Francisco Lindor Non-Committal About Status for Opening Day
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) acknowledged that he's making significant progress, but he's not ready to commit to being in the lineup on Opening Day, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The 32-year-old made his 2026 spring training debut on Sunday after missing time due to a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. Lindor is one of the best shortstops in baseball, so Mets fans and fantasy managers will be eager for him to be cleared 100 percent. With that being said, the Mets will be smart and have no plans to rush him back before he's ready. The 32-year-old has slugged at least 30 homers in each of the last three seasons, and he posted an impressive 129 wRC+ with 31 stolen bases last year. He currently ranks as the #4 shortstop in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings. He finds himself among the elite tier of fantasy options and should be drafted at a premium price, regardless of whether he's ready for Opening Day or not.
Source: Anthony DiComo
Source: Anthony DiComo
Lawrence Butler on Track to Return Tuesday?
Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (knees) was seen running the bases at the team's spring training facility in Mesa on Sunday. Martín Gallegos of MLB.com reports that the A's are "looking at Tuesday for his first game playing outfield" during 2026 Cactus League action. Butler hasn't played yet this spring, but it sounds like he's getting close. The Athletics will be pleased to get him back ahead of Opening Day, kicking off a potential bounce-back campaign. Butler posted a modest .710 OPS with 96 wRC+ last year, but on a more positive note, he delivered a 20-homer, 20-steal campaign with 4 OAA and 1 FRV in the outfield. He currently ranks as the #41 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for the 2026 season.
Source: Martín Gallegos
Source: Martín Gallegos
Nathan Eovaldi Named Rangers' Opening Day Starter
Texas Rangers right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi will earn the start on Opening Day, manager Skip Schumaker announced on Sunday. It seemed like the Rangers' decision was trending this way, but the confirmation is useful for fantasy managers, especially since Jacob deGrom could have been in the mix for the nod. It's a well-deserved recognition for Eovaldi, who will now start on Opening Day for the third year in a row. He posted a stellar 1.73 ERA over 22 starts last year, amassing 8.93 K/9, 1.45 BB/9, and 0.69 HR/9 with an impressive 50.3% ground ball rate. Even at 36 years old, Eovaldi remains quite productive. He ranks #38 among starters in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
Source: Kennedi Landry
Source: Kennedi Landry
Luis Gil Makes the Yankees' Starting Rotation
New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Gil has been named to the team's starting rotation ahead of Opening Day, manager Aaron Boone told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. While Boone wouldn't confirm which rotation spot Gil will occupy, he did confirm that the 27-year-old will be one of the team's five starters. A right lat strain kept the right-hander out of action until August last season, so it will be refreshing to see him healthy for Opening Day this year. He's looking to improve upon an abbreviated 2025 campaign in which he posted a 3.32 ERA. That ERA reflected a bit of good luck on Gil's side, as he also finished the year with a 5.65 xFIP, 6.47 K/9, and 5.21 BB/9. He currently ranks outside RotoBaller's top 100 starting pitchers for the 2026 fantasy baseball season.
Source: Bryan Hoch
Source: Bryan Hoch
Hayden Birdsong Diagnosed with Grade 2 Forearm Strain and UCL Sprain
San Francisco Giants right-handed pitcher Hayden Birdsong (forearm) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 forearm strain and UCL sprain, according to an announcement from the organization that was relayed by Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area. Birdsong will meet with Dr. Keith Meister for a second opinion later this week, but the initial MRI results aren't very favorable. At this point, Birdsong is weighing his treatment options, and a shift to the 60-man injured list seems quite possible. That's a tough blow for the Giants and fantasy managers after Birdsong went 4-4 with a 4.69 xERA across 21 games (10 starts) in 2025. He posted a solid 9.32 K/9, but found himself posting very concerning rates of 5.07 BB/9 and 1.37 HR/9. If Birdsong ends up on the IL, Landen Roupp could be in line to earn a spot in the starting rotation.
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Source: Alex Pavlovic
Jaguars Eyeing Defensive Linemen and a Tight End in the NFL Draft?
