March 5, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitching prospect
River Ryan is in consideration for a starting position in the rotation to begin the 2026 MLB season, according to Courtney Hollmon of MLB.com. With
Blake Snell (elbow) expected to miss the start of the season and
Gavin Stone (shoulder) sidelined, Ryan could carve out a role at the back of the rotation. The 27-year-old underwent Tommy John in August of 2024 but is fully healthy to begin 2026. In 2024, he made his MLB debut, logging 20 1/3 innings while looking quite comfortable, posting a 1.33 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Through the early part of spring, Ryan has logged three scoreless frames with a 4:2 K:BB. Ryan is a name to monitor closely in deeper 12+ team formats, as he could hold early-season streaming appeal if he earns a starting role.
--Andy SmithSource: Courtney Hollmon
March 5, 2026
Detroit Tigers top prospect
Kevin McGonigle has made a strong case through the opening weeks of spring training to begin the regular season on the MLB roster. The No. 2-ranked prospect in the sport (on MLB.com), trialing only Pittsburgh's
Konnor Griffin, has posted an elite .400/.471/.667 slash line with two doubles, one triple, and one stolen base over just six games. Even though McGonigle has yet to play a game at Triple-A, the budding star is looking quite comfortable against MLB-caliber pitching. Last summer, McGonigle spent most of his time at High-A and Double-A, where he held a cumulative .309/.411/.596 line with a 1.007 OPS, 19 HRs, and 10 SBs over 82 games. If he continues this pace in spring training, he could win the starting shortstop job over
Javier Baez and
Zach McKinstry.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 5, 2026
Cincinnati Reds infield prospect
Sal Stewart has flashed high power upside over his first taste of spring training games. The team's No. 1 prospect has posted an elite .429/.529/.929 line with one double and two long balls over just six games. He trails only infielder
Matt McLain for the team lead in spring training home runs. Stewart earned a taste of the majors later in the second half of last season and held his own, carrying a .255/.293/.545 line with one double and five home runs over a brief 18-game stint. Earlier in the campaign, Stewart launched 20 home runs over a 118-game stint between Double-A and Triple-A. Fantasy managers should expect Stewart to carve out an everyday role in the Cincinnati offense, seeing time at several infield positions. He is a prime breakout candidate in drafts as he possesses elite power upside with the potential to chip in double-digit stolen bases.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 5, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (neck) has been tagged as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Sacramento Kings. Murphy III has played in two games since returning from a shoulder contusion. Now, he's dealing with neck spasms, and the team might want to ease his workload since another game is scheduled for Friday night. If Murphy III is unavailable,
Bryce McGowens and
Jeremiah Fears could get more minutes, and
Jordan Poole might also rejoin the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Connelly Early will likely begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Worcester. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com,
Johan Oviedo is the current favorite to claim the starting position, which will push Early and fellow prospect
Payton Tolle to Triple-A. The 23-year-old looked quite comfortable in his first taste of MLB action, logging 19 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.33 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 29:4 K:BB. He struck out at least seven batters in all but one of his outings, and even hit the double-digit strikeout mark in his first career start against the Athletics. At Triple-A, the southpaw tossed 28 2/3 innings with a 2.83 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. Even if Early were to begin the season in the minors, he is a worthy stash target in deeper formats given the high strikeout upside he flashed in his first taste of MLB action.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Cotillo
March 5, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans forward
Zion Williamson (ankle) is listed as questionable on the injury report ahead of Thursday's meeting with the Sacramento Kings. After missing one game due to an ankle sprain, the former No. 1 pick was back in action on Tuesday against the Lakers, but Williamson could land back on the shelf for Thursday night. New Orleans will play two games in as many nights, so the team has some decisions to make. If Williamson sits out Thursday's game,
DeAndre Jordan may return to the starting lineup; however, his minutes are not expected to increase significantly. Instead,
Derik Queen benefited the most from Williamson's absence on Sunday against the Clippers, delivering an impressive 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 29 minutes off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect
Carlos Lagrange has looked very comfortable through the early part of spring training and could be in serious contention to begin the season on the MLB roster. The team's No. 2-ranked prospect on MLB.com has appeared in two games so far (one start) and logged 5 2/3 innings with one earned run (two total runs) and a stellar 1.06 WHIP. He has struck out six batters and allowed just two free passes. Last summer, Lagrange spent most of his time at Double-A Somerset, where he logged 78 1/3 innings with a strong 3.22 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 104:50 K:BB. While he possesses immense strikeout upside, his weaker command has limited his production. If Lagrange continues this early success in camp, he could earn a spot on the Opening Day roster with both
Carlos Rodon (elbow) and
Gerrit Cole (elbow) set to miss the start of the season.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 5, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (Achilles) won't play in the first leg of a back-to-back on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings. Only a week has passed since Murray made his season debut, and the team is being cautious with his workload. We should see him back on the court against the Phoenix Suns on Friday night. Across his first four outings of the season, Murray has averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.8 steals in 25.0 minutes per game.
