March 27, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Jose Berrios (elbow) threw 25 pitches in a bullpen session in camp on Friday, manager John Schneider told Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Berrios is on the 15-day injured list to begin the 2026 regular season after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow last week. The Blue Jays are hoping that the 31-year-old can continue to pitch through it, but the problem is that he hasn't appeared in a spring training game in three weeks, so he needs to build his arm back up. The veteran Puerto Rican doesn't have a timetable for when he might make his season debut in Toronto, but barring a setback, it could be possible for him to rejoin the Blue Jays before the end of April. Berrios went 9-5 in 2025 in his fourth full season with the Jays, recording a 4.17 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 138:56 K:BB in 166 innings pitched. Since the start of the 2019 season, Berrios has more innings on his arm than any other pitcher, and all the tread on his tires appears to be catching up with him. Don't be surprised if Toronto moves him into a long-relief role sooner than later in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
March 27, 2026
Houston Astros infielder/outfielder
Brice Matthews will make his 2026 debut on Friday against the visiting Los Angeles Angels and left-hander
Yusei Kikuchi at Daikin Park. Per MLB.com, Matthews is starting in center field and will bat ninth in the lineup. With Matthews in the lineup,
Jake Meyers will retreat to the bench against a left-hander. The 24-year-old prospect is expected to serve in a super-utility role for the Astros to begin the year after he saw playing time in center field, left field, and second base during spring training. The former 28th overall pick in 2023 hit .250 (9-for-36) with an .817 OPS, a homer, 10 RBI, six runs scored, and eight stolen bases in 16 Grapefruit League games this spring. Matthews went just 7-for-42 (.167) in a small 13-game sample size in his MLB debut in 2025 with two walks and 20 strikeouts, but he's a high-upside rookie who possesses plus speed and above-average raw power.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
Houston Astros outfielder
Yordan Alvarez, who was in the designated hitter spot on Opening Day on Thursday, will shift to left field on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels and left-hander
Yusei Kikuchi, according to MLB.com. With shortstop
Jeremy Pena (finger) back,
Carlos Correa is shifting to third base, pushing
Isaac Paredes to DH. Alvarez will bat out of the two-hole. Despite the lefty-on-lefty matchup for Alvarez in Game 2 of the regular season, he should be left in all starting fantasy lineups, as he's hit .357 against Kikuchi in his career with a 1.143 OPS, three home runs, and nine RBI in 28 at-bats. The 28-year-old Cuban went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in Thursday's 3-0 loss, but he had what looked to be a no-doubt home run taken away from him when the ball hit the rafters at Daikin Park. Alvarez is a three-time All-Star who had established himself as one of the best all-around hitters in baseball before being limited to only 48 games due to injury in 2025. He could see plenty of time in left field this year (if he's healthy) if the Astros want to keep Paredes' bat in the lineup.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
Right-hander
Shane Baz and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $68 million contract extension on Friday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. The 26-year-old was acquired in a trade this winter from the Tampa Bay Rays and is set for a big payday after his first fully healthy season in 2025. Baz went 10-12 for the Rays last year with a 4.87 ERA (4.37 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, and 176:64 K:BB in 166 1/3 innings over his 31 starts. The former first-rounder (12th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017 had thrown a previous career high of 79 1/3 major-league innings in 2024. He looked good this spring, allowing three earned runs with four walks and 14 strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings over three Grapefruit League starts, and his first regular-season start is scheduled to come this Sunday versus the Minnesota Twins. Baz is looking to take the next step as a more consistent starter in Baltimore in 2026. He had 13 outings of two or fewer runs allowed in 2025, and he'll be in a more pitcher-friendly park in Camden Yards.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
March 27, 2026
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that first baseman/catcher
Ben Rice and outfielder
Trent Grisham, who are both out of the starting lineup on Friday against San Francisco Giants lefty
Robbie Ray, will see playing time against southpaws in 2026, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "A lot of it has to do with the first three series, the first nine games -- this (Robbie Ray) is probably the only lefty we're going to see," Boone said. Rice, 27, broke out in 2025 in his first full year in the big leagues and earned more exposure to lefties, hitting .255/.337/.499 with an .836 OPS, 26 home runs, 65 RBI, and 74 runs scored in 530 plate appearances over 138 games played. Against left-handers, Rice went 22-for-106 (.208) with seven of his home runs on the season. The 27-year-old lefty slugger also has catcher eligibility. Rice's fantasy arrow is firmly pointing up in 2026. He went 1-for-4 on Opening night on Wednesday in the win over the Giants.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
March 27, 2026
Houston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena (finger) will bat leadoff in his 2026 season debut on Friday at Daikin Park against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels and left-hander
