May 7, 2026, 12:00 PM ET

Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that right-handed closer Pete Fairbanks (hand) had a "very encouraging" bullpen session on Wednesday and that Fairbanks was surprised at how well the ball came out of his hand, according to Marlins reporter Jeremy Tache. "It's a very, very, very good day for us," McCullough said. It was the first time that Fairbanks threw off a mound since the Marlins placed him on the 15-day injured list with nerve irritation in his right hand on April 28. It's something that caused him to miss three weeks back in 2024, but Fairbanks doesn't think the issue is as serious this time around. Because he should return as the team's primary closer when he's healthy, Fairbanks deserves to be stashed in most fantasy baseball leagues. He's currently rostered in 70% of Yahoo leagues. As of now, the Fish are hoping that Fairbanks can return around when he's eligible to be reinstated from the IL. The 32-year-old veteran has struggled so far in 2026 in his first year in South Beach, allowing 10 earned runs on nine hits while walking four, striking out 13, and picking up five saves in nine innings pitched.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Jeremy Tache

May 7, 2026, 11:53 AM ET

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler is only rostered in 49% of Yahoo leagues right now. Fantasy managers in need of power should definitely give him a look. The 34-year-old power hitter is never going to be an asset in batting average -- he's currently hitting .238 (29-for-122) -- but he's also sporting an .818 OPS with eight long balls, a team-high 28 RBI, and 19 runs scored in his first 34 games for the Halos. Since April 24 (a span of 12 games), Soler has gone 12-for-43 (.279) with three home runs, two doubles, nine RBI, and six runs scored with a 13:6 K:BB. Additionally, he has a strong .373 on-base percentage and .535 slugging percentage during this span. Soler has struggled to stay healthy during his career and tends to be streaky, but right now, he's been pretty consistent, and he deserves to be rostered in more than half of fantasy baseball leagues. If you need power, look no further than Soler.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

May 7, 2026, 11:46 AM ET

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm represents an intriguing buy-low option ahead of a potential Year 2 breakout in 2026. Despite missing one game and playing behind Chig Okonkwo last year, Helm managed to catch 44 passes for 357 yards and two touchdowns. Even though he was a rookie and No. 2 on the depth chart, he finished as the overall TE31 in PPR leagues. The Texas product was trending up to end the season, and his dynasty outlook got a major boost as the Titans let Okonkwo depart in free agency. Now, Helm is the clear-cut No. 1 tight end in a Titans offense that could be trending upward. Quarterback Cameron Ward is certainly still developing, but we'd expect him to make a significant leap in his second season. And the state of the offense as a whole is in a very good place with players like Tony Pollard, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Carnell Tate. There are a lot of mouths to feed in the passing game, but the fact that Helm essentially has the tight end position all to himself is a very encouraging sign, especially in an offense led by Brian Daboll. Under the guidance of Daboll, Giants tight end Theo Johnson jumped from TE37 as a rookie to TE18 in his second season. Don't be surprised if Helm follows a similar trajectory. He currently ranks as the TE27 in RotoBaller's dynasty fantasy football rankings, but there is clear top-15 upside here. Dynasty managers would be wise to trade for Helm before the buy-low window closes.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 11:41 AM ET

Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers is coming off a quality start in his last outing in a win over the New York Mets on May 2 and deserves some attention off the waiver wire from fantasy managers looking for a boost in strikeouts. The 26-year-old southpaw is 1-2 on the season with a 4.28 ERA (2.81 FIP) and 1.15 WHIP with 44 strikeouts and only nine walks in 40 innings pitched over his seven starts. He was cruising through six innings in his last outing against the Mets before allowing two runs and leaving with the bases loaded. Still, he threw 68 of his 95 pitches for strikes and induced 16 swings and misses. Detmers has the swing-and-miss stuff to be successful if he can command the baseball as he has so far in 2026. He has gone into the seventh inning in four of his seven outings as well, providing plenty of length for fantasy managers. You should certainly consider at least streaming him in his next scheduled outing this weekend versus the Toronto Blue Jays, a team with a .690 OPS, which ranks 25th in baseball.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Baseball Reference

