Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (foot) is not in the team's starting lineup for Saturday's game in Philadelphia against the Phillies, per MLB.com. Victor Mesa Jr. is starting in left field for the Rays and is batting fifth against Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola. The Rays are being cautious with the speedster, giving him a day off in Game 2 of the series at Citizens Bank Park after Simpson fouled a ball off his right foot during the win on Friday night. The Rays already have a first-round bye locked up in the American League, so Simpson will have plenty of time to heal before the start of the AL Division Series. If the 25-year-old does not play in the regular-season finale on Sunday, he will finish his second big-league season in 2026 with a very nice .306/.333/.356 slash line, .689 OPS, zero home runs, 38 RBI, and 66 runs scored across 151 games and 612 plate appearances. Simpson has no power to speak of, but he leads the league with 46 stolen bases after swiping 44 bags as a rookie in 2025. His speed in the outfield and on the basepaths is a game-changer for the first-place Rays.

New York Mets superstar outfielder Juan Soto (hand) left Saturday's game against the division-rival Washington Nationals early after being hit on the right hand by a 91.7 mph sinker, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Soto was in some clear discomfort, but X-rays on his hand came back negative. Before leaving the game, Soto went 2-for-4 at the plate with a strikeout. He was replaced in left field by Nick Morabito. It sounds like Soto avoided a serious injury, but with just one more game in the 2026 regular season, the Mets might hold the left-handed slugger out to close out another disappointing season for the Mets. The 27-year-old five-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner missed extended time this year with two separate calf injuries, but he still came into Saturday's contest with a solid .276/.395/.522 slash line, .917 OPS, 27 home runs, 68 RBI, 63 runs scored, and nine stolen bases across his 391 at-bats. With better health in 2027, Soto could quickly get back to elite five-category production for his fantasy managers.

Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers (abdomen) is out of the lineup on Saturday due to an abdominal injury. The 28-year-old has been battling through injuries all season long, and this latest ailment comes on the heels of his absence from Friday's lineup. It's unclear how serious the issue is at this time, but with only two games remaining in the season, it's quite possible that he has already played his last game of 2026. Fantasy baseball managers would be wise to stay updated with Sunday's lineup to see if he can return for one final game this year. Despite missing time earlier in the season, Stowers has still managed to hit 21 home runs, albeit with a discouraging .239 batting average. Should he be able to return healthy to start next season, he could be a sleeper pick in some drafts due to his power upside and dual eligibility, as he also qualifies at first base.

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (forearm) is set to be activated from the 60-Day Injured List on Sunday and start for the Tigers in their season finale. The 30-year-old last pitched on July 20 and has been out of action recovering and rehabbing ever since. He has made just two rehab appearances, striking out five batters over 3.2 scoreless innings across various minor league levels. He also tossed a two-inning simulated game last week, giving the Tigers enough confidence to put him on the mound for the final day of the regular season. Should he pitch effectively without any setbacks, this would be a good "peace-of-mind" way to finish the year and head into a normal offseason. The 30-year-old is set to become a free agent this offseason, and a solid performance here would go a long way toward helping him secure his next big contract, wherever that may be.