3 days agoCleveland Guardians first base prospect Kyle Manzardo continued his strong start to the season with his seventh multi-hit game on Thursday. Manzardo hit three singles, which brought in two runs to push Columbus over the Syracuse Mets. The 23-year-old has posted a .308/.387/.577 stat line across 21 games at Triple-A and has begun to hit his stride at this level after posting a .242/.343/.475 line at Triple-A last season. Manzardo is worth stashing in deeper re-draft formats for now, as he is nearing a promotion. When given the call, Manzardo should serve as the primary designated hitter for the Guardians, as Josh Naylor will continue to man first base. Manzardo will be a popular waiver-wire add when he is called up, as he is projected to make an immediate impact.Source: MiLB.com
3 days agoTexas Rangers infielder Josh Smith continued his strong campaign versus the Seattle Mariners on Thursday. Smith went 2-for-4 with a double and a home run in the loss to the Mariners. He has seemingly come out of nowhere and been a reliable option for this offense. He's slashing 292/.393/.417 over 72 at-bats, but he's more of a bench option which limits his fantasy value.Source: MLB.com
3 days agoKansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez came up clutch for his team during Thursday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The veteran catcher blasted a two-run home run off right-hander Jose Berries. That home run ended up being enough as the Royals won the game 2-0. The 33-year-old now has seven home runs on the year and is showing no signs of slowing down.Source: MLB.com
3 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers third base prospect Trey Sweeney went 4-for-5 with a home run and brought in five runs on Thursday for Triple-A Oklahoma City. Sweeney brought in the first run off a sacrifice fly in the opening frame. Later in the fourth, he broke the stalemate by lining a single to left field to give Oklahoma City the lead. Sweeney then put the game out of reach in the following frame with a solo shot. This was the 24-year-old's second long ball of the season, and he is now up to 16 total RBI in 23 games. The former first-round pick is sporting a .292/.434/.461 line in his first taste of Triple-A this season and is a name to monitor, as he could make a case for a late-season promotion.Source: MiLB.com
3 days agoMinnesota Twins infielder Edouard Julien is off to a shaky start at the plate, but he has turned it around recently. On Thursday, Julien went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in the win over the Chicago White Sox. His slash line is at an ugly .213/.308/.513, but Julien does have seven home runs and nine RBI this season. The Twins are banged up right now, so expect Julien to continue playing everyday. His pop alone makes him worth snagging off the waiver wire.Source: MLB.com
3 days agoSan Diego Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim has shown some unexpected pop in his bat early in the season. On Thursday, Kim went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in the loss to the Colorado Rockies. The 28-year-old now has four homers on the season, which is nice to see. It's also worth noting that Kim has stolen seven bases as well. He's struggling a bit in other areas, but has done enough to keep himself fantasy relevant.Source: MLB.com
3 days agoDetroit Tigers starting pitching prospect Jackson Jobe tallied six strikeouts across four no-hit innings in Thursday's victory. This outing lowered Jobe's ERA to 2.63 and his WHIP to 1.17. Jobe, the top pitching prospect in the Detroit system and number two right-handed pitching prospect in all of baseball, has looked sharp in Double-A as he has a cumulative 1.83 ERA and 1.02 WHIP across 19 ⅔ total innings over the past two seasons. The former third-overall pick should be promoted to Triple-A later this summer if he continues this strong play. While Jobe is not projected to reach the major leagues until 2025, he should remain a coveted piece in dynasty leagues.Source: MiLB.com
3 days agoAtlanta Braves starting pitching prospect Owen Murphy threw seven shutout innings with 10 strikeouts en route to his third victory of the season. Murphy brought a no-hitter into the seventh inning but surrendered a leadoff triple to second baseman Loidel Chapelli. The 20-year-old is now riding a stellar 1.13 ERA and 0.63 WHIP in 24 innings at High-A. This season has been a major turnaround for Murphy, as he posted a 4.76 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 17 innings at High-A last year. The fifth-ranked prospect in the Atlanta system, according to MLB Pipeline, is not projected to reach the major leagues until 2026 but should continue to raise his dynasty stock as he moves through the minor leagues.Source: MiLB.com
3 days agoNew York Mets starting pitching prospect Tyler Stuart tossed six innings of one-run ball and struck out 12 batters on Thursday. He allowed four hits and one free pass. This performance was the deepest he has gone in a game this season, and his 12 punchouts are a new single-game career-high. This dominant outing brings him to a 3.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 15 2/3 innings at Double-A this season. The 24-year-old posted a similar 3.60 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in 35 innings at Double-A last season. Stuart could make a late-season push for a promotion to Triple-A and the majors, and this performance is an excellent step in that direction.Source: MiLB.com
3 days 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.Source: MiLB.com
3 days 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.Source: MLB.com
3 days 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.Source: MLB.com
3 days 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.Source: MLB.com
3 days 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.Source: MLB.com
3 days 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.Source: MLB.com
3 days 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.Source: MLB.com
3 days 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.Source: ESPN.com - Ben Baby
3 days 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 flatread more...
3 days 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.Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Michael Silver
3 days 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.Source: NFL.com
3 days 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.Source: NFL.com
3 days 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.Source: NFL.com
3 days 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.Source: NFL.com
3 days 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.Source: Peter Botte
3 days 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.Source: NFL.com
3 days 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.Source: NFL.com
3 days 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.Source: ESPN
3 days 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.Source: NFL.com
3 days 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.Source: ESPN
3 days 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.Source: NFL.com