Joel Embiid is Officially Ruled Out for Game 2
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) has been officially ruled out for Tuesday's Game 2 against the Boston Celtics. As expected, Embiid will remain sidelined after undergoing an appendectomy on April 10. The big man was able to begin a strength and conditioning program on Monday. It remains unclear if Embiid will be available to play at all during this series. The absence of Embiid should mean larger roles for Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. Neither player did much on the stat sheet during Game 1, and remain shaky DFS options for Game 2.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Sonny Gray Heading to the Injured List With Hamstring Injury
The plan is for the Boston Red Sox to place right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list, according to 7 News' Ari Alexander. The Red Sox are expected to call up left-hander Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move. Samaniego will give the team some extra bullpen depth before Gray's next turn in the starting rotation comes up. Left-hander Payton Tolle could be the guy that the BoSox choose to have replace Gray in the starting rotation, and fantasy managers in need of pitching depth might want to pick Tolle up now off the waiver wire. Tolle is currently rostered in just 10% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. Gray, 36, suffered a right-hamstring injury in his abbreviated outing on Monday against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park and will now miss at least a few turns in the rotation. With a potential short stay on the IL, Gray should be retained in most fantasy baseball leagues while he heals up.
Source: 7 News - Ari Alexander
Source: 7 News - Ari Alexander
Victor Wembanyama Wins Defensive Player of the Year
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year on Monday. The 22-year-old becomes the first unanimous selection in league history. A well-deserved award after Wembanyama averaged a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game with 1.0 steals across 64 games. He's also the first player to win it in San Antonio since Kawhi Leonard in 2016. Wembanyama became the youngest player to win the award since its creation in 1983. The 7'4 foot superstar is going to be a threat to win this award every year and possibly MVPs in the near future.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Puka Nacua Present for Rams First Day of Offseason Program
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was present for the first day of the team's offseason program on Monday, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Nacua led the NFL in catches (129) and receiving yards per game (107.2) in 16 regular-season contests while also posting a career-high 1,715 yards and career-high 10 touchdowns in just his third year in the NFL. The 24-year-old has been in the headlines this offseason for the wrong reasons, though, and he recently checked into a rehab facility last month. A civil lawsuit was also filed against Nacua in March, which stems from an incident on New Year's Eve in 2025. Nacua isn't expected to be in any danger of receiving a suspension from the league, so he'll be in play as the first receiver off the board in fantasy drafts this fall. He even beat out Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the title of WR1 overall in fantasy points in 2026.
Source: Los Angeles Times - Gary Klein
Source: Los Angeles Times - Gary Klein
Odell Beckham Jr. Works Out for Giants on Monday
Former New York Giants star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. worked out for his old team, the Giants, on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Rapoport writes that a "reunion seems possible." A lot has changed in New York since OBJ last played with the G-Men in 2018, but the three-time Pro Bowler does have experience playing for new Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who coached OBJ in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens. New York took Beckham with the 12th overall pick in 2014 out of LSU, and he had four 1,000-yard seasons with the team in his five years with the organization. Since OBJ's last 1,000-yard campaign in 2019 with the Browns, he's fallen off a cliff in terms of production, and he'll likely be a long shot for any kind of stable fantasy relevance in 2026 if he returns to the Big Apple. He had just nine catches for 55 yards and no touchdowns in nine games for the Dolphins in 2024 and a 35-565-3 line in 14 games (six starts) with Harbaugh in Baltimore in 2023.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
OG Anunoby is Available to Play for Monday's Game 2
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (ankle) is available to play ahead of Monday's Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks. As expected, Anunoby is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. He has been dealing with an ankle issue, but it's not serious enough to keep him out of action in this important playoff game. He should take on his usual role in the rotation during Monday's game. He finished with 18 points and eight rebounds across 38 minutes of action during Saturday's win. He's looking like a decent DFS option after nearly posting a double-double on Saturday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Onyeka Okongwu is Cleared to Play During Game 2 on Monday
Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu (knee) is available to play ahead of Monday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. Okongwu has been dealing with right knee inflammation, but it won't be serious enough to hold him out of this game. He finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists across 37 minutes during Saturday's loss. There's a chance that Okongwu sees a lighter workload due to the ongoing knee problem. If that does happen, Mouhamed Gueye and Tony Bradley would likely take on larger roles. Neither of the two big man are worth a look as DFS options with Okongwu healthy on Monday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Cowboys Make Brandon Aubrey the Highest-Paid Kicker in the League
The Dallas Cowboys made kicker Brandon Aubrey the league's highest-paid kicker on Monday by giving him a four-year, $28 million deal, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed and was negotiated by agents Todd France and AJ Stevens of Athletes First. Aubrey becomes the first kicker in NFL history to average $7 million annually. He finished the 2025 campaign as the No. 3 fantasy kicker by making 36 of his 42 field-goal attempts (85.7%) and 47 of his 48 extra-point tries in 17 games played. The 31-year-old veteran has been a Pro Bowler for Dallas in each of his first three years in the league, and he now has an 88.2% success rate on field goals in 51 regular-season games. In a Dallas offense that should be among the highest-scoring in the league again in 2026, Aubrey qualifies as a high-end fantasy kicker target yet again. The fact that the Cowboys play half their games in a dome makes Aubrey even more attractive at the position.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Immanuel Quickley is Ruled Out for Game 2
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Quickley is set to miss his second straight playoff game while he recovers from a hamstring injury. Jamal Shead started in his place during Saturday's series opener. Shead finished with 17 points and two assists across 26 minutes of action in the loss. He figures to play a similar role against on Monday. Ja'Kobe Walter could also see more playing time, but isn't an ideal DFS option. Brandon Ingram will be asked to do more offensively with Quickley on the sideline.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ryan Pepiot's Hip Feels "Unstable" While Playing Catch
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said on Monday that right-hander Ryan Pepiot (hip) had a bad day on Monday, as his right hip felt "unstable" while he played catch, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays moved Pepiot to the 60-day injured list last week after he suffered a setback with his right-hip injury, and things continue to go poorly for him despite receiving an injection. Since he's on the 60-day IL, the 28-year-old will not be eligible to return to the major-league roster until late May, and fantasy managers should be preparing for the possibility that it could be longer than that until he's reinstated. When healthy, Pepiot is one of the team's aces, and he's currently rostered in 79% of Yahoo leagues. Right-hander Jesse Scholtens has appeared in bulk relief for the Rays in his first two outings in 2026, but he'll be making his first start on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, and he could stick in Tampa's rotation with Pepiot out if he continues to pitch well.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Edwin Diaz Expected to Miss Around Three Months
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) will have surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, a source told Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Diaz is expected to miss in the neighborhood of three months. The Dodgers officially placed the 32-year-old veteran on the 15-day injured list on Monday after Diaz appeared on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies for the first time since April 10. He proceeded to allow three runs and a walk without recording an out while also seeing his velocity dip again. Now we know why. Barring a setback after he goes under the knife, Diaz won't return to the Dodgers' bullpen until late June or early July. Despite the injury, the All-Star closer should be stashed in all fantasy baseball leagues while he recovers. In the meantime, lefties Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia and righty Blake Treinen could all mix and match for save opportunities in L.A. Although Scott struggled for the team in 2025, he had a career-high 23 saves and has locked down 78 games in his nine-plus-year career.
Source: ESPN.com - Aldez Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Aldez Gonzalez
Injury in Dodgers Bullpen Makes Tanner Scott Waiver-Wire-Worthy
Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed reliever Tanner Scott should at least be part of a closer-by-committee approach for the team moving forward now that right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) is expected to miss at least three months while needing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. In addition to Scott, fellow lefty Alex Vesia and righty Blake Treinen could be used in save situations for the foreseeable future by manager Dave Roberts. The 31-year-old Scott was an All-Star for the first time in his career in 2024 with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, but that was followed by a rough 2025 campaign in his first year with the Blue. Scott did have a career-high 23 saves last year, but he also struggled to a 1-4 record, 4.74 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 60:18 K:BB in 57 innings pitched over 61 appearances. He has turned things around so far in 2026, allowing just an earned run with no walks and eight punchouts in 8 2/3 frames. Now that Scott is back in a position to pick up saves, his ownership in fantasy leagues should increase. Scott is currently only rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Tim Mayza Could See Save Opportunities in Philadelphia
MLB Network's Jon Morosi mentions that Philadelphia Phillies left-handed reliever Tim Mayza has been excellent so far this year when discussing the direction that the team might go at the back end of the bullpen with star closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) expected to be out two to three weeks with an oblique injury. Right-hander Brad Keller is "probably" going to be the guy that gets the next save chance in Philly, but Mayza, Jose Alvarado, and Orion Kerkering could end up forming some sort of committee for manager Rob Thomson. Mayza could get the nod if it's a lefty-heavy inning for the opponent in the ninth inning. The 34-year-old veteran only has four saves in his big-league career in eight-plus seasons, but he currently has a 3.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts and four walks in 12 relief innings pitched in 2026. In deeper fantasy leagues where managers are desperate for saves, they may want to consider a waiver-wire pickup of Mayza in the short term.
