February 26, 2026
Los Angeles Angels outfielder
Mike Trout is playing in left field in the Cactus League game on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs, and the Angels are going to move him around in all three outfield spots this spring to "see what works best," according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Trout wants to return to center field, where he feels most comfortable, but that might not be in the Angels' best interest if they want to keep the aging outfielder healthy for the entire season. The 34-year-old three-time MVP, 11-time All-Star, and nine-time Silver Slugger winner started as the team's right fielder in 2025 before eventually becoming the full-time designated hitter after suffering a bone bruise in his surgically repaired left knee in late April. Trout will eventually be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he's past his prime now and has durability issues. At the right price, though, Trout still has plenty of fantasy value after hitting 26 homers last year. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 45 fantasy outfielder.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
February 26, 2026
The Athletics have made a long-term extension offer to American League Rookie of the Year first baseman
Nick Kurtz, two sources told Joel Sherman of the New York Post. There's no word on whether the two sides will actually get something done this spring, but the team has done pre-arbitration extensions with outfielder
Lawrence Butler, first baseman/outfielder
Tyler Soderstrom, and shortstop
Jacob Wilson. Going into his second MLB season, Kurtz is already the top-ranked fantasy first baseman at RotoBaller after hitting .290/.383/.619 with a 1.002 OPS, 36 home runs, 86 RBI, and 90 runs scored in 489 plate appearances in 117 games in 2025. The most impressive feat is the fact that he almost hit .300 despite striking out 30% of the time. Fantasy managers should expect regression with his average if he continues to whiff at that rate, but Kurtz's power upside from the left side is already elite, especially at one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the league.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Joel Sherman
February 26, 2026
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said that quarterback
Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) is "trending in the right direction" as he recovers from an orbital fracture that he suffered during a "freak accident" during pregame warmups in 2025. Ballard also said that Richardson has "a ways to go," but "he's cleared to play, and the eye's getting better." The former fourth overall pick lost out on the starting QB competition to
Daniel Jones (Achilles) last summer and has been granted permission to seek a trade this offseason. The dual-threat signal-caller has played in just 17 games in his first three NFL seasons due to injuries, but he turns just 24 in May and could be given another start at a starting gig with another organization. Richardson's eye injury will be a key factor in any potential trade, and he has a pricey $10.8 million salary cap hit this year. His time in Indy is likely over, and Richardson's dynasty/keeper value has never been lower.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - James Boyd
February 26, 2026
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that left-hander
Shane McClanahan (triceps) did well in throwing "two innings" of live batting practice on Thursday in camp, and he's scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut next Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The 28-year-old southpaw and two-time All-Star is currently the No. 69-ranked fantasy starting pitcher at RotoBaller, but his 2026 value will continue to rise if he proves he's fully healthy in spring training action. McClanahan last pitched in the big leagues in 2023, so there is obviously a lot of risk in rostering a pitcher that will surely have some workload restrictions this year, at least early on. He's a risk/reward fantasy selection who could struggle to return to his pre-injury form. McClanahan had Tommy John surgery in 2023 and then suffered a freak nerve injury to his triceps that kept him from pitching at all last year.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
February 26, 2026
The Indianapolis Colts have given quarterback
Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) permission to seek a trade, a league source told Stephen Holder of ESPN. Richardson, the former fourth overall pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida, lost out on the QB competition to
Daniel Jones (Achilles) last summer and then sustained a freak eye injury during a pregame incident in which he broke his orbital bone. In his first three seasons in the NFL, Richardson has completed only 50.6% of his passes for 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while running for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (15 starts). With the Colts expected to re-sign Jones this offseason, Richardson's future with the Colts is very cloudy. He's still only 23 years old, so another QB-needy team could be willing to trade for him and give him a chance to win the starting job under center going into next season. A-Rich has elite rushing upside at QB, but durability and accuracy remain major concerns.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
February 26, 2026
Colorado Rockies outfielder
Brenton Doyle (wrist), who was scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League lineup due to left-wrist soreness, said he underwent imaging on his wrist, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The results haven't come back yet. The Rockies announced that the move to scratch Doyle was precautionary, but we'll have a better idea of whether his status for Opening Day will be in question when the MRI results are released. If Doyle were to miss any time to begin the 2026 regular season,
Jake McCarthy would most likely slide over to center field in Denver. Doyle, 27, broke out with 23 homers and 30 stolen bases in 149 games in his sophomore season in 2024, only to regress last year with a .233/.274/.376 slash line, .651 OPS, 15 homers, 57 RBI, 57 runs, and 18 steals in 138 games. Doyle's batted-ball metrics show that he was a bit unlucky last year, so if fully healthy, a rebound could be in store.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
February 26, 2026
San Diego Padres left-hander
Yuki Matsui (groin) has officially been ruled out for next month's World Baseball Classic with Team Japan, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. Matsui is recovering from a left-groin strain that he suffered in a recent live batting practice session in camp with the Padres. He has resumed playing catch, but he hasn't thrown off a mound, and his status for Opening Day in late March is also in question. In his two seasons in San Diego since coming over from Japan, Matsui has a 3.86 ERA in 125 appearances out of the bullpen. He resides in one of the best bullpens in baseball, but as more of a middle-inning arm, he has limited fantasy value. "Right now, I'm just continuing the throwing progression, getting intensities and distances of [playing] catch back up," Matsui said. "Once it's good enough, then I'll start throwing off the mound. But as to when, we don't know yet. We're not sure yet [about Opening Day]."
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
February 26, 2026
Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin said on Sirius XM NFL Radio this week that he wouldn't rule out the return of All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson. "I never will rule out any possibility," Tobin said. "He's a good football player. So, is there a chance he'll be with us? We're in the business of good football players, so I can't rule it out. But I don't know what the future holds." If the Bengals were to place the franchise tag on Hendrickson, it would cost north of $30 million with a salary cap hit of $36.7 million. A tag-and-trade scenario will be difficult, so if the two sides cannot work out an extension, the most likely scenario is that the Bengals just let Hendrickson walk in free agency. The 31-year-old had back-to-back 17.5-sack seasons in 2023 and 2024, but he had just four sacks in seven games last year while ending the season on Injured Reserve due to a core-muscle injury. If Hendrickson reaches the open market, he'll be one of the top edge rushers available.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sirius XM NFL Radio
February 26, 2026
The Athletic's Dan Hayes reports that the Minnesota Twins were pleased to learn on Wednesday that right-hander
Pablo Lopez's (elbow) surgery to fix a "significant" tear in the UCL of his right elbow was "less invasive" than a standard Tommy John surgery. Dr. Keith Meister was able to use an elbow graft from Lopez's 2014 TJ surgery to add an internal brace. The Twins are now "optimistic" about Lopez's chances of returning closer to the start of the 2027 season. The 29-year-old will have an MRI exam in roughly five months, at which point we should have a better idea of when he might be able to return to pitching. Fantasy managers should have already taken Lopez off their draft boards for the 2026 season. All things considered, it's good news for Lopez, but a second major right-elbow surgery means that he'll be more of a gamble as the Twins' ace next year.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
February 26, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander
Roki Sasaki allowed three runs, three hits, and two walks in 1 1/3 innings in his Cactus League debut on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It wasn't a good start to spring action for Sasaki, who is trying to win a starting rotation spot going into his second MLB season. The Japanese hurler had a 4.46 ERA (5.80 FIP) and 1.43 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and 22 walks in 36 1/3 innings over 10 appearances (eight starts) during the regular season last year before becoming a key piece at the back end of L.A.'s bullpen during their run to a second straight World Series championship. Sasaki struck out three on Wednesday, but he threw only 17 of his 36 pitches for strikes. His fastball topped out at 98.6 mph. Manager Dave Roberts thought Sasaki was overthrowing, but he's not too worried after just one spring outing. The 24-year-old's upside is intriguing, but until he figures out his control issues, he'll be a wild card in fantasy.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press
February 26, 2026
Ohio State defender Arvell Reese made it clear at the NFL scouting combine this week that he views himself as more of an outside linebacker/edge rusher than an off-the-ball linebacker as he heads to the next level, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper has Reese going at fourth overall in this year's NFL draft to the Tennessee Titans. The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder totaled 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks last year for the Buckeyes. Reese plans to run the 40-yard dash at this week's combine while also taking part in linebacker drills. The 20-year-old has already met with the New York Jets, who have the second overall pick, the Arizona Cardinals (No. 3), and the Cleveland Browns (No. 6), among others. Former New England Patriots assistant coach and current Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has compared Reese to former NFL linebacker Jamie Collins because of their similar versatility.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
February 26, 2026
Former Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy (knee) said he's fully healed from the knee injury that cost him the entire 2025 season, and he expects to take part in a full slate of on-field drills at his upcoming pro day, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. "I can do everything. No limits," McCoy said. He suffered a torn ACL in January of last year while training. McCoy underwent medical exams at this week's NFL scouting combine but will not do any on-field drills yet. Despite his season-ending injury in 2025, McCoy is expected to be one of the first defensive backs selected in the 2026 NFL draft this April. He started his collegiate career at Oregon State in 2023, then transferred to Tennessee in 2024. He was a first-team All-SEC selection and a second-team Associated Press All-American in his one season with the Volunteers.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
