March 25, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Jalen Johnson (shoulder) will play on Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons. He is returning to the court after missing two games due to left shoulder inflammation. Johnson's return is set to push
Mouhamed Gueye to the bench. The Pistons are a strong defensive team, but even they have struggled to slow down Johnson this season. Atlanta's rising star has averaged 24.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.7 steals across three games against Detroit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
The Toronto Blue Jays placed right-handed pitching prospect
Trey Yesavage (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to March 22) on Wednesday with a right-shoulder impingement, according to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet. The Blue Jays are being extremely careful with Yesavage's workload after he joined the big-league roster late in the regular season and pitched into the World Series for the team last fall. It's not a serious injury, and the 22-year-old was able to pitch on the back fields at spring training on Wednesday. It's unclear when exactly Toronto will allow him to make his 2026 season debut, but it should be at some point in April. Left-hander
Eric Lauer is the biggest beneficiary for the Jays with Yesavage,
Jose Berrios (elbow), and
Shane Bieber (elbow) all starting on the IL. Yesavage was a top-25 MLB prospect at the conclusion of last regular season, and then he proceeded to display his upside by striking out 12 against the Dodgers in the World Series. The former 24th overall pick creates deception with his delivery and features a three-pitch mix. Lack of control is probably the biggest knock on Yesavage. He'll have workload limitations early on, but long-term, he's one of the highest-upside young starting arms in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sportsnet.ca - Arden Zwelling
March 25, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (oblique) will return to action on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls. He has received the green light to return from a 13-game absence. The 76ers will also have
Paul George back in the lineup, and the two should do plenty of damage against a weak defense.
Adem Bona and
Andre Drummond must settle for lesser roles with Embiid back in the mix.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
The Boston Red Sox released veteran infielder
Brendan Rodgers (shoulder) on Wednesday, according to Brendan Campbell of BloggingTheRedSox.com. Rodgers was in camp as a non-roster invite in spring training before suffering a right-shoulder injury earlier this month that required season-ending surgery. The 29-year-old will now rehab for all of the 2026 campaign and hope he can latch on with another team on a likely minor-league deal going into spring training of next year. The former third overall pick by the Colorado Rockies in 2015 only appeared in 43 major-league games with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, going 22-for-115 (.191) with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored in 128 plate appearances. Rodgers' best season came in 2021 in Colorado, when he slashed .284/.328/.470 with 15 home runs, 51 RBI, and 49 runs scored in 102 games played. Injuries have derailed his career and left him off the fantasy radar in all formats, including dynasty/keeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: BloggingTheRedSox.com - Brendan Campbell
March 25, 2026
Colorado Avalanche forward Nicolas Roy (upper body) is set to miss time, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. According to Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar, the team will be without Roy "for a little bit." The 29-year-old has already missed one game, sitting out Tuesday's win over Pittsburgh. Since being acquired from Toronto, Roy has scored three goals on 17 SOG in nine appearances with the Avalanche. Fortunately for Colorado, Roy's absence has been offset by the returns of Ross Colton and Logan O'Connor. Both players were on the score sheet in Tuesday's 6-2 win.
--Taavi PailkSource: Evan Rawal
March 25, 2026
Florida Panthers center Anton Lundell (ribs) has likely played his final game of the 2025-26 regular season. He has been ruled out for 2-6 weeks with a rib injury. "That MRI wasn't very good, so he's not on the near-term," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said on Wednesday. "... I wouldn't play him in the regular season or if we were fighting for (a playoff spot)." Lundell departed the lineup last week and has missed two games. The Finnish forward matched his career high with 18 goals and will finish the campaign with 44 points in 64 appearances. Florida's frontline has been decimated by injuries, though Mackie Samoskevich (neck) could return on Thursday against Minnesota. With so many bodies missing, he may find himself in a bigger role than usual.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins winger Anthony Mantha (lower body) didn't practice on Wednesday and is day-to-day, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports. The Penguins have just lost Evgeni Malkin (upper body) to injury and may now be without another key forward. Mantha replaced Malkin on the second line in Tuesday's loss to the Colorado Avalanche. He has recorded a career-high 53 points (26 goals, 27 assists) in 71 games. Kevin Hayes worked in Mantha's spot during Wednesday's practice and will play on Thursday if Mantha isn't available.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michelle Crechiolo
March 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (upper body) is not traveling with the team for Thursday's road game against the Ottawa Senators, Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' official site reports. The Russian star will miss a second consecutive game with an upper-body injury. Malkin is averaging over a point per game for the first time in three seasons, sitting on 15 goals and 37 assists in 50 games. Ville Koivunen took Malkin's spot in the lineup on Tuesday against Colorado but didn't make an impact in 10:04 of ice time. Koivunen's usage may increase on Thursday depending on Anthony Mantha's (lower body) status.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michelle Crechiolo
March 25, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander
Ryan Pepiot (hip) saw a doctor on Wednesday about his right-hip inflammation and is "in a really good spot," according to Ryan Bass. Pepiot will rest for a few days and should resume throwing this weekend. He is starting the season on the 15-day injured list and won't be with the team for their first road trip, but the expectation is that he'll rejoin the starting rotation during the first homestand, which starts on Monday, April 6, against the Chicago Cubs. Pepiot's injury has opened the door for right-hander
Joe Boyle to join the team's Opening Day rotation. In his second year with the Rays in 2025, Pepiot went 11-12 with a career-high 3.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 167:61 K:BB in 167 2/3 innings over a career-high 31 starts. Pepiot mostly relies on his fastball/changeup mix to fool hitters and has a 25.3% strikeout rate in his four MLB seasons. Fantasy managers should consider him a decent No. 4/5 hurler who could benefit from the move back to Tropicana Field.
--Keith HernandezSource: Ryan Bass
March 25, 2026
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (illness) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's matchup with the Boston Bruins, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports. After missing practice on Tuesday due to illness, Samuelsson skated on Wednesday morning. Having Samuelsson available would be a big boost for the Sabres. The 26-year-old has taken huge strides this season, registering 39 points (12 goals, 27 assists), 97 SOG, 137 blocks, 110 hits, and a plus-35 rating. The six-year veteran had previously never managed more than 14 points in a single season. Conor Timmins (leg) is available on Wednesday and could be Samuelsson's replacement in the lineup. He has missed over three months due to a broken leg.
--Taavi PailkSource: Heather Engel
March 25, 2026
San Francisco Giants outfielder
Heliot Ramos is starting in left field and batting sixth for the Giants on Opening night at Oracle Park on Wednesday against the visiting New York Yankees and left-hander
Max Fried, according to MLB.com. It's a tough matchup, and many DFS managers won't feel comfortable pulling the trigger on Ramos in the first game of the regular season, especially since he's hitless in eight career at-bats against Fried. On a random note, Ramos becomes the first Giants left fielder to make back-to-back Opening Day starts since Barry Bonds in 2007. The 26-year-old former first-rounder in 2017 has back-to-back 20-homer seasons for the Giants as well, and he also cut his strikeout rate considerably in 2025. But with
Luis Arraez now in town and hitting leadoff, Ramos' counting stats could take a big hit while residing further down the Giants' batting order. Ramos might have already reached his fantasy ceiling, especially at pitcher-friendly Oracle Park.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 25, 2026
Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports that Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward
Quentin Grimes (illness) is available for Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls after missing Monday's loss to Oklahoma City due to an illness. The 25-year-old has started each of his last 11 appearances, but with
Paul George returning tonight after serving a lengthy suspension, his role from here on out is uncertain.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Adam Aaronson
March 25, 2026
New York Rangers goaltender Jonathan Quick (upper body) won't suit up on Wednesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. According to Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, Quick is "not there yet" but is "getting closer" to returning. The veteran netminder, who has a 5-16-2 record this season, suffered an upper-body injury during Saturday's practice. With Quick out, Dylan Garand made his NHL debut on Sunday against Winnipeg, making 35 saves in a 3-2 shootout defeat. Garand will serve as Igor Shesterkin's backup on Wednesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mollie Walker
