RADIO
How Sustainable is Will Warren's Early-Season Improvement?
After allowing six earned runs to the Texas Rangers on May 6, New York Yankees starting pitcher Will Warren bounced back with a strong performance against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday. The 26-year-old is off to a solid start to 2026 overall, as he's recorded a 5-1 record with a 3.42 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 59 strikeouts across 47 1/3 innings (nine starts). Warren has lowered his walk rate from 9.1% in 2025 to 6.1% in 2026 while simultaneously improving his strikeout rate from 24.1% to 29.8%. He's also allowing less hard contact so far this season, as opponents own a 41.3% hard-hit rate against him after posting a 45.2% hard-hit rate last year. Additionally, Warren's spot in the Yankees' rotation may be more secure after fellow starter Max Fried (elbow) was removed from his start on Wednesday due to elbow soreness. While Warren may not offer elite upside, he looks like a reliable source of strikeouts and innings for fantasy managers in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Zack Wheeler Sustain His Strong Start to 2026?
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler's start to the 2026 season was delayed by the shoulder injury that ended his 2025 campaign. Since making his return on April 25, Wheeler has recorded a 2-0 record with a 2.55 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 22 strikeouts across 24 2/3 innings (four starts). By the top line numbers, the 35-year-old has mostly looked like his vintage self. However, there are a few minor red flags in Wheeler's profile. For one, his average fastball velocity currently sits at 94.9 miles per hour, down from 96 mph in 2025. Wheeler's 23.2% strikeout rate is also way down from his 33.3% rate in 2025 and would be his worst mark since the shortened 2020 season. Given Wheeler's extended track record as one of the best pitchers in baseball, he deserves the benefit of the doubt and could simply be rounding into form after a long injury layoff. Still, fantasy managers may want to prepare for potential regression from Wheeler.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joshua Baez Continues to Flash Power-Speed Combo, MLB Debut Around the Corner?
St. Louis Cardinals outfield prospect Joshua Baez began this week reminding fantasy managers why he is one of the top hitters to stash after belting another home run on Tuesday and stealing another base on Wednesday, now with eight home runs and seven steals through 35 games at Triple-A Memphis. The 6-foot-3 slugger is slashing just .236/.314/.464, but after hitting 20 home runs and stealing 54 bases while batting .287 last year between High-A and Double-A, the former second-round draft pick has the potential to be a multi-category producer when he gets to the majors. The team will likely want to see an improvement on the 32.7 percent strikeout rate he's produced this season for Memphis, but there's a good chance he debuts by midseason, making him one of the top prospect hitters to stash in fantasy leagues for managers who have available bench space or an NA slot to tuck him away in until the 22-year-old gets the call.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Terrance Ferguson has Promising Receiving Skills in Crowded TE Room in L.A.
Los Angeles Rams second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson might be one of the most talented pass-catchers at the position for the Rams, but it's still difficult to envision a substantial role for him given the team's stacked TE room. Going into 2026, the Rams still have Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee, and they also selected Max Klare in the second round of this year's draft. In his first NFL campaign, the 23-year-old Ferguson, a second-rounder himself last year out of Oregon, caught 11 of his 25 targets for 231 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (three starts). Only 25 of quarterback Matthew Stafford's 150 targets to TEs in 2025 went to Ferguson, as he spent most of the year as the TE3 behind both Parkinson and Higbee. Davis Allen (33) even had more targets and remains on the roster. In redraft leagues, Ferguson is going to need an injury or two ahead of him to carve out a prominent pass-catching role. Plus, receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams should continue to draw the vast majority of aerial targets for a win-now team. Ferguson will be off the fantasy radar in single-year leagues in 2026, and fantasy managers holding him in dynasty must play the long game. He's currently ranked as the TE29 by RotoBaller in dynasty.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Is It Time for Fantasy Managers to Drop Trevor Megill?
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Trevor Megill was a top-line closer in 2025, pitching to a 2.49 ERA with 30 saves and 60 strikeouts across 47 innings. However, the 32-year-old has not been able to repeat his success so far in 2026, as he owns a 6.00 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP with 19 strikeouts across 15 innings. Megill's average fastball velocity is down from 99.1 miles per hour to 97.6 miles per hour, and his strikeout rate has dipped from 31.3% to 28.4%. While Megill has four saves on the season, he has not recorded one since April 17. Megill's 3.69 xERA suggests he's run into some bad luck so far in 2026, so he could work his way back into the ninth-inning role in Milwaukee over the course of the season. However, he appears to be out of the running for saves in the short term, which means he's no longer a must-roster pitcher for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kade Anderson Nearing MLB Debut After Dominant Start?
Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Kade Anderson has been impressive in his first season of professional baseball, showing why the team selected him third overall in last year's draft. The southpaw began 2026 with Double-A Arkansas and is boasting a 0.60 ERA and 0.67 WHIP with an impressive 47:5 K:BB through six starts (30 innings pitched, 39.6 percent K-BB%). His next start is scheduled for Friday, but with the type of dominance he's shown, the LSU product may not get too many more before he earns a promotion to Triple-A. At that point, he'll be knocking on the door to the majors, and if he continues to produce, then an MLB debut could happen later this year. The Mariners don't need any arms in the rotation at the moment (in fact, they're currently using a six-man rotation), but that could change quickly. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the lefty up in the big leagues by midseason, and with his pedigree, along with the dominance he's displayed, fantasy managers should consider the 21-year-old one of the top pitchers to stash in all formats.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Should Fantasy Managers Consider Selling High on Cam Schlittler?
New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler has been one of the best pitchers in baseball so far in 2026, recording a 5-1 record with a 1.35 ERA and 0.81 WHIP with 59 strikeouts across 53 1/3 innings (nine starts). The 25-year-old is averaging 98.1 miles per hour on his fastball and currently owns an elite 24.8% strikeout rate. While Schlittler has unquestionably been excellent early on this year, there may be reason to believe some regression is coming. For one, Schlittler's 4.5% walk rate appears unsustainable, given that he posted a 10.2% walk rate across 73 MLB innings in 2025. Additionally, Schlittler's 0.17 HR/9 is likely to rise as the weather heats up, particularly given that he will be making his home starts at Yankee Stadium. Even with some decline, Schlittler could still provide fantasy managers with high-end starting pitcher production. However, managers may want to consider moving on if they can secure a king's ransom in return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Brenton Strange a Top-15 Dynasty Tight End?
Although Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange played in a career-low 12 regular-season games in 2025 due to a hip injury, he still managed to set career highs across the board in receptions (46), targets (60), receiving yards (540), and touchdowns (three). The 25-year-old became the team's clear TE1 after Evan Engram left in free agency last offseason. Jacksonville added rookies Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol in this year's draft, but Strange is locked in as the Jags' top pass-catching TE in 2026 in an offense that took over in the second half of last season. That's the good news. The bad news is that Strange's weekly ceiling could remain relatively low while battling for targets with a deep receiving corps that includes Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter (knee). Quarterback Trevor Lawrence showed plenty of chemistry with Strange, but his volume will probably leave him in TE2 territory in redraft fantasy leagues going into the upcoming campaign. In dynasty leagues, Strange's stock is on the rise in an improved offense under head coach Liam Coen, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 16 TE.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Erik Miller a Top Stash Option for Saves Off the Waiver Wire?
San Francisco Giants left-hander Erik Miller (back) is currently on the 15-day injured list as he works his way back from a back injury. However, the 28-year-old made his second rehab appearance on Wednesday and appears to be on the verge of rejoining the Giants. Miller was off to a strong start before getting injured, pitching to a 3.18 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and two saves across 11 1/3 innings. The closer situation in San Francisco has been unsettled all year long, and the team recently demoted former closer Ryan Walker to Triple-A. Miller has flashed dominant high-leverage upside and owns a 35.4% strikeout rate so far this season. Upon his return to the big leagues, Miller could emerge as the primary closer in San Francisco. In deeper leagues where he's not already rostered, Miller deserves a look on the waiver wire from fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Steelers Ready to Move on From T.J. Watt?
