January 23, 2026
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz is a name to closely monitor during spring training. Rodriguez-Cruz is currently viewed as the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Yankee system and No. 97 overall on MLB.com. Last summer, the right-hander began the season at High-A but was promoted through the system quickly and ended the season at Triple-A. At High-A, Rodriguez-Cruz logged 83 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.26 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 99 punchouts. At Double-A, he continued to succeed, striking out 74 hitters across 61 1/3 innings with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. During his brief five-inning taste of Triple-A, Rodriguez-Cruz allowed four runs. Given that the Yankees will likely be without
Gerrit Cole (elbow) and
Carlos Rodon (elbow) for the start of the season, Rodriguez-Cruz could push to make his MLB debut much sooner than expected.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
Golden State Warriors forward
Jonathan Kuminga (knee) was ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's game against Dallas after exiting early with left knee soreness and is scheduled for an MRI on Friday. Kuminga logged 10 points on 3-3 shooting, one rebound, two assists, and two steals in nine minutes before being shut down as a precaution. Recently back in the rotation following
Jimmy Butler III's (knee) season-ending injury, Kuminga remains a hold if cleared quickly. Any absence would boost minutes for
De'Anthony Melton,
Moses Moody, and
Brandin Podziemski, while
Draymond Green's usage could tick up in smaller lineups.
--Brian DailisanSource: Anthony Slater
January 23, 2026
Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper (upper body) returned to practice on Thursday and will be an option for Saturday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues. Kuemper left Tuesday's win over the New York Rangers early due to an upper-body injury. He was unable to continue after a collision with Rangers forward Jonny Brodzinski. "Yeah, kind of got hit on the side of my neck, and it pinched my neck and pinched the nerves, and my arm went dead," Kuemper said. "So, yeah, wasn't allowed to come back in until we did some further testing yesterday." Kuemper, who is on Team Canada's roster for the Olympics, has shown outstanding form throughout 2025-26, allowing 2.52 goals with a .904 save percentage and two shutouts. However, because of the Kings' inconsistent offense, Kuemper has won only about a third of his starts, going 12-9-9.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
January 23, 2026
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper enjoyed a very productive 2025 season and has left the door open for a late 2026 MLB debut. He began the 2025 season with High-A Cedar Rapids and held a .293/.385/.479 slash line across a 54-game stint. He then earned a ticket to Double-A Wichita, where he continued to swing a hot bat, posting a .285/.367/.460 line with seven doubles, 11 home runs, and 10 stolen bases. Overall, he finished his 2025 season carrying an impressive .844 OPS with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases across 113 contests. While managers should expect Culpepper to begin the 2026 season with Double-A, a strong showing in camp could allow him to begin the season with Triple-A. He is a name to continue to monitor in deeper redraft leagues, as he could emerge as a viable stash candidate if he continues to show this five-category potential.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
January 23, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Deni Avdija (back) exited Thursday's game against Miami early after feeling discomfort, but is expected to suit up Friday versus Toronto, according to coach Tiago Splitter. Avdija was productive before leaving, posting 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 18 minutes, and has been on a heater lately, averaging 27.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.8 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals in 32.5 minutes over his last five games. Fantasy managers should treat him as a confident hold, though any late scratch would funnel extra usage to
Shaedon Sharpe and
Jrue Holiday.
