RADIO
Jake Ferguson's Insurance Upside Makes Him a Borderline TE1 in Dynasty
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson took advantage of an early-season opportunity to finish as the TE8 in half-PPR formats in 2025. With five-time Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb missing meaningful time with a high-ankle sprain, Ferguson's 13.6 fantasy points per game through Week 7 were enough to make him the TE1 to that point. Unfortunately, with Lamb returning to health and George Pickens experiencing a true fourth-year breakout, Ferguson was unable to sustain that pace down the stretch, finishing as the TE22 over the final 11 weeks of the season. With the Cowboys deploying 11 personnel at one of the league's highest rates, and the team capable of trotting out two bona fide Alphas even in two-receiver sets, Ferguson's ceiling will always be capped in a fully healthy Dallas offense, though the same is true for all but the truly elite tight end talents around the NFL. Ferguson's advantage comes in running with one of the most high-powered offenses in the league while providing injury insurance to not just one, but two capable target-earners. Having already shown his ability to win weeks when called upon, the 27-year-old Ferguson comes into 2026 as RotoBaller's dynasty TE13.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brock Bowers One of the Most Valuable Assets in Dynasty
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers broke the single-season rookie reception record in 2024, and while injuries largely defined his second season, when healthy, he was still a force. Bowers missed five total games, was shut down twice, and was clearly affected throughout the year by a bone bruise and PCL sprain. However, in his two healthiest games of 2025 (Week 1 to begin the season and Week 9 when initially returning from injury), he caught 17 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns, finishing as the TE2 and TE1 while averaging 27.8 half-PPR points. At only 23 years old, Bowers is RotoBaller's TE1 and one of the most valuable players in all of dynasty. Klint Kubiak arrives in Vegas having deployed heavy personnel packages at one of the league's highest rates with Seattle, and with no Jaxon Smith-Njigba-type on the Raiders' roster, Bowers could see one of the highest first-read target shares in the league. Now tied to 2026 first overall pick Fernando Mendoza for the foreseeable future, Bowers has a chance to dominate for a long time at a position that can provide a league-winning advantage for fantasy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jose A. Ferrer Grabs Third Save, Seeing Value Increase in Deeper Leagues?
Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Jose A. Ferrer struck out the side in the ninth inning on Wednesday to close out his team's 5-4 win over the White Sox. He allowed a home run to Randal Grichuk to lead off the inning before fanning Munetaka Murakami, Derek Hill, and Colson Montgomery to end the game. Ferrer has allowed five earned runs in his 23 2/3 innings this season for a 1.90 ERA and 2.56 FIP to go with his 22 strikeouts. The young lefty has established himself as one of the team's top setup options in front of Andres Munoz, who pitched on both Monday and Tuesday. Ferrer also pitched in both those contests but needed only four pitches Tuesday before giving the ball to Munoz, who was charged with a blown save. While Munoz is one of the top closers in the game and will likely get a long leash, Ferrer is a very effective setup option who can step in and close if needed. In deep leagues where setup men have value, Ferrer is definitely one of the better widely available options to consider from the waiver wire.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Devin Vassell Contributes 22 Points in Wednesday's Loss
San Antonio Spurs guard/forward Devin Vassell scored a playoff career-high 22 points on Wednesday night in a 122-113 Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He finished as San Antonio's second-leading scorer behind Stephon Castle, going 7-for-14 from the field, including 6-for-12 from beyond the arc. Vassell pulled down four rebounds and added one assist and one block. Injuries have begun to affect the Spurs' lineup, and this might not be the only time in the Western Conference Finals when Vassell takes on a larger offensive role. He has averaged 13.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals across 34.2 minutes per game in the playoffs.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Gesicki Still Provides Some Dynasty Insurance as His Standalone Value Fades
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has finished outside the top 20 at the position in three of the last four seasons, and while missing four games in 2025 with a pectoral injury, his TE40 fantasy finish marked the worst result since his rookie season. Gesicki's spot on the depth chart is relatively enviable, often working as the third option in the passing game. But with Ja'Marr Chase earning more than 170 targets in each of the past two seasons and Tee Higgins averaging 101 looks of his own in that span, there is less available work for a third option, particularly when acknowledging the pass-catching prowess of running back Chase Brown. The Bengals' high-powered offense is always capable of providing spike weeks, but without an injury ahead of him, predicting when those weeks might come for Gesicki can be a frustrating task that often leaves him out of starting lineups. Entering his age-31 season, he remains a must-roster dynasty player, simply for what he can provide as injury insurance should one of the team's elite target-earners miss time, but at RotoBaller's TE48, Gesicki offers very little standalone value.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Louis Varland Stumbles En Route To Sixth Save, Remains Top Option for Blue Jays?
