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Alex Bregman Has Resumed Hitting
Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman (face) did not return to the starting lineup for the team's series finale against the Miami Marlins at Wrigley Field on Thursday, but he has resumed hitting, according to The Athletic's Patrick Mooney. The All-Star third baseman continues to recover from a freak accident when he was hit by a foul ball while in the on-deck circle against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures, but manager Craig Counsell has not ruled him out from returning for the final regular-season series of the year this weekend at Fenway Park against his old team, the Boston Red Sox. "But he's feeling good in terms of the hitting part. That went well. He's happy with how that went, so we'll just do a little more, run around a little bit more today and see how that makes him feel. And we'll just keep progressing," Counsell said. To be cleared to play this weekend in Boston, Bregman needs to get the swelling down around his left eye. Bregman is hoping that his strong month of September (.295 average, .968 OPS in 18 games) can shift seamlessly into the start of the postseason next week, despite his freak face injury last weekend.
Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
Makai Lemon's Redraft Stock Keeps Sliding
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon has stayed involved enough to make his lack of targets stand out. The rookie played 48 offensive snaps against Tennessee but saw only one target, catching it for 14 yards. That came after three catches for minus-five yards on four targets in his NFL debut. Lemon has five targets and nine receiving yards through two games, while Dontayvion Wicks has turned seven catches into 147 yards and a touchdown. DeVonta Smith also commanded 13 targets in Week 2. Lemon's slow start is not about disappearing from the field. He played 35 snaps in the opener and 48 on Sunday, but Jalen Hurts simply has not looked his way very often. The hamstring injury that cost Lemon nearly three weeks of training camp probably did not help his early development, either. Philadelphia traded up to take him 20th overall, so there is still a strong long-term investment here. For redraft purposes, though, Lemon has fallen well behind the players fantasy managers can trust right now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacob Lombard Shows Upside Potential, Downside Risk in First Season
Miami Marlins infield prospect Jacob Lombard's first taste of professional baseball was a mixed bag while playing for Single-A Jupiter. The Marlins' fourth-ranked prospect hit four home runs, stole 11 bases, and registered a 13.1 percent walk rate in 22 games for the Hammerheads. He also propelled the team to the Florida State League playoffs (which they went on to win) by hitting a go-ahead home run with the team down to its final strike of the season, then went 5-for-14 (.357) with a pair of home runs during the playoffs. The downside was that he hit just .220 during the regular season, due largely to an astronomical 39.4 percent strikeout rate. If the 2026 first-round draft pick can make progress in that area next season, he should see time at High-A and perhaps even Double-A by season's end. At just 18 years old, it will be a few years before he debuts in the majors, but there is plenty of upside here to make him a worthy stash in dynasty leagues.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Willson Contreras Won't Return in Series Finale
Boston Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras (hand) is missing a sixth straight game in Thursday's series finale against the visiting Cleveland Guardians, per MLB.com. Nick Sogard is making another start at first base and will bat out of the leadoff spot against Guardians right-hander Daniel Espino. Contreras was hit by a pitch on his right hand in last Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers. X-rays came back negative, but Boston has elected to give him some extra rest with the postseason starting next week. We would expect Contreras to return during this weekend's series at home against the Chicago Cubs. The four-time All-Star has hit a career-high 27 home runs while driving in 81 runs in 129 games across 533 plate appearances, but he has only played in four games in September after hitting only .217 (18-for-83) with three homers, 11 walks, and 26 strikeouts in 23 games in August. The Red Sox will need Contreras, who has been one of their most consistent hitters for the majority of the 2026 season, in top form if they want to make a deep playoff run.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Joey Porter Jr. Denies Trade Request, Second-Opinion Report
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) denied two reports surrounding his situation Thursday. According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Porter said he is not seeking a second opinion on his back and did not request a trade from Pittsburgh. Porter has missed the Steelers' first two games after spending much of the summer dealing with the back issue. He was limited in Wednesday's practice, but Pittsburgh listed him as non-injury related/conditioning rather than with the back. The contract situation between Porter and the Steelers has added plenty of noise around his absence, which is why both denials are notable. For now, the football question is whether Porter can get through the rest of the week and make his season debut Sunday against Cincinnati.
Source: Mike DeFabo
Source: Mike DeFabo
Ceddanne Rafaela Back in Boston's Lineup
Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (hamstring) is starting in center field and batting sixth for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Daniel Espino, according to MLB.com. Rafaela returned from a stay on the injured list due to a quadriceps injury but was pulled on Wednesday night against the Guardians with tightness in his hamstring. An MRI exam on Thursday morning apparently ruled out anything concerning, and the power/speed threat and starting center fielder is back in action for the final game of the series at Fenway Park. It is great news for the Red Sox, who did not want to head into the start of the postseason next week without their starting center fielder. The 26-year-old will now have four games to try to set a new career-high mark in home runs, as he enters Thursday's action with 16 homers, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, 67 runs scored, and a .284/.319/.444 slash line in 536 at-bats this year. Rafaela was a first-time All-Star this year in his third full season in the big leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cam Cannarella Displays Power Potential, Eyes 2027 MLB Debut
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Cam Cannarella tore through the Miami farm system this season on his way to Triple-A, logging just 19 games at High-A, then only 34 at Double-A before earning the promotion to the minors' highest level. Although his strikeout rate spiked from 12.9 percent at the lower levels to 23.8 percent while at Jacksonville, the Marlins' sixth-ranked prospect maintained a strong walk rate of 14.1 percent and still hit .282 with an .813 OPS to go along with three home runs and 11 steals in 45 games with the Jumbo Shrimp. In all, he hit 15 home runs across all three levels, not bad for someone who doesn't have a highly rated power tool, so it's something to keep an eye on in 2027. If the 23-year-old can continue to produce home runs to go with his penchant for contact and a keen eye, not to mention his plus speed, there could be a valuable fantasy asset here who would be on the verge of making his MLB debut next year.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Keon Coleman Not Seen Again on Thursday
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (ankle) was not seen during the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia. If Coleman does not return to the field later on, it will be his second straight missed practice of the week, putting his availability firmly in question for the Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. And with receiver DJ Moore (shoulder) also up in the air, Buffalo's receiving corps could be thinned out this weekend for quarterback Josh Allen. Coleman, who had just one catch for one yard in the Week 1 win over the Houston Texans, quickly took advantage of Moore's in-game injury in last Thursday night's win over the Detroit Lions, catching all six of his targets for 63 yards. Not only is the 23-year-old now banged up himself, but Moore could return to action against the Chargers. The combination of the two has hurt Coleman's candidacy as a waiver-wire pickup.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Ike Irish Returns from Injury, Will Head to Arizona Fall League
Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Ike Irish (knee) was enjoying his first full season of professional baseball earlier this year while playing for High-A Fredericksburg. The former first-round draft pick had really heated up before a torn left meniscus ended his season in late July. The Orioles' fifth-ranked prospect batted .361 with nine doubles, a triple, seven home runs, and nine steals over his final 26 games before the injury. The hot stretch pushed his season-long slash line to .286/.388/.528 with 16 home runs and 20 steals in just 76 games for the Keys. The left-handed hitter recently returned to the diamond and will head to the Arizona Fall League to make up for lost time. As such, he should be fully healthy come spring and looks ready to spend much of the 2027 season at Double-A. He likely won't make his major league debut until 2028, but the 22-year-old has shown good contact, plenty of power, and an ability to steal bases despite not having a ton of speed, so his dynasty arrow is pointing way up for the potential to impact multiple fantasy categories.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
DJ Moore Not Seen on the Field on Wednesday
Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore (shoulder) was not seen on the practice field during the media-viewing portion on Thursday, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. In addition to Moore, Keon Coleman (ankle) was not seen after already missing Wednesday's practice. Moore injured his shoulder in last Thursday night's win over the Detroit Lions and did not catch a single pass, but he was limited in practice on Wednesday and reported that he "felt great." The 29-year-old was officially diagnosed with an AC joint sprain, and he is not in the clear yet to play in Week 3 against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. If Moore does play this weekend, the former first-rounder might not be at 100%. With both Moore and Coleman banged up this week, tight end Dalton Kincaid and receiver Khalil Shakir are becoming more interesting against the 0-2 Chargers. Kincaid should already be a must-start at the TE position. As of right now, Moore should be treated as a very shaky flex option with the weekend approaching.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Liam Doyle Finishes 2026 on a High Note
St. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect Liam Doyle capped off his 2026 season with a strong start in the Double-A Texas League Championship on Wednesday, allowing just one run (zero earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out six batters in five innings of work. It followed his earlier playoff start in which the left-hander gave up just one earned run on no hits and five walks while striking out eight batters in only 3 2/3 innings pitched. The former fifth-overall draft pick spent the entirety of the 2026 regular season at Double-A Springfield, recording a 3.76 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and a 17.6 percent K-BB% in 23 starts (130 K in 103 IP). His performance this year puts the Cards' top pitching prospect on track for Triple-A in 2027 and a possible MLB debut at some point next year. If there is one criticism, it is that his walk rate remained elevated throughout the season, coming in at 12.5 percent, but so long as the 6-foot-2 hurler can keep striking out batters at a high clip, then it shouldn't get in the way of moving up the ladder. The 22-year-old remains a strong dynasty stash.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Charlie Condon Eyes 2027 Debut After 27-Homer Campaign
Colorado Rockies corner infield/outfield prospect Charlie Condon capped off a strong 2026 season by smacking a home run in his final game of the year. The Rockies' third-ranked prospect finished with 27 long balls in 130 games played, while batting .273 with a stellar .390 on-base percentage thanks to a 13.2 percent walk rate. The former third-overall draft pick continued to strike out at a high rate of 25.1 percent, though that isn't that out of the ordinary for a guy who has as much power as he does. The 6-foot-5 slugger surprisingly never got the call to the majors this year despite a few very hot stretches of production, but that doesn't mean he won't be in the mix for a roster spot in 2027. The 23-year-old has a shot to make the team out of camp next year, and even if he doesn't, expect him to be one of the first high-profile prospect names called up in 2027. The strikeouts could make him a batting-average risk for fantasy, but the pop he possesses will play well at Coors Field, and the right-handed hitter is still a solid dynasty investment.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Jalen Coker Using an Exercise Bike During Practice
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (ankle), who was limited in practice on Wednesday, was seen riding an exercise bike with a sweater on to begin practice on Thursday, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. Coker is likely to be listed as limited again, but if he can upgrade to a full practice on Friday, he could be cleared for the Week 3 tilt on the road in Cleveland against the Browns. The 24-year-old tweaked his ankle in the season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears but returned and went off for eight catches, 138 yards, and two touchdowns. Coker was active in the Week 2 blowout win over the division-rival Atlanta Falcons and once again had eight receptions on nine targets, but this time for only 66 yards. He is clearly still not over his ankle injury, but it does not seem like something that will keep him from playing or slowing him down in another potential blowup spot against the Browns. If Coker is active this weekend, fantasy managers need to find a way to get him in lineups.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
No Update on Saquon Barkley With Week 3 Looming
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said on Thursday that he did not have an update on running back Saquon Barkley (neck, shoulder), who missed some game time in the Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday after suffering a stinger, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. The Eagles have a practice on Thursday, so we will know shortly whether or not he was on the field. Although Barkley eventually returned to the game on Sunday, he finished with only four carries for nine yards and had one catch for an 11-yard gain. Meanwhile, backup Tank Bigsby had 13 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for five yards. The 29-year-old Barkley has a lengthy injury history, so the Eagles could mix in more of Bigsby to take some of the load off if Barkley is active this weekend for a matchup on Monday Night Football against the Chicago Bears on the road. Bigsby should have been one of the more popular waiver-wire pickups after Week 2, but he is still only rostered in 39% of Yahoo leagues. He would have major fantasy upside if Barkley does miss any time in 2026, making him a valuable bench stash right now.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Theo Gillen Shows Off Multi-Category Potential in 2026
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Theo Gillen recorded a strong 2026 season, one that began at High-A and finished at Double-A. The Rays' second-ranked prospect was promoted to Double-A after 57 games at High-A, and despite a dip in batting average from .342 to .288, he did not appear to be overmatched. The former first-rounder's strikeout rate actually improved there, from 23.8 percent to 19.8 percent, while his walk rate remained steady. All in all, the 6-foot-2 slugger slashed .315/.419/.546 with 22 home runs and 44 steals in 116 games and moved all the way up to No. 12 on MLB.com's top prospects list. His type of all-around skill set makes the left-handed hitter a valuable dynasty asset, and he'll have his sights set on Triple-A next year. Once he's knocking on the door to the major leagues, which could be as soon as later next season, even redraft managers should be keeping a close eye on him.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
