RADIO
Juan Soto Remains Locked in, Goes Deep Twice in Loss to Nats
It's an understatement to say that New York Mets superstar outfielder Juan Soto is locked in at the plate right now. Soto went 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs and three RBI in Wednesday night's loss to the hosting Washington Nationals in D.C. The 27-year-old Dominican is now hitting .299 on the season with a .951 OPS. He missed some time early in the season while going on the injured list with a calf strain, but he is quickly making up for lost time and has hit five home runs and produced nine RBI during his current seven-game hitting streak. Soto's multi-homer game on Wednesday was the 29th multi-homer game of his career. In addition to his .299 batting average, the four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner now has a .392 on-base percentage, .559 slugging percentage, 14 extra-base hits, 20 RBI, 21 runs scored, and four steals on the season in just 34 games played. Unfortunately for the Mets, not even Soto's hot hitting has been able to carry them, as they sit seven games under .500 and last in the National League East. Soto will be looking to stay on a tear this weekend in Miami against the division-rival Marlins.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Trent Grisham Departs Early on Wednesday With Knee Discomfort
The New York Yankees announced that outfielder Trent Grisham (knee) left Wednesday's contest early against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays with left-knee discomfort. Team physicians were looking at Grisham at Yankee Stadium, and he will undergo imaging on Thursday to determine the severity. Grisham was moving gingerly after running out a second-inning double, and he was checked on by manager Aaron Boone before staying in the game temporarily. The 29-year-old left-handed-hitting center fielder doubled in his only official at-bat of the ballgame before he was replaced in center field by rookie Spencer Jones. The Yankees are already without Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Jasson Dominguez (shoulder), so they'll be even more short-handed in the outfield if Grisham's injury sidelines him for an extended period of time. Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge are both capable of playing center field, though. Grisham hit a career-high 34 homers in his second year with the Yanks in 2025, but he entered Wednesday's tilt with an ugly .169/.301/.338 slash line with six homers in 48 games played.
Source: New York Yankees
Source: New York Yankees
Justin Verlander Throws Four-Inning Simulated Game on Wednesday
Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) threw a four-inning simulated game on Wednesday, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Verlander threw 62 pitches, allowed three home runs, and struck out three batters. His fastball sat at 92-93 mph, and he topped out at 94.6 mph. The 43-year-old future Hall of Famer is throwing simulated games with the team instead of going on a minor-league rehab assignment as he recovers from left-hip inflammation that landed him on the 60-day injured list. Verlander isn't eligible to return from the IL until early June, but he's on track to do so after throwing another one or two simulated games. Fantasy managers in the majority of formats aren't really concerned, though, as the three-time Cy Young winner, former MVP, and nine-time All-Star doesn't have much left at this point in his career and is struggling to stay healthy. In his lone start in his return to Detroit this year, Verlander surrendered five earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out one in just 3 2/3 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 30. He's rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Shane Bieber Could Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) could be pitching in minor-league rehab games by the end of next week "if all goes well," manager John Schneider told Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Bieber got a late start to his first season in Toronto in 2025 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and then he battled fatigue in his surgically-repaired elbow during the team's run to the World Series last fall. The 30-year-old has been slowly rebuilding his arm, but he appears to finally be ready to return to game action. When he does, he's expected to need four or five rehab outings before being a realistic option to rejoin the Blue Jays' starting rotation in the big leagues. He should have a spot waiting for him, though, when he comes off the 60-day injured list, and he's worth an injury stash in deeper mixed leagues before that happens. Bieber is currently rostered in 44% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs. The two-time All-Star and former American League Cy Young winner went 4-2 last year in seven regular-season starts for the Jays with a 3.57 ERA (4.47 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, and 37:7 K:BB across 40 1/3 frames. Bieber shouldn't be expected to return to Cy Young form, but he could be a key back-end starter if he stays healthy.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Yandy Diaz Avoids Serious Injury, Could Return on Friday
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (hands) got an X-ray and CT scan on Tuesday night after being hit by a pitch on both of his hands, according to Rays reporter Ryan Bass. The imaging came back negative on Diaz, who woke up sore on Wednesday, which is why he was held out of the starting lineup against the Baltimore Orioles. It appears as though he's avoided a serious injury. "I think it got the nail a little bit, but we'll try to give him the day," manager Kevin Cash said. "He was pretty adamant, like he thought he'd be okay, but if we can give him today, and then with the off day tomorrow, hopefully be pretty optimistic about him getting back in (Friday)." Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, and they'll want to check back on Friday to see if the 34-year-old veteran is ready to play in Friday's series opener in the Bronx against the division-rival New York Yankees. Although the Cuban slugger doesn't have high-end power, he's a must-start in traditional fantasy leagues when he's active, and he's hitting a cool .316 (55-for-174) on the season with 33 RBI, 27 runs, eight home runs, and a steal.
Source: Ryan Bass
Source: Ryan Bass
Garrett Crochet Throws Two-Inning Bullpen Session on Wednesday
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder) threw two innings during an up-and-down bullpen session on Wednesday, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Crochet said he will throw a brief side session on either Friday or Saturday before throwing his first live batting practice session next week. The 26-year-old southpaw was placed on the 15-day injured list with left-shoulder inflammation on April 29. Crochet isn't very happy with where his mechanics are at right now and said he still has "a lot of boxes to check in terms of workload and time to really iron those things out." Facing live hitters next week will give him a better idea of where he's at in his progression. Crochet said he expects to need more than one live BP session before going on a minor-league rehab assignment, so the two-time All-Star isn't exactly close to rejoining the BoSox's starting rotation. The talented left-hander was second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025 in his first year in Boston, but he got off to a rough start in his first six starts this year with a 6.30 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Still, Crochet is a must-stash in all fantasy baseball leagues.
Source: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
Source: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
Jackson Merrill Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill (back) appeared to tweak his back while leaping up against the fence while going after Shohei Ohtani's leadoff home run in the first inning at Petco Park in Wednesday's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers and was pulled from the game, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Merrill struck out in his only plate appearance before being replaced in center field by Bryce Johnson in the fifth inning. The Padres can ill-afford an injury to one of their best hitters and best defenders. For now, we'll consider Merrill day-to-day, but we should have a better idea of his status going forward after he undergoes some imaging. San Diego has a scheduled day off on Thursday before starting a three-game series against the Athletics on Friday night, but Merrill might not be ready to go for that one. If Merrill is forced to miss significant time, Johnson would likely see an uptick in playing time in center field, which would be a massive downgrade for the Friars. Merrill has yet to repeat his strong rookie season in 2024, when he hit 24 homers, drove in 90, and stole 16 bases, and he entered Wednesday's contest with a weak .205/.275/.324 slash line, four homers, 19 RBI, nine steals, and 23 runs in 46 games.
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Edward Cabrera Leaves Early on Wednesday With Middle-Finger Blister
Chicago Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera (finger) left his start early on Wednesday against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers with a right middle-finger blister, according to Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports. Cabrera got through only three innings on Wednesday, allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits while walking two and striking out two to take his second loss of the season. It could be worse, but Cabrera is now in danger of missing his next scheduled start next Tuesday in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. The 28-year-old Dominican hurler has been inconsistent in his first year with the Cubbies, as he came into his start on Wednesday with a 3-1 record, 4.06 ERA (4.51 FIP), and 1.31 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 51 innings pitched across nine starts. Fantasy managers should consider Cabrera day-to-day and check back in a few days to see how he's progressing with his blister. Cabrera faced the Pirates in his third start of the year back on April 11 at Wrigley Field and allowed three earned runs with three walks and four strikeouts in five innings for a no-decision.
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys
Astros to Promote 16th-Ranked Prospect Alimber Santa to MLB Roster
The Houston Astros have called up right-handed relief pitcher Alimber Santa, the team's 16th-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, from Triple-A Sugar Land to the major-league roster, according to MLB insider Hector Gomez. The 23-year-old Dominican hurler got the call to the majors after going 4-2 with a 1.42 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, two saves, and a 24:7 K:BB in 19 relief innings at Sugar Land this year. It's unclear exactly what role Santa will have in the big-league bullpen, but the Astros are still without left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) and Bennett Sousa (elbow). Bryan Abreu got off to a rough start in 2026 as the preferred closing choice to begin the regular season, opening the door for Bryan King in the ninth inning. However, Abreu has bounced back of late and has recorded the team's last two saves, dating back to last Saturday. At best, Santa will most likely operate in a setup role in his big-league debut in Houston's bullpen.
Source: Hector Gomez
Source: Hector Gomez
Thomas White Placed on 7-Day Injured List, Still Holding High-End Stash Value?
According to MiLB.com, Miami Marlins top pitching prospect Thomas White (undisclosed) has been placed on the 7-day injured list. This is a tough blow for the budding ace, as it appeared the young left-hander was in serious consideration to make his MLB debut in the immediate future. With Robby Snelling recently moved to the 15-day IL and Braxton Garrett optioned to Triple-A, White appeared to be the next man up. However, the young lefty will be out at least the next week on the injured list. White was in contention to break camp with the MLB roster, but an oblique injury in camp hindered his chances. After a short stint on the IL to begin the season, he has since returned to Triple-A and logged 18 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.34 ERA and 25 punchouts. While his short-term value did take a hit, he remains in the mix to make his MLB debut later this season and is still worth stashing in deeper 12+ team formats.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Giants Offense to be a Run-First Unit?
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart thinks the offense will be a run-first unit in 2026 under new head coach John Harbaugh, according to Ryan Dunleavy of The California Post. "It sounds like we're not going to be throwing the ball a lot," Dart said. "We're going to keep giving it to Skatt until they can stop it." The Giants took Dart in the first round (25th overall) last year out of Ole Miss, and he quickly took over the starting QB job from Russell Wilson. The 23-year-old displayed some very intriguing dual-threat skills and finished as the QB14 in fantasy with 2,272 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions while adding 86 carries for 487 yards and nine touchdowns as a rusher in 14 games (12 starts). Dart's 487 rushing yards were third in the NFL, behind only Josh Allen and Justin Herbert, and his nine rushing TDs were tied for second with Trevor Lawrence. Long-term, Dart has high-end QB1 upside for fantasy managers, and he should be considered a low-end QB1 target in Year 2 in 2026 in an offense with plenty of talent around him through the air and in the backfield.
Source: The California Post - Ryan Dunleavy
Source: The California Post - Ryan Dunleavy
Joshua Palmer Working Out on the Side at OTAs
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) was seen working out on the side for most of Tuesday's OTA practice session, according to Alaina Getzenberg. Palmer had a season to forget in 2025 in his first year with the Bills after opening his NFL career with four years with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 26-year-old played in just 12 games and caught 22 of his 37 targets for 303 yards and no touchdowns, the first time in his five-year career that he didn't score at all. Palmer also missed both of the Bills' playoff games and finished out the season on Injured Reserve with an ankle injury. The former third-round pick by the Chargers in 2021 out of Tennessee is still rehabbing his ankle in May, although he should have plenty of time to get ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener this fall in early September. After the addition of deep threat DJ Moore and rookie wideout Skyler Bell, Palmer figures to have an even tougher path to consistent targets from quarterback Josh Allen. Palmer isn't even inside RotoBaller's top-100 WR rankings for the upcoming 2026 season.
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Raiders "Counting" on Maxx Crosby Being Ready for Training Camp
The Las Vegas Raiders are "counting" on All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) being ready to go at training camp this summer as he continues to rehab from offseason knee surgery, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. Head coach Klint Kubiak said he wouldn't be surprised if Crosby was ahead of schedule. Crosby was seen at OTA practice on Wednesday, although he only stretched with his teammates. He isn't expected to practice during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. "He's still the first one in this building every day, working. He's a leader on our team, and when he's out there, you feel his presence. And yes, we're counting on him being there for training camp, and I wouldn't be surprised if Maxx [is] ahead of schedule," Kubiak said. The 28-year-old wasn't happy about being shut down early last year despite dealing with a torn meniscus in his knee. The Raiders agreed to trade Crosby to Baltimore in early March, but the deal fell through, leaving him back in Sin City. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback in training camp, Crosby has a good chance to be ready for Week 1 on Sept. 13. He's still one of the league's best pass-rushers and will be expensive in IDP fantasy formats.
Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez
Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez
Kirk Cousins the First Up in OTA Practice on Wednesday
The Las Vegas Raiders continue to ease quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL draft, into the offense this offseason, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. During the team period during Wednesday's OTA practice, veteran QB Kirk Cousins was the first signal-caller on the field, followed by Aidan O'Connell and then Mendoza. Head coach Klint Kubiak didn't give a specific timeline for when he would like to name a starting QB, and said the answer will reveal itself during training camp this summer. The expectation is that Cousins will begin the year as Vegas' starter, given his experience and familiarity with Kubiak's offense from their time together when Kubiak was the QB coach and offensive coordinator for three seasons with the Vikings from 2019 to 2021. Kubiak said Cousins is the "leader the team is counting on now." Cousins, 37, obviously isn't much of a dynasty asset, and in redraft fantasy leagues in 2026, it might only be a matter of time before Mendoza is given the starting job. Cousins might have familiarity with Kubiak's offense, but he won't have many weapons outside of running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. In single-year leagues, RotoBaller has him ranked as the QB33.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Jerry Stackhouse Emerges as Bulls Head-Coach Candidate
The Chicago Bulls are still seeking a new head coach after moving on from Billy Donovan earlier this offseason. The organization has put together a new front office, so the focus will likely soon shift to the head coach vacancy. Jerry Stackhouse has become a name to watch as a candidate for the Bulls coaching job. The 18-year-old NBA veteran has served as an assistant coach on Steve Kerr's staff in Golden State from 2024-2026. Stackhouse does have experience as a head coach from his time with the Toronto Raptors, when he was their G-League head coach. He was also the head coach at Vanderbilt University for five seasons. Stackhouse seems like an interesting candidate to watch.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel Headline All-Rookie Team
The NBA released its 2025-2026 Kia NBA All-Rookie Team on Wednesday. A media panel of 100 voters selects five players to the First-Team and five players to the Second-Team. Unsurprisingly, this year's Rookie of the Year, Cooper Flagg from the Dallas Mavericks, was selected to the First-Team. He'll be joined by Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, Dylan Harper, and Cedric Coward. The Second-Team is headlined by Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey. He's joined by a pair of New Orleans Pelicans in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Collin Murray-Boyles and Maxime Raynaud will round out this year's Second-Team.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
De'Aaron Fox is Ruled Out for Game 2 on Wednesday
San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Wow, Fox will miss his second consecutive game due to a lingering ankle injury. He wasn't available on Monday, and the Spurs still found a way to get the win in double-overtime. Dylan Harper drew the start and finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists across 47 minutes of action. Harper figures to draw another start on Wednesday, with Stephon Castle and Keldon Johnson likely playing bigger roles. Victor Wembanyama will be asked to once again carry the load offensively with Fox unavailable.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jiri Kulich Aims to Return Next Season
Buffalo Sabres center Jiri Kulich (ear) is aiming for a comeback in 2026-27. This season, the 22-year-old made only 12 appearances after a blood clot in his ear cut his campaign short. "I'm just so grateful how this organization treated me, and they were helping me every single day," Kulich said on Tuesday. "They even allowed me to see some experts, so I think everything's going the right way, and looking forward for next season." Kulich was a first-round pick in 2022 and has shown promise in the NHL. Through his first 75 career games, the Czechia native has recorded 29 points (18 goals, 11 assists), 155 SOG, and 50 hits.
Source: Sabres.com
Source: Sabres.com
Jonah Tong is a Possibility to Earn MLB Start
New York Mets right-handed pitching prospect Jonah Tong is a "possibility to start" a game in Miami this weekend against the division-rival Marlins to give extra rest to the starting rotation, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. Tong was scratched from his scheduled start for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday, leading to speculation that he was on the verge of being called up to the major leagues for the first time in 2026. The 22-year-old Canadian, who is the Mets' No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, made his big-league debut in 2025 and struggled in five starts, allowing 20 runs (16 earned) on 24 hits (three homers) while walking nine and striking out 22 in 18 2/3 innings. Tong hasn't exactly been lights-out at Syracuse this year, either, with a 1-3 record, 5.68 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 24 walks in 38 innings, but he also has 55 strikeouts in nine starts. The Mets are looking for an arm to stabilize their rotation with Clay Holmes (leg) out for the foreseeable future, and Tong could be that guy. Tong's funky mechanics have proven difficult to repeat, but if he figures it out, he will be a fast riser in the fantasy community.
