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Justin Verlander to Throw Live Batting Practice on Saturday
Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) will throw a live batting practice session on Saturday, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. It will be Verlander's first time facing hitters since landing on the 15-day injured list in early April with left-hip inflammation. It's a positive step for the 43-year-old veteran, but there's still no specific timetable for his return, and we wouldn't be surprised if he's not back with the Tigers until the calendar flips to May. In his lone start in his return to Motown in 2026 against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 30, Verlander struggled, allowing five earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out only one in 3 2/3 innings. Durability is a major question for the future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young winner as he nears the end of his outstanding career, although he did make 29 starts with the San Francisco Giants a year ago. In addition to injury issues, Verlander is no longer the dominant strikeout artist he once was, and he's only rostered in 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Kyle Teel Could Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (hamstring) will run the bases to test his hamstring this weekend. If all goes well, he could go on a minor-league rehab assignment next week, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Teel has been on the 10-day injured list all season to this point with a right-hamstring strain, but if he's cleared to begin a rehab assignment, he could be activated to make his 2026 season debut by next weekend. When the 24-year-old is finally cleared to return to the major-league roster, he should operate as Chicago's primary backstop. The former first-rounder (14th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in 2023 out of Virginia handled himself well in 78 games across 297 plate appearances in his rookie campaign in 2025 with the Pale Hose, slashing .273/.375/.411 with a .786 OPS, eight home runs, 35 RBI, 38 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Fantasy managers looking to upgrade at the catching position may want to stash Teel now. He's currently rostered in just 10% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available.
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Source: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
Abner Uribe Remains a Solid Source for Saves
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Abner Uribe has been taking care of business lately. Uribe has notched three of his last four save chances, but is posting a 4.05 ERA on the season. It hasn't always been pretty, but Uribe has mostly been reliable when it matters most. The Brewers have a few options they can use in the ninth inning, but they've been leaning on Uribe lately. The right-hander has recorded each of the last three save chances. Uribe has a ton of potential as a long-term closer, but there are some growing pains as well. The Brewers should be winning enough to give Uribe plenty of opportunities moving forward. Despite some struggles, fantasy managers seeking a source for saves should add Uribe.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Pat Bryant Working With Training Staff This Offseason
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant (hamstring) said he's been in Denver "basically the whole offseason," according to Park Gabriel of The Denver Post. "Just nursing the hamstring, overall getting right, getting my body back, and working with our training staff." Bryant is trying to get his body right after injuring his hamstring in the team's AFC Championship game loss to the New England Patriots. After being drafted in the third round (74th overall) last year out of Illinois, Bryant caught 31 of his 49 targets for 378 yards and one touchdown in 15 regular-season games (seven starts). His 378 yards ranked fourth on the team. The 6-foot-2, 204-pound wideout saw his role increase late in the season behind WR1 Courtland Sutton, but he mostly operated as the third or fourth wideout in Denver in his first year in the NFL. The 23-year-old will now look to carve out a bigger role in his sophomore campaign in 2026, but that's going to be difficult to do after Denver acquired Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins in a big offseason trade. Bryant will probably go undrafted in 12-team fantasy leagues this fall. RotoBaller has him currently ranked as the No. 77 fantasy wideout.
