RADIO
Calvin Austin III Competing for Depth Role in New York
New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III will merely be competing for a depth role with his new team this summer in training camp. Malik Nabers (knee), Darius Slayton, and Darnell Mooney are locked into the top-three receiver spots for the G-Men heading into the 2026 season, with Austin battling Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster, rookie Malachi Fields, and Isaiah Hodgins for a backup role. The 27-year-old Austin caught 84 of 143 targets for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns in 48 games (16 starts) in his three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after he was a fourth-round pick in 2022 out of the University of Memphis. Austin currently appears to be ahead of OBJ and Smith-Schuster, with his primary competition likely to come in the form of Fields for the WR4 role in what should be a more balanced offense under new head coach John Harbaugh. Austin should be avoided in 12-team fantasy drafts this fall, with his only path to waiver-wire appeal early on likely coming if Nabers is not ready to play to begin the regular season.
Source: SNY - Alex Smith
Source: SNY - Alex Smith
Darnell Mooney All But Guaranteed Starting Slot Duties
SNY's Alex Smith writes that New York Giants veteran wide receiver Darnell Mooney is "all but guaranteed to be the starting slot receiver" in his first year with the team in 2026. Mooney will have big shoes to fill in replacing Wan'Dale Robinson, who caught 185 of his 280 targets for 1,713 yards and seven touchdowns the last two years in New York, in the slot. Mooney had a down year with the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 with 32 catches for 443 yards and only one touchdown on 72 targets in 15 starts, but he also has had two seasons near the 1,000-yard receiving mark in his career. Whether Mooney can become an effective sleeper target for fantasy managers this year will likely depend on how Malik Nabers (knee) bounces back from his torn ACL and how quickly rookie wideout Malachi Fields can get up to speed in his first NFL season as a big-bodied, down-the-field threat. Fantasy managers definitely shouldn't just assume Mooney is going to be peppered with targets like Robinson was. The G-Men will have a new offense under head coach John Harbaugh this year, which is expected to rely more on the ground game. Mooney is considered RotoBaller's No. 93 fantasy WR for 2026 in what could be a low-volume role as he competes for targets with Nabers, Darius Slayton, and tight end Isaiah Likely.
Source: SNY - Alex Smith
Source: SNY - Alex Smith
RJ Harvey Watching More Film as he Heads Into Year 2
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey said he made it a point of emphasis to study more film of other successful RBs as he enters his second year in the league in 2026, according to Andrew Mason of Denver Sports. Harvey has studied footage of Christian McCaffrey, Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, and Jahmyr Gibbs, in particular. "Just watching more film, watching other guys around the league, watching their film ... just trying to see things on film that they do, trying to help better my game," Harvey said. "In Year Two in the system, I feel way more comfortable and it's only going to get better from where I left off." Through his first 10 games, Harvey had five or fewer carries seven times with J.K. Dobbins dominating touches. Harvey took on a bigger role after Dobbins' season-ending foot injury, but he was mostly inconsistent, averaging 3.4 yards per rushing attempt in the final seven games of the regular season and 3.0 yards per tote in two playoff games. The 25-year-old former second-rounder could have more of a pass-catching role in head coach Sean Payton's offense in 2026, but the addition of rookie Jonah Coleman and the re-signing of Dobbins means Denver will likely go with a committee approach at RB. Harvey's fantasy stock has fallen after his first NFL season, but he could still be a useful RB3/flex option in PPR leagues at a lowered cost.
Source: Denver Sports - Andrew Mason
Source: Denver Sports - Andrew Mason
Jahmyr Gibbs Has a Clear Case as the Overall RB1 in Redraft Leagues
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was one of the best players at his position in the NFL in 2025, recording 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns on 320 touches across 17 games. The 24-year-old averaged 5.0 yards per carry for the third consecutive season while also setting career-highs in targets (94), receptions (77), receiving yards (616), and receiving touchdowns (five). Entering 2026, Gibbs may play an even larger role in the Detroit offense after the team's offseason trade of veteran back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. Gibbs is understandably valued extremely highly by current redraft ADP, typically being selected as either the first or second running back off the board. Gibbs' main competition, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, is also a fantastic player with monster upside. However, the offensive ecosystem around Gibbs in Detroit appears more stable than the ecosystem around Robinson in Atlanta, where there are major questions at the quarterback position. When splitting hairs between two elite options, that may be enough of a difference for fantasy managers to go with Gibbs over Robinson.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Has Dallas Goedert Become Undervalued by Current Redraft ADP?
