RADIO
Dexter Lawrence Ready to Bounce Back in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence's attitude, leadership, and intensity were noted by almost all of his new teammates during the offseason program, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Lawrence feels rejuvenated and has a chip on his shoulder after all the talk that followed his name during the trade-request process in the offseason. The 28-year-old former 17th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft by the New York Giants out of the University of Clemson was a Pro Bowler in three straight seasons from 2022 through 2024, culminating with a career-high nine sacks in 12 regular-season starts in 2024 with the G-Men. Lawrence only had half a sack and 31 tackles (14 solo) in 17 starts last year in his seventh year in the NFL before requesting a trade. After Cincy acquired him, they signed him to a one-year, $28 million contract extension. The Bengals are desperately hoping that Lawrence can bounce back to his Pro Bowl level to help improve their interior pass rush, which has been sorely lacking for a while.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Dillon Thieneman Could Become Key Talent in Bears Secondary Right Away
Chicago Bears rookie first-round safety Dillon Thieneman has shown speed, instincts, versatility, aggressiveness, and passion during offseason workouts and is a long-term building block for the Bears' defense, according to Dan Wiederer of The Athletic. Thieneman could pair nicely with newcomer Coby Bryant to help improve Chicago's secondary in 2026 and beyond. The Bears didn't think that the 21-year-old would be available with the 25th overall pick in the first round back in April, but when he was, general manager Ryan Poles pounced. Thieneman spent his third and final collegiate season in 2025 at the University of Oregon and had 96 combined tackles, a sack, two interceptions, and 3.5 tackles for loss in 15 games played for the Ducks. He is an elite athlete who could quickly become a fantasy-relevant IDP safety as a ball hawk for the Bears' secondary.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer
Source: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer
Tyler Tolbert Collects Five Hits in Rout of Phillies on Monday
Kansas City Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert had a day to remember while starting at shortstop for the Royals in Monday's 15-1 rout of the visiting Philadelphia Phillies at Kauffman Stadium, going a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate with a solo home run, an RBI double, and three runs scored to boost his season batting average to .333 and his OPS to .812. It was the first time that the 28-year-old recorded five hits in a game in his career, and it was also his first home run of the 2026 season. The former 13th-rounder in 2019 out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham is in just his second year in the big leagues with KC this year. Tolbert came into the first game of the week on Monday with a .264/.316/.322 slash line, .638 OPS, only one homer, seven RBI, 30 steals, and 29 runs scored in 92 total games for the Royals since debuting in the Show last year. In a small sample size this year, Tolbert has been strong, hitting .333/.383/.429 with three RBI, nine steals, and 13 runs scored in 48 plate appearances. He's worth a bench spot in AL-only leagues for his speed.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Griffin Jax Picks Up Loss Against Yankees But Fans 10 Batters
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax strengthened his case as a waiver-wire pickup in his latest outing at home against the division-rival New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. Jax took his sixth loss of the year in a 5-1 defeat and allowed three earned runs, but he gave up just one hit (a three-run homer to utility man Jose Caballero), walked two, and struck out a career-high 10 batters on the night. The 31-year-old retired the first 13 batters he faced, but he ran into trouble in the fifth frame with two walks before giving up a three-run jack to Caballero that opened the game up for the Yanks. Jax threw 51 of his 81 pitches for strikes and generated 16 swings and misses from Yankees hitters. He's now at a 3.60 ERA on the year with a 1.22 WHIP in 65 innings in what has been a successful transition from the bullpen to the starting rotation in Tampa. He's rostered in 61% of Yahoo leagues and is slated to make his final start of the first half this weekend at home against the Seattle Mariners. Since becoming a full-time starter on April 26, Jax has gone 3-3 with a 2.65 ERA (4.09 FIP) with 48 strikeouts and 13 walks in 51 innings pitched.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jose Caballero Reaches Double-Digit Homers After Hitting Two Long Balls
New York Yankees infielder/outfielder Jose Caballero carried the Yankees' offense on Monday night in a 5-1 win on the road against his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays. Caballero went 2-for-3 at the plate with two home runs and four RBI to boost his season average to .249 and his OPS to .711. The speedy 29-year-old native of Panama hit a three-run bomb in the fifth inning off Rays starter Griffin Jax and then clubbed a solo homer in the eighth inning to account for all but one of New York's runs on the night at Tropicana Field. It was his first multi-homer game since August of last year against Tampa. It was nice to see from Caballero, who came into Monday's tilt with a .152/.220/.217 slash line, a homer, four RBI, five stolen bases, five runs scored, four walks, and 16 strikeouts in his last 14 games since June 20. Caballero is mostly attractive in fantasy leagues for his speed and multi-position eligibility in Yahoo leagues at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. He's now up to 10 home runs, 33 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 277 plate appearances in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tyler Soderstrom Remains Shut Down From Baseball Activities
Athletics outfielder/first baseman Tyler Soderstrom (hip) remains shut down from any baseball activities, per MLB.com. Soderstrom was placed on the 10-Day injured list in late June due to a left-hip impingement that appears likely to sideline him through at least the All-Star break. Across 335 plate appearances in 2026 before the injury, Soderstrom hit .242/.343/.460 with 13 home runs, 41 RBI, 41 runs scored, and one stolen base. With a 12.8% walk rate and a 17.6% strikeout rate, the 24-year-old has demonstrated a promising plate approach. Soderstrom also brings solid underlying contact metrics, as he owns an 11% barrel rate and a 47.3% hard-hit rate across over 1,300 career MLB plate appearances. With Soderstrom sidelined, Athletics utility man Zack Gelof, outfielder Carlos Cortes, and outfielder Colby Thomas are all candidates to see more time in left field.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Max Scherzer to Make a Rehab Start at Triple-A on Wednesday
Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Max Scherzer (back) will make another minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. In his first rehab start for High-A Vancouver last Friday, Scherzer threw 49 pitches and allowed two earned runs on three hits while walking two and striking out three in three innings of work. The future Hall of Famer could need one more rehab game in the minors after Wednesday's start, meaning he will not be an option for the Jays' starting rotation before next week's All-Star break. The 41-year-old three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star is on the injured list again this year due to back spasms after already missing extensive time with a forearm injury and other ailments. Scherzer continues to struggle to stay healthy, and he's no longer his dominant self when healthy, going 1-4 with a 10.23 ERA and 1.73 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and 11 walks in 22 innings in his six starts so far in 2026 for the Blue Jays. Fantasy managers have plenty of better upside arms to choose from off the waiver wire in deeper leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Jacob Wilson Not Expected to Return Until After All-Star Break
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (thumb) has been shut down from hitting due to right thumb inflammation and is not expected to return from the 10-day injured list until after the All-Star break, per MLB.com. Wilson emerged as a high-end source of batting average for fantasy managers in 2025, hitting .311/.355/.444 with 13 home runs, 63 RBI, 62 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 523 plate appearances. However, the 24-year-old has seen his numbers drop across the board in 2026 as he's battled shoulder and now thumb injuries. Across 214 plate appearances this season, Wilson is hitting .277/.310/.386 with four home runs, 26 RBI, 23 runs scored, and two stolen bases. With Wilson sidelined, Athletics infielder Alika Williams will likely continue to see the majority of the team's playing time at shortstop.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Vinnie Pasquantino to Start a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
The Kansas City Royals expect first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) to begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with Triple-A Omaha. Pasquantino is on the verge of rejoining the Royals after having surgery in the middle of June to fix a fractured hamate bone in his right hand. Barring a setback during his rehab assignment, the 28-year-old left-handed slugger could rejoin the major-league roster this weekend before the All-Star break next week. But most likely, the Royals will play it safe and bring the Pasquatch back for the start of the second half on Friday, July 17. The former 11th-round selection in 2019 out of Old Dominion University was hitting just .224/.309/.350 with a .660 OPS, six home runs, 32 RBI, 28 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 254 at-bats for KC before his hand injury in his fifth year in the big leagues. It was a disappointing start for Pasquantino, but his 32-homer and 113-RBI campaign in 2025 showed that he has game-changing power when he's right. Pasquantino is only rostered in 63% of Yahoo leagues, so fantasy managers may want to stash him now for his power ability in the second half.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Trevor Story Participating in All Baseball Activities
Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (abdomen) is participating in all baseball activities, but not quite at full speed, according to MLB.com. The general timetable for his recovery from sports-hernia surgery (on May 21) is eight to 12 weeks, but Story thinks he'll be closer to eight. The Red Sox put Story on the 15-day injured list on May 16 after having surgery, and he was transferred to the 60-day IL on June 4. Even if he continues to progress in his recovery from hernia surgery, the 33-year-old veteran and two-time All-Star won't return before the All-Star break from July 13-16, and he might not be reinstated until August, depending on when he's cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment. Before his injury, Story was struggling with a .206/.244/.303 slash line with only three home runs, 19 RBI, 16 runs scored, and four steals in 165 at-bats. He turned back the clock in 2025 with 25 homers, 96 RBI, and 31 steals in 157 regular-season games, but Story's lengthy injury history has caught up with him again in his 11th year in the big leagues. Story is currently rostered in 38% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Blake Snell Set to Face Hitters on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (elbow) will face live hitters on Saturday for the first time since undergoing elbow surgery in mid-May, per David Vassegh of 570 L.A. Sports. Shoulder and elbow troubles have limited Snell to just one start so far in 2026, but the veteran left-hander appears to be slowly making progress towards a return. The oft-injured Snell has reached 130 innings pitched just twice in 11 big-league seasons. Still, he was a productive pitcher for the Dodgers when healthy in 2025, recording a 5-4 record with a 2.