February 3, 2026
Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz scored his third career hat trick and added an assist in Monday's 6-2 triumph over the Vancouver Canucks. Schmaltz became Utah's second player this season with multiple hat tricks, producing his team's fifth hat trick in total. Only Edmonton (6) has had more hat tricks this season. Schmaltz has been in good goal-scoring form all season and now needs just two more markers for a new career-high. He has lit the lamp 22 times in 56 outings, adding 29 assists. This season, Schmaltz is also poised to break his scoring record of 63 points from last year.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 3, 2026
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi finished Monday's 6-5 victory over the St. Louis Blues with four assists. The Predators captain registered a power-play assist in the first period and added three more during even-strength play when Nashville turned a 5-1 deficit into a win. This was Josi's fourth career four-assist game, tying Victor Hedman, Morgan Rielly, and Quinn Hughes for the most among active defensemen. After putting health issues behind him, Josi is having a good campaign in Music City. In 43 outings, he has contributed 10 goals and 27 assists. Only nine blue-liners have averaged more points than Josi (0.86 per game).
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 3, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes recorded a hat trick of assists against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night, playing a key role in a 4-3 overtime win. Hughes set up a pair of even-strength goals in regulation and helped Kirill Kaprizov end the game on the power play in overtime. On Monday, Hughes matched Kaprizov's franchise record with a nine-game assist streak. It also ties a league record for the longest assist streak by a defenseman in their first season with a franchise. Playing in his 484th career game, Hughes reached 400 assists with his final helper. Only the legendary Bobby Orr (437 games) and Paul Coffey (464 games) have reached 400 assists with fewer games among defensemen. Hughes is truly a special player, and he's had an incredible start in Minnesota, posting 32 points (three goals, 29 assists) in 25 outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
February 3, 2026
Vancouver Canucks center Filip Chytil (undisclosed) didn't play in the third period of Monday's 6-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth. Canucks head coach Adam Foote told reporters after the game that Chytil "tweaked something." Chytil has a history of concussions, which makes it concerning that he was forced off the ice. He made only his 12th appearance of the season and had a rough outing, going minus-three in 7:36 of action. Chytil has scored three goals on 24 shots but has no assists. Aatu Raty is set to return to the lineup if Chytil isn't unavailable for Wednesday's tilt against the Vegas Golden Knights.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 3, 2026
Minnesota Wild defenseman Daemon Hunt (upper body) was limited to three shifts and 1:52 of ice time in Monday's 4-3 overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens. He took a high stick to the neck from Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov. Fortunately, Hunt appears to have avoided a serious injury. According to Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News, Wild head coach John Hynes expects Hunt to be fine. Minnesota has one more game scheduled before the Olympic break, facing the Nashville Predators on Wednesday. Hunt has recently impressed on the Wild defense, covering for injured veterans Jonas Brodin (lower body) and Zach Bogosian (lower body). The latter was able to return from a 13-game absence on Monday, bumping David Jiricek from the lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dylan Loucks
February 3, 2026
Buffalo Sabres left wing Zach Benson (upper body) couldn't finish Monday's win over the Florida Panthers, leaving him questionable for Tuesday's tilt versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. "(He's) just being evaluated," Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said postgame. "Couldn't finish the game. We'll see where he's at tomorrow." Benson scored Buffalo's third goal of the night. He appeared to have injured his left shoulder after crashing into the boards when he was tripped during a breakaway. Benson has accompanied Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch on the first line, while averaging 2:14 of power-play time. Josh Doan may move up in the lineup if Benson can't play on Tuesday.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
February 3, 2026
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (upper body) played only a handful of minutes in Monday's 5-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He suffered an upper-body injury, and there was no update on Bennett after the game. The Panthers were already without Brad Marchand (undisclosed) and Anton Lundell (upper body) on Monday night. With the team lacking quality options up front, Sam Reinhart, Evan Rodrigues, Matthew Tkachuk, and Carter Verhaeghe all played heavy minutes in Monday's loss. While Brad Marchand (undisclosed) and Anton Lundell (upper body) could be available for Wednesday's game against Boston, it's unclear whether Bennett can play.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
