March 13, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers reliever
Abner Uribe is competing to be the team's primary closer in 2026. While that role belonged to
Trevor Megill last season, Uribe has simply been the stronger bullpen arm and offers tremendous upside in save scenarios. Uribe finished 2025 with a 1.67 ERA, 10.75 K/9, and 3.23 BB/9 over 75 games (75.1 innings). He touched 100 mph with his fastball and racked up seven saves. Megill had 30 saves, but he was less effective overall with a 2.49 ERA and 3.23 xERA. The Brewers are lucky to have two capable closers competing for one job; there are very few teams in MLB that find themselves in that position. At the same time, though, this is a very important decision for the Brewers to make, and all things being equal, it seems like Uribe may be the favorite. He's the cheaper fantasy option, too, currently holding an ADP of 170 (compared to Megill's ADP of 135).
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Los Angeles Angels reliever
Kirby Yates should have an opportunity to earn saves in the Halos' wide-open bullpen this season. Yates inked a deal with the Angels during the offseason after a successful season in the Dodgers' bullpen. Through 50 appearances (41.1 innings) in 2025, he posted 11.32 K/9, 3.70 BB/9, and 1.96 HR/9. That staggering home run rate likely explains his 5.23 ERA, but it should be noted that his 3.90 xFIP indicates that he's due for a significant bounce-back campaign. Yates ultimately racked up three saves in a non-closer role with the Dodgers, but he has a much clearer path to save opportunities with the Angels. Los Angeles' closer competition currently consists of
Jordan Romano,
Robert Stephenson,
Drew Pomeranz, and Yates, with all four arms seemingly still in the mix at this point in spring training. Yates isn't a lock for the closer role, but he could end up providing managers with low-cost saves at his current ADP of 367. The reward outweighs the risk here.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
The Dallas Cowboys agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million deal with free-agent cornerback Cobie Durant on Thursday, his agent told Todd Archer of ESPN. DaRon Bland (foot) is coming back from foot surgery, and second-year corner
Shavon Revel continues to learn on the job after missing the first nine games of his rookie season last year while recovering from a torn ACL, so Dallas could use the help at cornerback. Durant spent the last four seasons playing for the Los Angeles Rams. He has seven career interceptions, with two of them returned for touchdowns. The 28-year-old tied his career-high with three picks last season. Durant was expendable in L.A. after the Rams acquired Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs last week. The Cowboys also signed safety Jalen Thompson in free agency, and Durant will give Dallas' secondary flexibility, as he has the ability to move inside to play the nickel spot, if needed. The former fourth-rounder in 2022 out of South Carolina State has 141 career tackles (96 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, five QB hits, 26 pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 61 games (39 starts).
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
March 13, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks reliever
Kevin Ginkel hasn't previously been a full-time closer, but he could be the early favorite to earn save opportunities during the 2026 season. His primary competition at this point is veteran reliever
Paul Sewald, who was the Snakes' closer in 2023 and 2024 but then struggled while splitting time with the Guardians and Tigers last year. Sewald finished 2025 with a 5.00 xFIP, two saves, and two blown saves, leading him back to Arizona this offseason. Now that Sewald has shown he no longer has high-leverage save appeal, the closer job may be Ginkel's to lose. Ginkel tossed 25.2 innings in the majors last year, posting 10.17 K/9, 4.56 BB/9, and 0.70 K/9. He had an atrocious 7.36 ERA, but his 3.64 FIP suggests he was extremely unlucky and should bounce back this year. The walk rate isn't ideal, either, but we're encouraged by his high strikeout rate and low home run rate. In all likelihood, the D-backs will operate in a "closer by committee" situation, giving saves to whichever leverage arm has been most successful lately. There's a good chance the first dibs go to Ginkel, though.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor on Thursday in relation to a Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi and Michael Rothstein. The 22-year-old has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence to his or her person. A fourth arrest charge of felony aggravated stalking was changed to a misdemeanor. An arrest charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped. Pearce allegedly followed the car of Jackson, his ex-girlfriend, and repeatedly used his vehicle to collide with hers as she attempted to reach the police station. He was arrested and spent a night in a county correctional center before paying a $20,500 bond and being released on Feb. 8. Pearce's legal team wrote in a statement that he "maintains his innocence." It remains to be seen if the NFL will suspend Pearce for his actions.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Marc Raimondi and Michael Rothstein
March 13, 2026
The Los Angeles Rams discussed trading for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
A.J. Brown last week before dealing for cornerback Trent McDuffie, sources told Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The talks slowed, but the Rams "continue to monitor the status" of the three-time Pro Bowler "with interest." The New England Patriots have been the team most linked to a potential Brown trade, but they put their talks with Philly on the back burner after they signed former Green Bay Packers receiver
Romeo Doubs this week. The Rams sent a first-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for McDuffie, and the Eagles are looking for a first-rounder and more for Brown, so it's probably unlikely the Rams would fork over even more valuable draft capital when they already have stars
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams at wideout. The Eagles don't have any incentive to lower their asking price on Brown, who is still on the right side of 30 and has four straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
March 13, 2026
Texas Rangers shortstop
Corey Seager is fully healthy ahead of the 2026 season, making him a very intriguing option in fantasy baseball leagues. Seager was held to just over 100 games last year due to a hamstring injury and appendectomy. He still had a solid campaign, slashing .271/.373/.487 with 21 home runs, 138 wRC+, a 13.0% walk rate, and a 19.6% strikeout rate. However, it's evident that he could have been far more impactful for the Rangers and fantasy managers if he had played a full season. Seager hasn't eclipsed 123 games since 2022, so it's not a given that he'll be fully healthy this year. With that said, the fact that he has a clean bill of health is a step in the right direction. With 30-homer potential and solid discipline numbers, Seager is an appealing option in fantasy baseball leagues and currently ranks as RotoBaller's #12 overall shortstop.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Houston Astros designated hitter
Yordan Alvarez is fully healthy ahead of the 2026 season, and he's likely ready to put last year's two injuries behind him. Alvarez missed more than 100 games in 2025 due to a fractured left hand and right ankle sprain. As a result, he produced just six home runs and 118 wRC+ with a 14.1% walk rate and a 16.6% strikeout rate. The discipline numbers are impressive, and we expect that he can return to his 30-plus-homer form if he stays healthy for most of the 2026 season. He has appeared in just six games this spring; he went 1-for-13 with five strikeouts over the first five contests, but then delivered an impressive 3-for-3 showing with a double on Thursday. We're not going to put much stock in spring stats—good or bad—and the main takeaway should be that Alvarez is healthy and ready to contribute. He offers significant power upside with both outfield and designated hitter eligibility.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Ashton Jeanty finished as the RB13 in his rookie season, despite being first contacted less than 0.7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage on average. By almost all metrics, the Raiders had one of the worst offensive lines in the league in 2025, an area they've made a concerted effort to improve in the early stages of free agency. Las Vegas made former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid offensive player in this year's free agent class, committing to a three-year deal with a guaranteed $81 million, adding stability and identity to the pivot position. An unfortunate drawback to the Maxx Crosby trade debacle is that without the 14th pick in this year's draft, the Raiders are likely out of range to add top interior lineman, Olaivavega Ioane, but in a relatively deep class, they should be able to further bolster the trenches. With left tackle Kolton Miller also expected back at full health, Jeanty should find much-needed operating space in 2026 and a realistic chance to crack into RB1 territory.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Joe Musgrove (elbow) is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery he underwent in October of 2024. He didn't pitch at all in 2025, and his last time on the mound was against Team Great Britain in an exhibition game. Ahead of Thursday's game, Padres manager
Craig Stammen said Musgrove is nearing a return, but is in "a bit of a holding pattern" right now. It sounds like the organization is waiting for Musgrove to get over the hump before they ramp up his activities. Stammen didn't hint at Musgrove not being ready for Opening Day, but given his recent activities, it's hard to imagine he'll be ready by then. Fantasy managers should still consider Musgrove a late-round option despite a possible delayed start to the season.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
March 13, 2026
Two-time All-Pro wide receiver
