JUPITER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 26: Matthew Liberatore #32 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning of a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals continue their Spring Training schedule with an international game versus Nicaragua. According to MLB.com, Matthew Liberatore will start for St. Louis. The St. Louis Cardinals game preview shows that Dilmer Mejia will pitch for Nicaragua. If you’re a MLB.tv subscriber, you can listen to the game here. Here’s the lineup the Cardinals just announced on social media.
The team also shared pics of several Cardinals players and coaches who will be competing in the World Baseball Classic.
Feb 24, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Zach McKinstry (39) prepares to take batting practice before the game against the Atlanta Braves during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
May 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (11) and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) and second baseman Michael Massey (19) celebrate the victory against the Baltimore Orioles after the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Royals did not make big moves this offseason, but arguably the biggest move they made was signing All-Star infielder Maikel Garcia to a five-year, $57.5 million contract. The move rewards the 26-year-old for a breakout season and keeps him in Kansas City potentially through 2031, buying out two years of free agency.
But should the Garcia be the only player signed to a long-term deal? Spring training is sometimes when long-term deals are worked out. There are a few other Royals candidates worth considering.
Vinnie Pasquantino avoided arbitration with a two-year deal, but he would still have a year of arbitration before being eligible for free agency after the 2028 season. The first baseman has been a vocal leader on the team and had a breakout season with 32 home runs and 113 RBI, but the Royals have Jac Caglianone, whose natural position is first base, and Vinnie will be 31 by the time he hits free agency.
Cole Ragans is also on a short-term multi-year deal through 2027, but would also be eligible for free agency after the 2028 season. When healthy, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball, but he has battled injury issues and has had two Tommy John surgeries in his career.
Lucas Erceg has proved to be a valuable bullpen weapon, and is not eligible for free agency until after 2029. The Royals may want to avoid arbitration with him by signing him to a long-term deal, although he is already in his 30s, which makes long-term deals a bit dicey.
Noah Cameron is coming off a terrific rookie season, but it may be worth locking him up to control costs and reward him for a breakout performance. If the Royals want to be aggressive, they could also sign Carter Jensen or Jac Caglianone to long-term deals. Signing players very early before they breakout is usually cheaper for teams, but it brings risk if that player does not reach his potential.
What do you think? Would you look to sign any other Royals players to long-term deals?
TORONTO, ON - February 4 Kevin Jonas at the Raptors v Knicks game. The Toronto Raptors took on the New York Knicks in NBA basketball action at the Scotiabank Arena. February 4 2025. (Photo by Michelle Mengsu Chang/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images
The Knicks decided they’d rather beat the in-conference Raptors than gamble on a win over the Thunder.
Coach Brown used Mitch against Toronto, keeping him under wraps for the what-if matchup against the reigning champions.
As KAT said, “Count your eggs.”
Mike Brown on KAT D: "Everybody looks at KAT like 'Oh he can't do it blah blah blah'––well he can do it & he's showing he can do it…been fantastic…Also been really good communicating…I can hear him talking very loud & early & continuous…Lot of credit for stepping up his game" pic.twitter.com/DNRBHi3McN
On hanging defensively in a low-scoring third quarter against Toronto:
“We came out the third quarter… couldn’t score the ball like we did in the first half, but we hung in there defensively. And to hold a team like that that kicks out and runs in transition the way they do to 37 points in the second half, is a pretty good half defensively. We got to hang our hat on that end of the floor and our guys are doing it, they’re doing it with physicality first and then trying to go get that ball off the glass second.”
On Josh Hart’s defensive performance:
“Josh Hart was phenomenal in a lot of different areas. 50-50 balls, guarding different guys. Skills, deflections, you name it. Josh seemed like he was everywhere tonight on that end of the floor.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive impact:
“It’s been huge. Again, I say this all the time, one guy can’t guard one other guy in the league. It’s almost impossible, especially when they do call fouls. And in the way the floor is spaced. It’s tough to do that, and so you have to have five guys on a string. The game right now is space and pace, and everybody looks at KAT like, ‘oh, you can’t do it.’ Well, he can do it. He’s showing he can do it, and we need him to continue to do it. Whether it’s in the pick-and-roll, coming back in transition, coming over to help from the weak side or guarding this guy in a one-on-one situation. He’s been fantastic.”
On the need for relying on defense when shots aren’t falling:
“We feel like we can score. It was a good offensive game, shooting 56 percent from the floor, 32 assists, but we didn’t play well, especially offensively in the second half. To be able to know that you can hang your hat on that end of the floor is going to be huge for us because the ball doesn’t always go in the hoop.”
