March 28, 2026
Miami Marlins right-handed closer
Pete Fairbanks was successful in his first save opportunity on Opening Day on Friday, locking down the team's 2-1 victory over the visiting Colorado Rockies. In his inning of work, Fairbanks allowed a hit and struck out one batter to pick up his first win of the 2026 season with his new squad. The 32-year-old veteran signed a one-year, $13 million deal with the Fish over the winter to be their closer for this season, and if he can stay healthy, he'll have a good shot at his first career 30-save campaign in the big leagues. Fairbanks is in his eighth season in MLB and has 91 career saves with the Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays. He had a 2.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, a career-high 27 saves, 59 strikeouts, and 18 walks in 60 1/3 innings in 2025 in his final year in Tampa. Despite being in Miami, Fairbanks should be a pretty stable fantasy closer, as he's had at least 20 saves in each of the last three seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 28, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays infielder
Andres Gimenez was the hero for the Blue Jays on Friday in their 3-2 Opening Day win over the visiting Athletics on Friday, driving home the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning. Gimenez finished the game 2-for-3 with a two-run triple, an RBI single, and a walk out of the nine-hole. The 27-year-old, who is now playing shortstop for the Blue Jays with
Bo Bichette no longer in town, has been riding high of late, also helping Team Venezuela win the World Baseball Classic this spring. Gimenez was an All-Star back in 2022 with the Cleveland Guardians and had 70 total stolen bases from 2022 to 2024, but he's still mostly useful to Toronto for his defensive prowess up the middle. He has a .254/.317/.383 career slash line in 670 career games, and has never reached the 20-home run mark. Offensive performances like Friday night will probably be few and far between for Gimenez, but his speed can be useful in deeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 28, 2026
Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect
Chase DeLauter is now up to three home runs on the year after just the first two games of the season after he homered again in the team's 5-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Friday night. DeLauter, batting in the two-hole for Cleveland, went 1-for-4 on the night with a solo home run and a strikeout. In his first two games of the 2026 season, the 24-year-old left-handed slugger has gone 4-for-9 with three home runs (all solo jobs). It's been nice to see from the former 16th overall pick in 2022 out of James Madison University in his first taste of major-league pitching. He also looked good at the plate this spring, batting .459/.535/.838 with a 1.373 OPS, three homers, five doubles, 10 RBI, 10 runs scored, six walks, and four strikeouts in 14 Cactus League games. Durability has been an issue for DeLauter in the minors, but for now, fantasy managers need to swoop him up where he's available, as he's looking like a potential early favorite for American League Rookie of the Year if he can stay on the field for Cleveland.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 28, 2026
Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever
Jordan Romano is emerging as the team's primary closer with all of
Kirby Yates (knee),
Ben Joyce (shoulder), and
Robert Stephenson (elbow) on the injured list to begin the 2026 season. Romano picked up his first save of the year in Thursday's 3-0 Opening Day win over the Houston Astros, and although it wasn't a save situation, he pitched in the ninth inning for a second straight day in Friday's 6-2 victory. He had a clean inning of work to finish off the victory, striking out two batters. Romano had a rough couple of seasons the last few years, but he topped out at 95.7 mph on Friday and is looking more like the version of himself that had 36 saves in back-to-back years with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2022 and 2023. Veteran left-hander
Drew Pomeranz could also see some save chances for the Halos early in the year with the back end of the bullpen banged up, but for now, Romano is the arm to roster for fantasy managers in need of saves.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 28, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals catcher
Ivan Herrera (knee) will bat second and play catcher for Saturday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays. Herrera was the designated hitter for the Cardinals' regular-season opener on Thursday, but it appears that he's now healthy enough to get back into the defensive alignment. The 25-year-old is looking to build off a breakout 2025 campaign in which he slashed .284/.373/.464 with 19 home runs, 66 RBI, a 9.5% walk rate, an 18.6% strikeout rate, and 137 wRC+. He went 0-for-4 on Opening Day, but it's far too early to panic. He still has tremendous upside given his production at the plate and near-league-average defense. As it stands, he ranks #10 among catchers in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: MLB.com
