March 25, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander
Merrill Kelly (back) will start the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list to build up his workload, and he will start a backfield game at the team's spring training complex this Saturday, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. If all goes according to plan, Kelly will make rehab outings for Triple-A Reno on April 3 and April 3 and then prepare to rejoin Arizona's starting rotation for his next appearance in his 2026 debut. The 37-year-old veteran pitched into the third inning in Monday's exhibition game against the Cleveland Guardians and got his pitch count up to 52. He allowed five runs, including two home runs, but he felt good about how his body felt. Kelly still has some work to do to fine-tune his mechanics, but barring a setback, he should be ready to return in April. He had a 3.52 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 167:48 K:BB in 184 innings over 32 starts in 2025 with Arizona and the Texas Rangers in his seventh year in the big leagues. Kelly is a savvy vet when healthy, but his fantasy upside is limited due to a below-average strikeout rate and increased injury volatility at his age.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
March 25, 2026
Across 563 plate appearances in 2025, Texas Rangers utility man
Josh Smith hit .251/.335/.366 with 10 home runs, 35 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases. While Smith's numbers don't jump off the page in any one area, he profiles as a steady contributor across the board and can line up anywhere on the diamond other than behind the plate or on the mound. Entering 2026, Smith appears set to open the season as the Rangers' primary second baseman following the team's offseason trade of veteran second baseman
Marcus Semien to the New York Mets. Smith owns just a 4.8% barrel rate and 33.5% hard-hit rate for his career, so his fantasy upside is likely limited. However, he posted impressive numbers across 60 plate appearances this spring, hitting .340 with four home runs and three stolen bases. If Smith can make some marginal power gains at the plate and push past the 600-plate-appearance mark, he could emerge as an undervalued five-category compiler with positional versatility for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 25, 2026
Houston Astros starting pitcher
Mike Burrows suffered an injury scare late in the spring after taking a ground ball off his left calf. However, Burrows appears to have avoided missed time, as Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports that Burrows is in line to start the Astros' second game of the 2026 regular season on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels. Houston acquired Burrows from the Pittsburgh Pirates over the winter after the 26-year-old recorded a 2-4 record with a 3.94 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 97 strikeouts across 96 innings (19 starts) in 2025. The right-hander pitched well across 18 innings for Houston this spring, recording a 1.50 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with a 23.9% strikeout rate. Burrows may not have prodigious upside, but he should be locked into a rotation spot in Houston. He could be a slightly overlooked source of steady ratios and solid strikeout numbers for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
March 25, 2026
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher
Seranthony Dominguez is set to open the 2026 season as his team's primary closer. The 31-year-old signed a two-year contract with Chicago this past winter after posting a 3.16 ERA and 1.28 ERA with 79 strikeouts across 62 2/3 innings split between the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays in 2025. Dominguez recorded an impressive 30.3% strikeout rate, but he also allowed an elevated 13.8% walk rate. While Dominguez lowered his HR/9 to 0.72 in 2025, he allowed an elevated 1.84 HR/9 in 2024. If his struggles with the long ball return in 2026, his tendency to issue free passes could impact his ERA. Still, Dominguez should have an extended runway in the ninth inning in Chicago, and he's consistently demonstrated an ability to generate strikeouts throughout his MLB career. He may not have high-end upside, but Dominguez could be an undervalued source of saves and strikeouts for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 25, 2026
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher
Jordan Romano was a high-end closer for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2021 through 2023, recording 95 saves while recording 230 strikeouts across 186 innings. However, the 32-year-old missed most of 2024 due to elbow surgery and struggled mightily upon his return to the mound as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025. Across 42 2/3 innings for the Phillies, Romano recorded an 8.23 ERA and 1.45 WHIP with 47 strikeouts and eight saves. Despite his recent issues, Romano could be the favorite to open the 2026 season as the Angels' primary closer with fellow Halos relievers
Kirby Yates (knee) and
Ben Joyce (shoulder) both set to start the year on the 15-day injured list. Romano pitched well in Cactus League action, allowing five hits and zero walks while striking out six across six innings of work. He'll need to prove he can be effective to hold the closer role, but Romano could be a solid source of early-season saves for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 25, 2026
Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson produced three assists in Tuesday's 5-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. His playmaking made an impact twice during even-strength play in the second period, and he had a power-play assist in the third. The 36-year-old became the oldest blue-liner in the Ducks' history with a multi-assist period and a three-assist game. In 2025-26, Carlson has shown that age is just a number, amassing 50 points (10 goals, 40 assists) in 60 appearances. He is still looking for his first goal as a Duck, but Carlson has posted four assists in five games with his new team.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 25, 2026
Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher
Ben Joyce (shoulder) has been placed on the 15-day injured list to open 2026, per Jack Janes of The Sporting Tribune. Joyce is working his way back from the surgery he underwent in May 2025 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The 25-year-old fireballer struggled in a very limited sample size before getting injured last season, pitching to a 6.23 ERA in 4 1/3 innings. However, Joyce showed flashes of dominance in 2024, averaging over 102 mph on his fastball and pitching to a 2.08 ERA with four saves across 32 1/3 innings. When healthy, Joyce may be the favorite to work as the Angels' primary closer. With both Joyce and veteran right-hander
Kirby Yates (knee) sidelined to start the year,
Jordan Romano could get the first chance at regular save opportunities for Los Angeles in 2026.
--Will BradySource: The Sporting Tribune - Jack Janes
March 25, 2026
St. Louis Blues goaltender Joel Hofer frustrated the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, recording his sixth shutout of the season in a 3-0 win. He made 21 saves, bringing him within one of tying Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders for the most shutouts in 2025-26. While Jordan Binnington was Team Canada's No. 1 at the Olympics, Hofer has outperformed him in St. Louis this season. The Winnipeg-born netminder holds an 18-11-5 record, a 2.57 goals-against average, and a .910 save percentage. He has gone 6-0-2 across his last eight starts.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 25, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares had three assists as the team beat the Boston Bruins 4-2 on the road on Tuesday night. Two of his assists came during power-play situations. Tavares had more than two points in a game for only the second time this season. However, he has been in fine form since the Olympic break, recording five goals and eight assists in 15 games. With Auston Matthews (knee) done for the season, Tavares has taken over the first-line center role, increasing his ice time. The veteran forward will hope to reach 70 points for a second consecutive year. Currently, he sits on 25 goals and 35 assists with 72 games played.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 25, 2026
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher
Grayson Rodriguez (arm) has officially been placed on the 15-day injured list to open 2026, per Jack Janes of The Sporting Tribune. Rodriguez is battling dead arm, so the hope is that he will be able to return to the mound sooner rather than later. Still, the 26-year-old's extensive injury history makes him difficult to trust for fantasy managers. Rodriguez missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing elbow surgery to remove bone spurs. Before this most recent ailment, Rodriguez recorded a 4.97 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 12 strikeouts across 12 2/3 Cactus League innings for the Angels. Command was a major issue in the spring, as he issued 10 walks. Rodriguez has fantasy appeal if he can get back to the level he showed in 2024 while pitching for the Baltimore Orioles, when he recorded a 26.5% strikeout rate across 116 2/3 innings. However, he will need to prove he can stay healthy for an extended stretch.
--Will BradySource: The Sporting Tribune - Jack Janes
March 25, 2026
New Jersey Devils winger Arseni Gritsyuk (undisclosed) is scheduled for imaging on Wednesday after being hurt in Tuesday's win over Dallas, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports. Gritsyuk bagged an assist in New Jersey's 6-4 win, but he was injured late in the game. The 25-year-old rookie has recently seen his offensive form improve, with eight of Gritsyuk's 31 points coming in March. He has tallied 13 goals and 18 assists in 66 games during his first NHL campaign. If Gritsyuk has to miss time, Evgenii Dadonov could get a rare opportunity to play. The Russian veteran has made just 18 appearances this season and hasn't registered any points.
