Jun 17, 2026, 8:45 PM ET

Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee, shoulder) is scheduled to make a minor-league rehab start on Saturday, according to CHGO Sports' Jared Wyllys. It's unclear right now which affiliate Boyd will start for this weekend. Boyd was nearing a return to Chicago's starting rotation earlier this month, but he suffered a setback with his left shoulder during a rehab outing on June 6 with Triple-A Iowa. It is unclear if Boyd will be cleared to come off the 15-day injured list following his rehab outing this Saturday, and it would likely depend on how deep he goes in the ballgame. If the 35-year-old veteran southpaw is cleared to join the Cubs next week, he could return to the rotation to face the last-place New York Mets. Boyd last pitched in the majors on May 3. Although it's a small sample size of only five starts in 2026, he didn't look nearly as good as he did in 2025 in his first year in Chicago, when he went 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA (3.65 FIP), 1.09 WHIP, and 154:42 K:BB in 179 2/3 innings over 31 regular-season starts. Boyd has posted a 6.00 ERA this year with a 1.29 WHIP and 31:6 K:BB in 24 innings. Boyd's 22.8% strikeout rate doesn't give him a ton of fantasy upside, especially at his age, but he proved last year he still has some value as a back-end, matchup-based starter when he's healthy.--Keith Hernandez
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys

Jun 17, 2026, 8:35 PM ET

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that right-hander Edward Cabrera (hand) felt good on Wednesday, so he should be on a normal schedule for his next start, provided that his bullpen day goes well, according to Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports. Cabrera was pulled from his start on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies early due to a right-hand cramp, but the Cubs aren't too worried that it will cause him to miss his next scheduled start. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback with his hand, Cabrera should return to the mound next week in a strong matchup against the last-place Mets. The 28-year-old Dominican hurler has been inconsistent for the Cubs and fantasy managers in 2026 in his first year in Chicago, going 4-4 with a 5.21 ERA (5.14 FIP) and 1.39 WHIP with 61 strikeouts and 25 walks in 67 1/3 innings pitched across his 13 starts. Cabrera's walk rate is under 10% for the second straight year, but his strikeout rate has dipped to a career-low 21.3%. In his first start against the Mets on April 17 at Wrigley Field, Cabrera came away with a win, allowing three earned runs on eight hits while walking two and striking out four in six innings.--Keith Hernandez
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys

Jun 17, 2026, 8:27 PM ET

The Cleveland Guardians placed rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (rib) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 14) on Wednesday with a right side rib fracture and recalled outfield prospect Kahlil Watson from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. DeLauter suffered the injury over the weekend and will now be sidelined until at least June 24. With outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) and star third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand) also going on the IL this week, rookie Kahlil Watson, who has an intriguing power/speed profile, could see plenty of playing time to close out June in Cleveland. With a small crack in his rib, fantasy managers looking to stash DeLauter shouldn't be surprised if he doesn't make it back before the All-Star break in mid-July. The 24-year-old former 16th overall pick in 2022 out of James Madison University got off to a strong start to his rookie campaign in 2026, but he has cooled off recently and is currently slashing .263/.337/.408 with seven home runs, 34 RBI, 24 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 240 at-bats. In 10 games in June, DeLauter went 8-for-35 (.229) with a double, two RBI, two runs, three walks, and 11 strikeouts. He's now rostered in fewer than half of Yahoo leagues (44%).--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins

Jun 17, 2026, 8:15 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies demoted right-hander Andrew Painter to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. After losing to the division-rival Miami Marlins on Wednesday, Painter is 1-8 with a 7.06 ERA in his first 14 appearances (12 starts) in his first year in the big leagues in 2026. The 23-year-old former 13th overall pick in 2021 struggled again on Wednesday in Philly's 12-4 loss, allowing six earned runs on six hits (two homers) while walking two and striking out three in just two innings pitched. Painter has really struggled of late, surrendering five-plus runs in each of his last three starts. It's unclear who will take Painter's spot in the starting rotation to close out the first half of the 2026 season. Painter will head back to the Iron Pigs to work on some things, but he'll most likely be back up with Philly at some point in the second half. Fantasy managers in single-year mixed leagues shouldn't consider him a must-hold amidst his struggles. Painter is currently rostered in only 11% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale

Jun 17, 2026, 6:18 PM ET

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (back) is out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's contest at Truist Park against the visiting San Francisco Giants, according to MLB.com. Mauricio Dubon will take over in center field on Wednesday and will bat leadoff for the Braves against Giants left-hander Carson Whisenhunt. Harris is being considered day-to-day after being pulled from Tuesday's contest with lower-back tightness. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if he's ready to return to the starting nine for Thursday's series finale against San Fran. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has been a must-start for fantasy managers this year, as he comes into Wednesday's tilt with a .303/.337/.512 with an .850 OPS, 14 home runs, 41 RBI, 34 runs scored, and three steals in his 244 at-bats in 2026. Harris has gone 11-for-39 (.282) with a homer, three doubles, five RBI, and six runs in 10 games in June. With Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) potentially out through the All-Star break in mid-July, Atlanta can ill-afford to lose Harris for an extended stretch.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 17, 2026, 6:02 PM ET

Seattle Mariners outfielder Luke Raley (back) will sit out a second straight game due to a back injury on Wednesday against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, per MLB.com. Raley was scratched from Tuesday's contest at T-Mobile Park with back tightness. Victor Robles is starting in right field and batting sixth, while Connor Joe will start in left field and hit eighth against Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish. The M's are thin in the outfield this week with Raley nursing a back injury and Randy Arozarena (hamstring) landing on the injured list on Tuesday. For now, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider Raley day-to-day with his back ailment and check back for Thursday's series finale against the O's to see if he's ready to return to the lineup. The 31-year-old left-handed hitter typically only plays when the M's are facing a right-hander, which limits his fantasy upside. Raley has still managed 14 home runs on the season with a .241/.303/.503 slash line, .806 OPS, 35 RBI, 24 runs, and a stolen base in his 191 at-bats. Raley is on pace to set a new career high in long balls, with his previous high-water mark coming in 2024 with 22 bombs.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 17, 2026, 5:56 PM ET

Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (shin, wrist) continues to sit out for Wednesday's game at T-Mobile Park against the visiting Baltimore Orioles, according to MLB.com. Miles Mastrobuoni will start at first again for the M's and will hit ninth in the order against Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish. Naylor is missing a second straight game due to shin and wrist injury, but he's expected to avoid a trip to the injured list. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if the left-handed slugger is ready to return for Thursday's series finale against Baltimore. Managers setting DFS lineups will want to steer clear of Mastrobuoni, especially at the bottom of the lineup. Naylor entered action on Wednesday slashing .253/.315/.372 with a .687 OPS, eight home runs, 32 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 27 runs scored in his 269 at-bats in his first full season with the Mariners. In 12 games in June, he's gone 12-for-48 (.250) at the plate with three homers, three doubles, eight RBI, seven runs, and a stolen base.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 17, 2026, 5:17 PM ET

New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez (mouth) is starting in right field and will bat fifth for Wednesday's game against the visiting Chicago White Sox and left-hander Anthony Kay, according to MLB.com. Dominguez had a tooth pulled on Tuesday and sat out, but the switch-hitting Dominican will be back in there a day later in the Bronx. The Martian returned from the injured list over the weekend after recovering from a sprained shoulder, and he is in line to play every day for the Yankees with all of Aaron Judge (ribs), Trent Grisham (hamstring), and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) all on the IL. After not beginning the year on the Opening Day roster, Dominguez has only appeared in 11 games for the Yankees in 2026, going 8-for-38 (.211) with two home runs, five RBI, and five runs scored in 41 plate appearances. He has yet to deliver on his prospect hype since debuting in pinstripes in 2023, but his power/speed upside and everyday opportunity in the short term make him attractive in deeper fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

Jun 17, 2026, 5:07 PM ET

The Cleveland Guardians recalled outfield prospect Kahlil Watson from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday and placed rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (rib) on the 10-day injured list with a right side rib fracture in a corresponding move, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Watson, the team's 12th-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, could absolutely be worth a pickup in deeper fantasy leagues for his power/speed upside, with DeLauter, third baseman Jose Ramirez (hand), and outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) all going on the IL this week. The 23-year-old first-round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2021 gets his first call to the big leagues after hitting .255/.370/.491 with an .861 OPS, 12 home runs, 12 doubles, a triple, 35 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 44 runs scored across 56 games and 254 plate appearances at Columbus. Watson has played all three outfield spots in the minors, giving Cleveland plenty of options to get his bat in the lineup. Making contact could be a problem in his first taste of the big leagues, but fantasy managers in need of outfield help shouldn't ignore his power/speed upside if he plays regularly.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins

Jun 17, 2026, 4:57 PM ET

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is a "long way" from returning from the 10-day injured list, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Because Acuna's hamstring is in the same spot as his previous injury this year, the Braves will be more cautious than they were when Acuna missed almost three weeks with a previous hamstring strain. The 28-year-old former MVP and five-time All-Star landed on the IL for the second time this year last week with another left-hamstring strain, and he's looking at another couple weeks on the sidelines, at the very least. Fantasy managers shouldn't necessarily expect Acuna to be back before the All-Star break in the middle of July. So far, the talented Venezuelan outfielder has been a bust in 2026 in fantasy with a .251/.373/.421 slash line, .793 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across 53 games played. However, despite his lengthy history of lower-body injuries, Acuna's five-category upside means he could still carry fantasy squads in the second half if he can stay out of the trainer's room.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman

Jun 17, 2026, 4:47 PM ET

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (undisclosed), who missed voluntary organized team activities due to an undisclosed soft-tissue injury, returned to practice on Tuesday, according to John Keim of ESPN. While Croskey-Merritt has the clearest path to the RB1 role in Washington in 2026 in his second year in the NFL, head coach Dan Quinn has mentioned that the former seventh-rounder out of the University of Arizona needs to show what he can do in pass protection, among other areas. The 25-year-old could also stand to improve his ball security going into Year 2 as he looks to hold off Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, rookie Kaytron Allen, and Jeremy McNichols. Croskey-Merritt averaged 4.6 yards per carry for a team-high 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries in 2025 in his rookie campaign, but he barely contributed as a pass-catcher with only nine receptions for 68 yards in 17 games (seven starts). Bill's role as the clear lead back in D.C. isn't solidified yet, but he's the best fantasy target in the Commanders' backfield in 2026 as an RB3/flex with upside, primarily in standard-scoring formats.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - John Keim

Jun 17, 2026, 4:13 PM ET

Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez is rostered in 35% of Yahoo leagues for a reason. The 24-year-old Dominican right-handed hitter has only appeared in 31 games (129 plate appearances) for the Marlins this year, hitting .230/.318/.345 with a .663 OPS, two home runs, 14 RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases. He teased his five-category upside in 136 games in his rookie season in 2025 by hitting .231/.287/.413 with a .701 OPS, 21 home runs, 67 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and 72 runs scored in 136 games across 585 plate appearances. In 29 games at Triple-A Jacksonville in 2026, Ramirez has slashed .237/.302/.412 with a .714 OPS, five home runs, five doubles, 13 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and 19 runs scored in 126 plate appearances for the Jumbo Shrimp. Liam Hicks and Joe Mack have been handling the catching duties in South Beach since Ramirez was sent down in early May. If Ramirez can clean up his defense behind the dish, he could be back in the big leagues sooner rather than later. And when he's back, he definitely can offer five-category upside for fantasy managers at the catching position.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milb.com

Jun 17, 2026, 3:58 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Wednesday that they placed veteran right-hander Max Scherzer (back) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to June 14) with back spasms and recalled right-hander Chad Patrick from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. Scherzer was scheduled to pitch on Wednesday evening at Fenway Park against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, but right-hander Braydon Fisher will now get the nod. The 41-year-old three-time Cy Young winner just came off the IL last week due to a right-forearm injury, so it's obviously a frustrating development for the future Hall of Famer. Scherzer has only made six starts in 2026 with Toronto and has gone 1-4 with an ugly 10.23 ERA (8.78 FIP) and a 1.73 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and 11 walks in 22 innings pitched. At this point in his career, he just has not been able to stay off the injury report with a long list of different ailments. He most likely will not be back from the IL before the mid-July All-Star break, and at this point, Scherzer returning in the second half as a starter won't be a lock.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Toronto Blue Jays

Jun 17, 2026, 3:46 PM ET

Toronto Blue Jays veteran right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) was hit around a little bit in his latest minor-league rehab start on Wednesday with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, allowing five earned runs on seven hits (two homers) while walking four and striking out two in five innings pitched. Bieber threw only 48 of his 80 pitches for strikes, but the good news is that he was sitting at 92 mph with his fastball in what is expected to be his final rehab start before he rejoins the Blue Jays' starting rotation for his 2026 season debut. The 31-year-old former American League Cy Young winner shouldn't be limited from a pitch-count perspective whenever his first start for the Jays comes, but he'll be a pretty risky fantasy streamer after his command was spotty on Wednesday. The former fourth-round pick in 2016 by the Cleveland Guardians out of the University of California, Santa Barbara, only made two starts in 2024 in his final season in Cleveland before needing Tommy John surgery. Bieber made only seven starts in his first year in Toronto last season, but he had a 4-2 record, 3.57 ERA (4.47 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, and 37:7 K:BB in 40 1/3 innings. He might need to shake off a little rust, and he's no longer a fantasy ace, but Bieber should have streaming appeal in mixed leagues based on matchups. He's rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues right now.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milb.com

Jun 17, 2026, 3:40 PM ET

Many were surprised when South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart decided to stay with the program after a 4-8 campaign, but the 2024 freshman All-American and 2025 All-SEC performer is back for at least one more season. Stewart is widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the country after collecting 56 tackles (36 solo), 22.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, three pass deflections, six forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries through his first 24 career games. The standout turns 21 years old during his true junior season and could play his way into being a top-five pick in the 2027 NFL Draft if he lives up to his potential. With games against Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia, and Clemson on the schedule, Stewart will have no shortage of attention on him heading into a big year for the Washington D.C. native.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: Sports Reference CFB

Jun 17, 2026, 3:32 PM ET

Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) was active during the team's mandatory minicamp practice on Wednesday, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Franklin appears to be over a hamstring injury that prevented him from playing in the loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game back in January. In his second year in the NFL in 2025 after the Broncos made him a fourth-round pick in 2024 out of the University of Oregon, the 23-year-old took a big step forward with 65 catches for 709 yards and six touchdowns on 104 targets in 17 regular-season games (seven starts). He only had 28 receptions (53 targets) for 263 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games (six starts) as a rookie in 2024. Franklin's fantasy stock is trending down going into his third year in the league, though, primarily because the Broncos gave up a first-round pick this year for veteran wideout Jaylen Waddle. Between Waddle and Courtland Sutton, there may not be many targets left over for Franklin as he competes for the No. 3 role in Denver in 2026. RotoBaller currently has Franklin ranked as the No. 86 fantasy WR in single-year, half-PPR leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens

Jun 17, 2026, 3:26 PM ET

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton enjoyed a mostly successful first season as a starter, completing just under 70% of his passes for 2,894 yards, 24 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He added 462 yards and an additional 10 touchdowns as a runner, leading Georgia to an SEC Championship win and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Despite this, Stockton is not widely included in the conversation of the best signal-callers in college football. Stockton takes care of the football and delivers when Georgia needs him to more often than not. With another full offseason as the starter, Stockton could take a significant step forward after a great first year in the QB1 role. By season's end, he could be a unanimous top quarterback in the country.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jun 17, 2026, 3:23 PM ET

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) took part in seven-on-seven drills during the team's second mandatory minicamp practice on Wednesday, according to Nick Kosmider of The Athletic. On his first throw of the day, Nix hit second-year running back RJ Harvey for a touchdown during a red-zone drill with a well-placed ball. Nix is recovering from offseason surgery for a fractured ankle that he suffered in the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills in January, and he had a follow-up procedure in April. Head coach Sean Payton has said that Nix is expected to be a "full-go" for training camp at the end of July, which means that, barring a setback, the former University of Oregon product should be ready for a Week 1 Monday night showdown against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old has been a top-10 fantasy QB in each of his first two years in the NFL, but in what should be a more balanced offense under Payton in 2026, and coming off ankle surgery, fantasy managers are better off targeting the third-year signal-caller as a high-end QB2 with upside in drafts later this year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider

Jun 17, 2026, 3:18 PM ET

Iowa running back Lendon Phillips Jr., who transferred from South Dakota State this offseason, is expected to make an immediate impact for the Hawkeyes in 2026. Iowa is known for having a strong ground game to complement its fierce defense, which should allow Phillips, who tallied 1,920 rushing yards and 20 total touchdowns last season, a chance to flash. Phillips also has pass-catching chops, arriving at the program with 28 receptions for 195 yards. Iowa's offensive woes have prevented it from seriously competing in the Big Ten, but playmakers from the portal could give the Hawkeyes a chance to turn things around and stun some of the conference's elite teams on their schedule.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN

Jun 17, 2026, 3:15 PM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) is scheduled to take at-bats in a live batting practice session on Thursday, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Hernandez could go on a minor-league rehab assignment early next week, according to manager Dave Roberts. As long as the veteran outfielder doesn't suffer a setback on his rehab assignment, he could be back in the Dodgers' lineup late next week/weekend. The 33-year-old Dominican has been out for over two weeks with a strained left hamstring. At the time of his injury, the two-time All-Star was hitting .276/.348/.436 with a .785 OPS, seven home runs, 31 RBI, 30 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 51 games across 204 plate appearances in 2026. Hernandez had picked things up offensively in May, batting .325 (27-for-83) with three home runs, four doubles, 14 RBI, 14 runs, and a stolen base in 24 contests. When healthy, Hernandez is excellent in points leagues for his run production in the heart of the Dodgers' stacked batting order. He's rostered in 86% of Yahoo leagues and should not be floating around on the waiver wire anywhere.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett

Jun 17, 2026, 3:11 PM ET

According to On3, Oklahoma has signed general manager Jim Nagy to a four-year, $4.6 million contract extension. Nagy was previously the Executive Director for the Reese's Senior Bowl and joined the Sooner program last offseason. Since taking on the job, Nagy has helped Oklahoma retain and attract talent, including a high-level transfer portal class heading into the 2026 campaign. The general manager title is still relatively new in college football, but people like Nagy having success will lead to more programs adopting the position. "[Having Nagy] is a tremendous advantage for us," Oklahoma athletics director Roger Denny said. "And we want to preserve that advantage as long as we can."--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: George Stoia III

Jun 17, 2026, 3:05 PM ET

Just days after quarterback Brendan Sorsby exited the Texas Tech program and decided to enter the NFL Supplemental Draft, Sorsby's agent, Ron Slavin, said Cincinnati knew about his gambling addiction. He claims the Bearcats program should be "catching heat" instead of Texas Tech. "They knew for two years and never said anything or didn't do anything about it," Slavin said via "105.3 The Fan in Dallas". "That's the part of the story that gets lost." It was previously reported that Cincinnati knew about his gambling behavior in August of 2025, but Sorsby still played an entire season for them after the fact. It remains to be seen if Cincinnati will receive punishment after this has come to light.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: On3

Jun 17, 2026, 3:00 PM ET

According to 24/7 Sports.com, five-star edge rusher Chris Whitehead committed to LSU on Wednesday. The 6'4" rising high school senior is the No. 1 player out of the state of Virginia and the No. 4 edge prospect in 247Sports Composite Rankings. Virginia Tech, South Carolina, and Ohio State were among the other programs in Whitehead's top schools. This is a big win for the Tigers, who have no shortage of recruiting resources. Assuming he ultimately lands on campus in Baton Rouge, he could be an immediate impact player in Blake Baker's defense in 2027.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBaller
Source: 247Sports

Jun 17, 2026, 2:58 PM ET

Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitcher Griffin Jax is becoming a more useful fantasy option as he settles into a starting role. Across 44 innings, the 31-year-old owns a 1-5 record, 3.68 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts. The overall WHIP is not ideal, but Jax has been better since moving into the rotation, posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts over his last seven starts. Over his last two outings, Jax has been even sharper, not allowing an earned run with a 1.00 WHIP (across 10 frames). The former high-leverage reliever also brings high-end whiff potential after recording 99 strikeouts out of the bullpen last season. Workload remains the main caveat, as Tampa Bay has been careful while stretching him out, which may limit his win upside in the short term. The 32% Yahoo roster rate keeps the door open in many leagues, making Jax a viable deeper-format target for managers looking for rotation help with emerging strikeout appeal.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 17, 2026, 2:57 PM ET

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) was a partial participant on the first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, and head coach Dan Campbell said he could be cleared for the start of training camp in late July, according to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. "We like where he's going," Campbell said. "He's trending the right way." A herniated disc in his back limited the 25-year-old to just nine games in 2025, and he underwent surgery in November. LaPorta didn't take part in full-speed team drills in earlier offseason workouts this spring, but he's getting close to being a full-go for training camp this summer. The former second-round pick (34th overall) in 2023 out of the University of Iowa burst onto the scene in his rookie campaign and led all tight ends with 86 catches on 120 targets for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games. He took a slight step back in Year 2 with a 60-726-7 line in 16 starts before catching just 40 passes for 489 yards and three scores last year. The offensive situation in Detroit hasn't changed much since LaPorta's strong rookie season, and with his price coming down after his injury in 2025, LaPorta is a potential TE1 value play in fantasy drafts as an obvious bounce-back candidate if he stays healthy. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 9 fantasy TE for 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett

Jun 17, 2026, 2:47 PM ET

ESPN's Field Yates believes that former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who is applying for the NFL's supplemental draft, has starting QB upside at the next level. It's unclear what level of interest Sorsby will receive from NFL teams after admitting to placing bets on a variety of sports. The NCAA denied Sorsby's request for reinstatement in May, but a Texas judge granted him a temporary injunction in early June, making him eligible for the 2026 college season. But after a Big 12 lawsuit against Texas Tech and backlash around his eligibility, Sorsby has decided to leave for the NFL. NFL analyst Ben Solak thinks the Arizona Cardinals are the most obvious team that would be interested in Sorsby, as their current QBs are veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew, and rookie third-rounder Carson Beck. Solak thinks Sorsby would "easily clear" Beck as the potential franchise signal-caller in the desert. The New York Jets are another team that could be interested, with veteran Geno Smith set to be the starter in 2026. Sorsby is clearly a better developmental prospect than fourth-rounder Cade Klubnik.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates

Jun 17, 2026, 2:44 PM ET

Kansas City Royals left-handed pitcher Noah Cameron remains a useful waiver-wire option for fantasy managers searching for pitching depth. Across 70 innings, the 26-year-old has a 3-4 record, 4.11 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 64 strikeouts. The season-long ERA is not especially exciting, but Cameron has been much better over his last seven starts, posting a 3.05 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 36:6 K:BB across 38 1/3 innings. The caveat is his latest outing, when he allowed four earned runs on seven hits, including two home runs, over 4 1/3 innings against the Houston Astros. That start adds some short-term risk, but Cameron's recent stretch keeps him above the standard streamer tier in deeper leagues. His 42% Yahoo roster rate leaves enough room for fantasy managers to act where steadier back-end rotation help is needed.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 17, 2026, 2:36 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee), who remains limited to seven-on-seven work at mandatory minicamp this week as he continues to rehab from a surgically repaired ACL, said that "the expectation" is for him to be ready for 11-on-11 team drills during training camp this summer, also he added that he'll need clearance from his doctor for that to happen, according to Will McFadden of the team's official website. McFadden writes that in anything movement-related, Penix has "looked sharp and shown no signs of discomfort." But the Falcons are taking a cautious approach with the former first-rounder. "Each and every day I'm trying to get better," Penix said after practice. "Doing whatever I can to help this team win football games, that's the ultimate goal." It sounds like Atlanta's true QB competition between Penix and Tua Tagovailoa won't come until Penix can do everything in training camp. The 26-year-old Penix is a major durability concern with a lengthy history of torn ACLs, and without a guaranteed starting job, his fantasy stock has fallen considerably heading into 2026 in both dynasty and redraft formats.--Keith Hernandez
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Will McFadden

Jun 17, 2026, 2:34 PM ET

New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones is starting to showcase his upside on the MLB level. The club's No. 6 prospect is hitting .239 with two home runs, seven RBI, four runs, one stolen base, and a .731 OPS over 46 major-league at-bats. However, Jones has been more productive since re-joining the Yankees in June, posting a .318/.423/.636 slash line with one double and two home runs. The power upside is the selling point. Jones posted a .949 OPS with 13 home runs, 48 RBI, and nine stolen bases over 156 at-bats at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before getting a longer look with New York. The strikeout risk is substantial, so he is not a safe batting-average play. Still only 8% rostered on Yahoo, Jones is a worthwhile deeper-league pickup for fantasy managers willing to chase impact power before it fully arrives. With Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Giancarlo Stanton on the injured list, Jones should see stable at-bats in this lineup, making him a worthy target for those in five-outfielder leagues, looking for power production.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 17, 2026, 2:28 PM ET

Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Wednesday that wide receiver Drake London (undisclosed) is dealing with a small injury that the team is being cautious with, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. London could have practiced, but the team is "being careful." The Falcons must protect their investment after giving London a four-year, $141 million contract extension at the beginning of June. The 24-year-old former eighth overall pick in 2022 out of the University of Southern California should be fine for the start of training camp at the end of July, and he's the unquestioned WR1 for either quarterback Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. (knee) going into his fifth year in the NFL. London caught 68 of his 112 targets for 919 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 starts in 2025 despite missing five games due to injury. He's a clear WR1 target in fantasy football drafts, and although better play at the QB position could unlock even more from London, managers cannot bank on that from either Tagaovailoa or Penix.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi