February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas (knee) is holding out hope that he'll be ready to play by Opening Day in late March, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. "I still have a couple benchmarks like sliding and running bases that I haven't tackled yet that I want to feel perfectly comfortable going into a game having done multiple times and recovered from, and then over the weeks felt like I've developed that skill again. But my health right now is in a really good place compared to where it's been in the past," Casas said. A torn patellar tendon limited Casas to 29 games in 2025, and he's likely to either begin this season on the injured list or at Triple-A Worcester as he works his way back to 100%. And when the 26-year-old left-handed slugger is ready, he won't be the primary first baseman after Boston acquired
Willson Contreras in a trade this offseason. Casas' fantasy baseball stock has dropped considerably.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 25, 2026
Colorado Rockies center fielder
Brenton Doyle (wrist) was scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League contest against the Chicago Cubs with left-wrist inflammation, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The Rockies are saying it's precautionary and not from a recent hit-by-pitch. Although it doesn't sound like a serious injury, it's not what the 27-year-old wants to deal with as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing third year in the big leagues. Doyle broke out in 2024 with a .260/.317/.446 slash line, .764 OPS, 23 home runs, 72 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 30 steals in 149 games, but he regressed to a .233/.274/.376 slash line, .651 OPS, 15 homers, 57 RBI, 57 runs, and 18 stolen bases in 138 games played in 2025. If he can stay healthy, though, fantasy managers should look at him as a value pick this year. Doyle's batted-ball metrics (44.6% hard-hit rate, 10.8% barrel rate, and 89.9 mph average exit velocity) point to a rebound.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
February 25, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Draymond Green (back) won't play Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 35-year-old veteran will sit out the second set of a back-to-back after finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two blocks during Tuesday's loss to the Pelicans. Green should be back on the floor on Saturday versus the Lakers, but in the meantime,
Al Horford and
Quinten Post will be relied upon to carry the team's frontcourt. However, neither player qualifies as a viable streaming option this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed on Wednesday that veteran right-hander
Merrill Kelly (back) will not start on Opening Day due to a back injury he picked up in camp, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. The good news is that Kelly's MRI results haven't shown any structural damage, so he could have a minimal stay on the injured list to begin the 2026 regular season. With Kelly now unable to be ready for the start of the year, right-hander
Michael Soroka could round out the Snakes' Opening Day rotation in Arizona. Kelly features a diverse arsenal and has plenty of experience in the big leagues, but his lack of putaway stuff already made him a low-ceiling starting pitcher for fantasy purposes, and his back injury now make his even less attractive as rotation depth in mixed leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
February 25, 2026
Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (thigh) will rejoin the lineup on Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers, while forward Mikael Granlund (upper body) has been ruled out. Carlsson was one of the biggest stars to miss the Olympic tournament after undergoing a thigh procedure on Jan. 16. He's made a huge impact this season, posting 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 44 games. Granlund, who centered the first line during Carlsson's absence, was hurt while playing for Finland in Milan, but he could return to the lineup later this week. Alex Killorn and Beckett Sennecke will join Carlsson on the first line against Edmonton.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 25, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) won't play on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Melton will have the second set of back-to-back games off for injury maintenance after posting 28 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 28 minutes during Tuesday's loss to New Orleans.
