April 18, 2026

Victor Hedman is skating for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The bad news is that the defenseman is not close to ready yet to play. Hedman has been out for basically a month now. First, there was an injury and then Hedman was out for personal reasons. It has been a tough season for the 35-year old. He is a team captain but missed 49 games in 2025-26. The normal point leader from the blueline had a mere 17 points (one goal) in 33 appearances. Right now, Hedman will not play until he is in shape to play. That means, he will be out for Game 1 on Sunday against Montreal. More than likely, the fact that Hedman has been skating appears to signal he is closer to returning than May 3rd potentially. --Chris Wassel - RotoBaller
Source: Benjamin Pierce

April 18, 2026

Vegas Golden Knights center William Karlsson (lower body) won't be available for the start of the team's first-round playoff series against the Utah Mammoth, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. It's also unclear whether Karlsson will play at all against Utah after Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon said the team must have "some success in the playoffs for him to play again." The Swedish veteran has been out of action since early November due to a lower-body injury. He appeared in only 14 regular-season games, recording four goals and three assists.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Danny Webster

April 18, 2026

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (illness) will be in action on Saturday against the Dallas Stars, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports. Zach Bogosian (lower body) has also been cleared to play, giving Minnesota's defense a boost. Hughes has been dealing with an illness lately and didn't suit up for the Wild's last two regular-season contests. The Olympic champion had 76 points (seven goals, 69 assists) in 74 games during the regular season, ranking as the league's fifth-highest scoring defenseman. Hughes notched 53 points (five goals, 48 assists) in 48 contests, playing an integral role for the team on both ends of the ice.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Elliotte Friedman

April 18, 2026

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (lower body) will play in Game 1 against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports. The Finnish defensive star was unavailable for the last three regular-season games due to a lower-body injury. Heiskanen finished the campaign as the NHL's ninth-highest scoring defenseman, posting 63 points (nine goals, 54 assists) in 77 contests. He averaged a point per game in four meetings with the Wild. As a member of the first defensive pairing and the top power-play unit, Heiskanen is set to have a huge workload in the playoffs and will be a popular pick among DFS managers.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Elliotte Friedman

April 18, 2026

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) missed the entirety of the 2025 season after tearing his ACL for the second time on the ninth carry of his NFL career. Brooks went down in Week 14 of his 2024 rookie season after missing ten games during a lengthy recovery from his first ACL tear, sustained at the end of his final collegiate season at Texas. With the injuries stacking up and so much passing time between meaningful snaps, it can be easy to forget that the 2024 second-round pick was seeing an incremental increase in usage leading up to the injury, even though Chuba Hubbard had the fourth most rushing yards in the league to that point. With Rico Dowdle departing in free agency after only one season in Carolina, Brooks will return to a running back room strikingly similar to the one in which he last played. Hubbard will be 27 years old at the start of the season, coming off a year in which injuries and inefficiency saw him turn the room over to Dowdle for much of the season, and his career yards per route run remains well under 1.0 yards. As RotoBaller's dynasty RB37, Brooks could be severely underpriced for a running back with both the skills and the path to take over the lead back role in a steadily improving offense.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Connecticut wide receiver Skyler Bell set school records in 2025 with 101 receptions and 13 touchdown catches and was the first consensus All-American in school history. An older prospect who will turn 24 before the start of training camps, he has the versatility to line up across the formation but projects as an NFL slot. He received considerable pre-draft hype after winning the Stock Up Offensive Player of the Week at the Senior Bowl, but has since settled into a more reasonable projection as an early Day 3 pick. His obvious work ethic will help him get onto the field, but like many prospects in this deep rookie class, he may make stronger contributions to an NFL offense than a fantasy team. Before knowing landing spots, Bell slots in as RotoBaller's rookie WR14.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II led the SEC in receiving yards per game and touchdowns in 2025, while taking 94.3% of his snaps on the outside, and more specifically, the right side. A staggering 85 of Brazzell's 86 targets came on routes originating from the right side of the formation. While Josh Heupel's offensive system has evolved past the gimmicky label of prior seasons, stats like that make it difficult not to lump Brazzell in with past Tennessee deep threats like Dont'e Thornton Jr., Jalin Hyatt, and Cedric Tillman. Brazzell does possess game-changing speed, banking a 4.37-second 40 time at the Combine after measuring in at 6'4", and his past success at Tulane is another feather in the cap of a player who could receive Day 2 draft capital and eventually earn a role as a legitimate NFL field stretcher. Heading into the draft, he is RotoBaller's rookie WR10.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins finished his first season as RB23 by points per game, the fourth-highest total in a loaded rookie class. A dislocated ankle and fractured fibula ended his season in Week 16, but by all accounts, his recovery has gone well, and he should be available for the start of training camp. The Browns have brought in a new coaching staff for 2026, but some of the surrounding elements that stood in the way of a true breakout have not been addressed. Cleveland saw some of the worst quarterback and offensive line play in the league in 2025, and those remain points of concern heading into the NFL Draft. While they will likely need to wait until 2027 to make any upgrades at quarterback, two first-round picks could have them in position to address the line at multiple spots. Judkins hard-running style and safe bet for volume should provide a healthy floor for fantasy, but with Cleveland's offense again projected to be among the worst in the league, he may not have the scoring opportunities needed to raise his ceiling, especially considering his lack of involvement in the passing game.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