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Louis Varland wasn't perfect on Wednesday night in New York, but he did enough to get the job done and secure his team the victory. He entered the ninth inning with a 2-0 lead after a brilliant performance from Trey Yesavage. After striking out Aaron Judge, he allowed a double, a single, and a groundout to plate one run and place the potential tying run in scoring position. He was able to strike out Amed Rosario, though, to end the game and secure the win. Varland still has an impressive 0.70 ERA and 1.28 FIP with 37 strikeouts in 25 2/3 innings this season. He still seems locked in as the Blue Jays closer moving forward, as long as Wednesday's issues don't develop into a bigger problem. He should be owned in almost all formats and makes a great closer addition if available.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Stephon Castle Tallies Team-High 25 Points in Game 2 Loss
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle scored a team-high 25 points with a 10-for-17 mark from the field in Wednesday's 122-113 Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also fished out eight assists and had five rebounds and one steal, but Castle's ball-handling was horrible for a second consecutive game. On Wednesday night, Castle committed nine turnovers, bringing his total to 20 in the series. Against the Thunder, the 21-year-old sophomore has also struggled to make three-pointers, going 1-for-6 from deep in each game. With both De'Aaron Fox (ankle) and Dylan Harper (leg) ailing, the backcourt relies heavily on Castle, and he must cut down on his turnovers to be more impactful.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Victor Wembanyama Records Eighth Postseason Double-Double
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama produced another high-level all-around performance in Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, finishing a 122-113 loss with 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and four blocks. He went 3-for-7 from deep and made exactly half of 16 field-goal attempts, collecting his eighth postseason double-double. Two games into the Western Conference Finals, Wembanyama is averaging some mind-boggling numbers. He has notched 31.0 points, 20.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game. The French phenom has performed exceptionally well on the road and could put up even bigger numbers in more comfortable settings during Games 3 and 4 on home court.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Nolan Smith Arrested for Speeding and Reckless Driving
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith was arrested last Friday and accused of speeding and reckless driving after he was clocked going 135 mph in a 70 mph zone. The arrest happened in Georgia, where the 25-year-old Smith played his college ball for the Bulldogs. A first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith has had a rotational role off the edge for the Eagles, with his best season coming in 2024 when he recorded career-highs of 6.5 sacks and 8 tackles for loss. Smith was released shortly after the arrest, after making bond, and a future court date has been set but not yet announced. The NFL has imposed fines and suspensions on players with similar charges in the past, but a determination on Smith has yet to be made as the Eagles prepare to begin organized team activities on Tuesday.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Hogan Harris Earns Another Save, Emerging as Primary Closer for Athletics?
Athletics relief pitcher Hogan Harris closed out the team's comeback victory over the Angels on Wednesday night, preserving a one-run lead in the 10th inning to earn his fourth save of the year. Harris issued two walks (one intentional), but he forced Jorge Soler to ground out to second to end the game with the bases loaded. Harris has secured the team's two most recent saves and has a 3.00 ERA and 4.65 FIP in his 24 innings this season. The lefty has not allowed a run in six of his last seven appearances and seems to be the preferred closer option with a slight advantage over righties Jack Perkins and Joel Kuhnel. Perkins and Kuhnel did not appear in the A's 10-inning win on Wednesday after all three relievers pitched on Tuesday. The A's close out their four-game set in Anaheim on Thursday before heading to San Diego for three games this weekend. Harris is a solid big-picture closer pickup in deep leagues, although he may not get the call on Thursday after pitching two straight games. The A's closer committee will continue to be an important situation to monitor, but for now, Harris seems to be the first option.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Isaiah Hartenstein Bounces Back With Double-Double
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein recorded his second double-double of the postseason in Wednesday's 122-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 10 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. The 28-year-old big man struggled in Game 1, logging only 12 minutes, but he got back on track on Wednesday night. Hartenstein's playing time went up to 27 minutes, and his efforts included three assists. He grabbed eight boards on the offensive end alone and finished with a 4-for-8 effort from the field. Despite his rough Game 1 outing, Hartenstein had been a solid contributor for the Thunder in the playoffs, averaging 8.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 1.1 steals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder to Game 2 Victory WIth 30 Points
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 30 points in Wednesday's 122-113 Game 2 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. After making barely 30% of his field-goal attempts in Game 1, the back-to-back MVP finished 12-for-24 from the floor and 6-for-6 at the line. However, he still struggled from deep, going 0-for-3. Offensively, Gilgeous-Alexander also contributed nine assists, while grabbing four rebounds and picking up two blocks with one steal. This was Gilgeous-Alexander's fifth 30-point game of the postseason. Going forward, his offensive role might increase after Jalen Williams (hamstring) was hurt on Wednesday night.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dylan Harper Exits Game 2 Early Due to Right-Leg Injury
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (leg) was unable to finish Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He injured his right leg on an awkward fall in the third quarter. Filling in for De'Aaron Fox (ankle) in the starting unit for a second consecutive game, Harper posted 12 points, two rebounds, and three assists in 25 minutes, with 50% field-goal efficiency. With Harper out, Jordan McLaughlin entered the rotation, producing six points in seven minutes, while Keldon Johnson's workload increased to 26 minutes. Both players could again have extended roles in Game 3, though there is also a chance Fox returns.
Source: NBA.com
Source: NBA.com
Jalen Williams Suffers Another Hamstring Injury
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) was limited to seven minutes in Wednesday's Game 2 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. He left the action in the first quarter and was ruled out early in the third due to left hamstring tightness. In Game 1, Williams returned from a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, which kept him sidelined for six contests. This season, he has also had two spells out due to issues with his right hamstring. According to ESPN's Tim McMahon, Williams will undergo an MRI on Thursday to determine the severity of his injury. It looks like Williams could be forced to miss another stretch of games, giving Ajay Mitchell or Cason Wallace an opportunity to start.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Valeri Nichushkin Ends Scoring Slump in Game 1 Loss
Colorado Avalanche winger Valeri Nichushkin scored the team's first goal in Wednesday's 4-2 home loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. He got the Avalanche on the board with 5:53 played in the third period. At the 17:39 mark, Gabriel Landeskog made it a one-goal game on the power play, but Colorado's offensive surge came clearly too late. Nichushkin has had a disappointing postseason. Before Wednesday night, he had gone three consecutive games without a point, and overall, the Russian forward has made an offensive impact in only three of Colorado's 10 games. Having contributed just two goals and two assists so far, Nichushkin has plenty of room to step up his game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Nathan MacKinnon Extends Point Streak With an Assist
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon took his point streak to seven games with an assist in a 4-2 Game 1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. MacKinnon entered the series with an incredible six-game goal streak. While he couldn't light the lamp with three attempts on the net, MacKinnon still extended his point streak late in the game when Gabriel Landeskog scored a power-play goal. MacKinnon has been a scoring machine yet again in the playoffs, posting 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 10 games. His play is directly tied to the team's success, and MacKinnon can't afford to drop a level right now, especially with Cale Makar (undisclosed) out of the lineup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Brett Howden Pots Another Goal in Game 1 Win Against Avalanche
Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden continued his special playoff run with another goal in a 4-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday night. He put the visitors up 3-0 early in the third period, and Howden's ninth goal of the postseason proved to be the game-winner. Howden, who found the back of the net just 13 times during the regular season, has become only the sixth player in NHL history to record a six-game road goal streak in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In 13 playoff games, Howden has also contributed two assists. With Howden in top form, the Golden Knights might be just fine without Mark Stone (lower body) in the Western Conference Finals. The 28-year-old has failed to score just twice in the last 10 games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tomas Hertl Extends Point Streak to Four Games
Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl extended his point streak to four games with an assist in Wednesday's 4-2 Game 1 win against the Colorado Avalanche. Alongside Mitchell Marner, Hertl set up Pavel Dorofeyev's power-play goal late in the second period. With that, Hertl has power-play points in three straight games. The Czechia veteran has been in the backseat for most of the postseason but has come alive in recent games. Hertl has notched seven points (two goals, five assists) in 13 playoff outings, with five of the points coming during his current four-game hot streak.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Pavel Dorofeyev Scores in Fourth Straight Outing
Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev scored a power-play goal in Wednesday's 4-2 Game 1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, extending his goal streak to four games. The Russian forward has demonstrated elite goal-scoring ability in the playoffs and is looking at a handsome payday in the offseason as a restricted free agent. He leads the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 10 goals in 13 games. Dorofeyev is the fifth player in Vegas history to reach double-digit goals in a single postseason. He has also collected a pair of assists as the partner of Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev on the first line.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Carter Hart Records Third Consecutive Win
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart had 36 saves as the team opened the Western Conference Finals against the Colorado Avalanche with a 4-2 road win on Wednesday. The 27-year-old netminder played a perfect game through the first two periods and finished with a .947 save percentage. Combined with the regular season, Hart has now won 20 of his 31 starts for Vegas. In the playoffs, he has posted a 9-4 record, a 2.35 goals-against average, and a .920 save percentage. Game 2 against Colorado will give Hart an opportunity to record his second four-game winning streak in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Capitals Re-Sign Timothy Liljegren to Two-Year Extension
Washington Capitals defenseman Timothy Liljegren has landed a two-year contract extension. He will be paid $6.5 million over the next two seasons. Liljegren, who celebrated his 27th birthday in April, joined the Capitals from San Jose at the trade deadline. In Washington, the Swedish native made only four appearances, but he could have a significant role in 2026-27. The Capitals have lost a key piece on the back end with John Carlson moving to Washington, and Rasmus Sandin (knee) won't be available at the start of the season. In 311 career games across three teams, Liljegren has recorded 93 points (21 goals, 72 assists), 369 SOG, 482 blocks, and 399 hits.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Juan Soto Remains Locked in, Goes Deep Twice in Loss to Nats
It's an understatement to say that New York Mets superstar outfielder Juan Soto is locked in at the plate right now. Soto went 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs and three RBI in Wednesday night's loss to the hosting Washington Nationals in D.C. The 27-year-old Dominican is now hitting .299 on the season with a .951 OPS. He missed some time early in the season while going on the injured list with a calf strain, but he is quickly making up for lost time and has hit five home runs and produced nine RBI during his current seven-game hitting streak. Soto's multi-homer game on Wednesday was the 29th multi-homer game of his career. In addition to his .299 batting average, the four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner now has a .392 on-base percentage, .559 slugging percentage, 14 extra-base hits, 20 RBI, 21 runs scored, and four steals on the season in just 34 games played. Unfortunately for the Mets, not even Soto's hot hitting has been able to carry them, as they sit seven games under .500 and last in the National League East. Soto will be looking to stay on a tear this weekend in Miami against the division-rival Marlins.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Trent Grisham Departs Early on Wednesday With Knee Discomfort
The New York Yankees announced that outfielder Trent Grisham (knee) left Wednesday's contest early against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays with left-knee discomfort. Team physicians were looking at Grisham at Yankee Stadium, and he will undergo imaging on Thursday to determine the severity. Grisham was moving gingerly after running out a second-inning double, and he was checked on by manager Aaron Boone before staying in the game temporarily. The 29-year-old left-handed-hitting center fielder doubled in his only official at-bat of the ballgame before he was replaced in center field by rookie Spencer Jones. The Yankees are already without Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Jasson Dominguez (shoulder), so they'll be even more short-handed in the outfield if Grisham's injury sidelines him for an extended period of time. Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge are both capable of playing center field, though. Grisham hit a career-high 34 homers in his second year with the Yanks in 2025, but he entered Wednesday's tilt with an ugly .169/.301/.338 slash line with six homers in 48 games played.
