RADIO
Henry Davis Goes Deep Twice Out of Nine-Hole for Bucs
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis, who was hitting ninth for the team on Friday against the visiting Cincinnati Reds, finally did some damage offensively to help the Bucs beat their division rivals by a score of 9-1 at PNC Park. Davis went 2-for-3 at the dish with two home runs, three RBI, three runs scored, and a walk. Despite the big game at the plate, the 26-year-old Davis is still slashing only .176/.273/.309 with a .582 OPS, six RBI, 10 runs scored, and a stolen base in 68 at-bats so far in 2026. His two home runs were his first of the year. The two long balls were also his first extra-base hits since back on April 7. Davis has plenty to work on offensively before fantasy managers will want to consider picking him up off the waiver wire, especially since he's expected to continue sharing catching duties in Pittsburgh with Joey Bart. Davis is not rostered at all right now in Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kazuma Okamoto has Two-Homer Game Against Twins
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto had his first career multi-homer game on Friday night to help his team beat the hosting Minnesota Twins by a score of 7-3 at Target Field. Okamoto went 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, three runs scored, and a walk to boost his season average to .228 and his OPS to .743. Both of Okamoto's home runs on the night came off of Twins right-handed starter Simeon Woods Richardson. There's been some good and bad for Okamoto through his first 31 games in the majors. He now has seven home runs, 18 RBI, and 15 runs scored, and has hit the ball in the air frequently, but he also has 38 strikeouts in 128 plate appearances, which has kept his average low through his first 31 games. When Okamoto has made contact so far in 2026, he's hitting the ball with authority.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Julio Rodriguez Clubs Two Homers in Loss to Royals
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was at his best on Friday night in the team's 7-6 loss to the visiting Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park. Rodriguez went 2-for-4 at the plate out of the three-hole with two home runs, four RBI, and two strikeouts. The 25-year-old hit two two-run home runs in the contest to double his home run total on the season. J-Rod is beginning to heat up for his fantasy managers, as he now has six multi-hit performances in his last 10 games, including three of his four long balls on the season. He's now batting .262/.333/.400 with a .733 OPS, 16 RBI, 16 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 33 games played in 2026. It's nice to see Rodriguez, who has become known as a slow starter, have a game like this now that the calendar has flipped to May. His fantasy managers will be hoping the hot hitting continues to close out the series this weekend in Seattle against KC.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Zavion Thomas' Dynasty Value Being Overinflated by Unexpected Draft Capital?
Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas, one of the fastest players in the 2026 class, was viewed by some as an intriguing late-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts, expected to fall to late-Day 3 in the NFL Draft. However, with the Bears spending third-round capital and making him the 16th receiver off the board, there's now a strong chance he will be overdrafted in those same rookie drafts. Thomas' speed and versatility are likely what drew Ben Johnson to him, but on a depth chart consisting of Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland, all of whom are under 24 years old, it's difficult to envision Thomas in anything more than a gadget role in either the here and now or foreseeable future. He never topped 502 receiving yards or four touchdowns in any of his four seasons at Mississippi State or LSU, and his career 1.58 yards per route run was one of the lowest marks in the class. Thomas has seen his value spike since the NFL Draft, but with no history or clear path toward repeatable production, he profiles as a frustrating end-of-roster player in any non-best-ball format.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Louis Varland the Primary Closer in Toronto?
While not a save situation, the Toronto Blue Jays used right-hander Louis Varland in the ninth inning of their 7-3 win over the Minnesota Twins on Friday night. With Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman recently being removed from the closer role amid persistent struggles, Varland appears to have taken over as the team's new primary option in the ninth inning. The 28-year-old has been dominant across his first 17 innings of 2026, pitching to a 0.53 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and four saves. Varland has now been used in the ninth inning in five consecutive appearances, dating back to April 21. The hard-throwing right-hander owns a ridiculous 43.1% strikeout rate on the year and is averaging 98.4 miles per hour on his fastball. Varland's excellent start to the year has come despite an inflated opponent batting average on balls in play of .406. Once that number regresses closer to his career mark of .316, Varland's numbers could look even better. In any fantasy league where he's not already rostered, Varland is a must-roster closer off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Justice Hill's Role in Question After NFL Draft
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill was an early offseason winner when the team declined to offer fourth-year speedster Keaton Mitchell a restricted free agent tender, allowing him to sign with the Chargers and removing Hill's biggest competition for passing down work from the roster. Unfortunately for Hill, the Ravens selected Clemson's Adam Randall in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and while at 6'2" and 235 pounds, Randall profiles physically closer to lead back Derrick Henry, he began his college career as a wide receiver, and his clearest path to an early role is through the passing game. Randall's unique background and rare measurables could eventually make him an every-down back, but as long as Henry is on the roster, any early success he finds will be at the expense of Hill. Hill handled only 1.8 carries across his ten games in 2025, but still saw 27 targets. Should that receiving work dry up, he will offer very little in terms of fantasy production, and he becomes an obvious drop candidate, reflected by his current RB102 Rotoballer dynasty ranking.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Webb Notches Save on Friday, Emerging as Cubs' New Closer?
