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Christian Walker Departs Early With Back Stiffness
Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (back) was forced from Wednesday night's contest against the Minnesota Twins early at Daikin Park with stiffness in his lower back, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Before he left the game, Walker was 0-for-2 at the plate with two strikeouts. For now, fantasy managers should consider Walker day-to-day. Hopefully, he'll be ready to return to action following an off day on Thursday when the Astros begin a series on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Isaac Paredes moved from third base to first on Wednesday to replace Walker, with Brice Matthews entering the game to play the hot corner. Walker remains a strong source of power in his second year in Houston, as he entered Wednesday's contest with 19 long balls on the year in 359 plate appearances. He's coming off a slow month of June, though, when he went 22-for-103 (.214) with only three homers, six doubles, a triple, 13 RBI, nine runs, nine walks, and 31 strikeouts in 26 games. Paredes is the best bet to play first for the Astros if Walker misses more time with his back injury.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Hurston Waldrep to Start for Braves on Thursday?
MLB.com's Mark Bowman said that Atlanta Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep would be available out of the bullpen for Wednesday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. But if he was not used out of the bullpen, Waldrep would be a candidate to start Thursday's series finale against the Cardinals. Waldrep ended up not being used in a relief role in the team's 5-1 win on Wednesday, meaning he's likely to start Thursday's series finale. The 24-year-old didn't make his season debut with the Braves until last week after having surgery in February to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. He threw two scoreless relief innings with 55 pitches used in an appearance out of the bullpen for Atlanta last week, and now he looks primed to make his first start of 2026 on Wednesday. The former first-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Florida is most certainly worth a waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers looking for starting upside, although he will probably have a short leash if he starts on Thursday. In 10 outings (nine starts) covering 56 1/3 innings in 2025, Waldrep impressed with a 2.88 ERA (3.21 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, and 55:22 K:BB. He's rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Braves Skipping Bryce Elder's Next Turn in the Rotation
The Atlanta Braves will skip right-hander Bryce Elder's next turn in the starting rotation after his velocity was noticeably down in his last start on June 27 against the San Francisco Giants, when he allowed five earned runs on five hits (two homers) while walking one and striking out four in four innings in his sixth loss of the season. The 27-year-old's next scheduled start this Friday against the division-rival New York Mets will go to right-hander Grant Holmes. Elder has a decent 4.01 ERA (3.98 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 83 strikeouts and 30 walks in 98 2/3 innings across 17 starts in 2026, but he has really struggled of late, surrendering 19 earned runs on 27 hits (five homers) while walking five and striking out 12 in 14 innings in his last three starts. If the Braves skip just one of Elder's starts to close out the first half of the season, his next outing should come next week against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In his first meeting against the Bucs at home on June 7, Elder allowed only two earned runs in six frames while walking two and fanning four for a no-decision.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Connelly Early Dealing With Posterior Elbow Inflammation
Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said that left-hander Connelly Early's (elbow) imaging only showed "posterior elbow inflammation in the area that we thought it was... that was kind of the area that he was complaining about last night. So we got some good news there." The Red Sox placed Early on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday after he was forced to leave his start early on Tuesday night after four innings against the visiting Washington Nationals at Fenway Park. The 24-year-old southpaw will be out through the All-Star break, but it sounds like he could be ready to rejoin Boston's starting rotation to begin the second half, barring a setback when he resumes throwing. In 17 starts (91 2/3 innings) in the first half of 2026, Early went 7-5 with a 3.44 ERA (4.61 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 93 strikeouts and 34 walks. He was impressive in his MLB debut last year, too, allowing six runs (five earned) while walking four and striking out 29 in just four starts. Fantasy managers looking for rotation help to begin the second half will want to consider adding Early if he's ready to go, and he's only rostered in 54% of Yahoo leagues after his elbow injury.
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
Brock Bowers Primed for a Monster Bounce-Back Season
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had a record-setting rookie year with 112 catches, 1,194 yards, and five touchdowns with quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell throwing him the football. Last year was a disappointment, though, with Geno Smith running the offense and Bowers missing time with injuries. However, his catch rate stayed steady at 74% in both of his seasons, and his yards per reception went from only 10.7 to 10.6. The former 13th overall pick out of the University of Georgia was targeted slightly less last year, but with new head coach Klint Kubiak coming to town, Bowers' target rate should rise in Year 3. ESPN's Ben Solak suggests that Bowers will be a candidate to win Offensive Player of the Year. A TE has never won the award in NFL history, with Travis Kelce coming the closest in 2020. Not only does Bowers have elite pass-catching talent at the position with a bigger role in the offense expected in 2026, but the QB play in Vegas should be better between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza. There's a reason RotoBaller has Bowers ranked as the top fantasy TE for the upcoming season, even after a disappointing sophomore showing.
