February 19, 2026
Cleveland Guardians pitchers
Emmanuel Clase and
Luis L. Ortiz entered not guilty pleas while being accused of colluding with sports bettors to rig bets, according to The Associated Press. The pitchers were first charged in November with accepting several thousand dollars in payoffs to help two gamblers from their native Dominican Republic win at least $460,000 by placing more than 100 in-game prop bets and parlays on the speed and outcome of certain pitches. Charges against them include wire-fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to influence sporting contests. Clase and Ortiz have been on non-disciplinary paid leave since July. Lawyers for both men have insisted their clients never colluded with gamblers. Clase is a three-time All-Star and had a $4.5 million salary in 2025. If convicted on all charges, the 27-year-old faces a maximum of 65 years in prison.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press
February 19, 2026
Detroit Tigers infield prospect
Kevin McGonigle will start at shortstop in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday, manager A.J. Hinch told Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen reports that McGonigle "has taken reps mostly at shortstop" in camp, and it's clear that the Tigers still view him as a long-term shortstop. Nobody in the Tigers organization has done anything to shut the idea of McGonigle making the Opening Day roster down. "His actions at shortstop look smoother than they did a year ago at this time," writes Stavenhagen. The 21-year-old is still stating his case for a shot to open the 2026 season in the big leagues. The consensus No. 2 prospect in the sport is the purist minor-league hitter, while his power and speed are still developing. McGonigle figures to be in the big leagues sooner than later as Detroit's starting shortstop and potential No. 2 hitter.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
February 19, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed pitching prospect
Andrew Painter continues to draw rave reviews in spring training, according to John Clark of NBC Sports. "He looks great. I caught his bullpen yesterday. Shoot, I want to say it was 98, 99. It's just easy. It doesn't look like he's throwing max effort. It's still coming out that firm. He is kind of like Wheeler. His stuff is so elite, and he's still able to throw the ball on the edges (command)," catcher
J.T. Realmuto said. Manager Rob Thomson said on Wednesday that Painter's command appears to be back after he struggled a bit to throw strikes in 2025 in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery. The 22-year-old former top prospect should be rising up draft boards this spring and has a real shot to crack the team's Opening Day rotation with
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) injured. RotoBaller has Painter ranked as the No. 97 fantasy starting pitcher, but he has the stuff to break out in his first MLB season while being another year removed from elbow surgery.
--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports Philadelphia - John Clark
February 19, 2026
New York Yankees right-hander
Cam Schlittler (back) came away from his bullpen session on Tuesday "feeling good," according to Meredith Marakovits of YES Network. Schlitter had no issues with his back. He will throw another bullpen session and then likely start facing live hitters in camp. The 25-year-old is recovering from a minor middle-back issue and still has time to get ready for Opening Day in late March. If healthy by then, Schlittler is expected to be part of the season-opening starting rotation in the Bronx with some of their other regulars injured. The 6-foot-6, 225-pounder and former seventh-round pick in 2022 out of Northeastern University was very impressive in his first 14 MLB starts in 2025, going 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA (3.74 FIP) and 1.22 WHIP with 84 K's and 31 walks in 73 frames. Even with some regression likely coming in Year 2, Schlittler is a fine SP4 investment in redraft fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: YES Network - Meredith Marakovits
February 19, 2026
Seattle Seahawks impending free-agent wide receiver/return man
Rashid Shaheed told NFL Network's Judy Battista and Bridget Condon on Wednesday that he "would love" to return to the Seahawks. Seattle acquired Shaheed at last year's trade deadline, and the 27-year-old was an underrated piece of the Seahawks' Super Bowl-champion squad. He provided an additional deep threat for quarterback
Sam Darnold while also returning three kicks for scores on special teams, including one in the Divisional Round blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers. He was more of a threat for fantasy managers with the New Orleans Saints before the trade, though, as he caught only 15 of 26 targets for 188 yards and no touchdowns in nine regular-season games in Seattle. Shaheed was averaging career bests in catches per game (4.9) and receiving yards per game (55.4) before the trade. Wherever he lands in free agency this offseason, Shaheed will most likely be a boom/bust WR4/flex for fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Judy Battista and Bridget Condon
