RADIO
Griffin Jax Remains a Deep-League Waiver Wire Target After Resurgent Outing
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax put together a strong outing on Sunday against the Miami Marlins, striking out four across five scoreless innings. It was a much-needed bounce back for Jax, who was bludgeoned by the Detroit Tigers for six earned runs over four innings in his first start of June. Outside of the rough day against Detroit, Jax has performed well since being moved from the bullpen to the rotation in late April. The 31-year-old has allowed one earned run or fewer in six out of his eight starts and has gone at least five innings in three out of his last five appearances. Jax may not offer tremendous upside for fantasy managers, but he's steadied himself after a slow start to the year in the bullpen and could be a valuable deep-league streaming option as a starting pitcher.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Roman Anthony Not Yet Swinging a Bat
Boston Red Sox manager Chad Tracy said that outfielder Roman Anthony (finger) has yet to return to swinging a bat, per Christopher Smith of MassLive. Anthony has been out since early May and has suffered multiple setbacks while rehabbing from a finger injury. The 22-year-old hit .229/.354/.321 with one home run, five RBI, 12 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 130 plate appearances before getting injured. While Anthony has now missed more than a month of action, it appears he is still not particularly close to making a return. Anthony remains a high-upside fantasy outfielder when healthy, but managers in leagues without IL spots may have to make a decision on how long to hold him if he continues to show little progress in his rehab.
Source: MassLive - Christopher Smith
Source: MassLive - Christopher Smith
Addison Barger Ramping Up his Hitting, "Making Progress"
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Addison Barger (elbow) continues to ramp up his hitting at Single-A Dunedin and "is making progress," manager John Schneider told Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. It's been an injury-plagued year so far in 2026 for Barger, who is on the 10-day injured list for the second time this year with inflammation in his right elbow. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter has played in only nine games for the Jays and has just one hit in 28 plate appearances with five walks and seven strikeouts. Barger isn't known for his plate discipline, but he did have 21 home runs and 74 RBI in 135 regular-season games for Toronto last year in his first full year in the majors. When he returns to the major-league roster, Barger should play regularly for the Jays against right-handed pitchers, giving fantasy managers in deeper leagues an option for depth at third base and the outfield. Barger is rostered in 21% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Alejandro Kirk Could be Back on Friday
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (thumb) will serve as the designated hitter for a minor-league rehab game at Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday and catch on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Manager John Schneider said that Kirk returning from the 60-day injured list on Friday is possible as the best-case scenario. The 27-year-old backstop is finally nearing a return after having surgery on his left thumb, which has kept him out since April 4. In two games on his rehab assignment so far, the Mexican catcher has gone 2-for-9 with a solo home run. When he's back in Toronto, he'll be the Jays' primary catcher, and he'll be worth adding off the waiver wire for fantasy managers in need of a fresh body at the position. Kirk was hitting just .150 (3-for-20) with a home run in five games before his injury, but the two-time All-Star can add some pop to Toronto's lineup after hitting a career-best 15 long balls in 130 regular-season games in 2025 in his sixth year in the big leagues. Kirk is rostered in only 24% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Oneil Cruz Day-to-Day With Hand Injury
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) cut his hand while sliding into home plate on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves and was out of the starting lineup for the series finale on Sunday as a result, according to Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan. Cruz is considered day-to-day and is unlikely to land on the 10-day injured list. The Pirates had a scheduled day off on Monday, so hopefully, he'll be feeling good enough to return to the starting nine for Tuesday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. When healthy, the Dominican outfielder is a must-start in all fantasy baseball formats because of his ability to contribute across all categories. Cruz currently ranks in the 100th percentile in hard-hit rate, the 79th percentile in xwOBA, and the 100th percentile in maximum exit velocity. He's currently slashing .264/.350/.472 with an .822 OPS, 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 45 runs scored in 64 games across 283 plate appearances. Cruz leads the league with 98 strikeouts, but he scorches the ball more often than not when he makes contact.
