April 6, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays sideline reporter and MLB.tv host Ryan Bass reported Monday morning that the Rays have activated 29-year-old shortstop
Taylor Walls (oblique) off the 10-day injured list and optioned shortstop prospect
Carson Williams to Triple-A Durham. Walls started the 2026 season on the injured list, and his activation should provide some stability for the Rays at the shortstop position moving forward. Walls slashed .220./.280/.319 in 2025 with four home runs, 36 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases in 317 plate appearances. His career numbers in five combined MLB seasons aren't any better (.195/.286/.298). From a fantasy perspective, Walls is at best a stolen base specialist, but should not be rostered in any formats or depended on for anything outside stolen bases in category leagues.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Ryan Bass
April 6, 2026
Titans wide receiver
Elic Ayomanor drew a respectable 17% target share as a rookie in 2025, with his 86 total targets leading a Tennessee team that saw no pass catcher reach 60 receptions, 600 yards, or five touchdowns. While the group as a whole lacked obvious star power, especially after
Calvin Ridley was lost for the season to a broken fibula, the inefficient quarterback play of rookie
Cam Ward did them no favors. Ward ranked near the bottom of the league in most passing efficiency metrics, while Ayomanor was held back by one of the highest rates of uncatchable targets among all pass catchers. The silver lining for Ayomanor is that Ward showed marked improvement over the second half of the season, raising his completion percentage and throwing 10 of his 15 touchdowns over his final seven full games. The Titans also welcome new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, whose history of elevating quarterback play should have a direct impact on Ayomanor's ability to take a second-season leap.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
April 6, 2026
As a rookie in 2025, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Isaac TeSlaa caught six touchdowns on only 26 targets and 16 receptions, a touchdown rate almost 10 times higher than the league average, and nearly double that of
Davante Adams, who led the NFL with 14 touchdown grabs. While few are calling for a repeat of such outlandish efficiency in year two, some have labeled him as a potential breakout candidate on the hopes that increased volume could make him a less touchdown-reliant fantasy asset. However, TeSlaa has never been a target-earner. His 14% target share across two seasons at Arkansas ranked well behind several of his own teammates, and even with the Lions, he was regularly on the field for more than just gadget plays designed to find him in the end zone. His 296 routes run last season put him in the top 10 in his rookie class, while his 0.81 yards per route run trailed only
Arian Smith,
Konata Mumpfield,
Dont'e Thornton Jr., and
Gage Larvadain among rookies with at least 100 routes run.
Amon-Ra St. Brown,
Jameson Williams,
Jahmyr Gibbs, and
Sam LaPorta all figure to slot in ahead of TeSlaa in the target pecking order, and unless he can bank on a second outlier season, he will likely be little more than an occasional injury replacement in 2026.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
April 6, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher
Taj Bradley has been fantastic through two starts this season, throwing 10 1/3 scoreless innings in two starts while giving up eight hits, one earned run, and four walks, and striking out 12 for a 0.87 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Bradley has shown significant upside throughout his first couple of seasons at the big-league level with the Tampa Bay Rays before being dealt to the Twins this past offseason. The issue with Bradley has been the lack of consistency in stringing multiple outings together and providing any level of consistency over a long period of time. Heading into Week 3 of the fantasy season, Bradley is lined up for a two-start week against much stiffer competition, Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers and Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Because he has a two-start week, he works his way into the fantasy radar for Week 3. Fantasy managers should understand that with Bradley, there is some risk involved, but the upside you could get with strikeouts should be worth it during a two-start week.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
April 6, 2026
Miami Marlins left-handed-hitting catcher and first baseman
