 with a .941 OPS. The Dodgers are not expected to rush the 32-year-old after acquiring Tarik Skubal to strengthen their rotation ahead of the deadline.
Source: Jack Harris
Source: Jack Harris
49ers Sign Khalil Herbert
With injuries mounting in the San Francisco 49ers' backfield, the team has signed veteran Khalil Herbert to a one-year, $1.2 million contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Herbert worked out with the team last week alongside two other backs and was subsequently signed. Second-year running back Jordan James suffered a rib fracture and is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks. Herbert is likely to serve as a camp body at running back, but he hopes to compete with rookie Kaelon Black and James for the RB2 spot behind star Christian McCaffrey once James returns from injury. McCaffrey appears likely to handle a heavy workload again, though the head coach, Kyle Shanahan, has said they are looking to manage his volume in 2026.
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Kevin Gausman Traded to Chicago Cubs, Adds Veteran Presence to Rotation
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman is reportedly the next starting pitcher set to be moved ahead of Monday's trade deadline. He is being acquired by the Chicago Cubs in a deal that is being finalized after spending four and a half seasons with Toronto. Gausman has taken a slight step back this season following a strong 2025 campaign, posting a 4.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 23 starts. Even so, the 35-year-old still provides an experienced presence in the middle of a playoff rotation and owns a career 3.85 ERA behind one of baseball's best splitters. Gausman is also coming off a strong outing against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, allowing one run over 5 2/3 innings, as the Cubs continue to strengthen their rotation for the stretch run.
Source: Ken Rosenthal
Source: Ken Rosenthal
Texans Sign Jadeveon Clowney
The Houston Texans have signed veteran pass rusher and three-time Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year, $5.5 million contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Clowney was drafted first overall by the Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft and spent the first five seasons of his career with the team, totaling 29 sacks in 47 games. The former first overall pick spent the 2025 season with the Dallas Cowboys, where he had a career resurgence, totaling 8.5 sacks in 13 games. Clowney will rotate behind star pass rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, who combined for 27 sacks last season. Clowney's homecoming should help the Texans' pass-rushing duo stay fresh as they hope to build on a dominant defensive season.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Tarik Skubal Set for Los Angeles Dodgers Debut, Poised to Bolster Rotation
Newly acquired Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Tarik Skubal is reportedly set to make his Dodgers debut on Tuesday in the club's upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs. After spending the first six and a half seasons of his career with the Detroit Tigers, Skubal was traded to Los Angeles on Saturday in the biggest starting pitching move at the trade deadline. The two-time All-Star has started 16 games this season for Detroit, posting a 2.79 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts across 96 2/3 innings. Skubal has put together an elite stretch over the past few seasons and is expected to anchor the Dodgers' rotation as the club looks to make another deep postseason run.
Source: Fabian Ardaya
Source: Fabian Ardaya
Commanders Still Monitoring Stefon Diggs
Former Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs is still searching for his next team, though his wait shouldn't last much longer. The Washington Commanders, who lost wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. in the offseason and need to build around young superstar Jayden Daniels, are currently monitoring his status. In 2025, Diggs hauled in 85 of 102 targets for 1013 yards and four touchdowns with the AFC Champion Patriots. Despite strong numbers, recent off-field allegations surrounding the veteran receiver have left him still looking for a team. With training camp fully underway, Diggs should find a home soon, and the Commanders are the favorites to add the four-time Pro Bowler.
Source: John Keim - ESPN
Source: John Keim - ESPN
Yankees Acquire Luis Garcia Jr. From the Nationals
The New York Yankees are acquiring infielder Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals on Sunday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Per Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, the Nationals will receive right-handers Ben Grable, Yovanny Cruz, Jack Cebert, and Jake Bird. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter leads the National League with a .560 slugging percentage and is hitting .283/.313/.560 with 23 home runs on the year. He's also under club control through the end of the 2027 season. Garcia is a bit of an odd fit for the Yanks, who were believed to be seeking a right-handed bat at the trade deadline this year. Not only does he hit from the left side, but he's been playing first base, where New York is already set with Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt. However, the Yankees still have Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list, and they've scored the fifth-fewest runs since Judge got hurt. Garcia will most likely split time at DH (until the Yankees get healthier) and second base, but he could continue to be shielded against left-handed pitchers (he has only 57 plate appearances against them in 2026).
