March 2, 2026
Houston Astros infielder
Isaac Paredes went 1-for-2 with a walk and a solo home run in his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Paredes missed a huge chunk of last season due to a severe hamstring injury, so the Astros chose to slow-play him in spring training. The 27-year-old is past his hamstring injury now, but playing time is a real concern for him going into the 2026 season if he remains in Houston.
Carlos Correa is the team's primary third baseman, and
Jose Altuve is moving back to second base on a more permanent basis, leaving Paredes as a man without an everyday position. Paredes' power from the right side of the plate is real, especially in Houston, and he has delivered 90 home runs in the last four seasons for fantasy managers. His homer on Saturday came off Bucs right-hander
Bubba Chandler. Unless a trade or injury for the Astros clears up regular playing time for him, Paredes will merely be a depth option for power at a corner-infield spot.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
March 2, 2026
San Francisco Giants right-hander
Logan Webb will start for Team USA against Team Brazil in the opener of the World Baseball Classic on Friday, according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale. Webb will be followed in Team USA's starting rotation by the Detroit Tigers'
Tarik Skubal (against Great Britain), Pittsburgh Pirates'
Paul Skenes (against Mexico), and New York Mets'
Nolan McLean (against Italy). Webb, 29, is already 2-0 in Cactus League play after giving up an earned run on two hits while striking out three and hitting one batter in three innings against the San Diego Padres on Sunday. He's expected to be available to throw 60 to 65 pitches in his outing for the USA on Friday. Webb, an All-Star each of the last two years, went 15-11 last year with a 3.22 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. He led the league in games started (34), innings (207), hits allowed (210), strikeouts (224), and batters faced (856).
--Keith HernandezSource: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
March 2, 2026
Detroit Tigers two-time Cy Young winner
Tarik Skubal is expected to throw around 55 pitches for Team USA against Team Great Britain in the second game of the World Baseball Classic before returning to Lakeland, Fla., to rejoin the Tigers in camp, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. Skubal is coming off another heavy workload last year, so he'll only pitch in one game in the WBC before heading back to spring training. The 29-year-old left-hander will be the No. 1 pitcher off the board in fantasy drafts after a second straight dominant year as the Tigers' ace, going 13-6 with a league-best 2.21 ERA and league-best 0.89 WHIP with 241 strikeouts and only 33 walks in 195 1/3 innings over 31 regular-season starts. He picked up where he left off in his first Grapefruit League start against the Twins, in which he allowed two hits over two scoreless innings while striking out four.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
March 2, 2026
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher
Kyle Freeland (back) is scheduled to make his spring debut in an exhibition game against Team USA on Wednesday. This will be the first appearance of the spring for Freeland, who has been slowed by a lingering back issue. He was able to throw a few bullpen sessions without any issues, so it appears the back injury is behind him. This isn't expected to be a long outing, but Freeland has time to build up his stamina ahead of Opening Day. The southpaw posted a 4.98 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, and a 124/38 K/BB ratio across 31 starts with the Rockies last season. Freeland could offer some streaming appeal, but pitching is Coors Field is never a favorable situation for pitchers.
--Andy WebbSource: Thomas Harding
March 2, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
P.J. Washington (ankle) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Hornets after sitting out the team's last three contests due to a left ankle sprain. Dallas remains shorthanded, so Washington's status carries real fantasy weight. If he sits,
Max Christie and
Khris Middleton would see added opportunity. Christie delivered 14 points, seven rebounds, four triples, and two steals in 35 minutes last game, making him the preferred streamer. Middleton logged modest production in 25 minutes and remains a deeper-league option with a limited ceiling.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 2, 2026
Kansas City Royals outfielder
Dairon Blanco has been designated for assignment by the organization on Monday. Blanco gets booted off the roster with the Royals needing to free up a 40-man roster spot with the
Starling Marte signing becoming official on Monday. The 32-year-old only played in nine games with the Royals last season, but his speed is something that could make him an attractive option for other organizations. Blanco has stolen 59 bases across 285 plate appearances in parts of four seasons with the Royals. He could draw interest on waivers as possible outfield depth.
--Andy WebbSource: Kansas City Royals
March 2, 2026
Brooklyn Nets guard
Egor Demin (foot) will miss Tuesday's game against Miami, sidelined for a second straight contest while managing a left plantar fascia issue. His next chance to return comes Thursday in a rematch with the Heat.
Nolan Traore should continue handling expanded responsibility after posting 17 points, two assists, one rebound, one triple, and one steal in 30 minutes last game.
Terance Mann and
Ziaire Williams saw minutes but failed to deliver usable fantasy lines. Traore is the preferred short-term streamer, while the rest remain fringe options.
--Brian DailisanSource: Collin Helwig
March 2, 2026
Brooklyn Nets center
Nicolas Claxton (thumb) is probable heading into Tuesday's meeting with Miami. He's been dealing with a pinky issue for most of the campaign. Yet, the 26-year-old is on the injury report because of a right thumb sprain. Claxton has had a decent season, averaging 12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. However, he's seen a drastic reduction in minutes since the start of the year. With that said, Claxton is still a reliable fantasy performer, although he is expected to continue surrendering minutes to
Day'Ron Sharpe moving ahead.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
March 2, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard
Coby White (calf) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Mavericks for left calf injury management, the first leg of a back-to-back set before Wednesday's matchup in Boston. White is averaging 18 minutes per game with a 34 percent usage rate in a reserve role, but his absence does not open up viable streaming value.
Tre Mann,
Josh Green, and
Sion James are expected to absorb extra minutes, yet none produced meaningful lines last game.
LaMelo Ball and
Brandon Miller should continue dominating usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 2, 2026
Texas Rangers starting pitcher
Jacob deGrom will officially make his spring debut against Team Brazil in an exhibition game on Wednesday. Over the weekend, Rangers manager Skip Schumaker told reporters that deGrom was getting close to making his spring debut. It appears the right-hander is ready to go after a 30-pitch bullpen session last week. The 37-year-old managed to stay healthy last season and posted his first 30-start season since the 2019 campaign. When healthy, deGrom is a top-10 starting pitcher in the league, but his injury history is concerning.
--Andy WebbSource: Kennedi Landry
March 2, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher
Kyle Hurt isn't being considered for a starting rotation spot, according to Bill Plunkett. Manager Dave Roberts said on Monday that Hurt is competing for a bullpen spot. Hurt came into the league as a starting pitcher, but he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. He has been working as a reliever since then, and that'll probably be his easiest path to making it to the big league roster. The Dodgers already have a handful of pitchers competing for the final two spots in the starting rotation. Hurt only pitched in seven games at Triple-A Oklahoma City last season. The Dodgers will likely want to see more of him as a reliever at the minor league level before promoting him, but we'll see if he can impress them in camp.
--Andy WebbSource: Bill Plunkett
March 2, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) will miss Tuesday's game against the Knicks, sidelined for a second straight contest due to a left thumb sprain. His next opportunity to return comes Thursday versus Minnesota. In his absence,
Jakob Poeltl should continue handling increased frontcourt responsibility after posting 18 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in 26 minutes last game.
Sandro Mamukelashvili logged seven points and three rebounds in 16 minutes but remains a deeper-league option. Poeltl is the clear fantasy beneficiary, especially in category formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Michael Grange
March 2, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
Naji Marshall (finger) won't play on Tuesday in Charlotte. He injured his finger during Friday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies and wasn't available for Sunday's meeting with OKC. Marshall was playing well before the injury, averaging 19.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in the month of February. Fantasy managers will be need to wait and see if he can return on Thursday against Orlando. While he's out,
Brandon Williams,
Khris Middleton,
Max Christie should get extra scoring opportunities, that is unless
Cooper Flagg (foot) and
P.J. Washington (ankle) are active.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
March 2, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (groin) will miss Tuesday's matchup against the Pistons, marking his fourth straight absence due to a right groin strain. His next chance to return will come Sunday against Boston.
James Harden is expected to shoulder more of the offensive load, making him the primary fantasy beneficiary.
Sam Merrill and
Jaylon Tyson should see steady minutes, but both remain fringe streaming options. Merrill logged 15 points with four triples in 27 minutes last game, while Tyson added nine points in 28 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 2, 2026
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward
Cooper Flagg (foot) is doubtful for Tuesday's meeting with Charlotte. It appears there's a chance he'll be back for this one. However, fantasy managers should anticipate another absence. The former Duke Blue Devil has been sidelined for seven games because of a midfoot sprain. Although the Mavs aren't really playing for much, Flagg is looking to take home the Rookie of the Year award, so he has plenty of motivation to return. With that in mind,
Max Christie,
Khris Middleton, and
Brandon Williams are projected to be the team's top performers, assuming
P.J. Washington (ankle) isn't available and Flagg gets ruled out.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
March 2, 2026
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher
Beau Brieske (ribs) was forced to make an early exit from Monday's Grapefruit League contest against the Atlanta Braves. Brieske was pulled after three pitches due to right ribcage tightness. This was his first appearance of the spring after being sidelined due to back spasms earlier in camp. The Tigers will have Brieske undergo further testing, so his timetable to return is unclear at the moment. The right-hander is looking to bounce back after posting an ugly 6.55 ERA across 22 games (one start) with the Tigers last season. He'll likely settle into a middle relief role, assuming he cracks the 26-man roster to begin the season.
--Andy WebbSource: Evan Petzold
March 2, 2026
According to Clemente Almanza of USA Today, Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) won't suit up for Tuesday's matchup with the Chicago Bulls due to abdominal strain management. The Thunder are exercising caution and will hold him out for the first leg of their back-to-back set. After missing nine consecutive games, Gilgeous-Alexander has returned in strong form, scoring at least 30 points in each of his two appearances since coming back. He is expected to return on Wednesday against the Knicks. With SGA sidelined on Tuesday,
Cason Wallace,
Isaiah Joe, and
Jared McCain should see increased opportunities in the backcourt.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Clemente Almanza
March 2, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks tendered exclusive-rights free-agent running back
George Holani to a one-year, league-minimum deal on Monday, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. The team did the same with safety Ty Okada. Neither player will be able to negotiate with other teams and will return to Seattle in 2026. Holani, 26, only carried the ball 22 times for 73 yards and one touchdown while catching both of his targets for 15 yards in 11 regular-season games in 2025 in his second year in the NFL. The former undrafted free agent out of Boise State could have a much bigger complementary role in 2026, though, with Super Bowl LX MVP
Kenneth Walker III set to hit the open market and with
Zach Charbonnet (knee) potentially unavailable for the start of the regular season after tearing his ACL in the playoffs. In addition to being valuable RB depth for the Seahawks, Holani should also be an asset in the return game on special teams next year.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
March 2, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are telling teams, at least right now, that tight end
Pat Freiermuth is "not available," according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. According to a league source, at least six teams would be interested in "exploring the idea of acquiring" Freiermuth. Fellow TE
Jonnu Smith's situation "seems a bit more fluid." General manager Omar Khan said the Steelers are in a fine salary cap situation to "keep both," but they are also in the process of understanding what a change in their offensive philosophy will "mean for personnel." Freiermuth and Smith essentially canceled each other out in fantasy football, with neither TE being in the top 20 in overall half-PPR points at season's end. After a career year in Miami in 2025, Smith had just 38 catches for 222 yards and two TDs, while Freiermuth took a step back, too, with a 41-486-4 line. The Steelers trading Smith out of town would be good news for both Freiermuth's and Smith's fantasy value heading into 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
March 2, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will not play Tuesday against the Bulls, and MVP candidate
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) is also sidelined for injury management. Both have a chance to return Wednesday versus New York. With Hartenstein out,
Jaylin Williams is a strong streaming option after posting 30 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, five triples, one steal, and one block in 36 minutes during his last start.
Chet Holmgren, who delivered 19 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 28 minutes against Dallas, should also see elevated responsibility. Williams offers short-term upside, while Holmgren gets a usage boost in all formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Clemente Almanza
March 2, 2026
The Athletic's Zach Berman writes that "there's an internal sentiment" among the Philadelphia Eagles that wide receiver
DeVonta Smith "has another level he can reach," regardless of what happens with fellow wideout
A.J. Brown. Smith's 113 targets in 2025 were the second-most of his career, and they still ranked 22nd in the NFL. Since entering the NFL in 2021 as a first-rounder (10th overall) out of Alabama, the 27-year-old is 77th in targets per route and 10th in receiving yards per target. Berman goes on to write that the Eagles' new scheme "must find ways to highlight Smith and diversify his routes." The easiest path to a potential breakout in 2026 is if the Eagles trade Brown. That would give Smith a clear path to WR1 duties in a new offense in Philadelphia with potentially even more targets from quarterback
Jalen Hurts. If Brown stays with the Eagles, Smith will still be a fine fantasy target, but more of a boom/bust one.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zach Berman
March 2, 2026
Washington Wizards forward
Anthony Gill (illness) is out, and forward
Julian Reese will start Monday against the Rockets with
Tristan Vukcevic (thigh) and Alex Sarr (hamstring) also sidelined. Washington's frontcourt is depleted, opening immediate opportunity. Reese, a 22-year-old Maryland product, should see a meaningful run in his NBA debut and profiles as a deep-league streamer for rebounds and hustle stats. Gill had been hovering around 27 minutes in a steady reserve role, so with him out, there's a clearer path to consistent minutes for whoever steps into those frontcourt opportunities.
Kyshawn George and
Bilal Coulibaly could also see added usage in a thin lineup.
--Brian DailisanSource: Josh Robbins
March 2, 2026
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said on the Dan Patrick Show on Monday that Miami Dolphins quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa is a "second-tier option" this offseason as the Minnesota Vikings look to pair a veteran signal-caller with
J.J. McCarthy. Arizona Cardinals QB
Kyler Murray and the Las Vegas Raiders'
Geno Smith are considered in the first tier. Minnesota is an attractive destination for signal-callers that will either be traded or released since they have a QB guru in head coach Kevin O'Connell and one of the best receivers in the league in
Justin Jefferson. Minnesota doesn't have a ton of money to spend, but they should be able to land a pretty good value on a QB this offseason that will most likely compete with McCarthy for the starting role in 2026. After another disappointing season for Tua in 2025, his fantasy stock in dynasty/keeper leagues continues to drop, and he may find himself as a backup QB to begin the 2026 season outside of Miami.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 2, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard
Kris Dunn (head) is available to suit up against the Golden State Warriors on Monday. Dunn left Sunday's win over the Pelicans after taking an inadvertent elbow to the back of his head and did not return. However, he has since been cleared to play in tonight's contest. The 31-year-old veteran guard is averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals across 27.7 minutes in 59 games this season. His minutes could be significantly reduced with
Darius Garland (toe) reportedly set to return in the near future.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Justin Russo
March 2, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center
John Collins (neck) will not play Monday against the Warriors after the issue resurfaced on the second night of a back-to-back, per Justin Russo. Collins is averaging 19.6 usage in 27.7 minutes per game and leaves a meaningful frontcourt gap.
Darius Garland is set to make his team debut and could absorb a chunk of Collins' workload, while
Kawhi Leonard may see a slight usage bump.
Nicolas Batum logged 20 minutes with 9 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three triples Sunday, but he remains a low-ceiling deep-league option.
--Brian DailisanSource: Justin Russo
March 2, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is active for Monday's matchup against the Boston Celtics. The two-time MVP will return after missing 13 consecutive contests due to a right calf strain. Given the extended absence, he will likely operate under a minutes restriction during his first game back. Still, it shouldn't take long for Antetokounmpo to regain his usual form. In 30 appearances this season, he has averaged 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting a career-best 39.5% from three-point range. Even with a capped workload on Monday, fantasy managers should expect his production to trend back towards an elite level in the coming games.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Milwaukee Bucks
March 2, 2026
Boston Celtics forward/center
Neemias Queta (rest) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup with the Bucks after erupting for a career-best 27 points and 17 rebounds in Sunday's 114-98 win over Philadelphia. This is a scheduled breather.
Nikola Vucevic is expected to slide into the starting role after producing 11 points, 12 rebounds, three triples, and one block in 21 minutes last game, making him a strong short-term streamer in all formats.
Luka Garza could re-enter the rotation as the backup option. Queta is still worth holding in category leagues, but be ready for some ups and downs in his minutes and role from game to game.
--Brian DailisanSource: Boston Celtics
March 2, 2026
Boston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is reportedly targeting a Friday return against Dallas, according to Bill Simmons, after missing the entire season with a torn Achilles. Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.5 triples across 72 games last season and would immediately reclaim a featured role if cleared. Tatum's usage should ramp quickly, cutting into
Sam Hauser's and
Baylor Scheierman's minutes while easing the burden on
Derrick White and
Payton Pritchard. Managers should prepare to activate him, though efficiency and workload may fluctuate early.
--Brian DailisanSource: Bill Simmons
March 2, 2026
Washington Wizards center
Tristan Vukcevic (thigh) won't play on Monday versus the Rockets. The 22-year-old has appeared in the last three games, starting all of them. However, he's logged 22 minutes or less in each of those contests. The Wizards play four times this week, so there's a good chance he'll be back on the floor at some point. If
Anthony Gill (illness) can shake off the questionable tag, he'll likely get the start, giving him enhanced value on a four-game night. On the other hand, Washington will need to run smaller than usual if Gill can't suit up, with
Will Riley,
Jaden Hardy, and
Justin Champagnie in line for more action.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
March 2, 2026
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that free agent guard
Tyus Jones has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets on Monday. The Mavs waived the 28-year-old veteran guard on Friday after he was traded twice before the trade deadline. He is expected to provide his new team with backcourt support behind
Jamal Murray. Jones is averaging 3.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 15.8 minutes per contest across 56 games with Phoenix and Dallas so far this season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
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