Bryce McGowens slotted into the starting lineup when Murray sat out the first game of a back-to-back last weekend. Overall, McGowens has made 13 starts this season, posting 10.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect
Ryan Waldschmidt has made a strong case for a starting job early in spring training and is quickly approaching sleeper territory in drafts. Through his first six contests, Waldschmidt has posted a .316/.350/.632 slash line with three doubles, one home run, and one stolen base. Even though Waldschmidt has yet to step foot on a Triple-A diamond, the team's top prospect is in serious contention to crack the Opening Day roster. Last season, he spent time at High- and Double-A and posted a cumulative .289/.419/.473 line with a .892 OPS, 18 home runs, and 29 stolen bases. With
Corbin Carroll (hand) in question for Opening Day and
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) set to miss the start of the season, Waldschmidt could hold high-end early-season value in all formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 5, 2026
Houston Rockets guard/forward
Amen Thompson (ankle) is questionable to play on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors. Houston's jack of all trades sprained his right ankle in Monday's win over the Washington Wizards and might have to sit out only his third game of the season. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said on Wednesday that Thompson is expected to play against the Warriors, but we won't know for sure until his status is officially upgraded. Houston is starting a back-to-back set and will want to avoid any risk of a more serious injury to Thompson. If Thompson doesn't suit up,
Josh Okogie and
Aaron Holiday will probably have more prominent roles, though they are unlikely to make a fantasy impact.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Houston Rockets forward/center
Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's tilt against the Golden State Warriors. While there were reports on Wednesday that Smith Jr. was set to return from a two-game absence, he hasn't been officially cleared yet. If Smith Jr. can't make it back on Thursday night,
Reed Sheppard would get another opportunity to impress as a starter. Sheppard began this week by recording his first career double-double, notching 19 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists, six steals, and two blocks in a 123-118 win over the Washington Wizards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Houston Rockets center
Alperen Sengun (illness) is considered questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Golden State Warriors. The Turkish star is battling an illness, which could end Sengun's run of consecutive appearances at 25 games. After a quiet spell, Sengun opened this week with a big 32-point, 13-rebound double-double against the Washington Wizards. Sengun's absence on Thursday would allow
Clint Capela to make his second start of the season.
Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) could also see time at center, although he is dealing with a health issue as well and is questionable to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 5, 2026
Washington Wizards guard/forward
Kyshawn George (elbow) will be re-evaluated in three weeks. He has been diagnosed with a partially torn UCL in his left elbow. George suffered the injury in Monday's loss to the Houston Rockets. If he can return in three weeks, George will be available for only about 10 more games this season. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a solid sophomore campaign, averaging 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 29.0 minutes per game.
Will Riley,
Tre Johnson, and
Justin Champagnie could all benefit from George's absence.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA.com
March 4, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights forward Mitchell Marner scored once and picked up two assists in a 4-3 overtime victory versus the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday. Marner assisted on Reilly Smith's goal in the first period, scored with 3:24 left in the third period to tie it up at three apiece, and then set up Tomas Hertl for the overtime winner to end it. Marner now has 62 points in 61 games and is having another point-per-game season.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 4, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights center Tomas Hertl had a big game on Wednesday night. First, he assisted on Mitchell Marner's game-tying goal late in the third period, and then he scored the power-play winner shortly after in a 4-3 overtime victory versus Detroit. Hertl now has 24 goals and 29 assists on the season, and he is fourth on the Golden Knights in points.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 4, 2026
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that there are only a "select few" NFL teams that would meet the criteria of the Philadelphia Eagles and for wide receiver
A.J. Brown as a potential trade partner this offseason. It's unclear exactly what it might take to pry Brown away from the Eagles, and general manager Howie Roseman knows he doesn't have to trade the 28-year-old three-time Pro Bowler away. The New England Patriots are seen as a potential landing spot after they released receiver
Stefon Diggs, and because of the familiarity between Brown and head coach Mike Vrabel. The Los Angeles Rams could have been another team in play for Brown, but they just traded a first-round pick for cornerback Trent McDuffie. At the very least, the Eagles will likely want a first-rounder and more for Brown, who has exactly seven touchdowns in each of the last three seasons while reaching the 1,000-yard mark in each of the last four years and six of his seven seasons in the NFL.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
March 4, 2026
The Detroit Lions tendered a contract to exclusive-rights free-agent kicker
Jake Bates, ensuring that he returns for the 2026 season, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Bates has gotten off to a nice start to his NFL career in two seasons with Detroit, making 84.1% of his 63 field-goal attempts while making 118 of his 123 extra-point tries in 34 games played. The 27-year-old Arkansas product has led the NFL in extra-point attempts and extra-point makes in each of the last two years while playing in one of the best offenses in the league. In 2025, he went 27-for-34 on field goals (4-for-9 from 50-plus yards) and 54-for-56 on extra points in 17 games played to finish as the No. 6 fantasy kicker in overall points. The Lions will have a new offensive coordinator in 2026, but they should still have a favorable offense, making Bates a clear top-10 fantasy target at the kicking position.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
March 4, 2026
The Athletics are open to reuniting with
Kyler Murray, who was the ninth overall selection in the 2018 MLB draft out of Oklahoma, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Murray ultimately chose football over baseball and was taken first overall in the 2019 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals will be releasing the 28-year-old QB after seven seasons with the organization, though. The A's retained Murray's baseball rights in the event he decides to return to baseball. Murray should have plenty of suitors in free agency in the NFL this offseason, which makes it unlikely that he'll give up football in favor of baseball in 2026. He was regarded as a five-tool player on the diamond, however, after hitting .296 with 10 home runs and 47 RBI in 51 games for the Sooners in 2018. The New York Jets are a team that is reportedly looking into Murray.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
March 4, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Pat Freiermuth's fantasy value in both redraft and dynasty/keeper leagues should be higher going into the 2026 season with the news that the Steelers are releasing
Jonnu Smith. In offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's run-first, two-tight-end system last year, Freiermuth regressed, catching 41 of 54 targets for 486 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (eight starts).
Darnell Washington (forearm) also cut into Freirmuth's production. New head coach Mike McCarthy should be much friendlier to Freiermuth for fantasy purposes next season, even if the team's quarterback situation is currently unsettled. Depending on what direction the Steelers go in at QB, Freiermuth will be a TE1 sleeper this fall. In dynasty/keeper leagues, he's a decent buy-low target. Freiermuth already has two seasons with seven touchdown catches, including his rookie year in 2021.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 4, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are releasing tight end
Jonnu Smith on Wednesday, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The move will save the Steelers $7 million against the salary cap, and Smith will now become an unrestricted free agent. Smith, 30, was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, putting up career-highs in catches (88), targets (111), receiving yards (884), and touchdowns (eight) in 17 games. He came crashing back down to Earth in 2025 with Pittsburgh while sharing targets with
Pat Freiermuth, though, as he finished with only 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns on 54 targets in 17 regular-season games. Smith may never be as good as he was in 2024 in Miami, but a move out of the Steel City is a good thing for his fantasy value going into the 2026 campaign. Smith's departure is also great news for Freiermuth's ceiling.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 4, 2026
Charlotte Hornets guard
Coby White (calf) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. White appears to be ready to play after sitting out of Tuesday's game due to left calf injury management. White has only made three appearances since being traded to Charlotte from Chicago. He finished with 20 points in 21 minutes of action during his latest game on February 28 versus the Trail Blazers. White has decent upside because of his scoring ability, but he won't be a great option because he'll likely continue to be limited.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 4, 2026
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not tender a contract to restricted free-agent running back
Sean Tucker, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Tucker will become a free agent next week after rushing for 320 yards and seven touchdowns on a career-high 86 carries in 17 games in 2025 in his third year in the NFL. The 24-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Syracuse also added eight receptions (11 targets) for 34 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Rachaad White is another Tampa RB set to depart in free agency this offseason, so the team's backfield could look quite different next year behind
Bucky Irving. Tucker probably won't land anywhere that will give him a big role in the backfield in 2026, but he has proven to be a useful depth option while also contributing on special teams as a returner. He had a career-high 597 kickoff return yards. If he re-signs with the Bucs, Tucker could be the top handcuff for those who roster Irving.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 4, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Kelly Oubre Jr. (illness) is ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz. Oubre will now miss both games of the back-to-back set due to a lingering illness. His next chance to play will come versus the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. The Sixers are going to need to lean on their backup forwards, with
VJ Edgecombe (back) also sidelined.