The Jacksonville Jaguars could pursue several defensive linemen and a tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to John Shipley of Jaguars OnSI. Shipley's story acknowledged that the Jaguars want more players who can get after the quarterback. He wrote that the defensive line "is where the Jaguars can take the biggest leap as a team" and explained that pairing a young pass-rusher with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker would take this unit to the next level. Meanwhile, Shipley noted that the Jaguars view Brenton Strange as one of the most underrated tight ends in football, so they're not looking to replace him. Rather, they'd like to add a second tight end who can complement Strange's skill set and truly elevate the position group. Beyond Strange on the depth chart, the Jaguars have uninspiring tight end options in Quinton Morris and Hunter Long. It's too early to tell which players the Jaguars could target, especially since they don't currently have a first-round pick in 2026. However, we can't rule out the possibility of general manager James Gladstone getting creative and pulling off draft-day trades to make a splash at these two areas of need.
Source: John Shipley
Source: John Shipley
Rams Explored Trading Davante Adams
The Los Angeles Rams recently explored the idea of trading superstar wide receiver Davante Adams, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. This rumor follows prominent reporting that indicated the Rams had been looking into acquiring Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown. Such a trade would have given the Rams one of the greatest wide receiver rooms in NFL history, featuring Brown, Adams, and Puka Nacua. However, it likely would not have lasted very long. If the Rams acquired Brown, they would have looked to trade away Adams before his $6 million roster bonus was due on Sunday. Now that Adams' bonus is locked in, the Rams will likely keep the veteran receiver and stay away from Brown. That's consistent with another report from Florio that said the Rams have called off their trade pursuit of the Eagles' superstar. For now, Los Angeles will run back an elite wide receiver tandem of Nacua and Adams, both of whom could be strong WR1 options in fantasy football once again next year.
Source: Mike Florio
Source: Mike Florio
Eagles Bring Back Dallas Goedert on a One-Year Deal
The Philadelphia Eagles have signed tight end Dallas Goedert to a one-year contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The two sides had been working hard to reach an agreement for the 2026 season, postponing the void date of his previous contract so they could have more time to negotiate. In the end, Goedert returns to Philadelphia for a ninth season. Not only is he the Eagles' top tight end, but he'll continue to be one of Jalen Hurts' favorite targets. The 31-year-old is coming off the best fantasy season of his career, ranking as the overall TE7 in PPR leagues with 60 catches, 591 yards, and 11 touchdowns. He could be headed for some touchdown regression, but he remains a top-10 fantasy tight end in 2026, especially now that we know how much the Eagles wanted to bring him back. It will be interesting to see how the Eagles' offense evolves from here, as it was previously reported that Goedert's and A.J. Brown's futures are interconnected. It has been implied that Philadelphia can only afford to keep one or the other going forward, so the return of Goedert further reinforces speculation that Brown will be traded this offseason.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Marvin Harrison Jr. Continued to Disappoint in Year 2
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had another underwhelming season in 2025. Once viewed as a near lock to succeed in the NFL, Harrison has been one of the biggest disappointments in dynasty fantasy football. He was the overall WR30 as a rookie in 2024, and he followed it up with 41 catches, 608 yards, and four touchdowns across 12 games in 2025. He fell to WR49 last year and, more importantly, lost the grasp on his No. 1 receiver job in Arizona. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett built a terrific rapport with breakout receiver Michael Wilson, leaving Harrison in more of a de facto No. 2 role. Brissett is expected to return as the Cardinals' starting quarterback in 2026, and Wilson is also back as the potential top receiver. As a result, dynasty managers should be prepared for another subpar season from Harrison. Even if he manages to stay healthy for a full 17 games, he's firmly entrenched as a WR3/flex option, falling short of the lofty WR1 expectations that were attached to him in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Theo Johnson Facing Increased Competition in New York
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson finds himself in a more crowded position group all of a sudden. The Giants underwent a major coaching staff shakeup this offseason, and new head coach John Harbaugh brought in plenty of his guys, including tight end Isaiah Likely. It's unclear whether Likely or Johnson will be the true No. 1 in New York, but either way, the addition of the former will have major implications on the latter. It's unfortunate, too, given that Johnson was just starting to trend up. He had 45 catches, 528 yards, and five touchdowns in 2025, ranking as the overall TE18 in full-PPR leagues. It's hard to envision him eclipsing those marks next year if Likely is heavily involved, just like he was in Baltimore. The biggest saving grace for Johnson is that the Giants lost Wan'Dale Robinson this offseason, leaving plenty of vacated targets to go around. He also has an existing rapport with quarterback Jaxson Dart, and Likely can't say the same. We expect Johnson to remain a low-end TE2 option in 2026, but his value certainly isn't going up in dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Monangai Will Continue to Test Managers' Patience
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai took on a significant workload during his rookie campaign in 2025, but he remains the No. 2 option behind D'Andre Swift ahead of the 2026 season. Monangai finished his first year in the NFL with 783 rushing yards, 164 receiving yards, and five touchdowns, ranking as the overall RB30 in full-PPR leagues. He produced double-digit fantasy points on six different occasions, and he averaged 12.7 carries per game over the final 10 weeks of the season. However, the presence of Swift -- who remained productive in his first year back with head coach Ben Johnson -- continues to be a thorn in Monangai's side. Swift will remain the lead back as long as he's effective, giving Monangai a low floor and high ceiling weekly. As a result, dynasty managers must exercise patience when assessing the Rutgers product's role on their roster. He has top-18 running back upside long-term, but that might not take effect until Swift's contract expires after the 2026 season. Monangai should be held in all leagues this offseason. He's valued too high to buy low, but his long-term potential is far too encouraging to sell after just one season in the league. The only scenario where managers might want to consider buying Monangai at his current cost is if they already have Swift on their roster and want his handcuff.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Daniels' Suppressed Dynasty Value Makes Him a Buy-Low Candidate
Following a historically great rookie season in 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels went into Year 2 firmly in the conversation for both Dynasty QB1 and the first overall pick in Superflex startups. Following an injury-plagued sophomore season, Daniels is now being drafted around the 1/2-turn in 2026 startups. While his long-term durability becomes an unavoidable concern after missing time with three separate injuries (knee, hamstring, elbow), his fantasy upside is still rare, making him an obvious buy-low candidate for risk-averse managers. His 891 rushing yards as a rookie were the ninth-highest single-season output by a quarterback in NFL history, joining Lamar Jackson and Randall Cunningham as the only players to rush for more than 850 yards while topping 3,000 passing yards.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zay Flowers an Early Free Agency Winner
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers quietly finished 2025 with a career-high 1,211 receiving yards, largely on the strength of three monster 120+ yard performances littered throughout the season. Now, with the Ravens welcoming a new coaching staff for 2026, Flowers is in a position to become the clear focal point of Baltimore's passing offense. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle arrived in Baltimore from Ben Johnson's coaching tree, noting the importance of explosive plays, and then in the opening week of free agency, the team said goodbye to two of its more explosive playmakers in Isaiah Likely and Keaton Mitchell. Heading into the NFL draft, Flowers' biggest competition for targets is the soon-to-be-31-year-old Mark Andrews and sixth-year wideout Rashod Bateman, who has yet to top the 46 receptions from his rookie year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can a Healthy Joe Burrow Challenge for QB1?
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow missed nine games in 2025 with a Grade 3 turf toe injury that required in-season surgery. It was the second time in the last three years, and the third time in his career, that he missed significant time due to injury. When healthy, Burrow is among the most gifted quarterbacks in the league, and playing with a supporting cast of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will always have him in position to put up huge fantasy numbers, however, his 226 passing yards per game in 2025 marked a career low, and his 2.1 touchdowns per contest were down significantly from his 43-score season the year prior. It bears noting that Burrow's performance after returning from injury more closely resembled his MVP-candidate form, topping 23 fantasy points in five of his final six outings, with one forgettable performance against Baltimore.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Amon-Ra St. Brown the Safest Pick in Fantasy?
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has been the model of consistency since his late-season rookie breakout in 2021. He has topped 100 receptions and 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons, while scoring double-digit touchdowns over the past three, finishing as the WR3 for three straight years. Putting to rest any fears that the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson might negatively affect his fantasy impact, St. Brown finished 2025 with 117 receptions for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns, his second-highest career totals across all categories. He is currently being valued as the WR5 in dynasty startups and going in the back half of the first round in best ball drafts, suggesting he's still being undervalued despite his steadfast consistency.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Xavier Worthy's Dynasty Value Continues to Tumble
Valued as high as a dynasty WR2 through the early weeks of the 2025 season, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy is now being drafted as a low-end WR4 in dynasty startups. After setting the NFL Combine record with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash and being drafted in the first round to a Chiefs team in need of playmakers, Worthy was viewed through the lens of unlimited upside despite some holes in his college film. Through two years in his league, his usage and production have not matched those lofty expectations, as he has most often found himself playing near the line of scrimmage, where both Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice dominate target share. With Rice facing potential legal issues heading into 2026, Worthy could again see his value spike, though dynasty managers should again take caution in overvaluing his surrounding narrative at the expense of what he's shown through his first 31 games.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Walker Could Be an Undervalued Source of Saves Heading into 2026
After notching 10 saves and a 1.91 ERA across 76 appearances in 2024, San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Ryan Walker entered 2025 as the team's primary ninth-inning option. While Walker collected 17 more saves in 2025, he struggled to a 4.11 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP, and eventually lost his job to emergent Giants right-hander Randy Rodriguez (elbow). However, Rodriguez underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in late August 2025, opening the door for Walker to reclaim his ninth-inning role. Entering 2026, Walker is expected to get the first shot as San Francisco's primary closer. While the Giants have other quality relief options like left-hander Erik Miller, there is no clear option to replace Walker even if he encounters some early-season struggles. Walker has sleeper potential if he can rediscover his 2024 form, but his profile is not without significant downside risk for fantasy managers entering 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Eury Perez Breakout as a Fantasy SP1 in 2026?
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2024, Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez did not make it back to the big league mound until June 2025. Upon his return, the 22-year-old posted a 7-6 record with a 4.25 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 105 strikeouts across 95 1/3 innings (20 starts). While Perez's 4.25 ERA stands out as less than ideal, he posted an excellent 19% K-BB rate and was victimized by a 64% strand rate that is likely to regress. Perez is reportedly fully healthy heading into 2026 and is expected to anchor the Marlins rotation. Perez has been a bit wild so far this spring, issuing a 17.9% walk rate across his three Grapefruit League appearances. Still, his health is more important than his performance in the small sample size of Spring Training. As long as he can avoid the injury bug, Perez has a fantasy SP1 upside in 2026 and beyond.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cole Ragans Could Re-Emerge as a Fantasy Ace in 2026
After breaking out as a fantasy ace in 2024, Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans battled through injuries and underperformance in an underwhelming follow-up campaign in 2025. Across 61 2/3 innings (13 starts), the 28-year-old went 3-3 with a 4.67 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 98 strikeouts. Ragans spent time on the Injured List with two separate groin strains and also dealt with a rotator cuff issue. However, Ragans is reportedly back to full strength heading into 2026 and could be in line for a resurgent season. Even in a down year, Ragans still posted a ridiculous 38.1% strikeout rate in 2025. His outlier 64.4% strand rate indicates that his inflated 4.67 ERA in 2025 was a symptom of poor luck, as he logged an excellent 2.67 xERA and 2.50 FIP. As long as Ragans can stay healthy, he could easily re-emerge as a fantasy SP1 in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Andrei Iosivas Overshadowed by Two Stud Receivers in Cincy
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas is an underrated NFL wideout who would probably be much more fantasy relevant if he were on another team. But in Cincinnati, he's a forgotten man behind one of the best WR duos in the league in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The 26-year-old former sixth-round selection by Cincy in 2023 out of Princeton was fourth on the team last year with 435 receiving yards in 17 games (nine starts). Iosivas caught 33 of his 58 targets for just two touchdowns. In 2024, he had a career-best 479 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 36 receptions. It didn't help his cause in 2025 that quarterback Joe Burrow missed eight games with a toe injury. The Bengals' third receiver will go undrafted in 12-team fantasy leagues this fall, but an injury to Chase or Higgins would make Iosivas an interesting waiver-wire pickup. He finished his third year in the NFL as the No. 70 overall receiver in half-PPR scoring, averaging just 4.9 fantasy points per game.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Is Jose Ramirez Worth a Top-Five Pick in 2026 Drafts?