May 7, 2026, 11:37 AM ET

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter (knee) is expected to be a full-go for training camp. He continues to recover from last season's torn LCL, and it doesn't sound like he'll have any limitations this summer. With that said, an uptick in defensive snaps and a crowded receiver room could spell disaster for Hunter's fantasy value in non-IDP leagues. The former first-round pick's career was already off to a slow start on the offensive side of the ball. He posted single-digit fantasy points (PPR) in each of his first six games last year before finally breaking out for eight catches, 101 yards, and one touchdown in Week 7. However, that was his last game of the season due to injury. Hunter averaged 9.1 fantasy points on offense last year, and if he's going to play more on defense in 2026, we'd have to imagine his offensive involvement goes down. And even if he does end up having a similar snap share, his overall productivity will take a hit due to the fact that he's also devoting so much energy and effort to playing on defense. Furthermore, Hunter has added competition in the form of Jakobi Meyers, who wasn't on the team when he was healthy last year. The presence of Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington could drop Hunter to fourth on the wide receiver depth chart, stripping him of almost all his value in redraft leagues and also hurting dynasty managers. Hunter still has the potential to play more offense in the future, but the short-term outlook feels like a punch to the gut for fantasy managers who took him in the first round of rookie drafts last year. He has quickly fallen to WR54 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 11:29 AM ET

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir was a relatively consistent fantasy contributor in 2025, scoring 9.5+ fantasy points (PPR) in 11 of his 16 games. Between James Cook and Josh Allen, the Bills were a run-heavy offense last year, but when they did throw the ball, Shakir emerged as a dependable target. He caught 72 passes for 719 yards and four touchdowns, ranking as the overall WR36, which was the best mark of his career. While it was encouraging him to turn in a solid season in such a prominent offense, dynasty managers should be a little concerned about a certain offseason move. Buffalo struck a deal to acquire DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears, bumping Shakir down to No. 2 on the depth chart. In many offenses, Shakir as a No. 2 would still be a very strong WR3/flex, but there aren't a ton of targets to go around in Buffalo. Josh Allen threw the ball just 460 times last year, which was his lowest pass attempt total since his rookie season in 2018. If that trend persists in 2026 and beyond, Moore could be the only Bills receiver with fantasy relevance every week. That drops Shakir to being more of a matchup-based play. The latest expert insight reflects that narrative, as Shakir has fallen to WR56 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings. Managers can try to trade him away this offseason, but it may be too late.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 11:22 AM ET

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has the potential to be a weekly fantasy starter when healthy, but injuries have derailed the first four years of his career. He has missed 20 of 68 games since being drafted, and he has never finished a single season higher than WR41 in PPR leagues. The talent is undeniable, though, and we're confident that a Christian Watson and Jordan Love duo could eclipse 1,000 yards together over a healthy 17-game stretch. The crowded receiver room is another factor to consider, although it's not a major obstacle. Players like Watson, Jayden Reed, the now-departed Romeo Doubs, and even Matthew Golden have shown that they can produce in this crowded position group. There are enough targets to go around to support a top-30 finish from Watson. Now, he just needs to stay on the field. We're encouraged by the fact that he played 10 consecutive games without being inactive in 2025, so perhaps that's a sign that he'll be able to stay healthy in 2026. Purely based on upside and his relatively low cost, Watson is an intriguing dynasty trade target this offseason.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 11:19 AM ET

Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams has been punishing baseballs this year, and that continued in the team's 15-2 blowout win over the visiting Minnesota Twins. Abrams went 3-for-5 at the plate with a grand slam, two doubles, five RBI, and two runs scored to boost his season average to .299 and his OPS to .960. The 25-year-old hit the second grand slam of his career in the bottom of the eighth inning. The 25-year-old former sixth overall pick by the San Diego Padres in 2019 now has a .401 on-base percentage in 36 games this year and has added nine home runs, a league-high 33 RBI, seven stolen bases, and 21 runs scored across 152 plate appearances. Abrams has been even better of late, going 12-for-30 (.400) with two home runs, three doubles, 12 RBI, six runs scored, and two stolen bases in eight games since April 28. Keep riding his hot bat while it lasts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

May 7, 2026, 11:16 AM ET

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth had a frustrating 2025 season, catching just 41 passes for 486 yards and four touchdowns en route to ranking as the overall TE25 in PPR leagues. There's some uncertainty about his future outlook, but the good news is that the Steelers have a new coaching staff in place, and they didn't bring in anyone to compete with Freiermuth. He's clearly the top option on the depth chart, ahead of players like Darnell Washington and rookie Riley Nowakowski. The bad news, on the other hand, is that in Mike McCarthy's last season as a head coach (2024), Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson was the TE25. In the Cowboys' first year without McCarthy, he soared to TE5. So while we're encouraged that the Steelers' coaching staff change -- plus the anticipated return of dependable passer Aaron Rodgers -- could be good for Freiermuth, we also acknowledge that McCarthy doesn't have the greatest short-term track record with the position. The 27-year-old should bounce back this year, but the exact magnitude of his progression is unknown. We're not ready to bank on him being a TE1 in fantasy football.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 11:11 AM ET

