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Robert Thomas Set to Stay in St. Louis
St. Louis Blues center Robert Thomas will remain with the team at the start of the next season, Andy Strickland of FanDuel Sports Network reports. Thomas was linked to a trade throughout the 2025-26 campaign, but the team has taken him off the market. The Blues have seen Thomas develop into a point-per-game player, though he struggled with health issues in 2025-26. Across 64 appearances, Thomas produced 25 goals and 39 assists. Thomas has a contract through the 2030-31 season with a cap hit of $8.125 million. Seeing Thomas stay put in St. Louis should be good news for fantasy managers, as he's nailed down a first-line center spot on the team and has been a very productive player when healthy for several years.
Source: Andy Strickland
Source: Andy Strickland
Milan Lucic Announces Retirement From NHL
Left wing Milan Lucic has announced his retirement from the NHL. He made the announcement on his 38th birthday. "Looking back on my career, I feel truly grateful to have fulfilled my dream of playing professional hockey, culminating with a Stanley Cup win in 2011 with the Boston Bruins," Lucic said in a statement. "I want to especially thank the Bruins for giving me my start in professional hockey and for instilling the confidence to reach new heights as a player." Lucic, who was a second-round draft pick in 2006, made 570 of his 1,177 regular-season appearances with the Bruins. He also suited up for the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings, recording 586 career points (233 goals, 353 assists). Lucic last played two seasons ago, appearing in four games with the Bruins.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Frederik Andersen Misses Practice for Maintenance
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen missed Monday's practice for maintenance. Brandon Bussi was in the starter's crease. Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour didn't name his starting goaltender for Tuesday's Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights. Andersen has started all 16 postseason games for Carolina, but he was pulled in Game 3 after allowing four goals with a .750 save percentage. Bussi made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut and had a solid outing with 18 saves and a .947 save percentage in a 5-4 double-overtime loss. Only three netminders won more games than Bussi during the regular season, as he posted a 31-6-2 record. Brind'Amour will have a big decision to make on Tuesday, particularly with Andersen's save percentage at a poor .815 in the Finals.
Source: TSN
Source: TSN
Peter Laviolette Takes Over as Kings Head Coach
The Los Angeles Kings are hiring Peter Laviolette as their new head coach, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. Sources have told Kaplan that Laviolette will join the Kings on a three-year deal. The Kings fired Jim Hiller as head coach on March 1 and finished the 2025-26 campaign with D.J. Smith serving as interim head coach. Laviolette is the winningest American-born head coach in NHL history, with an 846-562-25-161 record in 1,594 career games. Only eight coaches have worked in more regular-season games. Laviolette has led six teams, winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes. He was last in charge of the New York Rangers, who fired Laviolette after the team missed the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Source: Emily Kaplan
Source: Emily Kaplan
Michael Penix Jr. Getting Closer to 11-on-11 Work
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is getting closer to participating in 11-on-11 drills during offseason workouts, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Penix is still not ready to be a full-go in offseason practices after having surgery in the middle of November last year to fix a partially torn ACL in his left knee. With Penix struggling as the full-time starting QB in 2025 before tearing his ACL, the Falcons went out and signed former Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa to give them insurance at the position. Although Penix, the former eighth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Washington, is expected to compete for the starting QB job in training camp this summer, he could be fighting an uphill battle at this point. The good news is that Penix took part in seven-on-seven drills during OTAs, and he could be a full-go for practices by the time camp starts at the end of July. Still, there's no guarantee Penix will be starting games in 2026, even if he's fully recovered from knee surgery this summer.
