May 4, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder/designated hitter George Springer (foot) remains out of the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, per MLB.com. Outfielder Daulton Varsho will serve as the DH and hit sixth, while Myles Straw will get the start in center field and hit seventh versus Rays right-hander Nick Martinez. Yohendrick Pinango is starting in left field and batting leadoff. After just recently returning from a stint on the injured list due to a fractured toe, Springer fouled a ball off his left foot in Saturday's game against the Minnesota Twins. Springer didn't play in the series finale on Sunday, but the good news is that he doesn't have any new damage in his foot and is considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday to see if Springer is ready to go. After a late-career resurgence for Springer in 2025, he's been injured so far in 2026 and is currently hitting just .212 (14-for-66) with two homers, seven RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base in his 13th year in the Show.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

May 4, 2026

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (side) will serve as the designated hitter and will bat cleanup for the Rays in his return on Monday in the series opener against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays and left-hander Eric Lauer at Tropicana Field, according to MLB.com. Fantasy managers will want to get Diaz back into their starting lineups after he was held out of the last two games due to left-side tightness that bothered him in Friday's contest against the San Francisco Giants. The 34-year-old Cuban veteran has continued to be a hitting machine in the early going in 2026, as he enters the new week with a .333/.422/.504 slash line, .926 OPS, five home runs, 21 RBI, 19 runs scored, and a stolen base in 117 total at-bats for the Rays. He's gone 9-for-27 (.333) with two of his five home runs against southpaws, and he's hitting .250 with a 1.000 OPS, a home run, and three RBI in eight career at-bats versus Lauer.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

May 4, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (wrist) has been returned from his minor-league rehab assignment and remains on the 15-day injured list after struggling with his command and velocity in three rehab starts, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The 25-year-old former 18th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 will have to wait even longer before making his 2026 season debut. In his three rehab starts for Triple-A Nashville, Priester has allowed nine earned runs on seven hits (one homer) while walking eight and striking out five in just five innings pitched. He hasn't recorded more than seven outs in any of his three starts. It's unclear how long Priester will be held out before being allowed to restart his rehab assignment, but at this point, he probably won't be ready to rejoin Milwaukee's starting rotation until June. It's good news for both Logan Henderson and Brandon Sproat, with both Priester and Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) on the IL. Priester is rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues, and fantasy managers shouldn't feel obligated to continue holding him while he works out his issues in the minors.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg

May 4, 2026

The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Monday before the series opener against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals that they reinstated first baseman Andrew Vaughn (hand) from the 10-day injured list. It's unclear if Vaughn will be right back in the team's starting lineup on Monday at Busch Stadium against Cardinals right-hander Kyle Leahy. The 28-year-old former third overall pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2019 out of Cal appeared in just one game this year (he went 1-for-4 at the plate with an RBI) before landing on the IL with a fractured left hamate bone when he was hit by a pitch on his hand. Vaughn required surgery, but he's now back with the club and should start regularly at first base for the Brew Crew. His return will likely push the left-handed-hitting Jake Bauers to designated hitter and the outfield. The Brewers and fantasy managers are hoping that Vaughn can continue to hit like he did late last year after they picked him up from Chicago, when he went 68-for-221 (.308) with nine home runs and 46 RBI in 64 regular-season games. Vaughn is rostered in only 34% of Yahoo leagues right now.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milwaukee Brewers

May 4, 2026

The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Monday that they reinstated outfielder Jackson Chourio (hand, foot) from the 10-day injured list. It's unclear yet if Chourio is in the team's starting lineup for Monday's series opener at Busch Stadium against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Kyle Leahy. Chourio fouled a ball off his foot during a minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Nashville on Saturday, but X-rays came back negative, and he's now back with Milwaukee for his 2026 season debut. The star outfielder initially landed on the IL before Opening Day due to a left-hand fracture that he suffered in the World Baseball Classic back in March. The 22-year-old Venezuelan will be a lineup regular for the Brew Crew now that he's back, and he's a must-start in fantasy lineups in traditional leagues now that he's back. Chourio has been a starter from Day 1 in the majors, and he's slashed .272/.317/.463 with a .781 OPS, 42 home runs, 157 RBI, 43 stolen bases, and 168 runs scored in his two years with the Brewers.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milwaukee Brewers

