March 20, 2026
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher
Grayson Rodriguez (arm) played "light catch" on Friday, per Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group. Fletcher also reports that Rodriguez said he's not worried about a major injury, although it's still to be determined whether or not the 26-year-old will open the season on the Injured List. Injury troubles are nothing new for Rodriguez, who missed the entirety of 2025 due to an elbow issue. Rodriguez has shown he can be a productive pitcher when healthy, as he posted a 13-4 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 130 strikeouts across 116 2/3 innings (20 starts) in 2024. It's also a good sign that Rodriguez has not been shut down from throwing at this point. However, Rodriguez's track record of poor health, combined with his current arm troubles, makes it difficult for fantasy managers to trust him heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: SoCal News Group - Jeff Fletcher
March 20, 2026
Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan suspects that tight end
Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) will be ready for the offseason program, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. Morgan said the third-year tight end is looking good in his rehab. Sanders suffered a broken right fibula in the Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was placed on Injured Reserve shortly after that. The 22-year-old has made good progress in the offseason, though, so barring a setback, he should be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season this fall. Sanders had only 29 catches on 34 targets for 190 yards and one touchdown in his second year in the league for the Panthers. Going into next season, even if fully healthy, Sanders projects as a TE2, at best, in fantasy football. He'll face competition for targets at the TE position with
Tommy Tremble, who caught 27 of his 37 targets for 249 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in 2025.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
March 20, 2026
The Washington Nationals optioned outfielder
Dylan Crews to Triple-A Rochester on Friday, per Mark Zuckerman of Nats Journal. Barring an injury, it appears as though the 24-year-old former top prospect will open the 2026 season in the Minors. Crews struggled mightily across 322 plate appearances with the Nationals in 2025, slashing .208/280/.352 with 10 home runs, 27 RBI, 43 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases. Still, his demotion comes as a surprise, as Crews is widely considered to be one of the team's building blocks for the future as they enter another rebuilding season. Zuckerman points to Crews' spring troubles as fuel for this decision. Across 34 Grapefruit League plate appearances, Crews had recorded just three hits, none of which went for extra bases. While Crews could easily hit his way back to the big leagues with a few weeks of strong production at Triple-A, his fantasy outlook heading into 2026 has now been thrown into question.
--Will BradySource: Nats Journal - Mark Zuckerman
March 20, 2026
Seattle Mariners catcher
Cal Raleigh had one of the all-time great offensive seasons by a backstop in 2025, slashing .247/.359/.589 with 60 home runs, 125 RBI, 114 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases across 705 plate appearances. With a career 15.4% barrel rate and 153 career home runs to his name across 623 total MLB games, Raleigh's ability to hit for power is not up for debate. He also lowered his strikeout rate to a career-best 26.7% in 2025, which could help his batting average in 2026 stay closer to his 2025 mark than his career average of .226. While Seattle will deploy Raleigh at designated hitter on days when he needs a break from catching, it may be difficult for him to reach 700 plate appearances for the second straight year. However, even if his counting stats regress across the board, Raleigh still projects as the number one catcher in fantasy baseball by a significant margin. Managers will have to pay a steep price in drafts to get Raleigh on their teams, but his upside relative to his positional peers may make him worth it.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 20, 2026
Cleveland Browns running back
Quinshon Judkins (ankle) quickly established himself as a workhorse in his rookie campaign in 2025, racking up 998 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 256 touches across 14 games. Judkins' season came to a premature end after he suffered a gruesome dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in Week 16. However, the 22-year-old is already out of his walking boot and is expected to be full-go by training camp. Barring a draft-day addition, Judkins looks like the clear RB1 in Cleveland heading into 2026. The Browns' unsettled quarterback situation means the ecosystem around Judkins in Cleveland will be less than ideal. Still, Judkins profiles as one of the lone playmakers at new head coach Todd Monken's disposal. If he can stay healthy, Judkins could easily surpass the 18.3 touches per game he averaged as a rookie in 2025. Judkins profiles as a borderline dynasty RB1 heading into his second NFL season.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 20, 2026
Los Angeles Angels outfielder
Josh Lowe (oblique) is starting in left field and will hit fifth in Friday's Cactus League game against the Chicago White Sox, according to Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register. It's the first time that Lowe will play the outfield since injuring his oblique. Lowe had been serving as the designated hitter to ease his way back into action, and he even hit a grand slam in a Cactus League game on Wednesday. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger looks to be just fine for Opening Day next week. Staying healthy has been an issue for Lowe in his five-year major-league career, playing in over 108 games just one time. He hit 20 home runs and stole 32 bases in his best season in 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays, but he has just 21 combined home runs in the last two seasons while battling various oblique injuries. If he can stay healthy, Lowe has clear 20-20 potential in his new home in Anaheim as he likely rotates between outfield and designated-hitter duties.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
