Jul 21, 2026, 1:46 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition is set to go "right up to the start" of the 2026 regular season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Vikings acquired veteran Kyler Murray over the offseason to compete with incumbent signal-caller J.J. McCarthy, who battled both injuries and underperformance in 2025. Murray was limited to just five games in 2025 by a foot injury and has struggled with inconsistency himself in recent seasons. However, he's demonstrated a much higher ceiling than McCarthy to this point in their respective careers and was a productive dual-threat quarterback as recently as 2024, when he threw for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 572 yards and five scores. Fantasy managers with an interest in Vikings wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and/or Jauan Jennings may be better served if Murray wins the job, as the veteran quarterback likely offers the higher floor. Still, McCarthy is only entering his age-23 season and could be a higher-upside option.--Will Brady
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Jul 21, 2026, 1:39 PM ET

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal writes that Colorado Rockies star catcher Hunter Goodman is less likely to be moved at this year's trade deadline for a variety of reasons. Goodman, who has three more years of club control left, is likely viewed as more of a building block in Denver than a trade piece. He ranks third in the majors with 30 home runs, including 18 on the road. A long-term contract extension with the 26-year-old backstop is possible, but if it doesn't happen, Colorado must decide if they contend with Goodman by 2029, his final year of club control. The Rockies are in no rush to make a decision, as Goodman, who ranks 12th in the majors with an .887 OPS, will remain attractive as a trade piece in the offseason. Rosenthal adds that the Rockies likely would need to be overwhelmed by an offer for Goodman to trade him this summer when they are still unclear about what their future path looks like. If they were to deal him, Colorado would most likely want multiple high-end prospects who could help them reach the 90-win mark faster than Goodman alone. The New York Yankees might be the team most willing to meet the Rockies' high demands for Goodman this summer.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal

Jul 21, 2026, 1:37 PM ET

A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has missed 14 games across his first two professional seasons due to both knee and ankle injuries and recovery from a gunshot wound. The 25-year-old was productive when on the field in 2025, recording 36 catches for 528 yards and zero touchdowns on 53 targets across nine games. Despite his health issues to this point in his career, Pearsall remains well-positioned as a key piece in the San Francisco offense going forward. Entering 2026, the 49ers' top three pass-catchers are wide receiver Mike Evans, tight end George Kittle (Achilles), and running back Christian McCaffrey. All three players are now in their 30s and are likely nearing the tail end of their respective careers. If Pearsall can put together a fully healthy and productive season in 2026, he could profile as the team's number one option in the passing game as soon as 2027. Dynasty managers should be exploring buy-low opportunities on Pearsall ahead of a potential breakout campaign.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 21, 2026, 1:29 PM ET

ESPN's Jeff Passan writes that the Los Angeles Angels are "at the very least listening" to trade offers for shortstop Zach Neto as this summer's trade deadline quickly approaches. The "biggest curiosity" in the industry right now is whether owner Arte Moreno will allow interim general manager John Mozeliak to execute the full rebuild that the team needs. The 25-year-old Neto has been quietly productive this year with a .235/.325/.444 slash line, .769 OPS, 19 home runs, 46 RBI, 69 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases across his 387 at-bats, and he would certainly bring an enormous return to the Halos if they were to deal him. Neto has been the ninth-best shortstop in the league over the last three seasons (15% above average at the plate) while ranking fifth in homers (68) and stealing 69 bases. Interested teams might be worried about his spot on the power/contact spectrum and his limited range at the 6, but he'd still be a haul for teams like the Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, or New York Yankees.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan

Jul 21, 2026, 1:28 PM ET

The first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward completed 59.8% of his pass attempts for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 17 games as a rookie. The 24-year-old largely struggled in his first taste of NFL action, leading the league in sacks taken (55) and averaging just 5.9 yards per pass attempt. However, Ward should have a significantly better support system around him in 2026. Tennessee overhauled its coaching staff over the offseason, including bringing in former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll as its new offensive coordinator. The Titans also made a pair of high-profile additions to their wide receiver room, selecting Carnell Tate with the fourth pick in the 2026 Draft and signing Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency. While Ward may not have top-12 fantasy QB upside in his second professional season, he could be undervalued at his current redraft ADP of QB25.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 21, 2026, 1:24 PM ET

