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Dylan Cease Strikes Out 11 in First Game Back From the Injured List
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease looked as healthy as ever on Tuesday night in his team's 3-2 win over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies at the Rogers Centre in what was his first start back from a stay on the 15-day injured list due to a strained hamstring. Cease allowed just one earned run on three hits while walking one and striking out 11 in six innings for a no-decision. He tied a career high with 29 swings and misses, and it was the fourth time this year that he struck out double-digit batters. The fantastic first outing back lowered Cease's season ERA to 2.91. The 30-year-old has been outstanding so far in his first season in Toronto, and he has had at least seven strikeouts in each of his last six outings, dating back to May 2. Cease has turned into a must-start fantasy asset north of the border and will get a juicy matchup his next time out against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. In his first start against the BoSox on April 27, Cease took his first loss of the year, allowing four earned runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out a season-low five batters in 5 2/3 innings of work.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cole Ragans Scheduled to Throw a Bullpen on Wednesday
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Wednesday, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Ragans has been on the 15-day injured list since early May due to a left elbow impingement. He was shut down from his initial attempt to come back in late May after experiencing renewed stiffness in the elbow, which could lead Kansas City to be extra cautious with him this time around. Across 35 1/3 innings (eight starts) before the injury, Ragans recorded a 1-4 record with a 4.84 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts. The 28-year-old struggled mightily with command, issuing walks to 15.2% of the batters he faced. Ragans emerged as a fantasy ace in 2024 when he posted a 3.14 ERA with 223 strikeouts across 186 1/3 innings, but he's struggled with injuries and inconsistency since then. Still, the left-hander's ability to miss bats provides him with significant fantasy upside. Barring a setback, Ragans could be on track to return to the Royals rotation in late June or early July.
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Source: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
Mick Abel to Make a Rehab Start on Wednesday
Minnesota Twins right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) is scheduled to throw three innings or 50 pitches in a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. It will be Abel's first game action since he landed on the 15-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow back in late April. Because of how long the 24-year-old has been out, he will require multiple rehab starts before the Twins consider activating him and having him rejoin the starting rotation. The former first-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 out of a high school in Oregon has only made four appearances (three starts) for Minnesota this year and has posted a 3.98 ERA (2.76 FIP), 1.57 WHIP, and 23:10 K:BB in 20 1/3 frames. Abel has generated above-average strikeout rates in the minors with high-end velocity, but control has been an issue. His return isn't imminent, but in deeper fantasy leagues, Abel could be worth stashing for his strikeout upside once he gets closer to coming off the IL. He's currently rostered in just 13% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Brandon Woodruff Set to Begin Rehab Assignment in the Arizona Complex League
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) has been sent to the Arizona Complex League on a rehab assignment. The 33-year-old has been on the 15-day injured list since late April after experiencing "dead arm" and a drastic drop in velocity during a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Woodruff pitched reasonably well before hitting the shelf, recording a 2-1 record with a 3.60 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts across 30 innings (six starts). However, Woodruff's average fastball velocity was a career-worst 92.3 miles per hour, and his strikeout rate had dropped from 32.3% in 2025 to 20.7% in 2026. The veteran has an extended track record of injury issues at this point, as he's made just 29 starts since the start of the 2023 season. Milwaukee will likely allow him an extended run of rehab starts to try to build him back up to full strength before bringing him back to the big-league rotation.
