February 2, 2026
The season-ending elbow injury to Seattle Mariners right-hander
Logan Evans means that right-hander
Emerson Hancock will enter spring training built up as a starter, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. Hancock, who was the team's first-round pick back in 2020, made the transition to a relief role late last year and gave up just two runs in 8 2/3 innings out of the bullpen in September. The 26-year-old went 4-5 with a career-worst 4.90 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and 64:31 K:BB in 90 innings over 22 appearances (16 starts) in his third big-league season with the Mariners. Even though Hancock has a better shot at being in the Opening Day starting rotation in Seattle as the No. 5, it's not a lock at all. He will most likely be in a swing role again in 2026, limiting his fantasy appeal to AL-only leagues. In his three MLB seasons, Hancock has been a below-average pitcher with nothing that really stands out in his arsenal.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
February 2, 2026
The Boston Red Sox agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent right-hander
Vinny Nittoli on Monday, a source told Ari Alexander. The deal includes an invitation to spring training. Nittoli has pitched in the major leagues for four seasons with the Athletics, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Seattle Mariners, but he's only thrown 18 2/3 frames. The 35-year-old veteran has a 2.41 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 13 strikeouts and five walks in 15 relief appearances. Nittoli didn't pitch at all in the majors last year and had a 4.85 ERA with 46 strikeouts and 15 walks in 39 1/3 innings at Triple-A. He will most likely start the 2026 campaign at Triple-A Worcester. Nittoli is not on the fantasy radar in any leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: 7 News - Ari Alexander
February 2, 2026
Mexican right-handed pitcher
Valente Bellozo signed a minor-league deal with the Colorado Rockies on Monday, sources told Francys Romero. The 26-year-old will have a strong chance to make the big-league roster out of spring training in Colorado after pitching for the Miami Marlins each of the last two years. Bellozo has a 4.20 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 98:44 K:BB in 150 big-league innings over 45 appearances (19 starts) in his two MLB campaigns. He pitched in 32 games (six starts) for the Fish in 2025, going 1-4 with a 4.65 ERA (5.20 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, 54 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 81 1/3 innings pitched. Although he'll have more opportunities to pitch with the Rockies, the landing spot won't help his cause in hitter-friendly Coors Field. Bellozo will operate as a swingman for the Rockies going into his third MLB campaign, but he could start at Triple-A Albuquerque.
--Keith HernandezSource: Francys Romero
February 2, 2026
Seattle Mariners outfielder/designated hitter
Luke Raley is expected to be on the strong side of a platoon in right field and at DH with
Dominic Canzone in 2026, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. "But as a baseline, I would expect to see Luke and Dom against righties, and Vic and Rob against lefties," general manager Justin Hollander said. Right-handed hitting outfielders
Victor Robles and
Rob Refsnyder will platoon in right field and at DH against lefties. Raley has hit .178/.246/.282 with a .528 OPS and 55 wRC+ against lefties, while slashing .242/.333/.453 with a .786 OPS and 126 wRC+ versus righties. The 31-year-old veteran missed half of last year with back and oblique injuries. He was more successful against righties, but overall, he hit a disappointing .202 with only four dingers and 19 RBI. If he's healthier in 2026, Raley could be a sneaky source of power in AL-only fantasy leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
February 2, 2026
Seattle Mariners outfielder
Victor Robles is expected to be in a short-sided platoon role between right field and designated hitter in 2026 after the team signed
Rob Refsnyder to a one-year, $6.25 million deal in December, according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. "But as a baseline, I would expect to see Luke and Dom against righties, and Vic and Rob against lefties," general manager Justin Hollander said.