March 20, 2026
After suffering a fractured collarbone in Week 2, Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jayden Reed spent most of the 2025 season on the shelf. The 25-year-old ultimately appeared in just seven games, hauling in 19 receptions for 207 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets. Despite the down year, Reed could be well-positioned for a breakout campaign in 2026. The Packers lost wide receiver
Romeo Doubs to the New England Patriots in free agency, and star tight end
Tucker Kraft (knee) is making his way back from a torn ACL. While Green Bay wideouts
Christian Watson and
Matthew Golden will still challenge Reed for targets in 2026, Reed may finally have a clear path to averaging six targets per game for the first time in his NFL career. Reed also brings some potential for fantasy production as a rusher, as he's logged 310 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries across his first three NFL seasons. Coming off an injury-plagued year, Reed could be an interesting buy-low candidate for dynasty managers heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 20, 2026
Undefeated contender Lerone Murphy will look to become the next title challenger when he takes on undefeated Movsar Evloev in the main event of UFC London on Saturday. Murphy comes into UFC London off the back of a knockout of the year contender over extremely dangerous Aaron Pico, knocking him out with a thunderous spinning back elbow. DraftKings sees Murphy as the underdog with a salary of $7,300. The winner of this fight is most likely going to be the next in line for a title shot.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 20, 2026
The Athletics optioned infielder
Zack Gelof to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday, according to the team. The A's will give Gelof a little more time to dial in his swing in the minors after he returned late to spring training this year after recovering from surgery to fix a dislocated right shoulder in the offseason. The 26-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of the University of Virginia hit .278 (5-for-18) in spring training with a double, RBI, five runs scored, three walks, and four strikeouts in six Cactus League games. Gelof appeared to be the second baseman of the future for the A's after his rookie season, but he led the league in strikeouts in 2024 and has struggled to stay healthy the last two years. In his three MLB seasons, Gelof has hit just .225/.287/.397 with a .684 OPS, 33 home runs, 88 RBI, 112 runs, and 40 stolen bases in 237 games. The A's aren't giving up on Gelof just yet, but he's going to need to prove it to regain playing time at the big-league level in 2026, and he must first stay healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: A's Communications
March 20, 2026
After injuries limited him to just eight games played in 2024, New Orleans Saints wide receiver
Chris Olave rebounded in a big way in 2025. The 25-year-old set career highs across the board by hauling in 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns on 156 targets across 16 contests. Olave also got some much-needed help from the quarterback position in the form of 2025 second-rounder
Tyler Shough, who emerged as the clear QB1 in New Orleans over the second half of the year. Olave's durability is a red flag in his dynasty profile, as he has an alarming history of concussions dating back to his college career at Ohio State. Still, he should be entering 2026 healthy and remains the clear number one pass-catcher in a Saints offense that currently has largely unproven wideouts
Devaughn Vele and
Mason Tipton penciled in as its WR2 and WR3. Particularly in PPR formats, Olave profiles as a borderline dynasty WR1 heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 20, 2026
Undefeated contender Movsar Evloev will look to extend his win streak when he takes on undefeated Lerone Murphy in the main event of UFC London on Saturday. Evloev has deserved a title shot for years now as he's overcome every challenge that's come his way. He was last seen competing back in December 2024 at UFC 310 where he defeated former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Evloev as the favorite with a salary of $8,900.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 20, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-hander
Mick Abel will make the team's Opening Day roster with right-hander
Zebby Matthews being sent to Triple-A St. Paul, according to Betsy Helfand of the Pioneer Press. Abel has won a starting rotation spot to begin the 2026 regular season over Matthews after posting a 1.35 ERA with a 0.75 WHIP, 17 strikeouts, and only one walk in 13 1/3 Grapefruit League innings over his four starts this spring. The 24-year-old took a 10-inning scoreless streak into his last outing. The former 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 made his big-league debut in 2025 and had a 6.23 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, and 39:16 K:BB in 39 innings over 10 outings (eight starts) with the Phillies and Twins. Abel has had concerning walk rates in the minors and in his first taste of the big leagues, so if he can clean that up like he has this spring, he will have a shot to stick at the back end of Minnesota's starting rotation. Abel's leash will be short in the big leagues, though, as he has minor-league options remaining.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
