April 17, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers reliever
Abner Uribe notched his first save of the season in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Blue Jays. The right-hander needed just 12 pitches to dispatch Toronto in the top of the ninth, throwing eight of them for strikes and striking out one batter. With
Trevor Megill's recent struggles, Milwaukee's closer has been moved to a setup role, leaving the door open for others to compete for save opportunities. With seven saves and a 30.2 percent strikeout rate last season, Uribe certainly fits the bill. Although his strikeout rate is down somewhat to start the year (25.8 percent), the 6-foot-3 fireballer has walked just one batter (3.2 percent) in eight innings pitched. However, it doesn't appear to be Uribe's job alone at the moment, as
Angel Zerpa was called upon to shut the door for Milwaukee on Thursday, earning his second save of the season. Nevertheless, Uribe's profile likely gives him the edge as Zerpa owns an opponent batting average of .324 and just a 4:4 K:BB in 10 innings of work. The 25-year-old Uribe is available in almost 40 percent of leagues for managers looking to collect saves.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
April 17, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder
Andy Pages had a breakout season in 2025, but so far is on pace to outproduce that campaign in the early going of 2026. With two hits in his latest contest, the right-handed slugger now has hit safely in 14 of 18 games, with nine multi-hit performances included in there. In all, it has produced a .409/.451/.697 slash line with five home runs, 20 RBI, 10 runs scored, and three steals. His .502 wOBA and 220 wRC+ both rank in the top three in all of baseball. An unsustainable .512 BABIP and xwOBA that is more than 125 points lower (.376) than his actual wOBA point to eventual regression, but for now, he's hot. Although a slowdown will come at some point, the 25-year-old should continue to have success over the course of the season and is looking like one of the biggest draft-day values of 2026.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
April 17, 2026
Chicago Cubs right-handed closer
Daniel Palencia (oblique) was placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 14) on Friday with a left-oblique strain, according to Meghan Montemurro of The Chicago Tribune. It's yet another injury for Chicago's pitching staff, which has been decimated early in the 2026 season. The 26-year-old Palencia has yet to allow a run for the Cubbies so far this year in five relief innings, recording a save, two walks, and five strikeouts along the way. However, he'll now likely have to miss more than two weeks with his oblique injury. In the meantime, right-hander
Ben Brown figures to see the majority of save chances for the Cubs with Palencia on the shelf. Palencia hadn't pitched since last Sunday, and now we know why. High-leverage relievers
Phil Maton (knee) and
Hunter Harvey (triceps) are also on the IL right now. In addition to Brown,
Caleb Thielbar could see some save opportunities in Chicago.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro
April 17, 2026
Arizona Cardinals veteran quarterback
Jacoby Brissett is not attending the team's first phase of their offseason program and is asking for a contract extension that would pay him as a starter, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Brissett is set to make $9.06 million in 2026 and has only $1.5 million in guaranteed money. He's looking for more security, and the Cardinals appear willing to address it. The 33-year-old took over for
Kyler Murray in Week 6 of last year after Murray suffered a foot injury, and he went on to have a career year, completing 64.9% of his 485 pass attempts for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 games played (12 starts) for the Cards. Murray is now in Minnesota, and Brissett is expected to enter the 2026 campaign as the starter under new head coach Mike LaFleur. Brissett was a valuable QB2 streamer, especially in superflex leagues last year, but in an offense that should be more balanced under LaFleur, fantasy managers should temper expectations with Brissett.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
April 17, 2026
The Houston Texans and All-Pro edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. agreed to a blockbuster three-year, $150 million contract extension on Friday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The deal includes $134 million guaranteed to make Anderson the league's highest-paid non-QB ever. The deal also includes a rare no-trade clause. The 24-year-old is one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL after he was taken third overall by Houston in the 2023 NFL draft out of Alabama. Anderson has had double-digit sacks in each of the last two seasons and finished last year with a career-high 54 tackles (35 solo), a career-high 12 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 23 QB hits, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown) in 17 regular-season starts. He was a big reason the Texans had the top-ranked defense in the NFL in 2025, and he finished as the No. 6 defensive lineman in IDP fantasy formats. Anderson finished second behind Myles Garrett in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
April 17, 2026
New York Mets rookie outfielder
Carson Benge is starting in right field and is hitting leadoff for Friday's series opener in Chicago at Wrigley Field against the Cubs and right-hander
Edward Cabrera, according to MLB.com. With Benge moving up to leadoff, shortstop
Francisco Lindor will drop down to the three-hole for the struggling Mets lineup. New York heads into Friday's action on an eight-game losing streak without star outfielder
Juan Soto (calf). Benge, 23, hit a home run in his major-league debut on Opening Day, but it's been downhill since then. The former 19th overall pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State is hitting just .151/.237/.226 with a homer, three RBI, five stolen bases, five runs scored, six walks, and 15 strikeouts in 59 plate appearances over his first 16 MLB games. Hitting leadoff will give him a fantasy boost, but it probably won't last for long, with Soto expected to come off the IL at some point next week for the Mets.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 17, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) is progressing with his baseball activities and is "still on track" to return from the 10-day injured list next week, but the Mets will want to do a supplemental MRI exam to ensure that Soto is OK before activating him, according to Laura Albanese of Newsday. Soto landed on the IL with a right-calf strain, but he's made good progress and could be back for fantasy managers at some point next week. The Mets have really struggled mightily offensively without the 27-year-old four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner, as they currently rank second-to-last in baseball with a .617 team OPS. In his first 31 at-bats before going on the IL, Soto was hitting a cool .355 (11-for-31) with a homer, five RBI, and three runs scored. Obviously, fantasy managers everywhere will want to get Soto back into their starting lineups immediately next week when he's reinstated.
--Keith HernandezSource: Newsday - Laura Albanese
April 17, 2026
Outfielder Garret Anderson, who is a member of the Los Angeles Angels' Hall of Fame, died at the age of 53 on Friday, according to ESPN. No cause of death was given. Anderson played 15 of his 17 major-league seasons with the Angels after he was drafted by them in the fourth round in 1990. Anderson was a three-time All-Star in his 17 big-league seasons and ultimately finished with a .293/.324/.461 slash line, .785 OPS, 287 home runs, 1,365 RBI, 80 stolen bases, and 1,084 runs scored in 2,228 regular-season games. Anderson also won two Silver Slugger awards, was a Home Run Derby champion, and was part of the Angels' 2002 World Series champion squad. The smooth left-handed swinger was fourth in the American League MVP voting in 2002. Following his playing career, Anderson served as a television analyst for Angels broadcasts. RotoBaller offers its condolences to Anderson's family and friends at this difficult time.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
April 17, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Jorge Polanco (Achilles, wrist) is in a "better place" with his Achilles bursitis on Friday, but now he's dealing with a right-wrist issue, manager
Carlos Mendoza told Max Goodman of NJ.com. The Mets are waiting for MRI results on Polanco's wrist. Although his Achilles bursitis is not considered serious, Polanco could land on the 10-day injured list this weekend. He is not in the starting lineup for the second straight game on Friday as the Mets get set to take on the hosting Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. With
Jared Young also on the shelf with a torn meniscus in his left knee,
MJ Melendez could see the majority of starts at designated hitter for the Mets against right-handed pitchers until Polanco can return.
Brett Baty is starting at first base and batting eighth on Friday against Cubs right-hander
Edward Cabrera. Polanco, who has a history of lower-body injuries, is hitting just .179 (10-for-56) to start his Mets tenure.
--Keith HernandezSource: NJ.com - Max Goodman
April 17, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers have done their homework on this year's quarterback class, including Alabama signal-caller
Ty Simpson, but ESPN's Brooke Pryor doesn't expect them to take a QB at No. 21 overall in the first round next Thursday night. The Steelers "continue to believe" that veteran free-agent QB
Aaron Rodgers will return for another season in 2026. Instead, they could take the best player available at that position late in the first round among wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, or any spot in the secondary. There is no consensus player (or even position) for the Steelers in the first round this year. The front office addressed some of the team's most glaring needs (receiver, cornerback, and safety) in free agency and the trade market this offseason. Overall, Pittsburgh has 12 draft picks this year, including four Day 2 selections. If the Steelers do take a QB in this year's draft, it could come in Rounds 2 or 3.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
April 17, 2026
Chicago Cubs right-hander
Cade Horton (elbow) had Tommy John surgery on Thursday and will need 15 to 16 months of recovery, according to Taylor McGregor of the Marquee Sports Network. Horton needed a full right-elbow reconstruction. He will miss the rest of the 2026 campaign and most likely the first half of next season as well. The 24-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2022 out of Oklahoma can obviously be dropped in all redraft fantasy baseball leagues, but he should be held in dynasty/keeper leagues. Horton looked solid in his first 23 big-league appearances (22 starts) in 2025, going 11-4 with a 2.67 ERA (3.58 FIP), 1.08 WHIP, and a 97:33 K:BB in 118 innings pitched during the regular season. He had allowed only two earned runs on four hits with two walks and four strikeouts in his two starts this year before being shut down with elbow/forearm issues. The good news for the Cubbies' starting rotation is that veteran left-hander
Matthew Boyd (biceps) should return to the team sooner rather than later.
