February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas (knee) is holding out hope that he'll be ready to play by Opening Day in late March, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. "I still have a couple benchmarks like sliding and running bases that I haven't tackled yet that I want to feel perfectly comfortable going into a game having done multiple times and recovered from, and then over the weeks felt like I've developed that skill again. But my health right now is in a really good place compared to where it's been in the past," Casas said. A torn patellar tendon limited Casas to 29 games in 2025, and he's likely to either begin this season on the injured list or at Triple-A Worcester as he works his way back to 100%. And when the 26-year-old left-handed slugger is ready, he won't be the primary first baseman after Boston acquired
Willson Contreras in a trade this offseason. Casas' fantasy baseball stock has dropped considerably.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
February 25, 2026
Colorado Rockies center fielder
Brenton Doyle (wrist) was scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League contest against the Chicago Cubs with left-wrist inflammation, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The Rockies are saying it's precautionary and not from a recent hit-by-pitch. Although it doesn't sound like a serious injury, it's not what the 27-year-old wants to deal with as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing third year in the big leagues. Doyle broke out in 2024 with a .260/.317/.446 slash line, .764 OPS, 23 home runs, 72 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 30 steals in 149 games, but he regressed to a .233/.274/.376 slash line, .651 OPS, 15 homers, 57 RBI, 57 runs, and 18 stolen bases in 138 games played in 2025. If he can stay healthy, though, fantasy managers should look at him as a value pick this year. Doyle's batted-ball metrics (44.6% hard-hit rate, 10.8% barrel rate, and 89.9 mph average exit velocity) point to a rebound.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
February 25, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed on Wednesday that veteran right-hander
Merrill Kelly (back) will not start on Opening Day due to a back injury he picked up in camp, according to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. The good news is that Kelly's MRI results haven't shown any structural damage, so he could have a minimal stay on the injured list to begin the 2026 regular season. With Kelly now unable to be ready for the start of the year, right-hander
Michael Soroka could round out the Snakes' Opening Day rotation in Arizona. Kelly features a diverse arsenal and has plenty of experience in the big leagues, but his lack of putaway stuff already made him a low-ceiling starting pitcher for fantasy purposes, and his back injury now make his even less attractive as rotation depth in mixed leagues in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Alex Weiner
February 25, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander
River Ryan (elbow) made his return from Tommy John surgery on Wednesday in Cactus League action by retiring two of the three batters he faced against the Arizona Diamondbacks, including a strikeout of third baseman
Nolan Arenado, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Ryan hit 98 mph with his fastball and showed six different pitches overall. Harris writes that Ryan is battling for a potential Opening Day rotation spot in camp. The 27-year-old former 11th-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2021 out of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke has only four major-league starts under his belt when he debuted with the Dodgers in 2024. The former position player has enough upside to be worth stashing in NL-only leagues. In his four starts in 2024, Ryan had an impressive 1.33 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 18:9 K:BB in 20 1/3 innings with a 50% ground-ball rate.
