February 20, 2026
MLB.com's Sonja Chen suggests that Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar and four-time MVP
Shohei Ohtani is fully expected to begin the 2026 regular season in the starting rotation, but he has limited time to build up as a pitcher while representing Team Japan exclusively as a hitter in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The Dodgers could use someone like
Justin Wrobleski in long relief behind Ohtani as they build up his pitch count early in the season. The 31-year-old didn't make his debut as a pitcher for the Dodgers last year until June after recovering from Tommy John surgery, and L.A. eased him in slowly. Ohtani had a 2.87 ERA (1.90 FIP) and 1.04 WHIP with 62 K's and just nine walks in 47 innings over 14 starts during the regular season. His upside will be limited on the mound early on in 2026 as he's being eased in, but once he's fully stretched out, Ohtani should at least be a solid No. 2 starter in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Sonja Chen
February 20, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have a new front office and coaching staff and are looking to get younger heading into the 2026 season. The NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports that plenty of teams will be eager to talk to Miami to see which players they might be willing to trade. We already know that the Dolphins want to try to trade quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa, but Wolfe says that they prefer not to get rid of running back
De'Von Achane and wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle, two of their top offensive playmakers. Achane was by far the team's most consistent offensive player in 2025, finishing as the RB6 in half-PPR scoring thanks to a career-high 1,350 rushing yards and eight TDs on 238 carries. He also had 67 receptions for 488 yards and four more scores. Waddle fell short of 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight year, but he bounced back with 910 yards and six TDs on 64 catches. Despite questions at QB and with a new coaching staff, the Dolphins should continue to lean heavily on both Achane and Waddle in 2026 if they stick around.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
February 20, 2026
Tennessee Titans quarterback
Cameron Ward (shoulder) is "recovering well" from his right-shoulder AC sprain that he suffered in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Ward has been working with the team's quarterbacks coach on his lower body, and the plan is for him to resume throwing the football in March. Before he resumes throwing, the Titans want to work on the former first overall pick's base after he picked up some bad habits in his rookie season. The 23-year-old is excited to work with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and believes he'll allow him to be the playmaker he was in college at the University of Miami. Wolfe says that Daboll and Ward hit it off during the pre-draft process last year, and Daboll tried to trade up to get Ward as the Giants' head coach. Time will tell if Daboll will help in Ward's development. He predictably struggled in Year 1 in a Tennessee offense without many high-end weapons. Going into Year 2, Ward will be a low-end QB2 target in fantasy with upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
February 20, 2026
The Kansas City Star's Pete Sweeney reports that Jacksonville Jaguars impending free-agent running back
Travis Etienne Jr. has "legitimate interest" in signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency this offseason, according to sources. Chiefs RBs
Kareem Hunt and
Isiah Pacheco are both scheduled to hit free agency, too, so KC is definitely in the market for backfield help. Etienne, the former 25th overall pick by the Jags in 2021 out of Clemson, had a nice bounce-back campaign in 2025, reaching the 1,000-yard mark for the third time in his four NFL seasons. The 27-year-old had 260 carries and added seven rushing touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 292 yards and a career-high six receiving TDs in 17 regular-season games. Etienne would be a significant upgrade for a Chiefs offense looking to become more explosive after failing to make the postseason last year for the first time in a decade. Etienne was the RB10 in half-PPR scoring in 2025 and would have clear RB1 upside if he joined the Chiefs.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Kansas City Star - Pete Sweeney
February 20, 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back
Zach Charbonnet (knee) posted on his Instagram account on Friday that he underwent surgery to fix a torn ACL, according to Corbin K. Smith of Emerald Spectrum. Smith explains that it's not uncommon for such a surgery to happen several weeks after the injury occurred, but it pushes Charbonnet's recovery clock even further into the 2026 season. The 25-year-old tore his ACL in the Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks have not given a firm timetable for when Charbonnet might return in 2026, but he almost certainly won't be ready for the start of the regular season this fall. Not only will Seattle most likely not have Charb ready in Week 1, but
Kenneth Walker III, the Super Bowl MVP, will hit the free-agent market in March. Charbonnet saw a bigger role alongside Walker in 2025, setting career-highs across the board in carries (184), rushing yards (730), and rushing TDs (12) in 16 regular-season games. However, his 2026 fantasy stock will take a big hit since he most likely won't have a full season coming off his torn ACL.
--Keith HernandezSource: Emerald Spectrum - Corbin K. Smith
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward
Austin Reaves (calf) will start Friday against the Clippers after working his way back from a strained right calf that sidelined him for 19 games. The 27-year-old has appeared in five of the last six contests and is averaging 20.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.6 threes in 25.4 minutes over his last five outings. With the Lakers at full strength alongside
Luka Doncic,
LeBron James, and
Deandre Ayton, Reaves profiles as a strong hold in standard formats, though usage may fluctuate in a balanced offense.