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez has been one of the better players in baseball for the better part of the last 10 years. He posted another excellent season in 2025, hitting .282/.360/.503 with 30 home runs, 85 RBI, 103 runs scored, and 44 stolen bases across 673 plate appearances. Ramirez has logged at least 630 plate appearances in five consecutive seasons and has now recorded back-to-back campaigns with at least 30 home runs and 40 stolen bases. He has not recorded a strikeout rate higher than 12% since 2021, providing him with a safe batting average floor as well. If there's one flaw in Ramirez's profile, it's that he does not make consistently elite contact. With a 7% barrel rate and a 37% hard-hit rate in 2025, Ramirez's underlying power metrics are below-average. Still, the 33-year-old has a proven track record of maxing out his skill set. Ramirez remains an elite third base option who should be selected in the early part of the first round in fantasy drafts heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Wright a Handcuff Option With Upside Going into Year 3
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright only appeared in 10 games (one start) in his second year in the NFL with the Dolphins in 2025, carrying the ball a career-high 70 times for 288 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and two touchdowns on the ground. He added five catches on nine targets for 44 yards through the air. The 22-year-old fourth-rounder in 2024 out of Tennessee stands at 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds. Wright has plenty of game-changing speed to break big plays, but the problem is his volume will likely continue to remain limited in Miami's backfield behind do-it-all back De'Von Achane. The Dolphins will have a new offensive system under new head coach Jeff Hafley and with new quarterback Malik Willis in 2026, but with Achane still expected to see the lion's share of snaps and touches, Wright won't be much more than an upside handcuff option for those who draft Achane early. In addition to fighting for touches with Achane, the Dolphins also have second-year back Ollie Gordon II. In his two years, Wright has only had 537 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground on 138 rushing attempts.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jeremy Pena "Feeling Good," Still Thinks He Can Be Ready for Opening Day
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (finger) is "feeling good" and returning by Opening Day remains his goal, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Pena suffered a fracture in the tip of his right ring finger while fielding a ground ball in a WBC exhibition game for Team Dominican Republic earlier this spring. The 28-year-old is coming off the best season of his MLB career, as he slashed .304/.363/.477 with 17 home runs, 62 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases across 543 plate appearances with Houston in 2025. Once healthy, Pena profiles as a max-volume regular at the top of the Astros lineup. Should he end up missing the start of 2026, Astros third baseman Carlos Correa could shift back to his natural position of shortstop, keeping glove-first infielder Nick Allen in a bench role.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Tyjae Spears Figures to be in Backup Pass-Catching Role Again in 2026
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears had a career-low 283 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 72 carries in 13 games (one start) in 2025 in his third year in the league. Despite the disappointing performance on the ground, Spears did contribute as a pass-catcher, hauling in 45 of his 50 targets for 264 yards through the air. The 24-year-old former third-round pick (81st overall) by the Titans in 2023 out of Tulane was just inside the top-50 RBs in half-PPR scoring, and he ranked 10th among all RBs with his 45 receptions despite playing in only 13 games. The Titans haven't made any additions to their RB room so far this offseason, but Spears remains behind lead back Tony Pollard for early-down touches. Tennessee may address its backfield in the upcoming NFL draft, which could add additional competition for touches. At best, the fourth-year back will continue to be in a third-down, passing-catching role for the Titans, making him a late-round PPR flier for his abilities as a receiver out of the backfield.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tyler Shough Looking to Build on Encouraging Close to 2025
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough took over as his team's starter in Week 8 of his rookie campaign. The 26-year-old went 5-4 as a starter and finished the year with 2,384 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions across 11 games played. Shough showed some ability to make plays with his legs as well, collecting 186 rushing yards and three rushing scores on 45 attempts. While Shough's numbers don't necessarily jump off the page, he finished the year on a high note. Over his last four games played, Shough recorded 1,172 passing yards and five touchdowns while throwing just one interception. He's locked in as the Saints QB1 heading into 2026, and could establish himself as the team's long-term answer at the position with a strong sophomore season. Shough profiles as a solid QB2 in superflex formats heading into 2026 and carries some upside in dynasty leagues as well.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Karl-Anthony Towns Rejoins Knicks Lineup Sunday
