RADIO
Josh Downs Climbing Up the Dynasty Rankings with Bigger Role Ahead?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been trending up in dynasty leagues. The 24-year-old receiver's dynasty stock has benefitted from the Colts' decision to trade Michael Pittman Jr., which should leave Downs in line to start alongside Alec Pierce. While Pierce projects as the Colts' top receiver after his big payday, Downs has the potential to carve out a fantasy-relevant role. This offense is good enough to support two fantasy-relevant receivers for several years to come, especially as long as Daniel Jones is under center. Downs has ranked between WR35 and WR44 in each of his three NFL seasons, but we wouldn't be surprised to see him take a big step forward and post the best fantasy finish of his career in 2026. Downs set a new career low in catches, yards, and fantasy points last year, softening his price tag in dynasty leagues. Managers should take advantage of this discount and send out trade offers for the UNC product before his potential Year 4 breakout.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen McMillan Has Been 'Slightly Better' Than Teammate During OTAs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan looked "slightly better" than teammate Emeka Egbuka during OTAs this past week, according to Scott Reynolds of PewterReport.com. Fantasy managers shouldn't invest too much stock into one week of practices, as it's not uncommon for different players to exceed expectations from time to time. With that being said, McMillan's improvements could be something worth monitoring going forward. McMillan is entering his third year with the Bucs, and if he continues to put together a strong summer, he'll be in the mix for a prominent fantasy football role. It's also worth noting that this report should only be viewed as an encouraging sign for McMillan, and not a slight toward Egbuka. Reynolds made it clear that Egbuka had a very strong week, too. All in all, it sounds like the Bucs' top three receivers -- Egbuka, McMillan, and Chris Godwin Jr. -- are all trending in the right direction as they look to provide more support to quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2026. McMillan could be a steal at his current ADP of 173 (WR62).
Source: Scott Reynolds
Source: Scott Reynolds
Zach Neto Exits After Home Plate Collision
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (head) was removed from Saturday's contest following a home plate collision. Neto exited Saturday's contest after Rays' pitcher Ian Seymour fell on the back of his head during the seventh inning. The slugging shortstop was attempting to score on a wild pitch and got caught up on Seymour. Oswald Peraza replaced him at shortstop for the rest of this game. Before leaving, Neto was 0-for-3 with a run scored, a stolen base, and one walk. The severity of the injury is unknown at the moment. If he ends miss time, Denzer Guzman or Christian Moore could receive the call to the big leagues.
Source: Jeff Fletcher
Source: Jeff Fletcher
Harrison Bader Gets Placed on 10-Day Injured List
San Francisco Giants outfielder Harrison Bader (foot) is placed on the 10-day Injured List ahead of Saturday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Bader was originally out of the lineup, but it was assumed for rest purposes. Instead, Bader will head to the shelf with plantar fasciitis. Bader returned in mid-May after missing some time due to a hamstring issue. He'll now miss at least 10 more days due to this foot issue. Drew Gilbert figures to see the bulk of the starts in center field, with Will Brennan being an option as well. Bader is slashing .170/.198/.358 across 30 games this season. He doesn't need to be rostered in most fantasy formats at the moment.
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Maikel Garcia Leaves Early with Hamstring Injury
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (hamstring) was removed early during Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. Garcia suffered a right hamstring strain while running from first to third base during the seventh inning. He was removed from the contest and replaced by Nick Loftin. Before exiting, Garcia was 1-for-4 at the plate with a single and one RBI. The severity of the injury is unknown right now, but Garcia will likely end up on the Injured List. If that happens, Nick Loftin could see an extended look at third base for a few weeks. Also, Abraham Toro, Brandon Drury, and Josh Rojas are candidates to be called up to take his spot on the active roster. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on Garcia.
Source: Anne Rogers
Source: Anne Rogers
Luis Severino Heads to the Injured List
Athletics starting pitcher Luis Severino (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day Injured List on Saturday. Severino was forced to make an early exit from Friday's start due to what was believed to be arm soreness. After further evaluation, Severino has been diagnosed with a right shoulder strain. He'll head to the shelf and will hopefully return once first eligible in mid-June. In a corresponding move, reliever Michael Kelly has been called up to take over the active roster spot. The A's haven't announced who is going to take over the vacant spot in the starting rotation. Both Mason Barnett and Jack Perkins are candidates to move into Severino's spot for a few weeks.
Source: Athletics PR
Source: Athletics PR
Angel Martinez Removed with Left Foot Injury
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Angel Martinez (foot) was forced to make an early exit from Saturday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Martinez was replaced by Stuart Fairchild in the fifth inning due to left foot inflammation. Martinez struck out in both of his plate appearances before leaving the game. Fantasy managers should consider Martinez day-to-day until further notice. Martinez could undergo further testing to determine the severity of the issue. Fairchild figures to fill in for a few days, but George Valera or CJ Kayfus could be recalled if Martinez does land on the Injured List.
Source: Tim Stebbins
Source: Tim Stebbins
Pierce Johnson is Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Pierce Johnson (elbow) was placed on the 15-day Injured List on Saturday. Ouch, another tough blow to the Reds' bullpen that just lost Graham Ashcraft (elbow) on Friday. Johnson heads to the shelf due to right elbow inflammation, which explains why he hasn't pitched since Tuesday. The Reds have now lost two high-leverage bullpen arms in back-to-back days. Tony Santillan figures to be the favorite for saves until Emilio Pagan (hamstring) returns. In a corresponding move, right-hander Lyon Richardson has been recalled from Triple-A Louisville. Fantasy managers in need of bullpen help should scoop up Santillan, with him being one of the only high-leverage relievers not on the shelf for this team.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Carson Benge Cooling Off at the Plate, Still Flashing Tools in Rookie Season
New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge has struggled at the plate recently, hitting just .115 over his last seven games. The 23-year-old showed strong form in mid-May with six multi-hit performances across eight games, but his production has cooled since that stretch. The early-career upside remains clear, but consistency continues to be the primary hurdle. Through 54 games in his rookie season, Benge is slashing .242/.308/.326 with a .634 OPS. He continues to stand out defensively and on the bases, including a 93rd percentile baserunning run value and 98th percentile arm strength. Benge should remain in the lineup regularly as the Mets evaluate their young outfield options, but his fantasy value depends on whether the bat can stabilize.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dylan Cease Set for Bullpen Saturday, Blue Jays Await Key Rotation Reinforcement
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease (hamstring) is expected to throw a bullpen session Saturday as he continues his recovery from a left hamstring strain. Cease has progressed through a throwing program and is now set to throw approximately 25 to 30 pitches. The next step in his recovery will be facing hitters in live bullpen sessions, although a return date has not yet been established. Before the injury, Cease was enjoying an outstanding first season in Toronto, posting a 3.05 ERA and 1.21 WHIP across 11 starts. The 30-year-old also leads the American League with 92 strikeouts in 62 innings, showcasing some of the best swing-and-miss stuff of his career. His absence has been significant for the Blue Jays, but his recovery appears to be moving in the right direction.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Source: Arden Zwelling
Christian Scott Turning Corner, Emerging as Under-the-Radar Rotation Option
New York Mets right-hander Christian Scott continues to trend upward after delivering his best start of the season last Sunday. Scott fired 5 2/3 scoreless innings, marking the deepest outing of his 2026 campaign and lowering his ERA to 3.20. The 25-year-old appears to be settling into a rhythm as he builds toward a full workload. Through 25 1/3 innings, Scott has recorded 30 strikeouts while posting a 1.38 WHIP. His ability to miss bats has remained a strength, and he has done an excellent job limiting hard contact. Scott's 1.5 percent barrel rate ranks in the 98th percentile among qualified pitchers. While he is still somewhat under the radar in fantasy leagues, the improving results and strong underlying metrics suggest he is worth monitoring as a potential rotation addition.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Bryson Stott Hitless in Four Straight Games, Offensive Concerns Growing
Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Bryson Stott continues to search for answers at the plate, hitting just .174 over his last seven games and going hitless in each of his last four contests. The recent struggles have dropped his season line to a .222/.270/.375 slash line with a .645 OPS across 51 games. Stott has still contributed five home runs, but his offensive approach has shifted this season. He is pulling the ball more frequently and has moved away from the all-fields profile that helped fuel his success in previous years. The former first-round pick should continue to receive regular playing time because of his strong defense and baserunning value. However, fantasy managers may want to consider other middle-infield options until signs of a turnaround begin to emerge.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
A.J. Ewing Collects Two Hits Friday, Trending Onto Fantasy Radar