Across 15 games in 2025, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert finished as the TE6 in per-game PPR scoring by recording 60 catches for 591 yards and 11 touchdowns on 82 targets. The 31-year-old's fantasy production was largely fueled by a major spike in touchdown production, which has rightly led to expectations of regression in 2026. Across seven seasons with the Eagles before 2025, Goedert had averaged just 3.4 touchdown catches per season. However, the Eagles traded away star wide receiver A.J. Brown over the offseason and hired a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion, both of which could open up the team's passing offense and create more opportunities for Goedert. While fantasy managers should not expect him to repeat his TE6 production from a year ago, Goedert profiles as a value selection at his current redraft ADP of TE15.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ahmad Hardy Medically Cleared From May Gunshot Wound
Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy (leg) has been medically cleared from the gunshot wound he suffered in May, according to head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Needless to say, this is fantastic news for all involved. Drinkwitz said the team does not yet know what the return-to-play progression will be, but "it could take anywhere from 5-to-8 weeks." Hardy is one of the best running backs in the country entering 2026 after rushing 256 times for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first season in the SEC last year. While it sounds like he could still miss early-season action or be limited, he should be on track to play at some point in his junior campaign.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Yoendrys Gomez Deserves More Waiver Attention as Twins Closer
Right-handed reliever Yoendrys Gomez has benefited from a move from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Minnesota Twins and has become the Twins' closer, yet somehow he's only rostered in 30% of Yahoo leagues. The 26-year-old Venezuelan hurler has a 3.43 ERA (4.71 FIP), 1.25 WHIP, a career-high 12 saves, 39 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 44 2/3 innings with the Rays and Twins this year in his fourth year in the big leagues. Gomez has been better since joining Minnesota, though, posting a 1.65 ERA (3.10 FIP), 0.99 WHIP, 11 saves, 26 strikeouts, and 11 walks in 27 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. His 10% walk rate isn't ideal, and he also has a below-average strikeout rate (23.6%) for a high-leverage, late-inning arm, but the opportunity for continued save chances in Minnesota the rest of the 2026 season cannot be ignored by fantasy managers chasing the category. Since the start of June, Gomez has allowed four earned runs with seven walks, 13 strikeouts, a win, nine saves, and one hold.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Christian Watson's High-End Upside Makes him a Priority Target at Current ADP
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson missed the first seven games of the 2025 season while recovering from offseason knee surgery. However, the 27-year-old was a productive player upon his return, recording 35 catches for 611 yards and six touchdowns on 55 targets across 10 games. Entering 2026, the Packers' offseason subtraction of wide receiver Romeo Doubs could mean that Watson is the team's clear WR1. Green Bay still has several talented pass-catchers in wide receivers Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden, as well as tight end Tucker Kraft (knee). The team has also typically operated a run-heavy offense and utilized Watson primarily as a downfield option, both of which have limited his target volume in the past. Still, Watson has flashed high-end upside throughout his career, and the team recently committed to him in the form of a four-year, $92 million contract extension. As the WR29 by current redraft ADP, Watson is a risky selection but also one that could pay major dividends for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mauricio Dubon Could Lose Playing Time Soon
Atlanta Braves infielder/outfielder Mauricio Dubon has been a key utility man for the Braves in 2026 in his first season with the team, hitting .266/.318/.417 with a .735 OPS in 94 games across his 386 plate appearances. Although Dubon has never really been known for his power at the plate, he's already tied his career high of 10 home runs in his eighth year in the majors, and he's also added a career-high 53 RBI, 44 runs scored, and three steals. The 32-year-old veteran is hitting .262 (16-for-61) with a .728 OPS, two homers, three doubles, 10 RBI, nine runs scored, and a stolen base in 15 games and 67 plate appearances in the month of July. For fantasy purposes, Dubon is most appealing in deeper formats for his lack of strikeouts (14.5% strikeout rate), although he also doesn't walk much either (6.5% walk rate). Dubon is also appealing in fantasy for his eligibility at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He's currently rostered in just a hair under half of Yahoo leagues, but that number may begin to fall if he loses out on regular playing time once Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) returns from the injured list in the near future.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Gage Wood Still Trending Up After Nine-Strikeout Performance
Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Gage Wood was promoted to Double-A Reading in late May and has not been fazed by the stiffer competition. The Phils' top pitching prospect has posted a 3.58 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and an elite 29.5 percent K-BB% in nine starts at that level, culminating with a career-high nine-strikeout performance in his latest outing for the Fightin Phils. The 2025 first-rounder could make the jump to Triple-A before the season is out, bringing with him an arsenal of pitches that produce tons of whiffs, though a 2026 debut is unlikely. Nevertheless, the right-hander has solidified his status as a strong dynasty asset who could be making an impact in the majors sometime next season.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Dricus Du Plessis Dominates Kamaru Usman
Former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis bounced back in the win column by beating former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Oklahoma on Saturday. Du Plessis delivered a dominant performance against Usman and came close to finishing the former welterweight champion on a few occasions. The judges on Saturday scored the bout 50-45, 49-46, 49-46 in favour of Du Plessis. In 25 minutes of action, Du Plessis landed 136 significant strikes. With the win, "Stillknocks" improved to 24-3 as a pro and is now 10-1 in the UFC.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Theo Johnson May Be Re-Emerging as a Dynasty Buy-Low Target
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson was a steady contributor to his team's passing game in 2025, recording 45 catches for 528 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets across 15 games. Still, New York made a significant addition at the tight end position in free agency, signing Isaiah Likely to a three-year, $40 million contract. Given the team's financial commitment and Likely's familiarity with new Giants head coach John. Harbaugh from their time together in Baltimore, Johnson seems likely to open the year as the TE2 in New York. However, the Giants' wide receiver corps currently profiles as one of the weaker units in the NFL, particularly given star wideout Malik Nabers' (knee) uncertain health outlook. As a result, the team could lean into more two-tight end sets to get two of their better pass-catchers on the field at the same time. In dynasty leagues where his value has tanked following New York's acquisition of Likely, Johnson could be worth targeting as a buy-low candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joey Logano Dominates at North Wilkesboro for First 2026 Victory
Joey Logano dominated the Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, leading 323 of 450 laps. The No. 22 Ford driver from Team Penske began the race from 11th position, but quickly showed that he had plenty of speed from the beginning as he moved up to third by the end of the first stage, scoring eight stage points. In the second stage, Logano gained the lead by passing Shane Van Gisbergen on lap 113. Logano went on to dominate the rest of the second stage without much competition. In the final stage, Logano was untouchable, with Denny Hamlin being his only real competitor who kept up with him in speed. Outside of pit stops, Logano never gave up the lead and went on to earn his first victory of the 2026 season. With the 38th win of his Cup career, Logano is now 15th in the regular-season standings and 49 points ahead of the cutoff for The Chase.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Denny Hamlin Places Second and Extends his Championship Lead at North Wilkesboro
Denny Hamlin was one of the most consistent contenders for the win during Sunday's Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Hamlin started seventh in the race after qualifying was canceled due to weather. In the first stage, Hamlin advanced to the lead halfway through the stage after a lap 39 caution by staying out of pit road while everyone else went to pit. As a result, Hamlin led for nine laps before being passed by Shane Van Gisbergen. The No. 11 Toyota driver fell to fourth by the end of the stage, but scored six stage points. In the second stage, Hamlin's team improved his car to the point where he could run in second behind who would eventually be the dominant driver of the race, Joey Logano. After scoring nine stage points from finishing second at the end of stage two, Hamlin spent the entire final stage chasing Logano for the win, but never had the speed to overtake him. Hamlin settled for second at the end of the race, but extended his regular-season points lead to 68 points over Tyler Reddick after 21 races this season.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Chase Briscoe Finishes Third After Starting 30th at North Wilkesboro