February 19, 2026
Baltimore Orioles infielder
Jordan Westburg (oblique) is currently unable to participate in baseball activities in camp, manager Craig Albernaz told Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. The skipper also declined to say whether it's Westburg's elbow or oblique. "I just want to make sure that we're doing our due diligence and make sure Jordan is in the best chance to play this year," Albernaz said. The 27-year-old came to spring training with a strained right oblique, but it's unclear if something else is bothering him as well. With no timetable to return to the field, his availability for Opening Day is in question. If Westburg is forced to open the 2026 season on the injured list, both
Coby Mayo and
Blaze Alexander would be options to take over at the hot corner in Baltimore. Injuries continue to be an issue for Westburg, but he makes enough contact and has enough power to be a worthwhile depth option at third base in deep-mixed fantasy leagues when he's available.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
February 19, 2026
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Michael King is a high-risk, high-reward option in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts after re-signing a three-year deal in the offseason. In his first year in San Diego, King showed his upside with a sparkling 2.95 ERA, 3.33 FIP, and 1.19 WHIP to go with a career-high 201 strikeouts in 30 regular-season starts. Last year, though, he was held back by shoulder and knee injuries and was only able to make 15 starts, compiling a 3.44 ERA, 4.42 FIP, and 1.20 WHIP. His strikeout rate slipped a bit as well, and he finished with 76 punchouts in 73 1/3 innings. If he can stay healthy this year, King has the potential to be a fantasy ace, and he opens spring training with no restrictions. Some buzz from spring training suggests that the Padres may adopt a six-man rotation to mitigate their injury issues in the rotation, but this hasn't been officially announced yet. Drafting King for his upside is a good move in almost all formats, as long as you build in some extra depth in case injuries limit him again in 2026.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (hand) said he is targeting an Opening Day return from his surgery to fix a broken hamate bone suffered in spring training. Carroll will get the stitches out early next week and should be able to resume hitting. The injury was to his non-throwing hand, but the primary concern with hamate bone injuries is the force from swinging the bat. It looks like Carroll still has a chance to miss no time at the start of the season, but even if he misses his target, he won't likely miss extended time, barring any complications. If he coes miss time, it looks like the Diamondbacks will try
Jordan Lawlar in center and move
Alek Thomas to right field. While his injury definitely raises his risk factor, Carroll's injury is actually creating some great potential value in drafting Carroll, since he should be a top contributor when he returns and is sliding a little bit in drafts. If you take a shot on him early, just be sure to build in reliable depth later in your draft.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Foul Territory
February 19, 2026
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Logan Webb has been a durable and consistent ace for the Giants over the last several seasons, making 32-plus starts in four straight years and surpassing 200 innings in each of the last three years. He tied a career-high with 15 wins and topped the National League with 224 strikeouts in his 207 innings. He finished the year with a 3.22 ERA despite an elevated 1.24 WHIP, but most of that was due to an elevated .346 BABIP against him. If he gets better defense and some batted-ball luck regression, he could be even sharper this season if he stays healthy again. He's a great option if you're looking for a reliable arm with good durability and upside in mixed-league drafts after about 20 pitchers have gone off the board.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Logan Webb
February 19, 2026
Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (lower body) is practicing in a regular jersey, Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports. With the Olympic tournament nearing its conclusion, NHL teams have started practicing again, and Cooley has been a full participant in the Mammoth's sessions. This bodes well for his availability once the season resumes next week. Utah will restart the action on Feb. 25 against the Colorado Avalanche. Cooley has been out since early December with a lower-body injury. Before he was hurt, the 21-year-old enjoyed a great start to the campaign, posting 14 goals and 23 points in 29 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Cole Bagley
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Maxwell Crozier will miss approximately 10 weeks following surgery to repair a core muscle injury, the team announced on Wednesday. Crozier has been a solid contributor for the Lightning this season, recording 10 points (one goal, nine assists), 44 shots, 31 blocks, 38 hits, and a plus-seven rating across 34 outings. Crozier's projected recovery timeline means he will likely miss the rest of the regular season and could be sidelined for the start of the playoffs if the Lightning manage to extend their season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Tampa Bay Lightning
February 19, 2026
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Griffin Canning (Achilles) is not expected to be ready to join his new team's rotation to start the season, but he could be back relatively early in the season. He could be ready to take a spot in April or May after finishing his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered last June. Before the injury, the 29-year-old righty was having his best season in the majors, going 7-3 with a career-best 3.77 ERA, a 4.04 FIP, and a 1.38 WHIP with 70 strikeouts in 76 1/3 innings for the Mets. Canning will be an interesting option in Petco Park and a nice late-round stash if your league has enough IR spots to start the season. He is high-risk, though, given his inability to stay healthy during his career, so it may be better to grab him off waivers closer to his return in mixed leagues. In NL-only leagues, Canning is definitely worth stashing if possible.
--Zach ThompsonSource: AJ Cassavell
February 19, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (lower body) wasn't able to practice on Wednesday, Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch reports. The Russian forward battled an illness before the Olympic break, missing two games, and he's now dealing with a lower-body injury. Marchenko leads all Blue Jackets forwards with 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) in 50 appearances. Sean Monahan (illness) also missed Wednesday's practice. Columbus restarts the season next Thursday against the Boston Bruins. The absence of Marchenko and Monahan could lead to increased roles for Danton Heinen and Cole Sillinger.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brian Hedger
February 19, 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed infielder
Ben Cowles off waivers from the Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old offers good defense and speed potential, which could be very important for the Blue Jays this season. He originally came up in the Yankees' system before getting traded to the Cubs in the
Mark Leiter Jr. deal back in 2024. He has bounced back and forth between the Cubs and White Sox late last season and over the winter, but now he's headed north of the border to join the Jays. He's still awaiting his MLB debut after spending last year in Triple-A, slashing .235/.300/.371 with nine homers and 18 stolen bases. He's a defense-first option that could have speed upside if he gets playing time, but he's likely to start the season in the minors, unless there's an injury.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Blue Jays
February 19, 2026
Anaheim Ducks goaltender Petr Mrazek (hip) had season-ending surgery on Tuesday, the team announced. Unfortunately, due to a hip injury, Mrazek must wrap up the 2025-26 campaign after making only 10 appearances. He was a starter eight times, going 3-5-0 with a 4.07 goals-against average and an .858 save percentage. Mrazek will come off a two-year, $8.5 million contract this offseason, leaving his future in the NHL uncertain. For the rest of the way, Ville Husso will be Lukas Dostal's primary backup as Anaheim tries to end a seven-year postseason drought.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 19, 2026
Free-agent infielder
CJ Alexander has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Astros, and the 28-year-old lefty will likely serve as organizational depth for Houston this season. For the last few seasons, the infielder has bounced around Triple-A, spending time in the systems of the Braves, Royals, Athletics, Yankees, and Dodgers. He made it to the majors for six games with the Athletics last season, going just 3-for-17 with three singles and eight strikeouts. In his combined time in Triple-A, he slashed .254/.335/.448 with 15 homers in 466 plate appearances, so there's a little pop in his bat, even though he hasn't shown it yet in the majors. Barring injury, he doesn't seem likely to make the Astros roster out of Spring Training, although rumors about a potential infield trade could change that outlook. For now, he's not a fantasy factor but does give the team another option in the infield if needs arise.
--Zach ThompsonSource: MLB.com
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman suffered a lower-body injury during pregame warmups ahead of Sweden's quarterfinal clash against Team USA on Wednesday. He was named in the lineup but didn't log any ice time as Sweden's Olympic tournament ended in a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss. There's no word yet on whether Hedman's injury will be significant enough to keep him out when NHL action picks up again next week. Just before the Olympic break, Hedman returned to the Lightning lineup after recovering from elbow surgery. The 2018 Norris Trophy winner has been limited to 21 appearances this season, recording 13 assists, 90 shots, 30 blocks, and a plus-two rating.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 19, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) is day-to-day, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports. Team Canada hasn't ruled out Crosby for Friday's Olympic semifinal against Finland. Crosby appeared to have injured his right leg in Wednesday's quarterfinal victory over Czechia. Fortunately, it seems Crosby avoided a major injury. Canada's roster is strong enough to handle Crosby's absence, but it would be a huge setback for the Penguins if he were forced to miss extended time. Crosby has contributed two goals and four assists in four games at the Olympics.
--Taavi PailkSource: Pierre LeBrun
February 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Sandro Mamukelashvili (ribs) is questionable for Thursday's contest against the Chicago Bulls. The Georgian big man has made 13 consecutive appearances but may have to exit the lineup on Thursday due to a right rib contusion. Mamukelashvili has formed a solid one-two punch with
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) at center for Toronto during
Jakob Poeltl's absence. With Poeltl now back in the mix, the two will have smaller roles on the team. Murray-Boyles will likely see a bit more action against Chicago if Mamukelashvili can't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) is listed as probable for Thursday's action against the Chicago Bulls. The rookie big man hurt his left thumb before the All-Star break, but the injury will cost him only one game. Murray-Boyles has averaged 7.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists during his first year in the Association. He's done a great job filling in for
Jakob Poeltl, who has dealt with a back issue throughout the season. Poeltl returned to the lineup just before the break, meaning Murray-Boyles must settle for a bench role going forward, which limits his fantasy potential.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Tre Jones (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Toronto Raptors. He has been nursing a left hamstring strain for several weeks and might be out for a 12th consecutive game. The injury has occurred at a bad time for Jones, who faces increased competition for playing time in Chi-Town.
Anfernee Simons,
Collin Sexton, and
Jaden Ivey have all made a positive first impression since joining the team. The trio has also benefited from
Josh Giddey's (hamstring) absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward/center
Jalen Smith (calf) is expected to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Toronto Raptors. The team has listed him as probable on the injury report. Before the All-Star break, Smith skipped three games with a right calf strain. Smith has become a solid option for fantasy teams, averaging 12.4 points and 8.3 rebounds in 25.3 minutes since Jan. 1.
Guerschon Yabusele and
Nick Richards will lose minutes to Smith, who has been a regular starter for the Bulls over the last seven weeks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) will have surgery on Thursday, the team announced. The veteran must undergo a procedure to correct misalignment of his right pinky finger. Memphis will provide a timeline for Caldwell-Pope's recovery after surgery. Caldwell-Pope has had a disappointing campaign in 2025-26, averaging 8.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. After beginning the year as a regular starter, he has been part of the first unit just once since Nov. 12. Players like
Scotty Pippen Jr. and
Olivier-Maxence Prosper may see more time on the floor during Caldwell-Pope's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: Memphis Grizzlies PR
February 19, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (elbow) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, the team announced on Wednesday. The Grizzlies star hasn't played since Jan. 21 due to a UCL sprain in his left elbow. Unfortunately, health issues have ruined another campaign for Morant, who has suited up just 20 times this season. With him unavailable,
Ty Jerome,
Cam Spencer, and
Scotty Pippen Jr. have larger roles on the team. Jerome has the most fantasy appeal of these three players, but he has been playing with a minutes limit since making his season debut in late January. Across 20.2 minutes per game, Jerome has averaged 19.7 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.2 steals.
--Taavi PailkSource: Memphis Grizzlies PR
February 19, 2026
Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) will miss a sixth consecutive game on Thursday against the Boston Celtics. Curry was unable to practice on Wednesday because he did not "feel right," according to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. After practice, Kerr suggested Curry might undergo a second MRI on his right knee.
Pat Spencer and
Gui Santos have stepped up during Curry's absence, though
Kristaps Porzingis' (Achilles) likely return on Thursday will have a significant impact on the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBC Sports Bay Area
February 18, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Lars Nootbaar (heels) still has no timeline for a return to full baseball activities, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. Nootbaar has been able to hit and throw, but he's just now moving into being able to run without assistance. The 28-year-old will continue to run on an anti-gravity treadmill in camp after having surgery in early October on both of his heels to address deformities. The Cardinals are unlikely to rush Nootbaar, so the expectation is that he will not be ready to go on Opening Day in late March. Nootbaar played a career-high 135 games in 2025 and disappointed offensively, slashing .234/.325/.361 with a career-worst .686 OPS, 13 homers, 48 RBI, 68 runs, and four steals in 583 plate appearances. His batted-ball metrics have always teased more -- he had a career-best 50% hard-hit rate and 10.2% barrel rate in 2025 -- but he's rarely been healthy and has yet to put it all together. Nootbaar needs to get healthy and finally break through to jump into the top-100 outfield rankings.
--Keith HernandezSource: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
February 18, 2026
MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports that the Houston Astros' chances of trading third baseman
Isaac Paredes before the start of the 2026 season are "diminishing." Paredes missed two months last year in his first season in Houston due to a serious hamstring tear, which led to the team reacquiring
Carlos Correa to play third. The 27-year-old is now blocked in the infield with
Jose Altuve moving back to second base, and at designated hitter (
Yordan Alvarez). Paredes is moving around at multiple different positions this spring, and a utility role might be his best path to playing time, barring an injury. Despite playing in only 102 games, Paredes reached the 20-homer mark for the third time in his six MLB seasons while slashing .254/.352/.458 with an .809 OPS. His 2026 fantasy value is unsettled without a clear path to regular playing time. A trade out of town with an everyday role would be the best outcome from a fantasy perspective.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
February 18, 2026
Sacramento Kings' newly acquired forward
De'Andre Hunter (eye) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Orlando Magic. Hunter missed the previous three games with a left eye injury that began before the All-Star break. The forward was traded to Sacramento from the Cleveland Cavaliers during this season's trade deadline and has played just three games with the Kings. With him set to miss another game on Thursday, forward
Precious Achiuwa should start, while rookies
Maxime Raynaud and
Nique Clifford should be major beneficiaries of the number of injuries affecting the Kings' lineup.
--Nathan HarveySource: James Ham
February 18, 2026
Golden State Warriors center
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Boston Celtics, but he told reporters he plans to make his debut with the team. Porzingis was traded to the Warriors from the Atlanta Hawks at this season's trade deadline after playing just 17 games with them. Many expect Porzingis to be the perfect fit with the Warriors, barring health. The former fourth-overall pick has averaged 19.6 points per game in his career, shooting over 36% from three in each of the last four seasons. With Porzingis expected to play, centers
Al Horford and
Quinten Post should see fewer minutes moving forward, while Porzingis should be more of a factor from a fantasy perspective.
--Nathan HarveySource: Anthony Slater - ESPN
February 18, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Toronto Raptors but practiced in full on Wednesday and expects to play. Giddey has missed the previous eight games with a strained left hamstring, and the team has struggled, losing seven of its last eight games without him. The former sixth-overall pick has had a career year in his fifth season, averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in 32 minutes per game. With Giddey expected to return on Thursday, expect guards
Collin Sexton,
Jaden Ivey, and
Rob Dillingham to see fewer minutes and less offensive production moving forward.
--Nathan HarveySource: K.C. Johnson
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