Detroit Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty struck out a season-high 10 batters on Wednesday night against the visiting Boston Red Sox, but he was still handed his third loss of the season in the team's 4-0 shutout loss at Comerica Park. Flaherty went five innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits while also walking just one. The 30-year-old veteran is winless on the campaign so far, but his outing on Wednesday evening was an encouraging one after he allowed 10 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings in his previous two starts versus the Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers. Flaherty now holds a 5.56 ERA (5.32 FIP) and 1.65 WHIP with 42 strikeouts and a league-high 26 walks in 34 innings pitched across his eight starts to begin the 2026 season. He also leads the league with five hit-by-pitches, so clearly, control has been an issue for Flaherty early on. He'll be in play as a streaming option for fantasy managers his next time out against the struggling New York Mets.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

May 7, 2026, 11:10 AM ET

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has the potential to be a short-term option in fantasy football, but he lacks long-term upside in dynasty leagues. Tagovailoa signed with the Falcons this offseason after being released by the Miami Dolphins. He may open the 2026 season as Atlanta's starter since Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is still recovering from his torn ACL, but the job belongs to Penix when he's healthy. Recent comments from president of football Matt Ryan seem to indicate that Penix's recovery is either on schedule or behind schedule, so Tagovailoa could be a QB2 option through the first few weeks of the season. Once Penix returns, though, Tagovailoa will head to the bench, where he'll face an uphill battle to reclaim any starting role, at least as long as he remains in Atlanta. He was the QB9 in 2023, but he's coming off a disastrous 2025 campaign in which he threw for 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 11:03 AM ET

Washington Nationals infielder Luis Garcia Jr. (wrist) remains sidelined for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Minnesota Twins, according to MLB.com. Curtis Mead is making yet another start at first base and will bat third for the Nats against Twins right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson. Garcia said he will avoid a trip to the injured list with what is being called a minor right wrist sprain, but if he's unable to return for this weekend's series against the division-rival Miami Marlins, that could change. This will be his third straight missed game. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting infielder merely offers infield depth to fantasy managers in deeper leagues. He's currently hitting .234 (25-for-107) with one home run, 16 RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 33 games played. Mead has four long balls in 78 at-bats, but he's also batting just .218 at the plate. The Australian has gone hitless in just two career at-bats against Woods Richardson.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

May 7, 2026, 10:57 AM ET

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (thumb) will start hitting this weekend for the first time since having surgery on his fractured left thumb on April 7, according to Brian Murphy of MLB.com. Barring a setback once he begins ramping up his baseball activities, Kirk could be back with the Blue Jays before the end of May. Until Kirk can return from the 10-day injured list, the Jays will continue to go forward with a catching tandem of Tyler Heineman and Brandon Valenzuela. The 27-year-old Kirk only played in five games before his injury, going 3-for-20 (.150) at the plate with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored. He was an All-Star for the second time in his career in 2025, slashing .282/.348/.421 with a career-high 15 home runs, 76 RBI, 45 runs scored, and a stolen base in 130 regular-season games played. The volume isn't great with Kirk, but when healthy, he offers fantasy managers a solid average with decent counting stats. Kirk is currently rostered in 28% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Brian Murphy

May 7, 2026, 10:51 AM ET

The Chesapeake BaySox announced on Thursday that Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand) will resume his minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Chesapeake this weekend. Holliday had surgery for a broken hamate bone in his right hand back in spring training, and he still has yet to make his 2026 season debut due to a few setbacks. He has been pulled off his rehab assignment two separate times due to renewed soreness in his surgically-repaired hand, and he has hit just .176/.250/.235 in 14 games on the farm. Fantasy managers who have been stashing the young left-handed-hitting second baseman are hoping the third rehab assignment is the charm and he's able to return at some point in May. When he's finally ready, Holliday will return to starting duties at the keystone in Baltimore. The 22-year-old former first overall pick is rostered in under 50% of Yahoo leagues at this point. Holliday took a step forward in his first full year in the big leagues in 2025, slashing .242/.314/.375 with a .690 OPS, 17 homers, 55 RBI, and 17 steals in 149 games played.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Chesapeake Baysox

