RADIO
Jhoan Duran to Come Off the Injured List on Tuesday
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed closer Jhoan Duran (oblique), who has been out since April 11 with a strained muscle in his left side, will come off the 15-day injured list on Tuesday "unless something weird happens," interim manager Don Mattingly told Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Phillies will clear Duran to rejoin the back end of their big-league bullpen early this week after he looked good during a bullpen session over the weekend. Fantasy managers need to keep in mind that Duran will be skipping a minor-league rehab assignment, but they should still put him back into their starting lineups for Tuesday's series opener at home against the Athletics. Duran is one of the better closers in the league, and he was sporting a 1.35 ERA with eight strikeouts, no walks, and five saves for the Phillies in 6 2/3 innings before landing on the IL. Right-hander Brad Keller, who served as Philly's fill-in closer with Duran sidelined, will revert to a high-leverage setup role now that Duran is returning.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Jeremy Pena Could Start Rehab Assignment This Weekend
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) could start a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Pena appears close to rejoining the Astros after being shut down in the middle of April with a Grade 1 right-hamstring strain. It's been an injury-plagued 2026 season for Pena so far, as he recovered from a fractured finger just in time for Opening Day in late March. The 28-year-old Dominican shortstop will return to starting duties at the 6 for Houston when he's activated, making him worth stashing everywhere. He's currently rostered in 81% of Yahoo fantasy baseball leagues. In 43 at-bats before tweaking his hamstring, Pena had 11 hits (no homers), no RBI, five runs scored, and an RBI. When he returns, veteran Carlos Correa is expected to shift back to the hot corner, which will make regular playing time harder to come by for Isaac Paredes. Pena was a first-time All-Star in 2025, slashing .304/.363/.477 with an .840 OPS, 17 homers, 62 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 68 runs scored in 125 games.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Hunter Brown Could Throw a Bullpen This Weekend
Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown (shoulder) could throw a bullpen session this weekend, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Brown is currently on the 15-day injured list due to a Grade 2 right-shoulder strain, but he's making progress in his recovery after he resumed throwing on flat ground over a week ago. Once he progresses to throwing bullpens, Brown will then look to face live hitters before likely going on a minor-league rehab assignment. He still has plenty of boxes to check, and barring a setback, he's expected to return to Houston's starting rotation by early to mid-June. In the meantime, Brown should continue to be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy baseball leagues as a true No. 1 starter when he's healthy. The 27-year-old former fifth-rounder in 2019 out of Wayne State was a first-time All-Star in 2025, going 12-9 with a 2.43 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 206:57 K:BB in 185 1/3 innings across 31 starts. He picked up where he left off this year in two starts before his shoulder strain, allowing only an earned run on five hits with six walks and 17 K's in 10 2/3 frames.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Cal Raleigh Still Out With Side Tightness Against Braves
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (side) continues to sit out of Monday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves due to right-side tightness, according to MLB.com. Mitch Garver will do the catching for right-hander Logan Gilbert and will bat eighth for the M's against right-handed rookie JR Ritchie in the first game of the series in Seattle. Raleigh complained of side tightness on Friday and was scratched from the lineup against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday. The 29-year-old left-handed slugger also sat out of Sunday's series finale. The Mariners were concerned enough to send Raleigh for an MRI exam, but he said on Sunday that he's feeling better. We can't rule out an injured-list stint for the All-Star catcher yet, but for now, consider him to be day-to-day. Raleigh was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he led the league in home runs (60) and RBI (125). He has homered seven times already in 33 games this year, but he's also struggled to a .186 average (24-for-129) with 16 walks and 43 strikeouts across 147 plate appearances. Check back on Tuesday to see if Raleigh can return to the starting nine in Seattle.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brice Turang Feeling Better on Monday, Back in the Lineup
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (illness) is back in the starting lineup and is hitting third for the Brew Crew for Monday's series opener against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Kyle Leahy at Busch Stadium, according to MLB.com. Turang is back in action to begin the new week after he was held out of Sunday's series finale against the Washington Commanders due to an illness. He'll have more protection in the batting order in his return, too, with star outfielder Jackson Chourio (hand, foot) making his season debut and batting in the two-hole. Even though Turang is hitless in four career at-bats against Leahy, fantasy managers should return him to their starting lineups on Monday. The former 21st overall pick in 2018 is off to a great start at the plate in 2026, entering Monday's slate with a .291 average (32-for-110) with a league-leading .428 on-base percentage, four home runs, 20 RBI, 27 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 30 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Owen Tippett Remains Out Monday
Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (undisclosed) won't play on Monday in Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports. Despite dealing with an undisclosed health issue, the 27-year-old managed to play in all six games of Philadelphia's first-round matchup with Pittsburgh. But Tippett has exited the lineup at the start of Round 2. "He's a possibility for (Game 3 in Philadelphia on) Thursday," Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet said ahead of Game 2. "It'll be a game-time (decision) again." Alex Bump has a chance to make a bigger impact with Tippett sidelined.
