February 20, 2026
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora made it clear that it's not a guarantee that infielder
Marcelo Mayer will be on the team's Opening Day roster, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Cora said Mayer "needs to earn" a job on the Opening Day roster and needs to "show some things this spring." Specifically, the skipper said Mayer "needs to be better offensively than he was in the majors last year." The 23-year-old former fourth overall pick in 2021 struggled in his first taste of the majors in 2025, hitting .228/.272/.402 with a .674 OPS, four homers, 10 RBI, and a 41:8 K:BB in 136 plate appearances. Mayer is still a good bet to be on the Opening Day roster at either second or third base, but the BoSox will make him work for it. There is a buy-low opportunity for fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues going into Mayer's first full season in the big leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
February 20, 2026
Baltimore Orioles infielder
Jordan Westburg (elbow) has a partially torn UCL but will not have Tommy John surgery, president of baseball operations Mike Elias told Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. The Orioles will opt for platelet-rich plasma injections. Westburg will at least be out through April, and his timeline after that is to be determined. Elias added that Westburg's partial UCL tear was deemed a chronic issue, meaning it broke down over time. Baltimore is hoping that the PRP injections will have more success for a position player than a pitcher, given that there is less stress put on the UCL. The injury obviously is a pretty big hit to Westburg's fantasy value going into the 2026 season, and there's certainly a chance he's out much longer than just one month. In the meantime,
Coby Mayo is expected to slide over to third base full-time, with
Blaze Alexander also being an option at the hot corner.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
February 20, 2026
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has agreed to a new deal with the school that will pay him $13.2 million annually through 2033, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. Cignetti signed an eight-year deal worth $11.6 million per year in October, but he has since led his team to an undefeated season and won a College Football Playoff National Championship. The program is being aggressive in keeping Cignetti long-term after a historic two-year run in Bloomington. Since taking the job in 2024, the 64-year-old has tallied a 27-2 record, with his only losses coming against the two participants in last year's National Championship Game, Ohio State and Notre Dame. After being widely unknown before taking the Indiana job, he has established himself as one of the elite coaches in college football, and he's now set to earn a similar salary to Kirby Smart.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Thamel - ESPN
February 20, 2026
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (lower body) was back at practice on Thursday, Rachel Lenzi of The Buffalo News reports. The Finnish netminder has been out since Jan. 27 due to a lower-body injury. It looks like Luukkonen could be ready to return when Buffalo continues its season on Feb. 25 against the New Jersey Devils. Luukkonen has done solid work for the team this season, posting an 11-7-2 record across 20 starts. He holds a 2.73 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage. With Alex Lyon also in top form, the Sabres look poised to make a strong playoff push.
--Taavi PailkSource: Rachel Lenzi
February 20, 2026
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (undisclosed) will miss Canada's semifinal matchup against Finland on Friday. Morrissey was injured during the tournament opener in Milan, and it's unclear whether he will be available for selection over the weekend, when Team Canada plays either the Olympic final or the bronze-medal game. The Jets will also be sweating over Morrissey's status, as he's a key player for them. Winnipeg will restart the action after the Olympic break on Feb. 25 against the Vancouver Canucks.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hockey Canada
February 20, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (lower body) won't be in action for Team Canada against Finland on Friday. He will miss at least one game due to a lower-body injury sustained during Wednesday's Olympic quarterfinal tilt against Czechia. Sam Bennett will take Crosby's spot in the lineup, while Connor McDavid will serve as Team Canada's captain. After Friday's semifinal, Canada will have one more contest in Milan this weekend, either the final or the bronze-medal game. Whether Crosby will be cleared to play is uncertain.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hockey Canada
February 20, 2026
Anthony Hernandez will look to extend his win streak when he takes on former middleweight champion Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC Houston on Saturday. Since losing to Kevin Holland back in 2020, Hernandez has been on a tear, winning eight fights in a row. Hernandez was last seen in the Octagon in August 2025 at UFC Vegas 109, where he extended his win streak by scoring a fourth-round submission victory over Roman Dolidze. DraftKings sees Hernandez as a big favorite with a salary of $9,100.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 20, 2026
Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland will look to get back in the win column when he takes on Anthony Hernandez in the main event of UFC Houston on Saturday. Strickland originally earned the middleweight belt with a unanimous decision win over Israel Adesanya in 2023, but lost it in his first title defence against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 in Toronto. He was last seen in action in February 2025 at UFC 312, where he lost a unanimous decision to Du Plessis after being dominated for five rounds. DraftKings sees Strickland as a big underdog with a salary of $7,100.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 20, 2026
According to Nick Piecoro of AZCentral.com, Arizona Diamondbacks infielder
Jordan Lawlar has looked quite comfortable in his move to center field. Peicoro noted that the early impressions are quite positive and that the former top prospect is getting "quick jumps" and is "showcasing his strong arm" in his position. With the Diamondbacks having a crowded infield due to the emergence of
Geraldo Perdomo and the trade for
Nolan Arenado, Lawlar's best chance of seeing everyday at-bats is now in the outfield. Last summer, Lawlar appeared in just 28 games with the Diamondbacks and posted a .182/.257/.288 line. However, across 91 career games at Triple-A, Lawlar has looked quite productive, posting a .328/.414/.576 line with 18 home runs and 24 stolen bases. Managers in deeper leagues should continue to monitor his progression in camp, as he could become the team's center fielder over
Alek Thomas.