Yusei Kikuchi, according to MLB.com. Pena wasn't in the lineup in Thursday's Opening Day loss to the Halos after fracturing his finger back on March 4, but he was thankfully able to avoid the injured list to begin the year and will return to the lineup for Game 2. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues will want to get him back into their starting lineups. In 12 career at-bats against Kikuchi, Pena has hit .333 with a 1.135 OPS and a solo home run. With Pena back in the fold in Houston,
Carlos Correa will shift back to third base, with
Isaac Paredes moving to designated hitter and the three-hole on Friday. Left-handed slugger
Yordan Alvarez will move out of the DH spot and into left field.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
Golf icon Tiger Woods was reportedly involved in a rollover car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, early Friday afternoon. As the investigation continues, no details about the accident or Woods' condition have been released by the Martin County Sherriff's Department, though a sheriff's office spokesperson is expected to speak with the media later on Friday. The 15-time major champion had recently competed in the TGL Finals and had been rumored to be considering a return to competitive tournament golf at the upcoming Masters. Woods, who sustained serious leg injuries in a 2021 car crash outside of Los Angeles, has a history of incidents on the road. More updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
--Joe Nicely - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
March 27, 2026
Atlanta Braves second baseman
Ozzie Albies will bat in the three-hole for the Braves on Opening Day on Friday against the visiting Kansas City Royals and left-hander
Cole Ragans at Truist Park, according to MLB.com. This is definitely notable after Albies only had seven of his 157 plate appearances in 2025 out of the No. 3 spot in the batting order. Overall, the three-time All-Star hit .240/.306/.365 with a career-worst .671 OPS, 16 home runs, 74 RBI, 74 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases in 667 plate appearances over 157 games played. The 29-year-old switch-hitting second baseman was much better against lefties from the right side of the plate in 2025, going 49-for-177 (.277) against them, but with only four of his 16 total home runs. The Braves could have Albies hitting elsewhere against righties in 2026, but for now, he's in the heart of Atlanta's order on Opening Day as he looks to bounce back in his 10th year in the big leagues. Albies is hitless in just one career at-bat against Ragans.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
A fourth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL draft, running back
Bhayshul Tuten racked up 386 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 93 touches across 15 games as a rookie. The 23-year-old flashed high upside at different points throughout the year, but his path to consistent production was blocked off by the presence of former Jaguars running back
Travis Etienne Jr. Etienne Jr. departed Jacksonville for the New Orleans Saints in free agency, seemingly opening the door for Tuten to emerge as the team's clear RB1. However, the Jaguars signed former Washington Commanders running back
Chris Rodriguez Jr. in free agency, and a recent report suggests that the team plans to hold an open competition for the lead-back role in training camp. Still, Tuten is in a much better position for a breakout season than he was entering 2025. If he can outperform Rodriguez Jr. in the preseason, Tuten has the talent to emerge as a top-24 fantasy running back in 2026 and beyond. RotoBaller currently ranks him as the 21st-best running back for dynasty formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Across 12 games for the University of Washington in 2025, running back Jonah Coleman racked up 1,112 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns on 187 touches. The 22-year-old is considered one of the better running back prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and could hear his name called as early as day two of the upcoming draft in April. Coleman is known as a productive three-down player who provides stability as both a rusher and pass-blocker. However, he's not considered to be an elite athlete or a dynamic tackle-breaker, which limits his fantasy upside. Coleman also appears unlikely to earn a high-volume role in an NFL backfield as a rookie, so fantasy managers may have to be patient with him. RotoBaller currently ranks Coleman as the 31st-best running back for dynasty formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Across 17 games with the Carolina Panthers in 2025, running back
Rico Dowdle racked up 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 275 touches. After recording just 83 rushing yards over Carolina's first four games of the season, Dowdle took advantage of a mid-season injury to fellow Panthers back
Chuba Hubbard and emerged as the team's RB1 through the remainder of the year. Dowdle's emergence in Carolina was enough to earn him a two-year, $12.25 million contract from the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency. In Pittsburgh, Dowdle will likely split touches with incumbent Steelers back
Jaylen Warren. Warren's presence limits Dowdle's fantasy upside, particularly as a receiver. However, Dowdle is the more physical of the two backs and could be the team's preferred early-down and red zone rusher. Overall, Dowdle profiles as a fringe starting running back option for fantasy managers in a split backfield in Pittsburgh.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Atlanta Braves catcher
Drake Baldwin will serve as the team's designated hitter and bat out of the two-hole on Opening Day on Friday against the visiting Kansas City Royals and left-hander
Cole Ragans at Truist Park, per MLB.com. At least until catcher
Sean Murphy (hip) returns, the Braves plan to use Baldwin at DH and
Jonah Heim behind the plate against left-handed pitchers. The 24-year-old Baldwin was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2025 after slashing .274/.341/.469 with an .810 OPS, 19 home runs, 80 RBI, and 56 runs scored in 446 plate appearances and 124 games. Baldwin had an impressive .299/.358/.460 slash line with an .818 OPS against left-handed pitchers last year, although only four of his 19 home runs came against them. There is plenty of counting-stat upside with Baldwin, who should be in the lineup regularly, even when Murphy returns. After what he showed last year, Baldwin should be considered a top-10 fantasy backstop.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
Kansas City Royals catching prospect
Carter Jensen is serving as the team's designated hitter and is batting ninth in the order on Friday on Opening Day against the Atlanta Braves and left-hander
Chris Sale, according to MLB.com. Jensen, 22, impressed in a 20-game cup of coffee in KC in 2025 in his MLB debut, going 18-for-60 (.300) with three home runs, 13 RBI, and 12 runs scored in 69 plate appearances. Jensen went just 9-for-42 (.214) during spring training, though, adding three homers, eight RBI, seven runs, one stolen base, four walks, and 11 strikeouts in 15 Cactus League games. He's expected to split catching duties in 2026 in his first full year in the majors with veteran
Salvador Perez while also seeing at-bats at DH for the Royals. Don't overlook the fact that Jensen could be playing every day for the Royals this year. DFS managers will want to avoid him on Opening Day in the nine-hole against Sale, though.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
Texas A&M wide receiver
KC Concepcion is widely considered one of the better prospects at his position in the 2026 NFL Draft and has a chance to be picked in the back half of the first round. Across 13 games for the Aggies in 2025, the 21-year-old hauled in 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns. He's known as a dynamic route-runner in the short and intermediate areas of the field and can be a high-volume possession wideout in the NFL. However, there are questions about his ability to consistently win on contested catches and downfield routes. Concepcion's skill set should give him a stable production floor, particularly in PPR-scoring leagues. Still, fantasy managers should account for the potential of a limited upside due to inconsistency in terms of creating big plays. RotoBaller currently ranks Concepcion as the 46th-best wide receiver for dynasty formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (hip) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. He wasn't listed on the initial injury report, but will now take a seat due to a bruised left hip. His absence from the rotation should mean larger roles for
Alex Caruso,
Aaron Wiggins, and
Cason Wallace. Among the trio, Wallace is the most consistent contributor right now and should have solid streaming value on Friday.
Jaylin Williams could also see an expanded role, but his inconsistent playing time makes him a shaky fantasy option.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 27, 2026
Athletics first baseman
Nick Kurtz is batting leadoff for the A's on Opening Day on Friday on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander
Kevin Gausman, per MLB.com. Kurtz is already considered one of the best hitters on the team after debuting in 2025 and looking like a seasoned veteran with a .290/.383/.619 slash line, 1.002 OPS, 36 home runs, 86 RBI, and 90 runs scored in 489 plate appearances over 117 games played. The A's want to get Kurtz as many at-bats as possible per game, although he's likely to be down in the batting order when the team faces a left-handed pitcher. Kurtz hitting leadoff regularly will get him more at-bats for his fantasy managers, too, although it will take away plenty of RBI opportunities from the left-handed slugger. He's an elite power bat and entered 2026 as RotoBaller's top-ranked fantasy first baseman. The 23-year-old had one hit in two at-bats against Gausman last year.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
After being traded from the New Orleans Saints to the Seattle Seahawks at the 2025 trade deadline, wide receiver
Rashid Shaheed re-signed in Seattle on a three-year, $51 million deal earlier this offseason. While the relatively lucrative pact signals that the Seahawks view Shaheed as an important part of their roster, the 27-year-old's numbers actually fell off quite a bit after being traded. Across nine games with Seattle, Shaheed recorded just 15 catches for 188 yards and zero touchdowns on 26 targets. The Seahawks may have bigger plans for Shaheed in his first full year with the team in 2026. However, star Seattle wideout
Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains likely to dominate targets, and the Seahawks have other capable pass-catchers in need of looks, such as wideouts
Cooper Kupp and
Tory Horton. Shaheed showed signs of becoming a more well-rounded wide receiver towards the end of his run in New Orleans, but his fantasy viability is limited without a similar role shift in Seattle.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Anfernee Simons (wrist) has been downgraded to out ahead of Friday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unsurprisingly, Simons will remain sidelined while he continues to recover from a fractured left wrist. He hasn't taken the court since February 21, and honestly might not play again this season. His absence should mean more playing time for
Tre Jones and
Collin Sexton. Both guards have been playing well and are deserving of a look as streaming options while Simons is sidelined.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 27, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman
Kazuma Okamoto will bat seventh in the Jays' lineup on Opening Day on Friday at the Rogers Centre against the visiting Athletics and right-hander
Luis Severino, per MLB.com. The Blue Jays signed Okamoto over the winter to a four-year, $60 million contract to lock him in as their primary third baseman in 2026. The 29-year-old right-handed-hitting infielder looked good at the plate in eight Grapefruit League games this spring, going 6-for-19 (.316) with a homer, three doubles, four RBI, four runs scored, three walks, and four strikeouts in a small sample size. Okamoto was limited to 69 games in Japan last year due to an elbow injury, but if healthy, he has the opportunity to be a consistent power bat for fantasy managers at hitter-friendly Rogers Centre. Fantasy managers who have him rostered in dynasty/keeper leagues will be hoping for a similar career arc as the Cubs'
Seiya Suzuki.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
Across 11 games (eight starts) in 2025, Washington Commanders quarterback
Marcus Mariota completed 65.2% of his pass attempts for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The 32-year-old also remained a productive player with his legs, rushing for 297 yards and a touchdown on 50 attempts. Mariota was forced into more playing time than Washington would have liked in 2025, as star quarterback
Jayden Daniels played in just seven games due to knee, hamstring, and elbow injuries. Still, Mariota profiles as one of the better backup quarterback options in the NFL, and the Commanders re-signed him to a one-year deal for the 2026 season in early March. When Mariota gets a chance to play, his dual-threat ability makes him a quality streaming option for fantasy managers, especially in two-quarterback formats. Given Daniels' durability question marks, Mariota should at least be on the radar of deep-league managers entering 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Boston Celtics center
Neemias Queta (thumb) is available to play ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Queta was listed as questionable coming into this game due to a right thumb sprain. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about the injury impacting his ability on the court. Over the last six games, Queta is averaging 11.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 27.9 minutes per game. The 26-year-old has been quietly putting together a strong season for the Celtics. He's usually more of a deep league option, but could take on a larger role offensively with
Jaylen Brown (calf) ruled out on Friday.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 27, 2026
Miami Marlins veteran outfielder
Austin Slater is starting in right field and is batting leadoff for the Fish on Friday on Opening Day against the visiting Colorado Rockies and left-hander
Kyle Freeland, according to MLB.com. The Marlins signed Slater just last week after they knew that All-Star outfielder
Kyle Stowers (hamstring) would start the year on the injured list. At least to begin the 2026 season, the 33-year-old Slater will serve on the short side of a platoon in right field for Miami. On Friday, he'll be a DFS sleeper with plenty of previous experience against Freeland. He has hit .289 against him in his career with a .796 OPS, a home run, and four RBI. Thirty of Slater's 45 career home runs have come against southpaws, and he sports a career .787 OPS against them, as opposed to a .640 OPS against right-handed arms.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
March 27, 2026
Boston Celtics forward
Jaylen Brown (calf) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. Brown was questionable coming into this game due to a right calf injury. The superstar forward won't be able to shake the questionable tag and has been downgraded to out. The absence of Brown should mean that
Jayson Tatum,
Derrick White, and
Payton Pritchard take on larger roles offensively.
Baylor Scheierman is likely to see an expanded role in the rotation and should offer decent streaming appeal with Brown ruled out. The next chance for Brown to play will come on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back for an update ahead of that game.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 27, 2026
New York Mets right-hander
Clay Holmes made the transition from high-leverage reliever to starting pitcher in his first season with the team in 2025. Across 165 2/3 innings (33 appearances, 31 starts), Holmes recorded a 12-8 record with a 3.53 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 129 strikeouts. Holmes' trademark power sinker transferred over to the starting rotation, as he logged a 55.8% ground ball rate. However, the 33-year-old's average fastball velocity dropped from 97.5 mph in 2024 to 93.5 mph in 2025, and he posted a subpar 18.2% strikeout rate. Given how much contact he allows in combination with his middling 9.3% walk rate, Holmes may always be a negative in the WHIP category for fantasy managers. Still, he showed an ability to eat innings in 2025 and owns a career HR/9 of 0.61, which could help him consistently beat his ERA projections. If Holmes can take a marginal step forward with his strikeout rate in 2026, he could be a useful depth arm for fantasy managers.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Boston Celtics guard
Derrick White (knee) is available ahead of Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. White will shed the questionable tag and suit up despite dealing with a right knee injury. The expectation is that White will be asked to take on a larger role offensively with
Jaylen Brown (calf) ruled out. This season, White is averaging 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists across 34.2 minutes per game. He should see a slight uptick in value with Brown sidelined, but is a must-start regardless of Brown's status. Fantasy managers should make sure White is active in their lineups ahead of tip-off.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 27, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Dejounte Murray (Achilles) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. After playing 29 minutes on Thursday, Murray will sit out the second leg of the back-to-back set. Murray made his season debut in late February after missing the beginning of the season while recovering from an Achilles injury. The Pelicans are going to continue being cautious with Murray down the stretch of the season.
