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Luis Garcia Jr. Remains Out of Nationals Lineup on Wednesday
Washington Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. (wrist) remains out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the visiting Minnesota Twins with a hand/wrist injury, per MLB.com. Curtis Mead will make another start at first base for the Nats and will hit third in the batting order against Twins right-hander Bailey Ober. Garcia is missing a second straight start after injuring his hand/wrist in Sunday's series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers. The 25-year-old is considered day-to-day for now and could be back as early as Thursday's series finale in D.C. against the Twins. Garcia, who is merely an infield depth option in deeper fantasy leagues, has hit just .234 (25-for-107) with a homer, 16 RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 33 games played so far in 2026 as the team's regular first baseman. Mead has one hit in just two career at-bats against Ober.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Matthew Boyd Needs Meniscus Surgery, Going on 15-Day Injured List
The Chicago Cubs announced on Wednesday that they placed left-hander Matthew Boyd (knee) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 4) with a left-knee meniscus injury that will require surgery. The team selected right-hander Trent Thornton's contract from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move. Boyd's timetable for a return is unknown right now, but in a best-case scenario, he probably will not be ready to return to Chicago's starting rotation until after the All-Star break in mid-July. It's yet another injury blow to the Cubs' pitching staff, and it's unclear right now who will take Boyd's spot in the rotation. Right-handers Ben Brown and Javier Assad are two options out of the bullpen, as is left-hander Jordan Wicks (elbow) whenever he's ready to return from his IL stint. The 35-year-old Boyd will be dumped in a lot of redraft leagues with this news, especially since he currently has an unsightly 6.00 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 31 strikeouts in 24 innings over his five starts so far in 2026. He's currently rostered in 72% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Chicago Cubs
Source: Chicago Cubs
Framber Valdez's Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez's six-game suspension has been reduced to five games, according to the team. MLB.com's Jason Beck reports that Valdez will begin serving his suspension in Wednesday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old southpaw allowed back-to-back home runs during his outing on Tuesday against Boston before hitting shortstop Trevor Story, which caused both benches to clear. No punches were thrown, but the Dominican hurler was ejected for his actions and will now be suspended for the next five games. He will be eligible to make his next start in New York against the Mets on May 13, where he should be in starting fantasy lineups despite his disappointing start to his Tigers tenure. The two-time All-Star has gone 2-2 through his first eight starts in 2026 with a 4.57 ERA (4.34 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 35 strikeouts and 15 walks in 43 1/3 innings pitched. The Mets have the worst team OPS (.629) in all of baseball, so it will be a good spot for Valdez to bounce back.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Nils Hoglander Will Miss World Championship Due to Injury
Vancouver Canucks left wing Nils Hoglander (undisclosed) won't play for Sweden at the 2026 World Championship, Adam Kierszenblat of The Hockey News reports. He was injured in a pre-competition game last weekend. Detroit's Lucas Raymond has been called up as Hoglander's replacement. The 25-year-old also began the 2025-26 campaign nursing an injury and was limited to 38 appearances, registering two goals and three assists. It was a hugely disappointing season for Hoglander in the first year of a three-year, $9 million contract. Having flirted with a 40-point campaign a couple of years ago, Hoglander could be poised for a strong bounce-back season in 2026-27.
Source: Adam Kierszenblat
Source: Adam Kierszenblat
Christian Dvorak Likely to Play in Game 3 Against Hurricanes
Philadelphia Flyers center Christian Dvorak (undisclosed) is likely to play in Thursday's Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports. The Flyers practiced without Dvorak on Wednesday, but head coach Rick Tocchet said he will likely play Thursday night. On Wednesday, Tocchet ruled out fellow center Noah Cates (lower-body injury) for the rest of the second-round series, making Dvorak's availability crucial for Philadelphia. In his first season with the Flyers, Dvorak has enjoyed a career year, posting 51 points (18 goals, 33 assists) in 80 regular-season appearances. He has added three assists in eight postseason outings.