At 31 years old, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (knee) came into the 2025 season still in the conversation as a top-five dynasty tight end. Six games missed due to a hamstring injury and an unfortunate postseason Achilles tear that now threatens his availability for the start of the 2026 season have pushed him well down the rankings. However, even without the injuries, the emergence of rookie stars Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, and Harold Fannin Jr. would have already had a hand in shaking up the rankings. The two factors working together may have created a perfect buy-low window for Kittle, who could now be viewed as undervalued as RotoBaller's dynasty TE13. Yes, he will be only eight months removed from his Achilles tear by the time the 49ers next play meaningful football, and he will turn 33 shortly after that, but he has not scored fewer than 10.6 fantasy points per game since his rookie season. For reference, over the past five seasons, the TE13 has averaged 8.0 Half-PPR points per game. While it could, and likely will, take Kittle time to get back up to speed, even 80% of the player he has historically been represents a smart dynasty buy for contenders with the surrounding roster strength to bank on a fantasy playoff appearance.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

TCU wide receiver Eric McAlister (foot) had an excellent senior season with the Horned Frogs in 2025, recording 72 receptions for 1,190 yards and 10 touchdowns across 13 games. Unfortunately for his draft prospects, McAlister suffered a Jones fracture in his foot during his pro day, which could put his availability for the early part of his rookie season in question. While McAlister should still hear his name called, he was not considered to be an elite wide receiver prospect even before the injuries. As a result, he's likely to be facing an uphill battle for playing time early in his NFL career, regardless of where he ends up getting drafted. McAlister's dynasty value is an open question as he works his way back from injury.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

The Philadelphia Phillies placed right-handed closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 15) with a left-oblique strain on Saturday, according to Jeff Skversky of FOX 29 Philly. Fantasy managers should expect Duran to be out longer than the 15 days with his oblique injury, but he needs to remain stashed in all fantasy leagues while he recovers. The hard-throwing 28-year-old Dominican was off to a fine start in 2026, too, in his first full season with the Phillies. Through seven relief appearances, Duran held a 1.35 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, five saves, eight strikeouts, and no walks in 6 2/3 innings pitched. It's unclear how the Phils will approach the ninth inning in the absence of Duran moving forward, but all of Jose Alvarado, Brad Keller, and Orion Kerkering could be involved in some sort of closer-by-committee situation. Alvarado, 30, has the most closing experience in his nine-plus MLB seasons, for what it's worth. The left-hander has recorded 52 saves in 374 1/3 innings pitched, and he's been in Philly since the start of the 2021 campaign.--Keith Hernandez
Source: FOX 29 Philly - Jeff Skversky

April 18, 2026

After recording nearly 1,300 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2024, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. regressed in his second season. Across 14 games, the 23-year-old hauled in 48 receptions for 707 yards and two touchdowns on 91 targets. After looking like a no-doubt fantasy WR1 as a rookie, Thomas Jr.'s dynasty value is now an open question. However, Thomas Jr. battled wrist, shoulder, and ankle injuries throughout the year, which may have played a role in his subpar performance. The Jaguars also reportedly plan to play cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter (knee) more on the defensive side of the ball in 2026, which could open up a few more target opportunities for Thomas Jr. He comes with a significant amount of risk, but dynasty managers may never have a better buy-low window on Thomas Jr.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes's (knee) status for the start of the 2026 season is currently unclear as he recovers from the torn ACL and LCL he suffered last December. Across 14 games before getting injured, Mahomes II completed 62.7% of his pass attempts for 3,587 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. A large portion of his fantasy value came from his work as a rusher, as he collected 422 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 64 attempts. While Mahomes II remains arguably the best overall quarterback in the NFL, his fantasy production as a passer has not been elite since 2022. If his recovery from major knee surgery limits his effectiveness as a rusher, Mahomes II's short-term value as a must-start quarterback could be in question. Until he proves he's fully recovered from the injury, Mahomes II's dynasty value is trending slightly downward as well.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris did not get many chances to contribute to his team's offense as a rookie. Across 17 games, the 24-year-old recorded 30 receptions for 324 yards and one touchdown on 43 targets. Harris largely operated as the fifth target in the Chargers' passing game behind wide receivers Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston, as well as tight end Oronde Gadsden. Allen currently remains unsigned heading into 2026, which could open the door for Harris to move into a more prominent role in Los Angeles. The Chargers also replaced former offensive coordinator Greg Roman with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, which could lead to a more pass-happy offense overall. Harris still faces an uphill battle to make a significant contribution in Los Angeles, but he could be a decent buy-low target for dynasty managers after his quiet rookie year.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (knee) was limited to just four games played in 2025 after suffering a season-ending torn MCL in Week 4. The 22-year-old had been expected to play a significant role as a complementary piece to fellow Jets back Breece Hall, but instead was limited to just 93 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 20 touches for the year. Allen should be fully healthy for the start of the 2026 season. While Hall remains with the Jets and profiles as the team's clear lead back, he is currently signed via the franchise tag, and his future in New York beyond 2026 is uncertain. Allen currently profiles as a high-end handcuff option for dynasty managers, and his long-term value could surge if the Jets move on from Hall. In dynasty formats, now might be the best time for managers to buy low on Allen.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers (hamstring) will be activated from the 10-day injured list on Sunday, according to manager Clayton McCullough. The 28-year-old has missed the entire 2026 season due to a right hamstring injury that he sustained during Spring Training. After battling back in March, he reaggravated the injury while rounding the bases in a split-squad game against the Astros. After that, the team announced that he would get some opportunities to play first base upon his return. During his five-game minor-league rehab assignment, he only started there once, so it's unclear if and when he will get that opportunity this season. All that being said, fantasy managers should be excited to have the power-hitting Stowers back in their lineup, as he looks to build off a successful 2025 season where he hit 25 home runs.--Dave Funnell - RotoBaller
Source: Kevin Barral

April 18, 2026

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson has had a surprisingly hot start to the season. Taking over for the injured Jackson Holliday, the 26-year-old second baseman has given the Orioles a much-needed spark more than once. This past week alone, he has hit four home runs and recorded 11 RBI in just five games played. While this should be considered a huge success, it's hard to trust that this will sustain itself long-term. He has yet to record a walk this year and has posted a 44.0% chase rate, bringing attention to his tendency to lack patience at the plate. Additionally, his 31.1% hard-hit rate suggests that there might not be much power in his future unless changes are made at the plate. For now, he should be added to the deepest of leagues for minimal cost, as fantasy managers would be wise to be ready to drop him once Holliday returns to the lineup.--Dave Funnell - RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

After a hot start to the season, Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda has cooled off significantly throughout most of April. The 27-year-old has just two hits over his last 30 plate appearances (.091), and only eight total base hits this month. His current .214 BA is more than 100 points lower than his 2025 batting average, though this does come with a .246 xBA. While it is too early in the season to panic, this is something to monitor. Calling Tropicana Field home in 2026 should be considered a downgrade for most hitters, as it is widely considered to be a pitcher's ballpark. That, alongside these early-season struggles, may cause fantasy managers to want to make a change. For now, he can remain on the bench with the hope that he can turn things around and get back to his powerful and productive ways from just one year ago.--Dave Funnell - RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga will remain in the team's starting rotation for now, manager Carlos Mendoza told Laura Albanese of Newsday. The Mets will continue to look at film to figure something out. "We've got to help him," Mendoza said. The 33-year-old Japanese hurler is off to a dreadful start in 2026, going 0-3 with an 8.83 ERA (5.35 FIP) and 1.90 WHIP with 22 strikeouts and 10 walks in 17 1/3 innings over his first four starts for the Mets. Senga got off to a decent start with four earned runs allowed in his first two starts of the year against the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants, but he's surrendered 13 earned runs on 14 hits (four homers) while walking five and striking out six in 5 2/3 innings in his last two outings against the Athletics and Chicago Cubs. He might be one more bad outing away from being sent to the bullpen in New York. If Senga is demoted from the rotation, either veteran left-hander Sean Manaea or pitching prospect Jonah Tong could be the top options to replace him.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Newsday - Laura Albanese

April 18, 2026

New York Mets rookie outfielder Carson Benge will serve as the team's leadoff hitter for the second straight day on Saturday for Game 2 of the series in Chicago against the Cubs and right-hander Jameson Taillon at Wrigley Field, according to MLB.com. Benge went 1-for-4 in the team's ninth straight loss to the Cubs on Friday. The Mets are trying anything to get their bats going without star outfielder Juan Soto (calf). They currently rank 28th in MLB with a .632 team OPS as they head into Saturday's game at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. Benge's DFS value will increase for the second straight game in the leadoff spot, but since hitting a home run in his major-league debut on Opening Day, he's been pretty ice-cold at the plate. The former 19th overall pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State is hitting just 158 (9-for-57) with three RBI, five stolen bases, five runs scored, six walks, and 16 strikeouts in his first 17 big-league games.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 18, 2026

