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Elly De La Cruz's Early-Season Breakout Continues on Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is off to a very strong pace early in the 2026 season, and that continued in a big way on Tuesday night in the team's 12-6 win over the Rays in Tampa. De La Cruz went 3-for-6 at the plate with two home runs, five RBI, three runs scored, a stolen base, and a strikeout to boost his season average to .276 and his OPS to .914. The 24-year-old switch-hitting Dominican is a superstar, make no mistake about it. His .264/.336/.440 slash line with 22 home runs, 86 RBI, and 37 stolen bases in 2025 was considered a disappointment after he stole a league-high 67 bases the year prior in 2024. De La Cruz is already up to eight home runs, six steals, 18 RBI, and 21 runs scored in his first 24 games of the season. If De La Cruz stays healthy all season long, he should be near the top of leaderboards in multiple fantasy baseball categories because of his dynamic athletic traits on a baseball field. Not only is he an elite athlete, but he plays in a hitter-friendly home ballpark. De La Cruz is a stud and is a must-start in fantasy.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Justin Verlander to Throw a Bullpen on Wednesday
Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch said that right-handed veteran Justin Verlander (hip) is scheduled to throw a bullpen before the game on Wednesday, according to Chris McCosky of The Detroit News. Verlander, who is on the 15-day injured list due to hip inflammation, has been slow to recover and won't be back in Detroit until the calendar flips to May. It should come as no surprise that a 43-year-old pitcher's rehab is "going slower than anticipated," which is why the three-time Cy Young winner, former MVP, and nine-time All-Star is only rostered in 5% of Yahoo leagues these days. The 21-year-old MLB veteran is running out of steam late in his amazing career and has had trouble staying on the mound as he ages. In his only start for the Tigers before landing on the IL this year, Verlander allowed five earned runs on six hits (a homer) while walking two and striking out one in only 3 2/3 innings of work. Not only is his strikeout rate declining rapidly, but he's having trouble staying healthy. It feels weird to say, but there are plenty of much younger upside stashes at starting pitcher in fantasy in 2026.
Source: Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Source: Detroit News - Chris McCosky
Daniel Palencia Diagnosed With Lat Strain, Could Return in Two Weeks
Chicago Cubs right-handed closer Daniel Palencia (lat) had an MRI exam that showed a lat strain, manager Craig Counsell told Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. An optimistic timeline would have Palencia reinstated from the 15-day injured list in two weeks. "He's responding very well right now. There's a chance that we're throwing here before we go to the West Coast," Counsell said. The Cubs put the 26-year-old on the IL last Friday with what was initially called a left-oblique strain. The Cubs' pitching staff has been hit hard by early-season injuries, but they are getting lefty starter Matthew Boyd (biceps) back on Wednesday, and Palencia could be back closing out games in a little over two weeks. Palencia should be held onto in fantasy leagues as a potential high-end closer when he's healthy. He's currently rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues at the moment. Lefty Caleb Thielbar picked up Chicago's last save on Saturday, but righty Ben Brown could also contribute a few saves for the Cubbies until Palencia is cleared to return.
Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
Source: The Athletic - Patrick Mooney
Cardinals Linked to Ty Simpson, Willing to Trade Up for him?
The Arizona Cardinals are linked to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson "more than any other team," according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Jones adds that the "noise across the league is impossible to ignore." He has the Cardinals mocked to trade up four spots with the Miami Dolphins to No. 30 overall in the first round on Thursday night in the 2026 NFL draft to take Simpson. The 6-foot-1, 211-pound quarterback only started in his final season at Alabama, which has many draft analysts questioning how quickly he can develop into a starting-caliber QB in the NFL. If he were to land in Arizona, Simpson would likely compete with Gardner Minshew for the No. 2 job in the desert behind veteran Jacoby Brissett in 2026. Simpson was considered a lock to be a first-rounder back in March, but his stock has fallen somewhat, and he could slip into the early portion of Day 2 this Friday. In dynasty/keeper leagues, any fantasy managers who select Simpson need to be prepared to be patient.
