Grayson Allen Back on Saturday Night, Will Come off the Bench
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (ankle) will return on Saturday versus Orlando after missing the last four games. The 30-year-old is having a fantastic campaign, averaging 17.0 points, a career-high, with 3.0 boards, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 steals. He will come off the bench, with Jalen Green entering the starting lineup. However, despite the demotion, Allen should remain heavily involved, especially with Devin Booker (hip) sidelined for this one.
Source: Duane Rankin
Source: Duane Rankin
Jalen Suggs Won't Suit Up on Saturday
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (back) won't play on Saturday against Phoenix. The 24-year-old has been sidelined multiple times this season. However, since returning from an eight-game absence due to a knee injury, he's appeared in Orlando's previous 11 contests. Only time will tell if the back spasms will keep Suggs out beyond Saturday's contest, including for Sunday's meeting versus the Clippers. In the meantime, Jevon Carter, most recently amassing 14 points, four assists, and three rebounds in Thursday's blowout win over the Sacramento Kings, might enter the starting lineup, with Jett Howard in line for more minutes from off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jaden Ivey Shut Down for at Least Two Weeks
Chicago Bulls guard Jaden Ivey (knee) will miss time. The former Piston is experiencing soreness in his left knee and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. He was acquired from Detroit ahead of the deadline. In Ivey's four games with the Bulls, he's averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 boards, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 steals. Considering his injury history, which includes a fractured left leg and right-knee surgery, fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked to see his absence extend beyond the two-week window. Fortunately, Chicago's backcourt is loaded, so Collin Sexton and Tre Jones should both gain extra minutes behind Anfernee Simons and Josh Giddey moving forward. Rob Dillingham, most recently amassing four points in 10 minutes in Thursday's loss to Toronto, might also see additional action, although not enough to earn him a starting spot in most fantasy setups.
Source: Chicago Bulls
Source: Chicago Bulls
Can Quentin Johnston Find More Consistency with New Offensive Coordinator?
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston got off to a scalding start to the 2025 season and looked to be on his way to a breakout campaign. Across the first four games of the year, Johnston recorded 22 catches for 339 yards and four touchdowns on 37 targets. However, the 24-year-old cooled off the rest of the way and finished the year with just 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight scores on 84 targets across 14 games played. Los Angeles has moved on from former offensive coordinator Greg Roman in favor of former Miami Dolphins head coach and play-caller Mike McDaniel, which could help the entire offense unlock a new level of production. Additionally, veteran Chargers wideout Keenan Allen is set to hit free agency, although he's publicly stated a desire to remain with the team. Johnston could surpass Allen on the target pecking order in Los Angeles, but he may also feel pressure from wide receiver Tre' Harris, whom the Chargers selected in the second round of the 2025 draft. Johnston still carries fantasy upside, and the shifting environment in Los Angeles may end up working in his favor. However, Johnston may ultimately end up profiling similarly to what he has shown in his NFL career to this point, which is a boom/bust fantasy WR3 at best.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Samaje Perine's Fantasy Upside Remains Limited Across All Formats
Across 15 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine recorded 469 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches. The veteran back has established himself as a quality pass-blocker and capable RB2 over the course of his nine-year NFL career. That's the role Perine played alongside Bengals RB1 Chase Brown in 2025, and with both backs under contract for 2026, Cincinnati appears likely to run it back next season. Without an injury to Brown, Perine carries limited fantasy upside. Even if Brown were to miss time, it's possible the Bengals would look to bring in a more dynamic rusher and keep Perine in a secondary role. While Perine has recorded at least 400 scrimmage yards in five straight seasons, he hasn't topped the 700-yard mark since his rookie year in 2017 and has logged just 19 touchdowns in 125 career NFL games. Perine's fantasy ceiling is uninspiring as he hits the late stages of his career.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emari Demercado's Dynasty Value is Fading After Underwhelming 2025 Campaign
Across 13 games in 2025, Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado recorded 413 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 57 touches. Demercado opened the year as the RB3 in Arizona behind James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee). However, Conner suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 3, and Benson went down for the year with a knee ailment in Week 4. Despite the injuries ahead of him, Demercado was unable to carve out a lead role in Arizona and ended up splitting playing time with running backs Michael Carter and Bam Knight. Demercado is now set to hit restricted free agency, so there is no guarantee he will be back with the Cardinals in 2026. Even if he gets a new contract in Arizona, it seems clear that the team views him as a complementary piece. The Cardinals should also get Benson back in time for the start of next season, and could look to add more talent in either free agency or the draft. In dynasty formats, Demercado may no longer be worth rostering after his underwhelming 2025 showing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joe Ryan Scratched From Grapefruit League Start With Back Tightness
