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Ildemaro Vargas Leaves Early After Collision at First Base
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas (undisclosed), who was starting at first base on Thursday in the series finale against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers, left the game early after colliding with Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy in the fifth inning during a play at first base, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Both players were removed from the game and looked to be in plenty of discomfort on the ground before trainers came out to check on them. Vargas was helped to the dugout and appeared to be holding his leg, although it's unclear exactly what his injury is. He went 0-for-2 at the plate before being replaced at first base by Pavin Smith. The 34-year-old Venezuelan veteran was one of the hottest hitters in baseball early in the 2026 season, but he has come back down to Earth lately, going 5-for-48 (.104) with a double, six RBI, two runs scored, three walks, and five strikeouts in 14 games going into Thursday's series finale at Chase Field. At the very least, Vargas will probably sit out of Friday's series opener against the Washington Nationals, but fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day until we know more. UPDATE: Manager Torey Lovullo said that Vargas is day-to-day with a bruised left thigh and rib cage, according to Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic.
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
Source: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
Max Muncy Being Checked for Concussion After Collision on Thursday
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (head) left Thursday's series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks early with shortness of breath and to rule out a concussion, the team announced. Muncy collided at first base in the fifth inning with D-backs infielder Ildemaro Vargas, and both players were pulled from the contest. It sounds as though Muncy may have avoided a serious injury, but he will probably be held out of the Freeway Series opener on Friday night back in L.A. against the visiting Los Angeles Angels. Fantasy managers should consider Muncy day-to-day until we hear more on Friday. Before being pulled, Muncy went 1-for-2 at the plate for the Dodgers. The 35-year-old veteran and two-time All-Star came into Thursday's tilt slashing .251/.346/.513 with an .859 OPS, 14 home runs, 22 RBI, and 40 runs scored across his 187 at-bats. Muncy won't ever be a great source of average in fantasy, but he gets on base plenty and will continue to have RBI opportunities in the heart of the Dodgers' stacked lineup as long as he can stay healthy. UPDATE: Muncy passed concussion testing and has been diagnosed with a sore nose, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. He will sit out of Friday's game versus the Angels.
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Aaron Judge Diagnosed with Stress Fracture, Out 4-6 Weeks
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (rib) has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of his first rib on his right side. The Yankees have announced that Judge is going to be sidelined 4-6 weeks because of this issue. The superstar slugger needs a rest period before the team can do more imaging. Judge will head to the Injured List, which is obviously going to be a huge blow to this lineup. He's going to need time to ramp back up as well, so fantasy managers should expect to be without Judge for an extended period of time. The MVP slugger is irreplaceable, but the assumption is that Max Schuemann, Jose Caballero, and possibly Spencer Jones will get a look in right field while Judge is sidelined. As mentioned, Judge needs a recovery window before more tests can be done, so fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more updates on his status in the coming weeks.
Source: Gary Phillips
Source: Gary Phillips
Juan Mejia a Potential Option for Saves
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Juan Mejia has hit a rough patch lately. Mejia was pitching well in a high-leverage role for the Rockies, but might've pushed himself down on the depth chart lately. Over the last five outings, Mejia has allowed eight earned runs and has only thrown one clean inning. The right-hander currently holds a 5.79 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, and a 31:16 K:BB ratio with three saves in 25 appearances. It has been a struggle for Mejia lately, but a few quality outings could quickly put him back on the closer radar. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Mejia as a possible saves candidate in the near future.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Nico Hoerner Continues Sluggish Play
Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner has not looked like himself at the plate lately. Hoerner is normally one of the most consistent hitters at his position, but has struggled over the last few weeks. Coming into Thursday's game, Hoerner is slashing .212/.293/.250 with zero home runs and three RBI over the last 14 days. It's worth noting that Hoerner has recorded a hit in four straight games coming into Thursday's contest against the Athletics. This is hopefully a sign that Hoerner is beginning to snap out of his cold streak at the plate. Fantasy managers should continue to stick with Hoerner through his struggles, as he could be turning the corner very soon.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Nolan Schanuel is Beginning Rehab Assignment on Friday
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel (ankle) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday. Schanuel is currently working his way back from a left ankle injury that he suffered in late May. If everything goes well, Schanuel should be able to return to the Angels lineup by the weekend. This season, Schanuel is slashing .262/.313/.387 with four home runs, 24 RBI, and 13 walks across 208 plate appearances. He's someone worth considering stashing in deep leagues with his return on the horizon.