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts across 61 1/3 innings. Snell posted a 34.7% strikeout rate as recently as the 2024 season and remains a high-upside strikeout source when he's at his best. In leagues where he may be available, fantasy managers should look to stash him off the waiver wire.
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Source: AM 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh
Clay Holmes Could Start a Rehab Assignment Later This Month
New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes (leg) could start a minor-league rehab assignment in the second half of this month, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic. Holmes is making progress behind the scenes after fracturing his fibula on May 15 when he was hit by a 111 mph comebacker. The 33-year-old former ninth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 was 4-4 at the time of his injury with a career-best 2.39 ERA (3.22 FIP) and 1.10 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 52 2/3 innings across his nine starts. Barring a setback once he starts his rehab assignment, Holmes could be ready to return to the big leagues in early August, and he could be a popular trade candidate with the deadline approaching in early August, with a $12 million player option for 2027. Holmes is rostered in 24% of Yahoo leagues while his leg heals. Fantasy managers holding him would be wise not to expect some regression in the second half of 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Tim Britton
Source: The Athletic - Tim Britton
Giancarlo Stanton Remains Without Firm Return Date
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided "no substantive update" on a recovery timeline for outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (calf), per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Kirschner reports that Stanton is not running yet but is "doing treadmill work." The veteran slugger has been sidelined by a calf injury since late April. He began ramping up his rehab in early June, but suffered a setback that has delayed his return even further. Stanton displayed elite power when healthy in 2025, hitting .273/.350/.594 with 24 home runs, 66 RBI, and 36 runs scored across 281 plate appearances. The 36-year-old is a one-dimensional player for fantasy managers at this point in his career, but he can provide a significant power boost when he's at his best. Still, he should remain on the waiver wire in most league formats until more is revealed about his return timeline.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Bailey Ober Allows Four Runs in Five Innings in Rehab Start
Minnesota Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (elbow) made his second minor-league rehab start on Saturday with Triple-A St. Paul and allowed four earned runs on six hits while walking none and striking out five in five innings of work against Triple-A Buffalo. The 30-year-old veteran threw 3 1/3 innings with High-A Cedar Rapids in his first rehab start on June 28 as he works his way back from a right-elbow injury. Ober's elbow felt fine after the outing, and he was able to throw 50 of his 76 pitches with the Saints for strikes. It's unclear what his next step is, but the Twins may reinstate him from the 15-day injured list so that he can start this weekend in an excellent matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. The soft-tossing right-hander doesn't have a very high fantasy ceiling because he doesn't induce many swings and misses, especially with a drop in velocity, but he can still be useful as a fantasy streamer in the right matchups. Before going on the IL, Ober was 6-3 for the Twins this year with a 4.59 ERA (4.97 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 46 strikeouts and 18 walks in 66 2/3 innings across his 12 starts. Ober has excellent command of the strike zone, but his strikeout rate in 2026 is down to a career-low 16.4%.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Munetaka Murakami Slated to Begin Rehab Assignment with Triple-A Charlotte
Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami (hamstring) traveled to Charlotte on Monday and will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A on Tuesday, per Scott Merkin on MLB.com. Murakami has been sidelined since late May due to a hamstring injury, but it appears he has a chance to return to the big leagues before the All-Star break. The 26-year-old was having an electric rookie season before getting injured, hitting .240/.378/.560 with 20 home runs, 41 RBI, 43 runs scored, and one stolen base across 246 plate appearances. With a 32.5% strikeout rate, Murakami's batting average upside is limited. However, he posted elite barrel (20.7%) and hard-hit (58.7%) rates. Once he returns, Murakami profiles as a must-start fantasy first baseman with immense power upside.
