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Gus Varland Looking to Rebound After Rough Stretch in Washington
Washington Nationals right-hander Gus Varland has struggled in recent outings, posting a 7.11 ERA across his last seven appearances. His season ERA has climbed to 4.80 during his first year in Washington, and his role in the back end of the bullpen may begin to shrink. Varland is still 4-for-6 in save opportunities and has added four holds this season, showing the confidence the Nationals coaching staff initially placed in him during high-leverage situations. The 28-year-old is now on his fourth MLB organization after not appearing in a major league game during 2025. Varland will need to limit damage more consistently if he hopes to maintain a steady role in the struggling Nationals bullpen.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jake Burger Off to Slow Start, Power Still Worth Monitoring
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has struggled through the early portion of the 2026 season, slashing .208/.242/.362 with a .604 OPS across 38 games. The power remains present for Burger, as he has already launched six home runs, but his 27.4 K% has continued to hurt his overall offensive production. Burger has not appeared in a game since Friday and could be receiving additional time away from the lineup to reset at the plate. The 30-year-old is now in his second season with Texas and has yet to fully recapture the form he showed in 2023, when he posted a .827 OPS with 34 home runs.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cam Smith Looking to Rebound Amid Astros Outfield Competition
Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith has cooled off after a strong start to the season, slashing .151/.237/.226 across his last 15 games. Smith now owns a .642 OPS with four home runs through 40 games in 2026. The 23-year-old has flashed the offensive tools needed to succeed at the major league level, but consistency has remained an issue during his second MLB season. Smith could also face increased competition for playing time, with Joey Loperfido, Jake Meyers, and Taylor Trammell all targeting returns later this month. The former first-round pick still carries intriguing upside, but he will need to rediscover his early-season rhythm moving forward.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
JJ Bleday Breaking Out With Reds, Emerging as High-End Power Source
Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday has enjoyed an early breakout in his first season with the Reds. Bleday, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins, has bounced around the majors after struggling to find the consistent success many expected early in his career. He appears to have found his stride in Cincinnati, slashing .262/.392/.643 with a 1.035 OPS and four home runs through 13 games. Bleday was called up from Triple-A Louisville on April 25 and has made the most of his opportunity, flashing impressive power in early action with the Reds. The 28-year-old is quickly gaining attention as a strong fantasy source for power production.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Caleb Kilian Emerging as Favorite for Giants Saves Opportunities?
San Francisco Giants right-hander Caleb Kilian could be in line for increased save opportunities after the club optioned struggling reliever Ryan Walker to Triple-A Sacramento on Sunday. Walker opened the season with inconsistent results and was unable to secure the closer role for San Francisco. Kilian has emerged as one of the Giants' most dependable bullpen arms, posting a 1.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 17 appearances. He also earned the first save of his MLB career earlier this season. The Giants have recorded just seven saves through 40 games, leaving the ninth inning unsettled as Kilian's consistency makes him a strong speculative add for fantasy managers searching for saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Seth Hernandez Promoted to High-A Greensboro After Dominant Start in Single-A
The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted right-hander Seth Hernandez to High-A Greensboro after a dominant six-start run in the Single-A Florida State League. Hernandez, the No. 19 prospect in baseball and the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, logged 28 innings and allowed just three earned runs while piling up 50 strikeouts. The 19-year-old has showcased elite swing-and-miss stuff early in his professional career, using his 6-foot-4 frame to overpower opposing hitters. It is still an early step in his development, but Hernandez has already flashed frontline starter potential. If the right-hander continues to miss bats at this level, his rise through the Pirates organization could move quickly.
