March 13, 2026
Las Vegas Raiders running back
Ashton Jeanty finished as the RB13 in his rookie season, despite being first contacted less than 0.7 yards beyond the line of scrimmage on average. By almost all metrics, the Raiders had one of the worst offensive lines in the league in 2025, an area they've made a concerted effort to improve in the early stages of free agency. Las Vegas made former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum the highest-paid offensive player in this year's free agent class, committing to a three-year deal with a guaranteed $81 million, adding stability and identity to the pivot position. An unfortunate drawback to the Maxx Crosby trade debacle is that without the 14th pick in this year's draft, the Raiders are likely out of range to add top interior lineman, Olaivavega Ioane, but in a relatively deep class, they should be able to further bolster the trenches. With left tackle Kolton Miller also expected back at full health, Jeanty should find much-needed operating space in 2026 and a realistic chance to crack into RB1 territory.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Joe Musgrove (elbow) is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery he underwent in October of 2024. He didn't pitch at all in 2025, and his last time on the mound was against Team Great Britain in an exhibition game. Ahead of Thursday's game, Padres manager
Craig Stammen said Musgrove is nearing a return, but is in "a bit of a holding pattern" right now. It sounds like the organization is waiting for Musgrove to get over the hump before they ramp up his activities. Stammen didn't hint at Musgrove not being ready for Opening Day, but given his recent activities, it's hard to imagine he'll be ready by then. Fantasy managers should still consider Musgrove a late-round option despite a possible delayed start to the season.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
March 13, 2026
Two-time All-Pro wide receiver
Justin Jefferson is coming off the worst season of his career, his sixth with the Minnesota Vikings. Following a season of uninspired quarterback play from
J.J. McCarthy,
Carson Wentz, and
Max Brosmer, which led to career lows for Jefferson in terms of receiving yards and touchdowns, the team made a splash on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year deal with former first overall pick
Kyler Murray. While Murray has never topped 4,000 passing yards in a season and has a spotty track record of supporting number one receivers, if he can reach anything approaching league-average quarterback play, Jefferson can thrive. A 31.4% target share in 2025 kept Jefferson afloat with some of the worst quarterback play in the league, while his lifetime average of 9.27 targets per game is a top-10 all-time number and one that Murray would be wise to continue bumping up if he wants to hit 2027 free agency on a high note.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays infielder
Richie Palacios (back) is returning to the lineup ahead of Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox. Palacios appears ready to play after missing over a week of action due to back tightness. He has been off to an ugly 2-for-15 start at the plate during Spring Training. He's hopeful to turn that around and earn a utility/bench role on the Rays' 26-man roster to begin the season. The 28-year-old posted solid numbers during a 13-game sample size with the Rays last season. He slashed .223/.346/.318 with five home runs, 21 RBI, and 19 steals in 92 games with Tampa Bay in 2024. He could offer some deep league value if he's able to make the big league team.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 13, 2026
Two-time Pro-Bowl running back
James Conner (foot) and the Arizona Cardinals agreed to a restructured contract that will keep him in the desert for the 2026 season. One day later, the team agreed to a two-year deal with
Tyler Allgeier, adding depth to a running back room that already featured 2024 third-round pick
Trey Benson. None of the three backs has a guaranteed salary above $2.1 million in 2026, and with a new coaching staff, this committee situation profiles as one of the murkiest in the league. Allgeier has the most experience in the type of wide-zone scheme expected to be implemented by offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, while Benson offers the most explosiveness, and Conner still boasts the best hands and receiving ability. With the Cardinals coming off a 3-14 season and expected to return
Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback, this backfield may not find itself in a position to deliver much overall value, regardless of the division of labor.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman
Yandy Diaz (hand) is back in the lineup ahead of Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox. Diaz is back in the mix after missing more than a week of action due to left-hand soreness. He has been increasing his workouts in recent days and is feeling good enough to play now. Diaz looks to continue his reliable ways after slashing .300/.366/.482 with 25 home runs and 83 RBI in 150 games last season. His power numbers could see a regression with the move back to Tropicana Field in 2026. The 34-year-old still hits well enough to be a useful corner infield bat for fantasy managers heading into the 2026 campaign.