--Brian DailisanSource: Joe Freeman
January 23, 2026
Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (upper body) was injured in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times reports. With a couple of minutes left to play, Canadiens forward Zachary Bolduc hit Benson in the head with his elbow. Benson registered the game-winning goal in the contest, ending a three-game point drought. While scoring hasn't been easy for Benson in recent games, he is enjoying a career year. The 20-year-old has notched 23 points (six goals, 17 assists) across 37 outings. Buffalo also lost defenseman Jacob Bryson (upper body) to injury on Thursday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: Bill Hoppe
January 23, 2026
San Francisco Giants first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge will be in a good position to break camp with the MLB roster. The team's top prospect received a brief 10-game stint in the majors late last season. While he only posted a low .107/.297/.179 line during this stretch, he generated a strong .362 xwOBA, suggesting he is due for significant positive regression during his second stint. He began the campaign with Double-A and needed only 34 contests to prove he was ready to join Triple-A Sacramento. With Sacramento, Eldridge posted a .249/.322/.514 line with an .836 OPS, 13 doubles, 18 home runs, and an 88:28 K:BB. In the offseason, he underwent wrist surgery but is not expected to be limited during camp. Currently, Eldridge is expected to serve as a first baseman/designated hitter for the Giants, sharing time with
Rafael Devers. He is a name to monitor in camp, as he could push for a full-time role early this season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
Athletics infield prospect
Leodalis De Vries could be in the mix to make his MLB debut in the second half of the 2026 campaign. De Vries was the headliner piece that went to the Athletics in return for relief pitcher
Mason Miller, who was traded to the Padres at the deadline. De Vries is currently viewed as the No. 3 overall prospect in baseball on MLB.com. The 19-year-old spent most of the 2025 campaign with High-A and posted an overall .249/.354/.426 line with a .780 OPS, 10 home runs, and nine stolen bases. He was then promoted to Double-A Midland late in the season and continued to perform well over his brief 21-game look. During this short look, De Vries led a .281/.359/.551 line with five long balls. If the 19-year-old can continue this pace at Double-A to begin the season, he should be in the mix for an early promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas, leaving the door open for the late-season MLB debut. He is a top dynasty asset heading into the 2026 season.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect
Zyhir Hope has seen his stock increase over the past year and is seen as not only one of the top prospects in the Dodgers system, but in all of baseball. In 2025, Hope began the campaign with High-A and spent 121 games with Great Lakes. During this stint, the 21-year-old outfielder posted an elite .264/.377/.428 line with an .805 OPS. He hit 27 doubles, added 13 long balls, and swiped 26 bases. He then earned a brief six-game stint with Double-A to conclude the season, where he went 6-for-19 with two doubles and a stolen base. Hope now sits as the No. 20-ranked prospect in baseball and the No. 2-ranked in Los Angeles, only behind fellow outfielder
Josue De Paula. While Hope is unlikely to debut in 2026, he is a name to follow in dynasty/keeper leagues as he appears to be a budding five-category producer.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
January 23, 2026
The Washington Nationals acquired first-base prospect
Abimelec Ortiz, along with Gavin Fien, Alejandro Rosario, Devin Fitz-Gerald, and Yeremy Cabrera from the Texas Rangers, in return for left-handed pitcher
MacKenzie Gore. Gore saw his name in many trade discussions throughout the winter, and the Nationals were able to acquire several high-end prospects in return. Oritz was viewed as the No. 18-ranked prospect in the Texas system on MLB.com prior to the trade. Last summer, the first baseman opened the campaign with Double-A but was able to join Triple-A Round Rock after an 89-game stint. With Double-A, Ortiz held a .247/.343/.444 line with 19 doubles, 16 home runs, and three stolen bases. During his first taste of Triple-A, Ortiz looked quite comfortable, holding a .283/.388/.565 line with a .953 OPS and nine home runs (across 41 games). Given Washington's lack of options at first base, Ortiz could make a strong case to begin the season in the big leagues. He is a name to closely monitor heading into camp.
