3 days agoHouston Astros starting pitcher
Justin Verlander went six innings in his season debut on Friday and picked up the win in a 5-3 victory over the Nationals. The veteran hurler allowed two earned runs on four hits (one HR) and didn't walk a batter while striking out four. It looks like the 41-year-old won't miss a beat despite missing the first few weeks of the season. Even though his K% has gone down in three consecutive seasons and Contact% has gone up in each of those seasons, the 3x Cy Young winner has remained effective, going 13-8 last season with a 3.22 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 14.8% K-BB%. His next start lines up with the Cubs next Thursday in Chicago.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoMiami Marlins closer
Tanner Scott picked up his third save of the season in Saturday's 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Scott gave up two singles to start the ninth but then retired the next three batter to avoid damage and seal the win without giving up a run. The 29-year-old hasn't gotten many opportunities for closes this season with the Marlins reeling, but he is now three-for-four in close situations and has a 3.72 ERA. Scott will look to pick up at least one more save this weekend with game two of the Saturday doubleheader happening tonight and the series finale against the Cubs happening on Sunday.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Zach Eflin threw six shutout innings and struck out six in the Rays 2-0 extra innings win over the New York Yankees on Saturday. Though Eflin only gave up three hits, Tampa Bay's offense didn't show up until extra innings and prevented Eflin from picking up a deserved win. The right-hander now has back-to-back starts without allowing an earned run. It's a good sign after having giving up five-plus runs in two of his first three starts of the season. The 30-year-old now has a 3.68 ERA to go along with a 1.06 WHIP. He'll get a tasty matchup in his next scheduled start on Friday against the Chicago White Sox and will hold value in all fantasy formats.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher
Nestor Cortes struck out nine in seven shutout innings on Saturday in the Yankees 2-0 extra innings loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Cortes didn't walk a single batter but gave up six hits. It was the lefty's second-best start of the season but he unfortunately didn't record a win with New York's offense putting up a bagel on the scoreboard. Through five starts, Cortes now has a 3.41 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. The 29-year-old should continue his dominant ways in his next scheduled start on Thursday when the Yankees host the Oakland A's, who are hitting lefties for just a .637 OPS.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoTexas Rangers starting pitcher
Max Scherzer (back) is slated for a rehab start on Wednesday. Scherzer recovered well from his live batting practice session and the team feels comfortable enough to move him forward in his recovery process. The expectation is that Scherzer may be ready to return to the Rangers' rotation in early May. The 39-year-old was solid in the regular season with the Rangers in 2023, posting up a 3.20 ERA in eight starts. Scherzer did show some cracks late in the season, though, and expectations for the veteran right-hander may need to be tempered by fantasy managers who are used to Scherzer's gaudy numbers. When he joins the AL West leading Rangers, his value may be best in DFS formats
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Evan Grant
3 days agoDon't be afraid to roll the dice with Alex Bowman in your DFS contests this weekend. The Hendrick Motorsports driver has posted top-10 finishes in four of his last eleven starts at this track along with 13th- and 14th-place finishes during that same span. He will roll off the grid from 12th in this weekend's GEICO 500, so there is some place differential upside for Bowman in this weekend's race, which is what you should be targeting with your DraftKings lineups. Priced at $7,800 for this slate, Bowman is by no means a core driver pick at Talladega, but he can be sprinkled in for large-field tournaments. Remember, Bowman finished second in this year's Daytona 500, another superspeedway race.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
3 days agoLook for Chris Buescher to potentially be a factor in the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. He ended up with a third-place result in this race last season and has finished sixth or better in three of the last eight races at this track. Additionally, Buescher's No. 17 Ford has been strong at superspeedways overall, as he has the fifth-best average running position at Daytona and Talladega since the start of the 2023 season. With a starting position of eighth this weekend, Buescher becomes a relatively risky DFS pick, and his $8,500 salary on DraftKings will likely keep his ownership level low as well. Use Buescher sparingly in your lineups this weekend, but don't avoid him entirely.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: ifantasyrace
3 days agoBoston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas is experiencing "left rib discomfort" according to the Red Sox. Not much other detail was given by the team in regards to Casas' injury. The 24-year-old exited the game in the first inning after grabbing at his left side during an at-bat. Though Casas was able to draw a walk and run the bases after the injury it was too painful for him to continue. Boston is already dealing with a litany of injuries to key members of their lineup with
Trevor Story,
Rafael Devers and
Tyler O'Neill being hurt and if Casas is to miss any significant time it would be yet another blow to their lineup. In Casas' absence,
Pablo Reyes may see additional playing time.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Pete Abraham
3 days agoLast week's NASCAR Cup Series race winner, Chase Elliott, is looking to go back-to-back this weekend in the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway--and it wouldn't be surprising if NASCAR's most popular driver pulled it off. Chase is a two-time winner at Talladega (2019 and 2022) and has finished seventh or better in three of the four races there over the last two seasons. His career average driver rating of 90.6 is second-best to only Ryan Blaney when it comes to Talladega specifically, and when you look at both Daytona and Talladega (the two big superspeedways on the schedule), Elliott has the sixth-best average running position on them since the start of the 2023 season. This weekend, Chase qualified ninth for the GEICO 500 race, making him a relatively risky DFS option due to his limited place differential potential. However, if he can pull off a third win at Talladega, he will most likely make it into the optimal DraftKings lineup, so he shouldn't be avoided by any means.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Win The Race
3 days agoTexas Rangers first baseman
Jared Walsh was designated for assignment on Saturday. The move was correlated with activating
Nathaniel Lowe off of the injured list. Walsh hit below league average in his early season stint, slashing .226/.317/.321 in 60 PA and has been a subpar hitter since his breakout years in 2020 and 2021. With the lefty off of the Rangers active roster, Lowe will take on the starting role at first base. Utility player
Ezequiel Duran will see decreased playing time as well. Fantasy managers should only have interest in Lowe at this time.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Texas Rangers
3 days agoSportsbooks have pegged Ryan Blaney as one of the favorites to win the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend, and for good reason: last year's Cup Series Champion has finished first or second in each of the last three races at this track and has led a total of 283 laps in his career there--which is the fourth-most among active drivers. Specifically at Daytona and Talladega--the two big superspeedways on the schedule--Blaney has the third-best average running position since the start of 2023 and the second-most laps led. This weekend, he qualified back in 21st for the GEICO 500, which gives Blaney solid place differential potential in DFS contests. At $11,000 on DraftKings, he is an expensive option, but the scoring upside is huge. Don't be afraid to roster Ryan Blaney this weekend--although keep in mind that he's likely to be one of the most popular picks on the slate.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Win The Race
3 days agoChase Briscoe believes that his No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing team is further ahead and they've ever been, and the results point to that being true. Coming off the worst season of his career in 2023, Briscoe currently sits 12th in the points standings with an average finish of
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3 days agoTexas Rangers first baseman
Nathaniel Lowe (oblique) was activated off the injured list today and is in the Rangers lineup for their tilt against the Atlanta Braves. Lowe has been out since early March after experiencing side tightness during spring training. The 28-year-old will bat fifth in his season debut against Braves right-hander
Charlie Morton. Lowe is projected to hit for a .269/.352/.431 slash line in 2024 and joins a Rangers lineup that continues to be one of the most productive lineups in the majors. Fantasy managers should look to snag Lowe if possible. With Lowe active, expect decreased playing time for
Jared Walsh going forward.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Texas Rangers
3 days agoBoston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas exited early in the Red Sox game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. Casas took a swing on a 3-1 count in the top of the first, fouled the ball off and then appeared to grab at his left side. Casas eventually drew a walk and still ran the bases before exiting.
Pablo Reyes entered the game for the 24-year-old. More should be known about the extent of Casas' injury after the game but fantasy managers are hoping the highly-ranked first baseman won't miss much time if any. The Red Sox are already dealing with a swath of injuries to key contributors in
Trevor Story and
Rafael Devers and another blow to a productive member of their lineup would be a gut punch to Boston.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Chris Cotillo
3 days agoCincinnati Reds first baseman
Christian Encarnacion-Strand is back in the Reds lineup on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels. Encarnacion-Strand had been out the last two games with a scheduled day off on Wednesday and an illness on Friday. The 24-year-old will get a matchup against Angels lefty
Patrick Sandoval. Encarnacion-Strand has struggled this season, putting up a .192/.197/.329 slash line in 76 PA. He hasn't been good against lefties either, hitting for just a .095 batting average. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much in his return today and may need to exercise some patience before getting Encarnacion-Strand back in their lineups.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Cincinnati Reds
3 days agoBaltimore Orioles outfielder
Cedric Mullins is out of the Orioles lineup on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. This appears to be a matchup decision as the Royals are starting their dynamic lefty
Cole Ragans.
Jorge Mateo will be starting in center field in place of Mullins. Mateo has been much stronger against lefties, hitting for a .908 OPS compared to Mullins' .388 OPS in 16 PA. The 29-year-old should be expected to be back in the lineup on Sunday as the Orioles will face off against Royals right-hander
Seth Lugo.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Orioles
3 days agoKyle Busch could definitely contend for the win in this weekend's GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, but that doesn't make him a slam-dunk DFS play. Rowdy qualified fourth for this weekend's race at 'Dega, and while he did win this event one year ago (in addition to finish third the year prior), Busch will likely need to get to victory lane and lead plenty of laps this weekend in order to make it into the optimal lineup on DraftKings. Therefore, it's probably better to stay away from Rowdy in DFS this weekend. With that being said, Busch can still challenge for the win at Talladega, as he has been strong on superspeedways as of late; he has the fourth-best average running position at Daytona and Talladega since the start of the 2023 season. Many sportsbooks have Kyle Busch's odds of winning the GEICO 500 in the 16-to-1 range heading into race day.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Win The Race
3 days agoBaltimore Orioles second baseman
Jackson Holliday and outfielder
Colton Cowser are out of the Orioles lineup on Saturday against Kansas City Royals lefty
Cole Ragans. Holliday has had a rough start to his MLB career, hitting for a .037 batting average in 28 PA. Cowser has been Baltimore's best hitter, on the other hand, posting a 1.178 OPS in 51 PA.
Austin Hays will get the start in left field for Cowser.
Jordan Westburg will slide over from third base to second base and
Ramon Urias will start at third. Both Holliday and Cowser should be expected to be back in the lineup on Sunday against Royals right-hander
Seth Lugo.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Orioles
3 days agoCorey Lajoie has cemented himself as one of the better superspeedway racers in the NASCAR Cup Series, which means you often have to look his way when the series stops at Daytona or Talladega. And that's exactly the case this weekend with the GEICO 500. Lajoie qualified 31st for this weekend's race, and at just $6,600 on DraftKings, he has huge FPTS scoring upside at a relatively low price. Looking at recent results here at Talladega, Lajoie finished fourth last fall and came home 14th in the first race here during the 2022 season. He has ended up 16th or better in six of the last seven races over at Daytona. Don't be afraid to roll the dice with the No. 7 Chevrolet this weekend at Talladega. Lajoie certainly has a knack for this type of racing.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: DriverAverages
3 days agoMinnesota Twins third baseman
Royce Lewis (quadriceps) has started to begin baseball activities according to the Twins head trainer Nick Paparesta. "We're looking to get him in a running progression probably the end of next week. He's still got some boxes to check, but heading in the right direction," the trainer said. No timetable has been set for the 24-year-old's return though it's still likely he won't be back until closer to the All Star Break.
Kyle Farmer and
Jose Miranda have been splitting time at third base in Lewis' absence. Farmer has hit for a paltry 15 wRC+ in 41 PA while Miranda has hit for a 119 wRC+ in 28 PA. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to add either player in Lewis' absence, though Miranda shows more potential currently.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Aaron Gleeman
3 days agoMiami Heat guard
Terry Rozier (neck) has progressed since going on the shelf. However, he's still not healthy enough to play. Fortunately, the issue isn't expected to jeopardize his career. But there haven't been any updates on when the Heat can expect to get him back on the floor. One thing is for sure; the team needs him, considering
Jimmy Butler (knee) is also out for at least a few weeks. With that in mind, until Rozier is cleared to suit up,
Tyler Herro should continue to hold things down at the one, with
Delon Wright playing the support role.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Barry Jackson
3 days agoHouston Astros starting pitcher
Framber Valdez (elbow) threw a bullpen session on Saturday. This marks the first time Valdez has thrown off of a mound since he was put on the injured list. The Astros will wait to see how the lefty responds to the bullpen session before taking next steps, though there is a chance he will be activated without needing a rehab start. The Astros are desperate for his return as their staters have posted a 4.93 ERA to begin the season, 5th worst in the majors. The lefty posted a 2.19 ERA in his two starts before hitting the injured list so his return will provide a boost to the Astros, who also welcomed back
Justin Verlander on Friday. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on Valdez's progress in the event a rehab assignment isn't necessary.
--Kevin Larson - RotoBallerSource: Julia Morales
3 days agoAccording to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, there is "increasing doubt" regarding the availability of Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) for Sunday's postseason meeting with the Mavericks. The multi-time All-Star still hasn't gone through contact at practice since going on the shelf with another knee injury. There also haven't been any concrete updates regarding the nature of his ailment. But things don't look good for Leonard, who has battled knee injuries throughout his career. While it's too early to speculate, his absence could extend beyond Game 1. As expected,
James Harden and
Paul George should be the team's top offensive contributors while Leonard is out. Guys like
Russell Westbrook,
Norman Powell, and
Ivica Zubac could also benefit from a production standpoint.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adrian Wojnarowski
3 days agoSan Jose Sharks forwards Mike Hoffman, Kevin Labanc, and Alexander Barabanov will all walk as free agents this offseason, according to general manager Mike Grier. It was a difficult season for the trio and the Sharks overall as the team finished dead last with 47 points on the season. Hoffman notched 10 goals and 23 points in 66 games. Labanc's struggles were immense this season as he tallied just two goals and nine points in 46 games, a far cry from the 17 goals and 56 points he tallied in 82 games in 2018-19. As for Barabanov, the Russian tallied just four goals and 13 points in 46 games. All three forwards served as healthy scratches regularly throughout the season.
--Brenton Kemp - RotoBallerSource: Curtis Pashelka
3 days agoSan Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture said on Saturday that he is optimistic he can return to full health this fall and plans to begin skating again in July. Couture appeared in just six games in the 2023-24 season after suffering a groin injury while off-ice training prior to training camp. He didn't make his season debut until Jan. 20 against the Ducks, recording an assist, before going pointless across his next five games. He was shut down for the rest of the regular season after a Jan. 31 contest against the same Ducks team. The Sharks finished the regular season dead last in the NHL with 47 points and have the best chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NHL Draft.
--Brenton Kemp - RotoBallerSource: Curtis Pashelka
3 days agoTampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev practiced in a regular jersey for the first time on Saturday after suffering a gruesome leg injury on Feb. 7 against the New York Rangers. The Russian blueliner underwent surgery the following day to stabilize fractures in his left tibia and fibula and resumed skating on March 18. He has been practicing in a noncontact jersey since April 8. However, he is not expected to play in the team's first-round series against the rival Florida Panthers. For the season, Sergachev notched two goals and 19 points across 34 games on the campaign after tallying a career-high 64 points in 79 games last season.
--Brenton Kemp - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoWashington Capitals defensemen Rasmus Sandin and Nick Jensen both practiced in noncontact jerseys on Saturday and are possibilities for Game 1 of their first-round series against the top-seeded New York Rangers on Sunday. Both players have been sidelined with upper-body injuries and skated on their own on Thursday and Friday before joining the team for Saturday's session. "Trending in the right direction," bench boss Spencer Carbery said on Saturday. "Both practiced today and were a part of essentially everything we did on the ice, so it's a good step." Sandin notched three goals and 23 points in 21:07 of average ice time per game while Jensen tallied one goal and 14 points in 19:38 of ice time per game across 78 contests on the season.
--Brenton Kemp - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoVegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo was a full practice participant on Saturday after undergoing an appendectomy. He is expected to dress for Game 1 of the team's first-round series against the Dallas Stars on Sunday. The veteran notched four goals and 33 points on 141 shots on goal while he also blocked a hefty 160 shots across 64 games on the season. Vegas finished in the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference, setting up a road matchup with the top-seeded Stars in the first round.
--Brenton Kemp - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoVegas Golden Knights forward Mark Stone (upper body) is a possibility to return for Game 1 of the postseason against the hosting Dallas Stars. The veteran's potential return is once again a curious situation, as Stone missed the remainder of the regular season due to an upper-body injury suffered in a 5-3 loss to the Predators on Feb. 20 but has been physically cleared for contact just in time for Game 1 of the playoffs, just as he was last season after missing the remainder of the regular season with a back injury. The team had him on long-term injured reserve and would not have been able to afford his salary cap hit in the regular season, but there is no salary cap in the postseason. Stone tallied 16 goals and 53 points in 56 games this season.
--Brenton Kemp - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
3 days agoColorado Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin will miss the first round of the team's playoff series against the Winnipeg Jets due to a lower-body injury. The veteran left the team's final regular-season game on Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers in the second period and did not return. "Super unfortunate. I feel really bad for him," Avalanche center and often linemate Nathan MacKinnon said. Obviously it [stinks] for the team, but for him as a person it's just so sad. Hopefully we get him back sooner than later, but just more motivation, if we can find a way to win this series, that we get some help coming." Drouin enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Avs this year, noticing 19 goals and 56 points across 79 games.
--Brenton Kemp - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
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