--Keith HernandezSource: The California Post - Jack Harris
February 25, 2026
Chicago White Sox infielder/outfielder
Luisangel Acuna (eye) left Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Cincinnati Reds with a cut above his left eyebrow, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Acuna is being evaluated for sutures. The 23-year-old was injured in the fourth inning while attempting to steal a base. As long as he doesn't also have a concussion, Acuna should be fine to return to baseball activities in a day or two. The younger brother of Braves star outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr., hit .248/.299/.341 with a .640 OPS, three home runs, 14 RBI, 36 runs, and 16 stolen bases in 109 games with the New York Mets in his first two MLB seasons. Acuna has a path to become Chicago's Opening Day center fielder, but on one of the worst teams in baseball with limited power, he's only really a late-round target for his speed in AL-only leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
February 25, 2026
Texas Rangers left-handed relief pitcher
Robert Garcia established himself as a quality late-game option in his first season with the team in 2025. Across 64 innings (71 games), the 29-year-old posted a 4-8 record with a 2.95 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 68 strikeouts, and nine saves. Garcia's peripheral numbers actually got worse relative to his 2024 output with the Washington Nationals, as his strikeout rate dropped from 29.9% to 25.3% while his walk rate rose from 6.4% to 8.2%. Still, Garcia finished the year tied for the Rangers' team lead in saves with right-handers
Shawn Armstrong and
Luke Jackson, neither of whom is still with Texas. Heading into 2026, Garcia and veteran
Chris Martin are reportedly the favorites for save chances, with former Cincinnati Reds closer
Alexis Diaz lurking as a dark horse candidate. Martin has never recorded more than four saves in a single season, and Diaz pitched to an 8.15 ERA in 2025, so Garcia could easily emerge as the preferred ninth-inning option in Texas. With a current average draft position of pick 307, Garcia profiles as an under-the-radar potential source of saves for fantasy managers heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox second baseman
Brendan Rodgers (shoulder) was forced to leave early from his team's Spring Training game on Wednesday after landing awkwardly while attempting to make a diving catch. The team has said that Rodgers is dealing with "right shoulder pain," per Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. Healey notes that Rodgers has already had surgery on both shoulders earlier in his career, so any potential shoulder ailment is particularly noteworthy. After spending his first six MLB seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Rodgers struggled in a part-time role with the Houston Astros in 2025. Across 128 plate appearances with Houston, the 29-year-old hit .191/.266/.278 with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored. Rodgers' strikeout rate skyrocketed to a career-worst 35.9%, although he did post an impressive 14.3% barrel rate. Boston signed Rodgers to a Minor League contract in early February, and the veteran was expected to compete for a utility job in Spring Training. If this shoulder injury keeps him out of action for an extended stretch, Rodgers may have a hard time breaking camp with the Red Sox.
--Will BradySource: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
February 25, 2026
Cleveland Guardians outfielder
Chase DeLauter (lower body) was scratched from the lineup for his team's Spring Training game on Wednesday due to lower body soreness, per Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. The 25-year-old DeLauter is considered one of the best prospects in the Guardians' system and is expected to compete for a starting role in the team's outfield during Spring Training. DeLauter saw his first taste of big-league action in the 2025 postseason, recording one hit in seven plate appearances against the Detroit Tigers. While it does not appear as though DeLauter has suffered a specific injury, any potential health questions for him should cause fantasy managers to raise their eyebrows. DeLauter has never logged more than 242 plate appearances across three Minor League seasons. He's fractured his left foot twice and missed time in 2025 due to both core muscle surgery and a right hamate bone fracture. If he's slowed down in Spring Training by injury, DeLauter's chances of making Cleveland's Opening Day roster could be in jeopardy.
--Will BradySource: MLB.com - Tim Stebbins
February 25, 2026
Across 544 plate appearances split between the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres in 2025, Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman/outfielder
Ryan O'Hearn posted a .281/.366/.437 slash line with 17 home runs, 63 RBI, 67 runs scored, and three stolen bases. O'Hearn's solid season landed him a two-year deal with the Pirates, where he could lock down an everyday spot in the middle of an improved batting order. The lefty-swinging O'Hearn owns a career .642 OPS against same-handed pitching, which has largely limited him to a platoon role for most of his career. However, the 32-year-old made significant strides against southpaws in 2025, hitting .278/.358/.474 in 109 plate appearances. The Pirates reportedly plan to play him primarily in right field this season, but O'Hearn's ability to work in at multiple positions gives him a few avenues to regular playing time. O'Hearn's fantasy production may not jump off the page in any one area, but as a steady compiler who could see a career high in plate appearances in 2026, he has value in deep leagues.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 25, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Bailey Ober had a season to forget in 2025. Across 146 1/3 innings (27 starts), the 30-year-old posted a 6-9 record with a 5.10 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 120 strikeouts. Ober's strikeout rate plummeted from 26.9% in 2024 to 19.2% in 2025, and he allowed a whopping 1.85 HR/9. On the plus side, Ober's control continues to be a major asset. He allowed just a 5% walk rate in 2025 and owns a career walk rate of 5.3%. If Ober can push back up closer to his 24% career strikeout rate in 2026, he could be in line for a bounce-back season. Coming into 2025, Ober had posted two straight 140-plus inning seasons with a WHIP of 1.07 or lower, so he has the potential to be a real asset in the category for fantasy managers. Ober should also hold a secure spot in the Minnesota rotation, particularly after the Twins lost starter