Dominic Canzone and
Luke Raley, who hit left-handed, will most likely play in right field and at DH against right-handed pitchers. Robles has hit .264/.350/.365 with a .714 OPS and 101 wRC+ against lefties while slashing .240/.306/.369 with a .674 OPS and 84 wRC+ against righties. The 28-year-old had a breakout season in Seattle in 2024 after coming over from Washington, but he played in only 32 regular-season games in 2025 due to a dislocated left shoulder. Robles' speed is the only thing you can really bank on, but in a limited role, he'll have limited fantasy appeal in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Seattle Times - Adam Jude
February 2, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (finger) is considered questionable for Tuesday's matchup with the Orlando Magic due to a sprained right index finger. Gilgeous-Alexander hasn't missed a game since Jan.9 and he's played in 48 of 50 Thunder contests so far this campaign. If the superstar guard is unable to suit up,
Isaiah Joe will be provided with a heavier workload, especially with
Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) already set to miss his sixth straight game due to an abdominal strain.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 2, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired outfielder
Colton Ledbetter from the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday in a three-team deal that also included the Seattle Mariners, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. Ledbetter, 24, was originally a second-round pick by the Rays in 2023 out of Mississippi State. The left-handed hitter has recorded a .269/.341/.428 slash line with a .768 OPS, 25 home runs, 126 RBI, 142 runs scored, and 74 stolen bases in his three minor-league seasons in the Rays system. He hit .265/.337/.378 with seven home runs and 37 steals in 123 games at Double-A Montgomery last year. Ledbetter can play anywhere in the outfield and will now become organizational outfield depth for the Cardinals. He may open the 2026 campaign in his new digs at Triple-A Memphis.
--Keith HernandezSource: USA TODAY Sports - Bob Nightengale
February 2, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired outfielder
Tai Peete from the Seattle Mariners on Monday in a three-team trade that also included the Tampa Bay Rays, a source told Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Peete was taken 30th overall by Seattle in 2023, and he's hit .247/.318/.406 with a .724 OPS, 28 home runs, 154 RBI, 141 runs scored, and 76 stolen bases in three minor-league seasons. The 20-year-old hit just .217 (103-for-475) in 125 games with High-A Everett in 2025, but he also managed to club a career-high 19 home runs while also adding 63 RBI, 58 runs scored, and 25 steals. The power/speed combination is intriguing, but Peete's hit tool remains questionable for the long term after he had a below-average 79 wRC+. He has transitioned nicely from shortstop to center field and has plenty of time to develop. Peete will now head to the National League Central, where he'll most likely return to High-A to begin 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
February 2, 2026
The St. Louis Cardinals acquired switch-handed pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje from the Seattle Mariners on Monday in a three-team deal that also included the Tampa Bay Rays, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman. St. Louis also gets outfielder
Tai Peete from the M's. Cijntje, 22, can throw with both arms, although it was announced over the weekend that he would focus on throwing from the right side during spring training. He was taken 15th overall by Seattle out of Mississippi State in 2024, and he had a 3.99 ERA with 120 punchouts and 51 walks in 108 1/3 innings with High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas last year. Cijntje was viewed as a mid-rotation arm when he was drafted, and he primarily is a fastball-slider pitcher. He was much more effective as a right-hander in the minors last year, and his slider was especially tough on right-handed hitters. If Cijntje doesn't make it as a starter at the big-league level, he could be used in a high-leverage bullpen setup role.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Joel Sherman
February 2, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
P.J. Washington (head) is unavailable for Tuesday's matchup with the Boston Celtics. The 27-year-old sustained a head contusion in Saturday's 111-107 loss to Houston and he is now in the league's concussion protocol. With Washington out of action, the Mavs will have to rely on
Naji Marshall and
Daniel Gafford in the frontcourt. Marshall has averaged 19.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his last five starts, while Gafford provides consistent rebounding and adequate scoring.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 2, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Julius Randle (thumb) is good to go for Monday's matchup with Memphis. Randle was listed on the injury report because of left thumb soreness, but he'll be out there on Monday night. The 31-year-old is having a fantastic 2025 campaign, averaging 22.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals. He might be even more productive versus a Grizzlies team that has allowed 116.6 points per game this season, one of the worst averages in the NBA.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Timberwolves PR
February 2, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring third baseman