Source: 93.7 The Fan - Jeff Hathhorn
Source: 93.7 The Fan - Jeff Hathhorn
Calvin Ridley Takes Part in OTAs on Monday
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (leg) was participating at OTAs on Monday, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. Ridley was seen running routes and catching passes after he suffered a season-ending broken fibula in Week 11 of last year. The 31-year-old is on track to be ready for training camp this summer and for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September, but his fantasy stock has plummeted after he caught just 17 passes for 303 yards and no touchdowns on 36 targets in seven games last year in his second season with the Titans. Ridley will still have a role in the Titans' offense if he's healthy, but the offseason additions of Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and rookie Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick in April's NFL draft will ensure that Ridley will likely struggle to generate volume in Tennessee's passing attack. The former first-rounder in 2018 out of the University of Alabama has fallen all the way to No. 61 in RotoBaller's 2026 WR rankings after his injury-plagued 2025 season.
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Abdul Carter Twists his Ankle on Monday
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh said that linebacker Abdul Carter (ankle) twisted his ankle on Monday during the first day of mandatory minicamp, but the head coach also said that the injury "doesn't look serious," according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. The Giants aren't going to take any chances with the 22-year-old during minicamp. After being taken with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft out of Penn State, Carter totaled 43 tackles (25 solo), four sacks, seven tackles for loss, 23 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in his first 17 NFL games (six starts) in the Big Apple. Don't be surprised if Carter is held out for the final two days of the team's minicamp this weekend so that he can be a full-go for the start of training camp in late July. The Giants will be hoping that Carter is ready to take a step forward in his sophomore season as a pass-rusher.
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Cam Skattebo Taking Part in Minicamp This Week
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) was seen doing drills on Monday for the first day of mandatory minicamp, eight months after fracturing his ankle, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. The 24-year-old former fourth-round pick last year out of Arizona State said last month that his goal is to be fully ready for the start of the 2026 regular season in Week 1 for a showdown on Sunday night against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, and he's currently on track. Skattebo was limited to eight games in his rookie year due to a dislocated right ankle. Before getting hurt, he had taken over as New York's primary lead back and racked up 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 101 carries while adding 24 receptions (32 targets) for 207 receiving yards and two more touchdowns for the G-Men. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is still going to be involved in the backfield, but in a John Harbaugh-led offense that is expected to feature the run more, Skattebo should be a clear risk/reward RB2 target for fantasy managers as he enters his sophomore season.
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Kenneth Walker III has Work to Do Before Becoming a Complete Back
When asked if there is anything that new running back Kenneth Walker III can improve at, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy pointed to pass-blocking and receiving, according to Nick Roesch of Heavy.com. The Chiefs made a big splash in free agency by signing Walker, the Super Bowl MVP with the Seattle Seahawks to close out last season, and with the return of Bieniemy, he's expected to be part of a much-improved rushing attack for KC. "First of all, what I want Kenneth to work at is just understanding that we just have to become a better player when the ball is not in our hands," Bieniemy said. The 25-year-old former second-round pick (41st overall) by Seattle in 2022 out of Michigan State had his second 1,000-yard rushing season in 2025 and added five rushing TDs, but he really took off in the postseason, gaining 313 yards and four TDs on 65 carries over three games. Walker is no stranger to lower-body injuries in his NFL career, but with the Chiefs looking to make him more of a complete back, he'll clearly be in the RB1 conversation as a top-12 fantasy back in his first season in the AFC West.
