RADIO
Jayden Higgins "Going to Have a Great Year"
Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins has reportedly been standing out during the team's organized team activities and is a player to watch as the Texans move into the next phase of the offseason program. The 2025 second-round pick drew the praise of head coach Demeco Ryans for the improvements he's made since his rookie season, while team reporter Aaron Wilson wrote that he's "displaying signs that he could be poised for a breakout", with both commending his increased strength and play speed. Ryans went so far as to say, "He's going to have a great year. Can't wait to see it." Higgins finished his rookie season with 525 yards and six touchdowns on 42 receptions, playing some of his best ball down the stretch and through two postseason games, and at RotoBaller's WR55, he could become a steal in the late rounds of 2026 redraft leagues.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Lucas Erceg Bounces Back to Earn 12th Save, Is he Back on the Fantasy Radar?
Kansas City Royals reliever Lucas Erceg bounced back on Sunday against the Minnesota Twins to earn his 12th save of the season. Unfortunately for Erceg, Alex Lange had recorded the previous three saves that week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It's entirely possible that Lange was down on Sunday due to his volume the previous handful of days, but nonetheless, Erceg entered the ninth inning with one out to protect a 6-4 lead while inheriting a baserunner who had already doubled. He allowed two hits but preserved the save. His season line is not good, evidenced by his 6.00 ERA and 1.96 WHIP, and the Royals have started to look elsewhere for save opportunities, and fantasy managers should be doing the same. All signs point to Lange as the preferred option at this point; at best, it will be a committee, and Erceg does not have good surface numbers, making it hard to justify rostering him moving forward. In deeper formats where saves remain scarce, he can continue to be rostered, though with little confidence.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jacoby Brissett Expected to Report to Minicamp
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett plans to report to mandatory minicamp on Monday despite a contract dispute that caused him to skip the voluntary portions of organized team activities, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Brissett took over for an injured and ineffective Kyler Murray in Week 6, starting 12 games and leading the league's pass-heaviest offense to a 1-11 record in 2025. He is set to make $4.9 million on the final year of the two-year pact he signed in 2025, but with the Cardinals moving on from Murray, signing only Gardner Minshew in free agency, waiting until the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Carson Beck, and declaring that Brissett would remain the starter, the 11th-year veteran is seeking a pay raise. Brissett is RotoBaller's QB27, and with him planning to attend minicamp, how much he actually participates in on-field drills now bears monitoring.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Angels Promote Denzer Guzman to Majors, Worth Adding in Standard Leagues?
Los Angeles Angels beat writer Jeff Fletcher reported Sunday night that the Angels are calling up infielder Denzer Guzman on Monday, as Taylor Blake Ward of Baseball America had reported. Guzman was hitting .336 with 12 HRs and a .974 OPS at AAA. Guzman is the Angels' seventh-ranked prospect in the organization and plays shortstop. In addition to the strong power and average, Guzman has also swiped nine bases, driven in 57 RBI, and scored 45 times through 268 plate appearances in Triple-A so far this season. The jump for him from last 2025 to this year has been significant, and he is worth monitoring as a waiver wire addition in deeper leagues at the middle infield position. While Guzman doesn't profile as a high-end overall MLB prospect, he is regarded fairly highly in the Angels organization. When you combine his power and speed production, if you are a team looking for a middle infielder or depth at the position, Guzman is a strong candidate to pick up; however, he is not someone you need to sprint to go get or dump a lot of FAAB on just based on his overall career profile. He should see opportunities at the hot corner with Yoan Moncada on the shelf.