Ben Williamson from the Seattle Mariners on Monday in a three-team deal that also includes the St. Louis Cardinals, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Williamson is mostly known for his glove at the hot corner. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 made his major-league debut in Seattle in 2025 and hit .253/.294/.310 with a .604 OPS, only one home run, 21 RBI, 36 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 277 at-bats over 85 games played. It was looking like he would benefit in 2026 with
Eugenio Suarez signing with the Reds in free agency, but now that he's in Tampa, he'll most likely begin the season at Triple-A Durham with
Junior Caminero locking down the third base job at the big-league level. Williamson also makes decent contact, but as a bench player with limited power, he won't be on the fantasy radar in Tampa.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Joel Sherman
February 2, 2026
The Seattle Mariners are officially acquiring infielder/outfielder
Brendan Donovan from the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday in a three-team trade that will include third baseman
Ben Williamson going to the Tampa Bay Rays and pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje going to the Cardinals, a source told Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Donovan has mostly played second base in St. Louis in his four years in the big leagues, but he can also play third, shortstop, and the outfield, giving Seattle some positional versatility. In his new digs, Donovan will most likely play third base and is a candidate to hit atop the batting order for the M's. The 29-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2025 with the Cards, but he could have had an even bigger season if not for toe and groin injuries that limited him to 118 games. Donovan slashed .287/.353/.422 with a .775 OPS, 10 homers, 50 RBI, and 64 runs. He makes plenty of contact and can hit for average, but outside of that, he's not a great fantasy baseball asset with limited power and speed.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Joel Sherman
February 2, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (back) is available to play in Monday's meeting with Memphis. Normally, he is listed on the injury report because of the familiar foot issue. However, Edwards was in danger of missing this one due to back spasms. Fortunately, that's not the case. Whith that said, he is in a fantastic position to exceed his usual statistical expectations versus a Grizzlies team that has allowed 116.6 points per game this season, one of the worst marks in the NBA.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Timberwolves PR
February 2, 2026
Washington Wizards forward/center
Alexandre Sarr (calf) is available to suit up against the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Sarr will return after missing Sunday's contest against the Kings due to right calf soreness. Across 38 appearances this season, the 20-year-old big man is averaging 17.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.1 blocks in 28.6 minutes per contest.
Marvin Bagley III will likely see his role reduced with Sarr back in action Tuesday evening.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
February 2, 2026
The Cleveland Guardians announced on Monday that they re-signed left-hander
Kolby Allard to a minor-league deal that includes a non-roster invite to major-league spring training. The 28-year-old southpaw had a career-best 1.3 bWAR with a 2.63 ERA in 33 games (two starts) last year for Cleveland, mainly in a long-relief role. He also had a career-high four holds and a 12 1/3 scoreless-inning streak to close out the campaign. Allard had a 1.20 WHIP with 42 strikeouts and 14 walks in 65 regular-season innings. If Allard wins a roster spot out of spring training, he'll most likely serve in a long-relief role for the Guards, limiting his fantasy appeal. The former first-rounder by the Atlanta Braves in 2015 has pitched for four teams already in his first eight big-league seasons and has a career 5.34 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 269 strikeouts, and 106 walks in 109 appearances (44 starts).
--Keith HernandezSource: GuardsInsider
February 2, 2026
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) won't play in Tuesday's Central Division clash with the Milwaukee Bucks. He missed a few weeks because of a hamstring strain. While the 23-year-old appeared in some games since returning, he'll now miss his fourth-straight contest. It's been reported Giddey is improving, which is good. However, fantasy managers shouldn't rule out the chance that he could be out beyond the All-Star break. At any rate,
Ayo Dosunmu should be given an expanded role behind
Coby White,
Matas Buzelis, and
Nikola Vucevic while Giddey works his way back.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 2, 2026
Although Atlanta Braves right-handed pitching prospect
Hurston Waldrep looked great in 10 outings (nine starts) for the team in 2025, MLB.com's Mark Bowman writes that he's not assured of a starting rotation spot out of spring training. Waldrep will be a rotation option alongside
Martin Perez,
Bryce Elder, and
Joey Wentz. Perez, Elder, Wentz, and
Grant Holmes (elbow) are all out of minor-league options, which means that Waldrep could be ticketed to start the 2026 season at Triple-A Gwinnett. Still, Bowman adds that Waldrep could end up being the most valuable of the "fifth-starter" candidates by the end of the season. In 56 1/3 innings, the 23-year-old had a 2.88 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 55:22 K:BB while also going 6-1.