Marcus Smart shifts back to a secondary role.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dan Woike
February 20, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forwards
Kris Murray (back) and
Matisse Thybulle (knee) are available for Friday's matchup against Denver. Murray returns from a prolonged absence due to a lumbar strain and has averaged 6.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 25.7 minutes across 34 games this season, though a full workload is unlikely with the rotation near full strength. Thybulle, who has logged 12.2 minutes over four outings, is averaging 5.0 points and 2.5 steals, giving him deep-league appeal as a defensive streamer.
Vit Krejci could see a slight minute reduction.
--Brian DailisanSource: Danny Marang
February 20, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard
Scoot Henderson (hamstring) will no longer face a minutes restriction after returning from a torn left hamstring. The third-year guard has averaged 20.0 minutes, 14.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.8 threes on 51.7 percent shooting across four appearances, though 4.5 turnovers per game remain a concern. An expanded workload should push him into standard-league relevance as a points and assists source.
Jrue Holiday and
Deni Avdija may see slight usage dips, while
Shaedon Sharpe's (calf) role could fluctuate once healthy. Henderson profiles as a viable add with upside.
--Brian DailisanSource: Sean Highkin
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher
Ben Joyce (shoulder) threw a successful bullpen session on Friday. According to Jeff Fletcher, Joyce looked good and was able to mix in secondary pitches as well. The 25-year-old is currently on track to be ready by Opening Day. He's working his way back from a torn labrum that required surgery in May of last year. The Angels are hopeful that Joyce can be an impactful late-inning reliever for them this season. In 2024, Joyce registered a 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a 33/14 K/BB ratio across 31 games. The 25-year-old could be the closer of the future, assuming he's able to tap into his full potential.
--Andy WebbSource: Jeff Fletcher
February 20, 2026
Denver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (hamstring) and guard
Jalen Pickett (knee) are available for Friday's game against Portland. Murray was initially listed with right hamstring tightness on the second night of a back-to-back but will handle his usual workload. Over his last 10 games, he has produced 24.2 points, 8.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 threes in 36.3 minutes, reinforcing his must-start status in all formats. His return keeps
Christian Braun and
Cameron Johnson in complementary roles alongside
Nikola Jokic. Pickett is available despite the knee soreness, though his 15 minutes per game keep him off the radar outside of deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to take the mound versus the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. This is likely going to be his only start before he joins Team Japan for the World Baseball Classic. Yamamoto probably won't pitch long during Saturday's game, but at least fans will get to see him face a few batters. The 27-year-old is coming off a fantastic 2025 campaign with the Dodgers. He posted a 2.49 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and a 201/59 K/BB ratio across 30 starts with the Dodgers last season. Yamamoto is a top-five fantasy starting pitcher heading into the 2026 campaign.
--Andy WebbSource: Katie Woo
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (knee) will play Friday against the Clippers after being added to the injury report earlier in the day. The 41-year-old remains a high-end fantasy anchor, producing 21.8 points, 10.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds across 35.8 minutes per game in his last four outings, with one triple-double and three double-doubles in that span. With
Luka Doncic and
Deandre Ayton also active, usage should remain balanced, but James' 28.5 percent role keeps him locked into elite territory.
Austin Reaves can settle back into his usual secondary playmaking role, while
Rui Hachimura's upside remains limited with the starters healthy.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
The Baltimore Orioles claimed infielder
Bryan Ramos off waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. Ramos was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals from the O's earlier this month. Now, Ramos will head back to Baltimore for the second time this offseason. The Orioles need extra depth with
Jordan Westburg (elbow) set to open the regular season on the injured list. Ramos has played in 36 big league games with the Chicago White Sox over the last two seasons. Last season, Ramos slashed .216/.309/.396 with 16 home runs, 51 RBI, and 13 stolen bases in 105 games in Triple-A Charlotte. His overall numbers don't scream everyday third baseman, but he at least gives the Orioles another option at the hot corner.
--Andy WebbSource: Francys Romero
February 20, 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly staying in touch with free-agent starting pitcher
Max Scherzer. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith, talks between the two sides have intensified over the last week. It sounds like other teams remain in the mix, but the Blue Jays appear to be the most serious suitor for Scherzer right now. A reunion seems possible, but Scherzer didn't exactly light up the stat sheet last season. Through 17 starts, Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and an 82/23 K/BB ratio last season with the Jays. The 41-year-old probably doesn't have much left in the tank, but the Jays need to add depth. They're going to open the season with
Shane Bieber (forearm) on the injured list due to right forearm fatigue. Scherzer is unlikely to offer much fantasy value, but he gives this team some extra depth heading into the regular season.
--Andy WebbSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
February 20, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder
Marcelo Mayer (wrist) is expected to remain sidelined for a few more days. According to Ian Browne, Mayer isn't expected to make his spring debut for a couple of days. Mayer still needs to do some batting practice and get his wrist more exposed to hitting before moving into live games. The young infielder is currently recovering from wrist surgery that he underwent last August. The 23-year-old is expected to be a major factor in the Red Sox lineup this season. During the 2025 campaign, Mayer slashed .228/.272/.402 with four home runs and 10 RBI in 44 games. The former first-round pick should get a much longer look in a Red Sox uniform this upcoming season.
--Andy WebbSource: Ian Browne
February 20, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (knee), who has been rehabbing the last two months after having surgery to fix the torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, is "already showing progress," according to ESPN's Nate Taylor. "He's around here all the time," Reid said of Mahomes. "He spends a ton of time here, seven hours a day. He's in there cranking away and making progress every day. It's great to see." The three-time Super Bowl MVP and six-time Pro Bowler still has a lot of rehab left, but if he keeps making great strides, he will have a shot to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. Even before his late-season knee injury, Mahomes and the Chiefs offense had taken a step back, and he finished with 3,587 passing yards, a career-low 22 touchdown passes, and 11 picks in 14 games. Coming off major knee surgery, Mahomes will no longer be in consideration as a high-end QB1 in fantasy in 2026 as he heads into his 10th year in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
February 20, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever
Yimi Garcia (elbow) said on Friday that he is "a little behind" the other pitchers in camp and will "100%" not be ready for Opening Day in late March, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. The 35-year-old veteran reliever had right-elbow surgery in September of last year and is still recovering. Garcia has yet to throw off a mound, but he's hoping to do so in the next week or two. "I feel good right now, I feel better than last season," Garcia said. In addition to his elbow injury, Garcia missed time with ankle and shoulder injuries in 2025 and was limited to just 21 relief innings. He was unavailable for the Blue Jays' postseason run to the World Series, but Toronto is hoping he'll bounce back as their top setup man in 2026. Garcia has 12 saves and 57 holds for the team in the last four seasons, and he would most likely be their top option for saves if
Jeff Hoffman is injured or ineffective.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet - Shi Davidi
February 20, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard
Max Christie (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was initially listed as questionable, but will ultimately take a seat due to a lingering ankle injury. The expectation is that his playing time will be split up between
Klay Thompson and
Tyus Jones during Friday's game. Neither guard has been a consistent contributor lately, but Thompson has the higher update between the two of them. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center
Evan Mobley (calf) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Mobley made his return to the court on Thursday after missing seven games due to a calf strain. The Cavs have decided to take the cautious approach and rest Mobley in the second leg of the back-to-back set. The absence of Mobley will likely free up playing time for multiple players in the rotation.
Jaylon Tyson,
Dean Wade, and
Sam Merrill figure to all see increased run on Friday. Among the three players, Tyson is the best streaming choice for Friday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (ribs) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. As expected, Herro will suit up after missing the last 15 games due to a right rib injury. He hasn't suited up for a game since mid-January, so fantasy managers should expect Herro to have a minutes limit. There is no word on how many minutes he'll play, so DFS players should be cautious. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can go ahead and get Herro active on Friday. It'll be interesting to see if he plays during the second leg of the back-to-back set on Saturday. For now, Herro is safe for Friday's slate, but fantasy managers should check back on Saturday for another update.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (back) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Powell missed the final two games before the All-Star break. He has received plenty of rest and is ready to go for the first game out of the break. There is no word on Powell being limited, so fantasy managers should expect him to have his full workload. Powell is averaging 23.0 points, 2.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds in 30.6 minutes per game this season. Fantasy managers should make sure to double-check their lineups and get Powell active.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (ankle) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Claxton will miss both games in the back-to-back set, and this marks his third absence in a row. The Nets haven't given a timetable for his return, but his next chance to play will come Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks.
Day'Ron Sharpe should continue seeing an increased role in the rotation while Claxton is out. Sharpe has been inconsistent at times, but is a more appealing streaming option with Claxton unavailable.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Kyshawn George (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. George suited up for Thursday's contest, but he appears to have suffered a toe sprain in the process. He finished with six points, three rebounds, and one assist in 19 minutes during Thursday's win. The Wizards have decided to play it safe during the second leg of the back-to-back set and hold out George on Friday. His absence should mean increased playing time for
Justin Champagnie and
Will Riley. Between the two, Champagnie is the better streaming option for Friday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. Nembhard will officially miss the second leg of this back-to-back set due to a back issue. He finished with five points, four assists, and had six turnovers across 22 minutes on Thursday. His minutes will likely be split up between
T.J. McConnell and
Kam Jones. His next chance to play will come on Sunday versus the Dallas Mavericks. McConnell is the better streaming option between the two guards with Jones sidelined.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Washington Wizards. McConnell is back in the mix after sitting out Thursday's game due to a lingering hamstring injury. The veteran guard could be asked to play a larger role on Friday with
Andrew Nembhard (back) listed as doubtful. Normally, McConnell only plays minutes in the teens, but he'd be a more attractive streaming option if Nembhard is unable to play. Fantasy managers should check back for an update on Nembhard ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
Buffalo Bills tight end
Dalton Kincaid took a step forward as a pass-catcher in 2025, which was pretty impressive considering he played most of the year through a torn PCL in his knee. The 26-year-old former first-rounder played in a career-low 12 regular-season games due to knee and hamstring injuries, catching 39 of his 49 targets for 571 yards and a career-high five touchdowns. Kincaid's production was still somewhat of a disappointment for fantasy managers, but he was at least more efficient with a 67.3% success rate, and he showed improvement in the red zone. Kincaid will not have offseason surgery, so he should have a normal offseason as he enters an important contract year. If he can finally get over the knee issues that have plagued him the last two years, Kincaid will have the motivation that could easily lead to a fourth-year breakout.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 20, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (illness) is ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Markkanen has gone from questionable to being completely ruled out due to an illness. The Jazz are tanking, so it's not shocking to see them sit Markkanen even for something that's probably minor. When healthy, Markkanen has been solid, averaging 26.7 points, 2.1 assists, and 7.0 rebounds across 34.4 minutes per game. His absence should mean an increased workload for
Brice Sensabaugh in the rotation. Sensabaugh is coming off a 28-point performance before the All-Star break. His fantasy value will likely rise in the second half with the Jazz resting their veterans more frequently.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 20, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Gerrit Cole (elbow) reached 96.9 mph on the radar gun in his first live batting practice session against hitters in camp on Friday since he had Tommy John surgery last March, according to The Associated Press. Cole threw around 20 pitches to
Trent Grisham,
Aaron Judge, and
Jasson Dominguez. The Yankees expect Cole to be ready at some point from May to September. "It sounds like it was really good," manager Aaron Boone said. The 2023 American League Cy Young winner has altered his windup, putting his hands over his head now. The 35-year-old six-time All-Star will be a big question mark for the Yankees and for fantasy managers in 2026 because of his long layoff -- his last official outing was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series on Oct. 30. RotoBaller has Cole ranked as the No. 83 fantasy starting pitcher this year. He's worth stashing in all single-year leagues, but temper your expectations upon his return.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Angels first baseman
Nolan Schanuel improved his average bat speed by 2.3 mph from 2024 to 2025, which was the sixth-best jump in the majors, according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Schanuel said he spent the offseason working on the same type of drills while also working on his barrel control as he seeks more power and extra-base hits. The 24-year-old left-handed hitter has a .257 average and .348 on-base percentage in his first two full major-league seasons and has struck out only 13% of the time, but he's added just 25 home runs. Perhaps Schanuel will start hitting the ball over the fence more often in 2026 as he continues to search for more power, but until that happens, it's hard to get excited about him in shallow mixed fantasy leagues. Schanuel is most valuable in deeper leagues that count on-base percentage as corner-infield depth.
--Keith HernandezSource: Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
February 20, 2026
San Francisco Giants right-hander
Tyler Mahle (illness) is a bit behind the other pitchers in camp because he got sick, but he's expected to face hitters next week, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. Mahle should be ready to roll for Opening Day in late March in his first year with the Gigantes after signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the team in December. The 31-year-old veteran had a career-best 2.18 ERA (3.37 FIP) and 1.13 WHIP with 66 strikeouts and 29 walks with the Texas Rangers last year, but he was limited to 86 2/3 innings and 16 starts after missing almost three months with a shoulder injury. In 2023 and 2024 combined, Mahle made just eight starts for the Twins and Rangers, so durability is a big concern for the veteran hurler. Fantasy managers can't count on Mahle being reliable, which is why he's outside RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitcher rankings. Under the hood last year, Mahle had a weak 19.1% strikeout rate and didn't miss many bats (23.2% whiff rate).
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Bay Area - Alex Pavlovic
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