Free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned heading into the back half of April. As the NFL Draft approaches, Rodgers still hasn't given any indication as to where (or if) he'll be playing in 2026. The future Hall of Famer is coming off a solid season, all things considered. Now 42 years old, he has managed to rank as a top-18 fantasy quarterback each of the last two years. Across 16 games in 2025, he completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. It was the lowest passing yards total of his career (minimum 10 games), but that can be explained by the fact that he had a weak receiving corps around him. DK Metcalf didn't operate like a true WR1 in his first season with the Steelers, and Calvin Austin III failed to take a fourth-year leap. Heading into 2026, Rodgers still has the ability to keep teams in a competitive position, as he did with the Steelers last year. We wouldn't be surprised to see him sign shortly after the NFL Draft. That's what he did in 2025 with the Steelers; once it was clear they didn't select an immediate starter in the draft, he was essentially assured the starting job, so he put pen to paper. There are rumors that the Steelers, whose current QB1 is Mason Rudolph, won't draft a quarterback in the first round. At this point, a post-draft return to Pittsburgh (and a reunion with head coach Mike McCarthy) seems like the most probable outcome for Rodgers. He's a low-end QB2 in redraft leagues, and he's merely a one-year bridge option in dynasty formats.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen continues to be an elite option in fantasy football, and his ceiling might be getting even higher now that he's healthy and has a new weapon at his disposal. Allen underwent surgery to fix a broken bone in his right foot following the 2025 season, but head coach Joe Brady said that the superstar quarterback is fully healthy. It doesn't sound like the surgery will have any limitations on his performance during training camp or the 2026 regular season. Additionally, Allen will benefit from the Bills' acquisition of wide receiver DJ Moore. While Moore is coming off a down year in which he was essentially pushed down to third on the depth chart in Chicago, he should bounce back as the No. 1 receiver in Buffalo. He'll operate ahead of Khalil Shakir, serving as a reliable medium to deep threat for Allen. It should be no surprise that Allen, who ranked as a top-two fantasy quarterback in each of his last six seasons, remains the QB1 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray remains somewhat of an unknown commodity in dynasty leagues following his offseason change of scenery. After being released by the Cardinals, Murray signed a one-year deal with the Vikings to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback role. So far, it has been hard to gain much insight into the quarterback competition. On one hand, McCarthy is the incumbent starter. On the other hand, the Vikings actively went out and signed Murray, so we know that Kevin O'Connell has confidence in starting him if needed. McCarthy is coming off an ugly season in Minnesota, but the same can be said of Murray in Arizona. We may be looking at a lesser of two evils situation here, as both quarterbacks are grasping for the opportunity to start meaningful football games. Murray made five starts before missing the rest of the 2025 season due to injury. The former No. 1 pick finished last year with 962 passing yards, 173 rushing yards, seven total touchdowns, and four total turnovers. He was the QB17 in fantasy football from Week 1-5, so he'd likely rank in a similar range if named the Vikings' starter. Having Justin Jefferson would boost his fantasy value, but more importantly, his output would hinge on his ability to stay mobile and rush for yards. Given that Murray was quite literally cut loose during the middle of a $230.5 contract, it's safe to say that his football outlook is approaching rock bottom. As a result, he can be acquired in dynasty leagues at a very minimal cost. Quarterback-needy dynasty managers should entertain the idea of acquiring Murray. If it doesn't pan out, then you've lost a late-round rookie pick, or the equivalent; no big deal. If it does pan out, you're left with a multi-year fantasy starter, and it only cost you a negligible pick.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart is making the start at second base and will hit cleanup for the Reds for Saturday's ballgame against the hosting Minnesota Twins and right-hander Taj Bradley at Target Field, according to MLB.com. The slumping Matt McLain will get the day off after starting with a .183 average (13-for-71) in 20 games. With Stewart moving over to the keystone, the left-handed-hitting Nathaniel Lowe will draw into the starting lineup at first base. It remains to be seen if Stewart will play enough to gain eligibility at second base in 2026, but if he does, it would be another big boost to an already dynamic young slugger. The 22-year-old former first-rounder in 2022 has been one of the best hitters in baseball through the first couple of weeks of the 2026 season, as he enters Saturday's game in the Twin Cities with a .300/.405/.657 slash line, 1.062 OPS, seven home runs, 17 RBI, 14 runs scored, and even four stolen bases in 70 at-bats. Stewart has been a hot waiver-wire pickup and is now rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