Justin Jefferson is coming off the worst season of his career, his sixth with the Minnesota Vikings. Following a season of uninspired quarterback play from
J.J. McCarthy,
Carson Wentz, and
Max Brosmer, which led to career lows for Jefferson in terms of receiving yards and touchdowns, the team made a splash on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year deal with former first overall pick
Kyler Murray. While Murray has never topped 4,000 passing yards in a season and has a spotty track record of supporting number one receivers, if he can reach anything approaching league-average quarterback play, Jefferson can thrive. A 31.4% target share in 2025 kept Jefferson afloat with some of the worst quarterback play in the league, while his lifetime average of 9.27 targets per game is a top-10 all-time number and one that Murray would be wise to continue bumping up if he wants to hit 2027 free agency on a high note.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays infielder
Richie Palacios (back) is returning to the lineup ahead of Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox. Palacios appears ready to play after missing over a week of action due to back tightness. He has been off to an ugly 2-for-15 start at the plate during Spring Training. He's hopeful to turn that around and earn a utility/bench role on the Rays' 26-man roster to begin the season. The 28-year-old posted solid numbers during a 13-game sample size with the Rays last season. He slashed .223/.346/.318 with five home runs, 21 RBI, and 19 steals in 92 games with Tampa Bay in 2024. He could offer some deep league value if he's able to make the big league team.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 13, 2026
Two-time Pro-Bowl running back
James Conner (foot) and the Arizona Cardinals agreed to a restructured contract that will keep him in the desert for the 2026 season. One day later, the team agreed to a two-year deal with
Tyler Allgeier, adding depth to a running back room that already featured 2024 third-round pick
Trey Benson. None of the three backs has a guaranteed salary above $2.1 million in 2026, and with a new coaching staff, this committee situation profiles as one of the murkiest in the league. Allgeier has the most experience in the type of wide-zone scheme expected to be implemented by offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, while Benson offers the most explosiveness, and Conner still boasts the best hands and receiving ability. With the Cardinals coming off a 3-14 season and expected to return
Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback, this backfield may not find itself in a position to deliver much overall value, regardless of the division of labor.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman
Yandy Diaz (hand) is back in the lineup ahead of Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox. Diaz is back in the mix after missing more than a week of action due to left-hand soreness. He has been increasing his workouts in recent days and is feeling good enough to play now. Diaz looks to continue his reliable ways after slashing .300/.366/.482 with 25 home runs and 83 RBI in 150 games last season. His power numbers could see a regression with the move back to Tropicana Field in 2026. The 34-year-old still hits well enough to be a useful corner infield bat for fantasy managers heading into the 2026 campaign.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 13, 2026
After what was essentially a redshirt rookie season, Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy struggled through his first year in a starting role in 2025, dealing with injuries and inefficiencies that kept him out of seven games. With the Vikings officially agreeing to a one-year deal with
Kyler Murray on Thursday, McCarthy now faces legitimate competition for the starting job. Both first-round picks in their respective draft classes, with Murray going first overall in 2019, an upside case can be made for either player, though consistency has proven to be more of an issue for both. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has long been praised for elevating his quarterbacks, and with a solid supporting cast and playoff aspirations, he now has nearly six months to pull a starter out of the highly flawed but arguably most talented room he's ever coached.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Baltimore Orioles first baseman
Ryan Mountcastle (hand) appears to have avoided a major injury after being hit by a pitch earlier in the week. Mountcastle told reporters that he's fine after taking a pitch off the right hand on Wednesday. The X-rays came back negative, which is good news for the right-handed slugger. According to Roch Kubatko, Mountcastle should be back in the lineup on Saturday. The 29-year-old is looking to rebound after a tough season in 2025. Last season, Mountcastle slashed .250/.285/.367 with seven home runs and 35 RBI in 89 games with the O's. The addition of
Pete Alonso isn't going to do Mountcastle any favors. The expectation is that Mountcastle will primarily serve as the designated hitter, and he could become a part-time player if his struggles continue.