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Adley Rutschman Day-to-Day With Hamstring Tightness
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (hamstring) is day-to-day with tightness in his left hamstring, manager Craig Albernaz told Jake Rill of MLB.com. It explains why Rutschman hasn't played in either of the last two games in Baltimore against the Seattle Mariners. Fellow catcher Samuel Basallo is also dealing with wrist pain, so Sam Huff was forced to do the catching for left-hander Trevor Rogers on Tuesday. Fantasy managers will want to check back to see if the 28-year-old switch-hitting Rutschman is feeling good enough to return to action for Game 3 of the series against Seattle at Camden Yards. The former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oregon State University came into Tuesday's game hitting .267/.343/.489 with an .832 OPS, eight home runs, 36 RBI, and 25 runs scored in his 180 plate appearances so far this year. Rutschman has been even better so far in just six games in June, going 9-for-25 (.360) with a homer, two doubles, a triple, seven RBI, and five runs scored in 27 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill
Trevor Megill Battling Side/Oblique Tightness
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Trevor Megill (side/oblique) is dealing with side/oblique tightness, per Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Megill was unavailable for Milwaukee's game on Monday, but Rosiak reports that he should be available to pitch on Tuesday against the Athletics. Across 23 innings (24 games) this season, the 32-year-old has pitched to a 4.70 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and eight saves. Milwaukee has utilized both Megill and right-hander Abner Uribe in the closer role in 2026, but Megill has appeared in the ninth inning or later in six straight appearances and looked to be the team's preferred option for saves before the injury. It seems as though Megill has avoided a major injury, but his health status is still worth monitoring for fantasy managers until he's fully in the clear.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
No Structural Damage Present in Jorge Polanco's Achilles Tendon
An MRI on New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco's (Achilles, ankle) injured left leg showed no structural damage to his Achilles tendon, per Andrew Tredinnick of NorthJersey.com. Tredinnick reports that the Mets are planning to "adjust Polanco's pregame work" but that he will "not be shut down." Polanco has been on the injured list since mid-April due to a lingering Achilles issue. His current rehab assignment was disrupted after he suffered an ankle injury on Saturday, but it appears as though he's avoided a major setback and should be able to resume his rehab within the next few days. Polanco got off to a rough start to the 2026 season before being placed on the IL, hitting .179/.246/.286 with one home run, two RBI, and three runs scored across 61 plate appearances. Still, the 32-year-old was a useful fantasy piece as recently as last season, when he hit .265 with 26 home runs across 524 plate appearances with the Seattle Mariners. Polanco's profile comes with major injury risk, but he could be worth targeting on the waiver wire once he's cleared to return to the Mets.
Source: NorthJersey.com - Andrew Tredinnick
Source: NorthJersey.com - Andrew Tredinnick
Jameson Taillon Out Until After the All-Star Break
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that the team will be without right-hander Jameson Taillon (hamstring), whose hamstring strain is being described as "moderate," until after the All-Star break in mid-July, per Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times. The Cubs officially placed the 34-year-old veteran on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with a strained left hamstring that he suffered in his start on Sunday night against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. With Taillon facing an extended absence, there's no reason at this point to hang on in most mixed leagues. The soft-tossing right-hander is currently 2-5 on the year with a 5.19 ERA (6.31 FIP) and 1.30 WHIP with 59 strikeouts, 23 walks, and a league-leading 20 home runs allowed in 67 2/3 innings across his 13 starts for the Cubbies in his 10th year in the big leagues. Left-hander Javier Assad is expected to replace Taillon in Chicago's injury-plagued starting rotation. The good news is that left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee) is expected to come off the IL to rejoin the rotation this weekend.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Vinnie Duber
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Vinnie Duber
Kodai Senga Scratched From Rehab Start Due to Nerve Irritation in his Arm
New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (back, arm) was scratched from his rehab start with Double-A Binghamton on Tuesday due to ulnar nerve irritation in his arm, per Will Sammon of The Athletic. Senga was working his way back from lumbar spine inflammation, which landed him on the 15-day injured list. While the 33-year-old looked to be nearing his return from the back issue, it appears he now has an entirely new injury situation on his hands. Senga got off to a terrible start to the 2026 season before the back injury, recording a 0-4 record with a 9.00 ERA and 1.95 WHIP across 20 innings (five starts). Injuries have been a persistent concern for Senga, as he's made just 28 starts since the start of the 2024 season. Until he proves he can be both healthy and productive with any consistency, Senga can be left on the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Source: The Athletic - Will Sammon
Ronald Acuna Jr. Dealing With Hamstring Tightness
Updating a previous report, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) was removed from Tuesday's game early against the Chicago White Sox with tightness in his left hamstring, according to Barrett Sallee of 680 The Fan. Acuna tweaked his left hamstring in the fourth inning while trying to beat out a grounder to third base and hobbled off the field with a trainer. Considering Acuna already missed time and landed on the injured list with a left-hamstring injury this year, we think there's a high likelihood that he'll end up back on the IL. Fantasy managers need to prepare for that possibility. Eli White replaced Acuna in right field after he went 0-for-2 with a strikeout, and he will likely be in line for starts in Atlanta's outfield if Acuna misses more time going forward. Acuna, a five-time All-Star and former MVP, has elite five-category upside, but he's also no stranger to injuries, and 2026 is shaping up as another injury-plagued season. He entered Tuesday's game in Chicago with a .254/.373/.425 slash line, .798 OPS, seven homers, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across his 52 games played.
