March 2, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Max Scherzer is with the team at camp and threw a side session in full uniform on Monday, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. Scherzer could make his Grapefruit League debut as early as this Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer signed a one-year, $3 million deal with Toronto last week to return for a 19th major-league season. The eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner could be ready to open the year in the team's starting rotation despite signing late this spring. Scherzer will always be a bulldog, but Father Time is catching up with him. He went 5-5 with a career-high 5.19 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 82:23 K:BB in 85 innings over 17 regular-season starts. Not only is Scherzer no longer dominant on the mound, but durability is a major concern. Scherzer could be a matchup-based streamer in the right matchups, but he's outside RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitcher rankings.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith
March 2, 2026
Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat scored and added an assist in Monday afternoon's win versus the Nashville Predators. Halfway through the second period, DeBrincat assisted on Lucas Raymond's 20th goal of the year, and then with 28 seconds left in the game, he scored an empty-net goal to make it 4-2. DeBrincat now has 31 goals and 29 assists on the campaign, and he is leading the Red Wings in scoring.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 2, 2026
Chicago White Sox outfielder
Andrew Benintendi (side) took swings in camp on Sunday and planned to do so again on Monday, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Benintendi said he would be playing if it were the regular season, but there is no reason to rush things on March 2. He is expected to be back in Grapefruit League action after Wednesday's off day. The 31-year-old veteran has been out since being scratched from Friday's spring game with right-side soreness, but he should be ready for Opening Day later this month, barring a setback. Benintendi has quietly hit 20 home runs in each of the last two seasons, but that is pretty much his ceiling, and he hasn't offered much else on one of the worst teams in baseball. He's outside of RotoBaller's top-100 outfield rankings despite being Chicago's starting left fielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
March 2, 2026
The Houston Texans plan to release veteran safety Jimmie Ward (foot) after his contract tolled last year on the Physically Unable to Perform list, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Ward was scheduled for a $2.75 million base salary in 2026. Ward didn't play a single snap for the Texans in 2025 and had foot surgery in December. The 34-year-old veteran defensive back is nearing the end of his career and probably won't have a strong market in free agency this offseason. By cutting Ward, the Texans will save $750,000 in salary cap space for this season. The former 30th overall pick in 2014 by the San Francisco 49ers out of Northern Illinois, Ward only played in 20 games in his time in Houston since the start of the 2023 season, and he recorded 98 tackles (65 solo), five tackles for loss, three interceptions (one returned for a TD), seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
--Keith HernandezSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
March 2, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams announced on Monday that they tendered exclusive-rights free-agent kicker
Harrison Mevis and wide receiver
Xavier Smith. Neither Mevis nor Smith will be allowed to negotiate with other teams this offseason. Mevis, 23, made his NFL debut last year and was impressive, making 12 of his 13 field-goal attempts (made his lone try from 50-plus yards) and all 39 of his extra-point tries in nine regular-season games. He finished the year ranked as the No. 8 fantasy kicker in terms of fantasy points per game at 8.3. In the playoffs, Mevis was a perfect 15-for-15 on field goals (six) and extra-point tries. The former undrafted kicker out of Missouri should enter the 2026 season as the favorite to be L.A.'s starting kicker, which will make him pretty attractive in fantasy football in one of the league's highest-scoring offenses.
--Keith HernandezSource: Los Angeles Rams
March 2, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets right winger Kirill Marchenko scored twice and added an assist in Monday's 5-4 overtime victory against the New York Rangers. His first goal came on the power play with 4:28 left in the first period, and the second one was the game-winning goal in overtime. Marchenko now has 23 goals and 27 assists for 50 total points in the 2025-26 season. He will continue to provide top-100 value for fantasy managers.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 2, 2026
A T6 finish last week for Nicolai Hojgaard was a solid accomplishment after making the cut on the number on Friday. Rounds of 66-65 on the weekend earned the Dane his third top 10 in his last four starts. He has missed the cut in both career appearances at the Arnold Palmer Invitational; however, he looks primed to change that this week. He hasn't struck the ball as well with his long irons as others throughout his bag, but his overall ability from tee to green vastly outshines that lone hiccup. He's currently the sixth-ranked player on the PGA Tour in strokes gained from tee to green (+1.681). Perhaps the biggest question is whether he can hang around on a more demanding golf course that is more about limiting mistakes than going pedal to the metal. Play him with confidence.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
March 2, 2026
San Diego Padres shortstop
Xander Bogaerts is the leading candidate to hit leadoff for the team this season, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee. Bogaerts has been the team's most common leadoff hitter so far in Cactus League play and appears to be the club's top choice to fill the No. 1 role this year, with outfielder
Fernando Tatis Jr. moving to the third or fourth spot in the batting order. The 33-year-old veteran's plate skills are declining, but a move to the top of the lineup will definitely help him get more plate appearances and perhaps rack up some more counting stats, at least in runs scored. Second baseman
Jake Cronenworth is another candidate for manager
Craig Stammen to hit leadoff this year. Bogaerts hit 11 homers for the second straight year in 2025 and also had a career-best 20 steals, but he was mostly underwhelming. A move to the leadoff spot will make him slightly more attractive as middle-infield depth with middling power and speed.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
March 2, 2026
Missouri wide receiver
KEvin Coleman Jr. had a modest performance at the NFL scouting combine, trying to sneak into the conversation as a potential Day 2 pick. Most mock drafts seem to have Coleman being selected on Day 3, and he likely needed a better Combine to significantly bump up his projected selection. In the end, Coleman had a 4.49-second 40-yard dash (24th out of 34 wide receivers) and a 10-foot, six-inch broad jump (18th out of 25 wide receivers). He ranks as the #41 rookie in RotoBaller's latest superflex dynasty leagues for football in 2026. The stats are a little more encouraging, as Coleman finished the year with 732 yards and nine touchdowns. He is a projected fourth-round pick and, at best, will be an end-of-draft option for many dynasty managers.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 2, 2026
Washington wide receiver
Denzel Boston chose not to participate in most testing at the NFL Scouting Combine. Boston opted out of major drills, such as the 40-yard dash, and was only evaluated in the 20-yard shuttle and vertical jump. He finished the shuttle drill in 4.28 seconds, ranking third out of seven wide receivers. Meanwhile, his 35" vertical jump ranked 21st among 30 receivers. Draft critics seem to have mixed opinions on whether Boston should have completed more drills. On one hand, he posted a great stat line of 881 yards and 11 touchdowns in college last season, which could speak for itself -- or at least provide a lot more context than an individual Scouting Combine drill. On the other hand, for a healthy player without top-tier status, participating in more tests could have boosted his status among teams that weren't previously sold on him. For what it's worth, Boston still ranks as the #2 wide receiver and #5 prospect in RotoBaller's latest superflex rookie rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 2, 2026
There isn't much to say about what happened to Shane Lowry on Sunday at the Cognizant Classic. It was a bit unbelievable to watch in the moment, undoubtedly more so to be living it. The only thing the 38-year-old can do is move forward, and the look ahead to another week is the one constant (whether good or bad) that players can count on. He comes to Bay Hill having finished solo third and solo seventh in the last two years. Regardless of what happened in the Palm Beaches, Lowry is still an elite long iron player, ranking in the 95th percentile in strokes gained per approach shot over 200 yards (+0.127). His accuracy off the tee always gives him a chance around Arnie's place. The putter has also cooperated since coming to the States, averaging +0.733 strokes gained on the greens. Obviously, it's hard to know his headplace since leaving PGA National, but the stats give him as good a chance as any this week.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
March 2, 2026
San Diego Padres All-Star outfielder
Fernando Tatis Jr. is expected to hit either third or fourth in the team's batting order this year, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Tatis primarily hit leadoff for the Friars in 2025, so this is a notable development as he enters his seventh year in the big leagues. Shortstop
Xander Bogaerts is expected to move to the leadoff role this season. The 27-year-old Tatis will have more RBI opportunities in the heart of the order, but he'll also have fewer plate appearances and will most likely score fewer runs. Tatis hit .268/.368/.446 with an .814 OPS, 25 home runs, 71 RBI, 111 runs scored, and 32 stolen bases in 691 plate appearances over 155 regular-season games. He's probably not going to return to the 40-homer mark as he did before his PED suspension, but he remains a solid power/speed asset as a top-10 fantasy outfielder, especially if he can continue to show the improved plate discipline he had in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee
March 2, 2026
USC wide receiver
Makai Lemon is one of the most talented prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, but character concerns could result in him falling down draft boards. Former NFL player Breiden Fehoko posted on X that he "talked to a scout just now who said he didn't know what Makai Lemon's motive was behind his combine interviews but whoever advised the kid needs to be fired. 'Absolutely bombed it.'" We can only put so much stock into an unconfirmed report from a non-established source, but it's worth noting that Fehoko's claims were echoed by some other media personalities in attendance at the Scouting Combine. It's unfortunate for the young prospect, who could be the first wide receiver off the board after posting 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Time will tell whether the pure talent allows scouts to overlook potential character concerns or if the developments of the past week will impact his draft stock.