Chicago Cubs reliever Jacob Webb picked up his first save of the season on Friday, throwing two scoreless innings with three strikeouts in his team's 6-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Across his first 12 2/3 innings of 2026, Webb has pitched to a 4.26 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts. With Cubs right-hander Daniel Palencia (lat) currently on the 15-day injured list due to a lat strain, Chicago has been mixing and matching in the ninth inning in recent weeks. Palencia made a rehab appearance with Triple-A Iowa on Friday, so he could be nearing a return to the big leagues. Still, Webb may have some short-term fantasy value for deeper-league fantasy managers in need of saves. Palencia had just one save in five appearances before hitting the injured list, so he's not necessarily a lock to see 100% of Chicago's save opportunities once he returns.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alperen Sengun Finishes Series with Double-Double Effort
Houston Rockets forward/center Alperen Sengun recorded 17 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in 38 minutes during Friday's Game 6 loss to the Lakers, as Houston was eliminated 4-2. He struggled to convert efficiently but still led the team on the glass and finished near the top in scoring, notching his third double-double of the series. Sengun remains a high-usage centerpiece heading into next season, offering strong multi-category value. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. should continue in key roles, though Houston's offense will still lean heavily on Sengun's playmaking and interior presence.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Audric Estime Buried on Saints' Depth Chart
New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime was called into action late in the 2025 season, and he handled himself admirably, churning out top-13 fantasy finishes in Weeks 17 and 18, but after a busy Saints offseason, he's been pushed well down the depth chart toward fantasy irrelevancy. New Orleans signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million deal, and with rumors of a potential Alvin Kamara trade growing quieter in recent weeks, the Saints' running back depth chart currently consists of Etienne, Kamara, Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, Ty Chandler, and Estime. While it's unlikely New Orleans carries more than four backs into the regular season, even if Estime does make the team, the traffic in front of him will make it nearly impossible to find any repeatable success. With only 508 career rushing yards and three touchdowns across his first two seasons with Denver and New Orleans, the 2024 fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame has fallen to RB106 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings and is an easy drop candidate for managers looking to free up roster space around their leagues' rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
LeBron James Leads Lakers Past Rockets in Game 6
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James recorded 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in 37 minutes during Friday's Game 6 win over Houston, helping clinch the series 4-2. He bounced back from recent perimeter struggles by hitting two three-pointers and limiting mistakes after a turnover-heavy stretch earlier in the series. James remains the offensive hub heading into the second round, providing elite all-around production. Rui Hachimura has stepped up as a scorer, and Austin Reaves continues to hold a steady role, but everything still flows through James, keeping him firmly in play for DFS despite a tougher matchup ahead.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Rico Garcia a Name to Watch for Saves in Baltimore
With Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) on the 15-day injured list due to elbow discomfort, Orioles right-hander Rico Garcia could emerge as the team's temporary stand-in in the ninth inning. Garcia has been dominant to start 2026, pitching to a 0.66 ERA and 0.37 WHIP with 15 strikeouts and one save across 13 2/3 innings. He's struck out 32.6% of the batters he's faced and has allowed just one hit on the year. Garcia is not a lock to take over as the Baltimore closer, as he has just one career save across 74 MLB appearances. Orioles right-hander Andrew Kittredge has 21 career saves and has yet to allow an earned run since returning from a shoulder injury on April 24. Still, Garcia's elite production can't be ignored. With the Baltimore bullpen picture currently unclear, Garcia is worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Scottie Barnes Anchors Both Ends in Game 6 Victory
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Scottie Barnes finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, 14 assists, three steals, and three blocks in 48 minutes during Friday's Game 6 overtime win over Cleveland. He fell just short of a triple-double while delivering his most complete performance of the series. With Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) sidelined and Brandon Ingram (heel) uncertain, Barnes has taken on primary playmaking duties. Toronto is leaning on Barnes to run the offense, with his passing setting things up and his defense filling the box score as they head into Game 7.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jacob Latz Earns Another Save on Friday, Emerging as Rangers' Primary Closer?
