Garrett Crochet Ditches Changeup for Splitter
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet replaced his changeup with a splitter during the offseason, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. Crochet reportedly used informative videos from pitching coach Andrew Bailey and coach Devin Rose to experiment and ultimately implement the new pitch while working out at Vanderbilt University during the offseason. Crochet only threw his changeup 4% of the time last year, but it produced an impressive .080 wOBA and 42.1% whiff rate. In comparison to the changeup, we'd expected his splitter to have an even lower spin rate, and perhaps additional drop (lower induced vertical break). Crochet posted a spectacular 2.64 xFIP during his first season in Boston last year, and he ranks as RotoBaller's #2 starter heading into 2026 fantasy baseball drafts.
Source: Jen McCaffrey
Source: Jen McCaffrey
Yimi Garcia Has Been Throwing, Might be Ready for Opening Day
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Yimi Garcia (right elbow) has been "feeling good and throwing for numerous weeks now," manager John Schneider told Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Garcia underwent surgery to clean up scar tissue in his right elbow last September, and he also dealt with an ankle sprain last season. Schneider wouldn't officially commit to Garcia being on the Opening Day roster, but the pennant-winning skipper did express optimism that he might be ready for the season opener. The Jays, of course, will be cautious with Garcia's build-up and have no plans to rush him back. Injuries limited the veteran reliever to 21 innings last year, during which he amassed 10.71 K/9, 5.14 BB/9, and 0.86 HR/9 along with a 3.85 FIP. He has just 12 saves over his last four seasons but can still be trusted in leverage situations this year, assuming he's healthy and returns to his pre-injury form.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Source: Arden Zwelling
Deandre Ayton Ruled Out Tuesday
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday night's action against the San Antonio Spurs, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. Ayton was initially listed as questionable for the game. The Lakers will be extremely shorthanded for this matchup, with Luka Doncic (hamstring), LeBron James (foot), Austin Reaves (calf), and Marcus Smart (ankle) also out. Jaxson Hayes is set to take over the starting center role from Ayton, making his sixth start of the campaign. Previously, Hayes has averaged 10.6 points and 4.2 rebounds as a member of the first unit.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Jakob Poeltl Listed as Questionable for Wednesday
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) seems to be nearing his return after picking up a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The Austrian big man has been limited by a back issue throughout the season, and last saw action on Dec. 21. Toronto could really use Poeltl on Wednesday after losing Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb). However, given his lengthy absence, Poeltl may only see limited minutes on Wednesday night. In that case, the frontcourt will rely heavily on Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ricky Tiedemann Will be Stretched Out to Multiple Innings
Toronto Blue Jays left-handed pitcher Ricky Tiedemann (elbow) will be stretched out to multiple innings during spring training, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. Tiedemann is coming off Tommy John surgery, and while the Jays will stretch him out during the coming weeks, he won't be in a bulk role for the entire season. The organization will evaluate his workload on a month-to-month basis, and he has a shot to make his MLB debut as a bullpen option late in the season. Tiedemann hasn't thrown in a live game since 2024, when he amassed just 17.1 innings before getting injured. He made four short Triple-A starts that year, posting 12 walks and 11 strikeouts over nine innings of work. That was a small sample size, though, and he had pitched to a much more encouraging 1.68 FIP, 16.77 K/9, and 4.70 BB/9 in the minors the year before. Toronto won't rush the former third-round pick into making his MLB debut, but the fact that he's already on the 40-man roster bodes well for his chances of making the big-league squad at some point in 2026.
