Carter Jensen Serving as DH, Hitting Ninth on Opening Day
Kansas City Royals catching prospect Carter Jensen is serving as the team's designated hitter and is batting ninth in the order on Friday on Opening Day against the Atlanta Braves and left-hander Chris Sale, according to MLB.com. Jensen, 22, impressed in a 20-game cup of coffee in KC in 2025 in his MLB debut, going 18-for-60 (.300) with three home runs, 13 RBI, and 12 runs scored in 69 plate appearances. Jensen went just 9-for-42 (.214) during spring training, though, adding three homers, eight RBI, seven runs, one stolen base, four walks, and 11 strikeouts in 15 Cactus League games. He's expected to split catching duties in 2026 in his first full year in the majors with veteran Salvador Perez while also seeing at-bats at DH for the Royals. Don't overlook the fact that Jensen could be playing every day for the Royals this year. DFS managers will want to avoid him on Opening Day in the nine-hole against Sale, though.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Can KC Concepcion Be a Dynamic Playmaker in the NFL?
Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion is widely considered one of the better prospects at his position in the 2026 NFL Draft and has a chance to be picked in the back half of the first round. Across 13 games for the Aggies in 2025, the 21-year-old hauled in 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns. He's known as a dynamic route-runner in the short and intermediate areas of the field and can be a high-volume possession wideout in the NFL. However, there are questions about his ability to consistently win on contested catches and downfield routes. Concepcion's skill set should give him a stable production floor, particularly in PPR-scoring leagues. Still, fantasy managers should account for the potential of a limited upside due to inconsistency in terms of creating big plays. RotoBaller currently ranks Concepcion as the 46th-best wide receiver for dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chet Holmgren Won't Play on Friday
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. He wasn't listed on the initial injury report, but will now take a seat due to a bruised left hip. His absence from the rotation should mean larger roles for Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, and Cason Wallace. Among the trio, Wallace is the most consistent contributor right now and should have solid streaming value on Friday. Jaylin Williams could also see an expanded role, but his inconsistent playing time makes him a shaky fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Nick Kurtz at Leadoff on Opening Day for A's
Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz is batting leadoff for the A's on Opening Day on Friday on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander Kevin Gausman, per MLB.com. Kurtz is already considered one of the best hitters on the team after debuting in 2025 and looking like a seasoned veteran with a .290/.383/.619 slash line, 1.002 OPS, 36 home runs, 86 RBI, and 90 runs scored in 489 plate appearances over 117 games played. The A's want to get Kurtz as many at-bats as possible per game, although he's likely to be down in the batting order when the team faces a left-handed pitcher. Kurtz hitting leadoff regularly will get him more at-bats for his fantasy managers, too, although it will take away plenty of RBI opportunities from the left-handed slugger. He's an elite power bat and entered 2026 as RotoBaller's top-ranked fantasy first baseman. The 23-year-old had one hit in two at-bats against Gausman last year.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Is Rashid Shaheed Limited to a Downfield Role in Seattle?
After being traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Seattle Seahawks at the 2025 trade deadline, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed re-signed in Seattle on a three-year, $51 million deal earlier this offseason. While the relatively lucrative pact signals that the Seahawks view Shaheed as an important part of their roster, the 27-year-old's numbers actually fell off quite a bit after being traded. Across nine games with Seattle, Shaheed recorded just 15 catches for 188 yards and zero touchdowns on 26 targets. The Seahawks may have bigger plans for Shaheed in his first full year with the team in 2026. However, star Seattle wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains likely to dominate targets, and the Seahawks have other capable pass-catchers in need of looks, such as wideouts Cooper Kupp and Tory Horton. Shaheed showed signs of becoming a more well-rounded wide receiver towards the end of his run in New Orleans, but his fantasy viability is limited without a similar role shift in Seattle.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Anfernee Simons is Downgraded to Out
Chicago Bulls guard Anfernee Simons (wrist) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unsurprisingly, Simons will remain sidelined while he continues to recover from a fractured left wrist. He hasn't taken the court since February 21, and honestly might not play again this season. His absence should mean more playing time for Tre Jones and Collin Sexton. Both guards have been playing well and are deserving of a look as streaming options while Simons is sidelined.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kazuma Okamoto Hitting Seventh in Major-League Debut
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto will bat seventh in the Jays' lineup on Opening Day on Friday at the Rogers Centre against the visiting Athletics and right-hander Luis Severino, per MLB.com. The Blue Jays signed Okamoto over the winter to a four-year, $60 million contract to lock him in as their primary third baseman in 2026. The 29-year-old right-handed-hitting infielder looked good at the plate in eight Grapefruit League games this spring, going 6-for-19 (.316) with a homer, three doubles, four RBI, four runs scored, three walks, and four strikeouts in a small sample size. Okamoto was limited to 69 games in Japan last year due to an elbow injury, but if healthy, he has the opportunity to be a consistent power bat for fantasy managers at hitter-friendly Rogers Centre. Fantasy managers who have him rostered in dynasty/keeper leagues will be hoping for a similar career arc as the Cubs' Seiya Suzuki.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Marcus Mariota Remains an Injury Away from Playing Time in Washington
Across 11 games (eight starts) in 2025, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota completed 65.2% of his pass attempts for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The 32-year-old also remained a productive player with his legs, rushing for 297 yards and a touchdown on 50 attempts. Mariota was forced into more playing time than Washington would have liked in 2025, as star quarterback Jayden Daniels played in just seven games due to knee, hamstring, and elbow injuries. Still, Mariota profiles as one of the better backup quarterback options in the NFL, and the Commanders re-signed him to a one-year deal for the 2026 season in early March. When Mariota gets a chance to play, his dual-threat ability makes him a quality streaming option for fantasy managers, especially in two-quarterback formats. Given Daniels' durability question marks, Mariota should at least be on the radar of deep-league managers entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Neemias Queta is Upgraded to Available
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (thumb) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Queta was listed as questionable coming into this game due to a right thumb sprain. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about the injury impacting his ability on the court. Over the last six games, Queta is averaging 11.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 27.9 minutes per game. The 26-year-old has been quietly putting together a strong season for the Celtics. He's usually more of a deep league option, but could take on a larger role offensively with Jaylen Brown (calf) ruled out on Friday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Austin Slater Batting Leadoff for Marlins on Opening Day
Miami Marlins veteran outfielder Austin Slater is starting in right field and is batting leadoff for the Fish on Friday on Opening Day against the visiting Colorado Rockies and left-hander Kyle Freeland, according to MLB.com. The Marlins signed Slater just last week after they knew that All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers (hamstring) would start the year on the injured list. At least to begin the 2026 season, the 33-year-old Slater will serve on the short side of a platoon in right field for Miami. On Friday, he'll be a DFS sleeper with plenty of previous experience against Freeland. He has hit .289 against him in his career with a .796 OPS, a home run, and four RBI. Thirty of Slater's 45 career home runs have come against southpaws, and he sports a career .787 OPS against them, as opposed to a .640 OPS against right-handed arms.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jaylen Brown is Ruled Out on Friday
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Brown was questionable coming into this game due to a right calf injury. The superstar forward won't be able to shake the questionable tag and has been downgraded to out. The absence of Brown should mean that Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard take on larger roles offensively. Baylor Scheierman is likely to see an expanded role in the rotation and should offer decent streaming appeal with Brown ruled out. The next chance for Brown to play will come on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back for an update ahead of that game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Clay Holmes Could Be an Undervalued Source of Innings in 2026