Draymond Green (back) has also been ruled out, so Guy Santos will likely continue to see an expanded role in the Warriors' rotation.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander
River Ryan (elbow) made his return from Tommy John surgery on Wednesday in Cactus League action by retiring two of the three batters he faced against the Arizona Diamondbacks, including a strikeout of third baseman
Nolan Arenado, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ryan hit 98 mph with his fastball and showed six different pitches overall. Harris writes that Ryan is battling for a potential Opening Day rotation spot in camp. The 27-year-old former 11th-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2021 out of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke has only four major-league starts under his belt when he debuted with the Dodgers in 2024. The former position player has enough upside to be worth stashing in NL-only leagues. In his four starts in 2024, Ryan had an impressive 1.33 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 18:9 K:BB in 20 1/3 innings with a 50% ground-ball rate.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
February 25, 2026
Chicago White Sox infielder/outfielder
Luisangel Acuna (eye) left Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Cincinnati Reds with a cut above his left eyebrow, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Acuna is being evaluated for sutures. The 23-year-old was injured in the fourth inning while attempting to steal a base. As long as he doesn't also have a concussion, Acuna should be fine to return to baseball activities in a day or two. The younger brother of Braves star outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr., hit .248/.299/.341 with a .640 OPS, three home runs, 14 RBI, 36 runs, and 16 stolen bases in 109 games with the New York Mets in his first two MLB seasons. Acuna has a path to become Chicago's Opening Day center fielder, but on one of the worst teams in baseball with limited power, he's only really a late-round target for his speed in AL-only leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
February 25, 2026
Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid will suit up Wednesday night against the Anaheim Ducks. While it was initially reported that McDavid could sit out a couple of games after the Olympics, the Oilers captain participated in Wednesday's morning skate and told reporters he will play in Wednesday's contest. Edmonton dropped three games in a row before the Olympic break, and McDavid appears determined to get his squad back on track. The NHL's leading scorer needs just four more points to record his sixth consecutive 100-point campaign. He has logged 34 goals and 62 assists in 58 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 25, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (lower body) will sit out Wednesday's contest against the Philadelphia Flyers. The veteran blue-liner sustained a lower-body injury before the Olympic break and needs more time to fully recover. It's bad news for the Capitals, as Carlson has played great hockey in 2025-26. Across 55 outings, Carlson has contributed 10 goals, 36 assists, and 84 blocks. Declan Chisholm is expected to take Carlson's spot in the lineup on Wednesday, but he is an unappealing option for fantasy managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 25, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (groin) is unavailable for Wednesday's clash with the Milwaukee Bucks. Mitchell is dealing with a strained right groin and will sit out the second half of a back-to-back after finishing with 23 points, four assists, five rebounds and three steals across 31 minutes in Tuesday's 109-94 win over the Knicks. Cleveland's backcourt could also be without
James Harden (thumb), who is listed as questionable. If Harden is unable to suit up,
Dennis Schroder,
Sam Merrill, and
Jaylon Tyson would likely take on expanded roles during Wednesday's contest.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Dallas Stars center Roope Hintz (illness) has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup with the Seattle Kraken. He's been battling an illness after the Olympics and won't be available for at least one game. Dallas will also restart the action without Radek Faksa (upper body) and Mikko Rantanen (lower body), putting the spotlight on players like Mavrik Bourque and Sam Steel. The two will be part of the top six on Wednesday night and will skate on the second power-play unit. Meanwhile, injuries in the attacking department have opened the door for Arttu Hyry to make his NHL debut.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 25, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore won't play against the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday night. Vegas had several representatives in Sunday's Olympic final, including Theodore, and the team has decided to give them a bit of extra rest after the tournament. According to Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy, all players are likely to return to the lineup for Friday's tilt against the Washington Capitals. With Theodore and Noah Hanifin missing from the defense, Dylan Coghlan and Brayden McNabb (upper body) will be inserted into the lineup. McNabb will return to action after missing 19 games with an upper-body injury.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 25, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center
Evan Mobley (calf) will not play in Wednesday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. The contest is the second leg of a back-to-back, and the Cavaliers are opting to rest Mobley as he continues his recovery from a left calf strain that previously sidelined him for seven games. Cleveland appears to be taking a cautious approach to avoid any setback. In his absence,
Dean Wade and
Nae'Qwan Tomlin should see increased minutes, making them potential short-term streaming options in deeper fantasy formats.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 25, 2026
Vegas Golden Knights forwards Mark Stone and Mitch Marner won't be in the lineup on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Jack Eichel wouldn't participate in the contest, and now it's clear that Vegas' frontline will be without a couple more Olympic finalists. As such, Tomas Hertl is set to serve as the top-line center on Wednesday, while the likes of Tanner Laczynski and Keegan Kolesar will also be part of the top-six group. The Golden Knights should be back to full strength on Friday against the Washington Capitals.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 25, 2026
Utah Mammoth center Logan Cooley (lower body) could return to the lineup on Wednesday versus the Colorado Avalanche, Brogan Houston of the Deseret News reports. Cooley was on the second line during the morning skate and has been activated from Injured Reserve. The talented centerman has been on the shelf since Dec. 5 with a lower-body injury. Cooley performed well before his injury, recording 14 goals and 23 points in 29 games. After missing 28 games, Cooley may need some time to regain his rhythm, but he is expected to play a key role in Utah's playoff push.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brogan Houston
February 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) is expected to be out for at least four weeks. The Penguins captain suffered a lower-body injury while playing for Team Canada at the Olympics and was placed on Injured Reserve. Losing Crosby is a tough blow for the Penguins, as the veteran star has scored by far the most points on the team this season. In 56 outings, Crosby has managed 27 goals and 32 assists. With Crosby out, Rickard Rakell is expected to move from the wing to center on the first line. Rakell and Bryan Rust will be joined on the line by Avery Hayes on Thursday against the New Jersey Devils.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 25, 2026
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Cleveland Cavaliers guard
James Harden (thumb) plans to play through a fractured right thumb. However, he remains listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 36-year-old sustained a non-displaced fracture on his non-shooting hand during Tuesday's 109-94 win over the Knicks. A visit to a hand specialist confirmed that surgery will not be required. If Harden is ultimately ruled out for tonight's contest, fantasy managers can view this as a short-term absence rather than a lingering concern, as he is not expected to miss extended time.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
February 25, 2026
Baltimore Ravens running back
Justice Hill had his 2025 season cut short due to a neck injury that sent him to the Injured Reserve after Week 12. Before his injury, Hill was averaging a 37% snap share, but was on the field for 75% of third-down plays, and was the Ravens' change-of-pace back. The 28-year-old running back out of Oklahoma State brought in 21 of his 27 targets for 169 yards and one receiving touchdown, while racking up 93 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Looking ahead to 2026, Hill almost certainly will continue to complement fellow running back
Derrick Henry and offer handcuff and PPR value for deep-league dynasty managers.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
February 25, 2026
Texas Rangers left-handed relief pitcher
Robert Garcia established himself as a quality late-game option in his first season with the team in 2025. Across 64 innings (71 games), the 29-year-old posted a 4-8 record with a 2.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 68 strikeouts, and nine saves. Garcia's peripheral numbers actually got worse relative to his 2024 output with the Washington Nationals, as his strikeout rate dropped from 29.9% to 25.3% while his walk rate rose from 6.4% to 8.2%. Still, Garcia finished the year tied for the Rangers' team lead in saves with right-handers
Shawn Armstrong and
Luke Jackson, neither of whom is still with Texas. Heading into 2026, Garcia and veteran
Chris Martin are reportedly the favorites for save chances, with former Cincinnati Reds closer
Alexis Diaz lurking as a dark horse candidate. Martin has never recorded more than four saves in a single season, and Diaz pitched to an 8.15 ERA in 2025, so Garcia could easily emerge as the preferred ninth-inning option in Texas. With a current average draft position of pick 307, Garcia profiles as an under-the-radar potential source of saves for fantasy managers heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Darnell Washington (forearm) ended the 2025 season with surgery on his broken forearm, but he is looking to bounce back in the final year of his contract in 2026. Despite some highlight reel stiff arms and one TE8 finish in Week 11, Washington mainly played behind fellow tight ends
Pat Freiermuth and
Jonnu Smith. The Steelers are expected to move on from Smith during free agency, which is likely to benefit Washington. Despite Washington's size, he was on the field for more than just run blocking, boasting a 40% route run participation rate and hauled in 31 of his 43 targets for 364 yards and a touchdown in 2025. However, the 24-year-old out of Georgia primarily holds value only in deep dynasty leagues with tight end premium scoring due to his position behind Freiermuth on the depth chart.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
February 25, 2026
Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Carolina Panthers have been receiving calls about quarterback
Andy Dalton for a potential trade. The veteran play-caller is heading into his 16th year in the league and was a serviceable backup during fellow quarterback
Bryce Young's development since 2023. Before his stint in Carolina, Dalton was a streaming quarterback option during the 2022 season with the New Orleans Saints, with two top-10 finishes and double-digit fantasy points in nine of his 12 starts. Depending on his landing spot, Dalton holds value in two-quarterback or superflex dynasty leagues as a stash if he finds himself in a starting position once again. However, the 38-year-old is unlikely to crack the top 12 or 14 for redraft leagues in 2026.