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Cade Cavalli's Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli's seven-game suspension from Major League Baseball has been reduced to five games, and it will begin on Monday night, according to Spencer Nusbaum. The suspension stems from a benches-clearing incident last week against the Boston Red Sox. The 27-year-old had his most recent start moved up to Sunday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he struggled with the heat and saw a dip in velocity, ultimately allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out three in just 2 1/3 innings in a no-decision. He admitted after the game that he was feeling light-headed on a humid, 92-degree afternoon. It was a major disappointment for fantasy managers who started Cavalli after he allowed just an unearned run with no walks and a season-high 13 strikeouts in seven innings in a win over Boston in his previous outing. His fastball velocity dropped from 97.6 mph in the first inning to 96.1 mph in the second to 94.2 mph in the third inning. It doesn't appear that he's dealing with a physical injury, so he should be ready to make his final start of the first half against the New York Yankees this Sunday. That's a matchup that fantasy managers will probably want to shy away from.
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Source: The Athletic - Spencer Nusbaum
Jeremy Pena Set to Begin Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (calf) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Pena is currently battling a calf strain, but it appears as though he is close to making his return. It's been an injury-marred 2026 campaign for Pena so far, as he's been limited to just 202 plate appearances. Still, the 28-year-old has been productive when healthy, hitting .295/.356/.443 with six home runs, 21 RBI, 34 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. Once Pena returns to the Astros lineup, he profiles as a must-start fantasy shortstop with five-category upside.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Ravens Not Giving Up on Kicker Tyler Loop
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said that the team feels good about where kicker Tyler Loop is at this offseason when he was asked about possible competition at the position, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. The Ravens currently don't have any other kickers on their roster, so the 24-year-old should head into training camp as the unquestioned starting place kicker in Baltimore after making 88.2% of his 34 field-goal attempts in 17 games as a rookie in 2025. The 24-year-old former sixth-rounder out of the University of Arizona made 44 of his 46 extra-point tries as well and went just 1-for-4 on field goals beyond 50 yards. Loop was mostly remembered for missing a kick late in the year that could have sent the Ravens to the playoffs. He was a top-10 fantasy kicker in his first year in the league and should be at least in consideration as a low-end kicking option for managers in 12-team leagues in 2026.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Brian Wacker
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Brian Wacker
Terrell Jennings the Early Favorite for RB3 Role in Patriots Backfield
ESPN's Mike Reiss reports that New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings is set to compete for the RB3 role in training camp this summer behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. The 6-foot, 220-pounder "appears to have the early edge" based on his work with the first-unit punt-protection team this offseason. The former undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M finished the 2025 season on Injured Reserve due to a concussion after having been signed from the practice squad and appearing in seven games. The 25-year-old had 23 rushing attempts for the Patriots for 73 yards and one touchdown while adding one catch for nine yards in his second year in the NFL. Jennings only played in three games in New England as a rookie, carrying the ball 13 times for only 33 yards. His primary competition for the No. 3 RB job will be rookie seventh-rounder Jam Miller and Lan Larison.
