12 seconds agoNew York Knicks forward
OG Anunoby (leg) exited Wednesday's postseason matchup with the Pacers.
Jalen Brunson (foot) left in the first half because of right foot discomfort. Fortunately, Brunson returned, although now the team could be without Anunoby, who limped off the court while holding his left hamstring in the third quarter. If he doesn't return, he'll finish with 28 points, shooting 10-for-19 from the field and 4-for-7 from deep, with
Precious Achiuwa and
Miles McBride expected to see more minutes.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Stefan Bondy
3 mins agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Chris Bassitt delivered an outstanding performance in Wednesday's 5-3 victory on the road over the Philadelphia Phillies, striking out six and allowing just two runs on three hits and two walks for his third win of the season. That's back-to-back quality starts now for Bassitt, who was hammered for seven runs at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers in his prior appearance on April 26. The 35-year-old veteran right-hander still has work to do to enhance his 5.06 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 40:20 K:BB through 42 2/3 frames (eight starts) for the Jays this season, but he's certainly trending the right direction. Tuesday's scheduled start against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards unfortunately looks like a nightmarish spot for Bassitt, who went 0-2 and gave up 12 runs across nine innings (two starts) against Baltimore a year ago.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
10 mins agoKansas City Royals shortstop
Bobby Witt Jr. stayed hot in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, going 2-for-3 with a home run and a double while scoring three runs. After doubling in the first inning, Witt greeted Brewers right-hander
Joel Payamps with a solo shot to deep left center in the eighth frame. The 23-year-old former top prospect has been spectacular all year long, but over his last 15 games since April 23, he's batting .377 with the aforementioned homer, 12 RBI, 16 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. A four-game set against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim starting on Thursday is on tap for Witt. In nine games against the Angels in his career, Witt is surprisingly hitting just .237 with three taters, 10 RBI, three runs scored, and zero steals.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
22 mins agoNew York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson (foot) returned to Wednesday's postseason contest versus the Pacers. Brunson experienced right foot discomfort in the first quarter and was questionable to return. However, while fantasy managers are happy he's out there, it's evident he's not 100%. Of course, head coach Tom Thibodeau will monitor Brunson throughout the contest, and he will likely see fewer minutes than usual.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Ian Begley
23 mins agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher
Garrett Whitlock (oblique) is scheduled to throw live batting practice ahead of Friday's series opener against the visiting Washington Nationals. If all goes well, Whitlock could make a minor-league rehab start five days later on May 15 and potentially be back with the Red Sox by May 20. Before suffering a strained left oblique, the 27-year-old right-hander registered an outstanding 1.96 ERA (3.31 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP while striking out 17 and walking seven in four starts (18 1/3 innings) out of Boston's rotation this season, and he remains a strong stash in all fantasy leagues. Swingman
Cooper Criswell has filled in well during Whitlock's absence, compiling a 1.74 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 16:4 K:BB through 20 2/3 frames (four starts), and he'll be a prime streaming candidate for Sunday's series finale against a middling Nats lineup.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Jones & Mego with Arcand - WEEI
27 mins agoBoston Celtics center
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) remains out for Thursday's matchup against the Cavaliers. The 28-year-old suffered a right Soleus strain during the previous round versus the Miami Heat. Fortunately, team reporter Chris Forsberg posted a video to X on Wednesday that showed Porzingis doing some shooting. Nonetheless, he could still miss the remainder of the series with Cleveland. But until Porzingis is back in the lineup,
Al Horford and
Luke Kornet should handle things in the middle.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
36 mins agoThe hope is that Colorado Rockies outfielder
Nolan Jones (back) will start defensive practice and resuming hitting in the cage this weekend. As he prepares to ramp up his baseball activities, Jones will "more than likely" need a brief minor-league rehab assignment before returning from a strained lower back. Following a 2023 breakout campaign, the 26-year-old left-handed hitter was slashing an icy .170/.243/.277 with one home run, five doubles, seven RBI, and two stolen bases through 94 at-bats (26 games) as Colorado's primary left fielder but remains a recommended stash with a mid-May return still a possibility. Top prospect
Jordan Beck should continue receiving the lion's share of the reps in left field until Jones is ready to return, but he's hitting an empty .125 (3-for-24) over seven outings during his first stint in the major leagues.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Luke Zahlmann - Denver Gazette
41 mins agoDenver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic was named the 2023-24 NBA Most Valuable Player, his third time capturing the award in the last four seasons. The 29-year-old is coming off another potent season, amassing 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists in 79 games. He also shot 58.3% from the field, one of the best marks of his career. Jokic doesn't appear to be slowing down, so he should remain a top fantasy option for many years ahead, especially since he's among the most durable players in the National Basketball Association.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Ohm Youngmisuk
48 mins agoTampa Bay Rays closer
Pete Fairbanks (arm) is set to make another minor-league rehab appearance on Friday. After throwing a scoreless inning for Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Fairbanks is scheduled for another outing in the minors before returning from a nerve-related issue and rejoining Tampa Bay's bullpen. Barring any setbacks, the Rays could activate the hard-throwing 30-year-old right-hander from the injured list following that assignment. Although he's given up seven earned runs and walked eight over seven innings this year, Fairbanks has three saves as well as a respectable 3.72 FIP and should reclaim the closing gig upon his return. Until then,
Jason Adam should remain the favorite for saves and is worth holding in the majority of fantasy leagues.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
50 mins agoNew York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson (foot) exited Wednesday's meeting with the Indiana Pacers. He is questionable to return. The 27-year-old had 43 points to lead the Knicks to the win in Game 1. Unfortunately, he was only on the court for eight minutes in Game 2 before exiting with right foot discomfort. The Knicks need him healthy. But if Brunson can't return,
OG Anunoby,
Josh Hart, and
Donte DiVincenzo will pick up most of the slack on the scoring end.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: New York Knicks
1 hour agoCleveland Browns running back
Nyheim Hines (knee) said that he expects to be ready to go for training camp in late July despite having surgery to fix a torn left ACL last August. As long as Hines doesn't have any setbacks with his surgically repaired knee, he will be in the mix for snaps on third downs, especially with
Nick Chubb coming off a devastating knee injury of his own last year. The 27-year-old Hines will have a low floor and ceiling, though, in PPR fantasy leagues with
Jerome Ford and
D'Onta Foreman also competing for backfield touches in Cleveland. The former fourth-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 out of North Carolina State has a total of 240 receptions (309 targets) for 1,778 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his five NFL campaigns. Hines hasn't appeared in an NFL game since 2022.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: News 5 Cleveland - Camryn Justice
1 hour agoNew York Yankees right-handed reliever
Tommy Kahnle (shoulder) started a minor-league rehab assignment on Wednesday with Single-A Tampa. Kahnle has yet to make his debut in 2024 with the Yankees due to a right-shoulder injury that he's been dealing with late last year. Because of the long layoff, the 34-year-old is likely to have a lengthy rehab stint in the minors before the Yankees consider adding him back to their bullpen mix. The former fifth-round pick in 2010 out of Lynn University is a veteran of nine MLB seasons and had a strong 2.66 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, a career-high-tying two saves, 19 walks and 48 strikeouts in 40 2/3 relief innings in 2023 in his return to the Bronx. If healthy, Kahnle can give New York's bullpen a big boost when he's able to return.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Yankees PR Department
2 hours agoOakland Athletics top prospect
Jacob Wilson has been promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas after hitting .455/.473/.705 with an absurd 1.178 OPS, 16 extra-base hits (three home runs), 19 RBI, two stolen bases and 18 runs scored in 22 games for Double-A Midland. The 22-year-old former sixth overall pick last year out of Grand Canyon University has risen up the A's minor-league system quickly and is now just one step away from making his big-league debut. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is the son of former big-league shortstop Jack Wilson. What he lacks in power and exit velocities, Wilson makes up for with his elite contact skills and low strikeout rates. For now, he should be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he could become a waiver-wire pickup later in the year in single-year leagues if he's called up to Oakland.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
2 hours agoOakland Athletics infielders
Aledmys Diaz (calf) and
Zack Gelof (oblique) will both join Triple-A Las Vegas this weekend to begin their respective minor-league rehab assignments. Diaz was cleared for a rehab assignment after successfully running the bases on Wednesday. The 33-year-old veteran utilityman is on the 60-day injured list and has yet to play in 2024. He won't be eligible to return until late May, so he'll take his time on his rehab assignment. When he's back from the injured list, he won't be guaranteed to see regular playing time for the A's. Gelof, who was the team's starter at second before his injury, is the more attractive fantasy asset in deeper leagues despite starting the year with a .196/.260/.337 slash line with three home runs, seven RBI and four stolen bases in his first 92 at-bats.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
2 hours agoHouston Astros right-handed reliever
Ryan Pressly (back), who hasn't pitched since last Friday, is dealing with soreness in his lower back, according to manager Joe Espada. Pressly played catch on Wednesday, and Espada said he "felt OK" and termed it "nothing worrisome right now." For now, the 35-year-old will remain with the team, but it remains to be seen if he'll be available out of the team's bullpen on Wednesday against the New York Yankees. Pressly's back issues could have contributed to his slow start in 2024, as he's currently sporting a 5.27 ERA and 1.68 WHIP while walking five and striking out 21 in 13 2/3 innings of relief. However, he hasn't allowed a run in his last five innings while walking one and striking out nine and will remain a key late-inning setup man in front of closer
Josh Hader if he's healthy enough to pitch.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
2 hours agoHouston Astros outfielder
Chas McCormick (hamstring) could start a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend. McCormick has recovered quickly after landing on the injured list with hamstring soreness last week. If the 29-year-old gets out of a short rehab assignment without any setbacks, he could return to the Astros early next week.
Mauricio Dubon has seen more playing time in Houston's outfield since McCormick landed on the shelf. McCormick is going to need to do more with the bat when he returns to assure himself regular playing time. In 21 games before his hamstring injury, he was hitting .236/.325/.278 with no home runs, eight RBI, two stolen bases and six runs scored in 83 plate appearances. He's coming off his best season as a pro in 2023, when he hit .273 with 22 homers, 70 RBI and 19 swipes.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
2 hours agoSeattle Mariners right-hander
Bryan Woo (elbow) is expected to come off the injured list to join the team's starting rotation for a series at home this weekend against the visiting Oakland Athletics. Young right-hander
Emerson Hancock seems set to be optioned back to the minors when Woo returns. The 24-year-old flew under the radar after his big-league debut in 2023, when he went 4-5 with a 4.21 ERA (4.36 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP with 31 walks and 93 strikeouts in 87 2/3 innings in his first 18 major-league starts. Woo is worth looking into for pitching depth for those in deeper fantasy leagues, and he's set up for a good matchup this weekend against the A's. The former sixth-round pick in 2021 Cal Poly displayed a modest strikeout rate in his first year in the majors and was hurt by the long ball.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Seattle Times - Ryan Divish
2 hours agoTexas Rangers shortstop
Corey Seager was held out of the starting lineup for Game 2 of a doubleheader on Wednesday against the A's in Oakland.
Josh Smith got the start at shortstop for the nightcap instead and is
read more...
2 hours agoSan Francisco Giants left-hander
Blake Snell (groin) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday and then start a minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A San Jose on Sunday, according to manager Bob Melvin. Snell started facing live hitters on Tuesday and is ready to take the next step by pitching in a minor-league game later this weekend. The 31-year-old is recovering from an adductor strain and figures to pitch in more than one rehab game after starting the year late given the timing of his signing with the Giants. In his first three starts with the Giants, Snell lost all three starts while allowing 15 earned runs on 18 hits (two home runs) while walking five and striking out 12 in 11 2/3 innings. It's not the start his fantasy managers were hoping for, but Snell is also a notoriously slow starter and needs to be rostered in all leagues for his high-strikeout upside.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: San Francisco Chronicle - Shayna Rubin
2 hours agoThe San Francisco Giants placed outfielder
Jorge Soler (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a right-shoulder strain and recalled outfielder
Heliot Ramos from Triple-A Sacramento in a corresponding move. Soler missed the team's last three games with his shoulder injury and will now be forced to miss at least another week. The 32-year-old right-handed slugger boasts elite power but has gone just 24-for-119 (.202) with five home runs, eight RBI and 14 runs scored in his first 34 games in San Francisco. Ramos, 24, is serving as the designated hitter on Wednesday night and is hitting seventh in the batting order. He has yet to make an impact at the big-league level for the Giants but was swinging a hot bat in the minors and will be worth a look off the waiver wire in NL-only leagues now that he could see some playing time over the next week for the Gigantes.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Maria I. Guardado
3 hours agoHouston Astros starting pitcher
Jose Urquidy (forearm) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Sugar Land this weekend. The right-hander has been sidelined since spring training due to inflammation in his forearm. The expectation is that Urquidy is going to need a few rehab starts before rejoining the Astros rotation. Possibly, Urquidy is able to rejoin the Astros rotation by the end of May. Fantasy managers will have to stay tuned for more updates over the next week or two.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Matt Kawahara
3 hours agoOakland Athletics catcher
Shea Langeliers was a force at the plate during Wednesday's game against the Texas Rangers. The young catcher went 3-for-5 with a home run and five RBI in the victory during Game 1 of their doubleheader. Langeliers blasted a two-run home run off
Michael Lorenzen in the second inning before adding a two-run double in the fourth inning. The assumption is that Langeliers should be back in the lineup ahead of Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader. The 26-year-old has struggled throughout most of the season but maybe this will get him back on track.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoAccording to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Milwaukee Bucks point guard
Patrick Beverley is under police investigation for his ball-throwing incident in Game 6 against the Pacers. With the Bucks down by 20 points and heading out of the playoffs, Beverley chucked the ball at Pacers fans multiple times near the end of the game. The controversial guard, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent, has since then regretted the incident. "Unfortunate situation that should have never happened," Beverley said on his podcast. "What I did was bad, and that should have never happened. I have to be better, and I will be better. That should have never happened. Regardless of what was said, that should have never happened. Simple as that."
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
3 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers outfielder
Teoscar Hernandez was a one-man wrecking crew during Wednesday's game against the Miami Marlins. Hernandez went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI in the win. He opened the first frame with an RBI single and blasted a two-run homer in the sixth inning. It was the only three runs the Dodgers scored in this game but it was enough to win them the contest. Hernandez has 10 home runs this season and has four long balls over his last six games.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher
Daniel Hudson was called upon to close out Wednesday's game against the Miami Marlins. The right-hander tossed on scoreless inning on only 12 pitches to record his second save of the season. Hudson blew a save on Friday but redeemed himself during this outing. The expectation is that the Dodgers are planning to use closer-by-committee until
Evan Phillips (hamstring) is able to return.
Blake Treinen and
Alex Vesia should also be in the mix alongside Hudson.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Thanasis Antetokounmpo has suffered a torn Achilles and is set to undergo surgery, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic. The older brother of multi-time MVP
Giannis Antetokounmpo has just finished his sixth NBA season, averaging 0.9 points across 4.6 minutes of action. He has a total of 198 regular-season games of experience under his belt in the Association. Together with his brother, Antetokounmpo won the NBA championship with the Bucks in 2021.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
3 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher
Gavin Stone made easy work of the Miami Marlins lineup on Wednesday. The right-hander threw seven strong innings while allowing only one run in the win. Stone gave up a solo blast to
Bryan De La Cruz in the fourth inning, but he was excellent outside of that. The 25-year-old holds a 3.55 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 27/13 K/BB ratio across 38 innings this season. He'll get a tougher matchup versus the San Francisco Giants during his next start.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers forward
Dean Wade (knee) will remain out for Thursday's Game 2 against Boston. He's missed two months with a sprained right knee, but there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for the 27-year-old. An update ahead of the second-round series opener by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com suggested Wade might be ready to return to action this weekend. With
Jarrett Allen (rib) also out injured, the Cavaliers could really use an extra body on the frontcourt. Wade finished the regular season with averages of 5.4 points and 4.0 rebounds across 20.5 minutes.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 hours agoSan Diego Padres starting pitcher
Dylan Cease was impressive on the mound during Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs. The 28-year-old struck out a season-high 12 batters over seven shutout innings during the win. Cease only allowed one hit and a pair of walks during Wednesday's outing. He holds a 2.19 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 60/16 K/BB ratio across 49 1/3 innings this season. He'll get a favorable matchup against the Colorado Rockies during his next start.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen (rib) has once again landed on the injury report as questionable ahead of Game 2 against Boston on Thursday. Allen missed a fourth consecutive game as the Eastern Conference semifinals started on Tuesday night. He's bothered by a right rib contusion, which reportedly even makes it tough for him to sleep, so the signs aren't great regarding his potential return on Thursday.
Evan Mobley will continue to start at center if Allen isn't ready to return, with
Tristan Thompson and
Marcus Morris Sr. providing cover.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
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