Source: Miles Garrett
Source: Miles Garrett
Connor McDavid Wins Record-Tying Fifth Ted Lindsay Award
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid has once again made history, winning the Ted Lindsay Award for a record-tying fifth time. Formerly known as the Lester B. Pearson Award, the Ted Lindsay Award is presented annually by members of the NHL Players' Association to the league's most outstanding player in the regular season. By winning it for the fifth time, McDavid tied Wayne Gretzky's record. He led the league with 90 assists and 138 points in 82 games. Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks) and Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning) finished behind McDavid in the voting. McDavid is also competing with Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche) for the NHL's MVP award, the Hart Trophy.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Max Muncy Reinstated From Injured List on Monday
The Athletics reinstated infielder Max Muncy (hand) from the 10-day injured list on Monday and optioned infielder Darell Hernaiz to Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Muncy, who has been out of action since late April due to a fractured left hand, went 10-for-27 on his minor-league rehab assignment with three home runs and two doubles in seven games. The 23-year-old should be back in the starting lineup for the A's on Monday, although the team is facing a tough left-handed pitcher in Milwaukee Brewers southpaw Kyle Harrison. With Zack Gelof hitting well and occupying third base in Sacramento for the A's, Muncy could play regularly at the 6 for the A's upon his return, at least until Jacob Wilson (shoulder) returns from his own stint on the IL. The former first-rounder in 2021 was hitting just .239 (22-for-92) at the plate with two home runs, seven RBI, 15 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 26 games at the time of his hand fracture, and he's rostered in only 9% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Astros Recall Shay Whitcomb to MLB Roster, Worth Adding in Deeper Leagues?
The Houston Astros are recalling infielder Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land on Monday and placing infielder Nick Allen (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring injury in a corresponding move, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Whitcomb, 27, has yet to play in more than 20 games at the major-league level since debuting with the Astros in 2024. Over his 54 games played in the big leagues, he's hitting just .167/.219/.267 with a .485 OPS, two home runs, 10 RBI, six runs scored, six walks, and 27 strikeouts across 96 plate appearances. Fantasy managers can probably continue to avoid the former fifth-rounder in 2020 out of the University of California, San Diego. He profiles as primarily a super-utility man at the major-league level who most likely will struggle to find consistent playing time yet again.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Dylan Cease to Start on Tuesday for Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease (hamstring) will come off the 15-day injured list to start on Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Cease will return to Toronto's banged-up starting rotation after missing two weeks with a left-hamstring strain. He allowed five runs in four innings of work in his lone minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo last Thursday, but his stuff looked good, and he got up to 75 pitches in the outing. The 30-year-old veteran will be a bit riskier in his first start off the shelf against a Phillies team that has looked much better of late. However, Cease has pretty much been a must-start in fantasy baseball leagues in his first year with Toronto, going 3-3 with a 3.05 ERA (2.59 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 92 strikeouts and 26 walks in 62 innings pitched over his 11 starts. Overall, the Phillies still rank third-worst in major-league baseball with a .687 OPS on the year.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Daulton Varsho Missing Third Straight Game With Wrist Injury
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (wrist) is out of the starting lineup once again for Monday's series opener at the Rogers Centre against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, per MLB.com. Myles Straw will make another start in center field for Toronto and will bat seventh against Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez. Varsho is not expected to require a stint on the injured list due to inflammation in his left wrist, but this will be his third straight game on the bench. The good news is that the 29-year-old made an appearance in Sunday's series finale against the Baltimore Orioles as a defensive replacement, signaling that he could be back on the field in a starting role as early as Game 2 of the series in Canada on Tuesday. Varsho hit off a pitching machine earlier on Monday and could be available as a pinch-hitter in the series opener. He's a defensive stalwart in center for the Jays, but he's provided very little for fantasy managers in 2026 with his bat, hitting .256 (54-for-211) with five home runs, 17 RBI, 26 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 63 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chandler Simpson Still Out With Thumb Injury on Monday
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (thumb) remains sidelined for Monday's series opener against the division-rival Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field, according to MLB.com. Cedric Mullins is making another start in center field and will bat ninth for the Rays against Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early. Simpson will miss a third straight start due to a sore left thumb that has him considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Tuesday to see if he's ready to return for Game 2 of the series. The speedy 25-year-old has yet to homer in 169 major-league games since debuting with the Rays in 2025, but he does have 58 stolen bases and provides elite speed on the basepaths. Simpson also makes a lot of contact at the plate and is hitting .276/.312/.328 with a .639 OPS, four doubles, a league-high four triples, 12 RBI, and 30 runs scored in his 60 games played in his first full year in the big leagues. Fantasy managers setting DFS lineups should stay away from Mullins in the lefty-on-lefty matchup.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
