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Payton Tolle Will Start Game 1 Against Yankees
Boston Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle will get the nod as the Game 1 starter for the Red Sox on Tuesday for the start of the Wild-Card Series in the Bronx against the division-rival New York Yankees, according to Sean McAdam of MassLive.com. Tolle has been a tough assignment for the Yankees, who have a lefty-heavy lineup, so he will get the nod for Game 1 of the series over veteran right-hander Sonny Gray. In his two starts against the Yankees this year, Tolle dominated New York, going 1-0 with only one earned run allowed on four hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out 18 in 13 innings pitched. The 23-year-old former second-rounder from TCU in 2024 went 9-6 with a 3.03 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 171:40 K:BB in 148 2/3 innings pitched across his 26 starts for the BoSox this year in his first full season in the big leagues. Tolle heads into the postseason after a strong month of September in three starts against the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, and Cleveland Guardians, posting a 1.53 ERA (1.23 FIP) with only three walks and 24 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings pitched.
Source: MassLive.com - Sean McAdam
Source: MassLive.com - Sean McAdam
Zach Ertz Elevated to Eagles Active Roster for Monday Night Football
The Philadelphia Eagles have elevated veteran tight end Zach Ertz from their practice squad to their active roster for their Week 3 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Monday night, per Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia. Ertz appeared in 13 games with the Washington Commanders in 2025, recording 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns on 72 targets before suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 14. At 35 years old and coming off knee surgery, Ertz is no longer the same weapon he was the last time he suited up for the Eagles during the 2021 season. However, Ertz has a chance to emerge as Philadelphia's primary pass-catching tight end with Eagles TE1 Dallas Goedert (knee) sidelined by a sprained MCL. If Ertz plays well against Chicago, he could be worth targeting on the waiver wire as a tight end streamer for fantasy managers.
Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Dave Zangaro
Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Dave Zangaro
Ben James Knocking on the Door Ahead of Bank of Utah Championship
The beginning of Ben James' professional career has been a quick rise, as he burst onto the scene in June, earning three top-five finishes and two top-20 finishes through his first nine starts. The 23-year-old is coming off back-to-back podium finishes and looks poised to assert himself amongst the other young guns who have begun making their own names over the last year and a half. The bread and butter is the flat stick, as he's steadily averaged 0.521 strokes gained putting over his last seven starts. His ball striking is nothing to sleep on either, but it hasn't been as tried and true. However, James has gained over 13 strokes on approach over his last eight rounds. He has enough talent to get the job done on the PGA Tour, and it feels like we could see him lift a trophy sooner rather than later.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Emanuel Wilson Remains a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Despite Quiet Week 3
Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson had a rough game in his team's Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders, rushing for 14 yards on nine carries. However, Wilson's role in the crowded Seahawks backfield remains encouraging. Wilson led Seattle in backfield touches for the second straight week, and Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price coughed up a costly fumble that could lead to him falling down the depth chart. Wilson has only recorded one target across three games so far in 2026, so fantasy managers in PPR-scoring formats should expect limited upside from him as a receiver. Seattle could also get running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) back from Injured Reserve in the next couple of weeks, which would almost certainly impact Wilson's outlook. Still, Wilson looks like his team's preferred early-down and goal-line rusher for the time being, which makes him a must-add running back in most fantasy formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jesus Luzardo Will Serve as Opener on Tuesday Against Braves
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo, who has not started a game in three weeks after being placed on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his left shoulder, will serve as an opener for the Phillies in Game 1 of the Wild-Card Series on Tuesday against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. Right-hander Andrew Painter will be in the bullpen for the Phillies for the series. The Phillies activated Luzardo from the IL on Sunday, and he threw a perfect inning against the Tampa Bay Rays, so they feel comfortable having him pitch on back-to-back days in what will be an abbreviated outing. Philadelphia hopes Luzardo can set the tone in the series in Atlanta after he was excellent for them during the regular season, going 14-5 with a 2.86 ERA (2.78 FIP) and 1.07 WHIP with a career-high 221 strikeouts and 52 walks in 179 2/3 innings across his 30 outings (29 starts). Luzardo only faced the Braves once in 2026 on Sept. 7, and he dazzled with a nine-inning, complete-game shutout that saw him strike out 12 and walk just one for his 14th win of the season.