The Minnesota Twins announced that right-hander Joe Ryan (back) was scratched from his start in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox due to lower-back tightness on his right side, according to Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic. We'll have a better idea of the severity of Ryan's back injury in a day or two, but hopefully it's nothing serious enough to put him on the injured list to start the 2026 season, especially after the Twins already lost ace Pablo Lopez (elbow) for the season due to Tommy John surgery. The 29-year-old finally stayed healthy through the 2025 season and made 30 starts, going 13-10 with a career-best 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, and a 194:39 K:BB in a career-high 171 innings pitched. Despite not lighting up the radar gun, Ryan induces plenty of whiffs and has excellent control. As long as his back injury doesn't jeopardize the start of his 2026 season, Ryan should be viewed as a top-20 fantasy starting pitcher.
Source: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
Source: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
Is Trevor Etienne Still Worth Rostering in Dynasty Formats?
A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne played a minimal role on offense in his rookie year. Across 17 games, the 21-year-old recorded 107 yards from scrimmage on just 23 touches. Etienne spent the entire year buried on the depth chart behind veteran Panthers backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. Dowdle is a free agent heading into 2026 and may not return to Carolina. However, the Panthers may be getting back 2024 second-round running back Jonathon Brooks (knee), who missed the entirety of 2025 while rehabbing from a torn ACL. Even if Dowdle signs elsewhere and Brooks' injury issues continue, Etienne did little as a rookie to prove he should be part of Carolina's long-term plans. Depending on league size and format, Etienne may not be worth stashing on dynasty rosters after his underwhelming 2025 campaign.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Merrill Kelly Scratched From Live BP With Back Tightness
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly's (back) live batting practice session in camp on Saturday was scratched due to mid-back tightness, and he will undergo testing in the next 24 hours, manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. It's an ominous sign for a 37-year-old veteran, but we'll know more about the severity of his injury soon. Kelly began the 2025 campaign in Arizona before being traded to the Texas Rangers to close out the season. He was better with the D-backs in 22 starts, posting a 3.22 ERA (3.58 FIP) and 1.06 WHIP with 121 K's and 38 walks in 128 2/3 innings. In Texas, he had a 4.23 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 46:10 K:BB in 10 starts. Kelly knows how to command the baseball, but he lacks a ton of fantasy upside because of his lack of strikeout upside, and home runs have also been an issue. Depending on the severity of his back injury, he could fall off the radar in mixed fantasy leagues entirely entering the 2026 regular season.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Kendrick Bourne's Future is Unclear Heading into 2026
Across 16 games in 2025, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards on 53 targets. A significant chunk of Bourne's production came in a two-game stretch in Weeks 5 and 6, when he hauled in 15 receptions for 284 yards on 20 targets. As the 49ers' pass-catching corps got healthier in the later part of the season, Bourne's role faded out of fantasy relevance. Bourne is now set to hit free agency ahead of 2026, which will be his age-31 season. Fellow 49ers wideout Jauan Jennings is also a free agent, and star San Francisco tight end George Kittle (Achilles) could miss a chunk of 2026 with a torn Achilles tendon. As a result, a return to San Francisco could mean Bourne has a role in the team's passing game, especially early in the year. However, the veteran wideout's best days appear to be behind him, and he may not play a fantasy-relevant role in 2026 and beyond.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dodgers Claim Jack Suwinski Off Waivers From Pirates
The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday, a source told Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Suwinski could be back on waivers before the start of the 2026 regular season, as he's out of minor-league options and is likely to face an uphill battle to make the Dodgers' Opening Day roster out of spring training. The 27-year-old center fielder has hit under .200 in his four big-league seasons in Pittsburgh and slashed just .147/.281/.253 with a career-worst .534 OPS, three home runs, 10 RBI, 15 runs scored, seven steals, and 57 strikeouts in 178 plate appearances over a career-low 59 games in 2025. Suwinski has decent plate discipline, but he has simply been overmatched by big-league pitchers, especially the last two seasons. If he sticks around with the Dodgers, he'll provide minor-league outfield depth at Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Can Andrew Vaughn Repeat 2025 Breakout Success?