--Andy WebbSource: Marc Topkin
March 13, 2026
After what was essentially a redshirt rookie season, Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy struggled through his first year in a starting role in 2025, dealing with injuries and inefficiencies that kept him out of seven games. With the Vikings officially agreeing to a one-year deal with
Kyler Murray on Thursday, McCarthy now faces legitimate competition for the starting job. Both first-round picks in their respective draft classes, with Murray going first overall in 2019, an upside case can be made for either player, though consistency has proven to be more of an issue for both. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has long been praised for elevating his quarterbacks, and with a solid supporting cast and playoff aspirations, he now has nearly six months to pull a starter out of the highly flawed but arguably most talented room he's ever coached.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
Baltimore Orioles first baseman
Ryan Mountcastle (hand) appears to have avoided a major injury after being hit by a pitch earlier in the week. Mountcastle told reporters that he's fine after taking a pitch off the right hand on Wednesday. The X-rays came back negative, which is good news for the right-handed slugger. According to Roch Kubatko, Mountcastle should be back in the lineup on Saturday. The 29-year-old is looking to rebound after a tough season in 2025. Last season, Mountcastle slashed .250/.285/.367 with seven home runs and 35 RBI in 89 games with the O's. The addition of
Pete Alonso isn't going to do Mountcastle any favors. The expectation is that Mountcastle will primarily serve as the designated hitter, and he could become a part-time player if his struggles continue.
--Andy WebbSource: Roch Kubatko
March 13, 2026
Saints running back
Devin Neal was a popular late-season waiver pickup in 2025 when injuries pushed him into a starting role from Weeks 13 through 15, but with New Orleans' signing of
Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year deal, he has to be viewed as one of fantasy's biggest fallers in the opening week of free agency. Neal handled 15 opportunities per game during his brief starting stint, scoring twice in those three games before a hamstring injury landed him on injured reserve to end the year. Now he profiles as a clear backup to Etienne, and with most of the obvious running back-needy teams already bolstering the position through free agency, there is no guarantee the Saints find a trade partner for veteran
Alvin Kamara, potentially pushing Neal further down the depth chart.
--Patrick McGrathSource: RotoBaller
March 13, 2026
San Diego Padres relief pitcher
Bryan Hoeing (elbow) is expected to undergo surgery and miss the entire 2026 season. Hoeing has elected to undergo flexor tendon surgery, which will end his 2026 campaign before it begins. The right-hander was working through right elbow discomfort that began to bother him early in camp. After seeking multiple opinions, Hoeing has decided surgery is the best long-term option for his health. The 29-year-old will hopefully be ready to go for the beginning of the 2027 season. At best, Hoeing was going to be a middle reliever in San Diego, so his absence won't make a huge impact in the bullpen.
--Andy WebbSource: Kevin Acee
March 13, 2026
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, guard
Bez Mbeng has agreed to a 10-day contract with the Utah Jazz. The undrafted rookie spent this season in the G League, averaging 6.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.8 steals in 27.5 minutes per game across 41 appearances. With
Keyonte George (hamstring) dealing with an injury, Mbeng could see reserve guard minutes, though his fantasy appeal is limited to very deep formats.
Isaiah Collier and
Brice Sensabaugh should continue handling most backcourt usage, leaving Mbeng as more of a watch-list name than an immediate pickup.
--Brian DailisanSource: Jake Fischer
March 13, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center
Maxi Kleber (back) is expected to remain sidelined as he continues recovering from a lumbar issue, extending a recent stretch of missed games. Kleber has logged limited minutes when available this season, leaving little direct fantasy fallout from his absence.
