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Chiefs Looking to Establish a Running Game in 2026
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said on Friday on The Pat McAfee Show that the team made an effort to improve the running back position in the offseason with the addition of Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, and they also added Emmett Johnson in the fifth round of the recent NFL draft. The Chiefs definitely want to establish their running game more in 2026, which will help take some of the pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) as he recovers from a torn ACL and LCL late last season. Having offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy back will certainly help, and Veach also added that the team is excited about all of their offensive-line investments in recent seasons. The Chiefs are hoping to open up their offense a little more for Mahomes around midseason once he's "in that groove." The Chiefs' offense could lean on Walker and the ground game early on in 2026, giving him a clear fantasy boost after he signed a three-year, $43.05 million deal with KC. Volume shouldn't be an issue for Walker, but his lengthy injury history puts him in bust territory as well.
Source: The Pat McAfee Show
Source: The Pat McAfee Show
James Conner Buried on Cardinals' Depth Chart Heading into 2026
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) had his 2025 season cut short after suffering a season-ending foot injury in Week 3. Conner was present for the start of Arizona's voluntary offseason program in early April, which could be a good sign that he's on track to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. However, Conner now projects as the RB3 in Arizona at best after the Cardinals signed former Atlanta Falcons back Tyler Allgeier in free agency and used the third overall pick in the 2026 draft on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Conner was a productive player as recently as 2024, when he recorded over 1,500 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games. Still, with Conner entering his age-31 season and coming off foot surgery, Arizona clearly prioritized upgrading at the position with its offseason moves. Barring a change of scenery before the start of the season, Conner's dynasty value is plummeting.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DK Metcalf Won't be Charged for Incident With Lions Fan
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face charges for an incident with a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field on Dec. 21, according to Christian Romo of the Detroit Free Press. At the end of last season, the NFL suspended Metcalf for two games for his actions. However, the Steelers didn't void any of Metcalf's guarantees, and no further discipline is expected from the league in 2026. The Lions fan later filed a lawsuit seeking damages from Metcalf, but the Wayne County court determined that the fan didn't appear injured and didn't seek medical attention at the game. It's good news for Metcalf's fantasy value going into the 2026 campaign, although his stock could be on the decline in a new offense led by head coach Mike McCarthy. Not only do the Steelers not officially know if future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers is coming back for another season, but the team added Michael Pittman Jr. via trade and rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen in the draft. The 28-year-old Metcalf could be dealing with subpar QB play in 2026 and more competition for targets in the passing game.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Christian Romo
Source: Detroit Free Press - Christian Romo
Anthony Volpe Won't Rejoin the Yankees on Friday
New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder) will not come off the 10-day injured list to join the big-league club for their series opener on Friday in the Bronx against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Volpe is getting very close to making his 2026 season debut for the Yanks, but he's not quite ready and might not return to the team until early next week. The 25-year-old former first-rounder in 2019 is recovering from surgery to fix the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder in the offseason. He's played in 10 minor-league rehab games with Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and has gone 10-for-33 (.303) with a homer, three RBI, five runs scored, and two stolen bases. When Volpe is back with the Yankees, he'll take over as the team's starting shortstop, which will push Jose Caballero back to a utility role. Volpe is only rostered in 9% of Yahoo leagues, but that number should go up considerably once he's back. Don't expect a high average, but Volpe can be useful for his counting stats in a strong Yankees lineup. UPDATE: Manager Aaron Boone said that Volpe will remain on his rehab assignment through the weekend.