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Chris Bell a Waiver-Wire Candidate After Encouraging Week 3 Performance
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell had the best game of his young career in his team's Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, recording four catches for 67 yards on seven targets. With fellow Dolphins rookie wideout Caleb Douglas (ankle) sidelined by an ankle injury, Bell emerged as a key target for Miami quarterback Malik Willis. Bell played on 71% of Miami's offensive snaps on Sunday and finished tied for second on the team in targets. Douglas' eventual return could impact Bell's playing time. However, the 22-year-old is only getting healthier himself after missing a large chunk of the summer while recovering from a torn ACL. As Bell gets more comfortable in terms of both health and experience, his production could continue to improve. In PPR-scoring leagues with 12 or more teams, Bell profiles as a worthy waiver wire target for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luis Arraez Won't be on Wild-Card Series Roster
Philadelphia Phillies infielder Luis Arraez (ankle) will not be on the team's playoff roster for the Wild-Card Series this week against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Otto Kemp will take Arraez's spot on the roster for the three-game series in Atlanta at Truist Park. Arraez has not resumed baseball activities since spraining his left ankle in a game last Thursday. If the Phillies advance to the National League Division Series to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, it is unclear if Arraez would be ready to go. Not having the three-time batting champion available against the Braves is a significant blow to a Phillies lineup that limped to the finish line to barely claim the final Wild-Card spot in the NL. Arraez made his fourth All-Star team in 2026 and also successfully moved back to second base with the San Francisco Giants and Phillies. He finished the regular season with a .310 batting average (185-for-596) with six home runs, 64 RBI, 67 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across 151 games and 655 plate appearances. Bryson Stott will likely start at second base for the Phillies against Atlanta, with Edmundo Sosa being the top candidate to start at the hot corner.
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Tom Hoge Hopes to Return to Solid Iron Play at Bank of Utah Championship
Sitting 84th in the FedEx Cup standings, Tom Hoge only needs a competent fall to keep hold of PGA Tour status next season. He couldn't hang his hat on much in 2026, as he averaged negative strokes gained in three of the four individual metrics. The fourth, however, was a respectable 0.319 average in strokes gained on approach. He's coming off a missed cut at the Biltmore Championship, where he lost strokes both off the tee and on approach. Expect the iron play to return to the positive side of things, but the game off the tee and on and around the greens may be a different story. This resort-style layout takes some of the pressure off being uber precise, but players need plenty of birdies to stay in it. Despite Hoge not contending much this year, he's still top 30 in birdie-or-better rate. The 37-year-old is far from a safe play, but there is upside if he avoids bogeys on this easier layout.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
Kendre Miller Back in the Waiver Mix for Week 4
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller is back in the waiver mix after Travis Etienne Jr. left Sunday's loss to Las Vegas with a hamstring injury. Miller had four carries for 14 yards and caught two passes for five yards, his first offensive work since Week 1 after sitting out Week 2 as a healthy inactive. There was not much production here, but the path to more work is easy to see if Etienne misses time. Miller handled nine carries for 30 yards and a touchdown in the opener while Alvin Kamara was sidelined, and Kamara is now back to share the backfield. RotoBaller has Miller 24th overall in its Week 4 waiver rankings and recommends him in 12-team leagues. He is not an immediate starter, but managers looking for running back depth can stash him while waiting for more clarity on Etienne's hamstring.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Judge "Making Progress," to Take Live BP on Monday
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Monday that superstar outfielder Aaron Judge (calf) is "making progress" and will be part of live batting practice on Monday, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. The Yankees have been non-committal on whether Judge will be available for the Wild-Card Series this week against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, but Judge hit and threw on Sunday and appears to be trying to convince the team that he will be ready for the three-game series at Yankee Stadium. After missing most of the 2026 season with a stress fracture in his rib, the three-time MVP suffered a moderate right-calf strain less than two weeks ago, which sent him back to the IL. If healthy for the Wild-Card Series, Judge would be a major boost for the Yankees' lineup in the postseason. The 34-year-old eight-time All-Star played in just 66 regular-season games in 2026 and hit .241/.360/.511 with 18 home runs, 41 RBI, and five steals after back-to-back 50-homer seasons in 2024 and 2025. The Yankees will announce their roster for the Wild-Card Series on Tuesday before Game 1, so we will know then whether Judge is included. UPDATE: According to ESPN's Jorge Castillo, Judge said that he has been "feeling great" while running on an anti-gravity treadmill, but he has yet to run the bases.