February 3, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) may exit the lineup again on Tuesday, as the team has listed him as questionable for the first leg of a back-to-back against the Orlando Magic. Hartenstein has just made his first appearances of 2026 after missing time with a calf injury. He has seen only limited action, and it's safe to assume the seven-footer won't play in both games of the upcoming back-to-back. It may be the same for
Chet Holmgren (back) and
Jaylin Williams (shoulder), who are also listed as questionable on the injury report. The Thunder might lean more on smaller lineups against Orlando, with
Aaron Wiggins potentially returning to the starting lineup.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
Chet Holmgren (back) is questionable to play on Tuesday night against the Orlando Magic. The defending champions begin a back-to-back set, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Holmgren sit out Tuesday's action, so he can be fresh for Wednesday's tilt against
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) and
Jaylin Williams (shoulder) are also listed as questionable on the injury report. If the regular frontcourt contributors don't suit up on Tuesday,
Kenrich Williams and
Branden Carlson will absorb additional minutes, and the Thunder could utilize smaller lineups more often.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Miami Heat guard/forward
Norman Powell (personal) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks. He exited the lineup last week for personal reasons and could be out for a third consecutive game on Tuesday.
Myron Gardner and
Simone Fontecchio have each picked up one start during Powell's absence. Meanwhile, with
Tyler Herro (ribs) being unavailable as well,
Pelle Larsson has stood out offensively, scoring 42 points across the last two games. Without Powell,
Bam Adebayo also has a larger role on offense.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Miami Heat guard
Tyler Herro (ribs) is not ready to return to action and will miss an 11th straight game on Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks. Herro is dealing with a costochondral injury to his ribs, and there haven't been any updates on him since he departed the lineup in mid-January. Fortunately for Miami,
Davion Mitchell was back in the lineup on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls, giving the backcourt a slight boost. Pelle Larrson has enjoyed a regular starting role during Herro's absence, producing back-to-back 20-point performances. He does plenty of work in other areas as well, making Larsson an attractive fantasy target.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (personal) will rejoin the action on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Brooklyn's leading scorer missed a pair of games late last week for personal reasons, but the team has removed him from the injury report ahead of Tuesday's game.
Danny Wolf has enjoyed a stint as a starter, but he will likely return to the second unit on Tuesday, with
Noah Clowney (back) also expected to play. In his last outing, Porter Jr. had a special 38-point performance against his former team, the Denver Nuggets. He is averaging a career-high 25.8 points for the season, adding 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Jalen Green (hamstring, hip) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. After battling a hamstring injury throughout the campaign, Green also sustained a left hip contusion last week and could be out for a second consecutive game. With
Devin Booker (ankle) also out of commission,
Dillon Brooks and
Grayson Allen led the offense in Sunday's defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 45 of the team's 93 points. The backcourt injuries also allow
Collin Gillespie and
Jordan Goodwin to figure more prominently in the rotation.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Devin Booker (ankle) will remain sidelined on Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers. He will miss a sixth consecutive game but could be an option later this week.
Dillon Brooks has been on a scoring tear during Booker's absence, with
Grayson Allen also benefiting from more offensive touches. At the same time,
Jordan Goodwin should maintain a significant role, particularly if
Jalen Green (hamstring, hip) is unable to return. The team has listed Green as questionable for Tuesday night.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Portland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (back) is considered doubtful for Tuesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Portland's breakout star has battled a back issue recently, missing three of the last five games. On Tuesday night, Avdija could be absent for a second consecutive contest.
