RADIO
Pieces in Place for C.J. Stroud to See a Modest Fantasy Rebound
Since throwing for more than 4,100 yards and 23 touchdowns as a rookie in 2023, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has seen those numbers drop in each subsequent season, passing for only 3,041 yards and 19 scores in 2025. When the Texans kick off training camp on July 29, it will be the next opportunity for Stroud to put the ugly finish of last year behind him, having thrown four interceptions while completing less than 43% of his passes in a season-ending playoff loss to the Patriots. While he is no longer a player to target in 2026 drafts, a more cohesive offensive line and continued growth from a young group of wide receivers could allow Stroud to re-enter the streaming conversation and provide a steady and predictable fantasy floor. 2025 draft picks Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are expected to take more agency in the Texans' offense after each appearing in all 17 games as rookies, while the potential return of Tank Dell after a devastating 2024 leg injury would reunite Stroud with one of his favorite targets. At RotoBaller's QB23, Stroud is likely to begin the year on waivers in most single-quarterback redraft leagues, but an early-season schedule that includes games against the Bengals, Cowboys, and Titans could see him making an immediate, unexpected impact.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Olympiacos Eyes Jalen Wilson in Free Agency
Free agent forward Jalen Wilson is attracting interest from EuroLeague power Olympiacos, though his priority remains the NBA, per Matteo Andreani. Wilson became an unrestricted free agent when Brooklyn declined to tender him a qualifying offer, ending a three-year run spent mostly on the Nets' bench. The former Kansas standout averaged 6.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 made threes in 15.9 minutes over 54 games last season. Olympiacos is reportedly ready to make an offer, but the report frames Europe as a fallback rather than his first choice. There's no fantasy angle to act on here: as a bench wing with a limited role, Wilson has offered little fantasy value, and this is a situation to monitor rather than a move to make.
Source: Matteo Andreani
Source: Matteo Andreani
Landen Roupp's Breakout Case Is Getting Harder to Ignore
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp followed eight innings of one-run ball against Toronto with seven scoreless at Seattle on Friday, July 17. He has allowed one earned run across 15 innings, though the two strikeouts against the Mariners keep the run from looking spotless. Still, the case is not built on two box scores. Roupp owns a 3.38 xERA beneath his 3.98 ERA, and hitters have managed just a 28.8% hard-hit rate and 3.9% barrel rate against him. His curveball remains nasty, with a 34.6% whiff rate, .174 xBA, and .219 xSLG. The control can unravel. Arizona chased him after 2 2/3 innings on June 30, when he walked six and allowed six runs. That outing is the risk. The contact profile is the reason to buy into the rise, and Roupp looks like a useful second-half arm rather than a two-start mirage.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
LeBron James Set to Reveal His Next Team Soon
Free-agent forward LeBron James is likely to decide his next team within the next 48 hours, according to Evan Sidery. The 41-year-old informed the Lakers on June 30 that he would move on after eight seasons in Los Angeles, and the Cavaliers, Heat, 76ers, Timberwolves, and Warriors have emerged as the finalists. James averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists last season and is expected to chase a title in what could be his 24th and final campaign. His choice is the biggest domino left on the board: it reshapes a contender's rotation and unlocks the final wave of free agency, with several teams and players stuck in a holding pattern until he decides. For fantasy managers, nothing about the market settles until James does.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Kaytron Allen a Late-Round Dart Throw from an Unsettled Running Back Room
Washington Commanders rookie running back Kaytron Allen is the all-time leading rusher for the Penn State Nittany Lions, and when the Commanders gather for training camp at the end of the month, he'll have the opportunity to carve out a role in a room led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White. Croskey-Merritt's 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns led the team in 2025, while White signed a one-year deal through free agency after four up-and-down seasons with the Buccaneers. A lack of standout features allowed Allen to slip to the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but his proven production and a landing spot on what could ultimately still prove to be a wide-open depth chart made him an intriguing late-round flier in dynasty rookie drafts and give him a similar appeal in redraft leagues. If Allen can find meaningful work around the goal line, he'll have the opportunity to return value from his current ranking as RotoBaller's RB55.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