Source: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
Source: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
Tanner Scott is Becoming a Must-Add Reliever
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Tanner Scott is off to a strong start to the 2026 season. After some struggles last season, Scott appears to have made the correct adjustments. He currently owns a 1.88 ERA with a 15:2 K/BB ratio across 14.2 innings of work this season. The southpaw has fallen back into a high-leverage role with Edwin Diaz (elbow) currently sidelined. Scott notched his second save of the season on Sunday. He figures to be the favorite for saves, but Alex Vesia could also get mixed in as well. Scott has the stuff to be an elite closer moving forward. He has shown that he can do it in the past and should get a legitimate shot while Diaz is down. Fantasy managers seeking bullpen help should look into adding Scott.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Josh Jung is Worth an Add During Hot Streak
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung has been putting together a solid run at the plate lately. He recently saw his 13-game hitting streak come to an end on Wednesday. During that span, Jung slashed .400/.455/.620 with two home runs and 11 RBI. He has cooled off a bit since seeing his hitting streak end, but that shouldn't sway away fantasy managers. The 28-year-old has been impressive against right-handed pitching all season long. He has shown the upside to be a dominant right-handed power threat throughout his career. Fantasy managers in need of some offensive help right now should consider adding Jung while he's hot.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Jacoby Brissett in Communication With Cardinals Despite Skipping Workouts
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been skipping voluntary offseason workouts as he waits for a new contract, but head coach Mike LaFleur said the team has been in contact with him, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. "He's played a lot of football, and we're in communication," LaFleur said Friday. "He knows what the expectation is." Brissett has been informed by the team that he is their starting QB for the 2026 season after the organization moved on from Kyler Murray this offseason. The Cardinals added veteran Gardner Minshew in free agency and also drafted QB Carson Beck, but Brissett will be the starter in the desert after his strong 2025 season. After taking over for an injured Murray in Week 6, the 33-year-old former third-rounder by the New England Patriots in 2016 elevated Arizona's pass-happy offense and finished with a career-best 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 games (12 starts). It was good enough for a QB15 finish in fantasy scoring. However, in what is expected to be a much more balanced offense under LaFleur in 2026, we're expecting regression from Brissett. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 27 fantasy QB.
Source: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
Source: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss
Daniel Jones Could Take Part in 7-on-7 Drills at OTAs
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Friday that quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) could take part in 7-on-7 drills during organized team activities later this month, although the team will be cautious as he recovers from a torn right Achilles tendon, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. With Jones being limited, it will open the door for second-year QB Riley Leonard and Anthony Richardson Sr. to see more reps this spring. Jones continues to rehab from his season-ending injury a year ago, and it was reported several weeks ago that he was dropping back and throwing passes. Because it's unclear as of now if Jones will be fully cleared for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall, Jones should be considered a low-end QB2 option for fantasy managers despite his strong season in 2025 in his first year in Indy. The 28-year-old former sixth overall pick by the New York Giants in 2019 out of Duke completed a career-high 68% of his 384 pass attempts for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in his 13 starts before tearing his Achilles in Week 14 against the Jaguars.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Louis Varland is Pushing Must-Add Territory
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Louis Varland is quickly running away with the full-time closer job. He recently took over for the struggling Jeff Hoffman and has looked fantastic in the ninth-inning role. Varland tossed a scoreless frame on Friday to notch his fifth save of the season. The right-hander has allowed one earned run across 19.2 innings of work this season. He owns a 1.07 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and only seven walks to his name. Given how well he's pitching, Varland should remain the favorite for saves in Toronto going forward. Fantasy managers looking for a source of saves or need a reliable relief pitcher should check the waiver wire to see if Varland is available.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Christian Scott is Gaining Value After Another Solid Outing
New York Mets starting pitcher Christian Scott is beginning to settle in at the big league level. He struggled during his first outing of the year, when he issued five walks across 1.1 innings of work on April 23. Since then, Scott has cleaned up his act on the mound and is putting together quality numbers. During his most recent outing, Scott tossed 4.2 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits while striking out six batters in a no-decision against the Colorado Rockies. The right-hander has walked only two batters since his rough outing to begin the season. He's currently lined up to face the Detroit Tigers in his next start. He should be considered a possible deep league streaming option for that one.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Cole Young is Emerging as Waiver-Wire Target
Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young is off to an impressive start to the 2026 season. Young got a taste of the MLB last year, but struggled to find much consistency at the plate. This season has gone much better for Young at this dish so far. Through 38 games, Young is slashing .276/.342/.403 with three home runs, 20 RBI, and 12 walks. Over the last two weeks, Young has collected 16 hits with nine RBI, which ranked him in the top 100 value over the span. Fantasy managers who are seeking a bat in deep leagues should consider adding Young. He does a little bit of everything, which can help fantasy managers in category formats.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Friday that they placed right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back) on the 15-day injured list with lower-back spasms and recalled right-hander Paul Gervase from the minors in a corresponding move. Glasnow will have to miss at least a couple turns through the starting rotation despite his MRI exam not showing anything serious. The 32-year-old hard-throwing veteran was pulled from his last start early on Wednesday in Houston against the Astros after just one inning after he felt his back give out on him while throwing warmup pitches before the second inning. It's a tough break for Glasnow, who has struck out 49 batters in 39 2/3 innings of work so far in his seven starts for the Dodgers in 2026 while allowing more than two earned runs in a start just once. He's gone 3-0 with a 2.72 ERA and 0.83 WHIP and will need to be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues. Hopefully, it ends up being a short stay on the shelf for Glasnow. In his absence, right-hander Roki Sasaki could be tasked with taking Glasnow's rotation spot.
