February 24, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates hitting coach
Matt Hague said that outfielder
Oneil Cruz hired a left-handed batting practice coach on the second day of the offseason and worked on hitting lefties all offseason. Cruz reached the 20-homer mark for the second straight year in 2025 and also had a league-high 38 stolen bases, but he hit a career-low .200 (94-for-471) with 174 strikeouts in 544 plate appearances. Against southpaws, he went just 11-for-108 (.102) with one of his 20 home runs and 44 K's in 125 plate appearances. Cruz has elite bat speed and exit velocities when he contacts a baseball, but issues making contact have lowered his fantasy value going into his sixth year in the big leagues. The 27-year-old was the first player in MLB history to hit 20-plus homers and steal 30-plus bases while batting under .230. If Cruz can improve against lefties and find a way to make more consistent contact, he should easily be a top-20 fantasy outfielder. Right now, RotoBaller has him ranked at No. 29.
--Keith HernandezSource: Platinum Key
February 24, 2026
Texas Rangers shortstop prospect
Sebastian Walcott (elbow) had successful UCL surgery last week, an internal-brace procedure performed by Dr. Keith Meister, according to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News. The Rangers expect a five- to six-month recovery for Walcott. The 19-year-old could miss the entire 2025 season, delaying his development another year. Walcott is ranked as the No. 7 overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline after hitting .255/.355/.386 with a .741 OPS, 13 home runs, 59 RBI, 71 runs scored, and 32 stolen bases in 552 plate appearances over 124 games at Double-A Frisco last year. He can obviously be avoided in single-year fantasy leagues, but Walcott is still a firm hold in dynasty/keeper leagues as one of the best position-player prospects in the game. Depending on how his recovery goes, Walcott could make his MLB debut late in the 2027 season.
UPDATE: According to general manager Ross Fenstermaker, Walcott could be ready for game action in August, "if all things go according to plan."--Keith HernandezSource: The Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarland
February 24, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays left-handed pitching prospect
Ricky Tiedemann (elbow) felt left-elbow soreness after his last side session in spring training, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. An MRI exam came back clean on his left elbow, but the Blue Jays will be cautious and back him off for a week in camp. It's not what you want to hear from a young pitcher who already missed all of the 2025 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Once one of the most promising young pitching prospects in baseball, the 23-year-old southpaw could be in danger of missing more time because of elbow issues this year. The Blue Jays could decide to move Tiedemann to a relief role to keep him healthy, but for now, they are hoping he can remain a starter long-term. Given all the time he's missed due to injury, Tiedemann is expected to begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Buffalo if he's healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
February 24, 2026
The Detroit Lions will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent in Munich, Germany, in 2026, according to NFL Deutschland. The 2026 NFL Munich game will be the sixth regular-season game that will be played in Germany. It will be the Lions' first time playing in Germany. The game will be played at the FC Bayern Munich Stadium and will mark Detroit's first international contest in over a decade. Their last international game was on Nov. 1, 2015, against the Kansas City Chiefs at London's Wembley Stadium. Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown's mother hails from Cologne, and he has been waiting for a return trip to Germany. The Lions will be looking to get back to the postseason in 2026 after finishing 9-8 and tied for fourth in the NFC North in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Deutschland
February 24, 2026
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) won't take part in any on-field workouts or testing at this week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, sources told Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Tyson continues to work his way back from a season-ending hamstring injury last year. The former Sun Devil is considered one of the top playmakers at his position in this year's draft class, but his lingering hamstring injury could negatively affect his draft stock in April. In nine games played in his final collegiate season last year before his injury, Tyson caught 61 passes for 711 yards and eight touchdowns. The previous year, he had 75 catches for 1,101 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns in 12 games played. Tyson could be ready to perform on-field activities for scouts at Arizona State's pro day in March.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dane Brugler
February 24, 2026
Atlanta Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said that the team plans to release veteran quarterback
Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year on March 11. If Cousins were on the roster for the start of the new league year, the Falcons would owe him $67.9 million guaranteed. It's highly unlikely that the Falcons will find a trade partner for Cousins before the start of the new league year. The 37-year-old veteran lost his starting job to
Michael Penix Jr. (knee) late in the 2024 season and was the backup last year until Penix suffered a season-ending knee injury. In 10 games (eight starts) in 2025, Cousins completed a career-low 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions for Atlanta. The four-time Pro Bowler is nearing the twilight of his career, although he could have a chance to compete for a starting job in 2026, depending on where he lands in free agency.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL.com
February 24, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said there is mutual interest between wide receiver