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Source: The Athletic - Brendan Kuty
Andrew Fischer Named Minor-League Player of the Year
Baseball America announced on Monday that Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Andrew Fischer is their minor-league Player of the Year, according to Jim Bowden. The 22-year-old former 20th overall pick in 2025 from the University of Tennessee crushed the baseball this year at High-A Wisconsin and Double-A Biloxi, hitting .273/.413/.654 with a 1.066 OPS, 48 home runs, 114 RBI, 107 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 126 games across 560 plate appearances. He led the minor leagues in home runs, slugging percentage, and total bases in what was an incredible year for Fischer, who is ranked at MLB Pipeline as the Brewers' No. 5 overall prospect. The 6-foot, 210-pounder hits from the left side of the plate and is strong, with plenty of lift and raw power. At the major-league level, Fischer could be a 30-homer guy with the ability to play both first and third base, even though he saw most of his playing time in left field as a Volunteer in college. Fischer has an above-average arm, and the Brewers are hoping that he will eventually stick at third base.
Source: Jim Bowden
Source: Jim Bowden
Justin Jefferson Avoids Long-Term Ankle Injury
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) suffered a left-ankle sprain in Sunday's 23-16 win over Tampa Bay, but he appears to have avoided a long-term absence. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday that Jefferson's imaging was encouraging and there is a chance he plays Sunday against Miami. Jefferson hurt the ankle on the final play of Minnesota's opening drive. He walked off under his own power, spent time in the medical tent, and later returned to the sideline, but he never got back into the game and was ruled out in the third quarter. Jefferson finished with two catches for 32 yards. His Week 4 status is still uncertain, but the early news is encouraging.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Jayden Daniels Will Practice This Week
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) will participate in practice this week, according to Ben Standig. Daniels missed Sunday's win over Seattle after dislocating his left elbow against Dallas in Week 2, but Washington has kept him off injured reserve and considers him week-to-week. Surgery is not currently part of the plan. Head coach Dan Quinn has also said Daniels will more than likely travel with the team to London for Sunday's game against Indianapolis, though his playing status remains undecided. How much Daniels actually does in practice will matter, but getting him back on the field this quickly is an encouraging step. Marcus Mariota would make another start if Daniels isn't ready.
Source: Ben Standig
Source: Ben Standig
Luke Clanton Looking For Form in Fall's Second Event
The first full season of Luke Clanton's professional career didn't go quite as smoothly as those of other fresh-out-of-school players who came on the scene over the last year and a half. With only two finishes inside the top 20 and six missed cuts in his last seven starts, the 22-year-old is in do-or-die time. There have been many contributing factors to his struggle in 2026, but putting is the leading cause, as he's lost an average of -1.008 strokes on the greens over his last six starts. We've seen his ability to find a groove in the full swing department, but his total liability with a putter in his hand makes him impossible to put into a lineup right now.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Bryce Young Set for Imaging on Leg
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (leg) will undergo imaging after taking a cleat to the leg during Sunday's loss to Cleveland, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Head coach Dave Canales said the testing is being done "just to make sure" and also alluded to other issues without offering specifics. Young went into the blue medical tent at one point Sunday, but he did not miss an offensive snap. He completed 26 of 48 passes for 291 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the 21-18 loss. There is no diagnosis or timetable at this point, so the imaging results will be the next thing to watch as Carolina gets ready for Sunday night's game against Detroit.
Source: Joe Person
Source: Joe Person