Quentin Grimes,
Justin Edwards, and
Jabari Walker are all candidates to see increased roles on Wednesday. Walker could be a sneaky streaming option after dropping 20 points with seven rebounds across 19 minutes of action on Tuesday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 4, 2026
Houston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena (finger) suffered a small fracture in one of his fingers and will miss at least the first round of the World Baseball Classic, according to Dionisio Soldevila. It doesn't sound like it's too serious, but this will also put the 28-year-old's availability for the start of the 2026 regular season up in the air. If Pena opens the year on the injured list,
Carlos Correa would likely move over to the 6, opening up starting duties at the hot corner for
Isaac Paredes. Pena was a first-time All-Star last year, slashing .304/.363/.477 with a career-high .840 OPS, 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases in 125 games played over 543 plate appearances. He was pretty productive for the Astros and fantasy managers despite missing time with oblique and rib injuries. Pena is a more modest five-category contributor at a premium position, but he won't cost as much as the elite names on draft day. He could be even more of a value pick due to his finger injury.
UPDATE: Pena will undergo X-rays after a ground ball took a bad hop and struck a fingertip during Wednesday's exhibition game.--Keith HernandezSource: Dionisio Soldevila
March 4, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers guard
VJ Edgecombe (back) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz. This doesn't come as a surprise after Edgecombe was forced to exit early during Tuesday's game due to a back issue. He suffered a lumbar contusion and is listed as day-to-day. His next chance to play will come versus the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. In the meantime,
Quentin Grimes and
Cameron Payne figure to see increased roles in the rotation. Between the two, Grimes is the better fantasy option ahead of Wednesday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 4, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks. Hartenstein is returning after missing Tuesday's game due to calf injury management. He's back a day later and figures to have a full workload on Wednesday. Over the last 10 games, Hartenstein is averaging 8.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 23.5 minutes per game. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Hartenstein back in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Aaron Wiggins and
Jaylin Williams figure to lose streaming appeal with Hartenstein returning.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 4, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen due to salary cap restraints, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The former Pro Bowler had 68 tackles (29 solo) and 3.5 sacks in 17 starts for Minnesota last year. The Vikings are $40-plus million over the salary cap right now, so they are looking to create additional space before the start of the new league year next week. The 31-year-old veteran was able to stay healthy all year in 2025 in his first season outside of Washington after he appeared in just eight games for the Commanders in 2024 due to injuries. Allen's 68 total tackles tied a career high, but he's only had 6.5 sacks over the last two seasons combined after recording 22 sacks in the three prior seasons. He'll attract interest as a veteran run-stopper in free agency, but Allen's peak as a pass-rusher might already be behind him.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
March 4, 2026
Impending free-agent wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed is said to not be close to a long-term contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, and the expectation is that he will now test the free-agent market on Monday, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 27-year-old was a midseason pickup by the eventual Super Bowl-champion Seahawks in a trade with the New Orleans Saints. Shaheed was a key piece of the championship roster, although he was more of a fantasy asset in New Orleans with 44 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. In nine regular-season contests with Seattle, Shaheed had only 15 grabs for 188 yards and no touchdowns on offense. Wherever Shaheed is playing in 2026, he'll be a boom/bust WR4/flex for fantasy managers, with more value coming in leagues that count return yardage and TDs on special teams.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
March 4, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game against the New York Knicks. The superstar guard is back in the mix after sitting out of Tuesday's contest due to an abdominal strain. It sounds like Tuesday's absence was more of a maintenance day to keep Gilgeous-Alexander healthy and rested.
Isaiah Joe will head back to the bench with Gilgeous-Alexander returning on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should expect him to have a full workload on Wednesday. As for Joe, he won't be as appealing for streaming with him playing off the bench.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 4, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This marks the third game in a row that Murray-Boyles has missed due to a left thumb sprain. His next chance to play will come on Sunday, so fantasy managers will need to check back this weekend for another update. His absence should mean increased playing time for
Jakob Poeltl and
Sandro Mamukelashvili. Poeltl will likely see 30 minutes or more with Murray-Boyles out, so he should be a fairly attractive fantasy option.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
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