RADIO
Austin Ekeler 100 Percent Medically Cleared for Football Activities
Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) is 100% fully medically cleared for all football activities after suffering a torn right Achilles last September against the Green Bay Packers, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Ekeler intends to play in 2026 and is expected to draw plenty of interest. The 30-year-old was one of the premier pass-catching backs in the NFL in his seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before he signed a two-year deal with the Washington Commanders before the 2024 season. He appeared in 12 games (six starts) for Washington in 2024, carrying the ball 77 times for 367 yards and four touchdowns while catching 35 passes for 366 receiving yards. Ekeler missed some time due to a concussion that year before playing in just two games in 2025 before tearing his Achilles. Ekeler might not be the same shifty back in space after his season-ending injury, but he could still give a team some solid pass-catching depth out of the backfield as he nears the end of his career.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Darius Slayton Undergoes Core-Muscle Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Camp
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (abdomen) recently had core-muscle surgery, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Slayton will miss spring workouts, but he's expected to be a full-go for training camp this summer. Barring a setback in his recovery, Slayton should be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. Top wideout Malik Nabers (knee) is also recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered early last season, so there are some definite question marks for New York's receiving room heading into the upcoming campaign. Wan'Dale Robinson departed in free agency, but the G-Men added Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin III in free agency, and drafted Malachi Fields in the third round. The 29-year-old Slayton has seven years of experience in the NFL (all with the Giants), but he's never cleared 770 receiving yards, and he hasn't had more than four touchdowns in a single season since his rookie year, when he had eight. Slayton's roster spot in New York should be secure, but he'll be battling for targets with Mooney, Austin, and Fields, and he won't be a very intriguing late-round flier in standard 12-team fantasy leagues going into his eighth year in the league.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Keaton Mitchell's Dynasty Value Rising Heading into 2026
After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens, running back Keaton Mitchell landed a two-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this offseason. Mitchell's playing time in Baltimore was limited by injury issues and the presence of star Ravens running back Derrick Henry. However, Mitchell has averaged a highly efficient 6.8 yards per touch across a limited sample size of 140 career touches. 2025 first-round running back Omarion Hampton profiles as the clear RB1 in Los Angeles ahead of Mitchell. Still, Mitchell should have a chance to carve out a consistent RB2 and pass-catching role behind Hampton. He also has the benefit of working with new Chargers play-caller Mike McDaniel, who has proven the ability to produce offenses with multiple fantasy-relevant running backs during his time as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Dynasty managers should approach Mitchell with cautious optimism following his offseason move to Los Angeles.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jadarian Price Not Expected to Lead Seahawks' Backfield Right Away
The Seattle Seahawks made a major addition to their backfield on draft night, selecting University of Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the final pick of the first round. Given that Seattle lost star running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency to the Kansas City Chiefs, Price should eventually have a chance to take over as the Seahawks' RB1. However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the sense around the Seahawks is that Price "won't have to be a bell cow right away." Seattle running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) suffered a torn ACL in January, but should be able to make an impact once healthy. The Seahawks also signed former Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson in free agency. While Price is unquestionably the highest-upside running back in Seattle, it appears as though the team may look to bring him along slowly in his rookie season.
Source: ESPN - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN - Jeremy Fowler
Isaiah Bond's Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft
Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond recorded 18 receptions for 338 yards on 44 targets. While the 23-year-old's numbers don't necessarily leap off the page, he flashed some intriguing big-play upside while working with less-than-ideal quarterback play in Cleveland. Heading into his second NFL season in 2026, Bond could be in the mix for a prominent role with the Browns. Unfortunately for Bond and his dynasty value, Cleveland added a pair of well-regarded wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Browns used a first-round pick on Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion and a second-round pick on University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston, both of whom could easily leapfrog Bond on the team's wide receiver depth chart. The Browns quarterback situation also remains as unsettled as ever, which throws the team's overall offensive environment into question. Bond still carries some fantasy upside, but his dynasty value has taken a hit following the NFL Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Vinnie Pasquantino Still Out With Back Injury on Thursday
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (back) will miss a second straight game on Thursday against the Athletics in the series finale at Sutter Health Park after aggravating a back injury on Tuesday night, according to MLB.com. Catcher Salvador Perez will start at first base again and bat cleanup against A's left-hander Jeffrey Springs, with Elias Diaz doing the catching for left-hander Noah Cameron while hitting ninth in the batting order. Pasquantino is not ready to return, plus the Royals are facing a lefty starter. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the Pasquatch going forward, as he said on Wednesday that he's been dealing with back issues for a while now. It helps explain why he's currently hitting just .167 (17-for-102) in the early portion of the year with three home runs, 14 RBI, and 11 runs scored. If he's unable to return to the Royals' starting lineup for their weekend series in Seattle against the Mariners, he might be forced to the 10-day injured list to let his back heal.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Can James Cook Continue to Ascend in 2026 and Beyond?