Texas Rangers left-hander Jacob Latz picked up his third save of the season on Friday, throwing a scoreless inning with a strikeout in his team's 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers. Latz started the year in the Rangers' rotation but has since been shifted to the bullpen and has now recorded saves in three consecutive appearances. Across 17 2/3 innings (14 games) overall this season, the 30-year-old has pitched to a 1.02 ERA and 0.45 WHIP with 15 strikeouts. He's lowered his walk rate to a career-best 4.8%, and opposing batters are currently hitting just .085 against him. Texas has been searching for a permanent closer option for most of the last two seasons, so Latz should have no trouble hanging on to the role if he keeps producing. Latz profiles as a priority waiver wire target across most fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jarquez Hunter Unlikely to See a Significant Usage Spike in Second Season
Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter did not take an offensive snap as a rookie, seeing the field in only five games, exclusively on special teams. The 2025 fourth-round pick was a popular sleeper pick to immediately usurp primary backup duties from Blake Corum following a similarly quiet rookie season from the 2024 third-rounder. Instead, it was Corum who enjoyed a second-year breakout, finishing as the fantasy RB17 over the final six weeks of the season, leading to calls from some that he could see closer to a 50/50 split with Kyren Williams in 2026. The Rams did not add a running back in the NFL Draft, so Hunter's role as the third back on the depth chart seems locked in, but without an injury ahead of him to either Williams or Corum, expectations remain low heading into year two. For dynasty managers with the luxury, he should still be held at the end of benches, as his skillset matches Sean McVay's offense, and he may have the most natural athleticism of any back on the roster. That said, at RotoBaller's RB85, he's a prime cut candidate for contending managers needing to free up roster space for incoming rookies.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Evan Mobley Shines Despite Game 6 Overtime Loss
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley recorded 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists in 41 minutes during Friday's Game 6 overtime loss to Toronto. He shot an efficient 9-for-15 from the field and added three three-pointers, delivering his strongest outing of the series and his first double-double this round. Mobley has now scored at least 20 points in back-to-back games, trending up at the right time. Cleveland's Game 7 outlook will hinge on whether he can maintain this level of efficiency and two-way impact.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
MRI on Ryan Helsley's Elbow Comes Back Clean, Orioles Expecting Quick Return?
An MRI on Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Helsley's (elbow) right elbow came back clean, per Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Per Calvin Meyer, Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said that his concern level for Helsley is "not high at all." Helsley was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday after experiencing discomfort in his elbow, but the team reportedly expects him to be fine after taking some anti-inflammatories. Before getting injured, Helsley pitched to a 2.53 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 12 strikeouts and seven saves across 10 2/3 innings. While elbow troubles are obviously a concern for any pitcher, it appears as though Helsley may avoid an extended stay on the IL. In his absence, Orioles relievers Andrew Kittredge, Rico Garcia, and Anthony Nunez could all see opportunities to work in the ninth inning. Kittredge is the most experienced of the bunch, with 21 saves in 312 career MLB appearances.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum Could See a 50/50 Split in 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has finished as the fantasy RB9 or better in each of the past three seasons, and for most of that run, managers could rely on a weekly volume floor that made him nearly bust-proof. By the end of the 2025 season, however, second-year back Blake Corum had taken on a meaningful role in the Rams' offense, and the Athletic's Nate Atkins believes we could see even closer to a 50/50 workload split in 2026, with Williams still serving as the primary between the tackles runner and third down back, but leaving the field with greater frequency in favor of the more explosive Corum. For the first time since 2016, the Rams did not add a running back through the draft, so the formula from last season is expected to be repeated and potentially amplified, with 2025 fourth-round pick Jarquez Hunter again unlikely to see much of a role without an injury ahead of him. Williams finished 2025 as RB9 while Corum was the RB17 over the final six weeks of the season. Williams is currently RotoBaller's dynasty RB17, with Corum still several tiers below at RB32, making him a potential steal if Atkins' projections come to fruition.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
RJ Barrett Hits Clutch Three to Force Game 7
Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett scored 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 43 minutes during Friday's Game 6 overtime win over Cleveland, knocking down a go-ahead three in the final seconds to force a Game 7. He shot just 8-for-21 overall but stayed aggressive, continuing a strong series with consistent scoring volume. Barrett remains a high-usage option heading into the deciding game. Scottie Barnes and Ja'Kobe Walter helped carry the load, but the ball still finds Barrett when Toronto needs a bucket, especially in crunch time.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jhoan Duran Scheduled to Throw Bullpen Session on Saturday
Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) is scheduled to throw a second bullpen session at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday. The 28-year-old is working his way back from an oblique strain that has kept him on the injured list since mid-April. While the Phillies are reportedly not planning to push him before he's 100% ready, Duran appears to be close to making his return. Before getting injured, the hard-throwing right-hander pitched to a 1.35 ERA and 0.75 WHIP with eight strikeouts and five saves across 6 2/3 innings. Duran has been one of the better closers in baseball in recent seasons. Once healthy, Duran should immediately re-assume the Phillies' ninth-inning role from right-hander Brad Keller.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Paolo Banchero Struggles with Shot in Game 6 Loss
Orlando Magic forward/center Paolo Banchero finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 41 minutes during Friday's Game 6 loss to Detroit, shooting just 4-for-20 from the field and 0-for-9 from deep. After a dominant Game 5, he cooled off sharply, though steady free-throw production kept his line afloat. Banchero remains the clear offensive focal point heading into Game 7, especially if Franz Wagner (calf) remains limited. Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs should continue in their usual roles, but how far Orlando goes will depend on Banchero finding his rhythm and knocking down shots.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Cade Cunningham Carries Pistons to Decisive Game 7
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham recorded 32 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and one block in 42 minutes during Friday's Game 6 win over Orlando, forcing a Game 7. He took over after a slow first half, carrying the offense with a dominant second-half surge and steady production at the line. Cunningham has topped 25 points in every game this series, maintaining elite usage. Tobias Harris and Ausar Thompson chipped in around him, but Detroit continues to lean on Cunningham to create most of the offense, keeping him firmly in play as a top DFS option.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Kyle Harrison is Excellent Streaming Option for Saturday
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Harrison has been surprisingly stellar on the mound this season. Harrison is coming off an outstanding performance where he struck out a career-high 12 batters in his start last Sunday. He tossed six innings, allowing one hit and zero earned runs while making the Pirates hitters whiff all game long. He'll now take a 2.28 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 30:8 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Washington Nationals on Saturday. Harrison hasn't given up more than two earned runs in any of his outings this season. The southpaw is looking like an excellent streaming option with a favorable matchup against the Nats this weekend.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Brandon Marsh Exits Early with Elbow Injury
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (elbow) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Miami Marlins. Marsh was pulled out of the game in the seventh inning due to a bruised right elbow. There aren't many more details on the situation, but it doesn't sound like this issue should force him to miss an extended period of time. Before exiting, Marsh went 1-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored and a single. Dylan Moore took over in left field and could see a few starts if Marsh misses a game or two because of this injury.