March 20, 2026
The Minnesota Twins optioned right-hander
Zebby Matthews to Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, according to Betsy Helfand of the Pioneer Press. Even with
Pablo Lopez (elbow) injured, Matthews won't make the team's Opening Day starting rotation, paving the way for right-hander
Mick Abel to make the team. The 25-year-old struggled again in 2025 in his second time in the big leagues, going 5-6 with a 5.56 ERA and 1.49 WHIP with 88 strikeouts and 24 walks in 79 1/3 innings over his 16 starts, but his underlying metrics painted a different picture. The former eighth-rounder looked great at St. Paul, posting a 1.72 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 47 strikeouts and only nine walks in 36 2/3 innings. Matthews has a wide range of fantasy outcomes in 2026, but for now, since he's starting in the minors, he's mainly just a stash candidate with plenty of upside in AL-only and dynasty/keeper leagues. Matthews should be Minnesota's first option for a call-up if a rotation arm is needed early this season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
March 20, 2026
New York Giants running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2024, recording 1,123 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 230 touches across 17 games. On paper, the 26-year-old backed up his rookie showing with a solid sophomore campaign in 2025, racking up 1,028 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 212 touches across 15 contests. However, Tracy Jr. lost his starting role early in the year to fellow Giants back
Cam Skattebo (ankle), and only got it back when Skattebo suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 8. Skattebo is expected to be fully recovered in time for the start of 2026, which will likely push Tracy Jr. into a complementary role. Additionally, the Giants have been linked to University of Notre Dame running back
Jeremiyah Love at the number five overall pick in the 2026 draft, which would completely change the current backfield dynamic in New York. Even if the Giants don't add a high-end running back talent in the draft, Tracy Jr. may be facing an uphill battle to get back to 200 touches in 2026. Barring a trade or an injury setback for Skattebo, Tracy Jr.'s dynasty value is trending in the wrong direction.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 20, 2026
Michael Aswell Jr. will look for his second UFC win when he takes on Luke Riley in the co-main event of UFC London on Saturday. Aswell Jr. was last seen in action in October at UFC Rio, where he got back in the win column by beating Lucas Almeida via first-round knockout. Prior to that, Aswell Jr. lost his UFC debut to Bolaji Oki via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Aswell Jr. as a big underdog with a salary of $7,100.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 20, 2026
Cleveland Guardians pitchers
Emmanuel Clase and
Luis L. Ortiz will shift to unpaid non-disciplinary leave, per an agreement between the league and the Players Association, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. Clase and Ortiz were previously being paid as they await trial for a pitch-rigging scheme. The two pitchers were put on non-disciplinary paid leave last July amid allegations of sports gambling. They were indicted last November and remain away from the team. There is no timetable for a resolution in the cases, with both pitchers pleading not guilty. The 28-year-old Clase was one of the best closers in baseball before the allegations surfaced, and he had 40-plus saves in three straight seasons for Cleveland from 2022 to 2024. He was up to 24 saves in 48 relief appearances last year before he was put on non-disciplinary leave. There's a good chance we won't see either pitcher appear in the big leagues again.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
March 20, 2026
Luke Riley will look to remain undefeated when he takes on Michael Aswell Jr. in the co-main event of UFC London on Saturday. Riley signed with the promotion after winning the first 11 fights of his career, eight by knockout. The 26-year-old Riley made his UFC debut in his last fight in November at UFC Qatar, where he defeated Bogdan Grad via second-round knockout. DraftKings sees Riley as a big favorite with a salary of $9,100.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 20, 2026
Across 17 games as a rookie in 2025, Tennessee Titans wide receiver
Chimere Dike recorded 48 receptions for 423 yards and four touchdowns on 74 targets. While Dike's numbers may not jump off the page, he finished first among Titans wideouts in catches, an impressive feat for a fourth-rounder in his first NFL season. However, Dike's role in the Tennessee offense may be in question heading into 2026. The Titans signed former New York Giants wideout
Wan'Dale Robinson to a lucrative four-year pact in free agency, pushing Dike down the depth chart in the slot. Tennessee also agreed to a contract restructure to retain veteran wide receiver
Calvin Ridley, who played in just seven games due to injury in 2025. Finally, the Titans will be employing a new offensive coaching staff in 2026 that carries no past loyalty to Dike. Dike's encouraging rookie campaign gives him some dynasty upside, but the 24-year-old's long-term outlook is a bit murkier after Tennessee's offseason moves.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 20, 2026
The Minnesota Twins announced on Friday that right-hander
