Rome Odunze's Foot Injury Still an Issue Going into 2026 Season?
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) had a somewhat alarming answer on Wednesday when he was asked when his injured foot from last season felt normal again, saying, "This is my new normal. And it's not from a standpoint that I'm always in pain, but the way my foot broke there's callouses in there that create a different type of foot structure with those bones -- different types of things that kind of shift things around. So my new normal is kind of what I am going into." It's not exactly what you want to hear from a third-year player and former first-rounder who played in just 12 regular-season games in 2025 due to his foot injury. The former ninth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Washington looked to be on his way to a Year 2 breakout last season after catching 20 passes for 296 yards and five touchdowns in his first four games, but he only had one 100-yard game and one touchdown the rest of the way while missing five games. There is less competition for targets in Chicago now that DJ Moore is in Buffalo, but second-year wideout Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland are both capable of much larger roles. Odunze may never live up to his draft capital as a top-10 pick, and he's most definitely a faller heading into his third NFL season.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer
Source: The Athletic - Dan Wiederer
Ketel Marte Out on Wednesday With Back, Hamstring Injuries
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (back, hamstring) is out of Wednesday's starting lineup against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field due to lower-back tightness and a tender hamstring, according to Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic. Manager Torey Lovullo classified it as a day of rest for Marte, who was feeling uncomfortable during Tuesday's loss to L.A. Ildemaro Vargas will start at the keystone for the Snakes and will bat seventh in the order against right-hander Shohei Ohtani. The D-backs will give Marte a breather against one of the best pitchers in the league this year in Ohtani, and he could be back in action as early as Thursday's series finale against the Blue. The 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican infielder had an 11-game hitting streak from May 16 to May 27, in which he hit over .500 with four homers, six doubles, and 17 RBI, before going 1-for-18 with a homer and four RBI in his last five contests. For now, Marte should be considered day-to-day, and fantasy managers should check back on Thursday to see if he's back on the field. When fully healthy, Marte is a must-start in all traditional fantasy leagues.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Jose M. Romero
Source: The Arizona Republic - Jose M. Romero
Zach Neto Still Out on Wednesday With Neck Issue
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (neck) is missing another game on Wednesday against the visiting Colorado Rockies, according to MLB.com. Oswald Peraza will make the start at the 6 at Angels Stadium and bat fifth for the Halos versus Rockies right-hander Michael Lorenzen. Neto is dealing with whiplash and is sitting out as a precaution for a third straight game. The Angels don't expect the starting shortstop to land on the 10-day injured list, and he could be back in the starting nine as soon as Friday's series opener to begin another Freeway Series at Chavez Ravine against the Los Angeles Dodgers after a scheduled day off on Thursday. The 25-year-old former 13th overall pick in 2022 out of Campbell University is only hitting .231 (54-for-234) on the year, but he has been a solid counting-stat producer for fantasy managers with 10 long balls, 27 RBI, eight stolen bases, and 42 runs scored across 60 games and 274 plate appearances in his fourth year in the league. Peraza is in the midst of a career year in his first full season in Anaheim, hitting .280 (47-for-168) with a career-high seven homers, 15 RBI, seven steals, and 18 runs in 56 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Mitchell Robinson is Available for Game 1 on Wednesday
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (finger) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's Game 1 of the NBA Finals versus the San Antonio Spurs. Robinson suffered a broken pinky finger during the previous series. He was uncertain to suit up for the beginning of the series, but he will shed the questionable tag and play on Wednesday. The expectation is that he'll continue to play his key reserve role off the bench. He will be the primary backup center for when Karl-Anthony Towns is out of the game. The finger injury shouldn't impact his performance on the court, but the Knicks might play it somewhat cautiously in his first game playing after the injury.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kawhi Leonard Unlikely to be Traded
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard could potentially be on the move this summer. The veteran forward is entering the final-year of his contract, and it's unclear if he wants to stay with the Clippers long-term. With that being said, the Clippers could potentially move Leonard for draft picks or younger assets. The Detroit Pistons are one reported target for Leonard, but they'd likely be unwilling to trade young assets for one year of Leonard. This could be an ongoing issue for the Clippers if they seek a trade partner for Leonard. Many organizations are going to be unwilling to give up a lot in return for a 35-year-old on a one-year contract with no guarantee of sticking around.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
Bulls Host Potential Lottery Picks for Workout
The Chicago Bulls currently own the fourth overall pick during the upcoming NBA Draft. The expectation is that the Bulls are going to draft North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson with the pick. The Bulls also own the 15th overall pick, so they could potentially land two legitimate contributors in this draft. Recently, the Bulls hosted Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, Nate Ament, and Morez Johnson for workouts. For now, Wilson seems like the favorite to go at No. 4, but maybe the Bulls trade that pick and take two of these players instead. The rebuilding Bulls could benefit from having multiple lottery players, with this team being a few players away from being real contenders.
Source: Kevin O'Connor
Source: Kevin O'Connor
Wizards Considering Trading Down in Draft
The Washington Wizards own the first overall selection for the upcoming 2026-2027 NBA Draft. Currently, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa is considered the favorite to go first overall. It's worth noting that Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and Duke's Cam Boozer are also in the mix for the top selection. Given the depth at the top of the draft, the Wizards could potentially trade the top overall selection and stockpile a ton of assets. Wizards president Michael Winger has said that the front office will consider trading down in the draft. It's hard to imagine the Wizards giving up the pick unless they get a blockbuster deal. This team might not be too far away from competing with veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis on the roster. Also, young players such as Alexandre Sarr and Kyshawn George can be built around. Dybantsa has MVP ceiling upside that is going to be tough to pry away.
Source: Kevin O'Connor
Source: Kevin O'Connor
Russell Wilson Retiring From the NFL
Quarterback Russell Wilson is announcing his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Wilson will end his playing career to join The NFL Today on CBS Sports for the upcoming 2026 season. The 37-year-old was named a Pro Bowler 10 times in his 14-year career and came away with one Super Bowl ring after the Seattle Seahawks took him with the 75th overall pick in the third round in 2012 out of the University of Wisconsin. Despite his size (5-foot-11, 206 pounds), Wilson quickly became one of the most dangerous dual-threat signal-callers in the league over the last decade-plus thanks to his scrambling ability and strong arm deep down the field. Mr. Unlimited will finish his outstanding career with 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdowns, and 114 interceptions over 205 regular-season games with the Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants. Wilson spent the vast majority of his career (10 seasons) in Seattle, and he finished out with only six games played (three starts) in 2025 with the Giants before he was benched for rookie Jaxson Dart.
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Corbin Burnes has Teres Major Strain, Unlikely to Return Until September
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Corbin Burnes (elbow) has been diagnosed with a teres major strain and has been pulled back from his throwing progression, manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. The skipper said the setback probably pushes Burnes' timeline for a return to around September. The 31-year-old veteran only made 11 starts in his first year in Arizona in 2025 before needing Tommy John surgery to fix a torn UCL in his right elbow. There was hope that the former Cy Young winner and four-time All-Star would return at some point in July this year for the Snakes, but his recent setback now means he won't return until the final month of the regular season. It's a tough blow for the D-backs and for any fantasy managers who were stashing the former fantasy ace in an injured-list spot all year. It's now hard to justify holding onto Burnes in redraft leagues. He's currently rostered in 33% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Malik Davis Appears to be the Front-Runner for RB2 Job in Dallas
Tommy Yarrish of the Dallas Cowboys' official website writes that running back Malik Davis "appears to be the front-runner" for the RB2 job again for the time being. As the RB2 in 2025 in his third year in the NFL, Davis saw a career-high 52 carries for 250 yards (4.8 yards per carry) and two rushing touchdowns, adding only two catches for 16 yards in 10 games (zero starts). The Cowboys signed RB1 Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million contract extension in late February, so Davis is stuck behind him for the foreseeable future in Dallas. Williams led the Cowboys with 252 carries and 1,201 rushing yards last year. In addition to Davis, the Cowboys have Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in their RB room that could compete for RB2 duties this summer. Blue needs to show more consistency, and Mafah was on Injured Reserve for most of his rookie campaign. At best, Davis will enter the 2026 season as a deep-league handcuff for those who have Williams rostered. He's outside of RotoBaller's top-100 RB rankings currently.
Source: DallasCowboys.com - Tommy Yarrish
Source: DallasCowboys.com - Tommy Yarrish
Tyson Hardin on the Verge of Promotion After Elite Showing at Triple-A?
