2 hours agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Logan Webb was superb on Saturday, tossing eight-shutout frames in his club's 2-0 win over the Pirates. He struck out nine batters on the evening while walking two and giving up five hits, throwing 99 pitches in the sharp outing. Webb only ran into trouble in the eighth when he loaded the bases with two outs, but he got
Ben Gamel to strikeout and end the threat to improve his record to 11-5 on the season. The 25-year-old owns an even 3.00 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a 124/39 K/BB through 150 IP as he'll look to keep his dominance going in his next start versus the Diamondbacks next week.
--Riley Mrack - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoNew York Yankees reliever
Scott Effross closed out his club's 3-2 win over the Red Sox on Saturday, picking up his second save of the year and first with his new club. The 28-year-old made it interesting by allowing a pair of singles, but he ultimately got
Xander Bogaerts to pop out to end the game and stranding the tying run at third base. The Yankees have had trouble closing out games recently, but Effross isn't likely to pick up anything close to a lion's share of saves the rest of the way. He has had a nice season by sporting a 2.88 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 55 K through 50 IP, but
Clay Holmes or
Aroldis Chapman are still better suited for the role despite their struggles.
--Riley Mrack - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoTexas Rangers reliever
Jonathan Hernandez pitched a clean ninth inning on Saturday to close out the team's 7-4 win over the Mariners. The right-hander needed just 10 pitches to retire the side as he's now collected his third save of the season after missing the first half of the year recovering from Tommy-John Surgery that he underwent last April. He's allowed three earned runs over 10 frames so far in 2022 (2.70 ERA) to go along with a fine 1.10 WHIP while lighting up the radar gun with a fastball that can touch triple-digits. Hernandez appears to be the favored closing option in Texas, and should be scooped up for anyone looking to catch up in the save column.
--Riley Mrack - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher
Andrew Heaney is expected to make his next scheduled start according to manager Dave Roberts after he was lifted from Saturday's contest early. The lefty took a comebacker off his throwing arm in the third inning, but he admitted after the game that nothing tightened up afterwards and the team just wanted to be cautious. Makes sense since Heaney has struggled with injuries and they were up 8-2 at the time of his removal. His next turn up in the rotation will come Thursday against the Brewers, but managers will still want to monitor his availability through the week since the club won't push the 31-year-old if there's any lingering pain.
--Riley Mrack - RotoBallerSource: Fabian Ardaya - Twitter
3 hours agoTampa Bay Rays shortstop
Wander Franco (wrist) will begin a rehab assignment in Port Charlotte within the next few days as he recovers from a broken hamate bone in his wrist. The 21-year-old underwent surgery in mid-July, so it stands to reason that he'll need at least a week's worth of at-bats to get his swing back up to speed before rejoining the Rays for a playoff push. Through 58 games in 2022, Franco has hit a middling .260 with five homers and 23 RBI, but he would still be a welcomed addition to the Rays and to fantasy rosters during the final stretch of the regular season.
--Riley Mrack - RotoBallerSource: Marc Topkin - Twitter
3 hours agoAtlanta Braves outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. was removed from the second game of a doubleheader Saturday with knee soreness, but the club insists it was precautionary and he should be considered day-to-day. The 24-year-old played the full nine innings of game one, and made it through seven innings of the evening tilt before getting lifted after going 2-for-4 with a homer. Acuna mentioned that playing on the turf in Miami had an impact on his soreness, so managers should monitor his situation before tomorrow's finale to see if the Braves give him a day off before returning home for a series against the Mets starting on Monday.
