March 26, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander
Cristopher Sanchez picked up where he left off in 2025 with six shutout innings, no walks, and 10 strikeouts on Thursday in the team's 5-3 Opening Day win over the visiting Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park. Sanchez was masterful and allowed only three hits (one extra-base hit) on the day. The Rangers did hit some balls hard, but they didn't have anything to show for it and were unable to draw a single base-on-balls in the contest. The 29-year-old Dominican lefty has emerged as one of the best arms in baseball in the last couple of seasons. Sanchez was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and then backed it up by finishing second in the National League Cy Young race last year with a 13-5 record, career-best 2.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 212:44 K:BB in 202 innings over 32 starts. Not only does Sanchez have plenty of strikeout upside, but he also rarely walks hitters, making him an elite No. 1 fantasy starter. You'll want him in all lineups when he faces the Nationals in his second start of the 2026 season next week.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 26, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Deandre Ayton (back) is off the injury report for Friday's game against the Nets after missing the team's previous contest with back soreness. He is expected to reclaim his starting role, which pushes
Jaxson Hayes back to the bench and limits his streaming appeal. Ayton has averaged 10.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks across his last five games, offering modest value for rebounds and field goal percentage. He remains a viable frontcourt option in standard leagues, especially for managers needing help in rebounds.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (hamstring) is questionable for Friday's game against Brooklyn after logging heavy minutes recently, including a 43-point effort with four three-pointers, six rebounds, and seven assists in 38 minutes last game. If he sits,
Austin Reaves and
LeBron James would be in line for increased usage after combining for 48 points and 17 assists in their last outing. Reaves could see more on-ball duties, while James may handle more playmaking.
Luke Kennard could also see extra minutes as a fringe streaming option if the Lakers are shorthanded.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ty Jerome (ankle) will miss Friday's game against Houston, marking his second straight absence due to a left ankle sprain.
Javon Small should remain in the starting lineup after finishing with eight points, one three-pointer, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal in 30 minutes last game, making him a viable deep-league streaming option for assists.
Walter Clayton Jr. also remains in the mix after recording 10 points and six assists in 22 minutes, while
Cam Spencer could continue to see steady minutes after handing out seven assists in 30 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Anfernee Simons (wrist) is doubtful for Friday's game against Oklahoma City and appears likely to miss another contest as he continues recovering from a fractured left wrist that has sidelined him since February.
Tre Jones should continue to see steady minutes as a starter after producing 15 points, four rebounds, and seven assists in 28 minutes last game.
Collin Sexton also provides scoring off the bench after putting up 16 points and four assists in 19 minutes, keeping both guards on the deep-league radar while Simons remains out.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Miami after missing the last 10 games with right knee tendonitis. This is his first questionable tag since early March, signaling a possible return, though he could face minutes restrictions if active. His return would likely cut into
Thomas Bryant's role after he posted four points and five rebounds in 16 minutes last game.
Evan Mobley could shift back to power forward if Allen plays, while
Max Strus may continue to see increased opportunities on the wing with
Dean Wade (ankle) still sidelined.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Aaron Nesmith (back) is probable for Friday's game against the Clippers after being listed with lower back soreness following recent appearances on the injury report for other minor issues. Nesmith is expected to maintain his starting role and offers steady value for points and three-pointers, averaging 13.4 points, 2.6 triples, and 2.2 rebounds across his last five games. He remains a viable option in standard formats for managers needing perimeter scoring.