Although Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was a highly productive player in his first three NFL seasons, he took his game to a new level in 2025. Across 17 games, the 26-year-old recorded 1,912 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns on 342 touches. Cook has always been an extremely efficient rusher, but the Bills coaching staff finally entrusted him with a true RB1 workload in 2025. Cook averaged 20.1 touches per game last season, well beyond his previous career-high of 16.5 touches per game in 2023. While the Bills shook up their coaching staff heading into 2026, former offensive coordinator Joe Brady is now the head coach in Buffalo and appears unlikely to drastically alter Cook's usage. Entering his age-27 season with an excellent offensive environment around him in Buffalo, Cook profiles as an elite dynasty running back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Soderstrom Sitting Again in Series Finale Against KC
Athletics first baseman/outfielder Tyler Soderstrom (head, shoulder) remains out of the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park, according to MLB.com. Carlos Cortes will make another start in left field for the A's and will hit sixth against Royals left-hander Noah Cameron. Soderstrom is still a little banged up from making a diving catch in left field on Tuesday and will sit out for the second straight game. His injury isn't serious at all, though, so fantasy managers should expect the left-handed-hitting slugger to return to action on Friday for the series opener against the visiting Cleveland Guardians. The 28-year-old Cortes has been on fire in the early going of the 2026 season for the A's, batting .400 (26-for-65) with four home runs, 13 RBI, and eight runs scored in his first 24 games. He comes into Thursday's game riding a nine-game hitting streak, going 17-for-30 (.567) with three homers, three doubles, a triple, seven RBI, and four runs scored during that span.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Lamar Jackson Remains an Elite Dynasty Quarterback Despite Injury-Marred 2025
After back-to-back first-team All-Pro selections in 2023 and 2024, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson battled through a down year due to injuries in 2025. Back and hamstring injuries forced Jackson to miss four games, and he set career lows in both single-season rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (two). The 29-year-old Jackson is currently in the midst of contract extension negotiations with the Ravens, but he was reportedly in attendance for the start of the team's offseason program in early April. In 2026, Jackson will be working with a new head coach for the first time in his career and will have to adjust to a new play-caller in former Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. While the new offense could lead to some early-season struggles, it could also help Jackson get back to his MVP form. As long as he stays healthy, Jackson remains the best dual-threat quarterback in fantasy football and still offers dynasty QB1 upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jackson Holliday Expects to Begin Another Rehab Assignment Next Week
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand) expects to start another minor-league rehab assignment next week, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Holliday has been working out at Camden Yards after being pulled off his rehab assignment for a second time with soreness in his surgically-repaired right hand. The 22-year-old suffered a broken hamate bone early in spring training and required surgery, which is why he has yet to appear for Baltimore this year. Hopefully, the third time on a rehab assignment for Holliday is the charm, but there remains no timetable for him to make his 2026 season debut in the majors. In the meantime, Jeremiah Jackson will continue to carve out regular playing time in the keystone in Baltimore. In 56 plate appearances in the minors, Holliday has struggled to the tune of a .176/.250/.235 slash line. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues appear to be getting tired of stashing the former first overall pick, as he's now rostered in under 50% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
Source: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
Orioles Expect Trevor Rogers Back When his 15 Days are Up
Baltimore Orioles left-hander Trevor Rogers (illness) is dealing with the flu and stayed home the last two days throwing up, which is why the team made the move to put him on the 15-day injured list, manager Craig Albernaz told Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun. The skipper expects Rogers back as soon as the minimum 15 days are up. After three straight quality starts to begin the 2026 campaign, Rogers has gone in the wrong direction, allowing 13 runs (12 earned) on 19 hits (three homers) while walking five and striking out 13 in 11 1/3 innings pitched over his last three starts. His placement on the IL will give Rogers plenty of time to overcome the flu and be ready to rejoin Baltimore's starting rotation in a couple of weeks. It's unclear who will take over Rogers' spot in the rotation for the next two turns through, but it could be young left-hander Cade Povich. Fantasy managers holding Rogers should give him the benefit of the doubt and stash him while he recovers from his illness. In 18 starts for the O's in 2025, he had an ERA under 2.00 with 103 K's in 109 2/3 innings.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