Joe Ryan will be their Opening Day starter for next Thursday's game in Baltimore against the Orioles at Camden Yards. Ryan will get the nod after being named an All-Star for the first time in his career in 2025, when he went 13-10 for the Twins with a career-low 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP) and 1.03 WHIP with 194 strikeouts and 39 walks in 31 appearances (30 starts) over 171 innings. He had a back injury flare up in February, but he's fine now and is ready for the start of his sixth year in the big leagues. Despite not throwing very hard compared to most other pitchers in the big leagues nowadays, Ryan gets plenty of swing and misses and has posted a 27.6% career strikeout rate in his 641 1/3 innings pitched. When healthy, he has a high fantasy floor in a pitcher-friendly ballpark in Minnesota. RotoBaller has Ryan ranked as the No. 21 fantasy starting pitcher in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: Minnesota Twins
March 20, 2026
After a slow start to the 2025 season, Cincinnati Bengals running back
Chase Brown heated up in the second half and posted another year of quality production. Across 17 games, the 25-year-old recorded 1,456 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns on 301 touches. Like the rest of the Bengals' offense, some of Brown's success is tied to the health of Cincinnati quarterback
Joe Burrow. After Burrow's Week 13 return from the toe injury that cost him nine games, Brown hauled in 25 receptions on 26 targets, including three touchdown grabs. Heading into 2026, Brown appears poised to dominate backfield touches in Cincinnati again, and Burrow should be entering the year fully healthy. Brown's combination of age, role in an elite offense, and ability to rack up fantasy points as both a rusher and receiver makes him a high-end running back option in dynasty formats.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 20, 2026
Sam Patterson will look to extend his win streak when he faces off against Michael Page on the main card of UFC London on Saturday. Patterson made his UFC debut back in March 2023 at UFC 286, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Yanal Ashmouz. Since his loss to Ashmouz, Patterson has been on a tear, going 4-0 in his last four fights, winning all four in the first round. Patterson was last seen in action in September at UFC Paris, where he defeated Trey Waters via first-round TKO. DraftKings sees Patterson as the underdog with a salary of $7,600.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 20, 2026
Michael "Venom" Page will look for his third consecutive win when he takes on Sam Patterson on the main card of UFC London on Saturday. After fighting at middleweight in his last two fights, Page is scheduled to move back to welterweight for his bout with Patterson. Page was last seen in action in August at UFC 319, where he dominated former title challenger Jared Cannonier en route to a unanimous decision win. DraftKings sees Page as the favorite with a salary of $8,600.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 20, 2026
Minnesota Twins right-handed reliever
Liam Hendriks triggered an opt-out in his minor-league contract and was granted his release by the team on Friday, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Hendriks will be looking to latch on with another team before the start of the 2026 regular season next week. The 37-year-old Australian veteran will probably have to settle for another minor-league deal, though, and will most likely have to start the year in the minors as he tries to work his way back to the big leagues. Hendriks is in his 15th MLB season. He only appeared in 14 games out of the bullpen for the Boston Red Sox in 2025 due to elbow and hip injuries, and he missed the entire 2024 season as well. When he did pitch last year, he wasn't very effective, posting a 6.59 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 12 strikeouts and seven walks in 13 2/3 innings. The three-time All-Star doesn't appear to have much left in the tank and hasn't been able to stay healthy in recent years.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
March 20, 2026
Austen Lane will look to bounce back in the win column when he faces off against undefeated UFC prospect Iwo Baraniewski on the main card of UFC London on Saturday. After a rough UFC run at heavyweight, where he lost four out of his last five fights, Lane decided to move down to light heavyweight. Lane was last seen in action in July 2025 at UFC Nashville, where he suffered a first-round submission loss to Vitor Petrino. DraftKings sees Lane as a massive underdog with a salary of $6,700.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 20, 2026
Toronto Blue Jays left-hander
Eric Lauer "should once again move into the rotation" to begin the 2026 season now that right-hander
Trey Yesavage (shoulder) will start the year on the injured list, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Manager John Schneider hasn't guaranteed Lauer a rotation spot, but Lauer appears to have "gone from eighth starter to the top five in a matter of weeks." The 30-year-old southpaw got up to 70 pitches in his most recent spring training outing. Lauer has allowed eight earned runs in 8 1/3 Grapefruit League innings this spring, but he has struck out seven and only walked two in his four starts, and he was tremendous for the Blue Jays' rotation a year ago, when he went 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 102:26 K:BB in 104 2/3 innings over 28 appearances (15 starts). At least until Toronto's rotation arms get healthy, Lauer could be a nice matchup-based sleeper in deeper fantasy leagues. In addition to Yesavage, both righties
Shane Bieber (forearm) and
Jose Berrios (elbow) will start on the IL.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
March 20, 2026
Undefeated UFC prospect Iwo Baraniewski will look for his second UFC win when he takes on Austen Lane on the main card of UFC London on Saturday. Braniewski made his promotional debut in his last fight in December at UFC 323, where he defeated İbo Aslan by first-round knockout. His UFC debut against Aslan at UFC 323 lasted a minute and a half, earning a Fight of the Night bonus. DraftKings sees Baraniewski as a massive favorite with a salary of $9,500.