Once a former top prospect with the Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn was demoted to Triple-A while still with the White Sox organization in the middle of 2025. A mid-season trade to Milwaukee provided the 27-year-old with a second chance, and he took advantage of the opportunity. Across 254 plate appearances with the Brewers, Vaughn hit .308/.375/.493 with nine home runs, 46 RBI, and 26 runs scored. With a career 46.5% hard-hit rate, Vaughn has always carried intriguing underlying numbers, so the change of scenery may have been all he needed to unlock his potential. Heading into 2026, Vaughn should have a chance to lock down the starting first base job in Milwaukee. While he's not a speed threat, Vaughn has the chance to provide fantasy managers with four-category production and comes at a reasonable average draft position of pick 284.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brenton Doyle Carries Buy-Low Potential Heading into 2026
After emerging as a high-level fantasy contributor in 2024, Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle came crashing back down to Earth in 2025. Across 538 plate appearances, the 27-year-old hit .233/.274/.376 with 15 home runs, 57 RBI, 57 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. With a career 28.1% strikeout rate and a questionable eye at the plate, Doyle carries significant batting average risk for fantasy managers. However, he remains an intriguing power/speed threat even after his down year in 2025. Doyle's barrel rate rose from 10.5% in 2024 to 10.8% in 2025, and his hard-hit rate jumped from 41.1% to 44.6%. He also has the benefit of playing his home games at the hitter-friendly Coors Field, which could help his batting average on balls in play improve from the .289 mark he posted in 2025. While the Rockies once again project to be one of the worst teams in baseball, Doyle's excellent defense in center field should keep him in the lineup every day and help him rack up counting stats. With an average draft position of pick 157, Doyle could be a buy-low candidate for fantasy managers to target heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Jack Flaherty Bounce Back After 2025 Struggles?
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty struggled throughout most of the 2025 season, finishing the year with an 8-15 record, 4.64 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 188 strikeouts across 161 innings pitched (31 starts). With a 27.6% strikeout rate, the 30-year-old still provided fantasy managers with plenty of whiffs. However, his walk rate jumped from 5.9% in 2024 to 8.7% in 2025, and he allowed a 10.3% barrel rate, the worst mark of his career. Flaherty has an established issue with allowing home runs, as he has logged a HR/9 of 1.29 or worse in each of the past two seasons. If his walk rate continues to climb towards the double-digits, he may have a difficult time keeping his ERA to a manageable number. Detroit owes Flaherty $20 million in 2026, so his spot in the rotation should be secure as long as he stays healthy. Flaherty's ability to rack up strikeouts gives him fantasy appeal as long as he remains in a high-volume role. However, Flaherty has posted an ERA north of 4.60 in two of his last three seasons and represents real risk in the ERA and WHIP categories for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colton Cowser Looking to Rebound from Injury-Marred 2025 Campaign
After a breakout 2024 campaign, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser battled through an injury-marred 2025 season that saw him post underwhelming numbers across the board. Thumb, rib, and head injuries limited Cowser to just 92 games, and he hit .196/.269/.385 with 16 home runs, 40 RBI, 36 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases. When healthy, Cowser profiles as an intriguing power/speed threat for fantasy managers. He posted an excellent 14.1% barrel rate in 2025 and upped his stolen base total from nine in 2024 to 14 in 2025 despite playing over 60 fewer games. However, swing-and-miss is a major issue. The 25-year-old recorded a 35.6% strikeout rate in 2025 and owns a 32.3% strikeout rate across nearly 1,000 career MLB plate appearances. As a left-handed hitter, Cowser may also lose playing time against same-handed pitching, given Baltimore's crowded outfield depth chart. With a current average draft position of pick 249, Cowser profiles as a high-floor, low-ceiling outfield option for fantasy managers heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Yandy Diaz Repeat 2025 Power Surge?
