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  • Bryce Harper (hamstring) getting closer to return
    Phillies manager Rob Thomson said both Bryce Harper (hamstring) and J.T. Realmuto (knee) are running at 75% intensity.

    Advice: The Phillies will be home for six games next week and then have the All-Star break, so there’s no reason to rush either Harper or Realmuto, but Thomson said that the Phillies won’t hold either of them back if they’re ready to go before the break. Given the nature of Realmuto’s injury and his age, it’s more likely Harper will return before the break than Realmuto. However, the Phillies have a solid lead in the NL East, so the team could decide to be cautious with both and hold them out for next week. One would assume that if the Phillies don’t bring either Harper or Realmuto back for the early week series against the Dodgers, they will certainly hold them out for the weekend series against the Athletics. Rotoworld Thursday, 12:28 pm
    Bryce HarperPHI - 1B
    4:15 pm @ATL
    New Player Note
    IL10
     
  • Thomson: Kyle Schwarber could return on Tuesday
    Phillies manager Rob Thomson said “it’s possible” Kyle Schwarber (groin) could return on Tuesday when the Phillies begin a series against the Dodgers.

    Advice: Schwarber is already running at 90 percent and will run the bases this weekend, which is the final step before he’s cleared to return. Barring an unexpected setback, Schwarber should be activated to return when first eligible on Tuesday after a minimum stay on the injured list. Rotoworld Thursday, 12:23 pm
    Kyle SchwarberPHI - OF
    4:15 pm @ATL
    New Player Note
    IL10
     
  • Doing drills at 70-to-75 percent
    Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that Harper (hamstring) is currently able to go through drills at 70-to-75 percent intensity, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

    Advice: Harper is eligible for activation July 9 as he works his way back from a strained left hamstring. While the Phillies won't hesitate to activate Harper next week if he's ready, they do have the All-Star break looming the following week if they decide to give the first baseman a little more time. Rotowire.com Thursday, 9:48 am
    Bryce HarperPHI - 1B
    4:15 pm @ATL
    New Player Note
    IL10
     
  • Working out at 90 percent intensity
    Phillies manager Rob Thomson said Thursday that Schwarber (groin) is going through drills at 90 percent intensity, Corey Seidman of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

    Advice: Meanwhile, Thomson pegged Bryce Harper (hamstring) and J.T. Realmuto (knee) at 70-to-75 percent as they go through drills. While it's possible all three players make it back prior to the All-Star break, Schwarber would appear to have the best shot to do so. He's coming back from a left groin strain. Rotowire.com Thursday, 9:45 am
    Kyle SchwarberPHI - OF
    4:15 pm @ATL
    New Player Note
    IL10
     
  • Ben Rice leading off for Yankees on Thursday
    Ben Rice is playing first base and batting leadoff for the Yankees on Thursday.

    Advice: It will be the first time that Anthony Volpe is in the lineup and not leading off since April 10th, so this is a big opportunity for Rice. The rookie has a .378 on-base percentage in his 14 games since being called up from Triple-A and Volpe has struggled to get on base. Considering the Yankees’ leadoff hitter gets to bat in front of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, this would be huge for Rice’s fantasy value if he can take advantage of this opportunity. Rotoworld Thursday, 8:18 am
    Ben RiceNYY - C,1B
    W, 14-4 vs BOS
    New Player Note
     
  • Signs with KBO team
    Balazovic signed with the Doosan Bears of the KBO this week, Jee-ho Yoo of the Yonhap News Agency reports.

    Advice: Once of the Twins' more promising starting pitching prospects, Balazovic made the full-time move to the bullpen in 2023. He reached the majors briefly last season, posting a 4.44 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 17:12 K:BB in 24.1 innings. He then struggled this year at Triple-A St. Paul with a 5.60 ERA despite a 49:15 K:BB. At age 25, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return to MLB if he has success for a season or two in South Korea. Rotowire.com Thursday, 8:02 am
     
  • Two hits in debut
    Lee went 2-for-4 with an RBI in Wednesday's 9-2 loss to the Tigers.

    Advice: Lee struck out in his first major-league at-bat but bounced back with two singles, including an RBI base knock in the seventh. Lee should be in the lineup nearly every day due to Royce Lewis being shelved with an adductor strain and deserves consideration in all mixed leagues. Rotowire.com Thursday, 7:34 am
    Brooks LeeMIN - SS
    W, 9-3 vs HOU
    New Player Note
     
  • Elevated to leadoff spot
    Rice will start at first base and bat leadoff in Thursday's game versus the Reds.

    Advice: The Yankees have dropped the struggling Anthony Volpe down to the No. 6 spot in the batting order and Rice will receive the first opportunity in Volpe's old slot. Rice is slashing .270/.378/.351 with a 6:7 K:BB in his first 14 contests in the majors. Certainly, it would be a major boost for his fantasy prospects if he can manage to stick at the top of the Yankees' lineup. Rotowire.com Thursday, 7:15 am
    Ben RiceNYY - C,1B
    W, 14-4 vs BOS
    New Player Note
     
  • Absent from lineup
    Buxton is not in the lineup for Thursday's game against the Tigers.

    Advice: Buxton started each of the previous four contests but will begin Thursday's festivities on the bench. The Twins are going with Austin Martin in center field in the rubber match of the series. Rotowire.com Thursday, 6:19 am
    Byron BuxtonMIN - OF
    W, 9-3 vs HOU
    New Player Note