Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jorge Lopez (groin) could return to Chicago's bullpen this weekend, according to manager Craig Counsell. Lopez has been dealing with a groin injury since Aug. 23 but recently completed a bullpen that went well. The 31-year-old has been fantasy relevant in his stint with Chicago, pitching to a 0.79 ERA in 22 2/3 innings. His return will be very welcomed by both fantasy managers and Cubs fans alike. Although Chicago is likely out of the National League Central race, they're five games back of a wild-card spot, and a reliable arm like Lopez will help their outside chances. Fantasy managers that have been holding Lopez out of their lineups need to ensure he's back in as soon as he's announced on the active roster. With Chicago's next five games against the subpar offenses of the Washington Nationals and Pittsburgh Pirates, Lopez will likely be used often when Chicago has a lead.

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (shoulder) is set to start as the designated hitter for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday. Story will then start at shortstop on Monday, take Tuesday off and then work full speed toward a return to the majors after that. This will mark the first game action for the 31-year-old since he fractured his shoulder in April. His start to the season was underwhelming, hitting just .226 in 31 AB before hitting the IL. On the heels of another injury-shortened season in 2023, fantasy managers certainly will have their concerns about Story's health going forward. However, current shortstop Ceddanne Rafaela has provided spotty production for the Red Sox, leaving the door open for Story to get consistent at-bats if he's able to return in the last few weeks of the season. Fantasy managers needing help at the shortstop position in the playoff run probably won't need to look Story's way, but in deeper leagues there may be an opportunity to stash him on your bench if needed.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks (oblique) is nearly ready to return to the big league roster. The left-hander was scratched ahead of his start at Triple-A Iowa on Friday. The organization did this so they could have Wicks fresh for a possible start this weekend against the Washington Nationals. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said they could reshuffle their starting rotation over the next few days. Wicks hasn't been great for the Cubs this season, but he gives the team another viable arm down the stretch of the September. The southpaw has a 4.18 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and 32/10 K/BB ratio across seven games (six starts) with the Cubs this season. He could be a streaming option against the Nats lackluster offense, but isn't a great long term fantasy option.

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (forearm) appears to be extremely close to making his return to the big-league club. The 35-year-old has been working his way back from a forearm injury that has sidelined him since mid-June. The good news is that Rizzo is going to play a rehab game on Friday and could return when the roster expand on Sunday. Rizzo hasn't given the Yankees much production with the bat this season. He's hitting .223 with eight home runs and 28 RBI in 70 games. Ben Rice will likely lose some playing time once Rizzo is back in the mix.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Lucas Erceg (hand) is likely going to miss a few days after taking a comebacker off his right hand during Thursday's game. The right-hander is considered as day-to-day as he's still dealing with soreness and swelling in his hand. At least Erceg didn't suffer a serious injury and isn't expected to miss a lengthy amount of time. In the meantime, James McArthur will likely step into the closer role for the next few days. He could have some streaming appeal to fantasy managers in category leagues.