Joe Gibbs Racing's Chase Briscoe finished in the third position in the Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Briscoe had an uphill battle through Sunday's race as he started from the 30th position after qualifying was canceled, but had a fast car that easily made up positions. In the first stage, Briscoe went from 30th to eighth, gaining three stage points in the process. In the second stage, Briscoe moved closer to the front by passing a few more drivers, as he ended the stage in third and collected eight more stage points. From there, Briscoe stayed consistent without any issues and ran behind Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin throughout the entire stage. As a result, Briscoe settled into the third position for his third top-3 finish in four races this season. With 21 races now completed for the 2026 season, Briscoe is eighth in the regular-season standings with five races left before The Chase begins.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Jake Burger Losing Waiver Steam Amid Slow Start in July
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has reached the 30-homer mark in his career before (in 2023) and has already matched his home run total (16) from his first year in Texas in 2025, making him a deep-league target for power. Through his first 95 games and 386 plate appearances with the Rangers in 2026, Burger is slashing .239/.301/.415 with a .715 OPS, 16 homers, 59 RBI, 41 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The caveat to suggesting the 30-year-old veteran as a waiver-wire addition is that he's pretty streaky at the plate, and right now, he's struggling offensively. Through his first 12 games (51 plate appearances) in July, he's gone 7-for-48 (.146) with two home runs, seven RBI, three runs scored, two walks, and 15 strikeouts. Burger's .236 expected batting average and .306 xwOBA don't exactly give hope for the rest of the second half, either, and he's in the 25th percentile in strikeout rate, the 15th percentile in chase rate, and the seventh percentile in whiff rate. He's currently rostered in just 23% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Ty Gibbs Recovers From Speeding Penalty to Finish Fourth at North Wilkesboro
Ty Gibbs of Joe Gibbs Racing finished fourth in the Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Gibbs began the race strongly from the second position and led the first 39 laps before the race's first caution. On the restart after the first caution, Gibbs lost the lead to Denny Hamlin after he stayed out of pit road during the caution, and spent the rest of the stage taking it back. After Shane Van Gisbergen took the lead from Denny Hamlin, Gibbs passed Hamlin and then barely beat out Van Gisbergen to win the first stage on the final lap. During pit stops during the stage break, Gibbs acquired a speeding penalty and was sent to the back of the field at the beginning of the second stage. The No. 54 Toyota driver spent the rest of the race recovering from the penalty, recovering to 12th by the end of the second stage. Gibbs continued to pass cars through the final stage and eventually made it up to his eventual finishing position of fourth after passing Van Gisbergen and Bubba Wallace late in the race. With his ninth top-5 finish of the season, Gibbs remains fourth in regular-season points after 21 races.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Shane Van Gisbergen Matches his Best Oval Result at North Wilkesboro
Shane Van Gisbergen, known as a road course specialist, had one of his best performances on an oval track in the Cup Series in the Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Van Gisbergen began the race from the eighth position after qualifying was canceled and ran well throughout the entire race. In the first stage, he ran inside the top five and even took the lead from Denny Hamlin midway through the stage on a restart. He went on to lead through the rest of the stage until its last lap, where Ty Gibbs barely beat him out for the stage win. SVG acquired the lead again in the second stage after pit stops and led until lap 113, when Joey Logano passed him for the lead. From there, SVG was one of only a few drivers to remain on the lead lap through the rest of the race and run around the top five. SVG finished fifth at the end of the second stage and remained in that position throughout the final stage to eventually match his best oval finish. After 21 races, Van Gisbergen ranks 14th in the regular-season standings and is 54 points ahead of the cutoff for The Chase.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Kamaru Usman Gets Dominated At UFC Oklahoma
Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman suffered a unanimous decision loss to former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC Oklahoma on Saturday. Usman couldn't really get going as he was outstruck and got rocked time and time again. To his credit, Usman showed just how tough and durable he is, absorbing the shots and refusing to give in. In 25 minutes of action, Usman landed 92 significant strikes. With the loss, Usman dropped to 21-5 as a pro and is now 16-4 in the UFC.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Jack Wenninger a Potential Stash Option in the Second Half