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Will the Lions Consider Trading Sam LaPorta?
ESPN's Ben Solak thinks the Detroit Lions should trade tight end Sam LaPorta as they stare at upcoming big contract extensions for him, star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and safety Brian Branch. The Lions are also carrying sizable second contracts at quarterback (Jared Goff), wide receiver (Amon-Ra St. Brown), edge rusher (Aidan Hutchinson), and offensive tackle (Penei Sewell). Gibbs is probably untouchable as one of the best dual-threat backs in the NFL. LaPorta had an eye-popping rookie season with 86 catches, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns, but he's lost some volume in Detroit's passing attack as receiver Jameson Williams has developed into the team's WR2. In the last two years, LaPorta's 25% target per route fell to 19.7%, and Williams has produced more yards per target, yards per route, and explosive receptions per target. The 25-year-old former second-rounder is now the clear fourth target in an explosive Lions offense, which makes him somewhat expendable. Additionally, LaPorta isn't a very strong blocker. Solak predicts that the Carolina Panthers, a team that hasn't had a difference-making pass-catching tight end since Greg Olsen, could come calling if the Lions are willing to listen.
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Jonathan Taylor a Trade Candidate?
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor had a whopping 1,139 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns through the first 10 weeks of the 2025 season before quarterback Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. Indy's offense collapsed after Jones' injury, though, and defenses might not respect Jones as much if he's ready for the start of the 2026 season. With Taylor approaching the last year on his current deal, the Colts will need to decide if they want to give the 27-year-old a third big contract. ESPN's Ben Solak reminds us that Taylor's last contract negotiation with the Colts "got fairly icy." He's now three years older, and if the Colts' season goes south early in 2026 and they see a rebuild coming, a trade could be in the works. JT proved last year that he can still be one of the best RBs in the league despite having plenty of tread on his tires. Solak thinks the Bears and their ascending offense would make perfect sense for Taylor, with D'Andre Swift having not proven to be completely reliable as a go-to RB1.
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Myles Garrett Set for Another 20-Sack Season?
ESPN's Ben Solak predicts that Los Angeles Rams pass-rusher Myles Garrett will have a chance to become just the second player since 1982 to record multiple 20-plus-sack seasons. Only 23 players in NFL history have even one 20-sack season. Garrett set a new NFL record in 2025 in his final season with the Cleveland Browns with 23 sacks, and he's only missed one game in the last five seasons. With the move to L.A., Garrett will be surrounded by a better overall group of pass-rushers, which includes defensive linemen Kobie Turner and Byron Young. That doesn't account for the potential for defensive tackle Aaron Donald coming out of retirement. The 30-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler should see more clear pass-rush situations on a Rams team that will be one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl next season. He should have "more ripe opportunities for sacks than ever before." Garrett was already an attractive D-lineman in IDP fantasy formats, but with the move to the Rams and after his record-breaking 2025 season, he'll be the most coveted defensive lineman.
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Dan Vladar Inks Five-Year Extension With Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar has signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract extension. He has one more season remaining on a two-year, $6.7 million contract, but the team has decided to reward Vladar after a very good 2025-26 campaign. "Dan exceeded expectations last year," general manager Daniel Briere said. "Not just on the ice but also off the ice too. Tremendous leader, tremendous human being. The way he interacted in the room with the guys, the way he found a way to get them going and wanted more. ... It's more than his play on the ice." Vladar made a career-high 51 starts, going 29-14-7. While he failed to record a shutout, the 28-year-old Czechia netminder allowed only 2.42 goals with a .906 save percentage. Vladar's .937 save percentage at five-on-five was tied for the league lead. He'll be a popular pick in fantasy drafts in the fall.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Dak Prescott a Threat to Throw for 5,000 Yards in 2026?
ESPN's Ben Solak thinks that Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has a chance to become the 10th QB to throw for 5,000 yards in a season in 2026. The feat has been accomplished 14 different times by nine different signal-callers -- Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Ben Roethlisberger, Dan Marino, Matthew Stafford, Justin Herbert, and Jameis Winston. Mahomes was the most recent to do it in 2022. Prescott averaged 306.4 yards per game in 2019 and came just 100 yards shy of the 5,000-yard mark in 16 games. Dallas' offense played fast that year under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, and they were an up-tempo offense last year under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, too. Prescott had a career-high 600 pass attempts in 2025, and the volume should once again be there in 2026 with not much changed about the offense under Schottenheimer. In addition to volume in the passing game, Prescott has one of the best one-two punches in the league at WR in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Prescott lacks rushing upside, but his passing volume alone in an explosive offense makes him a low-end QB1 target in fantasy.