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Yankees in Talks to Acquire Luis Garcia Jr.
The New York Yankees are reportedly in talks to acquire infielder Luis Garcia Jr. from the Washington Nationals. Garcia was scratched ahead of Sunday's game without a reason. According to Joel Sherman, the two sides are discussing a trade that could include Yankees' Double-A starting pitcher Jack Cebert. This season, Garcia is slashing .283/.313/.560 with a career-high 23 home runs, 76 RBI, and four stolen bases in 104 games. The 26-year-old would be a welcome sight to a lineup that has been crushed by injuries lately. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to see if this deal gets done before Monday's trade deadline.
Source: Joel Sherman
Source: Joel Sherman
Jacob Wilson is Dealing with Patellar Tendonitis
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (knee) is being held out of the starting lineup during Sunday's game against the Detroit Tigers. A's manager Mark Kotsay said Wilson is out due to patellar tendonitis in his right knee. He added that this injury is manageable and he believes Wilson will be back in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Wilson has been struggling at the plate lately, so maybe this injury has played a part in that. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about a lengthy absence, as this sounds like a day-to-day issue. Alika Williams will cover shortstop and bat seventh versus right-hander Keider Montero on Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back on Tuesday for another update.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
Aidan Smith Headlines Prospect Haul for Mets in Trade With Rays
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Aidan Smith, along with two other prospects, is heading to the New York Mets in exchange for right-hander Freddy Peralta. The Rays bulk up their starting rotation, but it costs them three prospects. Smith is the most notable, as he ranked as the Rays' 15th-best prospect in their system. The Mets also acquired right-hander Gary Gill Hill and second baseman Emilien Pitre in exchange for Peralta. According to MLB Pipeline, Hill and Pitre ranked as the 26th and 27th-best prospects in the Rays system. Between the three, Smith holds the most upside, but he still needs time in the minor leagues. None of these players is likely to contribute right away, but it's not a terrible return on Peralta, who is a free agent after the season.
Source: Mark Feinsand
Source: Mark Feinsand
Will Smith Needs 3-4 Weeks to Ramp Up
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) was able to throw ahead of Saturday's game against the Boston Red Sox. That is an encouraging sign in what is still a long road to recovery for Smith. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Saturday that Smith will need at least 3-4 weeks to ramp back up, which includes a rehab assignment. He has been out since the middle of June due to neck inflammation. Given this current timetable, Smith should be able to get back in the mix by late August or early September. Fantasy managers with an IL spot available should continue to hold Smith. Dalton Rushing figures to continue doing a majority of the catching, with Eliezer Alfonzo getting mixed in as well.
Source: Katie Woo
Source: Katie Woo
Kyle Harrison is Expected to Return Against Pirates
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison (forearm) is expected to return from the 15-day Injured List during their upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The series begins on Monday and goes through Thursday, but the Brewers haven't said which day Harrison is going to pitch. His lone rehab start was with High-A Wisconsin on Thursday, so a return on Wednesday seems likely. Harrison was struggling a bit before the injury, but has mostly been solid this season. The southpaw deserves to be rostered in most fantasy formats down the stretch of the season.
Source: Todd Rosiak
Source: Todd Rosiak
Bryan Bresee to Undergo Season-Ending ACL Surgery
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (knee) will undergo season-ending surgery after tearing his ACL, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed the news Sunday. Bresee suffered the injury during the Saints' first training camp practice Wednesday, ending his fourth NFL season before it began. The 24-year-old started all 15 games he played last year, finishing with 37 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. He has recorded 14.5 sacks in 49 career games since New Orleans selected him 29th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Saints exercised Bresee's fifth-year option during the offseason, keeping him under contract through 2027. Vernon Broughton, Nathan Shepherd, John Ridgeway III, and second-round rookie Christen Miller are among the defensive linemen who could receive more work in his absence.