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Tarık Biberovic Nears an NBA Move to the Mavericks
Fenerbahce forward Tarik Biberovic's NBA status should be resolved soon after the Dallas Mavericks moved to acquire his draft rights, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Stein reported that Biberovic must decide by July 7 whether to use the NBA out clause in his Fenerbahce contract, putting a resolution on his 2026-27 playing status on the clock. The 25-year-old was the No. 56 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and averaged 8.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 22.3 minutes during EuroLeague regular-season play. His fantasy appeal would come from perimeter shooting, but he needs both a finalized NBA deal and a real rotation path before becoming more than a name to track.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Daniel Bellinger Could Have Meaningful Role in First Year in Tennessee
The Tennessee Titans targeted tight end Daniel Bellinger in free agency back in March, and he could have a meaningful role in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme in 2026 in his first year in Nashville, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "I can't answer exactly what Dabes has planned," said Bellinger, who played under Daboll in New York. "But I know he's going to try and stretch the ball everywhere. He's going to try to be a dynamic play-caller like he's been, and I think we have a lot of talent and a lot of guys." The 6-foot-6, 255-pounder was a fourth-rounder by the Giants in 2022 out of San Diego State. Bellinger had 88 catches for 934 yards and four touchdowns in his first four seasons with New York while playing in 62 games (42 starts). He had just 19 receptions for 286 yards and two TDs last year in the Big Apple, but he's hoping to take his game to another level in 2026 in his first year with the Titans, specifically after the catch. Chig Okonkwo is now gone, but Gunnar Helm is expected to handle most of the receiving work at TE in his second year in the NFL. Bellinger could earn consistent snaps alongside Helm, but he will most likely be a blocking-first TE, making him avoidable in most fantasy leagues.
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Ron Harper Jr. Re-Signs With Celtics on Four-Year Deal
Boston Celtics forward Ron Harper Jr. has signed a four-year, $13.7 million deal to stay in Boston, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports, with $6.5 million guaranteed and the first two seasons locked in. That's an above-minimum, guaranteed commitment for a former two-way player, a real vote of confidence from Boston's development machine. The 26-year-old flashed his skill set in the G League, averaging 24.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals for Maine, though his NBA role stayed modest at 4.0 points in 11.0 minutes across 29 games. For fantasy, the role picture is more crowded than it looks. Boston moved on from Jaylen Brown, but the same trade brought back veteran wing Paul George, and with Jayson Tatum returning to full strength alongside Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, the perimeter is deep. Harper is buried for now. The guaranteed money still says Boston believes in him, making him an intriguing long-term stash, but his path to 2026-27 minutes is narrow.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Dorian Finney-Smith Unlikely to Suit Up for the Hornets
Charlotte Hornets forward Dorian Finney-Smith is unlikely to ever suit up for his new team, Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer reports, now that the salary-dump trade sending him from Houston is official and Charlotte has sent cash considerations to complete it. The Hornets took on his contract purely for draft capital and are expected to waive, buy out, or flip the veteran, making him available to contenders soon. For fantasy, keep expectations low. Finney-Smith is a 33-year-old 3-and-D wing coming off the worst season of his career, as offseason ankle surgery held him to 37 games and a career-worst 27.0 percent from three, far off his 35.9 percent career mark. The only thing to track is where he signs next. Even in a good spot, a healthy Finney-Smith is a back-end 3-and-D wing, not a fantasy piece, and right now he's a long way from healthy and productive.
Source: Rod Boone
Source: Rod Boone
Michael Mayer to See an Uptick in Production in New Offense?
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers should be the focal point of new head coach Klint Kubiak's offense in 2026, but Kubiak's deployment of two tight ends on the field at the same time could help Michael Mayer's production as the top TE backup, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. Beyond Bowers and Mayer, Ian Thomas and Carter Runyan could battle for the TE3 job in training camp this summer. Mayer, who was taken in the second round (35th overall) in 2023 out of Notre Dame, caught a career-high 35 passes on 50 targets for 328 yards and only one touchdown in 13 games (12 starts) for the Raiders in 2025 in his third year in the league. He was on the TE streaming radar with Bowers missing some time with injuries last year, but in the end, Mayer's numbers left a lot to be desired. His ceiling will obviously be capped because of Bowers' presence, but he could threaten for even more production if Kubiak involves him more as a pass-catcher alongside Bowers. Mayer should go undrafted in standard 12-team leagues, but if Bowers misses more time with an injury in 2026, he'll be a priority waiver-wire pickup at the position.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Could Carve Out an Important Role in Jaguars Backfield
