Taylor forecasts that cutting Taylor (sorry) could save the Chiefs $20 million against the cap if they release him in 2026. Lavished with a huge contract prior to the 2023 season, Taylor has produced PFF grades of 49.8 and 60.1 over his two years with the Chiefs so far. It wouldn’t at all be surprising if the Chiefs decided — barring a big year — that the right tackle wasn’t worth a $27.3 million cap hit in 2026. Taylor brings this up in the context of the Chiefs drafting a tackle in a mock draft, which would set Kansas City up with an obvious succession plan at right tackle.

Bader was 1-for-2 with an RBI before being replaced by DaShawn Keirsey Jr. in center field after grounding out in the third inning. He managed to remain in the opening contest of the twin bill after a collision with the outfield wall in foul territory, but it’s possible his early exit is related to that incident. There should be an update on his status shortly.

Herrera is back behind the plate handling the catching duties for the first time since being activated from the injured list last Friday.

Báez’s unexpected resurgence has been an incredible storyline for the Tigers and fantasy managers. It’s a bit surprising the club isn’t moving him up in the lineup, especially since he’s batting .319 with five homers and 27 RBI through 34 games, but they’re apparently not going to risk disrupting his early-season success hitting at the bottom of the order. The 32-year-old veteran has successfully made the switch to center field this season and launched two homers on Tuesday night to lead Detroit to an extra-inning win over Boston.

Elko has gone 1-for-10 with a three-run homer through three games since being called up last weekend by Chicago. The 26-year-old slugging prospect offers enough power potential to merit a speculative roster spot in deeper formats, but he’s likely to face a significant adjustment period at the big-league level.

Smith takes a seat after starting five consecutive games in right field since last weekend. It’ll be Zach Dezenzo in right field on Wednesday night. The 22-year-old top prospect is hitting .214/.313/.347 with three homers, 11 RBI and one steal in 30 games this season in his first exposure to the majors. The calls for versatile prospect Shay Whitcomb, who homered twice on Wednesday for Triple-A Sugar Land, are only going to get louder, but Houston appears likely to continue giving Smith an opportunity to figure things out at the highest level given his long-term importance to the franchise.

Harper had a 107-mph flyout and a 102-mph double today, but it was his weak, 70-mph fly to shallow center that made the difference. Dropping in just between Masyn Winn and Victor Scott II, it drove in the go-ahead run in the 2-1 game. Harper had gone hitless in four of his previous five games coming into this one.