April 28, 2026

Detroit Tigers utility man Javier Baez (lower leg) was carted off from his team's game against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night after an awkward slide into first base. While the extent of the injury is not yet known, Tigers beat writer Chris McCosky reports that Baez appeared to be unable to put any weight on his right leg/ankle. The 33-year-old was hitless in two at-bats before leaving the game against Atlanta. Across his first 86 plate appearances of 2026, Baez was hitting .256/.280/.397 with two home runs, six RBI, 10 runs scored, and a stolen base. With Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows (arm) currently on the 60-day injured list due to a broken radius bone, Baez has been seeing more time in center field in Detroit. If Baez is forced to miss time, top Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark could be the next man up in Detroit.--Will Brady
Source: Chris McCosky

April 28, 2026

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) had a successful and anticipated follow-up clean-up procedure on his ankle during his scheduled re-check with Dr. Norman Waldrop last week, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The Broncos are expected to be conservative with Nix's participation during the offseason program, but the third-year signal-caller "continues to make strong progress" in his recovery and is firmly on track to be ready for the start of training camp at the end of July. The 26-year-old should then be ready to roll for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season in early September, barring a setback with his surgically repaired ankle in camp. The Broncos would like to see Nix start developing chemistry with new receiver Jaylen Waddle as quickly as possible, but they aren't going to rush anything. In his second NFL season in 2025, Nix nearly led the Broncos to the Super Bowl before fracturing his ankle late in the Divisional Round win over the Bills. He was a top-10 fantasy QB as well, throwing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while adding 356 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground in 17 regular-season games. Nix has some injury risk because of his ankle, but if fully healthy in head coach Sean Payton's offense, he should at least be considered a low-end QB1 in fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

April 28, 2026

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (groin) was forced to exit early from his start on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves due to groin tightness, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Before getting injured, Mize allowed three hits and two earned runs while walking one and striking out three across 2 1/3 innings of work. The 28-year-old has gotten off to a strong start to the 2026 season, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.90 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 35 strikeouts across 31 innings (six starts). The extent of Mize's injury is not yet clear, but a trip to the injured list appears to be a possibility. If Mize were to miss time, Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long could be the favorite to take his spot in the Detroit rotation.--Will Brady
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold

April 28, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Louis Varland picked up his fourth save of the year in the team's 3-0 shutout win over the visiting Boston Red Sox on Tuesday and is positioning himself as the team's primary closer after right-hander Jeff Hoffman was recently demoted from the closer's role due to his ongoing struggles. Varland, 28, struck out the side in his inning of work to close things out at the Rogers Centre on Tuesday. The former 15th-round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2019 out of Concordia University in Minnesota came into Tuesday's action with a microscopic 0.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 23 strikeouts, and only four walks in his 15 innings of work out of the bullpen. So far, Varland has been a perfect 4-for-4 with his save opportunities. With Hoffman not guaranteed to reclaim the closer role if he begins to turn things around, Varland is absolutely worth a waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers in need of saves. He's only rostered in 53% of Yahoo leagues right now.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 28, 2026

New York Yankees infield prospect George Lombard Jr. is being promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, according to Jack Curry of YES Network. The Yankees have believed that Lombard is ready for the majors from a defensive standpoint, but they will now monitor how he progresses offensively at the highest minor-league level. Curry adds that the expectation is that Lombard will play some shortstop and third base at Triple-A. The 20-year-old former 26th overall pick in 2023 got the promotion to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after going 24-for-74 (.324) with four home runs, 10 RBI, 18 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 87 plate appearances over 19 games at Double-A Somerset to begin the 2026 season. Lombard has always been one of the youngest players at every level, and he still has plenty of time to mature and access more raw power from his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame. Per MLB Pipeline, Lombard is New York's top prospect. Unless Lombard just absolutely kills it at the plate in Triple-A, it's more likely that he'll make his major-league debut for the Yankees in 2027.--Keith Hernandez
Source: YES Network - Jack Curry

April 28, 2026

Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (jaw) was forced from Tuesday's game in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians with a right-jaw contusion after fouling a ball off the right side of his face, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The good news is that Caminero's injury isn't serious, and he's considered day-to-day. In his only at-bat before leaving, Caminero was 0-for-1 at the plate. Ben Williamson entered the game for the Rays to play second base, with Richie Palacios shifting over to the hot corner. It doesn't sound like Caminero will be forced to the injured list with this injury, but he could be held out of Wednesday's series finale against Cleveland as a precaution. Fantasy managers will want to check back then to see if he's back in the starting lineup for Tampa. The 22-year-old Dominican broke out in 2025 in his first full year in the big leagues, slashing .264/.311/.535 with 45 home runs, 110 RBI, and seven stolen bases in 154 games played. He is a must-start anytime he's in the Rays' lineup in traditional leagues. Coming into Tuesday's game, Caminero had gone 29-for-112 (.259) with eight homers and 15 RBI in his 28 games.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin

April 28, 2026

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Scottie Barnes has delivered back-to-back inspiring performances to help the team tie its first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After dropping the first two games, the Raptors had their backs against the wall in Games 3 and 4 -- and the situation brought the best out of Barnes. He averaged 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks in two consecutive home wins. With the series now shifting back to Cleveland, the Raptors have some positive momentum. Barnes has been doing it all for Toronto, and slowing him down won't be easy for the Cavaliers.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 28, 2026

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that left-hander Justin Steele's (elbow) flexor strain in his left elbow will keep him out of the team's starting rotation until after the All-Star break in mid-July, according to Taylor McGregor of the Marquee Sports Network. The Cubs were originally hoping that Steele could return from the injured list in early June. Unfortunately, Steele had a setback during his rehab on Tuesday and will miss the entire first half of 2026. The 30-year-old southpaw is on the 60-day IL at the moment. Fantasy managers are obviously going to need to be patient with Steele this year. He's currently rostered in only 16% of Yahoo leagues, and fantasy managers in mixed leagues should now be considering whether to continue stashing him for the rest of the first half of the season. Steele was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and was solid again in 2024, but he only made four starts with the Cubbies last year before having UCL revision surgery in April.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor

April 28, 2026

Miami Marlins right-handed closer Pete Fairbanks (thumb) is going on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with nerve irritation, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. The Marlins are hoping that he'll be out for just 15 days. Fairbanks was ineffective in a save opportunity on Monday night in the loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers and was pulled from his outing early after losing feeling in his right hand. It's a similar issue to what he dealt with in April of 2024, when he landed on the IL with the Tampa Bay Rays. Back then, he ended up missing three weeks of action. Miami is hoping it won't be as long this time around, but fantasy managers need to plan for the worst. Fairbanks had five saves and a bloated 10.00 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in his first nine innings for Miami in 2026, but he also secured five saves and has 80 saves since the start of the 2023 campaign. With Fairbanks sidelined for at least the next two weeks, expect the Fish to use a closer-by-committee that could feature any of Anthony Bender, Andrew Nardi, Tyler Phillips, and Calvin Faucher.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola

April 28, 2026

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris is enjoying one of the best postseason campaigns of his career in 2026. Through four games in the first-round series against the Orlando Magic, the 33-year-old has averaged 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. His scoring is up nearly six points from his regular-season numbers. Only once, in 2021 with Philadelphia, has Harris averaged more points in the playoffs (21.8). The veteran has become a bigger offensive threat despite making just 14.3 percent of his three-pointers. In Wednesday's Game 5, Harris could record his first three-game postseason streak of 20-point outings in five years -- a feat his team might desperately need after falling behind 3-1 in the series.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 28, 2026

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (calf) is not in the team's starting lineup on Tuesday for Game 2 of the series at Petco Park against the visiting Chicago Cubs, according to MLB.com. Jake Cronenworth is starting at the hot corner and will bat ninth for the Friars, with Fernando Tatis Jr. playing second base for a second straight day and batting out of the two-hole versus Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera. Bryce Johnson is making the start for SD in right field with Tatis back on the dirt in the infield. The 33-year-old veteran was pulled from Monday's win over the Cubs early as a precaution due to calf cramping, and he's available off the bench on Tuesday. The Padres are giving the star third baseman an extra day of rest, but he's expected to be fine, and he could return as early as Wednesday's game against the Cubbies. Machado got off to a cold start offensively in 2026, but he hit two home runs on Sunday in Mexico City and had doubled twice on Monday night before leaving with his calf injury, perhaps signaling that he's on the verge of breaking out with April nearing an end. Check back on Wednesday to see if Machado is ready to play in the series finale against the Cubs.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 28, 2026

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (elbow) is back at the hot corner and is hitting leadoff for Tuesday's game against the Athletics and right-hander Aaron Civale in Sacramento, according to MLB.com. It will be Garcia's first game back since missing three games with right-elbow cramps. However, the 26-year-old did come off the bench for two plate appearances in Sunday's contest. Now that he's back in action, fantasy managers will want to return him to their starting lineups. The Venezuelan third baseman is a fine DFS option for Tuesday's slate as well at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park. After earning All-Star honors for the first time in 2025 in his fourth year in the majors, Garcia is off to a .263 (26-for-99) start at the plate this year with two home runs, 10 RBI, 15 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 112 plate appearances across 26 games played. Garcia has hit .133 with a .266 OPS and one RBI in 15 career at-bats against Civale, but don't let that stop you from starting him in his return to the starting nine.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 28, 2026