Source: CBS Sports - Jonathan Jones
Source: CBS Sports - Jonathan Jones
Rams Not Rushing Jimmy Garoppolo to Make a Decision
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that the team wants free-agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to return in 2026, but they are "letting him figure out his future," according to Rams beat writer Stu Jackson. There is no timeline for Garoppolo to decide on his future, and the Rams are not rushing him. It was reported on Monday that Jimmy G is considering hanging up his cleats after 12 seasons in the NFL. The 34-year-old veteran has been with the Rams for the last two seasons, but he's appeared in just four games (one start) while working behind Matthew Stafford, who was named NFL MVP in 2025. With Garoppolo being a free agent, only Stafford and Stetson Bennett are on the roster as QBs. Even if Garoppolo decides to re-sign with the Rams and return for another season, it would not be a surprise to see L.A. address the position in this week's NFL draft on Day 2 or 3. Garoppolo has only made double-digit starts in a season three times in his 12-year NFL career.
Source: Rams.com - Stu Jackson
Source: Rams.com - Stu Jackson
Harold Fannin Jr. Taking Part in Voluntary Offseason Workouts
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) was present for the start of the team's voluntary offseason program on Tuesday, per Kelsey Russo of ClevelandBrowns.com. The 21-year-old tight end appears to be past the groin issue that kept him sidelined for the Week 18 regular-season finale late last year against the Cincinnati Bengals. The former third-rounder out of Bowling Green had a very special first year in the NFL, leading the Browns in receiving with 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets in 16 games played. He quickly surpassed David Njoku on the TE depth chart and excelled despite another tough season for Browns quarterbacks. Njoku is on the free-agent market and won't be returning to Cleveland in 2026, either, so Fannin should have an even higher fantasy football ceiling as a TE1 as he heads into Year 2. Fannin will be more intriguing to fantasy managers if Shedeur Sanders wins the starting QB job, as the two have chemistry already from last season.
Source: ClevelandBrowns.com - Kelsey Russo
Source: ClevelandBrowns.com - Kelsey Russo
Riley Greene Showing Improved Plate Skills Early in 2026, Poised for Career Year?
Across his first 98 plate appearances of 2026, Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene is hitting .265/.378/.386 with one home run, 14 RBI, 15 runs scored, and one stolen base. After his 36-homer campaign in 2025, Greene's lack of power early in the year is a bit surprising. However, his 13.8% barrel rate and 50% hard-hit rate remain stellar and signal that a home run-surge could be coming. Greene's improved plate skills are also an encouraging sign, as he's lowered his strikeout rate from 30.7% in 2025 to 22.4% while walking at a career-best 15.3% in 2026. The 25-year-old is also locked into an everyday role in the heart of the Detroit lineup, which should allow him to continue racking up counting stats. If Greene can avoid injury and maintain his improved control of the strike zone, he could be in line for a career year in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Andres Munoz's Slow Start a Cause for Long-Term Concern?
Seattle Mariners closer Andres Munoz is off to an uncharacteristically poor start to the 2026 season, as he's recorded a 7.88 ERA and 1.63 WHIP across his first nine appearances of the year. Command has been a major issue for the right-hander, as he's issued five walks in just eight innings pitched. However, Munoz has also recorded 14 strikeouts, good for an excellent 36.8% strikeout rate. Munoz's line is also significantly inflated by one five-run outing against the San Diego Padres. In seven of his other eight appearances, Munoz did not allow an earned run. The 27-year-old should also have a fair bit of equity built up in Seattle, so he should have plenty of runway to rediscover his dominant form. While Munoz's slow start is obviously less than ideal, fantasy managers don't have reason to panic just yet.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Maikel Garcia Backing Up 2025 Breakout with Solid Start to 2026
Across his first 106 plate appearances of 2026, Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia is hitting .274/.340/.400 with two home runs, 10 RBI, 13 runs scored, and two stolen bases. The 26-year-old was one of the breakout success stories of the 2025 season, when he hit .286 with 16 home runs and 23 stolen bases across 666 plate appearances. Early in 2026, Garcia appears to be on his way to proving his 2025 production was no fluke. While his current 17.9% strikeout rate is worse than his 12.6% mark from 2025, Garcia remains well above league average at making contact. He's also raised his barrel rate to a career-best 9.3%, which could give him a chance to threaten 20 home runs for the first time. As long as he stays healthy, Garcia should provide balanced five-category production for fantasy managers once again in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bryce Harper Off to a Strong Start in 2026, Poised for Vintage Season?
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper has been one of his team's lone bright spots so far in 2026. Across 96 plate appearances, the 33-year-old is hitting .274/.365/.536 with five home runs, 13 RBI, 11 runs scored, and one stolen base. Harper's strikeout rate currently sits at a career-best 15.6%. He's cut down his whiffs without sacrificing quality of contact, as his 13.6% barrel rate is right in line with his career mark of 12.8%. Health remains a red flag in Harper's profile, as he's reached 600 plate appearances in a season just once since 2019. However, the veteran lefty slugger does not seem to be showing any signs of age-related regression just yet. If he can stay on the field, Harper could be poised for a big season in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Strider Strikes Out Eight in Rehab Outing on Tuesday
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (oblique) was excellent in his rehab outing with Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday, throwing 4 1/3 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts while allowing just one hit and one walk. Strider threw 65 pitches, 46 of which went for strikes. The 27-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain before the start of the 2026 season, but he appears to be on the doorstep of returning to the big leagues. Strider struggled through a down year in 2025, posting a 7-14 record with a 4.45 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP across 125 1/3 innings (23 starts). However, the hard-throwing right-hander is still just a few seasons removed from his 281-strikeout campaign in 2023. When healthy and pitching well, Strider's fantasy upside remains through the roof.
Source: milb.com
Source: milb.com
Jaylen Brown Leads All Scorers With 36 Points in Game 2
Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown put up a game-high 36 points in Tuesday's 111-97 Game 2 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston had a chance to take a 2-0 series lead on home court, but everyone on the team except Brown struggled to score. The 2024 Finals MVP went 11-for-24 from the field, including 5-for-12 from three-point range. He took 12 of the Celtics' 18 free-throw attempts, making nine of them. Brown completed his line with seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. Tuesday's loss was a setback for the Celtics, but they can still feel confident about advancing to Round 2, with Brown in top form. He has led his team in scoring in both of the first two games of the matchup, averaging 31.0 points.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Raisel Iglesias Avoids Structural Damage in Injured Shoulder
An MRI on the injured shoulder of Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) showed no structural damage, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Atlanta placed Iglesias on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday due to inflammation in his right shoulder, but Bowman reports that the team is hopeful Iglesias will avoid a lengthy absence. The 36-year-old was off to a strong start to the season before getting injured, posting a 0.00 ERA and 0.69 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and five saves across 8 2/3 innings (eight games). While it sounds as though Iglesias avoided major injury, Atlanta could choose to play it safe with Iglesias and let him fully recover before bringing him back. Veteran right-hander Robert Suarez is the obvious ninth-inning replacement for Iglesias in Atlanta and should be rostered in all fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Deshaun Watson Going First in Early Offseason Drills
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has gone first in most of the early drills during the team's offseason program over second-year QB Shedeur Sanders, and Watson's arm and agility "look good," according to Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Although Watson has not played since October of 2024 due to a twice-torn Achilles tendon, owner Jimmy Haslam said at the owners' meetings in late March that the 30-year-old signal-caller has a "great chance" to compete for the starting QB gig in 2026. Watson is heading into the final year of a five-year, $230 million deal that he signed with Cleveland in 2022. There have been conflicting reports about who is the favorite to win the starting QB job this summer between Watson and Sanders. Watson probably doesn't have a future with the Browns beyond the 2026 campaign, but if he's fully healthy, he has way more experience than Sanders and could give the team's offense a higher ceiling. At best in fantasy football, Watson will be a low-end QB2 with a lot to prove in superflex leagues if he wins the starting job.