May 7, 2026, 10:42 AM ET

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro said that he doesn't think left-hander Cole Ragans' elbow/triceps injury is serious and is hopeful that he makes his next start, according to Royals broadcaster Joel Goldberg. Ragans felt his elbow/triceps in the third inning of his outing against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, and the Royals wanted to be cautious, which is why they pulled him. The 28-year-old southpaw tossed three shutout innings with one hit allowed, two walks, and four strikeouts before hitting the showers early. The Royals will likely send Ragans for testing, at which point we'll have a better idea of whether he'll have to miss any time. Ragans has been up and down so far in 2026, but it looked like he was about to have a really good performance against Cleveland before his arm injury on Wednesday. He's currently 1-4 on the season with a 4.84 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 45 punchouts and 23 walks in 35 1/3 frames over his eight starts. Ragans has really been hurt by the long ball, surrendering a league-high 10 long balls.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Joel Goldberg

May 7, 2026, 10:35 AM ET

New York Yankees left-hander Ryan Weathers (illness) has been scratched from his scheduled start in Thursday's series finale against the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium due to an illness, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. The team will look to slot Weather back into the starting rotation on Monday in Baltimore against the division-rival Orioles. Veteran right-hander Paul Blackburn will make the spot start for the Yankees in Thursday's series finale against Texas. The 26-year-old Weathers will be a bit riskier as a fantasy starter in his next outing to kick off next week against an Orioles team that ranks 13th in MLB with a .710 OPS. Weathers, a former first-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2018, has been sharp so far in 2026 in his first year with the Yankees. He's gone 2-2 with a 3.03 ERA (3.60 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 10 walks in 38 2/3 innings of work across his seven starts. Weathers has allowed more than three earned runs in just one of his outings.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch

May 7, 2026, 10:29 AM ET

New York Yankees infielder Jose Caballero (elbow) will take a seat for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Texas Rangers in the Bronx, per MLB.com. Caballero will be given the day off after he was hit by a pitch on his left elbow in Wednesday's game. Max Schuemann is starting at shortstop and will bat eighth for the Yankees against Rangers left-hander MacKenzie Gore. Caballero stayed in Wednesday's game, so he should be ready to return for Friday's series opener on the road against the Milwaukee Brewers. The speedy infielder is still the team's starting shortstop after Anthony Volpe was reinstated from the injured list and optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 29-year-old native of Panama is a fine fantasy baseball asset in most leagues for his speed. He's slashing .256/.311/.400 with four home runs, 13 RBI, 13 stolen bases, and 17 runs scored for the Yankees in his first 125 at-bats of the year. Schuemann can be ignored for DFS purposes at the bottom of the lineup. He's hitless in four career at-bats versus Gore.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

May 7, 2026, 10:23 AM ET

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (hand) remains absent from the starting nine for Thursday's series finale against the visiting Texas Rangers, according to MLB.com. Paul Goldschmidt will make yet another start at first base and will bat leadoff for the Yanks with Rangers left-hander MacKenzie Gore on the mound. Rice is recovering from a left-hand contusion that has kept him out for a few games, and the Yankees are likely just giving him an extra day to recover with a tough left-handed pitcher on the mound. We'd expect Rice to return for the upcoming series in Milwaukee against the Brewers, potentially as early as Friday's series opener. Whenever the 27-year-old returns to New York's lineup, he'll be a must-start after his scorching start to the 2026 season. Rice is hitting .343 (37-for-108) with 12 home runs, 27 RBI, 30 runs, and two stolen bases in his first 33 games played. Goldschmidt will be a popular DFS pick on Thursday in the leadoff spot against a lefty whom he's hit .333 against with an .864 OPS against in 10 career at-bats.--Keith Hernandez
Source: MLB.com

May 7, 2026, 10:02 AM ET

Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chase Dollander will be looking to bounce back from a rough outing when he makes his next appearance for the Rockies, likely on Friday. He has been working behind an opener most of the season, and he was on a great run before giving up six runs in 5 1/3 innings to the Braves last Saturday. The 24-year-old top prospect had been excellent in his previous seven games, posting a 1.29 ERA and 1.78 FIP with a 0.89 WHIP over 28 innings. He has 42 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings this season, and he has an elite ceiling if he can continue to realize his potential. Like many young pitchers, the 24-year-old is a volatile option from game to game, but he's shown a high enough ceiling to be a nice pickup if you need help in the rotation. He carries risk when making a home start at Coors Field, but has shown a high enough ceiling that is worth picking up in all 12-team leagues.--Zach Thompson
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 10:02 AM ET

Following the trade that sent running back Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 2025 season, the fourth-year back was pegged as a popular breakout candidate, rising all the way to RB24 in consensus dynasty rankings. By most metrics, Mason's first year in Minnesota was a disappointment. Even with Aaron Jones Sr. missing significant time, Mason was held to only 758 rushing yards and six touchdowns while the entirety of the Vikings' offense was held back by listless quarterback play. The Vikings have found at least a short-term fix at quarterback, bringing in Kyler Murray on a one-year deal, and while Minnesota was labeled as one of the more running back-needy teams entering the 2026 NFL Draft, the team waited until the sixth round of a weak class to address the position, selecting Demond Claiborne out of Wake Forest. At 5'9" and 195 pounds, Claiborne poses little threat to Mason's between-the-tackles early-down work. With both Mason and Jones in the final year of their contracts, the importance of the 2026 season for Mason's long-term dynasty value can not be overstated. He enters the season as RotoBaller's RB50, but that ranking could climb if Minnesota's offense can shake off a forgettable 2025 campaign.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 9:52 AM ET

Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Brad Keller had a rocky ninth inning against the A's on Wednesday night, but he still secured his third save of the year. Keller gave up a single and two walks to load the bases before getting Jacob Wilson to ground out to end the game. Keller needed 22 pitches to earn his third save in the last six days, and he'll remain a primary setup man for Jhoan Duran, who just returned from the injured list and threw 27 pitches on Tuesday. With Duran unavailable, Keller stepped in once again. He has a 4.02 ERA in his 15 2/3 innings this season and will remain in a high-leverage role, even though Duran should get most of the save chances for the Phillies now that he's healthy.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

May 7, 2026, 9:50 AM ET

Free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers is planning to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers to further discuss his future with the team, as reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. While no deal is currently in place, there is speculation that the visit could be the next step toward getting him signed for the 2026 season. Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first season with Pittsburgh. Following a mutual parting of ways between the Steelers and long-time head coach Mike Tomlin, a return to the Steel City by the 42-year-old veteran would also mean a reunion between Rodgers and new head coach Mike McCarthy after the two spent 13 seasons together in Green Bay, including a Super Bowl-winning 2010 campaign. The Steelers added quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and should the team find itself in a situation where it is forced to move forward without Rodgers, the Penn State rookie would likely compete with seven-year veteran Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard for the starting job.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Ian Rapoport

May 7, 2026, 9:46 AM ET

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Graham Ashcraft couldn't close out the Cubs on Wednesday night, picking up his second blown save of the season. After the Reds rallied to take the lead in the top of the ninth, Ashcraft came in to secure the win, but he gave up a single to Carson Kelly and a game-tying home run to Pete Crow-Armstrong. He was able to finish the inning but was charged with two runs on two hits, causing his ERA to rise to 1.93 on the season. In his 17 previous appearances, Ashcraft had allowed two earned runs across 17 2/3 innings with 19 strikeouts. With Emilio Pagan (hamstring) on the injured list, Ashcraft and Tony Santillan will likely share closer duties. However, Santillan blew the save on Tuesday and Ashcraft on Wednesday, leaving the job still wide open while Pagan is out for an extended period of time.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

May 7, 2026, 9:37 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles sent fifth and sixth-round picks to acquire wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks as part of their near-total overhaul of the position. With the team expected to trade three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown on or after June 1st, the new look receiver room in Philadelphia now includes Wicks, incumbent DeVonta Smith, Marquise Brown, and 2026 first-round pick Makai Lemon. The Eagles also added tight end Eli Stowers in the second round of the NFL Draft after many teams were reportedly scouting him through the lens of a wide receiver. After three seasons in a crowded receiver room in Green Bay, Wicks finds himself in a similar situation in Philadelphia, but at 6'1", 206 pounds, he profiles as the most likely candidate to inherit some of Brown's snaps on the boundary. While the Packers have been one of the most run-heavy teams in recent years, the Eagles have thrown the ball at an even lesser rate, so even if Wicks can carve out a more meaningful role, his fantasy ceiling is still capped. At RotoBaller's dynasty WR104, he still belongs on rosters for what he could offer should injuries eventually condense targets in Philadelphia, but his contributions could be limited for the foreseeable future.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 9:33 AM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Gregory Soto secured his second save of the season on Wednesday night, pitching a scoreless ninth inning to complete a close, 1-0 win over the Diamondbacks. Soto combined with Paul Skenes on the shutout and worked around a walk to Geraldo Perdomo to lock down the win. The veteran lefty has allowed three runs in 18 innings this season, posting a 1.50 ERA, 2.53 FIP, and 0.72 WHIP. He has 24 strikeouts in his 18 frames this year, and he has six holds to go with his two saves. If he consistently gets the call in the ninth, he'll be a solid closer to roster, but he has been used earlier in games in high-leverage situations against lefties. He and Dennis Santana will continue to share the closer role, but Soto has been more effective and could start to get more of the timeshare if he continues to be so effective.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