April 18, 2026

Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White is trending up in dynasty leagues after his recent change of scenery. Following four seasons in Tampa Bay, White left for the Commanders in free agency. It was an understandable move, as White went from tallying 1,500+ yards in 2023 (RB4 in PPR leagues) to operating as the Bucs' backup running back in 2024 (RB22) and 2025 (RB32). White won't have the backfield all to himself in Washington, but he also won't face the same level of competition that Bucky Irving presented in Tampa Bay. White will use this summer to try to win the lead-back role over Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was promising in his own regard with 4.6 YPC and eight touchdowns as a rookie last year. Croskey-Merritt was essentially a non-factor in the receiving game last year. That's where White thrives, so at the very least, he should be the primary passing-down back. He'll need to earn the rushing attempts, but that's not such an extreme ask given that he has 4.3 YPC and 13 total touchdowns over the last two seasons. White can be a low-end RB1 in an every-down role. In all likelihood, though, he'll end up as a low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 while sharing some of his volume with Croskey-Merritt. Still, that's a nice boost from his RB32 finish in 2025, so dynasty managers would be wise to send out trade offers for White in anticipation of his bounce-back campaign.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Jesper Wallstedt gets the start in goal for the Minnesota Wild on Saturday evening against the Dallas Stars. Wallstedt has been the better of the two Wild goaltenders during the 2025-26 season. In 33 games started, the 23-year-old has a record of 18-9-6. He has four shutouts with a 2.61 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. Wallstedt allowed two goals or fewer in eight of his final nine starts while posting a .930 save percentage since the trade deadline. The goaltender has a solid .830 high danger save percentage and Dallas scores more high danger goals than anyone in the league. --Chris Wassel - RotoBaller
Source: Michael Russo

April 18, 2026

Free agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs remains unsigned as we head into the back half of April. Diggs was cut loose after one season with the New England Patriots, during which he caught 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. He ranked as the overall WR17 in PPR leagues, which was an improvement from when he missed nine games in 2024. However, it was still a significant drop-off from his four-year stint in Buffalo, where he was a top-10 fantasy receiver every year. Coming off a 1,000-yard season, it's a little surprising we haven't heard more about Diggs' free agent market. Perhaps at this point in the offseason, NFL teams are waiting to see how the draft unfolds before deciding whether to make a big free agency addition. Presumably, we'll see some more chatter about potential landing spots for Diggs when the 2026 NFL Draft concludes one week from today.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) doesn't have a direct path to fantasy relevance in dynasty leagues. Benson was once viewed as the running back of the future in Arizona after the Cardinals selected him with a third-round pick. However, James Conner was healthy and productive in 2024, leaving Benson in a backup role for most of his rookie season. Then, when Conner suffered a season-ending right foot/ankle injury, it seemed like Benson might finally have an opportunity to shine. Instead, he started one game before suffering a season-ending knee injury of his own. Now, Conner is healthy again, and he's expected to occupy the lead-back role in 2026. New head coach Mike LaFleur also went out and signed Tyler Allgeier, who presumably will operate as the No. 2 running back, pushing Benson to third on the depth chart. Benson is still 23, so we're not completely out on him yet, but it seems like it will take either a lot of patience or a lot of teammate injuries before he has a chance to prove his fantasy relevance. He can be stashed at the end of your bench in most dynasty leagues, as there's really no motivation to buy or sell here.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 18, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (finger) was checked out by the team's medical staff in the eighth inning in Friday night's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks after clipping his left index finger on an opponent's jersey, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Guerrero ultimately stayed in the game, though, and manager John Schneider said he should be fine to play on Saturday in the desert in Game 2 of the series against the D-backs. The 27-year-old five-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger winner went 1-for-4 at the plate with an RBI in Friday night's 6-3 loss, and he's hitting a strong .319/.427/.420 with a homer, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base in his first 82 plate appearances of the 2026 season. Fantasy managers will want to check back later to see if Vladdy is in the starting lineup in Phoenix for a matchup with right-hander Zac Gallen.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon

April 18, 2026

Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd (biceps) threw 64 pitches in 3 2/3 innings in a minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Iowa on Thursday and reported feeling good on Friday, according to MLB.com. Boyd is on target to be activated from the 15-day injured list to start next Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran left-hander is recovering from a left-biceps strain that sent him to the IL on April 6. It's great news for a Cubs pitching staff that has been decimated by injuries early in the 2026 campaign. While it's good news for Chicago, fantasy managers who have Boyd rostered might want to keep him benched for a tough first matchup back against Philly. In his 3 2/3 innings on Thursday with Iowa, Boyd looked good, striking out six batters and walking one while throwing 64 total pitches. Boyd could be somewhat limited from a pitch-count perspective next week after he's reinstated, which is another reason to fade him as a fantasy play next week.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com