April 19, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitchers
Hunter Brown (shoulder) and
Cristian Javier (shoulder) aren't expected to be back in the mix until late May or early June. Astros general manager Dana Brown told reporters the expected timetable on Sunday, but is hopeful that both pitchers can be back sooner than expected. Both right-handers suffered Grade 2 right shoulder strains within a week of each other. Given the extent of the injury, both pitchers are looking at lengthy buildups. They'll likely need to ramp up throwing sessions before going on multiple rehab starts. Fantasy managers won't have either pitcher back in the mix for at least another month or so. Brown is worth holding through the injury, while Javier can be dropped for a healthy arm.
--Andy WebbSource: Brian McTaggart
April 19, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Thomas Bryant (calf) will remain sidelined on Monday against the Toronto Raptors. He suffered a left-calf injury late in the regular season and was also out for Game 1 against Toronto. With
Jarrett Allen and
Evan Mobley healthy, Bryant's absence doesn't mean much for the Cavaliers, and he likely won't be rushed back. Even with Bryant out of the lineup,
Larry Nance Jr. saw only garbage-time minutes in the series opener and probably won't have a regular role this postseason.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 19, 2026
New York Mets outfielder
Juan Soto (calf) is reportedly on track to return to the lineup for the upcoming homestand. Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza confirmed this news on Sunday, saying that Soto should be back for the homestand starting April 21-30. The plan is for Soto to undergo an MRI to confirm his right calf strain is fully healed. If all goes well, Soto could be activated as early as Tuesday's game for the beginning of the homestand. The superstar slugger has been out for the last two-plus weeks due to a calf strain. His return to the lineup will be a welcoming sight to this Mets team that dropped its 11th straight game on Sunday.
--Andy WebbSource: Laura Albanese
April 19, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (lung) will shed his minutes restriction for Sunday's playoff opener against the Orlando Magic, Eric Rutter of Roundtable reports. After returning from a collapsed lung late in the regular season, Cunningham was limited to just 25.3 minutes per game across three contests. On Sunday, he should be ready for a full workload of 30-plus minutes. Cunningham has been a nightmare for the Magic this season, averaging 32.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists, and 1.7 steals in 37.7 minutes per game against them.
--Taavi PailkSource: Eric Rutter
April 19, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (back) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Carroll didn't look right after striking out in the bottom of the third inning. He was later replaced by
Jorge Barrosa to open the fifth inning. The D-Backs are saying that Carroll was pulled due to lower back tightness. He was hitless in two plate appearances before being taken out of the contest. Fantasy managers should consider Carroll as day-to-day until the team gives more information on his status. This shouldn't be something that lands Carroll on the Injured List. If he misses any time, Barrosa will likely see some extra playing time.
--Andy WebbSource: Nick Piecoro
April 19, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) took the mound for his second rehab start with Double-A Reading on Sunday. Wheeler didn't have the same success as he did during his first rehab start on Tuesday. On Sunday, Wheeler went four innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits while striking out four batters. The overall results don't matter much, as it's about building up Wheeler's stamina. The expectation is that Wheeler will make at least one more rehab start before rejoining the Phillies rotation. If everything goes well, Wheeler could return for next weekend's series against the Atlanta Braves.
--Andy WebbSource: milb.com
April 19, 2026
New York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (ankle) is listed as probable on the injury report before Monday's Game 2 clash against the Atlanta Hawks. Anunoby hurt his left ankle in Saturday's Game 1 win, but the injury isn't expected to keep him sidelined on Monday night. On Saturday, Anunoby enjoyed a strong start to this first-round matchup, amassing 18 points, eight rebounds, and one steal in 38 minutes. He knocked down two triples with three attempts and had a 6-for-9 record overall from the field. If Anunoby has a setback and is forced to sit out Monday's action, the Knicks' bench, led by
Miles McBride and
Landry Shamet, will have a larger role.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 19, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies catcher
JT Realmuto (back) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Realmuto was removed from Saturday's game in the sixth inning due to lower back tightness. The Phillies are going to play it safe and give him the night off on Sunday. Fantasy managers should consider Realmuto as day-to-day until the team gives another update on his status.
Rafael Marchan will draw the start behind the plate and bat eighth versus right-hander
Grant Holmes on Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back for another update ahead of Monday's game versus the Chicago Cubs.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
April 19, 2026
Atlanta Hawks center
Onyeka Okongwu (knee) has picked up a questionable tag ahead of Game 2 against the New York Knicks on Monday. He's been added to the injury report with right knee inflammation. Onyeka played 37 minutes in Saturday's series-opening 113-102 loss, contributing 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one block. The Hawks are already missing
Jock Landale (ankle) from their center rotation, so losing Okongwu would be a bitter pill to swallow.