Source: Arden Zwelling
Source: Arden Zwelling
Collin Murray-Boyles Out Wednesday
Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) won't play on Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons. The rookie big man aggravated a thumb injury in Sunday's win over Indiana and will be kept out of action through the All-Star break to allow proper healing. Jakob Poeltl (back) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report and could return on Wednesday. Still, even with the Austrian giant back in the mix, Sandro Mamukelashvili appears set for a busy night against the Eastern Conference leaders.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Nicolas Claxton Added to Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (hip) could miss Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers after landing on the injury report with a questionable tag. Claxton was not listed on the initial injury report on Tuesday, but the team later added him because of right hip soreness. It would be a shame if Claxton had to sit out Wednesday's action, as he just posted a season-high 28 points on Monday night against Chicago. Day'Ron Sharpe's fantasy stock would get a big boost if Claxton gave up his starting spot to him on Wednesday. In three previous starts this season, Sharpe has averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 2.3 steals.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
George Springer Returning From Myriad of Injuries
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (knee, oblique, wrist) dealt with a variety of injuries during the 2025 season, according to manager John Schneider. In addition to the previously reported knee and oblique soreness, Schneider said Tuesday that Springer also experienced right wrist discomfort as the season went along. The injuries impacted Springer's ability to throw, but he recovered well during the offseason and is not expected to face any setbacks for the 2026 regular season. Schneider specifically noted that Springer "is going to be out (in the OF) whenever we need him." That's good news for the Jays and fantasy managers after the veteran outfielder slashed .309/.399/.560 with 32 home runs and 166 wRC+ across 140 games last year. He spent most of 2025 in the designated hitter slot but could be tasked with playing more outfield innings after Anthony Santander (shoulder) was ruled out for at least five months. Springer currently ranks as the #26 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
Source: Ben Nicholson-Smith
Source: Ben Nicholson-Smith
Cedric Coward Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward Cedric Coward (knee) is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. He hurt his right knee in Monday's loss to Golden State, and the injury will likely keep Coward sidelined for at least one game. Coward has enjoyed a strong rookie campaign as a regular starter in Memphis, averaging 13.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Taylor Hendricks are set to have more fantasy appeal with Coward on the shelf. The former replaced the 22-year-old in the starting lineup for the second half on Monday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kazuma Okamoto Will See Time at First Base
Toronto Blue Jays corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto will see some time at first base, according to manager John Schneider. Okamoto is widely viewed as a third baseman, but he played both corner infield spots in Japan. In fact, he posted an impressive .996 fielding percentage across 130 games at first base in 2024. Presumably, he'll be the Jays' go-to first baseman when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is designated hitting. Schneider's willingness to play Okamoto at first could also indicate that he wants to get Guerrero fewer games in the field. No matter how the lineup looks, it's encouraging to know that Schneider plans to get Okamoto's bat in the lineup consistently, whether that's at first base or third base. He slashed .327/.416/.598 with 15 homers and 210 wRC+ during his final season in Japan, and he walked as much as he struck out. He currently ranks as the #27 third baseman in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for the 2026 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
De'Anthony Melton Iffy for Wednesday Night
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (glute) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's clash against the San Antonio Spurs. He is nursing a glute contusion and may come out of the lineup after appearing in five consecutive games. Melton has been a starter for each of the last three contests. If Melton is a no-go on Wednesday night, we may see Brandin Podziemski return to the first unit. He has also been a big part of the rotation off the bench, but a starting role would make Podziemski an even more appealing fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Andrew Wiggins Could Miss Wednesday's Action
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (toe) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's fantastic fantasy matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. The veteran is dealing with a toe issue and may join Tyler Herro (back), Norman Powell (back), and Pelle Larsson (elbow) on the sidelines. With so many regulars out injured, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Simone Fontecchio, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Dru Smith are getting extra run-outs in the rotation. Jakucionis has performed the best of the group in recent games, scoring 20-plus points in back-to-back outings.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Reese Olson Won't Pitch in 2026
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Reese Olson (right shoulder) has been ruled out for the entire 2026 season after undergoing labral repair surgery, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. He was officially placed on the 60-day injured list on Tuesday. Olson battled multiple injuries last year and ultimately made just 13 starts. He missed a month and a half during the early portion of the season due to ring finger inflammation, and then he was sidelined from late July through the end of the season due to his shoulder issue. Across 68.2 innings of work, he posted a 3.50 FIP with 8.52 K/9, 3.28 BB/9, and 0.66 HR/9. His long-term absence provides a better explanation for why Detroit signed veteran starter Justin Verlander to a one-year deal on Tuesday. Verlander should replace Olson as the Tigers' No. 4 starter entering the 2026 season, barring any other unforeseen transactions or injuries.