J.P. Crawford Placed on Injured List With Hand Contusion
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 7) on Monday with a right-hand contusion, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Infielder Ryan Bliss has been recalled from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move. Crawford will be eligible to return from the IL next Tuesday, when the Mariners start their homestand. The 31-year-old veteran was hit by a pitch on his hand late last week and needs a little more rest. He should be ready to return when eligible next week. In the meantime, Colt Emerson will continue to fill in as the M's primary shortstop, with Patrick Wisdom picking up more playing time at the hot corner in Seattle. Crawford is only rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues at this point because of his limited fantasy ceiling across all categories. The 10-year veteran goes to the shelf hitting just .228 (44-for-193) on the season with 10 home runs, 23 RBI, 31 runs scored, and one stolen base in 233 plate appearances across 55 games played.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Viktor Hovland is Back Inside The Ropes for RBC Canadian Open
It was strange not to have Viktor Hovland in the field at Muirfield Village, where he won in 2023. The 28-year-old has been bothered by a nagging neck injury all season, which is presumably why he decided to skip ahead to this week in Canada. He'll be making his first start since missing the cut at Aronimink. Hovland has proven the ability to pop off after weeks of inactivity, but missing a tournament as historical as the Memorial, a tournament he's won before, does show a level of concern that DFS players need to pay attention to. The approach play is plenty good enough for him to get around TPC Toronto, but the inability to hole putts or have consistency around the greens creates a scoring gap that will be difficult to overcome. For a player with such a high price tag, it's wise to wait for form to improve before taking a chance.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Khristian Curtis Earns the Call to Triple-A, Will he Debut in 2026?
The Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting right-handed pitching prospect Khristian Curtis to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians on Monday, according to Chase Ford of Milb Central. Curtis, a 12th-round selection back in 2023 out of Arizona State University, earned the promotion to the top level in the minors despite going 0-7 with a 4.73 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and 67:25 K:BB in 53 1/3 innings pitched across his 12 starts for Double-A Altoona this year. The 24-year-old is the club's No. 21 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. Despite his near-5.00 ERA and winless showing at Altoona, Curtis is one of Pittsburgh's top pitching prospects and could realistically make a push for a spot on the major-league roster at some point next year. He has good size at 6-foot-5, 215 pounds, and some of the best stuff among all of the Bucs' pitching prospects. Curtis gets plenty of swings and misses with his fastball, cutter, slider, and changeup. Control has been an issue for him on the farm, but stuff-wise, Curtis should be on the stash radar of fantasy managers in deeper keeper leagues going into the second half of the 2026 season.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Devin Fitz-Gerald Moving to Double-A, Emerging as Must-Roster Dynasty Asset?
The Washington Nationals are promoting shortstop prospect Devin Fitz-Gerald to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators on Monday, according to Milb Central. Fitz-Gerald, who is considered the Nats' No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, earned the promotion after hitting .267/.373/.530 with a .903 OPS, 12 home runs, 37 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 42 runs scored in 51 games across 237 plate appearances for High-A Wilmington this year. The 20-year-old was originally a fifth-round selection by the Texas Rangers in 2024 out of a high school in Florida. He stands at 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds and is a switch-hitter who has an advanced knowledge of the strike zone for his age. Fitz-Gerald doesn't have a ton of pop, but he is good at lifting the ball into the air and could develop more power as he matures. Defensively, he can play shortstop, third, and second base, but in the long-term, he might profile best at the keystone due to average arm strength. Right now, the Floridian should be considered a stash candidate in deeper dynasty/keeper leagues, with his MLB debut most likely a few years away.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Kevin Alcantara Sent Back to Triple-A
The Chicago Cubs are sending outfielder Kevin Alcantara back to Triple-A Iowa on Monday, according to Tommy Birth of the Des Moines Register. Alcantara, 23, only appeared in 12 games for the Cubs and had just one hit in 10 plate appearances with a run scored, one walk, and four strikeouts. The move to demote the Dominican outfielder comes a day after he made a baserunning mistake in the team's extra-inning win at Wrigley Field over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday night. In just 25 games at the big-league level since making his major-league debut in 2024 in Chicago, Alcantara has hit .200/.250/.200 with no homers, an RBI, four runs, one stolen base, two walks, and nine strikeouts. He'll return to Iowa, where he has slashed .242/.339/.567 with a .906 OPS, 15 long balls, 32 RBI, 27 runs scored, and three steals across 41 games and 180 plate appearances. Alcantara could be back up with the Cubbies this year, but probably only as outfield depth.
Source: Des Moines Register - Tommy Birch
Source: Des Moines Register - Tommy Birch
Alex Fitzpatrick Becoming a DFS Darling Ahead of RBC Canadian Open
It's been nice riding the wave of success that Alex Fitzpatrick has experienced over the last two months from a DFS perspective. A guy who many feel got an assisted tour card because of his win at a team event, but is steadily proving the doubters wrong with every start. The 27-year-old has three top 10s in his first four official PGA Tour starts, all of them in signature events. He's demolishing fields with his ball striking, where he ranked third in strokes gained from tee to green (2.46). It's only a matter of time before the putts fall, and he secures a victory on his own merit. This week's event at TPC Toronto asks similar questions to Muirfield, albeit with slightly less aggression and penalty. Given the current trajectory, Fitzpatrick is an easy DFS recommendation.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Wyndham Clark Looks to Continue Hot Streak at RBC Canadian Open
For much of the week at Muirfield, it looked like Wyndham Clark was on his way to winning back-to-back starts. It wasn't to be, as he fell one shot shy of the eventual playoff at -12 under. He led the field in strokes gained on approach (2.24) and ranked fourth around the green (1.28). If any putts had fallen over the middle rounds of his tournament, he would have likely run away with it. The difficulty is knowing if this level of play will continue or if it's simply catching lightning in a bottle. Clark was able to score at a venue known for penalizing rough despite missing nearly half of his fairways. That recipe won't always reward a chance to win the golf tournament. Next up is the RBC Canadian Open, where he finished T59 last season. Even with the last couple of results, he shouldn't be viewed as more than a worrisome play with upside.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Dylan Crews Still Worth a Pickup Amid Slump?
Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews has not enjoyed much success in his return to the majors, but the upside still keeps him on the waiver-wire radar. Crews is hitting .197 through 16 games since returning to Washington, though he showed signs of life Saturday, June 6, against the Arizona Diamondbacks by going 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored. Crews' waiver appeal is more about upside than immediate production. The surface numbers remain light, but his 91.3 mph average exit velocity and improved strikeout profile in comparison to his 2025 rate give fantasy managers a reason to stay interested before the results fully show up. The former second-overall pick has also posted a 46.9% hard-hit rate, which is well above the average marks. Crews is best viewed as an upside waiver-wire target for managers who can afford to wait on the former top prospect as he finds his footing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Burns is a DFS Must-Have at RBC Canadian Open
It was an extremely close call for Sam Burns on Sunday at the Memorial Tournament, as he shared the lead with a couple of holes to go before losing by two and finishing T4. There is little to be unhappy about, though, considering it was the most complete week of the season from a statistics perspective. The former LSU Tiger finished seventh in the field in strokes gained from tee to green (2.01), also ranking in the same position in strokes gained putting (1.10). He returns this week to TPC Toronto, where he finished runner-up a year ago. Considering how well the ball striking is compiled with the tremendous putting talent, Burns will be one of the most locked plays of the week.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Is Ryne Nelson a Useful Pickup For Matchup-Based Innings?