MacKenzie Gore's Strikeouts Keep the Buy-Low Case Alive
Texas Rangers starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore has taken a beating in July, with five more runs allowed over 5 2/3 innings against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. His ERA for the month is up to 8.24 after four starts, and six balls have already left the yard in 19 2/3 innings. Ugly, no way around it. The strikeouts have not disappeared, though. Gore has 25 of them against four walks during the skid, bringing him to 122 punchouts over 110 2/3 frames this season. His ERA climbed to 4.80, while his xERA sat at 3.88 entering Saturday. That gap does not erase the home-run trouble, and Gore has always carried some volatility. It does leave room for better days. With the swing-and-miss still intact and the walks under control, he belongs in the buy-low conversation rather than on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zac Veen Not Slowing Down in Minor Leagues as MLB Promotion is in Reach
Colorado Rockies outfield prospect Zac Veen has continued to showcase high-end production at the Triple-A club and is making a strong case to earn his second stint in the major leagues. Through his last 40 contests at the Triple-A club in the Colorado system, the former ninth overall pick from the 2020 MLB Draft has carried an elite .355/.375/.734 line with a 1.109 OPS. During this noted surge, Veen has gone deep 12 times, tacked on 20 doubles, swiped four bags, and even hit four triples. On the season, Veen has done more than prove he's ready for the majors, posting a .967 OPS with 16 home runs and 16 stolen bases. With the Rockies likely to move many key bats at the deadline, including outfielder Mickey Moniak, Veen should face minimal competition for second-half at-bats.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Emerges as a Grizzlies Buyout Candidate
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a likely buyout candidate, Evan Sidery reports, with the rebuilding Grizzlies over the roster limit and expected to approach him about a parting soon. Caldwell-Pope opted into his $21.6 million salary for 2026-27, but the two-time champion's timeline no longer fits a Memphis team leaning into youth. He lost his starting spot last season and averaged 8.4 points in 21.3 minutes across 51 games, his fewest since his rookie year. Sidery adds that Caldwell-Pope, a Klutch Sports client, could follow LeBron James to his next team, though James' own destination remains unsettled. Either way, his 3-and-D game has always played best next to an elite creator, so his fantasy relevance rides on where he lands more than on this news itself.
Source: Evan Sidery
Source: Evan Sidery
Cam Cannarella Turns in First Two-Hit Effort at Triple-A, Opening Door for Late-Season Promotion
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Cam Cannarella has been a fast riser within the team's system and is now just one stop away from joining Miami for a late-season playoff push. Cannarella has appeared in two Triple-A contests since joining them this week. After going 0-for-4 in his debut, Cannarella bounced back on Saturday, going 2-for-4 with a run and a stolen base. The former 42nd pick in the 2025 MLB Draft out of Clemson opened the campaign at the High-A level but has progressed quickly through the minor leagues. Across 52 games shared between High-A and Double-A, Cannarella posted an elite .365/.443/.599 line with a 1.042 OPS, seven doubles, 12 home runs, and nine stolen bases. While the Miami outfield is crowded, if Cannarella continues this pace, he will be in a great position to debut during the stretch run.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Recent Power Binge Puts Hector Rodriguez on the Doorstep of Major Leagues
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez has enjoyed a power binge at the Triple-A level and is making a strong case to earn the call to the big leagues. Over his last 12 games at Triple-A Louisville, the 22-year-old has gone deep five times and added a double. During this stretch, Rodriguez has carried a .286/.375/.667 with a 1.042 OPS. Rodriguez has spent the entire 2026 campaign at the Triple-A level and has continued to flash elite power potential, going deep 23 times while posting a strong .280/.360/.538 line with a .898 OPS. Given his current pace, it appears Rodriguez seems well-positioned to join the Reds down the stretch. With recent reports suggesting the Reds are looking to sell expiring contracts at the trade deadline, Rodriguez's call to the big leagues should happen sooner rather than later.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kaelen Culpepper Seeing Stash Value Drop While on Injured List