--Andy WebbSource: Roch Kubatko
March 13, 2026
Saints running back
Devin Neal was a popular late-season waiver pickup in 2025 when injuries pushed him into a starting role from Weeks 13 through 15, but with New Orleans' signing of
Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year deal, he has to be viewed as one of fantasy's biggest fallers in the opening week of free agency. Neal handled 15 opportunities per game during his brief starting stint, scoring twice in those three games before a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve to end the year. Now he profiles as a clear backup to Etienne, and with most of the obvious running back-needy teams already bolstering the position through free agency, there is no guarantee the Saints find a trade partner for veteran
Alvin Kamara, potentially pushing Neal further down the depth chart.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
San Diego Padres relief pitcher
Bryan Hoeing (elbow) is expected to undergo surgery and miss the entire 2026 season. Hoeing has elected to undergo flexor tendon surgery, which will end his 2026 campaign before it begins. The right-hander was working through right elbow discomfort that began to bother him early in camp. After seeking multiple opinions, Hoeing has decided surgery is the best long-term option for his health. The 29-year-old will hopefully be ready to go for the beginning of the 2027 season. At best, Hoeing was going to be a middle reliever in San Diego, so his absence won't make a huge impact in the bullpen.
--Andy WebbSource: Kevin Acee
March 13, 2026
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, guard
Bez Mbeng has agreed to a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz. The undrafted rookie spent this season in the G League, averaging 6.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals in 27.5 minutes per game across 41 appearances. With
Keyonte George (hamstring) dealing with an injury, Mbeng could see reserve guard minutes, though his fantasy appeal is limited to very deep formats.
Isaiah Collier and
Brice Sensabaugh should continue handling most backcourt usage, leaving Mbeng as more of a watch-list name than an immediate pickup.
--Brian DailisanSource: Jake Fischer
March 13, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center
Maxi Kleber (back) is expected to remain sidelined as he continues recovering from a lumbar issue, extending a recent stretch of missed games. Kleber has logged limited minutes when available this season, leaving little direct fantasy fallout from his absence.
Jarred Vanderbilt should continue handling the backup frontcourt role, while
Drew Timme could mix in for spot minutes when the Lakers go deeper into the rotation.
Deandre Ayton's role remains unchanged as the starting center. Given Kleber's minimal workload, he can remain on waiver wires in most formats, with Vanderbilt only holding deep-league streaming appeal for rebounds and defensive stats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dave McMenamin
March 13, 2026
Utah Jazz guard/forward
John Konchar (calf) will sit out Friday's game against Portland, marking his second straight absence as he continues to deal with a left calf strain. His role has been modest, but the missed time helps solidify minutes for Utah's younger wings.
Brice Sensabaugh capitalized on the last game with 29 points, six three-pointers, five rebounds, and five assists in 30 minutes, while rookie
Ace Bailey added 21 points and five three-pointers in 36 minutes. Both should remain fantasy-relevant even when Konchar is active, given Utah's thin rotation, though his absence does open the door for slightly larger roles and more secure minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 13, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (hip) will remain sidelined for Friday's matchup against Portland as he continues working through a lingering issue with no clear return date. His continued absence keeps Utah's younger frontcourt firmly in play for fantasy managers. Rookie
Ace Bailey turned in 21 points with five three-pointers, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 36 minutes last game, while
Cody Williams logged 10 points and five assists in a team-high 38 minutes.
Kyle Filipowski added 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one block. All three remain viable streamers while Markkanen stays out.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 13, 2026
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon factored in four goals during Thursday's 5-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. After being tossed from Tuesday's loss to Edmonton, MacKinnon responded with one goal and three assists. He already had three points before the first intermission, tying Alex Ovechkin for the fourth most three-point periods among active players. This was the 24th time MacKinnon had as many as three points in a single period. The Avalanche superstar is in a battle for the Art Ross and Rocket Richard Trophies. He has netted a league-high 44 goals in 63 appearances and is second in scoring with 108 points, just two behind Edmonton's Connor McDavid. MacKinnon has finished seven of his last 11 outings with multiple points.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hockey Reference
March 13, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Ousmane Dieng (illness) did not return to Thursday's loss to Miami after logging 14 minutes, finishing without a point while missing two shots as the team opted for caution. The absence appears temporary, but his recent stretch of 10.4 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across his previous five games had made him a viable deep-league streamer.