A.J. Brown and the team in continuing his career with the Eagles, but he also "can't guarantee how anything is going to play out into next season," according to Tim McManus of ESPN. Brown openly expressed frustration with the 2025 offensive operation and his role in it, leading to considerable trade speculation this offseason. Despite his frustrations, Brown called Philadelphia "home" and said he was "fortunate" to be one of the leaders of the offense. Although the Eagles want the 28-year-old three-time Pro Bowler back, general manager Howie Roseman indicated the team would entertain trade offers for him. Brown had two 1,400-yard seasons while helping Philly to two Super Bowl appearances in four years, and caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven TDs in 2025 to finish as the WR12 in half-PPR scoring. There's no guarantee a trade out of town will be a boost to Brown's fantasy value in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Tim McManus
February 24, 2026
Three-time Pro Bowl tight end
Zach Ertz (knee) plans to return in 2026 for a 14th NFL season and is expected to be cleared right around Week 1, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Ertz, who will be a free agent next month, is two months into rehab from a torn ACL. The 35-year-old veteran ranks fifth in catches and eighth in yards among tight ends in NFL history, including 50 catches for 504 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games last before before suffering his season-ending knee injury in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 7. Given his age and uncertainty about whether he'll actually be 100% ready to play in the season opener this fall, Ertz's fantasy stock will drop considerably going into the 2026 season. In his first year in Washington in 2024, Ertz had a 66-654-7 line in 17 games played.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
February 24, 2026
Chicago Cubs pitcher
Jameson Taillon can be a nice depth addition late in mixed-league drafts, since his ADP (average draft position) is currently around 300. Taillon had a solid season overall last year, making 23 starts and going 11-7 with a 3.68 ERA. His 4.65 FIP was a little high, but he was able to work around some extra hard contact effectively last year. He is starting his 10th season in the majors and is 34 years old, so he's in a race against time to stay effective. He's proven that he can be effective even without a high strikeout rate, and with the Cubs' solid lineup, he should be a good source of wins as long as he secures one of the starting spots and stays healthy. He isn't a flashy late-round sleeper with a ton of upside, but the solid veteran brings a relatively high floor as a late-round option if you're looking for some stability.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
February 24, 2026
Minnesota Twins outfielder
Matt Wallner brings elite raw power but has been very streaky in his time in the majors. He only hit .202 in his 104 games last season but did set a career-high with 22 home runs. The lefty actually had more success against lefties, but his contact rate was low on both sides of the splits. He did lower his strikeout rate from 36.4% in 2024 to 29.1% in 20205, but it was still extremely high. He arrived in spring training 10 pounds lighter and with an altered batting stance, looking to even out his hot and cold streaks. He said that he is "Just trying to have more of a simple [swing] path as opposed to the highs and lows that come with a big swing." He should get a chance to establish himself as one of the key sluggers in the Twins' thinner lineup coming into the year, so taking a shot on him late in your draft could pay off if he's able to continue to cut down on his strikeout rate and still bring power.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Bobby Nightengale
February 24, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers center
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) is doubtful for Tuesday's matchup against Orlando after exiting early in the recent loss to Boston due to ankle discomfort. The 25-year-old reserve is unlikely to be available, keeping
Deandre Ayton entrenched as the primary center.
Jarred Vanderbilt and
Maxi Kleber would handle backup minutes if Hayes sits, though neither profiles as a reliable fantasy option. Vanderbilt logged three points and five rebounds in 11 minutes last game, while Kleber saw just three minutes. This remains a low-impact situation, except in deeper leagues.
--Brian DailisanSource: Brad Turner
February 24, 2026
Atlanta Hawks forward
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Washington as he nears clearance following a knee bone bruise. The 23-year-old has yet to suit up for Atlanta and would likely face a controlled workload if active after an extended absence. His return could trim bench minutes for
Zaccharie Risacher and
Corey Kispert. Risacher logged seven points in 20 minutes last game, while Kispert added nine points in 13 minutes. Kuminga is a speculative add in deeper leagues, though managers should expect a gradual role increase rather than immediate standard-league impact.
--Brian DailisanSource: Brad Rowland
February 24, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop/second baseman
Andres Gimenez helped the Blue Jays get to the World Series in his first season after joining the team via trade, but he had a down year at the plate. He hit only .210 after hitting over .250 in each of his last three seasons in Cleveland, and he only had seven homers and 12 stolen bases after hitting at least nine homers and stealing at least 20 bases in each of his last three seasons. He was limited to only 101 games, mostly by a high ankle sprain, and he admitted this spring training that he continued to play through pain after he returned in mid-August. He'll be sliding from 2B to SS on a full-time basis in 2026, and if he's healthy, he could have a bounce-back season. Since he stole 30 bases in 2024 and 2023, he could be a sneaky source of late-round speed if he's able to stay healthy in his second season in Toronto.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
February 24, 2026
Houston Rockets forward
Jae'Sean Tate (knee) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 MCL sprain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, putting him on track for an extended absence. The 30-year-old reserve had already fallen out of the fantasy mix, averaging just 8.4 minutes with a limited 13.4 usage rate, so his injury carries minimal impact in standard leagues.
Josh Okogie and
Dorian Finney-Smith should absorb available wing minutes, though neither has shown reliable production. Finney-Smith logged three points and four rebounds in 20 minutes last game, keeping this a low-priority fantasy situation.
--Brian DailisanSource: Vanessa Richardson
February 24, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays infielder
Ernie Clement is a nice late-round fantasy baseball value who brings versatility and should get regular playing time for the Blue Jays. He actually hit leadoff in their first game of spring training while playing 2B.
George Springer was not in the lineup and will normally hit leadoff, but Clement will be crucial to their hopes of going back to the World Series and will likely fill in at multiple spots around the infield. Last year, Clement played 157 games and had a career-high 588 at-bats while hitting .277 with nine homers, six stolen bases, and a .308 wOBA. While he doesn't necessarily bring elite production in any single category, he consistently chips in with counting stats and a good batting average, bringing a high floor and lots of versatility. If you're looking for a safer late-round pick, Clement can be a solid depth addition.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
February 24, 2026
Charlotte Hornets center
Ryan Kalkbrenner (ankle) is probable for Tuesday's matchup against Chicago after tweaking his ankle Sunday. The rookie has started four straight games, averaging 8.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 26.3 minutes, offering situational value in deeper formats. With
Moussa Diabate returning from suspension, Kalkbrenner is likely shifting back to a reserve role. Diabate has averaged 6.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over his last five games and profiles as a rest-of-season hold if he maintains starter-level minutes. Kalkbrenner becomes a blocks-dependent streamer.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 24, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Tristan Vukcevic (hand) is questionable for Tuesday's game against Atlanta after missing the previous contest with a hand contusion. The 22-year-old has operated as a featured frontcourt piece, with a 27.3 usage rate, providing meaningful value in deeper formats when active. If he remains sidelined,
Anthony Gill is the likely starter after producing eight points, five rebounds, and four assists in his last outing. Gill profiles as a low-ceiling streamer, while
Kyshawn George and
Tre Johnson could see slight usage bumps if Vukcevic sits.
--Brian DailisanSource: Brad Rowland
February 24, 2026
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
Chris Sale agreed to a one-year extension to stay in Atlanta that includes a team option for the 2028 season. Before the extension, the former Cy Young winner was on track to be a free agent after the upcoming 2026 season, but this deal will keep him in Atlanta through 2027 and possibly 2028. The 36-year-old lefty has revitalized his career with the Braves, going 25-8 in 50 games over the last two seasons. He has a 2.46 ERA and 2.33 FIP with an 11.6 K/9. He missed time with a rib injury during the team's lost season last year, but this signing is a great indication that he'll start the season healthy, and that the team is confident in his return to form coming into this season.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jeff Passan
February 24, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's matchup against New Orleans after being added to the injury report following Sunday's win. The 27-year-old has started six straight games, averaging 14.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.2 steals in 24.8 minutes during that span, providing efficient two-way production. If he sits,
Brandin Podziemski and
Will Richard are positioned for expanded roles. Podziemski logged 37 minutes with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists last game, while Richard added 11 points in 30 minutes. Podziemski profiles as a strong streamer. Richard is a deeper-league add.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 24, 2026
Utah Jazz guard/forward
Vince Williams Jr. (left knee) exited Monday's loss to Houston and is scheduled for an MRI after leaving the arena on crutches. The 25-year-old went down in the first half following contact and did not return, raising concern about a potential extended absence. His injury tightens the wing rotation and boosts the fantasy outlook for
Isaiah Collier and
Ace Bailey, who should see steadier roles.
John Konchar logged 24 minutes with five points, four rebounds, two assists, and three steals, while
Brice Sensabaugh poured in 26 points with four triples in 32 minutes. Both remain volatile but viable deep-league streamers if Williams misses time.
--Brian DailisanSource: Sarah Todd
February 24, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (ankle, knee) is questionable for Tuesday's encounter with the Boston Celtics. The veteran sniper is managing a right ankle and knee injury and didn't feature on Sunday night against Portland as Phoenix concluded a back-to-back set. The Suns will be desperate to have Allen available on Tuesday, with
Devin Booker (hip),
Dillon Brooks (hand), and
Jordan Goodwin (calf) all out. If Allen can't return against Boston,
Ryan Dunn is poised to remain in the starting unit, while
Jamaree Bouyea and
Amir Coffey could be more involved off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 24, 2026
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (back) is questionable for a meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. He's dealing with a back strain and could be sidelined for a third consecutive contest. Unfortunately, injuries have left a large dent in Suggs' season, but his health issues have also provided an opportunity for others to step up.
Anthony Black is having a breakout campaign, while
Tristan da Silva has recently filled in for Suggs in the starting lineup. As a starter, da Silva has contributed 10.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 24, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Draymond Green (back) is questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. Green was a late scratch for Sunday's matchup with Denver due to a back issue and is in danger of missing another contest. This will be the first game of a back-to-back, and it appears unlikely that Green plays in both games.
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) has already been ruled out for the two games, so Golden State could have very few frontcourt options, especially with
Al Horford (toe) also questionable.
Quinten Post is currently the only fully healthy Warriors big man and may have a heavy workload in the upcoming games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 24, 2026
Davis Thompson is struggling some to start 2026. The American golfer has no Top 25 results in three events. Worse, he took time off after winding up over par at the WM Phoenix Open. For a tournament that features a lot of birdies, that does not bode well for tougher events like the Cognizant Classic. Thompson has won once in his career and that was in 2024 (John Deere Classic). Since then, the golfer has dropped outside the Top 100 again in the world rankings. Overall strokes lost to putting in 2026 is now -1.104 (162nd). The end of 2025 looked pretty bright for Thompson after four Top 25 results over his final five events. Heading to Florida, that hope seems to have been dashed as Thompson has been a DFS albatross.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 24, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) won't be in action during the team's upcoming back-to-back set. According to ESPN's Anthony Slater, the Latvian veteran hasn't traveled with the team. Golden State hit the road to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday and the Memphis Grizzlies the following day. After recovering from an Achilles issue, Porzingis finally made his Warriors debut last week, but he couldn't play on Sunday against Denver due to illness.
Quinten Post and
Al Horford (toe) are in line for more playing time without Porzingis, though the latter is considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Anthony Slater
February 24, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center
Naz Reid (shoulder) is questionable for Tuesday's action against the Portland Trail Blazers. Reid already missed one game over the weekend due to a sore right shoulder and may remain out for another contest. Luckily for Minnesota,
Rudy Gobert will be back in the lineup after sitting out Sunday's loss to Philadelphia due to a suspension.
Joan Beringer started at center on Sunday, and while Gobert's return will bump him to the bench, the 19-year-old could still have a more prominent role if Reid isn't cleared for action.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 24, 2026
Tom Kim has made all five cuts in 2026. The South Korean golfer seems to have one or two rounds that go awry in every tournament so far this year. Kim did climb up the leaderboard at The Genesis Invitational with a Saturday 67 only to follow it up with a 71. That placed the golfer outside the Top 25 yet again. One of the main culprits was putting. He lost 0.92 strokes and his putts per round is 29.6 over the first two rounds. That is troubling. Kim has not won in three seasons now and with periodic putting issues, he may have troubles this week in Florida. The Cognizant Classic at Palm Beaches often features challenging pin placements. Kim's lack of birdies suggests avoiding him in DFS formats.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 24, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) won't suit up for Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Avdija has been dealing with a lower back issue for several weeks and lasted for only 59 seconds against Phoenix on Sunday. It's sad to see Avdija struggling with the injury, as he was having a monster year prior to it.
Shaedon Sharpe (calf) also won't be in action against the Timberwolves, so the Trail Blazers must cope with the absence of their two top scorers.
Jerami Grant,
Scoot Henderson, and
Jrue Holiday are bound to see more offensive usage, while
Sidy Cissoko is the likeliest candidate to fill the void in the starting lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 24, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard
Andrew Nembhard (back) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's clash against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 26-year-old is managing a lower back injury.
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is also questionable, so Indiana could be without both of its primary point guards on Tuesday night. That could open the door for
Ben Sheppard to play in the first unit, while
Quenton Jackson and
Kam Jones (back) could also have larger roles. Jones is also considered iffy for the game. Even as a starter, Sheppard has not been very productive, averaging 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season. There should be better options available to fantasy managers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 24, 2026
Nicolai Hojgaard believed he could win the WM Phoenix Open. The Danish golfer finished T-3 on the Scottsdale course and was a mere stroke from forcing a way into the playoff. Hojgaard has played well in the two PGA Tour events this 2026 season. He finished inside the Top 25 at the Farmers Insurance Open (T-22). Hojgaard leads the PGA early on in strokes gained off the tee at 0.877. Again, this is a small sample size. However, his green approach last year ranked 11th at 0.6 and off the tee was close to the Top 50. Hojgaard could be one to watch at the Cognizant Classic. He ended up T-18 last year and shot all four rounds in the 60's. From a DFS viewpoint, the Dane is also a good option.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
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