Source: Kody Duncan
Source: Kody Duncan
Karl-Anthony Towns Logs Sixth Double-Double of Postseason
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his sixth double-double of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Sunday, playing his part in a 144-114 blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers with 17 points, four rebounds, 10 assists, and two blocks. Towns did all of that in just 20 minutes, finishing with a 5-for-7 record from the field. He was 2-for-3 from downtown and 5-for-6 at the free-throw line. New York was completely dominant in this series, allowing the team to limit Towns' workload to 23.3 minutes per game. Yet he still averaged nearly a triple-double, tallying 15.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Towns should be fresh and ready for the Eastern Conference Finals, which may not start for a while due to the competitive nature of the Pistons-Cavaliers series.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ayo Dosunmu Replaces Mike Conley in Starting Unit Sunday
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu will start Game 4 against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, replacing Mike Conley. The Timberwolves are tweaking their starting lineup for a second consecutive game after bringing Anthony Edwards back into the first unit in Game 3. Given that Conley logged only 4:13 in the last game, it's not surprising to see him drop to the bench, and there's a strong possibility the veteran will fall completely out of the rotation. Dosunmu has made a positive impression in the playoffs, averaging 17.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 29.3 minutes per game.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
Miles McBride Tallies Game-High 25 Points in Series-Clincher
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride led all scorers in Sunday's 144-114 Game 4 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. He got hot from downtown, going 7-for-9 and finishing 7-for-10 overall from the field, making all four free-throw attempts. McBride also contributed four rebounds and one steal during the series-clinching win. The 25-year-old made a second consecutive start with OG Anunoby (hamstring) sidelined. In Game 3, McBride couldn't handle the added responsibility, scoring only three points in 21 minutes. He did much better in Sunday's game, offering the Knicks reassurance that they can count on McBride if Anunoby can't return for the start of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyrese Maxey Settles for 17 Points Sunday
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey tallied 17 points as the team's season ended with a blowout loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday. Philadelphia was swept in the second-round series, with Maxey's performance in the matchup summing up the entire team's effort. The star guard struggled from the field and averaged only 17.8 points. He finished 6-for-16 on Sunday, going 1-for-7 from downtown. In 33 minutes on the floor, Maxey grabbed two rebounds and handed out four assists. It was a disappointing finish to an otherwise highly successful campaign for Maxey, who had career-high numbers in points (28.3), rebounds (4.1), assists (6.6), steals (1.9), and blocks (0.8) during the regular season. At 25, he is just entering his prime and should provide high-level fantasy production for many more years.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Is Kyle Finnegan the Top Closer Handcuff Available on the Waiver Wire?
Detroit Tigers right-hander Kyle Finnegan has gotten results so far in 2026, pitching to a 1.53 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 13 strikeouts and one save across 17 2/3 innings (18 games). Finnegan is currently blocked off from save opportunities in Detroit by veteran Tigers closer Kenley Jansen, who remains the team's preferred option in the ninth inning. However, Jansen has pitched to a 5.40 ERA with three blown saves across 11 appearances so far this season. Should Detroit choose to alter its late-inning mix, Finnegan could step in as the new closer. The 34-year-old has 113 career saves across 365 MLB appearances. While Finnegan's 0.0% K-BB rate does not exactly scream typical closer dominance, he's proven the ability to close games in the past. For fantasy managers in need of saves, Finnegan could be worth stashing off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joel Embiid Scores Efficient 24 Points in Season-Ending Loss
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid scored a team-high 24 points in Sunday's 144-114 season-ending loss to the New York Knicks. Embiid battled health and consistency issues during the playoffs, but he had an impressive showing on Sunday. The former MVP finished 8-for-8 from the field and 6-for-7 at the charity stripe, making both attempts from three-point range. Embiid added five rebounds and four assists in 28 minutes. Unfortunately, Embiid couldn't shake off the injury bug this season, appearing in only 38 regular-season games and also missing time during the playoffs. Having suited up for just 96 regular-season games across the last three campaigns, Embiid continues to be a high-risk pick in fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Carlos Cortes Earning More Playing Time, Emerging as a Priority Waiver-Wire Target