Source: Heavy.com - Nick Roesch
Source: Heavy.com - Nick Roesch
Patrick Mahomes has "Looked Sharp" During Voluntary Workouts
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee), who tore his ACL and LCL in Week 15 of last year, is still hoping to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season for a Monday night matchup against the division-rival Denver Broncos, and despite a bulky brace on his left leg, he has reportedly "looked sharp" during seven-on-seven drills during voluntary offseason workouts, per Mike Jones of The Athletic. The Chiefs have so far held Mahomes out of 11-on-11 work. KC needs the six-time Pro Bowler and two-time MVP to return to his high level of play to start a new streak of AFC West dominance, but uncertainty is also hanging over top receiver Rashee Rice due to more off-the-field legal issues. The 30-year-old Mahomes appears to be ahead of schedule in his recovery, but it remains to be seen if he can perform as a true QB1 for fantasy managers coming off a serious knee injury. With questions surrounding his aerial targets, including the aging Travis Kelce, fantasy managers are better off targeting Mahomes as a high-end QB2 than a legitimate QB1 in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Mike Jones
Source: The Athletic - Mike Jones
Brian Thomas Jr. Says it "Doesn't Hurt to Run"
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. said one of the focuses of his offseason was making sure he rehabbed and got his body back in the right place for the 2026 season after dealing with multiple injuries last year, according to Action Sports Jax. "It doesn't hurt to run," Thomas said. The ankle, shoulder, and wrist injuries that Thomas dealt with last year could help explain why he was so disappointing in his sophomore season after an incredible rookie campaign that saw him catch 87 of his 133 targets for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games played. The 23rd overall pick in 2024 out of LSU caught just 48 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns in 2025 in 14 regular-season starts. The 23-year-old appears to be fully healthy going into Year 3, and improved chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence could go a long way towards him bouncing back in 2026, even with Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington set for key roles in the Jags' passing attack. Reaching his rookie-year heights isn't realistic, but at a discount this fall, fantasy managers should be willing to pull the trigger and roll the dice that Thomas can improve on his disappointing Year 2 numbers.
Source: Action Sports Jax
Source: Action Sports Jax
Thomas Sorber Unlikely to Play in Summer League
Oklahoma City Thunder center Thomas Sorber (knee) is unlikely to be ready for Summer League, according to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman. Thunder general manager Sam Presti said Sorber has impressed the organization with his rehab work after missing the 2025-26 season because of a torn right ACL. The 20-year-old was selected 15th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft after averaging 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.0 blocks at Georgetown. Until Oklahoma City gives a firmer ramp-up plan, Sorber is more of a long-range stash than a player to chase for early-season fantasy production.
Source: Justin Martinez
Source: Justin Martinez
Celtics Not Shopping Jaylen Brown or Derrick White
The Boston Celtics have not considered trading Jaylen Brown or Derrick White this offseason, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports. A year after a roster overhaul stoked trade speculation about both players, Windhorst said two weeks before the draft that he has not heard "one iota of Jaylen Brown truly being available," with the same true of White. The fantasy read centers on continuity. Brown earned Second-Team All-NBA honors as Boston's No. 1 option last season, posting career highs of 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists with Jayson Tatum out for 62 games. With Tatum back next season, expect Brown's usage and counting stats to settle below that peak, while White's steady scoring, three-point volume, and defensive stats make him the more stable multi-category hold.
Source: Brian Windhorst
Source: Brian Windhorst
Chris Rodriguez Jr. has Foot Procedure, Expected to be Full-Go for Camp
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (foot) had a procedure on his left foot following an injury earlier in the offseason program, but he's expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July, a team source told Ryan O'Halloran of the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union. Rodriguez, who signed a two-year deal with the team on March 11, has not taken part in any of the team's OTAs and will miss mandatory minicamp, which runs from June 9-11 this week. The 25-year-old is expected to be a full-go for the start of camp. When he rejoins the team, he'll be competing with Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. for a role in Jacksonville's new-look backfield without Travis Etienne Jr. C-Rod played one season at Kentucky when head coach Liam Coen was the Wildcats' offensive coordinator, but will that be enough to give him an advantage for early-down work over Tuten? The former sixth-rounder of the Commanders in 2023 has averaged 4.6 yards per carry as a rusher in his three years in the NFL, and he recorded a career-high 500 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 13 games (seven starts) in D.C. in 2025. Until we get a better read on the Jags' distribution of RB touches in the summer, Tuten is the better and more explosive RB2 upside selection in upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Source: Jacksonville Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Source: Jacksonville Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Colt Emerson Dealing With Back Tightness
Seattle Mariners rookie infielder Colt Emerson (back) was scratched from the lineup for Monday's series opener in Baltimore against the Orioles due to back tightness, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. Infielder Cole Young made the start at the 6 for the M's against right-hander Trey Gibson. The Mariners placed regular shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) on the 10-day injured list on Monday as well, so they're a bit thin at the position right now. The good news is that Emerson's injury isn't considered to be very serious, so he could return to the starting lineup at shortstop for Game 2 of the series at Camden Yards on Tuesday. Fantasy managers need to check back then. The 20-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2023 is one of the most intriguing young infielders in the game. Through his first 19 major-league ballgames, Emerson has gone 15-for-62 (.242) with four home runs, 10 RBI, and nine runs scored across his 69 plate appearances. He's currently rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues and has gone 5-for-21 (.238) with two homers, two doubles, three RBI, and three runs in six games so far in June.