Tennessee tight end Ethan Davis is entering his fourth year with the program, but the 2026 season will mark his first as the clear TE1 in Josh Heupel's offense. In 24 career games, the Georgia native has tallied 36 receptions for 390 yards and four touchdowns, but his play at the end of last year's campaign suggests he could be headed for a breakout season in Year 4. In the Volunteers' final three SEC games against Oklahoma, Florida, and Vanderbilt, Davis caught 17 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown. With last year's leading receiver Chris Brazzell II now in the NFL and Tennessee breaking in a freshman quarterback, Davis should be involved early and often in what has been one of the most successful passing attacks in college football over the last half-decade.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jul 21, 2026, 1:20 PM ET

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen put together another highly productive season in 2025, throwing for 3,668 yards and 25 touchdowns while also rushing for 579 yards and 14 scores. With the Bills shifting to a more run-heavy scheme in recent years, Allen has now recorded consecutive seasons with fewer than 4,000 passing yards and has not reached 30 touchdown passes in a single campaign since 2022. However, the 30-year-old's legs remain extremely valuable for fantasy managers, as he's logged three straight seasons with at least 500 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. In that time frame, Allen has finished no lower than the overall QB2 in per-game fantasy scoring. Entering 2026, Allen may be working with his most potent wide receiver corps in a while following Buffalo's offseason acquisition of veteran wideout DJ Moore. As long as he stays healthy, Allen may have the highest floor of any quarterback option in fantasy football.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 21, 2026, 1:18 PM ET

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier led the program to an incredible season as a true freshman, as the Cougars posted a 12-2 record, with their only two losses coming against Texas Tech. Bachmeier was exceptional on the ground, totalling 527 yards and 11 scores alongside star running back LJ Martin. However, Bachmeier threw just 15 touchdowns, and the BYU offense lacked the quick-strike ability it needed. The Cougars are without their two leading receivers from last season (Parker Kingston, Chase Roberts), but Bachmeier and company will have to find a way to be more dynamic in the passing game to take home a conference crown. Bachmeier's development is one of the top stories to watch in the Big 12 this season.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jul 21, 2026, 1:12 PM ET

Boston Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez (groin) will not return to start against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Instead, rookie left-hander Eduardo Rivera will get the nod for just his fourth big-league appearance and third start. Suarez was expected to come off the 15-day injured list to start on Tuesday, but with rain potentially in the forecast, the BoSox could be holding off as a precaution. If Suarez didn't suffer a setback with a groin strain that has kept him out for the last two weeks, he could make his return on Wednesday. The 30-year-old Venezuelan hurler is having a fine first season in Beantown, going 4-3 with a 3.15 ERA (2.61 FIP) and 1.16 WHIP with 97 strikeouts and 26 walks in 91 1/3 innings across his 17 starts, which was good enough to earn him his second All-Star nod in the last three seasons. Before landing on the IL, Suarez allowed three runs or fewer in each of his last six starts. UPDATE: The Red Sox want to give Suarez at least one more day after he pushed himself pretty hard over the last few days, per MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey

Jul 21, 2026, 1:10 PM ET

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet's (knee) status for the start of the 2026 regular season is currently up in the air as he works his way back from the torn ACL that he suffered in mid-January. Charbonnet was productive while splitting reps with former Seahawks back Kenneth Walker III in 2025, recording 874 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns on 204 touches across 16 games. While Walker III departed Seattle in free agency, the team used its first-round pick in the 2026 Draft on running back Jadarian Price and also signed veteran back Emanuel Wilson. Still, Charbonnet profiles as the team's clear short-yardage and goal-line back once healthy, and he could easily assume more of a three-down role if Price gets off to a slow start to his rookie season. The injury obviously adds some risk to Charbonnet's profile, but he could end up being a bargain as the 41st running back off the board by current redraft ADP.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 21, 2026, 1:02 PM ET