March 25, 2026
New York Yankees first baseman
Ben Rice is hitting cleanup on Opening night on Wednesday at Oracle Park against the San Francisco Giants and right-hander
Logan Webb, according to MLB.com. Rice is entrusted in the middle of New York's potent lineup after breaking out in 2025 to the tune of a .255/.337/.499 slash line, .836 OPS, 26 home runs, 65 RBI, and 74 runs scored in 530 plate appearances over 138 regular-season games. He has only faced Webb three times in his career and has one hit and an RBI. Not only does Rice have 30-homer potential at Yankee Stadium from the left side of the plate, but he also has catcher eligibility for fantasy managers. In 16 Grapefruit League games in spring training, Rice went 11-for-46 (.239) with two home runs, five RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base. He's as good a DFS selection on Opening night in San Fran as any Yankees hitter.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 25, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (illness) has taken a temporary leave of absence for personal reasons, the team announced on Wednesday. The Lightning captain has sat out three games due to illness and is now expected to miss some more time. Emil Lilleberg has been playing in Hedman's absence, but he doesn't offer any fantasy value. Darren Raddysh has operated as the No. 1 defenseman and produced another outstanding performance with three points in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. He will aim to score in a third consecutive game on Thursday night against Seattle.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 25, 2026
The Detroit Lions officially announced on Wednesday that they re-signed kicker
Jake Bates to an undisclosed deal. Bates was an exclusive-rights free agent. The 27-year-old will return for his third season with the Lions in 2026. The former undrafted free agent out of Arkansas has become one of the more reliable kickers in fantasy football over the last couple of seasons in a Lions offense that should remain formidable in 2026. Last year in 17 games, Bates made 27 of his 34 field-goal tries (4-for-9 from 50-plus yards) and a league-high 54 extra points on 56 tries. He has made 84.1% of his 63 field-goal attempts in his two years in the NFL while succeeding on 95.9% of his 123 extra-point attempts. Bates was the No. 6 fantasy kicker in 2025. It also helps that half of his games come indoors, mitigating his volatility.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Lions
March 25, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback
Patrick Mahomes (knee) posted a video on Wednesday of himself in a training session where he dropped back and threw the ball, according to ESPN's Nate Taylor. It's the first public footage of him doing anything football-related since he had surgery in December to fix the torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. "Day by Day!" Mahomes wrote his Instagram story. "Felt Great being able to throw the ball around today!" Based on the video clip, Taylor writes that the Chiefs are "optimistic" that Mahomes is on track to take part in the team's voluntary offseason practices, which are expected to start in May. The 30-year-old six-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl MVP had surgery exactly 100 days ago and said a month after the surgery that he hoped to be in uniform for the season opener in September. It's still early in the offseason, but it's a positive development for Mahomes to be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign. The question now is whether he has already peaked in KC's offense after failing to reach the 4,000-yard passing mark in each of the last two years. It hasn't been fruitful to bet against Mahomes, but coming off a serious knee injury, he needs to be knocked down to the low-end QB1 tier going into 2026 fantasy drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
March 25, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward
Jordan Miller (back) is out for Wednesday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Miller has been healthy throughout most of the season, but he will sit out tonight's contest due to back soreness. His next chance to suit up is Friday against the Pacers. The 26-year-old is averaging 9.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists across 21.6 minutes per game this season. Fellow forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) could also sit out as he is carrying a questionable tag ahead of tonight's matchup.
Bennedict Mathurin (toe),
John Collins (ankle) and
Kobe Sanders could be asked to play bigger roles if Leonard is also unable to play.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Justin Russo
March 25, 2026
Former Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Najee Harris (Achilles) visited with the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, and the plan is for him to visit with the Las Vegas Raiders next, a source told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Harris played in every single game in his first four years in the league with the Steelers, but he only played in three games in 2025 with the Chargers before tearing his left Achilles tendon. The 28-year-old former 24th overall pick in 2021 out of Alabama has progressed to sprinting on a treadmill this offseason, though, and he could make sense for a Seahawks backfield that lost Super Bowl MVP
Kenneth Walker III to free agency.
Zach Charbonnet (knee) isn't expected to be ready for Week 1 this fall, either, so the team could certainly use extra depth alongside
Emanuel Wilson and
George Holani. Harris had four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons in the Steel City to begin his career, but his dynasty/keeper stock has taken a big hit coming off an Achilles tear. If he were to land in Seattle, he could be in a three-man committee backfield with Wilson and Holani until Charbonnet returns.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 25, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Tristan Vukcevic (back) is unavailable for Wednesday's matchup with the Utah Jazz. Vukcevic did not return to Sunday's game against the New York Knicks after experiencing lower-back tightness and the same issue will keep him out of tonight's contest.
