RADIO
Juan Soto Doesn't Have Firm Date for a Return
The New York Mets still expect All-Star outfielder Juan Soto (calf) to return from the 10-day injured list during their upcoming homestand, which begins Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins and runs through next Thursday, April 30, but they don't have an exact date in mind for the slugger's return, according to Max Ralph of MLB.com. "Yes, he's still on track," manager Carlos Mendoza said Sunday. "Not sure which day, but as of right now, the plan is for him to start playing for us at some point in the next homestand." The Mets, losers of 11 games in a row, could really use Soto's bat back in the lineup. The 27-year-old Dominican began a running progression last Tuesday, but the team now wants to see him increase the intensity of his running program while adding elements such as side-to-side shuffling and starting/stopping. Friday would represent the three-week mark from when Soto originally went on the IL. Soto was hitting a cool .355/.412/.516 with a homer and two doubles before his injury. Without him, the Mets have scored just 1.9 runs per game, including three scoreless outings.
Source: MLB.com - Max Ralph
Source: MLB.com - Max Ralph
Can Blake Treinen Pick Up Saves in New-Look Dodgers Bullpen?
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) is expected to miss around three months now that he needs surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, and veteran right-handed reliever Blake Treinen could benefit at the back end of the team's bullpen with save opportunities going forward. The 37-year-old veteran has 82 career saves in his 11-plus MLB seasons, although he has only had three saves since the start of the 2024 campaign. With Diaz sidelined for the foreseeable future, manager Dave Roberts could get creative in the ninth inning with Treinen and left-handers Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia. Scott figures to get the first crack at save chances going forward, but don't be surprised if Treinen is involved as well. Treinen is only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues currently, but that number should rise as fantasy managers desperate for saves scoop him up. He has allowed three earned runs with three walks and six strikeouts in his 6 2/3 innings pitched for L.A. so far in 2026.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Ashton Jeanty a Top Dynasty Buy Ahead of the NFL Draft?
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty was one of the hottest names in dynasty fantasy football just one year ago. The buzz around the Boise State product has cooled down slightly, and managers should capitalize on this opportunity to acquire the running back in dynasty fantasy football leagues. It felt like there was this perception during the regular season that Jeanty was inconsistent, or perhaps even underperforming. The former may be true, but the latter certainly isn't, as Jeanty finished his rookie campaign as the RB11 in PPR leagues with 975 rushing yards, 346 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. The softened narrative was likely caused by the state of the Raiders' offense, as the team limped to a 3-14 record that was the worst in the NFL. That narrative will shift in the coming weeks as the Raiders embark on a new chapter with consensus No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. The state of Vegas' offense is trending up, and Mendoza's presence should drive up the value of all Raiders skill players in fantasy football, including Jeanty. Plus, in a draft that is relatively sparse at the running back position, we don't expect the Raiders to bring in any major competition for the former first-round pick. All in all, Jeanty continues to trend up and should be in the conversation as a potential top-five fantasy running back in 2026. He has top-tier upside in dynasty fantasy football leagues, ranking as RotoBaller's overall RB3. Dynasty managers should buy now before it's too late.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Shough Poised to Get a Wide Receiver Upgrade in the NFL Draft?
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was dominant after being installed as the starting quarterback last year, especially in the weeks following his team's bye. From Week 12-18, he had 10 total touchdowns and ranked as the overall QB5 in fantasy football. That type of production in an offense that didn't have very high expectations should instantly vault Shough into the top-12 conversation for the 2026 fantasy football season. Now, his value could soar even higher if the Saints add a receiver in the first few rounds of this week's NFL Draft. Most of Shough's production last year came from throwing to Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson. Both players showed major improvement in 2025, but adding another big name to this offense could be crucial for Shough's ascension into a weekly fantasy contributor. Many media outlets and mock drafts have linked the Saints to a Day 1 or Day 2 receiver. Such a selection would give a boost to Shough's value in dynasty leagues. Managers should look to buy low on Shough before the Saints improve his supporting cast via the draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dalton Rushing Worth an Add Despite Shaky Playing Time?
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is the backup to All-Star catcher Will Smith, but he might be worth a pickup off the waiver wire after his two-homer performance in the team's 12-3 win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Monday night. Rushing went 2-for-5 on the night with three RBI and two strikeouts while batting out of the nine-hole. He got the start at first base for the Dodgers with Freddie Freeman (personal) still away from the team while on the paternity list. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of Louisville only has 27 at-bats so far on the season, but he's recorded 12 hits (seven home runs) and has driven in 13 and scored 10 runs for the Blue. In 53 games in 2025 in his rookie season in the majors, Rushing slashed .204/.258/.324 with four homers and 24 RBI in his 155 plate appearances. He's currently rostered in only 17% of Yahoo leagues, but that number could continue to climb in the coming days and weeks if Rushing gets more at-bats and continues to produce at the plate.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mason Taylor a Sneaky Buy in Dynasty Leagues as NFL Draft Approaches?
New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor showed flashes of upside as a rookie last season, and he's an intriguing buy-low candidate ahead of this week's NFL Draft. With two first-round picks, the Jets seem primed to select one of this year's top quarterback prospects -- if not on Day 1, then likely on Day 2. Adding a young quarterback not only gives the Jets a long-term upgrade over Geno Smith but also an improved passer for many of the team's young receivers, including Taylor. In fact, perhaps no position benefits more from a rookie quarterback than tight end. Taylor can be a reliable, short-distance outlet for the Jets' young quarterback, and the two could potentially form a strong rapport that transforms Taylor into a weekly TE1 option. There's a lot of value in trading for young pass-catchers who are about to get a quarterback upgrade. Taylor currently ranks as RotoBaller's TE16 in dynasty fantasy football, and he could jump to the top-12 range with an improved quarterback situation. The time to buy low on Taylor is now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nick Lodolo to Increase Workload in Sim Game on Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) threw 31 pitches in two simulated innings in batting practice on April 17 and is scheduled to bump up to three innings on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Lodolo is still working his way back from a blister on his left index finger that landed him on the 15-day injured list on March 25 before the start of the 2026 regular season. His timetable for a return is still to be determined, although he could be cleared to go on a minor-league rehab assignment soon if he gets through his sim game on Tuesday with flying colors. Injuries have kept the 28-year-old southpaw from reaching his true potential in the big leagues, but the former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of TCU remains worth stashing in fantasy baseball leagues because of his strikeout upside when he's healthy. The 6-foot-6, 216-pounder has struck out 26.2% of the batters he's faced in his four MLB seasons and sports an ERA just above 4.00 in 409 2/3 total innings.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Devin Neal a Sneaky Buy Ahead of the NFL Draft
New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal might be penciled into the third-string role for now, but he's a sneaky buy in dynasty leagues ahead of this week's NFL Draft. The Saints brought in Travis Etienne Jr. during free agency, blocking Neal from becoming the team's starting running back in 2026. However, there's still a path for him to fill the No. 2 role while maintaining fantasy relevance. As it stands, the Saints have a crowded backfield, making it unlikely that they'll spend a premium pick on a running back in this year's draft, which is sparse at the position. At the same time, Alvin Kamara's time in New Orleans seems to be coming to an end. We would not be surprised to see Kamara traded or released around the time of the draft, when key roster decisions are typically made. But even if he does stick around for another year, Kamara's role is declining. His 3.0 catches per game and 3.6 yards per carry last year both represented new career lows for the veteran. It would surprise nobody if Neal leapfrogged Kamara on the depth chart by the middle of the season, as the 22-year-old has intriguing upside as an impact running back. The Saints want to make Neal a long-term part of their backfield, so dynasty managers would be wise to buy low while he's still buried in the third spot on the depth chart.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Cease Continues Strong Start With 12-Strikeout Performance
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease continued his strong start to the 2026 season in his first year with the team in his outing on Monday in Anaheim in a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out 12 in five innings to pick up his first win of the year. Cease induced 18 swings and misses among his 110 pitches on the night. He's pitched much better than his 1-0 record indicates through his first five starts with Toronto, as he's posted a career-best 2.10 ERA (1.46 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with a league-high 44 strikeouts and 14 walks in 25 2/3 frames. Cease currently sits in the 82nd percentile in xwOBA and in the 98th percentile in strikeout rate (39.6%). His 1.46 FIP shows he's not just getting lucky early in 2026, though fantasy managers would like to see his 12.6% walk rate come down a bit. It's the first time his walk rate has been in double digits since the 2023 season, his last with the Chicago White Sox.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ricky Pearsall Not Yet Ready to Make the WR1 Leap
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall struggled to stay on the field last season. When healthy, he typically operated as the Niners' No. 2 receiver behind Jauan Jennings. Although Jennings is expected to sign elsewhere in free agency, the 49ers replaced him with proven No. 1 receiver Mike Evans. The presence of Evans will block Pearsall from making a significant leap up the depth chart this offseason. With that said, there's still the potential for Pearsall to take strides performance-wise. He's coming off a frustrating season in which he played parts of just nine games, catching 36 passes for 528 yards and zero touchdowns. He might not emerge as a major touchdown threat over Evans, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle, but he's still due for a little positive scoring regression. Plus, he's a safe bet for between five and eight targets per game, when healthy. If Pearsall can stay on the field, the arrival of Evans won't be that big of a concern. The 25-year-old Florida product can still be a low-end WR3/flex in dynasty and redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Brazzell II a Fringe First-Rounder in Fantasy Rookie Drafts
Tennessee wide receiver prospect Chris Brazzell II continues to turn heads ahead of the NFL Draft, with most mocks projecting him in the middle of the second round. As a redshirt junior in the SEC last year, Brazzell caught 62 passes for 1,017 yards and a conference-high nine touchdowns. He's viewed as an immediate No. 3 receiver in the NFL, with the upside to develop into an impactful No. 2 or even low-end No. 1. At 6-foot-4, he's a big-bodied receiver with large, reliable hands. He lacks the speed and elusiveness needed to blow by defenders, but he can still beat them in 1-on-1 situations with his size. From a fantasy perspective, Brazzell's outlook will depend on his landing spot. If he does slot in as an immediate No. 3, he might not have redraft appeal in 2026. However, there's plenty of dynasty upside here. As it stands, Brazzell is the #14 prospect and #8 wide receiver in RotoBaller's latest rookie fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Robert Suarez a Must-Add Candidate Following Major Injury in Bullpen
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Robert Suarez is expected to take on closer duties following the injury to primary closer Raisel Iglesias. On Tuesday morning, the Braves shifted Iglesias to the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation, opening up the ninth inning for Suarez. Suarez joined the Braves in free agency but was the top closer in San Diego for each of the past two seasons. In 2024, Suarez tallied 36 saves while holding a 2.77 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. In the following campaign, Suarez tallied a career-best 40 saves for the Padres while carrying a similar 2.97 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP. This season, Suarez has operated in a set-up role in the bullpen, tallying four holds while posting a near-perfect 0.93 ERA, pitching primarily in the eighth inning. While southpaw Dylan Lee should see occasional save opportunities against left-handed lineups, Suarez projects to see the bulk of the opportunities for the foreseeable future, making him a priority waiver wire candidate in all standard formats.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Raisel Iglesias Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation
The Atlanta Braves are placing closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation. Iglesias was unable to pitch earlier on the weekend due to a shoulder injury, but was cleared to take the bump on Sunday, suggesting this was a minor injury. However, the Braves have shifted their top-ninth-inning option to the injured list earlier this morning, which will keep him sidelined for at least the next 15 days. Iglesias has enjoyed a dominant start to the season and was re-establishing himself as an elite reliever in fantasy. Through 8 2/3 innings, Iglesias did not allow a run, tallied five saves, and carried a stellar 0.69 WHIP. He struck out hitters at a 35.5% rate while walking just 3.2% of the batters he faced. With Iglesias on the shelf, fantasy managers should expect set-up man Robert Suarez to slide into the ninth-inning role and carry high-end value in all standard leagues.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Payton Tolle Viewed as "Top Candidate" to Enter Boston Rotation
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Payton Tolle is one of the team's top options to replace Sonny Gray (hamstring) in the rotation. Gray was forced to leave his start on Monday after 2 2/3 innings on Monday when he felt a "grab" in his right hamstring. The issue is not thought to be serious, but he will miss at least a couple of turns through the rotation, potentially opening the door for Tolle. In his three starts in Triple-A this season, Tolle has allowed five runs in 15 innings with 19 strikeouts. His most recent outing was his strongest one of the year, as he worked five scoreless innings with six strikeouts against the Columbus Clippers. Tolle has high strikeout upside, and the 23-year-old lefty will be a name to watch on the waiver wire if he does get the call to fill a spot in the rotation in the coming weeks.