May 7, 2026, 9:26 AM ET

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders can arguably be thrown into the category of 2026 offseason winners, but how that actually translates to his dynasty value remains to be seen. The Panthers were considered one of the most tight end-needy teams in the league, but in an NFL Draft that saw 21 tight ends come off the board, not one of them went to Carolina. Sanders led all Panthers tight ends with 29 receptions in 2025 and finished within 60 yards of Tommy Tremble despite missing five games with a high ankle sprain and later a broken ankle to end his season. All reports have him recovering well, and while calls are growing louder for a Jalen Coker breakout, there is still a serious lack of target competition behind 2025 Offensive Player of the Year Tetairoa McMillan. If Sanders can beat out Tremble and 2025 fifth-round pick Mitchell Evans as the team's primary pass-catcher at the position, there should be enough opportunity to make a modest fantasy impact. At RotoBaller's dynasty TE37, expectations are low, but if Sanders can take a step forward in year three, as used to be the norm before the recent tight end resurgence, he could be a low-cost add who offers usable depth moving forward.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 9:25 AM ET

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Rico Garcia slammed the door on the Marlins on Wednesday night to earn his second save of the season. He issued a walk to Owen Caissie to start the inning, but Garcia induced a double play from Otto Lopez and fanned Javier Sanoja to end the game. Garcia earned his second save of the year by securing the three-run win for Baltimore, and the 32-year-old righty should continue to have fantasy value as the team's closer as long as Ryan Helsley (elbow) is on the injured list. In his 18 games this season, Garcia has allowed just one run on one hit across 17 innings with 19 strikeouts. If you need a short-term addition to your bullpen, Garcia is one of the top options to consider.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

May 7, 2026, 9:14 AM ET

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a gruesome knee injury in Week 16 of the 2024 season, which ended his sophomore campaign and caused him to miss all of the 2025 season. After dislocating his knee and tearing multiple ligaments, his recovery has been arduous, but signs now point to his eventual return in 2026. Dell has been participating in the early stages of organized team activities, and there is a belief he could be ready for the start of the season. With the Texans adding Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the 2025 NFL Draft, it's uncertain how the receiver rotation will work out alongside two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins. Dell has taken more than 70% of his professional snaps on the outside, so despite vastly different body types, his most direct competition would appear to be the 6'4", 215-pound Higgins. Dell finished as WR38 as a rookie in 2023, and he's risen back up to WR66 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings after falling as low as WR87 in consensus ranks. That said, with the improved depth of the position since he last took the field, the ceiling could be capped for all Texans pass-catchers outside of Collins.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

May 7, 2026, 9:12 AM ET

Athletics relief pitcher Jack Perkins was charged with a blown save on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Phillies. He allowed four runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk, while picking up two strikeouts in 1 1/3 innings. Perkins came into the game to start the seventh inning and retired the Phillies in order with two strikeouts. Things fell apart on him in the eighth, though, and he left runners on the corners with one out after a costly error by second baseman Jeff McNeil. Those runners came around to score, and Perkins took his first loss of the season. The 26-year-old righty still has a 3.68 ERA and 1.78 FIP with a 30.2% strikeout rate. Even though this was officially a blown save, it came before the ninth inning, which shows the A's are still not using him as a traditional, everyday closer. Perkins remains in the mix for saves along with Hogan Harris and Joel Kuhnel, but it's hard to trust any of them for fantasy with the current uncertainty, making him best left for deeper 12+ team leagues.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

May 7, 2026, 8:56 AM ET

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George had one of his best performances of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Wednesday, logging 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in a 108-102 loss to the New York Knicks. He made five triples on 13 attempts and finished 7-for-18 overall from the field. With Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) out of the lineup, George was clearly more active on the offensive end, but he struggled to convert his opportunities efficiently. If Embiid remains out for Game 3, George will likely continue to see increased offensive usage.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN