54 mins agoTexas Rangers pitching prospect
Jack Leiter was electric in his outing for Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday, throwing six innings of shutout ball. Leiter allowed one hit, struck out eight, and walked three to round out his line. After a rough first outing in the majors last week, Leiter got himself back on track with a dominant outing that showcased the upside he has. He will need to continue pitching well in Triple-A, but a call back to the big leagues is still a possibility if someone in the Rangers rotation hits the injured list, which will likely happen at some point.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
59 mins agoMinnesota Twins relief pitcher
Griffin Jax shut the door on the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, helping secure a 6-3 victory. Jax came in with the bases loaded and one out with a four-run lead and managed to escape with only one runner crossing home (on an error), picking up his fourth save in the process. Jax has filled in admirably as the impromptu closer after
Jhoan Duran went down before the season started, posting a 2.53 ERA and 0.94 WHIP while striking out 15 batters in 10 ⅔ IP. He is also 4-for-5 in save chances. Unfortunately for Jax and his fantasy managers, Duran could be back at any point as he is currently on a rehab assignment. Once he is back, Jax will likely shift back to a set-up role.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 hour agoChicago Cubs relief pitcher
Hector Neris notched his third save on Thursday, slamming the door on the Houston Astros in a 3-1 win. Neris was a little shaky in his inning of work, walking a pair before getting out of it. Since manager Craig Counsell said that
Adbert Alzolay was being taken out of the closer role last weekend, Neris has converted on all three of his save opportunities and apparently taken that role over. He should be added in most leagues where saves are important.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 hour agoSeattle Mariners relief pitcher
Andres Munoz picked up his third save of the season on Thursday, locking down the Texas Rangers in a 4-3 win. Munoz tossed up goose eggs across the board in his inning of work as he didn't allow a baserunner and didn't strike anyone out either. It was the 25-year-old's first save since April 6, as he has been used in non-save situations and has also blown a save since then. It seems like Munoz is still Seattle's highest-leverage pitcher and should see the most save chances, but his season total might be held back by being used in the seventh or eighth innings on occasion.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 hour agoColorado Rockies relief pitcher
Justin Lawrence threw a perfect ninth inning in a 10-9 victory over the San Diego Padres, picking up his second save in the process. Lawrence struck out one and didn't allow a baserunner in his inning of work. Although he hasn't been good this year, as evidenced by his 5.59 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, Lawrence still might be the best Colorado has in its bullpen. He has the team's last two saves and is likely to remain in that role. He doesn't need to be owned in standard leagues, but deeper league managers who play in saves-only formats might want to give Lawrence a look.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers closer
Evan Phillips locked down the Washington Nationals on Thursday, helping secure a 2-1 win. Phillips looked great in this one, striking out a pair in a perfect ninth inning. For the season, the 29-year-old has been excellent, posting a 0.84 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 13 strikeouts in 10 ⅔ IP. Phillips should continue getting the bulk of the Dodgers save chances, making him an elite closing option in fantasy.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoOakland Athletics closer
Mason Miller showed off his absurd stuff again on Thursday, picking up his sixth save in the process. Miller got the final four outs in a 3-1 win over the New York Yankees, allowing just a hit and striking out three in the process. Miller touched 102 mph in this one, but that has become almost routine for the fireballer. He lowered his ERA to 1.59 and his WHIP to 0.97 in this one and has cemented himself as one of the elite closers in the majors already.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoCincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson requested a trade on Wednesday, according to his agent, Harold Lewis, as he seeks more long-term security after the two sides settled on a one-year extension last year worth $21 million. However, a source said that the Bengals are not interested in trading Hendrickson. It's not surprise that Hendrickson is looking for a new deal after posting a career-high 17.5 sacks, which was second in the NFL behind Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt. It was the highest total for a Bengals player since sacks became a statistic in 1982. He also finished 11th in pass-rush win rate as an edge rusher and created the second-most sacks (18) in the league. Contract issues aside, Hendrickson is going to be a very coveted defensive lineman in IDP fantasy formats this fall after his big 2023 campaign.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Ben Baby
2 hours agoIn recent weeks, both the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings reached out to the Los Angeles Chargers to see if they had any interest in trading quarterback
Justin Herbert, according to league sources. The answer they got very quickly was "a flat
read more...
2 hours agoThe San Francisco 49ers are "more likely" to trade wide receiver
Deebo Samuel than
Brandon Aiyuk during this year's 2024 NFL draft. Aiyuk's name has been mentioned in trade rumors all offseason, but now Samuel is the more likely pass-catcher to be dealt. Samuel, 28, is two years older than Aiyuk but has more versatility in the offense. However, Samuel also has a salary cap hit north of $20 million in 2025. Aiyuk is looking for a new long-term deal as he heads into the fifth and final contract of his rookie deal, but the Niners have been hesitant to give him a market deal given their other financial commitments. San Francisco took rookie pass-catcher
Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in the first round on Thursday night, potentially foreshadowing a trade of either Samuel or Aiyuk in the coming days.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: San Francisco Chronicle - Michael Silver
2 hours agoThe Carolina Panthers traded up with the Buffalo Bills at No. 32 overall to select South Carolina wide receiver
Xavier Legette to close out the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night. The Bills curiously traded down twice from their initial pick of No. 28 to land at No. 33 (first pick of Round 2) despite desperately needing receiver help, and three wideouts came off the board to close out the first round. Legette, 23, is a much-needed offensive weapon for second-year QB
Bryce Young and will join
Diontae Johnson,
Jonathan Mingo and veteran
Adam Thielen in their WR room in 2024. Legette isn't the greatest of route-runners and is susceptible to press coverage at the line, but he has excellent ball skills and could be a solid deep and red-zone threat for Young. The landing spot isn't great for Legette's potential for fantasy value in Year 1.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
2 hours agoThe San Francisco 49ers selected Florida wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night. The 49ers have questions about their top three receivers in
Brandon Aiyuk,
Deebo Samuel and
Jauan Jennings, with Aiyuk and Samuel being potential trade options during the draft, so the selection of the 23-year-old Pearsall makes sense for the organization. Pearsall tested very well at the scouting combine with a 42.5-inch vertical jump. He was an intriguing prospect to begin with and now gains some steam going to San Fran, especially if the Niners eventually trade one of Aiyuk or Samuel. Pearsall is old for a rookie, but he can make plays all over the field and has strong hands and great body control. Depending on what happens with Aiyuk/Samuel, Pearsall could have some sleeper value in rookie-only fantasy drafts.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
2 hours agoThe Baltimore Ravens selected Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins with the 30th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night. Wiggins is tall, long and fast with rare recovery speed at the cornerback position. "He has better physical talent than Devon Witherspoon, but he doesn't have that same level of dog in him. That's probably the biggest difference right now. I think Wiggins is the better prospect, though," according to an NFC national scout. If Wiggins can play with more decisiveness, he could very well become a Pro Bowler at the next level. The 20-year-old isn't very big (6-foot-1, 173 pounds), though, and he could have trouble wrapping up and stopping the run. Wiggins needs to get bigger and stronger, but early on, his elite speed will cover up some of his weaknesses.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
2 hours agoThe Dallas Cowboys selected Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton with the 29th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night after they traded down with the Detroit Lions. Guyton is an ascending tackle prospect that could develop into a high-level pass protector of quarterback
Dak Prescott with the proper coaching. He plays with great leverage and has great physical traits at 6-foot-8, 322 pounds with 34 1/8-inch arms. There have been injury concerns with the 22-year-old, though, and it remains to be seen if he can develop into a starting-caliber left or right tackle in the NFL. Guyton doesn't have a lot of experience at the tackle position, but he could be competing for Dallas' starting left-tackle job right away in 2024 to replace Tyron Smith.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoNew York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) exited Thursday's loss to Philadelphia and didn't return. He reinjured his surgically repaired left ankle, with
Joel Embiid's flagrant foul potentially contributing to his premature departure. Robinson played well in Game 1, nearly amassing a double-double with four blocks. Yet, he didn't do much in Monday's win and entered Game 3 riding a questionable tag. Unfortunately, Robinson's night ended after logging 12 minutes to finish with two points and seven rebounds. With the Sixers taking back a game in this series, the teams will meet again on Sunday. However, Mitchell may not be available for that one.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Peter Botte
3 hours agoThe Kansas City Chiefs traded up to the No. 28 overall pick with the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night to select Texas wide receiver
Xavier Worthy. Worthy posted the fastest recorded 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine in February and doesn't turn 21 years old until Saturday. He's obviously a burner at the receiver position, but he's also tough and had the production to back it with the Longhorns (over 1,000 yards receiving in 2023). The concern with Worthy is his slight frame at 5-foot-11, 165 pounds. Worthy isn't just a pass-catcher, as he can also factor in for the Chiefs as a kick returner on special teams. It remains to be seen exactly how KC will use Worthy on offense in his rookie season, but he'll certainly help with the team's depth at the position with
Rashee Rice expected to be handed a multi-game suspension in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoThe Arizona Cardinals selected Missouri defensive end Darius Robinson with the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night. Robinson was a late bloomer for the Tigers in college and sometimes disappeared from games, but in the end, the pass-rusher was a first-team All-SEC performer as a fifth-year senior in 2023 after recording 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in 2023. Robinson weighed in at 285 pounds and has long arms and plenty of power to push his way to opposing quarterbacks. He's also serviceable in the run game and will compete for plenty of playing time right away in the desert in 2024 next to Zaven Collins and BJ Ojulari. Robinson is powerful but is going to need to develop his repertoire to have success in the NFL.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoNew York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson finished with a team-high 39 points in Thursday's loss to Philadelphia. He added 13 assists and two rebounds. However, Brunson's potent performance wasn't enough, with the Sixers earning a much-needed win. With another stellar showing in the books, the 27-year-old is now averaging 28.3 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in this series. His shooting numbers need to improve. But Brunson should remain one of the top DFS options for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 hours agoThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Duke center Graham Barton with the 26th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night. Barton has experience at center and left tackle but is expected to move back to center in the NFL because of his shorter arms. He's an anchor of an offensive lineman and could be a perennial Pro Bowler if he can stay healthy. He's also scrappy in the trenches and can be a foundational piece for Tampa's offensive line. The Bucs have been searching for a center since the days of Ryan Jensen, and now they have one. The 6-foot-5, 313-pounder is an explosive drive blocker with plenty of body control and leg drive. This is a solid pick for the Bucs' offensive line moving forward and their offense as a whole.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard
Tyrese Maxey finished with 25 points in Thursday's much-needed victory over the Knicks. He added seven assists, four rebounds, and two steals. With
Joel Embiid dropping a game-high 50 points, Maxey still got his scoring chances. Granted, it was his worst game of the series. However, his efforts were still good enough for DFS managers. With the Sixers hoping to tie up the series on Sunday, fantasy participants should expect the 23-year-old to see plenty of minutes and remain heavily involved on both sides of the floor.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 hours agoThe Green Bay Packers selected offensive tackle Jordan Morgan from Arizona with the 25th overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft. Morgan started all 37 games at left tackle. He could move to guard if necessary but does possess the skills to make a smooth transition. The Packers added former Pro Bowl running back
Josh Jacobs to improve on their 1,905 total rushing yards last season. Adding Morgan will hopefully provide a boost to those numbers and protect
Jordan Love's blind side.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) led his team to a win over the Knicks on Thursday evening. Embiid logged 41 minutes and finished with a game-high 50 points, adding eight rebounds, four assists, and one block. He also went 13-for-19 from the field and 5-for-7 from behind the arc, a significant improvement from the series' first two games. The MVP of the 2022-23 campaign came into this contest listed as questionable because of his ailing left knee, although that's nothing new. However, Embiid came back to life in Thursday's victory, so he'll receive even more attention from DFS managers for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 hours agoThe Detroit Lions traded up to the No. 24 spot with the Dallas Cowboys to bolster their secondary with Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold. Arnold intercepted five passes last season and yet he is not afraid to defend the run and initiate contact. The Lions were near the bottom of the pack with 375 total points allowed and total passing yards allowed with 3,846. The Lions saw this need and already began to address it with the free-agent acquisition of Amik Robertson from Las Vegas and the selection of Arnold will improve on the work done in the offseason.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoThe Jacksonville Jaguars wasted no time in replacing
Calvin Ridley by selecting LSU wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The former Tiger played alongside fellow standout
Malik Nabers, but do not overlook his talent. The 21-year-old led the FBS with 17 receiving touchdowns in 2023 and totaled 1,177 receiving yards. Thomas Jr. will be a popular pick in both dynasty and redraft as he should slot in as the number two wide-out behind
Christian Kirk and should be a solid option for
Trevor Lawrence.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
3 hours agoThe Philadelphia Eagles selected Toledo defensive back Quinyon Mitchell with the 22nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. If there were concerns regarding the talent level that he played against while at Toledo that can be put to rest. The 22-year-old had an outstanding Senior Bowl and had 32 pass breakups over the past two seasons, which led the nation. Mitchell joins a depleted Eagles defense, which allowed the third most points in 2023.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4 hours agoThe Miami Dolphins selected Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson 21st overall in the 2024 NFL draft. After losing Christian Wilkins, Jerome Baker, and Xavien Howard in free agency, to name a few, the Dolphins bolstered their defense with the addition of Robinson. The 21-year-old totaled four sacks and 15 total tackles last season. He had the second-fastest 40-yard dash at the combine for edge rushers and should provide both speed and explosiveness for Miami.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4 hours agoThe Pittsburgh Steelers selected offensive tackle Troy Fautanu with the 20th overall selection of the NFL draft. Fautanu is six feet four inches tall and has long arms, which gives him good balance in pass protection. The 23-year-old started 31 games for Washington, with 29 of them at left tackle and two at left guard. Russel Wilson will get some much-needed blindside protection with this selection.
Najee Harris and
Jaylen Warren will also benefit from having Fautanu leading the way for them.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4 hours agoThe Los Angeles Rams are using their first first-round selection in eight years to select defensive end Jared Verse from Florida State. The 23-year-old is one of the most talented edge rushers in the class. He has a great first step and excellent closing speed to get off of blocks. Verse had nine total sacks last season and will be called upon to help the Rams overcome the loss of the now-retired Aaron Donald.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4 hours agoThe Cincinnati Bengals selected offensive tackle Amarius Mims with the 18th overall pick. Mims, a former Georgia Bulldog, started only eight games at right tackle but was dominant and has quickness and strength to move defenders off the ball. The Bengals allowed 50 total sacks last season, which resulted in their franchise quarterback missing important games down the stretch. Mims will be part of the plan to fix a weakness and protect Joe Burrow.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4 hours agoThe Minnesota Vikings traded up to the 17th spot with Jacksonville to select Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner. Turner had an outstanding combine and totaled ten sacks last season. He can disrupt the opponent's run game with a great reaction time. The 21-year-old can also drop into coverage when needed. The Vikings were in the middle of the pack with 43 total sacks, and Turner should help them significantly.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
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