--Riley Mrack - RotoBallerSource: Justin Toscano- Twitter
3 hours agoBuffalo Bills wide receiver
Isaiah Hodgins saw significant action during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The 23-year-old saw a team-high 11 targets during the victory over Indy. Hodgins managed to haul in nine receptions for 77 yards, which is a solid day for him. The former sixth-round pick is currently buried on the depth chart. However, Hodgins could very well move himself up quickly, assuming he continues to play like this. Regardless, it's highly unlikely that Hodgins finds himself with regular playing time in Buffalo. At the moment, he can be ignored in fantasy formats, but could have value down the line.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 hours agoBuffalo Bills wide receiver
Khalil Shakir was able to make some noise during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The rookie wideout hauled in all five of his targets for 92 yards in the victory. Earlier this offseason, the Bills mentioned Shakir was doing extremely well during training camp. He was a fifth-round pick, but could very well play above his draft status. Sadly for Shakir, the Bills do have plenty of depth at wide receiver. At the end of the day, he'll likely be the 4th or 5th option, assuming the Bills can stay healthy. He could be worth stashing in dynasty formats, but Shakir probably won't be someone worth looking at right away. Although, the Bills will find a way to get him involved, assuming he continues playing this well.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 hours agoIndianapolis Colts running back
Nyheim Hines saw plenty of action during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 25-year-old rushed eight times for 26 yards and hauled in two receptions for an additional 13 yards. The reps were there for Hines, but he failed to make much of an impact in this one. Fellow running back
Phillip Lindsay rushed for 24 yards on five carries during this game. The two of them are competing for the backup role behind
Jonathan Taylor. The expectation is that Lindsay will get the ground work, while Hines does the pass catching. That being said, fantasy managers in PPR leagues are better off with Hines over Lindsay right now.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 hours agoTexas Rangers shortstop
Corey Seager was 1-for-4 Saturday with a walk and a solo home run that turned out to be the winning run of the 7-4 against the Seattle Mariners. It was his 26th homer of the season, tying his career high from 2016. During his first season in Texas, Seager's slashing .252/.331/.475 with 61 runs, 59 RBI, and three stolen bases across 107 games. Some were worried about how a move to Globe Life Field would affect the 28-year-old, but he's still a productive fantasy option at short in every format.
--Spencer Seguin - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoIndianapolis Colts quarterback
Sam Ehlinger put together a fairly solid performance during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The 23-year-old completed 10-of-11 passing attempts for 88 yards and two touchdowns in the loss. Earlier this offseason, there were some rumors that Ehlinger could be the starter for the Colts. Those reports are now long gone with
Matt Ryan in town. It appears Ehlinger will be battling with
Nick Foles for the backup gig in Indy. Neither player is expected to be relevant in fantasy leagues with Ryan healthy.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 hours agoMiami Dolphins wide receiver Cedrick Wilson hauled in all three of his targets for a total of 29 receiving yards during Saturday's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lured away from Dallas in the past free agency period, Wilson, 26, caught 45 passes for 602 yards and four touchdowns in 2022. He also had value in the rushing attack and on special teams. His versatility propelled him to a WR46 finish last season, but he likely won't see similar results this coming year in a new offense.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoMiami Dolphins wide receiver
Mohamed Sanu turned three targets into three catches for 39 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. The 32-year-old has bounced around with many teams in his career, including the Falcons, Patriots, and 49ers. Signed by Miami less than three weeks ago, Sanu will look to use his veteran presence to compete for a roster spot. Through eight games last year, he totaled 15 catches and 177 yards. Regardless of whether he makes the team or not, Sanu won't see enough playing time to deem him fantasy relevant in 2022.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoMiami Dolphins wide receiver
Lynn Bowden Jr. hauled in three of four targets for 55 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Originally drafted by the Raiders in 2020, Bowden was dealt to the Dolphins before he could even play a snap in Las Vegas. He caught 28 passes for 211 yards as a rookie but missed all of last season due to injury. Assuming he continues to play well in training camp and the preseason, Bowden could be fighting for the fourth-string role in Miami. It's also possible that he's traded again before rosters trim down.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoMiami Dolphins running back
Myles Gaskin rushed four times for 27 yards during Saturday's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His first carry came on the final play of the first half, and then he toted the rock thrice more at the start of the third quarter. Gaskin could be losing a grasp on his role in the offense after the new coaching staff brought in
Chase Edmonds,
Raheem Mostert, and
Sony Michel this past offseason. One could argue that his production has been decreasing ever since he totaled just 612 rushing yards, 234 receiving yards, and seven total touchdowns last season. Without a clear role or guaranteed roster spot, Gaskin should be avoided in most fantasy drafts.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4 hours agoMiami Dolphins quarterback