February 26, 2026
Houston Astros designated hitter/outfielder
Yordan Alvarez will make his Grapefruit League debut next week, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Alvarez is fully healthy this spring, but the Astros are easing him into game action after he was limited to only 48 games in 2025 due to injuries. The three-time All-Star is also expected to primarily serve as the DH for the Astros in 2026 as a way for the team to try to keep him healthy all year. Before ankle and hand injuries slowed him down last year, Alvarez had four straight 30-homer seasons as one of the best all-around hitters in the game. The left-handed Cuban slugger finished 2025 with a .273/.367/.430 slash line, .797 OPS, six home runs, 27 RBI, and 17 runs scored in his 165 at-bats. Alvarez's injuries last year have dropped his ADP in fantasy drafts, potentially making him a discount, but durability concerns are more of a concern than ever.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
February 26, 2026
The Chicago Bears have received calls on wide receiver
DJ Moore this offseason, sources told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. There has been speculation that Moore might be traded after a down year in 2025. He has over $23 million in guaranteed money in 2026 and is "viewed as available for the right price" by teams in the market for a receiver. The Bears are also getting calls on backup quarterback
Tyson Bagent from QB-needy teams. Offensively, the Bears took a step forward in 2025 under head coach Ben Johnson, but Moore only caught 50 passes for 682 yards and six touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Moore has had at least four touchdowns in seven of his eight NFL seasons, but his 682 receiving yards were a career-low, as well as his 50 receptions, and that came with
Rome Odunze missing time due to an injury. The 28-year-old's best chance of bouncing back in 2026 is most likely with another team.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
February 26, 2026
Houston Astros relief pitcher
Josh Hader (biceps) is playing catch from the mound, but he has not had a bullpen session yet. Manager Joe Espada said there isn't a schedule yet for Hader to throw a bullpen, which keeps him without a timetable to return. It seems unlikely that Hader will be able to get back to full speed before Opening Day at this point, since Houston is sure to be cautious with the 31-year-old lefty. If Hader is not ready for Opening Day in late March, setup man
Bryan Abreu will most likely fill in as the Astros' closer to start the season. Both Abreu and Hader have been excellent when healthy, and Abreu will be a nice option while Hader is out. Hader can still be a dominant force when he returns, although his increased injury risk is causing him to slide in fantasy baseball drafts this preseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Matt Kawahara
February 26, 2026
New York Yankees designated hitter
Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) is working through significant injuries to both his elbows as he prepares for spring training. He said that even a full offseason of rest has not helped his tennis elbow issues that have plagued both arms since 2024. He said, "I can't open a bottle. I can't open a bag of chips ... a bag of anything. That's the way it is." He is planning to play through the issue, though, and his goal remains to play the full season. The Yankees have taken it slow with Stanton in spring training, but they are hoping that he is ready to go for Opening Day, even though he has not yet made his Grapefruit League debut. Last season, he didn't play his first game until June 16, but he hit 24 homers in 77 games with a .273 batting average, .321 ISO, and .395 wOBA. Even while dealing with the issues, he offers good power potential as long as he stays in the lineup.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Randy Miller
February 26, 2026
Miami Marlins relief pitcher
Pete Fairbanks can be a solid source of saves at his current ADP, which has him as about the 19th closer off of preseason draft boards. The 32-year-old righty posted a 2.83 ERA and 3.63 FIP in a career-high 60 1/3 innings last season with the Rays. He has at least 23 saves in each of the last three years in Tampa and has been a strong closer when healthy. He should have a firm grasp on the Marlins' closer job coming into the season, after signing a one-year, $13 million contract this offseason. Fairbanks has already appeared in a spring training game, throwing a hitless inning with two strikeouts against the Astros on Wednesday. He could get a slightly more stable role in Miami, so there's good upside available in snagging Fairbanks at his current price.
--Zach ThompsonSource: RotoBaller
February 26, 2026
The Tennessee Titans are acquiring defensive end Jermaine Johnson from the New York Jets on Thursday in exchange for nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat, sources told the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Johnson, who was a first-time Pro Bowler in his second season in 2023, tore his right Achilles tendon in September of 2024 and wasn't quite the same player in his return last season. In 14 games for the Jets in 2025, the 27-year-old former 26th overall pick in 2022 had 43 tackles (22 solo), three sacks, five tackles for loss, six QB hits, and two pass breakups. The Titans are hoping that Johnson will be closer to his Pro Bowl form another year removed from his Achilles injury. Sweat, 24, had 34 tackles (16 solo) and two sacks in his sophomore season. The Jets will hope he can help make up for the departure of Quinnen Williams, who was traded to the Cowboys last year.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
February 26, 2026
The Detroit Tigers signed free-agent left-hander
Colin Poche to a minor-league deal on Wednesday. Poche spent most of last year in the Mets' minor league system, going 0-1 with a 4.82 ERA and 6.12 FIP in 18 2/3 innings at Triple-A Syracuse. He started the season with the Nationals, posting an ugly 11.42 ERA and 6.48 FIP in 8 2/3 innings across 13 games in March and April. The 32-year-old veteran southpaw missed 2020 and 2021 due to Tommy John surgery, but he showed some promise as a lefty out of the bullpen after recovering from the injury, producing a 3.27 ERA (4.16 FIP), a 1.13 WHIP, 10 saves, 158 strikeouts, and 59 walks over 156 2/3 relief frames in three seasons with the Rays. He'll provide some left-handed depth in the bullpen for the Tigers coming into the season and will likely start the season in Triple-A. While he has bounce-back potential, he is not on the fantasy radar for now.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chris McCosky
February 26, 2026
Boston Red Sox infielder
Brendan Rodgers (shoulder) will have an MRI exam on his shoulder on Thursday after he was forced to leave early from Wednesday's spring training game after attempting to make a diving catch. Manager Alex Cora said, "We don't know what's going on, so we'll have more in the upcoming days." Rodgers was in camp on a minor-league contract, but he seemed to have a good chance of making the Opening Day roster if
Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) is unable to recover from his injury in time. If Rodgers is also out or not at 100%, the Sox could turn to
Andruw Monasterio in a utility role off the bench. Monasterio was acquired in the trade that brought
Caleb Durbin to Boston from Milwaukee and has impressed in spring training so far.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Tim Healey
February 26, 2026
The New York Jets are acquiring nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday in exchange for defensive end Jermaine Johnson, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Sweat, a second-rounder by the Titans in 2024 out of the University of Texas, had 34 tackles (16 solo) and two sacks in 12 games for Tennessee in his second year in the NFL. The 24-year-old interior defensive lineman missed five of the first six games due to an ankle injury, but he finished strong. Sweat will now head to New York and bolster the interior of their D-line. Johnson, 27, didn't look the same last year after tearing his right Achilles tendon in September of 2024. The former 26th overall pick in 2022 had 43 tackles (22 solo), three sacks, five tackles for loss, six QB hits, and two pass breakups in 14 games played. Johnson will be playing on his fifth-year option in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
February 26, 2026
Free-agent right-hander
Max Scherzer agreed with the Toronto Blue Jays on a one-year, $3 million contract on Wednesday night, a source told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The deal includes $10 million in incentives that start at 65 innings pitched and full no-trade protection. Scherzer is a three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star, but Father Time is catching up with him at 41 years old (42 in July). In his 18th big-league season last year with Toronto, he battled injuries and went 5-5 with a career-worst 5.19 ERA (4.99 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with 82 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 85 innings over 17 regular-season starts. Scherzer was better in the postseason, and he could wind up in the starting rotation to begin the 2026 campaign with
Shane Bieber (forearm) starting on the injured list. He's no longer Mr. Reliable, and his issues with the long ball will probably persist at Rogers Centre.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Ken Rosenthal
February 26, 2026
Dallas Mavericks center
Daniel Gafford (ankle) is doubtful for Thursday's matchup against Sacramento as he manages a right ankle injury. With Dallas on a back-to-back, the expectation is that Gafford could return Friday against Memphis, but he is unlikely to suit up in this opener.
Marvin Bagley III is positioned to start after producing 22 points and five rebounds in 20 minutes last game. Bagley becomes a short-term streaming option, while
Naji Marshall and
Max Christie could absorb added rebounding chances if Gafford sits.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Colorado Avalanche center Brock Nelson potted his 30th goal of the season in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Utah Mammoth. With Nathan MacKinnon (not injury-related) out of the lineup, Nelson skated as the first-line center and registered the game-winning goal on Wednesday night. Nelson has been somewhat of a late bloomer, becoming only the second player in NHL history to record each of his first four 30-goal campaigns after turning 30. In 56 outings, he has also had 20 assists during his first full season in Denver. Although MacKinnon could jump back into action on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild, Nelson will continue to play a vital role for Colorado.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 26, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
Lauri Markkanen (ankle/hip) is questionable for Thursday's matchup against New Orleans after picking up right ankle and hip issues during practice. Markkanen is one of Utah's go-to scorers and key floor spacers, so if he sits, the Jazz will have to spread those shots around and lean more on their other scoring options.
John Konchar could slide into the starting group after logging 24 minutes with five points and three steals last game, but
Brice Sensabaugh carries the higher ceiling after erupting for 26 points and four three-pointers in 32 minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ben Anderson
February 26, 2026
Dallas Mavericks forward/center
P.J. Washington (ankle) will sit out Thursday against Sacramento after spraining his left ankle late in Tuesday's win over Brooklyn. Washington usually soaks up around 28 minutes a night, so there are real minutes to fill, especially with
Daniel Gafford (ankle) also banged up.
Klay Thompson stepped into a larger scoring role last game with 17 points in 23 minutes, while
Caleb Martin chipped in five rebounds across the same workload. Thompson carries scoring upside but remains streaky, and Martin is more of a deep-league filler.
Naji Marshall should see the most stable bump in usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
February 26, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov finished Wednesday's 4-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs with three points. He logged the game-winning goal and dished out two assists, extending the NHL's longest active point streak to 11 games. Kucherov has had only three longer scoring streaks in his career, with his career-best at 13 games. He can match it this week as Tampa Bay takes on Carolina on Thursday and Buffalo on Saturday. Kucherov has been incredible in 2026, amassing 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) in 17 games. He has jumped to second on the league's scoring list, tallying 94 points (30 goals, 64 assists) in 52 outings this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 26, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Branden Carlson (back) will not return Wednesday against Detroit after experiencing low back soreness in the opening quarter. The two-way big man logged four minutes and finished with four points, four rebounds, and two assists before exiting. Carlson averages just 11 minutes and typically sees run only when
Chet Holmgren (back) or
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) rests, limiting his fantasy relevance. If Holmgren and Hartenstein remain sidelined on Friday,
Jaylin Williams becomes the priority add after erupting for 30 points, 11 rebounds, and five three-pointers in 36 minutes last game.
--Brian DailisanSource: Nick Crain
February 26, 2026
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson tallied a goal and an assist in Wednesday's 2-1 road victory over the New Jersey Devils. Thompson had a productive Olympic campaign and continued where he left off, scoring his 31st goal of the season and setting up Peyton Krebs for the game-winner. Thompson leads his team in scoring, with 61 points (31 goals, 30 assists) in 58 outings. He boasts 11 goals and 13 assists across his last 18 appearances. The 28-year-old will head out two more times this week as Buffalo faces a back-to-back set in Florida against the Panthers and Lightning.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 26, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Isaiah Joe (glute) was ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against Detroit after suffering a left glute contusion in the first half. He logged 14 minutes and finished with three points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal before being sidelined. The injury halts his recent surge, as he had delivered back-to-back 22-point outings with six three-pointers in each. Should he miss Friday,
Jared McCain becomes a viable streaming target after posting 20 points and four three pointers in 30 minutes last game.
--Brian DailisanSource: Nick Crain
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