February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox left-hander
Patrick Sandoval (elbow), who is in the mix for the No. 5 spot in the Opening Day starting rotation, threw what manager Alex Cora called an "eye-opening" live batting practice session in camp the other day, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Cora said that Sandoval's velocity was up to 94-95 mph. The 29-year-old southpaw missed all of the 2025 season after having an internal-brace procedure on his left elbow, which is why he has yet to appear in a Grapefruit League game early in spring training. Boston signed Sandoval to a two-year, $18.25 million deal before last season, even though they knew he'd miss all of the 2025 campaign. There's a possibility that he'll begin the 2026 season on the injured list, but if not, there is financial incentive to give Sandoval the fifth rotation spot if he's healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
February 25, 2026
New York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (hand) had the stitches removed from his surgically repaired hand on Tuesday and can restart some "impact" activities in the next two to three days, manager
Carlos Mendoza told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Lindor had surgery two weeks ago to fix a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. The 32-year-old five-time All-Star appears to be making good progress, though, and barring a setback, he has a good chance to be ready to roll in time for Opening Day on March 26 against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets will ease Lindor back into spring training activities when he's ready. There's a chance he's not ready for the start of the 2026 regular season, but if Lindor opens with a stay on the injured list, it's likely to be a minimum absence. Lindor is a bit more risky now in fantasy baseball drafts because of his hand injury, but he should still be considered a top-10 option at the shortstop position.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
February 25, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander
Paul Skenes said he expects to make two starts for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, assuming they advance out of pool play, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The reigning National League Cy Young winner is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut in spring training on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves, and he's also scheduled to pitch in one of Team USA's exhibition contests next week in Arizona. The 23-year-old will most likely take the ball on Opening Day on March 26 for the Pirates against the New York Mets on the road at Citi Field. The former first overall pick in 2023 out of LSU has lived up to the hype early in his MLB career and went 10-10 while leading the league in ERA (1.97), FIP (2.36), WHIP (0.95), and home runs allowed per nine innings (0.5) in 32 starts (187 2/3 innings) in his second year in the majors. Skenes is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game already and is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 3 starting pitcher in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
February 25, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni thinks running back
Saquon Barkley will "be exceptional" in the new offensive system in 2026, according to Zach Berman and Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. Barkley had a down year by his standards in 2025, coming off a season in which he led the league in carries (345), rushing yards (2,005), and rushing yards per game (125.3). The 29-year-old had 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns on 280 rushing attempts in 16 regular-season games last year, when the Eagles had lows in yards per rush (4.2), average yards before contact (1.52), total rush EPA (minus-24.81), and rush-success rate (39.1) under Sirianni. The new offensive staff under Sirianni, led by offensive coordinator
Sean Mannion, is expected to install "more zone-blocking concepts" that originate from the Shanahan tree. Barkley should still be considered an RB1 in fantasy despite his down 2025 season, and a bounce-back could be coming if he stays healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Zach Berman and Brooks Kubena
February 25, 2026
Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said on Tuesday that running back
Jonathon Brooks (knee) is "making a lot of progress" in his rehab from the torn right ACL that he suffered in December of 2024, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. The Panthers are cautiously optimistic that Brooks will be able to contribute to their backfield in 2026 after he appeared in just three games in his two NFL seasons due to multiple ACL tears. The 22-year-old could have a path to being Carolina's RB2 behind
Chuba Hubbard next season, too, if
Rico Dowdle departs in free agency. Brooks, a former second-rounder in 2024 out of the University of Texas, will need to prove he still has the same pre-injury explosiveness, and the Panthers will undoubtedly ease him back in when he returns to the field. Brooks will be a big question mark going into the 2026 season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Panthers.com - Darin Gantt
February 25, 2026
The NFL announced on Wednesday that the Jacksonville Jaguars will host two games in London during the 2026 season, according to Demetrius Harvey of The Florida Times-Union. The Jaguars have played in London annually every year since 2013, except for 2020, but this will be the first time they've played two games there in one season. They will play one contest at Wembley Stadium and another at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against unnamed opponents. Jacksonville is expected to play back-to-back weeks in London in October. It will be the 15th time the Jags have played in London, with all but three games taking place at Wembley. They have gone 7-7, including going 2-1 at Tottenham. Jacksonville will be looking to build on a strong 2025 season that saw them finish first in the AFC South with a 13-4 regular-season record, only to fall to the Bills in the Wild-Card round of the postseason.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Florida Times-Union - Demetrius Harvey
February 25, 2026
After a begrudging time on the West Coast, Keith Mitchell is now entering the Florida swing of the schedule. For much of his career, he has performed better on this side of the country, where he is much more comfortable on and around the greens. The former Georgia Bulldog has notoriously performed better on bermuda and bentgrass putting surfaces. He'll be looking to lean on that experience to turn around the -0.524 strokes gained putting to start this season. If his dominance on the tee (16th in strokes gained off the tee for the season) and serviceable iron play continue, look for Killa Keith to make a decent impact this week.