Source: Adam Kimelman
Source: Adam Kimelman
Owen Tippett a Game-Time Decision Thursday
Philadelphia Flyers winger Owen Tippett (undisclosed) will be a game-time call for Thursday's tilt against the Carolina Hurricanes, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports. The 27-year-old has yet to play in the series because of a lingering injury that also affected him in the first-round matchup with Pittsburgh. Getting Tippett back would be huge for the Flyers, especially after losing Noah Cates (lower body) for the rest of the series. In the playoffs, Tippett has been limited to two points (one goal, one assist) in six outings, but he was a consistent offensive threat during the regular season. Across 81 outings, Tippett produced a team-high 28 goals and 23 assists.
Source: Adam Kimelman
Source: Adam Kimelman
Noah Cates to Miss Rest of Round 2
Philadelphia Flyers center Noah Cates (lower body) will sit out the rest of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs second-round matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, Adam Kimelman of NHL.com reports. Cates suffered a lower-body injury in Game 2 of the series and was initially deemed day-to-day. The 27-year-old finished the 2025-26 regular season with a career-high 47 points (18 goals, 29 assists) in 82 games and has also played well in the playoffs. In eight outings, Cates has contributed one goal and three assists. With him on the shelf, Philadelphia plans to bring Trevor Zegras back to the center position and also use Denver Barkey more in the middle.
Source: Adam Kimelman
Source: Adam Kimelman
Arber Xhekaj Rejoins Canadiens Lineup Wednesday
Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj will re-enter the lineup on Wednesday in Game 1 against the Buffalo Sabres, Shawn P. Roarke of NHL.com reports. Montreal scratched the heavy-hitting blue-liner for Sunday's Game 7 against Tampa Bay, with Noah Dobson making his 2026 postseason debut. Xhekaj played in each of the first six games of the first-round matchup, recording one assist, five SOG, three blocks, 31 hits, and 12 penalty minutes. On Wednesday, he will rejoin Kaiden Guhle on the third defensive pairing, bumping Jayden Struble out of the lineup.
Source: Shawn P. Roarke
Source: Shawn P. Roarke
Brendan Gallagher Scratched on Wednesday
Montreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher will be a healthy scratch in Game 1 against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday, Shawn P. Roarke of NHL.com reports. The veteran will return to the press box after also sitting out the first four games of the first-round matchup with Tampa Bay. Gallagher scored in his 2026 postseason debut, but that has remained his only point. In three outings in Round 1, he averaged just 6:25 of ice time. On Wednesday, Gallagher will be replaced in the lineup by Joe Veleno, who will make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut. Veleno will likely have a similar workload to Gallagher on the fourth line and isn't expected to make an offensive impact. Across 61 regular-season games, Veleno posted only five points (two goals, three assists).
Source: Shawn P. Roarke
Source: Shawn P. Roarke
Logan Stanley Returns to Action Wednesday
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Logan Stanley (illness) will return from a one-game absence on Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens, Shawn P. Roarke of NHL.com reports. Stanley is projected to rejoin Connor Timmins on the third defensive pairing. He didn't play in Game 6 against Boston on Friday. Michael Kesselring filled in for Stanley and will be scratched Wednesday night. In the first round, Stanley didn't score any points in five outings, but he had five SOG, six blocks, six hits, and five penalty minutes.
Source: Shawn P. Roarke
Source: Shawn P. Roarke
Roman Anthony Still Sidelined With Wrist Issue
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (wrist) remains sidelined for Wednesday's series finale in Detroit against the Tigers, according to MLB.com. Jarren Duran is starting in left field for the BoSox and will hit leadoff against Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty. Anthony injured his right wrist in Monday's game against the Tigers and returned to Boston the next day to be evaluated. The 21-year-old outfield prospect was diagnosed with a sprained right wrist and is considered day-to-day after undergoing an MRI exam, but he won't be available to return for the series finale in Motown on Wednesday. Although he got encouraging news, don't rule out an injured-list stint for Anthony if he cannot return for the upcoming four-game series in Boston against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays. Anthony is a high-upside power/speed outfielder, but injuries have slowed him down so far after he debuted with the team in 2025. Through 30 games this year, Anthony has been a disappointment with a .229/.354/.321 slash line, .675 OPS, one homer, five RBI, 12 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Check back on Thursday to see if he can return to the starting nine.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Robby Snelling Will Start on Friday for Marlins in MLB Debut
Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect Robby Snelling will officially be called up from Triple-A Jacksonville to make his major-league debut and start on Friday at home against the division-rival Washington Nationals, according to Craig Mish of Sports Grid. Snelling, the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was already considered a must-stash young arm in deeper fantasy leagues, but he could quickly become worth rostering in shallower leagues as well. The 22-year-old southpaw gets the call to the big leagues for the first time after posting a nice 1.86 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 44:15 K:BB in 29 innings for the Jumbo Shrimp down on the farm. Snelling will be taking the rotation spot of right-hander Chris Paddack, who was designated for assignment on Tuesday. He features a high-90s fastball, and his slider, curveball, and changeup are also above-average offerings. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder is also a bulldog on the mound and attacks hitters relentlessly. Snelling is rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues, but that number is going to continue to rise, especially if he looks good in Friday's start.