Source: New York Post - Mike Puma
Source: New York Post - Mike Puma
Jeremy Lauzon Not Expected to Play Wednesday
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (upper body) will miss Wednesday's Game 1 against the Colorado Avalanche, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports. On Wednesday morning, Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella told reporters there were no updates on the team's injuries. Lauzon missed the entire second-round matchup with Anaheim after taking a puck to the head in Game 6 against Utah on May 1. His absence has allowed Dylan Coghlan to cement a spot in the lineup, but he hasn't made a fantasy impact. Coghlan has gone scoreless in four appearances, with five SOG, four blocks, and six hits.
Source: Jesse Granger
Source: Jesse Granger
Klint Kubiak Calls Brock Bowers a "Football Robot From Heaven"
Las Vegas Raiders new head coach Klint Kubiak is excited to get to work with tight end Brock Bowers, whom he called a "football robot from heaven," according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. Bowers, the 13th overall pick in 2024 out of Georgia, didn't disappoint in his first year in the NFL, catching 112 of his 153 targets for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns in 17 games to finish as the No. 1 TE in fantasy. The 23-year-old battled a knee injury in his sophomore season, though, which limited him to just 12 games, and he finished with a disappointing 64 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns on 86 targets, which put him at the TE10 mark when all was said and done. Now past his knee injury and set to work with quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza (the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft), Bowers is the top dynasty TE and should also be considered one of the top targets at the position in redraft fantasy leagues in 2026. Kubiak figures to make Bowers a huge part of the passing game in his first year in Vegas, especially since the Raiders' top receivers are Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor.
Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez
Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez
Mark Stone Likely to Remain Out Wednesday
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (lower body) isn't expected to be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday. According to Jesse Granger of The Athletic, Stone skated with Vegas' scratches on Wednesday morning. It was his first time skating with the team since he suffered a lower-body injury in Game 3 against Anaheim. However, he's not quite ready to return to action yet. Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella mentioned there are no updates on Vegas' injuries. With Stone out, Brandon Saad has played in three consecutive games, while William Karlsson's role has grown.
Source: Jesse Granger
Source: Jesse Granger
Scott Wedgewood Starting Western Conference Finals for Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood will start Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. The 33-year-old lost his starting spot to Mackenzie Blackwood in the second round against Minnesota, but he's getting a new opportunity to re-establish himself as the No. 1. A week ago, Wedgewood helped Colorado close out the series against Minnesota with an impressive relief effort. While Wedgewood had a bumpy ride in Round 2, his overall numbers are strong in the postseason. He holds a 7-1 record with a 2.21 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. In the regular season, Wedgewood won both of his starts against Vegas, though he gave up over three goals per game (3.38) and had a poor .854 save percentage.
Source: Emily Kaplan
Source: Emily Kaplan
Sam Malinski Set to Return Wednesday
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Sam Malinski (upper body) is on track to return to the lineup on Wednesday night in Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. He missed the last two games of the second-round series against Minnesota due to an upper-body injury. Malinski's return on Wednesday is a major boost for the Avalanche, who will be without Cale Makar (undisclosed). As a result, Malinski could take on additional duties on the blue line. Devon Toews and Brent Burns might also see more action without Makar, especially on the power play.
Source: Emily Kaplan
Source: Emily Kaplan
Jose Berrios Undergoes Full Tommy John Surgery
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios (elbow) underwent full Tommy John surgery, manager John Schneider told Hazel Mae of Sportsnet. Additionally, Berrios had a stress fracture in his right elbow fixed, and he will now miss the entire 2026 campaign and probably at least the first half of the 2027 campaign. All the innings that the 31-year-old Puerto Rican hurler has racked up over the years have finally caught up with him. The two-time All-Star began to show signs of decline last year in Toronto, posting a 4.17 ERA (4.65 FIP) and 1.30 WHIP with 138 strikeouts and 56 walks in 166 innings pitched across 31 regular-season outings (30 starts). Not only is durability now a major question mark, but when healthy, Berrios struggled with control, a lack of velocity, and keeping the ball in the yard. He was left off last year's postseason roster during the start of his elbow problems, and now we won't see Berrios in the big leagues for at least another full year. He can safely be dropped in all single-year fantasy formats, if he wasn't already.
