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Tari Eason, Reed Sheppard Move into Starting Five on Friday
Houston Rockets guards Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard will move into the starting five ahead of Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets will be without Kevin Durant (ankle), which is a huge blow to this team that is already down 2-0 in the series. With that being said, Houston will shake it up and shift Josh Okogie to the bench with one of Eason or Sheppard taking his spot in the starting unit. Sheppard dropped 17 points and eight assists during Saturday's Game 1 loss. He was quiet on Tuesday, but could be an interesting DFS option without Durant on the court. Eason probably has less overall upside, but is a more consistent option ahead of Friday's slate. Both players will need to pick it up offensively without Durant available on Friday.
Source: Yahoo Sports
Source: Yahoo Sports
49ers Take De'Zhaun Stribling to Kick Off Second Round
The San Francisco 49ers selected Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick at the top of Round 2 in the 2026 NFL draft on Friday night. Stribling has the potential to be a true WR1 down the road in San Francisco, and he's an excellent jump-ball artist down the field at 6-foot-2, 202 pounds. The Niners entered the offseason with receiver being an area of need with Brandon Aiyuk's (knee) time with the organization coming to an end, and the team not expected to re-sign Jauan Jennings. They signed future Hall of Famer Mike Evans in free agency and have now added Stribling through the draft. Stribling played two years each in college at Washington State and Oklahoma State before finishing off with Ole Miss in 2025, where he caught 55 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games played. Stribling could be a dynasty sleeper while working with quarterback Brock Purdy, mainly because of his elite vertical burst down the field. The selection of Stribling is bad news for the long-term value of Ricky Pearsall, a former first-rounder.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Wins Most Improved Player Award
Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker won the NBA's Most Improved Player award on Friday. A well-deserved win for Alexander-Walker, who posted an impressive 2025-2026 season. During the regular season, Alexander-Walker averaged 20.8 points, 1.3 steals, and 3.2 three-pointers across 33.4 minutes per game. The 27-year-old has bounced around since entering the league in 2019, but appears to have found a home in Atlanta. His excellent play is a key reason as to why the Hawks made the postseason. He put together top-five value at his position this season and has certainly raised his fantasy value heading into the 2026-2027 campaign.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Immanuel Quickley to Miss Rest of First-Round Series
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) will miss the entire first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Quickley hasn't been able to suit up at all this series after suffering a hamstring injury during the regular-season finale. He suffered a setback during his rehab process and he won't be available at all during the first round. This is a major blow to the Raptors, who are already down in the series. The continued absence of Quickley should mean that Jamal Snead and Ja'Kobe Walter will see larger workloads for the rest of the series. Neither player is a great option, but Snead is the better choice between the two right now. If the Raptors do advance to the next round, fantasy managers should check back to see if Quickley will be available for that series.