Source: Sports Grid - Craig Mish
Source: Sports Grid - Craig Mish
Tigers Put Gleyber Torres on Injured List With Oblique Strain
The Detroit Tigers placed second baseman Gleyber Torres (oblique) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a mild left-oblique strain, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. In a corresponding move, the Tigers recalled infielder Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. Infielder Zach McKinstry is making the start at the keystone for Detroit and will bat seventh in the lineup for Wednesday's game against the visiting Boston Red Sox and right-hander Sonny Gray, who is making his first start off the IL. Torres missed the last three games with what the Tigers were calling left-side tightness, and now he'll miss a little bit more time with an oblique strain. He will be eligible to return from the IL on May 14. Until Torres can return, both McKinstry and Hao-Yu Lee will be the primary options to replace him at second base. The 29-year-old is currently rostered in 62% of Yahoo leagues and won't be a must-hold while he recovers in shallow mixed leagues. Torres has hit a mediocre .259 (30-for-116) so far in 2026 with two homers, 11 RBI, and 18 runs scored.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Framber Valdez Suspended Six Games
Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez has been suspended six games by the league and fined after throwing at Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story on Tuesday night, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Valdez gave up back-to-back home runs to Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu in the fourth inning on Tuesday night and then hit Story, which caused both benches to clear. The 32-year-old southpaw was ejected from the contest in what continued a frustrating start to his Tigers tenure. The two-time All-Star is now 2-2 with a 4.57 ERA (4.34 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 35 strikeouts and 15 walks in 43 1/3 innings pitched across his eight starts. Valdez will likely appeal the suspension, which should allow him to make his next start, but if the suspension holds, he'll be forced to miss a turn through the starting rotation. The Tigers need Valdez to be better going forward after losing star left-hander Tarik Skubal (elbow) for at least several months, if not longer.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Ben Rice Remains Out on Wednesday With Hand Injury
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (hand) remains sidelined due to a hand injury for Wednesday's contest against the visiting Texas Rangers in the Bronx, according to MLB.com. Paul Goldschmidt will make another start at first base and will bat sixth against Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. Rice will be missing a third straight game due to a left-hand contusion that he suffered in Sunday's victory over the Baltimore Orioles. His injury isn't considered very serious, so he could be back as soon as Thursday's series finale against Texas. Fantasy managers are just hoping that Rice's minor hand injury won't affect his production at the plate when he returns. The 27-year-old former 12th-rounder in 2021 out of Dartmouth College has been a must-start since breaking out last year. He's currently slashing .343/.455/.759 with a 1.214 OPS, 12 long balls, 27 RBI, 30 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 108 at-bats. Goldy has plenty of experience against Eovaldi in his career, batting .238 against him with a .559 OPS and one RBI in 21 at-bats.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sonny Gray Officially Reinstated to Start on Wednesday
The Boston Red Sox announced that they officially reinstated right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday and optioned left-hander Alec Gamboa to Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move. Gray will return to make the start against the Detroit Tigers in the series finale at Comerica Park. The 36-year-old veteran spent the minimum time on the IL with a right-hamstring strain that landed him on the shelf back on April 21. In a tough matchup, Gray will be more of a risk as a fantasy streamer in his first start back with the BoSox, especially since he didn't go on a minor-league rehab assignment. The Tigers come into Wednesday's action with the seventh-best team OPS (.724) in baseball. Gray enters his sixth start of the 2026 season with a 2-1 record, 4.30 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 13:5 K:BB in his 23 innings pitched over five starts.
Source: Boston Red Sox
Source: Boston Red Sox
Caleb Kilian Pushing for More Save Opportunities?
San Francisco Giants reliever Caleb Kilian earned his first save of the season on Monday night, and he's now in the mix to handle more save situations going forward. The 28-year-old didn't pitch in the majors last year, but he's having somewhat of a resurgence on the west coast. Through 15 games (16.0 innings), he owns a 1.13 ERA with 10.13 K/9, 4.50 BB/9, 1.13 HR/9, one save, and a 47.2% ground ball rate. A 4.21 FIP suggests that he could be a regression candidate, but his success in a leverage spot on Monday would seem to indicate that he could be due for save situations in the future. The Giants don't really have a defined closer role, but rather have been rotating between Ryan Walker, Keaton Winn, and Kilian. With that said, Walker blew a save in each of his last two outings, so he's falling out of favor quickly. Kilian has a perfect opportunity to emerge as Tony Vitello's go-to arm in the ninth inning.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Garcia Earns the Win in a Leverage Spot
Baltimore Orioles closer Rico Garcia excelled in a high-leverage situation on Tuesday, earning the win as the Orioles defeated the Miami Marlins 9-7. Garcia entered in a tough spot after Andrew Kittredge blew the save and allowed the Marlins to tie the game in the eighth inning. The 32-year-old ended up going 1.1 innings, striking out two batters and walking one. He has arguably been the most fascinating storyline in baseball this season. After a solid 2025 campaign, Garcia has taken his pitching production to the next level with just one hit over 16 innings this year. He has a 0.56 ERA, 10.13 K/9, and a 58.1% ground ball rate while posting a 3-0 record with one save. Fantasy managers would like to see a higher save total, but it's no fault of his own. The Orioles haven't earned a single save since April 28, but there's a very strong chance that Garcia will get the next one when the time comes. He's up to #50 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings and should jump even higher with more volume.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gregory Soto Poised to Take Over Ninth-Inning Role for Pirates?
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Gregory Soto has enjoyed a strong stretch of results and is beginning to emerge as the primary late-inning option for the Pirates. While Dennis Santana appeared to be the favorite for saves after taking over the closer role in 2025, the right-hander has struggled in the early going of the campaign, which has opened the door for Soto. Since tallying a save on April 15, Santana has posted a rough 8.10 ERA with a 2.10 WHIP, two losses, and one blown save over his last 6 2/3 innings. During this same stretch, Soto has struck out eight hitters over 7 1/3 innings while carrying a much stronger 2.45 ERA with a 0.68 WHIP. Even though Soto has only tallied one save so far this season, his underlying 1.91 xERA and elite 36.5% K% suggest he is far more suited for this role. Managers looking to find a reliever with high-end strikeout upside should look to stash Soto before he earns the bulk of the save opportunities on a competitive Pirates team.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Tony Santillan the Favorite to Take Over the Closer Job in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Tony Santillan has seen his fantasy value spike following the injury to Emilio Pagan. During Tuesday's loss to the Cubs, Pagan exited the contest on a cart due to a hamstring injury. The right-hander is expected to be placed on the 15-day injured list, which will open up ninth-inning duties for Santillan. While Santillan may face some competition from fellow setup man Graham Ashcraft, the 29-year-old appears to be the slight favorite to earn the short-term save opportunities. This season, Santillan has tallied one save while posting a 2.87 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. Pitching primarily in the eighth innings of games, Santillan has logged eight holds while striking out 16 batters over 15 2/3 innings. While he has struggled recently, allowing five earned runs over his last five innings, his track record of seeing eighth-inning opponents should make him the slight favorite for the ninth-inning role. He is worth adding in all 12-team leagues while Pagan is on the shelf.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jack Perkins Still the Athletics' Primary Closer?
Athletics relief pitcher Jack Perkins remains in line to earn save opportunities for the organization. Although he hasn't earned a save since April 30, neither has any other pitcher on the A's. The team hasn't found itself in a save situation so far in the month of May. When one of those situations does present itself going forward, we expect Perkins to be the go-to option out of the bullpen. He's well rested at this point, having not pitched since that April 30th save. Through eight games (13.1 innings) this year, he owns a 1.72 FIP with 11.48 K/9, 2.03 BB/9, and three saves. Although he's only inducing ground balls at a 36.4% clip, fantasy managers should be intrigued by the fact that he hasn't surrendered a home run yet. Perkins is up to #36 in RotoBaller's latest relief pitcher rankings for fantasy baseball, and he could climb even higher with more volume.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Glasnow Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow (low back pain) exited before the second inning of Wednesday's game against the Houston Astros. Glasnow threw 19 pitches in the first inning, and he started to get ready for the second inning before manager Dave Roberts and the trainer came out to check on him. He was ultimately removed from the game and replaced by Jack Dreyer. Fans and fantasy managers will hold their breath as the team conducts testing to determine the severity of his injury. If Glasnow is forced to miss any time, it would be another chapter in an injury-filled career. He's been highly effective when healthy, though, pitching to a 2.41 xERA with 10.94 K/9 and 3.03 BB/9 this season. On a positive note, the Dodgers do have reinforcements on the way. Blake Snell (shoulder) is expected to return from the 15-day injured list next week and could slot into Glasnow's rotation spot, if necessary. UPDATE: Glasnow was pulled early with back spasms.
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Jets Offer a Contract to Russell Wilson
Free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson said the New York Jets offered him a contract after he visited their facilities last week, according to Ryan Dunleavy of The California Post. The 37-year-old former Super Bowl champion said his visit with the Jets "was great," but he's also mulling a potential opportunity in television with CBS Sports for the 2026 season. If Wilson were to sign with the Jets, it would be as a backup to veteran Geno Smith. The Jets already have rookie Cade Klubnik, Bailey Zappe, and Brady Cook in their QB room in addition to Smith. The 37-year-old 10-time Pro Bowler is nearing the end of his amazing NFL career after the Seattle Seahawks took a chance on him in the third round (75th overall) in 2012 out of Wisconsin. Since leaving Seattle following the 2021 season, Wilson hasn't had much success in Denver, Pittsburgh, and New York. He made six appearances (three starts) with the Giants last year and threw for 831 yards, three touchdowns, and three picks before being benched for young QB Jaxson Dart. At this point, a starting gig in the NFL probably isn't in the cards for Wilson.
Source: The California Post - Ryan Dunleavy
Source: The California Post - Ryan Dunleavy
Blake Snell Expected to Make His Final Rehab Start on Saturday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (shoulder) will make another rehab start on Saturday at Single-A Ontario, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. Barring a setback, this is expected to be Snell's final rehab outing before he returns to the Dodgers' 26-man roster. The veteran starter is presumably ready to put the injury issues behind him, as he's made just 11 regular-season starts since joining the Dodgers prior to the 2025 season. Across 61.1 innings last year, he posted a 2.35 ERA with 10.57 K/9, 3.82 BB/9, 0.44 HR/9, and a 48.7% ground ball rate. It initially seemed like Snell would take Justin Wrobleski's spot in the rotation, but Wrobleski has been pitching so well that Emmet Sheehan (4.31 FIP) may end up being the odd man out.
Source: Bill Plunkett
Source: Bill Plunkett
Luis Arraez Dealing With Hand Soreness
San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez (hand) is dealing with some hand soreness, which is why he's out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's series finale against his former team, the San Diego Padres, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. The Giants have a scheduled day off on Thursday, so the Giants will likely try to avoid using him at all on Wednesday so that he gets three full days to heal up. Arraez tweaked his hand during a swing in Monday's series opener and was also held out of action in Tuesday's loss. The hot-hitting Casey Schmitt is starting at second again on Wednesday and will hit third for the Gigantes against Padres right-handed opener Bradgley Rodriguez. The 29-year-old Arraez continues to be a hitting machine for fantasy managers with a .316 average (42-for-133), but it comes with no home runs, 11 RBI, 14 runs scored, and four stolen bases in his first year in San Francisco. Check back on Friday to see if Arraez's hand is feeling good enough to allow him to return to the starting nine.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Susan Slusser
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Susan Slusser
Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
Since Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman stepped on campus in 2021, the Irish have had no shortage of star power in the secondary, including All-Americans Kyle Hamilton, Xavier Watts, and Leonard Moore. Moore remains with the team in 2026, but safety Brauntae Johnson could be next in line in the impressive run of defensive back talent. In his redshirt freshman season, Johnson logged 48 tackles (31 solo), four interceptions, three pass deflections, a defensive touchdown, and a special teams touchdown (blocked punt return) in 10 games. Like Watts, the 6'2" Indiana native is a game-changer and disruptor, and he could be one of the country's best safeties by the end of his sophomore campaign.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Nathan Church Leaves Early After Being Hit by a Pitch
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Nathan Church (leg) was pulled from Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers in the top of the fourth inning after being hit by a pitch earlier in the game on his left leg, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. Brewers right-hander Brandon Sproat hit Church in the left shin with a pitch in the second inning, and he had to come out of the ballgame a bit later. For now, we'll consider the left-handed-hitting outfielder as day-to-day. Church was replaced in left field by Jose Fermin. The 25-year-old came into play on Wednesday with a .248/.278/.436 slash line, .713 OPS, five home runs, 16 RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 101 at-bats. He came into Wednesday's action riding a five-game hitting streak in which he's gone 6-for-21 (.286) with three doubles, three RBI, and two runs scored. Check back to see if Church is available for the Cardinals' series opener on Thursday night on the road at Petco Park against the San Diego Padres. UPDATE: Church was diagnosed with a left-leg contusion.
Source: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
Source: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
Georgia tight end Ethan Barbour suffered a broken ankle in the second game of his true freshman season a year ago, but ESPN's Mark Schlabach views him as the team's "under the radar" player to know heading into 2026. The 6'3", 235-pound freshman was a four-star recruit out of Alpharetta in the Class of 2025, and Schlabach said the coaching staff was high on him before he was lost for the year. "Smart loves his toughness, blocking ability, and versatility," Schlabach wrote. "He's a capable pass catcher, too." The Bulldogs' tight end room has been loaded for much of the Kirby Smart era, and this season is no different, despite the departure of Oscar Delp. However, we've seen Georgia utilize several tight ends in the same offense, so Barbour is a name to know as Georgia looks to win its third consecutive SEC title.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
C.J. Stroud Makes Changes to his Diet as he Looks to Bounce Back
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has been locked in this offseason and is focused on ways to improve after a second straight disappointing campaign in 2025. ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime reports that Stroud made a noticeable change to his diet to slim down this offseason, avoiding sugars and carbs. The Texans picked up Stroud's fifth-year option for the 2027 season, but 2026 will be a prove-it year to convince the team that he deserves a long-term extension. Photographs on Instagram that Stroud has shared in the weight room show a more shredded and slimmed-down version of himself. The former second overall pick out of Ohio State was a Pro Bowler in his first NFL season in 2023, throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions in 15 regular-season starts, but he hasn't come close to those numbers the last two seasons, and he threw for a career-low 3,041 yards and 19 TDs in 2025. The 24-year-old hasn't always been helped by the offensive line in front of him, but he appears determined to turn things around, and a bounce-back campaign could be coming if second-year wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel can step up behind WR1 Nico Collins. Target Stroud as a QB2 with upside in fantasy drafts this fall.
Source: ESPN.com - DJ Bien-Aime
Source: ESPN.com - DJ Bien-Aime
Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
Ohio State linebacker Payton Pierce has big shoes to fill with the departure of first-round picks Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles. Jake Trotter of ESPN listed Pierce as the Buckeyes' under-the-radar player, and he doesn't expect linebacker to be a weakness for Matt Patricia's defense despite the All-American players leaving the program. "With Reese and Styles gone, Pierce, who had 44 tackles as a reserve last season, looks ready to step into a starting role," Trotter wrote. "The No. 5 inside linebacker recruit in the country two years ago out of Lucas, Texas, Pierce chose Ohio State over the Longhorns. In Pierce and rising sophomore Riley Pettijohn, the Buckeyes have a promising young linebacking tandem to retool the defense around." Ohio State's defense has been dominant over the last two seasons, but much of its personnel has moved on to the NFL. However, the program continues to reload on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal. A step back on defense is likely, but Ohio State will likely flex a top Big Ten stop-unit once again in 2026. Pierce will play a significant role in that effort.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
