April 14, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Mick Abel was excellent against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, pitching seven strikeout innings with 10 strikeouts and earning his first win of the season in his team's 6-0 victory. Abel allowed just four hits and did not allow a walk. Across his first four appearances (20 1/3 innings) of 2026, the 24-year-old has pitched to a 3.98 ERA and 1.59 WHIP with 23 strikeouts. However, since allowing nine earned runs over his first 7 1/3 innings of the year, Abel has now thrown 13 straight scoreless frames. Abel's walk rate is still 10.8% even after his most recent start against the Red Sox, so control is an issue. Still, if he can limit free passes, Abel has good enough stuff to consistently generate strikeouts and work deep into games. He profiles as a priority waiver wire target ahead of his next scheduled start against the New York Mets next Tuesday.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com
April 14, 2026
ESPN's Kris Rhim writes that Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr., who is coming off back-to-back All-Pro seasons, will "almost certainly want a new deal before training camp starts." A deal will likely get done for a player who turns 30 in August and is heading into the final season of a four-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid safety in league history in 2022. James was a hold-in during training camp the last time he was eligible for an extension. The Chargers might have to make him the highest-paid safety in history again, or at least close, after Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton set the new mark with a four-year, $100.4 million deal in 2025. It remains to be seen if general manager Joe Hortiz is willing to give Hames that kind of money. The 29-year-old finished as the No. 20 fantasy defensive back in IDP leagues last year with 94 tackles (50 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, eight QB hits, a career-high three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
April 14, 2026
Georgia tight end Oscar Delp will finish a long list of pre-draft visits by having a top-30 visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Chargers this week, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Delp visited with the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Minnesota Vikings last week. The 22-year-old's statistics from college in four seasons with the Bulldogs don't really stand out. He had 70 total catches for 854 yards and nine touchdowns in his 55 games played. Delp never had more than 284 receiving yards in a single season, and he reportedly played all of last year with a hairline fracture in his foot. He would be behind
Cade Otton and
Oronde Gadsden with the Bucs and Chargers, respectively, if he were to be drafted by either of those clubs. Delp won't have a ton of appeal in single-year fantasy leagues in 2026 as a likely rotational tight end with a limited role in his first year in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
April 14, 2026
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that closer
Emilio Pagan (hamstring) is getting his hamstring checked out after earning the save in his team's 2-1 win over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, per Jeremy Rauch of Fox 19 Cincinnati. Pagan pitched a scoreless ninth inning with a strikeout for his fifth save of the season, but is apparently dealing with some discomfort that will need monitoring. The 34-year-old is five-for-six on save chances so far this season and has pitched to a 4.82 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with nine strikeouts across 9 1/3 innings pitched. If Pagan is forced to miss time, Cincinnati right-handers
Tony Santillan and
Graham Ashcraft could be the favorites to move into the ninth-inning role for the Reds.
--Will BradySource: Fox 19 Cincinnati - Jeremy Rauch
April 14, 2026
Coming off a disappointing T41 at The Masters, Justin Thomas will return to the site of his lone PGA Tour victory last season. He was able to get hot with the irons and putter en route to claiming the plaid jacket, which has arguably been the two most unpredictable parts of his game since the beginning of last year's playoff events. In those seven events played during that time, the Crimson Tide alum has lost strokes on approach in five of them, and on the green in four. His strokes gained per shot from 150-200 yards have fallen 44% compared to his two-year baseline, which is the most prominent approach range at Harbour Town. J.T. has all the tools and knowledge to make a swift turnaround, but he's too volatile at the moment to be trusted for DFS purposes.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
April 14, 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers officially re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent running back
Kimani Vidal to an undisclosed one-year deal, according to Howard Balzer of Cardinals Wire. Vidal saw a lot more work in 2025 than probably anyone was expecting, even Vidal. Early-season injuries to
Najee Harris (Achilles) and
Omarion Hampton (ankle) forced the 24-year-old into the RB1 role in L.A. last year, and it led to 155 carries for 643 yards and three touchdowns in 13 regular-season games. Vidal also had 16 receptions on 22 targets for 136 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. Harris won't return to the Chargers, but the Chargers added
Keaton Mitchell to the running back room alongside Hampton, who will be in his second season in the NFL. Vidal figures to be the favorite to win the RB2 role to begin next season, but Mitchell will probably take a lot of valuable pass-catching opportunities. At best, Vidal will probably be a handcuff option for managers who select Hampton.
--Keith HernandezSource: Cardinals Wire - Howard Balzer
April 14, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher
Brandon Sproat (knee) is slated to rejoin the team's starting rotation on Thursday against the Miami Marlins, according to Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic. Sproat's first appearance of 2026 came as a starter, but his most recent two have come in long relief. The 25-year-old was also evaluated for a knee injury after his most recent outing on Saturday, but it appears as though he has avoided missed time. Sproat has struggled across 10 1/3 innings so far this season, recording a 10.45 ERA and 2.32 WHIP with 10 strikeouts. Command has been the biggest issue, as he's allowed 10 walks. However, Sproat allowed just one run across 3 2/3 innings pitched in his last appearance. He remains a well-regarded prospect with upside who could be a worthy target on the waiver wire for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: Brewer Fanatic - Jack Stern
April 14, 2026
It was an acceptable week in Augusta for Jordan Spieth, who finished T12, ranking fifth in the field in strokes gained on approach (1.48) and sixth in strokes gained around the green (0.79). He also hit the second-most greens in regulation, with a percentage of 76.4%. The only thing holding the three-time major champion back is the flat stick. He's lost strokes putting in three of his last four starts. His 98th current ranking on the season in three-putt avoidance likely has a lot to do with that. Luckily, the tiny greens of Harbour Town should somewhat diminish that worry. The volitility off the tee is always a lingering issue that isn't the greatest fit for this layout, but that's partly what makes him an entertaining watch. Nonetheless, Spieth is a fine play for certain lineups, especially in course horse builds. Winning this event in 2022, his track record here has been better than most in the field.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
April 14, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Willson Contreras (back) has been removed from his team's Tuesday night matchup against the Minnesota Twins due to lower-back tightness, per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Contreras was hitless in two at-bats before exiting the game. The 33-year-old is off to a strong start to his first season with Boston, hitting .298/.444/.491 with three home runs, 11 RBI, and nine runs scored. It doesn't appear as though this latest back ailment is particularly serious, but it will be worth monitoring for fantasy managers nonetheless. Contreras was replaced by utility man
Andruw Monasterio on Tuesday, so Monasterio could be the favorite to see an increase in playing time if Contreras ends up requiring a stint on the injured list.
--Will BradySource: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
April 14, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman continues to say that wide receiver
A.J. Brown "is an Eagle" when asked about the possibility that he'll be traded this offseason, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. When asked if the team recently acquiring receiver
Dontayvion Wicks from the Green Bay Packers means anything for Brown, Roseman said, "What do you think the odds are that I'm answering this question any different than I answered it anywhere else? Like, really, do you think that's 50 percent? Do you think it's 75 percent?" Adds: "A.J. Brown's an Eagle." Odds are that the Eagles will be looking to trade Brown after June 1, when it makes more financial sense for them to do so. The most rumored destination for the 28-year-old is the New England Patriots, even after they signed
Romeo Doubs in free agency. That would be a promising landing spot for Brown, who had his fourth straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 15 starts with the Eagles in 2025. The three-time Pro Bowler was unhappy with his role in Philly last year and had a career-low 12.9 yards per catch. If he were to join the Pats, Brown would continue to have big-play upside with young quarterback
Drake Maye.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
April 14, 2026
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Tuesday that the team has "had no one call with interest" in wide receiver
George Pickens, regarding a potential trade, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Even though the Cowboys have expressed plenty of interest in locking Pickens up long-term after already placing the franchise tag on him, no new deal has been agreed upon. The Cowboys most likely have an extremely high asking price after Pickens' 2025 breakout season, and maturity issues in the past could be scaring potential suitors away as well. The Cowboys are notorious for dragging their feet with long-term deals for their star players, so the former second-rounder of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 out of Georgia is expected to be a holdout heading into training camp this summer. Pickens had 93 catches for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games last year. He will be a WR1 target in fantasy football drafts this fall with at least one more guaranteed season in Dallas (if he's not traded).
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
April 14, 2026
Marco Penge has truly been on a roller coaster for most of 2026. The English golfer almost missed the cut at Augusta after opening with a 76. Penge closed with a 78. It is strange but in five finals rounds, Penge has never finished below a 70. Every other event his approach to the green has been well into negative territory. Worse, Penge's driving accuracy is a mere 49.22% (154th). With so many numbers in the red including approach to the green and putting, it is no surprise why Penge ranks 130th in scoring average at 71.11. This is another week where not rostering Penge in DFS especially is a dangerous option at best.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
April 14, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (calf) will make his return to action on Tuesday against Phoenix as a member of the second unit. Grant has started regularly for Portland since February. But he has missed seven games due to a calf injury, and by having him come off the bench, the team can better manage his workload. Even as a reserve, Grant has been productive in 2025-26, averaging 16.3 points in 25.7 minutes per game.
Scoot Henderson will maintain a starting role on Tuesday night, with
Deni Avdija,
Jrue Holiday,
Toumani Camara, and
Donovan Clingan rounding out the first unit,
--Taavi PailkSource: Portland Trail Blazers
April 14, 2026
Xander Schauffele has been knocking on the door of another career victory over his last three starts. The only reason he hasn't yet is the costly single rounds that get him out of position. He posted a final round of 68 at The Masters to break into the top 10, ranking second on the week in strokes gained on approach (1.88) and fifth in strokes gained off the tee (1.11). His game seems to be in a solid place heading to Hilton Head for the year's fourth Signature Event. If he can avoid making a mess on and around the greens, Schauffele is one of the strongest DFS plays of the week.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
April 14, 2026
Golden State Warriors center
Quinten Post (foot) will remain out on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Clippers. The seven-footer missed the last couple of weeks of the regular season due to foot injury management and isn't ready to rejoin the action for Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game. Post's absence has given
Charles Bassey a spot in the frontcourt rotation, but the team will likely lean on its veterans in Wednesday's game.
Kristaps Porzingis,
Al Horford, and
Draymond Green are all available for the matchup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 14, 2026
Jake Knapp just keeps rolling along with seven top-25 results in eight events in 2026. The American golfer has not finished worse than 11th, other than the one missed cut at The Players. He leads all golfers in overall strokes gained at 2.002. Furthermore, he has gained 1.285 strokes putting, which ranks second on the PGA Tour. Knapp even combines driving distance with a shred of accuracy. He drives the ball 320.2 yards (sixth) and 69th with accuracy. His only real weakness is overall sand-save percentage, with a 68.3 scoring average (leads the tour). Knapp is a fun betting option for this week's event at Hilton Head.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
April 14, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Draymond Green (back) will be active on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. He has been removed from the injury report after sitting out Sunday's regular-season finale against the Clippers due to lower back injury management. Green always does a little bit of everything for the Warriors and is set to play an important role in Wednesday's high-stakes contest. The veteran has recorded averages of 5.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in the matchup with the Clippers this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 14, 2026
Miami Heat forward/center
Bam Adebayo (back) won't return on Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports. The big man injured his lower back during a fall in the second quarter and will be limited to just 11 minutes in this crucial play-in game. With Adebayo out,
Kel'el Ware will hold down the fort at center and could finish with a monster line, having already recorded a double-double in three quarters while adding five blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Chiang
April 14, 2026
Kurt Kitayama was playing really well. The American golfer held on to a Top 20 result at the Arnold Palmer only to fall back at THE Players Championship. Since then, he has been mired in a slump. That appeared to be over after an opening round 69 at Augusta, However, a 79 and 75 kept Kitayama well out of contention at the Masters. One of the big problems is that Kitayama loses 0.227 strokes putting (115th). He did not play at RBC Heritage in 2025 but did end up T-33 in 2024. It will be intriguing to see how Kitayama fares on a Hilton Head course that has not been immensely kind to him. He is another golfer that may be avoided from a DFS and betting perspective again.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
April 14, 2026
After lingering concerns related to a lower back injury he sustained a month ago, Collin Morikawa turned in an impressive, but unexpected T7 finish at The Masters. He would have undoubtedly been one of the leading favorites heading into the week, but being considered a "game time decision" severely diminished hopes. It was a tremendous week on the greens for the two-time major champion, as he led the field in strokes gained putting (2.14). The 29-year-old was also efficient from tee to green, but the hesitance to have confidence swinging the driver caused him to lose strokes off the tee for the first time in 12 starts. Harbour Town's shorter layout should allow him to return to a closer level of normalcy in that regard, and there's clearly no sign of rust elsewhere. Play Morikawa with confidence.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
April 14, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is not on the injury report for Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game against the Golden State Warriors. As expected, he will return from a one-game absence. Leonard was excellent during the regular season and will be expected to pick up where he left off in the postseason. In 65 outings, Leonard posted a career-high 27.9 points per game, adding 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals. However, Leonard didn't produce his usual numbers against the Warriors, averaging 21.7 points with a horrible 22.2 percent three-point efficiency.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 14, 2026
J.T. Poston has three career wins on the PGA Tour. The American golfer ended up inside the Top 25 for the first time in 2026. Poston managed a 69-68 over the weekend at the Valero Texas Open a couple weeks ago. Poston hits 67.95% of greens in regulation (42nd) but has a 39.32% one-putt percentage and worse averages 28.98 putts per round. Combine that with a mediocre approach to the green metric and Poston has mostly struggled in 2026. He has missed three cuts over his last five tournaments. Poston remains an outright fade from a DFS and betting perspective.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
April 14, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (hamstring) will miss Tuesday's play-in game against the Portland Trail Blazers. After managing a knee injury throughout the campaign, Allen sustained a hamstring injury during the final week of regular-season action. He won't be in the Suns' lineup for the third time in four games.
Royce O'Neale,
Jordan Goodwin, and
Collin Gillespie could all get extra work with Allen out of commission.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 14, 2026
Miami Heat forward/center
Bam Adebayo (back) is questionable to return to Tuesday's Play-In Tournament game against the Charlotte Hornets, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports. The three-time All-Star exited the action in the second quarter after taking a hard fall. Adebayo had six points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 11 minutes before his early departure, sinking all three field-goal attempts.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. started the second half in Adebayo's place.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Chiang
April 14, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Jerami Grant (calf) will suit up on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns. He has shaken off a questionable tag, returning to action after missing seven games due to a right calf strain. Given his lengthy absence, Grant might carry a minutes restriction on Tuesday. Still, he's a welcome addition to the Trail Blazers lineup. The veteran averaged 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 29.7 minutes per game during the regular season. Grant's return is likely to bump
Scoot Henderson to the second unit, but the explosive guard should still feature heavily in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 14, 2026
Robert MacIntyre did not enjoy the Masters. The Scottish golfer started off with an 80 on Thursday then never fully recovered. After seven Top 40 finishes including a fourth and a T-2, MacIntyre was bound to lay an egg as he dropped a surprising 3.54 strokes on approaches to the green. It is not that surprising given he missed the cut at the 2025 Masters almost as epically. Fortunately, MacIntyre tends to bounce back as he ranks inside the Top 10 in strokes gained off the tee and putting. Inevitably, the start will be vital. MacIntyre ranks 12th with a 69.2 scoring average so potentially there is a chance from a DFS perspective.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
April 14, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) is nearing his 2026 season debut. The 35-year-old three-time All-Star allowed three earned runs on four hits while walking none and striking out nine in 5 2/3 innings for Double-A Reading on Tuesday. It was Wheeler's fourth rehab start already, and he got up to 95 mph on Tuesday after sitting in the low-90s his last time out. It's an encouraging sign that Wheeler is getting closer to returning from surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome last year. He plans to make another start for Reading on Sunday, which could be his last before the Phillies activate him from the 15-day injured list to rejoin the big-league starting rotation. Wheeler was an All-Star in both 2024 and 2025, and he has 200-plus strikeouts in three of the last five years with the Phillies. Although he's much riskier in 2026 coming off surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, he absolutely should be stashed in all formats with the hope that he can return to his pre-injury ace form.
--Keith HernandezSource: Milb.com
April 14, 2026
Chicago White Sox general manager Chris Getz said that he doesn't envision more traditional starts for right-hander
Grant Taylor this year, according to Josh Frydman of WGN News. At best, Taylor might work up to three innings in the future as an opener. The 23-year-old is sort of in a transition phase in 2026 as the White Sox slowly work to ramp him back up as a full-time starting pitcher for next year. Taylor has made seven appearances this year (four starts) and has allowed just one earned run on six hits while walking two and striking out 10 in 8 1/3 innings pitched. He had a 4.91 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 54 strikeouts, 15 walks, and his first six career saves in 36 appearances (two starts) over 36 2/3 innings last year in his first year in the majors. Taylor has looked pretty solid so far in 2026, but his fantasy upside will be capped with an innings limit of around 100 planned for this year. Durability issues and workload concerns make him a shaky saves option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: WGN News - Josh Frydman
April 14, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas (abdomen, knee) is dealing with an abdominal strain and will be shut down until he feels better, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. The good news is that Casas' abdominal strain is not related to his rib-cage issue from two years ago, according to manager Alex Cora. Once Casas is feeling better, he'll have to go through a spring training-style buildup, so it's going to be a while before we see him back in the big leagues. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger only made it through 29 games in 2025 before suffering a season-ending patellar tendon tear. Casas hit only .182/.277/.303 with three homers and 11 RBI in those 29 games, too. In 132 games in 2023 in his first full season in the majors, Casas hit .263 with 24 home runs and 65 RBI in 502 plate appearances, but injuries have wrecked his last two seasons.
Willson Contreras is locked in at first base for the BoSox now, so when Casas is finally ready to make his 2026 debut, he could be battling for at-bats in the designated-hitter role.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
April 14, 2026
Max Homa turned things around at the Masters Tournament. The American golfer finished tied for ninth and netted his first Top 10 of 2026. Overall, it had been a solid season but consecutive missed cuts threatened to snowball. Instead, Homa gained a whopping 3.27 strokes overall. The last time he did that was at the 2024 Masters (3.34). However, the RBC Heritage might be a different story. Homa has struggled at the event including three straight outside Top 40 results plus a missed cut. Hilton Head does not seem to suit Homa so it may be wise to fade any top result bets for this week anyway.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
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