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) will rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. He didn't play in Friday's matchup with Indiana due to knee soreness, but the Knicks haven't listed him on the injury report for Sunday's game. Mitchell Robinson made a massive impact as a starter on Friday night, finishing with 12 points, 22 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. He will return to a reserve role on Sunday, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to repeat his effort from Friday's game. In the teams' earlier meeting this season, Towns racked up 17 points and 20 boards, and with the Warriors set to play without Draymond Green (back), Al Horford (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), he might be in for another dominant outing.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Marcelo Mayer Scratched With Left-Knee Soreness
Boston Red Sox infielder Marcelo Mayer (knee) was scratched from the lineup ahead of Sunday's Grapefruit League contest against the Minnesota Twins. According to Christopher Smith of MassLive.com, Mayer is experiencing left knee soreness. While it's hard to gauge the severity of injuries from a potentially precautionary lineup change in spring training, this situation requires extra attention because of Mayer's injury history. He's had four significant injured list stints in the last three years, including a months-long absence that sidelined him from July 2025 through the end of the regular season. The former first-round pick has been competing for a spot on Boston's Opening Day roster, with manager Alex Cora publicly acknowledging Mayer isn't a lock to make the team. A knee injury certainly won't help his chances, especially if it's significant enough to sideline him for multiple games. At this point, it's looking more likely that Isiah Kiner-Falefa could be the Red Sox' Opening Day second baseman with Mayer and Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) injured.
Source: Christopher Smith
Source: Christopher Smith
Zach Neto's Tests Come Back Negative, Dealing With Sprained Hand
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (hand) has been diagnosed with a small sprain in his left hand, according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. Fletcher reports that tests came back negative on Neto's hand, which means he avoided a fracture, and he expects to return to the Halos' lineup within a few days. All in all, this is good news for the Angels and Neto, as it appears the 25-year-old infielder avoided a serious injury. He should be good to go for Opening Day, which is less than two weeks away. Having Neto healthy is pivotal for the Angels and fantasy managers, as he was a prime contributor last year with a .257/.319/.474 slash line, 26 home runs, and 116 wRC+. He currently ranks #4 among shortstops in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for the 2026 season.
Source: Jeff Fletcher
Source: Jeff Fletcher
Ausar Thompson Returns to Action Sunday
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (ankle) has been cleared to return to the lineup on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. He has missed five games due to a right ankle injury. Detroit has used Marcus Sasser as Thompson's replacement in the starting unit, and he is poised to drop back to the bench. As a reserve, Sasser doesn't have any fantasy value, averaging 4.8 points and 1.8 assists off the bench this season. Thompson is having a career year with the Pistons, posting 10.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Emmett Johnson Could Develop into a Three-Down Workhorse in the NFL
University of Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson dominated college competition as a redshirt junior in 2025, collecting 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 251 carries across 12 games. Johnson contributed as a receiver out of the backfield as well, hauling in 46 receptions for 370 yards and three scores. Despite the standout college production, Johnson is not considered to be an elite NFL athlete at the running back position, limiting his high-end upside. Still, Johnson should come off the board on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft and has a chance to make an impact in an NFL backfield right away as a rookie. If Johnson can overcome some of his athleticism concerns, he has the well-rounded skill profile to become a three-down workhorse at the next level. While he's unlikely to take over as a team's lead rusher in the short term, Johnson could be worth targeting for dynasty managers in 2026. RotoBaller currently ranks Johnson as the RB44 in dynasty formats, right between fellow 2026 draft prospect Jonah Coleman and veteran Minnesota Vikings back Aaron Jones Sr.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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