3 days agoBoston Red Sox third baseman
Rafael Devers (knee) has returned to third base on Saturday against the visiting Chicago Cubs, which has allowed outfielder
Masataka Yoshida to return to the lineup as the designated hitter against right-hander
Ben Brown. Devers is hitting in the two-hole, while Tanaka is batting sixth for the BoSox. Devers missed five games with a knee injury recently but has been hot at the plate since returning, going 7-for-13 with a homer, double, two RBI and three runs scored in three games. He's a must-start anytime he's active. Tanaka, meanwhile, returns to the fold after missing the last four games, although he has appeared as a pinch-hitter. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter has essentially become a DH only for Boston and is hitting .233 (17-for-73) with two homers and 10 RBI to start the year.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: WEEI - Rob Bradford
3 days agoToronto Blue Jays outfielder
George Springer and utility man
Isiah Kiner-Falefa are both out of the starting lineup on Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers. This will be Springer's first off day since April 19. The 34-year-old veteran has gone 7-for-28 with a home run since then to drop his season line to .228/.322/.356 with three home runs, five RBI, three stolen bases and 11 runs scored in 101 at-bats. With Springer sitting on Saturday, rookie
Addison Barger will make just his third major-league start, playing in right field and batting ninth against Dodgers right-hander
Tyler Glasnow. Barger, the former sixth-round pick in 2018, has yet to get a hit in his first eight MLB at-bats and won't be a recommended DFS option in the nine-hole in a tough matchup.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Toronto Blue Jays
3 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers third baseman
Max Muncy, shortstop
Gavin Lux and outfielder Josh Outman, who all hit left-handed, are out of Saturday's lineup against left-hander
Yusei Kikuchi and the Toronto Blue Jays.
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4 days agoSan Francisco Giants catcher
Patrick Bailey blasted his third home run of the year in Friday's 3-0 win over the Pirates. It was Bailey's only hit in the game but it came at the right time. In a 0-0 tie in the bottom of the ninth, Pirates closer
David Bednar walked the first batter he saw, then gave up a single, bringing Bailey to the plate. The 24-year-old deposited a four-seam fastball over the right field wall for the 3-0 walk-off win. Bailey is having a solid season at the plate thus far, slashing .297/.365/.516 with five doubles, three home runs, 10 RBI, six runs scored, and a stolen base in 75 plate appearances. For fantasy, however, those numbers don't really move the needle and he can be left to the waiver wire for now.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoPhoenix Suns guard
Bradley Beal posted a team-high 28 points on 10-for-19 shooting in Friday's 126-109 loss to Minnesota. He got going offensively after totaling only 29 points across the first two games of the series, hitting 6-for-11 from downtown and 10-for-19 overall from the field. Beal also registered four rebounds and four assists. However, despite his best efforts, the Suns got embarrassed on home court and face elimination in Sunday's Game 4. Beal sits fifth among active players with a career average of 28.1 points in elimination games.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoMinnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Anthony Edwards racked up a game-high 36 points on 12-for-23 shooting in Friday's 126-109 Game 3 victory over Phoenix. He tied Kevin Garnett for most 30-point playoff games in franchise history, reaching the mark for the seventh time in his 14th career postseason game. Edwards' night included nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals. The young star has been impressive in the series, averaging 28.0 points with 7.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.3 steals. He will be out for the kill on Sunday, with Minnesota heading into Game 4 holding a 3-0 lead.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoSeattle Mariners outfielder
Mitch Haniger smacked a grand slam in Friday's 6-1 win over the Diamondbacks. It was his lone hit on the day, but it was a big one that broke the game open. It came after starter
Zac Gallen left the game and with Mariners up just 2-1. It was the 33-year-old's fourth home run of the year and he's now up to 18 RBI, although the batting average sits at just .244. There was hope the veteran would return to some semblance of his 2021 form with a return to Seattle but it hasn't come to fruition to this point. The good thing is it's a long season and so far he's still healthy. Regardless, until he shows signs of a breakout he's probably only worth a roster spot in deeper leagues.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoIndiana Pacers point guard
Tyrese Haliburton recorded only the fourth playoff triple-double in franchise history as the team defeated Milwaukee 121-118 in Game 3 on Friday. Indiana's young star scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and handed out 16 assists. He had a poor shooting night with an 8-for-22 effort, which included 11 misses with 12 attempts from deep, but Haliburton was money when it counted the most. Haliburton scored on a drive with 1.2 seconds left in overtime and iced the game with a free throw. With three games played, Haliburton is averaging 13.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 12.0 assists in the series.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Khris Middleton produced a fantastic performance in Friday's Game 3 against Indiana, leading all scorers with 42 points in a 121-118 loss. His day at the office included a pair of big triples near the end of the regulation and overtime. The 42 points mark his new playoff career high. Middleton got there with 16-for-29 shooting, nailing four shots from deep with nine attempts. He also collected a double-double with 10 rebounds and dished out five assists. The Bucks are without
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), and
Damian Lillard (Achilles) also hurt himself on Friday, so Middleton might have to do even more in Sunday's Game 4 to keep the Bucks competitive.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoMilwaukee Brewers third baseman
Joey Ortiz hit his first career home run in Friday's 7-6 victory over the Yankees, and also drove in the winning run with a walk-off single in the 11th inning. It was all part of a 2-for-4 day at the plate that included a sacrifice fly and four runs batted in. The 25-year-old is now batting .264 on the year with a double, a triple, a HR, seven RBI, and a solid .355 OBP thanks to his eight walks (ten strikeouts). Still, he's probably best left to the waiver wire but can be an interesting value play in DFS depending on the matchup.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoLos Angeles Lakers forward/center
Anthony Davis (wrist) is regarded as questionable for Game 4 against Denver on Saturday. He's on the injury report with a left wrist sprain, which Davis suffered in Thursday's Game 3 loss. It would be surprising to see Davis miss Saturday's contest with the Lakers' season on the line. Darvin Ham's team has fallen to a 3-0 hole despite Davis averaging 32.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks across 42.0 minutes in the series. We should see another big effort from him on Saturday.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 days agoDenver Nuggets point guard
Reggie Jackson (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 4 against the Lakers. Jackson tweaked his left ankle in Thursday's Game 3. Jackson has averaged only 8.3 minutes in the series, meaning he wouldn't be a major miss for the Nuggets. However, the veteran has been something of a talisman for teams through the years against the Lakers, winning 17 consecutive games against them.
Christian Braun could fill Jackson's minutes on Saturday, but he hasn't been a good fantasy producer.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 days agoMilwaukee Bucks point guard
Damian Lillard aggravated an Achilles injury in Friday's epic playoff battle against Indiana. Lillard had a good game with 28 points, eight assists, and three steals, but he tweaked his Achilles near the end of the fourth quarter and was hindered by the injury in overtime. The ailment leaves Lillard iffy for Sunday's Game 4. With
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) on the shelf,
Khris Middleton already carried a huge load on Friday and could be asked to do even more in Game 4.
Pat Connaughton or
Malik Beasley should take Lillard's position in the starting lineup if he's out on Sunday.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoChicago White Sox starting pitching prospect
Jake Eder tallied eight strikeouts across six innings of two-run ball on Friday. Eder allowed just four hits and two free passes. This was the 25-year-old best performance of the season, lowering his ERA to 5.12 and WHIP to 1.66. The southpaw is once again averaging over a strikeout per inning this with 24 in 19 ⅓ innings, as he has done every season of his professional career. Eder struggled in Double-A last season and the early part of this year, but it looks like he is beginning to turn the corner after a strong showing on Friday. The tenth-ranked prospect in the Chicago system will have to continue to post outings like this to reach Triple-A this summer. If he can do so, he could be in contention to reach the major leagues towards the end of the season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
4 days agoCincinnati Reds starting pitching prospect
Rhett Lowder threw six innings, allowed one unearned run, three hits, one free pass, and struck out nine on Friday. The 22-year-old has been one of the best pitchers in the minor leagues this season, and Friday was just another example of that. The number two prospect in the Reds system has posted a dominant 1.86 ERA,0.98 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts in 19 ⅓ innings. The 31st overall prospect in baseball should be in Double-A very soon and could push for a late-season call-up to the majors to join the Reds for the stretch run. Lowder should be rostered in all dynasty leagues and could be worth looking at in redraft formats if he reaches Double and Triple-A soon.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
4 days agoChicago Cubs pitcher
Shota Imanaga picked up his fourth win of the season in Friday's 7-1 victory over the Red Sox. The lefty looked fantastic again, going six-and-a-third innings allowing five hits, walking one, and striking out seven batters. A solo home run to
Tyler O'Neill was the only real blemish in the outing. He's now got a sparkling 0.98 ERA through five starts with a 0.80 WHIP and has struck out 28 batters to just three walks in 27 2/3 IP. The southpaw's next start lines up with the Mets next Wednesday at Citi Field.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoCincinnati Reds shortstop prospect
Carlos Jorge went 3-for-6 with a home run and four RBI on Friday. This game improves Jorge's slash line to a solid .242/.296/.455. The 20-year-old got things started for Dayton in the first inning with a one-run double. Then in the sixth, Jorge laced a two-run double, further extending the Dayton lead. The eighth overall prospect in the Cincinnati system capped the game off with a solo shot in the seventh. Jorge could be promoted to Double-A later this summer and could even make a push to Triple-A. However, it is unlikely that he will see time in the majors this season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
4 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers catcher
Will Smith went 4-for-5 in Friday's 12-2 victory over the Blue Jays, with two of his four hits going for extra bases, including a double and his second home run of the season. The 2023 All-Star also drove in three runs and scored three times. This was the second straight game Smith has recorded four hits, raising his season slash line to .376/.413/.527 and putting himself in position as the third-highest-scoring backstop for fantasy thus far. The Dodgers face Jays left-hander
Yusei Kikuchi on Saturday night. Smith is hitting a scorching .520/.581/.680 against lefties so far this season and is 1-for-3 off Kikuchi in his career.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 days agoSeattle Mariners outfield prospect
Lazaro Montes went 3-for-5 at the plate on Friday and brought in five RBI, including the game-winner. Montes first opened the scoring for Modesto with a one-run single. Then in the third, Montes laced an RBI double to center field to even the score. The 19-year-old capped off the evening with a walk-off three-run shot in the bottom of the 10th to seal the victory. Montes is sporting a solid .269/.390/.433 slash line with two home runs and 18 RBI. Montes showed excellent power potential last season, when he hit seven home runs in 33 games at Single-A, and he is picking up where he left off in 2024. Montes should be closely monitored in dynasty leagues, as he should climb the ranks fairly quickly this summer.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
4 days agoSan Francisco Giants first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge has been swinging for power to begin the young season. The 19-year-old launched his second home run in eight games on Friday evening and is riding a strong. 533 SLG. Five of his seven hits have gone for extra bases. Last season at Single-A, the former first-round pick only logged one round-tripper across 15 games. This is a good sign, as Eldridge will look to continue the power surge over the summer. He is still a few years away from the major leagues but could see time in High-A later this summer. He is worth keeping an eye on in dynasty leagues.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
4 days agoMiami Marlins starting pitching prospect
Thomas White set a new career-high nine strikeouts on Friday evening. The 19-year-old southpaw threw five innings of one-run ball, allowed four hits, one free pass, and struck out nine. This was a big step for the number two prospect in the Miami system, as he has never gone five innings yet this season. This start lowers his ERA to 4.60 and WHIP to 1.91 across 15 ⅔ innings. White is still several years away from the majors, but he is worth keeping an eye on in dynasty leagues as he has the potential to become one of the top arms in the minor leagues.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
4 days agoX-rays came back negative on Tampa Bay Rays first baseman
Yandy Diaz's hand on Friday night after he was hit by a pitch on his hand in the eighth inning and forced to exit the game early against the Chicago White Sox. It doesn't mean that he won't miss the next few days, though, so fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday to see if he's absent from the starting lineup. Before getting hit by a pitch, the 32-year-old went 1-for-2 with his fifth double of the season, two walks and a strikeout, and he's now hitting .241 on the year with a .618 OPS.
Niko Goodrum replaced Diaz as a pinch-runner and then at first base to close out the game. If Diaz misses a few games or is forced to the injured list, Goodrum and
Austin Shenton could split time at the cold corner in Tampa.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
4 days agoMinnesota Twins closer
Jhoan Duran (oblique) will make his next appearance on his rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday, with his outing pushed back a day due to rain on Friday. It's a small hitch in the road for Duran on his way back from a strained right oblique, as he still figures to have a chance re-enter Minnesota's bullpen and be activated from the injured list as early as Monday's series opener on the road against the division-rival Chicago White Sox. Right-hander
Griffin Jax's run as manager Rocco Baldelli's preferred ninth-inning man appears to be nearing a close, but he's submitted a strong 2.53 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 15:3 K:BB in 10 2/3 innings while converting four of his five save chances for the Twins in Duran's stead. Fantasy managers should look to sell high on Jax while his value is still heightened.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Betsy Helfand - St. Paul Pioneer Press
4 days agoBaltimore Orioles starting pitcher
John Means (forearm) will make another minor-league rehab appearance on Sunday, and he should then join the big-league roster soon after. It's been a lengthy stint with Triple-A Norfolk for Means, who will make his sixth and final start before rejoining Baltimore's rotation to make his 2024 regular-season debut in Week 5 of fantasy baseball. He would appear set to get the ball sometime next weekend during a three-game set on the road with the Cincinnati Reds, which is a far less favorable environment for his first start off the injured list then if he were throwing at home against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Veteran right-hander
Albert Suarez has launched 11 1/3 scoreless frames with nine strikeouts in two starts for the O's and will now take the hill in Sunday's tasty matchup instead, making him a strong pickup to wrap up Week 4.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Jacob Calvin Meyer - The Baltimore Sun
4 days agoCincinnati Reds starting pitcher
Frankie Montas (forearm) is expected to throw off a mound this weekend, according to manager David Bell. Montas is progressing in his recovery from a right forearm contusion and is eligible to come off the 15-day injured list on May 7, but it's unknown if he'll need a brief rehab assignment before rejoining Cincy's rotation. The 31-year-old former ace carries an uninspiring 4.19 ERA (5.26 FIP), 1.44 WHIP, and 14:10 K:BB across 19 1/3 innings (five starts), and fantasy managers in shallow mixed leagues might be able to find stronger options as a stash. Veteran swingman
Nick Martinez should receive at least two more starts for the Reds until Montas becomes available again, but he has just a 5.48 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 17 punchouts in 23 frames (five appearances) and won't be a convincing streamer in Tuesday's scheduled road start against the San Diego Padres.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
4 days agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher
Justin Steele (hamstring) threw 47 pitches in 2 1/3 innings in an extended spring game on Friday in Arizona. Steele will continue his rehab program there for now, but pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said on Thursday that the hurler should be able to start shifting into a five-day routine following his recent period of building up his workload. The 28-year-old star left-hander is recuperating from a strained left hamstring, and while it's unclear how long his rehab stint will last, Steele might be able to get back into Chicago's rotation in early May if all continues to go well in his recovery. Rookie right-hander
Ben Brown has shown some promise with a 3.72 ERA (2.88 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, and 18:6 K:BB over 19 1/3 innings (six appearances) for the Cubs, and he'll be a decent streaming option for fantasy managers in Saturday's scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
4 days agoMiami Marlins starting pitcher
Braxton Garrett (shoulder) resumed his rehab assignment on Friday with Triple-A Jacksonville, giving up two runs on four hits and no walks with four strikeouts in three innings. It was a 59-pitch outing out of Garrett, who is on the mend in his recovery from a left shoulder impingement after a bout of dead arm. While his next start is not going to come with the major-league roster, Garrett should be an option for Miami's banged-up rotation and fantasy managers in early May, barring any setbacks. Last year, the 26-year-old left-hander recorded a 3.66 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a remarkable 156:29 K:BB through 159 2/3 innings (31 appearances) and should be stashed in the majority of fantasy leagues. Unless the Marlins recall top prospect
Max Meyer from the minor leagues, look for former top prospect
Sixto Sanchez to get another turn as a starter in Tuesday's favorable home matchup with the Colorado Rockies.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Alex Krutchik - Fish On First
4 days agoMiami Marlins third baseman
Jake Burger (oblique) completed a full on-field workout ahead of Friday's game versus the division-rival Washington Nationals, throwing across the diamond for the first time since suffering a strained left oblique. Burger still has to progress to batting practice on the machine, but it's encouraging to see he's improving in his recovery. The 28-year-old infielder was slashing .228/.281/.421 with three home runs, two doubles, 15 RBI, and eight runs scored over 64 plate appearances (16 games) before heading to the injured list, and he's tracking toward a minor-league rehab assignment in early May and a return to the Marlins sometime in the middle of May. In Burger's stead,
Emmanuel Rivera has served as Miami's primary third baseman but isn't producing enough to warrant consideration for a roster spot in the vast majority of fantasy leagues.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Christina De Nicola - MLB.com
4 days agoThe Arizona Diamondbacks announced that starting pitcher
Zac Gallen (hamstring) left Friday's start against the Seattle Mariners due to tightness in his right hamstring. Before exiting, Gallen surrendered three runs on three hits and one walk with three strikeouts over five innings of work. He was pulled from the game after his 64th pitch in the sixth inning and relieved by
Scott McGough. Although the extent of the setback won't be known until Gallen is evaluated further, the D-backs and fantasy managers should be relieved the ace isn't dealing with an injury to his throwing arm. It remains to be seen if Gallen will need a trip to the injured list, or if he'll just need his next turn in the rotation skipped, but his next start is tentatively slated for Wednesday's series finale versus the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers. The 28-year-old workhorse right-hander owns a 3.38 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 35:9 K:BB over 32 frames (six starts) this year.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Arizona Diamondbacks on X
4 days agoArizona Diamondbacks closer
Paul Sewald (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday, and the team will likely have him appear in another rehab game if all goes well there. There was some optimism that Sewald's next appearance would come for the major-league club, but it sounds like fantasy managers will have to wait a few more days before the hurler is reinstated from the 15-day injured list due to a strained left oblique. Look for the 33-year-old right-hander to re-enter Arizona's bullpen and reclaim his closing gig sometime during Week 5 of fantasy baseball, which begins on Monday with a three-game series versus the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Righty
Kevin Ginkel owns a solid 3.48 ERA (2.85 FIP), 1.16 WHIP, and 11:2 K:BB with four saves through 10 1/3 innings, but fantasy managers should be trying to make other arrangements for saves before he reverts to a setup role upon Sewald's return.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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