Jerami Grant was back among the starters on Sunday against Cleveland and looks set to remain in the first unit if Avdija doesn't return. Although Grant settled for 15 points on Sunday night, he has averaged 21.5 points per game as a starter across the season, along with 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
--Taavi PailkSource: NBA Injury Report
February 3, 2026
Chicago White Sox left-handed pitching prospect
Hagen Smith could push for an early-season ticket to Triple-A. Smith is currently ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the system and the No. 88 overall prospect on MLB.com. Smith made his professional debut in 2024 following the 2024 MLB Draft, where he was selected with the fifth overall pick out of Arkansas. During this brief 7 2/3-inning stint, Smith posted a 3.52 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP. In 2025, the southpaw spent his entire campaign with Double-A Birmingham. During this stint, Smith logged 75 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.57 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. While he allowed a high 56 walks. He showed high-end strikeout potential, totaling 108. If Smith can improve his command in camp, he could be in the mix to join Triple-A early in 2026, opening the door for a second-half MLB debut.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 3, 2026
Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitcher
Parker Messick is a name to monitor during spring training. Messick made his MLB debut last season and looked quite comfortable at the MLB level. Across his first 39 2/3 innings in Cleveland, Messick held a 2.72 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. He struck out 38 batters while generating an elite 3.6% walk rate and a 29.8% hard-hit rate. He spent the majority of his campaign with Triple-A Columbus. Through 98 2/3 innings with the Clippers, Messick posted a 3.47 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. During this stretch, the southpaw racked up 119 punchouts with 42 free passes. Currently, Messick is expected to compete for the No. 5 role in camp alongside
Joey Cantillo and
Slade Cecconi. While Messick may not have the same track record, he has shown significant upside in the minors and is worth closely monitoring in spring training.
--Andy SmithSource: RotoBaller
February 3, 2026
Washington Nationals first base prospect
Yohandy Morales is expected to compete for the starting first base job during spring training. Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reported that a mix of Matt Merivis,
Andres Chaparro,
Trey Lipscomb, and Morales is expected to compete for the lead role at first base. Morales began the season with Double-A but was able to spend the majority of the campaign with Triple-A. Across 33 games at Double-A, Morales posted a .315/.366/.520 slash line with 120 doubles, four home runs, and two stolen bases. At Triple-A, the team's No. 21-ranked prospect held a lower .241/.330/.401 slash line with a modest .731 OPS. Managers in deeper formats should keep an eye on Morales's progression as he could crack the Opening Day roster.
--Andy SmithSource: Jessica Camerato
February 3, 2026
Washington Nationals catching prospect
Harry Ford is expected to compete alongside
Keibert Ruiz for the starting catcher role in spring training. The Nationals acquired Ford from the Mariners earlier this offseason. Ford is currently viewed as the No. 42-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com and one of the top young backstops. Last summer, Ruiz struggled at the plate, holding a modest .247/.277/.318 slash line across a short 68-game stint. Ford spent the majority of the campaign with Triple-A Tacoma, where he carried a .283/.408/.460 slash line with 18 doubles, 16 home runs, and seven stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate, posting an 88:74 K:BB. Even though Ford has only eight games of MLB experience, he is in serious consideration to see the majority of time behind the dish in D.C. He is a name to closely monitor in camp, as he would carry high-end sleeper appeal in two-catcher leagues.
--Andy SmithSource: Jessica Camerato
February 3, 2026
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell has said that budding prospect
Moises Ballesteros is expected to see opportunities behind the plate during camp. Ballesteros progressed through the minor leagues as a primary catcher but is expected to shift to a designated hitter role with the Cubs in 2026 and with the potential to see occasional starts at backstop. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reported that, currently,
Carson Kelly and
Miguel Amaya are ahead of Ballesteros on the catching depth chart and that the DH spot is his best path for consistent at-bats early in 2026. However, Bastian noted the team has seen Ballesteros make strides defensively, but there is still "more development to go." Ballesteros spent most of the 2025 campaign with Triple-A Iowa, where he hit .316/.385/.473 line. While the young backstop will likely be in a primary DH role to begin the season, he could eventually carve out time behind the plate if his bat continues to produce at the MLB level. Given his potential to see nearly every day at-bats, he is a top breakout candidate at the catcher position.