May 4, 2026

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said that rookie third-round wide receiver Malachi Fields, who stands at 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, can be the team's "power forward" in the WR room in 2026, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. The Giants lost Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency this offseason, and Darius Slayton (abdomen) will be out until July after core-muscle surgery, so the 22-year-old Fields could see plenty of offensive snaps for the G-Men in his first year in the NFL next to Malik Nabers (knee) and offseason acquisition Darnell Mooney after the Giants traded up to select him in the third round. Fields spent the first four years in college at Virginia before finishing his career at Notre Dame in 2025, where he caught 36 passes for 630 yards (17.5 yards per catch) and five touchdowns in 12 games played. Fields is a big-play threat that could really complement Nabers well in an offense led by rising young QB Jaxson Dart. There's plenty to like about Fields long-term in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he'll probably go undrafted in redraft leagues later this year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan

May 4, 2026

Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL draft, primarily took snaps under center during the media viewing period of rookie minicamp over the weekend, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. It's what Mendoza is expected to do in new head coach Klint Kubiak's offensive scheme whenever he gets the nod to start under center. Mendoza said he "still has a long way to go" to learn to play under center after he operated mostly in shotgun formation at California and Indiana in college. The young signal-caller took a total of five snaps under center in three collegiate seasons. The Heisman Trophy winner is putting his best foot forward with his offensive linemen and is trying to take in as much information as possible as he heads into his first year in the NFL in 2026. In rookie-only dynasty drafts, Mendoza will most likely be the No. 2 player off the board, behind Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love. In Year 1, Mendoza is expected to sit behind veteran Kirk Cousins to begin the year, and the Raiders wouldn't be opposed to the young QB working as the backup for his entire rookie season. It means fantasy managers should avoid Mendoza in single-year setups.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden

May 4, 2026

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken wants to name a starting quarterback before the start of training camp at the end of July, but he said at the end of last week that he's not ready to name a leader in the competition, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Deshaun Watson (Achilles) and Shedeur Sanders are the primary competitors for the job. Watson missed all of 2025 while recovering from a twice-torn right Achilles tendon, but reports so far have suggested that he's looking great and could have the upper hand over Sanders. Sanders, the son of former NFL star Deion Sanders, fell to the fifth round in last year's draft. He ended up starting the final seven games for the Browns in his rookie season, and he predictably struggled. "It's my job to let it play out," Monken said of the team's QB competition. In a minicamp practice recently, Watson was first in line as the QBs went through drills, but Monken said the practice script called for Sanders to take more total reps. The order of the QB reps will continue to change going forward. Watson's dynasty fantasy value might not be dead yet, and although he has much more experience and success in the NFL than Sanders, he has been hurt and unreliable in his time in Cleveland.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson

May 4, 2026

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) reported for voluntary offseason workouts on Monday after he stayed home the last two weeks, a source told Stephen Holder of ESPN. Richardson, whose future is cloudy in Indy, at best, requested a trade this offseason. But the Colts seemingly aren't close to trading him and haven't indicated that they will release him, so the former fourth overall pick has reported to offseason workouts. The Colts unexpectedly declined Richardson's fifth-year option for the 2027 season after he played in just 17 games (15 starts) in his first three seasons in the NFL due to injuries and inconsistency at the QB position. Despite tearing his Achilles tendon late last season, Daniel Jones received a two-year contract extension from the Colts, cementing him as the team's starting QB going forward. Indy is also high on Riley Leonard, so if Richardson sticks around in 2026 in the final year of his rookie deal, he could enter the regular season as the QB3. Richardson's dynasty fantasy value is currently at rock bottom.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder

May 4, 2026

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac writes that the Pittsburgh Steelers' "patience could be starting to wear thin" with free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers since he still has yet to commit to re-signing with the organization to be their starter in 2026. Although nothing is official, all reports have indicated that the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is leaning toward re-signing with Pittsburgh for a 22nd year in the NFL. The Steelers have the right of first refusal and can match any offer sheet that Rodgers might receive from another team after they placed an unrestricted free-agent tender on him. Mason Rudolph and Will Howard were already on Pittsburgh's roster at the QB position before the team selected former Penn State signal-caller Drew Allar at No. 76 overall in this year's NFL draft. If Rodgers re-signs with the Steelers, as expected, he'll be the starter under center going into Week 1 this fall. The Steelers have upgraded their WR room this offseason, but Rodgers would continue to be a low-upside QB2 in superflex fantasy football leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Gerry Dulac