Source: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Source: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
Brayan Bello Gets Optioned to Triple-A
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello is being optioned to Triple-A Worcester, according to Mac Cerullo. Bello has been putting together a miserable season, and it continued on Thursday. The right-hander allowed eight earned runs on seven hits while walking three batters across five innings of work in the loss to the Baltimore Orioles. After that outing, Bello holds a 6.34 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, and a 44:24 K:BB ratio across 12 appearances this season. The organization is hopeful that he can work out these issues in the minor leagues. The team hasn't announced who is coming up in his place, but Jake Bennett is believed to be the favorite to take over the roster spot.
Source: Mac Cerullo
Source: Mac Cerullo
Red Sox Likely to Promote No. 6 Prospect Jake Bennett to Major Leagues?
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Bennett could be back on the big league roster soon. According to Ian Browne, Bennett could return to the starting rotation as early as Tuesday. The Red Sox need another starting pitcher after optioning Brayan Bello on Tuesday. The 25-year-old is the No. 6 prospect in the Red Sox farm system. He has already made two starts for the team this season. Bennett has pitched extremely well in the minor leagues and has earned another chance at the big league roster. He'd be worth a look in deep leagues if he does receive the call back to The Show next week.
Source: Ian Browne
Source: Ian Browne
Luther Burden III Looking Like a True WR1 in OTAs With Bears
Chicago Bears second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III appears to be the one ready to step up after Chicago traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason. According to former NFL tight end Clay Harbor, Burden is "doing everything you'd think a No. 1 receiver would do" during OTAs this offseason. The 22-year-old former second-rounder (39th overall) out of the University of Missouri looks bigger and faster and is playing both inside and outside in head coach Ben Johnson's offense. Johnson even said himself last week that he's "buying Burden stock right now." He finished his rookie year as a real weapon in Chicago's offense, catching 47 of his 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (five starts). Former first-rounder Rome Odunze remains in town, but he may never be the same after heel issues that could continue to be a concern for him. Burden looks like the real deal and is quickly becoming one of the top breakout candidates at the receiver position in 2026. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 19 fantasy WR for the 2026 season.
Source: Clay Harbor
Source: Clay Harbor
T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith Expected to Remain With Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently gave edge rusher Nick Herbig a four-year, $100 million contract extension, which has led to more speculation that the Steelers could trade one of linebackers T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith, this offseason. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that Watt "isn't going anywhere this year, and he's going to play for the Steelers." Rapoport also doesn't "get the sense" that Highsmith is going anywhere either. Watt, 31, signed a three-year, $123 million contract with Pittsburgh in July of last year. It doesn't sound like he's a realistic trade candidate this offseason, but that could be a different story come next year, when the Steelers will have a decision to make either way. The eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro can still be a difference-maker on defense when he's healthy, but he's not getting any younger, and durability is becoming a bit more of a concern for the Steelers and fantasy managers in IDP formats. Watt played in 14 regular-season games in 2025 and had just seven sacks, the second-fewest total of his nine-year NFL career.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Maxx Crosby Close to Returning to Practice?
Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee), who is calling his nixed offseason trade to the Baltimore Ravens "water under the bridge," is improving physically and is "almost back to being" on the field, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. The 28-year-old was in the early stages of his recovery from surgery to fix a torn meniscus when the Ravens withdrew from a potential Crosby trade due to a failed physical. Baltimore's doctors reportedly were worried about Crosby's long-term prognosis of his surgically-repaired left knee, despite his short-term outlook being positive. New head coach Klint Kubiak said the team is "counting on" Crosby being back for training camp in July, adding that he "wouldn't be surprised if Maxx was ahead of schedule." Barring a setback, the five-time Pro Bowler should be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season, which will make him a highly coveted D-lineman in IDP fantasy formats despite added injury risk after he missed seven games in the last two seasons due to injuries.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Patriots Don't Expect A.J. Brown to be Limited Physically
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown has had issues with his knees in the past, but the Patriots did their homework before acquiring him from the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday for a first-rounder in 2028 and a fifth-rounder in 2027, and they don't believe it will be something that limits him in 2026, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. The Pats targeted the disgruntled Brown with a vision on maximizing quarterback Drake Maye's rookie contract window over the next couple of years. Brown is known to be fiery, competitive, and outspoken, but New England believes it will be a strength, especially since he's happy and exactly where he wants to be with a head coach that he played for before with the Tennessee Titans to begin his NFL career. The 28-year-old will be the unquestioned No. 1 target for Maye in his new digs, even though the Pats signed Romeo Doubs in free agency. Brown, a three-time Pro Bowler, had his sixth 1,000-yard season in 2025 in Philly, but he also had a career-low 12.9 yards per catch. He'll come at a slight discount in fantasy drafts but will remain a high-risk, high-reward low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in a Patriots offense that should offer much more passing-game volume.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Shohei Ohtani has "Small" Blister, a "Non-Issue" for his Pitching Starts
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (finger) is dealing with a "small" blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Ohtani was seen picking at his blister during his start on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but it's a "non-issue" for his pitching starts going forward, per Roberts. The 31-year-old four-time MVP wasn't really bothered by the blister during his outing in Arizona, as he gave up just two hits in six shutout innings with six strikeouts to earn his sixth win of the year. The Dodgers are giving the Japanese superstar a day of rest on Thursday as a hitter in the series finale in the desert, but it has nothing to do with his blister, and he should be back in action as the designated hitter for L.A. for the start of the Freeway Series on Friday against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani is now hitting over .300 after a slow start at the plate, and the four-time All-Star is firmly in the National League Cy Young race with a 6-2 record, 0.74 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and 67:18 K:BB in 61 innings over his 10 starts in 2026.
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Does George Lombard Jr. Have a Path to an Early MLB Debut?
Infielder George Lombard Jr. is the team's top overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and he could be on track to make a much earlier than expected debut in the big leagues in 2026. Lombard was promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at the end of April after hitting .312 (24-for-77) with four home runs, 10 RBI, 18 runs scored, and four stolen bases in just 20 games with Double-A Somerset. The 21-year-old is already considered major-league-ready in terms of his glove, so he might not be far off from getting the call to the Bronx. The former 26th overall pick in 2023 out of Gulliver Preparatory School in Florida has played in 31 games at Triple-A and has gone 22-for-114 (.193) with two homers, 12 RBI, 23 runs, and six stolen bases in 149 plate appearances. Lombard has a patient approach and a maturing power profile, but he'll need to make more consistent contact to help fantasy managers down the road in the average department. With the expectation that Lombard has a good shot to make his MLB debut in 2026, fantasy managers in deeper leagues may want to get ahead of their league mates and stash him now. Lombard is rostered in just 4% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Is Hogan Harris a Legitimate Source of Saves?