New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes made the transition from high-leverage reliever to starting pitcher in his first season with the team in 2025. Across 165 2/3 innings (33 appearances, 31 starts), Holmes recorded a 12-8 record with a 3.53 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 129 strikeouts. Holmes' trademark power sinker transferred over to the starting rotation, as he logged a 55.8% ground ball rate. However, the 33-year-old's average fastball velocity dropped from 97.5 mph in 2024 to 93.5 mph in 2025, and he posted a subpar 18.2% strikeout rate. Given how much contact he allows in combination with his middling 9.3% walk rate, Holmes may always be a negative in the WHIP category for fantasy managers. Still, he showed an ability to eat innings in 2025 and owns a career HR/9 of 0.61, which could help him consistently beat his ERA projections. If Holmes can take a marginal step forward with his strikeout rate in 2026, he could be a useful depth arm for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Derrick White is Cleared for Friday's Game
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. White will shed the questionable tag and suit up despite dealing with a right knee injury. The expectation is that White will be asked to take on a larger role offensively with Jaylen Brown (calf) ruled out. This season, White is averaging 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 34.2 minutes per game. He should see a slight uptick in value with Brown sidelined, but is a must-start regardless of Brown's status. Fantasy managers should make sure White is active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Dejounte Murray to Sit Out on Friday
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (Achilles) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. After playing 29 minutes on Thursday, Murray will sit out the second leg of the back-to-back set. Murray made his season debut in late February after missing the beginning of the season while recovering from an Achilles injury. The Pelicans are going to continue being cautious with Murray down the stretch of the season. Jeremiah Fears, Jordan Hawkins, and possibly Jordan Poole should all see more playing time on Friday. Among the trio, Fears is the best streaming option ahead of Friday's slate.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mickey Moniak Placed on 10-Day Injured List Due to Sprained Finger
Colorado Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak (finger) has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a sprained right ring finger, per Rockies beat writer Thomas Harding. Catcher Braxton Fulford has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to take Moniak's place on the Rockies' active roster. Moniak had a breakout season in his first year with Colorado in 2025, hitting .270/.306/.518 with 24 home runs, 68 RBI, 62 runs scored, and nine stolen bases across 461 plate appearances. He lowered his strikeout rate to a career-low 23.9% while posting a career-high 13.5% barrel rate. The 27-year-old lefty swinger was expected to fill a big-side platoon role as both a corner outfielder and designated hitter in 2026, but his start to the season will be delayed by this finger issue. Rockies outfielders Jake McCarthy and Jordan Beck are likely more secure in their playing time in Moniak's absence, while first baseman/outfielder Troy Johnston and utility man Ryan Ritter could both see an uptick in at-bats. The promotion of Fulford could also indicate that the Rockies plan to give star catcher Hunter Goodman more reps at designated hitter while Moniak is sidelined.
Source: Thomas Harding
Source: Thomas Harding
Trey Murphy III to Miss Second Straight Game
New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Murphy will officially miss both legs of this back-to-back set due to a right ankle injury. His next chance to play will come on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back ahead of that game. The absence of Murphy should mean more minutes for Jeremiah Fears and Jordan Hawkins. Between the two, Fears is the better streaming choice while Murphy is sidelined. He finished with 13 points, six assists, and two rebounds across 27 minutes on Thursday. Fantasy managers should consider Fears a viable streaming option for as long as Murphy is out.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Can Jack Leiter Replicate His Strong Close to 2025 Over a Full Season in 2026?
Across 151 2/3 innings (29 starts) in 2025, Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jack Leiter pitched to a 10-10 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 148 strikeouts. While the former top prospect established himself as a back-end rotation piece in Texas, his season-long K-BB% of 12.5% does not jump off the page. However, Leiter finished the 2025 season significantly stronger than he started it. After the All-Star break, the 25-year-old pitched to a 3.28 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 79 strikeouts across 71 1/3 innings. Command remains a red flag in Leiter's profile, as he's recorded a walk rate below 10% just once across his four professional seasons. Still, if he can re-produce the 26.3% strikeout rate he recorded in the second half of 2025 over a full season in 2026, Leiter could easily emerge as a very valuable fantasy starting pitcher. Entering the year, Leiter profiles as a fantasy SP5 with upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Shane Baz Poised for a Breakout Season in Baltimore?
Across 166 1/3 innings (31 starts) for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, starting pitcher Shane Baz recorded a 10-12 record with a 4.87 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 176 strikeouts. Baz was traded to the Baltimore Orioles over the offseason, and he's currently penciled into a mid-rotation role in Baltimore. While Baz's ERA and WHIP were both inflated in 2025, there's reason to believe he may have gotten a bit unlucky. He had the misfortune of pitching his home games in a minor league park last season, which helped contribute to his elevated 1.42 HR/9. Baz allowed 18 home runs across 82 1/3 innings at home, compared to just eight home runs in 84 innings on the road. If Baz can hold his 24.8% strikeout rate while doing a better job limiting the long ball, he could easily see his ERA regress closer to his 2025 xERA of 3.86. Baz also performed well in Spring Training for Baltimore, allowing just three earned runs and four walks while striking out 14 across 10 1/3 innings. He profiles as a fantasy SP4/5 with upside entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Willi Castro Projected for Everyday Playing Time in Colorado Entering 2026
After signing a two-year deal with the team over the offseason, Colorado Rockies utility man Willi Castro is expected to serve as the team's primary third baseman to open 2026. Across 454 plate appearances split between the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs in 2025, Castro hit .226/.316/.366 with 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases. The 28-year-old's main appeal is his positional versatility, as he's logged significant time at every position on the diamond other than first base, catcher and pitcher. With a career 5.9% barrel rate and 33.2% hard-hit rate, Castro is unlikely to provide more than 10-15 homer power for fantasy managers. However, he's just two years removed from stealing 33 bases as a member of the Twins in 2023. If Castro can hold everyday playing time while playing his home games in the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field, he could be a useful multi-positional eligible depth piece for fantasy managers in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Najee Harris to Meet With Raiders Next Thursday
Free-agent running back Najee Harris (Achilles) is scheduled to meet with the Las Vegas Raiders next Thursday, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The former Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers RB visited with the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday as he looks for his new home. The 28-year-old former 24th overall pick by the Steelers in 2021 out of Alabama began his NFL career with four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons in the Steel City. He signed with the Chargers as a free agent last offseason, but he only appeared in three games for the Bolts in 2025 before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles tendon. Harris probably isn't an option to re-sign in L.A. after the Chargers picked up former Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell to give them depth behind Omarion Hampton. If Harris were to sign with Vegas, he'd be the clear backup to second-year back Ashton Jeanty and would merely be a handcuff option in fantasy football leagues.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Yankees Sign Luis Garcia to Two-Year Minor-League Deal
The New York Yankees signed free-agent right-hander Luis Garcia (elbow) to a two-year minor-league deal on Friday, a source told Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Garcia is currently rehabbing after having the second Tommy John surgery of his career last October. His base salary for the 2027 season would be $2.25 million with another $750,000 in possible performance bonuses. The 29-year-old Venezuelan hurler also missed all of the 2024 season due to injury. Garcia entered the league in 2020 with the Houston Astros and has gone 29-19 with a 3.60 ERA (3.82 FIP), 1.15 WHIP, 25.3% strikeout rate, and a 7.7% walk rate in 359 2/3 innings over 71 appearances (65 starts) in the majors in five seasons with the Astros. He only made two starts in 2025 before being shut down. The Yankees are hoping that Garcia can be an option for their starting rotation in 2027 after he recovers from right-elbow surgery.
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Source: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
Carlos Lagrange to Debut at Triple-A on Sunday
The New York Daily News' Gary Phillips reports that New York Yankees pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange is scheduled to make his debut at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday for the RailRiders. Lagrange, who is considered the team's No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, was named the Yankees' most outstanding rookie during spring training. The 22-year-old right-hander struck out 17 batters while walking six in 16 1/3 innings pitched in five Grapefruit League appearances (two starts). The hard-throwing Dominican is one of the better pitching stashes in dynasty/keeper leagues. The 6-foot-7, 248-pounder had a 3.53 ERA and 1.20 WHIP with 168 strikeouts and 62 walks in 120 innings over 24 outings (23 starts) with High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset in 2025. Lagrange had an impressive 31% strikeout rate but also a concerning 14.9% walk rate. If Lagrange cannot improve his control, he could be ticketed for a high-leverage bullpen role in the Bronx by the 2027 season.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Ben Rice on the Bench Against Lefty in Game 2
New York Yankees left-handed-hitting first baseman/catcher Ben Rice will take a seat on Friday at Oracle Park against the San Francisco Giants with left-hander Robbie Ray on the mound, according to MLB.com. Rice will give way to right-handed-hitting Paul Goldschmidt, who is starting at first base and batting leadoff for the Yanks. Rice, who broke out in 2025 with 26 home runs and 65 RBI in 138 games played, is expected to play more against lefties in 2026, but he'll start on the bench in this one. In his young MLB career, Rice has a .683 OPS against left-handers as opposed to an .809 OPS versus righty pitchers. He went 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in Wednesday night's Opening Day win over San Fran. Goldschmidt, a former National League MVP, has seen a decline in his production in recent years, but the 38-year-old veteran did have an impressive .981 OPS with seven of his 10 homers against southpaws last year. He's gone hitless in five career at-bats against Ray.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Rafael Devers at DH Again Due to Lingering Hamstring Tightness
San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers (hamstring) is still feeling something in his left hamstring, which is why he's serving as the designated hitter again on Friday at Oracle Park against the visiting New York Yankees, according to John Shea of The San Francisco Standard. Manager Tony Vitello said that Devers could play first if necessary. "Still a little bit of a feeling in there," Vitello said. Devers is the DH and is batting third on Friday against Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler, while infielder Casey Schmitt will make another start at first base and bat seventh for the Gigantes. The 29-year-old Devers dealt with a balky hammy in late February during spring training, but it's obviously not a very serious injury since he remains in the starting lineup. Devers went 1-for-4 in the 7-0 Opening Day loss to New York on Wednesday night. Fantasy managers will want to keep him in their lineups as the Giants try for their first win of the 2026 season.
Source: The San Francisco Standard - John Shea
Source: The San Francisco Standard - John Shea
Jac Caglianone on Bench Versus Lefty on Opening Day
Kansas City Royals left-handed-hitting outfielder/first baseman Jac Caglianone will start on the bench for the team's Opening Day game on Friday against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park with left-hander Chris Sale on the mound. The Royals aren't going to have Caglianone face one of the nastiest left-handers in the game to begin his first full season in the big leagues, especially after the left-handed power bat struggled mightily in his first taste of major-league pitching in 62 games in 2025. The former sixth overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Florida did hit seven games in 232 plate appearances, but he also struck out 52 times and hit just .157 (33-for-210). Things looked better in spring training, though, as Cags went 7-for-23 (.304) in a small sample size with a homer, four RBI, six walks, and seven strikeouts in 10 Cactus League games. He's expected to be on the strong side of a platoon against righties in right field for KC in 2026. Veteran Starling Marte is in right on Friday and will hit sixth against Sale. Marte has hit .286 with a .572 in just seven career at-bats versus Sale.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jason Heyward Announces his Retirement
Outfielder Jason Heyward officially announced his retirement from professional baseball on Friday on MLB Network. Heyward played 16 years in the major leagues with the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, and Houston Astros. The 36-year-old helped the Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016 and was also named to an All-Star team with the Braves in his rookie season in 2010, when he hit .277/.393/.456 with an .849 OPS, 18 home runs, 72 RBI, 83 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in 142 games. Heyward was perhaps most known for his glove in right field, winning five Gold Glove in his career. He hit a career-high 27 home runs and stole 21 bases in his third season with the Braves in 2012. Heyward finishes his successful career with a .255/.336/.408 slash line, 186 home runs, 730 RBI, and 125 stolen bases in 1,824 regular-season games. He played in 34 games for the Padres in his final MLB season in 2025.
Source: MLB Network
Source: MLB Network
Bills Re-Sign Safety Damar Hamlin to One-Year Deal
The Buffalo Bills re-signed safety Damar Hamlin (pectoral) to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Hamlin will return to the Bills for a sixth season after they originally selected him in the sixth round (212th overall) in 2021 out of Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old defensive back missed the final 13 games of last season due to a pectoral injury, but he should be fully healthy for the start of training camp this summer. In just five games played in 2025, Hamlin had one solo tackle for the Bills. Hamlin started 13 of the 15 games he appeared in during his second year in the league in 2022 before collapsing on the field in January of that season due to a cardiac-arrest incident. It was a scary scene. He returned to play in five games the following season, then started all 14 games he appeared in during 2024. Hamlin will most likely be in a reserve role in Buffalo's secondary in 2026.
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Kyle Stowers Doing Baseball Activities
Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers (hamstring), who began the 2026 season on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 1 right-hamstring strain, threw, hit, and ran during a workout on Wednesday as he builds up his workload and intensity, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. The plan is for the Marlins to reassess Stowers in three to four weeks. He strained his hamstring earlier this spring and then left last Friday's split-squad game against the Houston Astros with tightness in the same hamstring. Stowers' 2025 breakout season also ended prematurely last August when he suffered a left-oblique strain, but he had already managed to hit 25 home runs and drive in 73 runs in 117 games to establish himself as one of the National League's top hitters. The Marlins signed veteran Austin Slater to help give them additional outfield depth with Stowers out. Durability concerns are real for Stowers, but he is a must-stash in all fantasy formats as the Marlins hitter with the most upside in 2026.
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Shane Smith Takes Loss in Short Outing on Opening Day
Chicago White Sox right-hander Shane Smith got off to a bad start to the 2026 season on Opening Day on Thursday in a 14-2 loss to the hosting Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Smith only went 1 2/3 innings in his first start of the year and surrendered four runs (three earned) on three hits while walking two and striking out two. All of the damage against Smith came on a bases-clearing double from catcher William Contreras in the second inning. It was the shortest outing of the 25-year-old's career, and he threw only 54 pitches. Smith was an All-Star in 2025 in his first year in the majors, going 7-8 with a 3.81 ERA (4.10 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 145 strikeouts and 58 walks in 146 1/3 innings over his 29 starts for Chicago. Smith's 23.9% strikeout rate was slightly above league average, but his 9.4% walk rate was well below average. If Smith continues to exhibit poor control, it could be a tough sophomore season, especially since he's unlikely to pick up many wins on what should be another bad White Sox team.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Tanner Bibee's Shoulder Issue Not Considered Serious
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee's right-shoulder issue that forced him out of his Opening Day start early on Thursday night against the Seatle Mariners "doesn't appear serious at this point," according to Tom Withers of The Associated Press. The Guardians will re-evaluate Bibee on Friday, at which point we should have a better idea of whether he might land on the injured list. The Guardians took the cautious approach in Game 1 of the season, but it's possible that left-hander Logan Allen could take Bibee's rotation spot if rest is required. The 27-year-old took a no-decision on Thursday before leaving with a trainer, allowing three solo home runs while walking two and striking out seven in his five innings of work to begin the 2026 campaign. Cleveland called Bibee's injury right-shoulder inflammation on Thursday night. At the very least, Bibee's next start will most likely be pushed back, but he could also go on the IL and miss at least 15 days.
Source: The Associated Press - Tom Withers
Source: The Associated Press - Tom Withers
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