--Andy SmithSource: Jordan Bastian
February 3, 2026
According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Chicago Cubs outfield prospect
Kevin Alcantara is expected to be in the mix for one of the final spots on the Opening Day roster. However, the outfielder does have one more minor league option, which could push him to Triple-A to begin the regular season. Bastian noted that the Cubs currently need a fourth outfielder, and Alcantara should "push" for that role. Last summer, the 23-year-old appeared in just 10 MLB games and held a .364/.417/.364 line. He spent the majority of his season at the Triple-A level, where he posted a solid .266/.349/.470 with 26 doubles, 17 long balls, and 10 stolen bases. While Alcantara will not win a starting job out of camp, he could carve out a depth role, making him a name to watch in deeper NL-only formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Jordan Bastian
February 3, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers prized outfield signing
Kyle Tucker remains a top-tier fantasy baseball option heading into the 2026 season. Tucker inked a four-year deal with the Dodgers after a season in Chicago, bringing even more firepower to a World Series-winning roster. The 29-year-old had a "down" year by his standards in 2025, but he still slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 22 stolen bases, a 14.6% walk rate, and a 14.7% strikeout rate. His ISO dipped below .200 for the first time since his rookie season, but he still contributed a whopping 136 wRC+. Meanwhile, he posted at least 4.2 fWAR for the fifth year in a row. As a Dodger, Tucker will have extreme protection in the lineup with less weight on his shoulders. He projects to bat second or third, and he will play right field on an everyday basis. As it stands, he ranks as the #5 outfielder and #8 hitter in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 3, 2026
New York Yankees starting pitcher
Max Fried had a spectacular 2025 season, his first in the Bronx. He maintained an impressive 2.86 ERA and 3.07 FIP across 32 starts (195.1 innings), going 19-5 with 4.8 fWAR. He posted 8.7 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, and 0.7 HR/9, offering effectiveness atop the Yankees' rotation. He'll remain their No. 1 option as the 2026 regular season gets underway, and his health should not go underappreciated with
Gerrit Cole (elbow) and
Carlos Rodon (elbow) sidelined for Opening Day. FanGraphs has projected that Fried will finish the 2026 season with a 3.35 ERA and 3.9 fWAR. As it currently stands, he ranks as the overall #13 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 3, 2026
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher
Will Smith has produced positive fWAR as a hitter and fielder every season throughout his career, and he remains a top fantasy baseball threat in 2026. Smith is coming off the best year of his career, slashing .296/.404/.497 with 17 home runs and a career-high 153 wRC+. His strikeout rate jumped to 20.4%, but he also posted a career-best 14.7% walk rate. Behind the dish, he contributed -8 FRV but 1.6 fWAR. Between hitting and fielding combined, he produced 4.1 fWAR. That ranked third-highest on the Dodgers, trailing only
Shohei Ohtani and
Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Now that the Dodgers are armed with
Kyle Tucker, and Smith is a prime candidate for slight regression, FanGraphs is projecting the veteran backstop for 3.3 fWAR in 2026. That ranks sixth-highest on the team but is still an incredible mark, especially for a catcher. He is the #8 backstop in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball draft rankings for 2026.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 3, 2026
Baltimore Orioles outfielder
Taylor Ward is coming off the best power surge of his career, and he'll look to keep the home runs coming at a new home ballpark. Ward was dealt from the Angels to the Orioles during the offseason, and he'll now get to play half of his games at Camden Yards, one of the friendliest environments for power-hitting right-handers. 33 of Ward's 36 home runs last season would have left Oriole Park; only five other ballparks in MLB would have produced more favorable results for the veteran left fielder. While he did drop closer to the Mendoza line with a .228/.317/.475 slash line, Ward solidified himself as a very strong power threat while still posting an 11.3% walk rate and 117 wRC+. The biggest concern about Ward's game was his strikeout rate (26.4%), but that's a natural side effect of tapping into more power. He currently ranks as the #40 outfielder in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 3, 2026