Source: Tommy Beer
Source: Tommy Beer
Tatsuya Imai "Looked Good" in Friday's Bullpen Session
Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai (arm) threw a bullpen session on Friday and "looked good," manager Joe Espada told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Imai's next step will be to start a minor-league rehab assignment. The first-year MLB player tossed 45 pitches during his bullpen on Friday. The 27-year-old Japanese native has had a rude awakening to the big leagues, posting a 7.27 ERA and 2.08 WHIP with 13 walks and 11 strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings in his first two starts in the United States before landing on the 15-day injured list on April 13 with right-arm fatigue. Imai is still adjusting to life in the States, and he'll still need at least several rehab starts before the Astros feel comfortable reinserting him into their starting lineup. If the rest of his 2026 season looks anything like the beginning of his tenure with the Astros, fantasy managers could be in for a roller-coaster ride. Imai needs to show better control of his pitches first if he wants to turn things around. He's currently rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Kevin Durant is Ruled Out for Game 3 on Friday
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has been officially ruled out ahead of Friday's Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant missed Game 1 due to a right knee issue, but was back on the court for Game 2. Unfortunately, Durant suffered a left ankle sprain during Tuesday's loss. The Rockets are already down 2-0 in the series and will have a tough hill to climb without Durant on Friday. The expectation is that Reed Sheppard will move into the starting five. He was scoreless across 11 minutes of action on Tuesday, but his value will increase without Durant on the court. Tari Eason and Jae'Sean Tate are candidates to see more time on the court as well. Out of the bunch, Eason seems to be the most trustworthy DFS option in Durant's absence. Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun will be asked to do the heavy lifting on Friday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
JR Ritchie to Remain in Big Leagues With the Braves
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect JR Ritchie will remain with the big-league club for now because "we wanted him to be an option in the picture moving forward," manager Walt Weiss told Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Richie will get more chances after looking great in his major-league debut on Thursday against the Washington Nationals, in which he allowed two earned runs over seven innings with seven strikeouts and two walks for his first major-league win. The team's No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, will remain with Atlanta for now, but it's unclear if that will be in a starting or relief role. It might all depend on when right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) comes off the 15-day injured list to make his season debut. At the very least, Ritchie deserves to be stashed in dynasty/keeper and NL-only leagues for his upside if he stays in Atlanta's starting rotation. He's currently rostered in 20% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Joel Embiid Officially Ruled Out for Game 3
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) has been officially ruled out ahead of Friday's Game 3 against the Boston Celtics. Embiid hasn't been able to suit up this series, and it remains unclear if he'll play at all. The big man is still recovering from an appendicitis that has kept him sidelined for the last two weeks. His continued absence should mean Andre Drummond and Adem Bona continue splitting up the minutes at center. Between the two, Drummond is the better DFS option after nearly registering a double-double during Tuesday's game. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update on Embiid ahead of Game 4.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Saints Among the Teams Showing Interest in Kayvon Thibodeaux
The New York Giants have engaged in trade talks surrounding defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, and the New Orleans Saints are among the teams showing "strong interest," sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. If a deal goes down for Thibodeaux, it could come as early as Friday night during the second and third rounds of the 2026 NFL draft. Even though the Giants recently dealt defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for a first-rounder in this year's draft, they are open to moving Thibodeaux as well and continue to listen to offers. The Saints could use some more edge rushers, but they chose to address their offense in the first round on Thursday night by taking receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick. Thibodeaux, 25, was a former fifth overall pick in 2022 out of Oregon. He played in a career-low 10 games in 2025 and had a career-low 2.5 sacks, but NFL teams could be looking to buy low on him after he recorded 23.5 sacks in his first four NFL seasons. New York's selection of edge rusher Arvell Reese at fifth overall on Thursday night made Thibodeaux more expendable.
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Rams, Matthew Stafford "Deep" in Contract Talks