--Andy SmithSource: Robert Murray
January 22, 2026
Denver Broncos tight end
Evan Engram was a disappointment during the regular season in his first year with the Broncos, catching 50 of his 76 targets for 461 yards and only one touchdown in 16 games played. That continued in the Divisional Round overtime win over the Buffalo Bills last Saturday, as Engram caught just one of three targets for seven yards. The 31-year-old veteran just did not live up to the expectations that Denver's coaching staff placed on him during training camp. Perhaps Engram will be a favorite target for quarterback
Jarrett Stidham in the AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots in place of the injured
Bo Nix (ankle), but it's probably unlikely. Engram went over 45 receiving yards just once during the regular season, and his lone TD on the year came way back on Oct. 5 in a win over the Eagles. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a sudden breakout for Engram in the AFC Championship.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 22, 2026
New England Patriots wide receiver
DeMario Douglas caught both of his targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in the Divisional Round win versus the Houston Texans last weekend. The touchdown was just Douglas' fourth of the year, and his first since a win over the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 2. Fantasy managers might want to pump the brakes on thinking that the 25-year-old wideout will be able to find paydirt again in the AFC Championship tilt this weekend against the Denver Broncos. Denver's D allowed the fifth-fewest half-PPR points per game to opposing wideouts during the regular season and only six touchdowns, which tied for the fewest in the league. Douglas was fifth on the team last week with only 17 snaps on offense, making it unlikely that he'll have a major impact on Sunday's big game unless he finds the end zone again. He hasn't gone over 40 receiving yards since Nov. 2.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 22, 2026
New England Patriots tight end
Hunter Henry let fantasy managers down in the 28-16 Divisional Round win against the Houston Texans, catching just one of two targets for a five-yard gain. Henry played 72% of the offensive snaps, but it was his worst performance of the season against the top defense in the league. Despite his rough showing last weekend, it shouldn't scare fantasy managers away for the AFC Championship this Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Denver's D was one of the better units in the league during the regular season, but they also allowed the ninth-most receiving yards (1,015) to opposing tight ends. Before Henry's dud against Houston, the 31-year-old veteran had three touchdowns in the previous four games for New England. There aren't a lot of sure things at the position at this stage, with only four teams alive, making Henry the No. 1 TE option in most fantasy leagues this week.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (back) will play in Thursday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Although the team downgraded Powell from probable to questionable earlier in the day, he is now listed as available. Powell is dealing with lower back tightness, which may affect his performance against Portland. Recently, the 32-year-old has been in excellent form, shooting 42.1 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists across the last five games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The New York Mets announced they have designated left-handed reliever
Richard Lovelady for assignment as a corresponding 40-man roster move following their acquisition of infielder
Vidal Brujan from the Minnesota Twins. Lovelady is out of minor-league options, and if he clears waivers and is outrighted, he would have the right to elect free agency. The 30-year-old southpaw pitched just 11⅔ innings for the Mets in 2025, allowing seven earned runs while striking out nine and issuing four walks. Across his six-year major league career, Lovelady has struggled to find consistency, compiling a 5.35 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 111 innings. For him to carve out a stable role at the major league level, he would need to rediscover his 2021 form, when he struck out 27.4 percent of opposing hitters and posted a 3.85 xERA. Looking ahead to 2026, even if Lovelady does find himself on a major league roster, he is unlikely to provide any meaningful fantasy value.
--Marty TallmanSource: New York Mets X Account
January 22, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers center
Robert Williams III (knee) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Miami Heat. He was unavailable for the last game on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings when Portland concluded a back-to-back set. Thursday's game kicks off another back-to-back for the team, making it likely that Williams III will sit out Friday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors. With Williams III returning,
Duop Reath and
Yang Hansen will slide down the depth chart on Thursday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (knee) missed his second straight day of practice this week on Thursday with a nagging knee issue, but head coach Sean McVay still expects Young to play in Sunday's NFC Championship game against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. The 27-year-old should be back on the practice field on Friday, but he could still carry a questionable designation into Sunday's contest. The third-year linebacker was a first-time Pro Bowler in his third NFL season over 17 regular-season games, posting career highs in total tackles (82), solo tackles (45), and sacks (12) while adding 12 tackles for loss, a career-high 29 QB hits, and a forced fumble. The Rams' defense should have Young available this weekend, but against a Seahawks offense that scored the third-most points per game (28.4) in 2025, they will have their work cut out for them to advance to the Super Bowl.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press - Greg Beacham
January 22, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forwards
Jerami Grant (Achilles) and
Sidy Cissoko (illness) will be active against the Miami Heat on Thursday night. Both were listed as questionable on the injury report. A couple of hours before tip-off, Portland upgraded Grant and Cissoko to probable, and they have now been listed as available. Grant will rejoin the action after missing the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. Cissoko has started seven consecutive games, but with Grant and
Jrue Holiday back from lengthy injury absences, he may soon lose his spot in the first unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that left tackle Charles Cross (foot) "is good," and that the team is "optimistic for the game" on Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com. The Seahawks' injury report doesn't really reflect Macdonald's statements, though, as the 25-year-old offensive tackle has yet to practice this week. It's a position to watch for Seattle going into the big game this weekend, as backup both backup tackles Josh Jones (knee, ankle) and Amari Kight (knee) have also missed the first two practices of the week. Cross, Jones, and Kight are most likely going to need to practice on Friday to avoid being ruled out for the NFC Championship. Not having Cross, the blind-side protector for quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique), would be a notable development in the third meeting of the year between Seattle and L.A.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
January 22, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) will return from a three-game absence on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA insider Chris Haynes reports. The Clippers initially listed Leonard as questionable on the injury report. With Leonard back,
Kobe Sanders is likely to return to the second unit. Leonard has been a man on a mission since the turn of the year, averaging 29.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals, while shooting 42.5 percent from three-point range.
--Taavi PailkSource: Chris Haynes
January 22, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Corey Julks signed a minor-league contract with the Detroit Tigers last week, and The Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold reports that the deal includes a non-roster invitation to MLB spring training and would pay $875,000 if Julks makes the major-league roster. Julks has spent the past three seasons with the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox. Across 525 MLB plate appearances, the 29-year-old has slashed .234/.288/.337 with nine home runs, 23 doubles, and 20 stolen bases, good for a 74 wRC+. He has also posted a 24.4% strikeout rate alongside a modest 7.0% walk rate. A right-handed hitter, Julks has historically crushed left-handed pitching in the minors but has yet to translate that success to the major league level. Defensively, he has experience at all three outfield spots, though he is best suited for a corner role. Looking ahead to 2026, the Tigers already have
Riley Greene,
Wenceel Perez,
Kerry Carpenter,
Parker Meadows, and
Jahmai Jones on the 40-man roster. If Julks does receive a call-up, it is unlikely to be a long-term opportunity unless he significantly outperforms expectations. Outside of the deepest dynasty leagues, you can leave Julks off your fantasy radar for now.
--Marty TallmanSource: Evan Petzold
January 22, 2026
Seattle Seahawks quarterback
Sam Darnold (oblique) was limited in practice again on Thursday, according to Seahawks PR. Darnold suffered an oblique injury in practice a week ago, but he played through the injury in the blowout win over the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round last Saturday night. Head coach Mike Macdonald said earlier this week that Darnold didn't suffer any sort of setback with his oblique last weekend, although he's being considered day-to-day this week. Barring something unforeseen, the 28-year-old signal-caller should be active on Sunday in the NFC Championship against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, but it doesn't mean he won't carry a questionable tag into that game for the second straight week. There are valid concerns about Darnold going into this weekend, surrounding his health, but also the fact that he threw only two touchdowns and six interceptions against the Rams in two games in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: Seahawks PR
January 22, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers guard
Jrue Holiday (calf) will play on Thursday against the Miami Heat, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports. The veteran will be back in action after skipping the second leg of a back-to-back on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. Holiday recently returned from a right calf injury, averaging 10.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in 19.3 minutes. He has been productive since returning, but the team has understandably limited Holiday's workload following his two-month injury layoff.
--Taavi PailkSource: Danny Marang
January 22, 2026
Miami Heat point guard
Davion Mitchell (shoulder) won't play Thursday night against the Portland Trail Blazers. He has been trending in the wrong direction throughout the day, and the team has downgraded Mitchell from doubtful to out before tip-off. Last week, Mitchell injured his left shoulder. He returned to the lineup on Monday and played in both games of a back-to-back set, but it appears his shoulder still hasn't fully healed.
