April 1, 2026
Houston Astros relief pitcher
Bryan Abreu recorded his first save of 2026 on Wednesday, allowing a solo home run but also striking out three in the ninth inning of his team's 6-4 win over the Boston Red Sox. With star Astros reliever
Josh Hader (biceps) currently on the injured list, Abreu has opened the year as Houston's primary closer. However, the 28-year-old has not been sharp to start the season, allowing four walks and five earned runs across 2 1/3 innings (three appearances). Before 2026, Abreu had established himself as one of the best high-leverage arms in baseball, recording a 2.28 ERA with a 35.5% strikeout rate across 71 innings in 2025. Even amidst his struggles in a small sample size this season, he's still recorded six strikeouts. Abreu should be able to hold down the closer role in Houston while Hader is injured, but the Astros could be forced to go in a different direction if Abreu continues to falter.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com
April 1, 2026
Miami Heat forward
Andrew Wiggins (toe) is available for Wednesday's game against the Boston Celtics. The 31-year-old previously carried a questionable tag due to a toe issue but has since been cleared and will suit up for his sixth consecutive contest. Wiggins has performed well against Boston this season, averaging 21.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 61.5 percent from beyond the arc in two appearances, making him a strong fantasy option in this matchup.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 1, 2026
Cleveland Guardians outfielder
Chase DeLauter (foot) is not in the lineup for his team's matchup on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 24-year-old exited Tuesday's contest early after fouling a ball off his left foot. Initial X-rays on the injury came back negative, so DeLauter will hopefully avoid missing serious time. However, DeLauter has already broken that same left foot twice before, and he has an extensive track record of injuries throughout his professional career. The top prospect is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season, collecting four home runs in his first 23 plate appearances. If DeLauter does end up missing any significant time, Guardians' utility man Daniel Schneeman could be his primary replacement in right field.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com
April 1, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (undisclosed) is day-to-day and unlikely to play on Thursday against the Boston Bruins. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper considers Hagel "doubtful" for the matchup. Hagel has been averaging over a point per game for a second consecutive season, totaling 35 goals and 38 assists in 69 contests. He's been part of a highly productive line with Anthony Cirelli and Nikita Kucherov. Corey Perry could be Hagel's replacement in the top six on Thursday. The veteran has been in good form lately, notching two goals and one assist over the past four games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 1, 2026
Atlanta Hawks center
Jock Landale is available to play on Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. Landale sheds a questionable tag and is set to suit up after sitting out Monday's game against the Celtics due to an illness. With the 30-year-old big man back in action,
Mouhamed Gueye could fall out of the rotation during tonight's contest in Orlando.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 1, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson (upper body) is expected to miss the rest of the 2025-26 regular season, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports. He has been out for three games and will only get a chance to return this season if the Blue Jackets secure a playoff berth over the final seven regular-season games. Severson was quietly effective on Columbus' blue line all season, recording 32 points, 93 SOG, 86 blocks, and a plus-18 rating in 71 games. During Severson's absence, Egor Zamula has been part of the lineup in back-to-back games, while Jake Christiansen has also gotten a look on the third defensive pairing.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jeff Svoboda
April 1, 2026
San Jose Sharks winger Igor Chernyshov (illness) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's meeting with the Anaheim Ducks. The 20-year-old is feeling under the weather and might vacate a spot on San Jose's first line. Chernyshov has managed 14 points (five goals, nine assists) through his first 20 career games. However, he has been on the score sheet just four times in his last 13 outings. Ty Dellandrea (lower body) was activated from Injured Reserve on Wednesday and will draw into the lineup if Chernyshov isn't ready to play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 1, 2026
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com, Orlando Magic forward
Franz Wagner (ankle) is available for Wednesday's matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. Wagner has appeared in just four contests since December 7 due to a left high-ankle sprain. However, he's been cleared to return this evening after missing 22 games. The 24-year-old is averaging 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.1 steals in 31.8 minutes across 28 appearances this season. Wagner will likely play under a minutes restriction initially, but he remains a strong fantasy option with the potential to quickly regain his usual role.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Brett Siegel
