April 23, 2026

Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Kirby Yates (knee) allowed three earned runs on two hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out one in an inning of work with Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday during a minor-league rehab outing. Yates threw 11 of his 16 pitches for strikes, but the velocity on his fastball was down a bit on Wednesday, and he's likely to need at least a few more appearances down on the farm before the Halos consider reinstating him from the 15-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut. The 39-year-old veteran is a stash candidate for fantasy managers in deeper leagues who are desperate for saves. Yates has 98 saves in his 11-year MLB career, and he's also a two-time All-Star, but he really struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2025 and won't be guaranteed regular save opportunities with the Angels when he returns to the major-league roster. Right-hander Jordan Romano is currently the team's primary closer early in the year. Right now, Yates is rostered in just 14% of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Milb.com

April 23, 2026

Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson recorded a goal and two assists in Wednesday's nail-biting 4-3 double-overtime victory against the Minnesota Wild. In the first period, he scored at even strength and later contributed two power-play assists, one of which set up Wyatt Johnston's game-winner 12:10 into the second overtime. Since last year's Western Conference Finals, Robertson has scored in six consecutive playoff games. He will have a chance to extend his goal streak in Game 4 on Saturday. So far, only seven American players in NHL history have scored in each of the first four games to begin a postseason campaign.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

The New York Mets are calling up infielder Ronny Mauricio from Triple-A Syracuse again on Thursday, sources told Francys Romero. Mauricio has been on fire at Syracuse, hitting .333 with five home runs and a 1.142 OPS in the month of April, and he could see decent playing time in New York if shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf) is forced to the injured list after being pulled from Wednesday's win over the Minnesota Twins early. If Lindor misses extended time, it's unclear if the Mets will want to move third baseman Bo Bichette to shortstop or put Mauricio there. If Bichette slides over to the 6, Mauricio will be a candidate to play at third base as well, alongside Brett Baty. The 25-year-old switch-hitting Dominican has only hit .234/.294/.359 with a .653 OPS, eight homers, 20 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 89 games over three big-league seasons, but Mauricio is worth consideration as a deep-league waiver-wire pickup if he gets an opportunity for everyday playing time with the Mets if Lindor goes on the IL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Francys Romero

April 23, 2026

Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchane tallied three points in Wednesday's 4-3 double-overtime victory in Game 3 against the Minnesota Wild. After picking up two points in Game 2, Duchene showed he has not cooled off, collecting two assists in the first period and scoring a 3-3 game-tying goal in the third. Two of his points, including the vital goal midway through the third frame, came on the power play. Duchene's postseason production has been a huge bonus for the Stars. Despite the team's recent deep playoff runs, Duchene hasn't managed more than six points. He could now finish the first round this year with more points than he's had in either of his previous postseason campaigns with the Stars.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier registered two assists as the team grabbed a commanding 3-0 first-round series lead against the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 5-2 win on Wednesday. Philadelphia became the first team in nine years to have four first-time postseason goal-scorers in the same game, but Couturier made sure that the veteran group also made an impact. His assists came in the second period, when the Flyers turned a 1-0 deficit into a 3-1 lead. The Flyers captain has posted three assists in the first three postseason games, providing offensive creativity while also filling defensive duties against Sidney Crosby. The Penguins superstar has only one assist in the series and no even-strength points.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe logged three assists, including one on the power play, in Wednesday's 6-4 Game 2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. He tied the franchise record for most points by a defenseman in a single playoff game. LaCombe is the fourth Ducks blue-liner with as many as three points in a postseason contest, the first since Sami Vatanen in 2015. The 25-year-old has hit the ground running in his first postseason campaign, recording four assists in two games. Dating back to the regular season, he has finished on the score sheet in five consecutive outings. With Edmonton killing just 40 percent of penalties in the playoffs, LaCombe may keep thriving as the series progresses.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen Jr. handled only 33 touches as a seventh-round rookie in 2025, but he found the field with regularity for what he offered as a pass protector. Among qualified halfbacks, only Denver's Tyler Badie had a better pass blocking grade according to PFF, and it was actually Allen, and not the more highly touted Bhayshul Tuten, who saw the team's second-most total running back snaps behind the recently departed Travis Etienne Jr. Jacksonville signed Chris Rodriguez Jr. to a two-year, $10 million deal, but he profiles more as a between the tackles plodder whose four targets and three receptions in 2025 both marked career highs. While Rodriguez will have an obvious role on early downs and near the goal line, Etienne's 47 vacated targets will likely be divvied up between Allen and Tuten, and with the former coming into the league with one of the best receiving profiles in a loaded 2025 rookie running back class, it would stand to reason that he can turn the trust he's already earned from his coaches into an expanded role in the passing game. Where things could get interesting is in this week's NFL Draft, where the Jaguars hold 11 picks and could still consider running back a top need. While the position does not profile as a strength of this draft class, Allen's positioning in the room is already tenuous as a late-round pick himself, and any selection at the position could block his path to even the minor breakout some are calling for.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 23, 2026

