April 29, 2025
It has been a turbulent few weeks for Austin Eckroat, who managed to have a decent T32 finish in Hilton Head after missing two straight cuts in Augusta and Houston. Short game and approach play have been the downfall of most rounds, as he ranks 124th in strokes gained on approach (-0.201) and 158th in strokes gained around the green (-0.327). Iron play is certainly the bigger importance this week, and averaging +0.78 strokes gained in this area at Harbour Town is intriguing along with a T2 in this event two years ago. Eckroat is one of the more accurate drivers on Tour, which also bodes well on this Tom Weiskopf layout. Given the recent struggles, there is some level of volatility with the 26-year-old, but the course fit is undoubtedly there and makes him a decent option at $9,300 on FanDuel.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
April 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Jonny DeLuca (shoulder) experienced some soreness while throwing and swinging and will be shut down for 3-to-5 days, according to manager Kevin Cash. DeLuca was beginning the rehab of his strained right shoulder, but it looks like he may have started a bit too early. The soreness isn't expected to be anything serious, but this will still delay his return to the team. The speedy center fielder was batting .435 with four stolen bases before suffering the injury while making a diving catch. Playing time may be a bit murkier once he does return, as top prospect
Chandler Simpson has taken over in center field recently.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Ryan Bass
April 29, 2025
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Matt Vierling (shoulder) will hopefully be ready to begin a rehab assignment pretty soon, according to manager A.J. Hinch. He's yet to play this season after suffering a strained rotator cuff in February. His rehab assignment should be expected to be on the longer side, considering he missed almost all of spring training with the injury. In 2024, he slashed .257/.312/.423 with 16 home runs, 57 RBI, 80 runs, and six stolen bases in 144 games, making him a useful fantasy player in deeper formats.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Jason Beck
April 29, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder
Brandon Marsh (hamstring) is expected to resume his rehab at some point this week, reports Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Marsh left his rehab game on Sunday with a cramp in his injured right hamstring and is seeing a doctor. Even though it's an issue with the injury he is rehabbing, it was just a cramp, and the Phillies don't seem to be concerned. The outfielder will be looking to turn his season around once he does get activated, since he was batting just .095 through 17 games before being placed on the injured list.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Matt Gelb
April 29, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Ranger Suarez (back) could possibly rejoin the rotation this weekend, reports Matt Gelb of The Athletic. That would line him up to make his season debut against the Diamondbacks. He has yet to pitch this season while recovering from a back injury, but will be looking to build on his breakout 2024 season, where he posted a 3.46 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 27 starts for Philadelphia. He was one of the best pitchers in baseball in the first half of 2024 before fading down the stretch, but he has enough potential to be worth adding in any fantasy league where he is available.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Matt Gelb
April 29, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Cristopher Sanchez (forearm) will start on Wednesday, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. He left his previous start last week after two innings due to forearm soreness, but luckily the injury didn't turn into something more serious. Sanchez threw a bullpen session on Sunday without issue and will be ready to start Wednesday against the Nationals. He'll look to pick up where he left off in the midst of a breakout season where he has posted a 3.42 ERA with 33 strikeouts and eight walks over 26 ⅓ innings.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Todd Zolecki
April 29, 2025
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga left his start on Tuesday after five innings with leg cramps. He was cruising before he was knocked out of the game, shutting out the Pirates over the five frames while allowing six hits, one walk, and striking out three. His ERA for the season is now down to an excellent 2.77, and he should be good to go for his next start, assuming the cramps don't become an ongoing issue. If he stays on his normal schedule, his next start will come on Sunday in Milwaukee.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Taylor McGregor
April 29, 2025
Ben Kohles finished tied for 59th at the Corales Puntacana Championship two weeks ago and is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will be held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Kohles has two top-25 finishes out of 12 starts this season, but he has also missed the cut in seven of those tournaments. In the past 12 months, Kohles ranks in the 50th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is important because, at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, over 38% of approach shots came from this distance. Including Kohles in DFS lineups this week carries some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Joel Dahmen tied for second place at the Corales Puntacana Championship and is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will be held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. This season, Dahmen has four top-20 finishes but has also missed the cut in six of his 12 starts. Last year at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, he finished in a tie for 62nd. Over the past 12 months, Dahmen has ranked in the 91st percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is significant because more than 38% of approach shots at last year's tournament came from this distance. Including Dahmen in your DFS lineups this week does carry some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Beau Hossler finished tied for 60th at the Valero Texas Open earlier this month and is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will be held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. This season, Hossler has missed the cut in three of his 11 starts, but he does have two top-15 finishes. Last year, he finished in a tie for 52nd at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Over the past 12 months, Hossler ranks in the 12th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is important because over 38% of approach shots at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson came from this distance. Including Hossler DFS lineups this week carries some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Doug Ghim finished tied for 18th place at the Valero Texas Open earlier this month and is now focused on preparing for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. This season, Ghim has three top-25 finishes in 11 starts. However, he missed the cut at this event last year. Over the past 12 months, Ghim has ranked in the 71st percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is particularly relevant since over 38% of approach shots at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson came from this distance. Including Ghim in DFS lineups this week carries some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Jordan Spieth finished tied for 18th at the RBC Heritage two weeks ago and is now focusing on preparing for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will be held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Spieth has three consecutive top-20 finishes and five in his nine starts this season. It's worth noting that he missed the cut at this event last year. Over the past 12 months, Spieth ranks in the 79th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is significant because, at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, over 38% of approach shots came from this distance. Given his recent performance, Spieth could be a valuable addition to DFS lineups this week.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Kurt Kitayama missed the cut at the Valero Texas Open earlier this month. He is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup at Byron Nelson, at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. This season, Kitayama has missed the cut in six out of his 11 starts. The last time he played in this event was in 2022, where he also missed the cut. Over the past 12 months, Kitayama has ranked in the 94th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. While he could be a solid addition to DFS lineups this week, including him carries some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Si Woo Kim finished tied for eighth at the RBC Heritage two weeks ago and is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Prior to the RBC Heritage, Kim had missed the cut in two consecutive events. He has five top-25 finishes this season out of 13 starts. Over the past 12 months, Kim ranks in the 94th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is significant because over 38% of approach shots at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson came from this distance. Kim could be a valuable addition to DFS lineups this week.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
George Kirby (shoulder) felt great after completing his bullpen session on Monday and is expected to throw again on Sunday. After the session, Kirby noted that he "felt great" and described his session as "nasty." Fantasy managers should monitor his status over the week, as Kirby could be cleared to embark on a rehab assignment this weekend. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since the start of the campaign due to right shoulder inflammation. While the right-hander will need to increase his workload significantly before being in contention to return to the majors, this was a great step in the right direction. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Kirby in all standard formats as he will carry solid SP2 value in all formats when he returns. Last summer, Kirby held a 3.53 ERA with a stellar 1.07 WHIP across 191 innings of work.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Daniel Kramer
April 29, 2025
San Francisco Giants infielder/outfielder
Tyler Fitzgerald (chest) is returning to the starting nine on Tuesday when they face the San Diego Padres. The 27-year-old has been held out of the starting lineup for the past two games due to this minor injury. However, Fitzgerald will be making a quick return to the lineup. This evening, he will cover the keystone and bat in the nine-hole. Before his injury, Fitzgerald had not tallied a hit in each of his past two games. However, before this minor skid, the 27-year-old held an impressive .391/.429/.630 slash line with three doubles, two home runs, and seven RBI over his last 14 contests. Even though he has enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, he has generated a low .257 xwOBA, which is well below the average marks. He is best to fade this evening in DFS facing San Diego right-hander
Nick Pivetta.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Shayna Rubin
April 29, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Max Scherzer (thumb) completed a 27-pitch bullpen session on Friday. Toronto manager John Schneider noted that it was a "step in the right direction" for the veteran right-hander. Scherzer has been sidelined with this injury after making his season debut on March 29. In this outing, Scherzer lasted just three innings before exiting the contest. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears Scherzer will need to complete several more bullpen sessions before being cleared to embark on a rehab assignment. Last season, the 40-year-old was limited to numerous injuries and logged just 43 1/3 innings on the bump. Even though he has battled injuries over the past few seasons, when on the mound, he has been effective. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should continue to stash Scherzer while he slowly increases his workload.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Shi Davidi
April 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Josh Lowe (oblique) has been progressing well and could be cleared to participate in rehab games on Saturday. According to Ryan Bass of the FanDuel Sports Network, Lowe participated in batting practice on Tuesday and is expected to take another session on Friday before officially being cleared for a rehab assignment. This is an excellent sign for the 27-year-old as he has only appeared in one game this season before suffering this injury. If Lowe progresses well this week and is able to carry this success into his rehab assignment, he could be cleared to return to the starting nine sometime next week. In 2023, Lowe held a .241/.302/.391 slash line with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Given his five-category potential, he is a solid depth outfielder in standard formats when he returns to action.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ryan Bass
April 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Shane McClanahan (triceps) has begun "throwing-like" activities but has yet to begin playing catch. Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash noted that his recovery process has been "slow and steady." While this is not a significant improvement in his progress, it is a good sign to see the southpaw slowly progressing and not facing any setbacks. The left-hander was expected to be Tampa Bay's Opening Day starter but suffered a triceps injury during spring training. He has been on the injured list since the start of the campaign. In addition, McClanahan was recently shifted to the 60-day injured list, which means he will not return till at least the end of the month. Despite his potential extended recovery timetable, McClanahan remains a strong stash option in standard formats given his strikeout potential. While he remains sidelined,
Zack Littell should continue to see opportunities in the rotation.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ryan Bass
April 29, 2025
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
Spencer Strider (hamstring) is expected to have his timeline determined in the coming weeks. The right-hander was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain last week and could be facing his second extended absence of the season. Strider opened the campaign on the injured list as he was recovering from an internal brace procedure. During his lone start this season, Strider tossed five innings of two-run ball against the Toronto Blue Jays. In this outing, the hard-throwing righty struck out five batters and served up one walk. Last season, Strider was only able to log nine innings before being shut down after undergoing the internal brace procedure. Despite his recent health concerns, when on the bump, Strider is an elite option in all fantasy formats and remains a must-stash option. While he is sidelined,
AJ Smith-Shawver should see opportunities in the big leagues.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Mark Bowman
April 29, 2025
Los Angeles Angels first baseman
Nolan Schanuel (knee) is back at first base and is batting in the two-hole for Tuesday's contest against the division-rival Seattle Mariners and right-hander
Bryce Miller at T-Mobile Park. Schanuel bruised his right knee on Saturday when he fouled a pitch off of it against the Minnesota Twins, and he was held out of Sunday's lineup as a result. But after a day off on Monday, the 23-year-old left-handed hitter will return to the starting nine. The former 11th overall pick in 2023 out of Florida Atlantic University comes into Tuesday's contest slashing a mediocre .247/.327/.382 with a .709 OPS, two home runs, eight RBI and 11 runs scored in 89 at-bats. Schanuel has gone hitless in his last 11 plate appearances with four strikeouts in four games and is hitless in five career at-bats against Miller.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 29, 2025
Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (upper body) was back on the ice Tuesday morning but remains day-to-day ahead of Wednesday's Game 5 against the Washington Capitals. Laine has watched his team fall into a 3-1 hole, having missed the last two games, and it's unclear if he can return to the lineup on Wednesday night. Before suffering an upper-body injury, Laine recorded one power-play assist and six shots in two appearances during the series. Ivan Demidov has seen increased usage during Laine's absence, notching his first career postseason points with power-play assists in Game 4.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Priyanta Emrith
April 29, 2025
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that infielder
Jeimer Candelario (back) spoke up on Tuesday about a lower-back injury that he's been dealing with. The Reds are looking at Candelario, who is out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's divisional tilt against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals.
Spencer Steer is at first base and batting sixth, while
Noelvi Marte is at the hot corner and hitting fifth against Cardinals right-hander
Miles Mikolas. Candelario has found himself on the bench more of late due to his slow start at the plate, and his back injury could be the primary culprit. The 31-year-old switch-hitter is batting just .113/.198/.213 with two homers and 10 RBI in the first month of the season. Don't rule out an injured-list stint if his back doesn't improve. Marte will benefit from a playing-time standpoint for however long Candelario is out.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
April
29,
2025
Cincinnati
Reds
manager
Terry
Francona
said
that
outfielder
Austin
Hays
(hamstring)
is
out
of
the
starting
lineup
on
Tuesday
against
the
division-rival
St.
Louis
Cardinals
due
to
a
"tender"
hamstring
that
is
being
looked
at.
Hays
read more...
April 29, 2025
New York Mets manager
Carlos Mendoza called left-handed reliever
A.J. Minter's (lat) injury "pretty significant," and season-ending surgery is a possibility. Minter strained his lat on Saturday against the division-rival Washington Nationals and might have to miss the rest of the 2025 season as a result. It would be a big blow for the Mets' bullpen, as the 31-year-old veteran southpaw had only allowed two earned runs on six hits with five walks and 14 strikeouts in 11 relief innings in his first year with the team. The long-time Atlanta Braves reliever also required season-ending surgery last August for a recurring hip issue. At the very least, he will most likely be out for the rest of the first half of the season.
Danny Young is currently the Mets' only left-hander in their major-league bullpen after the injury to Minter.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jorge Castillo
April 29, 2025
Winnipeg Jets forward Gabriel Vilardi (upper body) is set to make his 2025 postseason debut in Wednesday's Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Jets head coach Scott Arniel said that Vilardi is a "full go" for Wednesday's contest. The 25-year-old has been sidelined for 15 games due to an upper-body injury. His return will provide a significant boost for the Jets, who suffered two ugly road defeats in Game 3 and 4. Vilardi recorded a career-high 61 points (27 goals, 34 assists) in 71 regular-season appearances. Alex Iafallo will likely be moved down in the lineup because of Vilardi's return.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Connor Hrabchak
April 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Lightning winger Brandon Hagel (upper body) has been ruled out for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Florida Panthers. He was injured during Monday's Game 4 in the Battle of Florida, exiting the action after receiving a high hit from Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Ekblad was not penalized for the incident in the game but will have a hearing Tuesday with the NHL Department of Player Safety. Hagel has gone scoreless in three playoff appearances this year but was a major asset for the Lightning during the regular season, scoring 35 goals and 90 points in 82 games. Tampa Bay will likely use Cam Atkinson or Conor Geekie as Hagel's replacement in Wednesday's game.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Gabby Shirley
April
29,
2025
Updating
a
previous
report,
New
York
Mets
outfielder
Brandon
Nimmo
(illness)
is
out
of
the
lineup
on
Tuesday
against
the
visiting
Arizona
Diamondbacks
with
some
sort
of
flu,
according
to
Newsday's
Laura
Albanese.
Nimmo
is
read more...
April 29, 2025
Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Johansson (lower body) will return to action for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights. The Swedish veteran missed Game 4 due to a lower-body injury. With over 100 games under his belt in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Johansson is an experienced postseason performer, but he has had a limited impact this year. In three appearances, Johansson has registered one assist, one shot, and four blocks while averaging 13:53 of ice time. Johansson is expected to skate on the second line with Ryan Hartman and Mats Zuccarello. His return will bump Vinnie Hinostroza out of the lineup.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Sarah McLellan
April 29, 2025
Kansas City Royals left-hander
Cole Ragans (groin) will not make his regularly scheduled start in Tampa against the Rays on Wednesday, according to manager Matt Quatraro. Instead, the Royals will call up pitching prospect
Noah Cameron to make the start in Ragans' place on Wednesday. Ragans was pulled from his last start last Thursday against the Colorado Rockies due to a mild strain of his left groin. The 27-year-old southpaw said he had been feeling better since the injury, though, so there's a good chance he'll only have to miss one turn through KC's rotation. Fantasy managers will be hoping he'll avoid a stint on the injured list and will be able to make his next scheduled start in a great matchup on May 5 against the division-rival Chicago White Sox. If Ragans is cleared for that outing, he'll be a must-start in all fantasy formats.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
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