Chris Sale and
Spencer Strider are at the top of Atlanta's rotation, with
Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow),
Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), and Holmes all coming off injuries. Although Waldrep had a mediocre 24% strikeout rate with the Braves, he should be a rotation option for the team sooner than later in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
February 2, 2026
Florida Panthers forwards Brad Marchand (undisclosed) and Anton Lundell (upper body) won't play on Monday against the Buffalo Sabres. Marchand will be out for a second consecutive game, while Lundell's absence will extend to three games. The two could return later this week when Florida has a back-to-back set against Boston and Tampa Bay. The injuries have benefited Eetu Luostarinen and Evan Rodrigues, who have moved to the first line. Both players also skate on the second power-play unit, giving them additional fantasy appeal.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 2, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (upper body) will not be available for the final two games before the Olympic break. After sustaining an upper-body injury in Saturday's win over the Vancouver Canucks, Rielly will exit the lineup for Monday's meeting with the Calgary Flames. Rielly has been a busy man for the Maple Leafs, recording 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists), 106 shots, and 74 blocks in 54 appearances. He is second on the team in average ice time with 21:33 per game. Simon Benoit will enter the lineup on Monday, but won't offer anywhere near the same level of fantasy production. Jake McCabe will move into Rielly's spot on the first defensive pairing.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 2, 2026
Free-agent outfielder
Avisail Garcia announced his retirement from professional baseball on Monday after 13 seasons in the big leagues with five different teams (White Sox, Marlins, Brewers, Tigers, and Rays). Garcia made the All-Star one time, when he hit .330 with 18 home runs and 80 RBI in 136 games with the White Sox in 2017. The 34-year-old Venezuelan didn't play at all last year after having surgery to fix a fracture and disc issue in his lower back. He spent the last three years of his career in Miami, slashing .217/.260/.322 with a .582 OPS, 13 home runs, 49 RBI, 43 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 153 games over 549 plate appearances. Garcia was unable to play 100 games in each of his last five years in the big leagues due to injuries. He'll finish his 13-year career with a .263/.316/.417 slash line, .733 OPS, 140 home runs, 524 RBI, 496 runs scored, and 51 stolen bases in 1,104 regular-season contests.
--Keith HernandezSource: El Extra Base - Daniel Alvarez-Montes
February 2, 2026
Utah Jazz center
Jusuf Nurkic won't play on Tuesday versus Indiana. He's missed a few games of late because of an illness. This time, the 31-year-old is simply getting the night off to rest. Without Nurkic on the floor,
Kyle Filipowski is the favorite to replace him in the rotation. The former Duke Blue Devil has averaged 11.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 16 starts throughout the campaign. However, with
Keyonte George (ankle) also sidelined, Filipowski could thrive in a meeting with one of the worst defensive clubs in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 2, 2026
According to Danny Emerman of SFStandard.com, Golden State Warriors guard
Stephen Curry (knee) won't play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. Curry didn't practice on Monday and is considered day-to-day due to soreness in his right knee. His next chance to return to the lineup is on Thursday against Phoenix. While Curry is out of action,
De'Anthony Melton,
Brandin Podziemski and
Pat Spencer could be utilized as short-term streaming options.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Danny Emerman
February 2, 2026
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's future with the team is to be determined, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Schwartz was very upset after the Browns named former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach and told members of the coaching staff that he wouldn't be back in Cleveland in 2026. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Schwartz even cleaned out his locker. Garafolo feels that the situation with Schwartz is pretty much the same as last week, so it would be a surprise if he's the Browns' defensive coordinator going into next season. Schwartz is under contract for another season, and the Browns want him to return, but Schwartz might not be on board. Under Schwartz, Cleveland's defense has been one of the top units in the league in two of the last three campaigns.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
February 2, 2026
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (ankle) won't play on Tuesday versus Indiana. The 22-year-old tweaked his left ankle during the 109-99 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night and didn't suit up for Sunday's meeting with the Toronto Raptors.
Isaiah Collier got the start and contributed in a big way, finishing the evening with 19 points, seven assists, four boards, two steals, and one block. Collier is expected to remain with the starters on Tuesday, making him a must-start against a Pacers team that has struggled defensively all year. X-rays on George's ankle came back negative. While he's considered day-to-day, it's certainly possible he misses a few more contests moving ahead.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
February 2, 2026
New York Islanders winger Jonathan Drouin (illness) will return to the lineup for Monday's tilt against the Washington Capitals. He missed Saturday's loss to Nashville due to illness. Drouin hasn't scored any points in nine appearances and will have new linemates on Monday. He is set to work as the second-line center, flanked by Simon Holmstrom and Emil Heineman. Mathew Barzal will join Bo Horvat and Ondrej Palat on the top line. In addition to his point drought, Drouin hasn't scored a goal since Nov. 14. He has been limited to 20 points (three goals, 17 assists) in 48 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 2, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are hiring San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach Gus Bradley as their new defensive coordinator on Monday, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. New Titans head coach Robert Saleh, who was the Niners' defensive coordinator in 2025, will call the defensive plays, but Bradley will play a key role in Tennessee. Bradley, who is one of the most respected defensive coaches in the NFL, served as a DC from 2017 to 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts. Saleh and Bradley have their work cut out for them in 2026, as the Titans' defense ranked 28th in points allowed and 21st in the league in yards allowed last year. Bradley also served as the Seattle Seahawks' defensive coordinator from 2009 to 2012 before becoming the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2013 to 2016.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 2, 2026
Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (upper body) will miss two more games, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports. The Capitals expect to have him back on Thursday against the Nashville Predators. Thompson was placed on Injured Reserve on Monday, retroactive to Jan. 28. Charlie Lindgren (lower body) is also on Injured Reserve and won't return until after the Olympic break, leaving Clay Stevenson and Garin Bjorklund as the team's options in net for its upcoming back-to-back. Stevenson will make a second consecutive start on Monday against the New York Islanders after his winning performance in Saturday's season debut versus Carolina.
--Taavi PailkSource: Tom Gulitti
February 2, 2026
Los Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford (back) will not require offseason surgery for a herniated disc in his back, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Stafford's availability for the start of the 2025 season was in question due to his back injury, but not only was he ready, but he played at an MVP level, throwing for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions in the regular season. It was something that the Rams managed throughout the year. The 37-year-old veteran is still on the fence about his playing future, but he's leaning towards returning for an 18th NFL campaign in 2026. If Stafford does return, he'll have QB1 expectations from fantasy managers with both receivers
Puka Nacua and
Davante Adams returning. However, there will also be considerable injury risk for a player at his age near the tail end of his career.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
February 2, 2026
Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Roy (lower body) has been cleared to return from a three-game absence on Monday against the New York Islanders, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports. The team has activated Roy from Injured Reserve ahead of the contest. Roy ranks second on his team with 106 blocks and is looking to post a fifth consecutive 20-point season. In 53 appearances, Roy has managed one goal and 13 assists. Washington's defense will also get Martin Fehervary (personal) back into the lineup after he missed Saturday's win over Carolina for the birth of his daughter.
--Taavi PailkSource: Tom Gulitti
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