Source: Katherine Terrell
Source: Katherine Terrell
Luis Arraez Returns for Series Finale in San Diego
San Francisco Giants infielder Luis Arraez (leg) is back in the starting nine for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival San Diego Padres at Petco Park, starting at second base and batting leadoff against left-hander Kyle Hart, per MLB.com. Arraez was pulled from Friday's contest against his former team due to cramps in his leg, and he was also scratched from Saturday's loss as a precaution. Despite facing a southpaw to begin Sunday's game, the 29-year-old left-handed hitter and three-time batting champion should be returned to starting lineups in all traditional formats. Arraez could be on his way to a fourth batting title in 2026 in his first year in San Fran, as he's currently hitting a league-best .328 (136-for-415) with four home runs, 43 RBI, 10 steals, and 52 runs scored in 104 games and 459 plate appearances. While Arraez provides almost no power upside for fantasy managers, he's an excellent source of batting average, and his fantasy value could improve if he's dealt to a contender before Monday's Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
John Bates to Miss a Couple of Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Washington Commanders tight end John Bates (hamstring) will miss a couple of weeks after straining his hamstring during Thursday's practice, according to Ben Standig. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the timetable Saturday. Bates caught 11 passes for 103 yards and one touchdown in 15 games last season, but his bigger role comes as Washington's primary blocking tight end. That makes his absence more important to the offense than his receiving numbers suggest, especially with new coordinator David Blough expected to use multiple-tight-end sets. Chig Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott should handle more work while Bates is sidelined, while Colson Yankoff and Lawrence Cager could also see additional practice reps. Bates does not carry much standalone fantasy value, and this injury is unlikely to create a clear waiver target. It does give Washington's other tight ends more time to earn roles before he returns. The initial timetable leaves room for Bates to get back during the preseason.
Source: Ben Standig
Source: Ben Standig
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Takes First Team-Drill Reps of Camp
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (foot) took his first team-drill reps of training camp Sunday, receiving two carries after being limited to individual work during the first three practices. Sports Illustrated reported that one handoff came from Nick Mullens and the other from Trevor Lawrence. Rodriguez underwent surgery on his left foot after suffering the injury during the offseason conditioning program, and Jacksonville has been cautious with his workload. He signed with the Jaguars in March after setting career highs with 112 carries, 500 rushing yards, and six touchdowns in 13 games for Washington last season. Bhayshul Tuten has handled much of the important backfield work while Rodriguez has been limited, so two carries are not enough to clarify the pecking order. Still, getting into team drills is a meaningful step for a player Jacksonville added to compete for touches following Travis Etienne Jr.'s departure. Rodriguez remains a name to monitor, but his fantasy outlook will stay uncertain until he is able to handle a fuller practice workload.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Source: Sports Illustrated
Willson Contreras Returns for Sunday Night in L.A.