Jarred Vanderbilt should continue handling the backup frontcourt role, while
Drew Timme could mix in for spot minutes when the Lakers go deeper into the rotation.
Deandre Ayton's role remains unchanged as the starting center. Given Kleber's minimal workload, he can remain on waiver wires in most formats, with Vanderbilt only holding deep-league streaming appeal for rebounds and defensive stats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Dave McMenamin
March 13, 2026
Utah Jazz guard/forward
John Konchar (calf) will sit out Friday's game against Portland, marking his second straight absence as he continues to deal with a left calf strain. His role has been modest, but the missed time helps solidify minutes for Utah's younger wings.
Brice Sensabaugh capitalized on the last game with 29 points, six three-pointers, five rebounds, and five assists in 30 minutes, while rookie
Ace Bailey added 21 points and five three-pointers in 36 minutes. Both should remain fantasy-relevant even when Konchar is active, given Utah's thin rotation, though his absence does open the door for slightly larger roles and more secure minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 13, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (hip) will remain sidelined for Friday's matchup against Portland as he continues working through a lingering issue with no clear return date. His continued absence keeps Utah's younger frontcourt firmly in play for fantasy managers. Rookie
Ace Bailey turned in 21 points with five three-pointers, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 36 minutes last game, while
Cody Williams logged 10 points and five assists in a team-high 38 minutes.
Kyle Filipowski added 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and one block. All three remain viable streamers while Markkanen stays out.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 13, 2026
Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon factored in four goals during Thursday's 5-1 win over the Seattle Kraken. After being tossed from Tuesday's loss to Edmonton, MacKinnon responded with one goal and three assists. He already had three points before the first intermission, tying Alex Ovechkin for the fourth most three-point periods among active players. This was the 24th time MacKinnon had as many as three points in a single period. The Avalanche superstar is in a battle for the Art Ross and Rocket Richard Trophies. He has netted a league-high 44 goals in 63 appearances and is second in scoring with 108 points, just two behind Edmonton's Connor McDavid. MacKinnon has finished seven of his last 11 outings with multiple points.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hockey Reference
March 13, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center
Ousmane Dieng (illness) did not return to Thursday's loss to Miami after logging 14 minutes, finishing without a point while missing two shots as the team opted for caution. The absence appears temporary, but his recent stretch of 10.4 points, 2.0 three-pointers, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across his previous five games had made him a viable deep-league streamer.
Ryan Rollins could remain the primary beneficiary after producing 16 points, two three-pointers, five rebounds, and 10 assists in 33 minutes.
Kyle Kuzma and
Bobby Portis may also see slight usage bumps if Dieng misses additional time.
--Brian DailisanSource: Eric Nehm
March 13, 2026
New York Rangers winger Alexis Lafreniere continued his scoring tear with a goal and an assist in Thursday's 6-3 road victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Lafreniere scored New York's second goal and assisted Gabriel Perreault on the game-winning tally. After the Olympic break, Lafreniere has received increased opportunities, and he has responded with six goals and five assists in his last six games. He has lit the lamp in three consecutive contests, taking his season total to 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in 65 games. In his current form, Lafreniere could be a decisive factor for many fantasy teams on their way to glory.
--Taavi PailkSource: Hockey Reference
March 13, 2026
Orlando Magic forward
Jonathan Isaac (knee) is expected to miss time after suffering a knee sprain Thursday, though his absence carries minimal fantasy impact given his limited role and workload this season. Isaac logged in just one minute before exiting and has averaged modest minutes when active, leaving little statistical void. Deep reserves
Noah Penda and
Goga Bitadze could see slight bumps in emergency minutes, with Penda posting four points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 14 minutes last game. Bitadze remains a fringe option.