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Solak
Eetu Luostarinen Signs Eight-Year, $40 Million Extension With Panthers
Florida Panthers forward Eetu Luostarinen has received a major pay bump, signing an eight-year, $40 million contract extension with the team. He will finish a three-year, $9 million deal in 2026-27. The 27-year-old Finnish forward has skated six seasons with the Panthers, notching 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 73 appearances last term. He also had 107 SOG and 121 hits. Luostarinen has been used throughout the lineup, fitting in seamlessly and making solid contributions at both ends of the ice, though his fantasy value isn't very high.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Mookie Betts Dealing With Wrist Soreness
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (wrist) was scratched from Wednesday's starting lineup against the Athletics due to wrist soreness, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. The Dodgers are "erring on the side of caution" for now, manager Dave Roberts said. With Betts sitting out, veteran Miguel Rojas made the start at the 6 and was hitting eighth versus A's right-hander J.T. Ginn in the series finale in Sacramento. Betts' injury doesn't appear to be anything serious enough to threaten sending him to the injured list, but fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if he's active for the series opener on Thursday at Dodger Stadium against the division-rival San Diego Padres. Fantasy managers will also be hoping that the former MVP's wrist injury won't slow him down at the plate after he hit .290 (31-for-107) with five home runs, five doubles, 12 RBI, 17 runs scored, and a stolen base in 26 games (115 plate appearances) during June. The eight-time All-Star has played in only 51 games in 2026 in his 13th year in the league and has hit a mediocre .244/.30/.444 with a .744 OPS, 11 homers, 28 RBI, 31 runs, and one steal in 223 plate appearances.
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Nicholas Paul Shipped to Toronto
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired forward Nicholas Paul from the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday in exchange for goaltender Dennis Hildeby, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 third-round pick. Paul returns to Ontario after starting his NHL career with the Ottawa Senators. The Lightning decided to cut ties with Paul after his performance declined in 2025-26. Coming off back-to-back 40-point campaigns, Paul managed only 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 51 games. Paul has three years remaining on his contract, which carries a $3.15 million cap hit. The 31-year-old doesn't have much fantasy value, but he could do a decent job for the Maple Leafs on the third line.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Viktor Arvidsson Moves to Detroit
Winger Viktor Arvidsson signed a two-year, $10 million pact with the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. The Swedish veteran will start a fourth season with a fourth different team. He spent the 2025-26 campaign in Boston, scoring 25 goals and 54 points in 69 games. It was an impressive bounce-back season for Arvidsson, who managed just 27 points (15 goals, 12 assists) in 67 outings with the Edmonton Oilers the previous year. Arvidsson has scored over 200 goals during his 14-year NHL career and could be a top-six option for the Red Wings, making him worth watching for fantasy managers.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Islanders Pick Up Matias Maccelli on One-Year Contract
The New York Islanders bolstered their offense by signing winger Matias Maccelli on the first day of free agency. He was signed to a one-year, $2.25 million contract. Maccelli was available as an unrestricted free agent after the Toronto Maple Leafs declined to issue him his $4.11 million qualifying offer. 12 months ago, Toronto acquired Maccelli in a trade with the Utah Mammoth. He was quiet for most of the campaign, tallying 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists) in 70 games. Maccelli flirted with a 60-point season just a couple of years ago, and he could be a very smart signing for the Islanders if he can get near that level again.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Oilers Snap Up Frederik Andersen
The Edmonton Oilers have signed goaltender Frederik Andersen to a one-year contract. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Danish veteran will have a $1 million base salary, with the deal potentially reaching $2.8 million in performance-related bonuses. Playing behind a rock-solid Carolina defense, Andersen posted a 13-2 record, a 1.89 goals-against average, and a .910 save percentage in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, he lost his spot in the Finals to Brandon Bussi for the last couple of games. Andersen's regular-season form was also inconsistent. In Edmonton, he will compete for playing time with Tristan Jarry and Devon Levi, who was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Rasmus Andersson Stays in Vegas on Seven-Year Deal
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Rasmus Andersson has agreed to a seven-year, $59.5 million contract extension, ESPN's Ryan S. Clark reports. Andersson played the previous six seasons on a $27.3 million deal, skating with the Calgary Flames before moving to Vegas in January. He recorded 17 points (seven goals, 10 assists), 66 SOG, and 59 blocks in 33 appearances with the Golden Knights. While Andersson's usage took a hit in Vegas, he remained productive on both ends of the ice. His two-way ability makes Andersson an outstanding fantasy option.
