March 23, 2026
Houston Astros infielder
Jeremy Pena (finger) will play shortstop during Tuesday's exhibition game against the Triple-A Space Cowboys, manager Joe Espada told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. There had been speculation that Pena might play on Tuesday, but the skipper now confirmed the rumors and also noted that the 28-year-old will grab a glove and play the field. Pena is working his way back from a right ring finger fracture that he suffered while working out for the Dominican Republic ahead of the World Baseball Classic. It seems unlikely that Pena will open the season on the injured list, but the Astros are certainly taking the decision down to the wire. If he does miss any time,
Carlos Correa would shift to shortstop and
Isaac Paredes would patrol the hot corner. Pena is looking to build on a career-best 2025 campaign in which he slashed .304/.363/.477 with 17 home runs, 20 stolen bases, a 6.4% walk rate, a 17.1% strikeout rate, and 135 wRC+. He currently ranks #16 among shortstops in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: Chandler Rome
March 23, 2026
Texas Rangers left-handed pitcher
Jordan Montgomery (elbow) will throw his fifth bullpen session on Tuesday, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. The session will include approximately 30 pitches, and if all goes well, he could progress to the equivalent of two-inning sessions in the near future. Montgomery is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and he's not expected to pitch in an MLB game until the middle of the 2026 season. Given that he's already had two UCL reconstruction surgeries, it seems unlikely that he'll get back to his 2023 form, which included a 3.20 ERA and 4.2 fWAR. However, the Rangers still believe he can be a low-risk starter in the back of their rotation, which is why they signed him to a one-year, $1.25 million deal in the middle of his rehab process.
--Andersen PickardSource: Evan Grant
March 23, 2026
San Diego Padres relief pitcher
Jason Adam (quad) will open the season on the 15-day injured list, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Adam has been recovering from a September surgery that repaired a ruptured tendon in his quad. While he has been facing batters for weeks, he didn't make his Cactus League debut until last Friday. As a result of his delayed return to action, he's going to open the year on the injured list. His placement on the IL will be backdated to March 22, allowing him to return no earlier than April 6. Getting Adam back and healthy is key for the Padres, as the veteran reliever pitched to an impressive 1.93 ERA with 9.64 K/9 and 3.44 BB/9 across 65.1 innings of relief work last year.
Ron Marinaccio and
Bradgley Rodriguez are both expected to make the Opening Day roster since Adam is not quite ready to go.
--Andersen PickardSource: Kevin Acee
March 23, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitcher
Lance McCullers Jr. has made the Opening Day rotation, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. McCullers has been with the Astros since he made his MLB debut in 2015, but he didn't pitch at all in 2023 or 2024. He returned to action last year, making 16 appearances (13 starts) in the majors with a shaky 5.77 FIP, 6.34 BB/9, and 1.63 HR/9. He struck out batters at a modest clip of 9.92 K/9, but his ground ball rate dropped to a new career-low mark of 46.4%. His job was far from guaranteed coming out of spring training, but ultimately, it appears that he has won the No. 5 starter role. With that being said, he'll need to pitch well -- or, at least, better than last year -- to survive a full season in the rotation. He showed flashes of improvement this spring with a 3.38 ERA, as well as reduced walk and home run rates. However, he racked up just 5.63 K/9 and a 40.9% ground ball rate, albeit over a small sample size.
--Andersen PickardSource: Matt Kawahara
March 23, 2026
The Chicago Cubs and star outfielder
Pete Crow-Armstrong are working to finalize a multi-year extension that would keep him in Chicago long-term, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com. Terms of the deal haven't been disclosed yet, and while the two sides are approaching an agreement, nothing has been finalized at this point. Still, it's a very encouraging development for all parties involved, including Cubs fans and fantasy baseball managers. Crow-Armstrong is coming off a spectacular 30-30 season in which he slashed .247/.287/.481 with 31 home runs, 35 stolen bases, and 109 wRC+. He was also highly productive defensively, posting 21 OAA and 21 FRV in center field. There are some holes in his game -- last year's 4.5% walk rate is far from optimal -- but overall, at just 23 years old, he has already blossomed into a superstar outfielder with a very bright future ahead of him.
--Andersen PickardSource: Jeff Passan
March 23, 2026
Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto scored a power-play goal in Monday's 2-1 victory against the Rangers. His wrist shot that beat New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin in the first period extended his point streak to three consecutive games and helped his team collect two big points as they fight for a wild-card spot. Pinto now has 19 goals, 20 assists, and 40 penalty minutes in 60 games this season.
--Marko23Source: NHL.com
March 23, 2026
The Milwaukee Bucks waived guard
Cam Thomas on Monday night, marking the second time this season that the 24-year-old has been cut by a team. On Feb. 5, Thomas was waived by the Brooklyn Nets, who drafted him in the first round in 2021. After the Bucks picked him up, Thomas started his career in Milwaukee with a bang, scoring 34 points in his second game with the team. However, he failed to establish a consistent role on the team and is now seeking another employer. Thomas will become an unrestricted free agent once he clears waivers. By waiving Thomas, Milwaukee was able to convert forward
Pete Nance's contract from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 23, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (Achilles) won't be in the lineup on Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. The former Laker has been ruled out for the contest after carrying a questionable tag on the initial injury report. However, Kuzma's absence isn't unexpected, as he had to leave Saturday's win over Phoenix early due to soreness in his right Achilles. With Kuzma out,
Pete Nance and
Jericho Sims are likely to receive more work in the frontcourt.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center
John Collins (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks. This is a bit surprising, as the team listed Collins as probable on the initial injury report.
Kris Dunn or
Jordan Miller will replace Collins in the first unit, while
Nicolas Batum may also be more involved in the rotation. The Clippers have a great matchup on Monday against a struggling team that can't defend.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will play on Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team has upgraded him from questionable to available. Leonard has recently been in and out of the lineup due to a left ankle sprain, but he will make a second consecutive appearance on Monday. The veteran star has been a beast offensively in his last five appearances, averaging 32.6 points in 31.1 minutes per game. The Bucks are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, so Leonard's scoring spree should continue on Monday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward
Caleb Martin (heel) and guard
Brandon Williams (concussion) won't play on Monday against the Golden State Warriors. Martin has been ruled out after being listed as questionable on the initial injury report, while the team has downgraded Williams from doubtful to out. Dallas will be without both players for the third consecutive game. Overall, Martin will miss his fourth straight contest. With the duo missing from the rotation,
Ryan Nembhard,
Klay Thompson, and
Khris Middleton have an opportunity to play larger roles off the bench.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors guard/forward
Brandon Ingram (heel) was a late scratch for Monday's contest against the Utah Jazz, Sportsnet's Michael Grange reports. The two-time All-Star is dealing with right heel inflammation. Ingram wasn't on the injury report and was announced as a starter before the team made a late change, promoting
Ja'Kobe Walter to the first unit. Ingram's first chance to return will be on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
--Taavi PailkSource: Michael Grange
March 23, 2026
It was an off week for Sahith Theegala at Innisbrook, and it seemed to negate everything we thought about where his game was after a handful of inspiring events. The 28-year-old lost over three strokes on approach, and over two strokes around the greens and putting to miss the cut by a healthy margin. It feels like a fluke with so many good weeks already under his belt. There has to be some burnout lingering, given he's only taken one week off this entire season, because the talent for big-time golf is certainly there. He also ranked inside the top-35 for the season in the three metrics before last week. Theegala is elite from 150 yards and out, which is what he'll see all week long. Putting has been a strength through most of his starts, also. As frustrating as it was for those who committed to him at Valspar, jumping ship now is ill-advised.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
March 23, 2026
Golden State Warriors guard/forward
Moses Moody (wrist) and guard
De'Anthony Melton (hand) have been cleared to play on Monday against the Dallas Mavericks. Moody has missed 10 games due to a wrist sprain and was initially listed as questionable on the injury report. Meanwhile, the team has upgraded Melton's status from probable to available. The two will start the contest alongside
Brandin Podziemski,
Draymond Green, and
Kristaps Porzingis.