Skylar Thompson took every offensive snap during Saturday's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He ultimately completed 20 of 28 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown. The 25-year-old also scampered for 25 yards on the ground. Thompson is listed third on Miami's depth chart behind
Tua Tagovailoa and
Teddy Bridgewater, and it should stay that way unless the seventh-round pick out of Kansas State goes absolutely insane throughout the remainder of training camp and preseason games.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4 hours agoPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
George Pickens caught three of his five targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in a 32-25 preseason win over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Pickens found the end zone on a 26-yard catch near the end of the first quarter of play. The rookie out of the University of Georgia has reportedly been starring during Steelers training camp and he showed why against Seattle on Saturday evening. Based on the early reviews, Pickens is becoming an interesting name in redraft leagues and especially in dynasty.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4 hours agoPittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Kenny Pickett completed 13 of 15 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-25 preseason win over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Pickett looked good in the first preseason game of his career, playing the entire second half and throwing a game-winning touchdown with 12 seconds left on the clock. The first-round rookie also tacked on 16 rushing yards on three carries in the contest. Pickett will open the season behind expected starter
Mitch Trubisky but he is likely to see some playing time in 2022 unless Trubisky puts together a dominant season under center for Pittsburgh.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
5 hours agoNew York Mets pitcher
Jacob deGrom allowed two hits while striking out 10 across six scoreless innings during Saturday's 1-0 win against the Philadelphia Phillies. He picked up his second win of the season. The Mets ace threw 76 pitches, landing 57 for strikes. He has shown no signs of rust since returning to the mound on August 2. The 34-year-old owns a 1.62 ERA, 0.42 WHIP, and 28 strikeouts across 16 2/3 innings in 2022. He had been sidelined most of the year while recovering from a stress reaction in his right scapula. deGrom will keep things rolling in his next start against the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: MLB
5 hours agoTampa Bay Rays first baseman/outfielder
Harold Ramirez (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Sunday. He took batting practice on Saturday and reportedly felt good. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since July 17 with a broken thumb. He slashed .329/.379/.446 with four homers and 35 RBI in 78 games before landing on the injured list. He will provide the Rays' first base and outfield depth once activated. Ramirez is on track to return to action within the next few weeks and is a speculative add in deep-league formats.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times
5 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers pitcher
Andrew Heaney (arm) exited Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals due to a left arm contusion. He took a line drive off his left arm and was removed from the game. The 31-year-old allowed two runs on three hits while striking out five over three innings before exiting. The severity of his injury is unknown, and he is considered day-to-day. He owns a 1.16 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts over 31 innings in 2022. It is unclear if Heaney will make his next scheduled start on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Stay tuned for further updates.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic
5 hours agoBaltimore Orioles pitcher
DL Hall was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Saturday after his start against the Tampa Bay Rays. He made his MLB debut on Saturday, allowing five earned runs on five hits and three walks across 3 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old was charged with the loss on Saturday. The Orioles are optioning Hall so that he can switch to relief in the minors to return to the majors in September. He impressively struck out 114 batters over 70 innings in Triple-A this season. With the switch to relief, Hall is mainly a stash in dynasty leagues for now.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Roch Kubatko
6 hours agoLos Angeles Angels outfielder
Mike Trout (back) took batting practice on Saturday. It was the first time he had done this since landing on the injured list in late July. The 31-year-old is dealing with a rare back condition called costovertebral dysfunction. He reportedly felt good after hitting on the field Saturday. The star outfielder slashed .270/.368/.599 with a .967 OPS, 24 home runs, 51 RBI, 55 runs scored, and one stolen base in 282 at-bats before landing on the injured list. Trout will continue to ramp up his baseball activities in upcoming weeks but remains without a timetable for a return.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Sam Blum of the Athletic
6 hours agoNew York Yankees outfielder
Giancarlo Stanton (Achilles) is targeting going through a full pregame routine by Monday and will hopefully begin a rehab assignment next week. He has been sidelined since July 23 with Achilles tendinitis. The 32-year-old slashed .228/.309/.498 with a .807 OPS, 24 home runs, 61 RBI, and 40 runs scored in 328 plate appearances over 80 games before landing on the injured list. New York has a comfortable lead in the AL East standings and might not rush Stanton back into action. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Stanton in all league formats in the meantime.