The Los Angeles Rams raised plenty of eyebrows on Thursday night in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft when they took Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at 13th overall, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that head coach Sean McVay has made it clear that this is still MVP Matthew Stafford's team. Stafford is the QB of the present and the future in L.A., and the Rams and Stafford are "deep" in discussions about a contract extension. The Rams believe that there is a good chance that Stafford decides to continue his playing career beyond the 2026 season. At 38, Stafford is no spring chicken, but it didn't stop him from having the best season of his career in 2025, throwing for 4,707 yards for a career-high 46 touchdowns during the regular season. Durability should be a concern for fantasy managers in redraft leagues, but if healthy, there's no arguing that Stafford has some of the best receiving weapons in the NFL in receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. The Rams drafted Simpson on Thursday night (and may have reached a bit) as the heir apparent to Stafford, but it sounds like he may not take over as the starting QB until 2028.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Willi Castro Absent From Lineup for Series Opener Against Mets
Colorado Rockies infielder Willi Castro (knee) is not in the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the New York Mets at Citi Field, per MLB.com. Tyler Freeman will make the start at second base for Colorado and will bat cleanup against Mets right-hander Freddy Peralta. Castro is considered day-to-day right now after being pulled from Thursday's loss to the San Diego Padres early with right-knee soreness. The 29-year-old switch-hitting Puerto Rican super-utility man might find himself on the bench more often in Denver, even when he's healthy, since both Edouard Julien and Freeman have been swinging the bat better in the early going. In his first year with the Rockies, Castro is off to a .246/.316/.348 start with a .664 OPS, one home run, nine RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Freeman has yet to homer in his 41 at-bats, but he's gone 12-for-41 (.293) at the plate with seven RBI, two runs, and two steals. He should be considered a DFS sleeper out of the cleanup spot on Friday against Peralta.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Michael Harris II Scratched on Friday Against Phillies
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that outfielder Michael Harris II (quadriceps) has been scratched from the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies, according to Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Braves removed Harris from Thursday's win over the Washington Nationals early as a precaution with left-quadriceps tightness, and now he'll miss another game. Weiss said that Harris remains day-to-day, and the team doesn't expect him to have to land on the 10-day injured list. Eli White will take over again for Harris in center field on Friday and will bat ninth for the Braves versus Phillies rookie right-hander Andrew Painter. Harris' fantasy managers are hoping his minor quad injury doesn't interrupt his hot hitting at the plate of late. The 25-year-old left-handed hitter has gone 13-for-23 (.565) with four home runs, two doubles, nine RBI, and six runs scored in his last seven games, dating back to April 17. Check back on Saturday for Game 2 of the series against the Phillies to see if Harris is reinserted into the starting nine.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Eugenio Suarez Scratched on Friday With Mid-Back Pain
Cincinnati Reds third baseman/designated hitter Eugenio Suarez (back) has been scratched from the starting lineup on Friday for the game against the Detroit Tigers due to mid-back pain, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. First baseman Nathaniel Lowe will serve as the team's designated hitter and bat sixth against Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez. Although Lowe has plenty of experience in his career against Valdez -- he's hit .269 against him with an .867 OPS, one home run, and three RBI in 26 at-bats -- fantasy managers in DFS will probably want to fade him in the lefty-lefty matchup. For now, we'll consider Suarez day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Saturday to see if he's available to play in Game 2 of the series. The 34-year-old Venezuelan veteran has hit .231 (21-for-91) so far in his return to Cincy in 2026 with three homers, 11 RBI, and 10 runs scored in his first 25 games. Make sure you remove Suarez from your starting lineups on Friday.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Braves Hope to Have Raisel Iglesias Back When he's Eligible to Return
Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) has not resumed throwing yet, but manager Walt Weiss said that the team is encouraged by his progress and hopes to have him back as soon as his 15-day injured list stint is up, according to Grant McAuley of 929 The Game. The 36-year-old veteran is eligible to return to the Braves' bullpen on May 5, so hopefully, fantasy managers will have him back then. In the meantime, former San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez figures to see all of the team's save chances in the ninth inning. Suarez is rostered in 70% of Yahoo leagues, so fantasy managers in need of saves should check to see if he's available on your league's waiver wire. When Iglesias is ready to return, he should be inserted right back into ninth-inning duties after his strong start to the 2026 campaign. The Cuban hurler has not allowed a run in his first 8 2/3 relief innings for Atlanta while picking up five saves, striking out 11, and walking only one.
Source: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
Source: 929 The Game - Grant McAuley
Jayden Reed, Packers Agree on Three-Year Extension
Wide receiver Jayden Reed and the Green Bay Packers agreed to a three-year contract extension on Friday worth $50.25 million in new money, including $20 million guaranteed, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ian Grutman told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 25-year-old former second-rounder (50th overall) in 2023 out of Michigan State had 119 receptions on 169 targets for 1,650 yards and 14 receiving touchdowns in 33 games in his first two NFL seasons for the Packers, adding three rushing touchdowns. Reed only played in seven games in 2025 due to injuries, though, and finished with a 19-207-1 line during the regular season. He's now locked in for several more seasons and will be a big part of Green Bay's offense in 2026 alongside Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. If healthy, Reed will have even more fantasy upside as a WR3/flex target with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks out of town. Reed might not have the big-play abilities down the field like Watson and Golden, but he's more versatile and has proven to have a nose for the end zone in his first 40 NFL games.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Troy Terry Available for Game 3 Against Oilers
Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry (undisclosed) will play in Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, Hayley Elwood of the Ducks' official site reports. Terry missed the morning skate, but Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville has confirmed he will remain in the lineup. The long season has taken a toll on Terry's body, and he has regularly skipped morning skates lately. While it appears Terry is banged up, he hasn't let it affect his performance. In the series between two high-octane offenses, Terry has been the top-scoring forward alongside Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl. He has contributed two goals and two assists through the first two games.
Source: Hayley Elwood
Source: Hayley Elwood
Radko Gudas Misses Second Straight Game Friday
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (lower body) isn't an option for Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, Hayley Elwood of the Ducks' official site reports. The Ducks lost their captain to a lower-body injury late in the regular season, and Gudas has appeared in only two games this month. Drew Helleson filled the void in the lineup in Game 2 and is set to keep his spot on Friday night. In his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut, Helleson recorded one SOG, three hits, and a minus-one rating in 7:52 of ice time. Anaheim is rolling with seven defensemen, which led to four rearguards logging 23-plus minutes in Game 2. The top-four group will remain busy on Friday against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Source: Hayley Elwood
Source: Hayley Elwood
Charle-Edouard D'Astous Unavailable Friday
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous (undisclosed) will miss Friday's Game 3 against the Montreal Canadiens, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The 28-year-old was injured in the series opener last weekend and didn't play in Tuesday's Game 2. There was a chance D'Astous would return on Friday night after traveling with the team, but he will remain out. Victor Hedman (personal) also isn't ready to return, allowing Declan Carlile and Emil Lilleberg to stay in the lineup. Meanwhile, Darren Raddysh and J.J. Moser will continue to split power-play duties among the defensemen.
Source: Eduardo A. Encina
Source: Eduardo A. Encina
Dan Vladar Considered a Game-Time Call for Saturday
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar (arm) will be a game-time call on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports. The Czech netminder has been one of the stars of the series, but he appeared to injure his right arm in Game 3. Vladar didn't practice on Thursday, while Philadelphia had an off day on Friday. "It's another maintenance day for him," Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet said Friday. "Two days off is going to help him. That's basically it for him. We'll see how he is tomorrow." In the first-round matchup, Vladar has backstopped the Flyers to a 3-0 lead, posting a 1.33 goals-against average, a .947 save percentage, and one shutout. If Vladar is unavailable on Saturday, Philadelphia must turn to Samuel Ersson, who coughed up 3.12 goals with a .870 save percentage during the regular season.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Jake Sanderson Ruled Out for Game 4 Due to Concussion
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson (concussion) will miss Saturday's must-win game against the Carolina Hurricanes. In Thursday's Game 3 of the first-round series, Sanderson took a hit to the head from Hurricanes forward Taylor Hall and has been diagnosed with a concussion. Senators head coach Travis Green told reporters on Friday that Sanderson is "not doing well." Now that Sanderson is on the shelf, Ottawa must face Saturday's elimination game without its top defensive pairing. Artem Zub (undisclosed), who was injured in Game 1, also won't play. Thomas Chabot and Jordan Spence are set to eat up as many minutes as they can handle, making both attractive DFS targets.