Paolo Banchero and
Wendell Carter Jr. should continue handling most frontcourt usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: Orlando Magic Daily
March 13, 2026
New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports. The 37-year-old Russian hasn't seen any action since undergoing knee surgery in December 2024. Varlamov has one more year left on a contract, which carries a $2.75 million cap hit. He has posted a 76-63-21 record with the Islanders and ranks 49th all-time with 289 career wins. Time will tell whether Varlamov will get an opportunity to add to his total in New York or elsewhere. With Varlamov unavailable, David Rittich has gone 13-9-3 as Ilya Sorokin's backup this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Stefen Rosner
March 13, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) will miss the rest of the season after opting for surgery to address a lingering big toe issue that already sidelined him in recent games. The 25-year-old appeared in just 10 contests, averaging 11.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.9 steals in 21.2 minutes. His absence should open more opportunities for
Javon Small, who posted 19 points and nine assists in 28 minutes last game, though his fantasy appeal depends on the health of
Ty Jerome (calf),
Walter Clayton Jr. (ankle), and
Cam Spencer (back). Small profiles as a speculative add in deeper formats.
--Brian DailisanSource: Grizzlies PR
March 13, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect
Mike Sirota is worth closely monitoring in the lower levels of the minor leagues. Sirota has only appeared in two spring training games but has gone 1-for-2 with a home run. He joined the Dodgers in the trade that sent infielder
Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. He initially joined the Reds in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Northeastern. Last summer, Sirota made his professional debut and played time in the lower levels. At Low-A, he posted an elite .354/.443/.687 line with seven long balls over just 24 games. He then moved up to High-A, where he launched six home runs over a 35-game stint while carrying a .316/.458/.556 line. Given the production he showed last season, he could make a case for an early promotion to Double-A.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 13, 2026
Seattle Mariners outfield prospect
Brennen Davis has been one of the top hitters in all of spring training and is making a strong case to spend most of the upcoming season in the major leagues. Davis, a former top prospect, saw most of his early minor-league career limited due to injuries. Through 13 spring games, Davis has launched four home runs while carrying a .344/.447/.884 slash line. In 2025, he spent his campaign in the Yankee system with Double-A and Triple-A. He would appear in 36 games at the top level of the minor leagues and hold his own, posting a .248/.324/.576 liner with a .900 OPS. During this stint, Davis launched 12 long balls. While he is unlikely to break camp with the MLB roster, he could contend for a promotion much sooner than expected. Given the power he has shown, he is worth following in deeper 12+ team five-outfielder formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 13, 2026
New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov (shoulder) may be available for the team during the postseason, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports. Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said Romanov could be back for the start of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Russian rearguard has been out since mid-November due to shoulder surgery. Before injuring his right shoulder, Romanov recorded one assist, 17 shots, 31 blocks, and 31 hits in 15 appearances. His physical presence could be a real asset for the Islanders during the postseason. In the meantime, Matthew Schaefer, Ryan Pulock, and Adam Pelech will continue to lead the blue line.
--Taavi PailkSource: Stefen Rosner
March 13, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Declan Carlile (undisclosed) exited Thursday's win over the Detroit Red Wings in the third period, Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site reports. With Erik Cernak (undisclosed), Max Crozier (abdomen), and Emil Lilleberg (face) out of action, Carlile was in the lineup for a second consecutive game, but he might now also miss time after suffering an undisclosed injury. Carlile has made 38 appearances this season, mainly contributing on the defensive end. He has recorded three points (one goal, two assists), 29 shots, 30 blocks, 46 hits, and a plus-five rating. Steven Santini will step in for Carlile if needed on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes.