Ryan Rollins could remain the primary beneficiary after producing 16 points, two three-pointers, five rebounds, and 10 assists in 33 minutes.
Kyle Kuzma and
Bobby Portis may also see slight usage bumps if Dieng misses additional time.
--Brian DailisanSource: Eric Nehm
March 13, 2026
New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere continued his scoring tear with a goal and an assist in Thursday's 6-3 road victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Lafreniere scored New York's second goal and assisted Gabriel Perreault on the game-winning tally. After the Olympic break, Lafreniere has received increased opportunities, and he has responded with six goals and five assists in his last six games. He has lit the lamp in three consecutive contests, taking his season total to 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 65 games. In his current form, Lafreniere could be a decisive factor for many fantasy teams on their way to glory.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hockey Reference
March 13, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Jonathan Isaac (knee) is expected to miss time after suffering a knee sprain Thursday, though his absence carries minimal fantasy impact given his limited role and workload this season. Isaac logged in just one minute before exiting and has averaged modest minutes when active, leaving little statistical void. Deep reserves
Noah Penda and
Goga Bitadze could see slight bumps in emergency minutes, with Penda posting four points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 14 minutes last game. Bitadze remains a fringe option.
Paolo Banchero and
Wendell Carter Jr. should continue handling most frontcourt usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Orlando Magic Daily
March 13, 2026
New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports. The 37-year-old Russian hasn't seen any action since undergoing knee surgery in December 2024. Varlamov has one more year left on a contract, which carries a $2.75 million cap hit. He has posted a 76-63-21 record with the Islanders and ranks 49th all-time with 289 career wins. Time will tell whether Varlamov will get an opportunity to add to his total in New York or elsewhere. With Varlamov unavailable, David Rittich has gone 13-9-3 as Ilya Sorokin's backup this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Stefen Rosner
March 13, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) will miss the rest of the season after opting for surgery to address a lingering big toe issue that already sidelined him in recent games. The 25-year-old appeared in just 10 contests, averaging 11.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.9 steals in 21.2 minutes. His absence should open more opportunities for
Javon Small, who posted 19 points and nine assists in 28 minutes last game, though his fantasy appeal depends on the health of
Ty Jerome (calf),
Walter Clayton Jr. (ankle), and
Cam Spencer (back). Small profiles as a speculative add in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
March 13, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect
Mike Sirota is worth closely monitoring in the lower levels of the minor leagues. Sirota has only appeared in two spring training games but has gone 1-for-2 with a home run. He joined the Dodgers in the trade that sent infielder
Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. He initially joined the Reds in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Northeastern. Last summer, Sirota made his professional debut and played time in the lower levels. At Low-A, he posted an elite .354/.443/.687 line with seven long balls over just 24 games. He then moved up to High-A, where he launched six home runs over a 35-game stint while carrying a .316/.458/.556 line. Given the production he showed last season, he could make a case for an early promotion to Double-A.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 13, 2026
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect
Brennen Davis has been one of the top hitters in all of spring training and is making a strong case to spend most of the upcoming season in the major leagues. Davis, a former top prospect, saw most of his early minor-league career limited due to injuries. Through 13 spring games, Davis has launched four home runs while carrying a .344/.447/.884 slash line. In 2025, he spent his campaign in the Yankee system with Double-A and Triple-A. He would appear in 36 games at the top level of the minor leagues and hold his own, posting a .248/.324/.576 liner with a .900 OPS. During this stint, Davis launched 12 long balls. While he is unlikely to break camp with the MLB roster, he could contend for a promotion much sooner than expected. Given the power he has shown, he is worth following in deeper 12+ team five-outfielder formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
RADIO