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (head) is starting at first base and will bat cleanup for the BoSox in Sunday night's series finale on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Emmet Sheehan, according to MLB.com. Contreras was hit in the head by a pitch in Friday's series opener against the Dodgers, and Boston held him out of Saturday's lineup as a result. However, he avoided a concussion and is returning to action on Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to get the 34-year-old veteran Venezuelan slugger back in their starting lineups in all leagues as he looks to stay hot in August. The four-time All-Star is having a heck of a season in 2026 in his first year in Beantown, hitting .288/.396/.547 with a .943 OPS, 23 home runs, 67 RBI, 55 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 102 games played across 419 plate appearances. Contreras was red-hot in July, going 20-for-62 (.323) at the plate with five home runs, four doubles, 14 RBI, 14 runs scored, and a stolen base in 20 games played and 82 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Buccaneers Don't Plan to Trade Vita Vea
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea remains unhappy with his contract situation, but the team does not plan to trade him, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Fowler added that Vea has drawn interest from other teams and is "highly upset." The 31-year-old requested a trade after extension talks failed to produce a new deal. Vea is entering the final year of the four-year, $73 million extension he signed in January 2022, which began with the 2023 season. He started all 17 games last year and recorded 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 13 quarterback hits. Vea has spent his entire career in Tampa Bay and remains a key part of the team's defensive front. The Buccaneers' current stance does not resolve the contract dispute, but it makes a trade appear unlikely unless their position changes. His presence remains especially important to a defense built around stopping the run and creating pressure from the interior.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Nick Kurtz Out Again on Sunday, to Visit With Hand Specialist
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) is not in the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the visiting Detroit Tigers, according to MLB.com. Jeff McNeil will make the start at first base and will hit eighth against Tigers right-hander Keider Montero in Sacramento. Kurtz played on Thursday and Friday after being hit by a pitch on Wednesday, but the 23-year-old left-handed slugger is now out on Sunday for a second straight game and is scheduled to visit with a hand specialist on Monday in Los Angeles. Manager Mark Kotsay said initial X-rays on Kurtz's hand were "kind of unclear," so the A's want more clarity moving forward. The good news is that the A's have a scheduled day off on Monday, but it seems unlikely that Kurtz will be ready to roll on Tuesday for the series opener in Cincinnati against the Reds, even if doctors like what they see in L.A. on Monday. Fantasy managers need to prepare for a potential trip to the injured list. Kurtz is an elite source of power in just his first full MLB season in 2026, but he's been banged up so far in the second half and hit just .114 (5-for-44) with a .454 OPS, two homers, five RBI, three runs scored, four walks, and 23 strikeouts in 14 games in July.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Isaac Guerendo Appears to Be Progressing in Recovery
San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (pectoral) appears to be making progress in his recovery from a torn pectoral muscle, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Guerendo suffered the injury while lifting weights during the offseason and opened training camp on the active/physically unable to perform list. Kyle Shanahan said in May that the third-year back could return near the end of camp, and Wagoner's observation is a welcome sign, though Guerendo has not yet been cleared to practice. He appeared in 14 games last season but played exclusively on special teams after rushing for 420 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. Christian McCaffrey remains the clear starter, while rookie Kaelon Black has gained valuable reps with Guerendo sidelined and Jordan James dealing with fractured ribs. Guerendo still has time to work his way back into the competition for a reserve role, but his fantasy value will remain limited until he returns to practice and shows where he stands in the backfield.
Source: Nick Wagoner
Source: Nick Wagoner
Deshaun Watson Throws Six Interceptions in Four Practices
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has thrown six interceptions through the first four practices of training camp, according to ESPN. The rough start comes as Watson tries to win the starting job after he and Shedeur Sanders handled most of the first-team work during the offseason. Saturday brought more trouble, including a short pass that was tipped before being returned for a touchdown and another throw intercepted by safety Donovan McMillon. Watson has not played in a regular-season game since tearing his right Achilles in October 2024. He completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions across seven starts that season. Cleveland has not named a starter, and Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green are also part of the competition. Watson still has time to settle into the new offense, but six interceptions in four practices is a concerning start. He remains only a speculative Superflex option unless he wins the job and shows a significant improvement during the preseason.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Matt Chapman Not Ready to Return From the Injured List
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen), who was supposed to be ready by the All-Star break in mid-July and then again this weekend in San Diego against the division-rival Padres, is still not ready, according to Evan Webeck of The California Post. Chapman was scheduled to meet with team doctors on Sunday to reassess his situation. He has been able to swing the bat and play defense, but he's still having trouble running the bases. The 33-year-old veteran has not played since suffering an abdominal strain on June 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and there is no timetable for his return. Because of his injury, Chapman doesn't figure to be traded before Monday's Aug. 3 deadline. Before his injury, the former All-Star was a disappointment for fantasy managers offensively, slashing .235/.324/.368 with a .692 OPS, seven home runs, 42 RBI, and 35 runs scored across his 307 at-bats in his third year in the Bay Area. Chapman should return this season, but his activation from the IL is no longer imminent. UPDATE: Per the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser, Chapman will have another MRI exam on Monday.
