April 7, 2026

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh connected on his first home run of the season on Monday night in his team's loss to the Rangers. Raleigh didn't homer in his first 10 games of the season, going 5-for-38 (.132) with five walks and 20 strikeouts. He had a pair of hard-hit balls on Monday night, and his home run came in the first inning after a 12-pitch duel with Jacob deGrom. Raleigh didn't have another hit in the contest, but the Mariners and his fantasy managers will hope that this gets the start catcher back in the home run groove after he smashed 60 homers last season with a .342 ISO that stands in stark contrast to his .122 ISO so far this season. He'll look to build some momentum as the Mariners continue their series in Texas by facing Nate Eovaldi on Tuesday.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

April 7, 2026

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli is set to make his third start of the season on Tuesday against the Cardinals, and he makes sense to consider if you need a starting pitcher pickup from the waiver wire. The 27-year-old righty has allowed a total of three earned runs in his first two starts of the season, picking up eight strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings in a pair of no-decisions. He looked strong in his last outing on the road against the Phillies, going six innings and allowing one run on five hits. He's in a favorable matchup at home against the Cardinals on Tuesday night and will be looking to turn in his second straight quality outing after struggling a little with his command in his first start of the season. If you're looking for solid innings off the waiver wire, Cavalli is a solid place to look on Tuesday.--Zach Thompson
Source: RotoBaller

April 7, 2026

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams finished his second professional season as the QB5 despite failing to reach 4,000 passing yards or even a 60% completion rate. Heading into year two under the tutelage of head coach Ben Johnson, if Williams can clean up some of the details that have plagued his young career, he has the natural ability and tools to become a fantasy league winner. Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland represent one of the best young groups of pass catchers in the league, and for all of Williams' highlight-worthy improvisation, he's done a remarkable job of keeping the ball out of harm's way, accounting for 50 career touchdowns to only 13 interceptions and 19 total turnovers. While the sample size is small and imprecise, Jared Goff finished as QB10 in his second season with the Lions (his first with Johnson at offensive coordinator) before reeling off consecutive top-7 finishes. Williams is currently RotoBaller's QB5 in dynasty rankings, so any meaningful leap could land him among the fantasy elite.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 7, 2026

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jakob Junis earned his first save of the season on Monday by shutting down Seattle in the ninth inning of a close, 2-1 victory. Junis faced the middle of the Mariners' order and got Cal Raleigh to ground out to start the inning and Josh Naylor to hit into a game-ending double play after he hit Julio Rodriguez with a pitch. Junis only needed four pitches to get through the inning after Robert Garcia worked the eighth inning and earned a hold against the bottom of the order. Garcia and Chris Martin have had some early-season struggles, while Junis has worked six scoreless innings with just one hit allowed. He could continue to get opportunities, and he makes sense as a speculative addition if you're searching for saves on the waiver wire. He isn't the primary closing option yet, but with more outings like Monday's, he could secure that role soon.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

April 7, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov recorded his 400th career goal in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The former MVP found the back of the net on the power play midway through the first period. Steven Stamkos was previously the only Lightning player to score at least 400 times, and Kucherov became the eighth Russia-born player to reach the 400-goal mark. Following Monday night's action, Kucherov once again shares the NHL's scoring lead with Edmonton's Connor McDavid. He has bagged 126 points (43 goals, 83 assists) in 71 appearances, scoring in three consecutive games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 7, 2026

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jordan Romano only needed three pitches to secure his fourth save of the season on Monday night. He didn't start the ninth inning since the Angels had a 6-1 lead, but he entered with the tying run on deck after Chase Silseth gave up a run and put two more runners on base. Romano retired Mike Yastrzemski on a flyout to center to end the threat and earn his fourth save in six games to start the season. He has not allowed a run or a hit in his five innings, while picking up seven strikeouts and issuing two walks. He is still available in over 40% of leagues on Yahoo! leagues and is a great closer pickup after his hot start.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

April 7, 2026

Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo finished his rookie season with 15 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown, but he did show signs of encouraging usage. His 90.8% route participation was highest among rookie tight ends, while his average depth of target and yards per route run were both close to the top of the class. While it was AJ Barner, in a second-season breakout of his own, who saw the vast majority of high-value touches out of the tight end room, a new offensive coaching staff could help to clear the slate for Arroyo. Brian Fleury takes over as the offensive coordinator in Seattle after four seasons as the 49ers' tight ends coach. While George Kittle can potentially make said position look easy, Fleury and the Niners offense got several fantasy-relevant performances out of Jake Tonges in Kittle's absence. It's worth noting that while Seattle deployed 12 personnel at a top 10 rate under Klint Kubiak, San Francisco ranked near the bottom of the league in each of the last four seasons, though context is important here. The 49ers ran the highest rate of 21 personnel over that time, and while San Francisco boasts arguably the best halfback/fullback duo in the league, Seattle might not have either position figured out heading into the NFL Draft, while tight end remains a strength in 2026.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 7, 2026

Vancouver Canucks left wing Evander Kane (undisclosed) didn't practice on Monday and is unlikely to play on Tuesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights. He is considered day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. The veteran power forward has been dealing with the issue for a while, but he played through the injury to reach 1,000 career games a week ago. Kane then sat out the last two games of a four-game road trip before returning to the lineup for Saturday's home contest against Utah, where he was honored in a pregame ceremony commemorating his 1,000th regular-season game. With Vancouver firmly planted at the bottom of the standings, there's little reason to push Kane back into action when he's not at 100 percent.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

April 7, 2026

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jose Soriano has looked outstanding in his three outings this season, improving to 3-0 by out-dueling Chris Sale to help the Halos beat the Braves on Monday, 6-2. Soriano did give up his first run of the season, but worked eight innings with 10 strikeouts while giving up just three hits and one run. He has a 0.45 ERA and 2.63 FIP in his first 20 innings this season with 21 strikeouts and a 0.65 WHIP. Soriano flashed potential in dominant starts last year, but the 27-year-old righty has looked like a true ace in his first three starts of this year and is a great option if you need some help in your starting rotation. He's scheduled to take the mound again this coming weekend in Cincinnati, and his road splits were very strong last season, so you can start him with confidence after his three excellent outings to begin the 2026 season.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

April 7, 2026

Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker was the leading receiver on a 2025 Las Vegas team that has since added only Jalen Nailor on a mid-market free agent contract. His 696 receiving yards marked a career high, and he could see enough early-season success to make him a sellable fantasy depth piece. Tucker is an undersized speedster in a mold similar to Darnell Mooney, whose best games in Atlanta came with Kirk Cousins, the presumed starter in Vegas to start the year. It's important to note that Tucker's sell window could be tightened by what the Raiders do in the NFL Draft, as the team is expected to add receiving help for presumed number one overall pick Fernando Mendoza, and Tucker should not be viewed as an irreplaceable talent. Almost 30% of his fantasy points in 2025 came in a single game against the Commanders while Brock Bowers was fighting through injury.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 7, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bubba Chandler took the loss in his team's 5-0 loss to the Padres on Monday night. While Chandler did pick up four strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings, he issued four walks and was charged with three earned runs. In just 8 2/3 innings in his first two starts, he has issued 10 free passes, which is a major concern after he only walked four batters in 31 1/3 innings in the majors last year. He walked 11 in 11 spring training innings as well, so it's not just a small sample-size issue anymore. Chandler still has a very high ceiling and can dominate with a high strikeout ceiling, but his control issues are a major concern for his fantasy managers and the Pirates. He'll make his second start of the week on Sunday in Chicago against the Cubs, and he'll remain a high-risk, boom-or-bust fantasy asset until he gets his control back.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

April 7, 2026

Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen (upper body) won't be available for Tuesday's tilt against the Vegas Golden Knights. After battling an illness over the weekend, Lankinen missed Monday's practice and is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury. The 30-year-old has had a miserable campaign in Vancouver, going 9-26-5 across 40 starts. He carries a 3.69 goals-against average and a .875 save percentage. Jiri Patera was recalled on an emergency basis from the minors before Saturday's clash against Utah and will presumably stay with the big club until Lankinen returns. Nikita Tolopilo started Saturday's game, allowing six goals with a .739 save percentage in a 7-4 loss.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

April 7, 2026

Winnipeg Jets forward Morgan Barron (lower body) is week-to-week. He missed Monday's win over Seattle and could be out for the remainder of the regular season. The 27-year-old has had the best season of his career, posting 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 65 games. He is fourth on the Jets' roster with 132 hits. Losing Barron is a setback for the playoff-chasing Winnipeg, but the team welcomed back some reinforcements on Monday. Nino Niederreiter and Vladislav Namestnikov both returned to action, with the latter finishing the scoring with an empty-net goal in a 6-2 victory.--Taavi Pailk
Source: TSN

April 7, 2026

Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Pontus Holmberg (upper body) was injured during the third period of Monday's 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He took an awkward fall into an unlatched penalty box door following a hit from Sabres forward Peyton Krebs. The NHL has launched an investigation into the incident. After the game, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper questioned whether the penalty box operator should be fired. Cooper added that Holmberg is "not good." The Swedish forward was spotted having his left arm in a sling. Holmberg is in his first year with the Lightning and has notched a career-high 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 70 games. Tampa Bay's offense was already without Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed), Brandon Hagel (lower body), and Dominic James(leg) on Monday night.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

April 7, 2026

Seattle Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer (lower body) left Monday's 6-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets in the second period. The German netminder allowed three goals on 18 SOG, finishing with a .833 save percentage. Grubauer's replacement, Joey Daccord, had the same save percentage as Seattle's playoff hopes suffered another blow. The team has now lost five straight and is 1-7-2 over the last 10 games. Grubauer has been the starter in most of the recent defeats. He has performed quite well, but the team hasn't scored enough goals. On Monday, Grubauer's record dropped to 13-12-4. He has a 2.65 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

April 7, 2026

Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) will remain sidelined on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He's on the injury report due to thoracic and lumbar injury management, sitting out a fourth consecutive contest. With Nembhard out of the picture, Quenton Jackson has enjoyed a stint as a starter and is expected to lead the backcourt again, especially with T.J. McConnell (hamstring) also unavailable. Jackson has averaged 13.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game since Nembhard departed the lineup. Kam Jones and Ethan Thompson also benefit from Nembhard's absence.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 7, 2026

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (ankle) will miss a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Cameroonian star injured his left ankle on Friday night against Charlotte and could be done for the rest of the season. After Tuesday, the Pacers will have only three more games to go. Jalen Slawson stepped into the first unit as Siakam's replacement on Sunday against Cleveland and is likely to maintain the spot after a productive outing. Across a team-high 33 minutes, Slawson had 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 7, 2026

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (illness) won't play on Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards, missing a second consecutive game. The 21-year-old hasn't overcome an illness, which knocked him out of the lineup over the weekend. Leonard Miller started in Buzelis' place on Sunday against Phoenix, grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds and scoring 17 points. He looks to be a solid option for fantasy managers again on Tuesday, especially given the matchup. In a starting role, Miller has averaged 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds in 29.1 minutes per game.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 7, 2026

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) will miss Tuesday's juicy fantasy matchup against the Washington Wizards. The 23-year-old is managing a left hamstring injury and won't be part of the Bulls' lineup for the third time in four games. Collin Sexton (finger) is expected to make another start on Tuesday night. He has averaged 15.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in a starting role this season. Giddey's absence also raises the fantasy ceiling for Tre Jones, who led the Bulls with 29 points in Sunday's 120-110 loss to Phoenix.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 7, 2026

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) won't suit up on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. The defending champions play a back-to-back in Los Angeles, and Williams will be held out on Tuesday for hamstring injury management. He will likely be brought back into the lineup on Wednesday against the Clippers. Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace are the likeliest candidates to fill in for Williams in the first unit. Meanwhile, Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins may see an uptick in playing time.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 7, 2026

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (knee) won't play on Tuesday against the Indiana Pacers. A week ago, Edwards returned from a knee injury, but he has played in only two of Minnesota's four games. The four-time All-Star wasn't himself in these games and is now back on the shelf with the same right knee issue. It's a concerning situation for the Timberwolves, who haven't secured a postseason spot yet. With Edwards unavailable, Mike Conley figures to get another start. Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland will also carry additional fantasy value.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 7, 2026

San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama sustained a bruised rib during Monday's win over Philadelphia. He was injured early in the second quarter in a collision with Paul George. Wembanyama returned to the game midway through the second frame, but he asked to be subbed out with 44.3 seconds left until halftime. The MVP candidate didn't play in the second half, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, one assist, and three blocks in 16 minutes. San Antonio will return to action on Wednesday night against Portland, and Luke Kornet, who notched 10 points and three rebounds in 22 minutes on Monday, would have an expanded role if Wembanyama misses time.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 7, 2026

Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith is off to a scorching start this season. He is slashing .297/.422/.595 with three home runs, six RBI, nine runs, and three stolen bases across nine games. The 23-year-old is currently on a seven-game hitting streak and has homered twice in the last three contests. His wOBA has increased from .298 to .399 compared to last season, while his hard-hit percentage has gone up from 40.8% to 47.8%, and his K% has decreased from 27.8% to 25%. Smith is Houston's starting right fielder, and his hot start has kept his bat in a potent Astros lineup that includes Yordan Alvarez, Jeremy Pena, and Jose Altuve. He has moved to the No. 1 spot on the RotoBaller waiver wire rankings list for Week 2 and has become a must-add due to his hot start. Only rostered in 37% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues, Smith should be a priority for fantasy managers searching for outfield help.--Brad Camara - RotoBaller
Source: Baseball Savant