Gui Santos is dropping to the second unit, while Moody's return will also impact
Will Richard's playing time.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward/center
Kristaps Porzingis (back) will play on Monday night against the Dallas Mavericks. The team initially listed Porzingis as probable for the game after he sat out Saturday's loss to Atlanta with a back issue. Porzingis has made seven appearances since joining the Warriors, posting averages of 14.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks in 20.3 minutes per game. With
Al Horford (calf) and
Quinten Post (foot) in street clothes on Monday, Porzingis will have a crucial role to play in the Warriors' frontcourt. He will make his fourth start with the team.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Utah Jazz guard/forward
Cody Williams (shoulder) won't suit up on Monday night against the Toronto Raptors. He has been ruled out after Utah initially listed Williams as doubtful. The 21-year-old has been one of the offensive leaders for the Jazz recently, averaging 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game as a starter. With Williams out, Utah is promoting
John Konchar to the starting lineup, giving him extra fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors point guard
Jamal Shead will move into the starting unit on Monday against the Utah Jazz, with
Immanuel Quickley (foot) sidelined. The 27-year-old has made seven starts this season, averaging 12.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.1 steals. Shead definitely has the potential to reach the same numbers again on Monday night against the Jazz, who have been helpless against point guards all season -- no team has allowed more fantasy points to the position than them.
--Taavi PailkSource: Toronto Raptors
March 23, 2026
It has been a tougher road in 2026 than it was a year ago at this point in the year for Stephan Jaeger, but he'll have another chance or two at getting things in shape before the year's first major. This week in Houston has been a beloved spot for the 36-year-old, winning here in 2024 along with T9 and T11 finishes sandwiched on either side. The bomb-and-gouge strategy has been successful for him. Superior length off the tee and the ability to consistently make putts will work this week. The German is also coming off a T7 last week at Innisbrook, averaging 0.59 strokes gained on approach and 0.44 putting. It's time to jump on the Jaeger train before everyone tries to, if it isn't too late already.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
March 23, 2026
Toronto Raptors forward/center
Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) will end an 11-game absence on Monday against the Utah Jazz. The rookie big man has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a left thumb sprain. With
Jakob Poeltl (back) unavailable, the Raptors are starting
Sandro Mamukelashvili at center, but Murray-Boyles should also get plenty of action in a juicy matchup. The 20-year-old has averaged 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 22.3 minutes per game during his first campaign in the Association.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
It was a bit surprising to see Adam Scott struggle at TPC Sawgrass after how he's played to start the year. He was the third-best player on tour in strokes gained off the tee through his first four events, and has since fallen to 50th (0.272) through last week. The Australian has still been dialed with his iron play, ranking second in all of professional golf in strokes gained in approach shots from 150-200. This will come into play a ton at Memorial Park this week, as 36.5% of predicted approach shots will come from this area. Scott has played in this event numerous times, but he hasn't been to this particular venue during its spring timing. The former Masters champion should be able to do enough from tee to green to give him a chance, even with the driving slump. It will be the ever-streaky performance on and around the greens that will determine how useful he is for fantasy purposes, but the upside is there.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
March 23, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Connelly Early has made the team's Opening Day roster, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. However, despite a strong showing in spring training, he will be competing with
Johan Oviedo for the fifth starting rotation spot early in the 2026 season. It will help the Red Sox provide length to their rotation, with both
Ranger Suarez and
Brayan Bello still building up their pitch counts after pitching in the World Baseball Classic. Boston views Early as a starter, and it's unlikely that he'll be used as a reliever for the first few weeks of the season. Exact plans for Early and Oviedo are "still being ironed out," and the team's decision-makers "do not seem keen" on the idea of a six-man rotation. The 23-year-old prospect could make his first start of the year on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds. Early had a 2.33 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 29:4 K: BB in his first four big-league starts in 2025 before allowing three earned runs in 17 innings with five walks and 16 K's in five Grapefruit League appearances in spring training. He has good control and limits hard contact, making him one of the more intriguing young arms to stash in the big leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
March 23, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said on Monday that the team is hoping to get infielder/outfielder
Tommy Edman back around the end of May, according to The California Post's Jack Harris. Edman has had ankle issues the last couple of seasons, so he decided to have surgery on his right ankle back in mid-November, and he's still working his way back. The Dodgers just optioned
Hyeseong Kim to the minors, too, so it's looking like it could be a committee at the keystone in L.A. to begin the year between veteran
Miguel Rojas,
Santiago Espinal, and
Alex Freeland. Of the trio, Espinal has the most fantasy upside in NL-only leagues. Edman is essentially avoidable in mixed fantasy leagues going into his third year with the Dodgers. He has appeared in a total of 134 regular-season games the last two years for the Blue and has hit a lowly .229/.280/.392 with 19 homers, 69 RBI, 69 runs, and nine stolen bases in 530 plate appearances.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
March 23, 2026
Brooklyn Nets shooting guard
Drake Powell (knee) is unavailable to suit up against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, per C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News. The 20-year-old rookie is set to sit out the last leg of a back-to-back due to left knee injury management after he logged eight points, three assists and three rebounds in 28 minutes during Sunday's loss to Sacramento. With Powell sidelined and a depleted Nets' rotation,
Jalen Wilson,
Ochai Agbaji and
Malachi Smith are expected to take on heavier workloads against the Blazers.
--Andrew LennoxSource: C.J. Holmes
March 23, 2026
Denver Nuggets forward
Peyton Watson (hamstring) will not play Tuesday against Phoenix as the team manages his workload following a recent return from a lengthy absence. His absence could mean a few extra bench minutes for
Tim Hardaway Jr.,
Spencer Jones, and
Julian Strawther, though none are strong fantasy plays right now. Hardaway had six points, four rebounds, and one assist in his last game, while Jones chipped in five points with one three-pointer, one steal, and one block in 11 minutes. All three are risky deep-league streamers with unclear roles.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that the team is hoping to get left-hander
Blake Snell (shoulder) back sometime around the end of May, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Snell isn't injured specifically, but the 33-year-old southpaw was exhausted physically after pitching deep into the postseason last fall to help the Dodgers win a second straight World Series championship. Snell also missed four months during the 2025 regular season due to left-shoulder inflammation, so the Dodgers would rather have him miss a month-plus of the 2026 campaign instead of losing him for longer. He has been throwing off a mound in camp, but he still has a ways to go to build his arm back up and eventually resume facing live hitters. The fact that he'll miss at least the first month definitely drops his fantasy value right before Opening Day, but Snell was great in his 61 1/3 regular-season innings last year and still has high-end strikeout upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
March 23, 2026
Indiana Pacers power forward
Obi Toppin (foot) will make a second consecutive appearance on Monday against the Orlando Magic. Toppin recently recovered from a fractured foot, and the team is still monitoring his workload. It was initially uncertain whether he would play on Monday when Indiana listed Toppin as questionable on the injury report. Toppin has looked good in his last five outings, posting averages of 12.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Houston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena (finger) could play in Tuesday's exhibition game against Triple-A Sugar Land, manager Joe Espada told Chandler Rome of The Athletic. After resuming swinging over the weekend, Pena is taking live batting practice at Daikin Park on Monday and has a chance to be cleared to play on Opening Day on Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels. Facing live pitching is probably the last box that Pena needs to check after fracturing the tip of his right ring finger while working out for the Dominican Republic while preparing for the World Baseball Classic. If Pena is forced to miss any time to begin the 2026 season,
Carlos Correa will shift over to shortstop, and
Isaac Paredes will start at third base in Houston. The 28-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2025, slashing .304/.363/.477 with an .840 OPS, 17 home runs, 62 RBI, and 20 stolen bases in 125 games played. He's not an elite option at the shortstop position in fantasy, but he's a lower-end five-category contributor at a premium position.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
March 23, 2026
Indiana Pacers guard/forward
Aaron Nesmith (ankle) has shaken off a questionable tag and will suit up on Monday against the Orlando Magic. He is managing a right ankle injury but is ready to make his sixth consecutive appearance. Despite producing a five-point dud on Saturday against San Antonio, Nesmith has averaged 15.6 points and 2.0 rebounds across his last five outings. However, with
Pascal Siakam (knee) and
Andrew Nembhard (calf) available on Monday, Nesmith likely has to take the backseat on the offensive end.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 23, 2026
Chicago Bulls center
Jalen Smith (calf) will play Monday against Houston after missing one game, though he is expected to see roughly 22 to 24 minutes as he works back into form. The minutes cap could limit his short-term ceiling despite averages of 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across his last four outings.
Nick Richards may still see rotational minutes off the bench, lowering Smith's rebound upside. Smith remains a viable option in deeper formats, but managers in weekly playoffs should account for the workload restriction before locking him in.
--Brian DailisanSource: Will Gottlieb
March 23, 2026
C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports that Brooklyn Nets forward
Danny Wolf (ankle) is unavailable for Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 21-year-old rookie will sit out his first game since Nov. 24 after sustaining an ankle injury during Sunday's loss to Sacramento. With Wolf sidelined,
Chaney Johnson and
E.J. Liddell would likely see larger roles in the Nets' rotation this evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: C.J. Holmes
RADIO
