February 19, 2026
Toronto Raptors forwards/centers
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) and
Sandro Mamukelashvili (rib) are available for Thursday's game against Chicago, but their upside hinges on minutes in a crowded frontcourt with
Jakob Poeltl active. Over his last five games, Murray-Boyles averaged 9.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.6 blocks in 25.7 minutes, flashing category juice if the workload holds. Mamukelashvili posted 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.8 threes in 25.3 minutes across that span. Both carry deep-league appeal, yet Poeltl's presence caps ceilings, leaving
Scottie Barnes as the safest frontcourt play.
--Brian DailisanSource: Blake Murphy
February 19, 2026
San Diego Padres right-hander
Randy Vasquez has an "inside track" to one of the final starting rotation spots in San Diego to begin the 2026 season despite the recent additions of
German Marquez and
Walker Buehler, according to MLB.com's AJ Cassavell.
Nick Pivetta,
Michael King, and
Joe Musgrove are locks. Vasquez, 27, likely earned himself a rotation spot to begin the year with his solid 2025 showing, in which he went 6-7 with a 3.84 ERA (4.85 FIP) and 1.32 WHIP with a career-high 78 strikeouts and 52 walks in 133 2/3 innings over 28 appearances (26 starts). While Vasquez was a solid back-of-the-rotation arm for the Friars, fantasy managers in deeper leagues should expect some regression due to his 5.51 xFIP and 5.44 SIERA. His 4.6% K-BB% was the third-lowest mark in the league among pitchers with at least 130 innings. Vasquez is outside of RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitchers in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
February 19, 2026
After starting games for both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals in 2025, veteran quarterback
Joe Flacco enters 2026 as an unrestricted free agent. The 2008 first-round draft pick, who has now started for six different teams, recently turned 41, but he has no plans to retire anytime soon. While a handful of teams could be in the market for a bridge quarterback when free agency opens in March, Flacco will likely find more suitors as one of the most reliable backups in the league. He has expressed a willingness to resign with Cincinnati to play behind
Joe Burrow, which, outside of a starting role, might be his most valuable landing spot from a fantasy perspective. Flacco finished as a QB1 in four of his six starts with the Bengals, including a stretch of three straight weeks inside the top five, while Burrow has missed meaningful time in three of his first six seasons. As such, Flacco is worth holding through the offseason in superflex dynasty leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Boston Red Sox right-hander
Kutter Crawford (knee, wrist, illness) is in the mix for the No. 5 starting rotation spot to begin the 2026 season, but MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo also reports that he "could start the year on the injured list." Crawford is behind the other starting candidates at spring training and has not faced hitters yet, and a bout with the flu delayed his progress early in camp as he works his way back from knee and wrist injuries that cost him the entire 2025 season. The 29-year-old led the team with 33 starts two years ago and was an All-Star candidate after having a 2.89 ERA in his first 11 starts. Crawford finished the 2024 campaign with a 4.36 ERA, 175 strikeouts, and 51 walks over 183 2/3 innings. Especially since he's behind due to the injuries he dealt with last year, Crawford is off the fantasy radar in single-year leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 19, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Noah Clowney (ankle) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Clowney is back after missing the final game before the All-Star break due to an ankle injury. His return to the rotation should mean decreased roles for
Ziaire Williams and
Terance Mann. This season, Clowney is averaging 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 28.4 minutes per game. He's getting steady playing time and is worthy of rostering in deep leagues at the minimum. Fantasy managers can get him active ahead of tip-off on Thursday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Buffalo Bills second-year running back
Ray Davis saw his workload reduced drastically from Year 1 to Year 2, as the team finally gave
James Cook the workhorse duties fantasy managers have been clamoring for for years. Cook saw the highest snap count of his career and obliterated his previous-high usage total, seeing a total of 348 opportunities on the way to his first career rushing title. Meanwhile, Davis saw his opportunities drop from 131 as a rookie to only 71 in year two. With Buffalo's offense still among the highest scoring in the league, Davis' value purely as a handcuff is enough to keep him rostered in deeper dynasty leagues. However, with
Ty Johnson still working ahead of him in the passing game, he is by no means a must-hold for managers facing a roster crunch.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (knee) will suit up for Thursday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Porter is returning after missing the final two games before the All-Star break due to right knee tendinitis. He was given plenty of time to rest and is healthy enough to suit up on Thursday. Fantasy managers can safely get Porter back in their lineups ahead of tip-off on Thursday. This is the front end of a back-to-back set, so fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked to see an injury maintenance day on Friday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls forward
Jalen Smith (calf) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Smith will play after missing the final three games before the All-Star break due to a lingering calf injury. The return of Smith should mean reduced roles for
Guerschon Yabusele and
Nick Richards. Over the last 12 games, Smith is averaging 13.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 26.8 minutes per game. Smith figures to see an uptick in value as the starter with
Nikola Vucevic being traded away at the deadline. Fantasy managers should keep Smith on their radar, assuming he can stay healthy.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Following a 65-reception, 665-yard campaign in his first year with the Bengals, tight end
Mike Gesicki signed a three-year extension before the 2025 season. Missing parts of five games with a pectoral injury, the 30-year-old vet turned in his second-lowest yardage total since his rookie season, topping seven Half-PPR points only twice. With a relatively low-cost out to his existing contract, Gesicki could find himself as an offseason or training camp cut, but regardless of where he lands in 2026, his best fantasy days look to be safely behind him. Since his TE11 finish with Miami in 2021, he's seen fantasy finishes of TE23, TE37, TE14, and TE40, and he can be treated as a cut candidate as dynasty managers make space for the incoming rookie class.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward
Aaron Nesmith (back) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. Nesmith sat out the final game before the All-Star break due to lower back soreness. He was able to get fully healthy during the break and has shed the questionable tag ahead of Thursday's game. His return to the rotation should move
Ben Sheppard back to the bench. Nesmith is averaging 13.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 30.5 minutes per game this season. He's worth rostering in deep leagues as he's usually a fairly consistent contributor.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Tre Jones (hamstring) is active ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Jones is back after missing 11 straight games due to a strained left hamstring. He was able to rest and fully recover during the All-Star break. He's cleared to play on Thursday, but it's unclear how much he's going to play. The Bulls added
Anfernee Simons,
Collin Sexton, and
Jaden Ivey during the trade deadline. Also,
Josh Giddey (hamstring) is active for Thursday's game as well. Fantasy managers can hold Jones for now, but he could become a cut candidate if he doesn't get consistent playing time.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Baltimore Orioles corner infielder
Coby Mayo could see more opportunities at third base in Baltimore if infielder
Jordan Westburg (elbow, oblique) is forced to miss time due to injuries to begin the 2026 season, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Westburg is unable to perform baseball activities in camp right now and could be forced to the injured list to begin the year, making Mayo the starting third baseman for the O's. The 24-year-old came up through the system as a third baseman, but the O's moved him across the diamond to first last year.
Pete Alonso is now locked in at first base, so Mayo could make the move back across the infield. Through his first 102 games played in the big leagues, Mayo has struggled at the plate, slashing .201/.285/.349 with a .634 OPS, 11 home runs, 28 RBI, and a 31.2% strikeout rate. There's hope that Mayo's strong finish to last season can carry over, but he's going to need to make more contact to find his way into Baltimore's lineup regularly.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Banner - Andy Kostka
February 19, 2026
A first-round pick in 2024, Carolina wide receiver
Xavier Legette has yet to top 500 receiving yards or four touchdowns in either of his professional seasons. While he has shown the occasional flash, he looks to be heading in the wrong direction on the Panthers ' depth chart heading into 2026. Offensive Rookie of the Year
Tetairoa McMillan led the team in almost all statistical categories in 2025, while
Jalen Coker has been prioritized over Legette whenever he's healthy. With Coker seeing career highs in targets, receptions, and yards in Carolina's Wild Card playoff loss, and the Panthers regularly tied to the position in a wide receiver-heavy draft, Legette's value continues to slide. Quarterback
Bryce Young has yet to hit 3,300 yards or 25 passing touchdowns through his first three seasons, making a meaningful fantasy impact nearly impossible for any receiver that dips too far from the top of the depth chart.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Giddey is back in the mix after missing the last eight games before the All-Star break due to a lingering hamstring injury. He's feeling good enough to play after the break, but it's unclear if Giddey is going to start. The Bulls might ease Giddey back into action and have him come off the bench while he gets up his conditioning. Regardless, fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Giddey active in their lineups.
Collin Sexton and
Anfernee Simons could take a hit in production with Giddey back in the mix now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
New York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (toe) is cleared to suit up for Thursday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Anunoby is back in action after missing the last four games before the All-Star break due to left toe soreness. He had plenty of time to rest and is now ready to get back on the court. There is no word on him being limited, so fantasy managers should expect Anunoby to have a normal workload. His return to the court should mean a reduced role for
Landry Shamet in the rotation. Fantasy managers in season-long formats can safely get Anunoby back in their lineups.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Chicago White Sox manager
Will Venable said that right-hander
Seranthony Dominguez will be the team's closer to begin the 2026 season, according to James Fegan of Sox Machine. The White Sox signed Dominguez to a two-year, $20 million contract last month. The 31-year-old veteran has only 40 career saves in seven big-league seasons with three different teams, with 16 of them coming in his first major-league season in 2018 with the Philadelphia Phillies. Dominguez struck out 30.3% of the hitters he faced and had an opponent's expected batting average of just .200, partly because of a new split-finger fastball that he introduced. In a career-high 62 2/3 innings pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays, he held a 3.16 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, two saves, 20 holds, 79 strikeouts, and 36 walks. Dominguez's splitter is nasty and regularly generates whiffs, but a career-high 13.8% walk rate is worrisome, and he's unlikely to see a ton of save chances on one of the worst teams in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sox Machine - James Fegan
February 19, 2026
According to Tony East of Forbes.com, Indiana Pacers guard
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. McConnell will miss his second straight game due to a right hamstring injury. The 33-year-old's next chance to return could come on Friday versus Washington.
Kam Jones will be expected to take on a heavier workload while McConnell is on the shelf, but he provides minimal fantasy value this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Tony East
February 19, 2026
Twenty-four-year-old Baltimore Ravens running back
Keaton Mitchell has shown explosiveness almost every time he's been given an opportunity, but through the first three seasons of his career, those opportunities have been limited to 130 total touches. At only 5-foot-8 and under 200 pounds, durability has already been an early-career concern, but with a lifetime average of 6.3 yards per carry, he still has too much game-breaking talent to move on from. A restricted free agent heading into 2026, he'll likely return to a Ravens running back room with the soon-to-be 32-year-old
Derrick Henry and a dedicated pass catcher in
Justice Hill, who averaged fewer than two carries per game in 2025. Currently priced outside the top 60 running backs in dynasty startups, Mitchell remains a stash, with new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle coming from a Ben Johnson coaching tree that values explosives.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Cleveland Guardians right-hander
Gavin Williams took another step last year, reaching personal bests across the board in ERA (3.06), strikeouts (173), innings (167 2/3), and starts (31). After the All-Star break, Williams had a 2.18 ERA over 12 starts, which tied him with
Tarik Skubal for first among qualified American League starters. In the first few months of 2025, he threw less than six innings in eight of his 11 starts, logging a 4.27 ERA with 32 walks in 52 2/3 frames. According to MLB.com's Tim Stebbins, a subtle mechanical adjustment that Williams made on June 16 was the catalyst for his excellent finish. The 26-year-old raised the position of his hands from resting at the belt to his chest, to create a longer arm path so he could better locate his pitches. Williams also added a sinker last year, although he only threw it 6.6% of the time. The adjustment helped Williams throw more strikes, but he still led the majors with 83 walks. Going into 2026, Williams is an anchor in Cleveland's starting rotation and is a high-end No. 4 starting pitcher in fantasy with upside for more if he continues to lower his walk rate.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
February 19, 2026
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Golden State Warriors point guard