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen loved running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. when the pair were together at the University of Kentucky, so The Athletic's Jeff Howe says not to be surprised if the "power ball-carrier carves out an important role" in his first year with the team in 2026. The former sixth-rounder in 2023 had 920 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons with the Washington Commanders. It was nothing to write home about, but Howe thinks we should be prepared for C-Rod "to be an important piece of the offense in 2026." Last year's RB1 in Jacksonville, Travis Etienne Jr., left in free agency, so Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten figure to compete for the majority of backfield touches in Duvall this year. Second-year back LeQuint Allen Jr. figures to see most of the pass-catching work in an increased Year 2 role, but Rodriguez could be used often on early downs and in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Tuten is still the better home run hitter/upside back for fantasy managers, but don't be surprised if Rodriguez is in play as an RB3/flex in the right matchups in his first year in Jacksonville. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 42 RB for 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Howe
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Howe
George Springer Reinstated but Not Starting on Monday
The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Monday that they reinstated designated hitter/outfielder George Springer from the family medical emergency list and placed right-hander Braydon Fisher on the bereavement list in a corresponding move. Springer is active for Monday's series opener in San Francisco against the Giants, but he is not in the starting lineup. Sean Keys is serving as the DH and is batting fifth against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp. Fantasy managers should expect Spring to be back in Toronto's starting lineup for Game 2 of the series at Oracle Park on Tuesday. The 36-year-old four-time All-Star has mostly struggled in 2026 after a resurgent season last year that saw him hit .309/.399/.560 with a .959 OPS, 32 home runs, 84 RBI, and 18 stolen bases in 140 regular-season games before helping the Jays reach the World Series. He comes into Monday's game hitting just .221 (54-for-244) in 2026 with eight homers, 21 RBI, and six steals in 63 games. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Springer can pick up where he left off before leaving the team for personal reasons. Springer went 16-for-57 (.281) with two homers, a double, a triple, five RBI, eight runs, and three steals in his last 14 games, dating back to June 14.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Kings Waiving DeMar DeRozan After Exploring Trade Talks
The Sacramento Kings are waiving forward DeMar DeRozan, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The sides reportedly worked together on the move after exploring trade options, leaving the six-time All-Star headed for free agency. DeRozan still has fantasy value as a scoring and free-throw contributor after averaging 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists across 77 starts last season. In Sacramento, his exit should free up usage for Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, while Keegan Murray and De'Andre Hunter have a clearer path to forward minutes.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Rui Hachimura Signs Two-Year Deal With the Clippers
Free-agent forward Rui Hachimura is staying in Los Angeles, just switching sides of town, agreeing to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. He turned down interest from Minnesota, Golden State, and others to remain in L.A., and he slots in as the Clippers' projected starting power forward after their post-Kawhi Leonard makeover. Hachimura is a plug-and-play floor-spacer, coming off 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds on 51.4 percent shooting and 44.3 percent from three, and then 56.9 percent from deep in the playoffs. The fantasy read is measured, though. A starting role helps, but Hachimura is a low-usage complementary piece next to ball-dominant scorers Darius Garland and Brandon Ingram, which caps his counting stats. He's a late-round forward whose value lives in efficiency, threes, field-goal percentage, and rebounds, not volume.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Quinten Post Lands Three-Year, $30 Million Offer Sheet From Memphis
Golden State Warriors restricted free-agent center Quinten Post is signing a three-year, $30 million offer sheet with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Warriors have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday to match the deal. Post averaged 7.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 17.3 minutes across 67 games last season, while his career 36.4 percent mark from deep gives him a clean stretch-big fantasy hook. Memphis would offer a clearer long-term path, but Zach Edey still caps Post's short-term minutes ceiling if Golden State declines to match.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Tommy Edman Remains Out on Monday With Ankle/Foot Injury
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman (ankle, foot) will take a seat again for Monday's series opener against the Colorado Rockies, per MLB.com. Edman will miss a second straight game after he was scratched from the lineup for Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres with soreness in his right ankle/foot. It's something worth keeping a close eye on, as Edman had surgery on the same ankle/foot in the offseason, which caused him to get a late start in 2026. The good news is that Edman should be fine going forward after just being hit by a pitch in Saturday's win over the Friars. Veteran Miguel Rojas is starting at the keystone and will hit eighth on Monday at home against the visiting Rockies and left-hander Kyle Freeland. In just 16 games played so far this year, Edman has gone 17-for-49 (.347) with a homer, nine RBI, six runs scored, and a stolen base. He typically hasn't been much of a fantasy asset in his career due to limited power/speed upside, but he's played well in a small sample size and offers eligibility at second base, third base, and the outfield.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