Source: New York Yankees
Source: New York Yankees
Justin Verlander Throws Four-Inning Simulated Game on Wednesday
Detroit Tigers veteran right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) threw a four-inning simulated game on Wednesday, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Verlander threw 62 pitches, allowed three home runs, and struck out three batters. His fastball sat at 92-93 mph, and he topped out at 94.6 mph. The 43-year-old future Hall of Famer is throwing simulated games with the team instead of going on a minor-league rehab assignment as he recovers from left-hip inflammation that landed him on the 60-day injured list. Verlander isn't eligible to return from the IL until early June, but he's on track to do so after throwing another one or two simulated games. Fantasy managers in the majority of formats aren't really concerned, though, as the three-time Cy Young winner, former MVP, and nine-time All-Star doesn't have much left at this point in his career and is struggling to stay healthy. In his lone start in his return to Detroit this year, Verlander surrendered five earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out one in just 3 2/3 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 30. He's rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Shane Bieber Could Begin Rehab Assignment Next Week
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) could be pitching in minor-league rehab games by the end of next week "if all goes well," manager John Schneider told Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. Bieber got a late start to his first season in Toronto in 2025 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, and then he battled fatigue in his surgically-repaired elbow during the team's run to the World Series last fall. The 30-year-old has been slowly rebuilding his arm, but he appears to finally be ready to return to game action. When he does, he's expected to need four or five rehab outings before being a realistic option to rejoin the Blue Jays' starting rotation in the big leagues. He should have a spot waiting for him, though, when he comes off the 60-day injured list, and he's worth an injury stash in deeper mixed leagues before that happens. Bieber is currently rostered in 44% of Yahoo leagues while he rehabs. The two-time All-Star and former American League Cy Young winner went 4-2 last year in seven regular-season starts for the Jays with a 3.57 ERA (4.47 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, and 37:7 K:BB across 40 1/3 frames. Bieber shouldn't be expected to return to Cy Young form, but he could be a key back-end starter if he stays healthy.
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Source: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
Yandy Diaz Avoids Serious Injury, Could Return on Friday
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (hands) got an X-ray and CT scan on Tuesday night after being hit by a pitch on both of his hands, according to Rays reporter Ryan Bass. The imaging came back negative on Diaz, who woke up sore on Wednesday, which is why he was held out of the starting lineup against the Baltimore Orioles. It appears as though he's avoided a serious injury. "I think it got the nail a little bit, but we'll try to give him the day," manager Kevin Cash said. "He was pretty adamant, like he thought he'd be okay, but if we can give him today, and then with the off day tomorrow, hopefully be pretty optimistic about him getting back in (Friday)." Fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, and they'll want to check back on Friday to see if the 34-year-old veteran is ready to play in Friday's series opener in the Bronx against the division-rival New York Yankees. Although the Cuban slugger doesn't have high-end power, he's a must-start in traditional fantasy leagues when he's active, and he's hitting a cool .316 (55-for-174) on the season with 33 RBI, 27 runs, eight home runs, and a steal.
Source: Ryan Bass
Source: Ryan Bass
Garrett Crochet Throws Two-Inning Bullpen Session on Wednesday
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder) threw two innings during an up-and-down bullpen session on Wednesday, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Crochet said he will throw a brief side session on either Friday or Saturday before throwing his first live batting practice session next week. The 26-year-old southpaw was placed on the 15-day injured list with left-shoulder inflammation on April 29. Crochet isn't very happy with where his mechanics are at right now and said he still has "a lot of boxes to check in terms of workload and time to really iron those things out." Facing live hitters next week will give him a better idea of where he's at in his progression. Crochet said he expects to need more than one live BP session before going on a minor-league rehab assignment, so the two-time All-Star isn't exactly close to rejoining the BoSox's starting rotation. The talented left-hander was second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2025 in his first year in Boston, but he got off to a rough start in his first six starts this year with a 6.30 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. Still, Crochet is a must-stash in all fantasy baseball leagues.
Source: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
Source: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
Jackson Merrill Tweaks his Back on Wednesday, Pulled Early
San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill (back) appeared to tweak his back while leaping up against the fence while going after Shohei Ohtani's leadoff home run in the first inning at Petco Park in Wednesday's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers and was pulled from the game, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Merrill struck out in his only plate appearance before being replaced in center field by Bryce Johnson in the fifth inning. The Padres can ill-afford an injury to one of their best hitters and best defenders. For now, we'll consider Merrill day-to-day, but we should have a better idea of his status going forward after he undergoes some imaging. San Diego has a scheduled day off on Thursday before starting a three-game series against the Athletics on Friday night, but Merrill might not be ready to go for that one. If Merrill is forced to miss significant time, Johnson would likely see an uptick in playing time in center field, which would be a massive downgrade for the Friars. Merrill has yet to repeat his strong rookie season in 2024, when he hit 24 homers, drove in 90, and stole 16 bases, and he entered Wednesday's contest with a weak .205/.275/.324 slash line, four homers, 19 RBI, nine steals, and 23 runs in 46 games.
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez
Edward Cabrera Leaves Early on Wednesday With Middle-Finger Blister
Chicago Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera (finger) left his start early on Wednesday against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers with a right middle-finger blister, according to Jared Wyllys of CHGO Sports. Cabrera got through only three innings on Wednesday, allowing four runs (one earned) on four hits while walking two and striking out two to take his second loss of the season. It could be worse, but Cabrera is now in danger of missing his next scheduled start next Tuesday in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. The 28-year-old Dominican hurler has been inconsistent in his first year with the Cubbies, as he came into his start on Wednesday with a 3-1 record, 4.06 ERA (4.51 FIP), and 1.31 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 18 walks in 51 innings pitched across nine starts. Fantasy managers should consider Cabrera day-to-day and check back in a few days to see how he's progressing with his blister. Cabrera faced the Pirates in his third start of the year back on April 11 at Wrigley Field and allowed three earned runs with three walks and four strikeouts in five innings for a no-decision.
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys
Source: CHGO Sports - Jared Wyllys
Astros to Promote 16th-Ranked Prospect Alimber Santa to MLB Roster
The Houston Astros have called up right-handed relief pitcher Alimber Santa, the team's 16th-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, from Triple-A Sugar Land to the major-league roster, according to MLB insider Hector Gomez. The 23-year-old Dominican hurler got the call to the majors after going 4-2 with a 1.42 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, two saves, and a 24:7 K:BB in 19 relief innings at Sugar Land this year. It's unclear exactly what role Santa will have in the big-league bullpen, but the Astros are still without left-handed closer Josh Hader (biceps) and Bennett Sousa (elbow). Bryan Abreu got off to a rough start in 2026 as the preferred closing choice to begin the regular season, opening the door for Bryan King in the ninth inning. However, Abreu has bounced back of late and has recorded the team's last two saves, dating back to last Saturday. At best, Santa will most likely operate in a setup role in his big-league debut in Houston's bullpen.
Source: Hector Gomez
Source: Hector Gomez
