Jun 4, 2026, 5:25 PM ET

Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne currently projects to be behind both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks on the team's running back depth chart, per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Etienne recorded just 107 scrimmage yards on 23 touches across 17 games as a rookie. Hubbard has recorded over 3,200 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns over the past three seasons for Carolina and profiles as the clear RB1. However, Brooks has been limited to just three games by knee injuries since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Etienne could work his way past Brooks over the course of the summer. Still, it's notable that the Panthers may be thinking of Brooks as the complement to Hubbard at this point. It's too early to give up on Etienne in dynasty formats, but the 21-year-old has some work to do to establish himself after his underwhelming rookie year.--Will Brady
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye

Jun 4, 2026, 5:25 PM ET

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports. Larkin looks eager to move on from Motown after the Red Wings missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a tenth consecutive year. So far, Larkin has shown considerable patience while waiting for a competitive team to be built around him. He has been with the Red Wings since entering the NHL in 2015. The team named him captain in January 2021. Detroit locked Larkin into an eight-year, $69.6 million contract in 2023, giving him a full no-trade clause through next season. While the Red Wings have struggled for a decade, Larkin has been strong individually. He scored a career-high 34 goals this season, adding 33 assists in 74 contests.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Elliotte Friedman

Jun 4, 2026, 4:58 PM ET

The Kansas City Royals announced on Thursday that they placed right-hander Stephen Kolek (personal) on the family medical emergency list and selected the contract of infielder Josh Rojas from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Kolek could be away from the Royals for anywhere from three to seven days while he deals with a personal matter. It's unclear if he'll be back with the team in time to make his next scheduled start on Tuesday at home in a plus matchup against the Texas Rangers. The 29-year-old isn't much of a strikeout artist, leaving his fantasy ceiling rather low, but he has pitched well in 2026 in his first full year with the Royals, going 4-1 with a career-best 3.32 ERA (4.10 FIP) and 0.97 WHIP with 27 strikeouts and only eight walks in 38 innings across his six starts. Kolek had a quality start his last time out in a no-decision against the Cincinnati Reds, spinning seven innings with only two earned runs allowed, two walks, and a season-high eight strikeouts. He allowed six runs (four earned) with one walk and five K's in five innings in a loss on May 29 in his first meeting with the Rangers on the road.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Kansas City Royals

Jun 4, 2026, 4:46 PM ET

Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said running back Jaylen Wright is showing a greater comfort level this season and "has some speed," per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Wright missed time early in the 2025 season with a knee injury, but finished the year with 332 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 75 touches across 10 games. As long as star Dolphins running back De'Von Achane remains healthy, it will be difficult for Wright to earn enough touches to provide fantasy-relevant production. However, Wright may be on his way to firmly seizing the RB2 role in Miami away from fellow Dolphins back Ollie Gordon II. If Wright emerges as the clear backup to Achane, he would profile as one of the better handcuff running back options for fantasy managers entering 2026.--Will Brady
Source: Sun Sentinel - David Furones

Jun 4, 2026, 4:37 PM ET

Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich said he is developing chemistry with new quarterback Malik Willis during OTAs, per Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. Dulcich currently sits atop the Dolphins' tight end depth chart, with rookie third-rounder Will Kacmarek and rookie fifth-rounder Seydou Traore possibly in the mix for regular playing time as well. Injuries have been a major issue for Dulcich to this point in his career, as he's played in just 31 games across four NFL seasons. However, he finished the 2025 season strong for Miami, recording 11 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets over his final three games of the year. The Dolphins are also entering 2026 without any obvious high-end pass-catchers on the roster outside of running back De'Von Achane. If Dulcich can emerge as a trusted option for Willis, he may currently be undervalued by consensus fantasy boards.--Will Brady
Source: Miami Herald - Omar Kelly

Jun 4, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said that rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas (undisclosed) "tweaked something" during OTAs on Wednesday, per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Furones reports that Hafley also said Douglas' injury is not something the team is concerned about in the long haul. Miami used the 75th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Douglas after he recorded 54 catches for 846 yards and seven touchdowns across 14 games at Texas Tech in 2025. The Dolphins have one of the weakest wide receiver depth charts in the NFL entering the upcoming season, with the veteran trio of Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, and Tutu Atwell currently occupying starting roles. Douglas should have a chance to contribute immediately as a rookie, but fantasy managers should monitor this current injury to make sure it doesn't snowball into a more serious issue.--Will Brady
Source: Sun Sentinel - David Furones

