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Jets Pick Up Will McDonald's Fifth-Year Option
The New York Jets announced on Wednesday that they have picked up the fifth-year option on former first-round defensive end Will McDonald, according to Eric Allen of NewYorkJets.com. This move should not come as a surprise to anyone after McDonald recorded 18.5 sacks in 32 games with the Jets over the last two seasons. The Jets selected the 26-year-old with the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of Iowa State. He only had three sacks and 14 total tackles (nine solo) in 15 games (zero starts) in his first year with the Jets, but McDonald has looked like a first-round talent the last two seasons. In 15 games (14 starts) in 2025, McDonald had a career-high 30 tackles (19 solo), eight sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 19 QB hits for Gang Green. McDonald is definitely a weapon for the Jets' pass rush, but he hasn't contributed enough as a run-stopper to put him on the map in IDP fantasy formats just yet.
Source: NewYorkJets.com - Eric Allen
Source: NewYorkJets.com - Eric Allen
Texans, Azeez Al-Shaair Agree to Three-Year Extension
The Houston Texans and Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair agreed to terms on a three-year, $54 million contract extension on Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Al-Shaair was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2025 in his second season with the Texans, and he finished with 103 tackles (48 solo), a career-high two interceptions, nine pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 16 regular-season starts. The 28-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic has 100-plus combined tackles in three of his seven NFL seasons and has accumulated a total of 535 tackles (288 solo), six sacks, four interceptions, 24 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries in his seven years in the league. The middle linebacker had surgery on his thumb in the offseason, but he should be recovered in time for Week 1 of the upcoming 2026 season to run it back with one of the best overall defenses in the league. Al-Shaair finished as the No. 38 linebacker in 2025 in IDP fantasy formats.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
KC Concepcion Looking to Build Chemistry With Second-Year QB
Cleveland Browns rookie first-round wide receiver KC Concepcion said he wants to "build a connection" with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and not veteran QB Deshaun Watson (Achilles), according to Ryan Heckman of the Dawg Pound Daily. Concepcion has previously interacted with Sanders and called him a "great guy" and a "great leader." Although the 21-year-old North Carolina State product apparently thinks Sanders should be the team's starting QB in 2026, reports have surfaced that suggest Watson is the current leader in the QB competition after early offseason workouts. Sanders has more of a future in Cleveland than Watson does, but new head coach Todd Monken might only be focusing on 2026 and who gives the team the best chance to win. Concepcion had a prolific career in college, but he'll have to battle for targets in his rookie season with fellow rookie Denzel Boston and Jerry Jeudy. His short- and long-term fantasy value might look better if Sanders wins the starting job, too.
Source: Dawg Pound Daily - Ryan Heckman
Source: Dawg Pound Daily - Ryan Heckman
Eugenio Suarez Still Dealing with Tender Oblique
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that third baseman/designated hitter Eugenio Suarez (oblique) is still dealing with a tender oblique, per Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Goldsmith reports that the team is hoping Suarez "progresses to the point where he can get scanned on (the team's) upcoming road trip and then really ramp up baseball activities." Suarez's oblique strain was characterized as low-grade when he was placed on the injured list retroactive to April 23, but it appears as though the veteran slugger will require more than the minimum 10 days on the IL. Suarez was off to a slow start to 2026 before getting injured, hitting .231/.300/.363 with three home runs, 11 RBI, and 10 runs scored across 100 plate appearances. With Suarez on the shelf, Reds first baseman Nathaniel Lowe has stepped in as the team's primary designated hitter.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Deshaun Watson "Looks Great," Leading QB Battle After First Minicamp?
Cleveland Browns executive vice president JW Johnson said on ESPN that quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) "looks great by the way, he's done a great job, he looks healthy, he's in a great head space." The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mark Kay Cabot writes that Watson emerged from the team's voluntary minicamp last week with an edge over second-year QB Shedeur Sanders in the two-man QB competition this offseason. According to sources, Watson has the "inside track" to be named the team's QB1. Head coach Todd Monken is hoping to name his starter under center by the end of the Browns' minicamp that runs from June 9-11. There's still a lot of time between then, but Sanders, a fifth-rounder in 2025, has "plenty of ground to make up." Sanders will really have to impress the Browns' coaching staff to make things more interesting going into training camp this summer. Watson missed the entire 2025 season after twice tearing his Achilles, but he's made great progress and appears to be fully healthy. The 30-year-old isn't expected to stay in Cleveland beyond the 2026 season, but he might give the Browns the best chance to win immediately, and he definitely has much more experience than Sanders. If he wins the QB1 job, Watson will be a low-end QB2 in fantasy as he looks to be the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year.
Source: ESPN Cleveland
Source: ESPN Cleveland
Payton Tolle's Fastball Velocity Was Down Over Two MPH in Start on Tuesday
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Payton Tolle was electric in his MLB debut on April 23 against the New York Yankees, striking out 11 over six innings of one-run ball. However, the 23-year-old had a much tougher time of it in his second start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, allowing three hits, three earned runs, and four walks across 4 2/3 innings. Per Zach Worden of MLB.com, Tolle's fastball velocity was down over two miles per hour from his first start. While Tolle does not appear to be dealing with an injury, the velocity drop should still be at least a small red flag for fantasy managers. The young left-hander remains a high-upside fantasy starting pitcher, but his fastball velocity will be something for managers to monitor in his next start, which will likely be in Detroit against the Tigers.
Source: MLB.com - Zach Worden
Source: MLB.com - Zach Worden
George Pickens Signs the Franchise Tag on Wednesday
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens signed the franchise tag on Wednesday, a source told Todd Archer of ESPN. Pickens will be guaranteed $27.3 million while playing for the Cowboys in 2026, but the organization has already said they won't sign the 25-year-old to a long-term extension before the July 15 deadline. Even though Pickens signed the franchise tag, he's expected to hold out during training camp this summer, and the Cowboys could decide to trade him for premium draft capital in 2027. If Pickens says in Dallas for the 2026 campaign, Dallas will have one of the league's top one-two punches at WR again with Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. Pickens led the Cowboys in receiving in 2025 in what was a career year, catching 93 of his 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games played. He was the WR5 in half-PPR scoring, and as long as he stays in Dallas for the upcoming season, Pickens is going to be a pricey WR1 early in fantasy drafts later this year.
Source: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
Source: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
Royals Expect Vinnie Pasquantino to Avoid the Injured List
Kansas City Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said that the team expects first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (back) to avoid the injured list, per Cody Tapp of 96.5 The Fan. Pasquantino was held out of the team's lineup on Wednesday with a back injury and is currently considered day-to-day. The 28-year-old is off to a slow start to the 2026 season, hitting .167/.276/.324 with three home runs, 14 RBI, and 11 runs scored across 123 plate appearances. His barrel rate is down from 10.8% to 7.3%, while his hard-hit rate currently sits at a career-worst 34.1%. While Pasquantino is apparently expected to avoid the injured list, this current back ailment could be part of the reason for his struggles at the plate. Fantasy managers may want to stash Pasquantino on their bench until he proves he is fully healthy.
Source: 96.5 The Fan - Cody Tapp
Source: 96.5 The Fan - Cody Tapp
Jared Jones Throws Three Perfect Innings in Rehab Outing on Wednesday
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (elbow) was sharp in his rehab outing on Wednesday with Single-A Bradenton, throwing three perfect innings with five strikeouts. Jones threw 41 pitches, 30 of which went for strikes. The 24-year-old is working his way back from an elbow injury, which required internal brace surgery and caused him to miss the entirety of 2025. Across 121 2/3 innings (22 starts) in 2024, Jones pitched to a 6-8 record with a 4.14 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts. Given how much time he has missed due to injury, Jones will likely require multiple rehab appearances. He's also currently on the 60-day injured list, which means he will not be eligible to return to the big leagues until late May. Still, Jones has major fantasy upside if he can make it back to full strength and could be worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his eventual return.
Source: milb.com
Source: milb.com
Cubs Turn to Hoby Milner for Save on Wednesday
Chicago Cubs left-hander Hoby Milner picked up his first save of the season on Wednesday, coming on to record the final out of his team's 5-4 win over the San Diego Padres. Milner has been effective out of the Chicago pen in the early-going of 2026, pitching to a 2.40 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with five strikeouts across 15 innings pitched. With Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (lat) currently on the injured list due to a lat strain, Milner could be part of the group Cubs manager Craig Counsell relies upon for saves. However, Palencia could return to the mound as soon as Friday, which could mean Milner's chance to work in the ninth inning is short-lived. In leagues with daily moves or if Palencia's return ends up being delayed, Milner could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Calvin Faucher Earns Save on Wednesday, Emerging Name in Marlins' Committee?
Miami Marlins reliever Calvin Faucher earned his first save of the season on Wednesday, working around three walks in a scoreless ninth inning in his team's 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. With Marlins closer Pete Fairbanks (thumb) on the injured list due to nerve irritation in his thumb, Faucher could be emerging as the name for fantasy managers to know in the Miami bullpen. Across 11 innings so far this season, Faucher has pitched to a 4.91 ERA and 1.82 WHIP with 13 strikeouts. Command has been a major issue for the 30-year-old, who currently owns a 22.6% walk rate. Still, Faucher recorded 15 saves across 65 appearances for Miami in 2025. For deeper-league managers in need of saves, Faucher could be a name to target on the waiver wire.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cade Cunningham Helps Pistons Survive With 45-Point Effort
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham scored a playoff career-high 45 points as the team staved off elimination with a 116-109 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Cunningham got rolling early and showcased his full offensive arsenal, finishing 13-for-23 from the field and 14-for-14 at the free-throw line. He made five of eight triples, capping off his line with four rebounds, five assists, and one steal. With six turnovers, Cunningham yet again struggled to handle the ball, but he more than made up for it with his massive offensive contribution. The Pistons will need a similar performance from him in Game 6.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jock Landale to Remain Unavailable in Game 6
Atlanta Hawks center Jock Landale (ankle) will remain sidelined on Thursday in Game 6 against the New York Knicks. On April 16, the team announced Landale would be re-evaluated "in approximately two weeks." It looks like the Australian big man isn't close to returning from a high ankle sprain. Mouhamed Gueye and Tony Bradley have split backup center duties during Landale's absence, but the two have been anonymous in the first-round series. Starting center Onyeka Okongwu is likely to face a heavy workload in Thursday's elimination game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Spencer Strider to Make his Season Debut on Sunday
Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) is scheduled to come off the 15-day injured list to make his first start of the 2026 season on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Strider looked good in his three minor-league rehab starts, allowing only two earned runs on six hits while walking five and striking out 18 in 12 2/3 innings, but most importantly, his velocity was up after it was down in spring training before injuring his left oblique. It's not an ideal location for Strider's first start of the year, but he should be rostered in most fantasy baseball leagues with his return just a few days away. The 27-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2020 out of Clemson led the league with 20 wins, 281 strikeouts, and a 2.85 FIP in 32 starts in his breakout season in 2023, but he only made two starts the following year before requiring elbow surgery. Strider wasn't the same in 23 starts for the Braves last year, but if his velocity is back and he's fully healthy, he'll become much more interesting.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Juan Soto Doesn't Have a Target Date to Return to the Outfield
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (forearm) said his forearm injury is progressing, but he doesn't have a target date to return to the outfield, according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Soto said he would play catch again on Wednesday and stretch out to a longer distance. The 27-year-old has dealt with some forearm tightness since returning from the injured list due to his calf injury, but he continues to serve as the team's designated hitter. Soto doesn't appear to be too bothered by his forearm at the plate, though, as he's gone 3-for-3 with a solo home run and a double in the team's current game against the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. The four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger came into Wednesday's game hitting an even .300 (15-for-50) with two home runs, seven RBI, and four runs scored. Soto's counting stats are down after spending time on the IL recently with a calf injury, but now that he's back, he's an obvious must-start every day in traditional fantasy leagues, even if he's just serving as the DH for a while longer.