Alexandre Sarr (toe) is also out, so
Anthony Gill could see deeper rotation minutes after collecting 18 points, five rebounds, and three steals across 26 minutes on Sunday.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Bilal Coulibaly (heel) will play on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz. Coulibaly was previously listed as questionable with a heel injury, but he has since been cleared to play. The 21-year-old was out for two games in mid-March, but since then he's collected 34 points, nine rebounds, six assists, four steals and four blocks across 40 minutes in his past two outings. If his minutes are restricted this evening,
Will Riley and
Jaden Hardy will likely see extended minutes on the floor.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
San Francisco Giants outfielder
Jerar Encarnacion is not in the team's starting lineup on Opening Day on Wednesday evening at Oracle Park against the visiting New York Yankees and left-hander
Max Fried, according to Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Rafael Devers is serving as the Giants' designated hitter, with infielder
Casey Schmitt making the start at first base. The 28-year-old Encarnacion could find playing time difficult to come by again in 2026 after playing in just 19 games in 2025 and slashing .200/.214/.364 with two home runs, seven RBI, and five runs scored in just 56 plate appearances. He dealt with hamstring, hand, and oblique injuries. Encarnacion makes very loud contact when he impacts the baseball, but he struggles to make consistent contact and has a history of injuries. He's out of minor-league options and will have to produce when he's given the opportunities in 2026 if he wants to stick around in the Giants' organization. Encarnacion has hit just .216 with 10 homers and 40 RBI in his 77 big-league games over three seasons with the Giants and Marlins.
--Keith HernandezSource: San Francisco Chronicle - Shayna Rubin
March 25, 2026
The Atlanta Braves placed catcher
Sean Murphy (hip) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with right-hip labrum repair, according to MLB.com. Murphy was always expected to begin the 2026 regular season on the shelf, and now it's official. He underwent surgery on his right hip in September of last year and isn't expected to be ready to make his season debut this year until sometime in May. It obviously makes Murphy much less attractive in fantasy baseball, especially with
Drake Baldwin and
Jonah Heim totally capable of handling the catching duties in Atlanta. The 31-year-old veteran backstop was able to take on-field batting practice on March 9, but he still has plenty of boxes to check in his rehab, including defensive work and running. Murphy was a first-time All-Star in his first year in Atlanta in 2023, but he has played in a combined 166 games the last two years while hitting just .197/.293/.384 with a .676 OPS in 601 plate appearances. When healthy, a lesser role could be coming for Murphy between catcher and designated hitter, and there's no guarantee the pop returns after having hip surgery.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 25, 2026
The Seattle Mariners placed right-hander
Bryce Miller (oblique) on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday with a left-oblique strain, according to MLB.com's Daniel Kramer. Miller only made one appearance during spring training after injuring his oblique late last month. The good news, though, is that the 27-year-old hasn't had any setbacks after throwing a couple of bullpen sessions in camp. Miller still needs a couple of weeks to build his arm back up, but barring a setback, he figures to rejoin Seattle's starting rotation before the end of April. In the meantime,
Emerson Hancock will take Miller's spot in the team's rotation. The former fourth-round pick of the Mariners in 2021 out of Texas A&M went 12-8 with a 2.94 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 171:45 K:BB in 31 starts in his second big-league season before dealing with injuries and posting a 5.68 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in just 18 starts in 2025 due to injuries. Miller is pitching with a bone spur in his right elbow as well, making him more of a risk in 2026, but he's still a worthwhile IL stash for his upside in mixed fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
March 25, 2026
The Seattle Mariners placed shortstop
J.P. Crawford (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with right-shoulder inflammation, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Crawford received a cortisone injection last week for a shoulder injury that he's dealt with since the start of spring training in February. He managed to play in seven Cactus League games, though, going 2-for-16 (.125) with three RBI and a stolen base. The good news for the M's is that they could have their starting shortstop back when he's eligible to come off the IL on Wednesday, April 1. Until then,
Leo Rivas will have added value in AL-only leagues as middle-infield depth as the starter at the 6 for Seattle. Crawford's injury isn't serious, but it's another knock on the former first-rounder and his limited fantasy upside. He had double-digit home runs (12) for just the second time in his nine-year MLB career in 2025, and he's never had double-digit stolen bases in 930 career games.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
March 25, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Lars Nootbaar (heels) was placed on the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. This means the left-handed hitter will be out until at least late May as he recovers from offseason surgery to both of his heels. The team was hoping to avoid a 60-day IL stint, but instead,
Nathan Church,
Thomas Saggese, and
Jose Fermin will compete for playing time in left field to begin the year. When Nootbaar returns, he does offer some pop after having reached at least 12 home runs the last four seasons, along with a solid OBP thanks to a strong walk rate, but you may be able to find higher-upside options on the waiver wire even when he's back in the lineup.
--Jarod RuppSource: St. Louis Cardinals
March 25, 2026
Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect
Dylan Beavers (knee) said he "peeled back" on activity that irritated his right knee/quadriceps and has been receiving treatment, according to Jake Rill of MLB.com. Beavers had a full work day on Tuesday, including running the bases, and "feels ready to go" for Opening Day on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. In 11 Grapefruit League games this spring before his injury, Beavers went 7-for-33 (.212) with a homer, four doubles, two RBI, four runs scored, one walk, and 10 strikeouts in 34 plate appearances. He played in 35 games for the O's in his MLB debut in 2025, hitting .227 (25-for-110) with four homers, 14 RBI, 16 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 137 plate appearances. It remains to be seen how big a role Beavers will have in the outfield in Baltimore to begin his first full year in the big leagues, but he's a high-floor prospect who had a .304 batting average, 18 home runs, and 23 steals in 94 games at Triple-A Norfolk in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Jake Rill
March 25, 2026
Baltimore Orioles second baseman
Jackson Holliday (hand) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday. The left-handed slugger is working his way back from a broken hamate bone that he suffered back in February and has been making steady progress, even taking live batting practice last week. A minimal stay on the IL appears to be in order, so expect an announcement of a rehab assignment soon, which would likely take place at Triple-A Norfolk. The former first overall draft pick debuted in 2024 and showed signs of improvement in 2025, dropping his K% from 33.2 percent to 21.6 percent as his contact rate went from 70.3 percent to 78.7 percent, resulting in a wRC+ that went from 62 to 96. If the 22-year-old can continue to improve, he could be on the verge of a very fantasy-friendly third season in the big leagues.
--Jarod RuppSource: Jacob Calvin Meyer
March 25, 2026
Alabama quarterback
Ty Simpson is scheduled to hold a private workout with the New York Jets on Friday, according to Field Yates of ESPN. The Jets traded for veteran QB
Geno Smith this offseason, but they are very much in the quarterback market heading into this year's NFL draft and hold the No. 2 and No. 16 overall picks in the first round. Simpson threw for a large contingent of NFL personnel at his school's pro day on Wednesday and was "razor sharp," per Yates. "His accuracy and tempo stood out." Indiana QB
Fernando Mendoza is expected to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, but it remains to be seen if the Jets like Simpson enough to pull the trigger at No. 2 overall. In his first year as a starter for the Crimson Tide in 2025, Simpson looked great, leading the SEC in completions (305) and pass attempts (473) while throwing for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and only five interceptions in 15 games played. He has quickly become the consensus No. 2 overall QB prospect in this year's draft class, with ESPN's Dan Orlovsky going as far as to say that Simpson could end up being a better franchise signal-caller than Mendoza.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Field Yates
March 25, 2026
New York Yankees starting pitcher
Clarke Schmidt (elbow) is expected to begin throwing bullpen sessions at the end of March and could progress to throwing to live hitters in April if all goes well. The right-hander is continuing his recovery from Tommy John surgery that he underwent last July, and his current track puts him on pace to return to the big league mound sometime in the second half of the season, so long as he does not encounter any setbacks. The former first-round draft pick has been a relatively effective pitcher for the Yankees over the last few years, but he also missed a lot of time in 2024 due to injury. The 6-foot-1 hurler recorded a 3.07 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 15.8 percent K-BB% in 30 starts between 2024 and 2025, and if he can regain that form, he could be a worthy stash candidate or waiver add later in the year.
--Jarod RuppSource: MLB.com
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