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Ketel Marte Scratched on Friday Due to Illness
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (illness) was scratched from Friday's game against the visiting New York Mets due to an illness, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. With Marte under the weather, Ildemaro Vargas is making the start at second base at Chase Field and will hit in the two-hole against Mets right-hander Nolan McLean. Jose Fernandez will enter the lineup at first base. It continues what has been a rough start to the 2026 season for Marte, who came into Friday's action hitting a lowly .209/.262/.353 with a .614 OPS, five home runs, 13 RBI, and 19 runs scored in his 139 at-bats for the Snakes. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Saturday to see if he's feeling good enough to return to the D-backs' starting nine. Hopefully, the day off will help Marte get his head right so he can begin turning things around at the plate. Vargas has been one of the best storylines of the 2026 campaign early on, finding regular playing time in Arizona and hitting an impressive .360/.381/.614 in his 120 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Source: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
Sam Merrill Iffy for Game 3 on Saturday
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hamstring) is considered questionable for Game 3 against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. The 29-year-old three-point specialist sustained a left hamstring strain in Game 1 against Detroit and didn't suit up for Game 2. Jaylon Tyson and Dennis Schroder saw their minutes increase in Game 2 and will likely continue to lead the second unit alongside Max Strus if Merrill can't return on Saturday. That said, Cleveland's reserves struggled in Game 2, combining for only 17 points.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Anthony Edwards Rejoins Starting Lineup Friday
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards will be back in the first unit in Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. He has come off the bench in the first two games of the series, allowing the team to better manage his workload after Edwards missed time due to a left knee injury. So far, he has averaged just 24.5 minutes per game against the Spurs. It's reasonable to assume Edwards will see more minutes on Friday night, which boosts his fantasy appeal. Terrence Shannon Jr. will make way for Edwards in the first unit.
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
Source: Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin Huerter Likely to Remain Out Saturday
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) will likely miss a sixth consecutive game on Saturday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the team has listed him as doubtful on the injury report. Huerter was knocked out of the lineup during the first-round series against Orlando by a left adductor strain. Initially, the Pistons gave Caris LeVert an expanded role off the bench due to Huerter's absence, but Daniss Jenkins has been the main beneficiary in recent games. Across the last three contests, Jenkinks has posted 14.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 steals in 28.0 minutes per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jarred Vanderbilt Considered Questionable for Saturday
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (finger) is listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 3 matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 27-year-old dislocated his right pinky finger in the series opener and wasn't in the lineup for Game 2 on Thursday night. Luckily for the Lakers, Luke Kennard was available and led the second unit with 10 points in 26 minutes. Backup center Jaxson Hayes was the only other reserve to log more than 10 minutes, so Lakers head coach JJ Redick appears ready to lean heavily on his starters in this series. Even when active, Vanderbilt has played a limited role in the playoffs, averaging 12.0 minutes per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Williams Ruled Out for Game 3 Against Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) will remain in street clothes on Saturday in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Since he is considered week-to-week, there's a strong possibility Williams will miss the entire series. He has been sidelined for four games due to a left hamstring strain. Williams' injury hasn't really affected the defending champions, who have continued to breeze through games. Ajay Mitchell has left a big impression as Williams' replacement in the starting unit, averaging 18.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds over the last four games. Guys like Cason Wallace and Jared McCain have also seen their roles expand.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ayo Dosunmu Cleared to Play Friday