Source: Adam Kimelman
Source: Adam Kimelman
Roope Hintz Recovering From Hamstring Injury
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz revealed he dealt with a hamstring injury late in the season, Taylor Baird of NHL.com reports. The Finnish forward dropped out of the lineup in early March and didn't play in Dallas' first-round defeat to the Minnesota Wild. "I just kind of over-stretched it or something and it just kind of popped; I don't know what really happened there," Hintz said Monday. He feels he could have been ready to play in Game 2 or Game 3 of the second round if Dallas had advanced. This suggests Hintz shouldn't have any trouble getting 100 percent healthy for next season. He remains a core piece for the Stars, averaging 0.91 points per game since 2020-21.
Source: Taylor Baird
Source: Taylor Baird
Tyler Seguin Expects to Be Ready for Training Camp
Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin (knee) expects to be healthy for the start of training camp in the fall, Taylor Baird of NHL.com reports. The 34-year-old saw his 2025-26 campaign end in early December after an ACL tear in his right knee. Seguin made only 27 appearances, finishing with 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists). Unfortunately, this marked the second consecutive year Seguin's season was cut short by injury. He was limited to 20 outings in 2024-25 due to hip surgery. These have been tough injury setbacks for Seguin, but he feels he'll be "as strong as ever" when he returns next season. The 2026-27 campaign will be the final season of Seguin's eight-year, $78.8 million contract.
Source: Taylor Baird
Source: Taylor Baird
Sam Carrick Could Practice Tuesday
Buffalo Sabres center Sam Carrick (arm) could return to practice on Tuesday. Over the weekend, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff told reporters that Carrick likely won't be available for the team's second-round matchup against the Montreal Canadiens, but he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a left arm injury. "(He's) going to see our doctors today and thinks he's further along than maybe I portrayed yesterday," Ruff said Monday. "So, with good news, he could join our team back in practice tomorrow, which is great news. That would put him a little bit ahead of schedule." Carrick injured his left arm in a fight with New York Islanders forward Anders Lee on March 31. He was a trade deadline acquisition for the Sabres, recording six points (five goals, one assist) and 20 hits in 13 games.
Source: Reuters
Source: Reuters
Alexander Nikishin Won't Play Monday
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin (concussion) will miss a second consecutive game on Monday against the Philadelphia Flyers, according to Walt Ruff & Peter Dewar of the Hurricanes' official site. The Russian blue-liner suffered a concussion during Carolina's series clincher against Ottawa. He wasn't quite ready to play in Game 1 against Philadelphia, allowing Mike Reilly to make his 2026 postseason debut. Reilly recorded two assists in a 3-0 win and will retain his spot on Monday night. "He's been solid," Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour said about Reilly Monday morning. "That's a tough role, really, to be in, when you're not in there every night. But that's what being a pro is, and he's demonstrated that all year."
Source: Walt Ruff
Source: Walt Ruff
Jeremy Lauzon Expected to Miss Round 2
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (undisclosed) will likely miss the second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, SinBin.vegas reports. Lauzon was injured during Vegas' series-clinching win over Utah on Friday. The 29-year-old has limited offensive ability and didn't register any points in six games in Round 1, but Vegas will miss his physical presence. He averaged 3.70 hits per game during the regular season and finished the first-round matchup with 14 hits. Ben Hutton is set to make his 2026 postseason debut in Lauzon's place on Monday night in Game 1 against the Ducks.
Source: SinBin.vegas
Source: SinBin.vegas
William Karlsson Rejoins Golden Knights Lineup Monday
Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (lower body) will return to action in Game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night. This is a big boost for the team, especially after being without Karlsson since early November. The Swedish veteran appeared in only 14 regular-season games, scoring four goals and adding three assists. Vegas is expected to use Karlsson as the third-line center in Monday's game. Reilly Smith will be scratched to make room for Karlsson in the lineup. Karlsson ranks fourth in franchise history with 71 points (31 goals, 40 assists) in 106 postseason appearances.
Source: Vegas Golden Knights
Source: Vegas Golden Knights
George Springer Still Out With Foot Injury on Monday
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder/designated hitter George Springer (foot) remains out of the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, per MLB.com. Outfielder Daulton Varsho will serve as the DH and hit sixth, while Myles Straw will get the start in center field and hit seventh versus Rays right-hander Nick Martinez. Yohendrick Pinango is starting in left field and batting leadoff. After just recently returning from a stint on the injured list due to a fractured toe, Springer fouled a ball off his left foot in Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Springer didn't play in the series finale on Sunday, but the good news is that he doesn't have any new damage in his foot and is considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday to see if Springer is ready to go. After a late-career resurgence for Springer in 2025, he's been injured so far in 2026 and is currently hitting just .212 (14-for-66) with two homers, seven RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base in his 13th year in the Show.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yandy Diaz Serving as DH as he Returns From Side Injury
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (side) will serve as the designated hitter and will bat cleanup for the Rays in his return on Monday in the series opener against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays and left-hander Eric Lauer at Tropicana Field, according to MLB.com. Fantasy managers will want to get Diaz back into their starting lineups after he was held out of the last two games due to left-side tightness that bothered him in Friday's contest against the San Francisco Giants. The 34-year-old Cuban veteran has continued to be a hitting machine in the early going in 2026, as he enters the new week with a .333/.422/.504 slash line, .926 OPS, five home runs, 21 RBI, 19 runs scored, and a stolen base in 117 total at-bats for the Rays. He's gone 9-for-27 (.333) with two of his five home runs against southpaws, and he's hitting .250 with a 1.000 OPS, a home run, and three RBI in eight career at-bats versus Lauer.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Quinn Priester Pulled Off Rehab Assignment Due to Ongoing Struggles
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (wrist) has been returned from his minor-league rehab assignment and remains on the 15-day injured list after struggling with his command and velocity in three rehab starts, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The 25-year-old former 18th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 will have to wait even longer before making his 2026 season debut. In his three rehab starts for Triple-A Nashville, Priester has allowed nine earned runs on seven hits (one homer) while walking eight and striking out five in just five innings pitched. He hasn't recorded more than seven outs in any of his three starts. It's unclear how long Priester will be held out before being allowed to restart his rehab assignment, but at this point, he probably won't be ready to rejoin Milwaukee's starting rotation until June. It's good news for both Logan Henderson and Brandon Sproat, with both Priester and Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) on the IL. Priester is rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues, and fantasy managers shouldn't feel obligated to continue holding him while he works out his issues in the minors.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
Andrew Vaughn Reinstated From Injured List on Monday