Some NFL teams could see the Pittsburgh Steelers at least considering moving on from star linebacker T.J. Watt, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. If Pittsburgh ends up signing fellow linebacker Nick Herbig to a long-term extension, the Steelers would have three large contracts (Watt and Alex Highsmith as well) allocated to one position. The 31-year-old Watt is a legacy player, but he will turn 32 in October and has guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both this year and next year. For as good as Watt has been -- he's an eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro -- the former first-rounder isn't getting any younger, and he missed three of the team's final four games in 2025 due to a partially collapsed lung. He has led the NFL in sacks three different times, but after recording 19 sacks in 2023, he has had a combined 18.5 sacks the last two years. It's still hard to imagine the Steelers moving on from the face of their franchise, but if he has another lackluster season in 2026, his time might be up in the Steel City.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Must Make Gains as Pass-Catcher to Take the Next Step
Washington Commanders second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (also known as Bill) came into his rookie campaign in D.C. as a sexy sleeper at the position in 2025, and his path to regular playing time in his first year in the NFL was wide open when veteran Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles early on. The 25-year-old ended up leading the team with 175 carries for 805 rushing yards (4.6 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns in 17 games (seven starts). He didn't contribute much in the passing game, though, with only nine receptions on 13 targets for 68 yards, and he fumbled four times (two lost). JCM was the RB29 in half-PPR scoring, which has to be considered a success after Washington took him in the seventh round in 2025. The 5-foot-11, 208-pounder from New Mexico is a big-bodied, big-play back whose dynasty stock is on the rise going into his sophomore season. However, to take the next step, he'll need to improve as a pass-catcher. If he cannot make strides out wide, the Commanders have both Rachaad White and Jeremy McNichols to contribute in the passing game. With a clear path to RB1 duties, Croskey-Merritt is a dynasty riser as RotoBaller's RB42, and he's considered an RB3/flex in redraft leagues with at least the team's early down role in his grasp.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Four-star quarterback in the Class of 2027 Peter Bourque announced his commitment to James Franklin and Virginia Tech on Thursday, according to Rivals on X. The Marion, Massachusetts native is the No. 7 quarterback (No. 82) overall in next year's recruiting cycle. Bourque was previously committed to Michigan before Sherrone Moore was let go, and Georgia and Penn State were in the running for him after he reopened his recruitment. This is a big win for Franklin, who is tasked with turning around a Hokies program that has been struggling for most of the post-Frank Beamer era.
Source: Rivals on X
Source: Rivals on X
Could Kaytron Allen Take on a Big Role Right Away?
Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen is regarded as one of the biggest steals of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he could have an immediate impact in fantasy football. Allen fell to the sixth round despite setting the all-time rushing yards record at Penn State, where Saquon Barkley played. He had at least 980 scrimmage yards in each of his four seasons at school, and he set career-bests in 2025 with 1,371 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns. The 23-year-old was probably going to be a steal wherever he ended up in the draft, but the landing spot in Washington is even more ideal than others. The Commanders lost Chris Rodriguez Jr. in free agency, so Allen should come in and immediately compete with Jacory Croskey-Merritt for a significant workload every week. Croskey-Merritt was a 2025 seventh-round pick who finished his rookie season with 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, and we wouldn't be surprised to see Allen follow a similar path from Day 3 pick to rookie standout. Allen currently projects as an early third-round pick in 2026 rookie drafts, but managers shouldn't rule out taking him in the second, especially since he could be a top-36 fantasy running back as a rookie.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mets Aren't Ready to Sell
Despite the New York Mets' 17-25 start (last place in the National League East), they are "not currently thinking about selling," according to Robert Murray of FanSided. "I do believe that," president of baseball operations David Stearns said when asked if the team can salvage this season. "But we have not shown that yet. We have the talent on the roster and the character on the roster to make a run. There's a lot of season left. I'm not going to say it's early. It's not. We're a quarter of the way into the season. It's not early anymore. But we do have enough season left to make a run, and I think we have the talent to do that." Injuries have played a big part in the Mets' struggles through the first month and a half of the 2026 season, but Stearns and the rest of the front office aren't ready to lay down just yet. If New York becomes sellers before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, right-handers Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes will likely be the most attractive targets for contending teams.
Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Demond Claiborne Has Long-Term Appeal in Minnesota
Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne might not contribute right away, but he has long-term upside in dynasty fantasy football leagues. The Vikings selected Claiborne, a Wake Forest product, in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Across his final two years in the ACC, he totaled 1,956 rushing yards, 51 catches, 394 receiving yards, and 23 total touchdowns. He'll face much tougher defenses in the NFL, but it was encouraging to see him produce at such a high level while routinely facing Power 4 programs. In Minnesota, he'll initially slot in behind Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and perhaps Zavier Scott. However, Jones is likely headed into his final year with the Vikings, and Scott's job isn't guaranteed, so there could be a path for Claiborne to eventually take over as the No. 2 running back behind Mason. Because of that potential trajectory, Claiborne is a worthwhile selection in the early to middle portion of the third round of fantasy football rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Astros Hope Jeremy Pena Will Resume Rehab Assignment on Friday
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring, neck) will sit out again at Double-A Corpus Christi on his minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday due to neck soreness, manager Joe Espada told Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. The hope is that Pena will return to the Hooks' starting lineup on Friday. The 28-year-old Dominican collided with a baserunner on Tuesday while playing for Corpus Christi and is dealing with minor neck soreness. He has been out for over a month with a strained right hamstring, but as long as he avoids another injury this weekend in the minors, he could return to Houston's starting lineup by early next week. The Astros could really use Pena back after veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) suffered a season-ending ankle injury. When Pena is cleared to come off the 10-day injured list, he'll be the Astros' starting shortstop, making him valuable in mixed fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues. Pena was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his fourth year in the majors, slashing .304/.363/.477 with an .840 OPS, 17 homers, 62 RBI, 20 steals, and 68 runs in 125 games played.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Byron Buxton Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) has been scratched from the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Miami Marlins due to right hip-flexor soreness, according to Twins reporter Audra Martin. Ryan Kreidler will make the start in center field for Minnesota and will hit eighth in the batting order against Marlins left-hander Braxton Garrett, who is making his first start of the year in the big leagues. It's disappointing that the oft-injured Buxton is hurt just a day after hitting two home runs in Wednesday night's loss to Miami, but hopefully, it's just a minor injury. The 32-year-old has been on fire at the plate lately, too, clubbing 12 of his 15 home runs in his last 20 games. For now, we'll consider him to be day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back in on Friday to see if Buxton is back in the starting nine for the series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. Kreidler has played in only five games for the Twins this year and has gone 3-for-14 (.214), but with two homers and four RBI in 18 plate appearances.
Source: Audra Martin
Source: Audra Martin
Foster Griffin a Trade Candidate for Nationals?
Washington Nationals left-hander Foster Griffin, who signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract in the offseason, has been one of the best offseason moves so far in baseball. FanSided's Robert Murray writes that Griffin could be a trade candidate ahead of the Aug. 3 deadline, or he could be a candidate for a long-term extension, although sources say there haven't been any talks about a potential long-term deal. The 31-year-old southpaw currently has a sharp 2.12 ERA through his first eight starts of the 2026 season for a Nationals team that is currently two games under .500 (20-22). Griffin could be the latest left-hander to cash in on a long-term deal in his first season after coming from Japan. The former first-rounder by the Kansas City Royals in 2014 has allowed more than three earned runs in just one of his starts this year and has given up one earned run on nine hits (one homer) while walking seven and striking out 20 in 20 innings over his last three starts. Despite pitching at hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark on Thursday, Griffin will be an enticing streamer against a Reds team that ranks 25th in baseball in OPS (.684). Griffin is rostered in under 70% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Cal Raleigh Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (oblique) will be placed on the 10-day injured list for the first time in his career on Thursday with a right-oblique strain, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. In a corresponding move, the M's are recalling catcher Jhonny Pereda from the minors. Veteran Mitch Garver will do the majority of the catching in Seattle with Raleigh sidelined. The 29-year-old Raleigh missed three games earlier this month after injuring his side, and he aggravated it on a swing in the eighth inning in Wednesday's contest against the Houston Astros. For a power hitter of his stature, an oblique injury can be quite debilitating, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Raleigh to return right away. Despite his rough start to the 2026 campaign, though, Raleigh should be held in all fantasy formats. The former third-rounder in 2018 out of Florida State hit a league-best 60 homers and had 125 RBI last year, but he's currently slashing a putrid .161/.243/.317 with a .560 OPS, seven long balls, 18 RBI, 16 runs, and two steals in 41 games (181 plate appearances).
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Source: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
Adam Randall to Contribute as a Pass-Catcher Right Away?
Baltimore Ravens running back Adam Randall could get involved on third downs during his rookie season. The Clemson product was selected in the fifth round of last month's NFL Draft after tallying 1,068 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns in his final year with the Tigers. A significant portion of his production came in the passing game, as he caught 36 passes for 254 receiving yards. The Ravens have a dependable and consistent ball-carrier in Derrick Henry, but they could use some pass-catching competition behind him. Justice Hill has been the Ravens' third-down back in the past, but he's now 28 years old and could be falling out of favor with the team's new coaching staff. That paves the way for Randall to contribute right away, even if it's only on half the passing downs. There's long-term dynasty upside for the 21-year-old to become an RB3/flex in dynasty leagues. For now, he projects as a mid-to-late third-round pick in 2026 fantasy football rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Francisco Lindor Healing, But Still No Timetable for his Return
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor's (calf) MRI exam showed that his strained calf is healing, but there remains no timetable for his return, manager Carlos Mendoza told Steve Gelbs of SNY. The skipper said that Lindor will now move into the strength-training portion of his recovery, although he still looks to be quite a ways away from a return from the 10-day injured list. Fantasy managers should expect the 32-year-old Puerto Rican to return sometime in June. In the meantime, with Ronny Mauricio (thumb) on the shelf as well, Bo Bichette has moved to shortstop full-time, and Brett Baty will continue to see most of the starts at third base against right-handed pitchers. Lindor, a five-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger winner, was hitting just .226 (21-for-93) with two homers, five RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases at the time of his injury, is a must-stash in fantasy leagues despite his extended absence. When fully healthy, Lindor is a top-tier shortstop. He has reached 30 homers in each of the last three seasons and has stolen 30-plus bags in two of those years.
Source: SNY - Steve Gelbs
Source: SNY - Steve Gelbs
Francisco Alvarez has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (knee) had surgery on his right knee on Thursday morning to fix his torn meniscus, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The Mets expect Alvarez to be on the longer end of his recovery timetable now, so a full eight weeks, which should take him into mid-July around the All-Star break. The 24-year-old Venezuelan backstop tore the meniscus in his right knee in Tuesday night's game against the Tigers and will now miss the rest of the first half of the 2026 season. It's yet another key injury to one of the Mets' starters in what is quickly becoming a lost season. With Alvarez out for the foreseeable future, New York will turn to Luis Torrens as their starting catcher, with Hayden Senger backing him up. Fantasy managers should avoid this situation at all costs. Meanwhile, Alvarez is not a must-hold, even in single-catcher formats. He's now rostered in only 20% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Nicholas Singleton Could Contribute Right Away
Tennessee Titans running back Nicholas Singleton finds himself in a favorable opportunity to produce during his rookie season. Although his fifth-round draft capital is far from ideal, the landing spot is somewhat perfect. The Titans have Tony Pollard in a contract year, and Tyjae Spears isn't much more than a third-down pass-catching specialist. Singleton has the potential to take on an every-down role if Pollard gets hurt or takes on a lesser role in what is likely his final season with the Titans. With that being said, Singleton will still have to earn snaps, especially as a rookie. Training camp and the preseason will be a good opportunity for the Penn State product to prove that he deserves playing time. He's no stranger to producing against talented defenses, as he totaled 1,474 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns during the 2024 NCAA season. As it stands, he ranks #37 among running backs in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Walker in Line for Contract Extension?
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker has been a post-hype breakout so far in 2026, hitting .298/.378/.570 with 11 home runs and 30 RBI at 23 years old. He's tied for 13th in the league in fWAR (1.8), and his massive jump in OPS from .584 last year to .947 this year has caught the attention of scouts. The former first-rounder and top-10 prospect could now be forcing the Cardinals' hand to present him with a long-term contract extension, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Murray thinks Walker could sign a six-year extension, similar to Pete Crow-Armstrong with the Cubs, or he could follow the Austin Riley path and ink a 10-year extension that would lock him up for the majority of his career. The longer the Cardinals wait, the higher the price tag on Walker will be. In addition to his 11 homers and .290 batting average (45-for-155), Walker has contributed 30 RBI, 32 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. He has been one of the best value picks in fantasy baseball so far in 2026, and he doesn't appear to be slowing down.
Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Source: FanSided - Robert Murray
Christian Yelich Being Held Out for Second Straight Game With Back Injury
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder/designated hitter Christian Yelich (back) is absent from the starting lineup for the second straight day in Thursday's series finale against the visiting San Diego Padres, according to MLB.com. Catcher William Contreras will serve as the designated hitter and bat third, while Gary Sanchez is doing the catching for left-hander Kyle Harrison and will hit cleanup against his former team and right-hander Griffin Canning. Yelich returned from the injured list on Tuesday after missing a month with a groin injury, and he complained of some back soreness before Wednesday's game, prompting manager Pat Murphy to hold him out as a precaution. The Brewers will understandably play it safe with Yelich because of his history with back problems -- he had surgery on his back in 2024. Don't rule out another IL stint if he doesn't recover sooner rather than later. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Friday to see if the 34-year-old former MVP is ready to return for the start of a series against the Minnesota Twins. Yelich has hit a strong .291 (16-for-55) in just 16 games in 2026, but he has just one homer.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Brady Singer Listed as Sunday's Probable Starter for Reds
The Cincinnati Reds have listed right-hander Brady Singer (foot) as their probable starter for Sunday's series finale against the hosting Cleveland Guardians, according to MLB.com. Singer has bounced back nicely after getting hit by a comebacker in his latest start on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals, when he allowed three earned runs on three solo home runs (six total hits) while walking one and striking out only two in 3 2/3 innings of work. While he appears to be good to take the mound this weekend, fantasy managers should be avoiding the former University of Florida product everywhere. The 29-year-old has given up 11 earned runs on 19 hits (six homers) while walking four and striking out nine in 13 innings in his last three starts for Cincy. Singer lacks strikeout upside, and although the first-place Guardians rank only 22nd in baseball in OPS (.687), he'll make for too risky a fantasy streamer in that matchup on Sunday. He's only rostered in 15% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cal Raleigh Sitting on Thursday With Side Injury
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (side) is unsurprisingly absent from Thursday's lineup against the division-rival Houston Astros after aggravating his side in Wednesday night's game, according to MLB.com. Mitch Garver is doing the catching for Luis Castillo and will hit eighth against Astros right-hander Mike Burrows. Raleigh missed three games earlier this month with a similar injury, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him land on the injured list this time around. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. Check back to see if he's feeling good enough to return to the lineup for Friday's series opener back in Seattle against the San Diego Padres. After leading all of baseball with 60 home runs and 125 RBI in 159 regular-season games in 2025, the 29-year-old left-handed-slugging backstop has been a huge disappointment so far this year, batting .161/.243/.317 with a .560 OPS, seven homers, 18 RBI, 16 runs, and two steals in 161 at-bats. Another break could do him some good, but a nagging side/oblique injury also isn't ideal as he tries to round into form.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hunter Greene to Throw his First Bullpen on May 26
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (elbow) will throw his first bullpen session on May 26 and is scheduled to join the team to continue his rehab on Friday, May 29, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Greene is on the 60-day injured list and has yet to pitch for the Reds in 2026 after having surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow in mid-March during spring training. Although this will be a notable step for the hard-throwing right-hander, he still has a long way to go before he's back in the Reds' starting rotation, and his return from the IL isn't expected to come until the second half of the season. Regardless, Greene is deserving of being stashed in most fantasy leagues while he recovers for his high-end strikeout upside as Cincy's ace when he's healthy. The 26-year-old former second overall pick in 2017 has had an ERA under 3.00 in each of the last two seasons, and he owns a strong 11.2 K/9 mark in his four big-league seasons. He's currently rostered in 62% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Bryce Lance a Perfect Fit in New Orleans?
New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Bryce Lance could be a perfect fit with his new team. The North Dakota State product was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Although he doesn't have the greatest draft capital as a Day 3 pick, he's a perfect scheme fit for the Saints, who have been looking for a speedy receiver to replace Rashid Shaheed. Lance ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, and he caught a whopping 126 passes for 2,150 yards and 25 touchdowns over his final two years at school. The Saints have a somewhat crowded receiver room headlined by Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson, but we could see Lance stepping into the No. 3 role by midseason. Even if he doesn't start every game or play the majority of the snaps, he offers tremendous fantasy upside as a downfield threat who needs just one or two big plays to explode in fantasy football. With such a high ceiling, he's a worthwhile pick in the second round of 2026 rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Juan Soto Back in Lineup on Thursday After Injury Scare
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (ankle) is back in the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale at Citi Field, serving as the designated hitter and batting third against Detroit Tigers right-hander Keider Montero, according to MLB.com. Soto fouled a ball off his ankle early in Wednesday's game against Detroit and was later pulled from the contest, but he's back in there a day later after X-rays came back negative. It's great news for a banged-up and struggling Mets squad. Fantasy managers will be hoping that the 27-year-old Dominican can get on track at the plate going into the weekend. Soto enters Thursday's play with a .263/.357/.444 slash line with an .801 OPS, only four home runs, 11 RBI, 11 runs scored, and a stolen base in 99 at-bats. The four-time All-Star already spent time on the injured list with a calf strain, which hasn't helped him find his groove at the plate in 2026. He has a .502 OPS with one homer in May so far. Soto is hitless in just two career at-bats versus Montero.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