Liam Hicks is off to a blazing-hot start to his 2026 campaign. Through 29 plate appearances, he's slashing .333/.414/.750 with three home runs, seven runs scored, and an NL-leading 12 RBI. Most of his underlying metrics support his early breakout, with xBA, xWOBA, and xSLG all ranking in the 97th percentile or better. More impressively, his plate discipline has also been fantastic, only striking out at a four percent clip and whiffing 5.7 percent of the time. While the 26-year-old out of Arkansas State doesn't have the career longevity to back up his early breakout, Hicks has become a must-add option in all formats. In some leagues, such as ESPN, he even has first-base eligibility, making his value even more significant. The one thing fantasy managers should be cautious of is whether Hicks starts against left-handed pitchers or becomes a strict platoon bat against right-handers. Regardless, his production so far this season is too good to pass up. Fantasy managers should look to roster him to see if he can continue this hot start.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: RotoBaller
April 6, 2026
Free-agent wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Sr. played in 16 games for the Washington Commanders in 2025, his seventh time in as many seasons that he was unable to log a full slate of games, and the oft-injured wideout currently remains unsigned. With the NFL Draft less than three weeks away, many receiver-needy teams are likely taking a more patient approach to see if they can fill that need with a younger, cheaper option in what is considered a deep draft class at the position. At his peak, Samuel was one of the most unique playmakers in the league, but that hasn't kept pundits from attaching the "Deebo" comp to a prospect almost annually, and this year is no different. Indiana's
Omar Cooper Jr. carries the moniker in the 2026 draft class, and to a lesser extent, so does Louisville's
Chris Bell, who is expected to fall in the draft following an ACL tear in the Cardinals' final game of the season.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
April 6, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals right-handed reliever
Riley O'Brien picked up his second save on Sunday night, helping the Cardinals secure the 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers and avoid getting swept over the weekend. The Cardinals' bullpen has been a bit of a mystery box to start the season, with O'Brien,
JoJo Romero,
Ryne Stanek, and
Matt Svanson all rumored at one point either during Spring Training or to start the season to be the Cardinals' most likely closer. O'Brien appears to have taken the front seat in that race, with two saves on the season and 5 1/3 shutout innings, a 0.75 WHIP, and five strikeouts. The 31-year-old pitcher closed six games for the Cardinals in 2025, but outside of that, he has not had much experience closing, so if he truly has taken over, fantasy managers should expect the leash to be fairly short. For leagues that prioritize saves, O'Brien would be a strong pickup to see if he retains the closer job and earns some more opportunities in the meantime.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: ESPN
April 6, 2026
Giants wide receiver
Darius Slayton's 538 receiving yards in 2025 were good for the second-highest total on a New York team that saw starts from three different quarterbacks while playing almost the entire season without its clear No. 1 receiver in
Malik Nabers. In 2026, a sense of continuity is expected to return to New York, which could hurt Slayton's chances of making any meaningful impact. The team's leading receiver from last season,
Wan'Dale Robinson, reunited with former head coach Brian Daboll in Tennessee, and although they play vastly different roles, some of his production is expected to be absorbed by free agent acquisition
Darnell Mooney. Running backs
Cam Skattebo,
Tyrone Tracy Jr., and
Devin Singletary are all expected back after combining for more than 90 targets in their first season together. New York also returns tight end
Theo Johnson, who finished second on the team in targets and receptions, but the main reason analysts are expecting a year two jump from quarterback
Jaxson Dart, and a subsequently lowered ceiling for Slayton and all other Giants' pass catchers, is the anticipated return to health of Nabers. His 170 targets as a rookie broke a 21-year-old NFL record, and before tearing his ACL in Week 4, he was on pace for another 150+ in 2025.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
April 6, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Vit Krejci (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game in Denver and appears unlikely to return soon after being ruled out well in advance again. His absence carries little fantasy impact given his limited role, though
Kris Murray and
Matisse Thybulle could continue seeing stable bench minutes.