April 7, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech disappointed in his first NFL season in 2025 after being drafted 58th overall in the second round out of TCU. The 23-year-old only caught 20 of his 29 targets for 224 yards and no touchdowns in 16 games played (five starts). Bech didn't have much of a chance to succeed last year, though, in one of the worst offenses in the league. There's a new coaching staff in Vegas, though, and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to start the year under center, eventually giving way to Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza. Bech will be considered a deep-league fantasy football sleeper who will be competing for the No. 2/3 role with Jalen Nailor and Dont'e Thornton Jr. Things will become more difficult for Bech if the Raiders address the position early in this month's NFL draft. In dynasty formats, Bech is worth considering as a buy-low candidate as he looks to take a step forward in Year 2.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference

April 6, 2026

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele assisted three times in a 6-3 win over the Seattle Kraken on Monday. The Canadian center has been playing great lately with 14 points in his last seven games as the Jets try to capture a wild-card playoff spot. Scheifele now has 34 goals and 97 points in 77 games this year and is three points away from reaching 100 for the first time in his 15-year career.--Marko23
Source: NHL.com

April 6, 2026

Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said that right-hander Jacob deGrom (knee) felt something in his knee before his start on Monday against the division-rival Seattle Mariners, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. The Rangers didn't want to push the oft-injured deGrom too hard, which is why he only went 78 pitches in the 2-1 win in the series opener. deGrom managed to make it five innings but took a no-decision, allowing an earned run on a solo homer while walking one and striking out six. "I feel OK, it's a little tender, but I think we'll be okay," said deGrom. Fantasy managers familiar with deGrom's injury history won't be surprised if his next start is pushed back or if he lands on the 15-day injured list eventually. deGrom will be a much riskier fantasy starter in his next outing after dealing with knee discomfort, as he's set to face the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The 37-year-old two-time Cy Young winner allowed three earned runs with no walks and seven strikeouts in 4 2/3 frames in his first start of 2026 against the Orioles.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarland

April 6, 2026

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 23 of the 25 shots he faced in a tough 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday. He got back in the win column after losing his previous start to the Senators and earned his 20th win of the season. Luukkonen now has a 20-9-3 record, 2.52 goals against average, and a .911 save percentage.--Marko23
Source: NHL.com

April 6, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing helped the Dodgers dismantle the hosting Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre on Monday by a score of 14-2 in Monday's series opener. Rushing went 4-for-4 at the plate with two solo home runs and three runs scored out of the eight-hole. The 25-year-old backstop was only playing in his third game of the 2026 season, going 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in his first two games played. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Louisville made his major-league debut in 2025 and hit just .204/.258/.324 with four home runs and 24 RBI in 53 games played. Rushing is already one homer shy of matching his career high, but his fantasy upside in single-year formats remains low as the backup to All-Star Will Smith, who should be back in the starting lineup for the second game of the series in Canada on Tuesday.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 6, 2026

Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue had a quiet rookie season in 2025, totaling 39 touches and logging offensive snaps in just five games. The Texas product was a healthy scratch more often than not, but he did make an impact with 16 carries, 64 rushing yards, and one touchdown in the Week 18 regular-season finale. That game showed that Blue is capable of taking on a more substantial role in the backfield, delivering decent efficiency numbers and even boasting touchdown upside. It took a while for Blue to earn the coaches' trust and carve out a role, but his strong Week 18 could be a good indication that he'll hold onto the No. 2 running back role in 2026. The Cowboys re-signed Javonte Williams to be their RB1 and potential every-down back, but they've yet to bring in any sort of competition for Blue in the second-string role. There's still plenty of time left in free agency, but with each passing day, an external signing looks less likely. The NFL Draft does represent an elephant in the room, but this year's running back class is viewed as abnormally weak, so there are very few impact ball-carriers in the mid-to-late rounds. Plus, it's been a while since the Cowboys last drafted a running back who made a real impact as a rookie. Blue, who patiently waited his turn to produce last year, seems to have earned first dibs on the No. 2 running back role for 2026. Barring a surprise during the NFL Draft, it seems like Blue will be the direct backup to Williams. As a result, he has plenty of fantasy appeal as the handcuff behind Williams. Managers who roster Williams in dynasty leagues should consider sending out trade offers for Blue this offseason.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 6, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer (forearm) left his start on Monday in the World Series rematch against the Los Angeles Dodgers with right-forearm tendinitis, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Matheson also explains that the Blue Jays knew about Scherzer's forearm tendinitis going into his start on Monday, and it didn't get any worse. Manager John Schneider is "fairly confident" that Scherzer will make his next start. The 41-year-old veteran was pulled from the game at the Rogers Centre after just two innings and 36 pitches. Scherzer allowed two runs on two hits while walking one and striking out two over his two innings. Toronto can ill-afford another injury to its decimated starting rotation, but it looks like Scherzer will be allowed to make his next start on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. The aging and no longer dominant future Hall of Famer should be avoided in DFS in that matchup.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson