6 mins agoFree-agent left-hander Blake Snell is signing a two-year deal worth $62 million with the San Francisco Giants on Monday. The deal includes an opt-out clause for the reigning National League Cy Young winner. The 31-year-old southpaw was asking for a lot on the openread more...
11 mins agoAtlanta Hawks forward/center Onyeka Okongwu (toe) will play on Monday against the Lakers. The 23-year-old missed over a month because of a big toe issue. However, the Hawks are glad to get him back, considering the team is holding on to the final Play-In spot in the Eastern Conference. Before going down with the injury, the 23-year-old had averaged a career-high 10.2 points with 7.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. While there's a chance Okongwu could see limited action in his first game back after a lengthy layoff, his presence means Bruno Fernando will have trouble getting minutes.Source: Kevin Chouinard
53 mins agoFormer Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl offensive guard Kevin Zeitler plans to sign an undisclosed one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, according to a source. Zeitler is flying to Detroit on Monday night to take a physical, with the plan to formally sign on Tuesday. The 34-year-old former 27th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012 out of Wisconsin has been one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the league in the last 12 years. He could serve as a short-term replacement for Jonah Jackson, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a free agent. Zeitler played in 15 regular-season games and battled through knee and quad injuries last year but still managed a 93.8% pass-block win rate (10th among guards) while allowing only six sacks. He also had a 61.8% run-block win rate (25th among guards). Zeitler is known for his durability and has played in 182 games (181 starts) in the regular season since 2012.Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
59 mins agoFree-agent offensive tackle Trent Brown is scheduled to meet with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday. The Bengals lost tackle Jonah Williams in free agency to the Arizona Cardinals and are looking for a replacement, with Brown being a potential fit. The 30-year-old's contract with the New England Patriots voided in February when he was not able to reach an extension with the organization after playing the last three seasons with them. The former seventh-round selection by the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 has started 93 of the 100 career games he's appeared in over his nine NFL seasons. He was a Pro Bowler for the first time in 2019 with the Las Vegas Raiders. In his three seasons with the Pats, Brown started 33 of the 37 games he appeared in.Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
1 hour agoVeteran free-agent defensive end Mario Edwards (knee) visited with the Houston Texans on Monday, according to a league source. Edwards missed the last game of the year in 2023 while playing for the Seattle Seahawks, but he should be good to go this fall for the start of the 2024 season. The 30-year-old former second-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2015 out of Florida State had 21 tackles (15 solo), two sacks, five tackles for loss, six QB hits and a forced fumble in 15 games (one start) in his first season with Seattle last year. Edwards' best days are behind him, so he's not going to be on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues. In his nine years in the NFL, he has a total of 21.5 sacks, 156 tackles (110 solo), 28 tackles for loss, 52 QB hits, six passes defended and four forced fumbles in 114 games (33 starts).Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
1 hour agoCharlotte Hornets guard Bryce McGowens (knee) won't be available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Orlando Magic. This marks the sixth game in a row that McGowens has missed due to swelling his in right knee. The absence of McGowens should open up additional playing time for Davis Bertans in the rotation. Bertans doesn't offer great upside outside of 3-pointers, so most fantasy managers can stay away. There should be better streaming options available for Tuesday's slate.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 hour agoPhiladelphia Phillies right-hander Orion Kerkering (illness) might not be ready for Opening Day on March 28, according to manager Rob Thomson. Kerkering hasn't pitched in the Grapefruit League since March 1 because of the flu, although he's scheduled to throw at the team's spring complex sometime this week. "He's 22 years old," Thomson said. "We're not going to push this thing." Kerkering has appeared in only two spring games and might need to open the year on the injured list in order to rebuild his strength. The former fifth-round pick in 2022 out of South Florida went from playing in Single-A in 2023 to pitching high-leverage innings in the majors in the postseason last fall. Kerkering has a nasty sinker/slider mix that can make him almost unhittable as a future closer candidate for the Phillies.Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
1 hour agoWashington Wizards guard Tyus Jones (back) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Houston Rockets. Jones has missed each of the last two games and appears to be in line for a third straight absence. Jordan Poole has been asked to move into the starting five and he has played well there. Poole posted a 31-point performance during their last game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. That being said, Poole appears to be worth the risk as a fantasy option while he's given extra run as a starter.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 hour agoCincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (leg) will not be a part of the team's Opening Day starting rotation, but he's expected to be ready to go by April 10. The Reds will open the year with a rotation consisting of Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft and Nick Martinez (ribs), with Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson (shoulder) vying for the No. 5 spot. When healthy, though, the 26-year-old Lodolo will have a rotation spot waiting for him after a lost season in 2023 due to a stress reaction in his tibia. While Lodolo has lots of strikeout upside for fantasy managers, he's also a big injury risk. The good news is that he's feeling better and has allowed only one run in two Cactus League starts this spring. In deep-mixed fantasy leagues, Lodolo is still worth taking a late-round flier on.Source: MLB.com - Mark Sheldon
1 hour agoWashington Wizards forward Deni Avdija (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Houston Rockets. This doesn't come as shocking news after Avdija was a late scratch ahead of Sunday's contest. His absence opened up a spot for Corey Kispert in the starting five on Sunday. He didn't play well during that game, but Kispert is worth a look as a streaming option while Avdija is out.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 hour agoCincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that right-hander Nick Martinez (ribs) is locked into a starting rotation spot to begin the year, along with Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene and read more...
1 hour agoNew York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (elbow) is facing a multi-game absence. He has already been ruled out for Monday's matchup against Golden State, and according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, this won't be the only game Anunovy is expected to miss. Anunoby recently returned from a right elbow surgery, but the elbow has "flared up" again, according to Wojnarowski. New York plays Denver next on Thursday. Precious Achiuwa looks set for a fresh stint in the starting five without Anunoby available, with Josh Hart also getting extra run-outs. Achiuwa is close to averaging a double-double as a starter this season, while Hart has turned into a triple-double threat lately.Source: Adrian Wojnarowski
1 hour agoWashington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (shoulder) is considered questionable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Houston Rockets. Kuzma was forced to miss Sunday's game and is in danger of missing his second straight contest. Given the Wizards place in the standings, Kuzma seems more likely to sit out of this game. Washington doesn't have any incentive to play Kuzma at anything less than 100 percent healthy. Patrick Baldwin Jr. would likely move into the starting five if Kuzma is unable to play. Baldwin doesn't offer enough upside to warrant streaming in most fantasy formats.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 hour agoDallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) is listed as probable ahead of Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. The star guard was able to play through his hamstring issue during Sunday's game. That being said, Doncic should be able to suit up on Tuesday, but the team will likely wait until closer to game time before making a final decision. Fantasy managers should check back on Tuesday for a final decision.Source: NBA Injury Report
2 hours agoCincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (shoulder) was scratched from Monday night's Cactus League game versus the San Francisco Giants for precautionary reasons with left-shoulder soreness. It doesn't sound like a serious injury, but it's something to watch after McLain also missed time earlier this spring due to an oblique injury that cut his rookie season short in 2023. Health issues aside, the 24-year-old earned the right to open the 2024 campaign as Cincy's starting second baseman after hitting .290/.357/.507 with an .864 OPS, 16 home runs, 50 RBI and 14 stolen bases in his first 89 major-league games a season ago. The former first-round pick in 2021 out of UCLA is RotoBaller's No. 7 ranked fantasy second baseman, but injuries are becoming a concern. If McLain is forced to open the year on the injured list, Jonathan India could fill in at the keystone.Source: Cincinnati Reds
2 hours agoWashington Wizards guard/forward Bilal Coulibaly (wrist) will miss the remainder of the regular season, the team announced on Monday. The 19-year-old Frenchman has been diagnosed with a right wrist fracture. He suffered the injury against Chicago on March 16. Coulibaly finishes his rookie campaign with averages of 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 0.9 steals. He made 63 appearances, playing 27.2 minutes a night. Coulibaly was a starter in each of his last 11 games, and his absence opens up the door for Johnny Davis and Justin Champagnie to play a significant part in the team over the final few weeks of the season.Source: Washington Wizards
2 hours agoBoston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that closer Kenley Jansen (back) has just enough time to be ready for the start of the regular season on March 28, but there is no margin for any more injury setbacks. "We're running out of time," Cora said. Despite being scratched from his second Grapefruit League appearance on Monday with lower-back tightness, Jansen is scheduled to pitch on Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday and one more time in an exhibition game in Texas next week. The 36-year-old veteran reliever didn't make his first spring appearance until last Friday due to lat tightness, so Jansen has already dealt with two injuries this spring. While he could be ready for Opening Day, fantasy managers should be considering him a pretty shaky No. 2 closer in 2024. Chris Martin (groin) is also hurt and could open the year on the injured list, so the back end of Boston's bullpen is limping into Opening Day.Source: The Boston Globe - Alex Speier
2 hours agoMilwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said that outfield prospect Jackson Chourio "is in the mix" to be on the team's Opening Day roster. Murphy also said that infielder Joey Ortiz "has a good shot to make the club."read more...
2 hours agoHouston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez was removed from Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Miami Marlins early, but it wasn't due to injury, with manager Joe Espada saying it was planned all along for Alvarez to take only two at-bats. The 26-year-old left-handed slugger had an injury scare a few days ago in camp, too, but that turned out to be just an eye irritation. Alvarez has proven to be injury-prone so far in his career, but his offensive exploits in a stacked Astros lineup outweigh the potential health risks. The former American League Rookie of the Year in 2019 has made the All-Star team in each of the last two seasons and has exceeded 30 homers and 90 RBI in each of the last three seasons in Houston. He's ranked as the No. 15 overall fantasy player at RotoBaller and should be fine for Opening Day on March 28 against the New York Yankees.Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
2 hours agoMinnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (rib) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's game against the Utah Jazz. The big man will be forced to miss his second straight game due to left rib strain. Naz Reid figures to move into the starting five once again. Reid has been providing first round value over the last two weeks. The Wolves are without Karl Anthony-Towns (knee) and Gobert which gives Reid plenty of run. Reid is a must-have player in all fantasy formats right now.Source: Alan Horton
2 hours agoPortland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson will rejoin the starting lineup on Monday versus Chicago and reportedly won't have any minutes restrictions. He's come off the bench in three of the past five games, averaging only 25.4 minutes. The 20-year-old rookie has seen 30.9 minutes as a starter across the season, scoring 13.6 points in the role and handing out 5.7 assists. The Bulls are mediocre at best defensively, so it's going to be exciting to see what Henderson can do now that he's back in a starting role. The lineup change pushes Dalano Banton to the bench, which is quite unfortunate for him after he's had a few really strong games lately. Anfernee Simons, Kris Murray, Toumani Camara, and Deandre Ayton make up the rest of the starting unit.Source: Casey Holdahl
2 hours agoPortland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) has shaken off injury ahead of Monday's tilt against Chicago and will be available for the contest after missing one game. Thybulle has done very well lately to live up to his reputation as a defensive specialist, recording six blocks and nine steals across his last four appearances. He's ranked third in the league with 1.8 steals per game, and Thybulle's high-level defensive ability secures him regular playing time. However, the 27-year-old offers very little offensively, which is something fantasy managers always must consider.Source: Portland Trail Blazers
2 hours agoTexas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford is putting together an extremely impressive spring so far. In 16 games, Langford is slashing 378/.442/.756 with five home runs and a league-leading 17 RBI. On Monday, Langford went 1-for-3 with an RBI in the loss to the Seattle Mariners. Langford has certainly opened some eyes this spring and has a good shot at making the Opening Day roster if this type of play continues.Source: MLB.com
2 hours agoPortland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) will miss a fourth consecutive game on Monday against Chicago. He was already considered doubtful for the clash on the initial injury report, and the team has now officially ruled him out. Grant is a high-usage player, and his absence gives the rest of the starting unit more offensive responsibilities. Additionally, Kris Murray and Toumani Camara have found themselves playing big roles during Grant's injury layoff, but both players are quite volatile fantasy assets due to their inconsistent play.Source: Portland Trail Blazers
2 hours agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon looked sharp throughout Monday's outing against the Philadelphia Phillies. The left-hander tossed 5 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out five batters as well on Monday. He currently sits at a 2.93 ERA this spring with some better outings as of late. The biggest thing for Rodon is going to be staying healthy and getting on the mound every fifth day. There is certainly some risk with taking Rodon is fantasy drafts, but he could be worth it.Source: MLB.com
2 hours agoUtah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (quadriceps) will get back to work on Monday against the Timberwolves. After sitting out six games with a quadriceps contusion, the Finnish star is finally ready to return to the lineup, with the team upgrading Markkanen from questionable to available. Markkanen's return will affect the usage of Keyonte George and Collin Sexton, although Jordan Clarkson's (groin) absence will still give them extra fantasy value. From a minutes perspective, Brice Sensabaugh and Taylor Hendricks likely take a hit, with Markkanen grabbing back his starter's role.Source: Utah Jazz
2 hours agoChicago White Sox starting pitcher Drew Thorpe was unable to find much success at all during Monday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. The right-hander allowed six straight hits to start the game which resulted in a six-run inning for Cleveland. Thorpe lasted 2 2/3 innings allowing 10 hits and eight earned runs on Monday. The 23-year-old was acquired in the trade that sent Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres. The hope was that Thorpe could possibly be on the Opening Day roster. However, it's tough to imagine that happening if he continues to struggle like he did on Monday.Source: MLB.com
2 hours agoChicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (toe) will remain in the lineup on Monday versus Portland despite being initially regarded as questionable for the game. The team has upgraded Caruso to available, with the fan favorite set to play in a 10th consecutive game. Caruso has played a significantly larger part in the attack lately due to Coby White's (hip) absence. He's always good for peripheral stats but has also now upped his scoring production to 18.7 points across the past three games. A meeting with a team that's ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency puts Caruso in a good position to cook up something good again for fantasy managers.Source: NBA Injury Report
2 hours agoChicago Bulls guard Coby White (hip) has been ruled out for Monday's matchup versus Portland. He was already unlikely to play in the contest after the team labeled him as doubtful on the initial injury report. This will be the third straight game White misses. Ayo Dosunmu was massive for the Bulls in the previous game against Washington with a career-high 34 points, and he should carry extra fantasy value again on Monday in another favorable matchup. The rest of the starting five will also have an opportunity to do more damage offensively.Source: NBA Injury Report
3 hours agoPittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Martin Perez continued his impressive spring during Monday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The left-hander struck out eight batters over five innings of work during Monday's victory. It's worth noting that Perez never struck out eight hitters during a single start last season. His velocity was down during this game and he was still extremely effective. Perez has allowed one earned run in 12 innings this season. Perez probably won't be a reliable 12-team fantasy option, but could still be worth a look in deep leagues.Source: MLB.com