March 28, 2026
Buffalo Bills quarterback
Josh Allen had a second straight season of under 4,000 passing yards in 2025, but he more than made up for it with his rushing prowess to finish as the QB1 in fantasy football. In 17 regular-season starts, the 29-year-old four-time Pro Bowler and former MVP threw for 3,668 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while adding 112 rushing attempts for a league-high 579 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. The next closest QB in rushing TDs,
Jalen Hurts, had only eight. Allen had surgery to fix a broken bone in his right foot in late January, but he should be all systems go in time for the start of the 2026 regular season this fall, and he should be the first quarterback off the board early in fantasy drafts. Allen's passing numbers leave plenty to be desired, but he could be more efficient through the air next season after the addition of receiver
DJ Moore, who was acquired from the Chicago Bears. Allen's rushing upside is what puts him above the rest of the QBs in the league. He has over 100 carries in all but one of his eight NFL seasons, and that was his rookie year in 2018, when he had 89 rushing attempts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 28, 2026
Miami Marlins first baseman
Christopher Morel (oblique) has been placed on the injured list, according to Craig Mish of SportsGrid. In a corresponding move, first baseman
Deyvison De Los Santos was recalled from Triple-A. Morel has yet to make his 2026 regular-season debut, as he was scratched from the Opening Day lineup on Friday with a left oblique strain. The 26-year-old is coming off a lackluster year with the Rays in which he slashed .219/.289/.396 with an 8.2% walk rate, a 35.7% strikeout rate, and 90 wRC+ across 105 games in the majors. While Morel primarily played left field last year, he's the Marlins' projected first baseman for 2026. De Los Santos and
Liam Hicks should fill in at first base for the duration of his IL stint.
--Andersen PickardSource: Craig Mish
March 28, 2026
Detroit Lions quarterback
Jared Goff was unable to lead the Lions back to the postseason in 2025, but he did plenty to help his fantasy managers, throwing for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions in 17 starts. The 31-year-old veteran has been the picture of consistency in his last four years in Detroit, throwing for over 4,000 yards each year and 30-plus touchdown passes in three of the four seasons. Goff has been a Pro Bowler in three of the last four years, as well as the Lions continue to employ a pass-happy approach on offense under head coach Dan Campbell. In fantasy football, Goff finished last season as the QB6 overall, and he should remain a safe bet to be a top-10 signal-caller again when all is said and done in 2026. Detroit's offensive line in front of him could be a question mark, but Goff still has elite weapons in the passing game in
Amon-Ra St. Brown,
Jameson Williams,
Isaac TeSlaa, and
Sam LaPorta (back), plus one of the best running backs in the league behind him in
Jahmyr Gibbs. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing was with the Cardinals last year when they led the league in passing attempts, so expect Goff to continue to throw the football with regularity.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 28, 2026
Houston Astros relief pitcher
Bennett Sousa (oblique) has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 oblique strain, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. He was placed on the injured list but is not expected to miss more than the minimum 15 days. Sousa was a key part of the Astros' bullpen in 2025, posting a 2.72 FIP with 10.48 K/9, 2.66 BB/9, and 0.71 HR/9 over 50.2 innings of work. He also recorded four saves. Sousa didn't pitch in a 2026 regular-season game before landing on the IL, but he did throw three innings of one-run ball in spring training. Without consistent save opportunities, Sousa isn't on the fantasy radar. Still, Astros fans will patiently await his return to the bullpen, given how well he pitched last year.
--Andersen PickardSource: Chandler Rome
March 28, 2026
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Jackson Jobe (elbow) is expected to play catch from 120 feet on three different occasions this upcoming week, according to Evan Petzold of Detroit Free Press. The former No. 3 pick is making decent progress as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. He still has a long road ahead of him, though, as the Tigers previously said they hoped he could return in September. Jobe logged 10 starts before landing on the injured list last year. He had a 4.22 ERA, 5.18 FIP, 7.16 K/9, 4.96 BB/9, and 1.29 HR/9. This was a somewhat uninspiring stat line for the right-hander, given that he didn't rack up strikeouts, he struggled with walks, and he was unable to induce much weak contact (43.2% ground ball rate). Still, Jobe is an exciting arm with impressive velocity, so the Tigers would love to get him back just in time for the postseason.
--Andersen PickardSource: Evan Petzold
March 28, 2026
Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback
Kyler Murray injured his foot in Week 5 of the 2025 season and never played again after that, opening the door for veteran signal-caller
Jacoby Brissett to have the best year of his 10-year NFL career. The 33-year-old veteran played 14 games (12 starts) and completeed 64.9% of his pass attempts for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He went just 1-11 as a starter for the lowly Cardinals, but there's no question that he elevated Arizona's offense from what Murray had shown in the first five games. In a pass-happy offense with the Cardinals often finding themselves down big early, Brissett racked up the passing attempts and aired the football out to finish as the QB15 in fantasy scoring. Murray is now gone, and although the Cardinals signed
Gardner Minshew at the position, the expectation is that Brissett will remain the starter in 2026. The Cardinals led the NFL in pass attempts last year, but under new head coach Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals should be a much more run-heavy offense, which means that fantasy managers probably won't be able to count on Brissett putting up similar numbers over a full season in his second year in the desert.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 28, 2026
The San Diego Padres have signed veteran relief pitcher
Jose Leclerc to a minor league contract, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. The 32-year-old hasn't pitched since last April, when he suffered a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery. Presumably now fully healthy, Leclerc will offer bullpen depth in the minor leagues. His veteran experience and track record make him a strong candidate for a promotion to the majors at some point this season. Across nine innings before his injury last year, the right-hander allowed six earned runs with five walks, eight strikeouts, and three home runs. He fared better over a larger sample size in 2024 with the Rangers, pitching to a 3.66 xFIP with 12.02 K/9, 4.32 BB/9, and 0.95 HR/9.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jon Heyman
March 28, 2026
Penn State running back Kaytron Allen, who is ranked as the No. 7 RB prospect in this year's draft class by ESPN, is a big back at 5-foot-11, 216 pounds. Allen led the Nittany Lions in rushing in each of the last three seasons and became the school's all-time leading rusher with a total of 4,180 rushing yards in his 54 games over four seasons. The 23-year-old saved his best for last, rushing for a career-high 1,303 yards and 15 touchdowns on 210 carries in 12 games in his senior season in 2025. Allen won't be a priority for fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues later this year because of his lack of prowess on passing downs, though, as he never had more than 20 receptions in a single season at Penn State. He finished his four-year career in college with 70 catches for 490 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver. Still, Allen will be coveted by RB-needy teams for his physicality, size, and strength. Early on, Allen figures to be more of a short-yardage, goal-line back in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Reference
March 28, 2026
The Boston Red Sox have re-signed infielder
Brendan Rodgers (shoulder) to a two-year minor league contract, according to Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects.com. Rodgers had been in camp with the Red Sox, but he was released this past week following shoulder surgery. Now, he's back in the organization on a new deal that will allow him to rehab in 2026 before returning as a healthy depth option in 2027. It's a low-risk move that could give the Red Sox a potential bench middle infielder next year. Rodgers hasn't been a productive hitter since 2024, which was his final year with the Rockies. However, he continues to offer a right-handed bat, veteran experience, solid glovework, and defensive versatility.
--Andersen PickardSource: Chris Hatfield
March 28, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher
Emmet Sheehan "had issues maintaining his stuff and command in spring," according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The right-hander saw his velocity and stuff get worse deeper into games, and the team reportedly attributed it to "some mechanical stuff he was working through." The struggle to maintain velocity and stuff didn't stop at the end of spring training, though. Rather, the issue persisted into Sheehan's 2026 regular-season debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. His fastball averaged 95.5 mph in the first inning, but that number dropped below 94.0 mph in the second and third innings, and it fell to 92.8 mph in the fourth. Sheehan still struck out six batters over 3.1 innings of work, but he was also roughed up to the tune of four runs, five hits, and two walks. The Dodgers and the right-hander will now have to continue working on fixing the mechanical issue before his next scheduled start on Friday, April 3, against the Washington Nationals.