Source: Todd Zolecki
Source: Todd Zolecki
Connelly Early a Viable Streaming Option Ahead of Saturday's Start
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Connelly Early is putting together strong numbers on the mound right now. Through the first month of the season, Early owns a 2.84 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 28:14 K:BB ratio across six starts. In his most recent outing, Early threw 6.2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with four strikeouts in the win over the Baltimore Orioles. The southpaw has only allowed more than three earned runs in a single start once so far this season. He'll look to keep the good times rolling against the Houston Astros on Saturday. Fantasy managers who are seeking help in the pitching department should consider Early as a possible streaming option for that one.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Kazuma Okamoto is Looking More Comfortable
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto got off to a slow start to his big league career. The slugger appears to be finally turning a corner with the bat. Over the last two weeks, Okamoto is 11-for-45 at the plate with three home runs, 11 RBI, and six walks. The uptick in walks is a welcoming sight for fantasy managers. Okamoto is becoming more patient at the plate and is looking comfortable as he continues to adjust to big league pitching. Fantasy managers should've expected there to be a learning curve with Okamoto while he gets more familiar with the change in leagues. His solid play over the last few weeks should make him a more appealing fantasy option.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Agustin Ramirez Continues Struggling with the Bat
Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez hasn't been able to find much success at the plate recently. Over the last two weeks, Ramirez is 8-for-40 at the plate with one home run and three RBI. It has been an ugly stretch of play with Ramirez posting a .581 OPS over the last two weeks. Liam Hicks has been tearing the cover off the ball over the last week and could start seeing increased playing time with Ramirez struggling. The upside is there with Ramirez, so fantasy managers should continue to hold him and hope for better results.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Mariners Place Matt Brash on Injured List With Lat Inflammation
The Seattle Mariners announced on Friday that they placed right-handed reliever Matt Brash (lat) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 30) with right-lat inflammation and recalled left-hander Josh Simpson from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move. Brash injured himself during his brief outing against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday when he threw just two pitches in the eighth inning. He has escaped any structural damage, but he'll now miss at least the next two weeks and possibly more. Although Brash isn't Seattle's closer, he's a key late-inning, high-leverage piece for the M's, so this is a big loss. The 27-year-old Canadian hurler has not allowed an earned run so far in 2026, with eight strikeouts in 11 1/3 scoreless innings. Brash is only rostered in 10% of Yahoo leagues because he's merely a setup man, but when healthy, he's attractive in fantasy leagues that reward points for holds. With Brash out for at least 15 days, look for Jose A. Ferrer and Eduard Bazardo to take on bigger setup roles late in games in front of closer Andres Munoz.
Source: Mariners PR
Source: Mariners PR
Hawks Plan to Bring Back CJ McCollum
Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum appears set to remain with the team next season. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, coming off a two-year, $64 million contract. However, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Thursday that the Hawks plan to bring back McCollum. After arriving from Washington midseason, McCollum proved to be a solid fit for Atlanta, averaging 18.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 28.8 minutes per game. He will turn 35 before next season starts, but McCollum's game has aged well. If he stays healthy, fantasy managers could get a couple more productive years from McCollum.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
Yandy Diaz Leaves With Side Tightness, Considered Day-to-Day
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (side) left Friday's series opener against the San Francisco Giants early with left-side tightness, according to Ryan Bass. Diaz is listed as day-to-day for now, with a potential update on his condition coming after the conclusion of the game against San Fran. Diaz, who was serving as the designated hitter in this one, went 1-for-2 at the plate with his fifth home run of the year (a solo shot) before being replaced by pinch-hitter Jonathan Aranda at DH. The 34-year-old veteran Cuban infielder doesn't appear to be dealing with a serious injury, but don't be surprised if the Rays hold him out of the starting lineup for a day or two to let him heal. Diaz continues to be a hit machine for his fantasy managers in the early portion of 2026, as he entered Friday's tilt with a .330/.421/.478 slash line, .899 OPS, four homers, 20 RBI, 18 runs, and a stolen base in 115 at-bats for Tampa. Check back on Saturday to see if Diaz is feeling good enough to return to the diamond.
Source: Ryan Bass
Source: Ryan Bass
Jacob Misiorowski Leaves Start Early on Friday With Hamstring Cramp
Milwaukee Brewers hard-throwing right-hander Jacob Misiorowski (hamstring) was pulled from his start on Friday early against the Washington Nationals in the sixth inning with a right-hamstring cramp, according to Brewers reporter Sophia Minnaert. The Miz's hamstring cramps came at a bad time, as he was no-hitting the Nationals through 5 1/3 innings with two walks allowed and eight strikeouts when trainers came out to check on him. It doesn't appear to be a very serious issue, but fantasy managers will need to keep an eye out for whether he's ready to make his next start next week, which should come against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals. The 6-foot-7, 201-pound, 24-year-old is already one of the best strikeout arms in baseball in his first full season in the big leagues after fanning 87 in his first 66 big-league innings over 15 outings (14 starts) in his rookie season in 2025. The Miz entered Friday's game with a 3.31 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a league-leading 51 punchouts across six starts and 32 2/3 frames. Misiorowski is a must-start in fantasy lineups every time he toes the rubber.
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Source: Sophia Minnaert