On seeing the Thunder matchup as an opportunity to grow:
“If they beat us, at the end of the day, or if we beat them at the end of the day, what does it mean? But they do a lot of things at that end of the floor. From the standpoint of this is a really good defense, a really good offense, they got an MVP candidate (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander), they have two bigs (Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren), they have two individual defenders. So how are we going to handle the stuff they do on both ends of the floor? If we get stuck here, or stuck there, it’s an opportunity to continue to grow.”
On prioritizing the Raptors game in the back-to-back:
“[The Raptors] are in our conference and all that stuff. Oklahoma City is in the Western Conference.”
On crediting the medical staff for Robinson’s availability:
“We love the medical group that we have. [Vice president of sports medicine] Casey [Smith] and [senior vice president of player performance] Quentin [Dolan] and [head athletic trainer] Anthony [Goenaga], they’ve done a nice job heading it with our doctors. They’ve spearheaded this, so I’ve gotta give those guys a ton of credit. And starting with Mitch because he’s bought into this plan and he’s tried to execute it at the highest of high levels. So I give all those guys a ton of credit because I’m just kind of jumping on the bandwagon and following their lead. To see him out there, because the best thing almost anybody can have is their availability, so to see him out there as much as he’s been out there has been really good for us.”
Mitchell Robinson is not only leading the NBA in offensive rebounds per 36 minutes — but his current pace would be the best in NBA (or ABA) history. pic.twitter.com/PZywFw0djy
On letting coaches decide his back-to-back availability:
“It wasn’t my choice. I let coaches decide which game they want me to play.”
On sticking with the current load management plan:
“I feel great. It’s awesome. This plan we’re on, we should just stick to it.”
On returning after tweaking his ankle:
“I came in here, re-taped, sat my ass right here [in the locker room] and listened to coach and went right back out.”
On whether his ankle will be examined:
“They’ll look at it probably [Wednesday]. But I’m straight.”
On why his free-throw percentage has dropped:
“I don’t get shots up like that (in practice). I just do a lot of lay-ups, hook shots, stuff like that. If you don’t get shots, you don’t know how it is. You’re not comfortable with it. So it’s just like — you got to get some shots up. I do it in the summertime, and I’m straight. And I just get away from it.”
On his rookie-year shooting compared to now:
“Like I said before, when I was getting up shots, rookie year, I was 60 percent. So if I get shots up, everything will be alright. Until then, it is what it is.”
On needing shooting reps for confidence:
“If you’re not shooting shots — even if you’re not going to shoot them in the game, it’s still good to have that muscle memory like that. And also confidence (comes) with it, too. It goes hand in hand.”
On finding rhythm and comfort with his new Knicks role:
“If you ain’t comfortable with your shot you know what the result is gonna be. When I’m not in New York in my offseason I get up shots not just layups all day. I make 10 in a row sometimes even 20 in a row but that’s after I get done running and shooting. It’s a big difference than just doing layups and also let’s face the fact usually it takes maybe 11-16 (times up and down the court) before I touch the ball. I’m not complaining about it. I expected it for what it is.”
On his role bringing energy off the bench:
“That’s like my job. That’s my job on this team. Bring energy off the bench. That’s what I try to do every night when I play. So continue to do that.”
On rejecting the idea of shooting underhand free throws:
On the need for accountability and sticking together:
“We have a goal in mind. We’re striving every day for that goal. There’s gonna be days where we take steps back. There’s gonna be days where we take steps forward. It’s all about how we trust each other and stick with each other. I know that sounds like a bunch of BS but it’s important for us to stick together.”
On closing the Raptors game with defense:
“It started with stops. I think it’s always big-time when you hold a team to 100 points, especially a team like that that plays so fast, gets downhill and creates opportunities for each other. They’ve been playing great all year, and in that fourth quarter, we found a way to string some stops together.”
On the late-game defensive push:
“We got stops. We were able to run late. We were trying to get as many easy baskets as much as possible. Made a couple key shots as well. But it really started with our defense.”
On piecing things together heading into the playoffs:
“There may be times during a game when things aren’t going our way but we find a way to put the pieces together at the right time. So we just have to continue to do that.”
"When you start the game defensively…a lot opens up…It's actually the defense…getting those stops, putting some pace & flow into the game–it allows us to do a lot more, feel good, more confident"
“I mean, when our team is rolling and playing at a level defensively I know we can play at, we’re pretty damn good. We need to be that if we expect to have a chance to have a deep playoff run. Obviously every round is a challenge in itself and you don’t want to count your ducks too far ahead and count your eggs, but for us to be the best version of ourselves, it’s going to have to happen on that end of the basketball.”