Source: Sportsnet - Hazel Mae
Source: Sportsnet - Hazel Mae
Artturi Lehkonen Expected to Play Wednesday Night
Colorado Avalanche winger Artturi Lehkonen (upper body) is expected to be available for Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. The Finnish forward has missed two games due to an upper-body injury. However, Lehkonen returned to practice with a regular jersey on Tuesday, indicating that he's ready to rejoin the lineup. Lehkonen is a player who can make an impact in all situations and has bagged six points (three goals, three assists) in seven postseason outings. He is slated to grab a second-line role and will also strengthen the second power-play unit.
Source: Emily Kaplan
Source: Emily Kaplan
Cale Makar Will Miss Game 1 Against Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (undisclosed) won't be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. He is considered day-to-day. According to Kaplan, Makar is dealing with several health issues. The two-time Norris Trophy winner was on the ice Wednesday morning, but he's missed several practices since Colorado's second-round matchup against Minnesota ended a week ago. With the Avalanche's blue line banged up, Jack Ahcan has played in back-to-back games and is set to remain in the lineup Wednesday night. However, he is expected to have a limited role.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Gleyber Torres Still Unable to Swing at Full Speed
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (oblique) continues to do pre-game fielding drills, but manager A.J. Hinch said that swinging is the hurdle right now, according to Evan Woodbery of MLive.com. Torres is unable to swing at full speed yet, and playing at 75 or 80 percent is not feasible and could aggravate his left-oblique injury. It's why the team's starting second baseman hasn't been able to start a minor-league rehab assignment this week. The 29-year-old Venezuelan infielder could still be back in the Tigers' starting lineup before the end of the month if he can resume swinging a bat at full speed sooner rather than later. In the meantime, Zach McKinstry and Hao-Yu Lee will continue to form a platoon at the keystone in Motown. Torres is currently rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues, but he's worth an injury stash if you need a boost at second base in leagues that count on-base percentage. The three-time All-Star is slashing .259/.389/.328 with only two home runs, 11 RBI, and 18 runs scored through his first 32 games in 2026 in his second year with the Tigers.
Source: MLive.com - Evan Woodbery
Source: MLive.com - Evan Woodbery
Brandon Nimmo Pulled Early With Hamstring Tightness
Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo (hamstring) exited Wednesday's series finale in Denver early against the Colorado Rockies with right-hamstring tightness, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. After a single in the fifth inning, manager Skip Schumaker and a trainer went to check on Nimmo before pulling him from the game. Before leaving, Nimmo went 1-for-3 in the contest with a single. He was replaced in right field by Alejandro Osuna. The 33-year-old veteran has missed a few games with the same balky hamstring since the beginning of April, so we wouldn't be surprised if the Rangers place him on the injured list so that he can fully recover. Going into Wednesday's game, the former first-rounder was hitting .272/.353/.422 with a .775 OPS, five home runs, 16 RBI, 21 runs, and a stolen base in 180 at-bats in his first year with the Rangers. Nimmo is a multi-category contributor in fantasy and is known as an on-base machine, making him relevant in all fantasy leagues. If he were to miss extended time, Osuna could see regular playing time in right field against righties.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Malachi Fields Appears Well-Positioned for Rookie Year Breakout in New York
After recording 36 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns across 12 games at Notre Dame in 2025, wide receiver Malachi Fields was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. On paper, Fields appears to be in a good spot to make an immediate impact as a rookie with New York. Star Giants wideout Malik Nabers (knee) recently underwent a second procedure on his surgically repaired right knee, and the team lost wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Even if Nabers makes a full recovery and is ready for the start of 2026, Fields could have a chance to beat out veterans Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton (abdomen), and Calvin Austin III for the team's WR2 role. At 6'4" and 205 lbs., Fields has the physical profile to be a dangerous outside receiver who can win on downfield routes and in the red zone. His dynasty stock is rising coming out of the 2026 Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