The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Monday before the series opener against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals that they reinstated first baseman Andrew Vaughn (hand) from the 10-day injured list. It's unclear if Vaughn will be right back in the team's starting lineup on Monday at Busch Stadium against Cardinals right-hander Kyle Leahy. The 28-year-old former third overall pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2019 out of Cal appeared in just one game this year (he went 1-for-4 at the plate with an RBI) before landing on the IL with a fractured left hamate bone when he was hit by a pitch on his hand. Vaughn required surgery, but he's now back with the club and should start regularly at first base for the Brew Crew. His return will likely push the left-handed-hitting Jake Bauers to designated hitter and the outfield. The Brewers and fantasy managers are hoping that Vaughn can continue to hit like he did late last year after they picked him up from Chicago, when he went 68-for-221 (.308) with nine home runs and 46 RBI in 64 regular-season games. Vaughn is rostered in only 34% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Brewers Reinstate Jackson Chourio From the Injured List
The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Monday that they reinstated outfielder Jackson Chourio (hand, foot) from the 10-day injured list. It's unclear yet if Chourio is in the team's starting lineup for Monday's series opener at Busch Stadium against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Kyle Leahy. Chourio fouled a ball off his foot during a minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, but X-rays came back negative, and he's now back with Milwaukee for his 2026 season debut. The star outfielder initially landed on the IL before Opening Day due to a left-hand fracture that he suffered in the World Baseball Classic back in March. The 22-year-old Venezuelan will be a lineup regular for the Brew Crew now that he's back, and he's a must-start in fantasy lineups in traditional leagues now that he's back. Chourio has been a starter from Day 1 in the majors, and he's slashed .272/.317/.463 with a .781 OPS, 42 home runs, 157 RBI, 43 stolen bases, and 168 runs scored in his two years with the Brewers.
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Malachi Fields Could be "Power Forward" at Wide Receiver
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said that rookie third-round wide receiver Malachi Fields, who stands at 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, can be the team's "power forward" in the WR room in 2026, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. The Giants lost Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency this offseason, and Darius Slayton (abdomen) will be out until July after core-muscle surgery, so the 22-year-old Fields could see plenty of offensive snaps for the G-Men in his first year in the NFL next to Malik Nabers (knee) and offseason acquisition Darnell Mooney after the Giants traded up to select him in the third round. Fields spent the first four years in college at Virginia before finishing his career at Notre Dame in 2025, where he caught 36 passes for 630 yards (17.5 yards per catch) and five touchdowns in 12 games played. Fields is a big-play threat that could really complement Nabers well in an offense led by rising young QB Jaxson Dart. There's plenty to like about Fields long-term in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he'll probably go undrafted in redraft leagues later this year.
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
Fernando Mendoza Working on Playing Under Center
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, primarily took snaps under center during the media viewing period of rookie minicamp over the weekend, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. It's what Mendoza is expected to do in new head coach Klint Kubiak's offensive scheme whenever he gets the nod to start under center. Mendoza said he "still has a long way to go" to learn to play under center after he operated mostly in shotgun formation at California and Indiana in college. The young signal-caller took a total of five snaps under center in three collegiate seasons. The Heisman Trophy winner is putting his best foot forward with his offensive linemen and is trying to take in as much information as possible as he heads into his first year in the NFL in 2026. In rookie-only dynasty drafts, Mendoza will most likely be the No. 2 player off the board, behind Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. In Year 1, Mendoza is expected to sit behind veteran Kirk Cousins to begin the year, and the Raiders wouldn't be opposed to the young QB working as the backup for his entire rookie season. It means fantasy managers should avoid Mendoza in single-year setups.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Browns Not Naming a Leader in the QB Battle
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken wants to name a starting quarterback before the start of training camp at the end of July, but he said at the end of last week that he's not ready to name a leader in the competition, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Deshaun Watson (Achilles) and Shedeur Sanders are the primary competitors for the job. Watson missed all of 2025 while recovering from a twice-torn right Achilles tendon, but reports so far have suggested that he's looking great and could have the upper hand over Sanders. Sanders, the son of former NFL star Deion Sanders, fell to the fifth round in last year's draft. He ended up starting the final seven games for the Browns in his rookie season, and he predictably struggled. "It's my job to let it play out," Monken said of the team's QB competition. In a minicamp practice recently, Watson was first in line as the QBs went through drills, but Monken said the practice script called for Sanders to take more total reps. The order of the QB reps will continue to change going forward. Watson's dynasty fantasy value might not be dead yet, and although he has much more experience and success in the NFL than Sanders, he has been hurt and unreliable in his time in Cleveland.
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Anthony Richardson Sr. Reports for Voluntary Offseason Workouts
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) reported for voluntary offseason workouts on Monday after he stayed home the last two weeks, a source told Stephen Holder of ESPN. Richardson, whose future is cloudy in Indy, at best, requested a trade this offseason. But the Colts seemingly aren't close to trading him and haven't indicated that they will release him, so the former fourth overall pick has reported to offseason workouts. The Colts unexpectedly declined Richardson's fifth-year option for the 2027 season after he played in just 17 games (15 starts) in his first three seasons in the NFL due to injuries and inconsistency at the QB position. Despite tearing his Achilles tendon late last season, Daniel Jones received a two-year contract extension from the Colts, cementing him as the team's starting QB going forward. Indy is also high on Riley Leonard, so if Richardson sticks around in 2026 in the final year of his rookie deal, he could enter the regular season as the QB3. Richardson's dynasty fantasy value is currently at rock bottom.
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Steelers Losing Patience With Aaron Rodgers?
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac writes that the Pittsburgh Steelers' "patience could be starting to wear thin" with free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers since he still has yet to commit to re-signing with the organization to be their starter in 2026. Although nothing is official, all reports have indicated that the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is leaning toward re-signing with Pittsburgh for a 22nd year in the NFL. The Steelers have the right of first refusal and can match any offer sheet that Rodgers might receive from another team after they placed an unrestricted free-agent tender on him. Mason Rudolph and Will Howard were already on Pittsburgh's roster at the QB position before the team selected former Penn State signal-caller Drew Allar at No. 76 overall in this year's NFL draft. If Rodgers re-signs with the Steelers, as expected, he'll be the starter under center going into Week 1 this fall. The Steelers have upgraded their WR room this offseason, but Rodgers would continue to be a low-upside QB2 in superflex fantasy football leagues.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Gerry Dulac
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Gerry Dulac
Gleyber Torres Remains Sidelined on Monday
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (side) is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Rookie second baseman Hao-Yu Lee will start in his absence, batting seventh. Torres has been sidelined ever since exiting early on Saturday, when he was diagnosed with left side tightness. His power has taken a step back this year, but he's still slashing .259/.389/.328 with two homers, two doubles, and 11 RBI. He also owns a 17.4% walk rate. Because of his ability to get on base, managers will hope that Torres' absence doesn't last long. The good news is that the Tigers haven't placed him on the injured list, so he shouldn't miss too much additional time. UPDATE: Torres is available off the bench on Monday, so he should be able to avoid a stint on the IL.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ben Rice Not in the Staring Lineup on Monday
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (hand) is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Paul Goldschmidt will bat sixth and play first base in his absence. Rice suffered a left-hand contusion while fielding a pickoff throw at first base on Sunday. After the game, he downplayed his injury, which would seem to indicate that there's a strong chance he'll return to the lineup on Tuesday. He has been absolutely dominant at the plate this season, slashing .343/.455/.759 with 12 home runs, 27 RBI, a 17.2% walk rate, a 23.9% strikeout rate, and 224 wRC+. Managers will hope his absence is short-lived, as he ranks #5 among first basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: New York Yankees
Source: New York Yankees
Ravens Expected to Sign Skylar Thompson
Veteran quarterback Skylar Thompson is expected to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Thompson did not appear in an NFL game in 2025, spending most of the year on the Pittsburgh Steelers' Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury. Across three games (one start) for the Miami Dolphins in 2024, Thompson completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 187 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Rapoport reports that Baltimore plans to carry five quarterbacks for the time being, meaning that Thompson will join a crowded competition for the QB2 role in Baltimore behind Lamar Jackson. Thompson and fellow veteran Tyler Huntley may be the favorites for the role, with undrafted free agents Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano adding some competition as well.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Brandon Woodruff to Begin a Throwing Program This Week
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff (right shoulder inflammation) will begin his throwing program near the end of the team's current road trip, according to MLB.com's injury tracker. The Brewers are on the road in St. Louis for the next three days before returning home on Friday. Woodruff last pitched on April 30, but he exited after just 1.1 innings and was subsequently placed on the injured list. An MRI revealed shoulder inflammation but no structural damage, so it seems like his IL stint could be on the shorter side. Milwaukee won't rush him back, but they'd certainly prefer him to rejoin the rotation as soon as he's healthy enough to do so. Through six starts this season, he owns a 3.09 xERA with 7.5 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, and 1.2 HR/9. The results have been solid, but his career-low 29.9% ground ball rate shows room for improvement. We expect to see him back on the Brewers' mound in approximately two weeks, barring a setback.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Can DJ Giddens Re-Establish His Dynasty Value After Underwhelming Rookie Season?