--Taavi PailkSource: Benjamin Pierce
March 13, 2026
St. Louis Cardinals left-handed pitching prospect
Quinn Mathews was reassigned to minor league camp earlier this week. The left-handed prospect was in consideration to break camp with the MLB roster, but given the time he missed last season due to a shoulder injury and inconsistent production, he was likely ticketed for Triple-A. At camp, Mathews struck out 12 hitters over seven innings but carried a 5.14 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. Fantasy managers should monitor his progress at Triple-A early in the season as he could make a case for a first-half promotion. Before his struggles in 2025, Mathews was looking like a budding ace in 2024, when he logged 143 1/3 innings across the entire system with a 2.76 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and a 202:49 K:BB. Given his strikeout upside, he could have sleeper appeal when he earns the call in deeper leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: St. Louis Cardinals
March 13, 2026
New York Yankees right-handed pitching prospect
Carlos Lagrange has been one of the most dominant pitchers in all of spring training and has made a strong case to earn a spot on the MLB roster. Through 9 2/3 innings, Lagrange has posted a near-perfect 0.93 ERA with a 0.72 WHIP. During this stint, Lagrange has totaled nine punchouts while serving up only three free passes. Given that the Yankees will be without
Carlos Rodon (elbow) and
Gerrit Cole (elbow) to begin the season, Lagrange could either find a role at the back of the rotation or in a long relief role in the bullpen. In 2025, the No. 79-ranked prospect on MLB.com began his season at Double-A, but would finish at Triple-A, where he logged 31 2/3 innings with a 3.22 ERA and 104 punchouts. He is a name to closely monitor over the final weeks of spring training, as he could have sneaky early-season upside.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
March 13, 2026
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Wyatt Kaiser (upper body) may have to miss some time again after being hurt in Thursday's overtime win against the Utah Mammoth. Kaiser, who recently missed four games due to a lower-body injury, suffered an upper-body injury on Thursday when he was involved in a collision with Mammoth forward Michael Carcone late in the third period. The 23-year-old has tallied 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 61 games this season, adding 60 shots, 53 blocks, and 37 hits. If Kaiser isn't available on Saturday night against Vegas, Ethan Del Mastro will get a chance to make his fifth appearance of the season. In his few outings, Del Mastro hasn't tallied any points but has racked up defensive stats.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 13, 2026
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson (upper body) is joining the team in Philadelphia for Saturday's clash against the Flyers, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports. The veteran suffered an upper-body injury on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings and was expected to miss Columbus' three-game road trip. Instead, it seems like Gudbranson could be an option for the final game of the trip. Gudbranson has registered three points (one goal, two assists), 19 shots, 29 blocks, and 27 hits across 21 appearances this season. Jake Christiansen has played in back-to-back games but will depart the lineup when Gudbranson is ready to return.
--Taavi PailkSource: Aaron Portzline
March 13, 2026
Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitching prospect
George Klassen is a candidate to claim the final spot in the starting rotation, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. While veteran pitcher
Alek Manoah opened camp as the favorite, his struggles in camp have opened the door for Klassen or
Jack Kochanowicz to slide into a starting role. Klassen has logged eight innings over three appearances and struck out nine batters while carrying a 2.25 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP. Last summer, the former sixth-round selection from the 2023 MLB Draft spent the majority of his campaign with Double-A and tossed 102 2/3 innings with a 5.35 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. He made a one-game appearance at Triple-A and logged six innings with two earned runs. Despite his lack of Triple-A experience, Klassen could hold late-round sleeper appeal in deeper formats if he were to earn a starting job.
--Andy SmithSource: Rhett Bollinger
March 13, 2026
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect
Jett Williams (quadriceps) went 1-for-1 with a double and a walk in his return on Thursday afternoon. Williams has been held out of action for just over two weeks due to this quadriceps injury. However, the young infielder wasted little time making an impact, knocking a double in his first game back. While the missed time will likely prevent him from cracking the Opening Day roster, he should remain in the mix for an early-season promotion. The 22-year-old was the top prospect included in the deal that sent right-handed pitcher
Freddy Peralta to the Mets earlier in the winter. Last season, Williams spent most of his time at Double-A, where he held a .281/.390/.477 line with 10 HRs and 32 SBs. He then moved up to Triple-A, where he took a step back, posting a modest .209 AVG. Fantasy managers should expect the young Infielder to begin the regular season at Triple-A and push for a first-half MLB promotion.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
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