On the Knicks’ defensive standard this season:
“I mean, when our team is rolling and playing at a level I know we can play at we’re pretty damn good. … We’ve been No. 1 [defensively]. That’s what we need. We need to be that if we expect to have a chance to have a deep playoff round. Obviously, every round is a challenge in itself and you don’t want to count your ducks too far ahead and count your eggs, but for us to be the best version of ourselves it’s going to have to happen on that end of the basketball.”
“Obviously, each game you want to build and learn. And we know that some games are tougher than others in terms of travel, back-to-back, things like that. [Wednesday] is going to be tough, a back to back playing a great team. But we’ve got to make sure we bring it, find where we can build off of and keep it moving. We let you guys [in the media] kind of argue and converse about the record and the teams.”
On defense fueling offense on Tuesday:
“We look at our defense spurring our offense. So games like this where we have little spurts of not scoring the ball we have to make sure we lock in and focus on creating easy opportunities, not letting them score, but getting our offense off our defense. I think we’ve done a good job with that.”
On his shooting slump and fluctuating confidence:
“The frustrating thing for me [is I’m] in a slump. The confidence is coming and going.”
On adjusting when shots aren’t falling:
“I ain’t make a damn thing, so I gotta do something else. That’s all I’m thinking about. … I’m putting the work in; I gotta make sure I play my game, shoot my shots with confidence and those kinds of things. But if you can’t hit the side of a barn, you gotta do something different. Wemby’s in a deep drop against me, I gotta make sure I have the opportunity to get guys wide-open shots on some of those handoffs, pitch backs, stuff like that.”
On his recent rough stretch from deep:
“Shooting, it was probably, obviously, one of my worst games of the season, worst three– or four-game stint.”
“Yeah, regular season means a lot. You build habits. That’s the biggest thing. You build habits an more time to learn to play off of each other. And to not let people think, let it be second nature when we’re out there. So that’s why we’ve got 82 games. Not going to get it Game one. You might not get it Game 40. Just continue to keep growing and bring that into the playoffs.”
David Fizdale
On regretting not fighting the tanking directive supposedly imposed on him:
“If I was doing it over again, I would’ve fought more to build a team early on and not cash in my record. That’s the hard part for coaches when you agree to the tanking.”
On missing out on star free agents and having to do with Bobby Portis and Julius Randle:
“That s–t didn’t work out.”
On the toll of losing in New York:
“Losing all those damn games. Donating my record.”
A first-round playoff series between the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets would be a real treat, and we get a preview of that potential matchup tonight at TD Garden.
Charlotte is making a move up the standings and arrives on a five-game win streak, but my Hornets vs. Celtics predictions favor a relentless Boston squad here, especially with Derrick White rediscovering his shooting stroke.
Get the lowdown on this March 4 battle with my free NBA picks.
Hornets vs Celtics prediction
Hornets vs Celtics best bet: Derrick White Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists (-105)
Derrick White ranks behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in total +/- this season, and his steady play elevated the Boston Celtics even when mired in a shooting slump.
White is back to firing on all cylinders now. He’s nailed this combo Over in four of his last five outings, and he’s dished 7+ assists in seven of his past eight games.
Still, it’s White’s scoring that will power this pick.
He’s drilled 4+ 3-pointers in five straight contests, and he’s finished with 18+ points four times since the All-Star break.
The Hornets are rightly getting a lot of love, but the visitors are on the second night of a back-to-back set here against a Celtics squad that’s 20-9 SU at home this year. Boston has also won nine of the last 10 meetings between these teams.
It’s been feast or famine at times for Payton Pritchard, but he poured in five 3-pointers in Milwaukee on Monday and shot 44% from downtown in February.
Hornets vs Celtics SGP
Derrick White Over 26.5 points + rebounds + assists
Celtics moneyline
Payton Pritchard Over 2.5 3-pointers
Our "from downtown" SGP: Boston three party
Boston and Charlotte both rank in the Top 5 in 3-point attempts per game, so expect a barrage from the perimeter tonight. With that in mind, I’m jumping on the Over for these sharpshooters, including Brandon Miller, who’s 28-for-56 from beyond the arc in his last six games.
Hornets vs Celtics SGP
Payton Pritchard Over 2.5 3-pointers
Derrick White Over 2.5 3-pointers
Brandon Miller Over 3.5 3-pointers
Miles Bridges Over 1.5 3-pointers
Hornets vs Celtics odds
Spread: Hornets +7.5 | Celtics -6.5
Moneyline: Hornets +210 | Celtics -255
Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5
Hornets vs Celtics betting trend to know
The Celtics are 26-19 ATS as favorites this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Celtics.
How to watch Hornets vs Celtics
Location
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Date
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Southeast-Charlotte, NBC Sports Boston
Hornets vs Celtics latest injuries
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Fort Myers, FL - February 19: Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. The Red Sox held Day 10 of Spring Training at JetBlue Park on February 19, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Is it on TV?