Source: Reuters
Source: Reuters
Yakov Trenin Won't Play in Game 4 Against Stars
Minnesota Wild forward Yakov Trenin (upper body) won't be in the lineup on Saturday in Game 4 against the Dallas Stars, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports. Trenin was hurt in Game 2 of the series when he absorbed a big hit from Stars forward Colin Blackwell. His absence has left the Wild without a huge physical presence, as Trenin averaged eight hits per game across the first two contests in the series. Nico Strum took Trenin's spot in the lineup in Wednesday's Game 3, recording three hits and a minus-one rating in 9:00 of ice time.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Mats Zuccarello a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (upper body) will be a game-time decision on Saturday against the Dallas Stars, Dan Rosen of NHL.com reports. He has missed a pair of games due to an upper-body injury but could be available for Game 4 of the first-round series. "He's questionable for tomorrow, making good strides," Wild head coach John Hynes said after Friday's practice. Bobby Brink has skated on the first line during Zuccarello's absence, posting one power-play assist in two games. Zuccarello started the series with a three-assist effort before being knocked out of the lineup. Overall, he has recorded six multi-point games in his last seven appearances, making Zuccarello a key part of Minnesota's offense.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Steelers Looking for a Receiver Early in Second Round?
The NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said that he wouldn't be surprised if the Pittsburgh Steelers look to trade up to the top of the second round of the 2026 NFL draft on Friday night, potentially to snag a wide receiver. The Steelers were set to take USC wideout Makai Lemon with the 21st overall pick in the first round before the Philadelphia Eagles swooped in at the last moment to trade up to No. 20 to take Lemon. With Lemon gone, the Steelers settled on Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor at Pick No. 21. After losing out on Lemon on Thursday night, Pittsburgh could be looking to put together a package of late-round picks to give them ammunition to trade up early in the second round for another pass-catcher to add behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. If the Steelers do trade up for another wideout on Friday, their most likely target would be University of Washington receiver Denzel Boston, who is considered the best WR available on the board. Stay tuned.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
David Peterson to Pitch Again Next Wednesday Against Nationals
The New York Mets told left-hander David Peterson to be ready to pitch next Wednesday against the division-rival Washington Nationals after right-hander Christian Scott was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Friday, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. It's unclear at this time if Peterson will start next Wednesday against the Nats or if he'll serve in a bulk-relief role. The 30-year-old southpaw has been much better as a bulk reliever out of the bullpen early on in 2026 than as a traditional starter. Overall, he's gone 0-3 with a 5.06 ERA (3.78 FIP) and 1.65 WHIP with 24 strikeouts and 11 walks in 26 2/3 innings over six appearances (four starts). Since being used as a bulk reliever each of his last two times out, Peterson has allowed just one earned run with a walk and three K's in seven innings pitched. Peterson obviously will have more fantasy appeal as a traditional starter, but that might not be how the Mets deploy him going forward. He's rostered in just 15% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Francisco Lindor Won't Restart Baseball Activities Until Mid-May
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf) will be in a boot for the next week, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The Mets won't re-evaluate Lindor until three full weeks pass, so he can't restart baseball activities until mid-May, at the earliest. The strain is in "a trick part" of Lindor's left calf, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Lindor's calf injury is more serious than All-Star outfielder Juan Soto's, so fantasy managers are going to need to be patient. There's a good chance we won't see Lindor again until June, depending on how he recovers once he starts ramping up. Until he can return from the 10-day injured list, former top prospect Ronny Mauricio will get a shot at everyday playing time at the 6 in Queens. The 25-year-old switch-hitting Dominican infielder was hitting the ball well at Triple-A Syracuse before his call-up this week, but he has yet to stand out in his 90 big-league games, slashing .231/.290/.354 with a .644 OPS. Mauricio is only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues at the moment. Lindor is a must-stash in all fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
49ers Getting Calls About No. 33 Overall Pick at Top of Second Round