University of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston is expected to be the fifth or sixth wide receiver selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and given the premium placed on the position, that could come as early as Thursday night. With elite receivers rarely hitting the open market and NFL WR2s making upwards of $20-30 million per year, there is a premium on hitting on the position through the draft. With the fifth year of team control afforded to first-round picks, it's no coincidence that an average of more than five receivers have been selected in the first round since 2020. Boston profiles as a big-bodied possession receiver, an archetype that has seen more misses than hits in recent years, particularly in the range of the draft where he's expected to hear his name called. He is currently falling into the mid-to-late range of the first round in dynasty rookie drafts, with landing spots expected to sort out further the nebulous tier of players going after Jeremiyah Love and the Big Three receivers.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 23, 2026

New York Mets relief pitcher Luke Weaver got the call to close out his team's first win after losing 12 straight, and the 32-year-old righty earned the win by closing out the Twins. He came on to get the last out of the eighth inning, walking Ryan Jeffers but then retiring Luke Keashall with the bases loaded. The Mets scratched out a run in the eighth, and Weaver struck out the side in the ninth to preserve the win. He's 2-0 on the year now, despite allowing six runs in 10 innings across his 10 appearances. The Mets have continued to publicly stay committed to closer Devin Williams, but if they were to make a change, Weaver would be an obvious candidate to replace him. Weaver isn't a must-add in most formats yet, but if you need a Williams handcuff or are trying to get ahead of a potential move in deep leagues, he's worth watching as a late-inning option if Williams continues to struggle.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Anaheim Ducks winger Alex Killorn was a major factor on special teams in Wednesday's 6-4 Game 2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. He notched a goal and an assist on the power play and completed his three-point game with a short-handed assist. The veteran was one of the top offensive performers after starting the series with a scoreless effort in Game 1. Killorn now boasts 80 points (38 goals, 42 assists) in 142 career postseason outings, adding a lot of playoff experience to this young Ducks squad.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami homered again on Wednesday against the Diamondbacks and has gone yard in five straight contests. The 26-year-old slugger in his first season in the majors is hitting .256 with a .436 wOBA and a 66.7% hard-hit rate through his first 24 games. Murakami has a total of 10 homers on the year with 19 runs scored, 19 RBI, 21 walks, and 32 strikeouts. His power has been a huge boost to the middle of the White Sox lineup, and he has exceeded expectations in his transition from the NPB in Japan. He is definitely worth starting right now for as long as he stays so hot, and it will be fascinating to see if he can maintain this production throughout the season.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid finished pointless for a second consecutive contest in Wednesday's Game 2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. A scoring surge late in the season helped the Oilers captain secure his sixth Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's highest scorer, but Anaheim has brilliantly held him in check so far. McDavid has no goals with seven SOG in the series and finished Wednesday's 6-4 loss with a minus-two rating. The superstar forward also had an injury scare in Game 2 when he hurt his ankle, but this isn't expected to bother McDavid in the upcoming games. In Game 3, McDavid will try to avoid his first three-game point drought of the season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion may profile as a slot-only player to begin his NFL career, but he has both the size and versatility to play across the formation and the game-breaking ability to reward any coach who gets the ball into his hands. With several receiver-needy teams picking at the tail end of the first round, it seems unlikely he will get through Thursday night of the NFL Draft without hearing his name called, and if paired with the right playcaller, he should waste no time in finding the field in a meaningful way. Concepcion is currently slotting in around pick five through seven in single-quarterback dynasty rookie drafts, and without having to spend a top-of-the-board pick on him, his return on investment could be clear and immediate. Concepcion is RotoBaller's dynasty WR37, but the right landing spot could lead to one of the bigger post-draft spikes in the class.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 23, 2026