New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing continued his strong rookie campaign on Friday, going 2-for-4 with two RBI, one stolen base, and one run scored. The former fourth-round pick has taken advantage of increased playing time with Luis Robert Jr. on the injured list and Tyrone Taylor still weeks away from returning. Through his first 17 major-league games, Ewing is slashing .268/.359/.357 with a .716 OPS while adding four stolen bases. His 92nd-percentile sprint speed has already translated into fantasy value, and his athleticism gives him multiple paths to production. The Mets' No. 1 prospect appears positioned for continued opportunities in the short term. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should keep a close eye on Ewing as he continues to establish himself at the major-league level.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Xander Bogaerts Cold Streak Continues, Fantasy Value Slipping in San Diego
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts has continued to struggle at the plate, hitting just .154 with a .172 OBP over his last seven games. He is also homerless across his last 19 games, reflecting a clear drop in offensive production. The slump adds to a longer-term trend since joining San Diego in 2023, where Bogaerts has yet to post an OPS over .800 in a Padres uniform. His line drive rate has also fallen from 26.8 percent in 2025 to 18.8 percent in 2026, signaling weaker contact quality. Bogaerts still has the underlying talent that made him an elite hitter earlier in his career, but the current profile is less stable. On the season, Bogaerts is slashing .240/.304/.362 with a .666 OPS. Fantasy managers may want to explore other shortstop options while he works through the downturn.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jose Altuve May Not Need a Rehab Assignment
Jose Altuve (oblique) is trending toward avoiding a rehab assignment altogether. Manager Joe Espada has stated that the 36-year-old is healing at an incredible pace and that his on-field preparation may come through simulated at-bats rather than a minor-league rehab assignment. With his recovery progressing in that direction, a return could come sooner than originally anticipated. There is still no official timetable for his return, but Altuve was swinging at nearly 80 percent effort earlier in the week and continues to field ground balls and run the bases as part of his recovery process. The biggest test will be when he faces live pitching over the next couple of days. Assuming that goes well with no setbacks, fantasy managers should be ready for an activation at some point during the first half of May.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Corey Seager Faces Live BP and Fields Groundballs
Corey Seager (back) had a busy day on Saturday, facing live pitching and fielding ground balls as planned. Both Seager and manager Skip Schumaker were pleased with the results, as the 32-year-old shortstop appears to be making significant progress in his recovery. It remains unclear what the next steps will be. The 12-year veteran has been sidelined since May 13 with lower back inflammation and suffered a minor setback 10 days later. Given that setback, along with his extensive injury history, the Rangers may wait to see how his body responds to this demanding workout before determining the next phase of his recovery. Seager has struggled to begin the season, hitting .179 with seven home runs in his first 42 games.
Source: Kennedi Landry
Source: Kennedi Landry
Hayden Juenger Promoted to the Majors
The Toronto Blue Jays have called up 25-year-old pitcher Hayden Juenger to the major leagues. He has pitched well this season, posting a 3.50 ERA over 20.0 innings with Triple-A Buffalo. He has yet to throw more than two innings in a single appearance, making him another option for the Blue Jays' already solid bullpen. Juenger has recorded three saves for the Bisons, but given that the Blue Jays already have two capable closers, he is likely joining the big-league club as additional bullpen depth. If he performs well right away, he could earn some high-leverage opportunities later in the season. In the corresponding move, Austin Voth was designated for assignment.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Source: Arden Zwelling
Ryan Helsley Inching Closer to a Rehab Assignment
Ryan Helsley (elbow) progressed through a bullpen session on Saturday, throwing between 15 and 20 pitches. This was his first bullpen session since being limited to playing catch for several weeks. It was reported that the 31-year-old closer is nearing the start of a rehab assignment, although no specific timeline was provided. How he recovers from this session will be a key indicator of how quickly the team can advance his recovery process. Helsley last pitched on April 28 before landing on the injured list. He had been perfect up to that point, converting all seven of his save opportunities this season, and is expected to reclaim the closer's role once he is activated from the injured list.
Source: Roch Kubatko
Source: Roch Kubatko
Munetaka Murakami to Miss 4-6 Weeks With Grade 2 Hamstring Strain
It was announced on Saturday that Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The hard-hitting rookie injured himself while running to first base on a ground ball and was immediately removed from the game. This is a crushing blow to the surging White Sox, who will miss his presence in the lineup. The 26-year-old has hit 20 home runs in his first 57 games and has been a spark for the team all season. In his absence, the White Sox's long-term plan could be to move Miguel Vargas to first base and have Colson Montgomery slide over to third base to replace him. With those moves appearing in Saturday's lineup, it seems like a feasible strategy, given that both players have experience at those positions.
Source: Scott Merkin
Source: Scott Merkin
Mike Evans a Risky Upside Buy for Contending Dynasty Managers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans will be 33 to begin the 2026 season and is coming off a disappointing injury-tarnished year in which he failed to reach 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career. Starting fresh with a new team for the first time since the Buccaneers made him the seventh overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, he has fallen all the way to WR40 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings, making him a strong bounce-back candidate and a lower-cost trade target for contending managers. Evans has been one of the league's most efficient pass-catchers with two or fewer receivers on the field, and in moving from one of the league's heaviest rates of 11 personnel to a Niners team that ran the highest percentage of plays with a fullback on the field, those opportunities should only increase. A growing history of soft tissue injuries should not be ignored, but if Evans can stay healthy in 2026, he's capable of returning immediate value as a short-term dynasty buy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Justin Herbert Entering His True Dynasty Prime?
Following an Offensive Rookie of the Year win in 2020 and a 5,000-yard passing season in year two, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert peaked as high as the QB1 in consensus dynasty rankings. Since then, he's had fantasy finishes as the QB11, QB17, QB12, and QB10, and had nearly fallen out of dynasty's top 10 by the end of his second season in Greg Roman's run-heavy offense. Heading into 2026, the Chargers hired former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to run the offense and have begun shaping the roster to match his scheme. Los Angeles added quality pieces at fullback and tight end, which should, in theory, create more one-on-one opportunities for Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, while free agent Keaton Mitchell and fourth-round pick Brenen Thompson add game-breaking speed. With a healthier offensive line, the Chargers could have one of the most improved offenses in 2026, and yet Herbert's dynasty stock has been relatively unimpacted, as he still sits at QB9 in RotoBaller's latest rankings. Only 28 years old and likely priced close to his floor, he has become one of this offseason's most attractive buy candidates.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jeff Hoffman Re-Emerging as Saves Source in Toronto's Bullpen?
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman has racked up two saves while adding two wins over his last four relief appearances. He owns a 0.69 WHIP with nine strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings during that span. Braydon Fisher picked up the save in Friday's 6-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles as Hoffman was unavailable after pitching in back-to-back games. With Hoffman getting the day off, he will likely return to closer duties if a save chance arises in the near future. Since the calendar has flipped to May, Hoffman has recorded a 2.84 ERA with a 12.1 K:9 over 12 2/3 frames. Overall, the 33-year-old owns a (4-3) record, with a 4.62 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, and 44 strikeouts across 25 1/3 innings. Hoffman has been elite recently and should be added in all leagues (65% rostered in Yahoo) for fantasy managers searching for saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Can Talent Overcome Situation for Oronde Gadsden II?
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden II had an eye-opening mid-season stretch as a rookie in which he caught 24 passes for 377 yards across four games. While he was unable to maintain that torrid pace down the stretch, he was one of the most popular breakout candidates of the early offseason. Since then, the team has added Charlie Kolar and David Njoku in free agency, and with Gadsden's blocking ability viewed as the primary reason he couldn't stay on the field as a rookie, the increased competition in that regard could make it difficult for him to find a full-time role. Even with the league trending toward heavier personnel usage, new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has not strictly relied on tight ends to get bigger bodies on the field. Only the 49ers ran a higher percentage of plays with a fullback on the field than McDaniel's 2025 Dolphins, and with former Pro Bowler Alec Ingold following his coach West, there's a strong indication that tendency could hold up in Los Angeles. Gadsden has obvious talents that McDaniel will look to take advantage of, but if he's viewed as more of a gadget piece than an every-down mainstay in the Chargers' new offense, it could be difficult for him to live up to his billing as RotoBaller's dynasty TE10.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryne Nelson Becoming a Starter to Target Off the Waiver Wire
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson (2-3) allowed one run on six hits and three walks while striking out three across eight innings against the Rockies in his previous start. He owns a 2.36 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 6.6 K:9 across 34 1/3 innings in his last five outings. Overall, he owns a 4.65 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts through 60 frames this season. Nelson will likely see regression, as his BB% is up from 6.6% to 7.5% this season, while his SIERA is currently sitting at 4.54. The Diamondbacks right-hander has pitched well enough to become a starter to target off the waiver wire. Nelson will look to continue his recent success in his next scheduled start against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Fantasy managers might want to see how Nelson fares against the Mariners before adding him everywhere. However, managers needing a pitching boost can add Nelson, as he's rostered in 60% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
David Njoku a Short-Term Dynasty Buy
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku was one of the latest additions to the team, signing a one-year deal in mid-May, but he has a chance to make a legitimate fantasy impact in his tenth professional season. New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has found great success in recent seasons by involving his tight ends, and the room he has already helped to build in Los Angeles boasts a variety of skill sets. Free agent acquisition Charlie Kolar is one of the league's most impactful blockers, while second-year player Oronde Gadsden II flashed game-breaking athleticism as a rookie, but with Njoku being the most well-rounded of the three, he could become the most difficult to pull from the field. Coming off a down year and turning 30 before the start of training camp, he has fallen to dynasty TE26, making him a low-cost trade target. Having finished as the TE13 or better in three of the past four seasons, while playing in a low-scoring Browns offense, Njoku offers obvious short-term upside to contending managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Devin Neal a Dynasty Hold Until the Depth Chart Ahead of Him Settles
At times in his 2025 rookie campaign, New Orleans running back Devin Neal was the top option on the team, though the fact that his two rushing touchdowns led all Saints running backs adds further context to the level of competition he was up against. New Orleans spent big to land Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency, and with veteran Alvin Kamara still currently on the roster after missing six games in 2025, Neal's path to a meaningful workload is sufficiently blocked heading into his second season. Still yet to turn 23, he is RotoBaller's dynasty RB70, and should the Saints find a way to move on from Kamara before the start of the season, Neal could see a brief value spike and a potential sell window. For the time being, though, he remains a dynasty hold with little standalone value but a chance to position himself as a top fantasy handcuff.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Samuel Basallo Blasts Another Home Run, Top Catcher to Target Amid Hot Streak
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Basallo crushed a solo shot off Austin Voth during the bottom of the fifth inning, raising his home run total to nine on the season. The 21-year-old is starting to heat up and is hitting .364 (4-for-11) with two home runs, six RBI, and three runs scored over 14 plate appearances in his last five games. He is ranked as the No. 1 catcher to add based on the latest RotoBaller waiver wire rankings. Basallo is rostered in 55% of Yahoo leagues and is emerging as a top waiver wire add due to his recent hot streak.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Noelvi Marte Emerging as a Top Stash Target Amid Dominant Play at Triple-A
Cincinnati Reds third baseman/outfielder Noelvi Marte went 3-for-5 with a double and three runs scored in Friday's game against Triple-A St. Paul. He has now logged multi-hit efforts in seven of his last 12 games, while slashing .438/.451/.792 with five home runs, 14 RBI, 10 runs, and a stolen base with Triple-A Louisville. The 24-year-old continues to make a case in the minors for another promotion after being optioned by the Reds in mid-April. Marte struggled mightily with a .138 (4-for-29) in 11 games in the big leagues this season before being optioned, but could force the issue if he continues to wield a hot bat in Triple-A. Fantasy managers with a NA spot or searching for a 3B/OF to stash should target Marte off the waiver wire as he's currently only rostered in 30% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
JJ Bleday Homers Again, Emerging as a Must-Add In All Leagues
Cincinnati Reds outfielder JJ Bleday went 2-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Friday's 8-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Bleday blasted his eighth home run of the season off Braves starter Grant Holmes in the bottom of the fourth inning on Friday. His home run traveled 393 feet with an exit velocity of 108.6 mph. He has now homered in two of his last four games. Overall, the 28-year-old is now slashing .287/.392/.604 with eight home runs, 22 RBI, 17 runs, and a stolen base in 28 games this season. He has homered seven times over 111 plate appearances in May while posting a 13.5 BB% and .968 OPS in 25 contests. Bleday is rostered in 40% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is emerging as a must-add off the waiver wire in all leagues.
Source: MLB
Source: MLB
Andres Munoz Blows Fourth Save as Struggles Persist, Will he Lose Further Opportunities?
Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz ran into trouble again on Friday, blowing his fourth save of the season before the Mariners ultimately defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in extra innings. Munoz is now just 9-for-13 in save opportunities and has struggled to lock down games consistently as June approaches. The 27-year-old entered the season as one of the American League's premier closers, but he currently owns a 4.98 ERA and 1.34 WHIP. A decline in four-seam fastball usage may be contributing to his struggles. Munoz has thrown the pitch 25.2 percent of the time this season after using it 35 percent of the time in 2025, and the pitch carries a minus-three run value. The talent remains evident, but fantasy managers should monitor the situation closely as his grip on save opportunities becomes less secure. If Munoz continues to struggle, the Mariners could turn to Jose A. Ferrer or Matt Brash for save opportunities.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