--Alen KurbasicSource: UFC
March 20, 2026
New York Mets outfield prospect
Carson Benge appears poised to win a spot on the Opening Day roster after impressing the team in spring training, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. "Carson Benge has made this team. The Mets have not announced that officially," Sherman said. Sherman goes on to explain that the 23-year-old former 19th overall pick in 2024 out of Oklahoma State looks like he belongs with the major-league group. His spring numbers back it up, too, as he came into Friday hitting .406 (13-for-32) with no homers, a double, a triple, five RBI, five runs scored, a stolen base, three walks, and five strikeouts in 11 Grapefruit League games. If Benge does make the Opening Day roster, the left-handed-hitting outfielder would most likely be on the strong side of a platoon in right field. The former two-way player is extremely athletic and slashed .281/.385/.472 with an .857 OPS, 15 homers, 73 RBI, 87 runs, and 22 steals in 116 games over three minor-league levels in 2025. Benge's power/speed upside could make him a favorite to win National League Rookie of the Year honors if he's in the big leagues from Day 1 in 2026.
--Keith HernandezSource: New York Post - Joel Sherman
March 20, 2026
Houston Astros outfield prospect
Brice Matthews will start in left field in the team's Grapefruit League matchup on Friday night against the Miami Marlins, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Matthews got off to a hot start at the plate this spring but comes into Friday hitting .226 (7-for-31) with a home run, nine RBI, six runs scored, six stolen bases, six walks, and 11 strikeouts in 37 plate appearances over 13 games played. The 24-year-old has primarily been an infielder in his time in the minors, but he has been working in the outfield this spring for the Astros and has been impressive. The former first-rounder (28th overall) in 2023 hit .260/.371/.458 with an .830 OPS, 17 homers, 64 RBI, 70 runs, and 41 steals in 112 games at Triple-A Sugar Land before going 7-for-42 (.167) with four homers and nine RBI in his first 13 big-league games. Although Matthews has been playing the outfield, he still could be the eventual replacement at second base down the road for
Jose Altuve. Per MLB Pipeline, he's the team's No. 4 prospect. Because of his quick-twitch athleticism and impressive bat speed, Matthews has the potential to hit 30 home runs.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
March 20, 2026
Houston Texans quarterback
C.J. Stroud was taken second overall out of Ohio State in 2023 and immediately delivered for Houston, throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions in 15 games in his first year in the NFL to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Stroud has regressed the last two seasons, though, and he had only 3,041 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 regular-season starts in 2025. The good news was that the 24-year-old took only 23 sacks after being sacked 52 times in 2024. Everything fell apart in two games in the playoffs for Stroud, as he turned the ball over seven times in games against the Steelers and Patriots. The Texans are adamant that Stroud is their QB despite trade rumors this offseason, and he'll be in his second season with offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Stroud has enough weapons around him to recover from the last two disappointing seasons, but fantasy managers will want to keep him in the QB2 tier with upside when drafting this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
March 20, 2026
San Francisco Giants first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge won't make the 2026 Opening Day roster, but the team expects him to contribute in the majors later this season, according to Justice delos Santos of The Mercury News. Eldridge got a small taste of big-league action last year, slashing .107/.297/.179 with an 18.9% walk rate and 35.1% strikeout rate. He has posted similarly high walk and strikeout rates this spring while slashing .225/.380/.450 with one home run, six RBI, and 118 wRC+. The Giants evidently have no interest in rushing Eldridge into a full-time role before he's ready, so he'll start the year at Triple-A and continue to develop there until the Giants are ready to call him up again. Upon returning to the majors, he'd presumably split time between first base and designated hitter.
--Andersen PickardSource: Justice delos Santos
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