6 days agoCincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson went 1-for-4 with a home run in Tuesday's victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Benson's homer would come with one runner on and would break a 2-2 tie in the top of the fifth inning to be the eventual game-winning hit. Benson was a hot name heading into the season, but has struggled with a .193 batting average. That being said, he has shown some power with five longballs and 13 RBI. He has also been productive on the basepaths with 8 stolen bases. With TJ Friedl (thumb) landing back on the 10-day injured list, Benson's playing time remains safe. Although he hasn't been helping with batting average, Benson has shown the power and speed that makes him worth rostering in deeper mixed leagues.Source: MLB.com
6 days agoBoston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (ribcage) has been making progress in his recovery from a torn cartilage and left ribcage injury. Casas was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 21 and eventually transferred to the 60-day injured list, which makes him eligible to return on June 21, at the earliest. Casas spoke with the media and mentioned that in the upcoming days, he will begin a running program and start his throwing program. The first baseman has started lifting weights but has yet to swing a bat, and that is projected to be the final step in his recovery. Casas is currently ahead of schedule but is still far away from returning to the field. The 24-year-old was off to a good start this season with six homers and 10 RBI over his first 78 at-bats, and fantasy managers with injured list spots should keep him on the roster until he returns.Source: MLB.com
6 days agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon suffered his first loss of the season on Tuesday versus the Atlanta Braves. The veteran entered the contest having allowed three runs over his first four contests, but allowed seven runs (two earned) over four innings. He also gave up seven hits with three walks and two strikeouts. Taillon did not help himself out with his own error and allowing seven hits and three walks is never a positive sign. Overall, Taillon is now 3-1 with a 1.61 ERA heading into Sunday's contest versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. Taillon is worth streaming in favorable matchups, but should not be rostered outside of the deepest leagues.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoSan Francisco Giants right-hander Keaton Winn (forearm) left his start early on Tuesday against the visiting division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning due to right-forearm tightness. Before leaving, Winn's struggles in 2024 continued, as he gave up five more earned runs on five hits (one home run) while walking three and striking out four to raise his season ERA to 6.17. The 26-year-old is now 3-6 on the year after the loss and could be headed to the injured list soon, depending on what the results of his MRI exam on Wednesday show. His next start is scheduled to come on Sunday in a favorable matchup against the Colorado Rockies in San Francisco, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to pitch then. If Winn is forced to miss more than one start, the Giants could elect to bring back rookie Mason Black.Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Alex Pavlovic
7 days agoSeattle Mariners catcher/designated hitter Mitch Garver (back) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Royals with spasms in his upper back and trapezius area, per Seattle Times' Ryan Divish. The 33-year-old did miss some time earlier this season with back spasms, although it was reported that his current spasms are unrelated. Garver, who has struggled offensively with a .174/.287/.347 slash line in 143 plate appearances, should be considered day-to-day unless the team releases further news.Source: Ryan Divish - Twitter.com
7 days agoOakland Athletics closer Mason Miller turned in another excellent performance in Tuesday's 2-1 extra-inning loss to the Astros. Miller came in to pitch the bottom of the eighth inning with the game tied and struck out the side. He stayed in to pitch the ninth and delivered another 1-2-3 inning with two more strikeouts. The 25-year-old has proven to be an elite fantasy option even when he isn't in save situations. He has converted all eight of his save opportunities with a minuscule 0.98 ERA and a ridiculous 18.65 K/9 rate in 18 1/3 innings of work.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoHouston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman continued to heat up offensively in Tuesday's 2-1 extra-innings win over the Athletics. Bregman went 2-for-4 with a double, a solo home run, and a strikeout. The 30-year-old is slashing just .225/.293/.358 in 167 plate appearances but has now hit three HR in his last two games and has been hitting much better lately. Bregman is a proven fantasy option and fantasy managers should give him time to figure things out, which he already may be doing.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoMinnesota Twins catcher/designated hitter Ryan Jeffers continued his power surge in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Yankees. Jeffers went 1-for-4 with a leadoff home run and three strikeouts. The 26-year-old has continued his offensive success from last season and is now slashing .290/.368/.629 with 10 HR and 31 RBI in 144 plate appearances. He has become a higher-end fantasy catcher option.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoChicago White Sox first baseman Andrew Vaughn had a nice game at the plate in Tuesday's Game 2, 4-0 win over the Nationals. Vaughn went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a three-run home run, and a walk. Despite the strong game, the 26-year-old has struggled offensively, slashing .211/.271/.329 with three homers and 13 RBI in 166 plate appearances. Hopefully, this performance can help get him going.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoChicago White Sox starting pitcher Erick Fedde continued his stellar start to the season in Tuesday's Game 2 4-0 win over the Nationals. Fedde pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits and no walks with six strikeouts. The 31-year-old has enjoyed success in his MLB return this season, going 4-0 with a 2.60 ERA, an 8.65 K/9 rate, and a 2.42 BB/9 rate in nine starts and 52 IP. He will have a chance to continue his hot streak in his next scheduled start at the scuffling Blue Jays.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoMilwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Trevor Megill picked up his fifth save of the season in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Pirates. Megill entered to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by two. He got the first two outs on a pop-out and a strikeout, allowed a solo home run, and ended the game with another strikeout. The 30-year-old has served as the team's primary closer over the past few weeks and has now converted all of his save opportunities with a 1.69 ERA, an 8.44 K/9 rate, and a 2.53 BB/9 rate in 10 2/3 innings pitched. He has emerged as the fantasy arm to roster from the Brewers.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoWashington Nationals starting pitcher Trevor Williams continued his dominant season in Tuesday's Game 1 6-3 win over the White Sox. Williams pitched five innings, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits (including a solo home run) and a walk with two strikeouts. The 32-year-old has put together a career season, going 4-0 with a 1.94 ERA in eight starts and 41 2/3 IP. His next start will be a tough matchup at the Phillies. Fantasy managers may want to sit him despite his strong numbers.Source: MLB.om
7 days agoTexas Rangers rookie starting pitcher Jack Leiter picked up the loss in Tuesday night's 7-4 defeat versus the Cleveland Guardians. Leiter finished the contest, allowing six runs in only 1 2/3 innings pitched. In three starts to begin his big league career, Leiter has been abysmal, with his ERA sitting at 16.39 while failing to make it past the fourth inning in any of his matchups. The young right-hander was only up for a spot start filling in for Nathan Eovaldi (groin). Even if it wasn't just a spot start, it's hard to imagine he would get another turn in the rotation after his performance on Tuesday night. Leiter is currently not scheduled for another start in the majors, and the announcement of his demotion back to Triple-A Round Rock should be coming soon.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoWashington Nationals rookie corner infielder Trey Lipscomb had a great offensive showing in Tuesday's Game 1, a 6-3 win over the White Sox. Lipscomb went 3-for-3 with three singles, a walk, an RBI, and three stolen bases. The 23-year-old has provided decent average and speed this season, slashing .260/.339/.298 with one home run, 16 runs scored, nine RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 199 plate appearances. He is currently rostered in just one percent of leagues and is worth a look in deeper roto leagues.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoDetroit Tigers starting pitcher Reese Olson received a no-decision Tuesday night after tossing eight shutout innings against the Marlins in a 1-0 loss. The game went scoreless into extra innings, but not before Olson shut down the Marlins for no runs, six strikeouts, no walks, and only three hits allowed. Despite the 0-4 record, the right-hander has been great this season, sporting a 2.09 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP. He's logged six straight starts of allowing two runs or less after giving up six runs in four innings to the Pittsburgh Pirates in early April. Olson's next start comes against the Kansas City Royals. The young pitcher dominated the Royals in his last meeting for seven one-run innings, including eight strikeouts.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoNew England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker flashed significant promise during his first NFL practice this week, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Howe notes that Baker made several impressive plays. He reached to save a sailing throw, utilized "nifty footwork" to get out of his break on a crossing route, and generally demonstrated smooth route-running." There will be growing pains in 2024 as head coach Jerod Mayo, quarterback Drake Maye, and receivers Ja'Lynn Polk and Baker embark on their rookie seasons. However, early indications suggest that Baker could make an immediate impact in New England, earning opportunities over the likes of Polk, Kendrick Bourne, and Demario Douglas. He's a fringe top-30 rookie in fantasy football dynasty leagues.Source: Jeff Howe
7 days agoCincinnati Bengals tight end Erick All (knee) participated in drills during OTAs on Tuesday, according to James Rapien of Sports Illustrated. The rookie was selected with the 115th pick in last month's NFL Draft and is currently recovering from the torn ACL he suffered while playing collegiate football at the University of Iowa. There's no shortage of former Hawkeye tight ends making a big impact at the pro level, so fans should be excited about watching All get healthy and make his NFL debut. All does face some competition for volume in Cincinnati, but most of those targets will go to the wide receiver position. At tight end, All could battle to earn the top spot over the likes of Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample.Source: James Rapien
7 days agoCleveland Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor belted his 12th home run on Tuesday night while picking up three RBI and two walks in the Guardians' 7-4 victory over the Texas Rangers. Naylor is smoking hot right now after slugging five home runs in his last 10 games. He already has 12 home runs on the season and is currently on pace to crush his career-high 20-homer mark that he reached back in 2022. He ranks second in the league in HR and is tied for sixth with 33 RBI. The batting average this season has taken a hit at .268, but it's hard for fantasy managers to complain about that with how absurd his power numbers have been. Look for Naylor to stay hot with one more contest against the Rangers and three against the Twins to finish the week.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoAtlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) was seen jogging lightly and throwing during organized team activities on Tuesday, according to Zach Klein of WSB. The veteran signal-caller tore his Achilles while playing for the Minnesota Vikings roughly six months ago, but this latest update suggests his recovery is going quite well. Reports out of Georgia indicate that Cousins is already forming a firm rapport with his receivers, including Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Darnell Mooney. As long as Cousins remains on track to play Week 1, he'll enter the 2024 campaign as a fringe top-12 quarterback in fantasy football.Source: Zach Klein
7 days agoWashington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, whom the team selected second overall in last month's NFL Draft, is already making a positive impression during the early days of OTAs. "His football IQ is really high," offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. "He's really well versed in protections." Kingsbury noted that Daniels works very hard, constantly improved on tape in college, and is always working hard to get better. The former LSU signal-caller also drew praise from wide receiver Jahan Dotson, who said, "That's the quarterback I wanted." He added that he's been very impressed by what he has seen from Daniels so far. Overall, there seems to be plenty of positive buzz surrounding Daniels. There's a case to be made that he could be the No. 1 rookie quarterback in fantasy football, putting him over the likes of Caleb Williams and the rest of the class. He should be a top-five pick in rookie drafts and a must-draft name in most redraft formats.Source: JP Finlay
7 days agoWashington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey "lined up outside more than expected" during Day 1 of OTAs on Tuesday, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Washington selected McCaffrey, a product of Rice University, with the 100th overall selection in the third round of April's NFL Draft. McCaffrey impressed in the slot throughout his college career, demonstrating the physicality, athleticism, and ball security skills needed to succeed there at the next level. However, it appears that Washington has different plans — or at least wants to explore all their options with the rookie. Perhaps he has impressed the coaching staff enough for them to experiment with him outside. Such positional versatility could allow McCaffrey to carve out a decent role in his first pro season, though he's still off the radar in most redraft leagues. For dynasty purposes, he's a fringe top-25 rookie heading into the 2024 campaign.Source: Ben Standig
7 days agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (4-2) picked up his fourth win of the season in a 5-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. He produced a quality start along the way, finishing with six strikeouts and only one run allowed through six innings. After getting knocked around for six runs by the Baltimore Orioles, Rodon has put together back-to-back quality starts, only giving up three total runs in that span. The lefty has a 3.31 ERA on the season and is a lot more like the hurler they aspired him to be after signing with the club in the 2022-2023 offseason. Rodon's days of flirting with double-digit strikeouts every start are a thing of the past, but the Yankees will certainly take the fewer strikeout totals for the respectable ERA he has produced this season. Rodon is always good for an occasional hiccup, but fantasy managers can feel comfortable with him in their lineup against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoCincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte, who is currently serving a suspension, was seen getting some live at-bats in the Arizona Complex League on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers' affiliate. Marte is staying in baseball shape by playing in minor-league games, but he won't be eligible to return to the Reds' big-league roster until June 19. By then, corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (wrist) could be back from his injured-list stint, so there's no telling what Marte's playing-time situation will look like when he's eligible to be reinstated. The 22-year-old Dominican infielder made his major-league debut in 2023 with the Reds and slashed an impressive .316/.366/.456 slash line with an .822 OPS, three home runs, 15 RBI and six stolen bases in 123 plate appearances.Source: Reds Daily
7 days agoCincinnati Reds left-hander Brandon Williamson (shoulder) started a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday with High-A Dayton. Williamson is currently on the injured list with a left-shoulder strain but is still on track to return to the team by the end of the month of May, barring any setbacks. The former second-round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 2019 out of Texas Christian University made his major-league debut last year with the Reds and went 5-5 with a 4.46 ERA (4.63 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP while walking 39 and striking out 98 in 117 innings over 23 starts. The 25-year-old southpaw went on the COVID injured list late in the year and didn't look like the same pitcher when he returned down the stretch. It's unclear how Williamson might fit into Cincy's starting rotation when he's ready to return, but he'll be a starting arm to watch in deeper fantasy leagues if you're in need of rotation help.Source: Cincinnati Reds
7 days agoLos Angeles Angels infielder Michael Stefanic (quadriceps) started a minor-league rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League on Monday. The 28-year-old left the first Cactus League game during spring training on Feb. 24 after feeling discomfort in his left quadriceps muscle. He was able to progress to running drills and baseball activity but suffered a setback in mid-March. Stefanic then underwent an MRI exam that showed a strain, causing him to open the 2024 season on the injured list. In his first rehab game on Monday, Stefanic went 1-for-2 with an RBI while playing only three innings at second base. He's going to spend a good amount of time on his rehab assignment considering his long layoff, but he'll be eligible to give the Angels more infield depth at the end of May.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoAtlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale (6-1) stymied hitters and picked up the win in Tuesday's 7-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The lanky left-hander improved his record to 6-1 on the season with nine strikeouts, two hits, and no walks in seven shutout innings. Sale has had a stellar May, only allowing one run in 18 innings pitched with a 0.83 WHIP and 28 strikeouts. This hot streak has lowered his season ERA to 2.54, which begs the question. Is vintage Chris Sale back? It's hard not to think so, with three straight games of nine or more strikeouts while allowing only one total run. His next start on Monday will be a challenge against a San Diego Padres club that ranks fifth in the league in batting this season.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoLos Angeles Angels right-hander Jose Cisnero (shoulder) started his throwing progression and played catch last Thursday before progressing to throwing from 60 feet on Monday. Cisnero struggled in his last outing on April 27 against the Minnesota Twins and then complained of shoulder discomfort before being put on the 15-day injured list on April 28. At the time, manager Ron Washington said the injury wasn't considered serious, so the reliever could be back in the Angels' bullpen sooner than later. The 35-year-old Dominican hurler is in his first year with the Halos and had a bloated 7.07 ERA (6.28 FIP) and 1.71 WHIP with seven walks and 16 strikeouts in 14 relief innings at the time of his shoulder injury. Cisnero won't have any real fantasy appeal when he's back.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoSepp Straka performed well at last week's Wells Fargo Championship, finishing tied for eighth. This was his third consecutive top-15 finish and his second top-10 finish in his previous four appearances. After failing to make the cut at the Valspar Championship in March, Straka seems to have found his form just in time for this week's PGA Championship at Valhalla. Straka has a good track record at past PGA Championships, finishing tied for seventh in 2023, 78th in 2022, and T66 in 2020. However, it's worth noting that over the past year, Straka has ranked in the 16th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 150 yards in the rough. Despite his struggles with approach shots from the rough, his recent form suggests that he could be a valuable addition to DFS lineups this week.Source: Data Golf
7 days agoLos Angeles Angels right-hander Guillermo Zuniga (pectoral) was placed on the injured list on April 8 with a right-pectoral strain, although manager Ron Washington said the injury wasn't considered serious. Zuniga had a 7.20 ERA in five innings before he landed on the shelf. He started a throwing progression on April 26, threw from 105 feet on April 29 and threw a live bullpen session last Friday. Zuniga started a minor-league rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League on Monday. The 25-year-old gave up one hit and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning on Monday, also hitting a batter and throwing a wild pitch. Zuniga will probably need a few more rehab outings before the Angels are comfortable returning him to their major-league bullpen.Source: MLB.com
7 days agoLos Angeles Angels infielder/designated hitter Miguel Sano (knee) was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 1 with left-knee inflammation in his surgically repaired knee after leaving games early on April 24 and 26 with left-knee soreness. Sano has been taking ground balls, but his knee continues to bother him when he swings a bat. The 31-year-old is not going to be ready to return from the injured list anytime soon. Willie Calhoun could continue to see at-bats as the Halos' designated hitter until/if Sano is able to return. The Angels are pretty beat up on the infield, but they could be getting Luis Rengifo (illness) back this weekend to play third base regularly. Before injuring his surgically repaired knee, Sano was hitting .262 (16-for-61) with a homer and five RBI in his first 21 games with the organization. Sano didn't play at all in 2023.Source: MLB.com