Pablo Lopez (elbow) to Tommy John surgery earlier this month. With a current average draft position of pick 296, Ober may end up being a value selection for fantasy managers in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 25, 2026
Seattle Mariners shortstop
J.P. Crawford (shoulder) is dealing with a minor shoulder issue that has kept him from playing in a Cactus League game early in spring training, manager Dan Wilson told Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Kramer writes that the Mariners' concern level "appears low," and Crawford dealt with something similar last spring. The 31-year-old veteran is expected to make his spring debut at some point next week, so this isn't an injury that should affect his availability for the start of the 2026 regular season. Crawford's injury will open up more opportunities early on for top prospect
Colt Emerson, who is battling for a spot on the team's Opening Day roster. Although Crawford didn't really stand out in any one area, he bounced back in 2025 to slash .265/.352/.370 with a .722 OPS, 12 home runs, 58 RBI, 69 runs scored, and a career-high eight steals in 157 regular-season games. Plate discipline is Crawford's strength, but his lack of power and speed makes him mostly middle-infield depth in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
February 25, 2026
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said that right-hander
Troy Melton (arm) is dealing with some arm soreness in camp, which is why he hasn't gotten a Grapefruit League start yet in spring training, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. The Tigers are giving Melton some time for the soreness to subside. For now, it's something to monitor with the 25-year-old, who will most likely be ticketed to start the 2026 season at Triple-A Toledo, even if he's fully healthy. The former fourth-rounder in 2022 out of San Diego State University made his major-league debut last year and handled himself nicely, going 3-2 with a 2.76 ERA (4.60 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 36 strikeouts and 15 walks in 45 2/3 frames over 16 appearances (four starts). His strikeout rate wasn't very impressive (20%), but he was a key arm in the playoffs and should get a look as more of a full-time starter if/when he's back in Detroit in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Detroit News - Chris McCosky
February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-hander
Patrick Sandoval (elbow), who is in the mix for the No. 5 spot in the Opening Day starting rotation, threw what manager Alex Cora called an "eye-opening" live batting practice session in camp the other day, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Cora said that Sandoval's velocity was up to 94-95 mph. The 29-year-old southpaw missed all of the 2025 season after having an internal-brace procedure on his left elbow, which is why he has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game early in spring training. Boston signed Sandoval to a two-year, $18.25 million deal before last season, even though they knew he'd miss all of the 2025 campaign. There's a possibility that he'll begin the 2026 season on the injured list, but if not, there is financial incentive to give Sandoval the fifth rotation spot if he's healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
February 25, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (hand) had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired hand on Tuesday and can restart some "impact" activities in the next two to three days, manager
Carlos Mendoza told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Lindor had surgery two weeks ago to fix a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. The 32-year-old five-time All-Star appears to be making good progress, though, and barring a setback, he has a good chance to be ready to roll in time for Opening Day on March 26 against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets will ease Lindor back into spring training activities when he's ready. There's a chance he's not ready for the start of the 2026 regular season, but if Lindor opens with a stay on the injured list, it's likely to be a minimum absence. Lindor is a bit more risky now in fantasy baseball drafts because of his hand injury, but he should still be considered a top-10 option at the shortstop position.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
February 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander
Paul Skenes said he expects to make two starts for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, assuming they advance out of pool play, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The reigning National League Cy Young winner is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut in spring training on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, and he's also scheduled to pitch in one of Team USA's exhibition contests next week in Arizona. The 23-year-old will most likely take the ball on Opening Day on March 26 for the Pirates against the New York Mets on the road at Citi Field. The former first overall pick in 2023 out of LSU has lived up to the hype early in his MLB career and went 10-10 while leading the league in ERA (1.97), FIP (2.36), WHIP (0.95), and home runs allowed per nine innings (0.5) in 32 starts (187 2/3 innings) in his second year in the majors. Skenes is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game already and is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 3 starting pitcher in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
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