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Edwin Uceta Shut Down for 2-3 Weeks; Is he Still Stash-Worthy?
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta (shoulder) has a right-shoulder strain, which is a new injury from the discomfort that initially landed him on the 15-day injured list to begin the 2026 regular season, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Uceta will be shut down from throwing for two to three weeks and will then have to build back up, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to make his season debut for the Rays for a while. It's a tough break for those who have been stashing the 28-year-old in fantasy leagues in hopes that he'll become the team's primary closer when he's fully healthy. In a best-case scenario, Uceta may not rejoin Tampa's bullpen until mid-to-late May. He's still worth holding onto in fantasy leagues, though, if you have an available IL spot. Uceta has been pretty solid for the Rays the last two seasons and was one of only five relievers in 2025 to have over 100 strikeouts. Until further notice, Bryan Baker is the reliever to roster for saves in Tampa.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Charle-Edouard D'Astous Doubtful for Game 2
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous (undisclosed) is doubtful for Tuesday's Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports. He was injured in Sunday's series opener and didn't practice on Monday. According to Lightning head Jon Cooper, Maxwell Crozier and Declan Carlile are in contention to fill in for D'Astous in Tuesday's game. Carlile skated with D'Astous's partner Emil Lilleberg on Monday. Tuesday's game would be Carlile's Stanley Cup Playoffs debut. He appeared in 42 games during the regular season but didn't do much from a fantasy perspective. Carlile recorded three points (one goal, two assists), 33 SOG, 38 blocks, and 51 hits.
Source: Eduardo A. Encina
Source: Eduardo A. Encina
Brad Keller Will "Probably" Earn First Save Situation in Modified Phillies Bullpen
According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Brad Keller is projected to receive the first save situation in the current bullpen. The Phillies have several relievers on the injured list, with primary closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) being the most notable name. Through the early going in the regular season, Keller has operated as the top setup man, tallying four saves over his first eight appearances while posting a 4.70 ERA with an 8:2 K:BB. On April 18, Keller was deployed in the ninth inning (in a non-save situation), which suggests the Phillies trust him in the final frame. Last summer, Keller was a reliable setup option for the Cubs, earning 26 holds and chipping in three saves with a strong 2.07 ERA. He should be viewed as a top option for saves on the waiver wire ahead of Week 4.
Source: Jon Morosi
Source: Jon Morosi
Roope Hintz to Miss at Least Two More Games
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (lower body) will be unavailable for at least two more games, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports. He will sit out Monday's Game 2 against the Minnesota Wild and isn't expected to be in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 3 either. Hintz last played on March 6 and isn't even skating on his own yet, which suggests he isn't close to returning. In Hintz's absence, Justin Hryckowian has gotten an opportunity on the first line at the start of the postseason. In Game 1, Hryckowian failed to register any attempts on the net but led his team with six hits in 13:00 of ice time.
Source: Dan Rosen
Source: Dan Rosen
Edwin Diaz Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) on the 15-day injured list with loose bodies in his right elbow. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers are promoting Jake Eder from Oklahoma City. Diaz was dealing with velocity concerns over the past two weeks and will now miss at least the next 15 days on the injured list. In his most recent outing on Sunday, Diaz failed to record an out as he surrendered three hits, three runs, and a walk to the Colorado Rockies. In this appearance, Diaz's fastball sat at 95.4 mph compared to the 97.3 mph it averaged last summer. While Diaz was enjoying a strong start to his Dodger career, earning four saves over his first five appearances with a 1.80 ERA, the right-hander is now in serious danger of missing extended time. While he remains sidelined, Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott figure to see the bulk of the save opportunities, with Vesia projected to operate as the lead option, given his recent usage.
Source: David Vassegh
Source: David Vassegh
Ross Johnston Won't Play in Game 1 Against Oilers
Anaheim Ducks left wing Ross Johnston (lower body) isn't available for Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night, Derek Van Diest of NHL.com reports. Due to a lower-body injury, Johnston hasn't seen any action for close to six weeks. He was initially ruled out for 2-4 weeks. While Johnston's recovery has taken longer than expected, Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville believes he will play against Edmonton at some point during the first-round series. Johnston's return would beef up the Ducks' lineup, as he registered a team-high 192 hits in the regular season. Offensively, he contributed three goals and 11 assists in 64 games.
Source: Derek Van Diest
Source: Derek Van Diest
Artem Zub Considered a Game-Time Decision Monday
Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision on Monday against the Carolina Hurricanes. The versatile blue-liner sustained an undisclosed injury in the series opener on Saturday, and it's unclear whether he will feel well enough to play. Following the morning skate, Senators head coach Travis Green told reporters that Zub's availability will be determined after the pregame warmups. If Zub is out, Nikolas Matinpalo is set to have a larger role as a member of the top four. Lassi Thomson would step into the lineup as his replacement.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Tyler Kleven Remains Out Monday
Ottawa Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven (upper body) won't play in Monday's Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes. He has been out for eight straight games after taking a puck to the face in a contest against Buffalo on April 2. The encouraging news for Ottawa is that Kleven skated wearing a regular jersey on Monday morning. This suggests he will be an option later in the series. In the meantime, Dennis Gilbert will skate on the third defensive pairing. He logged 8:26 of action in Game 1, recording one block, four hits, and four penalty minutes.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Jason Dickinson a Game-Time Call Monday
Edmonton Oilers center Jason Dickinson (leg) is a game-time decision for Monday's tilt against the Anaheim Ducks, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. The 30-year-old sustained a leg injury late in the regular season and has missed three games. However, Dickinson was cleared for practice on Sunday and appears likely to return Monday night. If he's ready, Dickinson is expected to skate on the third line alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jack Roslovic. That line could find offensive success in a situation where the Ducks' defense must focus much of its attention on stopping Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl (lower-body). Dickinson has recorded nine points (five goals, four assists) in 40 career playoff appearances.
Source: Emily Kaplan
Source: Emily Kaplan
Leon Draisaitl Expected to Return Monday
Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl (lower body) is expected to return to action on Monday against the Anaheim Ducks, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. On Monday morning, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said Draisaitl was a game-time call. The star forward has been out for 14 games with a lower-body injury. But he looks good to go for Game 1 against the Ducks after the team activated Draisaitl from long-term Injured Reserve ahead of Monday's contest. Draisaitl's return to the lineup will be a major boost for the Oilers, as he's averaged 1.47 points per game in 96 career postseason appearances -- only four players have a higher scoring rate in Stanley Cup Playoffs history.
Source: Emily Kaplan
Source: Emily Kaplan
Moises Ballesteros' Hot Bat Earning Waiver-Wire Consideration
Chicago Cubs catcher/designated hitter Moises Ballesteros is impressing in the early part of 2026, showing why his hit tool was so highly regarded before joining the big leagues. The Cubs' former top prospect has hit safely in eight of his last 10 games, with five multi-hit performances mixed in there. It has raised the left-handed slugger's season-long slash line to .364/.396/.591 with three home runs, a .429 wOBA, and a 174 wRC+. Unfortunately, the 5-foot-8 Venezuelan continues to get pulled against left-handed pitching, logging just three plate appearances against southpaws in 2026, which is going to dampen his appeal in season-long leagues and more so in daily formats. Nevertheless, he's 16-for-41 (.390) against righties, so if he can earn more at-bats with his exceptional hitting, the 22-year-old could see an increase in categorical productivity. He may not be a must-add yet, but Ballesteros is certainly a must-watch in the event he gains more at-bats.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Reid Detmers a Worthy Waiver-Wire Add With Strikeout Upside
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers has had a promising yet inconsistent start to the season, allowing a combined eight runs in two starts but just one earned run combined in the other two starts, including a nine-strikeout performance against the Yankees in his latest turn through the rotation. It has produced an acceptable 3.57 ERA (3.40 xFIP) with a 1.06 WHIP and a strong 21.3 percent K-BB%. A solid ERA and WHIP with strikeout upside is exactly what fantasy managers were hoping for after the southpaw finished last season with a 2.19 ERA (2.77 SIERA), 1.11 WHIP, and a 23.9 percent K-BB% from May 9 through the end of the campaign (49 appearances, 49 1/3 innings pitched). Those innings were in relief, though, so it was interesting to see if it would carry over to his role as a starter this season, and it appears to have continued. As a starter back in 2022, the former first-rounder threw a no-hitter, so the talent has always been there; he just needed to find it again. The 26-year-old will have his work cut out for him in his next start, a home date with Toronto on Monday, a team that owns the eighth-best batting average against lefties this year (.262). But for interested season-long managers, he's still available in nearly half of Yahoo! leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Shane McClanahan Unable to Regain Pre-Injury Form
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan lasted just 4 1/3 innings in his latest start on Sunday, allowing four earned runs on eight hits while striking out five batters in a 6-3 loss to the Pirates. On the bright side, the lefty threw 72 percent of his pitches for strikes and did not walk a batter, something that plagued him in his first three starts, where he walked 11 hitters. In all, the 28-year-old has posted a 5.00 ERA (4.48 xFIP), 1.33 WHIP, and an 8.8 percent K-BB%. It's a far cry from the 3.02 ERA (3.15 xFIP), 1.10 WHIP, and 20.9 percent K-BB% that he recorded in 74 starts from 2021 to 2023. The former 31st-overall draft pick dealt with Tommy John surgery that disrupted his 2023 season and caused him to miss all of 2024, then encountered a setback with a nerve issue that completely derailed 2025, so there could still be more rust to knock off. However, a couple more subpar starts and he may be headed to the cut list for fantasy. The 6-foot-3 hurler will get Minnesota at home his next time out, a team that is top 12 in runs scored per game (5.09), wOBA versus LHP (.327), and wRC+ versus LHP (107).
