January 22, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin was in top form on Wednesday night against the Calgary Flames, recording a goal and an assist in a 4-1 road victory. Malkin opened the scoring in the first period and helped Egor Chinakhov tally the game-winning goal in the second. Since returning from an upper-body injury earlier this month, Malkin has contributed three goals and five assists in eight appearances. He has been a point-per-game player all season, bagging 11 goals and 26 assists in 34 outings. Malkin's hot form also boosts the fantasy value of his linemates. Tommy Novak is currently skating with Malkin and Chinakhov.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 22, 2026
Philadelphia Flyers center Christian Dvorak ended a four-game point drought with two goals and one assist in Wednesday's dramatic 5-4 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth. Dvorak's second tally of the night put the Flyers up 4-2 entering the third period, and they still led by one with a minute remaining in regulation, but ultimately let the win slip away. Dvorak's recent play in the offensive zone hasn't been productive, but he's had a solid campaign overall, earning him a five-year, $25.75 million contract extension earlier this month. The 29-year-old is Philadelphia's third-highest scorer, with 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 48 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 22, 2026
Utah Mammoth winger Clayton Keller led his team with three points in Wednesday's 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. After tallying an assist in the second period, Keller produced some late-game heroics. 19:25 into the third period, Keller scored the latest game-tying goal in franchise history, and he added a second goal with 2:01 played in overtime. Keller had scored just once in 11 appearances before coming up clutch for the Mammoth on Wednesday night. Despite his recent lack of puck luck, Keller has remained a consistent offensive contributor for his team. Wednesday's game marked his sixth multi-point performance of the month. After 50 games, Keller leads Utah with 34 assists and 49 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 22, 2026
Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal was sensational in Wednesday's matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, backstopping his team to a 2-1 shootout win with 40 saves. The league leaders struggled to solve Dostal all night, ending his shutout bid only 3:39 from the end of regulation. Dostal, who won a fourth consecutive start, produced two saves during the shootout. The Ducks recently had a nine-game losing streak, but Dostal still owns an impressive 17-12-2 record for the season. Only nine goalies in the league have had more winning performances. Dostal's goals-against average stands at 3.04, and he has registered a .894 save percentage.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 22, 2026
Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin recorded a goal and an assist in Wednesday's 2-1 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Red Wings captain set up Simon Edvinsson for a goal late in the first period and lit the lamp himself 3:08 into the extra frame, tying Sergei Fedorov for the most overtime goals in franchise history (12). Larkin had a second consecutive multi-point outing. He is on track to post his fifth consecutive 30-goal campaign and is attempting to reach 70 points in a season for the fourth time in his career. In 51 outings, Larkin has contributed 25 goals and 21 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 22, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (lower body) exited Wednesday's 2-1 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings after logging only 1:50 of ice time. He suffered a lower-body injury early in the game and was ruled out for the rest of the contest at the beginning of the second period. Toronto's blue line has taken injury hits throughout the season, but Ekman-Larsson has appeared in all 50 games so far. He has had a good campaign, logging 31 points (eight goals, 23 assists), 72 shots, 41 blocks, and 62 hits. A major injury to Ekman-Larsson would also be a blow for Team Sweden, which has already lost Minnesota's Jonas Brodin (lower back) on defense heading into the 2026 Olympics.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
January 22, 2026
Buffalo Sabres winger Josh Doan has signed a seven-year, $48.65 million contract extension through the 2032-33 season. The 23-year-old was scheduled to become a restricted free agent in the offseason. Doan landed in Buffalo last summer in a trade that sent JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth. He has flourished in his new surroundings, recording 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 49 games. The second-generation NHLer also provides some physicality, averaging nearly one hit per game. After signing his extension, Doan should be in high spirits when he returns to the ice on Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens. He has notched five goals and six assists over his last 11 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 22, 2026
Utah Jazz point guard
Keyonte George (forearm) is considered questionable for Thursday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. The 22-year-old has scored 73 points across his last two appearances, but he may be forced to skip Thursday's matchup due to a left forearm strain.
Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) has already been ruled out, meaning Utah might be without two of its top scorers on Thursday.
Isaiah Collier,
Ace Bailey, and
Jusuf Nurkic are expected to be more involved in the offense against San Antonio. At the same time,
Walter Clayton Jr. could get a big boost in playing time if George doesn't play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) will skip a sixth straight game on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. Utah's leading scorer recently had a bout with an illness and is now working on his conditioning to get back into game shape.
Cody Williams has enjoyed a stint as a starter during Markkanen's absence. However, the 21-year-old sophomore has been modest with his fantasy production, posting 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in a starting role this season. Markkanen will have one more opportunity to return this week, as the Jazz welcome the Miami Heat to Salt Lake City on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Chicago Bulls point guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) is tagged as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is looking to make his first appearance of 2026. Giddey appears close to returning, as his status was upgraded from doubtful to questionable before Tuesday's meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers. Giddey's return to the lineup will take away opportunities from
Tre Jones,
Kevin Huerter, and
Ayo Dosunmu. Meanwhile,
Jalen Smith may have to give up his starting spot after replacing Jones in the first unit for the last couple of games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Denver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (hip) is listed as probable for Thursday's clash against the Washington Wizards. He is expected to make a sixth consecutive appearance despite battling inflammation in his left hip. Recently, Murray has also dealt with an ankle injury and an illness, but impressively, he has skipped only four games all season. Thursday's matchup presents Murray with an opportunity to produce one of his best performances of the campaign. Only Utah has allowed more fantasy points to point guards than Washington. Murray faced the Wizards only a few nights ago in Denver and led his squad to a 121-115 win with 42 points. It was Murray's third-highest scoring game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Paul George (knee) continues to carry a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Houston Rockets. George is managing a left knee injury and also held a questionable designation before Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Ultimately, he missed a second consecutive contest.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has started in George's absence, delivering a pair of strong performances. For the season, Oubre Jr. has averaged 16.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals as a member of the first unit. Thursday's game could be a potential banana skin for Oubre Jr., as the Rockets have recently climbed to sixth in defensive efficiency with their improved efforts without the ball.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Chicago Cubs pitching prospect
Jaxon Wiggins looked quite impressive in the 2025 campaign and enters the 2026 campaign ranked as the team's No. 3 prospect on MLB Pipeline and the overall No. 67 in the sport. Wiggins opened the 2025 season with High-A but needed only 26 1/3 innings to prove he was ready to join the upper ranks. During this stint, the right-hander struck out 31 hitters and held a 1.71 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. Through his first 42 innings at Double-A, Wiggins continued to find success, holding a 1.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 52:17 K:BB. He was then given a short nine 2/3 inning stint with Triple-A late in the season, where he allowed five runs, walked six hitters, but added 14 punchouts. Given his quick progression through the system, Wiggins appears ticketed to compete for a midseason MLB debut. Managers should expect him to begin the 2026 season sitting at the top of the Triple-A Iowa rotation.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (ankle) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Houston Rockets, as the team has listed him as probable for the game. The former MVP took a night off for the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. It was only his second absence in 12 games. Embiid has built good momentum and has a chance to post a third consecutive 30-point game on Thursday night in a fascinating matchup against
Alperen Sengun.
Andre Drummond started on Tuesday and will drop back to the bench if Embiid returns, while
Adem Bona's workload will also decrease.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect
Dylan Beavers may not be given full-time at-bats to open the 2026 season. The team's No. 2-ranked prospect, according to MLB.com, made his MLB debut in mid-August after an impressive run at Triple-A. Across 94 games with the Norfolk Tides last summer, the young outfielder posted .304/.420/.515 line with 18 home runs and 23 stole nabses. During his first 35 contests with the Orioles, Beavers posted a lower .227 AVG but drew walks at an elite 19.0% rate and hit four home runs with two swiped bags. However, Beavers made only two starts against left-handed pitching during his first stint. Additionally, the Orioles bolstered their outfield this winter by adding veteran
Taylor Ward, who figures to be the everyday left fielder. This will have Beavers compete for at-bats in right field with
Tyler O'Neill, Leody Tavares, and
Jeremiah Jackson. While Beavers has the talent to push for an everyday role, the Orioles may monitor his usage and keep him in a platoon. He is worth closely following in spring training. If he were to claim the lead role in right field, he would carry 20/20 upside and be a top late-round breakout target.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Battle of Los Angeles against the Lakers. After recently dealing with an ankle sprain, Leonard is on the injury report with a left knee contusion and has missed three games. During Leonard's absence,
Kobe Sanders has been a regular starter. Yet, the 23-year-old rookie has not been very impactful in the role. He has averaged 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals since joining the first unit. On Thursday night, Sanders could be more productive, as the Clippers will be in a pace-up spot and meet a team that sits 25th in defensive efficiency.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
New York Yankees outfield prospect
Spencer Jones was in contention to make his MLB debut last season and should be in serious contention to earn the call to the Bronx in the first half of 2026. In 2025, Jones flashed immense power upside across the upper levels of the minor leagues but carried a high strikeout rate. Through 116 total contests (split between Double-A and Triple-A), Jones launched 35 home runs with a .274/.362/.571 line adn a .933 OPS. However, Jones struck out at a hefty 35.4% clip. Across his 67 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Jones saw his strikeout rate increase slightly to 36.6% and his OPS fall to .897. With the Yankees re-signing
Cody Bellinger, Jones will likely not break camp with the team and instead return to Triple-A. However, Jones would likely be the first name called as soon as they need additional outfield depth. He is worth closely monitoring in deeper fiver-outifelder leagues as he would be worth a waiver claim once promoted, given his immense power upside.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) is facing a spell on the sidelines due to a strained oblique. Before Wednesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers told reporters Porter Jr. "won't be able to play anytime soon." The 25-year-old had played through the injury for a couple of games before sitting out Wednesday's contest. Porter Jr. has been a productive sidekick for
Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.1 steals this season. With Porter Jr. unavailable,
Gary Harris started on Wednesday night but played only nine minutes.
Cole Anthony was back in the rotation and looks to be the biggest beneficiary of Porter Jr.'s absence. He finished Wednesday's tilt with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 22, 2026
Athletics left-handed starting pitching prospect
Gage Jump flashed solid upside in his first professional season and has put himself on the redraft radar heading into 2026. The Athletics selected Jump in the 2024 MLB Draft out of LSU. He currently sits as the team's No. 3-ranked prospect on MLB.com and the No. 60 overall in the sport. The left-hander made his professional debut with High-A last season and looked quite dominant, logging 31 innings to the tune of a 2.32 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, and a 45:4 K:BB. This strong start earned him an early ticket to Double-A, where he logged his final 81 2/3 innings with a 3.64 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. However, he began to stumble over the last month, which inflated his ratios. Removing his last four outings (where he allowed 20 earned runs through 13 1/3 innings), Jump posted an impressive 1.74 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP across his first 67 1/3 frames. Jump could contend for an early-season Triple-A debut, which would make him a strong midseason stash candidate.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect
Lazaro Montes will likely begin the 2026 season with Double-A Arkansas, but should be in the mix to push for a promotion to the top level given his previous experience at Double-A. In 2025, the budding power hitter began the campaign with High-A Everett, where he spent 51 games back in 2024. During his second stint with High-A last season, Montes held a .268/.387/.572 line with 12 doubles, 18 home runs, and three stolen bases. He struck out 83 times and drew 48 walks. This performance earned him a mid-season promotion to Double-A, where he saw his production take a slight step back. While he still launched 14 home runs over a 64-game stint, his average fell to .213, and his K:BB (86:35) declined as well. If the 6-foot-5 slugger can show progress early in the season at Double-A, Seattle could look to promote him after the opening months. If he can lower his strikeout rate and show stable power production, a late-season MLB debut would not be out of the question.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 22, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect
Josue De Paula ended a very productive 2025 campaign and has seen his prospect stock soar over the last year. De Paula spent 98 of his 102 games with High-A Great Lakes, where he held a .264/.406/.421 lienr with an .827 OPS. He hit 16 doubles, 12 home runs, and swiped an impressive 32 bags. During this stretch, he posted a stellar 86:81 K:BB. This earned him a brief four-game stint in Double-A at the end of the campaign, where he went 0-for-18. Managers should expect De Paula to begin the 2026 campaign with Double-A Tulsa. If he can continue his current trajectory, a late-season MLB debut would not be out of the question. However, given Los Angeles' crowded infield following the signing of
Kyle Tucker, De Paula may only earn the call due to a late-season injury. Even if he does not debut this season, he currently sits as MLB.com's 13th overall prospect and could enter the top 10 in the coming months. He is a high-end dynasty asset that is showing five-category potential.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 21, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop prospect
Arjun Nimmala will participate in major league spring training as a non-roster invite, according to an announcement from the team. Nimmala peaked at High-A in 2025, but he's regarded as one of the top young players in Toronto's farm system. In fact, he is listed as the Blue Jays' No. 2 prospect in the latest rankings from FanGraphs. The 2023 first-round pick posted an underwhelming .224/.313/.381 slash line with a 10.1% walk rate, 21.4% strikeout rate, and 92 wRC+ across 120 High-A games last year. He also slugged 13 home runs and stole 17 bases. FanGraphs lists power as Nimmala's best attribute, while assigning below-average grades to his speed and hit tools. They project that he'll make his MLB debut in 2028.
--Andersen PickardSource: Mitch Bannon
January 21, 2026
The New York Mets have designated right-handed pitcher
Cooper Criswell for assignment, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Criswell spent all of 2025 in the Red Sox' organization, and while he mainly pitched at the Triple-A level, he did log 17.2 innings of work in the majors across seven appearances (one start). He posted a 3.57 ERA in the majors, but his FIP was staggeringly higher at 5.17. Across 65.2 innings at Triple-A, he racked up 9.3 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 while surrendering ground balls at a 49.4% clip. The Mets had claimed Criswell off waivers from the Red Sox in December after Boston designated him for assignment. He's out of options, and now, his latest DFA is the corresponding 40-man roster move after New York acquired
Freddy Peralta and
Tobias Myers from the Milwaukee Brewers.
--Andersen PickardSource: Anthony DiComo
January 21, 2026
The New York Mets have acquired right-handed pitcher
Tobias Myers in a four-player trade, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Shortstop prospect
Jett Williams and pitching prospect
Brandon Sproat are headed to the Brewers, while Myers joins All-Star pitcher
Freddy Peralta in the package headed back to New York. Myers is 27 years old and has bounced around several organizations, including the Orioles, Rays, White Sox, Guardians, and Giants, but his only major league action has come with the Brewers. He split last season between Triple-A and the majors, posting a 3.92 FIP, 6.8 K/9, and 2.7 BB/9 with the big-league club. He allowed just 0.9 HR/9 but had a concerning 36.2% ground ball rate. Myers was solely used as a starter in Triple-A, but most of his MLB appearances came out of the bullpen, and he'll likely remain in a relief role with the Mets if he makes the 26-man roster out of Spring Training.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeff Passan
January 21, 2026
The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired starting pitching prospect
Brandon Sproat from the New York Mets in a four-player trade, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Starter
Freddy Peralta and reliever
Tobias Myers are headed to the Mets, while Sproat joins shortstop prospect
Jett Williams in the package headed back to Milwaukee. Sproat is 25 years old and was the Mets' second-round pick in 2023. The University of Florida product spent most of last season at Triple-A, but he did make his MLB debut and found himself starting four games for the big-league club. Over those four starts, he posted a 2.80 FIP with 7.4 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9. He enjoyed similar success over a larger sample size at Triple-A -- including 8.4 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, and an impressive 53.2% ground ball rate -- but his FIP was markedly higher (4.18). Sproat has always been a starter in pro baseball, and while the Mets reportedly floated the idea of using him as a multi-inning reliever in 2026, the Brewers' willingness to acquire him in this trade indicates that Milwaukee likely plans to insert him into its rotation. After all, they have a spot to fill after shipping Peralta away. Before Wednesday's trade, Sproat ranked as the #141 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeff Passan
January 21, 2026
The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired shortstop prospect
Jett Williams from the New York Mets in a four-player trade, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Starter
Freddy Peralta and reliever
Tobias Myers are headed to the Mets, while Williams joins starting pitching prospect
Brandon Sproat in the package headed back to Milwaukee. Williams is 22 years old and was the Mets' first-round pick in 2022. He spent last season in Double-A and Triple-A, and he struggled adjusting to Triple-A pitching. Through 34 games there, he slashed .209/.285/.433 with a 9.3% walk rate and 23.2% strikeout rate. Still, he finished the year with an overall 136 wRC+ thanks to the success he had at Double-A. The 5-foot-7 infielder finished the 2025 minor league season with 17 home runs and 34 stolen bases. FanGraphs grades Williams' future value at a 50, with speed and power being his best attributes. Although he primarily plays shortstop, he offers defensive versatility with significant experience at second base and in center field. Prior to the trade, FanGraphs projected that he would make his MLB debut in 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeff Passan
January 21, 2026
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the New York Mets have acquired right-handed pitcher
Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for top infield prospect
Jett Williams and right-handed pitching prospect
Brandon Sproat. Passan noted that another big-league pitcher is expected to head to New York in this return. Peralta is coming off one of the best seasons of his career, where he logged 176 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.70 ERA with a stellar 1.08 WHIP. He struck out hitters at a 28.2% clip, placing him within the 84th percentile among qualified pitchers. While his walk rate (9.1%) was high, Peralta generated a stellar .206 xBA and a 34.5 hard-hit rate. Managers should expect Peralta to open the 2026 season at the top of the Mets' rotation and carry solid SP2 upside in all leagues. In Milwaukee, Sproat should have an opportunity to compete for a job in spring training, while Williams will likely report to Triple-A. However, this transaction should open a spot in the rotation for either
Logan Henderson or
Chad Patrick to begin the regular season.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Passan
January 21, 2026
Updating a previous report, the New York Mets are in serious talks to acquire right-hander
Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade, according to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated. Infield prospect
Jett Williams would be one of the pieces going to Milwaukee. A report earlier suggested that the Mets were hesitant to part with either pitching prospect
Jonah Tong or
Brandon Sproat, but the two sides appear to be working on it and could come to an agreement soon. The 29-year-old Peralta won a career-high 17 games in 2025 for the Brew Crew while holding a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 204:66 K:BB in 176 2/3 innings over 33 regular-season starts. Peralta was a bit lucky with a .243 BABIP and 85.5% left-on-base percentage, and a move to Queens and to the tough NL East wouldn't be ideal for fantasy purposes, but he'd still be a top-20 starting pitcher.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Illustrated - Pat Ragazzo
January 21, 2026
The Athletic's Evan Drellich writes that Major League Baseball owners are "raging" in the wake of All-Star outfielder
Kyle Tucker's four-year, $240 million deal to join the back-to-back World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Drellich adds that it's now "a 100 percent certainty" that MLB owners will push for a salary cap, according to a person briefed on ownership talks. The Dodgers already had the highest payroll in the sport before adding Tucker, and they project to have a payroll over $400 million in 2026. Only three other teams are expected to have a payroll over $300 million. The Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays both project to be under $100 million. Owners must still decide what salary floor and ceiling they want to propose at next month's owners meeting. When it comes to implementing a salary cap in baseball, the players are likely to be the biggest hurdle, as they have historically been willing to miss many games to avoid a cap system.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Evan Drellich
January 21, 2026
So far, the New York Mets have been unwilling to meet the Milwaukee Brewers' asking price for right-hander
Freddy Peralta, sources told Michael Marino. The Mets quickly ended a discussion with the Brewers about Peralta when right-hander
Jonah Tong's name briefly came up. The Brewers also submitted an offer of right-hander
Brandon Sproat and infielder
Jett Williams, and the Mets are unwilling to pay that price. Williams is ranked as the team's No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, while Tong is No. 4, and Sproat is No. 5. It would be a lot for New York to give up for the 29-year-old Peralta, who could essentially be a one-year rental -- he will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Peralta is considered highly unlikely to reach a contract extension with the Brew Crew, making him one of the most attractive starting pitchers on the trade market this winter.
--Keith HernandezSource: Michael Marino
RADIO