--Todd McGillSource: PGA Tour
February 25, 2026
The Washington Commanders announced on Wednesday that they will have a regular-season game in London in 2026. The Commanders will be the host team at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against an unnamed opponent. It will be Washington's third international game. They lost to the Miami Dolphins in their last international game in Madrid, Spain, in 2025 and tied with the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium in London in 2016. The Commanders surprised everyone by making it to the NFC Championship in 2024 in quarterback
Jayden Daniels' rookie season. Daniels struggled with injuries last year, though, and the team finished 5-12 and in third place in the NFC East to miss the postseason in 2025. Washington's game in London will be one of three that the NFL hosts there next season, with the Jacksonville Jaguars serving as the host team in the other two.
--Keith HernandezSource: Washington Commanders
February 25, 2026
Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris is seeking a seventh year of collegiate eligibility. The 25-year-old is suing the NCAA, arguing that he's only had the chance to play three meaningful seasons of college football. Morris started in just three games through his first three seasons at Oklahoma and TCU, and he participated in just 26 snaps with the Horned Frogs in 2022, as part of a medically prescribed mental health treatment plan, which was counted against him as a full season of eligibility. Morris, who threw for 3,000-plus yards in 2024 (North Texas) and 2025 (Virginia), is just the latest quarterback looking to find a loophole and another season of college football. If he can return to Virginia in 2026, he'll be viewed as one of the top quarterbacks in the ACC after leading the Cavaliers to an 11-3 record. This situation will likely take time to play out.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Pete Nakos - On3
February 25, 2026
Dallas Cowboys All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith (knee) had minor cleanup surgery on his right knee after the Pro Bowl, sources told Todd Archer of ESPN. Smith said he will be 100% healthy before the start of the team's offseason program in April. The 24-year-old appeared in 16 games for Dallas in 2025 and was named to the Pro Bowl for the third straight season. Smith's knee injury initially flared up in training camp last summer, but he was able to manage it throughout the season. The former 24th overall pick in 2022 out of Tulsa has missed just five total games in his four years in the NFL. Smith signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension with the team in September of last year, and he could be asked to move from left guard to left tackle in 2026 to fill in for the injured Tyler Guyton (ankle).