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Is Lucas Erceg's Closer Seat Getting Warm After Blown Save?
Kansas City Royals closer Lucas Erceg had converted five straight save chances before his last appearance on Thursday this past week, when he allowed three earned runs on three hits and one walk, blowing the save opportunity and taking the loss to the Tigers. Before that, the right-hander had not allowed a run in six of seven appearances, but after Thursday's collapse, his ERA now stands at 6.14 with a 1.50 WHIP and a 6.7 percent K-BB%. The 30-year-old has pitched well for the Royals over the last two years, but saw a significant drop-off in strikeout rate between 2024 and 2025, from 28.5 percent to 19.3 percent. It has fallen even more this season, currently standing at 16.7 percent. Fantasy managers won't argue with collecting five saves so far, but with diminishing strikeouts and regular closer Carlos Estevez (foot) beginning a rehab assignment this week, Erceg's handle on the role is becoming somewhat tenuous.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyler Reddick Earns His Fifth Win of the 2026 Season at Kansas
Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing won the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. Reddick started the race from first and was one of the top contenders. In the first stage, Reddick lost the lead to Denny Hamlin after four laps and then eventually lost second place to Kyle Larson. Reddick ended the first stage in third and scored eight stage points. In the second stage, Reddick made it up to second behind Larson, who took the lead from Hamlin, but Hamlin then took second back. Reddick then finished the stage in third, earning eight more stage points. The final stage saw Reddick compete with Hamlin and Christopher Bell throughout the stage, especially as Reddick chased both drivers down for the lead. In the closing laps, Reddick exchanged the lead with Hamlin until a caution on lap 266 for Cody Ware spinning. This led to an overtime restart where Reddick lost a few positions after getting moved off track, but regained them all to chase down Larson on the final lap. Reddick passed Larson for his fifth win of the year in the final two corners. With his second Kansas victory, Reddick becomes the first driver to win five of the first nine races in a Cup season since 1987, when Dale Earnhardt accomplished the feat. The driver of the No. 45 Toyota also extends his lead in the regular-season points standings to 105 points ahead of Hamlin.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Kyle Larson Finishes as the Runner-Up at Kansas
Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports nearly ended his 32-race winless streak at Kansas Speedway in the AdventHealth 400, but fell one spot short of victory. Larson started the race from fourth and quickly established himself as one of the top contenders. Although he lost a position to Carson Hocevar early, Larson regained it and climbed up to second, where he also placed at the end of the first stage. In the second stage, Larson took over the lead from Denny Hamlin and dominated the second stage without much of a challenge, winning it and earning 10 more stage points. The No. 5 Chevrolet driver lost positions in the stage break through pit road, and on the ensuing restart, fell out of the top five. Through green flag pit stops midway through the final stage, Larson returned to the top five and made it up to third before the final caution of the race on lap 266 gave Larson another chance at the win. On the final restart, Larson made a move to go three-wide on Hamlin and Tyler Reddick and took the lead from both of them. Larson led on the white flag lap, but Reddick caught back up to him and passed him through the final two corners for the win, leaving Larson with a runner-up finish at Kansas. After Kansas, Larson is now fifth in the regular-season standings with his third top-5 of the season.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Chase Briscoe Rallies for A New Career-Best Finish at Kansas
Chase Briscoe finished in third place in the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. Briscoe began the race from fifth place and ran inside the top five throughout most of the stage until green flag pit stops midway through the first stage. From there, he ended up losing positions and finished the first stage in seventh, collecting four stage points. In the second stage, Briscoe fell away from the top 10 and finished the stage in 11th, missing out on further stage points. In the final stage, Briscoe returned to the top 10 and steadily ran there until the final caution on lap 266, sending the race into overtime. Unlike most of the field who pitted with two tires on the final pit stop, Briscoe pitted with four tires and restarted 10th. On the final restart, Briscoe took advantage of the extra grip and went from 10th to third by the checkered flag, solidifying a new career-best finish as well as his third top-5 in his Cup career at Kansas. With this finish, Briscoe is now 15th in the regular season standings and in the chase field.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
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