Daulton Varsho To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Daulton Varsho (shoulder) will serve as the designated hitter for Triple-A Buffalo on Friday night as he continues his minor-league rehab assignment, and he's expected to rejoin the Blue Jays no later than next Tuesday against the division-rival Boston Red Sox. It's still possible he'll come off the 10-day injured list to make his 2025 debut this weekend in the Bronx against the division-rival New York Yankees, too. So far in five rehab games with Single-A Dunedin and Buffalo, the 28-year-old has gone 2-for-18 with two RBI and six strikeouts. Varsho is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and could be eased into outfield duties upon his return to the majors, but when healthy, he's an everyday player for the team. Although he does have 38 homers, 119 RBI and 26 steals in his two seasons in Toronto, he's hit a disappointing .217 with a below-average .686 OPS.Source: Sportsnet.ca - Shi Davidi
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Max Scherzer Takes Positive Step On Friday
Max Scherzer (thumb) threw 27 pitches off the mound on Friday in what manager John Schneider called a "step in the right direction." There's still no timetable for when Scherzer might be able to return to Toronto's starting rotation, but it's good news overall after he's had multiple setbacks with his right thumb. The 40-year-old three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star made just one start before landing on the injured list with his thumb injury, and he required multiple injections in order to deal with the discomfort. Hopefully now he'll eventually be able to build up his arm and go on a minor-league rehab assignment in the near future. The future Hall of Famer can still be valuable in fantasy, but injuries have become a major problem in the last several seasons. In his lone start against the Orioles on March 29, he allowed two earned runs in just three innings of work.Source: Sportsnet.ca - Shi Davidi
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Aleksander Barkov Questionable For Saturday
Source: NHL.com
Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov (undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's matchup against the Florida Panthers. He was injured on Thursday night in a 2-0 victory over Tampa Bay and missed Friday's optional practice. "He hasn't been ruled out yet [for Game 3], and he hasn't been cleared," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said of Barkov on Friday. If Barkov can't play on Saturday, Maurice will likely use Sam Bennett as his first-line center, with Anton Lundell moving up to the second line. Tomas Nosek looks like the most likely candidate to fill the open spot in the lineup.Raiders Waive Isaiah Spiller
The Las Vegas Raiders waived running back Isaiah Spiller, wide receiver Ramel Keyton, cornerback M.J. Devonshire, defensive tackle Tyler Manoa and linebackers Kana'i Mauga and Jackson Mitchell before the start ofread more...
Gabriel Landeskog Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Source: NHL.com
Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog is expected to assume a larger role in Saturday's Game 4 against the Dallas Stars. Making his first NHL appearance since the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals, Landeskog skated on the third line in Wednesday's Game 3 loss, logging 13:16 of ice time. He finished the contest scoreless but had a game-high six hits. Now, the Avalanche plan to promote Landeskog to the second line for Saturday's game, and he is also expected to see time on the first power-play unit. Jonathan Drouin dropped down to the third line during Friday's practice.Calvin Pickard To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Source: NHL.com
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Calvin Pickard will replace Stuart Skinner between the pipes for Game 3 against the Los Angeles Kings on Friday night. Skinner struggled significantly in the first two games of the series, allowing 11 goals while registering a .810 save percentage. Pickard already saw some action in Game 2, replacing Skinner midway through the third period. He saved two of three shots. During the regular season, Pickard boasted a .900 save percentage, going 22-10-1. He recorded a 2.71 goals-against average. Two of his appearances were against the Kings, and Pickard lost both, allowing a total of seven goals.Randy Arozarena Resting For First Time This Year
Randy Arozarena is getting his first game off of the season for Friday's series opener against the visiting Miami Marlins at T-Mobile Park. With Arozarena out, Miles Mastrobuoni will man left field in Seattle and bat seventh against Marlins right-hander Cal Quantrill. In his first 25 games of his first season with the M's, Arozarena has gone 18-for-90 (.200) with four home runs, six doubles, 17 RBI, a league-leading eight stolen bases, 11 runs scored, 19 walks and 31 strikeouts. It's a good time for the 30-year-old to get his first breather of the year, as he's gone 4-for-24 (.167) with three walks and 12 K's in his last six games. Arozarena isn't going to provide fantasy managers with help in the average department, but his power/speed combination remains valuable in all formats. Mastrobuoni has never faced Quantrill and is hitting .258 (8-for-31) in the early going with no homers and no RBI.Source: MLB.com
Seattle Mariners outfielder Jonas Siegenthaler To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
Source: Peter Baugh
New Jersey Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler (lower body) is on track to rejoin the lineup on Friday night against the Carolina Hurricanes. He has not played since Feb. 4 due to a lower-body injury. Initially, the 27-year-old was not expected to play at all in the first-round series. However, Siegenthaler has recovered well, and the Devils need to bolster their defense after losing Luke Hughes (upper body) and Braden Dillon (lower body). Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters on Friday morning that Siegenthaler will have a "reduced role" in Friday's game. He is set to replace Dennis Cholowski on the third defensive pairing. Siegenthaler finished the regular season with nine points (two goals, seven assists), 52 shots, 92 blocks, and 75 hits in 55 games.Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Ben Lively was scheduled to start in Friday's series opener for the Guardians, with Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck opposing him. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Houck and Lively, but we'd expect them both to take the ball for one of the games of their doubleheader.Source: MLB.com
The contest between the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Guardians on Friday at Progressive Field has been postponed due to inclement weather. Nothing is official yet, but we'd expect the game to be made up as part of a split doubleheader on Saturday. Fantasy managers will want to remove any players from these two teams that may have already been in their starting lineups. Right-hander Luke Hughes Remains Out On Friday
Source: TSN
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes (upper body) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes. He will miss a second consecutive game in the series due to an upper-body injury suffered in Game 1. Brenden Dillon (lower body) isn't ready to return, either. However, the Devils defense is expected to get Jonas Siegenthaler (lower body) back on Friday night. He is projected to slot into the third defensive pairing, pushing Dennis Cholowski out of the lineup. Hughes and Dillon will have their next chance to return on Sunday in Game 4.Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Casey Mize was scheduled to take the ball for the Tigers to open the series, while right-hander Brandon Young was the scheduled starter for Baltimore. Although nothing is official just yet, we'd expect both Mize and Young to be pushed back to one of the two games on Saturday.Source: Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers announced that their game on Friday night at Comerica Park against the visiting Baltimore Orioles has been postponed due to inclement weather. The contest will be made up as the second game of a split doubleheader on Saturday. Fantasy managers will obviously want to pull any players from these two teams from their starting lineups on Friday. Right-hander Patrik Laine A Game-Time Decision Friday
Source: Sportsnet
Montreal Canadiens' Patrik Laine (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Friday's matchup against the Washington Capitals. Laine missed Friday's morning skate after being benched in the third period of Game 2 on Wednesday night. "I know he wasn't on the ice today, we have some guys battling a couple things so I think you'll see more players in warm-up tonight," Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis said. "We'll make our decisions before the game." Laine started the series with a power-play assist in Game 1 but was ineffective in Game 2, producing one shot on goal in 10:10 of ice time. He has struggled in even-strength situations all season, picking up 19 of his 33 points on the power play and going minus-14 across 52 regular-season appearances.
Several Teams Trying To Trade Up Early In Round 2
Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel and Missouri wideout Luther Burden III could come off the board early on Friday, as well as edge rushers such as Marshall's Mike Green, Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku and Arkansas' Landon Jackson.Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz that several teams that are picking in the high 30s and 40s are calling the Cleveland Browns (No. 33 overall), Houston Texans (No. 34) and Tennessee Titans (No. 35) about potential trades to try and come up early into the second round of this year's NFL draft on Friday. Wide receiver and edge rusher are viewed as two positions as having big drop-offs in talent and a wide range of evaluations, which is why those two positions are expected to be targeted by teams early in the second round. NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah thinks that Iowa State receivers Bhayshul Tuten Could Be A Third-Round Pick
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo says that Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten has gained steam as a potential pick in the third round of this year's NFL draft on Friday night. Garafolo thinks that Tuten isread more...
Yainer Diaz Out On Friday Against Royals
Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz will get the day off on Friday for the series opener in Kansas City against the Royals. Victor Caratini will replace him behind the plate andread more...
Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Ivan Herrera (knee) is making good progress from a bone bruise in his left knee and is hoping to go on a minor-league rehab assignment next week. Depending on when Herrera actually begins his rehab assignment, he might need only a handful of games before he's activated from the injured list and rejoins the Cardinals as their primary catcher. The 24-year-old broke out of the gates strong in 2025 by going 8-for-21 in a small sample size, but with four home runs, 11 RBI and six runs scored. The native of Panama won't be able to sustain that kind of offensive production all year long, but he's going to play regularly and gives fantasy managers upside at a weak position. When Herrera is back with the big-league club, Pedro Pages will revert to a backup role. Pages is currently hitting .250 (15-for-60) with one homer and 10 RBI.Source: Jim Hayes
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Salvador Perez Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Salvador Perez will take a seat for the first time this season for Friday's series opener against the visiting Houston Astros at Kauffman Stadium. Freddy Fermin is doing the catching for right-hander Seth Lugo and will hit eighth against Astros right-hander Hayden Wesneski. It makes sense for the Royals to rest Perez for the first time all year after he played in both games of a doubleheader on Thursday against the Colorado Rockies. The 34-year-old veteran backstop did have a big day on Thursday, going 5-for-8 with four doubles, four RBI and three runs scored in the team's two victories, but overall he's gotten off to a slow start at the plate in 2025. Perez is currently slashing .220/.271/.360 with two homers and 14 RBI in 26 games. Hopefully his big day on Thursday will lead to more offensive production going forward.Source: MLB.com
Kansas City Royals catcher Browns Fielding Calls For First Pick In Round 2
Shedeur Sanders after he fell out of the first round entirely. Cleveland is one of the most QB-needy team with Deshaun Watson (Achilles) expected to miss all of 2025 and with only Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett their current healthy options.Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports that the Cleveland Browns are fielding calls for the first pick of Round 2 on Friday night at No. 33 overall. The Browns already agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars at the top of the first round on Thursday that moved them from the No. 2 pick to No. 5, where they selected Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Cleveland has more reason to trade back in the second round after acquiring the No. 36 overall pick from the Jaguars on Thursday. If the Browns stay put with the first pick in the second round, it's possible they could take Colorado quarterback Jaylen Brown Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Jaylen Brown (knee) was a late addition to the injury report for Game 3 against the Orlando Magic, and his status was set at questionable. He's dealing with a knee issue, which could put the Celtics shorthanded. Jayson Tatum (wrist) is considered doubtful, and Jrue Holiday (hamstring) is also listed as questionable. Brown contributed 36 points and 10 rebounds in their Game 2 victory while Tatum was sidelined, so that production is going to fall on the rest of the team if he can't suit up. Payton Pritchard would likely join the starting lineup in that case, while Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet likely see a bump in minutes as well.Source: NBA Injury Report
Boston Celtics forward Brendan Donovan Back In Action On Friday
Brendan Donovan (rib) is back at second base and is hitting third for Friday's series opener at Busch Stadium against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers and right-hander Chad Patrick. Donovan will return to the lineup after missing the last two games earlier this week after one of his ribs popped out of place. It sounds playful, but the 28-year-old utility man is ready to go for the weekend series against Milwaukee and should be returned to fantasy lineups. Although the German infielder/outfielder has never faced Patrick, he's been one of the most productive hitters through the first month of the 2025 season. Donovan enters Friday's game slashing .356/.392/.533 with a .925 OPS, three homers, 13 RBI, 14 runs scored and three stolen bases. He's not going to give you much power, but fantasy managers need to ride his hot streak while it lasts.Source: MLB.com
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Jimmy Butler III Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Jimmy Butler III (glute) was diagnosed with a deep glute contusion after his MRI didn't show any fractures or structural damage. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the six-time All-Star is in "serious jeopardy" of missing Game 3 against the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Butler was going up for a rebound and was undercut by Amen Thompson before falling straight on his glute/lower back, so the fact that the MRI didn't reveal any serious damage is a breath of relief for the Warriors. If he's unable to play, Jonathan Kuminga could see some big minutes again, while Quinten Post will likely see an increase in usage as well.Source: Shams Charania
Golden State Warriors forward Coby Mayo Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Coby Mayo has gotten going after a 3-for-24 (.125) start to the season, now 16-for-54 (.296) over the last 14 contests, including five doubles, a triple, and three home runs with a 10:16 BB:K over that stretch. Mayo had a brief, disappointing stint with the O's last year, going 4-for-41 (.098) in his 17-game audition. The results should be better the next time around, which should happen around midseason, so long as he continues to hit. The 6-foot-4 slugger offers a big-time power stroke with a solid eye, so he could be an impactful fantasy contributor once he's a mainstay in the big leagues. The Orioles' second-ranked prospect could be a stash candidate in deep leagues if it looks like he's getting closer to a promotion.Source: MiLB.com
Baltimore Orioles third base prospect Steelers Receiving Calls About George Pickens