May 4, 2026

Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (side) is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Rookie second baseman Hao-Yu Lee will start in his absence, batting seventh. Torres has been sidelined ever since exiting early on Saturday, when he was diagnosed with left side tightness. His power has taken a step back this year, but he's still slashing .259/.389/.328 with two homers, two doubles, and 11 RBI. He also owns a 17.4% walk rate. Because of his ability to get on base, managers will hope that Torres' absence doesn't last long. The good news is that the Tigers haven't placed him on the injured list, so he shouldn't miss too much additional time. UPDATE: Torres is available off the bench on Monday, so he should be able to avoid a stint on the IL.--Andersen Pickard
Source: MLB.com

May 4, 2026

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (hand) is not in the starting lineup for Monday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Paul Goldschmidt will bat sixth and play first base in his absence. Rice suffered a left-hand contusion while fielding a pickoff throw at first base on Sunday. After the game, he downplayed his injury, which would seem to indicate that there's a strong chance he'll return to the lineup on Tuesday. He has been absolutely dominant at the plate this season, slashing .343/.455/.759 with 12 home runs, 27 RBI, a 17.2% walk rate, a 23.9% strikeout rate, and 224 wRC+. Managers will hope his absence is short-lived, as he ranks #5 among first basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: New York Yankees

May 4, 2026

Veteran quarterback Skylar Thompson is expected to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Thompson did not appear in an NFL game in 2025, spending most of the year on the Pittsburgh Steelers' Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury. Across three games (one start) for the Miami Dolphins in 2024, Thompson completed 63.6% of his pass attempts for 187 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Rapoport reports that Baltimore plans to carry five quarterbacks for the time being, meaning that Thompson will join a crowded competition for the QB2 role in Baltimore behind Lamar Jackson. Thompson and fellow veteran Tyler Huntley may be the favorites for the role, with undrafted free agents Diego Pavia and Joe Fagnano adding some competition as well.--Will Brady
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

May 4, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff (right shoulder inflammation) will begin his throwing program near the end of the team's current road trip, according to MLB.com's injury tracker. The Brewers are on the road in St. Louis for the next three days before returning home on Friday. Woodruff last pitched on April 30, but he exited after just 1.1 innings and was subsequently placed on the injured list. An MRI revealed shoulder inflammation but no structural damage, so it seems like his IL stint could be on the shorter side. Milwaukee won't rush him back, but they'd certainly prefer him to rejoin the rotation as soon as he's healthy enough to do so. Through six starts this season, he owns a 3.09 xERA with 7.5 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, and 1.2 HR/9. The results have been solid, but his career-low 29.9% ground ball rate shows room for improvement. We expect to see him back on the Brewers' mound in approximately two weeks, barring a setback.--Andersen Pickard
Source: MLB.com

May 4, 2026

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens failed to carve out a consistent role in his team's offense as a rookie. Across nine games, the 22-year-old recorded 26 carries for 96 yards and failed to haul in a single reception out of the backfield. As long as superstar Colts running back Jonathan Taylor remains healthy, Giddens has no path to fantasy-relevant playing time in Indianapolis. Giddens could carry some value as a handcuff option, as his primary competition for the Colts RB2 role is 2026 seventh-rounder Seth McGowan. Still, Giddens has done little to this point in his NFL career to inspire confidence that Indianapolis would feel comfortable handing him the reins should Taylor go down. Coming off his underwhelming rookie season, Giddens' dynasty stock is trending down heading into 2026.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 4, 2026