--Taavi PailkSource: Amanda Stein
March 25, 2026
Minnesota running back
Jordan Mason was a popular sleeper pick after being traded from the 49ers and signing a two-year, $10.5 million contract extension with the Vikings in the opening days of the 2025 league year. Instead, he spent most of the season as the 1B to 30-year-old
Aaron Jones. Mason finished the year with only five more total opportunities than the nine-year veteran despite playing in four more games. However, Mason was the more efficient option on the ground, outgaining Jones by more than half a yard per carry and leading the team with six rushing touchdowns. With the Vikings signing quarterback
Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, the team could find itself in more positive game scripts, which should benefit Mason more than Jones. Murray's scrambling could also eat into the running back passing work, but that has never been a part of Mason's game, as his 15 targets and 14 receptions in 2025 both marked career highs. While Mason was never able to consistently string together week-winning performances, he showed flashes while Jones was sidelined, and with the latter heading into 2026 with nearly 2,000 career touches, Mason could again be a popular breakout candidate.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 25, 2026
New York Islanders defenseman Tony DeAngelo (lower body) was limited to 6:09 of ice time in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. He sustained a lower-body injury in the first period as the Islanders' blue line suffered another blow. Ryan Pulock (lower body) was hurt last week and sat out a second straight game on Tuesday. DeAngelo is sixth in scoring on the Islanders roster, producing 33 points (five goals, 28 assists) in 72 games. Mathew Barzal (47) and Matthew Schaefer (30) are the only Islanders skaters with more assists than him. Pulock skated briefly on Tuesday morning and might be able to step in for DeAngelo if needed on Thursday against Dallas.
--Taavi PailkSource: New York Islanders
March 25, 2026
While 42-year-old quarterback
Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned two weeks into the start of the 2026 league year, new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy would seem to welcome a reunion with the player he coached for 13 seasons and with whom he won a Super Bowl in 2010. At an event honoring late Packers president Bob Harlan, McCarthy was asked about the potential reunion and offered that, "It'd be a great story." A four-time MVP, Rodgers has been noncommittal about his future in the league following a 2025 campaign with the Steelers that saw him throw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns, both among the lowest totals of his 20-year career. If he does choose to return for a 21st season, Pittsburgh would be the most obvious fit. A playoff team in 2025, the hiring of McCarthy suggests they still view their competitive window as open, but they head into 2026 with
Mason Rudolph and
Will Howard atop the depth chart.
--Patrick McGrathSource: Rob Demovsky - ESPN
March 25, 2026
Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie entered concussion protocol on Tuesday, Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports. He missed the final few minutes of Tuesday's 3-2 loss to Ottawa after absorbing a heavy hit. Detroit has just gotten Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp back from injuries, but it looks like the team could be without another important forward in the upcoming games. Finnie has notched 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 71 games during his rookie campaign. He was paired with Larkin and Lucas Raymond on the first line against the Senators.
--Taavi PailkSource: Helene St. James
March 25, 2026
Ryan Fox has quietly put together a very strong start to the season, posting four straight finishes of T24 or better through his first four events. He looks to continue that run at the Texas Children's Houston Open, where he has recorded finishes of T78 and T15 in two appearances. Success here typically hinges on distance off the tee, long iron play, and avoiding bogeys. Fox ranks 25th in total strokes gained (+1.045 per round), 75th on approach (+0.094), 16th in driving distance, and 24th in bogey avoidance. He has also been excellent from 200+ yards, ranking fourth in proximity (41'8"), a range that made up 30.5% of approach shots here last year. At just $7,400 on DraftKings, Fox offers significant upside at a discounted price at Memorial Park.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 25, 2026
Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton suffered an upper-body injury in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. He was involved in a collision with teammate Jack McBain and ended his night after logging only 17 seconds of ice time. Hayton's absence resulted in McBain and Logan Cooley taking on extra work. The two could enjoy increased ice time again on Thursday against Washington if Hayton isn't healthy enough to play. Hayton has totaled 10 goals and 25 points in 67 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Utah Mammoth PR
March 25, 2026
Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Dak Prescott has missed significant time in three different seasons, all occurring within the last six years, but of the seven seasons in which he played at least 16 games, he has finished as the QB8 or better five times, only once finishing outside the top 12, all the way back in 2018. And yet he is currently being drafted around QB17 in dynasty startups. Longevity is certainly working against him as he enters his age-33 season, but for contending teams, he is a severely undervalued asset who has finished as the QB3 and QB6 in his last two fully healthy seasons. The Cowboys' offensive core remains intact heading into 2026, with
CeeDee Lamb,
George Pickens,
Javonte Williams, and
Jake Ferguson forming one of the most fantasy-friendly surrounding casts in the league, and Brian Schottenheimer enters his second season as head coach having already shown a propensity for pushing the ball downfield. Prescott's 4,552 passing yards in 2025 marked the second-highest total of his career, and while his rushing efficiency has declined in recent years, he's one of the few quarterbacks in the league who is a consistent threat to top 30 passing touchdowns.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 25, 2026
Marco Penge continued his up-and-down start to the year with a T4 finish at the Valspar Championship, marking his second result of T16 or better through six events. He will look to carry that momentum into the Texas Children's Houston Open, where he is making his tournament debut. Success here typically hinges on distance off the tee, long iron play, and avoiding bogeys. Penge ranks first on tour in strokes gained off the tee (+0.861 per round) and seventh in driving distance, but sits just 140th on approach (-0.621) and 147th in bogey avoidance. In fact, he has lost strokes in every major category outside of off the tee. At $9,100 on DraftKings, Penge is likely to be a popular pivot given his elite driving ability, but his approach game has the potential to hold him back.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 25, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Cedric Coward (personal) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's clash against the San Antonio Spurs. He has missed three games for personal reasons. With
Ty Jerome (ankle) and
Jaylen Wells (toe) exiting the lineup on Wednesday, Coward could take on one of the leading roles on offense, though this is an extremely difficult matchup for the Grizzlies. The Spurs have the third-best defensive rating in the league, with
Victor Wembanyama protecting the paint. Coward managed only nine points on 3-for-14 shooting in his last meeting with San Antonio.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb finished the 2025 season with 1,077 yards and three touchdowns on 75 receptions. It was his fifth straight year finishing above 1,000 yards, and with the team returning the same offensive core in 2026, he is confident in where things are headed under head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The Cowboys finished second in the NFL in passing and overall offense, and Lamb recently praised his first-year coach for his receiver-friendliness and command of the team. While missing three games, he finished behind teammate
George Pickens in most major statistical categories, and the Cowboys have made moves to improve their basement-dwelling defense from 2025, which could lead to more run-heavy game scripts, but Lamb remains one of the safest options in fantasy football. His connection with
Dak Prescott is real, and more big things should be in store for what has become one of the most consistently strong offenses in the league.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 25, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard/forward
Jaylen Wells (toe) has been ruled out for Wednesday's meeting with the San Antonio Spurs. He injured his right big toe in Monday's blowout loss to Atlanta and won't be part of the Grizzlies' lineup for only the third time this season.
Cedric Coward (personal) will return on Wednesday, helping to fill in for Wells. Some of his minutes could also go to
Tyler Burton and
DeJon Jarreau. Burton has recently jumped onto fantasy radars with two 20-point efforts in three games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
Notre Dame running back
Jeremiyah Love did not participate in any drills or testing during the team's annual Pro Day on Tuesday, but he was in attendance supporting his teammates. A potential top five pick in April's NFL Draft, Love has long been considered the RB1 in an otherwise lackluster rookie class and has done everything right in the pre-draft process. He finished his collegiate career with 40 touchdowns and impressed at the Combine with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. Love is expected to hear his name called early in the first round of the NFL Draft, and regardless of landing spot, he is likely to be the first player selected in most dynasty rookie drafts, including superflex leagues.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 25, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ty Jerome (ankle) won't suit up on Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs. Jerome has rarely played in back-to-back contests and won't be part of the lineup on Wednesday night after a 17-point, four-assist effort in Monday's loss to Atlanta. His absence will open up a spot in the starting lineup and provide more playing opportunities for the rest of the backcourt.