--Andersen PickardSource: Breiden Fehoko
March 2, 2026
Miami Marlins outfielder
Kyle Stowers (hamstring) took 30 swings and played catch in camp on Sunday, according to Christina De Nicola. Stowers will take some live at-bats in the next few days and will also start a running progression soon as he continues to recover from a mild right-hamstring strain. The 28-year-old left-handed hitter is expected to be back in Grapefruit League action in one to two weeks, and he should be ready for Opening Day at the end of the month, barring a setback. Stowers is a rising fantasy outfielder -- he's ranked at No. 33 at RotoBaller -- after a breakout 2025 campaign in his first full season in Miami. He was the team's lone All-Star representative and finished his fourth MLB season with a .288/.368/.544 slash line, .912 OPS, 25 homers, 73 RBI, 61 runs, and five stolen bases in 457 plate appearances and 117 games. Stowers' batted-ball metrics are promising, but injuries could be an issue.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
March 2, 2026
Indiana quarterback and top NFL Draft prospect
Fernando Mendoza continues to generate plenty of buzz. Even though the reigning national champion didn't work out at the Scouting Combine, he still attended for team interviews and media availability. With the draft less than two months away, it appears that Mendoza remains the consensus No. 1 pick in most NFL mock drafts. However, there's a bit of a discrepancy between NFL mock drafts and fantasy football mock drafts. In superflex dynasty leagues, managers will have to make a tougher decision between Mendoza or Notre Dame running back
Jeremiyah Love at the 1.01 selection. Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy with 3,535 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, 276 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, and six interceptions. He was elite, but his projected NFL landing spot -- the Las Vegas Raiders -- is less than ideal. The alternative is Love, who had 1,652 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns. Those are impressive numbers considering that he shared some of his snap share with
Jadarian Price and also dealt with adversity after Notre Dame made a midseason coaching change. The decision of which player to draft at 1.01 will likely come down to managers' positional needs and Love's landing spot. For what it's worth, RotoBaller's latest rookie superflex rankings have Love at #1 and Mendoza at #2.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 2, 2026
Notre Dame running back
Jadarian Price put together an impressive performance at the Scouting Combine ahead of next month's NFL Draft. He finished with 21 reps in the bench press, which ranked fourth-most among running back prospects, and his 4.36-second 40-yard dash time ranked second. These results follow an impressive NCAA season that saw Price post 674 rushing yards, 87 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns. He has a nose for the end zone and averaged 6.0 yards per carry, showcasing a blend of scoring and yardage efficiency that should set him up for success in the NFL and in fantasy football. A potential second-round pick in the NFL Draft, Price ranks as the #31 running back in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 2, 2026
Louisville wide receiver
Chris Bell (knee) said last Friday that he is on track in his recovery from a torn ACL that he suffered on Nov. 22 of last year, and he should be able to take part in training camp this summer, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN. Bell went through medical evaluations at last week's NFL scouting combine but didn't take part in any workouts and is not expected to have a pro-day workout before April's NFL draft. He said he's been cleared by Dallas Cowboys team physician Dr. Dan Cooper, who performed Bell's surgery. Mel Kiper Jr.'s No. 11 WR in this year's draft class will begin running this week. Despite coming off a torn ACL, the 6-foot-2, 222-pounder could come off the board in the second round of this year's NFL draft because of his size and speed combination. Bell tallied 72 taches for 917 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 in his final season at Louisville.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold
March 2, 2026
Matt Fitzpatrick finished tied for 24th at the Genesis Invitational two weeks ago and will now prepare for this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando, Florida. Fitzpatrick now has three straight top-25 finishes and will look to rely on his strong approach play this week. He's gained strokes on approach in all four of his starts this season and has only lost strokes off the tee in one of those starts. Over the past 12 months, Fitzpatrick ranks in the 38th percentile in greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is worth mentioning because, at last year's Arnold Palmer Invitational, over 37% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
March 2, 2026
Keegan Bradley missed the cut at the Genesis Invitational two weeks ago and will need to find his approach game to compete at Bay Hill. Bradley has lost strokes on approach in three of his four starts this season. Bradley finished tied for fifth at Bay Hill in 2025 and tied for 36th in 2024. Over the past 12 months, Bradley ranks in the 44th percentile in greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway. This is worth noting because, at last year's Arnold Palmer Invitational, over 37% of approach shots came from this distance.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
March 2, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Cedric Mullins went deep for the first time in spring training on Friday in a Grapefruit League game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Mullins went 2-for-2 with two RBI. He entered Monday's action hitting .250 (2-for-8) with a homer, two RBI, and two runs scored in his first four spring games with Tampa. The 31-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder is coming off a disappointing 2025 season spent with the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets. Mullins hit .216/.299/.391 with a .690 OPS, 17 home runs, 59 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases in 498 plate appearances over 133 games played. He's probably no longer a threat for 30 homers and 30 stolen bases, but he did have 15 homers and 49 RBI in just 91 games for Baltimore before being traded to New York last year. Mullins isn't going to be a help in batting average, but he can help with counting stats as outfield depth as Tampa's starting center fielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
March 2, 2026
Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder
Jac Caglianone struggled in his first taste of the big leagues last year, but he came into Monday hitting .400 (6-for-15) with a home run, four RBI, six runs scored, five walks, and three strikeouts in his first six Cactus League games in spring training. His homer last Tuesday was a 460-foot blast that had an exit velocity of 115.2 mph. We all know that Cags has elite power upside from the left side of the plate, although he slashed just .157/.237/.295 with a .532 OPS, seven home runs, 18 RBI, and a 52:18 K: BB in 232 plate appearances over 62 games with the Royals in 2025. Caglianone hit well under .200 against left-handed pitchers. The 23-year-old former first-rounder out of the University of Florida still has tons of projectable upside, but he'll need to improve against lefties and make more contact going into his first full MLB campaign in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
March 2, 2026
Houston Astros infielder
Isaac Paredes went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Paredes missed a huge chunk of last season due to a severe hamstring injury, so the Astros chose to slow-play him in spring training. The 27-year-old is past his hamstring injury now, but playing time is a real concern for him going into the 2026 season if he remains in Houston.
Carlos Correa is the team's primary third baseman, and
Jose Altuve is moving back to second base on a more permanent basis, leaving Paredes as a man without an everyday position. Paredes' power from the right side of the plate is real, especially in Houston, and he has delivered 90 home runs in the last four seasons for fantasy managers. His homer on Saturday came off Bucs right-hander
Bubba Chandler. Unless a trade or injury for the Astros clears up regular playing time for him, Paredes will merely be a depth option for power at a corner-infield spot.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
March 2, 2026
San Francisco Giants right-hander
Logan Webb will start for Team USA against Team Brazil in the opener of the World Baseball Classic on Friday, according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale. Webb will be followed in Team USA's starting rotation by the Detroit Tigers'
Tarik Skubal (against Great Britain), Pittsburgh Pirates'
Paul Skenes (against Mexico), and New York Mets'
Nolan McLean (against Italy). Webb, 29, is already 2-0 in Cactus League play after giving up an earned run on two hits while striking out three and hitting one batter in three innings against the San Diego Padres on Sunday. He's expected to be available to throw 60 to 65 pitches in his outing for the USA on Friday. Webb, an All-Star each of the last two years, went 15-11 last year with a 3.22 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. He led the league in games started (34), innings (207), hits allowed (210), strikeouts (224), and batters faced (856).
--Keith HernandezSource: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
March 2, 2026
Detroit Tigers two-time Cy Young winner
Tarik Skubal is expected to throw around 55 pitches for Team USA against Team Great Britain in the second game of the World Baseball Classic before returning to Lakeland, Fla., to rejoin the Tigers in camp, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. Skubal is coming off another heavy workload last year, so he'll only pitch in one game in the WBC before heading back to spring training. The 29-year-old left-hander will be the No. 1 pitcher off the board in fantasy drafts after a second straight dominant year as the Tigers' ace, going 13-6 with a league-best 2.21 ERA and league-best 0.89 WHIP with 241 strikeouts and only 33 walks in 195 1/3 innings over 31 regular-season starts. He picked up where he left off in his first Grapefruit League start against the Twins, in which he allowed two hits over two scoreless innings while striking out four.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
March 2, 2026
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher
Kyle Freeland (back) is scheduled to make his spring debut in an exhibition game against Team USA on Wednesday. This will be the first appearance of the spring for Freeland, who has been slowed by a lingering back issue. He was able to throw a few bullpen sessions without any issues, so it appears the back injury is behind him. This isn't expected to be a long outing, but Freeland has time to build up his stamina ahead of Opening Day. The southpaw posted a 4.98 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and a 124/38 K/BB ratio across 31 starts with the Rockies last season. Freeland could offer some streaming appeal, but pitching is Coors Field is never a favorable situation for pitchers.
--Andy WebbSource: Thomas Harding
March 2, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
P.J. Washington (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Hornets after sitting out the team's last three contests due to a left ankle sprain. Dallas remains shorthanded, so Washington's status carries real fantasy weight. If he sits,
Max Christie and
Khris Middleton would see added opportunity. Christie delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, four triples, and two steals in 35 minutes last game, making him the preferred streamer. Middleton logged modest production in 25 minutes and remains a deeper-league option with a limited ceiling.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 2, 2026
Kansas City Royals outfielder
Dairon Blanco has been designated for assignment by the organization on Monday. Blanco gets booted off the roster with the Royals needing to free up a 40-man roster spot with the
Starling Marte signing becoming official on Monday. The 32-year-old only played in nine games with the Royals last season, but his speed is something that could make him an attractive option for other organizations. Blanco has stolen 59 bases across 285 plate appearances in parts of four seasons with the Royals. He could draw interest on waivers as possible outfield depth.
--Andy WebbSource: Kansas City Royals
March 2, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard
Egor Demin (foot) will miss Tuesday's game against Miami, sidelined for a second straight contest while managing a left plantar fascia issue. His next chance to return comes Thursday in a rematch with the Heat.
Nolan Traore should continue handling expanded responsibility after posting 17 points, two assists, one rebound, one triple, and one steal in 30 minutes last game.
Terance Mann and
Ziaire Williams saw minutes but failed to deliver usable fantasy lines. Traore is the preferred short-term streamer, while the rest remain fringe options.
--Brian DailisanSource: Collin Helwig
March 2, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (thumb) is probable heading into Tuesday's meeting with Miami. He's been dealing with a pinky issue for most of the campaign. Yet, the 26-year-old is on the injury report because of a right thumb sprain. Claxton has had a decent season, averaging 12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. However, he's seen a drastic reduction in minutes since the start of the year. With that said, Claxton is still a reliable fantasy performer, although he is expected to continue surrendering minutes to
Day'Ron Sharpe moving ahead.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
March 2, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard
Coby White (calf) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks for left calf injury management, the first leg of a back-to-back set before Wednesday's matchup in Boston. White is averaging 18 minutes per game with a 34 percent usage rate in a reserve role, but his absence does not open up viable streaming value.
Tre Mann,
Josh Green, and
Sion James are expected to absorb extra minutes, yet none produced meaningful lines last game.
LaMelo Ball and
Brandon Miller should continue dominating usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
RADIO