New York Mets pitching prospect Jack Wenninger could make his major league debut in the second half, especially if the Mets deal one of their rotation pieces before the trade deadline. The Mets' fourth-ranked prospect has shown flashes of dominance at times this season at Triple-A Syracuse, most notably in the early going when he posted a 1.08 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and struck out 38 batters in the first 33 1/3 innings pitched this year. Overall, the right-hander owns a 3.50 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and a 9.6 percent K-BB%, so some shine has come off his stash status for fantasy, and a 5.28 FIP suggests the results could have been even worse. However, if the 6-foot-4 hurler can return to his early-season form, he could certainly be useful for fantasy. The 24-year-old hasn't pitched since before the All-Star break, so his arm should be fresh for the second half. If he starts dealing coming out of the break, he could become a worthy stash option in very deep and NL-only leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kyle Monangai's Dynasty Stock Surging Ahead of 2026
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai recorded 947 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 187 touches across 17 games as a rookie. Monangai entered the season firmly behind veteran Bears back D'Andre Swift on the depth chart, but Monangai worked his way into a more even playing time split by the end of the season. From Week 12 through the end of the regular season, neither Bears running back played more than 59% or fewer than 41% of the team's offensive snaps. In 2026, both backs will likely play significant roles in what should be a very strong Bears running game. However, Swift will be a free agent at season's end and may not be in Chicago's long-term plans. Given his production as a rookie and his pathway to RB1 duties in Chicago, Monangai profiles as a clear dynasty buy ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tanner Scott's Waiver Appeal Could be Coming to an End Soon
Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed reliever Tanner Scott has bounced back nicely in 2026 in his second year with the club after a disastrous first season in which he had a 4.74 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 60 strikeouts and 18 walks in 57 regular-season innings on his way to 23 saves for the Dodgers. Scott has gone 1-3 this year, but he's been much better with a 2.50 ERA (2.29 FIP), 0.76 WHIP, 14 saves, 51 strikeouts, and only five walks in 39 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen. Although he's still only rostered in 54% of Yahoo leagues, he's been a nice pickup for those who scooped him up after Edwin Diaz (elbow) landed on the injured list early on. Since June 11, Scott has allowed just three earned runs with two walks, 19 strikeouts, eight saves, one blown save, and a hold for L.A. He should continue to be a valuable late-inning option for the Dodgers the rest of the way, but with Diaz nearing a return from elbow surgery, save opportunities for Scott figure to dry up sooner rather than later. There's still value to be had from Scott's career-best 34.7% strikeout rate, and more holds should be coming his way.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Christian Leroy Duncan Shines At UFC Oklahoma
Christian Leroy Duncan extended his win streak by defeating former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier in the co-main event of UFC Oklahoma on Saturday. Duncan was on point the whole fight, especially his striking, as he hurt Cannonier on a few occasions and even managed to knock him down. In 15 minutes of action, Duncan landed a takedown and 68 significant strikes, compared to Cannonier, who only landed 15. With the win, Duncan improved to 15-2 as a pro and is now 8-2 in the UFC.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Skyler Bell a Late-Round Redraft Sleeper to Target Entering 2026
Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Skyler Bell was one of the most productive pass-catchers in college football in 2025, recording 101 catches for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns across 13 games at the University of Connecticut. After being drafted in the fourth round this past April by Buffalo, Bell has a chance to emerge as an immediate contributor in the NFL. The Bills added veteran wideout DJ Moore over the offseason to a wide receiver corps that also features Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, and Keon Coleman. However, Buffalo has been searching for high-impact wide receiver talent for the last several seasons. If Bell proves that he can be a difference-maker with a strong showing this summer, the Bills' incumbent wide receiver options will not hold him back from seeing the field. As the WR106 by current redraft ADP, Bell is a late-round sleeper for fantasy managers to target entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Cannonier Drops Decision At UFC Oklahoma
Former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier suffered a unanimous decision loss to Christian Leroy Duncan in the co-main event of UFC Oklahoma on Saturday. Although Cannonier had his moments, he got outstruck for three rounds as Duncan put on a show. Cannonier got rocked a few times and even got dropped, but he managed to survive. In 15 minutes of action, Cannonier landed five takedowns and only 15 significant strikes. It will be interesting to see where Cannonier goes from here as he's now 1-4 in his last five fights.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Josh Bell an Under-the-Radar Power Threat in Deeper Leagues
Minnesota Twins veteran first baseman Josh Bell has cooled off a bit since homering four times in a five-game stretch at the end of June and beginning of July, but he can still be a useful power bat for fantasy managers in deeper leagues. Overall, the 33-year-old left-handed slugger has hit .249/.307/.424 with a .731 OPS, 13 home runs, 60 RBI, 48 runs scored, and a stolen base in 97 games across 387 plate appearances in 2026 in his 11th year in the league and first with Minnesota. He hasn't homered since a two-homer game on the Fourth of July against the New York Yankees, but Bell is still batting .280 (14-for-50) with an .897 OPS, three home runs, four doubles, six RBI, and six runs scored in 13 games and 56 plate appearances so far in July. Bell doesn't strike out a ton (21.7%) and only 18.9% in his career, but he's also walking at a career-low 7.5% clip, which hasn't made him much of a fantasy asset for much else besides some moderate power and run production. The left-handed slugger is currently rostered in just 23% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jacob Melton a Top Stash Option for Stolen Base Potential
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Jacob Melton has been good since coming off the injured list in mid-June, hitting .341 with four doubles, three home runs, and three steals in 12 games since being reactivated. That includes his latest four-game stretch in which the former second-round draft pick went just 2-for-13, but still managed to get on base four other times via walk compared to just three strikeouts over that same period. For the season, the 6-foot-2 slugger is slashing .275/.383/.514 with four home runs and 20 steals in 32 games at Durham. The left-handed hitter debuted with Houston last season, and although he hit just .157, he was still able to swipe seven bags thanks to his 90th percentile sprint speed. A 32.1 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A this season doesn't bode well for hitting for high average in the big leagues, but his speed should be an asset, especially in fantasy. For managers scouring the wire for steals, Melton is a worthy stash ahead of an eventual recall to the Rays.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Darnell Washington Unlikely to Be a Major Fantasy Factor After a Career Year
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington enjoyed the first top 40 fantasy finish of his young career in 2025, but with changes coming to the Steelers offense ahead of his fourth season, his TE38 result could prove to be a high-water mark. After operating with an extra tight end on the field at one of the league's highest rates in 2025, the Steelers have moved on from offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, with new head coach Mike McCarthy set to call plays and expected to heavily utilize three-receiver sets as he has throughout his career. Pittsburgh traded for two-time 1,000-yard receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and spent a second-round pick on Alabama's Germie Bernard, further suggesting a move away from the 2025 offense that ran primarily through its tight ends and running backs. Veteran Jonnu Smith, who led all Steelers tight ends with 57 targets in 2025, remains unsigned, but with Pittsburgh's offseason moves hinting at a de-emphasis on the position, those vacated looks are more likely to be spread among the new wide receivers. With sixth-year veteran Pat Freiermuth the more likely option to be regularly mixed into the passing offense, Washington is not a player drafters will need to target in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chase Hooper Gets Back In The Win Column
Chase Hooper returned to the win column by beating Mitch Ramirez via first-round submission on the main card of UFC Oklahoma on Saturday. Hooper almost immediately shot for a takedown, but Ramirez managed briefly to get up. Hooper then dragged Ramirez down again and started working for the rear-naked choke. Ramirez got caught in a rear-naked choke, couldn't find a way out and was forced to tap out. In 2:15 of action, Hooper landed three significant strikes. This was a much-needed win for Hooper, who was on a two-fight skid.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Tyler Stephenson Heating Up in July, Hits Two Homers Against Rockies
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson took advantage of the thin air in Denver in Sunday's series finale in the team's 9-6 win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field to go 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, a double, and three RBI to boost his season average to .247 and his OPS to .721. Stephenson is now hitting .247/.325/.396 on the season with a .720 OPS, eight home runs, 27 RBI, and 20 runs scored in 75 games played and 265 plate appearances in his seventh year in the majors with the Reds. He has missed more time with injury in 2026 but has been heating up in July, going 13-for-35 (.371) with two home runs, two doubles, three RBI, and three runs scored in just 10 games and 36 plate appearances. Since the start of June, Stephenson has hit .319 (30-for-94) with an .866 OPS, four homers, five doubles, 10 RBI, and nine runs scored in 29 games across 101 plate appearances. When healthy, the 29-year-old starting catcher can provide above-average power at the weak catching position at a hitter-friendly home ballpark.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