Andrew Nembhard and
Pascal Siakam should continue to handle most of the offense.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Boston Celtics forward/center
Neemias Queta (thumb) is questionable for Friday's game against Atlanta due to a right thumb sprain that could force him to miss time. If he sits,
Luka Garza could move into a larger role after finishing with seven points, one three-pointer, and two rebounds in 12 minutes off the bench Wednesday. Garza could be a fringe streaming option for managers needing frontcourt depth. His potential absence could also push Boston toward smaller lineups, with
Jayson Tatum and
Sam Hauser possibly seeing more rebounding opportunities.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect
JJ Wetherholt continued a trend on Opening Day on Thursday of young prospects making an immediate impact for their ballclubs. The 23-year-old former seventh overall pick in 2024 out of West Virginia went 1-for-4 with the first home run of his big-league career, two RBI, and a strikeout out of the leadoff spot in the Cardinals' 9-7 come-from-behind victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. Wetherholt's home run got the team on the board off right-handed starter
Drew Rasmussen. His other RBI came on a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning. Wetherholt slashed .306/.421/.510 with a .931 OPS, 17 home runs, 59 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 23 stolen bases in 109 games in 2025 at Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. His power/speed upside and regular starter for St. Louis should make him an immediate contributor in mixed fantasy leagues in 2026 in his first full year in the Show.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 26, 2026
Boston Celtics guard
Derrick White (knee) is questionable for Friday's game against Atlanta after logging 33 minutes in Wednesday's win while managing a knee bruise. If White is unavailable,
Payton Pritchard would likely take on a larger role after finishing with 14 points, four three-pointers, two rebounds, one assist, and one block in 33 minutes off the bench. Pritchard is already rostered in most leagues but would see a usage bump, while
Jayson Tatum and
Jaylen Brown (calf), if cleared to play, could also take on more playmaking duties.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals right-handed reliever
Ryne Stanek emerged with the team's first save chance in the 9-7 Opening Day win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday and delivered. The 34-year-old veteran made it interesting, though, walking three and striking out one in the one-inning outing for his first save of 2026. Manager Oliver Marmol did not name a primary closer going into the regular season and expects the situation to "solve itself." In addition to Stanek,
Riley O'Brien,
JoJo Romero, and
Matt Svanson could all be involved in a closer committee early in the season. O'Brien pitched the eighth inning and picked up the win for St. Louis, allowing a hit and striking out two in 1 1/3 innings. O'Brien will probably end up getting most of the save chances for the Red Birds over the course of the season, as Stanek has always been more suited for a setup role, and he has only 15 career saves as he heads into his 10th major-league season.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 26, 2026
Los Angeles Angels outfielder
Mike Trout looked like his old self in the team's 3-0 shutout win over the division-rival Houston Astros on Thursday on Opening Day. Trout led the way offensively for the Halos on a day where runs were at a premium, going 1-for-2 with a solo home run, three walks, and a strikeout. The 34-year-old 11-time All-Star and three-time MVP hit his home run off reliever
AJ Blubaugh in the seventh inning to give his team a 1-0 lead at the time. Trout obviously has the skills to be a fantasy contributor across all categories, but he's also become much more of a risk as he enters his mid-30s due to injuries. He has played in under 100 games in three of the last five seasons. Trout hit 26 home runs and drove in 64 runs in 130 games in 2025, although he stole just two bases. It is very encouraging to see Trout steal a bag in the season opener. If he keeps it up and stays healthy, he'll be a major draft-day steal.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 26, 2026
Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever
Jordan Romano slammed the door shut on the Houston Astros in the 3-0 Opening Day win on Thursday at Daikin Park to earn his first save of the season. Romano allowed a walk and struck out one in his inning of work to complete the shutout for starter
Jose Soriano, who earned his first win of 2026. All of
Ben Joyce (shoulder),
Robert Stephenson (elbow), and
Kirby Yates (knee) are on the injured list to begin the year, so the 32-year-old Romano is the Angels reliever most likely to see the most save opportunities early on. Veteran left-hander
Drew Pomeranz could also get a look from first-year manager Kurt Suzuki. If Romano is on your league's waiver wire and you could use a short-term saves option, Romano could be your guy. The Canadian hurler has had his share of struggles the last two years, but there's something to be said for his 114 career saves as he starts his eighth year in the majors.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 26, 2026
Detroit Tigers infield prospect
Kevin McGonigle showed why he's the No. 2 overall prospect in baseball in 2026 in the team's 8-2 Opening Day win on Thursday over the hosting San Diego Padres at Petco Park. McGonigle went 4-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored to join Willie McCovey and Kirby Puckett as the only players in MLB history who had four hits in their big-league debut. The 21-year-old left-handed hitter profiles as Detroit's future starting shortstop, but he made the Opening Day start at third base, with
Javier Baez at the 6. The former first-rounder in 2023 is one of the best pure-hitting prospects in baseball, and he put that on display on Thursday against the Padres. McGonigle slashed .305/.408/.583 with a .991 OPS, 19 home runs, 80 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 10 steals in three minor-league stops in 2025. He got his day started in the first inning with a bases-loaded double that scored two runs, and then he doubled off the right-field wall in his second at-bat. McGonigle's power/speed upside at a premier position makes him a potential future star in the making.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 26, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman
Pavin Smith (elbow) has been scratched from the Opening Day lineup on Thursday evening against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers due to left-elbow soreness, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. The Diamondbacks don't believe that Smith's elbow injury is serious, so he could be right back in the lineup on Friday night in L.A.
