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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
Michael Harris II Back From his Quad Injury on Friday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (quadriceps) is starting in center field and is batting fifth for the Braves in Friday's series opener at Truist Park against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies and rookie right-hander Andrew Painter, per MLB.com. Harris was removed from Thursday's series finale against the Washington Nationals early as a precaution due to left-quad tightness, but he's back in the starting nine a day later and is looking to stay hot at the plate this weekend. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder got off to a slow start initially in 2026, but the former third-rounder has hit an incredible .447/.488/.895 with five home runs in his last 11 games to raise his season slash line to .318/.356/.565 with a .920 OPS in 90 plate appearances. Harris is up to six home runs and has also contributed 16 RBI, 11 runs, and two steals in 24 total games. Get him back into your starting fantasy lineups on Friday. Harris is 2-for-2 with a solo home run in his two career at-bats against Painter.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Roman Anthony Still Out on Friday With Back Injury
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (back) will miss a third straight game on Friday in the series opener against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards, according to MLB.com. Anthony experienced some upper-back tightness on a swing against the New York Yankees on Tuesday and has missed the last two games. The Red Sox are labeling the young left-handed-hitting outfielder as day-to-day for now, but that could change if Anthony is unable to play at all in the three-game series against Baltimore this weekend. Jarren Duran is starting in left field for Boston and will bat leadoff for the club on Friday versus O's right-hander Brandon Young. Injuries cut the 21-year-old Anthony's season short last year, but he still managed to hit an impressive .292/.396/.463 with an .859 OPS, eight homers, 32 RBI, 48 runs, and four steals in his first 71 big-league games. Anthony has gotten off to a slow start in 2026 (.225/.361/.325 with a .686 OPS in 22 games played), but he's still one of the top young outfielders in the game with tons of long-term upside.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jeff Hoffman Out as Blue Jays Closer
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman is out as the team's closer, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The Blue Jays will go with a closer-by-committee approach for now while Hoffman works on things in lower-leverage spots. This announcement shouldn't come as a big surprise after manager John Schneider refused to commit to using Hoffman earlier this week, the next time a save situation arose. He was unavailable on Wednesday in the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels due to a heavy recent workload, and for now, he'll be demoted from the closer's role in Toronto. The 33-year-old has continued to struggle after famously blowing Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hoffman was an All-Star with the Phillies in 2024 and had a career-high 33 saves in 2025 in his first year with Toronto, but that also came with a bloated 4.37 ERA in 68 innings pitched. He has allowed 11 earned runs (nine earned) while walking six and striking out 24 in 10 2/3 innings in his 12 outings in 2026. Hoffman has been bitten by some bad luck, but it doesn't change the fact that he's been demoted. Louis Varland figures to get the next shot to close out games for the Jays, and he's currently rostered in 32% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Enyel De Los Santos the Priority Closer to Roster in Houston?
Houston Astros reliever Enyel De Los Santos continues to be the priority arm out of the Houston bullpen to roster in fantasy leagues. The right-hander has been mostly reliable so far this season, allowing runs in just two of his nine appearances, and despite giving up three earned runs in an outing on April 21, the team went right back to him a day later on April 22, with the Dominican locking down the victory and notching a save. For the season, he's recorded three saves and owns a 3.86 ERA (2.07 xERA), a 1.18 WHIP, and an 8:3 K:BB in 9 1/3 innings pitched. Fellow reliever Bryan King may get an opportunity here and there, but De Los Santos appears to have the edge, and with Josh Hader (biceps) recently transferred to the 60-day injured list, he's not expected back until late May at the earliest, making the closer job De Los Santos' to lose. The 30-year-old is rostered in just 13 percent of Yahoo! leagues for managers looking for saves on the wire.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jeremiah Jackson's Power, Positional Versatility Provide Waiver-Wire Appeal
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson has filled in admirably this season for the injured Jackson Holliday (hand). The former second-round draft pick has hit safely in 11 of his last 13 games, currently riding a four-game hit streak, and for the season has produced a .295-5-19-9-1 stat line with a .362 wOBA and 131 wRC+. The aforementioned Holliday has begun a rehab assignment, but recently encountered a setback for the second time, and will likely not be back until sometime in May, leaving the door open for Jackson to continue to get playing time for the O's. The 26-year-old doesn't walk much (2.6 percent), so he's less desirable in OBP leagues, but in other standard mixed leagues, the right-handed hitter is worthy of consideration for his power and RBI potential. He's available in almost 40 percent of Yahoo! leagues and is eligible at 2B, 3B, and OF, adding to his fantasy appeal.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Louis Varland a Top Handcuff to Roster for Saves
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Louis Varland could be in line to earn more save opportunities going forward, and along with his performance so far this season, the right-hander is emerging as a worthwhile waiver wire stash. The 6-foot-1 hurler has yet to allow an earned run through 12 appearances, and with a 0.85 WHIP and elite 34.8 percent K-BB% (19:3 K:BB) in 13 innings pitched, he looks like a viable end-of-game option. Current closer Jeff Hoffman's performance thus far is even more reason to stash Varland away, as Hoffman has struggled mightily this season, with three blown saves, a 7.59 ERA, and a 2.06 WHIP despite an elite 42.1 percent strikeout rate. Varland's 98 mph average fastball velocity gives him the look of a prototypical closer as well, and although his only save this year was the first of his career, the 28-year-old should be in consideration for a fantasy roster spot, as even without saves, he could help improve fantasy managers' category stats. He's still available in nearly 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bryan Baker Running Away with Closer Job in Tampa Bay?