The Athletics are currently using a closer-by-committee approach to the ninth inning, but left-handed reliever Hogan Harris might deserve some more consideration off the waiver wire from fantasy managers in need of saves going forward. The 29-year-old southpaw has been a reliable late-inning option for the A's this year and picked up his third win of 2026 in Wednesday night's 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, throwing a hitless and scoreless inning with no walks and two strikeouts. Justin Sterner ended up with the save in the ballgame, but Harris, Mark Leiter Jr., and Scott Barlow are still the best ninth-inning options for manager Mark Kotsay. Since blowing his first save of the year on April 28 against the Kansas City Royals, Harris has tightened things up with three earned runs allowed, seven walks, 16 strikeouts, four saves, three holds, and a win in 15 appearances for the A's. He has not allowed a run in 12 of his last 13 appearances. Fantasy managers should jump on Harris now, and he's only rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brent Rooker Out on Thursday Due to Knee Soreness
Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (knee) is out of the starting lineup for Thursday's game at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs because he is dealing with some knee soreness, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Manager Mark Kotsay said Rooker is day-to-day. "This is more caution just to get him a day to see if we can get ahead of it as opposed to continuing to go in the wrong direction," Kotsay said. Catcher Shea Langeliers is serving as the designated hitter on Thursday and will hit third, with Jonah Heim doing the catching for right-hander J.T. Ginn and batting sixth against Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga. The knee soreness for the 31-year-old Rooker could be the reason why he's still hitting under the Mendoza Line at .196 (32-for-163) as we start June. Rooker has added eight home runs, 26 RBI, 16 runs scored, and two stolen bases with an ugly .277 on-base percentage and .362 slugging percentage through 43 games. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see if the right-handed slugger is available to play for the series opener in Houston against the division-rival Astros.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Rams Rework Myles Garrett's Contract
The Los Angeles Rams and star edge rusher Myles Garrett did not agree on a new deal after he was acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Cleveland Browns on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Instead, the Rams reworked Garrett's contract that pays him $204 million over five years. The average per year and term stay the same as his deal was in Cleveland, but the alteration allows the Rams to onboard Garrett and his record-setting deal to move the vesting date of his guarantees back a few months. The 30-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro will head to the NFC West to try and help the Rams get to another Super Bowl after setting the NFL's single-season sack record with 23 in 17 starts for Cleveland last year. On paper, the Rams now clearly have the best roster in the NFL, and Garrett's arrival could bring legendary defensive tackle Aaron Donald out of retirement to make their defensive line even more formidable. Garrett will be the No. 1 defensive lineman off the board in IDP fantasy drafts in 2026.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Hurricanes Retain Confidence in Frederik Andersen
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen retains the confidence of head coach Rod Brind'Amour despite a recent tough stretch. In the first two rounds of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Andersen had a .950 save percentage. Over the last six games, it has declined to .867. In Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights, Andersen allowed five goals with a .783 save percentage. "I think a couple of those games, we weren't giving up a lot of shots. So the save percentage count is a tough one for our team," Brind'Amour said ahead of Game 2. "We don't give up a lot. There's still quality chances. There's just not a lot of fluff. So yeah, I'm not concerned about it." Andersen has lost back-to-back starts only twice this calendar year and will look to bounce back on Thursday night against Vegas.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Chad Dallas Earns the Call, Will Have a Role on Thursday
The Toronto Blue Jays are calling up right-handed pitching prospect Chad Dallas from the minors, and he will factor into the team's pitching plan on Thursday against the Atlanta Braves in what will be his big-league debut, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Dallas, a fourth-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Tennessee, gets his first call to the majors after going 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 38:13 K:BB in 36 innings across 10 appearances (eight starts) at Triple-A Buffalo this year. The 25-year-old figures to serve in a bulk-reliever role for the Jays in a tough matchup against the Braves in his major-league debut. This is Dallas' first year removed from Tommy John surgery, so Toronto is most likely keeping a close eye on his workload, and he will probably head back to Buffalo sooner rather than later after his debut on Thursday. Fantasy managers in dynasty and redraft leagues can avoid Dallas for now, and DFS managers should steer clear of him against Atlanta.
Source: Sportsnet - Arden Zwelling
Source: Sportsnet - Arden Zwelling
Tank Dell Back on the Field at OTAs This Week
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) was seen back on the field in team drills during OTAs on Thursday for the first time since tearing multiple ligaments in his knee back in Week 16 of the 2024 season. The 26-year-old did not play at all last year for the Texans while rehabbing, but barring a setback in training camp this summer, Dell could have a great shot to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September. He will most likely be limited in mandatory minicamp workouts later this month, but it's definitely good to see Dell running around on the football field again. The Texans took him with the 69th overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Houston, and he caught 98 of his 156 targets for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 and 2024. Houston is confident that Dell will have a role in his return to action in 2026, but how much of a role he'll have is a big question mark. Dell will be trying to challenge second-year wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel for playing time behind WR1 Nico Collins, and he'll likely go undrafted in most 12-team formats. RotoBaller has Dell ranked as the WR78 currently for the upcoming season.