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (heel) will be in the lineup on Friday night in Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. He is ready to play through right heel pain, with the team upgrading Dosunmu's status from questionable to available. Dosunmu had a superb start to the postseason but has lost momentum since running into health issues. Injuries to Dosunmu and Anthony Edwards (knee) have led to Terrence Shannon Jr. taking on a bigger workload. He has played well and might still hold a significant role even with both Edwards and Dosunmu available on Friday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Anthony Edwards Available Friday Night
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (knee) has been officially cleared for Friday's Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs. He was listed as questionable on the initial injury report. Edwards has dealt with injuries to both his knees late in the season. He hurt his left knee during the playoffs and has been limited to 24.5 minutes per game since rejoining the lineup. As a result, Edwards has averaged only 15.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over the first two games of the second-round series, coming off the bench both times.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Shane Bieber to Face Live Hitters on Tuesday
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Shane Bieber (elbow) is scheduled to face live hitters on Tuesday, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Bieber returned from Tommy John last year to make seven regular-season starts for Toronto before helping them advance to the World Series against the Dodgers. The 30-year-old former American League Cy Young winner developed right-elbow inflammation in the offseason, though, and was not ready for the start of the 2026 campaign. His session on Tuesday will be the first time that he has thrown off a mound since the World Series last October. Because of how slow the Blue Jays are bringing him along, even without a setback, Bieber probably will not be an option for the team's starting rotation until June. The two-time All-Star should have a rotation spot waiting for him when he's ready, so he'll be worth a look for fantasy managers seeking rotation help in about a month. Bieber is rostered in 45% of Yahoo leagues currently.
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
Luis Arraez Back From Hand Soreness on Friday Against Pirates
San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez (hand) is hitting second for Friday's series opener at Oracle Park against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates and right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski, per MLB.com. Arraez developed some hand soreness in Monday's series opener against the San Diego Padres and was held out as a precaution for the final two games of the series. After another scheduled day off on Thursday, the veteran left-handed hitter is back in action for Game 1 of the series against the Bucs. Fantasy managers in traditional leagues can now plug Arraez back into their starting lineups for Friday's action. The 29-year-old Venezuelan is still searching for his first home run of the year, but he continues to be a reliable source of batting average, going 42-for-133 (.316) with seven doubles, two triples, 11 RBI, 14 runs scored, and four stolen bases in his first 34 contests with San Fran. Arraez has never faced Mlodzinski in his career.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Joel Embiid is Returning for Game 3 on Friday
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's Game 3 against the New York Knicks. Embiid is back in action after missing Game 2 due to right ankle and hip injuries. He should take on his normal role in the rotation with the Sixers fighting to get out of a 0-2 hole. Dominick Barlow, Andre Drummond, and Adem Bone will all take a backseat with Embiid returning to the rotation. Tyrese Maxey and Embiid figure to be the focal point on offense as the Sixers attempt to crawl back into this series.
Source: Ian Begley
Source: Ian Begley
Jeremy Pena on the Verge of a Rehab Assignment?