Tampa Bay Rays reliever Bryan Baker appears to be the preferred bullpen option for saves right now. The 6-foot-6 hurler was charged with a blown save his last time out, but he had come on to face the meat of the Pirates' order in the eighth in an attempt to preserve a win, so it shows the confidence the team has in him. Before that, the right-hander had converted four save chances, and for the season, he owns a 4.32 ERA (2.70 xERA), 1.20 WHIP, and a 9:3 K:BB in 8 1/3 innings pitched. Griffin Jax (8.00 ERA, 1.89 WHIP) lost the closer role in the early going and has yielded runs in two of his last three appearances, so the struggles continue for him, and Garrett Cleavinger (calf) is on the injured list with a calf issue. Edwin Uceta (shoulder) has encountered setbacks in his recovery from a shoulder injury and won't be back any time soon, so Baker's job looks to be secure for the time being. The 31-year-old is still available in 70 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mickey Moniak an Elite Power Option Worthy of High FAAB Bid
Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak is a hot bat worth scooping off the waiver wire. The former first-overall draft pick is in the midst of an eight-game hit streak that has pushed his season-long slash line to .324/.347/.750 with a .326 wOBA and 182 wRC+. The left-handed hitter has belted eight home runs so far this year, tied for fourth-most in the majors, and is coming off a 24-home run campaign in 2025. The drawback for fantasy is that he rarely sees opportunities against left-handed pitchers, logging just 11 plate appearances against them in 2026 compared to 61 plate appearances against right-handers. Still, with the power he's been displaying, especially at Coors Field, the 27-year-old is a must-add in most leagues, particularly those that allow daily lineup changes. The 6-foot-1 slugger is still available in over 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues for the taking and is worthy of the use of a high-priority waiver claim or FAAB bid.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
George Springer Could be Back in a Few Days
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Friday that outfielder/designated hitter George Springer (toe) could return from the 10-day injured list in a "day or two." Springer won't rejoin Toronto's starting lineup for the series opener on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians, but he could be back before the series finale on Sunday. The 36-year-old veteran has been sidelined since fracturing his toe on April 11, but he's made good progress since then and is expected to return to the big-league roster without requiring a minor-league rehab assignment. Fantasy managers can't realistically expect Springer to be as good as he was in 2025 in a resurgent season in which he hit .309/.399/.560 with a .959 OPS, 32 home runs, 84 RBI, and 18 stolen bases in 140 regular-season games, but he should still be rostered in all fantasy leagues for his power/speed contributions in a hitter-friendly home environment at Rogers Centre. Before fracturing his toe, Springer was struggling offensively, going 10-for-54 (.185) with two homers, six RBI, four runs, and a stolen base in 14 games played.
