April 2, 2026
Boston Red Sox third baseman
Caleb Durbin has yet to record a hit this season as he looks to find consistency early. Caleb Durbin is in his first year with Boston after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal that sent
Kyle Harrison,
Shane Drohan, and
David Hamilton the other way. The 26-year-old earned an everyday role last season and posted a .256 AVG, .334 OBP, and .387 SLG. He is working through early struggles but will look to turn things around quickly as the Red Sox search for production.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
April 2, 2026
Kansas City Royals catcher
Carter Jensen was scratched from the lineup in Wednesday's 5-1 loss against the Minnesota Twins after reportedly oversleeping.
Salvador Perez started in his place. Jensen took full responsibility for the mistake, saying, "Felt like I let teammates down, coaches down. Just learn from it and know it won't happen again." The 22-year-old is off to a slow start, slashing .125 AVG, .167 OBP, and .313 SLG through six games. He showed promise in a 20-game sample last season, but is still working to find consistency early this year. Jensen will look to move past the setback and take advantage of his next opportunity.
--Julian BrookeSource: Anne Rogers
April 2, 2026
Texas Rangers left-hander
Cody Bradford (elbow) has been sent to Triple-A Round Rock on an injury rehab assignment as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Cody Bradford has progressed well and is expected to return in May if his rehab continues without setbacks. The 28-year-old did not appear in a game last season and owns a 4.28 ERA across 34 career appearances, including 21 starts. Bradford, the 175th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft is working to establish consistency at the Major League level and could compete for a role in the Rangers rotation upon his return.
--Julian BrookeSource: Texas Rangers PR
April 2, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (knee) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Edwards will sit out tonight despite returning after missing six games in Monday's win over the Mavs, when he recorded 17 points, two rebounds and four assists across 23 minutes. The 24-year-old's next opportunity to suit up comes Friday against the 76ers.
Mike Conley,
Bones Hyland,
Ayo Dosunmu and
Terrence Shannon Jr. should see extra minutes tonight, especially with
Jaden McDaniels (knee) also sidelined.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 2, 2026
Seattle Mariners shortstop
J.P. Crawford (shoulder) has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list after missing the start of the season with right shoulder inflammation. Crawford is expected to return to his everyday role as a steady presence in the lineup. The 31-year-old is entering his eighth season with Seattle and appeared in 157 games in 2025, posting a .265 AVG, .352 OBP, and .370 SLG. He has reached at least 145 games played in four of the last five seasons. If he stays healthy, Crawford should provide consistency on both sides of the ball as the Mariners look to build on last season's success.
--Julian BrookeSource: MLB.com
April 2, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect
Konnor Griffin has agreed to a nine-year, $140 million contract, setting a new benchmark for a player who has yet to make his Major League debut. Konnor Griffin, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft and the No. 1 ranked prospect in baseball, is on the verge of reaching the majors after being called up by the Pirates on Thursday. He has appeared in five games with Triple-A Indianapolis, recording seven hits in 16 at-bats with a .438 AVG, .571 OBP, and 1.196 OPS. The Pirates are making a clear long-term investment in their young star, who could emerge as a key piece in their push for contention in the National League.
--Julian BrookeSource: Buster Olney
April 2, 2026
Ottawa Senators defenseman Carter Yakemchuk (concussion) won't play on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres, Andrew Wilimek of the Senators' official site reports. The 20-year-old had a dream debut in the NHL a week ago against Detroit with a goal and an assist, but he is forced to miss time after landing in concussion protocol. Yakemchuk was hurt in his fourth career game on Tuesday night against Florida. The Senators have recalled Cameron Crotty from the minors to fill the void in the lineup. Crotty will make his team debut and only his third NHL appearance against Buffalo. At the same time, Jordan Spence and Tyler Kleven will get all the minutes they can handle on defense, including power-play time. This makes both players worth a look in fantasy.