A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens failed to carve out a consistent role in his team's offense as a rookie. Across nine games, the 22-year-old recorded 26 carries for 96 yards and failed to haul in a single reception out of the backfield. As long as superstar Colts running back Jonathan Taylor remains healthy, Giddens has no path to fantasy-relevant playing time in Indianapolis. Giddens could carry some value as a handcuff option, as his primary competition for the Colts RB2 role is 2026 seventh-rounder Seth McGowan. Still, Giddens has done little to this point in his NFL career to inspire confidence that Indianapolis would feel comfortable handing him the reins should Taylor go down. Coming off his underwhelming rookie season, Giddens' dynasty stock is trending down heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Holton Opening Monday's Game, Ty Madden Also Called Up to Pitch
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Tyler Holton will serve as the opener for Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. It will be the second day in a row where Holton opens the game on the mound for the Tigers. This time, he's filling in for Tarik Skubal (elbow), who was a late scratch and will ultimately undergo surgery for loose bodies in his elbow. Holton went two-thirds of an inning on Sunday, tallying one strikeout and one hit. He has been one of baseball's top multi-inning relievers in years past, but he's been roughed up to the tune of a 5.27 ERA so far in 2026. With Skubal landing on the injured list, Detroit called up right-hander Ty Madden, who could enter the game after Holton is done. Madden last pitched in the majors in 2024, and he missed all of last season due to a shoulder injury. Through 21 Triple-A innings this year, he has posted a 4.71 ERA with 9.0 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9.
Source: Cody Stavenhagen
Source: Cody Stavenhagen
Packers Sign Tyrod Taylor, Release Desmond Ridder
The Green Bay Packers have made a move to upgrade their backup quarterback situation, signing veteran signal-caller Tyrod Taylor and releasing Desmond Ridder. Green Bay will be Taylor's eighth NFL team as he enters his 16th season in the league. He logged six games (four starts) for the New York Jets in 2025, completing 59.7% of his pass attempts for 779 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions. The 36-year-old still brings some juice with his legs as well, as he rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. Should anything happen to Packers QB1 Jordan Love, Taylor could have some streaming appeal as a dual-threat fantasy quarterback in 2026. As for Ridder, he'll be looking to latch on with a new team before the start of the upcoming season. The 26-year-old did not appear in an NFL game in 2025, spending time on the practice squads of both the Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
AJ Barner a Prime Regression Candidate Entering 2026
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner emerged as a red zone weapon in 2025, recording 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets across 17 games. Seattle also used the 24-year-old as its "tush push" quarterback, which allowed Barner to pick up an extra touchdown as a rusher. All told, Barner finished as the TE14 in half-PPR fantasy scoring. However, despite the solid year, Barner may profile as a sell-high candidate in dynasty leagues heading into 2026. For one, he remained a low-volume receiver in 2025, averaging just four targets per game. Additionally, the Seahawks could expand the role of 2025 second-round tight end Elijah Arroyo, who likely offers a higher upside as a pass-catcher than Barner. Barner's rushing usage gives him some additional fantasy upside, but he's likely too reliant on touchdowns to be counted on as a reliable producer at the tight end position going forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