Athletics outfielder Carlos Cortes is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season, hitting .355/.408/.570 with four home runs, 15 RBI, 11 runs scored, and one stolen base across his first 103 plate appearances of the season. Entering play on Sunday, Cortes owned an 11.1% barrel rate and had walked (eight) nearly as many times as he had struck out (nine). The 28-year-old is a bit of a late bloomer, but he posted similarly strong numbers (.866 OPS) across 99 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2025. The lefty-swinging Cortes appears to have worked his way into an everyday role in the corner outfield for the Athletics, at least against right-handed starting pitching. Particularly given his hitter-friendly home park in Sacramento, Cortes profiles as a viable hitting streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caris LeVert Iffy for Monday Night
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Caris LeVert (heel) is questionable for Monday's Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He has popped up on the injury report with a right heel contusion. LeVert logged 17 minutes off the bench in Game 3 and made his biggest impact defensively, snagging four steals. Generally, he has not played a significant role for the Pistons this postseason, averaging 3.0 points and 2.1 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game. If LeVert can't go and Kevin Huerter (adductor) remains out, Daniss Jenkins and Javonte Green will lead the bench unit. It's also possible that Ron Holland II will get more run-outs.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kevin Huerter Listed as Questionable for Game 4
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) is questionable for Game 4 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday. The 27-year-old has previously carried a doubtful tag on the injury report, so this should be seen as a positive development. Yet it's still unclear whether Huerter will be ready to play. Caris LeVert (heel) has also been added to the injury report, which could further increase Daniss Jenkins' workload. On Monday, Jenkins will look to rebound from a poor Game 3 performance. Injuries to the bench unit also force Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff to rely more on his starters.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jorge Soler Remains an Impact Power Bat Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire
Across 157 plate appearances so far in 2026, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler is hitting .226/.325/.451 with eight home runs, 28 RBI, and 19 runs scored. With a 31.2% strikeout rate, Soler is unlikely to help fantasy managers in the batting average category. However, the 34-year-old remains a legitimate power bat even as he enters his mid-30s. Soler currently owns a 12.9% barrel rate, marking his eighth consecutive season with a barrel rate north of 12%. He's also managed to stay healthy this season after groin and back injuries limited him to just 315 plate appearances in 2025. As long as Soler can stay on the field in 2026, he should see every day playing time in the middle of the Angels lineup and could threaten 30 home runs. For fantasy managers searching for power on the waiver wire, Soler could be worth targeting.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Randy Vasquez Emerging as a Must-Add Waiver-Wire Target
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez turned in another strong performance in his team's 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, throwing six innings of one-run ball with six strikeouts while picking up the win. The 27-year-old has been excellent so far this season for San Diego, recording a 4-1 record with a 3.05 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts across 44 1/3 innings. Vasquez's strikeout rate currently sits at a career-best 23.2%, and his walk rate is down from 9.1% in 2025 to 7.2%. Vasquez's 80.6% strand rate may not be fully sustainable, but his strong 0.81 HR/9 helps him avoid blow-up innings and keeps his ERA down. Vasquez's average fastball velocity is also up to 94.8 miles per hour, a significant increase from his mark of 93.5 miles per hour in 2025. Particularly in deeper leagues, Vasquez should be scooped up off the waiver wire by fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Torkelson Remains a Viable Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across his first 152 plate appearances of 2026, Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson is hitting .209/.329/.411 with six home runs, 15 RBI, and 13 runs scored. The 26-year-old's season has taken a strange shape, as five of his six home runs came in a five-day period between April 22 and April 26. Outside of that brief power surge, Torkelson has largely struggled. While his 14.5% walk rate is excellent, Torkelson's 30.9% strikeout rate puts a firm ceiling on his batting average upside. Still, his 15.9% barrel rate suggests that Torkelson remains a potent power threat. As the weather starts to heat up in Detroit, Torkelson should start to hit the ball out of the ballpark with more consistency. In deeper leagues where he may have been dropped, Torkelson profiles as a power bat worth targeting off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kerry Carpenter Placed on 10-Day Injured List with Left AC Joint Sprain
Detroit Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter (shoulder) has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left AC joint sprain. Infielder Gage Workman was recalled to take Carpenter's spot on Detroit's active roster. Carpenter exited early from the Tigers' loss to the Kansas City Royals on Saturday after colliding with the outfield wall and could now be facing an extended absence. Across his first 117 plate appearances of 2026 before getting injured, the 28-year-old was hitting .216/.299/.451 with six home runs, 17 RBI, and 11 runs scored. While Carpenter may be able to return to the Tigers relatively quickly, his performance post-shoulder ailment will be something for fantasy managers to monitor. In Carpenter's absence, Tigers outfielders Wenceel Perez and Jahmai Jones could both see an increase in playing time in right field and at designated hitter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Auston Matthews Uncertain About Future With Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews is uncertain about his future with the team, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski reports. Toronto won the 2026 draft lottery this week, giving the team a boost after a disappointing season, but Matthews' future may lie elsewhere. He has two years remaining on his contract, with a $13.25 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause. Matthews missed the playoffs for the first time with Toronto this season and has never advanced past the second round since entering the league in 2016. He has enjoyed significant individual success, earning the Hart Trophy in 2022 and three Rocket Richard Trophies. At 28, Matthews is still in his prime, but no career lasts forever, and he may want a change of scenery to improve his chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Frederik Andersen Enjoying Special Postseason
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen remained undefeated in Game 4 against the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, improving to 8-0 this postseason. Carolina has made a great start to the playoffs, sweeping two opponents, and Andersen has been a major factor in that success. He has yet to allow more than two goals this postseason, registering a 1.12 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage. Previously, only three netminders in NHL history had started a postseason with eight consecutive wins. With Andersen looking nearly unbeatable, Carolina appears well-positioned to return to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 20 years.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Manson "Close" to Returning
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson (upper body) is on the cusp of rejoining the lineup, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. After Sunday's practice, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said Manson was "close" to returning. He has missed four games due to an upper-body injury. Nick Blankenburg
will likely come out of the lineup if Manson is cleared to play in Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild on Monday night. With 31 points (five goals, 26 assists) in 79 regular-season games, Manson had his second-best scoring campaign. He also made a solid offensive impact early in the postseason, recording two assists in three games.
Source: Evan Rawal
Source: Evan Rawal
Joel Kiviranta Could Return to Action Monday
Colorado Avalanche left wing Joel Kiviranta (undisclosed) could be available for Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild on Monday, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. He has been out of action for five games. Kivitanta played in Colorado's first two games of the postseason, logging three SOG, five hits, and a plus-two rating. If he's cleared to play, Kiviranta will be a bottom-six option for the Avalanche and help the penalty kill, which struggled in Saturday's 5-1 loss to Minnesota, allowing two power-play goals.
Source: Evan Rawal
Source: Evan Rawal
Radko Gudas a Game-Time Call Sunday
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (lower body) is a game-time decision for Sunday's meeting with the Vegas Golden Knights, Derek Lee of The Hockey News reports. The Ducks are hoping to get their captain back after an eight-game absence, and the signs are good that Gudas will make his return. He skated on the third defensive pairing Sunday morning, replacing Drew Helleson (undisclosed), who has been ruled out for Sunday's game. If he indeed returns, Gudas will add experience and physicality to the Ducks' lineup, but he is unlikely to make a difference on the offensive end.
Source: Derek Lee
Source: Derek Lee
Mark Stone Unavailable Sunday
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (undisclosed) will miss Game 4 against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, Derek Van Diest of NHL.com reports. The Golden Knights will be without their captain due to an undisclosed injury Stone suffered in Game 3. Stone has contributed three goals and four assists in nine games this postseason. In Stone's absence, Brandon Saad will make his 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs debut. Saad is coming off a disappointing regular season, in which he posted only nine points (three goals, six assists) in 49 outings. The 33-year-old has decent playoff pedigree, but his lack of form makes him an unattractive DFS target on Sunday.