Mouhamed Gueye and
Tony Bradley would need to step up if Okongwu isn't cleared for Monday's game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors point guard
Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Monday's Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He's in danger of missing a second consecutive game due to a right hamstring strain. If Quickley can't return on Monday night,
Jamal Shead would likely remain in the starting lineup. He impressed with a 5-for-6 effort from deep in Game 1, scoring 17 points.
Ja'Kobe Walter also has a heavier workload without Quickley. Both Shead and Walter logged 28 minutes in Saturday's loss, but Walter's impact on the game was far less significant, as the 21-year-old finished with seven points, two rebounds, and two assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 19, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jordan Goodwin (calf) won't return to Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Goodsin started the matchup but logged only five minutes before leaving the action due to left calf soreness.
Royce O'Neale started the second half in Goodwin's place.
Ryan Dunn will also help to cover for Goodwin's absence.
Grayson Allen (hamstring) is an option to fill in as well, though he appears set to be a DNP-CD for a second consecutive contest despite shaking off a questionable before tip-off.
--Taavi PailkSource: Phoenix Suns
April 19, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Jonathan Isaac (knee) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. He was initially listed as questionable due to a left knee sprain. Combined with the Play-In Tournament games, Isaac's absence will extend to 20 contests. Isaac averaged barely 10 minutes per game during the regular season, so his unavailability doesn't significantly impact the team.
Anthony Black and
Tristan da Silva will continue to lead the second unit on Sunday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 19, 2026
Orlando Magic guard/forward
Desmond Bane (illness) will play in Sunday's Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. He missed the morning shootaround due to illness, but the team has upgraded Bane's status from probable to available. The 27-year-old will make his third appearance of the week. After erupting for 34 points in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament opener against Philadelphia, Bane was limited to just 13 points by Charlotte on Friday, finishing 4-for-14 from the field. He must do a lot better for the Magic to have a shot at taking down the Eastern Conference's first seed. Bane produced 22.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game during the regular-season series against Detroit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
April 19, 2026
Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub (undisclosed) is questionable for Game 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. The Russian veteran suffered an undisclosed injury in Saturday's series opener. According to Graeme Nichols of The Hockey News, Senators head coach Travis Green didn't have an update on Zub when he spoke to reporters on Sunday. Zub's absence would be a significant blow for Ottawa, as he's had a career year in 2025-26. Across 81 regular-season outings, Zub picked up 30 points (five goals, 25 assists) and had 120 blocks. He also finished with a team-best plus-22 rating. Lassi Thomson is the likeliest candidate to step in for Zub should he be unable to go,
--Taavi PailkSource: Graeme Nichols
April 19, 2026
Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka will start on Sunday in Game 1 against the Vegas Golden Knights, Brogan Houston of the Deseret News reports. This will be Vejmelka's first career game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He enters the postseason after a good regular-season campaign. Vejmelka had the second-most wins among all goalies, finishing with a 38-20-3 record. In addition, he registered a 2.75 goals-against average, a .897 save percentage, and two shutouts. Vejmelka's last shutout came against the Golden Knights on March 19 in a 4-0 win. He went 2-1-0 in this matchup during the regular season, allowing only five goals on 95 SOG.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brogan Houston
April 19, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart will be between the pipes in Sunday's Game 1 against the Utah Mammoth, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. Hart had a very strong finish to the regular season and is also getting the trust for the playoff opener. In April, Hart has won all six starts, registering a 1.66 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage. Overall, the 27-year-old finished with an 11-3-3 regular-season record. He didn't pick up any shutouts but produced a solid 2.71 goals-against average with a .891 save percentage. Hart and the Golden Knights are heavy favorites in the opening round, but there may be some hiccups against a Utah team that is tied for the third-best offensive record this month, averaging 4.13 goals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Webster
April 19, 2026
Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman will start Sunday's Game 1 against the Buffalo Sabres, Scott McLaughlin of WEEI reports. The 2026 Olympic champion will begin his fifth postseason campaign in the NHL. Swayman has a 9-10 record in the playoffs with the Bruins, allowing 2.38 goals with a .922 save percentage. He was also very reliable for the team during the regular season, reaching the 30-win plateau for the first time in his career. Swayman finished with a 31-18-4 record and had a 2.71 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage, and two shutouts. When he's on his game, it's very difficult to get pucks past Swayman, and Buffalo knows it all too well. Swayman made 21 saves in his lone regular-season appearance against the Sabres in a 3-1 win on Oct. 11.
--Taavi PailkSource: Scott McLaughlin
April 19, 2026
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Alex Lyon (lower body) will dress for Sunday's Game 1 against the Boston Bruins, Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com reports. It was initially believed that Lyon might not be available at the start of the postseason due to a lower-body injury. However, the 33-year-old will be ready to jump into action if needed. The Sabres are expected to start with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen on Sunday night. Lyon recorded just two fewer wins than Luukkonen during the regular season, and the Finnish netminder must be sharp to avoid losing his No. 1 status in the playoffs.
--Taavi PailkSource: Amalie Benjamin
April 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning center Dominic James (lower body) has been activated from Injured Reserve, Diandra Loux of The Hockey News reports. The 23-year-old is set to return to action in Sunday's Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens. James last played on Feb. 28, when he suffered a lower-body injury in a loss to Buffalo. He was expected to miss at least eight weeks after surgery, but the speedy forward is ready to return sooner. James finished his rookie campaign with 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 43 games. On Saturday, James practiced on the fourth line and also worked with the second power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: Diandra Loux
April 19, 2026
Georgia wide receiver
Zachariah Branch was arrested on Sunday on two misdemeanor obstruction charges, according to Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald. Branch was charged with obstructing public sidewalks/streets-prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. It's unclear if it will affect his stock as a potential Day 2 draft pick in this year's 2026 NFL draft, which kicks off on Thursday night. Branch began his collegiate career with two seasons at USC before playing with the Bulldogs in his final collegiate season in 2025. He had his best season last year, catching an SEC-high 81 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played at Georgia. Branch ran an impressive 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in February, but his recent off-the-field issue could cause NFL teams to sour on him ahead of next week's draft.
--Keith HernandezSource: Athens Banner-Herald - Marc Weiszer
April 19, 2026
ESPN's Jordan Raanan writes that Ohio State middle linebacker Sonny Styles is "believed to be one of the top targets" for the New York Giants in next week's NFL draft if they stay at No. 5 overall. Styles is considered one of the safest and cleanest prospects in the 2026 class, given his combination of production in college and athletic skills. The Giants didn't have a pre-draft visit with Styles, but they showed significant interest in him throughout the pre-draft process, including meeting him before and after his pro day. Styles is such a coveted early-round prospect in this year's draft that he might not even be available before the G-Men pick at fifth overall. There has been significant buzz about the Tennessee Titans potentially taking him at No. 4 overall, with some sources thinking Styles is a more likely option for the Titans at that spot than Notre Dame running back
Jeremiyah Love. The Giants are also enamored with Love if he's available to No. 5 overall next Thursday night.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
April 19, 2026
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green could be on the trade block this offseason, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. General manager John Lynch has said that the organization isn't actively looking to trade Green, but if the right offer comes along, it wouldn't be a surprise if he's dealt after being seen arguing with head coach Kyle Shanahan multiple times on the sideline in 2025. Interested NFL teams could be looking to buy low on the 25-year-old defensive back, who was taken in the second round (64th overall) by the Niners in 2024 out of Florida State. Green had 61 tackles (41 solo), an interception, 13 pass breakups, and one forced fumble in 17 games (seven starts) in his rookie season before compiling 60 tackles (36 solo) and 10 pass breakups in 14 regular-season starts last year in a disappointing second season in the league. He missed the last couple of games in the regular season in 2025 due to an ankle injury, but he's on track to be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
April 19, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz isn't ruling out a reunion with free-agent veteran wide receiver
Keenan Allen, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. "I wouldn't say the room is complete," Hortiz said. The most interesting available receiver in free agency that the Chargers could consider is
Tyreek Hill (knee), who has previous experience in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme. In addition to Allen and Hill,
Jauan Jennings and
Deebo Samuel Sr. are available and could be added to a WR room in L.A. that includes
Ladd McConkey,
Quentin Johnston, and
Tre' Harris. McConkey saw his fantasy stock fall considerably in 2025 in his sophomore season with the return of Allen, who finished with 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in his 13th year in the league after a one-year stay with the Chicago Bears in 2024. Re-signing with the Bolts would probably be the best-case scenario for Allen's 2026 fantasy value as he nears the end of his illustrious career.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Daniel Popper
April 19, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Grayson Allen (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Allen is back in the mix following a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury. It's unclear if Allen will have his minutes monitored or if he'll be a full-go for this one. Regardless, his presence on the court should mean reduced roles for
Jordan Goodwin,
Collin Gillespie, and
Haywood Highsmith. Allen is a hit-and-miss fantasy option, so he won't be the most trustworthy DFS option for Sunday's slate. His return to the court will make Goodwin a less attractive option as well.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
April 19, 2026
ESPN's Jeff Darlington said he thinks the Philadelphia Eagles will be "operating from a place" that wide receiver
A.J. Brown will not be on their roster for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. General manager Howie Roseman has refused to give many details this offseason when asked about Brown's status. Additionally, the team acquired wideout
Dontayvion Wicks from the Green Bay Packers. Rumors have swirled about the New England Patriots' and Tennessee Titans' interest in trading for Brown, although nothing has come to fruition yet. All signs are pointing to the Eagles getting much more serious about trading the three-time Pro Bowler after June 1, when it becomes much more financially palatable for them to trade the 28-year-old pass-catcher. Although Brown reached the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth straight season (and in six of his seven NFL seasons), he was unhappy with his offensive role in Philly and had a career-low 12.9 yards per catch in 15 regular-season games. A move to New England would be attractive from a fantasy perspective, but Brown might still be a volatile low-end WR1/high-end WR2 target in fantasy football.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Darlington
April 19, 2026
The Tennessee Titans plan to pick up offensive guard Peter Skoronski's fifth-year option for the 2027 season, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. It will set Skoronski up to make $19.07 million in 2027. The 24-year-old was the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft out of Northwestern. In his first three years in the NFL, Skoronski has started all 48 of the games that he's appeared in for Tennessee. It remains to be seen if the Titans will look to get a long-term extension worked out with Skoronski before he enters the fifth and final year of his deal. Since the start of the 2024 regular season, Skoronski has been a staple for Tennessee's offensive line, not missing a single game. Having Skoronski around is a plus for young quarterback
Cameron Ward and a Titans offense that is looking to take a step forward under new coordinator Brian Daboll in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
April 19, 2026
Despite having an atrocious supporting cast around him for most of the 2025 season, New York Jets running back
Breece Hall still managed to record 1,415 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 279 touches across 16 games. The Jets signed Hall to the franchise tag earlier this offseason, and the two sides have yet to work out a long-term extension. While New York could easily still extend Hall at some point before the start of 2026, the 24-year-old's dynasty value would almost certainly benefit from a change of scenery. Hall has proven he can be productive regardless of the situation around him, but his upside is unquestionably limited with the Jets. New York's offense should be more stable with veteran quarterback
Geno Smith under center in 2026. Still, the Jets likely remain at least a year or two away from fielding a high-level unit. Hall may struggle to reach his full dynasty potential without a chance to hit the open market.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
April 19, 2026
Now that the Cincinnati Bengals' acquisition of defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants is official and he has passed a physical, the Bengals signed him to a one-year, $28 million contract extension on Sunday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Lawrence is now contractually tied to Cincinnati for the next three seasons after getting his wish and moving out of New York. The Bengals sent the 10th overall pick in this year's NFL draft to the G-Men, who now hold two picks in the first 15 picks next week. The 28-year-old former first-rounder out of Clemson in 2019 was a Pro Bowler from 2022 to 2024, but he had a very disappointing season in his final year with the Giants in 2025, recording just half of a sack with 31 tackles (14 solo) and eight QB hits in 17 starts in his seventh year in the NFL. The Bengals will be hoping that Lawrence, who has 30.5 career sacks, can bounce back in 2026 and help give the team's pass rush a boost now that Trey Hendrickson is no longer in town.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
April 19, 2026
Golden State Warriors center
Kristaps Porzingis is unsure about his future with the organization. Porzingis is an unrestricted free agent, which allows him to sign with any organization. The 30-year-old admitted to enjoying his time with the Warriors, but he wants to take time to look at the whole picture. He wants to prioritize his health, which has been a problem for Porzingis throughout his career. In 15 games with the Warriors, Porzingis averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 23.7 minutes per game. Given his injury history, it's going to be tough for any organization to give him a long-term deal. A return to Golden State makes sense, but the oft-injured center will likely take his time deciding on his future plans.
--Andy WebbSource: Melissa Rohlin
April 19, 2026
Colorado Rockies infielder
Willi Castro (hand) is back in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander
Roki Sasaki at Coors Field, according to MLB.com. Castro is starting at shortstop and will hit seventh with regular shortstop
Ezequiel Tovar getting the day off.
Edouard Julien is at second base and is batting leadoff for Colorado. Castro is returning to the starting nine for the first time since suffering a right-hand contusion when he was hit by a pitch on Wednesday. The 28-year-old switch-hitting Puerto Rican outfielder had mostly been playing at second in his first year with the Rockies to begin the 2026 season, but he might be relegated to more of a bench role soon if he doesn't pick things up offensively. Going into Sunday's clash with L.A., Castro has gone just 12-for-56 (.214) with a homer, eight RBI, eight runs scored, and a stolen base. He has never faced Sasaki in his MLB career.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
RADIO