Source: Ryan S. Clark
Source: Ryan S. Clark
Leaky Black Waived by Washington
The Washington Wizards have waived forward Leaky Black on Wednesday. Black averaged 7.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 blocks and 1.2 steals in 28.9 minutes across 15 regular-season contests during the 2025-26 campaign. He was on a two-way deal with the Wizards and has spent most of his career in the G League. The 27-year-old will likely draw interest from some other teams and could land a new role this offseason.
Source: WIzards PR
Source: WIzards PR
AJ Johnson Traded to Grizzlies
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies acquired guard AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 Warriors first-round pick and two second-round picks from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for forward/center Santi Aldama (knee). The 21-year-old will get a fresh start in Memphis and could see an expanded opportunity as the Grizzlies begin a rebuild following the trade of star guard Ja Morant (elbow) to Portland earlier this week.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Andrei Kuzmenko Joins Penguins on One-Year Contract
The Pittsburgh Penguins signed winger Andrei Kuzmenko to a one-year, $5 million contract on Wednesday. He will join Sidney Crosby's crew after spending a season and a half with the Los Angeles Kings. In 2025-26, Kuzmenko totaled 25 points (13 goals, 12 assists) in 52 games, missing the final couple of months due to a torn meniscus. Unfortunately, Kuzmenko has regularly disappointed fantasy managers. Since his 74-point debut campaign in 2022-23 with the Vancouver Canucks, the Russian forward has scored only 108 points. He has bounced around several teams, which isn't easy for any player.
Source: Pittsburgh Penguins
Source: Pittsburgh Penguins
Will Smith Not Expected to Return Before All-Star Break
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that he expects catcher Will Smith (neck) to be out until after the All-Star break in mid-July, according to Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times. Smith has been on the 10-day injured list since June 11 with inflammation in his neck, and a cortisone injection didn't really help matters. It's been frustrating for the Dodgers and for Smith's fantasy managers, as the Dodgers initially were saying that they didn't even think Smith would land on the IL when his neck injury first popped up. L.A. has the luxury of having a huge lead in the National League West division, so they won't rush any of their injured regulars back before they are ready. Hopefully, the 31-year-old veteran backstop will be ready shortly after the All-Star break. In the meantime, Dalton Rushing will continue to serve as the Dodgers' primary catcher. Smith has been a disappointment in the first half of 2026, slashing .249/.338/.382 with a .720 OPS, six homers, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored in his 173 at-bats, but he should still be stashed in all fantasy formats as the starting catcher for the best team in baseball when he's healthy.
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Bill Shaikin
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Bill Shaikin
Mats Zuccarello Agrees to One-Year Deal With Kings
Right wing Mats Zuccarello has joined the Los Angeles Kings for the 2026-27 NHL campaign. After seven years with the Minnesota Wild, Zuccarello signed a one-year contract with the Kings. He will have a base salary of $1 million, but the Norwegian veteran could earn up to an additional $5.5 million in performance bonuses. Although Zuccarello celebrated his 38th birthday in September, he performed at a high level, averaging nearly a point per game in 2025-26. In 59 outings, Zuccarello posted 15 goals and 39 assists. As a talented playmaker, Zuccarello appears to be an excellent addition to a Kings team that struggled to score goals last season.
Source: Los Angeles Kings
Source: Los Angeles Kings
Santi Aldama Moves to Dallas
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Memphis Grizzlies traded forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for AJ Johnson, a protected 2030 Warriors first-round pick, and two second-round picks. Aldama's 2025-26 campaign ended abruptly due to a right knee injury, and he underwent an arthroscopic procedure in mid-March. Before suffering the season-ending knee injury, Aldama averaged a career-high 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.6 combined steals and blocks in 27.9 minutes per game across 43 regular-season contests (11 starts). Despite the setback, Aldama is expected to be fully recovered by training camp and should compete for a role in Dallas' frontcourt rotation.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jack Roslovic Signs With Maple Leafs for Two Years
Forward Jack Roslovic has joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on a two-year, $8 million contract. The Maple Leafs are already his fifth team since the 2023-24 campaign. Roslovic spent last season with the Edmonton Oilers, contributing 21 goals and 15 assists in 68 appearances. He has recorded six consecutive 30-point campaigns, scoring 20 goals in back-to-back years. Impressively, only five of Roslovic's 43 goals over the past two seasons have come on the power play. He'll be a solid pickup for the Maple Leafs if he can maintain his level of play.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Flyers Sign Tyson Foerster to Eight-Year Extension
Philadelphia Flyers left wing Tyson Foerster has committed his long-term future to the team, signing an eight-year, $56.8 million contract extension. His average salary will nearly double, as Foerster will complete a contract with a $3.75 million cap hit next season. Foerster is an exciting talent, but health issues limited him to 29 appearances in 2025-26. He tallied 13 goals and 17 points. In 10 playoff outings, Foerster managed just one goal and no assists. It was a tough year for the 24-year-old, but the Flyers expect Foerster to bounce back. General manager Daniel Brier noted that the team has "a great deal of confidence" in him.