Kyle Williams' Dynasty Value Limited by Uncertain Role in New England
A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams struggled to carve out a consistent role in his team's offense as a rookie. Across 17 games, the 23-year-old recorded just 10 receptions for 209 yards and three touchdowns on 21 targets. Heading into 2026, Williams still projects to be behind Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, and Kayshon Boutte on the Patriots' wide receiver depth chart. Boutte's name has come up in trade rumors, which could clear a path for Williams to step in as New England's primary deep-ball threat. However, the Patriots are also widely considered the favorites to land current Philadelphia Eagles superstar wideout A.J. Brown. If Brown does eventually end up in New England, it's difficult to imagine a world where Williams sees a significant playing time increase in his second season. Williams retains some dynasty upside due to his big-play ability, but his overall value is limited by his uncertain role with the Patriots.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Juan Soto Could Return to the Outfield This Weekend
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (forearm) could return to playing the outfield this weekend in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels, manager Carlos Mendoza told Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Soto was initially limited to designated hitter after returning from his calf strain last week before dealing with left-forearm tightness. In seven games since returning from the 10-day injured list, Soto has picked up where he left off offensively, going 7-for-24 (.292) with two home runs, a double, three RBI, and two runs scored in seven games played. The 27-year-old Dominican All-Star continues to be an offensive force for the Mets and for fantasy managers, and he's a must-start in all traditional leagues when he's active. Overall in 55 at-bats in 2026, Soto has a .327/.422/.545 slash line with a .967 OPS, three homers, eight RBI, and five runs scored. Even with Soto returning to the outfield soon, both MJ Melendez and Tyrone Taylor could see expanded playing time in New York going forward with Luis Robert Jr. (back) landing on the IL on Thursday.
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Sal Stewart Making a Start at Third Base Versus Rockies
Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart is making a start at third base and will bat cleanup for the Reds in Thursday's series finale against the visiting Colorado Rockies and right-hander Michael Lorenzen, according to MLB.com. Ke'Bryan Hayes is getting the day off, and Nathaniel Lowe will make the start across the diamond at first base for Cincy. This will be Stewart's first start at the hot corner in 2026, although he started four games at third last year and played the position plenty in the minors. If Stewart sees enough playing time at third to gain eligibility at the position in fantasy, it would only add to his rising profile in his first full season in the majors. The 22-year-old former first-rounder in 2022 has been one of the most productive hitters in baseball through the first month, hitting .288 (32-for-111) with nine home runs, 29 RBI, 19 runs scored, and even seven stolen bases in 30 games played. He leads baseball with his 29 RBI and .442 rOBA. Stewart quickly became a popular waiver-wire pickup in April, and he's now rostered in over 90% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Michael Harris II Sitting Against Tough Lefty on Thursday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II will take a seat for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Detroit Tigers with left-hander Framber Valdez on the mound, according to MLB.com. Eli White will make the start in center field for the Braves and will bat ninth. Harris typically starts against lefties, so this is probably just a good time for the Braves to give him a day off. He's gone 7-for-28 (.250) in 30 plate appearances against southpaws so far this year and has one of his six home runs on the season against them. Overall, Harris has been great in 2026, slashing .320/.355/.540 with an .895 OPS, six long balls, 20 RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 29 games played. He's gone 18-for-38 (.474) with four of his six homers in 12 games across the last two weeks. There aren't many players hotter than Harris in the first month of the season, and he should be back in Atlanta's starting nine for their series opener in Colorado against the Rockies on Friday.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jhoan Duran Throwing a Bullpen on Thursday, to Return Soon?