Source: Jason Beck
Source: Jason Beck
Pelle Larsson Out Wednesday Against Pelicans
Miami Heat guard/forward Pelle Larsson (elbow) will miss Wednesday's action against the New Orleans Pelicans. An elbow injury will keep Larsson sidelined for a third consecutive game. Miami is currently carrying several injuries, increasing the importance of Jaime Jaquez Jr., Simone Fontecchio, and Kasparas Jakucionis in the rotation. All three could make noise in Wednesday's favorable matchup against a struggling team that has the fourth-lowest defensive rating in the Association.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tyler Herro Ruled Out for 15th Straight Game
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (ribs) won't play on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. He has been ruled out for a 15th straight game due to a right costochondral injury to the ribs. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra noted on Monday that Herro is "making progress." However, it remains unclear when he can suit up again. Miami also won't have Norman Powell (back) and Pelle Larsson (forearm) on Wednesday, while Andrew Wiggins (toe) is listed as questionable. In this situation, the team must lean more on Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and Dru Smith.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tre Jones Expected to Remain Out Wednesday
Chicago Bulls point guard Tre Jones (hamstring) is considered doubtful to play on Wednesday against the Boston Celtics. This suggests he will be out for an 11th consecutive game. Josh Giddey (hamstring) also remains doubtful on the injury report, meaning Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey will likely continue to start in the backcourt. There will also be a healthy amount of minutes available off the bench for Collin Sexton and Rob Dillingham. Simons (23 points) and Sexton (21 points) finished as Chicago's leading scorers in Monday's 123-115 loss to Brooklyn.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Malik Monk Still Out With Illness
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (illness) will remain out on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz, missing a third straight game. He has been bothered by an illness lately, exiting the lineup after having his strongest stretch of the season. Russell Westbrook (ankle), Zach LaVine (finger), De'Andre Hunter (eye), Keegan Murray (ankle), and Domantas Sabonis (knee) are also on Sacramento's long list of injuries, opening up additional playing time for Devin Carter, Nique Clifford, Daeqwon Plowden, Maxime Raynaud, and Dylan Cardwell. The Kings' players will be very attractive fantasy options on Wednesday, as Utah has the league's worst defensive rating.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Zach LaVine to Miss Third Consecutive Game
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine (finger) will be held out for a third consecutive game on Wednesday versus the Utah Jazz. Health issues have plagued LaVine all season, and he is currently nursing a finger injury. With Russell Westbrook (ankle) and Malik Monk (illness) also missing from the backcourt rotation, Devin Carter, Nique Clifford, and Daeqwon Plowden have larger roles. Carter is the safest fantasy option among the three players, though Clifford demonstrated his ability to get hot with a career-high 30 points against Cleveland on Saturday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Giants Interview Brian Callahan for QB Coaching Job
The New York Giants interviewed former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan for their quarterbacks coaching job, sources told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Callahan served in the same role with the Detroit Lions and Las Vegas Raiders from 2016 to 2018 before serving as the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator for five years. There were rumors that Callahan might go back to the Bengals, but that was only possible if Dan Pitcher left as the OC, and that did not happen. If Callahan were to sign with the Giants, he'd be coaching under head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy while working with impressive young quarterback Jaxson Dart. Callahan flamed out as the Titans' head coach the last two seasons, but he could be a positive influence for Dart's development if he's hired by the G-Men.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Domantas Sabonis Unavailable Wednesday
Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (knee) will sit out a fourth consecutive game on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz. The second-generation NBA player has been listed as out for left knee injury management. He has also recently dealt with a back problem. Sabonis' absence means Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell will continue to share minutes at center. Both rookies have played well recently, though Raynaud holds a slight edge on Cardwell from a fantasy perspective, as he has been Sabonis' direct replacement in the starting lineup. The French big man was one rebound short of a 20-20 game on Monday versus New Orleans.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Russell Westbrook Won't Play Wednesday
Sacramento Kings point guard Russell Westbrook (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz. The veteran star recently missed three games with a sore foot and is now dealing with a left ankle issue. With Westbrook on the shelf, fantasy managers should give Devin Carter a look, especially with four other regulars missing Wednesday's game. Carter has averaged 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists across the last four games. On Wednesday, he will face a team that has allowed the most fantasy points to point guards this season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Lauri Markkanen Now Listed as Available for Wednesday
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (rest) is set to play on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. He was initially listed as out for rest as Utah begins a back-to-back. With Markkanen in the lineup on Wednesday, he likely won't play in Thursday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. Given recent developments, fantasy managers shouldn't expect full value from Markkanen on Wednesday, as the tanking Jazz have begun resting him during games, keeping him off the floor in the fourth quarter.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Klay Thompson Won't Suit Up Tuesday
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Klay Thompson (rest) will skip Tuesday's contest against the Phoenix Suns. The five-time All-Star will be rested after appearing in five consecutive games. Khris Middleton will be a fresh face in the rotation on Tuesday and will help compensate for Thompson's absence. Brandon Williams and Tyus Jones could also get more action off the bench. Thompson has been fairly durable during the season and will likely return to action on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Klint Kubiak to Call Offensive Plays for Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders new head coach Klint Kubiak told reporters on Tuesday that he will call the offensive plays in 2026, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "I plan on continuing to collaborate with our coaches and making everybody a part of the game planning process," Kubiak said. In all likelihood, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be running Kubiak's offense next season after veteran Geno Smith was a disaster under center in 2025. Under Kubiak's guidance in Seattle, Sam Darnold led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. The Seahawks ranked third in points per game (28.4) during the regular season with Kubiak as the offensive coordinator, and they also finished eighth in total yards per game (351.4), eighth in passing yards per game (228.1), and 11th in rushing yards per game (123.3).
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Rob Havenstein Announces his Retirement
Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein announced his retirement from professional football on his Instagram account on Tuesday, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Havenstein will hang up his cleats after 11 seasons in the NFL, all of which were with the Rams after they selected him in the second round in 2015 out of Wisconsin. The 33-year-old veteran started all 148 of the regular-season games that he appeared in with the Rams in his 11 seasons in the NFL, and he won one Super Bowl ring with the organization. An ankle injury limited him to only seven regular-season games in 2025, and Havenstein also played in just 11 regular-season contests in 2024 due to injury. Havenstein was a stalwart right tackle for the Rams during his time with the team, and he won't be easy to replace moving forward.
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop
Jake Bobo Played Super Bowl With a Pin in his Hand
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (hand) played 35 offensive snaps in the Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots despite being less than two weeks removed from hand surgery, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. Bobo had a pin put in his right hand to fix a metacarpal fracture the day after the NFC Championship game against the Los Angeles Rams. "Got the stitches out yesterday and was ready to go," Bobo said on Sunday after the Super Bowl victory. The 27-year-old caught two passes on three targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in the first two playoff games, but he wasn't targeted at all in the Super Bowl. Bobo caught both of his targets for 20 yards in 11 regular-season games and will enter this offseason as a restricted free agent. Regardless of where Bobo is playing in 2026, he'll be off the fantasy football radar.
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Dawson Knox a Cut Candidate
The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia lists Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox as a cut candidate this offseason. The Bills can save $9.664 million if they were to cut Knox, who caught 36 of his 49 targets for 417 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in 2025. Buffalo already has Dalton Kincaid and Jackson Hawes, players with complementary skill sets, and the team has already committed to giving Kincaid his fifth-year option for 2027. Hawes is signed through 2028. Knox has a solid blend of both pass-catching and blocking skills, and he's also one of quarterback Josh Allen's best friends on the team, which makes a decision to cut him more difficult. Ultimately, saving over $9 million will probably trump everything else. Buffalo currently projects to be over the 2026 salary cap by just $7 million. The 29-year-old Knox might see a bump in fantasy value if he joins a new team.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Shedeur Sanders Should be Given Opportunity to Win Starting QB Job
The Athletic's Zac Jackson predicts that the Cleveland Browns give quarterback Shedeur Sanders the "runway to be the No. 1 QB for the summer and early fall." Sanders, who fell to the fifth round in last year's NFL draft, held the starting gig for the final seven games of the 2025 season and was predictably inconsistent, completing 56.6% of his 212 pass attempts for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 picks. He added 21 rushing attempts for 169 yards and a touchdown. Along with Sanders, Deshaun Watson (Achilles) and Dillon Gabriel are the only other QBs on the roster. As of now, Sanders is probably first in line, but it's early in the offseason, and the depth chart remains fluid. New head coach Todd Monken was non-committal on the QB situation at his first press conference. The Browns could add to the QB competition by taking a signal-caller in this year's draft, giving Sanders more competition.
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Source: The Athletic - Zac Jackson
Keyonte George to Miss Second Straight Game
Utah Jazz point guard Keyonte George (ankle) will miss a second consecutive game on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. Due to an ankle injury, George has featured just once since the start of February. In George's absence, Isaiah Collier has made a big mark, averaging 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 11.8 assists, and 2.4 steals across the last five games. There are also additional minutes available for Vince Williams Jr., who tallied five points, seven assists, and one steal in 15 minutes off the bench in Monday's win over Miami.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Lauri Markkanen Won't Play Wednesday Night
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (rest) won't be in action on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. The team will begin a back-to-back set and has decided to rest Markkanen for the first game. With Keyonte George (ankle) also out of the lineup, the Jazz will rely primarily on Jaren Jackson Jr., Isaiah Collier, and Ace Bailey for offensive production. The trio combined for 51 points in Monday's 115-111 win over Miami. Meanwhile, Cody Williams and Brice Sensabaugh are likely to log more playing time without Markkanen.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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