Jeremiah Fears,
Jordan Hawkins, and possibly
Jordan Poole should all see more playing time on Friday. Among the trio, Fears is the best streaming option ahead of Friday's slate.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 27, 2026
Colorado Rockies outfielder
Mickey Moniak (finger) has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a sprained right ring finger, per Rockies beat writer Thomas Harding. Catcher
Braxton Fulford has been recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to take Moniak's place on the Rockies' active roster. Moniak had a breakout season in his first year with Colorado in 2025, hitting .270/.306/.518 with 24 home runs, 68 RBI, 62 runs scored, and nine stolen bases across 461 plate appearances. He lowered his strikeout rate to a career-low 23.9% while posting a career-high 13.5% barrel rate. The 27-year-old lefty swinger was expected to fill a big-side platoon role as both a corner outfielder and designated hitter in 2026, but his start to the season will be delayed by this finger issue. Rockies outfielders
Jake McCarthy and
Jordan Beck are likely more secure in their playing time in Moniak's absence, while first baseman/outfielder
Troy Johnston and utility man
Ryan Ritter could both see an uptick in at-bats. The promotion of Fulford could also indicate that the Rockies plan to give star catcher
Hunter Goodman more reps at designated hitter while Moniak is sidelined.
--Will BradySource: Thomas Harding
March 27, 2026
New Orleans Pelicans guard
Trey Murphy III (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors. Murphy will officially miss both legs of this back-to-back set due to a right ankle injury. His next chance to play will come on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back ahead of that game. The absence of Murphy should mean more minutes for
Jeremiah Fears and
Jordan Hawkins. Between the two, Fears is the better streaming choice while Murphy is sidelined. He finished with 13 points, six assists, and two rebounds across 27 minutes on Thursday. Fantasy managers should consider Fears a viable streaming option for as long as Murphy is out.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 27, 2026
Across 151 2/3 innings (29 starts) in 2025, Texas Rangers starting pitcher
Jack Leiter pitched to a 10-10 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 148 strikeouts. While the former top prospect established himself as a back-end rotation piece in Texas, his season-long K-BB% of 12.5% does not jump off the page. However, Leiter finished the 2025 season significantly stronger than he started it. After the All-Star break, the 25-year-old pitched to a 3.28 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 79 strikeouts across 71 1/3 innings. Command remains a red flag in Leiter's profile, as he's recorded a walk rate below 10% just once across his four professional seasons. Still, if he can re-produce the 26.3% strikeout rate he recorded in the second half of 2025 over a full season in 2026, Leiter could easily emerge as a very valuable fantasy starting pitcher. Entering the year, Leiter profiles as a fantasy SP5 with upside.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 27, 2026
Across 166 1/3 innings (31 starts) for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, starting pitcher
Shane Baz recorded a 10-12 record with a 4.87 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 176 strikeouts. Baz was traded to the Baltimore Orioles over the offseason, and he's currently penciled into a mid-rotation role in Baltimore. While Baz's ERA and WHIP were both inflated in 2025, there's reason to believe he may have gotten a bit unlucky. He had the misfortune of pitching his home games in a minor league park last season, which helped contribute to his elevated 1.42 HR/9. Baz allowed 18 home runs across 82 1/3 innings at home, compared to just eight home runs in 84 innings on the road. If Baz can hold his 24.8% strikeout rate while doing a better job limiting the long ball, he could easily see his ERA regress closer to his 2025 xERA of 3.86. Baz also performed well in Spring Training for Baltimore, allowing just three earned runs and four walks while striking out 14 across 10 1/3 innings. He profiles as a fantasy SP4/5 with upside entering 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
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