Source: MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM
Source: MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM
Youssef Zalal Set For UFC Vegas 116 Main Event
Youssef Zalal will look to extend his win streak when he takes on former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling in the main event of UFC Vegas 116 on Saturday. Zalal enters the bout on an impressive eight-fight win streak as he looks to take a step closer to a title shot. He was last seen in action in October 2025 at UFC 320, where he submitted Josh Emmett in the first round. Prior to that, he defeated Calvin Kattar via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Zalal as the favorite with a salary of $8,400.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Aljamain Sterling An Underdog At UFC Vegas 116
Former bantamweight champion Aljaman Sterling will look to win back-to-back fights when he faces off against Youssef Zalal in the main event of UFC Vegas 116 on Saturday. Sterling was last seen in the Octagon in August 2025 at UFC Shanghai, where he returned to the win column by beating former featherweight title challenger Brian Ortega via unanimous decision. In three fights at featherweight, Sterling is 2-1 with a defeat to Movsar Evloev between victories over Calvin Kattar and Brian Ortega. DraftKings sees Sterling as the underdog with a salary of $7,800.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Freddie Freeman to Hit Second, Kyle Tucker Cleanup Moving Forward
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that first baseman Freddie Freeman will hit second and outfielder Kyle Tucker will bat cleanup going forward, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Roberts made the change on Thursday to shake things up after the team lost the first two games of the series to the division-rival San Francisco Giants. "It's more of just trying to give Kyle a different look," Roberts said. Woo writes that Tucker's lack of production early on in his Dodgers tenure is a "small concern." The left-handed slugger is slashing .245/.327/.372 over 24 games with the Blue with only three home runs. "I think it's more just me trying to find my swing, and trying to find the consistency in it more than anything," Tucker said. The Dodgers are hoping the move down the order will help Tucker be more consistent at the plate after Roberts noticed his chase and swing rates had gone up recently. If the move to cleanup makes Tucker more consistent, his fantasy managers will be all for it.
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Source: The Athletic - Katie Woo
Joselyne Edwards Set For UFC Vegas 116 Co-Main Event
Joselyne Edwards will aim to extend her win streak to five when she faces off against Norma Dumont in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 116 on Saturday. From September 2023 to June 2024, Edwards suffered back-to-back losses to Nora Cornolle and Ailin Perez, but since then, Edwards has gone on a tear, winning her next four fights, three by knockout/TKO and one by submission. Edwards was last seen in action in February at UFC Houston, where she avenged her loss to Cornolle by beating her via second-round submission. DraftKings sees Edwards as the underdog with a salary of $7,400.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Kirby Yates Emerging as Top Injury Stash?
Fantasy managers speculating and scrounging for saves early in the 2026 season might want to consider taking a look at Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Kirby Yates (knee), even though he's still on the 15-day injured list. Yates' numbers during his minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Salt Lake haven't been pretty, but he's nearing a return and could make his 2026 debut with the Angels before the calendar flips to May next week. In his two innings pitched on the farm, Yates has allowed four runs (three earned) while walking one and striking out three. Right-handed reliever Ben Joyce (shoulder) remains on the IL, and right-hander Robert Stephenson (elbow) is done for the year. Righty Jordan Romano has been the Halos' closer in the first month of the season, but Yates, who has 98 career MLB saves in his 11 years in the big leagues, could quickly become an option for saves with the Angels when he rejoins the big-league roster. He's currently rostered in just 13% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Ty Simpson to Compete for Backup Gig in Rookie Season
The Los Angeles Rams had one of the biggest surprise selections in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night when they took Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick. While Simpson figures to be the successor to MVP Matthew Stafford, many draft analysts were wondering if Simpson would fall out of the first round of the draft entirely. After the pick was made, head coach Sean McVay said, "This is Matthew's team." The 38-year-old is entering his 18th season, but he was at the top of his game last year, and it's unclear how long he wants to continue playing. McVay made sure to run the selection of Simpson by Stafford first. L.A. became the first team to have a QB named MVP and then select a signal-caller in the first round since the Packers in 1967. With Jimmy Garoppolo considering retirement, McVay said that Simpson will compete for the backup gig with Stetson Bennett. Simpson doesn't have a long resume from college, but he's a hard worker and is in an excellent situation with the Rams to eventually replace Stafford. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues will need to be patient with Simpson.
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Norma Dumont Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Norma Dumont will look to extend her win streak when she faces off against Joselyne Edwards in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 116 on Saturday. Since losing a split decision to Macy Chiasson back in 2022, Dumont has looked spectacular, winning six consecutive fights. Dumont was last seen in the Octagon in November 2025 at UFC Vegas 110, where she extended her win streak by beating Ketlen Vieira via split decision. DraftKings sees Dumont as the favorite with a salary of $8,800.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Eagles, Patriots Expected to Resume A.J. Brown Talks Around June 1
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday that the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots are expected to resume trade talks about wide receiver A.J. Brown around June 1, when it will help the Eagles salary-cap wise to trade the disgruntled Brown. The Patriots signed former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs in free agency in March, but they might not be done upgrading their receiving room this offseason for young quarterback Drake Maye. On the other side, everything the Eagles have done with their WR room since the start of the new league year points to Brown being dealt after June 1. Philly first acquired wideout Dontayvion Wicks from Green Bay, and then they traded up in the first round of Thursday night's 2026 NFL draft to select USC receiver Makai Lemon at 20th overall. ESPN's Adam Schefter recently said a Brown trade is becoming more likely, which would reunite him with head coach Mike Vrabel. The two worked together in Tennessee previously. The 28-year-old Brown had his sixth 1,000-yard season in seven years in the NFL in 2025 with the Eagles, but he was unhappy with his role and had a career-low 12.9 yards per catch in 15 regular-season starts. A move to New England could boost his fantasy ceiling yet again.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Fernando Mendoza to Sit All Year Behind Veteran QB?
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on Thursday that Las Vegas Raiders veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to mentor first overall pick Fernando Mendoza this year, and Cousins is expected to be the team's starter under center to kick off the regular season in early September. Rapoport also says that the Raiders hope Cousins can run the offense all year while Mendoza learns on the sidelines. In a perfect scenario, Mendoza would be ready to roll as the full-time starter in 2027. Given Cousins' declining play and elevated injury risk at 37 years old, it would be a surprise if he were the Raiders' starter in 2026 from wire to wire. The 22-year-old Mendoza should be the No. 2 pick in rookie-only dynasty/keeper leagues this year, behind only Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. The Indiana product doesn't have a ton of dual-threat upside at the next level, but his accuracy in the pocket should give him a safe long-term fantasy floor while paired with offensive-minded head coach Klint Kubiak. In redraft leagues, Mendoza won't be as attractive in 2026, but he'll still have appeal as a QB2 with upside in superflex setups if Cousins falters or gets hurt.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Alexander Hernandez A Favorite At UFC Vegas 116
Alexander Hernandez will look to extend his win streak when he takes on Rafa Garcia on the main card of UFC Vegas 116 on Saturday. Since losing back-to-back fights to Bill Algeo and Damon Jackson, Hernandez got back on track and is now on a four-fight winning streak. Hernandez was last seen in action in September 2025 at Noche UFC 3, where he extended his win streak by finishing Carlos Diego Ferreira via second-round TKO. DraftKings sees Hernandez as the favorite with a salary of $8,500.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Caleb Thielbar's Status Remains in Doubt After Exiting Early with Injury
Chicago Cubs left-handed relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar (leg) exited Thursday's contest early with an apparent left leg injury after blowing a save opportunity. With the team's primary closer, Daniel Palencia (oblique), already on the injured list, the Cubs turned to Thielbar to lock down the ninth inning on Thursday afternoon. After serving up a solo shot to Adolis Garcia, Thielbar appeared to have suffered a leg injury and was taken out of the contest. In his previous appearance on April 21, Thielbar locked down the final frame against the Phillies, suggesting he was set to be the primary ninth-inning option while Palencia was injured. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as the team may provide an update ahead of Friday's contest. For the time being, Ben Brown could be a name to stash in deeper leagues as he could claim the ninth-inning role in the short term.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Gerrit Cole Stays Sharp in Latest Rehab Outing, Approaching Season Debut?
New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) turned in another solid showing in his second rehab outing and is slowly working his way back to the major leagues. Cole has been on the shelf since the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure in March of 2025. While he was able to pitch in spring training, the Yankees had him open the 2026 campaign on the 15-day injured list to provide him ample time to get back to full strength. Cole began his rehab assignment with High-A on April 17 and logged 4 1/3 innings of three-run ball with three punchouts. However, in his most recent outing, Cole pitched for Double-A and threw 42 of his 52 pitches for strikes while allowing two runs over 4 2/3 innings. While the Yankees will continue to slowly increase his workload, seeing Cole find the zone effectively is a great sign. He remains a priority stash option in all 12-team leagues and remains on track to debut later in May.
Source: Bryan Hoch
Source: Bryan Hoch
Spencer Strider Showing Increased Velocity in Rehab Outings
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider (oblique) looked like his dominant self in his most recent rehab outing and appears to be quickly approaching his eventual 2026 season debut. In this outing for Triple-A Gwinnett, the right-hander racked up eight strikeouts over 4 1/3 shutout frames. He surrendered just one hit and walked only one batter. However, the most important note is that Strider's four-seamer reached 98.1 mph. During spring training and the early stages of his rehab, Strider struggled to regain his high-end velocity. If Strider can maintain this current velocity, he could be in line for far more success than he enjoyed last season. In 2025, Strider struggled for Atlanta, posting a 4.45 ERA with just 131 punchouts over 125 1/3 innings. While there is risk in his profile given his extensive injury history, if his velocity remains stable, Strider could deliver immense returns for those who have stashed him.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jorge Soler Can Help Fantasy Managers in the Power Department
Los Angeles Angels outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler is never going to be an asset in the batting average department for fantasy managers, but the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Cuban slugger can definitely help in the power department if you need it. The 34-year-old veteran right-handed hitter is available in under 50% of Yahoo leagues at the moment, too. In his second year in Anaheim, Soler is hitting .215/.326/.443 with a .769 OPS, five home runs, 19 RBI, and 13 runs scored in 95 plate appearances across 22 games played. He's gone hitless in his last two games and has gone 5-for-22 with a homer, double, and three RBI in his last six games played, dating back to April 13, before he began serving a four-game suspension for a brawl with Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez. In the early portion of the season, Soler is unsurprisingly in the sixth percentile in strikeout rate, but he's in the 51st percentile in expected slugging percentage and in the 60th percentile in hard-hit rate. If Soler can stay healthy all year, he's a candidate to approach the 30-homer mark because of his raw power from the right side.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Rafa Garcia Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Rafa Garcia will look to extend his win streak when he faces off against Alexander Hernandez on the main card of UFC Vegas 116 on Saturday. Garcia was last seen in action in September 2025 at Noche UFC 3, where he defeated Jared Gordon via third-round TKO. In his last five bouts, he racked up four wins against Hayisaer Maheshate, Clay Guida, Vinc Pichel, and Jared Gordon, and dropped his fight to Grant Dawson. DraftKings sees Garcia as the underdog with a salary of $7,700.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Blake Snell Remains Several Weeks Away From Return
Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Blake Snell (shoulder) showed some rust in his first rehab outing. On April 22, the southpaw took the ball for Low-A Ontario and tossed one inning with three hits and two runs (one earned). He walked one batter and did not tally any strikeouts. Snell has been on the shelf for nearly all of camp due to left shoulder fatigue. Per reports by Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Dodgers are looking for Snell to pitch at least five innings deep into a rehab outing (or throw 75 pitches) before opting to activate him off the injured list. Last season, Snell logged just 61 1/3 innings for the Dodgers but was highly effective for fantasy, holding a 2.35 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. While injuries have limited him throughout his career, when on the mound, Snell carries high-end upside in all formats. Despite his potent workload concerns, Snell remains a must-stash option in all formats ahead of his eventual return. If he can continue to increase his workload, he could return to action in the coming weeks.
Source: Adrian Medina
Source: Adrian Medina
Jhoan Duran Not Expected to Miss Extended Time on Injured List
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (oblique) is not expected to miss much time on the 15-day injured list. According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Phillies have expressed minimal concern about the long-term severity of the injury and that he would be "surprised" if the elite closer missed more than a month of action. Duran officially hit the injured list earlier this week with a left oblique strain, which has paved the way for right-hander Brad Keller to take on ninth-inning duties. Before the injury, Duran was enjoying a strong start to his 2026 campaign, tossing 6 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.35 ERA and a 0.75 WHIP. He has struck out eight hitters and tallied five saves while taking just one loss. When active, Duran holds elite RP1 upside, pitching for a competing Phillies team. In the meantime, Keller holds solid mid-end RP2 upside and should see the majority of the save opportunities.
Source: Jon Morosi
Source: Jon Morosi
Francisco Lindor Headed for Lengthy Stint on the Injured List?
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf) is in serious danger of having an extended stint on the injured list. The Mets officially placed Lindor on the 10-day injured list on Thursday, but reports suggest he could be on the shelf for an extended period. Per Joel Sherman of The New York Post, the Mets fear Lindor's calf strain is far worse than Juan Soto's and could be "going to be down a while," per manager Carlos Mendoza. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears the star infielder could be on the shelf for an extended period of time. Lindor was off to a slow start in the 2026 campaign, posting a .226/.314/.355 line over his 24 contests. However, before going down, Lindor held a much higher .360 AVG and hit both of his home runs over his last seven games. While sidelined, Ronny Mauricio should be given ample opportunities to carve out a role in the Mets lineup.
Source: Joel Sherman
Source: Joel Sherman
Could Kenyon Sadiq Emerge as High-Target Option in New York?
New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq has the potential to handle a large role right away. The Jets selected Sadiq with one of their three first-round picks on Thursday night, making him the first and only tight end off the board on Day 1. The Jets weren't heavily mocked to take a tight end, given that they already had 2025 second-round pick Mason Taylor on the roster. However, the selection of Sadiq showcases New York's desire to build out a young core on offense, presumably in preparation for drafting and installing a rookie quarterback next year. The Jets will pair Sadiq with Taylor, star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and first-round receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in an offense led by quarterback Geno Smith this year. There are a lot of mouths to feed, and Smith isn't the most reliable passer, but Sadiq's talent alone will make him an intriguing fantasy option. After all, he had 51 catches, 560 yards, and eight touchdowns just last year at Oregon. He immediately ranks as the overall TE9 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