Scoot Henderson and
Deni Avdija should also maintain secure usage in the backcourt rotation. Krejci can be left on waiver wires in most formats, and even in deeper leagues, his role does not currently justify a roster spot.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard
Bruce Brown (ankle) is probable for Monday's game against Portland after exiting early Saturday due to a minor left ankle tweak. He logged five points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 11 minutes before exiting Saturday. In his previous game, he recorded 11 points, three rebounds, four steals, and one block in 27 minutes. Brown remains a fringe fantasy option given Denver's crowded wing rotation featuring
Christian Braun and
Cameron Johnson. His main appeal comes from defensive stats in deeper leagues, while
Jamal Murray continues to dominate backcourt usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 6, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Spencer Jones (hamstring) will miss a third straight game Monday against Portland due to a strained right hamstring and could remain sidelined beyond that. His absence leaves
Julian Strawther in line for extra depth minutes, though he remains only a fringe fantasy option after posting six points, two three-pointers, and two assists in 11 minutes last game. Strawther's role remains limited behind
Nikola Jokic and
Jamal Murray, while
Christian Braun and
Cameron Johnson should continue handling stable wing minutes. Jones holds little fantasy value outside very deep formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 6, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward/center
Isaiah Stewart (calf) will remain sidelined Monday against Orlando as he continues recovering from a left calf strain that has now cost him 13 games. His absence keeps
Paul Reed on the fantasy radar in deeper formats after he produced 10 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block in 18 minutes off the bench last game. Reed offers modest value for defensive stats and rebounds, while
Jalen Duren should continue seeing secure starter minutes. Stewart remains a low-priority hold in most formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 6, 2026
Phoenix Suns forward
Dillon Brooks finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in 33 minutes Sunday but could be suspended for Tuesday's game against Houston after picking up his 18th technical foul. With the regular season winding down, any missed game could impact fantasy playoff lineups.
Royce O'Neale and
Grayson Allen may see slight minute increases but remain modest fringe options.
Devin Booker and
Jalen Green could take on more scoring usage. Brooks should still be held in most competitive formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: BAILEY LEASURE
April 6, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (shoulder) will not return after suffering a right shoulder injury in Sunday's game against the Lakers and could miss additional time with another game scheduled Tuesday against the Clippers.
Marvin Bagley III becomes the top streaming candidate if Gafford sits after producing nine points, four rebounds, one steal, and one block in 22 minutes.
Dwight Powell looks like a modest deep-league option as the next man up at center, while
P.J. Washington could also pick up extra minutes in smaller lineups.
--Brian DailisanSource: Mavs PR
April 6, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (hamstring) will seek specialized treatment in Europe for a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and remains out for the rest of the regular season, though the move is aimed at a possible postseason return. His absence keeps
LeBron James in a primary creator role after a 30-point, nine-rebound, 15-assist line in 39 minutes last game, making him an elite hold.
Rui Hachimura, who finished with 21 points and seven rebounds, and
Jake LaRavia, who added 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals, look like strong streaming options. Managers in deeper leagues can also monitor
Luke Kennard for extra minutes and three-point production.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
April 6, 2026
New York Rangers winger Will Cuylle produced his first career hat trick as the team ran riot against the Washington Capitals on Sunday, winning 8-1. With the score tied at one, the Rangers' offense suddenly erupted for five second-period goals, with Cuylle scoring two of them. He wrapped up his hat trick late in the game. Cuylle reached the 20-goal mark on Sunday, and he's also had 17 assists in 78 games. The 24-year-old ranks fourth in the league with 278 hits. New York has nothing left to play for late in the campaign, but younger players like Cuylle are looking to impress to earn a bigger role for next season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 6, 2026