--Taavi PailkSource: Andrew Wilimek
April 2, 2026
Golden State Warriors center
Quinten Post (foot) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Post is set to sit out his second consecutive contest due to right foot injury management. The 26-year-old was out of action during Wednesday's loss to San Antonio and exited Sunday's tilt against Denver after five minutes on the floor.
Draymond Green and
Kristaps Porzingis will take on extended frontcourt minutes with Post sidelined.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 2, 2026
New Jersey Devils winger Arseni Gritsyuk (upper body) will undergo season-ending surgery. He suffered an upper-body injury in late March and will sit out a fifth consecutive game on Thursday against the Washington Capitals. Gritsyuk had a decent first year in the NHL, producing 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 66 games. Having turned only 25 in March, he has plenty of time to develop as a player and could be part of New Jersey's core for years to come. Evgenii Dadonov has taken Gritsyuk's spot in the league, but he doesn't provide any fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 2, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers winger Tyson Foerster (arm) will rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. He's set to make his first appearance of 2026 after recovering from arm surgery. Foerster was initially ruled out for five months after undergoing a procedure in mid-December, so having him back in the lineup for the final few regular-season games is a welcome surprise for the Flyers. Before exiting the lineup, Foerster led his team with 10 goals in 21 games and also recorded three assists. He will strengthen Philadelphia's first power-play unit and is expected to skate alongside Trevor Zegras and Owen Tippett in even-strength situations.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 2, 2026
According to Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com, San Antonio Spurs center
Luke Kornet (knee) will play Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Kornet is set to return after missing Wednesday's win over Golden State. The 30-year-old veteran big man will likely start in place of superstar
Victor Wembanyama (ankle), who is sidelined due to ankle injury management. Across 63 outings, Kornet is averaging 6.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 21.0 minutes per contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Paul Garcia
April 2, 2026
Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman (undisclosed) is a game-time decision on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks. The 33-year-old has heated up recently but might have to sit out at least one game due to an undisclosed injury. Hyman is riding a four-game point streak, tying his second-longest scoring run of the season. He's had a great bounce-back campaign, with 31 goals and 51 points in 56 games. If Hyman can't play against Chicago, Josh Samanski is likely to enter the lineup. Meanwhile, Kasperi Kapanen could fill the vacancy in the top six.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 2, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (lower body) has been cleared to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The in-form forward was a late scratch on Tuesday night against Detroit due to a lower-body injury. Rust was arguably Pittsburgh's best player in March. He has amassed eight goals and 12 assists over his last 16 appearances. Across the season, Rust has contributed 27 goals and 34 assists in 67 games. Avery Hayes filled in for Rust on Tuesday and will exit the lineup against Tampa Bay.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 2, 2026
San Antonio Spurs center forward/center
Victor Wembanyama (ankle) is slated to miss Thursday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers, per NBA reporter Matthew Tynan. This will be the second half of a back-to-back that Wembanyama will sit out for ankle injury management. Notably, the superstar big man finished with 41 points, 18 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks across 29 minutes during Wednesday's 127-113 victory over Golden State. Looking ahead, he should be back in action on Saturday against Denver. In the meantime,
Luke Kennard and
Mason Plumlee are in line for expanded roles while Wembanyama is out.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Matthew Tynan
April 2, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (lower body) has been activated from long-term Injured Reserve and will start on Thursday night against the Calgary Flames, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. He has been unavailable for nearly three months, missing 33 games due to a lower-body injury. Hart has started 12 times for the Golden Knights this season, posting a 5-3-3 record, a 3.28 goals-against average, and a .871 save percentage. While Hart's numbers aren't strong, he is a solid fantasy option on Thursday night, as he takes on the lowest-scoring team in the league. The Flames are averaging 2.53 goals per game and have finished with two or fewer goals 10 times in 18 games since the Olympic break.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
April 2, 2026
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (finger) will be out for "weeks," according to head coach Paul Maurice. He broke a finger in Tuesday's win over Ottawa. There are only two weeks remaining in the regular season, so it appears likely that we have seen the last of Ekblad in 2025-26. He is set to finish his 12th NHL campaign with 26 points (four goals, 22 assists), 97 SOG, 103 blocks, and 84 hits in 72 games. The Panthers defense will also be without Dmitry Kulikov (nose) for Thursday's matchup with Boston. Tobias Bjornfot and Mikulas Hovorka will be inserted into the lineup for the game. Meanwhile, Mike Benning will get a chance to skate on the second power-play unit, making him a more attractive fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 2, 2026
According to Eric Vincent of ClutchPoints.com, Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (lung) continues to make progress in his return to play from his collapsed lung recovery and will be re-evulated in one week. The Pistons are optimistic that Cunningham may return for the playoffs, and they haven't ruled out his return before the end of the regular season. Fantasy managers should expect
Daniss Jenkins and
Marcus Sasser (hip) to have heavier workloads until the superstar guard recovers and is back in action.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Eric Vincent
April 2, 2026
University of Nebraska running back
Emmett Johnson was one of the more productive backs in the country as a junior in 2025, recording 1,821 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns on 297 touches across 12 games. With 85 receptions over his last two collegiate seasons, Johnson can impact games as both a rusher and a receiver. The 22-year-old has a chance to hear his name called in the middle rounds of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. However, he's not considered to be a high-level athlete relative to other running back prospects, leading some to question whether he can work his way into a lead role in an NFL backfield. Johnson should be able to find a role in the pros due to his well-rounded skill set, but dynasty managers may want to take a conservative approach to projecting his upside. RotoBaller currently ranks Johnson as the 40th-best running back for dynasty formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 2, 2026
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Miami Dolphins running back
Ollie Gordon II entered his rookie year as the primary backup to star Dolphins rusher
De'Von Achane. Gordon II saw limited playing time over the course of the season, racking up 231 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 77 touches. He also ceded some opportunities down the stretch of the season to Miami back
Jaylen Wright, who out-snapped Gordon II in three of the team's final six games. The Dolphins have made major organizational changes so far this offseason, replacing head coach Mike McDaniel, trading wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle, and releasing quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa. While the changes have led to speculation around a possible trade of Achane, Dolphins officials have been adamant in their stance that the team is looking to build around the young running back. As long as Achane is in Miami, Gordon II's dynasty upside is limited. However, he could be worth prioritizing as a priority handcuff option just in case the Dolphins do end up making additional moves.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 2, 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end
Colby Parkinson had the best season of his career in 2025, recording 43 receptions for 408 yards and eight touchdowns on 56 targets across 15 games played. The 27-year-old had recorded just five touchdown grabs across five NFL seasons coming into the year, making his spike in end zone production particularly noteworthy. However, it may be difficult for Parkinson to repeat his breakout year in 2026. The Rams should get more production from veteran tight end
Tyler Higbee, who missed seven games in 2025 due to an ankle injury. Los Angeles could also choose to funnel more playing time and targets towards second-year tight end
Terrance Ferguson, whom they spent the 46th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on. Given that Parkinson has still never reached the 60-target mark in a season going into his seventh year in the NFL, it seems wise to project a production regression in 2026. RotoBaller currently ranks Parkinson as the 50th-best tight end for dynasty formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 2, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Rashee Rice was suspended for the first six games of the 2025 season due to a 2024 hit-and-run incident that resulted in him pleading guilty to two felony charges. Across eight games after returning, the 25-year-old recorded 53 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns on 78 targets, missing additional time due to a concussion. While Rice is expected to be healthy heading into 2026, he may be facing yet another suspension due to an unresolved domestic violence lawsuit that was filed against him. When he's on the field, Rice remains a talented pass-catcher who should be a consistent fantasy producer, particularly in PPR formats. However, Rice's legal troubles are adding up, and his consistent issues with availability make him an unreliable player for managers to roster. In dynasty formats, Rice's current value is difficult to gauge while his status with the league office remains uncertain.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 2, 2026
The number 22 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Omarion Hampton had his rookie season disrupted by ankle injuries that caused him to miss eight games. However, Hampton was productive when healthy, racking up 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 156 touches across nine contests. The Chargers made a big addition this offseason by bringing in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. Under McDaniel, Miami ranked fourth in the NFL in yards per rush attempt, and he helped steward Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane's emergence as a superstar. While Los Angeles signed former Baltimore Ravens running back
Keaton Mitchell in free agency, Hampton still profiles as the team's clear RB1 and possesses a three-down skill set. RotoBaller ranks Hampton as the eighth-best running back for dynasty formats coming off his encouraging rookie year.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 2, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect
Jhostynxon Garcia surged through the top two levels of the minors last season before a brief debut with Boston in August. The Venezuelan made a case for a spot on the Pirates' Opening Day roster this spring, going 15-for-37 (.405) with a double, two home runs, and three steals in 17 Grapefruit League games, but was ultimately reassigned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Things have not gone so well in Indy, with Garcia getting off to a 1-for-19 (.053) start with a 33.3 percent strikeout rate (21 plate appearances). Nevertheless, Pittsburgh's sixth-ranked prospect could find himself back on the doorstep to the majors if he can get going. A high strikeout rate could limit his batting average, but his power and ability to drive in runs would probably put him near the middle of the Bucs' lineup whenever he gets the call, which would make him an intriguing waiver wire consideration. For now, he's not a priority waiver stash, but that could change quickly, so interested managers should keep an eye out for any developments.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
April 2, 2026
Baltimore Orioles catcher
Samuel Basallo went 2-for-5 in Wednesday's 8-3 win over the Rangers, with one of his hits being his first home run of 2026. It was a 437-foot solo blast to center that came off the bat at 109.5 mph. The left-handed slugger has reached base safely via hit or walk in four of the first five games, and there should be plenty more home runs on the way over the course of the season. The 21-year-old is getting regular at-bats to begin the year, making three starts at designated hitter, two at catcher, and one at first base, so with consistent playing time, there should be upwards of 25 home runs (or more) in his bat in 2026. The Dominican is available in more than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues, but that number will probably start to creep up, especially when he gains eligibility at first base.
--Jarod RuppSource: ESPN
April 2, 2026
Texas Rangers starting pitcher
Nathan Eovaldi was excellent in 2025, posting an 11-3 record with a 1.73 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 129 strikeouts across 130 innings (22 starts). However, the 36-year-old right-hander has been unable to repeat his stellar performance early in the 2026 season. Across his first two starts of the year, Eovaldi has allowed 16 hits, 11 earned runs, and three walks across 8 2/3 innings of work. Still, there may not be a reason for fantasy managers to panic just yet. Eovaldi is suffering from a 3.12 HR/9 and a 54.1% strand rate, both of which should regress closer to his career norms of 1.00 and 72.9% over a larger sample size. Additionally, Eovaldi's average fastball velocity has actually increased from 94.4 mph in 2025 to 94.8 mph in 2026, and he has posted a stellar 26.7% strikeout rate amidst his larger struggles. Eovaldi's age makes his early-season decline a bit more concerning, but the veteran could easily return to form with some improved luck going forward.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 2, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect
Ryan Waldschmidt could be nearing his MLB debut as the 2026 campaign gets underway. The D-backs' top-ranked prospect excelled at High-A and Double-A last season, putting together a .289/.419/.473 slash line with 18 home runs and 29 steals in 134 games, and appeared to be on the verge of making the team's Opening Day roster before being sent to Triple-A to begin the year. The former first-rounder slashed .302/.348/.488 in 14 spring games, and although he is just 4-for-18 (.222) at Triple-A to begin the year, the right-handed slugger has also drawn six walks compared to seven strikeouts. If his bat gets hot and there is an opportunity on the big league roster, either due to injury or underperformance, the 23-year-old could be on his way to Arizona. With a solid combination of contact, power, and speed, Waldschmidt is a name to consider stashing away in deeper leagues ahead of his eventual call-up.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
April 2, 2026
Chicago White Sox infield prospect
Sam Antonacci is a prospect to keep an eye on in deeper season-long fantasy leagues, as the 23-year-old has been riding a hot bat ever since he broke into professional baseball. After being drafted in 2024, he hit .333 and walked (17) more than he struck out (13) in 23 games at Single-A. The former fourth-rounder proceeded to hit well at High-A in 2025, earning a promotion to Double-A, where the same contact skills and patient approach were on display, putting together a .292/.435/.381 slash line there with a 28:32 BB:K in 49 games, with 48 steals between the two levels to boot. Chicago's ninth-ranked prospect went on to collect the most hits in the 2025 Arizona Fall League (28) and has not slowed down one bit in 2026. The left-handed slugger hit .368 in the Cactus League with a pair of home runs, and has hit the ground running at Triple-A, going 7-for-20 (.350) with two home runs, three steals, and a 6:1 BB:K in his first five games. There's a good shot he's called up by midseason, and with eligibility at both 2B and 3B on Yahoo!, his fantasy appeal is even more robust. The Coastal Carolina product is quickly becoming one of the top stash candidates this season.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
April 2, 2026
Cincinnati Reds outfielder
Noelvi Marte is off to a slow start to the 2026 season, as he's logged zero hits and five strikeouts through his first 10 plate appearances of the year. Perhaps most worryingly for Marte's fantasy profile, he has been out of the Reds' starting lineup in three out of their first five contests and could be stuck on the short side of a platoon with lefty-swinging Cincinnati outfielder
Will Benson. A former top prospect, Marte posted a strong .263/.300/.448 slash line with 14 home runs, 51 RBI, 45 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across 360 plate appearances in 2025. However, the 24-year-old is a converted infielder who is not known for his defensive prowess in the outfield, which could be impacting his playing time. Marte's combination of power and speed provides him with plenty of upside, but he will need to start hitting and earning more playing time quickly to merit a roster spot in most fantasy formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 2, 2026
Washington Nationals outfielder
Joey Wiemer is absolutely on fire to open the 2026 campaign. Across 22 plate appearances, the 27-year-old is hitting .588/.682/1.059 with two home runs, four RBI, and seven runs scored. The righty-swinging Wiemer did not start Washington's season opener against a right-handed starter, but he's been in the lineup for each of the Nationals' last two matchups against righties. Wiemer logged just MLB 61 plate appearances with the Miami Marlins in 2025, spending most of the year in Triple-A. Swing-and-miss has been a major issue for him to this point in his big league career, as he's struck out in 29.2% of his 521 career plate appearances in the Majors. However, Wiemer logged a 61.8% hard-hit rate in a small sample with Miami last season, so this early-season breakout is not entirely out of the blue. While his numbers are sure to regress over a larger amount of playing time, Wiemer currently profiles as a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 2, 2026
Cleveland Guardians second base prospect
Travis Bazzana is off to a slow start at Triple-A to begin the 2026 campaign, going 3-for-18 (.167) with no home runs in his first five games, but that doesn't mean his MLB debut isn't just over the horizon. The former first-overall draft pick had a strong spring, going 8-for-21 (.381) with three home runs during the Cactus League, and also belted a homer for Team Australia during the World Baseball Classic. Also, despite the slow start with the bat at Triple-A, the Guardians' top-ranked prospect has five walks compared to four strikeouts. A patient approach is something he's displayed throughout his time in the minors, with a career walk rate of 17.0 percent (MLB average is 8.4 percent) in 116 games. Add in above-average speed, and the left-handed slugger has the makings of a potential multi-category fantasy producer whenever he gets the call to the majors. An early-season debut is well within reach if his bat gets hot, so fantasy managers in redraft leagues will want to keep an eye on his performance these first few weeks at Columbus.
--Jarod RuppSource: MiLB.com
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