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Dallas - Todd Archer
February 25, 2026
Former Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (ankle), who has recovered from season-ending ankle surgery, will throw at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis this week, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Allar played in only six games in his senior year for the Nittany Lions in 2025, going 103-for-159 with 1,100 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. In his junior year in 2024, Allar threw for a career-high 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 16 games played. He'll have a chance to improve his 2026 NFL draft stock this week and then again potentially at his school's pro day. Right now, Allar is considered a mid-round QB prospect as he begins his journey to the next level. He's not expected to land in a situation where an NFL team is relying on him to be their starter in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
February 25, 2026
The Minnesota Vikings are "exploring all possibilities" as they look to improve their quarterback play in 2026, executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski said on Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine. The Vikings are still hoping that former first-rounder
J.J. McCarthy can be their franchise QB, but his injury history and poor performance last year have led the team to consider options that will, at the very least, add competition going into 2026. ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that neither Brzezinski nor head coach Kevin O'Connell committed to keeping McCarthy in the starter's role going into next season. Brzezinski termed the process "casting a wide net" and said, "I don't think we're ruling anything out." McCarthy had a strong training camp going into his rookie year, but then suffered a season-ending meniscus tear in his right knee. The bottom line is that McCarthy is going to need to stay healthy and perform better this summer to be named the Week 1 starter this fall in Minnesota.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
February 25, 2026
The San Francisco 49ers hired former Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as a personnel executive on Tuesday, general manager John Lynch told The Athletic's Matt Barrows. Adofo-Mensah was surprisingly fired by the Vikings after the 2025 season after four years as the team's GM. Minnesota went 14-3 during the regular season with
Sam Darnold as the quarterback in 2024, but they struggled last year as they handed over the keys to the offense to former first-rounder
J.J. McCarthy. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl with Darnold. It will be a reunion for Adofo-Mensah, as he spent 2013 to 2019 with the 49ers in the football research and development department. It's a big pickup for a team that already has a championship-caliber front office in place.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
February 25, 2026
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine that "nothing will happen until the new league year" when discussing parting ways with wide receiver
Brandon Aiyuk (knee), according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. We already know that Aiyuk won't be playing for the Niners in 2026, but he won't be officially released until the start of the new league year next month. The 27-year-old former first-rounder signed a four-year, $120 million contract with the team in August of 2024 and then played in only seven games that year, catching 25 of 47 targets for 374 yards and no touchdowns. Aiyuk didn't play at all in 2025 due to his knee injury and wasn't going to return to the Bay Area after the team voided guarantees in his contract. He'll certainly attract attention on the open market, but fantasy managers will be wary after all the missed time.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
February 25, 2026
Chris Kirk has struggled to start the year, recording three missed cuts and a T52 finish in his first four events. He now turns to the Cognizant Classic, a familiar spot where he has played 14 times, making 10 cuts with six top-30 finishes and a victory in 2023. His best results at PGA National have come when his approach play and putting are at their best. Kirk currently ranks 107th in total strokes gained (-0.472 per round), though he has been great with his irons, sitting 13th on approach (+0.766), while the putter sits at 114th (-0.332). Despite the slow start to the season, strong ball striking at a course where he has already won could provide the formula needed for a turnaround this week.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 25, 2026
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch reiterated the team's desire to keep backup quarterback
Mac Jones at the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. "He's really good for us, and we value that. And so somebody would have to come with something fairly strong for us to consider (trading him). And then I don't know what we do. Obviously, there's always something that would make you (do it), but I think we're a better team with him on it and we just like having him around," Lynch said. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $8.41 million deal with San Fran in March of last year and ended up playing in 11 games (eight starts) with
Brock Purdy missing a good chunk of the season with a turf-toe injury. Jones played well, too, throwing for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six picks while going 5-3. QB-needy teams will come calling, but it sounds like the Niners will need to be blown away by a trade offer to even consider dealing him.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
February 25, 2026
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said on Tuesday that he's "hopeful" the team will be able to re-sign impending free-agent wide receiver
Alec Pierce and quarterback
Daniel Jones (Achilles) to new contracts before either of them can potentially hit the open market in mid-March. The Colts have until March 3 to decide if they will use the franchise or transition tag on either Pierce or Jones. At the moment, Ballard said the Colts aren't planning on tagging either player. If Pierce or Jones aren't signed by March 9, they can begin negotiations with all 31 other teams. Pierce, 25, led the NFL in yards per catch (21.3) for the second straight year and had his first career 1,000-yard season in 2025 while leading the team in receiving. He became the third player in the last 30 years to have 1,000 yards on 50 or fewer receptions. Pierce's fantasy stock is obviously rising after his big season in 2025, and he might have an even higher ceiling if he leaves Indy.
--Keith HernandezSource: Colts.com - JJ Stankevitz
February 25, 2026
It's been a few weeks since we last saw Brooks Koepka on the PGA Tour stage, after he unexpectedly missed the cut in his last outing at the WM Phoenix Open. Putting has been a struggle for the 35-year-old, as he has lost over 12 shots on the greens in his first six rounds of 2026. Everything else has been okay for the five-time major winner, ranking 11th on the season in strokes gained from tee to green (+1.317). Koepka is in the field this week at PGA National for the eighth time in his career, with a T2 in 2019 being his best finish. He hasn't been that successful outside of that year, other than a T16 in his last season before jumping to LIV. As many expect the former Seminole to return to the expected level of play, there needs to be a better show of consistency and grit before considering him for DFS purposes.