Tim Tawa will make the start at designated hitter in place of Smith for the Snakes versus Dodgers right-hander
Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Smith has earned regular at-bats in Arizona between first base and designated hitter after hitting .262/.357/.475 with an .832 OPS, 17 home runs, 64 RBI, and 62 runs scored in 147 games and 446 plate appearances over the last two seasons. However, he had a career-high 31.9% strikeout rate in 2025 and has just a .597 career OPS against left-handed pitchers. It's a limited fantasy ceiling for Smith.
UPDATE: Smith will have an MRI exam on his left elbow on Friday.--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
March 26, 2026
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Nick Vadala reports that Philadelphia Phillies third baseman
Alec Bohm is suing his own parents, alleging that they mismanaged his finances. It wasn't weighing too heavily on Bohm during the Phillies' Opening Day win on Thursday over the Texas Rangers, as he went 1-for-3 at the plate with a three-run home run and a walk in the 5-3 victory. It's unfortunate that the 29-year-old is going through personal issues involving money with his own family, but it shouldn't negatively affect his performance on the field in 2026, in what is his seventh year in the big leagues. Bohm was a first-time All-Star in 2024 and has hit at least .280 in three of the last four seasons. The power just hasn't been there for a third baseman in fantasy, though, as Bohm's career high in homers came in 2023 with 20. Still, he's plenty useful for his high batting average and run production in one of the best lineups in baseball. Bohm has 90-plus RBI in two of the last three years.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Philadealphia Inquirer - Nick Vadala
March 26, 2026
New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge had a major-league debut to remember on Thursday on Opening Day against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates in an 11-7 victory, going 1-for-3 with a solo home run, two runs scored, two walks, a stolen base, and two strikeouts. Benge's first big-league home run came off reliever
Justin Lawrence in the sixth inning. The 23-year-old former 19th overall pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State kept it going after a strong spring training in which he hit .366 (15-for-41) with an .874 OPS, no home runs, five RBI, five runs scored, and a stolen base in 14 Grapefruit League games. Benge will probably sit frequently against left-handed pitchers in his first full major-league season, which limits his ceiling in redraft fantasy leagues, but there's no denying his power/speed upside in dynasty/keeper leagues. It's a promising start for him for managers who were willing to take a chance on him in mixed leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 26, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Killian Hayes (toe) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic. Hayes is back after missing Tuesday's game due to left toe inflammation. He should continue to see a larger role in the rotation with
Russell Westbrook (foot) still sidelined. Over the last seven games, Hayes is averaging 7.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 21.7 minutes per game. His return to the rotation should mean a reduced role for
Devin Carter. Hayes should offer some deep league value with Westbrook still on the sideline right now.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Tobias Harris (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Harris will shed the questionable tag and suit up for the second game of this back-to-back set. He finished with 22 points, three rebounds, and three assists across 35 minutes of action during Wednesday's game. The veteran forward has been asked to pick up the slack offensively with
Cade Cunningham (lung) sidelined right now. Over the last six games, Harris is averaging 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. Fantasy managers need to get him in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Detroit Pistons forward
Ausar Thompson (ankle) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. As expected, Thompson is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. Despite the minor ankle injury, Thompson is ready to go for the second leg of this back-to-back set. The second-year forward is on a roll defensively, with 12 steals over his last three games. He needs to be rostered and started in most fantasy formats right now. Thompson looks to keep the good things rolling after dropping 18 points with four steals during Wednesday's contest.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Detroit Pistons center
Jalen Duren (knee) has been upgraded to available ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. As expected, Duren is cleared to play after being listed as probable with a minor knee issue. Despite the minor injury, Duren will be out there for the second leg of this back-to-back set. Duren is one of the best centers in the league, so fantasy managers make sure he's active in their lineups. He's averaging 19.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 28.0 minutes per game this season. The 22-year-old has been asked to take on a larger role offensively since
Cade Cunningham (lung) went down.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
The Chicago Cubs agreed with second baseman
Nico Hoerner on an undisclosed six-year deal on Thursday, pending a physical, sources told Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Hoerner went hitless in four at-bats in the Cubs' 10-4 Opening Day loss on Thursday to the Washington Nationals, but the Cubs will lock up his stellar defense and strong contact skills as a hitter for the foreseeable future. It comes just after the Cubs locked up All-Star outfielder
Pete Crow-Armstrong to a six-year contract. Hoerner, a former first-rounder in 2018 out of Stanford, has hit a strong .284/.339/.389 with a .728 OPS, 33 home runs, 231 RBI, 333 runs scored, and 123 stolen bases in four seasons in Chicago since becoming the team's full-time starter at the keystone in 2022. It's not the power you're chasing when it comes to Hoerner -- he has just 36 homers in seven seasons -- but he's a counting-stat compiler with strong on-base skills who can hit for a high average.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
March 26, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward
Trey Murphy III (ankle) is unavailable for the first leg of a back-to-back on Thursday versus the Detroit Pistons. He is dealing with a right ankle sprain and will miss his first game of the month.