Source: Philadelphia Flyers
Source: Philadelphia Flyers
Brent Rooker to Have Season-Ending Knee Surgery
Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (knee) is scheduled to have season-ending surgery to address cartilage in his left knee, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Rooker was having his knee checked by doctors at Stanford University on Tuesday, and apparently they didn't like what they saw after the A's initially put the right-handed slugger on the injured list in early June with what they called a bone bruise in his knee. The 31-year-old will now miss the rest of the 2026 campaign due to a torn cartilage in his knee. It's a crushing blow for Rooker's fantasy managers after he got off to a rough start to the season with a .200/.281/.389 slash line with a .670 OPS, 10 homers, 29 RBI, 20 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 180 at-bats. In single-year fantasy leagues, managers can now cut ties with Rooker and send him to the waiver wire in search of a replacement. Going forward, the left-handed-hitting Jonah Heim should continue to serve as the A's primary designated hitter against right-handed pitchers.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Mason Marchment Takes his Talents to San Jose
Left wing Mason Marchment will kick off the 2026-27 NHL campaign as a member of the San Jose Sharks, signing a five-year, $33.75 million contract with the team as an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. Marchment, whose father, Bryan, also played for the Sharks, secured a long-term deal on the open market after splitting the 2025-26 campaign between the Seattle Kraken and Columbus Blue Jackets. He tallied 45 points (19 goals, 26 assists) in 68 games, including 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 39 outings after switching teams. Time will tell whether Marchment can replicate his end-of-season form in San Jose. He'll have plenty of exciting offensive talent around him, with Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and Michael Misa.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Willy Adames Still Sitting Due to Back Injury
San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames (back) remains sidelined for Wednesday's contest against the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, per MLB.com. Christian Koss, who was called up from Triple-A Sacramento, will make the start at the 6 and bat ninth for the Gigantes against Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen. The left side of San Fran's defense is hurting with Adames banged up, and they just placed third baseman Matt Chapman on the 10-day injured list with an abdominal strain. With Schmitt moving over to the hot corner with Chapman sidelined, Koss could see regular playing time to close out the first half of the season if Adames follows Chapman to the IL with his back injury. The 30-year-old Adames has struck out 27.8% of the time, his highest strikeout rate since 2021 with the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers, and he's only getting on base at a .275 clip. However, when he does make contact, it's usually loud, and he's up to 14 long balls through 81 games in 2026 in his second year in the Bay Area. Adames isn't running this year either (just one steal), so he's mostly a one-dimensional power threat at shortstop.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jacob Trouba Inks Four-Year, $33 Million Deal With Sharks
Defenseman Jacob Trouba is on the move again, agreeing to a four-year, $33 million contract with the San Jose Sharks. He spent only one full season with the Anaheim Ducks, becoming an unrestricted free agent after registering 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists), 166 SOG, 149 blocks, and 143 hits in 81 outings. San Jose invested heavily on the blue line as free agency began on Wednesday. Trouba will be expected to lead the defense in 2026-27 as a player capable of contributing in all situations.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Matt Chapman Heads to Injured List With Abdominal Strain
San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman (abdomen) is heading to the 10-day injured list on Wednesday due to an abdominal strain that he suffered while making a play at third base in Tuesday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News. The Giants called up infielder Christian Koss from Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move. With Chapman now likely out through the All-Star break, Casey Schmitt is expected to see most of the playing time at the hot corner in San Fran. He's starting at third and batting second for Wednesday's contest in Arizona versus D-backs right-hander Zac Gallen. The left side of the Giants' infield is currently hurting, with shortstop Willy Adames (back) also missing the last several games due to injury. Chapman heads to the IL with a disappointing .235/.324/.368 slash line with a .692 OPS and seven home runs, but he has added 42 RBI and 35 runs scored in his 307 at-bats.
Source: The San Jose Mercury News - Justice delos Santos
Source: The San Jose Mercury News - Justice delos Santos