Source: Houston Texans
Source: Houston Texans
Maple Leafs Interested in Vincent Trocheck
New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck is drawing trade interest, including from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. Recently, the Maple Leafs ruled out Max Domi indefinitely due to complications from an offseason surgery. As a result, the team is looking to bolster its center depth. Trocheck is an attractive target for teams, as his contract carries a very affordable $5.625 million cap hit. He has three years remaining on the deal. The 32-year-old has finished five consecutive seasons with at least 50 points. In 2025-26, he tallied 16 goals and 37 assists in 67 appearances, averaging nearly three hits per game.
Source: Mollie Walker
Source: Mollie Walker
Astros Promote Catching Prospect Collin Price, Can he Carve Out a Role?
The Houston Astros called up catching prospect Collin Price from the minors on Thursday and designated catcher Cesar Salazar for assignment in a corresponding move, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Price, a former sixth-round selection in the 2022 MLB draft out of Mercer University, will make his first appearance in the big leagues for the Astros after hitting .235/.360/.476 with an .836 OPS, 10 home runs, 26 RBI, 19 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 47 games across 200 plate appearances at Triple-A Sugar Land this year. The 26-year-old right-handed-hitting backstop had a career-best 18 long balls in 111 games played for Sugar Land last year. With Salazar off the MLB roster, Price will serve as Houston's No. 2 catcher behind Christian Vazquez for the time being. Price has shown plenty of power in the minors, but his stay in the big leagues is likely to be a short one with regular starter Yainer Diaz (oblique) looking likely to rejoin the Astros by mid-June.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Sam LaPorta Looks Good During OTA Practice on Thursday
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) looked good and was moving around well at OTA practice on Thursday after he sat out of the first open practice last week, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com. It's a good sign for LaPorta, who is coming off back surgery to fix a herniated disc that forced him to miss the final eight games of the 2025 season. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 out of the University of Iowa was the No. 1 fantasy TE in his rookie year, catching 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns on 120 targets in 17 regular-season games. LaPorta took a slight step back in 2024 with a 60-726-7 line in 16 starts, before catching just 40 passes for 489 yards and three scores a year ago in nine starts. It won't cost nearly as much to secure LaPorta's services in fantasy as a low-end TE1 after his injury in 2025, and with the situation not much different in Detroit than in his first two years, there is clear bounce-back potential in his fourth year in the NFL if he can stay healthy. LaPorta is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 9 TE for the 2026 campaign.
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Ketel Marte Returns for Series Finale Against Dodgers
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (back, hamstring) is starting at second base and batting leadoff for Thursday's series finale against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers and left-hander Justin Wrobleski, according to MLB.com. The D-backs kept Marte out of the lineup as a precaution for Wednesday's game due to minor back and hamstring injuries, but he's back in action just a day later. The 32-year-old Dominican switch-hitter should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups in traditional leagues against Wrobleski, whom he has never faced in his career. Marte enters Thursday's action with a .259/.315/.456 slash line, .771 OPS, 10 home runs, 36 RBI, and 36 runs scored across 57 games and 251 plate appearances this year. Fantasy managers will be hoping he can turn things around after going just 1-for-18 with a homer, four RBI, two runs, four walks, and three punchouts in his last five games. Marte has hit better against lefties in a smaller sample size, going 19-for-65 (.292) and with three of his 10 homers on the year.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mike Evans Making a Strong Impression at OTAs With his New Team
New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans has quickly won over his coaches and teammates in the Bay Area during OTAs, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Not only has Evans, a surefire future Hall of Famer, been humble around his new teammates, but his length and route-running abilities have stood out in practices. "I pinch myself every day," tight end George Kittle said. "This is like the first legit veteran wide receiver I've had on my roster since Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, in my opinion. And nothing against the other veteran receivers I've had, but he's a Hall of Famer. I think he takes ball seriously. That kind of sets the tone for the wide receiver room, especially when we have a bunch of young guys in there." Evans' string of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons ended in 2025 due to a broken clavicle, but he's intent on starting a new streak in 2026 at 32 years old. Joining the Niners gives Evans a clear path back to the 1,000-yard mark and perhaps even double-digit touchdowns, but there's no denying the risk involved with an aging player like Evans, who has a lot of tread on the tires. Fantasy managers would be wise to target him as more of a high-end WR3/low-end WR2 in drafts this fall.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Trevor Etienne Currently the RB3 in Carolina?
Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne currently projects to be behind both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks on the team's running back depth chart, per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Etienne recorded just 107 scrimmage yards on 23 touches across 17 games as a rookie. Hubbard has recorded over 3,200 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns over the past three seasons for Carolina and profiles as the clear RB1. However, Brooks has been limited to just three games by knee injuries since being drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Etienne could work his way past Brooks over the course of the summer. Still, it's notable that the Panthers may be thinking of Brooks as the complement to Hubbard at this point. It's too early to give up on Etienne in dynasty formats, but the 21-year-old has some work to do to establish himself after his underwhelming rookie year.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Dylan Larkin Requests Trade From Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports. Larkin looks eager to move on from Motown after the Red Wings missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a tenth consecutive year. So far, Larkin has shown considerable patience while waiting for a competitive team to be built around him. He has been with the Red Wings since entering the NHL in 2015. The team named him captain in January 2021. Detroit locked Larkin into an eight-year, $69.6 million contract in 2023, giving him a full no-trade clause through next season. While the Red Wings have struggled for a decade, Larkin has been strong individually. He scored a career-high 34 goals this season, adding 33 assists in 74 contests.
Source: Elliotte Friedman
Source: Elliotte Friedman
Royals Place Stephen Kolek on Emergency Leave
The Kansas City Royals announced on Thursday that they placed right-hander Stephen Kolek (personal) on the family medical emergency list and selected the contract of infielder Josh Rojas from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Kolek could be away from the Royals for anywhere from three to seven days while he deals with a personal matter. It's unclear if he'll be back with the team in time to make his next scheduled start on Tuesday at home in a plus matchup against the Texas Rangers. The 29-year-old isn't much of a strikeout artist, leaving his fantasy ceiling rather low, but he has pitched well in 2026 in his first full year with the Royals, going 4-1 with a career-best 3.32 ERA (4.10 FIP) and 0.97 WHIP with 27 strikeouts and only eight walks in 38 innings across his six starts. Kolek had a quality start his last time out in a no-decision against the Cincinnati Reds, spinning seven innings with only two earned runs allowed, two walks, and a season-high eight strikeouts. He allowed six runs (four earned) with one walk and five K's in five innings in a loss on May 29 in his first meeting with the Rangers on the road.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Jaylen Wright Impressing Bobby Slowik During OTAs
Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik said running back Jaylen Wright is showing a greater comfort level this season and "has some speed," per David Furones of the Sun Sentinel. Wright missed time early in the 2025 season with a knee injury, but finished the year with 332 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 75 touches across 10 games. As long as star Dolphins running back De'Von Achane remains healthy, it will be difficult for Wright to earn enough touches to provide fantasy-relevant production. However, Wright may be on his way to firmly seizing the RB2 role in Miami away from fellow Dolphins back Ollie Gordon II. If Wright emerges as the clear backup to Achane, he would profile as one of the better handcuff running back options for fantasy managers entering 2026.
Source: Sun Sentinel - David Furones
Source: Sun Sentinel - David Furones
Greg Dulcich Developing Chemistry with New Quarterback During OTAs?
Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich said he is developing chemistry with new quarterback Malik Willis during OTAs, per Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald. Dulcich currently sits atop the Dolphins' tight end depth chart, with rookie third-rounder Will Kacmarek and rookie fifth-rounder Seydou Traore possibly in the mix for regular playing time as well. Injuries have been a major issue for Dulcich to this point in his career, as he's played in just 31 games across four NFL seasons. However, he finished the 2025 season strong for Miami, recording 11 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets over his final three games of the year. The Dolphins are also entering 2026 without any obvious high-end pass-catchers on the roster outside of running back De'Von Achane. If Dulcich can emerge as a trusted option for Willis, he may currently be undervalued by consensus fantasy boards.
Source: Miami Herald - Omar Kelly
Source: Miami Herald - Omar Kelly