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
VJ Edgecombe Has Historic Outing in Game 2 Win
Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe scored a team-high 30 points in Tuesday's 111-97 Game 2 victory over the Boston Celtics. The 20-year-old also notched 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a playoff double-double with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds. After finishing 0-for-5 from downtown in Game 1, Edgecombe made six of his 10 attempts from deep. He had a 12-for-20 record overall from the field. This was a hugely impressive performance from Edgecombe, particularly since he was hurt on a fall early in the game and went to the locker room twice.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jackson Chourio to Begin Hitting on the Field on Wednesday
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio (hand) will begin hitting on the field on Wednesday for the first time since landing on the 10-day injured list on Opening Day after having left hamate bone surgery on his hand, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Barring a setback, the 22-year-old could start a minor league rehab assignment soon, with hopes that he can return to the Brew Crew to make his 2026 season debut early next month. The Venezuelan outfielder's return will be a huge boost to Milwaukee's lineup. Chourio is one of the best power/speed outfielders in baseball. He has hit .272/.317/.463 with a .781 OPS, 42 home runs, 157 RBI, 43 stolen bases, and 168 runs scored in 279 regular-season games over his first two MLB seasons. He should be stashed in all fantasy leagues and is currently rostered in 99% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins Clutch Player of the Year Award
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added another individual award to his growing collection on Tuesday, having been named the 2025-26 NBA Clutch Player of the Year. The reigning MVP led the league with 175 points in clutch times and helped his team to a 20-7 record in clutch games this season. In these games, the Thunder outscored the opposition by 93 points in clutch situations with Gilgeous-Alexander on the court. The NBA introduced the Clutch Player of the Year award in 2023, and past winners include De'Aaron Fox, Stephen Curry, and Jalen Brunson. Gilgeous-Alexander also hopes to win his second MVP trophy this year.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Robert Garcia Day-to-Day With Shoulder Inflammation
Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said that left-handed reliever Robert Garcia (shoulder) is still day-to-day with shoulder inflammation, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. The Rangers sent Garcia for an MRI exam over the weekend, and the 29-year-old southpaw hasn't pitched since April 16. He was also scheduled to have an anti-inflammatory injection in his shoulder on Monday. For now, Garcia has avoided the injured list, but if he cannot return by the end of this weekend, there's a good chance he'll be placed on the IL. The former 15th-round pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2017 out of UC Davis had the first nine saves of his MLB career in 2025 in his first year in Texas, but he's operated as a late-inning setup man so far in 2026 in front of closer Jakob Junis. Garcia has allowed five runs (three earned) while walking seven and striking out six in his eight relief innings to begin his fourth year in the majors.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarland
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarland
Austin Reaves Begins Return-to-Play Protocol
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) has begun a return-to-play protocol on the practice court, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided this update ahead of Tuesday's Game 2 against the Houston Rockets. Redick reiterated that there is no change to Reaves' initial return timeline. The Lakers ruled Reaves out for 4-6 weeks on April 4 due to a Grade 2 oblique strain. Earlier Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Reaves is on track to return late in the first-round series. He is reportedly further along in his rehab than Luka Doncic (hamstring). Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart have more responsibilities in the backcourt until Reaves and Doncic return.
Source: Jovan Buha
Source: Jovan Buha
Wyatt Langford Pulled Early on Tuesday With Forearm Tightness
Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford (forearm) was removed early from Tuesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth inning with right-forearm tightness, according to Jeff Wilson of All City DLLS. Langford went 0-for-1 at the plate with a walk and a strikeout before leaving. He was replaced in left field and in the two-hole in the batting order by Ezequiel Duran. It's yet another injury for Langford, but until we know more about the severity of his forearm injury, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. Check back on Wednesday to see if Langford is available to return versus the Pirates. Coming into Tuesday's action, the former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida was hitting .241/.268/.367 with a .635 OPS, one home run, four RBI, nine runs scored, and two stolen bases in 79 at-bats. It's been a disappointing start for Langford, but he's still very appealing in fantasy for his power/speed upside if he can stay healthy. Duran would likely be the biggest beneficiary of playing time in Texas' outfield if Langford winds up on the injured list.