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Jasson Dominguez Remains Out of Yankees Lineup on Friday
New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez (elbow) remains out of the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener in the Bronx against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles, according to MLB.com. Ben Rice is serving as the designated hitter and is batting second, while Paul Goldschmidt is at first base and hitting leadoff for the Yanks. Dominguez was hit by a pitch on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers and left early with a left-elbow contusion. He had the day off to rest on Thursday for a travel day. Dominguez remains out on Friday, but it could just be because the Orioles are expected to start left-hander Cade Povich. Fantasy managers should consider Dominguez to be day-to-day and check back on Saturday to see if he's back in the starting nine. The 23-year-old former top prospect has an opportunity for at least regular playing time in New York against right-handers with Giancarlo Stanton (calf) currently on the injured list. Dominguez is currently rostered in only 15% of Yahoo leagues and has gone 1-for-9 in just three games played at the big-league level this year. UPDATE: A CT scan on Dominguez's left elbow came back negative, so he could be available off the bench for the Yankees on Friday night.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sonny Gray Could be Close to a Return to Boston's Rotation
Boston Red Sox right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) is throwing a live batting practice session at Fenway Park on Friday, which "suggests he's close to a return," according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Gray's right-hamstring strain was never considered all that serious when they put him on the 15-day injured list on April 21. It's unclear at this time if Boston wants the veteran right-hander to go on a short minor-league rehab assignment. If Gray doesn't require one, he could come off the IL to rejoin the team's starting rotation at some point next week. The BoSox definitely could use the help in their rotation after star left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder) recently went on the IL. Gray isn't flashy by any means and is up there in age (36), but the three-time All-Star can still be useful as a backend starter in fantasy and as a matchup-based streamer. In his first five starts before being sidelined, Gray had a 4.30 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 13 strikeouts, and five walks in 23 innings. His 13.1% strikeout rate is currently a career low.
Source: MassLive.com
Source: MassLive.com
Brandon Woodruff Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
The Milwaukee Brewers placed right-hander Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list on Friday with right-shoulder inflammation and recalled right-hander Easton McGee from Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Woodruff was pulled from his outing early on Thursday against the Arizona Diamondbacks after recording just four outs due to reduced velocity. The veteran right-hander said he didn't feel any pain on Thursday, and the early reports suggested that the 33-year-old could be going through a dead-arm phase. It's unclear what Woodruff's MRI exam results showed, but for now, he'll miss at least a couple of turns through the starting rotation in Milwaukee. The two-time All-Star didn't look bad before being pulled on Thursday, and he has a 3.60 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 25:7 K:BB in 30 innings over his six starts. However, when considering Woodruff got a late start to 2025 while recovering from shoulder surgery, this news has to be pretty troubling for the Brew Crew and for fantasy managers. Logan Henderson is expected to take Woodruff's rotation spot. The right-handed pitching prospect is worth a pickup now for those looking for starting pitching help.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Brandon Nimmo Back in Rangers Lineup on Friday
Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo (hamstring) is starting in right field and batting leadoff on Friday for the series opener in Detroit against the Tigers and right-hander Jack Flaherty, according to MLB.com. Nimmo is back in action after he left Wednesday's game early against the New York Yankees with right-hamstring tightness, but he's feeling better after having an additional day off for travel on Thursday. Fantasy managers will want to get the 33-year-old left-handed hitter back in their starting lineups against a right-handed pitcher. Nimmo is certainly no stranger to missing time due to injuries, so fantasy managers have to be stoked to have him back so quickly. He's off to a strong start in his first year in Texas, coming into Friday's game slashing .290/.364/.460 with an .824 OPS, four home runs, 12 RBI, 14 runs scored, and a stolen base in 124 at-bats. He's never faced Flaherty in his MLB career.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nico Hoerner Leaves Friday's Game Early With Neck Tightness
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (neck) left Friday's game early in the second inning against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field with neck tightness, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Before leaving the game, Hoerner doubled and scored a run for the Cubbies before being replaced by pinch-hitter Matt Shaw. Although the 28-year-old's injury doesn't appear to be very serious, fantasy managers will want to keep tabs on his status as the team's series continues on Saturday and Sunday. For now, we'll consider Hoerner to be day-to-day. If he's forced to miss additional time because of his neck injury, Shaw and Nicky Lopez could split time at the keystone in the Windy City. Hoerner, who is in his eighth year with the Cubs in 2026, could easily be in the midst of a breakout season this year after coming into Friday's action with a .291/.370/.449 slash line, .819 OPS, four home runs, 26 RBI, 16 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in his first 31 games. He's a must-start in traditional fantasy baseball leagues when he's in the starting lineup.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Steelers Decline the Fifth-Year Option for Broderick Jones
The Pittsburgh Steelers declined the fifth-year option for left tackle Broderick Jones (neck) on Thursday, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The option would have paid Jones $19.1 million in 2027. Jones only played in 11 games in 2025 in his third year in the league and is coming off neck surgery. The 24-year-old has started 38 of the 45 games he's appeared in over his three years in the NFL, and he was playing well before his neck injury last year, so if Jones can bounce back with another healthy and productive year in 2025, the Steelers could look to extend him beyond next season. However, it's still unclear if Jones, the 14th overall pick in 2023 out of Georgia, will be ready for training camp this summer and the start of the 2026 regular season in early September.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Russell Wilson Ready to Hang Up his Cleats for TV Gig?