--Andersen PickardSource: Fabian Ardaya
March 28, 2026
USC wide receiver
Makai Lemon was criticized for his bizarre interviews at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis in late February, but there's no question that he has the talent to be a top-15 selection in April's draft. The 21-year-old is a prototypical slot receiver who should be very productive at the next level, provided he stays healthy. Lemon broke out in his junior year in 2025 for the Trojans, catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games after scoring only three touchdowns in 21 games in his first two years at USC. Despite all of Lemon's potential shortcomings off the field, he's a fantastic receiving prospect going into this year's draft. However, there are questions about his ability to win outside, which could limit his playing time early on in his career in the NFL. Given his talent alone, Lemon could be a top-20 dynasty/keeper drafts in 2026. There's no question that Lemon will be a first-round at the end of April.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Reference
March 28, 2026
Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak will enter this weekend holding the NHL's longest active point streak. He has found his way on the score sheet in 11 consecutive appearances, amassing seven goals and 11 assists. Pastrnak has lit the lamp in three of the last four games, and his streak includes six multi-point efforts. The Bruins superstar has jumped to sixth on the league's scoring charts, sitting on 90 points (29 goals, 61 assists) in 67 games. Over the weekend, Pastrnak's form faces a stern test. Boston will meet Minnesota and Columbus, two teams with top-10 defensive records since the Olympic break.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 28, 2026
Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson had 28 saves in Friday's impressive 5-2 road win over the Buffalo Sabres. The Red Wings' offense exploded for three first-period goals, and Gibson did an impressive job protecting the lead, improving to 27-17-3. Gibson now boasts the third-most wins by a Red Wings goalie in their first season with the franchise. He has registered a 2.54 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage with four shutouts. Following a three-game losing streak, Gibson has won three of his last four starts. He could be thrown into action again on Saturday night against Philadelphia, as Cam Talbot (undisclosed) is banged up. Michal Postava served as Gibson's backup on Friday.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 28, 2026
New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller delivered one of his best performances of the season on Friday, leading his squad to a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks with one goal and two assists. Miller recorded more than two points for only the second time in 2025-26, netting the game-tying goal late in the first period and helping Matthew Robertson and Alexis Lafreniere score. Miller's second assist came on the power play. While the Rangers captain produced a standout performance on Friday night, his return to Broadway has been disappointing overall. Miller has been limited to 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) in 59 games and holds a team-worst minus-27 rating.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 28, 2026
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson registered his 400th career point in Friday's 5-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. He scored Buffalo's first goal early in the second period. Thompson now boasts 213 goals and 187 assists through 521 career games. He is closing in on his third 40-goal campaign, having lit the lamp 37 times. In 73 outings this season, Thompson has also recorded 38 assists. Only three players have managed at least 40 goals and 40 assists, highlighting how special Thompson's campaign has been. Next, he will be let loose against a Seattle Kraken defense that has allowed 4.2 goals per game over the last five contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 28, 2026
Detroit Red Wings right wing Patrick Kane had two points against his hometown Buffalo Sabres in Friday's 5-2 road win. The veteran forward assisted Jacob Bernard-Docker on Detroit's fourth goal and iced the game with an empty-netter. Kane has been playing great recently, bagging four goals and seven assists across his last 10 outings. Detroit has struggled to generate offense for much of the campaign, so keeping Kane hot will be crucial for the team's playoff hopes. Kane is fourth among the Red Wings' forwards with 44 points (13 goals, 31 assists) in 57 games.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 28, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks left wing Nick Lardis scored the team's only goal in Friday's 6-1 loss to the New York Rangers. He opened the scoring in the contest late in the first period, but the Blackhawks were overrun at Madison Square Garden. Chicago has struggled during the second half of the season, yet Lardis has recently enjoyed the best stretch of his rookie campaign. The 20-year-old has scored in three of the last four games, adding two assists. Overall, he has totaled 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 32 games. Lardis has experienced quite a bit of frustration during his first NHL campaign, but he's finishing the year strongly and will look to keep his form going on Sunday against New Jersey.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 28, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) might return to the lineup on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils, Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News reports. The veteran rearguard practiced on Friday after missing nine games with a lower-body injury. Gostisbehere worked with the first power-play unit in practice, which is usually a strong indication that the player is ready to return to the lineup. He is expected to skate on the third defensive pairing in even-strength situations. In 45 outings this season, Gostisbehere has produced 15 power-play points and 43 points (11 goals, 32 assists) overall. Gostisbehere's return will bump Mike Reilly out of the lineup, while Alexander Nikishin will get less power-play time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ryan Henkel
March 28, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard/forward
Nique Clifford (foot) is listed as questionable for Saturday night's action against the Atlanta Hawks. This is unexpected, considering the team announced on Monday that Clifford would be re-evaluated in one week. The 24-year-old rookie has sat out two games due to a left midfoot sprain. Clifford has become a viable fantasy option since the All-Star break, averaging 11.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.9 steals in 32.9 minutes per game.
Malik Monk,
Devin Carter, and
Daeqwon Plowden could all lose minutes with Clifford's return.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 28, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Marcus Sasser (hip) is probable for Saturday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 25-year-old returned from a hip injury on Thursday against the New Orleans and is expected to make a second consecutive appearance. Sasser had a quiet evening on Thursday, notching seven points, two rebounds, and one assist in 16 minutes. With
Cade Cunningham (lung) out, Sasser has a chance to make a bigger impact. But
Daniss Jenkins, coming off a 19-point, nine-assist performance against the Pelicans, is a much more attractive fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 28, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Caris LeVert (knee) has been tagged as probable on the injury report ahead of Saturday's encounter with the Minnesota Timberwolves. This suggests he is likely to return after missing one contest. Detroit had a back-to-back earlier this week, and LeVert didn't play in the second game on Thursday against New Orleans due to right knee tendinopathy. LeVert could have a more important role on Saturday if
Duncan Robinson (hip) remains sidelined. However, fantasy managers shouldn't expect miracles from him, as LeVert has contributed only 7.3 points and 2.7 assists in 19.3 minutes per game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 28, 2026
According to Kevin Barral of Fish on First, the Miami Marlins are promoting first base prospect
Deyvison De Los Santos to the major-league roster. De Los Santos began the 2026 campaign with Triple-A Jacksonville but needed just one game before earning his first call to the big leagues. On Friday night in Jacksonville's season opener, De Los Santos went 2-for-4 with a home run. Earlier on Friday, the Marlins scratched first baseman
Christopher Morel (oblique) from the starting nine. Given that the Marlins promoted their top first base prospect, Morel could be in danger of missing time on the injured list. In 2025, De Los Santos spent nearly his entire season with Triple-A and held a .241/.311/.363 line with 11 doubles and 12 home runs. For now, he is worth adding in deeper 12+ team leagues as a speculative source for power at the corner infield spot.
--Andy SmithSource: Kevin Barral
March 28, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard/forward
Duncan Robinson (hip) is questionable for Saturday's action against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The veteran has hurt his right hip and was a late scratch on Thursday night when the Pistons hosted New Orleans.
Kevin Huerter moved to the first unit and had an impressive outing with 22 points. He also collected three rebounds, two assists, and one steal across 34 minutes of action. Fantasy managers might want to give Huerter a look if he remains in the starting lineup on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 28, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Ayo Dosunmu (calf) is questionable for Saturday's matchup with the Detroit Pistons. He's experiencing soreness in his right calf and exited the lineup earlier in the week after being initially considered questionable for Wednesday's tilt against Houston.
Anthony Edwards (knee) will remain out on Saturday, so having Dosunmu back in the lineup would be very important for the Timberwolves. The former Bull has averaged 18.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over his last five appearances. With both Edwards and Dosunmu out,
Mike Conley re-entered the rotation as a starter on Wednesday, totaling five points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block. The veteran could get another start on Saturday, giving him more fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 28, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks center
Myles Turner (calf) could miss a second consecutive game on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. The veteran big man was sidelined by calf soreness earlier this week.
Bobby Portis (wrist) and
Kyle Kuzma (Achilles) are also battling health issues, which has boosted the playing time of
Jericho Sims,
Pete Nance, and
Taurean Prince. All three could again have more importance on Saturday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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