Jun 4, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot/ankle) has been working off to the side with team trainers during OTAs, per Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic. Conner is working his way back from the gruesome foot/ankle injury that ended his 2025 season in Week 3. The 31-year-old was a highly productive player in his last fully healthy season with Arizona in 2024, recording 1,508 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games. However, Conner's role with the Cardinals entering 2026 is in question after the team signed running back Tyler Allgeier in free agency and used the number three overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jeremiyah Love. Even if he's able to return in time for the start of the upcoming season, Conner may be limited to RB3 duties in Arizona and would likely need either an injury above him on the depth chart or a change in scenery to provide fantasy-relevant production.--Will Brady
Source: The Arizona Republic - Theo Mackie

Jun 4, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) said he is "on track" to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Kittle tore his Achilles tendon on January 11 during San Francisco's NFC Wild Card round win over the Philadelphia Eagles. However, it appears as though the 32-year-old has a chance to get back on the field roughly eight months after the injury. Kittle battled through an injury-marred 2025 regular season even before the Achilles tear, missing six games due to ankle and hamstring injuries. However, the veteran tight end remained highly productive when healthy, recording 57 receptions for 628 yards and seven touchdowns on 69 targets. With Kittle coming off a serious injury and entering his age-33 campaign, it's fair to project a bit of decline in his production. Still, he profiles as a top-12 fantasy tight end if he can truly make it back for the start of 2026.--Will Brady
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner

Jun 4, 2026, 3:33 PM ET

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) is expected to return from the 10-day injured list this weekend, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Rangers entered Wednesday ranked 23rd in runs per game and two games below .500, so they desperately need both Seager and outfielder Wyatt Langford (forearm) back in their lineup. The 32-year-old Seager started a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday and should be good to go by the weekend, barring a setback. The five-time All-Star and two-time World Series MVP has gotten off to a bad start to the 2026 season, slashing just .179/.286/.353 with a .638 OPS, but he did have seven home runs in 156 at-bats before injuring his back. Seager has had trouble staying healthy at various points in his career, but the Rangers need him to stay on the field the rest of the year to have any chance at getting into the postseason. In fantasy, Seager's buy-low window remains open if you're willing to take on the risk that he cannot overcome his slow start. UPDATE: Seager is expected to come off the IL for the series opener on Friday versus the Cleveland Guardians, per MLB.com's Kennedi Landry.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal

Jun 4, 2026, 3:26 PM ET

Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins (shoulder) was gaining momentum for a promotion to the major leagues before suffering a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in early May. The Twins' top-ranked prospect was 9-for-21 (.429) with four doubles, a home run, a 6:4 BB:K, and two steals during a six-game hit streak before hitting the injured list. The oft-injured former first-round draft pick was slashing .256/.396/.389 with a pair of home runs, five steals, and more walks (19) than strikeouts (18) through 25 games before injuring his shoulder. The left-handed slugger is expected to start a rehab assignment next week, per Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll, and should he get rolling again, he will find himself in the mix for a major league debut in the second half of the season. The talented 21-year-old has the skills to be an impactful fantasy player once he gets a shot in the majors, but with a debut likely more than a month away, he's not a must-stash at the moment.--Jarod Rupp
Source: Dan Hayes - The Athletic

Jun 4, 2026, 3:25 PM ET

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said that quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) has been throwing, and he's expected to have more of a role in practice later in June during mandatory minicamp, according to Luca Evans of The Denver Post. Evans observed Nix moving around before practice on Thursday and didn't see any kind of bulky-looking brace on his surgically-repaired right ankle. The Broncos aren't rushing the 26-year-old signal-caller along this offseason after he needed surgery to fix a fractured ankle that he suffered in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills. He might not be a full-go in minicamp, but there's no reason to believe that Nix will be limited once training camp rolls around in late July. The former 12th overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Oregon finished as the QB7 in fantasy in 2025 in his second year in the NFL, throwing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on a league-high 612 pass attempts over 17 regular-season starts. Nix added 356 rushing yards and another five scores as a rusher. He has helped turn the Broncos franchise around, but with average arm strength and while coming off ankle surgery, fantasy managers have every right to be skeptical about him as a legitimate QB1 in Year 3. RotoBaller has Nix ranked as the No. 15 quarterback in redraft leagues in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans

Jun 4, 2026, 3:25 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect James Tibbs III extended his current hit streak to six games on Wednesday, batting a sizzling .409 (9-for-22) during that stretch, including five home runs and a whopping 14 RBI. For the season, the Dodgers' 10th-ranked prospect is slashing .318/.419/.641 with 17 home runs and a strong 14.2 percent walk rate. The strikeouts remain on the high side at 25.8 percent, but with this type of production, it is tolerable, and he should be ticketed for a major league debut in the coming weeks, though it was Ryan Ward who was called upon to replace the recently shelved Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring). Should Ward falter or another need arises in the outfield, Tibbs could very well be on his way to Los Angeles, and with the type of power and on-base ability he's shown at Triple-A Oklahoma City, the 23-year-old should be considered one of the top bats to stash in most redraft leagues.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Jun 4, 2026, 3:25 PM ET

Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Brody Hopkins' season-long stats for Triple-A Durham don't look so good on the surface (3.56 ERA, 5.00 FIP, 1.54 WHIP), but progress can be seen in his five May outings, where he pitched to a 1.77 ERA (3.89 FIP) and 1.38 WHIP while opponents hit just .143 against him. The main issue has been the walks, which have persisted even throughout May, as the right-hander carries a Triple-A-worst 20.2 percent walk rate (minimum 30 innings pitched), which has almost canceled out a solid 25.8 percent strikeout rate, giving him a paltry 5.6 K-BB% for the year, while he's also delivered the second-most wild pitches (eight) among Triple-A hurlers. A 35.8 percent whiff rate (88th percentile) shows what kind of swing-and-miss stuff the Rays' top pitching prospect has, and if he can get the command under control, there is plenty of strikeout upside there. The 24-year-old walked just one while striking out nine in his latest appearance, and if he can continue that trend, the Rays might find a role for him on the big league club later this season, and with his stuff, Hopkins could end up being a stash target for fantasy.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Jun 4, 2026, 3:25 PM ET

Across 43 innings (12 starts) this season at Triple-A, Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith has recorded a 4.19 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts. Smith owns a 16% walk rate this season and walked 17.6% of the batters he faced at Double-A in 2025, so command is obviously a red flag in his profile. However, the 22-year-old's 33.7% strikeout rate hints at an elite ability to miss bats. Smith has also started to lock in over his last two starts at Triple-A, allowing three earned runs and three walks while striking out 16 across 9 1/3 innings of work. Smith has logged just 126 1/3 total innings in the minors since being drafted fifth overall by the White Sox in 2024. Between his lack of experience and his walk issues, Chicago may need to see more from him before giving him an opportunity in the big leagues. Still, Smith's ability to miss bats gives him major fantasy upside and may make him worth stashing off the waiver wire in deeper leagues.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 4, 2026, 3:25 PM ET

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said there is a "crystal clear" vision for the role of new wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who can play all over, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Waddle had 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins before falling back down to Earth a bit alongside a struggling Miami offense the last two seasons. The 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2021 out of the University of Alabama had a 64-910-6 line in 16 starts in 2025, though, and his fantasy stock is back on the rise after the Broncos gave up a first-round pick for him this offseason. Denver has plenty of options at the position in Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr., and Troy Franklin, but because of his ability to play all over the field with a bright offensive mind in Payton designing plays for him, Waddle could easily lead the Broncos in targets and catches in his first year in the Mile High City in 2026. Fantasy managers will want to target the sixth-year receiver as a low-end WR2 with upside this fall as he finally gets out of the shadow of Tyreek Hill.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens

Jun 4, 2026, 2:54 PM ET

Miami Marlins pitching prospect Karson Milbrandt has pitched extremely well so far this season, and with a recent promotion to Triple-A Jacksonville, the right-hander has put himself in the stash conversation for fantasy. The former third-rounder has pitched to a 1.34 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through nine starts at Double-A, while striking out 38.3 percent of opponents. His 70 strikeouts are second-most for any pitcher in all the minors, and it will be interesting to see how he fares at the minors' highest level. The Marlins' ninth-ranked prospect will get his first opportunity to face stiffer competition on Saturday when he takes the mound for the first time for the Jumbo Shrimp, and if he continues to perform, a major league debut should be in the cards later in the season. The Marlins' rotation depth has taken multiple hits with Janson Junk (shin) and Eury Perez (thigh) recently hitting the injured list, and with prospect Robby Snelling (elbow) also out for the year after making just one MLB start. Top prospect Thomas White (shoulder) remains on the 7-day IL, so Milbrandt's chance may come out of sheer necessity, though he's not currently on the 40-man roster. Either way, his strikeout upside puts him on the fantasy radar, and if he shows well on Saturday, he could quickly become a top pitching stash in redraft leagues.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Jun 4, 2026, 2:54 PM ET

