5 Shortstop Fantasy Baseball Breakout Candidates (2026)

Shortstop is one of fantasy baseball's glamor positions. It's stocked with big-name superstars who go early in fantasy drafts and provide big-time production in multiple categories. The position is also a pretty deep one, with plenty of quality sleepers going later in drafts as depth pieces or potential breakout candidates with high upside. Whether you […]

Patrick Williams Will Not Be Available on Thursday

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (quad) was downgraded from doubtful to out for Thursday's game against the Trail Blazers. Williams will join Jalen Smith (calf) on the sidelines, leaving lots of playing time and usage for Guerschon Yabusele, Nick Richards, and Leonard Miller. Yabusele and Richards each have double-double potential in the favorable matchup. Yabusele […]

Malik Monk Uncertain for Thursday Against Dallas

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) is dealing with ankle soreness and may not be available when his team finishes their back-to-back in Texas with a game against the Mavericks. Monk only had seven points in 19 minutes on Wednesday, but had double-digit points in five straight before that. Russell Westbrook (thigh) and Keegan Murray […]

Russell Westbrook Will Not Play Thursday

Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (thigh) was listed as out for the second night of his team's back-to-back due to a bruised right thigh. He played 25 minutes on Wednesday against the Rockets and had 22 points against his former team. Without him on Thursday against the Mavericks, more time and opportunities will be available […]

Keegan Murray Will Not Play on Thursday in Dallas

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) will not play on Thursday after aggravating his sprained ankle in Wednesday's loss to the Rockets. Murray missed 20 games with an injury to the same ankle from Jan. 6 to Feb. 11, but the team hasn't given an update on any timetable for him to return this time. […]

Kawhi Leonard Ruled Out on Thursday Against the Timberwolves

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will not play Thursday night in the late game against Minnesota. He is dealing with soreness in his left ankle and will remain day-to-day going forward. He played 33 minutes in Sunday's loss to Orlando, finishing with 37 points, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, but he'll […]

Amen Thompson Not on the Injury Report for Thursday

Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (quad) missed Wednesday night's matchup with the Kings due to left quadriceps tendinitis, but he is not on the injury report and should be ready to return on Thursday against the Magic. Thompson will continue to play through the issue as he has for at least a few weeks. It […]

Jalen Johnson Listed as Out on Thursday

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (hip) was initially questionable for Thursday's game against the Wizards, but has been downgraded to out. He tweaked his hip in Tuesday's win over Washington and will miss the rematch Thursday. Without him, new Hawks addition Jonathan Kuminga will carry a large workload. In his Hawks' debut on Tuesday, Kuminga […]

Tristan Vukcevic Will be Available on Thursday

Washington Wizards center Tristan Vukcevic (hip) was questionable with a hip impingement, but he'll be able to play on Thursday against Atlanta. Vukcevic has been dealing with a hand injury in addition to his hip issue, but he should be ready to roll on Thursday. He had five points, six rebounds, and one assist in […]

Kyshawn George Ruled Out Against Atlanta

Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (knee) was downgraded from questionable to out for Thursday night's matchup against the Hawks. George has been effective when available but has been in and out of the lineup with a variety of injuries. Now he's dealing with a left knee contusion, possibly suffered on Tuesday in a loss to […]

Lauri Markkanen Will Not Play Thursday

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (ankle, hip) will not play Thursday after spraining his right ankle and suffering a right hip impingement during Wednesday's practice. His status is not surprising since the Jazz are being so cautious with their best players, and Markkanen could be headed for an extended absence, depending on the results of […]

Norman Powell Downgraded to Questionable Thursday Against the 76ers

Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (groin) was a late addition to his team's injury report on Thursday afternoon and is questionable for the team's game in Philadelphia due to right groin soreness. He missed time just before the All-Star break due to an illness, but he has played three games since the break and scored […]

Jamir Watkins Signs a Two-Year Deal with Washington

Washington Wizards forward Jamir Watkins has been getting good playing time lately, and the two-way player has played his way into a standard contract. The 24-year-old has played seven of the Wizards' last eight games, averaging 12.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.0 steals in 28 minutes per game. Watkins should continue to get […]

Josh Hader Remains Without a Timetable to Return

Houston Astros relief pitcher Josh Hader (biceps) is playing catch from the mound, but he has not had a bullpen session yet. Manager Joe Espada said there isn't a schedule yet for Hader to throw a bullpen, which keeps him without a timetable to return. It seems unlikely that Hader will be able to get […]

Giancarlo Stanton Still Dealing With Elbow Pain, Hopes to Play Full Season

New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) is working through significant injuries to both his elbows as he prepares for spring training. He said that even a full offseason of rest has not helped his tennis elbow issues that have plagued both arms since 2024. He said, "I can't open a bottle. I can't […]

Pete Fairbanks Stepping into His Role as Marlins Closer

Miami Marlins relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks can be a solid source of saves at his current ADP, which has him as about the 19th closer off of preseason draft boards. The 32-year-old righty posted a 2.83 ERA and 3.63 FIP in a career-high 60 1/3 innings last season with the Rays. He has at least […]

Tigers Sign Colin Poche to Minor-League Deal

The Detroit Tigers signed free-agent left-hander Colin Poche to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. Poche spent most of last year in the Mets' minor league system, going 0-1 with a 4.82 ERA and 6.12 FIP in 18 2/3 innings at Triple-A Syracuse. He started the season with the Nationals, posting an ugly 11.42 ERA and […]

Brendan Rodgers Will Have an MRI Thursday

Boston Red Sox infielder Brendan Rodgers (shoulder) will have an MRI exam on his shoulder on Thursday after he was forced to leave early from Wednesday's spring training game after attempting to make a diving catch. Manager Alex Cora said, "We don't know what's going on, so we'll have more in the upcoming days." Rodgers […]

De'Anthony Melton Will Play Against the Pelicans, Al Horford Ruled Out

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (knee) was upgraded to available for his team's contest against the Pelicans, but forward/center Al Horford (toe) will not play on Tuesday. With Steph Curry (knee) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) also sidelined, Melton is likely be very active on Tuesday and makes a solid streaming and DFS option to […]

Naz Reid Listed as Available to Play Tuesday

Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Naz Reid (shoulder) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Tuesday night's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. Reid missed Minnesota's last game with a sore right shoulder but will be able to return to the rotation along with Rudy Gobert, who will be back in the lineup after sitting out […]

Jalen Smith Will Not Play Tuesday Against the Hornets

Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) was listed as out for Tuesday night's game against the Hornets. He will miss at least one game after aggravating his calf injury and leaving Sunday's loss to the Knicks after only 18 minutes. With Smith out, Guerschon Yabusele will likely resume his expanded role from Smith's earlier absence. […]

Coby White Available To Make His Hornets' Debut Tuesday

Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (calf) has been listed as available for his new team's Tuesday night matchup against his former team, the Bulls. White was traded from Chicago to Charlotte at this season's trade deadline, but has been sidelined by a calf strain discovered in the trade process. Before the trade, White averaged 18.6 […]

Davion Mitchell Upgraded to Probable for Tuesday

Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (illness) was questionable for Tuesday's game against the Bucks, but the team upgraded him to probable on Tuesday afternoon. Mitchell played one game after the All-Star break, posting seven points, seven assists, and five rebounds in 27 minutes on Friday, but he sat out on Saturday with an illness. Now […]

Jaylen Brown Will Not Play Tuesday

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (knee) was downgraded from questionable to out for Tuesday's matchup with the Phoenix Suns. He had 32 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals in 36 minutes against the Lakers on Sunday, but he also suffered a knee contusion. Without him in Phoenix, the team will rely more heavily […]

Jameson Taillon Can Be a Sneaky Late-Round Value

Chicago Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon can be a nice depth addition late in mixed-league drafts, since his ADP (average draft position) is currently around 300. Taillon had a solid season overall last year, making 23 starts and going 11-7 with a 3.68 ERA. His 4.65 FIP was a little high, but he was able to […]

Matt Wallner Ready for a Breakout Season?

Minnesota Twins outfielder Matt Wallner brings elite raw power but has been very streaky in his time in the majors. He only hit .202 in his 104 games last season but did set a career-high with 22 home runs. The lefty actually had more success against lefties, but his contact rate was low on both […]

Andres Gimenez Looking for Healthy 2026

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop/second baseman Andres Gimenez helped the Blue Jays get to the World Series in his first season after joining the team via trade, but he had a down year at the plate. He hit only .210 after hitting over .250 in each of his last three seasons in Cleveland, and he only […]

Ernie Clement Expected to Play a Major Role in Toronto

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement is a nice late-round fantasy baseball value who brings versatility and should get regular playing time for the Blue Jays. He actually hit leadoff in their first game of spring training while playing 2B. George Springer was not in the lineup and will normally hit leadoff, but Clement will […]

Chris Sale Signs Extension With Braves

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale agreed to a one-year extension to stay in Atlanta that includes a team option for the 2028 season. Before the extension, the former Cy Young winner was on track to be a free agent after the upcoming 2026 season, but this deal will keep him in Atlanta through 2027 […]

PGA DFS DraftKings Value Plays - 2026 Cognizant Classic at The Palm Beaches (Premium Content)

All other PGA Premium Tools can be accessed on the premium dashboard. Welcome back, RotoBallers, and thanks for joining us for the 2026 edition of the Cognizant Classic at The Palm Beaches! In this article, you will find our top-rated DraftKings DFS value plays for this week's PGA tournament. It can be challenging to define "value," […]