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) will "hopefully" run the bases in Cincinnati on Saturday or Sunday, manager Joe Espada told the Houston Chronicle's Matt Kawahara. It will be Pena's final hurdle before being cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment. It's been almost four weeks since Pena landed on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain, but he's nearing his return to Houston's starting lineup. That's great news for a struggling Astros team that recently lost veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) for the rest of the 2026 season. Pena recovered from a fractured finger just in time for Opening Day in late March, and he played in just 10 games before injuring his hamstring. The 28-year-old Dominican infielder nearly had his first 20-20 season as a first-time All-Star in 2025 and hit above .300 in 125 games played, which is why he's rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues despite being on the IL. If he can avoid a setback on his rehab assignment, Pena could be back with the Astros by the end of next weekend.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Brandon Ingram Undergoes Heel Surgery
Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (heel) underwent a procedure to remove a bone spur from his right heel on Friday. This was an issue that bothered Ingram during the regular season. He also exited Game 5 of the first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to heel pain. He was unable to suit up for Games 6 and 7 because of the injury. This surgery should resolve the problem, and Ingram is expected to be ready to roll for training camp. This season, Ingram averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 33.8 minutes per game across 77 contests.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Hunter Brown Throws Successful Bullpen on Friday
Houston Astros right-hander Hunter Brown (shoulder) threw an encouraging first bullpen session on Friday in his recovery from a right-shoulder strain, manager Joe Espada told Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. "Hunter is very anxious to get back on the mound. He is constantly texting, calling, 'What's next? What's next?' So he's doing well," Espada said. The 27-year-old is working his way back from a Grade 2 shoulder strain that landed him on the 15-day injured list in early April. Expect Brown to throw off a mound another couple of times before the Astros look to send him on a minor-league rehab start. Barring a setback, we think Brown should return to Houston's starting rotation by the end of May. In the meantime, the former fifth-rounder out of Wayne State in 2019 should be held in all fantasy formats. After being named an All-Star in 2025 for the first time in his career, Brown allowed just one earned run with six walks and 17 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings across his first two starts in 2026.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
Noah Cameron Will Start on Sunday Against Tigers
Kansas City Royals left-hander Noah Cameron (back) will return to the team's starting rotation for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival Detroit Tigers, manager Matt Quatraro told Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Cameron has been cleared to pitch this weekend after throwing a successful bullpen session on Thursday. The Royals pulled the 26-year-old southpaw as a precaution from his last start on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians due to back tightness, but it turned out to be nothing serious. It's good news for the Royals after they just put lefty starter Cole Ragans (elbow) on the 15-day injured list on Friday. Cameron will be a risky fantasy streamer in his start this weekend against a Tigers offense that has cooled off considerably of late. The former seventh-rounder in 2021 out of Central Arkansas has gone 2-2 through his six starts this year with a bloated 5.40 ERA (4.46 FIP) and 1.61 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and 11 walks in 31 2/3 innings pitched. After allowing two earned runs in 10 2/3 innings in his first two starts, Cameron has given up at least three earned runs in each of his last four appearances.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Josh Hart is Available to Play in Game 3
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (thumb) is available to play ahead of Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday. Hart suffered a sprained left thumb during the second half of Wednesday's Game 2 victory. It's not significant enough to hold him out of this game, so he should fulfill his normal role in the starting five. Hart should be asked to take on a larger role with OG Anunoby (hamstring) ruled out for this game. He hasn't been a great offensive contributor, but the Knicks will need him to step it up a little more on Friday. The absence of Anunoby should give Hart an uptick in fantasy value.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ben Rice Returns From Hand Injury for Series Opener Against Milwaukee
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (hand) is back in the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener in Milwaukee against the Brewers and right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, hitting second in the batting order, according to MLB.com. A left-hand contusion suffered last weekend kept Rice out for the last four games, but he's good to go and will be back in action for a primetime matchup against the hard-throwing Misiorowski. With Rice back in the lineup, veteran Paul Goldschmidt will return to the bench against a right-handed pitcher. Fantasy managers will want to get Rice back into their lineups immediately in all traditional formats despite the tough matchup. After a breakout 2025 campaign, the 27-year-old former 12th-rounder in 2021 out of Dartmouth College is slashing an impressive .343/.455/.759 with a 1.214 OPS, 12 homers, 27 RBI, 30 runs scored, and two steals in his first 108 at-bats in 2026.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
OG Anunoby is Downgraded to Out for Game 3 on Friday
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He was questionable coming into this game due to a strained right hamstring that he suffered during Game 2. The Knicks are going to play it safe and hold him out for at least one game. His absence from the rotation will likely mean larger roles for Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson. Between the two, Robinson is probably the better DFS option, assuming Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) is unable to play. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will be asked to take on a larger workload offensively with Anunoby unavailable.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