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the San Francisco 49ers are getting calls about the No. 33 overall pick at the top of the first round on Friday night, and it seems like they are very open to potentially moving back while acquiring more draft capital. Teams that are looking to trade up into the top part of the second round on Friday night include the Miami Dolphins, the New Orleans Saints, the Cleveland Browns, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Players projected to come off the board early on Day 2 include Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, University of Miami quarterback Carson Beck, and Tennessee cornerbacks Colton Hood and Jermod McCoy (knee). Hood was one of the biggest snubs of Round 1 on Thursday night, and he could be in play for the Niners at 33 or any team that trades up into that spot. McCoy has been considered a top-10 talent, but he's falling because of injury concerns.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Sean McVay Fully "On Board" With First-Round Selection of Ty Simpson
The Los Angeles Rams had one of the surprise picks on Thursday night in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall. The Rams were clearly looking for the heir apparent to MVP Matthew Stafford, but many draft analysts didn't expect L.A. to go with Simpson with their first-round selection. Although head coach Sean McVay said he was "absolutely" on board with the pick, multiple team sources said they thought McVay "might have felt the need to downplay the pick to accentuate his confidence in Stafford." McVay and general manager Les Snead were in "lockstep" the entire way. When all is said and done, it was a surprising move by a Rams team that had been making all of its offseason moves with a win-now mentality to try to take advantage of what little time Stafford might have left in the league. The Simpson pick was clearly made with an eye toward the future, and he's expected to compete for the backup job with Stetson Bennett this summer. It's unclear now if the Rams are interested in re-signing veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been considering retirement.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Jackson Holliday Receives Positive Test Results, Will be Shut Down for a Week
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand) said all the imaging (MRI exam, CT scan, and X-rays) on his injured right hand "looked good," according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Holliday will be shut down for about a week and just needs the inflammation in his hand to go down before returning to minor-league rehab games. He's hoping he doesn't need a full 20 days on a rehab assignment. The 22-year-old was pulled from his rehab game with Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday with more right-hand discomfort in the same hand that he had surgery on for a fractured hamate bone back in late February. Holliday isn't close to making his 2026 season debut with the O's, but the good news is he's not dealing with more structural damage in his hand. His injury setbacks have left some fantasy managers impatient, as Holliday is now rostered in just under half of Yahoo leagues. In his absence, Jeremiah Jackson has stepped up for the Orioles at the keystone and is hitting .295 (23-for-78) with five home runs and 19 RBI. The 26-year-old has become a waiver-wire target himself.
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
Maikel Garcia Not in Lineup for Royals on Friday
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (elbow) is not present in the team's starting lineup on Friday versus the visiting Los Angeles Angels in the series opener, according to MLB.com. Nick Loftin will make the start at the hot corner and will bat leadoff for KC against Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. Garcia left Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles early with right-elbow soreness. He was expected to return for Friday's series opener against the Halos after a day off on Thursday, but the Royals have decided to give him another day of rest. Fantasy managers will want to check back to see if Garcia is in the starting nine for Game 2 of the series on Saturday. Loftin will be a DFS sleeper on Friday out of the leadoff spot. He's gone 4-for-13 in limited playing time (six games) so far in 2026 with three RBI. He's faced Kikuchi five times in his career and has an RBI, but he's still searching for his first hit against the veteran southpaw. UPDATE: Garcia is expected to return on Saturday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hunter Brown Begins Throwing Program
Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown (shoulder), who is on the 15-day injured list with a right-shoulder sprain, began his throwing program on Tuesday in Houston by playing catch from around 75 feet, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Brown last made a start for the Astros on March 31 against the Boston Red Sox. It's a notable step in his recovery from his shoulder injury, but he still has a ways to go before he'll be ready to rejoin Houston's starting rotation. General manager Dana Brown said that Brown is expected to be back with the big-league club until around the end of May. The 27-year-old former fifth-round pick in 2019 out of Wayne State University will need at least several minor-league rehab starts to build his arm up next month. Before injuring his shoulder, Brown had carried over his brilliance from 2025, posting a 0.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 17 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings over his two starts. Brown needs to be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy baseball leagues while he rehabs.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