New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom impressed in a tough matchup on Sunday, recording his first shutout of the season in a 3-0 road win against the Montreal Canadiens. Martin St. Louis' team has averaged 3.45 goals per game since the Olympic break, but Markstrom only needed to make 18 saves to neutralize the threat. The Swedish veteran improved to 23-18-1. He has won four of his last six starts, but it's mostly been a struggle for Markstrom in 2025-26. He has a 3.04 goals-against average and a .885 save percentage. Jake Allen has been sharper than Markstrom and may return to the crease for Tuesday's action against the Philadelphia Flyers.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 6, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers top prospect
Jesus Made is looking quite comfortable during his second taste of Double-A action. On Sunday, he posted an impressive four-hit effort with one home run, one walk, and a stolen base. He made a brief debut at Double-A during the final week of the 2025 season and posted a .261/.292/.348 line over a short five-game stint. He would spend most of the 2025 campaign with Low-A and High-A, where he carried an overall .290/.368/.421 slash line with 28 doubles, six home runs, and 45 stolen bases. Even at just 18 years old, the top prospect has continued to showcase his immense raw upside. While a 2026 MLB debut is unlikely, Made continues to bolster his dynasty value and remains on track for a 2027 promotion to Milwaukee.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
April 6, 2026
Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk potted two goals in Sunday's 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. He took care of Ottawa's third and fifth goals, reaching 22 markers for the season. In 57 games, Tkachuk has also contributed 32 assists, while averaging close to three hits per. The Senators captain is close to having his second season as a point-per-game player. With Ottawa in the midst of a fierce battle for a playoff spot, Tkachuk can't let his standards drop, and fantasy managers should benefit from it.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 6, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Payton Tolle enjoyed a dominant outing at Triple-A on Sunday and is emerging as the top pitching prospect to stash. Facing Saint Paul, Tolle logged six frames of two-run ball (one earned run) with four hits, one walk, and seven punchouts. This was a major improvement over the six runs (four earned) he allowed in his season debut back on March 29 against Triple-A Syracuse. Tolle was in contention to break camp with the MLB roster, but eventually fell short in the competition as fellow prospect
Connelly Early claimed the final role. However, with
Johan Oviedo (elbow) hitting the 15-day IL, Tolle now has a clear path to return to Boston much sooner than expected. In 2025, Tolle progressed through the system very quickly, striking out 133 hitters over 91 2/3 innings. He is a top stash candidate in all formats as he could return to Boston in the coming weeks.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
April 6, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby recorded his fourth three-point game of the season in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers. He scored Pittsburgh's second goal and delivered two assists, including one on the power play. 21 years into his NHL career, Crosby remains a point-per-game player. He has contributed 29 goals and 43 assists in 66 games. Over his last 10 appearances, Crosby has tallied 13 points (two goals, 11 assists), leading the way for the Penguins in their quest to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2022.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 6, 2026
Minnesota Twins infield prospect
Kaelen Culpepper launched two home runs across St. Paul's doubleheader on Sunday and is emerging as a top hitter stash candidate. Over his first eight games at the Triple-A level, Culpepper has posted a .294/.368/.559 slash line with three round-trippers, six runs, eight RBI, and a 7:3 K:BB. Last summer, the former 21st overall selection for the 2024 MLB Draft quickly progressed through the Minnesota system and is now just one stop away from the majors. In 2025, he spent time at both High-A and Double-A and carried an overall .289/.375/.469 line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases, over a 113-game stint. If Culpepper can continue this trajectory, he could make a strong case to debut in the majors in the first half. For now, he is a viable stash candidate in deeper formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
April 6, 2026
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas led his team to a crucial 3-2 road victory over the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night, scoring all three goals. He posted his first career hat trick, with goals in each period. Jimmy Snuggerud had assists on all three tallies. Thomas appears desperate to make the postseason, having recorded back-to-back three-point games. He has picked up 10 points (five goals, five assists) during a five-game scoring streak. Since March, the 26-year-old has averaged 1.44 points per game. Thomas has been one of the hottest forwards around recently and will attempt to show his quality again on Tuesday night in a rematch against Colorado.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
April 6, 2026
Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitching prospect