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman/designated hitter Yandy Diaz had an excellent season in 2025, hitting .300/.366/.482 with 25 home runs, 83 RBI, 79 runs scored, and three stolen bases across 651 plate appearances. Diaz has established himself as one of fantasy baseball's best sources of batting average, particularly relative to his position. He's hit .291 across almost 3,500 plate appearances since joining the Rays in 2019, and has hit .296 or better in three out of the last four years. Diaz logged a 52.4% hard-hit rate while striking out in just 14.1% of his plate appearances in 2025, so he appears to have plenty left in the tank as he enters his age-34 season. Where he might regress is in the power category, as Tampa Bay will move back into Tropicana Field for the 2026 season after playing its home games at the hitter-friendly Steinbrenner Field last year. 18 of Diaz's 25 home runs came at home in 2025, and he's hit more than 14 bombs just twice in nine big-league seasons. Still, Diaz has proven himself to be a reliable producer and should be locked into everyday playing time in Tampa Bay in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sal Stewart Playing Second Base in First Spring Training Outing
Cincinnati Reds infielder Sal Stewart is playing second base and batting cleanup in the team's first Spring Training matchup of 2026 on Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians. Stewart, who made his Major League debut as a 21-year-old in 2025, played both corner infield spots in his first stint with the Reds. However, it appears as though the team is shifting him to the right side of the infield heading into 2026, as he's reportedly taken reps at both first and second base so far this spring. The Reds have Matt McLain locked in as the everyday second baseman, but McLain has dealt with injuries throughout his MLB career. Stewart could eventually settle in as the team's regular first baseman, but Cincinnati also has veteran first baseman/outfielder Spencer Steer to work into the lineup. Still, Stewart's positional versatility should help him get regular playing time, even if it's spread across multiple positions. He currently ranks as RotoBaller's #22 fantasy first baseman and carries an average draft position of pick 207.
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Source: Cincinnati Reds
Zach Collins to Miss Rest of 2025-26 Season
Chicago Bulls center Zach Collins (toe) will undergo surgery to repair a sprained right toe and miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The veteran big man has been sidelined since late December and was limited to 10 games, averaging 9.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.9 three-pointers in 18.4 minutes. With Collins out, Jalen Smith is the clear fantasy winner and projects as a long-term hold if he stays healthy after posting nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block in 24 minutes in his return.
Source: Chicago Bulls
Source: Chicago Bulls
De'Andre Hunter to Undergo Season-Ending Eye Surgery
Sacramento Kings forward De'Andre Hunter (eye) will undergo surgery to repair a detached retina, ending his 2025-26 campaign. The veteran wing played just two games for Sacramento after the trade before being sidelined. He finishes the season averaging 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers in 26.1 minutes across 45 appearances. With Hunter out and both Zach LaVine (finger) and Domantas Sabonis (knee) already sidelined, minutes are available. Nique Clifford and Daeqwon Plowden are fringe fantasy options for now, though the path to larger roles exists. Precious Achiuwa also stands to benefit after a 14-point, 10-rebound, four-steal, two-block outing in 34 minutes.
Source: Chris Haynes
Source: Chris Haynes
Tristan Vukcevic Exits Early Vs. Pacers
Washington Wizards forward/center Tristan Vukcevic (hand) did not return to Friday's game against Indiana after sustaining a hand contusion. He recorded 14 points on 7-of-12 shooting with eight rebounds, one assist, and one block in 20 minutes as a starter before exiting. His status for Sunday against Charlotte is uncertain. It's a tough stretch for Washington, which is already dealing with several injuries to key pieces. If Vukcevic is sidelined, Anthony Gill becomes a deep-league streaming option after posting 11 points, six assists, and three blocks in 23 minutes in the last outing.
Source: Tony East
Source: Tony East
John Collins Leaves Game with Head Injury
Los Angeles Clippers forward/center John Collins (head) left Friday's game against the Lakers after taking a hard fall in the second quarter and did not return. He was ruled questionable to come back but remained sidelined for the rest of the contest, placing his status for Sunday's matchup against Orlando in doubt. If Collins misses time, Bennedict Mathurin stands to gain the most after posting 26 points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench. Nicolas Batum could see a modest minutes bump, while Kobe Sanders may re-enter the rotation. Mathurin profiles as the priority add.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Kawhi Leonard Exits Early Friday Night
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) did not return to Friday's game against the Lakers after leaving in the fourth quarter due to left-ankle soreness. Before exiting, he delivered 31 points on 11-of-19 shooting with four threes and five assists in 31 minutes. If he misses additional time, Bennedict Mathurin becomes the primary scoring option after posting 26 points and seven rebounds in 32 minutes off the bench. Kris Dunn added eight assists in 35 minutes and would handle more playmaking, while Derrick Jones Jr. could see elevated usage. Leonard's status warrants close monitoring.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Thinks he Should be "Highest-Paid" at his Position
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn't in a rush to sign a new deal after winning Super Bowl LX, but the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year did say that he thinks he deserves to "be the highest-paid in my position," according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. It would mean an extension worth more than $40 million in new-money average. The Seahawks can exercise a fifth-year option on the former first-rounder's contract by May 1, but they plan to work out a new deal with JSN this offseason. The 24-year-old picked a great time to have the best year of his career, setting a franchise record and leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards despite the fact that the Seahawks ran the ball more than any other team. Smith-Njigba also had 10 touchdowns and went for 199 yards and two touchdowns in three playoff games. He finished second to only Puka Nacua in overall fantasy points in 2025 and will surely be a first-round fantasy selection in drafts this fall.
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Devin Booker Sidelined vs. Orlando
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against Orlando after aggravating a right hip strain. His absence again funnels usage to Jalen Green and Collin Gillespie. In the last game, Green posted 26 points with four threes and three steals in 26 minutes, while Gillespie handed out eight assists across 30 minutes. Jordan Goodwin added 10 points in 27 minutes. Green profiles as a potential long-term hold if he stays healthy. Gillespie offers assists value in deeper formats.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Joel Embiid Out Saturday vs. Pelicans
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will not play Saturday in New Orleans, marking his fourth straight absence. With the All-Star big man sidelined, Tyrese Maxey remains the primary usage driver, while the frontcourt minutes continue to split between Andre Drummond and Adem Bona. In the last game, Drummond logged 28 minutes and posted 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists, while Bona added nine points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes. Both remain volatile options, though Drummond profiles as the stronger rebound streamer. Embiid's absence boosts Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. in scoring formats.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kevin McGonigle Starting at Shortstop in Grapefruit League Opener