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren has struggled to make an impact in the first-round series against the Orlando Magic. The first-year All-Star has been limited to 9.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Compared to the regular season, his field-goal percentage has dropped from 65.0 to 46.9. After finishing 41 of his 70 regular-season appearances with a double-double, Duren is still looking for his first postseason double-double of the year. He may not get many more opportunities to record one, as the top-seeded Pistons have shockingly fallen 3-1 behind in the series. Duren's performance could be the deciding factor in whether the team extends its playoff run in Game 5 on Wednesday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 28, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) remains questionable on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's Game 5 against the Houston Rockets. He has also been questionable for the last couple of games before being downgraded to out. On Wednesday, Reaves appears set to finally make his comeback from a left oblique strain after ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday that the Lakers guard is "optimistic" about returning to action in Game 5. Reaves will likely have a minutes restriction when he returns, but his addition to the rotation will affect the playing time of Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and Bronny James Jr.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 28, 2026

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has been officially ruled out for Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. Due to a left ankle injury, Durant has missed two games and didn't practice on Tuesday. He was seen running on an antigravity treadmill. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has labeled Durant day-to-day, but he won't get a chance to return this season if Houston doesn't win on Wednesday night. Reed Sheppard will likely continue to start in Durant's absence, and there will be larger roles for Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 28, 2026

Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie hopes to agree to a contract extension with the team. Logan Stanley of the Arizona Republic reports. "I want to be here," Gillespie said after Phoenix's season-ending loss to Oklahoma City on Monday. "They know that. I'm sure we'll figure something out. Right now, just process this, reflect on the season, probably this next week. Then figure that out when that needs to be figured out. This is where I want to be. I want to make this my home. They know that. We've had good conversations about it." Playing on a one-year, $2.3 million contract, Gillespie enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025-26 and will be in line for a hefty pay raise. He averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals in 28.5 minutes per game.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Logan Stanley

April 28, 2026

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is listed as doubtful for Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The 28-year-old hasn't played since mid-March due to a left knee sprain and is likely to remain on the sidelines for Wednesday's closeout game. Jamal Cain has benefited from Isaac's absence and could see even more minutes on Wednesday night after Franz Wagner's (calf) injury. Over the first four games of the series, Cain has averaged 4.8 points and 3.0 rebounds in 13.5 minutes.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 28, 2026

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) is considered questionable for Game 5 against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. Huerter injured his left hip in Game 3 and is now on the injury report with a left adductor strain. The 27-year-old shook off a questionable tag before Game 4 but played only three minutes. Overall, Huerter has been limited to 10.5 minutes per game in the playoffs, and his offensive production has dropped from 10.0 points to 1.5 points per game. Caris LeVert saw a big boost in playing time in Game 4 and could have an expanded role again in Wednesday's elimination game.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 28, 2026

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (elbow) has suffered a setback in his rehab program and is shut down from throwing, according to Jesse Rogers. The Cubs were hopeful to get Steele back around Memorial Day in late May. That timetable seems unlikely now with this latest setback. Steele is working his way back from elbow surgery that he underwent in April of last year. Both the Cubs and fantasy managers were hopeful to get something out of Steele here soon, but that doesn't seem like it's going to happen now. The organization should give a better timetable for Steele in the coming days.--Andy Webb
Source: Jesse Rogers

April 28, 2026

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (calf) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons. He couldn't complete Monday's Game 4 and has been diagnosed with a right calf strain. Several players could benefit from Wagner's absence on Wednesday night. Tristan da Silva, Anthony Black, and Jamal Cain could all pick up extra minutes. Even though da Silva and Black are the more established options, Cain made a significant impact in Monday's game, missing a double-double by just two points and one rebound.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 28, 2026

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) is "optimistic" about returning to action in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. He is nearing a return from an oblique strain and has been a game-time decision a couple of times in the series. Reaves hasn't played since April 2, so expecting him to have his usual workload in his first game back seems unrealistic. But his return will be a big boost for the Lakers, who will try to finish off Houston for the second time on Wednesday night. If Reaves returns, Luke Kennard will likely be pushed to the second unit, which would negatively affect his fantasy appeal.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Shams Charania

April 28, 2026

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (oblique) will make his season debut against the Colorado Rockies this weekend. Braves manager Walt Weiss confirmed the news on Tuesday, but it wasn't announced which day Strider will pitch. The right-hander is back in the mix after missing the beginning of the season due to an oblique strain. He threw 82 pitches during his final rehab start at Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday. With that being said, Strider should have a fairly normal workload during his season debut. It's usually never fun pitching at Coors Field, but Strider has too much upside to ignore him. Strider should be rostered and started in basically all fantasy formats, even with his first start being in Colorado.--Andy Webb
Source: Grant McAuley

April 28, 2026

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) is unlikely to play in Wednesday's Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran star didn't practice on Tuesday after sitting out two games due to a sprained left ankle and a bone bruise. "We'll see," Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said when asked whether Durant would play in Wednesday's game. "It is day to day, game to game. But we'll have to get on the court and do some things, and he didn't participate in practice today. But he's doing the conditioning and other aspects to try to get back." Reed Sheppard has provided solid DFS production as Durant's replacement in the first unit, averaging 17.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.0 steals over the last two games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 28, 2026

Athletics infielder Max Muncy (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday, retroactive to April 26. Muncy is dealing with a fractured fifth metacarpal in his left hand. He reportedly suffered the injury when he was hit by a pitch on April 13, but the fracture wasn't revealed until he underwent an MRI on Monday. Given the severity of the injury, fantasy managers should expect Muncy to miss more than the 10-day minimum on the IL. In a corresponding move, Brett Harris was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to take over the roster spot. Darell Hernaiz figures to see a majority of the playing time at the hot corner in Muncy's absence.--Andy Webb
Source: Athletics PR

April 28, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) will play in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. The team has upgraded his status from probable to available. After recovering from an appendectomy, Embiid was back in the lineup for Game 4 against the Celtics. He performed well, notching 26 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, one block, and one steal in 35 minutes. With Philadelphia facing elimination on Tuesday night, Embiid should once again carry a heavy workload.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NBA Injury Report

April 28, 2026

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow) won't make his season debut until after the All-Star break, according to manager Walt Weiss. That news was confirmed on Tuesday, but that doesn't rule out Schwellenbach still making an impact this season. The right-hander underwent surgery in February to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. He has reportedly been making good progress, but he isn't cleared to begin a throwing session yet. When healthy, Schwellenbach has been a reliable option in the rotation for the Braves. He has a 3.23 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and a 235/41 K:BB ratio across 38 big league starts. Fantasy managers who can afford to keep Schwellenbach on their Injured List spot for a few months should consider adding him.--Andy Webb
Source: Mark Bowman

April 28, 2026

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Geraldo Perdomo (ankle) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Perdomo will miss his second straight game after suffering a left ankle sprain during Saturday's loss to the San Diego Padres. For now, Perdomo is considered day-to-day, but he could land on the Injured List if the injury doesn't improve soon. Jose Fernandez will get another start at shortstop and bat sixth against right-hander Chad Patrick on Tuesday. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on Perdomo on Wednesday.--Andy Webb
Source: mlb.com

April 28, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Andres Gimenez (undisclosed) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Boston Red Sox. Gimenez is back in the mix after sitting out the last two games for what seems like rest purposes. Jays' manager John Schneider said Gimenez was available off the bench on Monday, but is banged up right now. Regardless of the reasoning, Gimenez is at shortstop and batting ninth on Tuesday. He has done a nice job, slashing .287/.313/.468 with three home runs and 16 RBI this season. He is more of a deep league option at the moment, but could see his value rise if he keeps swinging the bat well.--Andy Webb
Source: mlb.com

April 28, 2026

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (illness) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Cruz was scratched ahead of Monday's contest due to an illness. He needed a rest day anyway after going 0-for-10 at the plate with five strikeouts over his last two games. Outside of that, it has been a productive beginning of the season for Cruz, who is slashing .259/.320/.518 with eight home runs, 24 RBI, and 10 steals across 27 games. He'll bat in the leadoff spot and cover center field against right-hander Kyle Leahy on Tuesday.--Andy Webb
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates

April 28, 2026

Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (lower body) is not expected to return to action during the first-round series against the Minnesota Wild. Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan has ruled Hintz out for Tuesday's Game 5 and Thursday's Game 6. He is also considered unlikely to play in a potential Game 7. A lower-body injury knocked Hintz out of the lineup on March 6. With Hintz absent, Justin Hryckowian has skated on the first line in the playoffs. He has been a physical force, recording 15 hits, but his offensive production has been limited. In four games, Hryckowian has contributed one assist and managed only one SOG.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet