16 mins agoColorado Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin (lower body) resumed skating on Wednesday, and head coach Jared Bednar believes that he could be back in the lineup soon. Drouin has been out of commission since getting hurt in the regular-season finale. The silky forward enjoyed a career year in Denver this season with 56 points (19 goals, 37 assists) in 79 games. Zach Parise has been filling in for Drouin in the top six during the playoffs. The veteran produced goals in back-to-back outings in Game 2 and 3 against Winnipeg in the first round, but he hasn't scored any more points across six postseason appearances.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Vic Lombardi
27 mins agoEdmonton Oilers forward Adam Henrique (lower body) has been officially ruled out for Game 1 against Vancouver on Wednesday. The veteran lands on the shelf after posting two points (one goal, one assist) in five against Los Angeles in the first round. Connor Brown will enter the lineup for his first postseason action of the year. Meanwhile, Mattias Janmark, who finished Round 1 with two assists, will move to the first line. The Swedish forward will have extra fantasy value on Wednesday as he links up with Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman, who have combined for 20 points this postseason.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Elliotte Friedman
38 mins agoVancouver Canucks goaltender Arturs Silovs will make a fourth consecutive start in Game 1 against Edmonton on Wednesday. He took over the crease when Thatcher Demko (knee) and Casey DeSmith were injured at the start of the postseason. DeSmith is now back in the fold, but Demko remains out week-to-week. Most recent reports suggest that the Canucks No. 1 won't be ready to return until Game 5 of the series at the earliest. Silovs impressed in Round 1 against Nashville, winning two of three starts with one shutout, a 1.70 goals-against average, and a .938 save percentage.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Randip Janda
42 mins agoAtlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said that catcher
Sean Murphy (oblique) has advanced to hitting in the batting cages after hitting off a tee twice last week. Murphy is inching closer to a return from the Grade 1 left-oblique strain that he suffered in the season opener. The 29-year-old is going to need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before he returns to the Braves, too, so fantasy baseball managers are going to need to wait a little longer before they get the catcher back. The former third-round pick of the Oakland Athletics in 2016 out of Wright State was a first-time All-Star in 2023 in his first season with the Braves and should remain stashed in all fantasy leagues as one of the better offensive catchers in baseball when healthy. Veteran
Travis d'Arnaud will continue to serve as the team's starter behind the plate until Murphy returns.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - David O'Brien
49 mins agoVancouver Canucks forward Elias Pettersson (illness) returned to the ice on Wednesday morning and will play in Game 1 against Edmonton. The Swedish star missed Tuesday's practice with an illness, which initially left his status iffy for the series opener. Pettersson has been quiet in the playoffs so far, finishing a six-game series in the opening round against Nashville with zero goals and three assists. He will definitely need to up his productivity if the Canucks want to compete for a spot in the Western Conference Finals.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Brendan Bachelor
59 mins agoBaltimore Orioles right-hander
Grayson Rodriguez (shoulder) threw a 15-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday, his first time throwing off a mound since landing on the 15-day injured list last week with right-shoulder inflammation. Rodriguez mixed in all of his pitches on Wednesday and felt good after the session. It remains to be seen if the Orioles will send the 24-year-old out on a minor-league rehab assignment, but in any case, it's looking like he won't have to miss much time. It's great news for his fantasy baseball managers. The former 11th overall pick in 2018 should remain rostered in all fantasy formats. Rodriguez has started the season going 4-1 with a 3.71 ERA (3.56 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP while walking 12 and striking out 37 in 34 innings over his six starts.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
1 hour agoBoston Bruins center Jesper Boqvist (undisclosed) will be back in the lineup on Wednesday against Florida. The 25-year-old missed the series opener on Monday with an undisclosed injury. Boqvist centers the fourth line for the Bruins and recorded one point with four shots on goal and 22 hits in seven Round 1 games against Toronto. He'll be back on the fourth line on Wednesday with Johnny Beecher and Pat Maroon.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Fluto Shinzawa
1 hour agoThe Tampa Bay Rays reinstated right-hander
Taj Bradley (pectoral) from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday, and he'll take the rotation spot of fellow right-hander
Ryan Pepiot, who was placed on the 15-day IL on Wednesday with a left lower-leg contusion. Bradley is expected to make his season debut for the Rays on Friday at home against the division-rival New York Yankees after looking strong during his minor-league rehab assignment. The 23-year-old initially suffered his pectoral injury while pitching in spring training. Bradley, one of the team's former top prospects, was inconsistent in his major-league debut in 2023 with a 5.59 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, but he also walked just 39 and struck out 129 in 104 2/3 innings over 23 appearances (21 starts). He needs to be rostered in most mixed fantasy leagues now that he's about to make his 2024 debut.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Rays Communications