April 1, 2026
Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas (lower body) won't be in the lineup on Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks. The Ducks captain has been dealing with a lower-body injury lately and won't be available for the second time in three games. Drew Helleson is projected to be Gudas' replacement on Wednesday, joining Olen Zellweger on the third line. After a productive start to the season, Helleson hasn't been a threat offensively for several months, making him a non-factor in fantasy hockey. The 25-year-old has tallied 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 54 games, with six of his points coming in October.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 1, 2026
Anaheim Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier (upper body) might be sidelined for the rest of the week. The 22-year-old suffered an upper-body injury against Toronto on Monday and has been ruled out for Wednesday's matchup with San Jose. Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville has labeled him as questionable for the next two games. Gauthier has recently been one of the hottest goal-scorers in the NHL. He is having a career year with 38 goals and 65 points in 73 games. With Gauthier unavailable, the Ducks are ready to give Nathan Gaucher his NHL debut on Wednesday. The 22-year-old will get an opportunity with the big club after recording 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 57 games in the AHL this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 1, 2026
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (illness) won't suit up against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday due to an illness. Embiid played through the illness on Monday against Miami, collecting 26 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block across 34 minutes. However, he posted on X that the organization was shutting him down for tonight's game.
Adem Bona and
Andre Drummond will see expanded roles with Embiid back out of action.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
April 1, 2026
Vancouver Canucks left wing Evander Kane (undisclosed) will sit out Wednesday's matchup with the Colorado Avalanche. The veteran power forward has recently been dealing with a health issue, and the team now plans to manage his workload. Kane scored in his 1,000th career game on Monday night against Vegas and has recorded 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) over 70 outings this season. His absence will give Max Sasson a chance to play on Wednesday. Sasson has not been sharp lately, going seven consecutive appearances without a point, but he has totaled 11 goals and four assists in 60 games during 2025-26.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 1, 2026
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (upper body) won't play on Wednesday against the Vancouver Canucks. The star blue-liner was hurt on Monday against Calgary and will sit out his first game of the season. He may be unavailable for the rest of the week. "He's doing OK," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said Wednesday morning. "He's going to miss some time, though. Like nothing serious, like nothing that's putting (the) playoffs in jeopardy or anything like that." Without Makar, the Avalanche defense must lean more on Devon Toews and Sam Malinski. Nick Blankenburg is set to take his place in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
April 1, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher
Quinn Priester (wrist) has been cleared to face live hitters, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Priester opened the regular season on the injured list due to symptoms related to thoracic outlet syndrome, but is slated to make the next major step in his progression. Fantasy managers should monitor his status in this live session, as he could be nearing the start of a potential rehab stint. However, he likely still has several steps to clear in his recovery, as he was unable to take the mound at all during spring training. Last season, Priester looked quite comfortable pitching for the Brewers, logging a career-high 157 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.32 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, with a 132:50 K:BB. When active, the former 18th overall pick would carry intriguing SP4/SP5 upside in standard 12-team formats. His return would likely push
Brandon Sproat to a long relief role or to Triple-A.
--Andy SmithSource: Adam McCalvy
April 1, 2026
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher
Kirby Yates (knee) completed a bullpen session on Wednesday, according to Jeff Fletcher of the SoCal News Group. Yates has been on the injured list with a knee injury since the beginning of the regular season, but appears to be making steady progress in his recovery. The veteran reliever was slated to be a favorite to earn save opportunities in the Los Angeles bullpen, but has since ceded the work to
Jordan Romano while he has been on the shelf. In 2025, Yates logged just 41 1/3 innings and struggled, posting a 5.23 ERA. However, in the previous season, Yates was among the most dominant ninth-inning options in the sport, tallying 33 saves with a 1.17 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP with the Texas Rangers. Given that Romano has looked quite comfortable in the ninth-inning role, Yates may begin his season operating as the setup man once cleared for action.
--Andy SmithSource: Jeff Fletcher
April 1, 2026
The Pittsburgh Pirates are currently in "deep" contract discussions with top infield prospect
Konnor Griffin. Griffin is the No. 1 prospect on MLB.com and nearly broke camp with the MLB roster despite not taking a single at-bat at the Triple-A level. Buster Olney of ESPN reported that the current contract proposals are "close to the range" of the eight-year, $111 million contract the Diamondbacks signed former top prospect
Corbin Carroll to in 2023. During spring training, the former ninth overall pick from the 2024 MLB Draft launched four home runs but carried a modest .184 AVG, which resulted in his move to Triple-A. However, Griffin has wasted little time making an impact in his first taste with Indianapolis, going 6-for-13 with three doubles and two stolen bases over his first four games. Griffin remains a must-stash prospect in all formats as he would possess elite five-category upside once he reaches the major leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Buster Olney
April 1, 2026
According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Kansas City Royals have placed relief pitcher
Carlos Estevez (foot) on the 15-day injured list due to a left-foot contusion. Additionally, Rogers noted that this stint will provide Estevez with an opportunity to build his velocity, as that was a major concern during spring training and in his lone regular-season outing. During spring training, Estevez saw his velocity significantly decline, and this lingered into his season debut as he logged just 1/3 of an inning while allowing four hits and six earned runs en route to blowing his lone save opportunity. Shortly after, the Royals kept Estevez on the sidelines before placing him on the injured list on Wednesday. In 2025, Estevez led the major leagues in saves (with 42) but has been a major disappointment in the early going. While he remains on the shelf,
Lucas Erceg should see most of the save opportunities in Kansas City.
--Andy SmithSource: Anne Rogers
April 1, 2026
Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (undisclosed) suffered an injury early in the offseason, but head coach Kirby Smart said he is "great" in an update during spring practice. He's practicing," Smart said. "He had a little offseason injury in our workouts, but he's fine now. He's limited a little bit the first couple of days, but he's out there competing, doing a good job, focusing on things he needs to improve on, and competing with those other guys. I've been really pleased with Gunner." In his first full year as a starter for the Bulldogs, Stockton completed nearly 70% of his passes for 2,894 yards, 24 passing touchdowns, and five interceptions. He added 462 rushing yards and 10 scores in 14 games. Stockton and the Bulldogs had a great season that ended with an SEC Championship Game win, but a College Football Playoff win has been elusive over the last three seasons. A big part of getting Georgia back over the hump will be Stockton taking his game to the next level.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
April 1, 2026
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (foot) is a limited participant during his first spring practice with the Tigers due to a Lisfranc injury suffered early in the 2025 campaign with Arizona State. However, ESPN's Greg McElroy said he is showing "encouraging signs" in his limited action. "Sounds like he's throwing sharp and some long-distance shots," McElroy said. "Footwork looked okay. ... It's encouraging." The 21-year-old's mobility is a significant aspect of his game, so his recovery will be key for the Tigers' chances to compete for an SEC and national title in 2026. Lane Kiffin's squad is one of the most expensive rosters in the country, so the program expects to compete right away. In Kiffin's offense, it would not be a surprise to see Leavitt contend for the Heisman Trophy if LSU wins enough games.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: On3.com
April 1, 2026
San Francisco Giants shortstop
Willy Adames will hit leadoff for a third straight game on Wednesday following his four-hit performance at the top of the order on Tuesday. The right-handed slugger is now riding a three-game hit streak and is 6-for-20 (.300) through five games, including a double, a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored. He's also struck out six times (30 percent) and has yet to draw a walk. The Dominican has three 30-home run seasons in his last four and posted a career-best 127 wRC+ last year, so hopefully he can keep up the hot hitting, as there should be plenty of RBI and runs scored coming behind it, although the high strikeout rate tends to limit his batting average. Even so, he should be rostered in all fantasy leagues.
--Jarod RuppSource: Alex Pavlovic
April 1, 2026
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Zack Wheeler (shoulder) will make his second start of his rehab assignment on Friday in Durham, and is expected to throw about four innings or 50 to 55 pitches total. While that was expected, his third start was originally scheduled to be in Reading, but that has now been changed to next week with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Whether or not he'll get a fourth rehab start is still up in the air. Wheeler has been working his way back from thoracic outlet decompression surgery he had last September. The right-hander was his usual dominant self in 2025 before the surgery, posting a 2.71 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and a 27.7 percent K-BB% in 24 starts. Hopefully the 35-year-old can return to form, and assuming he can, the three-time All-Star should continue to be stashed in all fantasy leagues.
--Jarod RuppSource: Todd Zolecki
April 1, 2026
The Tennessee Titans have signed free agent quarterback
Hendon Hooker, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Hooker spent the final portion of his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, so signing with the Titans represents a homecoming of sorts for him. The North Carolina native was initially selected by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He spent two years in Detroit before splitting the 2025 season with the Jets and Panthers. He has appeared in just three NFL games across three seasons, all in 2024. He ultimately completed six of his nine pass attempts for 62 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He also added two rushing yards and a sack. Outside of the draft capital, not a whole lot has gone Hooker's way in the NFL. He has struggled to emerge as a viable backup who is worthy of playing time. Instead, he has spent most of his career as a No. 3 quarterback. Indeed, he projects as the Titans' third- or fourth-string quarterback behind
Cameron Ward,
Mitch Trubisky, and possibly
Will Levis.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jordan Schultz
April 1, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Kaleb Johnson will be given opportunities to establish himself as a key part of the team's offense in 2026, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. "I am aware of their past experiences, but this is like a Catholic operation, and you say three Hail Marys and everybody has a clean slate and let's get to work," McCarthy said regarding Johnson (via Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com). The veteran head coach also explained that he's going to "challenge [Johnson] to be a three-down player and a special teamer" going forward. The former third-round pick mostly played on special teams as a rookie last year, amassing just 29 touches and 78 scrimmage yards on offense. The Steelers already have
Jaylen Warren and
Rico Dowdle in their backfield, but it sounds like Johnson will have an opportunity to prove that he deserves more touches in Year 2. Dynasty managers in deeper leagues should hold Johnson for now. In shallower leagues, it's perfectly appropriate to drop him, despite McCarthy's optimistic comments.
--Andersen PickardSource: Nick Farabaugh
April 1, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays second baseman/outfielder
Gavin Lux (shoulder) will head to Triple-A Durham to begin a rehab assignment. The left-handed hitter has been on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder impingement since the beginning of the season. Per manager Kevin Cash, the former first-round draft pick will make a few consecutive starts with Durham and they'll "see how it goes." Presumably, if all goes well, then the 28-year-old should be able to make his major league debut sometime next week. Once he returns, Lux will likely take over as the team's second baseman, although for fantasy, he's also eligible at third base and outfield in Yahoo! leagues. While that is appealing, he offers little power and speed with a career batting average of .256, so there is not much use for fantasy except in very deep or AL-only leagues.
--Jarod RuppSource: Ryan Bass
April 1, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
DK Metcalf is coming off a productive but inconsistent season, scoring single-digit fantasy points in six of his 15 games. Managers shouldn't panic sell, but it's fair to start having some second thoughts about his dynasty outlook because of the inconsistency. Metcalf finished his first season as a Steeler with 59 catches, 850 yards, and six touchdowns, ranking as the WR26 in PPR leagues. Even with
Michael Pittman Jr. on the team going forward, we can expect Metcalf to have a similar fantasy finish in 2026 if quarterback
Aaron Rodgers returns. However, if Rodgers doesn't return, Metcalf's fantasy outlook could suffer. There aren't many appealing quarterback options left in free agency, and the Steelers don't have the draft capital to select a premium rookie. Therefore, unless Rodgers re-signs with the Steelers, Metcalf could be paired with a subpar quarterback next season (and beyond). Dynasty managers should hold Metcalf for now before deciding how to proceed in trade talks once the Steelers have more clarity under center.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 1, 2026
Arizona Cardinals tight end
Trey McBride is coming off a tremendous 2025 season in which he caught 126 passes for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ended up finishing as the undisputed TE1 in fantasy football, just one year removed from being the overall TE2. No tight end has scored more fantasy points since the start of the 2024 season. As a result, there's an argument to be made that McBride might be the top tight end in dynasty fantasy football. Not only has he been highly productive year over year, but he's also just 26 years old and has an incredibly promising, long career ahead of him. McBride's biggest competition for the TE1 spot is
Brock Bowers, who was the top-scoring tight end in 2024 but missed five games in 2025. Bowers is three years younger than McBride, but the two have similar quarterback situations. McBride will catch passes from
Jacoby Brissett in 2026, but his quarterback situation in 2027 and beyond is unclear. Bowers will likely upgrade from
Geno Smith to projected No. 1 pick
Fernando Mendoza. Given his youth and quarterback situation, Bowers has the slight edge right now, ranking as the TE1 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings. However, McBride is not far behind in the TE2 spot.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 1, 2026
Thursday's game between the White Sox and Blue Jays was proactively postponed due to inclement weather in the forecast. The matchup was supposed to be Chicago's home opener, but it will now be played on Friday, April 3, at 1:10 PM CST, and a doubleheader will not be necessary since the club was originally scheduled to be off on Friday. The series opener is expected to feature right-hander
Sean Burke for Chicago and right-hander
Dylan Cease for Toronto. Burke allowed three earned runs on seven hits and one walk in his first start of the season, although he did manage to strike out five batters in his four innings of work. Cease, on the other hand, was brilliant in his first start as a Blue Jay, yielding just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out 12 batters over 5 1/3 innings. Toronto will likely be favored in this one.
--Jarod RuppSource: Chicago White Sox
April 1, 2026
Baltimore Ravens tight end
Mark Andrews is coming off a disappointing season in which he finished as the overall TE16. Andrews played in all 17 games and logged 70 targets (his highest mark since 20220), but most of his receptions were of low value. His 422 yards were a new career low, and he was also held to a modest five touchdowns. Part of the blame can be attributed to a crowded tight end room, and part of the blame can be placed on a Ravens offense that took a step back in 2025. Both problems have potential solutions going forward. The position room is less crowded now that
Isaiah Likely has departed for New York, leaving Andrews as the undisputed No. 1 tight end in Baltimore for 2026 and perhaps beyond. Meanwhile, there's a whole new coaching staff and system in place after the Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. New head coach Jesse Minter is a defensive guy, but offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is a rising star in the industry and should help elevate the Ravens'
Lamar Jackson-led offense. All in all, the stars are aligning for Andrews to bounce back in 2026. Despite being 30 years old, Andrews is an intriguing buy-low candidate in dynasty fantasy football leagues this offseason.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
April 1, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas (knee) has encountered a setback in his recovery from a ruptured left patellar tendon that he suffered back in 2025. The former first-rounder is now dealing with sore ribs, per manager Alex Cora. At least the setback is not related to his knee, but Cora stated that they need to "shut it down for a while... we have to slow it down." Casas was placed on the 10-day injured list to begin the season, and a mid-to-late-May return to the majors was the original estimate, however, a return closer to midseason seems more realistic at this point. The team acquired
Willson Contreras in the offseason to man first, but he is just 2-for-17 (.118) to begin the season, and if he doesn't pick it up at the plate, there could be a real competition for playing time whenever Casas returns. The 6-foot-4 left-handed slugger has legit power, belting 40 home runs over his last 224 games (~29 home runs per 162 games), but will be waiver wire fodder until he is getting regular at-bats.
--Jarod RuppSource: Tim Healey
April 1, 2026
Houston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena is out of the lineup on Wednesday as the team continues to ease him back into action following a fractured finger that he suffered this spring. The right-handed slugger went 1-for-5 in Tuesday's contest, and although he is out of the lineup Wednesday, Pena could play in back-to-back games this weekend, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The 28-year-old is 3-for-15 (.200) so far this season with two runs scored and a stolen base. If the former third-round draft pick returns Friday, it would be against left-hander
Jeffrey Springs for the Athletics, and Pena has hit lefties better for his career, with a .302/.344/.468 slash line against them compared to .259/.311/.397 against righties.
--Jarod RuppSource: Brian McTaggart
RADIO