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday for the first time since landing on the 15-day injured list with a left-oblique strain, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Duran has been on the IL for 16 days, but the Phillies are optimistic about his progress, and he could rejoin the back of the Phillies' bullpen soon. The hard-throwing 28-year-old Dominican is rostered in 97% of Yahoo leagues, so there's a slim chance he's available on your league's waiver wire. When healthy, Duran is one of the most dominant closers in baseball. Before going on the IL, he had a 1.35 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, five saves, eight strikeouts, and no walks in his 6 2/3 innings pitched. Duran had a career-high 32 saves last year between the Phillies and Minnesota Twins. With Duran sidelined of late, right-hander Brad Keller has emerged as the club's primary option for saves in the ninth inning.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Addison Barger Could Rejoin the Jays Next Week
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (ankles) is scheduled to run the bases for the first time on Thursday, and he could head for a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend and rejoin the Jays next week, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Barger is recovering from an injury to both of his ankles that he suffered when sliding back on April 5. The 26-year-old left-handed hitter was off to a rough start at the plate before landing on the 10-day injured list, too, going just 1-for-19 with two RBI and a run scored in his first eight games. It's a small sample size, though, and Barger should play regularly in Toronto in right field against right-handed pitchers when he's back to full speed and with the big-league club. The former sixth-round pick in 2018 was a postseason hero for Toronto last fall in their run to the World Series, and he slashed .243/.301/.454 with 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 61 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 135 regular-season games in 2025 in his first full year in the majors for the Jays. Barger is rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues at the moment while he recovers from injuries to both of his ankles.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
JR Ritchie Sticking in Braves Starting Rotation
Atlanta Braves rookie right-hander JR Ritchie will stick around in the team's starting rotation for now, even with Spencer Strider (oblique) set to come off the 15-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies in Denver, manager Walt Weiss told Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The 22-year-old former first-rounder in 2022 made his major-league debut on April 23 against the Washington Nationals and struck out seven while giving up two earned runs in seven innings for his first big-league victory, and he followed it up with a 5 1/3-inning showing on April 29 against the Detroit Tigers in which he allowed two earned runs while fanning four. Ritchie's next scheduled outing will come against the Seattle Mariners next week, but it's unclear how Atlanta's rotation will adjust after that. For now, Ritchie remains one of the best young arms to roster in fantasy baseball, and it appears he may not be headed back to Triple-A Gwinnett after all. He's rostered in only 36% of Yahoo leagues, so Ritchie is widely available.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Gabe Burns
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Gabe Burns
Zac Gallen to Start on Friday Against Cubs
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (shoulder) will make his next start on Friday in the series opener at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, according to Jack Sommers of Sports Illustrated. He'll be opposed by Cubs right-hander Colin Rea. Gallen was pulled from his last start early last Saturday in Mexico City against the San Diego Padres when he was hit by a comebacker in his right shoulder. The 30-year-old veteran escaped any major damage, though, and was able to throw a normal between-starts bullpen session on Wednesday. Gallen should be prepared for a normal workload on Friday in Chicago, but fantasy managers might want to think twice about using him in their starting lineups against a Cubs team that currently ranks fourth in baseball in OPS (.777). Gallen has allowed just 10 earned runs in 28 2/3 innings pitched in his first six starts of the season, but he's also only struck out 17 batters. It's definitely not an ideal matchup for an aging pitcher coming off an injury, even if it wasn't serious.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jack Sommers
Edwin Diaz Feels Good, "100 Percent Confident" he'll be Full Strength in Second Half
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow), who is on the 15-day injured list after having surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, said that he feels "really good" and is "100% confident" that he will be back to full strength for the second half of the 2026 season, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Diaz won't start a throwing program until after his stitches are removed in a couple of weeks. His injury was a disappointment for the organization after they signed Diaz to a three-year, $69 million contract in the offseason, the highest average annual value ever given to a reliever. The 32-year-old reliever needs to be stashed in all fantasy formats for the rest of the first half of the year, as Diaz could be a difference-maker down the stretch for a Dodgers team looking to win their third straight World Series championship. In the meantime, the Dodgers will continue to go with a committee approach in the ninth inning, which includes lefties Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia, and right-hander Blake Treinen.
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Carlos Estevez Shows Increased Velocity While Throwing to Hitters
Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (ankle) threw to live hitters in Arizona on Tuesday, and president of baseball operations JJ Picollo said that his velocity was "closer to what it needed to be," according to Cody Tapp of 96.5 The Fan. It's good news, but Tapp also guesses that Estevez is two weeks from a potential return to KC's bullpen. He's expected to throw to live hitters again later this week before potentially starting a minor-league rehab assignment. The 33-year-old veteran is recovering from a left-ankle contusion that he suffered in his first and only outing of 2026, in which he was hit by a comebacker on the mound. Not only was Estevez injured, but his velocity had been down, dating back to spring training in March, so the Royals are likely working on his mechanics as he rehabs. It remains to be seen if Estevez will have an opportunity to retake the closer's role when he's reinstated from the 15-day injured list. Fill-in closer Lucas Erceg has seven saves in his 12 1/3 innings pitched, but he's been inconsistent with a 4.38 ERA and 1.62 WHIP. Despite Estevez's blowup in his only outing of the year and his injury, he's currently rostered in 65% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: 96.5 The Fan - Cody Tapp
Source: 96.5 The Fan - Cody Tapp
Luis Robert Jr. Officially Placed on Injured List
The New York Mets officially announced on Thursday that they placed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (back) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 27) with a lumbar spine disc herniation and recalled infielder Eric Wagaman from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Robert's MRI exam revealed a herniation in his back, which is an injury that will most likely keep him out for much longer than 10 days, especially when considering Robert's lengthy injury history. It's disappointing news for the struggling Mets and for Robert, who has hit just .224 (19-for-85) with two home runs, eight RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 24 games in his first season with the team. Fantasy managers should be looking to stash Robert for his high-end power/speed upside when he's healthy, but they should also be prepared for a potentially lengthy absence. In the meantime, both MJ Melendez and Tyrone Taylor could see an extended run in the Mets' outfield with Robert sidelined.
Source: New York Mets
Source: New York Mets
Cade Cavalli Strikes Out 10, Earns First Win on Wednesday
Washington Nationals right-hander Cade Cavalli was hit around a bit in Wednesday's victory over the division-rival New York Mets, but he still managed to pick up his first win of the 2026 season, allowing two earned runs on eight hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out 10 in six innings. It was Cavalli's second quality start of the year, and he was able to generate 18 swings and misses despite giving up a season-high eight hits and his first home run of the year. It was nice to see the 27-year-old go deeper in an outing. He's now 1-1 with a 3.82 ERA (2.82 FIP) and 1.66 WHIP with 38 strikeouts and 14 walks in 30 2/3 innings pitched over his seven starts. Efficiency and length have been issues for Cavalli early in the 2026 campaign, but perhaps his outing on Wednesday will be a turning point. He has another plus matchup upcoming in his next scheduled outing versus the Minnesota Twins. Cavalli is currently rostered in only 13% of Yahoo leagues, but he could quickly become a popular waiver-wire pickup if he has a second straight strong outing.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Hunter Goodman Continues to Mash, Hits Two More Long Balls
Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman is on a homer binge of late, and that continued in the team's 13-2 blowout win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night. Goodman went 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, four runs scored, and a walk to raise his season average to .269 and his OPS to .932 in 28 games played. The 26-year-old backstop brings high-end power to the weak catching position, and he's now hit four home runs in the last five games while going 8-for-21 during that span. He was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he hit .278/.323/.520 with 31 home runs and 91 RBI in 144 games in his breakout season. Goodman is once again on pace for another strong season in the homer department, but he won't be able to sustain a high average if he continues to strike out over 35% of the time on offense. On the season, Goodman is hitting .269 (28-for-104) with nine round-trippers, 14 RBI, 23 runs, and a stolen base.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tatsuya Imai Struggles in First Rehab Start
Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai (arm) had a tough go of it in his first minor-league rehab start on Tuesday with Double-A Corpus Christi, allowing five earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out two in his two innings of work. Imai threw a total of 59 pitches in the outing. The 27-year-old is on the 15-day injured list due to right-arm fatigue after just three starts for the Astros in his first year in the big leagues. It definitely is an inauspicious start for the Japanese native, but he'll continue to build up his arm for a return to the Astros' starting rotation at some point in May. Imai will most likely need a couple more rehab starts on the farm before Houston feels comfortable reinserting him into their rotation. In his three starts before landing on the IL, Imai struggled to the tune of a 7.27 ERA, 2.08 WHIP, and 13:11 K:BB in just 8 2/3 frames. He's going to need to improve his control drastically to have any consistent success for fantasy managers. Imai is currently rostered in exactly half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Gerrit Cole Goes 5 2/3 Innings in Latest Rehab Start