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson gave fantasy managers a useful outing Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks across seven innings in a no-decision. Nelson has now worked at least seven innings in four of his last five starts, giving him steady volume despite some uneven results. Across 13 starts, he has struck out 55 hitters, while walking 21 with a 4.60 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP over 72 1/3 innings. Nelson's waiver appeal comes more from volume and matchup-based value than overpowering strikeout upside. He has allowed 15 home runs, so there is still some risk in the profile, but the steady innings and low 6.9% walk rate keep him useful in the right spots. Nelson is worth adding for managers looking for solid rotation depth and a boost in WHIP, given his above-average command.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Steer a Must-Add with Five-Category Potential
Cincinnati Reds first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer has gone hitless in three straight games, but his overall production still keeps him on the waiver-wire radar. The 28-year-old is hitting .266 with nine home runs, 24 RBI, 38 runs scored, and 12 doubles with a 50:25 K:BB across 218 at-bats. Steer has also chipped in three stolen bases and shown solid upside on the base paths earlier in his career, swiping double-digit bags in two of his previous three seasons. He showcased his overall upside on Tuesday, June 2, against the Kansas City Royals, going 2-for-4 with two home runs, three runs scored, and two RBI. Steer's appeal comes from his ability to help in power and runs while offering useful lineup flexibility. He continues to bat in the heart of the Cincinnati lineup, which will keep him in a prime position to bolster his counting stats. Rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues, Steer is worth adding wherever he remains available for managers looking for corner-infield or outfield help across the five standard categories.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zebby Matthews Emerging as Top Waiver-Wire Option Among Starting Pitchers
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthews bounced back Friday against the Kansas City Royals, allowing two runs on five hits and four walks across seven innings in a 5-3 win. The outing helped settle things after a rough start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 31, when he allowed a season-high seven earned runs over 4 1/3 innings. Through five starts, Matthews owns a 4.15 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts across 30 1/3 innings. Matthews has allowed three earned runs or fewer in four of his five outings and has worked at least six innings four times. The five home runs allowed keep some risk in the profile, but the workload, and 26:8 K:BB give him enough waiver appeal for fantasy managers needing rotation help. Rostered in 31% of Yahoo leagues, Matthews is worth adding in standard leagues as a solid depth starter who should deliver an elite WHIP.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Orioles Promote Trey Gibson, Worth Adding in Deeper Leagues?
The Baltimore Orioles are promoting right-hander Trey Gibson ahead of Monday's start against the Seattle Mariners. Gibson is Baltimore's No. 4 prospect according to MLB.com and has made two MLB starts this season (three appearances), posting a 3.65 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, five strikeouts, and seven walks across 12 1/3 innings. Gibson's prospect status and immediate rotation opportunity make him worth watching, but his early MLB sample carries some risk. His 5:7 K:BB and 6.10 FIP point to command concerns through the small sample, so fantasy managers should keep expectations measured. At Triple-A Norfolk this season, Gibson has posted a 3.55 ERA with 38 punchouts over 38 innings of work. Rostered in less than 1% of Yahoo leagues, Gibson is a speculative add in deeper formats, but he should be treated as a risky option until he shows better command.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
Matt Shaw Expected to Return From Injured List on Tuesday
Chicago Cubs infielder/outfielder Matt Shaw (back) is expected to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Shaw spent a few days on a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A and is now in line to rejoin a Cubs lineup that has struggled offensively and on the bases lately. Shaw has hit .242 with three home runs, 12 RBI, 10 runs scored, three stolen bases, and a .400 slugging percentage across 95 at-bats this season. The overall production has been modest, but the power-speed mix gives him some fantasy appeal if he works back into regular playing time. During his debut season, Shaw hit 13 home runs and swiped 17 bags over a 126-game stint. Fantasy managers should monitor his role once he returns, as he will likely remain a super-utility option, which limits his value in standard leagues.