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Robert Suarez picked up his second save of the season on Wednesday, allowing one hit but only needing eight pitches to preserve his team's 8-6 win over Washington. Suarez is an outstanding short-term option if you need saves since he'll be filling in for the next few weeks while closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) is on the injured list. Suarez had 36 and 40 saves in the last two seasons for the Padres, so he's very comfortable in the role and should be a top option for as long as Iglesias is out. He would be the regular closer on many teams, but he was the team's high-leverage setup man before Iglesias' injury. This season, Suarez has given up just one run in 10 2/3 innings this year with a 1.36 FIP and 11 strikeouts.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Washington Capitals defenseman Rasmus Sandin (knee) has undergone ACL surgery and will be out for 6-9 months, the team announced. The Swedish blue-liner tore his right ACL in a game against Pittsburgh on April 11. Earlier this week, Capitals general manager Chris Patrick said Sandin's injury will affect the team's offseason plans. After John Carlson was traded to the Anaheim Ducks, Sandin had a larger role late in the season, finishing the campaign with 29 points (five goals, 24 assists), 90 SOG, 127 blocks, and 88 hits in 73 games. Unfortunately, he won't be able to build on it at the start of next season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Sportsnet

April 23, 2026

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Ryan Walker earned his third save of the season on Wednesday night, issuing a walk but recording three outs to preserve his team's 3-0 victory. Walker seems to be back in the main closer role for the Giants and has picked up two saves in the last two days. On the season, he has worked 11 innings in 11 games with 12 strikeouts and four earned runs allowed for a 3.27 ERA and 3.78 FIP. Walker is the only pitcher on the Giants with more than one save, with Erik Miller and Blade Tidwell also earning a save earlier this year. Miller and Tidwell could cover occasionally, but it seems that Walker has stepped back in as the team's primary closer. While he isn't an elite option, he should be a solid source of saves if you need a bullpen boost.--Zach Thompson
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

USC wide receiver Makai Lemon is expected to hear his name called early on Thursday's opening night of the NFL Draft, with few pundits anticipating him getting past the New York Jets at pick No. 16. Lemon played over 75% of his collegiate snaps out of the slot, and historically, slot-only receivers to earn that type of early draft capital have not translated cleanly to fantasy. In Lemon's case, though, he plays much bigger than his verified 5'11", 192-pound size, and as a bona fide target-earner, he has the nuance and creativity to both create separation before and add yards after the catch. There is a reason he is most commonly compared to Detroit's Amon-Ra St. Brown, a player whose fantasy value has grown right alongside his evolving usage. While Carnell Tate comes into the NFL having never been the primary receiver on his own team, and Jordyn Tyson's injury history is extensive, Lemon may have the easiest time overcoming his own perceived flaws, and he has a realistic possibility to emerge as the fantasy receiver to roster from the 2026 draft class.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 23, 2026