New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) allowed three earned runs on three hits (two homers) while walking none and striking out three in 5 2/3 innings on Wednesday in his latest minor-league rehab start for Double-A Somerset. Cole threw 45 of his 60 pitches for strikes in his third rehab start. The 35-year-old veteran has now allowed four home runs in his three rehab starts, posting a 4.40 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 10 strikeouts and only one walk. The only news that really matters is that Cole is healthy and progressing after the Tommy John surgery he had at the start of last year, which kept him from pitching for the Yankees all season. Cole will likely need another rehab start or two before the Yankees feel comfortable reinstating him from the injured list, but his 2026 season debut is getting closer. The six-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner will ease back into the Yankees' starting rotation when he returns, but he could be a difference-maker eventually in 2026 in fantasy and should be stashed everywhere. Cole is currently rostered in 84% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Colson Montgomery Flashing Power Potential
Chicago White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery is 15-for-47 (.319) over his last 12 games and has smashed five homers with 12 RBI and a .463 wOBA. The lefty has a 54.5% hard-hit rate over that span and a 41.4% hard-hit rate on the season. His recent success has been a little overshadowed by the hype around Munetaka Murakami, but Montgomery is also starting to heat up in the middle of the White Sox lineup, which is full of exciting young hitters to add to your lineup headed into the summer with warmer weather in Chicago. Montgomery and the White Sox are in San Diego for their weekend series, which gets underway on Friday night with a favorable matchup against German Marquez.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaac TeSlaa Still a Dynasty Depth Piece Worth Holding
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa put himself onto fantasy radars by scoring six touchdowns on only 16 receptions as a rookie, and while that rate is wholly unsustainable, he offers a different archetype to the Lions' receiver room and should see continued scoring opportunities in his second season. Over 38% of TeSlaa's targets came within the 20-yard line in 2025, and while some of that was a byproduct of tight end Sam LaPorta missing eight games, at 6'4" and 217 pounds with a verified 39.5" vertical, the 2025 third-round pick offers an enormous mismatch over smaller DBs and could continue to carve out a role as a jump ball specialist. While touchdowns alone will never match the fantasy predictability of sheer volume, TeSlaa's opportunities will be foreseeably capped in an offense with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and a healthy LaPorta, but if he can continue to convert targets into touchdowns at an above-average rate, he'll have his usable moments and is worth a dynasty stash as RotoBaller's WR86.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Does Aidan Miller Still Hold Stash Value?
Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect Aidan Miller (back) has yet to take the field this season and is quickly losing stash value. According to a recent report by Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, the team's top infield prospect is "nearing" a return to swinging a bat. While the infielder has been able to participate in other baseball activities, he has yet to begin swinging, which remains a major hurdle in his recovery. Early in camp, Miller was in contention to compete for a starting job, but this injury prevented him from making a strong case. Last season, the former 27th overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft spent most of his time with Double-A before earning a short taste with Triple-A. With Double-A (108 games), Miller posted a .259/.382/.427 line with 13 home runs and 52 stolen bases. Over his short eight-game stint with Triple-A, Miller stole seven bags while holding a .333 AVG. While he still has a potential length recovery ahead of him, Miller remains in play for a second-half MLB debut.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Didier Fuentes Worth a Pickup in Modified Role?
Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes was recalled to the MLB roster in a modified relief role prior to Tuesday's contest. In Tuesday's game, Fuentes entered the game out of the bullpen and logged two no-hit frames with one walk and one punchout, earning his first career hold. Fuentes was promoted to the majors earlier on April 22 and was given his first start of the MLB season, but stumbled in this outing, allowing four runs and seven hits over three innings of work. While he has yet to see his skills translate to the starting rotation, he has flashed high upside at Triple-A, which makes him a worthy stash option in deeper leagues. Earlier in April, Fuentes logged 16 2/3 innings with a strong 2.16 ERA and a 20:6 K:BB. While he appears set for a long relief role for now, Fuentes could return to the rotation if he continues to find his footing against MLB hitters.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