Across 276 plate appearances entering play on Thursday, Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez had hit .245/.351/.433 with nine home runs, 32 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 21 stolen bases. While the 33-year-old's .784 OPS this season still represents above-average production, it's well below the .868 OPS he posted across back-to-back top-five finishes in the American League MVP vote in 2024 and 2025. Still, Ramirez's 7% barrel rate is right in line with his career norms, and his 44.8% hard-hit rate is actually the best mark of his career. Ramirez's plate skills also remain elite, as he's drawn 39 walks on the season and struck out just 35 times. Ramirez is already an elite source of speed, and there's plenty of reason to believe that the rest of his fantasy profile will return to elite status over the remainder of 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 4, 2026, 2:47 PM ET

Miami Marlins pitching prospect Thomas White (shoulder) was coming off a stellar 2025 campaign where he posted a 2.31 ERA (2.27 FIP), 1.18 WHIP, and a .172 opponent batting average while striking out 145 batters across 89 2/3 innings of work, which was good for a massive 38.6 percent strikeout rate. Walks have always been a concern, even in 2025 when they reached 13.6 percent, but a 17.0 percent swinging-strike rate while allowing two home runs all season helped limit the potential damage. That is why it was a bit of an eye-opener to see him struggle to a 4.34 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and an opponent batting average of .257, which includes four home runs allowed to begin the Triple-A campaign in 2026. The Marlins' top-ranked prospect has been on the 7-day injured list since May 19, but has no clear timetable to return after Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix said last week that White is recovering from "a bit of a shoulder thing." If he can return soon and log a couple of good starts at Triple-A, the southpaw could soon get the call to the majors with the big league rotation desperately in need of reinforcements. Fantasy managers should monitor for any updates, as once the 21-year-old starts pitching again, he'll likely be one of the top pitchers to stash in fantasy leagues.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Jun 4, 2026, 2:41 PM ET

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara surprised everyone by showing up to OTAs on Wednesday since he has a history of skipping voluntary workouts in the offseason. Even head coach Kellen Moore was caught off guard. "Obviously a little bit unexpected," Moore said. New Orleans added RB Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency, leading to offseason speculation that Kamara could hang up his cleats or be traded. His status for the 2026 season is far from settled. The Saints have indicated they would like to address Kamara's contract, but the team's all-time leading rusher said he hasn't talked with general manager Mickey Loomis about taking a pay cut. The 30-year-old five-time Pro Bowler is entering the final year of his contract and holds a salary cap hit of around $10.5 million, which was already reduced earlier this offseason. Kamara said he has no beef with the Saints after they added Etienne, and is "going to be ready" to play in the Big Easy for a 10th season. If Kamara stays with the Saints this year, he's going to be the clear No. 2 behind Etienne, which will cause a drastic drop in his fantasy value after being the Saints' lead back for the last nine years.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NOLA.com - Matthew Paras

Jun 4, 2026, 2:39 PM ET

Cleveland Guardians first base prospect Ralphy Velazquez is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season in the minor leagues, hitting .298/.389/.521 with seven home runs, 31 RBI, 28 runs scored, and one stolen base. The 21-year-old's production has slowed down a bit since being promoted from Double-A Akron to Triple-A Columbus on May 20. Still, Velazquez has progressed rapidly through the Guardians' farm system since opening the 2025 season at High-A and could be on the fast track to the big leagues. Cleveland has gotten decent production from the first base/designated hitter combination of Kyle Manzardo and Rhys Hoskins, but neither represents a major impediment for Velazquez if he continues to produce. In deeper leagues, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Velazquez off the waiver wire.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 4, 2026, 2:34 PM ET

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado has struggled mightily so far in 2026, hitting .172/.263/.344 with 10 home runs, 30 RBI, 28 runs scored, and one stolen base across 241 plate appearances. It's a startling decline for the veteran, who entered 2026 riding a streak of five consecutive seasons with at least a .258 batting average, 27 home runs, and 91 RBI. Machado's issues at the plate have been at least partially fueled by bad luck, as his .177 batting average on balls in play is significantly below his career mark of .296. However, there are some worrying signs in his underlying metrics. Machado's 8.2% barrel rate is his worst since 2019, and his 44.3% hard-hit rate is his lowest since 2020. The 33-year-old's strikeout rate has also slipped to a career-worst 23.2%. Machado's production feels likely to regress to the mean over a larger sample, but he may finally be exhibiting signs of age-related decline.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 4, 2026, 2:34 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirms that wide receiver George Pickens hasn't been in the building this week for OTAs, but he continues to be in communication with him and expects Pickens to be present when mandatory minicamp starts on June 16, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The 25-year-old will make $27.3 million in 2026 on the franchise tag, and the Cowboys have already ruled out the two sides agreeing on a long-term contract extension before the deadline to get a deal done in July. The former second-rounder by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 out of the University of Georgia broke out for a career year after the Steelers traded him to Dallas in 2025, catching 93 of his 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 starts. The Cowboys want to see him do it again, though, before getting serious about an extension beyond this year. It won't be easy to do with CeeDee Lamb demanding heavy volume, but Dallas has the pass-happy offense under Schottenheimer for Pickens to have a very high ceiling in his fifth year in the league. Fantasy managers should target him as a low-end WR1 in upcoming 2026 drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Nick Harris

Jun 4, 2026, 2:24 PM ET

Athletics outfielder/designated hitter Brent Rooker has had a rough go of it so far in 2026, hitting .196/.277/.362 with eight home runs, 26 RBI, 16 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 184 plate appearances. The 31-year-old's season got off to a rocky start due to injury, as he missed nearly three weeks in April with an oblique strain. After striking out in 22.2% of his plate appearances in 2025, Rooker's strikeout rate has skyrocketed to 31% in 2026. Even with the increase in swing-and-miss, Rooker's poor batting average may be a symptom of bad luck. His current batting average on balls in play of .240 is well below his career mark of .312. Rooker's power does not appear to have degraded either, as his 14.7% barrel rate is right in line with the marks he posted across three consecutive 30-homer campaigns from 2023 to 2025. If Rooker can cut down on his whiffs even slightly, he could be in line for a major bounce-back over the remainder of 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 4, 2026, 2:24 PM ET

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop prospect Cooper Pratt went hitless on Wednesday for Triple-A Nashville, but drew a walk in the contest that extended his on-base streak to 22 games, during which time he's gone 24-for-85 (.282) with eight extra-base hits (four home runs), five steals, and a 14:18 BB:K while also getting hit by a pitch three times in that span. The Brewers' fourth-ranked prospect is slashing .242/.360/.382 through 49 games for the Sounds, with five home runs, 14 steals, and nearly as many walks (32) as strikeouts (34). The former sixth-round draft pick signed an eight-year deal in the offseason for $50.75 million before playing a single game higher than Double-A, and with current shortstop David Hamilton batting .167 (5-for-30) over his last 10 games and .230 on the season, Pratt's opportunity for a big league debut appears to be drawing closer and closer. Look for the 21-year-old to receive a promotion by midseason, and with an advanced approach that could generate a decent average with a little pop, along with the ability to steal bases, the 6-foot-4 slugger should be considered a speculative stash with upside in deeper leagues.--Jarod Rupp
Source: MiLB.com

Jun 4, 2026, 2:24 PM ET

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that rookie fifth-round wide receiver Kendrick Law (knee) tore his ACL during practice on Tuesday, according to Tim Twentyman of the team's official website. It's a rough way for the 22-year-old to begin his career in the NFL after he was selected with the 168th overall pick in the NFL draft back in April. The former University of Kentucky pass-catcher wasn't going to be on the fantasy football radar in single-year leagues while providing depth in the WR room behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, James Williams, and second-year wideout Isaac TeSlaa. Law will almost certainly be placed on Injured Reserve and miss his entire rookie season. Behind St. Brown, Williams, and TeSlaa, Detroit will have Greg Dortch, Cedrick Wilson, Tom Kennedy, and Dominic Lovett competing for the WR4 role. In 12 games in his final collegiate season in 2025 at Kentucky, Law had a career-best 53 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns for the Wildcats. There is long-term yards-after-the-catch potential with Law, but his development will be put on hold for another year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman

Jun 4, 2026, 2:24 PM ET

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that the expectation is that running back Jahmyr Gibbs will be the team's "bellcow" in 2026, according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. "We're gonna hang our hat on him," Campbell said. It's not unexpected, especially after the team traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans early in the offseason. The 24-year-old Gibbs, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Alabama, has been one of the best all-around RBs since he set foot in the NFL, being named a Pro Bowler in each of his first three seasons. The Georgia native has a whopping 3,580 rushing yards and 39 rushing touchdowns, to go along with 181 catches (228 targets) for 1,449 receiving yards and 10 receiving TDs in 49 regular-season games for Detroit. Gibbs hasn't dipped under 5.0 yards per carry in any of his three seasons, and is an elite three-down fantasy RB. With even more usage coming in 2026, fantasy managers sitting in the No. 2 draft spot this year will be ecstatic if he doesn't come off the board at No. 1 overall.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Detroit News - Nolan Bianchi

Jun 4, 2026, 2:24 PM ET

Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart got off to a hot start to the 2026 season, hitting .283/.373/.570 with nine home runs, 29 RBI, 20 runs, and seven stolen bases through the end of April. However, the 22-year-old cooled off considerably in May, hitting .240/.336/.375 with three home runs, eight RBI, 14 runs, and three stolen bases across 119 plate appearances. Given Stewart's age, it's not a surprise to see him struggle after the league has some time to gather information on him. Still, Stewart will now need to counter with an adjustment of his own. Even with his relatively rough May baked in, Stewart's 12.5% walk rate and 14.7% barrel rate suggest an elite combination of plate skills and power. The young slugger is also locked into everyday playing time in Cincinnati and should have an extended runway to work his way out of his current slump. Managers may want to slightly downgrade expectations for Stewart, but he remains a high-upside fantasy hitter.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 4, 2026, 1:53 PM ET

The Boston Red Sox transferred shortstop Trevor Story (hernia) to the 60-day injured list on Thursday, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Story is going to miss extended time after having surgery two weeks ago to fix a sports hernia. With the move to the 60-day IL, he won't be able to rejoin the big-league roster until after the All-Star break in mid-July. In the meantime, infielder Marcelo Mayer will serve as the primary shortstop in Beantown. The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2021 has not taken advantage of regular playing time in his first full season in the majors in 2026, as he's currently slashing a weak .222/.283/.296 with a .580 OPS, only two home runs, 14 RBI, 16 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 55 games and 181 plate appearances. Story, who has a lengthy injury history in his 11 years in the majors, rebounded to hit 25 homers, drive in 96, and steal 31 bases in 2025, but it's looking like another injury-plagued campaign in 2026. He is now rostered in less than half of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith

Jun 4, 2026, 1:44 PM ET

ESPN's Jeff Passan writes that Colorado Rockies right-hander Antonio Senzatela is a "no-brainer" trade candidate this year and is "as good as gone" since he'll be a free agent after the 2026 season. Passan adds that the Rockies are still years away from contending, and "nobody on their roster is untouchable." In addition to Senzatela, outfielder Mickey Moniak (ankle) and catcher Hunter Goodman could also be moved by early August, at the right price. Other players that could attract interest at this year's trade deadline include infielders TJ Rumfield, Troy Johnston, and Willi Castro, starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, and relievers Brennan Bernardino and Jaden Hill. Senzatela, in particular, has gone from a terrible starting pitcher to one of the best relievers in the game this season. The 31-year-old Venezuelan hurler and 10-year veteran is currently sporting a 5-0 record, 1.30 ERA (3.30 FIP), 0.89 WHIP, three saves, and a 26:10 K:BB in 34 2/3 innings out of the 'pen. Senzatela has an xwOBA of .283 and an expected ERA of 3.17, so regression is expected the rest of the way.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan

Jun 4, 2026, 1:37 PM ET

San Francisco Giants right-hander Landen Roupp (back) threw a bullpen session of around 30 pitches on Thursday morning and said he felt good after he dealt with back discomfort in his last outing on Monday in Milwaukee against the Brewers, according to Justice delos Santos of The San Jose Mercury News. Roupp said he is on track to make his next start, which would be on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs. He was not himself earlier this week in Milwaukee, surrendering a season-high eight earned runs on eight hits while walking five and striking out four in four innings of work. In May, Roupp had at least seven strikeouts in three of his five starts during the month, and he's now 5-6 on the year with a 4.22 ERA (2.82 FIP) and 1.31 WHIP with 72 strikeouts and 27 walks in 64 innings over his 12 starts in his third year in San Fran. The 27-year-old has pitched better than his surface stats suggest, but he'll be pretty risky in starting fantasy lineups this weekend against a Cubs team that ranks eighth in baseball in OPS (.720).--Keith Hernandez
Source: The San Jose Mercury News - Justice delos Santos