--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Marly Rivera of ESPN
7 hours agoPittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Mitch Trubisky completed four of seven passes for 63 yards and a touchdown in his team's Saturday preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Trubisky connected with wideout
Gunner Olszewski for a 13-yard score in the first quarter while adding a four-yard run. He played on Pittsburgh's first two offensive drives before taking a seat for the rest of the evening. Trubisky has the inside track on the starting quarterback job in Pittsburgh, although his grip on the job isn't going to be very firm with first-round pick
Kenny Pickett waiting in the wings. Fantasy gamers should treat Trubisky as a high-end QB3 in fantasy drafts for the upcoming season.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
8 hours agoBaltimore Ravens running back
J.K. Dobbins (knee) is expected to return to practice on Monday, head coach John Harbaugh relayed to James Palmer of NFL Network. Dobbins was recently activated from the PUP list but has yet to take the field for an official practice session as the team continues to exercise caution. Dobbins missed all of 2021 with a torn ACL but, as of now, is expected to suit up come Week 1 of his age-23 season. The Ohio State product impressed as a rookie in 2020, totaling 805 rushing yards, 120 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. He should be viewed as a mid-to-low RB2 option ahead of upcoming fantasy drafts.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: James Palmer
8 hours agoCarolina Panthers wide receiver
DJ Moore was held out of Saturday's preseason game against the Washington Commanders due to shoulder soreness, according to Schuyler Callihan of SI Now. Moore, just 25 years old, has been the Panthers' top receiver for several seasons in a row. Just last year, despite dealing with poor quarterback play from
Sam Darnold,
Cam Newton, and
P.J. Walker, he racked up 1,157 yards and four touchdowns. He is expected to improve in 2022 now that the Panthers have made a slight improvement at quarterback. Moore should be viewed as a mid-to-high WR2 option heading into fantasy drafts.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Schuyler Callihan
9 hours agoSan Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver
Danny Gray is experiencing hip and back soreness following Friday's preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. He is expected to miss a couple of days of practice. Gray made a big impression during Friday's win, catching two of four targets for 99 yards. His biggest play was a fantastic 76-yard score in which he used his speed to beat coverage and find the end zone with ease. The third-round pick is listed fourth on the Niners' depth chart but continues to compete for meaningful snaps. His athleticism and big-play ability could make him an instant favorite in San Francisco's flashy offense.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Matt Maiocco
9 hours agoPittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback
Kenny Pickett could replace the starting quarterback (most likely Mitchell Trubisky, but possibly
Mason Rudolph) in the first half of the season, according to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic. Kaboly identified Week 4 against the Jets as a good target date for Pickett's debut since the Steelers will have extra practice coming off the Thursday night game and the Jets aren't an entirely scary opponent. He also sees Week 10 as a natural possibility since the Steelers have a Week 9 bye. "Pickett will eventually get his chance," Kaboly writes. "Over the past decade, first-round quarterbacks have almost always started a game during their rookie years." Pickett can be left on waivers in most redraft leagues for now, though he has significant appeal in dynasty formats.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Mark Kaboly
9 hours agoIndianapolis Colts running back
Jonathan Taylor could see a reduction in volume this coming season, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. According to Holder, head coach Frank Reich told him that the goal is to win a championship, not to make Taylor the MVP or rushing leader. If they need to cut back on his volume in order to accomplish that, so be it. "You don't see teams that have this ground-and-pound run game win championships," he said. "Our best formula is to be balanced. I'm not saying he won't lead the league in touches, because you never know how things are going to play out. But I almost don't want him to." This shouldn't completely deter fantasy managers from drafting Taylor at the 1.01 this draft season, but it's still worth mentioning considering the Colts have discussed reducing his workload for a while now. The team wants to get
Nyheim Hines involved, and the passing game looks like it is trending up, too.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Stephen Holder
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