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Luis Pena is "fine" and recovering after a medical scare on Wednesday night. The top prospect was taken by ambulance to the hospital after overheating in the dugout. The game was stopped and ultimately called in the eighth inning after the emergency, but Pena "Sounds like he's fine according to our docs," according to Brewers GM Matt Arnold. Peña was administered IV fluids and is doing better. The 19-year-old is the No. 2 prospect in the team's system according to MLB Pipeline and is hitting .372 with a home run and six stolen bases in his first 12 games this season for the High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. While this was a scary situation and could cost him a few days, it seems as if there will be no long-term effects on Pena's season.--Zach Thompson
Source: Adam McCalvy

April 23, 2026

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been the anticipated first overall pick for months, and on Thursday night, when the 2026 NFL Draft opens, the Heisman Trophy winner and National Champion will officially become a Las Vegas Raider. The Raiders have made moves all offseason to set their young investment up for long-term success. New head coach Klint Kubiak is fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Seahawks, and the team made Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid center in NFL history. Vegas also signed veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who should allow Mendoza some runway to learn behind the scenes. In the right atmosphere, which the team has clearly made strides to build around him, Mendoza has the play style, size, and makeup to enjoy a long and successful NFL career. How that translates to fantasy impact may be a different story. While he is a capable runner in got-to-have-it situations, Mendoza will not reliably add fantasy points with his legs, which is why he is not even locked in as a top-two selection in superflex rookie drafts. While the Raiders appear to be getting a player who can grow into the face of the franchise, he will enter the league as RotoBaller's dynasty QB16, and his fantasy ceiling may ultimately top out as a midrange QB2.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 23, 2026

Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle will start on Thursday, as expected, as the Red Sox try to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Yankees in Boston. Tolle was held out of his last start in Triple-A in anticipation of his promotion, and he'll get a chance to earn his spot in the rotation over the next few weeks. In his three starts in Triple-A this season, Tolle gave up five runs in 15 innings while piling up 19 strikeouts. He threw five scoreless innings with six strikeouts in his most recent start for the Worcester Red Sox against the Columbus Clippers. Last season, Tolle pitched 16 1/3 innings in the majors with a 6.06 ERA, 6.26 FIP, and 19 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings. He has high strikeout upside, and the 23-year-old lefty will be an important young pitcher to watch while he fills in for the injured Sonny Gray (hamstring) for the next few weeks.--Zach Thompson
Source: Chris Cotillo

April 23, 2026

With several running back-needy teams selecting within the first 10 picks of the NFL Draft, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love will not have to wait long to hear his name called on Thursday night. Considered by many to be the top overall talent in the class, Love has been linked to the Giants, Commanders, Titans, and most recently the Cardinals, who pick at third overall. Historically, running backs receiving top-10 capital in the NFL Draft have seen immediate fantasy success, and Love should be no exception. In a class with no other can't-miss offensive prospects, Love is deserving of the first overall pick in rookie drafts of all formats, and having yet to take an NFL snap, he is already RotoBaller's dynasty RB4.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 23, 2026

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero was quiet offensively in Wednesday's 98-83 Game 2 loss to the Detroit Pistons, recording 18 points. He went 7-for-17 from the field and 4-for-8 at the line as Orlando scored 21 or fewer points in three of four quarters during a rough outing. Additionally, Banchero's efforts included a team-high eight assists, six rebounds, one steal, and one block in 34 minutes. After a strong regular-season series against the Pistons, Banchero has been limited to 20.5 points in the playoffs. Next, the 23-year-old star has a pair of home games to build momentum.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham led his squad to a 98-83 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, finishing with a 27-point, 11-assist double-double. He made nearly 58 percent of his field-goal attempts, adding six rebounds, one steal, and one block to his line. On the negative side, the Pistons star committed a game-high seven turnovers and was just 1-for-6 from three-point range. Still, this was another excellent outing from Cunningham, who now boasts five double-doubles through his first eight career postseason games. Detroit fans will want to see more of the same as the series shifts to Orlando this weekend.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker scored 22 points in Wednesday's 120-107 Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, adding seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal to his line. He also had five turnovers in 40 minutes. Booker went 50.0 percent from the field, but the Thunder limited him to only 14 attempts. The Suns' leader couldn't get anything to drop from downtown, going 0-for-3. So far in the series, Booker has averaged 22.5 points per game and must do a lot more after being part of two clear defeats. He will hope to hit top gear in front of home support on Saturday.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Phoenix Suns guard/forward Dillon Brooks was his team's leading scorer in Wednesday's Game 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, racking up 30 points with a 12-for-23 effort from the field. He finished 5-for-9 from deep and had five rebounds with one assist in 38 minutes. Brooks stood out on offense as Devin Booker and Jalen Green combined for only 43 points. Although Brooks produced an efficient performance on Wednesday, the Suns are likely to go down in four games in the first round if they have to rely on him offensively. The team must get more out of Booker and Green, especially with Grayson Allen remaining a DNP-CD in Game 2.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren scored 19 points and blocked a game-high four shots in Wednesday's 120-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns. He finished two rebounds shy of a double-double, making seven of his 12 field-goal attempts with a 3-for-6 record from deep. Holmgren already has six blocks in the series and has chipped in well on the offensive end, posting 17.5 points per game. Phoenix has been without its starting center, Mark Williams (foot), making things easier for the Thunder's frontcourt on both ends. Isaiah Hartenstein also narrowly missed a double-double on Wednesday, recording nine points and 10 rebounds.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 37 points in Wednesday's 120-107 win over the Phoenix Suns. The reigning MVP also had the most assists in the game with nine, along with five rebounds and one steal in 38 minutes. After struggling from the field in the series opener, Gilgeous-Alexander improved his efficiency to 52.0 percent on Wednesday night, sinking two of five from beyond the arc. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.0 points and 8.0 assists through the first couple of postseason games. The Thunder's dependence on him could grow going forward, depending on Jalen Williams' (hamstring) status for the rest of the series.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 23, 2026

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) is looking at another spell on the sidelines. He appeared to have aggravated a left hamstring injury midway through the third quarter in Wednesday's Game 2 win over Phoenix. The team plans to re-evaluate Williams in the next couple of days before providing an update. Before his early exit, Williams tallied 19 points, one rebound, four assists, and one steal in 23 minutes. The 2025 All-Star has battled injuries throughout the year, making only 33 appearances during the regular season. If Williams misses time, the defending champions have several options to replace him in the first unit, including Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell.--Taavi Pailk
Source: ESPN

April 22, 2026

The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese is expected to garner "significant trade interest" if he's still available at No. 4 or No. 5 overall in this year's 2026 NFL draft, which kicks off on Thursday night. The New Orleans Saints, who hold the No. 8 overall pick, are a team that might be interested in trading up within the top 10 picks of the first round for Reese. Rapoport also mentions the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that is also looking for an edge rusher and who have been rumored to be trying to trade up with the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 3 overall pick. Reese has the potential to be a game-changing edge rusher at the next level for any team that ends up taking him in the top 10 picks of this year's draft. He had seven sacks in his three-year collegiate career at Ohio State, and he totaled 34 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss in 14 games in his final season as a Buckeye in 2025.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

April 22, 2026

The Indianapolis Colts are targeting training camp for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner's (neck) return to the field after he had surgery on his neck in 2025, according to JJ Stankevitz of Colts.com. "He's in a really good spot," general manager Chris Ballard said. Buckner originally injured his neck in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he returned for just one game in Week 16 against the San Francisco 49ers. As long as the 32-year-old veteran doesn't have any setbacks with his neck in training camp this summer, he should be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. Buckner is a former seventh overall pick in 2016 out of Oregon, and he's made three Pro Bowl teams while being named a first-team All-Pro once, so if he's fully healthy, he'll be a big part of Indy's defensive line. He had only four sacks in 10 games last year, but Buckner has racked up 71.5 sacks over 10 NFL seasons with the Giants and Colts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Colts.com - JJ Stankevitz