Free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson is in "deep discussions" to go into television, which could mark the end of what is likely a Hall of Fame career, sources briefed on the talks told Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. The NFL Today on CBS is considered the favorite to land Wilson, as the two sides have had "lengthy talks." The 37-year-old veteran signal-caller had a visit recently with the New York Jets about potentially backing up Geno Smith at QB, but he hasn't had any other real interest this offseason. If the 37-year-old ends up calling it a career, the 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion will finish with 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdown passes, and 114 interceptions thrown in 205 regular-season games over 14 seasons. Wilson made six appearances (three starts) for the New York Giants last season before eventually being benched for young QB Jaxson Dart. If Wilson lands a deal with another team, he'll almost certainly be limited to a backup role in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Andrew Marchand
Source: The Athletic - Andrew Marchand
Chase Claypool to Try Out for the Packers
The Green Bay Packers will have former Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears wide receiver Chase Claypool present at their rookie minicamp this weekend for a tryout, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Claypool last played in the NFL in 2023 with the Bears and Miami Dolphins, catching eight of his 21 targets for 77 yards and one touchdown in 12 games played (two starts). Claypool, now 27 years old, was a second-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2020 out of Notre Dame. The best season in his four NFL seasons came in his rookie season in the Steel City, when he caught 62 passes for 873 yards and nine touchdowns on 109 targets across 16 games (six starts). Claypool also had over 800 receiving yards in his sophomore campaign with the Steelers, but he was never the same after being acquired by the Bears in the middle of the 2022 season. Green Bay lost Romeo Doubs in free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Eagles this offseason, so they could use some depth at the position behind Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden after ignoring the position in the NFL draft recently.
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Jack Della Maddalena Returns At UFC Perth
Former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena will look to return to the win column when he faces off against Carlos Prates in the main event of UFC Perth on Saturday. Della Maddalena was last seen in action in November 2025 at UFC 322 where he lost his welterweight belt by getting outwrestled and dominated by Islam Makhachev. Prior to his loss to Makhachev, Della Maddalena was on a 18-fight win streak. DraftKings sees Della Maddalena as a slight underdog with a salary of $8,000.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Mets Don't Intend to Fire Manager Carlos Mendoza
Despite one of the worst starts in New York Mets franchise history this year, president of baseball operations David Stearns told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com that "we don't intend to make a change" and fire manager Carlos Mendoza. The Mets have started 10-21, which is the third-worst start in franchise history through 31 games after the 1981 (8-22-1) and 1964 (9-22) teams. The blame is being spread across the organization, and early-season injuries to outfielder Juan Soto (calf), shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf), and infielder Jorge Polanco (wrist, Achilles) have not helped. The Mets' offense continues to rank near the bottom of the league in many statistical categories, including 29th in runs scored. Mendoza will be given a chance to make one of the more dramatic turnarounds in baseball history. No MLB team has ever lost 12 straight games in a season and made the playoffs. The 46-year-old Mendoza is in the final guaranteed season of his three-year contract that he signed before the 2024 campaign.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Carlos Prates Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Carlos Prates will look to extend his win streak when he takes on former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth on Saturday. Prates is coming off consecutive highlight-reel knockout wins over Geoff Neal and, most recently, former welterweight champion Leon Edwards. Since signing with the UFC, Prates has gone 6-1. DraftKings sees Prates as a slight favorite with a salary of $8,200.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Jeremiah Estrada Returns to Padres Bullpen
The San Diego Padres announced on Friday that they reinstated right-handed reliever Jeremiah Estrada (elbow) from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander David Morgan to Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move. Estrada didn't look right early in the 2026 season, allowing six runs (four earned) on five hits with five walks and eight strikeouts in his first seven innings pitched, and his velocity was noticeably down as well. The Padres put him on the IL with what they called right-elbow tendinitis, and now he's been cleared to rejoin the big-league bullpen after a couple of minor-league rehab appearances. Now that he's healthy again, Estrada will return to his high-leverage, late-inning setup role in San Diego alongside right-hander Jason Adam and in front of star closer Mason Miller. In the last two seasons with the Friars, Estrada has only four saves, but he's also struck out 202 batters in 134 innings and will be valuable in holds leagues. Estrada is rostered in 11% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: San Diego Padres
Source: San Diego Padres
Jake Bennett Called Up to Make Major-League Debut on Friday
The Boston Red Sox announced on Friday that they recalled left-handed pitching prospect Jake Bennett from Triple-A Worcester. Bennett will make his major-league debut on Friday and start against the Houston Astros. Boston needs some help in their starting rotation with both lefty Garrett Crochet (shoulder) and righty Sonny Gray (hamstring) on the injured list at the moment. Bennett, the club's No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline, gets the call to the big leagues for the first time after going 2-1 with a 0.86 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 16 strikeouts, and three walks in 21 innings across five starts for Worcester this year. The 25-year-old southpaw was a former second-round pick by the Washington Nationals in 2022 out of Oklahoma. He's mostly a fastball/changeup pitcher with excellent command, but he'll be a pretty risky fantasy streamer on Friday in his first MLB appearance against an Astros team that ranks third in baseball in OPS (.784). Bennett isn't a bad upside stash in deeper fantasy leagues, though, as he could get more starts in Boston's rotation if he fares well on Friday. He's currently rostered in 13% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Boston Red Sox
Source: Boston Red Sox
Quillan Salkilld Set For Co-Main Event
Quillan Salkilld will look to remain undefeated in the UFC when he takes on UFC veteran Beneil Dariush in the co-main event of UFC Perth on Saturday. Salkilld was last seen competing in January at UFC 325, where he extended his win streak by beating Jamie Mullarkey via first-round submission. He earned his UFC contract by beating Gauge Young via unanimous decision on Dana White's Contender Series and now, Salkilld is 4-0 in the UFC. DraftKings sees Salkilld as a huge favorite with a salary of $9,400.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Daniel Palencia Making a Rehab Appearance on Friday
Chicago Cubs right-handed closer Daniel Palencia (lat) will make a minor-league rehab appearance on Friday with Triple-A Iowa, manager Craig Counsell told Andy Martinez. If Palencia looks good on Friday and doesn't suffer a setback with his lat, the Cubs could activate him from the 15-day injured list for the final two games of the series in Chicago this weekend against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs said earlier this week that there was a chance Palencia would be reinstated from the IL on Friday. Although he might initially be eased into high-leverage situations when he returns to the Cubs' bullpen, the 26-year-old Venezuelan reliever should return to primary closing duties in Chicago sooner rather than later. Before his lat injury, Palencia threw five shutout innings with five strikeouts and one save. He broke out in 2205 with a 2.91 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, a career-high 22 saves, and a 10.4 K/9 in 52 2/3 regular-season innings. Left-hander Hoby Milner picked up the team's last save on Wednesday, but righties Ben Brown and Phil Maton could see a save chance this weekend if Palencia is not ready to return. Palencia is rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues. If he's available in your league, now would be a good time to scoop him up.
Source: Andy Martinez
Source: Andy Martinez
Beneil Dariush An Underdog At UFC Perth
UFC veteran Beneil Dariush will look to get back in the win column when he takes on Quillan Salkilld in the co-main event of UFC Perth on Saturday. Dariush was last seen in the Octagon in November at UFC 322, where he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Benoit Saint Denis. Before his fight with Saint Denis, Dariush defeated former title challenger Renato Moicano via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Dariush as a huge underdog with a salary of $6,800.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Steve Erceg Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Former title challenger Steve Erceg will look to win back-to-back fights when he faces off against UFC veteran Tim Elliott on the main card of UFC Perth on Saturday. Erceg was last seen in action in August 2025 at UFC Vegas 109, where he returned to the win column by defeating Ode' Osbourne via unanimous decision. Prior to that fight, Erceg was on a three-fight losing streak. DraftKings sees Erceg as the favorite with a salary of $9,300.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Tim Elliott Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Tim Elliott will look to extend his win streak when he takes on Steve Erceg on the main card of UFC Perth on Saturday. Elliott is currently riding a two-fight win streak, having won both times by submission. First, he defeated Sumudaerji via first-round submission and more recently, he defeated Kai Asakura via second-round submission. Since signing with the UFC, Elliott has gone 10-11 in the UFC. DraftKings sees Elliott as the underdog with a salary of $6,900.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Ollie Schmid Set For His UFC Debut
Ollie Schmid is scheduled to make his UFC debut against Marwan Rahiki on the main card of UFC Perth on Saturday. Schmid was last seen in action in March at Shuriken Fight Series 23, where he finished Jeffrey Mesa via first-round knockout. He is currently on a three-fight winning streak. DraftKings sees Schmid as a massive underdog with a salary of $6,600.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Marwan Rahiki Looks To Remain Undefeated
Marwan Rahiki will look to remain undefeated when he faces off against Ollie Schmid on the main card of UFC Perth on Saturday. Rahiki was last seen in action in March at UFC Vegas 114, where he made his UFC debut against Harry Hardwick, beating him via second-round TKO. Prior to that, Rahiki finished Ananias Mulumba via second-round TKO on Dana White's Contender Series, earning himself a UFC contract. DraftKings sees Rahiki as a massive favorite with a salary of $9,600.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Cam Skattebo's Role Survives the NFL Draft
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo doesn't face any additional competition following the NFL Draft. There had been some speculation that the Giants could be a landing spot for Jeremiyah Love or another top running back prospect, but that never came to fruition. It appears that New York remains satisfied with a backfield of Skattebo, Tyrone Tracy Jr., and Devin Singletary. Now, the big question is whether Skattebo will be able to establish himself as the lead back in this offense. He looked like the future of the Giants' backfield in the first half of his rookie campaign last year, but a season-ending ankle injury changed the narrative. Tracy had a very strong second half of the season in his absence, and now, Skattebo will likely need to compete in camp to win the starting job over Tracy. Even if that happens, both backs will be heavily involved, so Skattebo will need to capitalize on all the touches he gets. Fortunately, he's both a physical runner and a capable receiver, so he can earn snaps on any down. After averaging 16.0 fantasy points (PPR) per game when healthy last season, Skattebo now finds himself as the RB22 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Nabers Has Top-Tier Upside When Healthy
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee), who is recovering from an ACL tear, could push to be among the top tier of fantasy receivers during the 2026 season. Nabers exploded as a rookie two years ago, ranking as the overall WR6 in PPR leagues with 109 catches, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns. He posted those results despite missing two games and catching passes from a mix of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tim Boyle. Going forward, he's expected to be ready for Week 1, and he'll have the best quarterback situation of his career with Jaxson Dart under center. Plus, there's not a ton of competition for targets; New York has Darius Slayton and Darnell Mooney, but they said goodbye to Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency. This Giants offense could be sneaky good in 2026, and we expect Dart to throw the ball a lot. As long as Dart and Nabers stay healthy for most of the season, the latter could be a top-tier receiver in fantasy football. We wouldn't be surprised to see him finish the season with as many fantasy points as players like Ja'Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Similarly, he has overall WR1 upside in dynasty fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Evan Engram Still Atop Depth Chart After NFL Draft
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram remains atop the depth chart after the team didn't select any other tight ends until Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Engram was held to just 50 catches for 461 yards and one touchdown last year, posting the worst per-game averages of his nine-year career. It was a frustrating transition to Denver after Engram had been a top-five tight end in two of his three years with the Jaguars. A lot of people expected Engram to have a big role in head coach Sean Payton's offense, so it was concerning to see him finish as the TE29 last year. That outcome raised questions about his fantasy outlook going forward, but the Broncos' front office hinted that Engram will be far more involved in 2026. Additionally, the team didn't bring in any competition in free agency, and they waited until the fifth round to select NC State tight end prospect Justin Joly. With Day 3 draft capital, it will take a while for Joly to compete with Engram, if that ever happens at all. Engram remains the clear-cut No. 1 tight end in Denver, so now, he just needs to perform like one. There's still top-12 upside here if he's as involved as the Broncos have been hinting.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jose Altuve Hits a Skid at the Plate
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve has struggled at the plate lately and is underperforming in fantasy baseball. Altuve is hitting just 3-for-28 over his last seven games with zero home runs, zero RBI, two walks, and five strikeouts. The 16.7% strikeout rate over that span suggests he's putting the ball in play at a decent clip, but the BABIP is far from ideal. His power has also been diminishing, as he has only hit one home run in the month of April. All in all, through 29 games this year, he has 110 wRC+, which is his lowest mark since the COVID-shortened 2020 season. The Astros as a whole are struggling, so Altuve isn't alone. Still, it's frustrating for fantasy managers who drafted him with the expectation that he'd perform similarly to 2025, when he launched 26 homers, or 2024, when he was an All-Star and received MVP votes. As it stands, he is still holding his ground as the #5 second baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sandy Alcantara Getting Results Despite High Hit-to-Strikeout Ratio
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara has pitched deep into games and continues to earn wins, but the process to get there hasn't been flawless. Alcantra was hit hard for seven runs over six innings on April 12, and although he has a respectable 4.24 ERA since then, his hit, walk, and strikeout ratios are far from ideal. During that three-game span since the April 12 game, he has posted 10.59 H/9, 4.76 BB/9, and just 4.76 K/9. He's walking one batter for every strikeout, and he's averaging more than one hit per inning. Even though he's pitching relatively deeper into games, those ratios don't bode well for his fantasy value. We'd like to see him get back to his early-season form; he went 7+ innings in each of his first three starts this year, posting a 1.11 ERA, 6.66 K/9, and 1.48 BB/9 during that span. Managers will have to accept the fact that he's not a major strikeout threat, but still offers innings and a decent ability to limit runs. As it stands, Alcantara is the #48 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Framber Valdez Limiting Runs Ever Since Outlier Performance
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Framber Valdez has offered plenty of value and production in fantasy baseball lately. Valdez experienced an outlier performance on April 8 when he allowed eight runs against the Twins, but he hasn't surrendered more than two runs in an individual start since then. In fact, over his last four games, he has a 2.31 ERA with 6.56 H/9 and 0.77 HR/9. With that being said, there are also areas for him to improve. He hasn't been as sharp in terms of strikeouts and walks. He struck out just one batter over seven innings on April 14, and he walked five batters on April 24. In that aforementioned four-game span of limited runs, he has posted 7.71 K/9 and 3.47 BB/9. As great as it's been to see him pitch deeper into games and limit runs, managers would appreciate more strikeouts to rack up additional fantasy points. He currently ranks #26 among starters in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