Oh yeah, it’s even on ESPN! You know baseball’s getting close when spring training games start popping up on national networks. First pitch is at 1:05 PM.
What’s the lineup?
What should we watch for?
It’s not the most interesting spring lineup you could see, but it’s nice to get more looks at Kristian Campbell in center and Caleb Durbin in general. And, anyway, it’s against the Yankees, which is always a little more fun, even when they’re playing in the shadow of palm tress.
VENICE, FLORIDA - MARCH 16, 2025: Garrett Baumann #91 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the fourth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Detroit Tigers at CoolToday Park on March 16, 2025 in Venice, Florida. (Photo by George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Hey, in addition to y’know, the whole Jurickson Profar mess and the exhibition against Team Colombia this afternoon, we’ve got some roster cuts.
The #Braves today optioned RHP Rolddy Muñoz to Triple-A Gwinnett, and reassigned RHPs Garrett Baumann and Owen Murphy to minor league camp. Atlanta now has 59 active players in camp.
Rolddy Munoz gets cut after one official Spring Training outing where he issued three walks while getting two outs. A-yup, that’ll do it. He’s on the 40-man roster, but really needs to figure out that whole oh-so-important control/command thing before he loses that spot.
Garrett Baumann, meanwhile, acquitted himself quite well across two outings, with five strikeouts, zero walks, and a hit batter across 16 batters and four innings of work. He’ll still probably work the same number of “official” Spring Training games either way as the Braves will need arms to complete meaningless innings through the next few weeks, but this is just a formality that he’s not exactly in the running for a roster spot just yet.
Owen Murphy also had two appearances and four innings in “official” games so far, and was kind of between Baumann and Munoz: six strikeouts across 15 batters, but a walk and a homer yielded. The former first-round pick has a lot of potential, but also has a ways to go to factor into the team’s big league plans, as he was hurt for much of 2025 recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Still, if he looks good upon returning, the Braves probably won’t hesitate to rocket him up the ladder.
TUCSON, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Colombia players pose for a photo after defeating Germany 10-0 in seven innings to qualify for the 2026 World Baseball Classic during game six of the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium on March 04, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday was an off day. That made it the “perfect” time for the Jurickson Profar news to break.
Now, we return to something slightly more normal: meaningless March exhibition contests… but with a twist.
You see, the World Baseball Classic starts in earnest tonight, and many of the national teams have today and tomorrow for exhibition-level tune-ups against MLB clubs — albeit those MLB clubs are partially depleted due to WBC participation.
This afternoon, the Braves will tangle with Team Colombia.
Colombia’s squad is a mix of major leaguers, prospects, and guys who aren’t really in affiliated ball.
They do have a number of MLB/former MLB pitchers, including old pal Julio Teheran, but also current MLB starter Jose Quintana. Their scheduled starter for today is Luis Patiño, who was a big-time prospect that couldn’t really stay healthy, and was released by the Padres in the middle of last season after persistent elbow issues and ineffectiveness.
Donovan Solano, Harold Ramirez, and old friend Gio Urshela are other names you might recognize on the Colombian side.
The Braves are starting Elieser Hernandez (for some reason) but have a lineup full of mostly regulars — except that Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies are off with their own WBC teams, and Profar, well, oof.
After being held out of the Vancouver Canucks' lineup for three games due to roster management reasons, Tyler Myers has officially been traded to the Dallas Stars. As per Pierre LeBrun of TSN, heading back Vancouver's way are a second-round pick in 2027 and a fourth-round pick in 2029. As part of the deal, the Canucks will retain 50% of Myers' remaining contract.
Myers' trade saga first started when he was held out of Vancouver's lineup on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets due to roster management reasons. While he continued practicing with the team at times and skating during warm-ups, he did not play. His last game as a Canuck was played on February 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights, while his last home game was on January 31 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With Myers now a member of the Stars, the defenceman finishes his current season with a goal and seven assists in 57 games for the Canucks in 2025-26. He spent the better-half of seven seasons with Vancouver after signing with the team in free agency in 2019 and signing an extension in 2024. His current contract includes a full no-movement clause, which factored into the process of the deal being completed.
Vancouver plays again tonight when they take on the Carolina Hurricanes on home-ice in their final game before the trade deadline. With Myers now dealt, the Canucks will likely turn their attention to other deals. Puck drop for tonight's game is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT.
Feb 2, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) looks for a play against the Utah Mammoth during the third period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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There appears to be a few teams in the mix for the Massachusetts native who is on an expiring deal with a $4.95 million AAV. He does have an extension in place, a six-year deal worth $6 million annually.
Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche wants to add a big fish, a top-six forward, but he isn't going to jeopardize his future unless he feels that player is the right fit for now and going forward.
The Islanders are still in talks with the St. Louis Blues regarding Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou.
On an incredibly deep, contending team in Denver, Aaron Gordon is the one guy they can't do without.
Gordon has missed 17 games with a strained hamstring, but is targeting a Friday return when the Nuggets take on the Knicks, reports Sam Amick of The Athletic. While Gordon may miss a little more time than that — Denver will be cautious with his return — but his return is close.
Which is good for the Nuggets — they need him.
Denver has gone 7-9 in this stretch without Gordon, although it wasn't just him missing time — Nikola Jokic missed games in this stretch and Payton Watson missed many well. Jokic has already returned to the lineup.
Gordon initially strained his right hamstring in November and sat out 19 games, then returned to the lineup in early January. He played nearly three weeks before aggravating the injury again, leading to this absence. With how crucial Gordon is to any Nuggets playoff run, the team will be cautious with this return to keep him healthy for the playoffs.
Gordon is averaging 17.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He has a connection with Jokic as a cutter and a pressure-release valve who can get buckets. However, the bigger issue is on the defensive end, where the Nuggets are 7.1 points worse per 100 possessions when Gordon is out this season.
Sebastian Cossa, the top goaltending prospect in the organization, has been called up by the Detroit Red Wings on an emergency basis.
The move was made in the morning of Wednesday, March 4, two days after the team's starting goaltender, John Gibson, left Monday's game at the Nashville Predators with an upper-body injury after getting hit in the shoulder area with a puck. Gibson was to be looked at when he returned home. The Red Wings were off on Tuesday.
Gibson is feeling "much better" and took the ice Wednesday morning, coach Todd McLellan said. But he is out for Wednesday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network Detroit). Cam Talbot finished the Nashville game and is the Red Wings' top backup.
Cossa has appeared in one NHL game, coming in in relief on Dec. 9, 2024, in a game at the Buffalo Sabres, which he won in a shootout.
Selected at No. 15 in 2021 draft, Cossa has compiled a 68-29-17 record with a 2.38 goals-against average, a 0.914 save percentage and eight shutouts in 115 AHL games with the Grand Rapids Griffins.
Before the Wizards' loss to the Rockets on Monday, point guard Trae Young announced that he will make his debut for the team on Thursday against the Jazz. He's been recovering from knee and quad injuries suffered before his move from Atlanta to the nation's capital, and as expected, "Ice Trae" will be restricted when he takes the court.
Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said on Monday that Young will play between 17 and 20 minutes. How long that will be the case is unknown. However, given the Wizards' desire to retain their 2026 first-round pick, which is top-8 protected, and the team's current standing, it would not make much sense for Young to play starter's minutes at any point this season. He's capable of providing decent fantasy value in 17-20 minutes, so Young should be slotted into lineups once available. But managers will need to keep their expectations in check.
Below are some of the other injuries affecting fantasy basketball during Week 19.
Dëmin, a fixture in the Nets' starting lineup since early November except for back-to-backs, has missed the last two games due to plantar fascia injury management. While his production was limited in the games played before being sidelined, the rookie guard has been the most productive member of Brooklyn's five-man draft class thus far. The question for the Nets, who are also focused on player development and their draft lottery odds, is how much more do they need to see from Dëmin?
While a full shutdown may not be in the cards, his playing time could decrease to ensure that he's healthy going into the offseason. Terance Mann (one percent rostered, Yahoo!) was the replacement in the starting lineup, but he has not done enough to merit streaming. Nolan Traoré (11 percent) hasn't offered much fantasy value, but he's playing starters' minutes and has made some strides after a poor start to his rookie campaign.
F/C Jalen Smith, Chicago Bulls
Smith has missed the last four and seven of Chicago's last 10 games with a strained right calf. As of February 26, he was due to be re-evaluated in one week, so the forward/center may be off the board for Week 19. Guerschon Yabusele (seven percent) has served as the starting center, but his production has been limited in that role. Nick Richards (four percent) played well in Sunday's win over the Bucks, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, one steal and two blocks in 27 minutes, but inconsistency has been an issue.
G Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Mitchell has missed Cleveland's last four games with a strained right groin, opening a massive hole in the team's starting lineup. The good news for the Cavaliers is that James Harden returned from a fractured right thumb over the weekend, playing 36 minutes in Sunday's win over the Nets. As for Mitchell's spot in the starting lineup, Sam Merrill (11 percent) continues to fill that void, but he doesn't offer much value beyond three-pointers. Jaylon Tyson (20 percent), who has been starting for the injured Dean Wade, is the superior streaming option in category leagues, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
F Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
Due to a left midfoot sprain, Flagg has not appeared in Dallas's last eight games. His injury is one of many the Mavericks have had to deal with since the All-Star break. P.J. Washington (38 percent) returning from a sprained left ankle gives the Mavericks a boost, and he's worth rostering with Flagg and Naji Marshall sidelined.