Jeremiah Fears,
Yves Missi, and
Herbert Jones are expected to take on larger workloads in his absence, while
Jordan Poole may also re-enter the rotation.
--Andrew LennoxSource: New Orleans Pelicans
March 26, 2026
Sacramento Kings forward
Precious Achiuwa (back) is available to play ahead of Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic. Achiuwa is set to return after missing Tuesday's game due to a back issue. His return to the rotation should mean a reduced role for
Daeqwon Plowden on Thursday. Fantasy managers should make sure to adjust their lineups and get Achiuwa active ahead of tip-off. Over the last five games, Achiuwa is averaging 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks across 32.4 minutes per game. He's looking like a valuable streaming option down the stretch of the season.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Caris LeVert (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. LeVert will take a seat for the second leg of the back-to-back set due to a knee issue. He finished with four points, five rebounds, and two assists across 15 minutes on Wednesday. His absence from the rotation should mean more minutes for
Kevin Huerter and
Daniss Jenkins. Fantasy managers should strongly consider adding Jenkins, who is playing big minutes without
Cade Cunningham (lung) available.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 26, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers young right-hander
Jacob Misiorowski was electric in the team's 14-2 Opening Day win on Thursday against the visiting Chicago White Sox. Misiorowski showed why he's one of the highest-upside young hurlers in the game by striking out 11 in five innings pitched. He allowed just one earned run on two hits while walking three. The only run that Miz allowed was a leadoff solo home run to infielder
Chase Meidroth. The 23-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of Crowder College debuted in 2025 to a 5-3 record, 4.36 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 87:31 K:BB in 66 innings over 15 appearances (14 starts). He now already has three 10-strikeout games in his first 15 big-league starts, giving him tons of upside for fantasy managers. Misiorowski's second start of the 2026 season is expected to come next Wednesday, April 1, against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. He'll be a must-start in fantasy in that matchup.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 26, 2026
Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (lower body) will return to action on Thursday night against the Florida Panthers. He has yet to play this month due to a lower-body injury. Foligno is second on his team with 151 hits and has recorded 11 points (six goals, five assists) in 48 games with 55 SOG. On Thursday, Foligno will play alongside his brother Nick for the first time. The two are expected to be joined by Yakov Trenin on the fourth line.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 26, 2026
Boston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown (calf) is listed as questionable for Friday's matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics may opt to give Brown a maintenance day due to tightness in his left calf after logging at least 35 minutes in each of his last five games. If Brown is unable to suit up,
Jayson Tatum and
Payton Pritchard would be in line for increased scoring opportunities.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Boston Celtics
March 26, 2026
New York Islanders defenseman Tony DeAngelo (lower body) won't play on Thursday against the Dallas Stars. He will miss at least one game due to a lower-body injury suffered in Tuesday's loss to Chicago. DeAngelo has made a big impact offensively for the Islanders, registering 33 points (five goals, 28 assists) in 72 outings. Isaiah George will play on Thursday night if Ryan Pulock (lower body) isn't ready to return. He is considered a game-time call after missing two contests.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 26, 2026
Pittsburgh Penguins winger Anthony Mantha (lower body) will play on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators. He skipped Wednesday's practice due to a lower-body injury but won't have to miss his first game of the season. With Evgeni Malkin (upper body) sidelined, Mantha currently plays a more important role for the Penguins. He's had a great year in Pittsburgh, with a career-high 53 points (26 goals, 27 assists) in 71 games. Ottawa's injury-ravaged blue line makes Thursday's game an appealing matchup for Mantha.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
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