Former Ohio State quarterback Lincoln Kienholz is in line to start for the first time in his career at Louisville after three seasons as a backup in Columbus. The former four-star recruit out of South Dakota sat behind Kyle McCord, Will Howard, and Julian Sayin since entering college football in 2023 and is now poised to start in Jeff Brohm's offense in 2026. In limited action, Kienholz has tallied 21 completions on 36 attempts for 250 yards and one passing touchdown. While there is a small sample size that shows what he can do, Brohm is confident he's ready for the step up. "I think he brings us some dimensions and skills that we have not had before," Brohm said. "I think he is a great athlete. He can run, he can extend plays, he can throw on the run, and he enjoys doing that. He's got all the skills, he's got all the traits you are looking for, he's a great teammate, and I think he is ready for this challenge." After two straight nine-win seasons at his alma mater, Brohm's Cardinals are looking to take the next step in the wide-open ACC. Kienholz developing into the quarterback many thought he could be coming out of high school would go a long way in making that happen. --Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jul 21, 2026, 1:02 PM ET

ESPN's Jeff Passan writes that the San Diego Padres are considering trading right-handed closer Mason Miller, less than a year after giving up one of the top prospects in baseball in shortstop Leo De Vries, to acquire him. The Padres would love to attach shortstop Xander Bogaerts' contract to any trade, which would severely limit the return for Miller, but Passan doesn't think any team will want to take Bogaerts. There will be plenty of teams in on Miller if SD is serious about moving him since the flamethrowing righty is a game-changer in the ninth inning. Passan lists the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Tampa Bay Rays as the best fits if Miller is actually dealt. If the Padres don't turn things around soon -- they sit 13.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West and 2.5 games out of the final NL wild-card spot with four teams in front of them -- Miller could be an ex-Padre by Aug. 3. Miller has been one of the most dominant relievers of all time in 2026, sporting a 101.3 mph fastball with a nasty slider that have helped him generate an absurd 48.4% strikeout rate in his 40 2/3 innings this year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan

Jul 21, 2026, 12:49 PM ET

Houston Texans Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins was limited in organized team activities this spring, but he explained that he wasn't dealing with any injuries, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. "Not at all, not at all. They did that. I listened to the coaches, listened to the GMs, saying yes sir. And they told me to be ready for camp, yes sir," Collins said. The 27-year-old former third-rounder in 2021 out of the University of Michigan has been a Pro Bowler in each of the last two years and has three straight 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, but he has yet to play a full season in his five years in the NFL due to injuries. He missed time last year with head injuries, and he missed five games in 2024 with a hamstring issue. When healthy, he's Houston's clear WR1 for QB C.J. Stroud, and he had 71 catches on 120 targets for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns in 15 regular-season games in 2025. Collins should continue to see a large target volume, but there remain questions about the Texans' offense as a whole, and both second-year wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel should have bigger roles in 2026. Collins should still be considered a WR1 in fantasy, he's on the lower end in RotoBaller's rankings in Tier 3.--Keith Hernandez
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson

Jul 21, 2026, 12:47 PM ET

Duke quarterback Walker Eget (knee) is expected to be a full participant when the Blue Devils take the practice field this fall, according to head coach Manny Diaz. The San Jose State transfer played through an ACL tear in 2024 and suffered an MCL injury last season that required surgery, causing him to miss spring practice. After the unexpected departure of star signal-caller Darian Mensah, Eget is expected to handle the QB1 role for the defending ACC Champions. In 23 games over the last two seasons, Eget has thrown for 5,555 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions, adding 195 yards on the ground. With the veteran being new to the program, a full workload this preseason is a strong development.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Brian Murphy

Jul 21, 2026, 12:40 PM ET

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) is expected to be good to go for the start of training camp next week, according to Sean Keeler of The Denver Post. Head coach Sean Payton has been saying the same thing after Nix was limited during mandatory minicamp following offseason ankle surgery and a follow-up procedure earlier this year. The 26-year-old is expected to be a full-go for the start of camp, which means he shouldn't be limited at all for the start of the 2026 regular season on Monday night in Week 1 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. The former 12th overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Oregon has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in his first two seasons, even though he hasn't had much success deep down the field in Payton's offense. Nix threw for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on a league-high 612 pass attempts in 17 regular-season starts in 2025, completing 63.4% of his passes. The hope is that the addition of receiver Jaylen Waddle will help the Broncos stretch the field and become more explosive through the air, but ultimately, Nix's ability to run the ball after ankle surgery could determine whether he'll finish as a top-10 QB for a third straight season. Fantasy managers should consider the third-year signal-caller as a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 with a little more risk coming off a serious ankle injury in last year's postseason.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Denver Post - Sean Keeler

Jul 21, 2026, 12:32 PM ET

Georgia running back Dante Dowdell (undisclosed) will miss an extended period of time after being involved in an ATV incident this spring, according to head coach Kirby Smart. Not many details are known about Dowdell's injury or return to action, but Smart said it was serious enough to put him in the hospital. "I don't know when he'll be back, Smart said. "We expect a full recovery, but the outlook right now is we're waiting to see. We'll go day to day with him and see. So I hate that for him and his family, but he's a great kid. It's been tough." Dowdell transferred to Georgia this offseason after spending one year apiece at Oregon, Nebraska, and Kentucky. Overall, he has tallied 272 carries for 1,264 yards and 16 touchdowns in 30 career games. Running backs Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens remain atop the Georgia depth chart in his absence.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: DawgsHQ - On3

Jul 21, 2026, 12:25 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins and All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks agreed to a three-year, $51.3 million contract extension on Tuesday that includes $35 million guaranteed, sources told Jordan Schultz. Brooks earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors last year by leading the NFL in tackles with 183 (99 solo), and he added 13 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 17 starts in his sixth year in the league (second with Miami). The new Dolphins regime identified Brooks as a key piece of the team's future, and they backed it up just before the start of training camp by signing the 28-year-old former first-rounder in 2020 out of Texas Tech with a new contract. Brooks finished as the No. 2 linebacker in IDP fantasy formats in 2025 and will be one of the top options at the position in those same formats as he heads into his seventh year in the NFL. He has a total of 839 tackles (494 solo), 13 sacks, an interception, 25 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries in 97 games (89 starts) in his career.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Jordan Schultz

Jul 21, 2026, 12:18 PM ET

The Arizona Diamondbacks are calling up left-handed pitching prospect Kohl Drake from Triple-A Reno to make the start against the visiting Athletics in what will be his major-league debut, manager Torey Lovullo told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Drake was called up as an emergency option in June, but he did not get into a game. The 26-year-old southpaw, who is considered the team's No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has been up and down for the Aces in 2026, posting an elevated 6.92 ERA and a 4.47 career ERA in the minors. Drake has had an elevated 10% walk rate in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, but he's allowed two earned runs in 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts for Reno, including five shutout innings on July 3. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound lefty features a five-pitch mix of a four-seam fastball, cutter, changeup, curveball, and slider. Drake could have a shot to stick as the No. 5 starter for the D-backs if he shows well on Tuesday, given all the injuries currently plaguing the team's rotation, but for now, fantasy managers in single-year leagues can keep him as a watch candidate.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner

Jul 21, 2026, 12:11 PM ET

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (elbow) is expected to return to the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the visiting Athletics and right-hander Jack Perkins after missing Monday's series opener with a hyperextended right elbow that he suffered on a missed swing in Sunday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has apparently avoided a serious injury and should avoid a stint on the injured list after getting hurt over the weekend. The former 16th overall pick in 2019 is a must-start in all fantasy formats when he's active, and he is currently hitting .250/.344/.480 with an .824 OPS, 14 homers, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across his 356 at-bats in 2026. If Carroll returns on Tuesday, he'll be looking to turn things around in July, as he's gone just 6-for-51 (.118) with a .485 OPS, one homer, three doubles, four RBI, seven runs, one stolen base, nine walks, and 18 strikeouts in 14 games during the month.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro

Jul 21, 2026, 12:05 PM ET

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone told Talkin' Yanks that left-hander Max Fried (elbow) will throw 60 pitches in a minor-league rehab start on Wednesday and is expected to come off the 60-day injured list to rejoin the starting rotation next week against the Chicago White Sox. The 32-year-old southpaw has been on the shelf since mid-May due to a bone bruise in his left elbow, but his return is right around the corner, and he should be rostered in all fantasy baseball leagues as a potential difference-maker for the remainder of the second half of the season. A return against the White Sox next week isn't the ideal first matchup back off the IL, but Fried has been a must-start since joining the Yankees last year. In 10 starts (61 2/3 innings) before his elbow injury, he went 4-3 with a 3.21 ERA (2.71 FIP) and 1.00 WHIP with 50 strikeouts and 19 walks for the Yanks. The White Sox rank 12th in baseball with a .732 OPS, but they're also in the top 10 in strikeouts. Fried should be put back in starting fantasy lineups when he's activated next week, barring a setback in his rehab outing on Wednesday.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Talkin' Yanks

