January 26, 2026
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood (personal) was activated from the non-roster list. He is ready to rejoin the action after missing Sunday's win over the Toronto Maple Leafs for personal reasons. Wedgewood's wife, Brittany, gave birth to their second child on Thursday. Wedgewood is having an extraordinary season, sharing the league lead with a 2.18 goals-against average and ranking second with a .918 save percentage. He boasts a 20-3-5 record and has produced two shutouts. However, Wedgewood has lost some momentum recently, posting a 2-2-1 record in his last five starts.
--Taavi PailkSource: Colorado Avalanche
January 26, 2026
According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, Chicago Cubs second baseman
Nico Hoerner would be a "perfect fit" for the Boston Red Sox. While the Cubs appear hesitant to move Hoerner in a trade, the Red Sox could offer them a high-end, budding pitcher, which is what they have been seeking on the trade market this offseason. With the Red Sox signing
Ranger Suarez earlier this month, they could look to move one of their top emerging arms,
Payton Tolle or
Connelly Early, in a trade to acquire the second baseman. In 2025, Hoerner posted a strong .297/.345/.394 line with seven home runs and 29 stolen bases. He generated an elite 98th percentile xBA with a 7.6% K%. If Hoerner were to move to Boston, he would see a full-time role at second base, shifting
Romy Gonzalez and potentially
Kristian Campbell to a utility role.
--Andy SmithSource: Jen McCaffrey
January 26, 2026
Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov (lower body) didn't practice on Sunday, Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald reports. The Russian veteran was injured during Saturday's 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens. While he was able to finish the game, it's unclear whether Zadorov can play on Monday against the New York Rangers. So far, he has appeared in all 52 games this season, ranking third on his team with 130 hits and 76 blocks, while notching 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) on the offensive end. Bruins head coach Marco Sturm called Zadorov a game-time decision. If he can't play on Monday, Henri Jokiharju will step into the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Steve Conroy
January 26, 2026
According to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, New York Mets third baseman
Brett Baty is considered a potential option for the Red Sox. The Red Sox have been actively looking to improve their depth at third base during the offseason. They heavily targeted top infielders
Bo Bichette and
Alex Bregman in free agency but were unable to get a deal done. While they have also been linked to Houston's third baseman,
Isaac Paredes, Baty appears to also be in the mix. With the Mets signing Bichette, reports in New York suggest they may view Baty as a corner outfielder going forward, as their infield is now quite crowded. Last season, Baty took a massive step forward in his development, posting a .254/.313/.435 line with a career-best 13 doubles and 18 home runs. Baty would take on an everyday role in Boston and would carry sneaky sleeper appeal as a corner infielder, given his productive showing last season.
--Andy SmithSource: Christopher Smith
January 26, 2026
Ottawa Senators forward Stephen Halliday (undisclosed) didn't finish Sunday's 7-1 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights. He left the game in the third period after Golden Knights forward Tomas Hertl hit him into the stanchion. It was an unfortunate end to a big performance, as Halliday was one of the stars in the win. The 23-year-old had his first career multi-goal game, finishing with two goals and one assist. Halliday recently entered the lineup as a replacement for David Perron (groin). He has made 21 appearances this season, scoring three goals and 10 points. Senators captain Brady Tkachuk commented after the game that Halliday "feels good, feels okay. So hopefully it's nothing too severe." Still, the rookie could miss some time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder
Nick Yorke is expected to compete for a utility role during spring training, according to Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now. Yorke made his MLB debut during the 2024 campaign but has yet to earn an extended stint in the big leagues. In 2024, Yorke appeared in only 11 games and saw his role slightly increase last summer, logging 22 games. Across these 33 contests, the former 17th overall pick has held a .226/.272/.340 line with a low .612 OPS. Yorke has hit just three home runs and swiped three bags. However, through 104 games with Triple-A Indianapolis last season, Yorke carried a .287/.348/.406 line with seven home runs and 17 stolen bases, showing his potential to be a five-category contributor. With
Brandon Lowe covering the keystone, Yorke will likely compete for a utility role in the infield, serving as a complementary option to third baseman
Jared Triolo and shortstop
Nick Gonzales. He is worth monitoring in camp for managers in deeper 15+ team formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Danny Demilio
January 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jack St. Ivany (upper body) exited Sunday's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the first period. He saw only 2:54 of ice time before leaving the action due to an upper-body injury. St. Ivany had collected four assists over his last two outings before Sunday's game, providing a creative spark from the blue line while Erik Karlsson (lower body) and Kris Letang (upper body) dealt with injuries. Overall, St. Ivany has contributed seven assists in 17 appearances this season, but he is still searching for his first goal. Connor Clifton or Ilya Solovyov will come into the lineup if St. Ivany is ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 26, 2026
Houston Astros second baseman/third baseman
Isaac Paredes remains a top trade candidate for the Boston Red Sox. Houston currently has a logjam in the infield and may not be able to provide Paredes with everyday at-bats. Additionally, the Red Sox have a glaring need at third base and have attempted to fill this role throughout the offseason. They were linked to top free agents
Alex Bregman and
Bo Bichette, but were unable to reach an agreement. The Red Sox have also been linked to free agent
Eugenio Suarez. Paredes missed significant time during his first campaign in Houston but was very productive when on the field, posting a .254/.352/.458 line across 102 games. The infielder went deep 20 times and showed a strong eye at the plate, posting a 17.4% K% with an 11.4% BB%. If Paredes were to move to Boston, managers should expect him to operate as their everyday third baseman, potentially limiting
Marcelo Mayer's at-bats.
--Andy SmithSource: Christopher Smith
January 26, 2026
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser was on the receiving end of a high hit at the end of Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Penguins forward Bryan Rust hit Boeser in the head with an extended elbow as time expired. Canucks head coach Adam Foote called it a "vicious headshot." "I'm sure the league will take a look at it," Foote added. Boeser had scored in back-to-back games before the Penguins neutralized him. The 28-year-old has notched 12 goals and 25 points in 50 games this season. He has been a disappointment to fantasy managers after averaging 0.66 points per game last campaign. David Kampf was scratched on Sunday and could return to the lineup if Boeser has to miss time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 26, 2026
According to Chris Henrique of The Boston Sports Journal, the Red Sox have received interest in right-handed starting pitcher
Brayan Bello. Henrique notes that, given Boston's starting pitching depth, teams have begun to call to acquire Bello. Additionally, the team has started "quietly" gauging his value on the trade market. Bello logged a career-high 166 2/3 innings last season and posted a 3.35 ERA with a 1.24 WHIP. He struck out 124 hitters and showed solid command, allowing walks at an 8.4% rate. However, he posted a rather high 4.48 xERA, suggesting he may regress in 2026. With
Ranger Suarez joining the rotation and several budding arms in contention for a lead role like
Connelly Early and
Payton Tolle, the Red Sox may look to move Bello to improve their starting lineup instead.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Henrique
January 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (undisclosed) appeared to have gotten hurt during Sunday's 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks. He was seen grabbing his shoulder on the bench as the Penguins celebrated their win at the end of the game. Malkin scored Pittsburgh's first goal on Sunday and has looked fantastic since returning from an upper-body injury. Across his last 10 appearances, Malkin has produced five goals and six assists. He is averaging over a point per game for the season, with 13 goals and 27 assists in 40 outings. We should know more about what happened to Malkin before Thursday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
January 26, 2026
Chicago Cubs catching prospect
Moises Ballesteros appears poised to take on a larger role in the major leagues this season. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com notes that with outfielder
Owen Caissie now in Miami, Ballesteros faces minimal competition for everyday at-bats and should be in a great position to take on a lead role early in the campaign. Last summer, Ballesteros made his MLB debut and had success during his brief 20-game stint, holding a .298/.394/.474 line with two doubles, one triple, and two home runs. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Iowa, where the 22-year-old posted an impressive .316/.385/.473 line with an .858 OPS, 29 doubles, and 13 home runs. Given his projected role as the primary DH, Ballesteros carries sleeper appeal in all 12-team formats heading into 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Jordan Bastian
January 26, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward
Sam Merrill (hand) is questionable for Monday's game against Orlando as he works through a right-hand sprain that has already sidelined him for five straight contests. If Merrill remains out,
Jaylon Tyson continues to be the clear fantasy beneficiary, especially with
Darius Garland (toe) still unavailable. Tyson has started five straight games and is averaging 20.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers in 34.0 minutes during that span.
Craig Porter Jr. and
Tyrese Proctor are tough to trust, offering only matchup-based fantasy value.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Boston as he works through a lower-back strain that already cost him one contest. If Avdija sits again, Portland's wing rotation stays fluid.
Sidy Cissoko logged 33 minutes on Friday but managed just three points with three rebounds, limiting his fantasy appeal to deep leagues.
Caleb Love is the cleaner streamer after producing 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 29 minutes, while
Rayan Rupert remains a minutes-based flier with inconsistent usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Zaccharie Risacher (knee) will sit again Monday against Indiana, extending his absence to nine straight games as he continues to recover from a left knee bone bruise. The second-year forward has recently ramped up activity with a G League assignment, suggesting a return may be getting closer. Until then, Atlanta's wing rotation remains unsettled.
Corey Kispert and
Vit Krejci continue to pick up minutes, but neither has delivered consistent fantasy value. Kispert has reached eight points just twice in his last five games and rarely clears 20 minutes, while Krejci's fluctuating role keeps him limited to deep-league consideration.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) will miss Monday's game against Indiana, extending his absence to nine straight contests as he continues to manage left Achilles tendinitis. A clearer return window could emerge soon, with Wednesday next on the schedule. His continued absence locks
Onyeka Okongwu into a featured frontcourt role. Okongwu delivered 25 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 36 minutes in the win over Phoenix and remains a strong fantasy start. His expanded workload keeps him firmly in must-roster territory, while Atlanta's frontcourt rotation stays condensed.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward
Austin Reaves (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against Chicago as he continues to work back from a left calf strain. Reaves has advanced to full-contact practice, but the Lakers are opting for caution with his return, eyeing Wednesday as his next chance to play. His absence keeps
Marcus Smart in a stable rotation role. Over his last five games, Smart is averaging 14.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.4 three-pointers in 28.6 minutes, making him a serviceable short-term fantasy hold.
LeBron James and
Luka Doncic also maintain elevated usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
January 26, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Kris Dunn (ankle) exited in the second quarter Sunday after turning his right ankle and was unable to return, though he remained on the bench for the second half. Dunn finished with two points, three rebounds, and one steal in 13 minutes, putting his availability for the next game in question. If he sits,
Kobe Sanders profiles as the primary minutes beneficiary after logging 30 minutes off the bench and posting nine points, four rebounds, and two assists. Sanders becomes a short-term deep-league streamer, while
Jordan Miller also gains fringe appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
January 26, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
Cason Wallace (groin) was ruled out for the second half Sunday after developing left groin soreness, finishing with three points, one rebound, and one assist in 16 minutes. His status is worth monitoring ahead of Tuesday's matchup with New Orleans. If Wallace misses additional time,
Aaron Wiggins and
Isaiah Joe are lined up for expanded wing minutes. Wiggins logged 30 minutes and delivered 11 points with four assists, while Joe provides low-end three-point streaming appeal in deeper fantasy formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Clemente Almanza
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington (chest) returned to Sunday's NFC Championship game during the fourth quarter. He had exited in the third quarter and was initially listed as questionable before being cleared to re-enter. Even though he climbed further up the depth chart with
Tutu Atwell (coach's decision) inactive, Whittington had not been targeted prior to his departure. However, he did contribute on special teams with five kick returns for a total of 116 yards. On offense, he and
Konata Mumpfield will occupy depth roles behind
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Kobie Turner (cramps) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's NFC Championship against the Seattle Seahawks. He is officially listed as questionable to return. At the time of his departure, Turner had two tackles and two quarterback hits. The 26-year-old amassed seven sacks and one fumble recovery through 17 regular-season games, and he continued to establish himself as a top weapon on defense. As a result, his departure from Sunday's game could be pivotal as the Rams look to mount a fourth-quarter comeback against Seattle. As long as Turner is on the sideline, Tyler Davis will earn more snaps on defense.
--Andersen PickardSource: Los Angeles Rams
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington (chest) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's NFC Championship against the Seattle Seahawks. He is officially listed as questionable to return. He had not been targeted at the time of his departure, but he was third on the depth chart with
Tutu Atwell (coach's decision) inactive for the second week in a row. Most of Los Angeles' passing game funnels through
Puka Nacua,
Davante Adams, and
Colby Parkinson, so Whittington's exit doesn't have enormous implications for the Rams. Nevertheless, with Atwell inactive, Los Angeles could use all the wide receiver depth it can get. As long as Whittington remains on the sideline,
Konata Mumpfield should operate as the No. 3 receiver behind Nacua and Adams.
--Andersen PickardSource: Los Angeles Rams
January 25, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Paul George (knee) won't play on Monday against the Hornets. The Sixers will face the Bucks on Tuesday night, so George will sit this one out before presumably returning for that contest. With
Joel Embiid (knee) also ruled out,
Tyrese Maxey,
VJ Edgecombe, and
Kelly Oubre Jr. should see the most scoring opportunities.
Quentin Grimes may also find a spot in the starting lineup, with the former Knick averaging 12.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in seven starts this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) won't play on Monday in Charlotte. The 31-year-old has picked things up from a production standpoint of late, most recently amassing 38 points in Saturday's loss to the New York Knicks. His knee appeared to be bothering him late in that contest, so it's unknown if he's being held out for that reason, or if its to keep him fresh for Tuesday's meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks. With Embiid sidelined,
Andre Drummond will likely slide into the starting lineup, with the 2012 No. 9 overall pick averaging 8.9 points and 11.2 boards in 16 starts this season.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
The Detroit Tigers are "one of many teams" interested in signing free agent starting pitcher
Lucas Giolito, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Giolito impressed in the Red Sox' rotation last year, and he remains on the market with less than one month until spring training. He tossed 145 innings across 26 starts in 2025, posting a 3.41 ERA, 7.51 K/9, and 3.48 BB/9. His 4.59 xFIP suggests he may have gotten lucky at times last season, but nevertheless, the results were enough to keep Giolito entrenched in the No. 2 starter role behind
Garrett Crochet. It doesn't sound like a deal is imminent, but if Giolito does land in Detroit, he'll go from pitching behind one AL Cy Young candidate in Crochet to another in
Tarik Skubal. He'd also reunite with Tigers starter
Jack Flaherty, who was his teammate in high school. Giolito currently ranks as the #123 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings, but that placement will presumably shift a little once we know where he'll be pitching in 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jon Heyman
January 25, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee, illness) is available against the Nets. The multi-time All-Star isn't feeling well while also dealing with a left knee contusion. However, he's good to go for a favorable matchup versus Brooklyn, a team that has struggled defensively throughout the 2025 campaign. With Leonard cleared for action,
Kobe Sanders and
Jordan Miller should see considerably fewer scoring opportunities.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Justin Russo
January 25, 2026
The Chicago Cubs have signed outfielder
Dylan Carlson to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to Greg Zumach of The Baseball Tribune. Carlson was the Cardinals' first-round pick in 2016 and made his MLB debut with the organization in 2020. He ascended into the role of everyday right fielder and was a finalist for National League Rookie of the Year in 2021. However, his productivity at the plate dipped over time. He was traded to the Rays in 2024 and spent last season in a platoon role with the Baltimore Orioles. Across 83 big-league contests in Birdland, he slashed just .203/.278/.336 with an 8.7% walk rate, a 22.4% strikeout rate, and 74 wRC+. He posted negative fWAR for the second season in a row, forcing him to settle for a minor league contract this offseason. Now back in the NL Central for the first time since 2024, Carlson will look to compete for a 26-man roster spot in camp. It's a relatively crowded position battle, though, especially after the Cubs inked outfielder
Chas McCormick to a similar minor league deal last week.
--Andersen PickardSource: Greg Zumach
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Norman Powell (back) is available to play ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. As expected, Powell is cleared to play after being listed as probable coming into this game. He has been dealing with a back issue, but will continue to play through the injury. Powell will continue to have a significant workload while the Heat are without
Tyler Herro (ribs) and
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) right now. Fantasy managers should make sure to get Powell in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
January 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher
Jared Jones (elbow) has been throwing bullpen sessions twice a week as he continues his rehab program, he told John Perrotto of PiratesRoundtable. Jones experienced UCL discomfort last spring and ultimately underwent an internal brace procedure in May. As a result, he hasn't pitched in a game since his rookie season in 2024. During that campaign, he tossed 121.2 innings across 22 starts with a 3.78 xFIP, 9.76 K/9, and 2.88 BB/9. At just 24 years old, he brings plenty of upside to a young Pirates rotation that also features
Paul Skenes,
Mitch Keller,
Braxton Ashcraft, and
Bubba Chandler. Perrotto said that, although the Pirates don't have an exact timetable for Jones' recovery, a June return seems realistic at the moment. He currently ranks as the #139 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: John Perrotto
January 25, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Kasparas Jakucionis (head) has been upgraded to available ahead of Sunday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Jakucionis made an early exit during Saturday's game after taking an elbow to the head. He suffered a facial contusion, which put his status for this game in jeopardy. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to keep him sidelined, so fantasy managers can get Jakucionis in their lineups. He figures to play a larger role with
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) ruled out for this game. Jakucionis is worth a look as a low-end streaming option while Mitchell is sidelined.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
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