Source: All City DLLS - Jeff Wilson
Source: All City DLLS - Jeff Wilson
Luka Doncic Not Expected to Play in First-Round Series
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is not expected to play in the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Ahead of Tuesday's Game 2, Charania provided an update on both Doncic and Austin Reaves (oblique). "The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that's further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes," Charania said. "I am told Austin Reaves has started 1 on 1 on court work. The Lakers are not expecting Luka Doncic to be back in this series. He is out indefinitely." With Doncic sidelined, LeBron James and Luke Kennard have taken on larger offensive roles. When he returns, Reaves is also expected to benefit from the situation.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
"Pretty Good Likelihood" Payton Tolle Joins Boston This Weekend
There is a "pretty good likelihood" that Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle joins the big-league roster this week, according to Katie Morrison-O'Day of MassLive.com. As of now, Tolle isn't scheduled to pitch at Triple-A Worcester. Tolle will most likely be recalled from the minors to make his 2026 debut for Boston this weekend against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles. Veteran right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) was officially placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday after getting hurt in his start against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, and Tolle is expected to take his place in the starting rotation in the majors. Gray's next turn in the rotation was scheduled to come on Sunday in Baltimore. Tolle, a second-rounder in 2024 out of TCU, struggled in his big-league debut last year, posting a 6.06 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and 19:8 K:BB in 16 1/3 innings across seven outings (three starts). The hard-throwing left-hander is one of the more intriguing young pitching prospects in the game, and he's worth a waiver-wire pickup now in mixed leagues. Tolle is currently rostered in only 15% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MassLive.com - Katie Morrison-O'Day
Source: MassLive.com - Katie Morrison-O'Day
Luke Clanton Hoping to Find Form in New Orleans
It has been a slog of a season for Luke Clanton, whose T5 finish in Puerto Rico has been the only placement inside the top 70 all year for the former FSU Seminole. He has lost strokes in most areas and doesn't hold any fantasy value on a week-to-week basis. However, teaming up with Blades Brown this week at the Zurich Classic will hopefully free him up to have a better week. For DFS purposes, this duo is quite the flyer pick with optimistic upside. But finding success could give Clanton some momentum heading into the middle of the season.
Source: Data Golf
Source: Data Golf
Kevin Durant Good to Go Tuesday
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (knee) will return to action on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The veteran star sat out the series opener due to a right knee contusion but has been cleared to make his comeback. As a result of Durant's return, Reed Sheppard will move to the second unit. Getting Durant back is a major boost for the Rockets, who will try to avoid a 2-0 series deficit. In three regular-season meetings, Durant's offensive contribution was limited to 20.3 points per game against the Lakers. However, he was highly efficient in his scoring, making 42.9 percent of his three-point attempts and 56.1 percent of his attempts overall.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jackson Holliday Leaves Rehab Game With Hand Discomfort
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday (hand) left his minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday with right-hand discomfort, according to Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun. Jackson struck out on a foul tip in his first at-bat and was removed the next inning. The 22-year-old had surgery for a fractured hamate bone in the same hand back in spring training, which forced him to the 10-day injured list to begin the 2026 season. It's now the second time in the last week that the young infielder has had a setback with his surgically-repaired right hand/wrist. He'll most likely be pulled off his rehab assignment again so that he can rest, which means fantasy managers shouldn't expect Holliday to return to the big leagues until sometime in May. The setback for Holliday is good news for both Jeremiah Jackson and Blaze Alexander, who have been playing regularly early in the year for Baltimore. Jackson has been the primary second baseman and has been a popular waiver-wire pickup after starting the year hitting .296 (21-for-71) with five home runs and 17 RBI.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Carlos Rodon to Begin his Rehab Assignment on Friday
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow, hamstring) will begin his minor-league rehab assignment on Friday with High-A Hudson Valley, according to the New York Daily News' Gary Phillips. Rodon began the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list after having offseason surgery to remove loose bodies and to shave down a bone spur in his left elbow, and then he suffered a minor hamstring injury earlier this month that delayed his rehab assignment. Now that the 33-year-old southpaw is ready to resume pitching in games, he could return to the Yankees' starting rotation in a couple of weeks. The three-time All-Star probably isn't available in your fantasy baseball leagues, as he's currently rostered in 86% of Yahoo leagues. He had his best season in pinstripes last year, going 18-9 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.05 WHIP with 203 strikeouts and 73 walks in 195 1/3 innings across 33 starts. It was just the second time in his 11-year MLB career that he reached the 200-strikeout mark. The Yankees' rotation is nearing full strength with both Rodon and Gerrit Cole (elbow) nearing their season debuts.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Victor Wembanyama Lands in Concussion Protocol, Won't Return Tuesday
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama has entered concussion protocol and won't return to Tuesday's Game 2 against Portland, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The 2026 NBA Defensive Player of the Year took a hard fall in the first quarter, landing face-first on the court. Before his early exit, Wembanyama managed five points, four rebounds, one assist, and one block in 12 minutes. Luke Kornet is set for a heavier workload in the second half and could also play a more important role in future games if Wembanyama misses time.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Gerrit Cole to Make his Next Rehab Start on Thursday
New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) will make his next minor-league rehab start on Thursday with High-A Hudson Valley, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Cole had an encouraging first rehab start last Friday at Double-A Somerset, going 4 1/3 innings while reaching the 44-pitch mark. The former American League Cy Young winner should be stretched out a little more in his next outing on the farm on Thursday, and barring a setback during his rehab assignment, the 35-year-old veteran should make his 2026 debut at some point next month. Despite Cole missing all of the 2025 season after having right-elbow surgery last March, he's currently rostered in 83% of Yahoo leagues. Fantasy managers might need to be patient with Cole early on once he returns to New York's starting rotation, but if he can get anywhere close to his pre-surgery levels, he'll be a difference-maker in fantasy down the stretch in 2026.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Anthony Volpe Moving his Rehab Assignment to Triple-A
New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder) is having his minor-league rehab assignment moved from Double-A Somerset to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, according to the team. Volpe continues to rehab from offseason surgery to repair the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, but he's getting closer to making his 2026 debut with the Yanks and could rejoin the big-league roster right around May 1. In his four rehab games with Somerset, Volpe went 4-for-11 with two stolen bases. The 24-year-old is currently rostered in just 8% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available with May quickly approaching. The former first-rounder in 2019 may not be a high-end shortstop in fantasy, but he's at least worth grabbing off the waiver wire soon in deep-mixed leagues as New York's starting shortstop when he's healthy. The speedy Jose Caballeros will continue to start at the 6 in the Bronx until Volpe is reinstated. Volpe has a career .222/.283/.379 slash line in his three MLB seasons, and he was a 20-20 player in his rookie campaign in 2023.
Source: New York Yankees
Source: New York Yankees
Corbin Carroll Returns to Arizona's Lineup Against White Sox
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (back) is officially back in the starting lineup for Tuesday's series opener against the visiting Chicago White Sox and right-hander Sean Burke at Chase Field, playing right field and batting in the two-hole, according to MLB.com. The D-backs pulled Carroll in Sunday's series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays with lower-back tightness, but it was just a precaution, and he's back in action after Monday's day off. Fantasy managers are going to want to get the former National League Rookie of the Year back in their starting lineups for the week. The 25-year-old two-time All-Star is one of the best all-around fantasy contributors when he's healthy, and he's off to a great start in 2026, slashing .300/.390/.600 with a .990 OPS, three home runs, 16 RBI, 15 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 70 at-bats across 20 games played. Carroll has never faced Burke in his MLB career.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