Source: The California Post - Even Webeck
Source: The California Post - Even Webeck
Mariners Acquire Catching Prospect Boston Smith From the White Sox
The Seattle Mariners acquired catching prospect Boston Smith, right-handed reliever Seranthony Dominguez, and outfielder Nolan Jones from the Chicago White Sox on Saturday in exchange for veteran right-hander Luis Castillo, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 23-year-old Smith will immediately become Seattle's No. 14 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. He heads to the American League West after slashing .291/.450/.589 with a 1.038 OPS, 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 68 runs scored in 79 games across 347 plate appearances with Single-A Kannapolis, High-A Winston-Salem, and Double-A Birmingham this year. Smith was originally drafted in the sixth round by the Washington Nationals out of Wright State University before they sent him to Chicago in the Curtis Mead trade in March. The 5-foot-10, 195-pounder can also play the outfield, and he has an uppercut left-handed swing that takes full advantage of his power to the pull side. Smith is an above-average athlete, but he still needs work on defense, and strikeouts could be an issue as he works his way closer to the big leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Rashod Bateman's Starting Job Does Not Make Him a Redraft Sleeper
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman remains in line to start opposite Zay Flowers, but that job has not produced enough volume to make him an appealing redraft pick. He played 69% of the offensive snaps in 2025 and still finished with only 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. A high ankle sprain cost him time and Lamar Jackson also battled injuries, so last season was not a clean evaluation. It was still a major step backward from Bateman's 45-catch, 756-yard, nine-touchdown campaign in 2024. That season now carries even less weight with Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt joining Devontez Walker as younger options behind Flowers. Baltimore expects Bateman to remain a significant part of Declan Doyle's new offense, but opportunity needs to show up in the target column before fantasy managers buy back in. RotoBaller ranks him WR90 in PPR, half-PPR, and standard formats, with no current ADP listed. That is low enough to make him a watch-list name, not a draft priority. Dynasty managers in deep leagues can hold through camp, but Bateman is expendable when a better upside stash becomes available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rebuilders Should Test the Market on Javonte Williams
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams finally gave dynasty managers the season they had been waiting for, and Dallas made sure it was not a one-year stop. He rushed 252 times for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, then added 35 catches for 137 yards and two more scores. The Cowboys followed that breakout with a three-year, $24 million extension that includes $16 million guaranteed. Just as important, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Malik Davis are still sorting out the backup job. None of them is pushing Williams for the lead role. A contender should be happy to keep him. For a rebuilding team, this is probably the time to ask around. Williams is 26, last season was his first 1,000-yard campaign, and his 13 total touchdowns set a career high. RotoBaller has him at RB21 in its July dynasty rankings, which reflects both the strong setup and the risk of buying after a career year. The path to another heavy workload is clear, but running back value can turn quickly. Rebuilders do not need to force a deal. Still, a younger receiver or a strong package of picks would be worth considering while Williams' contract, role, and market value are all working in their favor.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Antonacci a Speed and Batting Average Asset to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 361 plate appearances entering play on Sunday, Chicago White Sox outfielder/second baseman Sam Antonacci had hit .279/.369/.413 with eight home runs, 32 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. The 23-year-old does not profile as a high-end power source, as he's posted just a 6.6% barrel rate and a 36.3% hard-hit rate. The lefty swinger has also logged just a .519 OPS against left-handed pitching this season, which has led the White Sox to deploy him in a big-side platoon role. However, Antonacci has displayed an impressive plate approach for a young player, limiting his strikeout rate to 15.8%. He also offers high-end speed that helps him run a high batting average on balls in play. As a quality source of batting average, stolen bases, and runs scored, Antonacci profiles as a must-add waiver wire target across most league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