--Todd McGillSource: Data Golf
February 25, 2026
Carolina Panthers impending free-agent running back
Rico Dowdle wasn't happy with the way the 2025 season ended and seemed like a man not interested in re-signing, but he "has sent out social-media messages since then suggesting he might," according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. General manager Dan Morgan said the "door was open" for Dowdle to return, but they will let him test the free-agent market. If Dowdle doesn't re-sign, the Panthers are happy with the rest of the RB room, which includes
Chuba Hubbard, former second-rounder
Jonathon Brooks, and last year's fourth-rounder,
Trevor Etienne. The 27-year-old Dowdle led Carolina in rushing last year, running for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on 236 carries over 17 regular-season games. It was his second straight 1,000-yard season. He was involved in more of a timeshare down the stretch with Hubbard, though, and Dowdle has made it clear he wants an opportunity to be a lead back. That's unlikely to happen if he stays with the Panthers.
--Keith HernandezSource: Panthers.com - Darin Gantt
February 25, 2026
Since missing the cut at The American Express, Mackenzie Hughes has posted solid results of T59, T28 and T34 in his last three starts. He now heads to the Cognizant Classic, where he has made seven appearances, including a runner-up finish in 2020, but also a missed cut last year. Hughes' success at PGA National has closely correlated with his putting, and while he ranks 115th on Tour in strokes gained putting (-0.337 per round), the move to Florida should help. He is far more comfortable on Bermuda greens, where he ranks 18th-best in the field this week. He is also 66th in total strokes gained (+0.357) and 80th on approach (+0.075), major contributing factors this week. With good recent form and a putting surface that better suits his game, Hughes offers a solid floor at $7,500 on DraftKings for fantasy managers considering the Canadian.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 25, 2026
Colorado Rockies outfielder
Mickey Moniak (oblique) has been cleared to make his spring debut on Wednesday afternoon. The outfielder will serve as the team's designated hitter and bat in the leadoff spot. Moniak has been dealing with some lingering oblique tightness, but did not have to wait long to make his spring debut. Managers should continue to monitor his status as he may be cleared to return to the outfield in the coming days. Last season, the former first overall pick put together a career season with the Rockies, posting a .270/.306/.518 line with a strong .824 OPS. Across 135 games, Moniak launched 24 home runs while adding nine stolen bases. Managers should expect Moniak to continue to see a close to an everyday role in the Colorado lineup in 2026. However, he may occasionally sit against southpaws, which could limit his overall upside.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder/outfielder
Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) does not see himself being ready for Opening Day, according to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com. Gonzalez expressed that his ramp-up would be "too quick" if he tried to be ready for Opening Day. Last season, Gonzalez appeared in a career-high 96 games at the MLB level and looked rather comfortable, posting a .305/.345/.483 slash line with nine home runs and six stolen bases. Under the hood, Gonzalez generated a strong .344 xwOBA with an elite .276 xBA, a 12.6% barrel rate, and a 57.3% hard-hit rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he works his way back from shoulder inflammation. While he remains sidelined,
Marcelo Mayer could carve out a larger role in the infield.
--Andy SmithSource: Christopher Smith
February 25, 2026
Kansas City Royals outfielder
Jac Caglianone launched his first home run of spring training during Tuesday's contest against the Cincinnati Reds. The former top prospect hit a 460-foot long shot off Reds left-handed pitcher
Brandon Williamson. Per Statcast, Caglianone hit the ball 115.2 mph. Caglianone made his MLB debut last summer but was unable to find much consistency during his first taste of the major leagues. Through 62 games, Caglianone held a .157/.237/.295 line with six doubles, seven home runs, and a modest 52:18 K:BB. However, in the minor leagues, the former Florida standout flashed immense upside, holding a .337/.408/.617 line with 20 home runs in a 66-game stint. Given his elite raw power, Caglianone is a prime post-hype breakout candidate heading into the 2026 season, as he should see an everyday role in the Kansas City lineup.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher
Joe Ryan (back) was able to play catch from 90 feet on Tuesday, according to Matthew Leach of MLB.com. The right-hander underwent an MRI over the weekend after feeling soreness in his lower back. However, it appears Ryan is not facing a serious injury, as he has already resumed baseball activities. Managers should keep an eye on his status, as he may be cleared to return to the mound in the coming days. Last season, Ryan logged a career-high 171 innings to the tune of a 3.42 ERA with a stellar 1.04 WHIP. He struck out 194 hitters while posting an elite 5.7% walk rate, which placed him within the 87th percentile among qualified pitchers. The 29-year-old remains a top target when looking to improve your WHIP ratio, given his stellar command. He carries solid SP2 upside in all formats in 2026.
--Andy SmithSource: Matthew Leach
February 25, 2026
Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher
Jackson Jobe (elbow) is set to play catch up to 105 feet three times this week, according to MLB.com. The former top pitching prospect is still working his way back from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last June. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress, but he still has a long way to go before he is cleared to return to the mound. Before undergoing surgery last season, the former No. 3 overall pick logged 49 innings in Detroit while posting a 4.22 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP. During this stint, Jobe struck out only 39 hitters and held a high 12.4% walk rate. In 2024, Jobe flashed high upside in the minor leagues, logging 91 2/3 innings to the tune of a 2.36 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 96:45 K:BB. Given his current trajectory, Jobe may contend for a late-season return.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Seamus Power has enjoyed a solid start to the 2026 campaign. The Irish golfer has made all three cuts in the United States. Power nearly ended up inside the Top 10 at the Farmers Insurance Open (T-11). He is average to below average in most metrics but the putter has been hot. Power, overall, has gained a whopping 1.048 strokes when it comes to putting (13th). While the golfer scrambles pretty well, Power needs to be closer when it comes to proximity where he ranks outside the Top 100 around the green and approach to the green. Power will likely be a DFS choice to monitor as Thursday approaches especially if he gets close early and often.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 25, 2026
Detroit Tigers catcher
Dillon Dingler (elbow) is working through a return-to-play throwing progression this week and is quickly approaching his return. The backstop is expected to be a full-go for Opening Day. Dingler had a delayed start to the offseason after undergoing arthroscopic surgery in January. Managers should continue to monitor the 27-year-old's status, but he appears well-positioned to avoid a delayed start to the regular season. Last summer, Dingler spent the entire campaign in the majors and did not disappoint, posting a .278/.327/.425 line with 21 doubles and 13 home runs. Under the hood, Dingler generated an elite .290 xBA with a 42.3% LA sweet-spot%, which placed him in the 98th percentile among qualified hitters. When active, managers should expect Dingler to carry solid No. 2 catcher upside, as he should see most of the starting opportunities in Detroit.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB.com
February 25, 2026
Haotong Li is back from a few weeks off and a missed cut at the WM Phoenix Open. The Chinese golfer was playing pretty well before then. He was in contention for The American Express (T-8) and even the Farmers Insurance Open (T-11). Li's only concern may be his putter heading into this week at the Palm Beaches. One putt percentage ranks 146th (35.71%) and putts per round is high at 29.79 (143rd). At two birdie rich events this season, Li lost more than a stroke in Hawaii and Scottsdale. The bad news for Li is that scores have been trending closer to 20 under par in recent years. Li from a DFS perspective is a golfer to fade here.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 25, 2026
Stephan Jaeger has played well enough in 2026. The German golfer has made three of four cuts and even has a T-5 from the Farmers Insurance Open. Unfortunately, trends have shown a little decline the past two events. Jaeger barely made the cut at Pebble Beach a couple of weeks ago. Jaegar ranks 33rd in strokes gained to putting at 0.54 but his errant shots approaching the green (129th at -0.485) has been problematic. Birdie average has been solid at 4.87 which ranks 23rd. If Jaegar can heat up, he could be a viable DFS choice this week. The key will be improving his driving accuracy which is only 51.9% (151st). Any errant drives will be more costly.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
February 25, 2026
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Ty Jerome (illness) is poised to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors. The team has not included him on the injury report. Jerome was unavailable for Monday's matchup with Sacramento due to illness. Since making his season debut in late January, Jerome has averaged 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in just 20.6 minutes per game. His efforts include a 19-point, seven-assist effort against the Warriors, who have the seventh-worst defensive record in the league against point guards.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
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