Stephen Curry (knee) is unavailable to suit up on Thursday against the Boston Celtics. Curry will be held out of action due to a knee issue. An MRI taken on Wednesday showed no structural damage, but the 37-year-old still has swelling and there isn't a clear timetable on when he will return. While Curry is out, the Warriors will have to continue to rely on
Brandin Podziemski and
Pat Spencer to take on extended minutes.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
February 19, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Malik Monk (illness) is available for Thursday's clash with the Orlando Magic. An illness kept the 28-year-old sidelined for four consecutive contests. Monk is averaging 12.4 points, 2.6 assists and 2.0 rebounds across 22.2 minutes in 43 games this season. With
Zach LaVine (hand) and
Domantas Sabonis (knee) out for the remainder of the season, Monk could absorb more offensive responsibility moving forward.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Cincinnati Reds right-handed pitching prospect
Rhett Lowder is in the mix for the team's No. 5 starting rotation spot this spring, competing with
Chase Burns,
Brandon Williamson, and
Julian Aguiar, and so far, he has looked good, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Lowder has faced hitters twice in live batting practice sessions and has looked "very polished," according to manager Terry Francona. "He's gross," a Reds hitter said of Lowder. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest missed all of last season with forearm and oblique injuries, but he had a normal offseason and looks primed and ready to return to the big leagues as a key part of the back end of Cincy's rotation. Lowder made his major-league debut in 2024 and made six starts, allowing only four earned runs while fanning 22 and walking 14 in 30 2/3 innings. He should already be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues, and he could quickly emerge as a streamer on the redraft radar if he earns a rotation spot.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
February 19, 2026
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that corner infielder
Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hamstring) could get into Cactus League games at the beginning of next week, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Encarnacion-Strand came to spring training a bit behind the other position players due to a minor hamstring injury that he suffered in January, but it doesn't appear to be anything that will keep the 26-year-old from being ready to go for Opening Day in late March.
Ke'Bryan Hayes is now locked in as the team's starting third baseman, while
Eugenio Suarez,
Sal Stewart, and Spencer Stewart should all rotate between first base and designated hitter in 2026, making it likely that Encarnacion-Strand will be on the outside looking in for an Opening Day roster spot. CEH has notable power, but he chases outside the zone too much. The former fourth-rounder hit just .208/.234/.377 with a .610 OPS in 36 big-league games in 2025 and finished the year in the minors.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
February 19, 2026
Sacramento Kings point guard
Russell Westbrook (ankle) is active for Thursday's matchup with the Orlando Magic. The 37-year-old was sidelined for the Kings' last game before the All-Star break due to an issue with his left ankle. Westbrook's fantasy value received a boost recently as
Zach LaVine (hand) and
Domantas Sabonis (knee) are unavailable for the rest of the season. He will likely see plenty of extra minutes on the floor for the forseeable future.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 19, 2026
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that designated hitter/catcher
Moises Ballesteros should be in camp by Saturday or Sunday, according to Bruce Levine of Marquee Sports Network. Ballesteros is making his way through Colombia with visa issues.
Miguel Amaya and
Carson Kelly are expected to split the catching duties in 2026, with Ballesteros serving as the team's primary DH against right-handed pitchers. The 22-year-old left-handed hitter made his major-league debut with the Cubs last year and appeared in only 20 games, going 17-for-57 (.298) with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored. The fact that Ballesteros might not regain catching eligibility in fantasy is a major drawback, but his bat will play, and he could have 20-25-homer upside at the major-league level. At Triple-A Iowa in 2025, he slashed .316/.385/.473 with 13 home runs and just a 13.2% strikeout rate in 114 games.