1 hour agoFlorida Panthers center Sam Bennett (upper body) will remain sidelined for Game 2 against the Bruins on Wednesday. Florida expects to get its second-line center back this week, but Bennett isn't quite ready to return just yet. Anton Lundell will continue to skate on the second line. The Finnish forward has played well in the postseason, collecting points in four of the last five games. Bennett's next chance to return comes on Friday in Game 3 of the series.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Colby Guy
1 hour agoThe Tampa Bay Rays officially placed right-hander
Ryan Pepiot (leg) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 6) on Wednesday with a left lower-leg contusion. Pepiot, who took a line drive off his leg in his last outing on Sunday against the New York Mets, will be eligible to come off the injured list on May 21. Because the 26-year-old isn't dealing with an arm injury of any kind, there's a good chance he'll return for fantasy baseball managers when he's eligible. The former third-round selection of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019 out of Butler has a 3-2 record, a solid 3.68 ERA (3.66 FIP) and 0.93 WHIP with 11 walks and 41 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings over his first seven starts in 2024. Pepiot is a solid asset in all fantasy leagues, but be mindful of the fact that he's never gone over 42 innings pitched in his two major-league seasons.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Rays Communications
1 hour agoUndrafted free-agent quarterback
Chevan Cordeiro was released by the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. Cordeiro had a productive collegiate career, passing for 12,191 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions to go along with 1,620 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns in four seasons at Hawaii and two seasons at San Jose State. He signed with Seattle following the 2024 NFL Draft, but his stint with the organization did not last long. Making a training camp roster is an immense challenge for UDFAs, especially quarterbacks. That said, a team in need of extra camp arms could be interested in kicking the tires on Cordeiro.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Brady Henderson -- ESPN
1 hour agoPittsburgh Pirates right-hander
Paul Skenes, the top prospect in all of baseball after going first overall in last year's draft out of LSU, will finally make his major-league debut this Saturday at PNC Park against the visiting Chicago Cubs. The 21-year-old really didn't have anything left to prove at Triple-A Indianapolis after posting a 0.99 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with eight walks and 45 strikeouts in just 27 1/3 innings over seven starts, but the Pirates were intent on getting him properly built up for his eventual promotion to the big leagues. Skenes might not be as dominant right away in the majors for Pittsburgh, but he should at least be immediately serviceable in all fantasy formats because of his strikeout upside. He has been considered the best pitching prospect in baseball since
Stephen Strasburg. Pick Skenes up ASAP if he's somehow available on your waiver wire.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Pittsburgh PG - Jason Mackey
2 hours agoIt didn't take long for Michael McDowell's new home to be announced once he let the cat out of the bag that he would be leaving Front Row Motorsports. It what is being described as a "multi-year contract," McDowell will head over to Spire Motorsports starting in 2025 to drive the No. 71 Chevrolet for that organization. That car is currently being ran by rookie Zane Smith. While this is somewhat of a downgrade in equipment for McDowell, he has proven to be capable of building up an organization and making it better (like we saw him do with Front Row). Overall, this could end up being a positive move for both McDowell and Spire in the end.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Spire Motorsports
2 hours agoThe New Orleans Saints waived quarterback
Kellen Mond on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Field Yates. He will now go through the waiver process, and it would not be a surprise if he goes unclaimed. The 2021 third-round pick enjoyed a strong college career at Texas A&M, racking up 9,661 passing yards, 93 total touchdowns, and just 27 interceptions in 46 games played. He has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints, but he's thrown just three regular-season passes in his young career. Teams in need of extra quarterbacks for training camp might be interested in the 24-year-old signal-caller, but he's unlikely to ever earn a starting job and could have a tough time making a 53-man roster.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Field Yates
2 hours agoCincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that a new fracture was revealed in first baseman
Christian Encarnacion-Strand's right hand, and he'll miss a month to six weeks as he heals. Encarnacion-Strand was hit by a pitch on his right hand at the end of April, but initial tests didn't reveal the fracture. Not only is the 24-year-old now out for the foreseeable future, but he has started the 2024 season ice-cold at the plate, slashing just .190/.220/.293 with two home runs and 16 RBI in 116 at-bats. Despite the disappointing start to his sophomore season, CES should stay rostered in the majority of mixed fantasy leagues.
Jeimer Candelario should slide over to first base the majority of time Encarnacion-Strand is out, allowing
Santiago Espinal to see more playing time at third base.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
2 hours agoGreen Bay Packers wide receiver
Christian Watson (hamstring) has looked like a star at times through the first two seasons of his NFL career, but lingering hamstring issues caused the former second-round pick to miss eight games in 2023. The organization is focused on how to prevent flare-ups moving forward, and passing game coordinator Jason Vrable said Watson is "in a great place now" with his hamstring. The 24-year-old has plenty of big-play ability and has racked up 1,033 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns through his first 23 games, but he's become tough to trust in fantasy football due to his availability concerns. Hopefully, he really has turned a corner, because he could have at least WR2 upside catching passes from breakout quarterback
Jordan Love. Green Bay is sure to be more careful in managing his reps in hopes of keeping him on the field.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Rob Demovksy
2 hours agoThe Boston Red Sox reinstated right-hander
Nick Pivetta (elbow) from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday and optioned right-hander
Naoyuki Uwasawa to Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move. The Red Sox also reinstated infielder/outfielder
Romy Gonzalez (wrist) from the 10-day IL and designated infielder
Zack Short for assignment. Pivetta will immediately return to Boston's starting rotation and will toe the rubber on Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves. The 31-year-old has been out since April 9 due to a right-elbow flexor strain. Pivetta threw only 62 pitches in his only minor-league rehab start and should be considered a poor streaming option in his first game back against the potent Braves lineup. It doesn't mean he shouldn't be rostered everywhere after starting with a 0.82 ERA and 0.82 WHIP with 13 K's in his first two starts in 2024, though.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Boston Red Sox
2 hours agoLos Angeles Angels infielder
Brandon Drury (hamstring) left Wednesday's win against the Pittsburgh Pirates early with left-hamstring tightness. Drury was replaced after six inning at first base by
Nolan Schanuel. The 31-year-old went 2-for-3 with two doubles, an RBI and a run scored in the eventual 5-4 win. Drury also missed several games last month with a hamstring injury, so it should be a pretty big concern that he might have to go on the injured list with his latest hamstring issue. Coming into Wednesday's game, Drury had been cold at the plate all year with a .158 average (16-for-101) with just one home run and five RBI. If Drury is forced to miss additional time with his hamstring injury,
Ehire Adrianza and
Cole Tucker could continue to find themselves in the lineup for the Halos on the infield.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
2 hours agoFree-agent wide receiver
Zay Jones is on a visit with the Dallas Cowboys on Wednesday, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. The eight-year NFL veteran was recently let go by the Jacksonville Jaguars after the team added
Gabe Davisread more...
2 hours agoTexas Rangers general manager
Chris Young said that right-hander
Max Scherzer (back, thumb) has been shut down from throwing for a few days while still dealing with a right- thumb/forearm issue. Scherzer doesn't have a timetable to resume throwing, but Young said he won't throw again until any tightness/discomfort is gone. The Rangers aren't going to take any chances with the 39-year-old veteran, who hasn't pitched in the big leagues since having surgery on Dec. 15 to fix a herniated disc in his back. Scherzer's thumb became a problem after his first minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock on April 24. Originally hoping to return to Texas' starting rotation in May, Scherzer could now be pushed back until June, depending on when he resumes throwing. With
Dane Dunning (shoulder) now in the injured list,
Jose Urena should stay locked into the rotation for at least a bit longer.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: RangersToday.com - Jeff Wilson
2 hours agoThe Texas Rangers placed right-hander
Dane Dunning (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday with a right rotator-cuff strain. In additional moves, the Rangers outfielder
Robbie Grossman was added to the active roster after being acquired in
read more...
2 hours agoThe game between the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday has been postponed due to inclement weather at Busch Stadium. The contest will be made up on Monday, Aug. 5, at 4:15 pm central time. Left-handed veteran
Jose Quintana was set to start for the Mets on Wednesday and be opposed by right-hander
Sonny Gray of the Cardinals. Quintana should now be expected to start Friday's series opener against the Atlanta Braves, while Gray will likely pitch in the series opener on Thursday in Milwaukee against the Brewers. Fantasy baseball managers obviously need to remove any players from their starting lineups that are on these two teams.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Rob Rains
2 hours agoThe Miami Marlins reinstated left-hander
Braxton Garrett (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday and placed right-hander
Edward Cabrera (shoulder) on the 15-day IL in a corresponding move with a right-shoulder impingement. Garrett, who hasn't pitch in the big leagues yet in 2024, is expected to make his first start of the year on Sunday against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. The 26-year-old has returned from a shoulder impingement of his own. Even though Sunday's matchup against the Phils isn't the best he could have for his first start back, Garrett is worth rostering in most mixed leagues now that he's healthy. Garrett looked good on his minor-league rehab assignment and went 9-7 last year with a 3.66 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with a career-high 156 K's in 159 2/3 innings over 31 outings (30 starts).
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Miami Marlins
3 hours agoThe Miami Marlins placed right-hander
Edward Cabrera (shoulder) on the injured list on Wednesday with a right-shoulder impingement. Cabrera was pulled from his outing early on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers after allowing a grand slam in just two innings of work, and now he'll be forced to miss at least several weeks. It's the second time he's gone on the IL in the last three months, and walks have also continued to be a major issue for the 26-year-old. In his five starts this year, Cabrera has a rough 7.17 ERA (4.18 FIP) and 1.59 WHIP with 14 walks and 31 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings pitched. The strikeout upside is evident, but until Cabrera can stay healthy and show a better command of his pitches, fantasy managers in mixed leagues should look for better options. The good news for the Marlins is that left-hander
Braxton Garrett (shoulder) has been activated and is ready to make his 2024 debut.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Sports Grid - Craig Mish
3 hours agoThe Cincinnati Reds placed infielder
Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hand) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a right ulnar styloid fracture and signed infielder
Mike Ford to a one-year major-league contract in a corresponding move. Left-hander
Brandon Williamson (shoulder) was also moved to the 60-day injured list. Encarnacion-Strand fractured his right hand when he was hit by a pitch late last month and missed four games as a result. With the 24-year-old out for at least the next 10 days, Ford and
Jeimer Candelario should be options to fill in at first base for the Reds moving forward. Candelario is getting the start at the cold corner on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, with
Santiago Espinal at third base. In addition to his injury, it's been a bad start for CES, as he's hitting just .190 (22-for-116) with two homers and 16 RBI.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Cincinnati Reds
3 hours agoThe Dallas Cowboys notified wide receiver
Martavis Bryant on Wednesday that they are moving in a different direction and will release him, according to a person familiar with the situation. Dallas gave Bryant a chance to jump start his NFL career, but he will now need to seek employment elsewhere. The move to release him results in no dead money against the team's 2024 salary cap. The 32-year-old veteran hasn't played in the NFL since 2018 with the Raiders. He could latch on with another team now that he's available on the open market, but Bryant will be a long shot to carve out a substantial role again in his career. The former fourth-rounder in 2014 by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Clemson caught 145 passes for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns in his four NFL seasons.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Dallas Morning News - Michael Gehlken
3 hours agoAccording to a source, the New York Jets had been monitoring rookie wide receiver
Malachi Corley as high as pick No. 40 for a potential trade in this year's draft. They ended up selecting him in the third round after trading up to pick No. 65, and general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh were both elated. A veteran scout described Corley as "rugged." Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers has been excited to work with Corley since watching tape on him last month. The 22-year-old had 29 touchdowns in his last three seasons at Western Kentucky and will give the Jets some solid depth at the position behind
Garrett Wilson and
Mike Williams in 2024 and beyond. Corley could play right away in the slot for the Jets, but it remains to be seen how his after-the-catch prowess will translate to the NFL.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
4 hours agoBuffalo Bills wide receiver
Justin Shorter is expected to compete for a depth role in training camp this summer behind wideouts
Khalil Shakir, rookie
Keon Coleman and veteran
Curtisread more...
4 hours agoThe Denver Broncos released quarterback
Ben DiNucci on Wednesday, according to a source. DiNucci was with the Broncos all of last year on the practice squad and was elevated to the team's game-day roster three times. He became expendable this offseason after the Broncos acquired
Zach Wilson from the New York Jets and then took rookie QB
Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the first round. With DiNucci released, Denver now has three QBs on the roster in Nix, Wilson and
Jarrett Stidham. All three signal-callers will compete for the starting job in training camp this summer. Wilson and Stidham obviously have the most NFL experience, but Nix is fully expected to be Denver's starter of the future after they used a first-round pick on him last month.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
4 hours agoFormer Atlanta Falcons free-agent wide receiver
Scotty Miller is reuniting with Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to a source. Smith was the head coach in Atlanta to begin last season before getting fired. In 17 games with the Falcons last year, Miller caught 11 of his 16 targets for 161 yards and two touchdowns. While he will reunite with Smith, the 26-year-old pass-catcher will merely operate as receiving depth in Pittsburgh behind
George Pickens,
Van Jefferson, rookie
Roman Wilson and
Calvin Austin III. The 26-year-old speedster has a total of 85 catches on 144 targets for 1,085 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 67 games (eight starts) over his five seasons in the NFL. He was originally a sixth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019 out of Bowling Green.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
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