--Andy SmithSource: Nick Piecoro
February 20, 2026
New York Yankees third baseman
Ryan McMahon tweaked his batting stance in the offseason to "unlock" more power. McMahon had one of the widest batting stances last season compared to other major league hitters, which likely played a role in his disappointing season. After posting a .722 OPS with a .242 AVG back in 2024, McMahon's production took a dip in 2205, as he posted a much lower .693 OPS with a .214 AVG. Additionally, the 31-year-old saw his strikeout rate climb to 32.3%, a stark jump from the 28.7% he posted back in 2024. Despite his struggles, McMahon continued to hit the ball very hard, as evidenced by his 50.5% hard-hit rate and 12.1% barrel rate. The coaching staff hopes this slight tweak to his stance helps him return to his pre-2025 level of production. McMahon is a name to watch in camp as he figures to be the team's primary third baseman and could hold some sneaky power upside batting in a favorable park for left-handed hitters.
--Andy SmithSource: Garry Phillips
February 20, 2026
Uros Medic will look to extend his win streak when he takes on Geoff Neal in the co-main event of UFC Houston on Saturday. Known for his aggression, explosiveness and knockout power, Medic enters this bout with back-to-back first-round victories. Medic was last seen in action in November 2025 at UFC Vegas 111, where he finished Muslim Salikhov via first-round TKO. Prior to that, he finished Gilbert Urbina via first-round knockout. DraftKings sees Medic as the underdog with a salary of $7,500.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 20, 2026
Houston Astros designated hitter
Yordan Alvarez could see time in left field, given Houston's current outfield situation. Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that manager Joe Espada has noted that Alvarez will see time in left field this season, but it is still unclear how often. Alvarez has only eclipsed the 50-game mark in the outfield twice in his career and is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. While it is expected he sees most of the time at DH, given Houston's lack of answers in the outfield, the slugger could find himself on defense more than expected. Currently,
Cam Smith,
Joey Loperfido, and
Zach Cole are expected to compete for the starting corner spots, but none have shown any sustained production in the big leagues. Alvarez played in only 48 games last summer but held an elite .988 OPS from 2022 through 2024. While the 28-year-old only has utility eligibility on most platforms, this recent update suggests he may gain outfield eligibility much sooner than expected, which would significantly boost his fantasy value.
--Andy SmithSource: Chandler Rome
February 20, 2026
Indiana Pacers forward/center
Pascal Siakam (personal) will miss Friday's rematch with Washington after sitting out Thursday's contest as well. His next opportunity to return comes Sunday against Dallas. With Siakam sidelined and
Aaron Nesmith (ankle) also out, Indiana has leaned heavily on
Jarace Walker, who logged 30 minutes and delivered 19 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer in the first meeting with Washington.
Micah Potter added 14 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes. Walker is a must-stream in all formats, while Potter profiles as a viable deep-league add until Siakam returns.
--Brian DailisanSource: Tony East
February 20, 2026
Colorado Rockies first base prospect
T.J. Rumfield is in competition for the team's starting first base role, according to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. The Rockies enter spring training without a clear answer at first base and expect to have several players competing for the role. Rumfield was shipped to the Rockies earlier this winter by the New York Yankees in exchange for right-hander
Angel Chivilli. Last summer, Rumfield spent his entire campaign with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and held his own, posting a .285/.378/.447 slash line with 31 doubles, 16 home runs, and a 108:75 K:BB. He is expected to be in the mix for the starting job alongside
Edouard Julien,
Blaine Crim, and fellow prospect
Charlie Condon. If he were to carve out a role, Rumfield may have some sleeper appeal in deeper formats playing at Coors Field.
--Andy SmithSource: Patrick Saunders
February 20, 2026
Geoff Neal will look to get back in the win column when he faces off against Uros Medic in the co-main event of UFC Houston on Saturday. His résumé includes victories over established names in the division, including heavy-handed Vicente Luque and former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos, but Neal hasn't been able to stay consistant and it could be said that he's in dire need of a win as he is 3-1 in his last four fights. Neal was last seen in action in August 2025 at UFC 319, where he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Carlos Prates. DraftKings sees Neal as the favorite with a salary of $8,700.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 20, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guards
Ty Jerome (calf) and
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) have been ruled out for Friday's matchup against Utah. Expect
Cam Spencer,
Javon Small, and
Jahmai Mashack to pick up the slack in the backcourt while the usual ball handlers sit. Spencer logged 22 minutes with nine assists and one steal in a Feb. 11 loss to Denver, while Mashack posted nine points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 22 minutes. Small last played Feb. 9, recording eight points, two 3-pointers, and two steals in 21 minutes. Spencer profiles as the safest deep-league assist streamer, while Mashack offers multi-category upside in expanded run.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
February 20, 2026
Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher
Jonathan Cannon is in contention for one of the final roles in the starting rotation. Cannon made his MLB debut back in 2024 for the White Sox and logged 124 1/3 innings to the tune of a 4.49 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP. During this stint, Cannon showed minimal strikeout upside, tallying just 91. In 2025, the Georgia product took a further step back, posting a much higher 5.82 ERA with a 1.49 WHIP across 103 2/3 innings. He struck out just 86 hitters at a low 18.5% rate and held a modest 8.2% walk rate, a slight increase from the 7.7% walk rate he posted as a rookie. However, given Chicago's current lack of pitching depth, Cannon could still play a prominent role despite his rough 2025 season. Given his lack of strikeout potential, Cannon should only be viewed as a desperation streaming option in 15+ team leagues if he were to earn a spot.
--Andy SmithSource: Scott Merkin
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (hamstring) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Clippers after missing four contests before the All-Star break. He saw limited action during All-Star weekend and could have his workload managed in his first Lakers appearance since Feb. 5. In his last five games, Doncic averaged 26.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 3.6 3-pointers in 28.4 minutes, carrying a 37.6 percent usage rate. He remains a must-start in all formats, though managers should monitor minutes.
Austin Reaves and
LeBron James may see slightly reduced on-ball volume with Doncic back.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 20, 2026
According to Gary Phillips of The New York Daily News, Yankees starting pitcher
Gerrit Cole (elbow) is set to face live hitters on Friday. Cole has been throwing bullpen sessions during the early stages of camp and is now set to take the next step in his recovery. The Yankee ace has been on the shelf since undergoing Tommy John surgery with an internal brace last March. However, seeing him already face live hitters suggests he may not miss much of the 2026 season. Earlier in camp, reports indicated that Cole could return as early as May, and given this update, he remains on track to do so. In 2024, Cole logged 99 innings with a 3.41 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. The previous season, Cole took home the AL Cy Young as he logged 209 innings to the tune of an elite 2.63 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP. While Cole remains sidelined early on, managers should expect prospects
Elmer Rodriguez and
Carlos Lagrange to compete for a role on the MLB roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Gary Phillips
February 20, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (knee) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Clippers after missing two contests before the All-Star break. With the roster back to full strength, Ayton is expected to reclaim his starting role, pushing
Jaxson Hayes to the bench. Over his last five games, Ayton has averaged 12.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 27.5 minutes, offering steady rebounding with modest usage behind
Luka Doncic and
LeBron James. He profiles as a mid-tier center hold, while Hayes loses short-term streaming appeal.
--Brian DailisanSource: Law Murray
February 20, 2026
Surging Melquizael Costa will look to extend his win streak when he takes on extremely durable Dan Ige on the main card of UFC Houston on Saturday. Costa was last seen in the Octagon in December at UFC Vegas 112, where he extended his win streak by knocking out Morgan Charriere with a headkick. The last time he lost was to Steve Garcia back in December 2023, but since then, Costa has won five consecutive fights. DraftKings sees Costa as the favorite with a salary of $8,900.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 20, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season after undergoing a procedure to correct a finger issue. The veteran wing closes the year averaging 8.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 21.3 minutes across 51 games. His absence opens steady perimeter minutes in a thin rotation.
Cam Spencer logged 22 minutes with nine assists and one steal in a Feb. 11 loss to Denver, while
Jahmai Mashack produced nine points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in the same contest.
Walter Clayton Jr. (calf) is another candidate for an expanded run once his injury subsides. Spencer profiles as the safest deep-league assist streamer.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
February 20, 2026
According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect
Elmer Rodriguez is set to start their spring training opener against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday afternoon. Rodriguez has had an impressive start to camp and could be making a strong case to begin the season in the major leagues, with
Gerrit Cole and
Carlos Rodon both on the shelf. Last summer, the No. 97-ranked prospect on MLB.com began the season with High-A but was able to reach Triple-A later in the second half. At High-A, Rodriguez logged 83 2/3 innings with a 2.26 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. At Double-A, Rodriguez continued to find success, tossing 61 1/3 innings to the tune of a 2.64 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 74:20 K:BB. However, over his lone five innings at Triple-A, Rodriguez allowed four runs. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep a close eye on his status in camp, as he could carry some short-term value if he breaks camp with the MLB roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Chris Kirschner
February 20, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Aaron Nesmith (ankle) will sit out Friday's matchup against Washington after turning his ankle in the first half Thursday. With Nesmith sidelined and
Pascal Siakam (personal) also away from the team, Indiana is thin on the wing.
Kobe Brown stepped into an expanded role and logged 33 minutes in the previous loss to Washington, producing 12 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one block, and two 3-pointers. His game log has been volatile, but the path to minutes is clear, making him a deep-league streamer.
Jarace Walker and
Ben Sheppard should also see stable workloads.
--Brian DailisanSource: Scott Agness
February 20, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed pitching prospect
Hunter Barco appears to be on the outside of the team's initial five-man starting rotation. The southpaw is expected to be in the mix for the final rotation spot but appears to be trending toward opening the season as a reliever or back at Triple-A. With
Paul Skenes,
Bubba Chandler,
Mitch Keller, and
Braxton Ashcraft locked into the top-4 spots, Barco will have to compete for the No. 5 job alongside
Jose Urquidy. While Urquidy spent all of the 2024 season and the majority of 2025 on the shelf working his way back from Tommy John, he has much more MLB experience than that young left-hander. From 2020 through 2022, Urquidy held a 3.71 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP across 301 innings. While Barco could make a strong case in camp, given his lack of experience, the Pirates may turn to the veteran. However, if Urquidy stumbles out of the gate, Barco would emerge as a sneaky stash candidate in deeper formats. Last summer, Barco logged just three innings with the Pirates but did not allow a run while posting a 3:0 K:BB.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (hip) will not return to Thursday's game against San Antonio after exiting late in the second quarter. He finished with five points and one rebound in nine minutes before being ruled out. If the issue lingers, there is a clear usage vacuum behind his 30.2 percent rate and 34.0 minutes per game.
Jordan Goodwin logged 27 minutes off the bench in the 121-94 loss, posting 10 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two 3-pointers, making him a short-term deep-league streamer.
Jalen Green and
Dillon Brooks would also see added shot volume if Booker sits Saturday against Orlando.
--Brian DailisanSource: Amanda Pflugrad
February 20, 2026
Dan Ige will aim to get back in the win column when he faces off against surging Melquizael Costa on the main card of UFC Houston on Saturday. Ige was last seen in action in July at UFC 318, where he lost to Patrício Pitbull by unanimous decision. "50K" hasn't been able to find much consistency as he's been alternating wins and losses since 2023. Ige has gone 11-9 since joining the UFC roster back in 2018. DraftKings sees Ige as the underdog with a salary of $7,300.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
February 20, 2026
Washington Nationals right-handed pitching prospect
Jarlin Susana is a name to watch during spring training. Susana is currently viewed as the team's No. 4 prospect and the overall No. 87 prospect on MLB.com. Susana spent most of his 2025 season with Double-A before being shut down with a lat injury. He began the campaign with High-A and logged nine innings to the tune of a 3.00 ERA with a 16:2 K:BB before his promotion. At Double-A, Susana flashed immense strikeout upside, tallying 79 over a 47 1/3-inning stint. He posted a slightly higher 3.61 ERA with a modest 1.39 WHIP. Before the injury, Susana racked up at least nine punchouts in three of his last four outings and even hit the double-digit mark in two. While the Nationals will likely monitor his workload given his late-season injury, Susana figures to compete for an early promotion to Triple-A, which will open the door for a second-half MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 20, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays infield prospect
Arjun Nimmala added 15 pounds ahead of the start of camp, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. The young infielder reportedly lost significant weight over the 2025 MiLB season, which contributed to his power slump in the second half. Last summer, Nimmala held a promising .840 OPS in the first half with a .266/.356/.484 slash line. However, in the second half, the former 20th overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft posted a much lower .179/.267/.271 line with a .538 OPS. Given that the 20-year-old spent the entire 2025 season with High-A, a strong showing in spring training could earn him a promotion to Double-A to begin the regular season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development as he remains on track for a 2027 MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: Mitch Bannon
February 20, 2026
New York Mets infield prospect
Jacob Reimer focused on his defensive skills at third base during the offseason, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic. Reimer has spent time at several positions in the infield throughout his minor league career, but emphasized the hot corner heading into 2026 spring training. Reimer joined the Mets in the fourth round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of Yucaipa HS. Last summer, he spent 61 games at High-A before spending another 61 games with Double-A. Through 122 total games, Reimer held a strong .282/.379/.491 line with an .870 OPS. He hit 17 home runs and swiped 15 bags. Additionally, the young infielder noted that he also emphasized improving his bat speed to increase his power output during the winter. Fantasy managers should expect Reimer to contend for an early ticket to Triple-A this spring.
--Andy SmithSource: Tim Britton
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