Source: Chris Cotillo
Source: Chris Cotillo
Jac Caglianone Snaps Lengthy Power Skid with Solo Shot, Time to Buy Back in?
Kansas City Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone smashed his first home run of the season on Monday night in the second inning against Kyle Bradish. He added a walk later in the game and finished 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Caglianone was one of the top hitting prospects in baseball when he got to the majors, but he hit only .157 with a .239 wOBA and seven homers in his 62 games in the majors last season. This year, his batting average is much better at .269 with a .340 wOBA. His strikeout rate has been up to almost 30%, but his hard-hit rate of 55.6% gives him good upside when he makes contact. The Royals could definitely use a boost from his bat, and with a current six-game hitting streak, there are signs that the 23-year-old prospect is starting to turn things around. If you can snag him off the waiver wire, he could be a move that pays off if he can build on his current momentum and get the breakout many expected when he came up through the Royals' farm system.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Is Tory Horton a Sneaky, Low-Cost Buy Before the NFL Draft?
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton was a fifth-round selection in 2025, and before a serious shin injury ended his rookie season after only eight games, he had shown some prowess as a downfield threat. While he and Sam Darnold were able to connect for only 13 receptions through Week 9, more than a third of those catches resulted in touchdowns, including two in his final game. With Horton out, the Seahawks sent fourth and fifth-round picks to acquire Rashid Shaheed and have since invested almost $35 million in guaranteed money to retain his services. Between Shaheed and Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle has guaranteed $154.7 million to the wide receiver position this offseason, and with a league-low four picks in the upcoming draft, it would stand to reason that their current receiver room of Horton, Shaheed, Smith-Njigba, and the soon-to-be-33 year old Cooper Kupp will look very similar to the one they take into the regular season. While the draft capital and money invested in Shaheed suggest he'll have the inside track to the boundary role opposite Smith-Njigba, he averaged only 1.5 receptions per game following the trade to Seattle. Horton showed flashes as a rookie, and he showed them early in the season, a strong indicator of success with rookie receivers historically seeing more involvement later in the year. New offensive coordinator Brian Fleury will succeed by getting his best players on the field, and in a receiver room whose talent falls off quickly behind Smith-Njigba, the competition for playing time should not be stiff enough to dissuade depth-seeking dynasty managers from inquiring about RotoBaller's current WR75.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matt Strahm Emerging as Must-Stash Closer Handcuff in Royals Bullpen
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Matt Strahm could be on the verge of taking over at the end of the game for the Royals, so he's worth considering in leagues where you have to be very aggressive looking for saves. Strahm could take over from Lucas Erceg, who has blown his last two save opportunities, including on Monday, when he issued three walks to the Orioles. Erceg doesn't typically strike many batters out, so his control has to be excellent for him to be successful, and it hasn't been in his last two outings. Strahm worked a perfect eighth inning with three strikeouts to earn his sixth hold of the year before giving the ball to Erceg in the ninth. In his eight games this season, Strahm has allowed three runs with nine strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old lefty has never had more than six saves in a season, but he is an experienced high-leverage reliever who could help the team as a bridge option until Carlos Estevez (foot) is ready to return from the injured list.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Zach Charbonnet a Volatile Buy Heading into NFL Draft
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) has become one of the most interesting names in fantasy ahead of this week's NFL Draft. With Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signing a top-of-market deal with the Kansas City Chiefs and Charbonnet recovering from the ACL tear he sustained in the team's Divisional Playoff win, Seattle heads into the draft with low-money acquisition Emanuel Wilson and 2024 undrafted free agent George Holani atop the depth chart. The expectation is that the Seahawks will add a running back early in the draft, creating a potential buy window for Charbonnet, but the team has a league-low four picks heading into Thursday, and with needs at corner and along both lines, they may opt to spend the 32nd or 64th pick elsewhere. With so little draft capital, the team won't have a ton of freedom to move around the board, and in a weak running back class, there's no guarantee of coming away with even a moderate difference maker. The 25-year-old Charbonnet is currently RotoBaller's dynasty RB25, but if Seattle is unable to make any meaningful additions to the room through the draft, that ranking will surely spike.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joel Kuhnel Earns Fourth Save, Emerging as Athletics Primary Closer?