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitching prospect Tyson Hardin, who is ranked as the team's No. 17 prospect per MLB Pipeline, could be on the verge of making his first appearance in the big leagues soon after impressing lately following his promotion from Double-A Biloxi to Triple-A Nashville. Hardin was 0-3 with a 7.67 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in his seven starts with Biloxi to begin the 2026 season, but he also struck out 43 batters and walked just 12 in 29 1/3 innings. In his three starts for Nashville, the 24-year-old former 12th-rounder out of Mississippi State University has allowed only three runs (two earned) while walking seven and fanning 18 in 18 2/3 frames. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is primarily a fastball/slider pitcher who lacks overpowering velocity, but he makes up for it with a deceiving low arm angle that generates plenty of weak contact. Hardin has the control necessary to stick in Milwaukee's rotation in the second half of the 2026 season if he gets a chance, but right now, he's only worth stashing in dynasty/keeper formats.
Source: Milb.com
Source: Milb.com
Kayshon Boutte to Compete for Snaps in Three-Receiver Sets
The New England Patriots acquired Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday and signed former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs in free agency back in March, which leaves Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Kyle Williams competing for snaps in three-receiver sets in 2026, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. Lazar writes that Brown's route tree will likely be similar to the Patriots' deployment of Boutte last year as the primary X receiver. The Patriots' beat writer suggests that Boutte might be "redundant on the roster" because of how his role overlaps with the newly-acquired Brown. The 24-year-old Boutte has played his way into being a top-three WR on the depth chart, but the addition of Brown has firmly put the former sixth-rounder on the trade radar as the offseason progresses. In his third year in the NFL in 2025, Boutte had just 33 grabs for 551 yards and a career-high six touchdowns on 46 targets over 14 regular-season games (10 starts). Unless he's dealt to another team with a better shot for consistent snaps, Boutte will likely be avoidable in standard 12-team leagues this fall.
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Alvin Kamara Attends OTAs on Wednesday
New Orleans Saints veteran running back Alvin Kamara (knee) was present at the team's OTA workout on Wednesday, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Triplett goes on to write that it's still to be determined if this means that Kamara is all systems go for the team going forward. Despite rumors suggesting that the 30-year-old five-time Pro Bowler was considering retirement this offseason, Kamara said he wants to be with the Saints and continue playing in 2026. However, his contract ($10.4 million salary cap hit in 2026) will still likely need to be addressed in some form before anything becomes final for this year after the Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million deal in free agency back in March. Head coach Kellen Moore said he doesn't know if Kamara has had any talks with the organization regarding his contract, but he has been pleasantly surprised that he's joined the team in Week 2 of OTAs. On top of the fact that Kamara is now clearly the RB2 in the Big Easy if he sticks around, he's recovering from knee and ankle injuries that caused him to miss the final six games in 2025. Kamara has tumbled all the way down to an RB59 ranking at RotoBaller for the upcoming season, and a trade out of town might be his best path back to fantasy relevance.
Source: NewOrleans.Football - Mike Triplett
Source: NewOrleans.Football - Mike Triplett
Rhett Lowder to Return on Sunday, Worth a Waiver-Wire Pickup?
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder (shoulder) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to start on Sunday in St. Louis against the division-rival Cardinals, manager Terry Francona told Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati. Lowder has been cleared to rejoin the Reds' starting rotation this weekend after allowing three runs with no walks and eight strikeouts in five innings during his minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. He was able to get up to 70 pitches. The 24-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest University will be a shaky fantasy baseball streamer on Sunday at Busch Stadium after being sidelined since early May with a right-shoulder injury. Before his stint on the IL, Lowder went 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA (3.77 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP with 27 strikeouts and 18 walks in 38 1/3 innings over his first eight starts. Lowder has only made 14 starts in the big leagues since debuting in Cincy in 2024 and has struggled with injuries, but his high-end velocity and strikeout upside make him worth stash consideration in deeper leagues now that he's on the cusp of a return. He's currently rostered in just 6% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford
Source: NBC 5 Cincinnati - Charlie Clifford
Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Andrei Iosivas?
Across 17 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas recorded 33 receptions for 435 yards and two touchdowns on 58 targets. The 26-year-old has established a consistent role as the WR3 in Cincinnati, but his production upside is limited as long as the Bengals' star wide receiver duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are both healthy. Higgins has missed 12 games since the start of the 2023 season, which has led to some stretches of fantasy-relevant production for Iosivas. However, Iosivas may have to fight just to hold onto his WR3 role in 2026 following Cincinnati's selection of University of Georgia wide receiver Colbie Young in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Between his limited upside and the increased playing time competition in Cincinnati, dynasty managers may want to consider moving on from Iosivas as he enters his fourth NFL season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Tyjae Spears Droppable in Dynasty Formats?
Across 13 games in 2025, Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears recorded 547 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 117 touches. Although the 24-year-old has flashed upside throughout the first three seasons of his NFL career, he's been unable to break out of a complementary role in the Titans' backfield alongside veteran back Tony Pollard. Spears has also run into injury troubles, missing nine games over the past two seasons due to ankle, hamstring, and concussion issues. Entering 2026, Spears remains in competition with Pollard and could also receive heightened pressure on his playing time from 2026 fifth-round pick Nicholas Singleton. Spears established nice chemistry with Titans quarterback Cameron Ward as a receiver out of the backfield in 2025, recording 45 catches for 264 yards on 50 targets. He could continue to provide modest PPR production in 2026, but his dynasty upside appears to be fading.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Wright the Dynasty Handcuff Running Back to Own in Miami?
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright's 2025 season got off to a slow start, as he missed the first six weeks while recovering from a knee injury. However, the 23-year-old was fairly productive in a reserve role upon his return, finishing the year with 332 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 75 touches across 10 games played. Wright's path to regular playing time in Miami is blocked by star Dolphins running back De'Von Achane, whom the team recently signed to a four-year, $68 million extension. Still, Wright passed fellow Dolphins back Ollie Gordon II on the team's depth chart last season and projects to open 2026 as Miami's RB2. If Achane were to suffer an injury, Wright's fantasy value would immediately skyrocket. In dynasty formats, managers should consider buying low on Wright and stashing him in a bench spot for his handcuff appeal.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colby Parkinson Facing Likely Regression After Career Year in 2025
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson put together a career year in 2025, recording 43 catches for 408 yards and eight touchdowns on 56 targets across 15 games. However, Parkinson looks like a prime regression candidate heading into 2026. For one, his production in 2025 was largely fueled by a spike in touchdown receptions, and he remained a low-volume target-earner on a game-to-game basis. Secondly, the Rams have one of the deepest tight end rooms in the league with Terrance Ferguson, Tyler Higbee, and 2026 second-round pick Max Klare all providing playing time competition for Parkinson. Even if Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford leads the league in touchdown passes for the second straight season in 2026, it seems unlikely that Parkinson will be able to match or exceed his 2025 output. Dynasty managers should be looking to sell high on Parkinson before the start of the upcoming season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Garrett Whitlock Feels "Really Good" After Throwing Side Session
Boston Red Sox right-handed reliever Garrett Whitlock (knee) said he "felt really good" after throwing a side session on Tuesday, according to Gabrielle Star of the Boston Herald. Whitlock slipped on a wet mound over a week ago and then landed on the 15-day injured list on May 28 with inflammation in his knee. The 29-year-old's injury isn't believed to be all that serious, so he could be ready to return on the first day he's eligible to come off the IL without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. Whitlock has zero saves (10 in his six-year career) and is merely a late-inning setup man for the BoSox, which limits his fantasy baseball appeal to deeper leagues when he's healthy. Before injuring his knee, the former 18th-round pick by the New York Yankees in 2017 out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham was 3-1 with a 3.20 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 25:6 K:BB in 19 2/3 innings pitched out of the bullpen. Outside of holds leagues, Whitlock isn't very attractive to fantasy managers. He's rostered in just 14% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
Cal Raleigh to Start Rehab Assignment on Sunday
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (oblique) will start a minor-league rehab assignment this Sunday at High-A Everett, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. From there, the plan is for Raleigh to transition to Triple-A Tacoma and play the rest of the week there. After that, the Mariners will reassess Raleigh's status. Barring a setback once the left-handed slugger resumes playing in games, he could rejoin the active MLB roster for the start of a homestand on June 16. The 29-year-old former third-round pick in 2018 out of Florida State University was a first-time All-Star in 2025 after he led the league in home runs (60) and RBI (125) in 159 regular-season games. Things have not gone swimmingly for Raleigh so far in 2026, though, as he currently owns a .161/.243/.317 slash line with an ugly .560 OPS and 31.5% strikeout rate in 181 plate appearances. Fantasy managers must hold him through his slump and injury, though, and hope he can turn things around when he returns. Raleigh has elite raw power at the catching position and has slugged at least 30 homers in each of his last three seasons.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Omarion Hampton Remains a High-End Dynasty RB1 Despite Injury History
A first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton played just nine games as a rookie after fracturing his left ankle in Week 5. However, the 23-year-old should be fully healthy and ready to go heading into 2026. Hampton was productive when healthy last season, recording 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 156 touches. He should be in an even better position to succeed in his second year with the Chargers following the team's hire of former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as its new offensive coordinator. The Los Angeles offensive line should also be massively improved with healthy seasons from the star tackle duo of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. Hampton's rookie season may not have been as explosive as fantasy managers would have hoped, but he remains a high-upside player who should be valued as an RB1 in dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rickie Fowler Looks To Continue Resurgent Season At Memorial
Rickie Fowler is scheduled to tee it up at the Memorial this week. Fowler will look to rebound from a disappointing missed cut in the Charles Schwab Challenge in his most recent start. Despite the letdown at Colonial, the 37-year-old has put together an impressive 2026 campaign. Fowler has recorded four top-10 finishes this season. The veteran's overall record at Muirfield Village is a strong one. Twice a runner-up at the Memorial, he's totaled five top-10 finishes across 17 career starts, including a T7 in last year's edition. His experience and recent form put him squarely on the fantasy radar this week.
Source: PGA Tour
Source: PGA Tour
Is Ollie Gordon II Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II recorded 231 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 77 touches across 17 games as a rookie. After starting the year as the RB2 in Miami behind De'Von Achane, Gordon II gradually lost playing time to Dolphins back Jaylen Wright over the course of the season. While the Dolphins did not make any notable additions to their backfield over the offseason, Gordon II appears likely to enter 2026 third on the team's running back depth chart. Additionally, Miami signed Achane to a four-year, $68 million extension in May, locking him in as a focal point of its offense for the remainder of the decade. Gordon II could still carry some appeal as a handcuff option, but his dynasty stock is falling thanks to the crowded backfield picture in Miami.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Judge Out Again With Rib/Shoulder Injury
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (rib, shoulder) will miss a second straight start on Wednesday against the visiting Cleveland Guardians, according to MLB.com. Utility man Jose Caballero will make another start in right field in the Bronx and will bat sixth against Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams. Judge is currently considered day-to-day with a rib/shoulder injury that he's been playing through for a while now. It's unclear if the injury is serious enough to potentially send the 34-year-old three-time MVP to the 10-day injured list. It could help explain why Judge has hit just .163 (8-for-49) with only one home run, two doubles, eight RBI, five runs scored, seven walks, and 15 strikeouts in 13 games since May 17 to drop his season slash line to .248/.375/.533. Check back on Thursday to see if Judge is feeling good enough to return to the starting nine for the series finale against the Guards. The Yankees can ill-afford to send another outfielder to the IL, with both Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Jasson Dominguez (shoulder) still out.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Maikel Garcia Remains Sidelined With Hamstring Injury on Wednesday
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (hamstring) is missing another game on Wednesday in Cincinnati against the Reds, per MLB.com. Nick Loftin will make another start at the hot corner and will bat eighth for the Royals against Reds right-hander Chase Burns. Garcia will miss a fourth straight game with a right-hamstring injury, and if he misses any more time going into the latter part of the week, the Royals could be forced to send him to the 10-day injured list. The 26-year-old Venezuelan infielder is currently hitting .268/.325/.384 on the season with a .709 OPS, only three home runs, 21 RBI, 28 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 224 at-bats across 56 games in his fifth year in the big leagues. Garcia was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he set career highs in homers (16) and RBI (74) while also adding 23 stolen bases and 81 runs scored in 160 games played. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Thursday to see if he's available to face the division-rival Minnesota Twins for the series opener on the road.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
J.T. Realmuto Back From Wrist Injury to Face Padres
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (wrist) is doing the catching for left-hander Cristopher Sanchez and will bat seventh on Wednesday against the visiting San Diego Padres and right-hander Walker Buehler, according to MLB.com. Realmuto was hit on the left wrist by a pitch in Sunday's series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and despite having a scheduled day off on Monday, he remained out for Tuesday's series opener against SD. The 13-year veteran is back in action for Game 2 of the series at Citizens Bank Park, but fantasy managers may want to continue to leave the struggling Realmuto on their benches. The three-time All-Star has shown his age in 2026 (35 years old) and is hitting just .220 (28-for-127) with two home runs, nine RBI, 11 runs scored, and a stolen base in 39 games played. Realmuto has only had three career at-bats against Buehler and is hitless against him. Since May 18, Realmuto has gone 6-for-29 (.207) at the plate with a solo homer, three walks, and seven strikeouts in 10 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Samad Taylor Worth an Add After Impressive Start to Triple-A Season?
The San Diego Padres are calling up second baseman/outfielder Samad Taylor to the big leagues on Wednesday, according to Milb Central. Taylor will get the call from Triple-A El Paso to take the roster spot of veteran outfielder Nick Castellanos, who was designated for assignment. The 27-year-old will get the call to the big leagues after hitting an impressive .319/.406/.500 with a .906 OPS, seven home runs, 25 RBI, 35 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 51 games and 222 plate appearances on the farm. The former 10th-round selection by the Cleveland Guardians back in 2016 has only appeared in 38 big-league games with the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners since debuting in the majors back in 2023, so he doesn't have much experience. Taylor could get some run in SD's outfield now that Castellanos is out of the picture, but he's no lock to play regularly and could quickly be shuttled back to El Paso. In 83 plate appearances in the majors, Taylor has gone 15-for-73 (.205) with no homers, four RBI, eight steals, seven walks, and 24 strikeouts in 38 games.
Source: Milb Central
Source: Milb Central
Lars Nootbaar Worth Stashing Ahead of Season Debut?
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (heels), who is expected to come off the 60-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut on Friday against the division-rival Cincinnati Reds, hit his third minor-league home run on Wednesday in his 12th rehab game, per MLB reporter John Denton. Nootbaar had double heel surgery last October and has yet to play for the Cardinals this year. The 28-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has teased power upside in the past, but he hasn't taken advantage of regular playing time in St. Louis has also been limited by injuries along the way. The former eighth-rounder in 2018 out of USC has slashed .242/.341/.406 with a .747 OPS in his five major-league seasons (all with the Red Birds). Fantasy managers in mixed leagues should probably take a wait-and-see approach on Nootbaar as he returns to the big leagues following a long absence. He's currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues, but he should be playing regularly in St. Louis upon his return, at least against right-handed pitching.
Source: MLB.com - John Denton
Source: MLB.com - John Denton
Justin Herbert Overhauling his Footwork This Offseason
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said on Tuesday that new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has been overhauling his footwork in the offseason in an effort to speed up his release and get the ball out of his hand quicker, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. "Mechanically, it's a little different timing ... he wants the ball out early. We feel like that is going to help us get the ball out quicker," Herbert said. McDaniel said last month that the goal is for Herbert to "own the position," and McDaniel plans to maximize Herbert's success on passes with 2.4 seconds or less time to throw. Once plays extended into the intermediate timing window last year -- between roughly 2.4 and 3.5 seconds, Herbert's efficiency dipped. The move to get the ball out of Herbert's hand faster makes plenty of sense, as he was the league's most hit and pressured QB in 2025, spending most of his time scrambling to avoid pass-rushers behind an ineffective and banged-up offensive line. With Pro Bowl tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt returning from injury, Herbert should be better protected, but it may not matter if he's getting the ball out quicker. The Oregon product's fantasy stock is on the rise heading into the 2026 season, and he'll be a nice low-end QB1 target if you wait a bit on the position.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Nick Castellanos Designated for Assignment by Padres
The San Diego Padres have designated outfielder Nick Castellanos for assignment on Wednesday and recalled utility man Samad Taylor from Triple-A El Paso. Castellanos, who signed a one-year deal with the Padres this offseason, has struggled in 2026, hitting just .191 with a .560 OPS, four home runs, and 20 RBI in 39 games. The move clears a roster spot as the Padres continue to shuffle their outfield and infield depth. Taylor, who has played both the outfield and second base, gets another opportunity in the big leagues. While the Padres currently have a crowded outfield, his versatility could help him carve out a role in the near term. With Triple-A this season, Taylor has posted an impressive .319/.406/.500 line with seven doubles, seven home runs, and nine stolen bases over 51 games.
Source: Kevin Acee
Source: Kevin Acee
RADIO