--Matt McCauleySource: NBC Sports - Charean Williams
February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox second baseman
Brendan Rodgers (shoulder) was forced to leave early from his team's Spring Training game on Wednesday after landing awkwardly while attempting to make a diving catch. The team has said that Rodgers is dealing with "right shoulder pain," per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Healey notes that Rodgers has already had surgery on both shoulders earlier in his career, so any potential shoulder ailment is particularly noteworthy. After spending his first six MLB seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Rodgers struggled in a part-time role with the Houston Astros in 2025. Across 128 plate appearances with Houston, the 29-year-old hit .191/.266/.278 with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored. Rodgers' strikeout rate skyrocketed to a career-worst 35.9%, although he did post an impressive 14.3% barrel rate. Boston signed Rodgers to a Minor League contract in early February, and the veteran was expected to compete for a utility job in Spring Training. If this shoulder injury keeps him out of action for an extended stretch, Rodgers may have a hard time breaking camp with the Red Sox.
--Will BradySource: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
February 25, 2026
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Jaylin Lane ended his rookie season on Injured Reserve due to an ankle injury, but flashed promise at times during the 2025 season. The young receiver out of Virginia Tech played behind veteran wide receivers
Terry McLaurin and
Deebo Samuel Sr. for the majority of his debut season, tallying just 225 yards on 16 catches. However, Deebo is set to hit free agency in March, which opens the door for Lane to compete for the team's second option at wide receiver. Lane was primarily an intermediate-to-deep threat who averaged 14.7 air yards per target over his 15 games played, and is an intriguing option for deep-league fantasy managers looking for volatility in the late rounds. For dynasty managers, Lane remains a good stash player with upside on a promising offense.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
February 25, 2026
Green Bay Packers tight end
Luke Musgrave is heading into the fourth year of his rookie contract and failed to take advantage of starting opportunities in 2025 after fellow tight end
Tucker Kraft (knee) went down for the season in Week 9. From Week 10 on, Musgrave saw just a 47% snap share and averaged only 2.3 targets per game. The 25-year-old tight end out of Oregon State finished the regular season with 24 catches for 252 yards and no touchdowns, and added one reception for nine yards in the Wild Card game against the Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers need to look back to Musgrave's rookie year in 2023, when he tallied four top-12 tight end performances over his 11 games played, to justify holding him in dynasty leagues going into the 2026 season.
--Matt McCauleySource: ESPN
February 25, 2026
Cleveland Guardians outfielder
Chase DeLauter (lower body) was scratched from the lineup for his team's Spring Training game on Wednesday due to lower body soreness, per Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. The 25-year-old DeLauter is considered one of the best prospects in the Guardians' system and is expected to compete for a starting role in the team's outfield during Spring Training. DeLauter saw his first taste of big-league action in the 2025 postseason, recording one hit in seven plate appearances against the Detroit Tigers. While it does not appear as though DeLauter has suffered a specific injury, any potential health questions for him should cause fantasy managers to raise their eyebrows. DeLauter has never logged more than 242 plate appearances across three Minor League seasons. He's fractured his left foot twice and missed time in 2025 due to both core muscle surgery and a right hamate bone fracture. If he's slowed down in Spring Training by injury, DeLauter's chances of making Cleveland's Opening Day roster could be in jeopardy.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
February 25, 2026
Across 544 plate appearances split between the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres in 2025, Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman/outfielder
Ryan O'Hearn posted a .281/.366/.437 slash line with 17 home runs, 63 RBI, 67 runs scored, and three stolen bases. O'Hearn's solid season landed him a two-year deal with the Pirates, where he could lock down an everyday spot in the middle of an improved batting order. The lefty-swinging O'Hearn owns a career .642 OPS against same-handed pitching, which has largely limited him to a platoon role for most of his career. However, the 32-year-old made significant strides against southpaws in 2025, hitting .278/.358/.474 in 109 plate appearances. The Pirates reportedly plan to play him primarily in right field this season, but O'Hearn's ability to work in at multiple positions gives him a few avenues to regular playing time. O'Hearn's fantasy production may not jump off the page in any one area, but as a steady compiler who could see a career high in plate appearances in 2026, he has value in deep leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 25, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Bailey Ober had a season to forget in 2025. Across 146 1/3 innings (27 starts), the 30-year-old posted a 6-9 record with a 5.10 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 120 strikeouts. Ober's strikeout rate plummeted from 26.9% in 2024 to 19.2% in 2025, and he allowed a whopping 1.85 HR/9. On the plus side, Ober's control continues to be a major asset. He allowed just a 5% walk rate in 2025 and owns a career walk rate of 5.3%. If Ober can push back up closer to his 24% career strikeout rate in 2026, he could be in line for a bounce-back season. Coming into 2025, Ober had posted two straight 140-plus inning seasons with a WHIP of 1.07 or lower, so he has the potential to be a real asset in the category for fantasy managers. Ober should also hold a secure spot in the Minnesota rotation, particularly after the Twins lost starter
Pablo Lopez (elbow) to Tommy John surgery earlier this month. With a current average draft position of pick 296, Ober may end up being a value selection for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 25, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Marquise Brown opened the 2025 season with a bang, hauling in 10 catches for 99 yards on 16 targets in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the 28-year-old was not able to maintain his hot start and saw his role in the Chiefs' offense gradually fade over the course of the season. Across 16 games overall, Brown recorded 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets. Heading into his age-29 season, Brown is now set to hit unrestricted free agency. Chiefs WR1
Rashee Rice is currently being sued by the mother of his children for alleged physical abuse and is being investigated by the NFL for violations of the league's personal conduct policy. As a result, there could be an opening for playing time in Kansas City if the team chooses to bring Brown back on a new contract. Still, Brown's production has been on a gradual decline since his banner 2021 season, when he recorded 1,008 yards and six touchdown catches as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. His fantasy outlook is likely trending in the wrong direction heading into 2026, regardless of where he signs in free agency.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 25, 2026
After being acquired by the New York Jets from the Indianapolis Colts at the 2025 trade deadline, wide receiver
Adonai Mitchell saw the best opportunity for consistent playing time of his young career. The 23-year-old recorded 32 receptions for 464 yards and zero touchdowns across the first 25 games of his career with the Colts. Across eight games with the Jets after the trade, Mitchell hauled in 24 catches for 301 yards and two scores. Mitchell played at least 80% of New York's offensive snaps in six of his eight contests, and he averaged over seven targets per game. In 2026, the Jets will welcome back star wideout
Garrett Wilson (knee) from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season prematurely. Wilson will be the team's clear number one pass-catcher, but the Jets appear to have plenty of opportunity for secondary pass-game options to emerge. As a former second-round pick who has flashed upside at different points in his first two NFL seasons, Mitchell could have the inside track on the team's WR2 job heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
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