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper continues to see his stash value fall and potential for a late-season call-up decline due to his stint on the injured list. Culpepper has been on the shelf since the end of June due to a finger injury. This is the second injury the injured has suffered this season, as he also missed time due to a hip injury. However, when on the diamond for St. Paul, Culpepper has been quite productive, which kept him high on stash rankings during the first half. Across 63 games with the top club in Minnesota, Culpepper has held a .272/.376/.492 slash line with 14 home runs and 15 stolen bases. While his MLB debut could be delayed, his five-category potential keeps him on the watch list, as he could still provide fantasy value later in the second half.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Zyhir Hope Lights Up the Scoresheet with Another Multi-Home Run Game
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Zyhir Hope turned in another stellar effort at the Double-A level on Saturday evening. Facing Frisco, the No. 19 overall prospect in the sport went 3-for-4 with two home runs and two RBI. Hope has spent the entire 2026 campaign with Double-A and has performed at a high level. Through 84 total contests with Tulsa, the budding superstar has carried a .292/.373/.538 slash line with a .910 OPS. He has launched 16 doubles, added 21 round-trippers, and even swiped 15 bags. However, over his last 12 contests, Hope has seen his production soar even further, especially when looking at his power. During this noted stretch, Hope has launched eight long balls with a 1.021 SLG. Given his current pace, a call-up to Triple-A seems very likely down the stretch.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Mavericks Match Knicks' Offer Sheet to Keep Moussa Cisse
Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse will remain with the team after Dallas matched the New York Knicks' two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Cisse signed the Knicks' sheet on Saturday, but Dallas moved quickly to keep the 6-foot-11 rim protector. He was a defensive standout in the G League last season, averaging 14.7 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks for the Texas Legends and closing the Mavs' finale with 17 points and 20 boards. In the NBA, he chipped in 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 38 games. He returns as depth behind Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Santi Aldama, so his fantasy path runs through the injury report, starting with Lively's recovery timeline.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Anthony Eyanson Extends Near-Perfect Start to Professional Career
Boston Red Sox right-handed pitching prospect Anthony Eyanson has yet to slow down over his first professional campaign and is establishing himself as one of the top pitching prospects in the game. On Saturday, Eyanson turned in another stellar showing, striking out eight hitters over five one-hit innings. He did not allow a run. Since moving up to Double-A, Eyanson has logged 40 1/3 innings of work to the tune of a 1.56 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a sharp 45:18 K:BB. He began his professional career (and season) at the High-A level, where he needed only 20 1/3 innings with a stellar 0.44 ERA and a 0.49 WHIP. Given his current production, Eyanson has a path to earning a cup of coffee at Triple-A late in the second half. He is a fast-rising prospect in dynasty/keeper formats.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Matej Blumel Returns to Czechia
Winger Matej Blumel has returned to his native Czechia, signing a four-year contract with HC Sparta Praha. In North America, Blumel had a productive AHL career, but his game didn't translate to the NHL. In four seasons with the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins, he appeared in only 17 games, recording two goals and zero assists. Blumel, who celebrated his 26th birthday in May, left the Stars as a free agent last offseason, signing a one-year deal with the Bruins. He notched 52 points (21 goals, 31 assists) in 58 AHL games but went scoreless in four NHL outings.
Source: HC Sparta Praha
Source: HC Sparta Praha
Jaret Anderson-Dolan Heads to Sweden
Forward Jaret Anderson-Dolan has signed a two-year deal with Swedish club Brynas IF. The 26-year-old has paused his career in North America after spending the entire 2025-26 campaign in the AHL. Anderson-Dolan amassed 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) in 72 games with the Manitoba Moose. He spent two seasons in the Winnipeg Jets organization. Anderson-Dolan began his career with the Los Angeles Kings and has also had a spell with the Nashville Predators, making 134 career appearances. He has earned 28 points (15 goals, 14 assists). While Anderson-Dolan's NHL career has been underwhelming, he boasts a gold medal from the 2021 World Championships with Team Canada. At his age, the Calgary native still has time to make an NHL comeback down the road.
Source: Brynas IF
Source: Brynas IF
Connor Bedard Signs Five-Year, $75 Million Extension With Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (shoulder) has signed a five-year, $75 million contract extension, giving him the third-highest cap hit in the NHL next season. His average annual value of $15 million is surpassed only by Anaheim's Leo Carlsson ($18 million) and Minnesota's Kirill Kaprizov ($17 million). Bedard, who turned 21 on Friday, was a restricted free agent. Unfortunately, Bedard's season debut in 2026-27 will be delayed by shoulder surgery. On July 9, the Blackhawks announced that Bedard is expected to be out for approximately four months. Once he's back, he will set his sights on maintaining a point-per-game pace for a second consecutive year. Bedard finished last term with 75 points (30 goals, 45 assists) in 69 outings.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Otto Lopez Suffers Finger Injury on Saturday
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that a groundball "got the nail pretty good" on middle infielder Otto Lopez's right ring finger in Saturday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. The skipper didn't have much information on Lopez's finger after the game about whether testing would be needed. The 27-year-old took a groundball to his finger in the second inning, but he remained in for the duration of the contest and finished 1-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and a strikeout in the 8-6 loss on the road in Milwaukee. It sounds like Lopez will undergo testing, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect the first-time All-Star in 2026 to be available for Sunday's series finale at American Family Field. In his fifth year in the majors (third with Miami), Lopez entered Saturday's tilt leading the league in hits (129), doubles (27), and batting average (.336) in 96 games and 414 plate appearances. If his finger injury is serious, both Leo Jimenez and Javier Sanoja would both be candidates to take over playing time at the 6 in Miami for the Fish.
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Zack Gelof to Begin Doing Baseball Activities Next Week
Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof (knee) is expected to begin doing baseball activities once his stitches are removed on Tuesday. Gelof has been out since right before the All-Star break due to a right knee laceration. It sounds like he's extremely close to getting back on the field. There's a decent chance that Gelof doesn't require a minor league rehab assignment, but that'll depend on how he feels once he gets the stitches. out. Gelof has done enough damage with the bat this season to warrant rostering in at least deep leagues. He has blasted 11 home runs while slashing .273/.327/.476 this season.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
Nick Kurtz is Not Cleared for Baseball Activities Yet
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz (thumb) appears to be slowly making progress from his injury. Kurtz is participating in range of motion and strengthening exercises right now. He has not been cleared to do baseball activities yet. Kurtz landed on the Injured List just before the All-Star break. He's currently working his way back from a right thumb capsule sprain. It's unclear if Kurtz is going to require a minor league rehab assignment yet. Fantasy managers should have a clearer timetable for his return once he's able to do baseball activities. In the meantime, Jonah Heim and Tommy White should split up the reps at first base.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
Cameron Boozer Posts a Double-Double in Grizzlies' Semifinal Win
Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer stuffed the stat sheet with a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double, five assists, one steal, and one block in Saturday's 101-90 Summer League semifinal win over the Rockets. The Duke product did it on an off-shooting night, going 3-for-13 from the field and 0-for-4 from deep while getting to the line for the rest of his points. That he still posted a double-double and led Memphis on the glass speaks to his floor: the rebounding, passing, and defense travel even when his shot does not. For fantasy managers, that all-around base is the appeal, and the shooting should catch up as the sample grows.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Cedric Coward Sends Memphis to the Summer League Final
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward scored 28 points in Saturday's 101-90 Summer League semifinal win over the Rockets, sending the Grizzlies to the championship game. He added six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block over 28 minutes while shooting 9-for-19 from the field with four made threes. The No. 11 pick has been Memphis's most reliable perimeter scorer all week, reinforcing the case for a bigger role as a sophomore. Filling the box score around his scoring, Coward increasingly looks like a lead wing rather than a complementary piece, the kind of profile that carries real fantasy weight as his role grows.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Framber Valdez Returns From Bereavement List
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Framber Valdez has been activated off the bereavement list on Saturday. Valdez missed a little under a week while dealing with personal issues. Luckily, it was right before the All-Star break, so his absence didn't mess up the Tigers' rotation. Valdez is expected to make his next start during the upcoming series versus the Chicago Cubs. The exact date of his start is unknown, so fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more information. In a corresponding move, right-hander Beau Brieske was optioned to Triple-A on Saturday.
Source: Tigers PR
Source: Tigers PR
Jeremy Pena Leaves with Hamstring Cramp
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Pena appears to have tweaked his hamstring while taking a swing in the third inning. He stayed in and finished the at-bat, but was replaced in the fourth inning. Pena finished the game 1-for-2 at the plate with a single. The Astros are calling it a right hamstring cramp, but he'll likely undergo further testing to determine the severity of the issue. Fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if Nick Allen gets the starting nod at shortstop on Sunday. There should be another update on Pena ahead of Sunday's game.
Source: Houston Astros
Source: Houston Astros
Nate Ament Fills Stat Sheet in Bucks' Summer League Win
Milwaukee Bucks forward Nate Ament contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in Saturday's win over the 76ers, hitting 5-for-10 from the field with two threes. The rangy forward filled several columns in a quieter scoring night, a week after a 23-point breakout against Charlotte. Milwaukee's second lottery pick has been up and down in Vegas, flashing shot-making and length one game and fading the next. The inconsistency is expected this early, and his development runs on a longer timeline than most in this class. For now, Ament is a developmental hold whose fantasy value rides on turning flashes into steady production.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Christian Walker Removed Due to Hip Soreness
Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (hip) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Walker appeared to have tweaked his right hip after taking a swing in the fourth inning. He was taken out of the game before finishing the at-bat. He finished the game hitless in one plate appearance. The assumption is that Walker will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if Walker is out of the lineup on Sunday. Until there is more information, fantasy managers should consider Walker as day-to-day.
Source: Houston Astros
Source: Houston Astros
Brayden Burries Stars in Bucks' Win Over the 76ers
Milwaukee Bucks guard Brayden Burries has been a breakout at Summer League, and he punctuated the run with a summer-high 27 points in Saturday's narrow win over the 76ers. He chipped in five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and one block, shooting 9-for-18 from the field and 5-for-7 at the line. He entered the day averaging 22.3 points across his previous three Vegas outings, pairing shot-making with playmaking and disruptive defense. The No. 10 pick lands in a deep Bucks backcourt, but that two-way completeness gives a rebuilding Milwaukee team every reason to find him rookie-year minutes.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Emerson Hancock is Slated to Start on Wednesday
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock (hand) is scheduled to take the mound to start against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. Hancock was removed during his final start before the All-Star break after getting hit on the hand by a comebacker. Thanks to the break, Hancock received some extra time to rest and recover. It appears that Hancock won't require a trip to the Injured List, so the extra time off has helped. This season, Hancock owns a 3.17 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 94/25 K/BB ratio across 18 starts. He has been a nice surprise story for the Mariners and is deserving of being rostered in most fantasy formats.
Source: Tim Booth
Source: Tim Booth
Victor Wembanyama Set to Play for France in August
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been named to France's roster for its August FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifying window, L'Equipe's Maxime Aubin reports. Les Bleus host Slovenia on Aug. 27 in Paris and visit Sweden on Aug. 30 in World Cup qualifying, after a pair of warm-up games against Serbia to open the window. It's a full-circle moment for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, whose blood clot cut short his second NBA season before he stormed back with 25.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, and a Finals run. His return to the national team confirms a clean bill of health, the reassuring headline for fantasy managers. The only wrinkle is the added summer mileage on a franchise cornerstone heading into a long season.
Source: Matt Guzman
Source: Matt Guzman
Luis Robert Jr. is Hopeful to Return on Monday
New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (back) is expected to return from the 60-day Injured List ahead of Monday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Due to injuries, Robert has been limited to under 25 games this season. He has been playing games at Triple-A Syracuse since late June. He appears to finally be on the verge of returning to the Mets lineup. Mets' interim manager Andy Green said on Saturday that Robert won't be an everyday player once he returns. The Mets want to give youngsters Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing as many opportunities as possible in what has been a lost season for the Mets. Robert should still be in the mix, but will likely only be a deep league option due to a lack of playing time.
Source: Max Goodman
Source: Max Goodman