Athletics relief pitcher Joel Kuhnel gave up a run and two hits in the ninth inning against the Mariners on Monday, but he was still able to secure the 6-4 win for his team. He entered with a three-run lead and gave up an RBI double to Leo Rivas before getting J.P. Crawford to foul out and Cal Raleigh to fly out to end the game. Kuhnel has converted each of his four save chances and also earned a hold. The run he allowed on Monday was his first given up this season, and his 1.29 ERA and 0.57 WHIP are still very strong. He doesn't typically get a ton of strikeouts, but the 31-year-old righty has been very solid to start the season for the A's and has stepped up as the team's primary closer at this point early in the season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Can Emmett Johnson Sneak into First Round of Rookie Drafts?
Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson could be the second or third back to hear his name called in the NFL Draft, but he could just as easily slip into the fantasy wasteland of a Day 3 selection. Such is the nature of a running back class with no true difference makers outside of Jeremiyah Love. When and where the amorphous grouping of second and third-tier backs comes off the board will come down to what type of player each NFL team is looking for, but where Johnson stands out is that his pass-catching ability should make him attractive to any number of franchises. Johnson led all Power 4 running backs with 46 receptions in 2025, on a 15.1% target share, and he could immediately find a role as a dedicated pass catcher in an NFL offense. With so many running backs clustered together, landing spot is going to affect dynasty draft boards more than any year in recent history, but Johnson currently sits as RotoBaller's rookie RB4, and he has as strong a claim as anyone to slip into the tail end of the first round in most rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Justin Wrobleski Carrying Sneaky Value on the Waiver Wire
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski earned his third win of the season by allowing just one run in seven innings against the Rockies at Coors Field on Monday night. The 25-year-old lefty lowered his ERA to 1.88 with a 3.01 FIP and 0.88 WHIP. Wrobleski gave up eight hits in that outing and struck out only three, but he continues to be effective despite a 9.8% K%. While he isn't going to be an elite source of strikeouts, he can still have definite fantasy value while limiting damage so well and getting the backing of the Dodgers power-packed lineup. Wrobleski will make another start to finish out the week at home against the Cubs, and he's a nice addition if he's available in a league where you need quality innings and potential wins.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jonah Coleman Could Be a Steal in Second Round of Rookie Drafts
Washington running back Jonah Coleman was a fantasy darling early in the process, beginning his pre-draft journey squarely in the conversation to be the second running back off the board. With the NFL Draft just days away, he seems to have fallen out of favor, now being projected most commonly as a Day 3 pick. While Coleman is a well-rounded, between-the-tackles runner who brings strengths to the passing game as both a blocker and receiver, his lack of a top gear shows up repeatedly on film and was all but confirmed by his refusal to run a 40-yard dash at either the Combine or his Pro Day. There are some similarities to Cam Skattebo from last year's draft, as an early favorite whose straight-forward game may have been overanalyzed. At a compact 220 pounds, with unreal contact balance and a nose for the goal line, Coleman is a load to bring down, but the NFL will ultimately tell us how they feel about him with draft capital. Much like Skattebo last year, that may present an opportunity for dynasty drafters to land him later in rookie drafts than they probably should be able to.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jeff Hoffman Bounces Back to Earn Third Save, Strikes Out the Side
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman gave up multiple runs in each of his last two appearances, but he was much more effective on Monday, closing out the Angels in a 5-2 win. Hoffman gave up a leadoff single to Jo Adell, but then fanned Josh Lowe, Logan O'Hoppe, and Adam Frazier in succession to end the game. Hoffman has allowed 10 runs (eight earned) in his 11 games this season and has a 6.97 ERA and 1.94 WHIP, despite a 2.94 FIP. He has three saves and three blown saves after Monday's performance, but since the Blue Jays are sticking with him at closer, he remains a strong fantasy option, especially if he is able to build on Monday's successful outing.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Elijah Sarratt Brings Boom-or-Bust Volatility to the Second Round of Rookie Drafts
Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt is expected to hear his name called at some point on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, and he may offer as much upside as any player in the second round of dynasty rookie drafts. Entering college as a zero-star recruit, he showed steady improvement along his journey from FCS Saint Francis to James Madison to Indiana, scoring 44 receiving touchdowns across his four-year college career, including a Power 4-leading 15 in 2025. Sarratt is a big-bodied chain mover who could find a role on the outside or as a power slot at the next level, but separation concerns will harken back to recent draft busts such as N'Keal Harry, Terrace Marshall Jr., or Keon Coleman. Exactly one-third of Sarratt's targets at Indiana were considered contested. He was able to win on 49.1% of such looks with physicality as a back shoulder specialist, but he will need to find more nuance to defeat the press coverage of sturdier NFL corners, or else his high ceiling potential will be accompanied by one of the lower floors of the second round.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Sanderson Records Two Assists in Losing Effort
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson completed Monday's 3-2 double-overtime defeat to the Carolina Hurricanes with two assists. After they were shut out in Game 1, the Senators again struggled to generate offense, but Sanderson's playmaking ability helped them grab a pair of goals in the second period. Sanderson has now recorded three multi-point games in his last five outings. Playing the Hurricanes seems to suit him. He has now faced them eight times since the start of the 2023-24 regular season, totaling eight points (one goal, seven assists). If Sanderson can maintain his point-per-game pace in this matchup, Ottawa will still have a chance to advance despite heading into Game 3 with a 2-0 deficit.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Lucas Erceg Blows Second Straight Save, No Longer Must-Start Closer?
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Lucas Erceg came into a 1-0 game in the ninth inning on Monday night, but he wasn't able to close out the Orioles, who eventually won 7-5 in extra innings. Erceg walked three batters and gave up an RBI single to Samuel Basallo that tied the game. After earning five saves in his first five chances, Erceg has blown back-to-back opportunities and has a very tenuous hold on the closer role. If the Royals were to go with another option, Matt Strahm and Daniel Lynch IV could get chances while they wait for the return of regular closer Carlos Estevez, who could begin a rehab assignment soon. Erceg still has potential if he gets a few more chances, but he's no longer an option you have to hold if other closers are available.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Brock Faber Bags Two Goals in Monday's Defeat
Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber was the team's lone goal-scorer in Monday's 4-2 Game 2 loss to the Dallas Stars. He tallied his first career postseason goals, finding the back of the net 11:33 into the first period and midway through the third. Jared Spurgeon was previously the only defenseman to score multiple goals in a playoff contest for the Wild. Faber's defensive partner, Quinn Hughes, had an assist on both of his goals. After finishing scoreless across 12 outings in his first two playoff runs, Faber has started the 2026 postseason action with two goals and one assist in two games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Wyatt Johnston Notches Two Goals in Game 2 Win
Dallas Stars forward Wyatt Johnston produced two goals in Monday's Game 2 against the Minnesota Wild, helping his team to a 4-2 win. He opened the scoring with an even-strength tally and iced the game with an empty-netter. The 22-year-old rebounded well from his disappointing outing in the series opener, where Johnston had a minus-three rating. With Roope Hintz (lower body) sidelined, Johnston operates as Dallas' first-line center and has relished the opportunity. Dating back to the regular season, Johnston has tallied nine points (six goals, three assists) in his last seven outings.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Troy Terry Has Special Playoffs Debut
Anaheim Ducks right wing Troy Terry made a big impact in his first career Stanley Cup Playoffs game on Monday, recording two goals and one assist in a 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Terry did all of his damage in the third period, matching a franchise record for most points in a single playoff period. Additionally, he joined Paul Kariya as the only players in Ducks history to record three-point performances in their playoff debut. Terry was quiet late in the regular season, and the Ducks will be pleased to see him shine on the postseason stage.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dan Vladar Leads Flyers to Victory With 27-Save Shutout
Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar was excellent in Monday's Game 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording his first career postseason shutout with 27 saves in a 3-0 win. The Czechia netminder had an impressive regular season and has shown early in the playoffs that Philadelphia can also count on him under postseason pressure. The team now needs to see some big home performances from Vladar. During the regular season, he posted a 13-6-0 record on home ice, with a 2.39 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