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Robbie Ray was healthy in 2025 after being limited to just seven starts the year prior. He made 32 appearances in the Giants' rotation, pitching to an 11-8 record with a 3.65 ERA and 3.93 FIP. He continued to flash impressive control with 9.18 K/9 and 3.60 BB/9, but he was only moderately effective when limiting loud contact. Ray's four-pitch mix is headlined by a low-to-mid-90s fastball with its Stuff+ grading out at 106, according to FanGraphs' model. However, the model grades his slider, changeup, and knuckle curve as well below-average. The veteran hurler won't light up the radar gun or rack up strikeouts at an absurd rate, but he gives the Giants innings while keeping walks and loud contact at a reasonable clip. Staying healthy all season long will be key to Ray having a good season, especially after he failed to do so in 2023 and 2024. He currently ranks as the #40 starting pitcher in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 2, 2026
Green Bay Packers running back
Josh Jacobs had 13 rushing touchdowns in 15 regular-season starts, but a knee injury he suffered in Week 11 against the New York Giants hampered him the rest of the way and made him a disappointment when fantasy managers needed him the most. The 27-year-old had 929 rushing yards on 234 carries and added 36 catches for 282 yards and another score on 44 targets. Jacobs didn't have a single 100-yard rushing performance and finished under 1,000 yards for only the third time in his seven-year NFL career. The three-time Pro Bowler was the RB12 in half-PPR scoring, and his 234 carries ranked 16th among all RBs. Jacobs has double-digit rushing touchdowns in four of his seven seasons and will be Green Bay's RB1 again in 2026. The volume should be there if he's healthy, but fantasy managers should target Jacobs as more of an RB2 than an RB1.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 2, 2026
Minnesota Vikings running back
Jordan Mason had a career-high 159 rushing attempts for 758 yards (career-low 4.8 yards per carry) and a career-high six rushing touchdowns in 16 games (five starts) in 2025 in his first year with the team. The 26-year-old added a career-best 14 receptions on 16 targets for 51 yards through the air. He'll be under contract with the Vikes again in 2026 after signing a two-year, $10.5 million deal in March of last year. Mason's fantasy ceiling was capped while working in a timeshare with
Aaron Jones, who is also under contract through next season, and he finished as the RB34 in half-PPR scoring while averaging only 7.7 fantasy points per game. In what should be a similar role in 2026, Mason will be an RB3/flex target later in fantasy football drafts as the power back for Minnesota. Those who roster the oft-injured Jones would be wise to handcuff him to Mason.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
February 2, 2026
Seattle Mariners right-handed closer
Andres Munoz has established himself as a high-end closing option for fantasy managers after posting a 1.92 ERA (2.88 FIP), 0.99 WHIP, 60 saves, 160 strikeouts, and 54 walks in 121 2/3 innings for the Mariners in the last two seasons. The 27-year-old Mexican reliever had career highs in ERA (1.73) and saves (38) last year while also striking out 83 batters and posting a strong 1.03 WHIP in 62 1/3 frames. Munoz's 88.4% team save share was second-best among closers in 2025. He's no stranger to injuries, but Munoz has been an All-Star the last two years while staying healthy. His slider is one of the nastiest pitches in the league among relievers. For a Mariners team that should be in contention again in 2026. Munoz has high-end fantasy upside, although walks could be an issue. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 4 fantasy closer.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
February 2, 2026
Even though Atlanta Braves outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. has played in over 100 games just four times in his eight big-league seasons, which includes two torn ACLs, he's a top-10 overall fantasy player at RotoBaller heading into the 2026 campaign. The five-time All-Star, former Rookie of the Year, and MVP has league-winning upside when healthy, but he's also among the biggest first-round risks because of his lengthy injury history. Acuna played in only 95 games in 2025, slashing .290/.417/.518 with a .935 OPS, 21 home runs, 42 RBI, 74 runs scored, and nine steals in 412 plate appearances. It was a bit worrisome that he had only nine stolen bases after recording 73 in his last full season in 2023, but he should run more another year removed from knee reconstruction. On the bright side, Acuna is still on the right side of 30 and can do things that most other ballplayers can't. He's a five-category contributor that will be hard to pass up in the first round of fantasy baseball drafts.
--Keith HernandezSource: Baseball Reference
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