Kasparas Jakucionis saw an increased workload with Mitchell out of the rotation last week and is likely to see significant minutes again, especially with
Tyler Herro (ribs) also sidelined.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Washington Nationals announced they have designated catcher
Riley Adams for assignment, a corresponding move for their claim of right-hander
Gus Varland. Adams had been one of the longest-tenured Nationals, having been acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 in exchange for left-handed reliever
Brad Hand. Over five major league seasons, the 29-year-old has slashed .211/.287/.354 with 21 home runs in 849 plate appearances. While Adams has shown occasional power, his 79 wRC+ over that span indicates his offense has done more harm than good, particularly given that he grades out as a below-average defender. Washington further crowded its catching depth chart in December by acquiring
Harry Ford from the Seattle Mariners in the José A. Ferrer trade. With
Keibert Ruiz and
Drew Millas already on the 40-man roster, Adams' designation seemed inevitable.
--Marty TallmanSource: Washington Nationals X Account
January 22, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center
Santi Aldama (knee) will miss Friday's contest against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Spanish veteran is experiencing right knee soreness, forcing him to skip a second consecutive game. Following Aldama's exit from the lineup,
John Konchar started in Wednesday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Unfortunately, he had a quiet evening with two points in 21 minutes.
GG Jackson II also logged 21 minutes as a member of the second unit, contributing nine points, two rebounds, one assist, and two blocks. Both players could have expanded roles again on Friday night, though neither looks like a reliable fantasy option.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (elbow) won't play on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. After returning from a calf problem, Morant managed to make two appearances before suffering a new injury. He is on the injury report with a UCL sprain in his left elbow. Morant's absence on Friday will likely give
Cam Spencer a chance to rejoin the starting lineup. Spencer has frequently filled in for Morant this season, averaging 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 9.3 assists as a starter. It's a good matchup for Spencer, as he faces a team that allows the fourth-most assists to point guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
Detroit Pistons point guard
Cade Cunningham (hip, illness) is listed as questionable for Friday night's action against the Houston Rockets. He's dealing with a hip contusion and an illness, and these issues might keep Cunningham on the shelf for a second consecutive game. If that's the case,
Daniss Jenkins will continue in a starting role. He totaled 17 points, one rebound, four assists, two blocks, and two steals in Wednesday's win over the Indiana Pacers. Friday's matchup will be much tougher, but Jenkins could still make some noise in a larger role.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
January 22, 2026
The Minnesota Twins announced they have traded infielder
Vidal Brujan to the New York Mets in exchange for cash considerations. Minnesota designated Bruján for assignment on Tuesday after acquiring
Tristan Gray in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. The Mets have not yet made a corresponding roster move. Across five MLB seasons, the switch-hitting Bruján has slashed .199/.267/.276 with five home runs and 16 stolen bases in 645 plate appearances. Optimistically, Bruján has recently shown modest gains in power without sacrificing his low strikeout rate, but he has still been unable to find a long-term home. The 27-year-old Dominican Republic native was once a highly regarded prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays organization but has never been able to secure consistent playing time or production at the major league level. Bruján is out of minor-league options, meaning he would need to remain on the active roster to stay with the Mets. If he does stick around, he would likely serve as infield depth following the Mets' decision to trade
Luisangel Acuna for
Luis Robert earlier this week. For now, fantasy managers can safely leave Bruján off their radar.
--Marty TallmanSource: Minnesota Twins X Account
January 22, 2026
San Antonio Spurs forward/center
Jeremy Sochan (illness) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's meeting with the Utah Jazz. He was initially listed as questionable by the team. Unfortunately, Sochan hasn't been relevant in fantasy basketball this season, averaging 4.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 13.5 minutes across 26 appearances. On Thursday night, Sochan could play a role in the rotation because
Luke Kornet (adductor) is absent from San Antonio's lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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