Detroit Tigers infield prospect Kevin McGonigle is starting at shortstop and is hitting second in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the New York Yankees, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The Tigers have moved McGonigle around to third and second base in camp to increase his chances of making the Opening Day roster, but shortstop remains the focus for the 21-year-old long-term, and it's his clearest path to regular playing time in the big leagues in 2026. McGonigle is the consensus No. 2 prospect in baseball, behind only the Pirates' Konnor Griffin, due to his elite ability to make contact and drive the ball with authority. Javier Baez and Zach McKinstry are better suited for utility roles than for regular duties at the 6, so if McGonigle handles himself well in spring training games, he's likely to win the starting job at short. He hit .305/.408/.583 with 19 home runs and 10 steals in 88 games in three minor-league stops last year and should be drafted in all single-year fantasy leagues.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Bo Bichette Batting Third in Mets Spring Training Debut
New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette is starting at third base and batting third in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the division-rival Miami Marlins, according to Max Goodman of NJ.com. Despite the injury to Francisco Lindor (hand) that could keep him sidelined to start the 2026 season, the Mets will keep Bichette at the hot corner. The 27-year-old former second-rounder in 2016 had an injury-plagued year for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 but bounced back nicely and led them to the World Series last season, slashing .311/.357/.483 with an .840 OPS, 18 home runs, 94 RBI, 78 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 139 regular-season games (628 plate appearances). The move to Queens should be good for his run production near the top of a strong lineup, and as long as he stays healthy, he should provide around 20 long balls. Adding third base eligibility will help, too. RotoBaller has Bichette ranked as the No. 14 fantasy shortstop to begin 2026.
Source: NJ.com - Max Goodman
Source: NJ.com - Max Goodman
JJ Wetherholt Playing Second, Batting Fifth in Grapefruit League Opener
St. Louis Cardinals infield prospect JJ Wetherholt is starting at second base and batting fifth on Saturday in the team's Grapefruit League opener against the Washington Nationals, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. The offseason trades of both Nolan Arenado and Brendan Donovan have cleared a path for Wetherholt to be an everyday player on the infield for St. Louis in 2026, and he's expected to be their Opening Day second baseman. The 23-year-old is the No. 5 overall prospect in the game, per MLB Pipeline, after hitting .306/.421/.510 with 17 home runs and 23 stolen bases in 109 games last year with Double-A Springfield and Triple-A Memphis. The former seventh overall pick in 2024 doesn't have an obvious weakness at the plate, although in his first big-league season, fantasy managers should temper expectations for his power and speed. Still, Wetherholt can hit 15-plus homers right away as St. Louis' starting second baseman.
Source: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
Source: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
Kazuma Okamoto Hitting Third in Grapefruit League Opener
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Kazuma Okamoto is starting at third base and batting sixth in the team's Grapefruit League opener on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The Blue Jays will get Okamoto as many at-bats in spring training as they can before the 29-year-old reports to Team Japan for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Third base is his job to lose as he enters his first year in the major leagues, especially since Toronto could use Addison Barger more in the outfield with Anthony Santander (shoulder) potentially missing all of 2026. The biggest question is whether Okamoto's power will translate to MLB immediately. He hit at least 27 home runs in each of his first seven seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, but he only managed 15 in 2025 due to an elbow injury. Still, his combination of contact and power skills makes him intriguing near the heart of the Blue Jays' batting order.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Jorge Polanco Expected to See a Lot of Time as Designated Hitter
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the designated hitter spot will be in play "big" time as the team tries to keep infielder Jorge Polanco healthy in 2026, according to Chelsea Janes of SNY. Mendoza also expects infielders Mark Vientos and Brett Baty to get playing time at first base when Polanco is the DH. The Mets are also slow-playing the 32-year-old switch-hitting Dominican early in Grapefruit League games. Polanco has played in 100-plus games in six of his 12 seasons in the big leagues, although he did manage to play in 138 contests while hitting .265/.326/.495 with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 64 runs scored, and six steals for the Seattle Mariners last year. Marcus Semien will be locked into Polanco's primary position at second, so most of his at-bats figure to come as New York's DH. Fantasy managers need to expect Polanco to miss time due to injury in 2026, but when healthy, he hits the ball hard and has solid pop with second base eligibility.
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
Source: SNY - Chelsea Janes
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