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Peyton Watson to Remain Out Thursday
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hamstring) will remain out on Thursday in Game 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 23-year-old suffered a right hamstring strain on April 1. There have been no updates on Watson, so it's unclear whether he will be able to return if the Nuggets survive the first-round series against Minnesota. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown have seen a lot of action off the bench during Watson's absence. However, Denver relied heavily on its first unit in Monday's elimination game and will likely do the same on Thursday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Austin Reaves Cleared to Return Wednesday
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) has been officially cleared to return to action in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Reaves has been nursing a Grade 2 left oblique strain since April 2. He joins a Lakers lineup that remains without Luka Doncic (hamstring), so Reaves will have a large role offensively, though he might not play his usual minutes after his multi-week absence. The fantasy outlook for Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart will suffer with Reaves rejoining the lineup.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Matt Brash Injures his Side on Wednesday
Seattle Mariners right-handed reliever Matt Brash (side) left his outing in Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins early with side discomfort, manager Dan Wilson told Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. Brash left his appearance after just two pitches to begin the eighth inning when it looked like he experienced discomfort on a changeup that was well off the plate and in the dirt. It remains to be seen what exactly the 27-year-old is dealing with, but at least it doesn't appear to be an injury to his right arm. The good news for Brash is that the Mariners have Thursday off before they begin a series on Friday against the Kansas City Royals. Although Brash is a high-leverage setup man in front of closer Andres Munoz, he's been excellent so far in 2026, having not allowed an earned run with two walks and eight strikeouts in 11 1/3 relief innings. Despite not being in line for saves, Brash is useful in leagues that count holds, and he's rostered in 12% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
Source: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
Luka Doncic Remains Without Timetable for Return
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) remains without a timetable for his return, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. "There's still no clarity on the timetable for him," Charania said on Wednesday during an appearance on NBA Today. "He is starting some on-court movement. He's continuing to improve on that. There's still some ways to go, though, for him to have a full ramp-up of basketball activities." Charania added that Doncic is expected to remain sidelined at the start of the second-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder if the Lakers advance past Houston. Doncic has been out since April 2 due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Brandon Nimmo Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo (hamstring) left Wednesday's 3-0 shutout win over the visiting New York Yankees early with right-hamstring tightness, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Nimmo went 1-for-2 at the plate with a walk before being pulled in the bottom of the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. The severity of Nimmo's hamstring injury is unknown, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. If Nimmo's injury isn't very serious, he could be ready to roll for the team's next game on Friday in Detroit against the Tigers after a scheduled day off on Thursday. If Nimmo is forced to the 10-day injured list and misses extended time, Sam Haggerty, who replaced Nimmo on Wednesday, could be in line to see the biggest playing-time boost in Texas' outfield. Nimmo, 33, is a multi-category contributor as a table-setter, making him valuable in all fantasy formats. If he's forced to the IL, he should remain stashed in an IL spot. Nimmo came into Wednesday's game against the Yanks with a .287 average (35-for-122) with four home runs, 12 RBI, 14 runs, and a stolen base in 30 games played.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Brandon Ingram Won't Play in Second Half Wednesday
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (heel) will miss the remainder of Wednesday's Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team ruled him out for the rest of the night before halftime due to right heel inflammation. It's an issue Ingram has been dealing with late in the season. On Wednesday, he played only 11 minutes and scored one point. A.J. Lawson started the second half in Ingram's place. Jamal Shead and Jamison Battle could also see more action for the rest of the game, while the offense will revolve around Scottie, Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Ja'Kobe Walter.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Trevor Rogers Goes on Injured List With Illness
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Wednesday that they placed left-hander Trevor Rogers (illness) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 26) with an illness and recalled right-hander Cameron Foster from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. The 28-year-old left-hander clearly wasn't right of late, with an ERA of 9.53 with a 2.12 WHIP over his last three starts across 11 1/3 innings pitched. The veteran lefty is 2-3 on the year with a 4.75 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings pitched over his six starts. He began the year strong, allowing two earned runs in his first 13 innings over two starts, so hopefully Rogers can get back to being an asset for the Orioles and fantasy managers after he recovers from his illness. It remains to be seen who will fill in for Rogers in Baltimore's starting rotation for at least the next two turns. Rogers is rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues, and he's worth stashing in those formats to see if he can bounce back with better health.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Aaron Gordon Questionable for Game 6
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (calf) is questionable for Thursday's Western Conference first-round Game 6 against Minnesota after missing multiple games and playing limited minutes in his last appearance. Even if he returns, his workload could be managed in a win-or-go-home setting. Spencer Jones stepped into a larger role in Game 5, producing 20 points with four three-pointers, three rebounds, and three steals in 37 minutes and would remain a strong DFS value if Gordon sits again. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray should continue handling the bulk of the offense.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Josh Hart Iffy for Game 6
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (back) is questionable for Thursday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 6 against Atlanta due to a lower-back contusion, though he is still expected to push to play in a closeout spot. If he is limited or sits, Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado could see more run after combining for 21 points in 28 minutes off the bench in Game 5. Hart's all-around role makes him valuable in DFS if active, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns should continue carrying the offense.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Joel Embiid Likely to Play in Game 6
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) is probable for Thursday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 6 against Boston as he continues to play through recovery from a recent procedure. He logged 39 minutes in Game 5 after 34 minutes in his initial return, and a similar workload is expected in this elimination setting. In two appearances, Embiid has averaged 29.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, maintaining elite production. He remains a top DFS anchor, while Tyrese Maxey and Paul George continue to play key offensive roles.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jasson Dominguez Dealing With Elbow Contusion, to Have CT Scan
New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez (elbow) said that X-rays were inconclusive after he suffered a left-elbow contusion in Wednesday's game against the Texas Rangers, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Dominguez will undergo a CT scan on Thursday in New York. The switch-hitting Dominican was hit by a pitch from right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and finished 0-for-1 at the plate in the eventual 3-0 shutout loss. He was replaced in left field by Max Schuemann. Until we know more about the severity of Dominguez's elbow injury, fantasy managers will want to consider him day-to-day. The 23-year-old former top prospect recently became an option off the waiver wire due to Giancarlo Stanton (calf) landing on the 10-day injured list. Dominguez was playing in just his third game of the season for the Yanks after being called up earlier this week. In his first two games, he went 1-for-8 at the plate with two strikeouts. Dominguez's fantasy value going forward will be determined by whether he's forced to miss more time with his elbow injury. He's currently rostered in just 20% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Bones Hyland Could Miss Game 6
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (knee) is questionable for Thursday's Western Conference first-round Game 6 against Denver due to left knee soreness, adding another layer of uncertainty to a thin backcourt. With Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) already sidelined, Hyland has been in line for a larger role, making his status critical. If he sits, Mike Conley and Kyle Anderson would need to handle more playmaking, while Terrence Shannon Jr. could see a bump after scoring 15 points with two three-pointers in 14 minutes in Game 5. Shannon could be a strong DFS value if his minutes increase.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Raisel Iglesias Could Rejoin the Bullpen on Tuesday
Atlanta Braves right-handed reliever Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) could rejoin the big-league bullpen when he's eligible to come off the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, May 5, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Manager Walt Weiss said that Iglesias is unlikely to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before being activated next week. The 36-year-old veteran landed on the IL with right-shoulder inflammation, but he threw off a mound on Tuesday and has been feeling good. Right-hander Robert Suarez has converted both of his save opportunities since Iglesias went on the shelf, but given Iglesias' strong start before his shoulder injury, he should return to primary closing duties in Atlanta. He's still rostered in 92% of Yahoo leagues for a reason. The Cuban hurler has 258 saves in his 12-year MLB career and has yet to allow a run in 8 2/3 innings of work with five saves, 11 strikeouts, and only one walk before his shoulder injury.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Kevin Huerter Not Available for Game 5
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 5 against Orlando, leaving the team short on perimeter shooting in a win-or-go-home spot. His absence should open up more minutes for Caris LeVert and Daniss Jenkins, though neither offers consistent scoring. Cade Cunningham is expected to handle even more offensive responsibility, increasing his DFS appeal, while Duncan Robinson may see added looks from deep. Huerter is not a factor until he returns, and Detroit will need secondary shooters to step up.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Javier Baez Lands on Injured List With Ankle Sprain
The Detroit Tigers announced on Wednesday that they placed infielder Javier Baez (ankle) on the 10-day injured list with a right-ankle sprain and recalled infielder Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move. Jung is getting the start right away on Wednesday night against the Atlanta Braves and rookie right-hander JR Ritchie, serving as the designated hitter and batting ninth. Baez injured his ankle in Tuesday's game in Atlanta and had to be carted off the field. We don't have an official timeline for when the utility man can return from the IL, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues shouldn't expect him to be back when he's eligible to come off the IL. In addition to Jung, both Matt Vierling and Wenceel Perez could see some more at-bats for the Tigers with Baez sidelined. Baez, a three-time All-Star, had a bounce-back year in Motown last season, but it still amounted to only 12 home runs, 57 RBI, and five steals in 126 games. The free-swinging right-handed hitter has hit .256 (20-for-78) so far in 24 games in 2026 with two homers, six RBI, 10 runs, and a steal. He's only rostered in 6% of Yahoo leagues these days.
Source: Tigers PR
Source: Tigers PR