George Klassen showed some upside in his MLB debut on Sunday, but struggled to enjoy much consistency. Over a brief 2 2/3-inning outing facing the Mariners, Klassen would allow three hits, two earned runs, and allow a hefty five free passes. However, he would strike out four hitters. Much of his trouble came in the second frame when
Leo Rivas hit a two-run single that scored outfielder
Randy Arozarena and second baseman
Cole Young. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in the upcoming week, as the Angels may provide him another turn in the MLB rotation. Last summer, he spent most of his time at Double-A, logging 102 2/3 innings to the tune of a 5.35 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. Given his shaky debut, managers should only consider adding Klassen in deeper 15-team leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
April 6, 2026
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin (upper body) is day-to-day, Aarif Deen of Colorado Hockey Now reports. He missed Sunday's loss to St. Louis due to an upper-body injury. However, it looks like Nichushkin could be available to re-enter the lineup for Tuesday's rematch between the teams. Nazem Kadri joined the top six on Sunday and will probably drop back to the third line if Nichushkin returns. Earlier this season, Nichushkin missed time due to a lower-body injury and personal reasons. He has been limited to 66 appearances. The Russian forward has totaled 15 goals and 30 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: Aarif Deen
April 6, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect
Andrew Painter looked sharp in his MLB debut last week and is emerging as a high-end target for upside on the waiver wire ahead of his second career outing. In his debut, Painter tossed 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball against the Washington Nationals. In this outing, Painter allowed just four hits and one walk while striking out eight batters. After an inconsistent stint in Triple-A in 2025, Painter showed signs of progress in spring training and has carried that momentum into the early season. In camp, Painter logged 11 2/3 innings with just three earned runs and an 8:2 K:BB. Last summer, Painter would post a rough 5.40 ERA with a 111:46 K:BB over 106 2/3 innings at Triple-A. Given his strikeout potential, Painter is a strong waiver-wire target when looking for upside in standard leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
April 6, 2026
Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect
Parker Messick turned in another strong performance in his second outing of the campaign and is emerging as a must-roster pitcher in standard 12-team leagues. Messick was given the starting nod in the second game of the doubleheader against the Cubs on Sunday and logged five innings of one-run ball with two hits and three walks. He struck out six. His lone mistake came in the third frame when former top prospect
Matt Shaw hit a solo shot. In his season debut, Messick looked quite comfortable as well, logging six shutout frames against the game's most potent lineup, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last summer in his first stint in the big leagues, the southpaw posted a 2.72 ERA over his first 39 2/3 innings. Given his impressive start to the season, Messick is a priority target for those needing pitching depth.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
April 6, 2026
Chris Duncan suffered a second-round submission loss to former title challenger Renato Moicano in the main event of UFC Vegas 115 on Saturday. Duncan just couldn't find his rhythm as he was constantly tagged with a jab. Moicano pushed the pace in the second round, and midway through the round, after hurting Duncan, Moicano took his back and sank in the rear-naked choke. In 8:14 of action, Duncan landed 27 significant strikes. With the loss, Duncan dropped to 15-3 as a pro and is now 6-2 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
April 6, 2026
Former lightweight title challenger Renato Moicano returned to the win column by defeating Chris Duncan via second-round submission in the main event of UFC Vegas 115 on Saturday. Moicano dominated his American Top Team teammate Duncan and displayed crisp boxing, bloodying him up in the process before securing a second-round submission victory. In 8:14 of action, Moicano landed a takedown and 21 significant strikes. With the win, Moicano snapped his losing streak and has improved to 13-7 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
April 6, 2026
Tabatha Ricci suffered a unanimous decision loss to former title challenger Virna Jandiroba in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 115 on Saturday. Ricci was dominated by Jandiroba for two rounds, who outgrappled her on her way to winning a unanimous decision. In the third round, Ricci started pushing the pace and let her hands go, but Jandiroba sealed the deal with a late takedown. In 15 minutes of action, Ricci landed a takedown and 37 significant strikes. With the loss, Ricci dropped to 7-4 in the UFC.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
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