--Keith HernandezSource: Marquee Sports Network - Bruce Levine
February 19, 2026
After signing in free agency on a modest two-year contract, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Matthew Boyd entered 2025 profiling as a quality depth arm but little more. The 35-year-old instead delivered a career season, posting a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 154 strikeouts across 179 2/3 innings pitched (31 starts). Still, a look under the hood at Boyd could reveal that he's a prime regression candidate in 2026. Across 68 innings after the All-Star break, Boyd posted a 4.63 ERA. Additionally, with a below-average 21.4% strikeout rate, Boyd is unlikely to provide significant help to fantasy managers in the strikeout category. The veteran lefty also remains a significant health risk, as 2025 was his first time throwing more than 78 2/3 innings in a season since 2019. Boyd has a spot in the Cubs' rotation, which gives him a chance to rack up wins as long as he can stay on the mound. However, fantasy managers may want to price in some regression back to career norms and health risk before targeting him in drafts.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
In 2024, while pitching for the Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher
Griffin Jax emerged as one of the best high-leverage arms in baseball. Jax's performance declined in 2025, as he finished the year with a 4.23 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts across 66 innings split between Minnesota and Tampa Bay. Still, Jax posted an elite 35% strikeout rate, and his ERA improved to a more manageable 3.60 across 23 appearances with the Rays after being acquired mid-season. Heading into 2026, Jax appears to be competing with right-hander
Edwin Uceta and left-hander
Garrett Cleavinger for the closer job in Tampa Bay. Rays manager Kevin Cash is known for using multiple relievers in the ninth inning, so the most likely scenario is that Jax will not see 100% of the team's save opportunities. However, given his ability to rack up strikeouts, he could be a useful relief option for fantasy managers even if he remains in a part-time closer role. With a current average draft position of pick 233, Jax could ultimately end up providing significant value for managers in the middle rounds of drafts.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Across 695 plate appearances in 2025, San Francisco Giants outfielder
Heliot Ramos hit .256/.328/.400 with 21 home runs, 69 RBI, 85 runs scored, and six stolen bases. While Ramos' production doesn't jump off the page, he established himself as an everyday regular in the San Francisco lineup. The 26-year-old also made significant strides in terms of swing-and-miss, lowering his strikeout rate from 26.1% in 2024 to 22.7% in 2025. However, Ramos sacrificed some power to make contact more often, as his barrel rate dropped from 14.5% to 8.8%. His isolated slugging percentage dropped over 50 points, and he hit one fewer home run despite logging nearly 200 more plate appearances. If Ramos can combine the best aspects of his 2025 approach with the power he displayed in 2024, he could be in line for a breakout season. However, he may ultimately settle in at the overall level he showed in 2025, which could put him at risk of losing playing time with the Giants.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Colorado Rockies shortstop
Ezequiel Tovar battled through a down year in 2025, posting a .253/.294/.400 slash line with nine home runs, 33 RBI, 44 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 390 plate appearances. Hip and groin injuries limited the 24-year-old to just 95 games played. With a career strikeout rate of 27.3% and a career walk rate of 4.1%, Tovar's plate skills leave a lot to be desired. He also makes a good amount of soft contact, as he's never posted a hard-hit rate above 40% in any of his four big league seasons. Still, while not a perfect player, Tovar had been an above-average compiler for fantasy managers in 2024, collecting 26 home runs across 695 plate appearances. Playing his home games at the hitter-friendly Coors Field has also helped Tovar run a career batting average on balls in play of .331, which mitigates the impact of his below-average strikeout rate. As long as he's healthy, Tovar should see everyday playing time at the top of the Colorado batting order, and could be a strong buy-low candidate for fantasy managers at the shortstop position.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 19, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop
Wander Franco is said to be "confident and optimistic" ahead of a new trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Franco was found guilty of the charges in June, but both sides appealed the decision, leading to the ordering of a new trial, which begins Friday. The 24-year-old has not appeared in an MLB game since August of 2023 and remains on the league's restricted list. If found guilty in the new trial, Franco could face stricter punishment, including jail time. If cleared of the charges, he would likely still face an uphill battle to make it back to the big leagues and could still be subject to a suspension from MLB.
--Will BradySource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
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