5 days agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard
Tyrese Maxey (illness) was not at Monday's morning shootaround, and he's been downgraded to questionable to play in Game 2 against the New York Knicks. After logging a game-high 33 points in 41 minutes in Saturday's Game 1 loss, Maxey is a late addition to the injury report due to an illness. If the All-Star guard doesn't suit up, Philly's offense would rely on
Joel Embiid (knee) for the bulk of the scoring and playmaking. Based on his usage in the first game of this first-round series,
Nicolas Batum would appear to be the most likely candidate to enter the starting lineup after leading the reserves in minutes (25) on Saturday. If head coach Nick Nurse opts to go small, however, it's worth noting
Cameron Payne averaged 13.8 points, 4.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.3 three-pointers in eight regular-season games for the Sixers without Maxey.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Tim Bontemps - ESPN.com
5 days agoAtlanta Braves third baseman
Austin Riley went 1-for-4 with an RBI and two strikeouts in the team's 6-4 loss against the Texas Rangers on Sunday night. Riley was off to a poor at the plate on Sunday before bringing in
Ronald Acuna Jr. on an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning. The third baseman is now slashing .259/.323/.447 with two home runs, 13 RBI, and six doubles atop the Braves' lineup through 20 games to start the season. He has also totaled at least one hit in 12 of the last 14 games. The 27-year-old will continue to be a must-start player in fantasy.
--Joey Pollizze - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
5 days agoThe Denver Broncos are acquiring former No. 2 overall pick
Zach Wilson from the New York Jets on Monday, according to sources. The Broncos are expected to send a 2024 sixth-round pick to the Jets for Wilson and a 2024 seventh-round selection, with the teams dividing his guaranteed camp roster bonus. The Broncos released
Russell Wilson this offseason and were heading into this week's NFL draft with
Jarrett Stidham as their starter under center in 2024. Wilson now has a much better shot at playing time with a change of scenery in 2024 after being benched in his final season with the Jets, but it doesn't necessarily mean he'll beat out Stidham in training camp. The move to acquire Wilson also won't preclude the Broncos from selecting a QB in this year's draft, possibly as early as the first round.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
5 days agoQuarterback
Matt Ryan officially announced his retirement from professional football on Monday as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, the team that drafted him third overall in 2008 out of Boston College. Ryan spent 14 of his 15 NFL seasons in Atlanta, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2008 and an MVP award in 2016. In his lone trip to the Super Bowl in the same season he won his MVP award, the Falcons blew a 28-3 lead at halftime to lose to the New England Patriots. He made just 12 starts for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 and threw for 3,057 yards, 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The 38-year-old four-time Pro Bowler ends his career as Atlanta's all-time leader in passing yards (59,735) and passing touchdowns (367). Ryan ranks seventh all-time in passing yards (62,792) and ninth in TD passes (381) as a future Hall of Famer.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Atlanta Falcons
5 days agoFree-agent cornerback Levi Wallace signed an undisclosed deal with the Denver Broncos on Monday, according to a source. Wallace had six interceptions and 24 passes defended over the last two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He'll give the Broncos some added secondary depth this week just ahead of the start of this year's NFL draft on Thursday evening. The 28-year-old entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama in 2018 with the Buffalo Bills, and he spent the first four seasons of his career in Buffalo before playing for the Steelers the last two years. In his six seasons combined, Wallace has 305 tackles (236 solo), seven tackles for loss, 12 interceptions, 54 passes defended and one fumble recovery in 83 games (70 starts).
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Bleacher Report - Jordan Schultz
5 days agoCincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (ankle) was held out of two games in 2023 due to a right-ankle injury that required significant offseason surgery. Hubbard said that he had a complete deltoid reconstruction in his ankle and tight-rope procedure to fix his ankle. He said his ankle bothered him as early as training camp, and it became more severe later in the year. Through the first nine weeks of 2023, Hubbard ranked 28th in the NFL in pass-rush win rate as an edge rusher. But when he returned to the field in Week 12 until the end of the season, he ranked 49th out of 54 players in that category. The good news is that the 28-year-old says he'll be ready for training camp this summer. However, it's fair to wonder about how effective he'll be rushing the passer in 2024 after coming off a pretty significant surgery.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Ben Baby
5 days agoThe New England Patriots are listening and taking calls from teams looking to move up to the No. 3 overall pick in the first round of Thursday's NFL draft. General manager Eliot Wolf is running point on the team's draft, but sources are saying president Jonathan Kraft is heavily involved in the decision-making process. Most people think the Patriots will ultimately stay at No. 3 and take a quarterback of the future after moving on from
Mac Jones this offseason. Teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants and Denver Broncos would be the most likely to trade up to No. 3 to take a QB. If the Patriots stay put and select third overall, whatever rookie signal-caller they take would be competing with veteran
Jacoby Brissett for the starting gig under center this fall.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Dianna Russini
5 days agoESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Rashee Rice is expected to be disciplined by the NFL, resulting in at least a multi-game suspension. Rice is currently facing eight charges after he and another driver of a speeding car allegedly caused a crash involving a half-dozen vehicles in Dallas last month. He turned himself into police last week before being released on bond. The looming suspension for Rice could push the Chiefs, who own the No. 32 pick in this week's NFL draft, to keep a close eye on receivers in the draft. KC would have been expected to look for receiver help even before Rice's off-field troubles. They had the most drops in the league (38) in 2023. Rice was quarterback
Patrick Mahomes' favorite target outside of tight end
Travis Kelce last year, but his fantasy stock is going to take a hit going into 2024 with a suspension looming.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
5 days agoThe Philadelphia Phillies placed first baseman
Bryce Harper on the paternity list on Monday before their series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. In a corresponding move, the team recalled infielder
Kody Clemens from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Harper will miss between one and three games for the Phillies this week, which makes him tough to roll with in weekly fantasy leagues. The most likely scenario is that we see the 31-year-old former All-Star back in action for the series finale in Cincinnati on Thursday. The seven-time All-Star has started off the 2024 campaign by hitting .241/.330/.443 with four home runs, four doubles, 14 RBI, one stolen base and 10 runs scored in his first 21 games. Be prepared to be without him for the next couple of days.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Philadelphia Phillies
5 days agoColorado Rockies outfielder
Brenton Doyle (chest) looks to be OK after suffering a chest bruise in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Sunday. As a precaution, the Rockies scratched Doyle from the lineup for the second game of Sunday's doubleheader against the Seattle Mariners. The 25-year-old is expected to be fine for the upcoming series against the San Diego Padres, which starts on Monday, so fantasy managers will want to check back later to see if he's back in the lineup. Even if Doyle takes another game off on Monday, he should be able to avoid a stint on the injured list. The former fourth-round pick in 2019 out of Shepherd University has looked good in his second MLB season so far, going 22-for-76 (.289) with three home runs, seven RBI and two stolen bases in 21 games. Get Doyle back into your lineups if he returns on Monday.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Denver Gazette - Luke Zahlmann
5 days agoThe Atlanta Braves optioned right-hander
Darius Vines to Triple-A Gwinnett after Sunday's loss to the Texas Rangers. In a corresponding move, the Braves called up right-hander
Bryce Elder, who will start the series opener versus the Miami Marlins on Monday. Vines took the loss against Texas on Sunday, giving up four runs on seven hits while striking out just two in five innings of work. The 25-year-old got off to a good start on Sunday before falling apart. Vines gave up one earned run with three walks and four strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings for a no-decision against the Astros in his first start of the year on April 15. He'll go back to the minors for now, but we could definitely see Vines back in the majors making a spot start for the Braves at some point this year.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - David O'Brien
5 days agoBoston Red Sox outfielder
Wilyer Abreu went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBI, and a run scored in Sunday's 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. This will bring his hit streak to four games now. Abreu is slashing .280/.390/.440 with a home run, seven RBI, nine runs, and four stolen bases over 18 games in 2024. The Red Sox are off Monday, and he will look to continue his hitting streak in Tuesday's matchup against the Cleveland Guardians. Abreu is a speculative add in most fantasy leagues. He will be a strong streaming candidate while swinging a hot bat.
--Shaun Evans - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
5 days agoWashington Nationals catcher
Keibert Ruiz (illness) has finally moved past the worst of his case of influenza, which first began afflicting him 13 days ago and eventually forced him to the 10-day injured list. He described himself as "90 percent" better now and has been able to start some baseball activities -- hitting off a pitching machine, participating in some defensive drills and doing some light weight lifting. He was set to begin running before Sunday's game against the Houston Astros. The 25-year-old lost 18-20 pounds. Ruiz could be activated before Tuesday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the team seems inclined to have him go on a short minor-league rehab assignment first, likely with Double-A Harrisburg. Ruiz was hitting just .194 (6-for-31) with a homer and three RBI before getting sick.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MASN Sports - Mark Zuckerman
5 days agoMinnesota Twins shortstop
Carlos Correa (intercostal) won't be ready to return from a right-intercostal strain when he's eligible to come off the injured list on Tuesday, but he's close to resuming baseball activities. According to head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta, "his symptoms are improving dramatically." The Twins are being somewhat cautious to avoid a months-long absence with Correa given the setback-prone nature of his injury. The 29-year-old landed on the IL on April 13 with a mild intercostal strain. While there currently isn't a timetable for a return, he looks to be on the mend and could return in early May.
Willi Castro is serving as the team's primary shortstop for now. Correa will hope to pick up where he left off when he returns, as he's so far hit .306 (11-for-36) with a homer and four RBI in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
5 days agoMinnesota Twins right fielder
Max Kepler (knee) is on the verge of returning to the Twins' lineup after spending the past two weeks on the injured list with a right-knee contusion. Kepler played in games with Triple-A St. Paul on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, collecting four hits and three walks. He could be activated from the injured list as soon as Monday. At least against right-handed pitching, the 31-year-old left-handed hitter should be a regular in Minnesota's starting lineup once he returns in right field. Kepler's return could mean less playing time for
Trevor Larnach, although he could pick up at-bats as the team's designated hitter. Before his injury, Kepler had just one hit in his first 20 at-bats in 2024 with no home runs, RBI or runs scored for the Twins.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
5 days agoMinnesota Twins right-hander
Louie Varland is a candidate to be removed from the team's starting rotation after going just 2 2/3 innings while giving up four runs in a loss to the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. The loss dropped Varland to 0-4 on the year with a 9.18 ERA. He was pushed into the team's rotation to begin the year due to
Anthony DeSclafani's (elbow) injury, but he may not be around much longer. He's allowed six homers in just 16 2/3 innings. Manager Rocco Baldelli declined to commit to Varland taking his next scheduled turn through the rotation after Sunday's game. If the Twins do move Varland out of the rotation,
Simeon Woods Richardson, who pitched well in a spot start against Detroit on April 13, is the most logical choice to take Varland's spot next weekend against the Los Angeles Angels.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Aaron Gleeman
5 days agoCincinnati Reds right-hander
Frankie Montas (forearm) left Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels early with a right-forearm bruise. X-rays on his arm showed no fracture after he was hit in the arm by a comebacker. It's good news that the 31-year-old doesn't have any kind of break in his arm, but Montas said that he's likely to miss his next start due to soreness and swelling. He recorded just two outs in Sunday's game before being hit in the arm, so he also may not be able to go very deep in his next start after taking at least one turn through the rotation off. The injured list is still a possibility if Montas isn't feeling great after missing one start. Montas has been up and down through his first five starts with the Reds in 2024, going 2-2 with a 4.19 ERA (5.33 FIP) and 1.45 WHIP with 10 walks and 14 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
5 days agoArizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that right-hander
Merrill Kelly (shoulder) is experiencing some shoulder discomfort and went for an MRI exam on Sunday night. The 35-year-old veteran is still being evaluated after being scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday against the division-rival San Francisco Giants. The Diamondbacks are hoping Kelly can avoid a trip to the injured list, but that will depend on the results of his MRI, which we'll pass along once we have them.
Slade Cecconi was called up from the minors to start against the Giants on Sunday and he pitched well, giving up only two earned runs with no walks and three strikeouts over six innings in a win. Losing Kelly for any stretch of time would be a big blow for Arizona and fantasy managers, as he currently has a 2.19 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 21 K's in 24 2/3 frames over his first four starts.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Steve Gilbert
5 days agoAdd Tyler Reddick to the list of Cup Series drivers that are locked into the 2024 playoffs. Reddick was able to avoid the carnage at the end of the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday afternoon and emerge victorious for his first win of the 2024 Cup Series season. It is his first win at Talladega as well, and his first top-five finish in nine attempts at the track. Reddick now sits fifth in the points standings, 43 points behind the leader, Kyle Larson. He has a series-high seven top-10 finishes this year.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: FOX Sports
5 days agoPhiladelphia Phillies pitcher
Spencer Turnbull will head to the bullpen after Wednesday's start against the Cincinnati Reds. Turnbull has had a solid start to the season with an ERA of 1.23 in 22 innings pitched. He has allowed three runs through four games with 10 hits, 22 strikeouts, and seven walks. The return of
Taijuan Walker (shoulder) is expected to happen during this weekend's series against the San Diego Padres. This will allow the Phillies to monitor Turnball with his move to the bullpen. With having pitched less than 57 innings since 2019, the Phillies would like to keep their pitching rotation safe and healthy. Turnbull should be held onto in deep-leagues while adding Walker. He went 15-6 in 2023 with a 4.38 ERA in 31 starts, adding a nice depth to rosters.
--Shaun Evans - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
5 days agoBrad Keselowski nearly broke his winless streak at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, but came up one position short. It looked as though Brad was going to be able to maneuver around then-leader Michael McDowell on the final lap of the GEICO 500, but a block by McDowell caused a massive last-lap crash that took out most of the cars in the field. Keselowski was still able to finish second despite the pileup. After the race, Brad stated, "It's unfortunate. I thought we had a really strong day; it looked like we were going to get a Ford 1-2-3 and it didn't work out. I'm glad to get a good finish but really want the win." Keselowski added, "I don't know that anybody did anything wrong. I just still hate that Michael [McDowell] didn't get the solid day that he deserved, and we didn't get the win. But that's how it goes."
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Racer
5 days agoIt was a good day at Talladega for Anthony Alfredo and Beard Motorsports, as they were able to avoid the chaos late and walk away with a sixth-place finish in the GEICO 500. That's the best result for the organization since the 2022 season, when Noah Gragson delivered a fifth-place finish for them at Daytona. Beard Motorsports only runs a handful of races each season, so it's nice to see them finish up front when they do. For Alfredo, this was another good result for him at Talladega, as he now has three straight finishes of 12th or better at the track. After the race, the driver stated, "I hung a hard left, went through the grass, was able to hang onto it, avoid the chaos, and make it to the start-finish line sixth, so what a great day for this team." Alfredo's finish paid off nicely for bettors as well, as he was listed at 14-to-1 odds for a top-10 result at Talladega.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Anthony Alfredo's X Account
5 days agoEarlier this season at Dayton and Atlanta, Todd Gilliland showed that he could hang with the leaders and legitimately compete. This past Sunday at Talladega, he did the same thing. Although Gilliland didn't lead any laps in the GEICO 500, he still had the second-best driver rating and ranked inside the top five in both Green Flag Speed and Average Running Position. He finished eighth in the race, giving him three top-10 finishes in his last four starts there with a 12th-place result being the worst finish during that time frame. Gilliland has definitely emerged as a strong fantasy option at Talladega, although he still wasn't a great DFS pick this weekend because of his high starting position. Gilliland scored 32.8 FPTS on DraftKings, just 17th-highest on the slate.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Jayski
5 days agoMinnesota Twins infield prospect
Brooks Lee (back) has been diagnosed with a herniated disc. Lee was fighting for a roster spot with the Twins this spring, but was removed from a game with back spasms and later placed on the Triple-A injured list with lower back pain. The Twins have optimism that Lee could resume playing at some point this season, but no timeline has been established at this point. It is a shame as the Top-50 prospect was on the cusp on a big-league debut this season. For now, he can be ignored in redraft leagues and managers in dynasty leagues should keep tabs on his progress.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: Aaron Gleeman
5 days agoNew York Yankees outfield prospect
Spencer Jones had himself a game for Double-A Somerset on Sunday. The outfielder went 3-for-4 with three runs, a solo home run and two stolen bases. Jones has been off to a hot start for Somerset and over his first 21 at-bats is hitting .381 with three RBI and three stolen bases to accompany his home run on Sunday. Jones stands tall at 6'6", but offers plenty of athleticism and power to give him five-tool potential. In 2023, Jones hit a combined .267 with 16 homers, 66 RBI and 43 stolen bases between High-A and Double A (17 games). Jones has a chance to ascend quickly like fellow outfield prospect
Jasson Dominguez did in 2023, if he continues to have success in his first extended look in Double-A. He is a name for dynasty managers to seriously consider and managers in redraft leagues should file his name away for future years.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: Milb.com
5 days agoSan Diego Padres shortstop prospect
Leodalis De Vries will start his professional career for Single-A Lake Elsinore on Monday. The 17-year-old will be the youngest player in the league and it is a similar path to the team's No.1 prospect
Ethan Salas, who played for Lake Elsinore as a 17-year-old this past season. De Vries was the top international signing this past January and is out of the Dominican Republic. The Padres are enamored by the youngster's ability to make contact and identify plate recognition. His body is still growing and that could lead to more power in his future as well. De Vries ranks inside of most Top-100 prospect lists and his potential to be a five-tool asset is a big reason why. At minimum he is a few years away from the big leagues, but he is an exciting name for dynasty managers to keep tabs on.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: Milb.com
5 days agoToronto Blue Jays infield prospect
Orelvis Martinez had an incredible week for Triple-A Buffalo. Martinez, 22, went 10-for-28 with five home runs and 13 RBI. The young budding star has been on a tear this season and overall has hit an astounding .333
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5 days agoLos Angeles Angels pitching prospect
Caden Dana continues to enjoy Double-A Rocket City. On Sunday, the 20-year-old tossed a career-high seven innings. Over those seven frames, he allowed two hits, no runs, one walk and struck out eight. Dana is currently the Angels top pitching prospect and this is his first go around in Double-A. So far, he has seemed unmatched with a 1.47 ERA to go with 19 strikeouts and just three walks over three starts (18 1/3 innings). Dana has an established fastball and slider, while he has been working on his changeup to add his arsenal. He also has shown good command with his ability to stay in the strike zone. If Dana keeps this going in Double-A, he could rise quicker than expected with the Angels showing no issues with promoting their prospects when they deem ready. For now, Dana is a name for dynasty league managers.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: Milb.com
5 days agoCleveland Guardians first baseman
Kyle Manzardo has started to heat up and had a weekend to remember. Manzardo hit three homers and collected five extra-base hits. After a slow start to the season, the 23-year-old is now hitting .308 with four homers, 10 RBI and an excellent .935 OPS over 18 games for Triple-A Columbus. Manzardo has always shown elite plate discipline and has been an on-base machine that has added power to his game as he has risen through the ranks of the minor leagues. The Guardians have
Josh Naylor entrenched at first base, but the designated hitter spot in the lineup is wide open. Manzardo should be expected to make his debut sometime in 2024 and is worth a look in most formats when that happens.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: MLB Pipeline
5 days ago23XI driver Bubba Wallace finished 36th in Sunday's Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. While a 36th-place finish is always disappointing, Sunday's race was particularly frustrating given that Wallace is from Mobile, Alabama. Despite running a solid race and spending 62.3% of the contest in the top 15, the eight-year Cup veteran was involved in an accident in turn three of lap 156. At a point in the race when a group of Toyotas were running single file, Erik Jones drifted low, causing Wallace to spin him into the wall. The incident, which also impacted 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin, ended the day for the three Camrys, 32 laps short of the checkered flag. Considering that Hamlin and Jones finished in the top 10 in ownership on DraftKings, this wreck undoubtedly impacted DFS contests on Sunday afternoon. Nevertheless, the No. 23 will now turn his attention to Dover Motor Speedway, a track he finished 12th at last spring.
--Adam Erhardt - RotoBallerSource: Jayski.com
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