Jul 21, 2026, 12:00 PM ET

Across 267 plate appearances in 2026, Seattle Mariners outfielder Dominic Canzone is hitting .261/.333/.513 with 15 home runs, 40 RBI, 34 runs scored, and one stolen base. The lefty-swinger opened the year in a big-side platoon role, but he's logged a .910 OPS so far this season against southpaws and has begun to move into more of a true everyday role. Canzone's underlying batted-ball metrics are elite, as he's logged a 14.6% barrel rate and a 48.6% hard-hit rate. The 28-year-old also owns a solid plate approach, limiting his strikeout rate to a manageable 20.6% while drawing walks in 9.0% of his plate appearances. In leagues where he remains available, Canzone profiles as a must-add power bat to target on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 21, 2026, 11:57 AM ET

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Petey Halpin had a night to remember in Monday's 13-4 victory over the division-rival Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field, going 3-for-5 at the plate out of the nine-hole with his first two major-league home runs, a double, three RBI, and three runs scored to raise his average to .222 and his OPS to .618 on the year. The 24-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder is now slashing just .222/.243/.375 with two homers, four RBI, 12 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 34 games and 76 plate appearances for the Guards in 2026 after debuting for six games in the majors a year ago. In his 40 total games in Cleveland, dating back to 2025, Halpin has gone 18-for-78 (.231) with two homers, four RBI, four steals, and 17 runs scored in 84 plate appearances. The former third-round pick in 2020 will most likely head back to Triple-A Columbus for more minor-league seasoning once outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) returns from the injured list soon. Halpin isn't rostered in any Yahoo leagues and isn't recommended as a waiver-wire pickup after his first two MLB homers on Monday.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 21, 2026, 11:52 AM ET

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Rhys Hoskins and the Guardians feasted on the Minnesota Twins' pitching in Monday night's 13-4 rout over the division rivals at Progressive Field. Hoskins went 2-for-5 as the designated hitter with two solo home runs and a strikeout. The 33-year-old right-handed slugger has gone 5-for-22 with four solo home runs in his last six games, but he has still gone 5-for-30 (.167) with an .852 OPS, four RBI, five runs scored, a stolen base, five walks, and 13 strikeouts in 11 games and 35 plate appearances so far in July. Overall, Hoskins has continued to struggle at the plate in his first year in Cleveland, slashing .182/.314/.387 with a .701 OPS, 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 30 runs scored, and a stolen base in 79 games and 274 plate appearances. He continues to take his walks, sporting a 15.3% walk rate, but it has been mitigated by a career-high 31.8% strikeout rate in his ninth year in the big leagues. Hoskins just hasn't been the same since tearing his ACL with the Philadelphia Phillies back in 2023, and fantasy managers shouldn't latch on due to his recent power surge.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jul 21, 2026, 11:46 AM ET

Across 366 plate appearances in 2026, Minnesota Twins second baseman/outfielder Luke Keaschall is hitting .263/.352/.352 with four home runs, 28 RBI, 49 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. With his 3.0% barrel rate and 27.9% hard-hit rate, Keaschall is highly unlikely to provide value in the power categories for fantasy managers. However, the 23-year-old limits swing-and-miss (15.0% strikeout rate) and gets on base (9.8% walk rate). His ability to make contact gives him a safe batting average floor, and he's a threat to reach 20 stolen bases while consistently scoring runs. Keaschall has also shown an ability to play the outfield, which helps keep his bat in the Twins lineup and provides him with multi-positional eligibility for fantasy managers. Keaschall may not offer a ton of upside, but he profiles as a useful depth piece for deeper-league managers to target on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 21, 2026, 11:36 AM ET

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has struggled overall in 2026, recording a 7-8 record with a 5.20 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts across 98 2/3 innings (17 starts). The 37-year-old's strikeout rate has plummeted to 14.4%, by far the worst mark of his eight-season MLB career. However, Kelly has shown signs of a turnaround in recent outings. Across his last three starts, the right-hander has allowed just four earned runs while logging 15 strikeouts and two wins across 17 innings pitched. Home runs have been a major issue so far this season for Kelly, as he's allowed 1.92 HR/9. If that mark can regress closer to his career rate of 1.23 HR/9 in the second half of the season, Kelly could be a viable streamer option in the right matchups. His profile carries risk, but Kelly could be re-emerging as a waiver wire target for deeper-league fantasy managers.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 21, 2026, 11:27 AM ET