Source: Jeff Fletcher
Source: Jeff Fletcher
Spencer Horwitz Emerging as High-End Waiver-Wire Target Amid Power Surge
Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz has taken a step forward in his second year with Pittsburgh, posting a .286 average and a .846 OPS. The 28-year-old went 2-for-3 on Sunday with a solo home run and continues to earn steady playing time in the middle of the order. He has already hit eight home runs, putting him on pace to surpass his previous career high of 12, and his added power has been a welcome development for the Pirates lineup. This recent stretch has strengthened his case as a high-end waiver wire target as we approach the heart of the season.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sam Antonacci Gaining Momentum as Emerging Waiver-Wire Option
White Sox rookie outfielder Sam Antonacci has put together an excellent start to his first MLB season, slashing .286/.386/.379 and working his way into everyday lineups. He is hitting .348 in June and appears to be continuing his upward trend with three multi-hit games in his last six outings. He has also added eight stolen bases in 48 games and profiles as a contact-first hitter from the left side. Fantasy managers should take advantage of the opportunity to add him as he looks to build on his early success. His playing time has become more stable as he continues to earn trust within the White Sox lineup.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Bryce Eldridge Emerging as Priority Waiver-Wire Target Ahead of Breakout Season
San Francisco Giants 21-year-old first baseman Bryce Eldridge has flashed strong production in his second year with the club after appearing in just 10 games last year. He is slashing .288/.363/.450 with a .813 OPS across 25 games this season. Eldridge, a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, is the top-ranked prospect in the Giants' system and 17th overall in MLB Pipeline rankings. His 55.2 percent hard-hit rate sits well above league average and points to sustained offensive upside. Fantasy managers should treat him as a priority waiver wire target before he forces his way into everyday lineups and gains wider attention.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nationals Top Prospect Eli Willits Moving to High-A, Is He an Elite Dynasty Asset?
Nationals top prospect Eli Willits has earned a promotion to High-A after an impressive start with Single-A Fredericksburg. The fourth overall ranked prospect in the MLB Pipeline hit .299 with a .497 slugging percentage and a .911 OPS across 46 games. He added 28 stolen bases, flashing an elite speed tool to add to his offensive profile. The promotion is another step in a steady rise through the Nationals organization. Willits remains several levels away from the majors, but his all-around game makes him an intriguing dynasty play moving forward.
Source: Nats.Talk
Source: Nats.Talk
Tarik Skubal Dominates in Rehab Start, Return Appears Imminent
Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) took another encouraging step toward his return on Sunday, tossing five scoreless innings in a rehab start with High-A West Michigan. Skubal allowed just two hits and struck out six batters, continuing a strong recovery from the left elbow injury that landed him on the injured list on May 4. The Tigers are hopeful the 29-year-old can rejoin the rotation for this weekend's series against the Guardians. Before the injury, Skubal looked every bit like the ace Detroit expected, posting a 2.70 ERA and 0.95 WHIP across 43 1/3 innings. A two-time All-Star and one of the favorites in the American League Cy Young race entering the season, Skubal remains an elite fantasy option once activated.
Source: milb.com
Source: milb.com
Mitchell Robinson Available for Game 3
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (finger) is available for Monday's Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs, per the latest NBA injury report. The 28-year-old keeps playing through a fractured right fifth metacarpal that was surgically repaired before the series, suiting up in a protective brace. Robinson holds his reserve role behind Karl-Anthony Towns, averaging roughly 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 14.2 minutes this postseason. Low minutes and shaky free-throw shooting cap his DFS ceiling, leaving the value in his rebounding and rim protection. The bigger story is the matchup: Robinson's defense and offensive boards against Victor Wembanyama have helped swing New York's first two wins, and his availability keeps the Knicks' best Wemby answer on the floor with a 3-0 lead in reach.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kodai Senga Struggles During Rehab Start
New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (back) took the mound for a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday. Senga tossed five innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits while walking two batters. On a positive note, Senga was able to build up to 91 pitches during this outing. His overall results haven't been great, but it's about getting Senga healthy right now. The expectation is that Senga will need to make at least one more rehab start before being activated. Senga was hit around during his five starts before landing on the shelf. He could be someone worth stashing in deep leagues, but he can remain on the waiver wire in most formats right now.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Bulls Hire Alex Kaufman as Windy City Bulls General Manager
The Chicago Bulls are hiring Alex Kaufman as general manager of their G-League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls, and adding Jarrett Sutton as a scout, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports. Kaufman, who ran the Pelicans' G League operation last season, and Sutton both spent six years alongside new Bulls executive vice president Bryson Graham in New Orleans. The moves continue Graham's front-office buildout, which already added senior vice president Stephen Mervis and player personnel VP Acie Law last month. This one carries no immediate fantasy impact. The longer-term read matters more: Graham is consolidating a Pelicans-rooted scouting and development pipeline ahead of a pivotal draft for a 31-51 team, and a sharper Windy City operation shapes how Chicago grows its young and two-way prospects worth tracking in deeper formats.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
E.J. Liddell Agrees to Two-Year Deal with Greek Club Aris
Brooklyn Nets forward/center E.J. Liddell has agreed to a two-year deal with Greek EuroCup club Aris, with only the official announcement pending, Eurohoops reports. The 25-year-old played on an expiring two-way contract last season and was headed for free agency this summer. Liddell appeared in 26 games with five starts for Brooklyn in 2025-26, averaging 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists on 48.6 percent shooting, then flashed upside with 18.4 points per game across five April contests. He added 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in 26 G League games with Long Island. Aris is spending aggressively under new coach Vassilis Spanoulis to chase the EuroCup title. For dynasty and deep-league managers who stashed Liddell after that April surge, the signing closes the book on his NBA stock for now.
Source: Johnny Askounis
Source: Johnny Askounis
Konnor Griffin is Looking at Extended Absence
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (elbow) is unlikely to be back in the lineup anytime soon. Pirates general manager Ben Cherington mentioned on Sunday that Griffin is looking at a "more relaxed timetable" in his recovery. The 20-year-old has been out since the end of May due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. Griffin has been taking grounders, but hasn't been throwing the ball at all. The team will continue to evaluate him, but it sounds like they'll continue to be cautious with their prized shortstop. It seems possible that Griffin could be sidelined for the rest of the month. He'll still need to go on a rehab assignment once he's cleared to hit again. Fantasy managers should continue to hold him and hope he can contribute in the second half of the season.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Matas Buzelis Will Play for Lithuania This Summer
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis will make his debut for the Lithuanian national team this summer, according to Eurohoops. The 21-year-old is scheduled to participate in FIBA World Cup qualifying games in July. This presents a strong developmental opportunity, as the increased physicality of international play could help him further refine his skill set. The extra reps should be highly beneficial for Buzelis, who took a significant step forward during his sophomore campaign. He averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 29.2 minutes per game. If he continues to progress this summer, Buzelis could be an even more reliable fantasy performer heading into his third NBA season.
Source: Stefan Acevski
Source: Stefan Acevski
Kenley Jansen to Begin Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Kenley Jansen (pelvis) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday. Jansen threw a successful bullpen session on Friday. He appears to be feeling good enough to get back into game action. Jansen has been sidelined since late May due to pelvic inflammation. He could be activated when first eligible on June 12, but we'll see how his first rehab outing goes for him. Jansen has posted a 4.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP with seven saves across 15 innings this season. The right-hander is worth rostering in most leagues where saves matter. He should return as the primary closer once he's activated off the Injured List.
Source: Evan Woodbery
Source: Evan Woodbery
Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Concerns About Heat Roster If Traded to Miami
According to The Athletic's Sam Amick during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has questions about what the Miami Heat roster would look like after a potential trade. The rumored package is built around Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, and draft capital, with Bam Adebayo considered off limits. The former MVP averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists and shot 62.4% from the field this season. Antetokounmpo would remain an elite fantasy option in Miami, but the concern is real: if the Heat lose too much shooting and depth, his usage could climb while his efficiency and assist ceiling become more dependent on Adebayo and the pieces left around them.
Source: Sam Amick
Source: Sam Amick
Casey Mize to Make Rehab Start on Tuesday
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (adductor) is scheduled to make a minor league rehab start at Single-A Lakeland on Tuesday. Mize has been sidelined since late May due to right adductor inflammation. The expectation is that Mize will only need one rehab start before rejoining the Tigers' rotation. There's a chance that Mize is back in the mix by the next weekend series versus the Cleveland Guardians. This season, Mize owns a 2.27 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and a 49:12 K:BB ratio across nine starts. The right-hander has looked strong early in the season and is worth scooping up for fantasy managers seeking pitching help right now.