George Pickens, according to sources. The Steelers are open to conversations as they navigate the second round of this year's NFL draft. Pittsburgh gave away their second-round pick this year to acquire wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks earlier this offseason. At No. 21 overall in the first round on Thursday night, the Steelers passed on a quarterback and running back to select Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. They are now weighing their needs at QB and RB heading into the second round on Friday night against a potential trade of Pickens, who has displayed maturity issues in his time with the team. The Steelers are excited about the possibility of having a 1-2 punch of Metcalf and Pickens, but they might cave in if they're presented with a great offer.Source: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers have been receiving calls about the availability of wide receiver Moises Ballesteros Riding An 11-Game Hit Streak
Moises Ballesteros continues to rake against Triple-A pitching, currently riding an 11-game hit streak, which includes six multi-hit performances. The diminutive backstop now has a staggering .377/.430/.558 slash line over the first 19 games of the season, but it's just the most recent impressive display of hitting that he's put on at every stop in the minor leagues as he's climbed the ladder. Still only 21 years old, the left-handed slugger has outshone more advanced competition at every turn and has nothing left to prove offensively in the minors. If not for Carson Kelly's renaissance for the Cubs, we may have already seen Ballesteros in the big leagues, but it is just a matter of time now. Managers in deep leagues and two-catcher formats need to keep an eye on any rumblings of a promotion, as the Venezuelan could provide an instant offensive boost upon his debut.Source: MiLB.com
Chicago Cubs catching prospect Victor Mesa Jr. Starting Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Victor Mesa Jr. (hamstring) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with the Single-A Jupiter Hammerheads on Saturday night. Mesa is returning from a strained right hamstring that he suffered at the start of spring training. The 23-year-old is listed as the team's No. 26 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, after slashing .255/.318/.423 with a .741 OPS, 13 home runs, 51 RBI, five stolen bases and 48 runs scored in 83 games with Jupiter and Triple-A Jacksonville a year ago. Whenever the Cuban outfielder finishes up his rehab assignment, he'll likely head back to the Jumbo Shrimp to continue his development. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound left-handed hitter has developed into a 20-homer guy but will need to shore up his plate discipline if he's going to have any sustained success once he surfaces in the big leagues.Source: Fish On The Farm
Miami Marlins outfield prospect Ryan Weathers To Begin Rehab Assignment On Sunday
Ryan Weathers (forearm) will begin his minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A Jupiter on Sunday, according to a source. Weathers is finally ready to pitch in games after injuring his left flexor muscle in spring training. In a best-case scenario, the 25-year-old southpaw could be ready to come off the injured list to make his 2025 season debut in early May. The former first-rounder of the San Diego Padres in 2018 went 5-6 with a 3.63 ERA (4.11 FIP) and 1.18 WHIP with 80 strikeouts and 24 walks in 86 2/3 innings in 16 starts in his first full season with the Fish a year ago. Despite missing time with a finger injury, he displayed career-best walk and strikeout rates, leading many to believe he could be in store for a breakout season in 2025 once he returns from his forearm injury. Weathers is worth stashing now if he's available on your league's waiver wire.Source: Fish On The Farm
Miami Marlins left-hander Colby Thomas Heating Up At Triple-A
Colby Thomas has had a solid start to the Triple-A campaign, slashing .276/.364/.460 with three home runs, 13 RBI, 16 runs scored, and two stolen bases through 22 games. The former third-round draft pick has been swinging the bat particularly well over the last 10 contests, going 13-for-44 (.295), so he could be the next big prospect call-up for the A's in the coming months. Their second-ranked prospect showed well at Triple-A last season as well, slashing .272/.344/.559 with 17 home runs in 73 games (14 at Double-AA, too), and appears to be ready to make the next jump. Managers in AL-only leagues in need of a power boost could consider stashing the 24-year-old ahead of his eventual call-up, which is likely to happen around midseason.Source: MiLB.com
Athletics outfield prospect Cowboys Don't Feel Forced To Draft A Running Back
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that the team doesn't necessarily have to draft a running back this year. "I like what we did in free agency. We don't really feel like we have toread more...
Emmanuel Rodriguez Has Quiet Start To 2025
Emmanuel Rodriguez has had an inconsistent start to the 2025 campaign, logging five multi-hit performances and eight hitless efforts over his first 17 games, resulting in an uninspiring .231 AVG with no home runs and a 34.6 percent strikeout rate. A bright spot has been the Dominican's ability to draw walks, logging 13 of them thus far (16.7 percent). The Twins' second-ranked prospect (MLB No. 34) is expected to make his major league debut this season, but has played just 24 games at Triple-A, without much success. If the left-handed slugger can get on a roll, look for a call-up around midseason, especially with Minnesota's offense sputtering and in need of a boost. Source: MiLB.com
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Jeff McNeil Hitting Eighth In Season Debut
Jeff McNeil is starting at second base and is hitting eighth in his 2025 season debut on Friday against the division-rival Washington Nationals and right-hander Jake Irvin. McNeil was activated from the injured list on Thursday night and will make his first start for the Mets this year after missing the first four weeks of the year due to a right-oblique strain. The 33-year-old former batting champion went 11-for-28 (.393) with two home runs and three RBI in his eight minor-league rehab games with Single-A St. Lucie, Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. He will see most of his starts at the keystone in New York, but fantasy managers in 12-team leagues will want to see more from McNeil after he hit just .238 with 12 homers and 44 RBI in 129 games a year ago. In seven career at-bats against Irvin, he's hit .143 with a .393 OPS.Source: MLB.com
New York Mets infielder