Across 246 plate appearances in 2026, Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter (heel) is hitting .206/.279/.427 with 13 home runs, 36 RBI, and 26 runs scored. It's been a disappointing season overall for Carpenter, who has seen his strikeout rate spike to a career-worst 29.7% and his batting average fall well below his career mark of .258. The 28-year-old was also removed from the Tigers' loss to the Chicago Cubs on Monday due to heel discomfort, which he had reportedly been trying to play through for the last several games. Still, if Carpenter can avoid a trip to the injured list, he remains an intriguing power bat for fantasy managers to monitor. The lefty swinger has never logged a barrel rate below 10.0% in any of his five big-league seasons, and he hit 26 home runs in just 464 plate appearances in 2025. Pending further updates on his current heel issue, Carpenter could be worth a low-cost waiver-wire addition for his power upside.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 21, 2026, 11:20 AM ET

Minnesota Twins shortstop prospect Kaelen Culpepper (glute) is currently on the seven-day injured list at Triple-A St. Paul with a glute strain but has put together a nice season so far. The injury is unfortunate because Culpepper had racked up 14 homers, 43 RBI, 54 runs scored, and 15 stolen bases all while hitting .272. He had amassed all those stats in just 250 at-bats this year. The right-handed hitting infielder is the Twins' No. 2 overall prospect. Culpepper, in his age-23 season, is producing at a high rate, but will likely need time to overcome his injury concerns. Because of that, 2027 looks like the more likely timeline for his big league debut. A high-upside target in dynasty leagues, fantasy managers this season should wait to see if he can return to full health in the second half of the season.--Brian Buckey - RotoBaller
Source: Minor League Baseball

Jul 21, 2026, 11:18 AM ET

Across 213 plate appearances since being promoted to the big leagues in mid-May, Athletics outfielder Henry Bolte is hitting .258/.336/.344 with three home runs, 17 RBI, 18 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. The 22-year-old's power upside is limited by his tendency to hit the ball on the ground, as his average launch angle is 1.5 degrees and he's posted a 64.6% ground ball rate. However, Bolte's ability to make solid contact (45.5% hard-hit rate) and his speed have allowed him to log a .354 batting average on balls in play, which has helped him overcome his elevated 27.2% strikeout rate. If Bolte can continue to get on base at a steady clip, he should be a major speed asset for fantasy managers. Across 114 minor league games in 2025, Bolte swiped 44 bags. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Bolte profiles as an emerging speed source with upside for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jul 21, 2026, 11:09 AM ET

The Baltimore Orioles are "certainly listening" to offers for catcher Adley Rutschman (wrist), according to Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN. Rutschman was placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday due to left wrist inflammation, which could impact his trade market. However, the 28-year-old should return this season and is also under team control through 2027, so an acquiring team would likely view him as more than just a rental. Across 284 plate appearances this season, Rutschman is hitting .251/.331/.433 with eight home runs, 47 RBI, and 30 runs scored. He's logged the highest hard-hit rate (42.0%) of his career and also owns a stellar plate approach, posting a 10.6% walk rate and a 14,1% strikeout rate. Health is an issue for the switch-hitting catcher, as this most recent trip to the IL will be his third separate stint in 2026. Still, he profiles as a starting fantasy catcher when he's on the field.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN - Kiley McDaniel, Jeff Passan

Jul 21, 2026, 11:02 AM ET

A series of injuries has limited Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd to only six career carries since being selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but the team is hopeful that he can make an impact yet. Lloyd missed the entirety of the 2025 season with a recurring hamstring injury, and recent testing has revealed the ailment could be tied to an ACL tear suffered in college. With a plan in place to help him navigate the offseason program, the 25-year-old will enter training camp healthy and with the potential to emerge as Josh Jacobs' primary backup. With Jacobs' availability still somewhat in question following a domestic violence situation that has yet to result in charges, that role could be a crucial one for both the Packers and fantasy managers alike. Currently RotoBaller's RB63, Lloyd's spot in the rankings would surge if he's suddenly thrust into a larger role, but even as a change-of-pace back, he has the ability to work his way into weekly flex conversations should the Packers opt to lighten the load on their 28-year-old starter.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Wes Hodkiewicz