Source: Evan Woodbery
Source: Evan Woodbery
Bobby Witt Jr. Exits Early with Knee Soreness
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (knee) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. It's unclear when the injury happened, but Witt was pulled from the game in the seventh inning due to right knee soreness. Before leaving, Witt was 0-for-4 at the plate, so possibly the knee issue was impacting his swing. For now, Witt should be considered day-to-day until the team gives further information. The Royals are off on Monday, so there's a chance that Witt doesn't miss any games. Josh Rojas and Nick Loftin are potential replacements if Witt does miss time.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Mitchell Robinson Has Technical Foul Rescinded After Game 2 Win
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson had his Game 2 technical foul rescinded by the NBA following Friday's 105-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The league wiped the second-quarter call after Robinson and Victor Wembanyama shoved each other, with replays indicating Wembanyama shoved first. The 28-year-old has been a defensive anchor in the series, contesting Wembanyama's potential game-winner in the closing seconds and finishing Game 2 with seven points, three rebounds, one steal, and one block. Robinson is playing through a surgically repaired right pinky and works as a reserve behind Karl-Anthony Towns, which caps his minutes. For DFS lineups, his rebounding and rim protection carry some value, though poor free-throw shooting and a thin workload limit the ceiling ahead of Monday's Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.
Source: Matthew Couden
Source: Matthew Couden
Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Move on From Jarquez Hunter?
A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter appeared in just five games and did not record a single carry during his rookie season. With Rams running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum both appearing in all 17 games for Los Angeles, Hunter never had an opportunity to prove himself. Entering 2026, Williams and Corum remain atop the Rams running back depth chart and are coming off a season in which they combined to record over 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns. Hunter may not even be guaranteed to win the RB3 role in Los Angeles, as veteran back Ronnie Rivers is also on the team's roster entering training camp. Hunter recorded 1,356 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns in his final collegiate season at Auburn, so he could have some untapped upside. However, his path to playing time in Los Angeles is hard to see. Dynasty managers may want to consider moving on from Hunter ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elijah Arroyo Worth Buying Low on in Dynasty Formats?
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo recorded just 15 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets across 13 games as a rookie. Arroyo flashed upside as a pass-catcher, but his path to playing time was largely blocked by fellow Seahawks tight end AJ Barner. Entering 2026, Barner remains in place as the nominal TE1 in Seattle, and veteran tight end Eric Saubert will likely continue to play a role in the offense as a blocker. However, Arroyo recorded 590 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his final collegiate season at Miami and remains the highest-ceiling receiving tight end in Seattle. The Seahawks may also be forced to throw the ball a bit more in 2026 after finishing the 2025 season with the fourth-fewest pass attempts (481) in the NFL, which would open up more opportunities for all of the team's pass-catchers. Arroyo's profile carries risk, but he could be a worthy buy-low candidate for dynasty managers after his underwhelming rookie campaign.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre Tucker Profiles as a Dynasty Sell-High Candidate Entering 2026
Across 17 games in 2025, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker hauled in 57 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns on 92 targets. Following the Raiders' midseason trade of veteran wideout Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tucker emerged as his team's WR1. Entering 2026, Tucker could find himself in a similarly prominent role. The Raiders added wideouts Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young in free agency, but neither profiles as a particularly high-volume target-earner. However, Las Vegas should get more out of superstar tight end Brock Bowers after he battled through an injury-marred 2025 campaign. Tucker's underlying metrics also remained uninspiring despite his increased role last season, as he managed just a 18.6% target share and averaged a subpar 1.19 yards per route run. The 25-year-old is entering a contract year and may not be in the long-term plans of the new coaching staff in Las Vegas. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore selling high on Tucker.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Should Dynasty Managers Target Jack Bech as a Buy-Low Candidate?
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech failed to carve out a consistent role in his team's offense as a rookie. Across 16 games (five starts), the 23-year-old hauled in 20 receptions for 224 yards on 29 targets. While Bech's production was unquestionably underwhelming, he was done no favors by the putrid offensive environment around him in Las Vegas. Entering 2026, the Raiders offense should be better with a new play-caller in Klint Kubiak and new quarterbacks in veteran Kirk Cousins and 2026 first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Additionally, Bech should still have an opportunity to emerge within a Las Vegas wide receiver room that added veterans Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young in free agency but remains without a true WR1. In dynasty formats, managers may want to take advantage of the buy-low window on Bech ahead of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaydon Blue a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate After Underwhelming Rookie Year?
A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue spent most of his rookie season as a healthy scratch on game days. The 22-year-old appeared in just five games and finished the year with 134 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 34 touches, about half of which came in a meaningless Week 18 game. Veteran back Javonte Williams dominated backfield work for Dallas in 2025, and he's back in place as the team's RB1 heading into 2026. However, the team did not make any notable additions to its backfield in either free agency or the NFL Draft. As a result, Blue looks to be competing with Malik Davis, Phil Mafah, and Israel Abanikanda for the Cowboys RB2 role. While Blue did little to inspire confidence in fantasy managers as a rookie, he may still be worth buying low on in dynasty formats ahead of a potential year two breakout.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Saquon Barkley in Line for Larger Pass-Catching Role in 2026?
"It's not a stretch to speculate" that Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley could have a larger pass-catching role in 2026, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. The 29-year-old recorded 37 catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns on 50 targets across 17 games in 2025 and has not topped 300 receiving yards in a season since 2022. However, Barkley played a much larger role as a receiver early in his career, hauling in 143 catches for 1,159 yards and six scores on 194 targets across his first two NFL seasons with the New York Giants. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has traditionally opted to scramble himself rather than check down to his backs, but Philadelphia will have a new play-caller in 2026 in Sean Mannion. Mannion may place a greater emphasis on getting the ball in Barkley's hands in open space as a receiver out of the backfield, which could maximize Barkley's fantasy potential.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Justin Verlander Set for Second Rehab Start at Triple-A on Wednesday
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (hip) is set to make his second rehab start with Triple-A Toledo on Wednesday, per Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. The 43-year-old made just one start in 2026 before being placed on the injured list with a hip injury. Verlander was shelled in his lone outing, allowing five earned runs across 3 2/3 innings of work against the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, the veteran right-hander had a decent year in 2025 for the San Francisco Giants, recording a 4-11 record with a 3.85 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 137 strikeouts across 152 innings (29 starts). Verlander also pitched well in his first rehab outing at Triple-A, striking out three across five scoreless innings on June 2. Upon his return, Verlander could be a worthy streaming option for deeper-league managers in certain matchups.
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Max Fried Nearing Return to Mound Work?
New York Yankees starting pitcher Max Fried (elbow) is expected to throw from 120 feet this week and will also undergo another round of imaging to determine if he can start working off the mound, per Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Fried is working his way back from a bone bruise in his pitching elbow that led to him being placed on the 15-day injured list in mid-May. Across 61 2/3 innings (10 starts) before the injury, the veteran left-hander had recorded a 4-3 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts. Fried's 12.9% K-BB rate was his worst since his rookie season in 2017, but opponents had hit just .196 with one home run against him. The 32-year-old appears to be making progress, but he likely remains at least a month or so away from returning to the big leagues. Fantasy managers should be looking for ways to stash Fried, unless he suffers a setback.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Max Scherzer Set to Return to Blue Jays Rotation on Wednesday?
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (forearm) said that he will "be able to go Wednesday," per Hazel Mae of MLB Network. The veteran has been on the 15-day injured list since late April, but he threw 73 pitches across a 3 2/3-inning rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Friday. Scherzer struggled across 18 2/3 innings (five starts) before getting injured, recording a 1-3 record with a 9.64 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts. The 41-year-old logged a 5.19 ERA across 85 innings with Toronto in 2025, so it's fair to wonder how much he has left in the tank at this point in his career. Still, the Blue Jays' rotation has been ravaged by injury in 2026. Scherzer should have a runway of at least a few starts to prove he can still be effective and could be worth targeting on the waiver wire in deeper fantasy leagues. If he returns on Wednesday, his first start back will come at home against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Source: MLB Network - Hazel Mae
Source: MLB Network - Hazel Mae
Will Smith Out of Dodgers Lineup for Second Straight Game on Sunday
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (neck) remains out of his team's starting lineup for its Sunday matchup against the Los Angeles Angels. Smith was scratched from the Dodgers' lineup on Saturday due to neck stiffness. The 31-year-old is in the midst of a slight down year at the plate so far, hitting .249/.338/.382 with six home runs, 23 RBI, and 23 runs scored across 201 plate appearances. However, Smith owns a career-best 13.4% barrel rate, and his .275 xBA and .494 xSLG both suggest that he's been a bit unlucky in his results. There's been no indication from the Dodgers that the team expects an extended absence from Smith, but this current neck injury is still worth monitoring for fantasy managers. Dalton Rushing is catching and batting sixth in Smith's place on Sunday and would likely see the majority of the playing time behind the plate for the Dodgers if Smith were to hit the injured list.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
