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Didier Fuentes Being Demoted to Triple-A After Disastrous Outing
Atlanta Braves right-hander Didier Fuentes was called up from Triple-A Gwinnett to make his first MLB start against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. However, the 20-year-old struggled against the Nats, allowing seven hits and four earned runs in just three innings of work. After the game, Atlanta announced that Fuentes is being sent back down to Triple-A, with Braves pitching prospect JR Ritchie taking his place on the roster. On the bright side, Fuentes showed off his swing-and-miss stuff by recording seven strikeouts against Washington. The young flamethrower will almost certainly get another chance to crack the Atlanta rotation at some point in 2026. Still, for now, it appears as though the organization wants him to continue to refine his arsenal in the minors. Fuentes will regain waiver-wire appeal if and when he gets called back up, but he can probably be cut in the majority of redraft formats.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Kenley Jansen Earns Sixth Save on Wednesday, Re-Emerging as a High-End Closer?
Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen picked up his sixth save of 2026 on Wednesday in his team's 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Jansen allowed two walks and a hit but worked around the traffic in a scoreless ninth inning. The 38-year-old is off to a strong start to his first season in Detroit, as he's worked to a 1.35 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with eight strikeouts and six saves across his first eight appearances (6 2/3 innings). Jansen may not be able to bring the same level of dominance he once did at his peak, but the veteran right-hander has proven that he is still capable of consistently recording high-leverage outs. As long as he can stay healthy, Jansen should continue to be a reliable source of saves for fantasy managers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jo Adell Sacrificing Power for Contact Early in 2026?
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell was one of the breakout success stories of the 2025 season, hitting 37 home runs in 573 plate appearances. Through his first 112 plate appearances of 2026, the 27-year-old is hitting .269/.313/.375 with three home runs, 15 RBI, 12 runs scored, and one stolen base. Adell's power hasn't quite been where it was in 2025, as his barrel rate is down from 17.2% to 5.1%. Adell may be sacrificing power for contact, as he's also cut his strikeout rate from 26.4% to 19.6%. While Adell would be able to hit for both power and average in an ideal world, fantasy managers would likely prefer him to rediscover his 30-homer form. If he can get back to hitting the long ball consistently while holding some of his contact gains, Adell could put together his most complete MLB season to date.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
JR Ritchie Earns Promotion, Will Make MLB Debut on Thursday
The Atlanta Braves are promoting right-handed pitching prospect JR Ritchie to the MLB roster to start Thursday's contest against the Washington Nationals in his MLB debut. In a corresponding move, the Braves are demoting fellow prospect Didier Fuentes to Triple-A. Ritchie is considered the team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the overall No. 81 in the sport. Ritchie has enjoyed a dominant start to the Triple-A season and is being rewarded with an early promotion. Through his first five starts of the season, the right-hander has logged 27 1/3 innings to the tune of a stellar 0.99 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP. During this stretch, Ritchie has struck out 28 hitters and served up 13 free passes. Last summer, the right-hander spent time in High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A and posted a 2.64 ERA and 1.01 WHIP over 140 games. Given the elite upside he has flashed at Triple-A, Ritchie carries solid streaming upside facing the Nationals.
Source: Mark Bowman
Source: Mark Bowman
Jakob Poeltl Expected to Bounce Back Thursday
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl still remains very much part of the team's plans this postseason. That was called into question after Monday's Game 2 loss to Cleveland, where Poeltl saw just nine minutes of action and sat out the entire second half. "He needs to be part of the solution for us," Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic told reporters on Wednesday, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN. "He needs to be more aggressive. He needs to dominate the glass. He's going to be a big part of Game 3 and I believe he's going to perform really well." While Rajakovic appears confident in a bounce-back performance from Poeltl, he didn't commit to a starting center for Thursday's game. Collin Murray-Boyles started the second half at the No. 5 spot on Monday night, finishing with 17 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block.
Source: Josh Lewenberg
Source: Josh Lewenberg
Collin Gillespie Replaces Jordan Goodwin in Starting Unit for Game 2
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie will join the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, filling in for Jordan Goodwin (calf). The Suns are forced to make a switch after Goodwin injured his left calf in the series opener. A starting role isn't new to Gillespie, who benefited from Jalen Green's health issues during the regular season and appeared as a starter in 58 contests. In those games, Gillespie averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals. The Suns will be hoping for similar production from him on Wednesday night as they try to even the series.
Source: Phoenix Suns
Source: Phoenix Suns
Rob Dillingham Undergoes Wrist Procedure
Chicago Bulls point guard Rob Dillingham recently underwent successful minor surgery to have a ganglion cyst removed from his right wrist, the team announced on Wednesday. Dillingham battled this issue late in the year, but he will have the entire offseason to get to 100 percent for the 2026-27 campaign. The 21-year-old had a strong finish to the season, averaging 13.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in April. However, this happened with Josh Giddey out of the lineup. Tre Jones is another option at point guard for the team. Giddey and Jones both have a contract with the Bulls for next season, making Dillingham's situation murky.
Source: Chicago Bulls
Source: Chicago Bulls
Grayson Allen Cleared to Play Wednesday
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (hamstring) will suit up on Wednesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports. He has been upgraded from questionable to available. Whether Allen will take the court is another matter. Recently, he has picked up a few DNP-CDs as Allen has been managing a hamstring injury. With Jordan Goodwin (calf) out on Wednesday, the Suns could really use him. Allen might be his replacement in the starting lineup, although even after Goodwin left Game 1 with a calf injury, Suns head coach Jordan Ott elected not to use Allen.
Source: Duane Rankin
Source: Duane Rankin
Keldon Johnson Lands Sixth Man of the Year Award
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson has become the second player in franchise history to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. Hall of Fame member Manu Ginobili was San Antonio's only previous winner of the award. Johnson set the Spurs' record for most bench points this season, finishing with 1,081. He appeared in all 82 games, averaging 13.2 points and 5.4 rebounds in 23.3 minutes. Miami's Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Denver's Tim Hardaway Jr. were the other finalists for the award. So far, Johnson's efforts to replicate his form in the playoffs haven't worked out, as he has been limited to 5.0 points per game against Portland.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jordan Goodwin Won't Play Wednesday
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (calf) will miss Wednesday's Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After suffering a calf injury in Game 1, Goodwin was listed as questionable on the initial injury report. He has now been downgraded to out, leaving a starting spot open. Royce O'Neale is the likeliest candidate to fill it, while Ryan Dunn could also have an expanded role in Wednesday's game. The two would also benefit from the absence of Grayson Allen (hamstring), who is a game-time decision.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mark Williams Misses Wednesday's Action
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (foot) will sit out Wednesday's Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He will be unavailable for a third consecutive game after the team downgraded Williams' status from questionable to out. The big man has been battling a left foot injury since the Play-In Tournament. Due to Williams' absence, the Suns have been forced to lean more on Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach at the center position. Ighodaro had a mixed performance in Game 1, grabbing a game-high nine rebounds but going scoreless in 26 minutes. Maluach also failed to score in 15 minutes but contributed three rebounds. It's a very tough matchup for the youngsters against Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ja'Kobe Walter Could Miss Pivotal Game 3
Toronto Raptors guard Ja'Kobe Walter (illness) is questionable for Thursday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 3 against Cleveland as the series shifts back to Toronto. He logged 28 minutes in each of the first two games with Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) sidelined, including 14 points and three three-pointers in Game 2. If Walter sits, Jamal Shead could again push toward 38 minutes after posting three points, four assists, and two steals, while A.J. Lawson may enter the rotation. Walter carries DFS appeal if active, though his role is sensitive to Quickley's status.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Peyton Watson Remains Out for Game 3
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hamstring) is out for Thursday's Western Conference first-round Game 3 against Minnesota, extending his absence to eight straight games. He has yet to appear in this series and remains without a clear return timeline. Watson averaged 14.6 points and 1.5 three-pointers during the regular season, but Denver has adjusted without him. Christian Braun logged 16 points, five assists, and two steals in 35 minutes in Game 2, while Cameron Johnson added 13 points in 28 minutes. Both remain viable DFS options with stable roles.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Enyel De Los Santos Picks Up Third Save, the Clear-Cut Closer in Houston?
Houston Astros right-hander Enyel De Los Santos could be emerging as the preferred closer in Houston while left-handed reliever Josh Hader (biceps) remains on the 15-day injured list. De Los Santos picked up his third save of the 2026 season in Wednesday's 2-0 shutout win over the hosting Cleveland Guardians, allowing one hit, walking one, and striking out one in 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Right-hander Bryan Abreu failed with his season-opening chance to be the Astros' primary closer, and Bryan King has also received an opportunity, but right now, the Astros' preferred choice in the ninth inning appears to be De Los Santos. The 30-year-old has a 3.86 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with eight strikeouts and three walks in his 9 1/3 innings out of the bullpen so far this year. The back end of Houston's bullpen is pretty fluid at the moment, so although De Los Santos' fantasy value is on the rise, it may not last. He's currently rostered in only 13% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Aaron Gordon Likely to Play in Game 3
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (calf) is probable for Thursday's Western Conference first-round Game 3 against Minnesota and is expected to play through left calf tightness. He has averaged 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 33.0 minutes this series, though he managed just eight points with seven rebounds and four assists across 37 minutes in Game 2. Gordon remains a secondary DFS option tied to peripheral stats, while Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray continue to dominate usage. Bruce Brown would see a slight bump only if Gordon is limited.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Coby Mayo Hits Another Long Ball, Worthy of Speculative Pickup?
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Coby Mayo hit his second home run of the season, going 1-for-4 with three RBI and a strikeout in the team's 8-6 victory over the hosting Kansas City Royals on Wednesday in the series finale. Mayo entered the game on Wednesday with a .158 batting average (9-for-57) with eight walks and 18 strikeouts in 19 games played to start the 2026 campaign. The former fourth-rounder's numbers still don't stand out much in the first couple of weeks of the season, but he might be worth a speculative look in deeper fantasy leagues with a regular role at the hot corner in Baltimore with Jordan Westburg (elbow) out for the foreseeable future. Mayo has yet to really break out in his first 122 major-league games since debuting in 2024, but his power upside remains intriguing if he can stay healthy and earn regular playing time. In Yahoo leagues, Mayo is widely available and is only rostered right now in 2% of leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Anthony Edwards' Status Uncertain for Game 3
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (knee) is questionable for Thursday's Western Conference first-round Game 3 against Denver due to right knee injury maintenance after being listed with the same tag in the first two games. He still played 39.0 minutes per game in the series, averaging 26.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks, including a 30-point, 10-rebound effort in Game 2. If active, he remains a top DFS anchor. If not, Ayo Dosunmu and Bones Hyland would see expanded roles, with Dosunmu offering safer minutes and Hyland bringing scoring upside.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Thomas Bryant Iffy for Game 3
Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (calf) is questionable for Thursday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 3 against Toronto after missing the last six games. If active, he is expected to handle a limited bench role behind Jarrett Allen. His return should have minimal impact on Cleveland's rotation, with Allen and Evan Mobley continuing to log steady minutes in the frontcourt. Bryant is not a DFS target due to his uncertain workload, while Mobley remains the stronger DFS option given his broader stat profile.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Maikel Garcia Expects to Play on Friday
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (elbow) said that he felt pain in his right elbow during his second at-bat in Wednesday's loss to the Baltimore Orioles, according to Pete Grathoff of The Kansas City Star. Garcia stayed in the game for a few more innings before eventually hitting the showers early. He was feeling better after the 8-6 loss and expects to play in Friday's series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Angels. Nick Loftin replaced Garcia at the hot corner to close out Wednesday's game. The Royals have an off day on Thursday, which will give the 26-year-old Garcia a bit more time to rest up. The Venezuelan infielder went 0-for-3 at the plate against the O's in the series finale before leaving the game, and he came into Wednesday's action hitting .274 (26-for-95) with two home runs, 10 RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 24 games played. Garcia was a first-time All-Star in 2025 with a career-high 16 long balls and 74 RBI in 160 games played.
Source: The Kansas City Star - Pete Grathoff
Source: The Kansas City Star - Pete Grathoff
Brandon Lowe Back From Knee Injury on Wednesday
Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (knee) and first baseman Spencer Horwitz (neck) are both in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game in Texas against the Rangers and right-hander Jack Leiter, according to MLB.com. Lowe is starting at second base and batting second, while Horwitz is at first and batting seventh against Leiter. The left-handed-hitting Lowe didn't play in Tuesday's loss to the Rangers due to left-knee discomfort, and Horwitz was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to neck discomfort. Neither injury proved to be very serious. The 31-year-old Lowe has gotten off to a pretty nice start in 2026 in his first year in Pittsburgh, slashing .267/.375/.600 with a .975 OPS, seven long balls, 18 RBI, and 12 runs scored in 19 games across 88 plate appearances. For a second baseman in fantasy, he provides a nice power floor that comes with durability concerns. Both Lowe and Horwitz are batting .500 in just two career at-bats apiece against Leiter.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Immanuel Quickley Questionable for Game 3
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 3 against Cleveland after missing the first two games of the series. If he returns, it should help settle the backcourt and take some pressure off the other playmakers. Jamal Shead logged 38 minutes with three points and four assists in Game 2 but offers limited scoring upside, while Ja'Kobe Walter (illness) posted 14 points with three three-pointers in 28 minutes off the bench. Quickley's presence would likely cut into both roles and boost Brandon Ingram's efficiency, making him a strong DFS option if active.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jung Hoo Lee Back in Action on Wednesday
San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee (leg) is starting in right field and is batting sixth on Wednesday against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Shohei Ohtani, according to MLB.com. Lee was pulled from Tuesday's series-opening win against L.A. in the sixth inning with a left-leg injury that he suffered while sliding into home plate. The injury turned out not to be very serious, though, and he's back in action a day later. The 27-year-old Japanese native hasn't been much of a fantasy asset in his two-plus years in the big leagues and played in only 37 games in his rookie campaign in 2024 due to injury. He's currently slashing .259/.311/.370 with a homer, nine RBI, and eight runs scored in 23 games played so far in 2026, but he's heating up of late with six multi-hit performances in his last 10 games while going 15-for-39 (.385) with a homer, four RBI, and three runs scored over that span. Lee is only rostered in 10% of Yahoo leagues because of his limited power/speed profile.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jonathan Isaac Ruled Out for Game 2
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 2 against Detroit and remains limited to light on-court work, putting his availability for this series in doubt. He has not played since mid-March, so Orlando's rotation is already settled without him. Paolo Banchero should continue leading with a 27.1 usage rate, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner hold steady roles. Tristan da Silva and Goga Bitadze remain low-cost DFS fillers, though their minutes are not guaranteed.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Payton Tolle Likely to Pitch for Red Sox on Thursday
The Boston Red Sox remain "very likely" to pitch left-hander Payton Tolle in Thursday's series finale against the division-rival New York Yankees, sources told Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Manager Alex Cora has declined to officially name a starter for Thursday's game and said that Eduardo Rivera is another candidate to start. The 23-year-old Tolle was skipped in the starting rotation at Triple-A Worcester over the weekend and is believed to be a strong candidate to take the rotation spot of right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring), who landed on the 15-day injured list after getting injured in his start on Monday. If Tolle doesn't start on Thursday against New York, he could make his 2026 debut this weekend against the Baltimore Orioles. Tolle had an ERA over 6.00 with 19 strikeouts and eight walks in 16 1/3 innings in a small sample size in his MLB debut in 2025, but he's one of the more intriguing young pitching prospects in the game and is worth a stash right now in deep-mixed leagues. The former second-rounder is only rostered in 24% of Yahoo leagues currently.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Noah Ostlund Could Return Thursday
Buffalo Sabres center Noah Ostlund (upper body) could return from a 12-game absence on Thursday against the Boston Bruins, Jourdon LaBarber of the Sabres' official site reports. "He's real close," Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said on Wednesday before the team departed for Boston. "I would consider him a possibility for tomorrow. He's feeling pretty good." Ostlund had a solid rookie campaign in 2025-26, posting 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 60 appearances, while drawing praise for his defensive play. Jordan Greenway might drop out of the lineup if Ostlund is ready to return in Game 3.
Source: Jourdon LaBarber
Source: Jourdon LaBarber
Pontus Holmberg Will Miss Round 1
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Pontus Holmberg (upper body) won't be an option during the first-round series against the Montreal Canadiens, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. On Wednesday, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said Holmberg was still "a few weeks" away from returning. The Swedish forward suffered an upper-body injury in early April, finishing the regular-season campaign with 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists), 90 SOG, and 66 hits in 70 contests. Once he returns to full health, Holmberg will be in contention for a bottom-six role.
Source: Benjamin Pierce
Source: Benjamin Pierce
Charle-Edouard D'Astous Could Be an Option Friday
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Charle-Edouard D'Astous (undisclosed) has traveled with the team to Montreal for Games 3 and 4 of the first-round series, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. The first-round matchup continues on Friday, and D'Astous could be an option to rejoin the lineup after sitting out Game 2 with an undisclosed injury. "He's getting better," Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said of D'Astous on Wednesday. "He's progressing, so hopefully he'll be skating here in Montreal and then we'll see from there." If D'Astous isn't ready to return, Declan Carlile figures to remain in the lineup. He logged 17:38 of ice time in his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut on Tuesday, recording one SOG, one hit, and a minus-one rating in a 3-2 overtime win.
Source: Benjamin Pierce
Source: Benjamin Pierce
Victor Hedman Traveling With Team
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (personal) is traveling with the team for Games 3 and 4 against the Montreal Canadiens, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said Hedman's return is on "the doubtful side for this series." His comeback during the series appears unlikely, but it's good to see Hedman joining the Lightning for the road games. The Swedish veteran has been out of the lineup for more than a month because of illness and personal reasons. Without Hedman, the blue line leans heavily on Darren Raddysh, J.J. Moser, and Ryan McDonagh.
Source: Benjamin Pierce
Source: Benjamin Pierce
Radko Gudas Unavailable for Game 2
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (undisclosed) won't play in Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. Over the past month, the Ducks captain has played only a handful of games due to a lower-body injury. Now, he's back on the shelf after logging just 9:40 of ice time in Monday's Game 1. Gudas finished the contest with one SOG, one block, two hits, and a minus-one rating. Drew Helleson will draw into the lineup for his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut. The 25-year-old appeared in 60 games during the regular season, recording 15 points (two goals, 13 assists), 39 SOG, 79 blocks, 63 hits, and a minus-four rating.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Rams Increasingly Likely to Draft a First-Round Wide Receiver?
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is "looking hard" at the wide receiver position ahead of this week's NFL Draft, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Atkins notes that the Rams wish to use their first-round pick on a prospect who can start right away without pushing a veteran to the bench. He believes that means they'll draft a linebacker, wide receiver, or tight end at No. 13 overall. While Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is an option for the Rams, Atkins writes that "signs keep pointing to a WR" in the first round. He notes that both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are entering contract years, and the Rams would like to add a young, impact wide receiver in case they lose Nacua, Adams, or both next offseason. He also notes that the Rams have the luxury of multiple wide receiver options. Atkins writes, "They could trade up for Ohio State's Carnell Tate. They could stand pat and hope one of Makai Lemon or Jordyn Tyson is available. If not, they could take Washington's Denzel Boston. They could try to trade back and take either Texas A&M's KC Concepcion or Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr." It seems as though the likelihood of the Rams drafting a first-round receiver continues to increase as the draft gets closer. We'll have more clarity, of course, as the first round gets underway on Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Source: Nate Atkins
Source: Nate Atkins