Source: 680 The Fan - Barrett Sallee
Source: 680 The Fan - Barrett Sallee
Francisco Lindor Set to Go Through Full Baseball Activities this Week
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf) is set to go through full baseball activities during his team's homestand this week, per Chelsea Janes of SNY. Lindor is working his way back from a calf strain that has sidelined him since late April. The superstar shortstop got off to a rough start to the year before getting injured, hitting .226/.314/.355 with two home runs, five RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 105 plate appearances. However, Lindor has been one of the most consistent five-category producers in fantasy baseball in recent seasons. Across 732 plate appearances in 2025, Lindor hit .267 with 31 home runs, 86 RBI, 117 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases. If all goes well this week, it appears Lindor could be nearing a return to the Mets lineup in mid-to-late June.
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
Kayshon Boutte is Full-Go at Minicamp
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was seen back on the field for mandatory minicamp. Boutte didn't participate in voluntary OTAs, but is back with the team now. It remains to be seen what kind of role Boutte is going to have with A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs joining this offense over the offseason. Boutte said that he's willing to play anywhere and wants to help the team however he can. He has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason and is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He finished with 33 receptions, 551 receiving yards, and six touchdowns last season. It's tough to imagine his stats improving with Brown and Doubs on the roster now. He's at camp and saying the right things, but we'll see what kind of involvement he has in the offense.
Source: Boston Herald
Source: Boston Herald
Casey Mize Goes Five Innings in Rehab Start With Low-A
Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin) looked good in a minor-league rehab start with Low-A Lakeland on Tuesday, allowing an earned run on three hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out five in five innings of work, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. He threw 36 of his 55 pitches for strikes in the outing. It was the 29-year-old's first rehab start since landing on the 15-day injured list with a groin injury, and it could be his last before rejoining Detroit's starting rotation when he's first eligible to return for a matchup in Sunday's series finale in Cleveland against the division-rival Guardians. Mize has been solid in his first nine starts this year for the Tigers, going 2-3 with a 2.27 ERA (2.42 FIP) and 0.96 WHIP with 49 strikeouts and 12 walks in 47 2/3 innings, but he won't be a recommended streamer for fantasy managers if he starts on Sunday for Detroit in what will likely be a limited pitch count. But with a career-high 26.5% strikeout rate so far in 2026, Mize isn't a terrible matchup-based streamer in mixed leagues, and he's rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: The Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Jacoby Brissett is at Minicamp, but Not Practicing
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett has reported to mandatory minicamp, but is not practicing. Brissett is reporting to avoid fines, but he doesn't want to practice until he gets a new contract. The veteran quarterback is currently entering the final year deal, and is set to make $4.88 million this upcoming season. Brissett wants a restructured deal that reflects what a starting quarterback would be making in the league these days. Last season, Brissett threw for a career-high 3,366 passing yards and 23 touchdowns, but posted a 1-11 record as the starter. It'll be interesting to see if the Cardinals cave into the demands of the 33-year-old veteran. The Cardinals have Gardner Minshew II and rookie Carson Beck as their other options at quarterback.
Source: Josh Weinfuss
Source: Josh Weinfuss
Tarik Skubal Could Return to Tigers Rotation on Friday or Saturday
Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) is feeling good a day after his minor-league rehab start for High-A West Michigan, according to Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. Skubal will throw a bullpen session on Wednesday, and all signs continue to point to him coming off the 15-day injured list to start on Friday or Saturday in Cleveland against the division-rival Guardians. In his rehab start on Sunday, the two-time Cy Young winner struck out six in five innings and came out without any setbacks after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his left elbow several weeks ago. The 29-year-old two-time All-Star has recovered extremely quickly from what was a minimally invasive surgery, although he'll carry more risk for fantasy managers in his first start back from the IL. Before getting hurt, Skubal went 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts in 43 1/3 innings over his first seven starts of 2026. Even though he hasn't pitched for Detroit since April 29, Skubal should be returned to fantasy lineups this weekend against a Guardians team that ranks 26th in baseball with a .689 OPS.
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy Sharing Reps
Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are splitting up first-team reps to begin mandatory minicamp. Murray is currently the favorite to win the starting job, but the Vikings aren't going to hand him the job. The expectation is that the Vikings are going to give both quarterbacks a fair chance during the preseason. Murray has mentioned that the most difficult part for him so far has been transitioning to a new roster while splitting up the reps. It's not an ideal situation, but the Vikings need to evaluate what they have in both quarterbacks before picking a starter. Murray is a seven-year veteran, so the experience alone will likely be enough to earn him the starting role in Week 1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Drake Baldwin to Start a Rehab Assignment This Weekend
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that catcher Drake Baldwin (oblique) will face live pitching on Thursday and Friday before starting a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett this weekend, according to Zach Sweet of MLB.com. "Thursday and Friday will be big days for him," Weiss said. If everything goes well during the 25-year-old backstop's rehab assignment this weekend, Weiss said that Baldwin could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list during the team's homestand from June 16-21. The left-handed-hitting catcher is recovering from a Grade 1 strained right oblique that has kept him out for the last two weeks, but he's inching closer to a potential return next week. With Baldwin sidelined, the Braves have been using a combination of veteran Sandy Leon and Austin Wynns behind the plate. Baldwin was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2025 and is already one of the best fantasy options at the position. He's hit .303 (57-for-188) so far in 2026 with 13 home runs, 38 RBI, 39 runs scored, and a stolen base, and he shouldn't be floating around on the waiver wire in any fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Zach Sweet
Source: MLB.com - Zach Sweet
Ronald Acuna Jr. Departs Early Tuesday With Lower-Leg Injury
Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (lower leg) was pulled from Tuesday's game early in Chicago against the White Sox after being thrown out at first and limped to the dugout with a trainer, according to Lindsay Crosby of Braves Today. Acuna looked to tweak something in his left leg while attempting to beat out a ground ball to third base in the fourth inning. Stay tuned for more information on Acuna's status and whether he might need another stint on the injured list. Before he was replaced in right field by Eli White, Acuna went 0-for-2 at the plate with a strikeout and a groundout. If Acuna requires a lengthy absence due to his injury, White will be in line for more playing time in Atlanta's outfield going forward. The 28-year-old Acuna has played in only 53 games so far in 2026 after already missing time with a leg injury in 2026, and he entered play on Tuesday with a .254/.373/.425 slash line, .798 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 31 runs scored across 233 plate appearances, numbers that don't really live up to the high expectations that Acuna is known for. UPDATE: Acuna was diagnosed with left-hamstring tightness in the same leg that landed him on the IL earlier this season.
Source: Braves Today - Lindsay Crosby
Source: Braves Today - Lindsay Crosby
Zach Charbonnet Could Return in Early October
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) could make a return to the field earlier than expected. According to Corbin K. Smith, Charbonnet is on track to return in early October. That's encouraging news considering Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL during the divisional round victory over the San Francisco 49ers in mid-January. Typically, these injuries take anywhere from 9 to 12 months to fully heal. He underwent surgery in February, so an October timetable is a little early, but it doesn't seem out of the question. In the meantime, the Seahawks are likely going to lean on rookie Jadarian Price and Emanuel Wilson in the backfield. An early October return date would give Charbonnet more stash value heading into draft season.
Source: Corbin K. Smith
Source: Corbin K. Smith
Saquon Barkley Getting More Work in the Passing Game
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has been getting more work in the passing game than expected early in camp. During the first two minicamp sessions, Barkley looks to be taking on a larger role as a pass-catcher. Last season, Barkley hauled in 37 receptions for 273 receiving yards with two touchdowns through the air. Over the last five seasons, Barkley has only surpassed 50 receptions in a single season once. It seems possible that the Eagles want to limit his rushing reps and see him take on a larger role as a pass-catcher in the backfield. If that happens, Barkley could potentially see a rise in PPR fantasy value.
Source: Bleeding Green Nation
Source: Bleeding Green Nation
Samuel Basallo Sits Out on Tuesday With Wrist Pain
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (wrist) was on the bench for a second straight day on Tuesday against the Seattle Mariners at Camden Yards due to wrist pain, according to Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Adley Rutschman also got a second straight day off, and it's unclear if he's dealing with an injury. With both Basallo and Rutschman out for Game 2 of the series, Sam Huff made the start behind the dish and was hitting in the nine-hole for the O's against Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert. The 21-year-old Basallo also missed some time recently with an abdominal injury, so he's been a bit banged up lately. He was diagnosed with a bony growth on his left wrist on Monday, and it's something that could be an issue for him going forward. The Dominican left-handed-hitting catcher came into Tuesday's action batting .266/.330/.480 with an .810 OPS, nine home runs, 26 RBI, and 25 runs scored in his 177 at-bats in 2026 in his first full year in the majors. Basallo hasn't been as good in his last 18 games since May 19, going 11-for-47 (.234) with three homers, two doubles, nine RBI, seven runs, six walks, and 14 strikeouts, and it could be because of his recurring wrist issue. Stay tuned for more information.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Colson Montgomery Dealing With Back Tightness
Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz said that infielder Colson Montgomery (back) is getting an extra day off on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves to recover from some back tightness that he's been dealing with, according to James Fegan of Sox Machine. Luisangel Acuna made the start at the 6 for the Pale Hose on Tuesday and was hitting in the eight-hole against Braves right-hander Grant Holmes. Fantasy managers should consider Montgomery to be day-to-day for now and check back on Wednesday to see if he's feeling good enough to return to action. The 24-year-old former 22nd overall pick in 2021 out of a high school in Indiana is hitting just .225 (53-for-236) in his first full season in the majors, but he has provided fantasy managers with plenty of power with 16 home runs, 12 doubles, 38 RBI, and 31 runs scored across his first 64 games and 270 plate appearances in 2026. He's rostered in 90% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sox Machine - James Fegan
Source: Sox Machine - James Fegan
Konnor Griffin to Resume Throwing on Wednesday
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin (elbow) said the plan is for him to start throwing again on Wednesday, according to Pirates reporter Jason Mackey. Griffin is currently on the 10-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow, with no timetable for a return, but it's good news that he's already been cleared to resume throwing the baseball. The 20-year-old phenom isn't going to be ready to come off the IL when he's eligible, and he could be out for an extended period of time. Until Griffin can return from his elbow injury, Jared Triolo should be the Pirates' primary option at shortstop. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 didn't make the Pirates' Opening Day roster, but it wasn't long before he was called up to make his major-league debut in 2026. Griffin hasn't posted eye-popping numbers, but he has more than held his own in his first 51 big-league games, slashing .270/.327/.402 with a .729 OPS, four home runs, nine doubles, two triples, 22 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and 30 runs scored across 208 plate appearances. Despite a potential lengthy absence, Griffin remains rostered in 86% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Jason Mackey
Source: Jason Mackey
Oneil Cruz Still Dealing With Hand Injury
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (hand) was initially slated to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park, but he was scratched from the lineup and missed his second straight game with a cut on his hand that he suffered on Saturday, according to the team. Jake Mangum got the start in center field on Tuesday and was hitting seventh in the batting order against Dodgers left-hander Eric Lauer. The 27-year-old Cruz's injury isn't considered serious, so he could be back in action as soon as Wednesday against L.A. Cruz hits the ball as hard as anyone in the big leagues when he makes contact, making him a must-start in all fantasy formats when he's active. The Dominican outfielder currently leads the league with 98 strikeouts in 283 plate appearances this year, but he's a multi-category contributor and is slashing .264/.350/.472 with an .822 OPS, 14 home runs, 44 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 45 runs scored in 64 games. Cruz is well on pace to set a new career high in home runs in his sixth year in the majors.