A player to watch for the rest of this season is Ryan Nembhard (one percent), who was signed to a standard deal over the weekend. In Sunday's loss to the Thunder, his first appearance since February 5, the rookie played 24 minutes off the bench. Given how much he played in late November and the first few weeks of December, it would be unsurprising if Nembhard were to play significant minutes the rest of the way.
F Cameron Johnson and F Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Johnson, who had a rough outing in Sunday's loss to the Timberwolves, was held out of Monday's win over the Jazz due to right ankle inflammation. The Nuggets don't play again until Thursday, which may be enough time for the forward to return. On Monday, Jonas Valančiūnas (five percent) was inserted into the starting lineup. However, the 7-footer only played 17 minutes in the win over the Jazz, which isn't enough time to make him a streaming option. Tim Hardaway Jr. (13 percent) and Bruce Brown (three percent) exceeded 30 minutes off the bench on Monday, and they're the players worth a look in deeper leagues if Johnson misses more time.
As for Gordon, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that he's targeting Friday's game against the Knicks for his return from a strained hamstring. Julian Strawther (two percent) has moved into the starting lineup, and he's likely the odd man out once Gordon is cleared. However, Johnson's injury could leave Strawther in the starting lineup for the time being.
Source: The Nuggets’ Aaron Gordon is targeting a Friday return (against NY) from the hamstring injury that sidelined him Jan. 23.
It remains to be seen if he gets cleared by then, but Denver desperately needs him - again.
G Stephen Curry and F/C Kristaps Porziņģis, Golden State Warriors
Unfortunately for fantasy managers, they're going to have to wait a bit longer for Curry to return to action. On Sunday, it was announced that his right knee will be re-evaluated in ten days, which takes him off the board for Week 19 at a minimum. Gui Santos (25 percent) has been the most productive of the Warriors' streaming options in Curry's absence, while De'Anthony Melton (15 percent) and Brandin Podziemski (42 percent) also possess added fantasy value.
As for Porziņģis, his illness remains an issue, and as of Monday, head coach Steve Kerr did not know if the 7-foot-3 forward/center would travel with the team for a road trip that begins on Thursday in Houston. Al Horford (10 percent) has seen his playing time increase recently, and the good news for him is that the Warriors won't have a back-to-back to contend with in Week 19. However, their Week 20 schedule opens with a back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday, and the 39-year-old has yet to play both ends of one this season (that's been the norm for Horford in recent years).
G/F Amen Thompson and F Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
The Rockets have not played since Monday's win over the Wizards and return to action on Thursday against the Warriors. And the starting lineup could be back to full strength, as Smith is expected to be available after spraining his right ankle last Thursday in Orlando. Reed Sheppard (42 percent) has provided excellent value as the replacement in the starting lineup, but with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka saying on Monday that he'll likely go back to his usual first five when Smith returns, the second-year guard is likely headed to the bench.
However, that could change depending on Thompson's status. He exited Monday's victory during the fourth quarter after spraining his right ankle. An absence for Thompson likely keeps Sheppard in the starting lineup, but he'll be valuable to fantasy managers in a reserve role as well.
F/C Obi Toppin, Indiana Pacers
Sidelined for four months due to a stress fracture in his right foot, Toppin returned to the Pacers' rotation in a February 26 loss to the Hornets. And he did so as a starter, as the Pacers have been without star forward Pascal Siakam due to a sprained left wrist. However, being a starter does not guarantee starters' minutes. Toppin logged eight minutes in his first appearance and 11 in the second, with Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle saying that he'll likely be under a minutes limit for the rest of the season. There isn't enough value to be gained in rostering Toppin under those circumstances, making Jarace Walker (33 percent) the more appealing option, especially if Siakam remains out.
G Darius Garland, LA Clippers
Garland made his Clippers' debut on Monday, playing 23 minutes off the bench in a win over the Warriors. Shooting 4-of-9 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line, he finished with 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and two three-pointers while also recording five turnovers. The turnovers should improve as Garland gets more comfortable with his teammates and vice versa. However, the rest of Week 19 isn't great for him, as the Clippers' remaining three games include a back-to-back. That likely limits Garland to two games. Kobe Sanders (less than one percent) was the fifth starter on Monday but offered limited production in 22 minutes of action.
C Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
When the Grizzlies announced on Sunday that Edey would need another surgery on his left ankle, many assumed it was only a matter of time before the team shut him down for the rest of the season. That happened on Tuesday, following the procedure, so the fantasy managers who still have the center rostered can move on. A healthy Santi Aldama (36 percent) would be the most popular fantasy target, but he has appeared in one game since January 26. Announced as a starter ahead of Tuesday's loss to the Timberwolves, Aldama's right knee flared up, leading to him being a late scratch.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper (12 percent) has served as the starting "center" but did not provide much value in what was a challenging matchup. He and GG Jackson (32 percent) will have added fantasy value for the rest of the season, with the latter being the preferred target. Also of note, injury-wise, Cedric Coward (21 percent) returned from a knee injury after Tuesday's game. Appearing in a game for the first time since February 9, the rookie played 24 minutes, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds, four assists, one steal and one three-pointer. Depending on his health and how the Grizzlies handle his availability, Coward can be a factor in fantasy basketball during the playoff weeks.
G Norman Powell, Miami Heat
Powell suffered a Grade 1 groin strain during Thursday's loss to the 76ers and is considered to be week-to-week. His absence opened up a spot in the starting lineup, with Tyler Herro filling the void after coming off the bench in his first few games back from a rib injury that sidelined him for a month. This also means that Pelle Larsson (12 percent) continues to start, and he's provided modest value in that role. Managers in 10-team formats should scour the waiver wire for Andrew Wiggins (56 percent), as he may still be available. The scoring output isn't always the best, but he has been solid as a rebounder and defender on most nights.
C Joel Embiid and G VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid has not appeared in a game since February 26, and on Saturday, it was announced that the 7-footer would miss at least three more games before his strained right oblique is re-evaluated. As has been the case throughout the season, Andre Drummond (15 percent) has served as the starting center in Embiid's absence, with Adem Bona (one percent) retaining his usual backup role. Drummond is worth a look for managers needing rebounding and field goal percentage, but he has not brought much else to the table in fantasy basketball.
Also of concern to the 76ers was Edgecombe exiting Tuesday's loss to the Spurs at halftime with lower back soreness. Cam Payne (less than one percent) started the third quarter, but the 76ers not having Kelly Oubre Jr. due to an illness was also a factor in that decision. If Oubre is available and Edgecombe isn't, Quentin Grimes (22 percent) would be the replacement and worth the streaming risk. Grimes started on Tuesday because Oubre was unavailable.
G/F Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers
Avdija's lower back continues to be an issue, with the All-Star wing having missed Portland's last four games. He's considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the Grizzlies, so there is a chance that Avdija plays. While Kris Murray (one percent) has been his replacement in the starting lineup, an illness forced him to leave Sunday's loss to the Hawks. Vit Krejčí (one percent) moved into the lineup to begin the third quarter and can provide three-point production in that role. However, Murray is questionable for Wednesday's game, and Krejčí does not provide enough value across the board to be worth the risk in most leagues.
F Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
Murray aggravated the sprained left ankle that sidelined him for most of January during the Kings' February 25 loss to the Rockets, and was given a two-week re-evaluation timeline. His absence has opened a spot in the starting lineup for Nique Clifford (26 percent), who boasts silly-season standout potential. A double-digit scorer in five straight and nine of his last 12 games, the rookie has averaged 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals, 0.7 blocks and 0.7 three-pointers in his last three. Clifford has not shot the three well, making 15.4 percent of his attempts, but the ability to put up numbers in multiple categories makes him an intriguing option for the rest of the season.
F/C Collin Murray-Boyles, Toronto Raptors
Murray-Boyles aggravated his sprained left thumb during Toronto's February 25 loss to the Spurs and has been day-to-day since. Interestingly, he started that game against San Antonio despite Jakob Poeltl (82 percent) being available. Poeltl has moved into the starting lineup since CMB's injury, with Sandro Mamukelashvili's (10 percent) going unchanged. The issue with Mamu is that his playing time has decreased as Poeltl's has increased, with Mamu playing between 14 and 16 minutes in each of Toronto's last four games.
F Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Markkanen suffered hip and ankle injuries during a Jazz practice on February 25, and it was announced that he would be re-evaluated in two weeks. His replacement in the starting lineup has changed by the game, making it challenging to pinpoint any of them as streaming options. John Konchar (three percent), Blake Hinson (less than one percent) and EJ Harkless (two percent) have been the starters in Utah's last three games. For managers in leagues where Kyle Filipowski (40 percent) and Ace Bailey (37 percent) aren't available, Brice Sensabaugh (18 percent) may be the best streaming option despite coming off the bench.
G/F Kyshawn George, Washington Wizards
George sprained his left elbow during Monday's loss to the Rockets and did not play the following night in Orlando. His absence opened up a spot in the starting lineup for Will Riley (16 percent), who logged 33 minutes and finished with 19 points, three rebounds, five assists, two steals and two three-pointers. Even if George is available for Thursday's game against the Jazz, Riley will be worth holding onto for the rest of the season. Justin Champagnie (nine percent) was also productive against the Magic, but his silly season outlook has lost some luster recently due to him playing 25 minutes or more just twice since February 1.
TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Luis Gil #81 of the New York Yankees looks on during the spring training game against the New York Mets at George M. Steinbrenner Field on February 22, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good news, everyone: you’ll actually be able to watch today’s spring training game. After an offday on Monday and the first non-televised game at George M. Steinbrenner Field in some time in yesterday’s mercy-rule exhibition against Panama, the Yankees will be live on ESPN in Fort Myers to renew their rivalry with the Boston Red Sox for the first time in 2026.
Luis Gil gets the ball for his third start of the spring and is looking for more consistency. His velo is down, and while this is certainly excusable in February, you’d like to see him hitting 97 more consistently as we get closer to Opening Day, rather than the 94-95 he’s been at. He’s allowed two runs in five innings with five strikeouts and just one walk through his two starts, and we’ll see how long his leash is today after tossing 48 and 52 pitches in his first two starts.
It won’t be a fun first few innings for the ragtag group of Yankees who made the road trip from the already-depleted hitting core due to the World Baseball Classic, as Boston is deploying Cy Young runner-up Garrett Crochet for his second start of the spring. He won Game 1 of last year’s Wild Card Series with a dominant 7.2-inning effort, and the Yankees considerably struggled against him for much of the five starts he made against the Bombers last year. It’s unclear how long he’ll go, having only thrown 23 pitches and going two shutout innings against the Rays on February 26th.
George Lombard Jr. is leading off and playing shortstop to lead a very young Yankees lineup. Ben Rice is the lone expected starter making the trip and will bat second, followed by Jasson Domínguez, Paul DeJong, and Spencer Jones. We might only see it once, but I’m looking forward to Crochet vs. Jones. Non-roster invites Marco Luciano, Jonathan Ornelas, Payton Henry, and Duke Ellis finish out the starting nine.
Kristian Campbell, who was one of the worst defenders in baseball at second base last year, is leading off and playing center field for Boston. Trevor Story and Marcelo Mayer follow him up, as do former Yankees prospects Caleb Durbin and Carlos Narváez. Isiah Kiner-Falefa will also bat seventh and DH.
Oct 25, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Myles Straw (3) takes batting practice prior to game two of the 2025 MLB World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Myles Straw is a 31-year-old, right-handed hitting, center fielder. The Jays traded for him on January 17th, 2025. We got Myles Straw and some international bonus pool money money. At the time we thought/hoped the money would go to Roki Sasaki. Unfortunately, Roki went to the Dodgers and the Jays had to pretend they wanted Straw.
I said, at the time that the fun part of the trade was trying to explain to casual fans that the Jays took Straw to get $3.75 million in international bonus money. A casual fan knows that $3.75 million isn’t much money in baseball terms. But explaining that international bonus money is a different kind on money takes many many words (and pictures, sock puppets…..). I’ll never get that time back.
Straw had played 152 games for the Guardians with a 2.7 bWAR in 2022. Then 147 games with a 0.9 bWAR in 2023 and then 7 games with a bWAR that no one would care about because he only played 7 games in 2024.
Straw made $6.4 million last year, will make $7.4 million this season and has options for the next two seasons, with buyouts for $2.25 million. I only list that because the Jays aren’t going to pick up the options. They may decide they want to keep him but they will decline the options and try to sign him for less.
Surprisingly, to me at least, Straw ended up on the Jays active roster and stayed there through the season.
And he was good. Very good really. He hit .262/.313/.367 with 4 home runs, and 12 stolen bases. But most of his value was from his defense. FanGraphs has him at a +9 outs above average. That 9 outs above average puts him 10th in the MLB among outfielders, and every one above him had many more defensive innings. Several of them more than 50% more innings.
Of course, Daulton Varsho missed a lot of playing time and Straw played more center field that I’d expect him to this year. I’m hoping Varsho doesn’t have to miss half the season with injuries. I’m expecting Straw to play far less.
Steamer thinks Straw will only play in 40 games this year and hit .231/.294/.310 with 1 home run and 5 steals for a 0.1 fWAR. That would have been a fair estimate last year, had Varsho not been injured. I have no clue how much playing time Straw will get this year. We are deep in outfielders. So deep that I have a hard time figuring how the team can keep Nathan Lukes on the roster. And I like Lukes a lot more than I like Straw.
Do you use Straw as the right-handed side of a platoon with Varsho in center? Do you use Straw as a fifth outfielder?
Right now the Jays have Daulton Varsho, Addison Barger, Jesús Sánchez, Davis Schneider, Nathan Lukes and George Springer available to play outfield. Who do you drop to give playing time to Straw?
Raphielle Johnson