Walter Clayton Jr.,
Cam Spencer, and
Javon Small (back) are all candidates for increased playing time, though the latter carries a questionable tag on the injury report.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Brice Sensabaugh (rest) won't play on Wednesday against the Washington Wizards. The 22-year-old battled an illness last week but returned from a two-game absence on Monday against Toronto, finishing with 24 points. Sensabaugh has scored at least 20 points in six straight outings, averaging 21.4 points per game in March. However, he won't be unleashed against Washington's awful defense.
John Konchar and
Bez Mbeng could pick up extra work on Wednesday night, especially if
Cody Williams (shoulder) also isn't in the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
Utah Jazz forward/center
Kyle Filipowski (illness) is doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Centers have consistently dominated the Wizards, but Filipowski will likely miss this chance due to illness. His absence would open up playing time for
Oscar Tshiebwe,
Kevin Love, and
Blake Hinson. Tshiebwe is the likeliest candidate to take over the starting center spot and has picked up momentum from Monday's loss to Toronto. In 28 minutes off the bench, Tshiebwe had a busy night, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
Toronto Raptors center
Jakob Poeltl (back) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. On Monday, he didn't play in the second leg of a back-to-back against Utah due to lower back injury management. It's an issue that has bothered Poeltl all season, but he's sat out only three games since returning from a seven-week absence in mid-February.
Sandro Mamukelashvili started on Monday, and
Collin Murray-Boyles was back in the lineup after missing 11 games due to a thumb injury. Mamukelashvili had a great game with 23 points and five steals, and the Raptors are likely to keep him in the first unit if Poeltl can't play on Wednesday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
Toronto Raptors point guard
Immanuel Quickley (foot) is considered questionable for Wednesday's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers. The team has him listed on the injury report with right foot plantar fasciitis. Quickley's absence on Wednesday could give
Jamal Shead a second consecutive start. In a starting role, Shead has played well all season and delivered a career-high 15 assists in Monday's 143-127 win over Utah. He will face a much tougher opponent on Wednesday night, but Shead should see plenty of time on the floor if Quickley is out.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
March 25, 2026
Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver
Puka Nacua has been accused of biting a woman in Los Angeles and making antisemitic remarks. The alleged victim detailed the situation in an application for a temporary restraining order on the wide receiver. The victim claimed Nauca made serious vulgar remarks regarding the Jewish community and stated, "first act in what became an escalating course of rude or vulgar, threatening, violent, and harassing conduct." The woman then claimed Nacua "dropped his head into her lap and crotch area and bit her thumb so forcefully that she screamed in acute pain," while in a Sprinter van shortly after. Earlier in March, a mediation conference between both sides was offered, but Nacua's team threatened to contact "other press and media outlets" to "disseminate false, inaccurate, and/or deliberately exaggerated public statements about the events." During the 2025 regular season, Nacua apologized for making previous antisemitic remarks and gestures during a livestream. The 24-year-old wide receiver has denied all allegations of this incident. A judge in the Los Angeles area has also denied the women's request for a restraining order. A hearing is currently scheduled for April 14.
--Andy SmithSource: TMZ
March 25, 2026
The San Francisco Giants have optioned right-handed pitching prospect
Trevor McDonald to Triple-A Sacramento. McDonald was in the mix to earn a role on the Opening Day roster but eventually fell short in the competition. The right-hander logged 15 innings in San Francisco last season and was quite effective, posting a near-perfect 1.80 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. He struck out 14 hitters. He was deployed primarily as a starter but has also seen time operating out of the bullpen. He spent most of the 2025 season with Triple-A, where he logged 142 1/3 innings to the tune of a 5.31 ERA with a 1.45 WHIP. He struck out just 144 hitters while totaling a high 62 free passes. Managers should monitor his development with Triple-A, as he could have some streaming appeal if he earns spot starts in the majors later in the summer.
--Andy SmithSource: Shayna Rubin
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