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Tyler Holton will serve as the opener for Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. It will be the second day in a row where Holton opens the game on the mound for the Tigers. This time, he's filling in for Tarik Skubal (elbow), who was a late scratch and will ultimately undergo surgery for loose bodies in his elbow. Holton went two-thirds of an inning on Sunday, tallying one strikeout and one hit. He has been one of baseball's top multi-inning relievers in years past, but he's been roughed up to the tune of a 5.27 ERA so far in 2026. With Skubal landing on the injured list, Detroit called up right-hander Ty Madden, who could enter the game after Holton is done. Madden last pitched in the majors in 2024, and he missed all of last season due to a shoulder injury. Through 21 Triple-A innings this year, he has posted a 4.71 ERA with 9.0 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Cody Stavenhagen

May 4, 2026

The Green Bay Packers have made a move to upgrade their backup quarterback situation, signing veteran signal-caller Tyrod Taylor and releasing Desmond Ridder. Green Bay will be Taylor's eighth NFL team as he enters his 16th season in the league. He logged six games (four starts) for the New York Jets in 2025, completing 59.7% of his pass attempts for 779 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions. The 36-year-old still brings some juice with his legs as well, as he rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. Should anything happen to Packers QB1 Jordan Love, Taylor could have some streaming appeal as a dual-threat fantasy quarterback in 2026. As for Ridder, he'll be looking to latch on with a new team before the start of the upcoming season. The 26-year-old did not appear in an NFL game in 2025, spending time on the practice squads of both the Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.--Will Brady
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

May 4, 2026

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner emerged as a red zone weapon in 2025, recording 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets across 17 games. Seattle also used the 24-year-old as its "tush push" quarterback, which allowed Barner to pick up an extra touchdown as a rusher. All told, Barner finished as the TE14 in half-PPR fantasy scoring. However, despite the solid year, Barner may profile as a sell-high candidate in dynasty leagues heading into 2026. For one, he remained a low-volume receiver in 2025, averaging just four targets per game. Additionally, the Seahawks could expand the role of 2025 second-round tight end Elijah Arroyo, who likely offers a higher upside as a pass-catcher than Barner. Barner's rushing usage gives him some additional fantasy upside, but he's likely too reliant on touchdowns to be counted on as a reliable producer at the tight end position going forward.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 4, 2026

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (elbow) will undergo surgery for loose bodies in his left elbow, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Skubal was already scratched from his scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox on Monday, and while initial reports indicated that it was a precautionary move and he would be okay, that no longer appears to be the case. Detroit's ace will land on the injured list while he recovers, and Petzold reports there's no timetable for his return. This is a brutal loss for the Tigers, who always have a chance to win whenever Skubal is on the mound. He has been dominant once again this season, posting a stellar 2.16 FIP with 9.35 K/9, 1.25 BB/9, and 0.49 HR/9 across seven starts. The organization has not yet announced who will start in his absence on Monday, but it's worth noting that the Tigers will have an open 26-man roster spot when Skubal is officially placed on the IL.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Evan Petzold

May 4, 2026

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman suffered through a disastrous, injury-marred season in 2025. The 26-year-old missed four games with a hamstring injury and finished the year with 21 catches for 270 yards and two touchdowns on 39 targets. Health has become a recurring issue for Tillman, as he's now missed 16 games across his three NFL seasons. To make matters worse, Tillman may now be facing an uphill battle for playing time in Cleveland. The Browns added Texas A&M wideout K.C. Concepcion with a first-round pick and Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston with a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Even if Tillman can work his way into a regular role, the Browns quarterback situation remains unsettled, and the team's passing game projects as one of the worst in the NFL in 2026. As he enters his fourth NFL season, Tillman's dynasty value appears to be minimal.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 4, 2026

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs put together another highly productive season in 2025, recording 1,211 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns across 15 games. Since joining the Packers in the 2024 offseason, Jacobs has collected over 2,800 scrimmage yards and has hit pay dirt 30 times. Entering 2026, Jacobs projects to dominate backfield touches in Green Bay for a third consecutive season and should see plenty of red zone opportunities while playing for a potent Packers' offense. Still, dynasty managers may want to consider selling high on Jacobs. He dealt with calf, knee, and ankle issues in 2025, and his average yards per carry dropped to 4.0, down from 4.4 in his first season with Green Bay. Jacobs is also entering his age-28 season and has functioned as a true workhorse running back for most of his NFL career, averaging over 300 touches per season since entering the league in 2019. Jacobs projects as a borderline top-12 running back for 2026, but his dynasty value could be slowly declining with age.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 4, 2026

A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette has struggled to live up to his draft status through the first two years of his professional career. Across 15 games in 2025, the 25-year-old recorded 35 receptions for 363 yards and three touchdowns on 64 targets. Legette also lost playing time down the stretch of the season, lining up for 55% or fewer of his team's offensive snaps in their final three contests. While the Panthers don't have an overwhelming depth of talent in their wide receiver room, Legette enters 2026 behind both Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker on the pecking order for targets. Carolina also used a third-round pick on University of Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II in the 2026 NFL Draft, who could put pressure on Legette for the Panthers WR3 role. In dynasty formats, Legette's value is at an all-time low heading into his third NFL season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

May 4, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (oblique), who is currently on the 10-day injured list with a right-oblique strain, is working on increasing his swing speed, according to MLB.com. Betts is inching closer to starting a minor-league rehab assignment. He landed on the IL back on April 5, so fantasy managers are itching to get him back into their starting lineups. Betts suffered a setback late last month that has delayed him a bit in his rehab, but it appears that he's moving in the right direction again. If he's cleared to start a rehab assignment soon, Betts could be back in the big leagues at some point next week. The Dodgers have been using second-year infielder Hyeseong Kim primarily at shortstop of late with Betts sidelined. Betts, a former MVP, eight-time All-Star, and seven-time Silver Slugger winner, needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues, but after an injury-plagued and disappointing 2025 campaign, fantasy managers may be beginning to wonder if the star athlete is beginning to break down at 33 years old. He had gone 5-for-28 (.179) with two homers, seven RBI, and seven runs in just eight games to begin the 2026 season before injuring his oblique.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

May 4, 2026

Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Blake Snell (shoulder) made his third minor-league rehab start on Sunday for Triple-A Oklahoma City and went four innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out four batters. Snell threw 37 of his 55 pitches for strikes and topped out at 97.4 mph with his fastball on the radar gun. The only runs he allowed came on a two-run home run in the first inning. The 33-year-old former two-time Cy Young winner is now sporting a 3.38 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with 10 strikeouts and two walks in eight innings pitched in his three rehab starts with Oklahoma City and Single-A Ontario. He will require at least one more rehab start in the minors, but after that, the Dodgers could activate him from the 15-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut. Shoulder issues limited Snell to only 11 starts in 2025 in his first year in L.A., but he had a 2.35 ERA with 72 punchouts in 61 1/3 innings when healthy, and he's a must-stash starting pitcher in fantasy baseball leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milb.com

May 4, 2026

Washington Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. (wrist) is heading for an MRI exam on his injured wrist on Monday, manager Blake Butera told Mark Zuckerman of MASN Sports. Garcia felt his right wrist while swinging on Sunday against the Milwaukee Brewers and was replaced at first base in the sixth inning by Curtis Mead. For now, the Nationals are classifying the 25-year-old's injury as wrist soreness, but we should know more soon. With a scheduled day off on Monday, perhaps Garcia will be feeling good enough to play in Tuesday's series opener against the visiting Minnesota Twins if his MRI comes back clean. Before he was pulled from Sunday's series finale against Milwaukee, Garcia went 0-for-2 at the plate, and he's now hitting just .234/.259/.336 with a .595 OPS, one home run, 16 RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 107 at-bats in 2026. Garcia is currently rostered in 45% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MASN Sports - Mark Zuckerman

May 4, 2026

The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reports that both Miami Marlins starting pitchers Braxton Garrett and Robby Snelling are the top options at Triple-A Jacksonville if the Marlins decide that right-hander Chris Paddack needs to miss some starts. The Marlins plan to evaluate Paddack from a health standpoint after a drop in velocity in his start on Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies, in which he gave up seven runs on six hits while walking three and striking out only one in 2 2/3 innings. The 30-year-old veteran could be put on the injured list if he's not fully healthy, or the Marlins could have him miss a few starts. Manager Clayton McCullough said Paddack will start on Friday against the Washington Nationals, but only if he's healthy. Garrett, a 28-year-old lefty, is only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues right now. The former seventh overall pick in 2016 has looked good at Jacksonville so far, posting a 1.71 ERA, 0.68 WHIP, and 26:12 K:BB across five starts (26 1/3 frames). He's probably only worth a speculative pickup right now in NL-only leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson

May 4, 2026

Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports won the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway while being the most dominant driver of the race. Elliott began the race from 14th, but spent the whole first stage gaining track position, even through pit stops. By the end of the first stage, Elliott made it up to eighth and earned three stage points. In the second stage, Elliott took advantage of cautions and pit stops to cycle out to the lead after others headed to pit road over the course of the green flag. Despite one more caution at the end of the second stage, where Elliott went to pit road while Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece stayed out, Elliott was able to pass both drivers for the second stage victory and 10 stage points on the ensuing restart. In the final stage, Elliott dominated the stage outside of pit stops despite some competition from Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick. After the final caution occurred with eight laps to go, Elliott stayed on track instead of pitting and competed with Hamlin for the win. Elliott successfully held off Hamlin to score his second victory of the 2026 season as well as his second Texas win. As a result of winning, Elliott is now third in the regular-season standings after 11 races.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com

May 4, 2026

Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing was one of the main contenders to win in another race at a 1.5-mile intermediate track this season, this time the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. Hamlin showcased his race-winning speed after starting the race from fourth as he went ahead and took the lead from Chase Briscoe midway through the first stage before his first pit stop. Through the rest of the first stage, Hamlin went on to battle with Christopher Bell until a late race caution shuffled Hamlin back as he returned to pit road while others stayed out. He then worked back up to 10th by the end of the first stage, scoring one stage point. In the second stage, Hamlin continued his ascent through the pack until he reached second behind Chase Elliott. When another caution occurred near the end of the stage, Hamlin went to pit road, but fell behind Brad Keselowski and Ryan Preece, who stayed out and also behind Elliott. After the final restart of stage two, Hamlin finished the stage in fourth behind Keselowski, Elliott, and Tyler Reddick, who passed the No. 11 Toyota driver. In the final stage, Hamlin competed for the lead alongside Elliott and Reddick until the very end, and despite his best efforts, he was unable to pass Elliott through the entire stage. Hamlin settled for his third top-2 finish on a 1.5-mile Intermediate oval track of the season, but is now second in the regular-season standings after 11 Cup races this year behind Reddick.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com

May 4, 2026

Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman finished in third place in the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday. The No. 48 Chevrolet driver started from ninth, but was not much of a factor in the race's first two stages. In the first stage, Bowman ran at the back of the top 10, but then used pit stops to try to adjust his car for the later parts of the race. He finished the first stage in 18th and failed to gain any stage points. The second stage was also quiet for Bowman as he ran inside the top 20 through most of the stage, but kept his car clean. After heading to pit road once more at the end of stage two, Bowman made it up to 10th and scored one stage point at the end of the stage. In the final stage, Bowman's car was improved enough that he ran between fifth and 10th throughout most of the stage. During the final caution, Bowman stayed out of pit road for track position and restarted third behind Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin. Bowman could not keep up with the two leaders, but held on for his second consecutive third-place finish of the 2026 season. After the 11th race of the season, Bowman now moved up two positions to 34th in the regular-season standings after missing four races due to injury.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com

May 4, 2026

Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing placed fourth at the end of the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday. The No. 45 Toyota driver started the race from the eighth position and ran inside the top 10 through most of the stage. After pit stops and cautions, Reddick got shuffled further back into the pack and ended the first stage in 20th, leaving him with no stage points. Reddick recovered his track position in the second stage thanks to a fast car that allowed him to make moves on track and through well-executed pit stops. This allowed Reddick to compete for the stage win, but he finished second at the end of the second stage to Chase Elliott and gained nine stage points. In the final stage, Reddick ran mostly in the top five and competed for the lead at times with Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin. Before the last restart of the race, Reddick led a bunch of drivers into pit road, got fresher tires while others stayed out. Reddick restarted in 10th and then made it back up to fourth by the checkered flag, falling short of grabbing the win from Elliott. After Texas, Reddick remains the points leader of the Cup Series standings with 11 races completed, thanks to his seventh top-5 result of the season.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com