Source: Jesse Rogers
Source: Jesse Rogers
Denny Hamlin Goes From the Back to Victory Lane at Michigan
For the second week in a row, Denny Hamlin went to the back and spent the whole race recovering to the front for a victory in the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Hamlin was originally set to start first after scoring the pole in qualifying, but had to make unapproved adjustments to his car after qualifying due to damage received from a flat tire in practice. In the first stage, Hamlin went from the back to 25th by the end of the first stage. In the second stage, Hamlin continued to move through the field, but was also caught in a multicar accident on lap 83. Despite spinning in the incident, Hamlin was able to continue and went on to end the second stage in eighth. In the final stage, Hamlin continued to move up as he finally made it back to the top five by lap 128. On the race's final restart on lap 162, Hamlin went up to the lead past William Byron, Daniel Suarez, and Carson Hocevar, and never looked back, leading 40 total laps overall to get his fourth Michigan win and third win of the 2026 season. This win also tied Kyle Busch for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list in the Cup Series at 63, and he is now 51 points behind in second place in the regular season standings after 15 races.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Erik Jones Earns his Best Finish of the 2026 Season So Far at Michigan
Legacy Motor Club's Erik Jones finished in second in the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Jones was initially set to start 10th, but his team made unapproved adjustments before the race, and per NASCAR rules, he had to start at the rear at the green flag. Jones spent the entire first stage making up positions from the back and ended it in 15th. In the second stage, Jones continued to ascend to the field and made it up to the top five over time. By the end of the stage, he passed Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, and Daniel Suarez to finish the stage in second behind Chase Elliott, earning nine stage points in the process. In the final stage, Jones kept falling back in positions due to pit stops, but had the car to recover back to the front. On the final green flag run of the race, Jones went from the back of the top 10 all the way to second to finish 11 seconds behind Denny Hamlin. This was Jones' best finish of the 2026 season and of his career at Michigan. After 15 Cup races this season, Jones now sits 18th in the standings and is 18 points behind Austin Cindric for the final spot in the Chase.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Bubba Wallace Moves Up the Standings After Finishing Third at Michigan
Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing finished in the third position for this year's FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday. Wallace began the race from the 13th position, but took advantage of a fast car and great pit stops in the first stage to move up to fifth by the end of the stage. Wallace earned six stage points as a result. In the second stage, Wallace kept running inside the top five through most of the stage, competing with Ty Gibbs, Carson Hocevar, and Chase Elliott. Despite being involved in a multicar accident on lap 83, Wallace continued on and ran inside the top five until the end of the second stage, when he faded back to 11th. In the final stage, Wallace kept his car clean and ran towards the back half of the top 10 through most of the stage. However, he took advantage of multiple cautions and restarts to move back towards the front, and on the final green flag run, he made it as high as second behind Denny Hamlin until Erik Jones passed him late before the checkered flag. As a result, Wallace settled for his third top-5 finish in the last five Michigan Cup races. Wallace's finish also moves him up to 11th in the regular-season standings after 15 races this year.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Chase Elliott Wrecks In the Final Stage at Michigan After Leading the Most Laps
Chase Elliott was one of the top performers through the first half of the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, but ultimately could not maintain a top finish by the end of Sunday's race. Elliott began the race from sixth and quietly ran inside the top 10 throughout the entire first stage. The No. 9 Chevrolet driver ended the first stage in fourth and earned seven stage points. In the second stage, Elliott continued to work his way through the top five until a lap 67 pit stop, which shuffled Elliott into the lead past his teammate Kyle Larson. Elliott went on to win the second stage and obtain 10 more stage points. In the final stage, Elliott continued to lead the race until a lap 142 caution for Zane Smith crashing. Elliott lost the lead to William Byron through pit stops, and then, a couple of laps later, after the restart on lap 148, Elliott's car got loose and knocked himself and Christopher Bell into the outside wall. This ended Elliott's day, and he finished in 37th after leading 67 laps, the most of all drivers. Elliott is now fourth in the regular-season standings after 16 races, 187 points behind Tyler Reddick.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
Tyler Reddick Crashes Out at Michigan After Winning A Stage
Tyler Reddick's performance in the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway had promise, but ultimately was a disappointment. Reddick began the race from third but quickly made his way to the lead after passing Carson Hocevar partway through the first stage. The No. 45 Toyota driver went on to dominate the rest of the first stage and win it, earning 10 stage points. Between stages, Reddick waited for extra fuel on pit road during his pit stop, causing him to lose the lead. After the second stage began, he continued to run inside the top five through most of the stage and was set to make a run for the lead again after a lap 78 caution for A.J. Allmendinger spinning caused another restart. However, as the race restarted on lap 83, Hocevar bumped into John Hunter Nemechek and triggered a multicar accident that caught Reddick. Ultimately, Reddick took too much damage from this crash to continue and placed 35th, giving him his first DNF of the 2026 season. Reddick's early exit caused his points lead in the regular season standings to drop to 51 points over Denny Hamlin, who won Sunday's race, after 15 Cup races this season.
Source: NASCAR.com
Source: NASCAR.com