--Keith HernandezSource: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
April 17, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Braydon Fisher will serve as the opener for the team in Friday's series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Left-hander
Eric Lauer, not Fisher, is who fantasy managers will want to consider starting in this matchup at Chase Field in Arizona. Fisher, however, has been lights-out so far for Toronto in eight relief appearances, as he's sporting a 0.93 ERA and 0.72 WHIP with 12 strikeouts and only one walk in 9 2/3 innings of work. The most pitches Fisher has thrown in an outing in 2026 is 32, so he's unlikely to work more than an inning or two on Friday in the desert. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues will probably want to avoid Lauer, too, as he's gone 1-2 so far this year with an ugly 7.82 ERA (6.48 FIP) and 1.58 WHIP with 12 K's and nine walks in 12 2/3 innings over his first three starts. The Diamondbacks currently rank 20th in team OPS in the early going at .687.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
April 17, 2026
Eighteen NFL teams are expected to attend Arizona State wide receiver
Jordyn Tyson's (hamstring) workout on Friday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Tyson, who is projected to be a first-round pick next Thursday night, is holding his own individual workout for teams at Arizona State. The 21-year-old did not run at the scouting combine in February or during the Sun Devils' pro day earlier in the offseason due to a hamstring injury. Tyson also dealt with several injuries in college, so scouts want to get another look at him before the 2026 NFL draft kicks off next week. Even though Tyson has an injury history, he could be in play as the first receiver off the board in the first round next Thursday night. He had 1,101 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 75 receptions in 2024 at Arizona State and finished up with a 61-711-8 line in nine games in his final season with the Sun Devils in 2025. In addition to his hamstring injury, Tyson also tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL in his knee in 2022 and fractured his collarbone in 2024.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
April 17, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has shut down trade rumors surrounding wide receiver
Quentin Johnston, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. "There's a lot of rumors out there on Twitter," Hortiz said. "And I can tell you this, I have made zero calls about Quentin, and I've had zero calls regarding Quentin." The Chargers are still discussing the decision on whether to pick up Johnston's fifth-year option, which would pay him $18.1 million fully guaranteed in 2027. L.A. must decide before May 1. Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh have supported Johnston all along, which was evident after they traded
Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears after Johnston's poor rookie season. The 24-year-old former 21st overall pick in 2023 out of TCU has rewarded the team's faith, going over 700 receiving yards in each of the last two years while scoring eight times each season in 29 total regular-season games. He led the Bolts in TDs and had a career-high 735 yards over 14 games in 2025. With Allen unlikely to return in 2026, Johnston should once again be a focal point through the air for quarterback
Justin Herbert in his fourth NFL campaign.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
April 17, 2026
New York Mets infielder
Jorge Polanco (Achilles) is not ready to rejoin the starting lineup for Friday's series opener at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, according to MLB.com. Bretty Baty will make the start at first base and is batting eighth, while
MJ Melendez is serving as the designated hitter and is batting sixth for the Mets against Cubs right-hander
Edward Cabrera. Polanco continues to deal with Achilles bursitis early in the 2026 season, his first with the Mets, and will miss a second straight game going into the weekend. If he continues to be bothered by the injury, the Mets could place Polanco on the 10-day injured list. It could be a big reason why the 32-year-old Dominican switch-hitting veteran is hitting just .179 (10-for-56) so far with just one home run, two RBI, three runs scored, five walks, and 11 strikeouts in his first 14 games. Polanco has a history of lower-body injuries, so this is definitely not ideal for the Mets or Polanco's fantasy managers.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 17, 2026
San Diego Padres outfielder
Ramon Laureano is the team's leadoff man "until further notice," manager
Craig Stammen told AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. The skipper cited Laureano's quality of at-bats wherever he's hit in the lineup so far this season, whether it's first or "seventh, eighth, whatever, when I was dumb, putting him lower in the lineup." Laureano's fantasy baseball will be at its highest if he can stay in the leadoff spot for the Friars all season. The 31-year-old veteran Dominican outfielder has earned it, hitting .290/.355/.551 with a .906 OPS, four home runs, 13 RBI, 12 runs scored, and three stolen bases so far in the 2026 campaign in his 69 at-bats. Not only does Laureano bring quality at-bats to the leadoff spot in SD, but he's a gritty player who also has been spectacular with his glove in left field for SD. He's currently riding a six-game hitting streak in which he's gone 9-for-23 (.391) with two homers, two doubles, a triple, seven RBI, and seven runs scored.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
April 17, 2026
Chicago White Sox catcher
Kyle Teel (hamstring) will be with the team in Sacramento for their series against the Athletics and will then report to Triple-A Charlotte to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Monday, per MLB.com. Teel's last recovery component will be running at 100% after he was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right-hamstring strain. Barring a setback on his rehab assignment, Teel should be back with the Pale Hose in early May. Teel has yet to make his 2026 debut because of his hamstring injury, but when he does, he should see the majority of playing time behind the dish in Chicago. Until then,
Edgar Quero and
Reese McGuire will continue to split the catching duties for the White Sox. Teel was a 14th overall pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2023 out of Virginia, and he hit .273/.375/.411 with a .786 OPS, eight homers, 35 RBI, 38 runs, and three stolen bases in 78 games in his rookie campaign in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
April 17, 2026
Baltimore Orioles second baseman
Jackson Holliday's (hand, wrist) father, Matt, said on Foul Territory on Friday that his son is fine after he experienced inflammation on the other side of his right wrist recently. Holliday will resume his minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Bowie this weekend and then potentially join Triple-A Norfolk next Tuesday/Wednesday before being re-evaluated. The 22-year-old former first overall pick in 2022 had surgery for a broken right hamate bone in his hand back in spring training, which forced him to open the year on the 10-day injured list. He was pulled off his rehab assignment earlier this week due to soreness in the same wrist, but it turns out it's nothing serious. Holliday should rejoin Baltimore's big-league roster for his 2026 season debut sooner rather than later, and he needs to be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues until then as the O's starting second baseman when he's healthy.
Jeremiah Jackson, who has been swinging the bat well, should continue to work as the primary second baseman until Holliday returns.
--Keith HernandezSource: Foul Territory
April 17, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect
Trey Yesavage (shoulder) could return from the 15-day injured list next week after throwing 4 1/3 innings during a minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Yesavage got up to 71 pitches this week in his third rehab start while he continues to recover from a right-shoulder impingement. Although his fastball velocity was slightly down at 93.3 mph on Wednesday and his fastball command was spotty, at times, manager John Schneider said it was everything the team expected out of Yesavage. He could throw 85 to 90 pitches in his next rehab start, which would put him on track to rejoin the big-league club in Anaheim next week. However, with veteran lefty Patrick Corbin pitching well, Toronto could delay Yesavage's return for another week. Yesavage will return to a rotation role, but don't be surprised if the Jays ease the young pitching prospect back into the fold. He should be rostered in all fantasy formats for his high-end strikeout upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
April 17, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Jose Berrios (elbow), who is attempting to pitch through a minor stress fracture in his right elbow, was hit hard in his first minor-league rehab start on Thursday at Single-A Dunedin. Berrios allowed five runs on five hits while walking one and striking out three in 2 2/3 innings. He's a bit more stretched out than other pitchers when they make their first rehab start, and he was able to get up to 47 total pitches in the outing. The results weren't pretty, but Berrios averaged 94.2 mph with his fastball, which was up 1.2 mph from last year. His injury sounds serious, but he's been cleared by doctors to pitch through it, and he hasn't reported any symptoms. Right-handed pitching prospect
Trey Yesavage (shoulder) will likely return from the 15-day injured list (possibly next week) before Berrios does. Berrios could return to the big leagues in the coming weeks, depending on whether he needs one, two, or three rehab appearances. When he does return, the 31-year-old Puerto Rican veteran could become a long man out of the bullpen, at least initially.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
April 17, 2026
Atlanta Braves right-hander
Spencer Strider (oblique) made his first minor-league rehab start on Thursday with High-A Rome and gave up just one hit while walking two and striking out three in 3 1/3 shutout innings. Strider looked good, retiring the first eight batters he faced while getting up to 50 total pitches. He began the 2026 regular season on the 15-day injured list with an oblique strain that he suffered in spring training in mid-March, but he's getting closer to making his season debut in the big leagues. Strider is expected to need at least two more rehab outings before the Braves feel comfortable throwing him back into their starting rotation. Barring a setback, the 27-year-old could be back in the big leagues in early May. Until then, veteran left-hander
Martin Perez could make a few more starts for Atlanta. Strider won a league-high 20 games and also led the league with 281 strikeouts in 186 2/3 innings in 2023, but he pitched in just two games in 2024 before having right-elbow surgery, and he didn't look the same in 23 starts last year. Still, Strider is worth stashing in hopes that he can rediscover his pre-surgery form in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
April 17, 2026
The Atlanta Braves selected the contract of veteran left-hander
Martin Perez to the major-league roster on Friday, and he will make the start in the series opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Perez recently elected free agency after he cleared waivers, but the veteran southpaw re-signed with the Braves and will now make his third start of the 2026 season. The 35-year-old Venezuelan hurler has only six strikeouts in his 14 1/3 innings pitched for the Braves in his three appearances (two starts), but he's allowed only five earned runs on nine hits while walking four. We wouldn't recommend the soft-tossing veteran lefty as a fantasy streamer for Friday night's difficult matchup on the road against the Phils, but Perez could make a couple more starts for Atlanta until
Spencer Strider (oblique) is ready to make his season debut later this month or in early May.
--Keith HernandezSource: Atlanta Braves
April 17, 2026
New York Yankees outfield prospect
Spencer Jones has continued to produce at Triple-A and remains in contention to earn a call to the major leagues. Jones has gone 8-for-25 over his last seven games while carrying a .320/.379/.520 slash line. During this stretch, Jones has tallied two doubles, one home run, and added 10 RBI. However, his strikeout rate remains a major weakness, as it has sat at a high 31.0% during this stretch. Overall, through 16 games with Triple-A this season, the former 25th overall selection has posted a .254/.357/.492 line with five doubles and three long balls. Over his first taste of Triple-A action last summer, Jones went deep 19 times over a short 67-game stint. While his strikeout rate remains a major weakness, his raw power is borderline elite. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression as he could enter stash territory if he continues this pace.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
April 17, 2026
Washington Nationals top infield prospect
Eli Willits has begun to tap into his power upside at Low-A Fredericksburg. The former No. 1 overall selection from last summer's draft has tallied a round-tripper in each of his last two games. These marked his first two long balls of the campaign and snapped a 10-game power drought to open the season. Since going 4-for-27 to open the regular season, Willits has begun to find his footing. Over his last five contests, Willits has gone 5-for-22 while swiping two bags and adding three extra-base hits. After joining the Nationals last summer, he was sent to Low-A for a short 15-game stint where he posted an elite .300/.397/.360 line. If Willits can return to this form, he should earn a promotion to High-A later this summer.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
April 17, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect
Luis Pena is enjoying an outstanding start with High-A Wisconsin. After going hitless in his season debut on April 4, Pena has logged at least one hit in each of his last seven games. During this stretch, Pena has gone 12-for-25, tallying one double and one triple. He has swiped four bags and only struck out five times (with four walks). The No. 2-ranked prospect in the system per MLB.com spent most of the 2025 season with Low-A Carolina before moving up to High-A in the second half. However, during his first taste of High-A, Pena struggled, posting a low .168/.220/.297 line over a 25-game stint. Seeing the 19-year-old quickly adjust to this level is very promising for his long-term outlook. Managers should expect Pena to remain at High-A for most of the season and potentially move up to Double-A after the All-Star break.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
April 17, 2026
Athletics left-handed pitching prospect
Gage Jump is enjoying an impressive start to the Triple-A regular season. Through his first three outings (10 1/3 innings), Jump has struck out 16 hitters while holding a 2.61 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. In his most recent outing on April 15, Jump racked up a season-high eight punchouts over a short 4 1/3 inning stint. While the Athletics have slowly increased Jump's workload in the early going, he will need to continue this trajectory to compete for an eventual MLB promotion. During the 2025 campaign, the former 73rd overall selection spent most of his time with Double-A, where he held his own, posting a 3.64 ERA, 1.20 WIHP, and an 86:29 K:BB over 81 2/3 innings. Given that the Athletics lack much depth in their rotation, Jump should be in the mix to debut later in the second half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
April 17, 2026
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect
Elmer Rodriguez turned in another strong showing at Triple-A and is quickly making the case to join the MLB roster in the coming weeks. On Thursday, Rodriguez faced the Syracuse Mets and tossed 5 2/3 shutout innings with six punchouts and two walks. He allowed only two hits. Over his first two games of the campaign, Rodriguez logged 10 innings (five innings in each game), while allowing three runs (two earned) with a 7:4 K:BB. Rodriguez was in the mix to break camp with the MLB roster, given their numerous pitching injuries, but was instead optioned to Triple-A. Last summer, Rodriguez spent most of the time with High-A and Double-A, logging 145 innings to the tune of a strong 2.36 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. Given his steady progress at Triple-A, Rodriguez could emerge as a viable stash candidate later in the first half.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
April 17, 2026
Cleveland Guardians infield prospect
Travis Bazzana is heating up at Triple-A Columbus and is quickly making the case to reach the major leagues. On Thursday, the former No. 1 overall pick tallied three hits with two of them being doubles. Bazzana is now riding a six-game hitting streak and has carried an impressive .358/.536/.708 slash line during this stretch. Prior to this surge, the former Oregon State standout went 6-for-29 over his first six games of the regular season. During the 2025 season, Bazzana spent most of his time with Double-A, where he carried a .225/.420/.438 line with a solid .858 OPS. Given his steady progression at the top level of the minors, Bazzana is quickly entering the stash territory among hitting prospects.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
April 17, 2026
Chicago White Sox outfielder
Everson Pereira blasted his third home run of the season on Thursday in the White Sox's 5-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. He finished the game going 2-for-3 with a walk, an RBI, and a run scored as part of his home run. Pereira has not gotten a ton of playing time thus far this season, with only 25 plate appearances through 19 games, but he has made the most of his opportunities, slashing .304/.360/.739 with five RBI and five runs scored. With a small sample size thus far in 2026, his underlying metrics support the small breakout, as evidenced by his .297 xBA, .444 xwOBA, and 93.4 mph average exit velocity. If Pereira continues to take advantage of his opportunities, he could earn more and more playing time as the season continues. The 25-year-old does not have much of a track record at the big leagues to go off of, so fantasy managers should not be chomping at the bit to pick him up just yet, but perhaps someone to keep their eye on moving forward.
--Nicho RoesslerSource: Baseball Savant
April 17, 2026
With less than a week until the 2026 NFL Draft, veteran running back
Najee Harris (Achilles) remains unsigned, and that is unlikely to change before teams have the chance to sort through the younger, healthier options of what is largely considered an underwhelming rookie class of runners. Following four serviceable seasons with the Steelers, Harris was signed by the Chargers, where he was expected to split time with rookie
Omarion Hampton, until a Fourth of July fireworks accident raised questions about whether his career might be over. He was ultimately able to return to the field for the start of the 2025 season, but after limited offseason conditioning, he tore his Achilles in Week 3, ending his Chargers career after only 15 carries. All reports suggest that his recovery has gone well, and while his fantasy heyday is likely behind him, in the right landing spot, he could still carve out just enough of a role to siphon touches from a team's lead back. Harris recently visited with the Raiders, where new head coach Klint Kubiak has a history of dividing the workload amongst his running backs and has already expressed an interest in continuing that approach in Vegas, despite the jarring lack of depth currently behind
Ashton Jeanty.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
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