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Trail Blazers Willing to Chase Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly willing to pursue Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo even without long-term contract assurances, with the New York Post citing ESPN's Shams Charania that Portland is interested "no matter the risk." Antetokounmpo remains on Milwaukee's roster and is still one of the strongest fantasy producers in the league. The 31-year-old averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 2025-26, keeping him firmly in the first-round fantasy conversation. If Portland's pursuit ever turns into a serious offer, the team's young roster would need to be re-evaluated around a massive usage shift. Until then, Antetokounmpo's value remains elite, with his offseason trade status carrying the bigger fantasy swing.
Source: Bryan Fonseca
Source: Bryan Fonseca
Mario Hezonja Staying with Real Madrid Unless NBA Calls
Real Madrid forward Mario Hezonja is unlikely to leave the club unless an NBA opportunity arrives, according to Eurohoops. The 31-year-old is under contract through 2029, with Eurohoops reporting that his deal contains only an NBA opt-out. Hezonja is coming off a strong season in Europe, averaging 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals across 44 EuroLeague appearances while also winning Liga Endesa MVP. His domestic production was even stronger at 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. For fantasy managers, Hezonja remains only a watch-list name unless an NBA team offers a real rotation path, but his scoring and rebounding profile would make him worth revisiting if that changes.
Source: Aris Barkas
Source: Aris Barkas
Raptors Extend Bobby Webster After Playoff Return
The Toronto Raptors extended general manager Bobby Webster and added executive vice president duties to his title, Reuters reports. Toronto also extended front-office executives Dan Tolzman, Keith Boyarsky, and Tyla Flexman, keeping its personnel group intact after a 46-36 season and seven-game first-round loss to Cleveland. Webster has been with the organization since 2013, and the Raptors are 591-455 with nine playoff berths during his tenure. For fantasy, the continuity matters because the same front office is now shaping the next phase around Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Immanuel Quickley. Toronto ranked third in assists but only 21st in scoring, so Webster's offseason priority should be adding shooting and cleaner usage lanes around the team's top creators.
Source: Reuters
Source: Reuters
Hawks Extend Quin Snyder to Multi-Year Contract
The Atlanta Hawks and head coach Quin Snyder have agreed to a multi-year contract extension, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The move follows the extension and promotion of Onsi Saleh to president of basketball operations, locking in the franchise's leadership for the long term. Snyder, who passed 500 career wins in March, steered Atlanta to a 20-6 finish after the All-Star break and a sixth-place seed. For fantasy managers, the continuity is the story: stable roles and player development under Snyder have fueled the rise of cornerstone Jalen Johnson, who earned his first All-Star nod, and back-to-back Most Improved winners Dyson Daniels (2025) and reigning honoree Nickeil Alexander-Walker (2026). With Saleh holding the No. 8 and No. 23 picks, that system stays intact heading into a pivotal draft.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Robert Thomas Set to Stay in St. Louis
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas will remain with the team at the start of the next season, Andy Strickland of FanDuel Sports Network reports. Thomas was linked to a trade throughout the 2025-26 campaign, but the team has taken him off the market. The Blues have seen Thomas develop into a point-per-game player, though he struggled with health issues in 2025-26. Across 64 appearances, Thomas produced 25 goals and 39 assists. Thomas has a contract through the 2030-31 season with a cap hit of $8.125 million. Seeing Thomas stay put in St. Louis should be good news for fantasy managers, as he's nailed down a first-line center spot on the team and has been a very productive player when healthy for several years.
Source: Andy Strickland
Source: Andy Strickland
Milan Lucic Announces Retirement From NHL
Left wing Milan Lucic has announced his retirement from the NHL. He made the announcement on his 38th birthday. "Looking back on my career, I feel truly grateful to have fulfilled my dream of playing professional hockey, culminating with a Stanley Cup win in 2011 with the Boston Bruins," Lucic said in a statement. "I want to especially thank the Bruins for giving me my start in professional hockey and for instilling the confidence to reach new heights as a player." Lucic, who was a second-round draft pick in 2006, made 570 of his 1,177 regular-season appearances with the Bruins. He also suited up for the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings, recording 586 career points (233 goals, 353 assists). Lucic last played two seasons ago, appearing in four games with the Bruins.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Frederik Andersen Misses Practice for Maintenance
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen missed Monday's practice for maintenance. Brandon Bussi was in the starter's crease. Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour didn't name his starting goaltender for Tuesday's Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights. Andersen has started all 16 postseason games for Carolina, but he was pulled in Game 3 after allowing four goals with a .750 save percentage. Bussi made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut and had a solid outing with 18 saves and a .947 save percentage in a 5-4 double-overtime loss. Only three netminders won more games than Bussi during the regular season, as he posted a 31-6-2 record. Brind'Amour will have a big decision to make on Tuesday, particularly with Andersen's save percentage at a poor .815 in the Finals.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Peter Laviolette Takes Over as Kings Head Coach
The Los Angeles Kings are hiring Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. Sources have told Kaplan that Laviolette will join the Kings on a three-year deal. The Kings fired Jim Hiller as head coach on March 1 and finished the 2025-26 campaign with D.J. Smith serving as interim head coach. Laviolette is the winningest American-born head coach in NHL history, with an 846-562-25-161 record in 1,594 career games. Only eight coaches have worked in more regular-season games. Laviolette has led six teams, winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes. He was last in charge of the New York Rangers, who fired Laviolette after the team missed the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Source: Emily Kaplan
Source: Emily Kaplan
Michael Penix Jr. Getting Closer to 11-on-11 Work
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is getting closer to participating in 11-on-11 drills during offseason workouts, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Penix is still not ready to be a full-go in offseason practices after having surgery in the middle of November last year to fix a partially torn ACL in his left knee. With Penix struggling as the full-time starting QB in 2025 before tearing his ACL, the Falcons went out and signed former Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa to give them insurance at the position. Although Penix, the former eighth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Washington, is expected to compete for the starting QB job in training camp this summer, he could be fighting an uphill battle at this point. The good news is that Penix took part in seven-on-seven drills during OTAs, and he could be a full-go for practices by the time camp starts at the end of July. Still, there's no guarantee Penix will be starting games in 2026, even if he's fully recovered from knee surgery this summer.
Source: Miles Garrett
Source: Miles Garrett
Connor McDavid Wins Record-Tying Fifth Ted Lindsay Award
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid has once again made history, winning the Ted Lindsay Award for a record-tying fifth time. Formerly known as the Lester B. Pearson Award, the Ted Lindsay Award is presented annually by members of the NHL Players' Association to the league's most outstanding player in the regular season. By winning it for the fifth time, McDavid tied Wayne Gretzky's record. He led the league with 90 assists and 138 points in 82 games. Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks) and Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning) finished behind McDavid in the voting. McDavid is also competing with Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche) for the NHL's MVP award, the Hart Trophy.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Max Muncy Reinstated From Injured List on Monday
The Athletics reinstated infielder Max Muncy (hand) from the 10-day injured list on Monday and optioned infielder Darell Hernaiz to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Muncy, who has been out of action since late April due to a fractured left hand, went 10-for-27 on his minor-league rehab assignment with three home runs and two doubles in seven games. The 23-year-old should be back in the starting lineup for the A's on Monday, although the team is facing a tough left-handed pitcher in Milwaukee Brewers southpaw Kyle Harrison. With Zack Gelof hitting well and occupying third base in Sacramento for the A's, Muncy could play regularly at the 6 for the A's upon his return, at least until Jacob Wilson (shoulder) returns from his own stint on the IL. The former first-rounder in 2021 was hitting just .239 (22-for-92) at the plate with two home runs, seven RBI, 15 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 26 games at the time of his hand fracture, and he's rostered in only 9% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Astros Recall Shay Whitcomb to MLB Roster, Worth Adding in Deeper Leagues?
The Houston Astros are recalling infielder Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday and placing infielder Nick Allen (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring injury in a corresponding move, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Whitcomb, 27, has yet to play in more than 20 games at the major-league level since debuting with the Astros in 2024. Over his 54 games played in the big leagues, he's hitting just .167/.219/.267 with a .485 OPS, two home runs, 10 RBI, six runs scored, six walks, and 27 strikeouts across 96 plate appearances. Fantasy managers can probably continue to avoid the former fifth-rounder in 2020 out of the University of California, San Diego. He profiles as primarily a super-utility man at the major-league level who most likely will struggle to find consistent playing time yet again.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Dylan Cease to Start on Tuesday for Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease (hamstring) will come off the 15-day injured list to start on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Cease will return to Toronto's banged-up starting rotation after missing two weeks with a left-hamstring strain. He allowed five runs in four innings of work in his lone minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo last Thursday, but his stuff looked good, and he got up to 75 pitches in the outing. The 30-year-old veteran will be a bit riskier in his first start off the shelf against a Phillies team that has looked much better of late. However, Cease has pretty much been a must-start in fantasy baseball leagues in his first year with Toronto, going 3-3 with a 3.05 ERA (2.59 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 26 walks in 62 innings pitched over his 11 starts. Overall, the Phillies still rank third-worst in major-league baseball with a .687 OPS on the year.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Daulton Varsho Missing Third Straight Game With Wrist Injury
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (wrist) is out of the starting lineup once again for Monday's series opener at the Rogers Centre against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, per MLB.com. Myles Straw will make another start in center field for Toronto and will bat seventh against Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez. Varsho is not expected to require a stint on the injured list due to inflammation in his left wrist, but this will be his third straight game on the bench. The good news is that the 29-year-old made an appearance in Sunday's series finale against the Baltimore Orioles as a defensive replacement, signaling that he could be back on the field in a starting role as early as Game 2 of the series in Canada on Tuesday. Varsho hit off a pitching machine earlier on Monday and could be available as a pinch-hitter in the series opener. He's a defensive stalwart in center for the Jays, but he's provided very little for fantasy managers in 2026 with his bat, hitting .256 (54-for-211) with five home runs, 17 RBI, 26 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 63 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chandler Simpson Still Out With Thumb Injury on Monday
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (thumb) remains sidelined for Monday's series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field, according to MLB.com. Cedric Mullins is making another start in center field and will bat ninth for the Rays against Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early. Simpson will miss a third straight start due to a sore left thumb that has him considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Tuesday to see if he's ready to return for Game 2 of the series. The speedy 25-year-old has yet to homer in 169 major-league games since debuting with the Rays in 2025, but he does have 58 stolen bases and provides elite speed on the basepaths. Simpson also makes a lot of contact at the plate and is hitting .276/.312/.328 with a .639 OPS, four doubles, a league-high four triples, 12 RBI, and 30 runs scored in his 60 games played in his first full year in the big leagues. Fantasy managers setting DFS lineups should stay away from Mullins in the lefty-on-lefty matchup.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