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Alec Pierce Might Not be Ready for Start of Training Camp
When asked about wide receiver Alec Pierce's ankle surgery, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen allowed for the possibility of him not being ready for the start of training camp in late July, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. The head coach said it could be "a couple weeks in." Pierce broke out in 2025 in his fourth year in the league with 47 receptions on 84 targets for a career-high 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games played. It was the second year in a row that he led the league in yards per reception at 21.3. The momentum he created last year has been stalled by offseason ankle surgery, though, and it sounds like he won't be ready for the start of camp this summer. It could be an issue for the Colts' WR room after they traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason. If Pierce's ankle injury limits him early on in 2026, the Colts would be asking Josh Downs, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Ashton Dulin, and rookie Deion Burks to step up. Pierce's fantasy stock is on the rise as a big-play threat at the position, but he's becoming more of a risky boom/bust WR3/flex target as the 2026 season nears.
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Continues to Work Off to the Side During OTAs
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (undisclosed) continues to work on the side field during OTAs this week, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. It has been the case during all three sessions open to the media this week. It's unclear what Croskey-Merritt is dealing with, but he'll have another chance to get back on the field with the rest of his teammates during mandatory minicamp from June 16-18. After being taken in the seventh round last year, the 25-year-old saw 175 rushing attempts for 805 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns while adding nine receptions for 68 yards as a pass-catcher in 17 games (seven starts). Ball security and improving as a pass-catcher are things that Bill needs to do in Year 2 to hold off the likes of Rachaad White, Jerome Ford, Jeremy Nichols, and rookie sixth-rounder Kaytron Allen. At the very least, JCM should be Washington's early-down back in an offense that should improve if quarterback Jayden Daniels can stay healthy after an injury-plagued season. RotoBaller has Croskey-Merritt currently ranked as the No. 43 fantasy RB going into the 2026 season.
Source: The Athletic - Ben Standig
Source: The Athletic - Ben Standig
Jose Alvarado Warns Victor Wembanyama After Game 3 Shove
Knicks reserve guard Jose Alvarado issued a warning to Victor Wembanyama after the Spurs center shoved Jalen Brunson in the back of the head during Monday's Game 3, telling reporters "that'll be the last one," the New York Post reports. Officials missed the first-quarter play, and the NBA is reviewing it for a retroactive flagrant foul after its head of officiating acknowledged a foul was there. That review is the fantasy story. Wembanyama, who poured in 32 points with eight rebounds, six assists, and three blocks in the 115-111 win, already drew a Flagrant-2 ejection earlier this postseason. An upgrade here would leave him one flagrant foul away from an automatic one-game suspension, a live availability risk for DFS managers with the Spurs trailing 2-1 entering Game 4.
Source: Zach Braziller
Source: Zach Braziller
AJ Dybantsa Eyes Spurs-Style Rise Ahead of the Draft
BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa used his NBA Finals visit to point to the Spurs' fast rise behind Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle as a model for his own quick success, the Associated Press reports. The projected No. 1 overall pick led the nation in scoring at 25.5 points per game, adding 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 35 games before declaring for the June 23 draft. The lottery-winning Washington Wizards are widely expected to take him first, though the pick is not yet official. For dynasty and rookie-draft managers, that landing spot is the appeal: a rebuilding team would hand Dybantsa immediate usage and minutes, pointing to strong year-one scoring. His shaky three-point stroke (33.1 percent) and thin steal and block numbers temper the multi-category ceiling, but few incoming rookies offer a cleaner path to volume.
Source: Associated Press
Source: Associated Press
William Carrier Good to Go Tuesday
Carolina Hurricanes left wing William Carrier (upper body) will play in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports. Carrier exited Game 3 with an upper-body injury in the second period, but it looks like he's had enough time in between to shake off the injury. Skating on the fourth line, Carrier has recorded four assists, 13 SOG, and a team-high 79 hits in 16 playoff games. He's had one assist, one SOG, and 13 hits in the Finals.
Source: Walt Ruff
Source: Walt Ruff
Nikola Vucevic Not Expected to Return to Boston
Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic is not expected to return to the team this offseason, with CelticsBlog relaying Marc Stein's report that the veteran big man is increasingly viewed as likely to switch teams. Vucevic was acquired from Chicago at the trade deadline for Anfernee Simons and a draft pick, but his Boston run never fully clicked after a fractured right ring finger cost him 14 games. He averaged 15.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists for the season, though those numbers dipped to 9.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 16 regular-season games with the Celtics. A move away from Boston could help his fantasy outlook if he lands a steadier frontcourt role, while the Celtics will likely need to address center depth again.
Source: Jack Anderson
Source: Jack Anderson