Source: Derek Van Diest
Source: Derek Van Diest
Sean Tucker's Dynasty Upside Remains Limited by Crowded Backfield Picture
Across 17 games in 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker logged 354 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 94 touches. Tucker has flashed upside over the first three seasons of his career with Tampa Bay, including a three-touchdown performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 11 of 2025. However, Tucker has consistently found himself buried on the Buccaneers' running back depth chart and has never been able to carve out a consistent, every-week role in the team's offense. A similar dynamic seems likely to be at play in 2026, as Tampa Bay added veteran back Kenneth Gainwell in free agency to complement RB1 Bucky Irving. Tucker could have a chance to emerge should either Irving or Gainwell suffer an injury, which gives him some deep-league value. Still, Tucker's dynasty value would likely benefit from a change in scenery as he enters his age-25 season in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Puka Nacua's Dynasty Value Impacted by Potential Off-Field Concerns?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua put together a dominant season in 2025, recording 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 targets across 16 games. However, some off-field issues have emerged for the 24-year-old this offseason, as he's currently embroiled in a civil lawsuit and checked himself into a rehab facility in early April. There's zero question about Nacua's ability to produce on the field, as he's established himself as arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL over his first three professional seasons. Nacua's career average of 95.3 receiving yards per game is the best mark in the history of the NFL. To this point, he's also avoided any discipline from the NFL and is expected to be fully ready for the start of the 2026 season. Still, Nacua's off-field concerns bring some volatility to his dynasty profile. He remains an elite dynasty wideout overall, but managers in startup drafts may want to consider knocking him down a place or two in their rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Alec Pierce Build on Encouraging 2025 Production in 2026 and Beyond?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) is currently recovering from offseason ankle surgery. However, the 26-year-old is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 season after signing a four-year, $114 million contract with Indianapolis earlier this spring. Pierce put together the most productive season of his career in 2025, hauling in 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns on 84 targets across 15 games. While Pierce's ability to win down the field remains the best aspect of his profile, he averaged a career-high 5.6 targets per game last season. He'll also be asked to step into a true WR1 role with the Colts in 2026 following the team's trade of former wideout Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Assuming Pierce makes it through his current ankle issue without any hiccups, his dynasty stock is rising after his promising 2025 campaign.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keenan Allen's Dynasty Stock Falling with NFL Future in Limbo
Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen put together a solid season in 2025, recording 81 receptions for 777 yards and three touchdowns on 122 targets across 17 games. The 34-year-old currently remains unsigned, but Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has not ruled out the possibility of Allen returning to the Chargers for 2026. Allen did not sign with the Chargers last year until early August, so a similar situation could be in store for the upcoming year. While Allen proved that he can still be a productive possession wideout in 2025, he's no longer the same player he once was at his peak. The Chargers also offer plenty of target competition between wide receivers Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Tre' Harris, and tight end Oronde Gadsden. As he enters his mid-30s, Allen's dynasty value is trending in the wrong direction even if he returns to Los Angeles for the 2026 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drake London Remains a Dynasty WR1 Entering 2026
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London suffered a PCL strain in his left knee in Week 11 of the 2025 season, which caused him to miss time down the stretch. Even still, the 24-year-old put together a productive season, hauling in 68 receptions for 919 yards and seven touchdowns on 112 targets across 12 games. When healthy, London has established himself as a true lead pass-catcher in the NFL. London has averaged 9.3 targets per game over the last two seasons and should dominate targets in Atlanta once again in 2026. The quarterback situation in Atlanta remains a limiting factor for London, as neither Michael Penix Jr. (knee) nor Tua Tagovailoa should inspire much confidence in fantasy managers. Still, London has proven to be a reliable fantasy wideout in Atlanta despite the organization's inability to land on a franchise quarterback since trading away Matt Ryan after London's rookie year. In dynasty formats, London profiles as a mid-tier WR1 heading into his age-25 campaign.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
