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Max Meyer is Must-Add During Hot Stretch
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Max Meyer is beginning to open eyes with the way he has been pitching on the mound lately. Over the last five starts, Meyer has allowed zero earned runs in three of those contests. During that span, Meyer has also struck out five or more batters in every start. The right-hander has looked great with a 2.85 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 60 strikeouts through 10 starts this season. The potential has always been there with Meyer being taken in the first-round from the 2020 Draft. He appears to be putting it all together at the big league level now. Fantasy managers should check the waiver wire and scoop up Meyer if he's available.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Max Muncy Exits After Getting Hit by a Pitch on the Wrist
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (wrist) made an early exit from Friday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Muncy was taken out of the game after taking a 95.5 mph pitch off his hand/wrist area during the eighth inning. The expectation is that Muncy will undergo X-rays to determine the severity of the injury. For now, fantasy managers should consider Muncy as day-to-day. He was 0-3 at the plate before making his exit from the contest. Miguel Rojas and Santiago Espinal are candidates to take over at third base if Muncy misses any time. UPDATE: X-rays came back negative on Muncy's right wrist on Friday night.
Source: Bill Plunkett
Source: Bill Plunkett
Grant Taylor Earns Save, New Closer on the South Side?
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Grant Taylor was tasked with pitching the final frame of Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Taylor didn't have any issues as he struck out the side to earn his first save of the season. After that outing, Taylor holds a 1.78 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 15:4 K:BB ratio across 19 appearances this season. The White Sox haven't won any games since then, so it's unclear if this was a one-time thing or if Taylor is going to be the closer moving forward. Seranthony Dominguez has blown three saves and holds a 4.82 ERA across 18.2 innings this season. It wouldn't be shocking to see the White Sox give Taylor a chance at the closer role moving forward.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bryan King Earns Fifth Save, Remains Closer in Houston?
Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan King was asked to work out of danger in the eighth inning of Friday's game against the Chicago Cubs. King entered the game with two on and two outs in the eighth inning. He was able to escape without any damage and tossed a perfect ninth inning to earn his fifth save of the season. Enyel De Los Santos and Bryan Abreu have been in the mix for saves as well, but it appears that King is the favorite right now. Josh Hader (biceps) is eligible to return from the Injured List soon. It doesn't sound like any of these relievers are going to have great long-term value. King is the reliever to roster in Houston until Hader reclaims the closer role.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Heliot Ramos Gets PRP Injection on Friday
San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos (quad) received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right quadriceps on Friday and will be shut down for the next week. Ramos was placed on the 10-day Injured List last weekend due to a strained right quad. He'll rest for the next seven days after getting the injection, so he'll be sidelined longer than the minimum 10 days. Before going down, Ramos was slashing .267/.307/.424 with four home runs and 20 RBI this season. The Giants have been using a combo of Drew Gilbert, Will Brennan, and Casey Schmitt in left field while Ramos has been sidelined.
Source: Susan Slusser
Source: Susan Slusser
Jordan James Most Likely to be 49ers' RB2 in 2026
ESPN's Nick Wagnoer writes that running back Jordan James is the most likely to win the RB2 spot for the San Francisco 49ers in 2026 behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. James, a fifth-round pick last year, dealt with knee and finger injuries in training camp last summer and was active for only the final three games of the regular season and two playoff contests in his first year in the NFL. In the postseason loss to the Seattle Seahawks, James got some action in garbage time and had six carries for 28 yards and added one reception for seven yards. "[He] came on really strong at the end of last year, but he missed so much in the beginning," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "He kind of just missed his window to pass some other people up. I wish I would have got him on the field more than I did. He needs to take that next step." With Brian Robinson Jr. now in Atlanta, James, Isaac Guerendo, and rookie Kaelon Black will compete for backup duties. The Niners are reportedly looking to reduce CMC's overall workload, so James could be a highly sought-after handcuff in fantasy football this fall. Guerendo didn't log a single snap on offense in 2025, so James should have the upper hand over him and Black. At RotoBaller, James is ranked as the No. 56 RB for 2026 fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Gavin Williams Dominates Phillies on Friday for Seventh Win
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams was in peak form in Friday night's 1-0 shutout win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, tossing eight shutout innings with four hits allowed, no walks, and a season-high 11 strikeouts for his seventh win of the year. Williams' strong performance lowered his season ERA to 3.25, and his sweeper was electric, drawing 10 swings and misses on the night. The 26-year-old former first-rounder in 2021 out of East Carolina has had issues with control in the past, but he has turned it around so far in 2026 and came into Friday's start with a career-best 8.8% walk rate in his 10 starts. Williams has gone at least six innings pitched in each of his last seven starts and has had at least six strikeouts in his last five outings, quickly becoming a fantasy ace this year for managers. He has 84 total strikeouts and 22 walks in his 69 1/3 innings. Williams won't have an easy matchup his next time out against the Washington Nationals, but he has become a must-start in traditional fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jung Hoo Lee Goes on Injured List With Back Strain
San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee (back) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Friday with a mid-back strain, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Lee was initially removed from Monday's game early with what the team was calling back spasms. He is not ready to play to kick off a series this weekend against the visiting Chicago White Sox, so he'll land on the IL. With Lee out again on Friday, Harrison Bader is sliding over to center field and will hit ninth, with Casey Schmitt in left field, and Drew Gilbert in right field for the Gigantes. Will Brennan will be another candidate to see more playing time in the outfield for however long Lee is out. The 27-year-old left-handed-hitting Japanese outfielder's fantasy stock was way down, even before his back injury. He offers modest production across the board and is currently hitting .268/.311/.385 with a .696 OPS, only three home runs, 17 RBI, and 20 runs scored in his 179 at-bats this year. Lee has slashed a mediocre .266/.321/.390 with a .712 OPS in his two-plus years in the Bay Area, and he's rostered in only 11% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Susan Slusser
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Susan Slusser
Mickey Moniak Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak (ankle) is heading to the 10-day injured list on Friday with a right-ankle sprain, which he has been trying to play through since crashing into the outfield wall in Pittsburgh last week, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. Outfielder Sterlin Thompson has been called up from Triple-A Albuquerque and is starting in Friday's series opener in Arizona against the division-rival Diamondbacks. Since crashing into the outfield wall, Moniak has gone hitless in 13 at-bats, so the Rockies finally decided to shut him down. With Jordan Beck (hamstring) also on the IL for Colorado, Thompson could see regular playing time in the Rockies' outfield with Moniak now sidelined. The 28-year-old Moniak has been great for fantasy managers who picked him up off the waiver wire this year, hitting .280 (42-for-150) with 12 home runs, 28 RBI, 21 runs scored, and a stolen base in 43 games across 164 plate appearances. He has liked hitting at Coors Field and broke out last year in his first season with the team to the tune of a .270/.306/.518 slash line with 24 long balls, 68 RBI, and nine steals in 135 games played. If you have the room, Moniak is worth stashing while he recovers from his ankle sprain.
Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
Source: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
Angels Send Josh Lowe to Triple-A
The Los Angeles Angels announced on Friday that they optioned outfielder Josh Lowe to Triple-A Salt Lake following their loss on Thursday night to the division-rival Athletics. In his first season in Anaheim, Lowe has continued to disappoint, being sent to the minors after slashing .184/.226/.320 with a .546 OPS, five home runs, 14 RBI, eight runs scored, a stolen base, six walks, and 39 strikeouts in 45 games across 134 plate appearances. With Lowe no longer with the big-league club, outfielder Wade Meckler has been called up and is starting in left field and batting sixth for the Halos in Friday's series opener against the division-rival Texas Rangers and right-hander Jacob deGrom. Lowe, a 28-year-old former 13th overall pick in 2016 by the Tampa Bay Rays, was once heralded as a potential high-end power/speed outfielder, but things just haven't panned out for him in the big leagues since he hit 20 homers, drove in 83, and stole 32 bases in 135 games in 135 games in 2023 in his first full season with the Rays. Injuries have not helped his cause. Lowe is now rostered in only 2% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Angels PR
Source: Angels PR
Miguel Vargas Recovers From Hand Injury, Playing on Friday
Chicago White Sox third baseman Miguel Vargas (hand) is back in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener on the road against the San Francisco Giants and right-hander Trevor McDonald, batting third for the Pale Hose, according to MLB.com. Vargas injured his hand on Tuesday and was held out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners, although he did have a pinch-hitting appearance. Now that he's back in action to kick off the weekend series at Oracle Park, fantasy managers will want to get him back into their starting lineups in traditional formats. Although Vargas is only batting .237 (40-for-169) on the year, he has contributed plenty for those in points leagues, adding 11 home runs, 29 RBI, 35 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 48 games across 207 plate appearances as the team's starting third baseman. The Cuban infielder is hitless in his last three appearances, but before that, he had a nine-game hitting streak in which he went 12-for-32 (.375) with four long balls, three doubles, 11 RBI, and 10 runs scored.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brandon Nimmo Back in the Lineup After Another Hamstring Scare
Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo (hamstring) is starting in right field and batting third for Friday's series opener in Anaheim against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels and right-hander Grayson Rodriguez, according to MLB.com. Nimmo is ready to play following Thursday off day after he was pulled early yet again from Wednesday's contest in Denver against the Colorado Rockies. The 33-year-old veteran has been bothered by a nagging hamstring injury a few times this year, but it hasn't forced him to the injured list, surprisingly. The former first-rounder of the New York Mets in 2011 will return to a .273/.353/.421 slash line with a .773 OPS, five home runs, 16 RBI, 21 runs scored, and a stolen base in 47 games in his first year in Texas. When healthy, Nimmo is a multi-category contributor who bats near the top of the Rangers' batting order. He should be returned to starting fantasy lineups against Rodriguez, whom he has never faced in his career.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Rudy Gobert Earns Eighth All-Defensive First-Team Selection
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was once again recognized for his defensive prowess on Friday, earning his eighth NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. He was joined by Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons), and Derrick White (Boston Celtics). Kevin Garnett, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Gary Payton share the NBA record with nine NBA All-Defensive First Team selections. Gobert has also been named once on the All-Defensive Second Team, giving him nine selections overall. Only five players in NBA history have received the recognition at least 10 times, with Tim Duncan holding the all-time record at 15.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Victor Wembanyama Headlines 2025-26 All-Defensive First Team
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama will head into Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night knowing he has been named to the NBA's All-Defensive First Team for the second time in his career. He also earned the honor during his rookie campaign in 2023-24. The French star didn't make the cut last year after appearing in only 46 games. This season, Wembanyama was the only unanimous selection for the All-Defensive First Team. It doesn't come as a surprise, given that Wembanyama was also named the first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year this season. Wembanyama led the NBA in blocks for a third consecutive campaign, swatting away 3.1 shots a night. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons), and Derrick White (Boston Celtics) were also named to the All-Defensive First Team.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ajay Mitchell Starting Game 3 Against Spurs
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell will return to the starting lineup in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports. Mitchell has started six of the Thunder's 10 postseason games, but he had to settle for a reserve role at the start of the Conference Finals after Jalen Williams (hamstring) was cleared to return to the lineup. With Williams now back on the shelf, Mitchell will get a new opportunity to run with the starters. As a starter in the 2026 playoffs, Mitchell has posted averages of 21.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals.
Source: Clemente Almanza
Source: Clemente Almanza
Dylan Harper Available for Game 3 Against Thunder
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (adductor) will suit up on Friday for Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was initially considered questionable for the contest after Harper injured his right adductor in Game 2. With De'Aaron Fox (ankle) back in the fold, Harper will likely return to a bench role. However, this won't affect his fantasy value much. Even as a reserve, Harper has been one of San Antonio's most productive players in the playoffs. He has averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 26.8 minutes per game during his first career postseason campaign.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
De'Aaron Fox Returns to Action Friday
San Antonio Spurs point guard De'Aaron Fox (ankle) will rejoin the lineup on Friday night in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The star guard missed the first two games of the series due to an ankle injury. According to reports, Fox is dealing with a pretty bad injury that would keep him out of regular-season games. It will be interesting to see how effective he will be in Friday's contest. Fox has averaged 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 33.3 minutes per game during the playoffs. He will presumably reclaim his starting spot, bumping Dylan Harper (adductor) to the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Williams Won't Play Friday Night
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out for Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. Unfortunately, Williams won't be able to play through a left hamstring injury he sustained in Game 2. The team initially listed Williams as questionable for Friday's contest. Cason Wallace started the second half in Williams' place in Game 2 and could have a larger role once again. At the same time, Ajay Mitchell has previously started in Williams' absence. Guys like Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain could pick up extra shifts in the rotation as well.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Derrick Henry Remains in RB1 Discussion
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry continues to ignore Father Time and remains a top option at his position. Over the last four seasons, Henry has finished as a top-8 RB or higher every season. Last season, Henry rushed for 1,595 yards with 16 touchdowns across 17 games with the Ravens. His stats took a slight decrease, but not enough to alarm fantasy managers. The Ravens haven't done basically anything to improve this running back group. With that being said, Henry remains the top dog without any real competition on the roster. The assumption is that Henry is going to slightly regress due to age, but should remain the workhorse back. As long as he remains healthy, Henry should be a high-level option for the upcoming 2026 season.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ladd McConkey is Solid Buy-Low Candidate
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey was electric during his rookie season in 2024. He finished with 82 receptions for over 1,100 receiving yards during his first year in the league. Fantasy managers thought they caught lightning in a bottle with McConkey, but he struggled to find the same kind of success last season. He fell into a sophomore slump, where he produced 66 receptions for 789 yards across 16 games. It was a significant drop in production for McConkey, but his value could be on the rise again. The Chargers have a new play-caller in Mike McDaniel, who should help improve this offense as a whole. The bigger news is that Keenan Allen remains unsigned right now. Assuming he doesn't return to the Chargers, McConkey should spend more time in the slot, where he's usually more reliable. A revamped offensive scheme and shift to the full-time slot role should make McConkey a solid buy-low candidate.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ryan Flournoy an Intriguing Dynasty Stash Option
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy was a surprisingly solid contributor this past season. It's never easy to make a consistent impact when CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are ahead of you on the depth chart. Due to some health problems, Flournoy was pushed into a larger role at times this past season. He made the most of it with 40 receptions, 475 receiving yards, and four touchdowns across 16 games. That's a decent year for a sixth-round pick who is stuck behind two stud wideouts on the depth chart. The fact that Flournoy is the WR3 is going to limit his overall ceiling heading into the 2026 season. He's not a great redraft option, but he is an intriguing dynasty stash right now. Pickens is currently playing under the franchise tag and remains without a long-term deal. He could be gone after the season or sooner, which in theory would open up more playing time and a bigger role for Flournoy in this offense.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jalen Nailor is Expected to Have Larger Role in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor could be poised for a breakout season with his new organization. After spending the last four seasons in Minnesota, Nailor signed a three-year deal with the Raiders this offseason. Nailor has been stuck as the third option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison with the Vikings. Now, Nailor is expected to be a top wide receiver alongside Tre Tucker in Las Vegas. Last season, Nailor finished with 29 receptions, 444 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in 17 games with the Vikings. His numbers should see a significant rise as he moves to the top of the depth chart with the Raiders. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Nailor to be a superstar just because he has become a top option on the depth chart. He might be able to provide WR3 value, but that depends on his chemistry with quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins. He's an interesting buy-low candidate in dynasty formats with the move to Las Vegas.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Hurricanes Keep Faith in Frederik Andersen
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen struggled in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Montreal Canadiens, but the team will keep faith in him. "This game wasn't on him at all," Hurricanes head coach Brind'Amour said. "Freddie is pretty calm. One of his strengths is that he's able to just move on." Before Thursday's Game 1, Andersen was 8-0 this postseason, with a 1.12 goals-against average, a .950 save percentage, and two shutouts. He was beaten four times in the first period and finished with a .762 save percentage in a 6-2 loss. The Canadiens made Andersen look human again, but the veteran netminder rarely loses back-to-back games -- it's happened just twice in 2026.
Source: Kurt Dusterberg
Source: Kurt Dusterberg
Devon Levi Attracting Interest From Senators
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Devon Levi has many admirers among rival teams, including the Ottawa Senators, ESPN's Kevin Weekes reports. Goaltending was a problem for Ottawa this season, as the team ranked 31st in the league with a .882 save percentage. Former Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark missed 35 games for mental health reasons and lacked a serviceable backup. The highly rated Levi could address that issue. He might also be looking for a change of scenery after seeing action in only nine NHL games this season. Levi made his debut in the league a couple of campaigns ago and carries a 17-17-2 career record. He has registered a 3.29 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage. Levi has one season remaining on a two-year, $1.63 million contract.
Source: Kevin Weekes
Source: Kevin Weekes
Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals Not Close to a Reworked Deal
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett and the Arizona Cardinals are still not close to reaching an agreement on a reworked deal for the 2026 season after months of negotiating, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. According to a source, the two sides are "significantly" far apart. As a result, Brissett hasn't attended any of the team's voluntary OTAs or the voluntary offseason program. His current deal pays him $4.88 million with the potential to earn $5.39 million, with just $1.5 million guaranteed. Gardner Minshew, whom the team signed in free agency in March, will be guaranteed $5.14 million in 2026. The 33-year-old had a career year in 2025 for the Cardinals after taking over for the injured Kyler Murray in Week 6, and he finished with 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 games (10 starts). He was second in the NFL in passing yards from Week 6 on and fourth in completion percentage above expected. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that the Cardinals informed Brissett that he'd be the starter going into 2026, but he still wants a reworked deal to reflect his performance last year. Fantasy managers are expecting regression from Brissett in a full season as a starter in a new offense that is expected to be much more balanced under new head coach Mike LaFleur.
Source: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
Source: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
Scott Wedgewood Starting Game 2 Against Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood will remain in the crease for Friday night's action against the Vegas Golden Knights, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. Colorado has used both goalies in recent games, and there were questions about Wedgewood after he posted a .899 save percentage in a 4-2 Game 1 loss to Vegas. However, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar has decided to stick with Wedgewood for now. The 33-year-old has made nine postseason outings, going 7-2. He has a 2.32 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. Throughout the season, Wedgewood has responded well to setbacks, losing consecutive starts only four times. Another strong bounce-back performance from him on Friday would be critical for Colorado.
Source: Evan Rawal
Source: Evan Rawal
Shane Bieber Scheduled to Start a Rehab Assignment on Monday
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) is scheduled to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Monday and throw two innings for the Florida Complex League Blue Jays, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Bieber will build up his volume from there and will shoot for three innings his next time out. The 30-year-old veteran has been throwing for a while now as he works his way back from an elbow injury, and he has finally been cleared to resume pitching in games. It's good news for Bieber, but fantasy managers who have been stashing him all year in deeper leagues are going to need to remain patient, and in a best-case scenario, he probably won't be an option for Toronto's starting rotation in mid-June. The former Cy Young winner and two-time All-Star got a late start in 2025 after recovering from Tommy John surgery and then went 4-2 with a 3.57 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 37:7 K:BB in seven regular-season starts before allowing nine runs (eight earned) with six walks and 18 K's in 18 2/3 innings in the postseason. Bieber is an injury risk at this point in his career, but he could still be useful as a matchup-based fantasy streamer. He's currently rostered in 44% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Ben Hutton Scratched for Game 2 Against Avalanche
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Ben Hutton will sit out Game 2 against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday as a healthy scratch, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports. Hutton has been in the lineup since the start of the second round, making seven consecutive appearances. However, Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella has decided to give Kaedan Korczak another look. Korczak has made nine postseason appearances, recording one assist, three SOG, six blocks, and 19 hits. He will bring more physicality to the Vegas defense but is unlikely to make a fantasy impact.
Source: Jesse Granger
Source: Jesse Granger
Mark Stone Won't Play Friday
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (lower body) will remain sidelined on Friday against the Colorado Avalanche, Jesse Granger of The Athletic reports. Stone skated on Friday morning, but his absence will stretch to five games. As a result, Brandon Saad is poised to remain in the lineup and will have a chance to record a point in a second consecutive game after contributing an assist in Wednesday's 4-2 win in Game 1 against Colorado. Meanwhile, Brett Howden will continue in a second-line role, aiming to set a new franchise record with a seven-game postseason road point streak.
Source: Jesse Granger
Source: Jesse Granger
Jackson Merrill has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill (ribs) is dealing with some sore ribs, but he is expected to be ready to play in the next few days, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Merrill most likely will not be in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the visiting Athletics at Petco Park, but he could return before Sunday's series opener. The 23-year-old tweaked his ribs while trying to rob a Shohei Ohtani home run in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, and it was originally reported as a potential back injury. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now and check back later this weekend to see if he can return to the starting nine. Bryce Johnson could make a start on Friday in center field for the Friars against left-hander Jeffrey Springs. Merrill, along with plenty of other Padres hitters, has been a disappointment offensively so far in 2026. He entered Friday's games hitting just .203/.273/.322 with a career-low .595 OPS, four homers, 19 RBI, nine steals, and 23 runs scored across 47 games. UPDATE: Merrill is out of Friday's lineup.
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
