5 days agoWashington Nationals left-hander
Mitchell Parker pitched well in a 7-0 loss to the Texas Rangers on Thursday. Parker allowed three runs on six hits over five innings while striking out five and walking two while settling for a no-decision in the outing. The 24-year-old rookie has been excellent across his four starts for the Nationals this season, compiling a 2-1 record, 2.53 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 19 strikeouts across 21 1/3 innings of work. He is worth a look as a potential streamer in deeper leagues moving forward.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
5 days agoBaltimore Orioles second baseman
Jorge Mateo turned in a big game in a 7-2 win over the New York Yankees on Thursday. Mateo went 1-for-2 with a homer and two RBI in the win over Baltimore's division rivals. He was also hit by a pitch in the win. Mateo's solo shot came in the fourth inning off
Carlos Rodon and traveled 425 feet with an exit velocity of 105.5 MPH. The blast goes down as Mateo's first of the season, to go along with a .268 average, seven runs, three RBI, and four steals. Known more for his speed, Mateo has reached double-digit homers just once in his career, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect a power surge out of him in the coming weeks.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoColorado Rockies catcher
Jacob Stallings went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in a 5-4 loss to the Miami Marlins on Thursday. Stallings kicked off the scoring for the Rockies with a three-run blast off Edwin Cabrera in the second inning, but it wasn't enough for the Rockies as they fell to Miami in extra innings. Stallings has been swinging a hot bat as the backup catcher in Colorado as he's batting .345 with one homer, four runs, and five RBI across 29 at-bats. That being said, he will need to see more consistent playing time to work his way into the conversation as a fantasy option.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoBaltimore Orioles first baseman
Ryan Mountcastle put together a big game in a 7-2 win over the New York Yankees on Thursday. Mountcastle went 2-for-4 with a homer, two runs, and two RBI in the win over Baltimore's AL East rivals. The veteran's homer was a solo shot off of
Carlos Rodon in the third inning. The blast traveled 405 feet and had an exit velocity of 107 MPH. Mountcastle is off to a solid start in 2024, hitting .290 with five homers, 18 runs, and 16 RBI across 107 at-bats thus far.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitcher
Kyle Harrison issued five walks but still managed to throw five innings of one-run ball in a 3-1 win against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. Harrison didn't pick up the win as San Francisco went ahead for good in the seventh, but Harrison had a solid start nonetheless. He allowed just three hits and struck out seven to round out his line. The 22-year-old rookie has allowed three or fewer runs in six of his seven starts this season. If Harrison can put it all together, he's got major upside that warrants being rostered in most leagues.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoChicago Cubs second baseman
Nico Hoerner went 1-for-4 with a pair of walks in a 7-6 loss to the New York Mets on Thursday. Hoerner didn't run much early in the season, swiping just one base in April. That caused some panic among his fantasy owners, who expected much closer to the 43 stolen bases Hoerner picked up in 2023. Those owners will be happy with the last two games though, as the speedster picked up three steals to bring his season total to four. If he keeps running at that pace, there is no reason to worry about Hoerner.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoBaltimore Orioles starting pitcher
Kyle Bradish threw 4 ⅔ innings of one-run ball in his first start of the 2024 season against the New York Yankees on Thursday. Bradish didn't pick up the win as he didn't go five innings, but he was solid and gave his team a good chance to win. He gave up four hits and two walks while striking out five in the shortened outing, throwing 84 pitches. Bradish should get back to a normal workload soon and will hopefully return to his 2023 form where he posted a 2.83 ERA and 1.04 WHIP with 168 strikeouts in 168 ⅔ IP. The 27-year-old should be universally rostered in fantasy.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoHouston Astros starting pitcher
Spencer Arrighetti was solid in an 8-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday. Arrighetti didn't end up getting the win with the Astros doing most of their damage late in the game, but he spun 5 ⅔ frames of two-run ball and looked better than he has in any start this season. The 24-year-old gave up four hits and three walks while striking out six to round out his line. He has some prospect pedigree and is worth keeping an eye on in fantasy leagues as he has shown strong swing-and-miss stuff despite poor results early in his career.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoHouston Astros designated hitter/outfielder
Yordan Alvarez continued his slump at the dish on Thursday, going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in an 8-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians. Alvarez is now 0-for-17 with seven strikeouts and zero walks in his last four games. Fortunately for the 26-year-old, the Astros have won three of those games anyway. Alvarez is down to a .244/.312/.439 triple-slash line to go with 18 runs, 18 RBI, and a modest seven homers. They aren't terrible numbers by any means, but they certainly aren't what fantasy managers were hoping for when they drafted the slugger with a top-20 pick in most cases. Alvarez will likely turn things around and end up being one of the best four-category contributors in fantasy, but this stretch is frustrating nonetheless.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher
Blake Treinen (lung) was used as the opener in Triple-A Oklahoma City's game on Thursday, throwing a perfect inning with two strikeouts. Treinen has looked good in his past two appearances, allowing just one hit and accumulating three strikeouts and zero walks. With five rehab appearances under his belt, he might be ready to make his 2024 season debut soon for the Dodgers after bruising his lung early in Spring Training. The veteran will be a welcome addition to the Dodgers bullpen and should see a decent share of work late in close games, making him a solid add in saves-plus-holds leagues.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: Alex Freedman
6 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals outfielder
Dylan Carlson (shoulder) went 2-for-3 with a home run in a rehab game with Triple-A Memphis. Carlson was playing in his second rehab game and was used as the designated hitter in this one after playing in center field on Wednesday. He will likely need a decent amount of time to get himself ready for a return to the majors, as he hasn't yet played in a game for the Cardinals this year after suffering a sprained left shoulder in Spring Training. The 25-year-old doesn't have much fantasy appeal, but he was once a well-regarded prospect and is still young, so a post-hype breakout is possible.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
6 days agoHouston Astros shortstop
Jeremy Pena increased his hitting streak to five games as he tallied two hits in Thursday's victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Pena tallied his first hit of the game in the fourth inning with a ground ball to second base and then swiped second base but was unable to score. Later in the sixth, Pena ripped his first triple of the campaign to score
Gabriel Arias. The shortstop would then score twice, courtesy of a
Jon Singleton blast in the same frame and sacrifice fly in the seventh. Pena has a solid .333/.375/.467 line, and his underlying metrics suggest he could be in for a big summer with a .324 xBA. The former World Series MVP should be rostered in all formats and remains a solid DFS option.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoAfter starting at right tackle, right guard, left guard and as a tackle-eligible tight end in his first four NFL seasons, New England Patriots offensive lineman Michael Onwenu signed a three-year, $57 million contract extension and is now viewed as the team's starting right tackle. He started 10 games at right tackle as a rookie and finished off last year with 11 starts at right tackle. In his 11 starts at right tackle in 2023, the 26-year-old allowed only three sacks and one QB hit. The starters before him at that spot allowed five sacks and six QB hits in just six games. He'll be learning a new offensive system in 2024 under coordinator Alex Van Pelt, which will bring a new challenge for Onwenu and the rest of the team's offensive line. Onwenu feels pretty comfortable at right tackle at this point, but he noted with enough practice, he's also confident he could play left tackle, if needed.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MassLive.com - Mark Daniels
6 days agoThe Green Bay Packers declined the fifth-year option for cornerback Eric Stokes on Thursday, according to a source. The 29th overall pick in 2021 out of Georgia, Stokes played well in his rookie season but has battled injuries the last two years. He will now be slated for free agency next spring and can make a case for a big payday if he can stay healthy in 2024. The 25-year-old played in 16 games (14 starts) as a rookie in 2021 and had a career-high 55 tackles (43 solo), an interception and 14 passes defended. However, he's played in just 12 games (11 starts) since then and has 26 solo tackles in that time. Stokes played in just three games last season. Despite his injuries the last two years, he's expected to be a starting cornerback for Green Bay in 2024 if he's healthy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Mike Garofolo
6 days agoTexas Rangers relief pitcher
David Robertson tallied his 10th hold of the season and is now tied for the most in baseball with Nationals pitcher
Hunter Harvey and Cardinals pitchers
JoJo Romero and
Andrew Kittredge. Robertson entered in the seventh inning with two outs to face
Ildemaro Vargas with a runner on first and was able to retire him. Then, the 39-year-old remained in the game to pitch the eighth inning. He surrendered a leadoff walk to
Jacob Young but then retired the next three batters via two strikeouts and a groundout. The veteran reliever carries a stellar 1.08 ERA and 0.84 WHIP across 16 2/3 innings with 20 punchouts. Robertson remains an elite option for holds and should be considered next in line to receive ninth-inning duties in Texas.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoThe Tennessee Titans plan to decline the fifth-year option on cornerback Caleb Farley (back), according to a source. It was the expected move for the Titans after Farley played in just 12 games (two starts) since 2021. The former 22nd overall pick in 2021 out of Virginia Tech will now hit the free-agent market after the 2024 season. Farley missed all of the 2023 campaign due to a back injury and has a total of 14 tackles (13 solo) and one pass defended in his 12 games with the Titans in 2021 and 2022. The 25-year-old defensive back will be trying to stay on the field in 2024 with Tennessee and be productive in what is now his walk year before hitting the open market next spring.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
6 days agoThere has been speculation that Oakland Athletics rookie closer
Mason Miller, who has the most pitches at 102-plus mph (19) this year, could be dangled at this summer's trade deadline. Rival executives are split on whether the A's would actually dare trade their biggest start with a move to Sacramento coming next year. Miller has topped out at 103.7 mph and is an "elite" closer that should bring "a prospect package worth pursuing." A rival executive envisions a bidding war that could make a Miller trade irresistible for the A's. "They may want to cash in while stock is so high." The 25-year-old former third-round pick in 2021 out of Gardner-Webb University has been lights-out in 2024 with a 1.26 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, eight saves and 29 K's in 14 1/3 innings, although a trade to a contender wouldn't necessarily mean he'd stay in a closer's role.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Jon Heyman
6 days agoTexas Rangers catcher
Jonah Heim tallied two hits for the seventh time of the season to lead the Rangers to a series victory over the Washington Nationals. Heim laced a single to left field in the second frame and was able to cross home plate via an
Ezequiel Duran double. The 28-year-old then knocked an RBI single in the eighth inning to score
Nathaniel Lowe to increase the Texas lead. During the young season, Heim has proven to be a solid batting average contributor with a .263 AVG, which is on pace to be a new career-high. Heim remains a strong second catcher in two-catcher leagues and is a sneaky play in DFS due to the strong lineup around him.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoThe Colorado Rockies are expected to place right-handed reliever
Justin Lawrence on the paternity list and to summon right-hander
Angel Chivilli from Double-A Hartford for their upcoming series in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. Lawrence is technically the Rockies' closer with two saves on the year, but he's also sporting an ugly 7.20 ERA (2.94 FIP) and 1.80 WHIP with five walks and 10 strikeouts in his 10 innings in 11 appearances out of the 'pen for the lowly Rockies. The 29-year-old is only worth rostering for fantasy managers that are desperate for saves, but Lawrence isn't going to see a ton of chances if the Rockies continue playing like they have been. If a save situation arises this weekend in Pittsburgh with Lawrence away, it will likely go to
Jake Bird.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Thomas Harding
6 days agoHouston Astros second baseman
Jose Altuve registered three hits in Thursday's victory over the Cleveland Guardians. The 33-year-old has now tallied at least three hits in five games this season and continues to improve on his .341/.409/.585 line. In addition, Altuve tallied 11th RBI of the season in the seventh inning by scoring
Jake Meyers. He also swiped his fifth and sixth bags on Thursday. Altuve continues to be a high-end five-category fantasy contributor with his stellar bat-to-ball skills and his excellent 13.9% K rate. The 2017 American League MVP should be a weekly lineup lock and remain matchup-proof in DFS.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoHouston Astros first baseman
Jon Singleton went 2-for-3 in Thursday's victory with three RBI to power the Astros to their 11th victory of the season. Singleton tallied a single in his first at-bat of the game in the third inning and crossed home plate via a passed ball. Then in the sixth inning, the 32-year-old launched his second home run of the season, which scored shortstop
Jeremy Pena. This was Singleton's second home run of the series and of the season, and he is carrying a .275/.362/.431 slash line into a three-game set against their division rivals, Seattle Mariners, which will begin Friday evening. Singleton has been subject to limited playing time but could be a viable option in DFS in a favorable matchup.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoThe Los Angeles Chargers have signed free-agent wide receiver
DJ Chark Jr. to a one-year, $5 million contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Chark reportedly visited with the Chargers prior to last week's NFL draft. He could play a key role in Los
read more...
6 days agoAtlanta Falcons wide receivers
Darnell Mooney and
Rondale Moore "will be relied on to provide more consistency" throughout the 2024 season, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. Notably, the Falcons are expected to deploy numerous three-receiver sets, leaving room for both Mooney and Moore to contribute alongside
Drake London. Mooney, a Tulane product, tallied 2,593 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over his first four pro seasons. His best season came in 2021 when he racked up 1,055 receiving yards and five total touchdowns. If Mooney can return to his 2021 form, he'll be the Falcons' No. 2 wide receiver and a low-end FLEX option in fantasy football. Moore also flashed potential in Arizona prior to his trade from the Cardinals to the Falcons. Over his first three pro seasons, Moore has 1,201 receiving yards, 249 rushing yards, and four touchdowns. He, too, could become a fringe fantasy WR3 in the right situation.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Josh Kendall
6 days agoThe Kansas City Chiefs have declined their fifth-year option on wide receiver
Kadarius Toney, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. By doing so, the Chiefs will opt against bringing Toney back for $14.345 million in 2025. Instead, he'll finish out his rookie contract in Kansas City this season before hitting free agency next March. Toney had a fifth-year option due to his status as a former first-round pick. He has been a massive disappointment since the Giants selected him in the 2021 NFL Draft. Toney totaled 760 receiving yards, 119 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns through his first three seasons, and he also struggled to stay healthy, playing in just 12 games for the Giants and 20 for the Chiefs. He remains an inferior receiver to
Travis Kelce,
Rashee Rice, and
Xavier Worthy, leaving Toney on waivers in most redraft leagues.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Ari Meirov
6 days agoCincinnati Reds infielder
Matt McLain (shoulder) is about a week away from a follow-up appointment with a doctor. The evaluation should allow the Reds to map out a clearer return timetable for McLain, who is recovering from March 26 left shoulder surgery. Manager David Bell said on April 1 that "there is a chance [McLain] gets back this year," so fantasy managers should still be prepared for the 24-year-old former top prospect to be sidelined through the All-Star break. With McLain on the shelf, former National League Rookie of the Year
Jonathan India is operating as Cincy's everyday second baseman. India could heat up in a hurry, and over his last nine games, he's batting a strong .344 (11-for-32) with one home run, six RBI, three runs scored, one stolen base, and three walks.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Gordon Wittenmyer - The Cincinnati Enquirer
6 days agoSeattle Mariners starting pitcher
George Kirby has been a big reason why the team has a 1.58 ERA over their last 19 games since April 10. After yielding 13 runs in his first 14 1/3 innings (three starts) of the 2024 regular season, Kirby has turned it around for a 1.00 ERA and a 25:2 K:BB across the subsequent 18 frames (three starts). The 26-year-old All-Star right-hander will take the ball in a tough spot on Friday for the start of a three-game weekend set on the road against the division-rival Houston Astros, but in three career starts against Houston, Kirby owns a 1.62 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 14:3 K:BB across 16 2/3 innings. The current Astros roster is batting a career .218 (12-for-55) with zero extra-base hits against Kirby, who'll have plenty of DFS tournament appeal on Friday's full slate.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Savant
6 days agoMiami Marlins starting pitcher
Braxton Garrett (shoulder) made his second minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday since overcoming a bout of "dead arm," launching five one-hit innings on three walks with three strikeouts. After throwing 61 pitches in the outing, Garrett's next appearance may very well come with the major-league roster for his 2024 regular-season debut. The Marlins should make a decision on that sometime this weekend. Last season, the 26-year-old former No. 7 overall pick fanned 156 hitters and walked only 29 for a 3.66 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over his 159 2/3 frames of work (30 starts). If his next showing indeed comes in Miami's rotation, it would likely be in place of rookie
Roddery Munoz during Monday's series opener in a shy-away spot from a fantasy perspective against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Fish on the Farm
6 days agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Khris Middleton had 14 points in Thursday's loss to the Pacers. He added four boards, three assists, and two steals. While the veteran did all he could, his efforts weren't enough to lead Milwaukee to a win, eliminating the team from the playoffs. Middleton finished the regular season by averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. However, as usual, the 32-year-old was limited to 55 games due to injury. Middleton's play is never a concern. But his inability to stay healthy will negatively impact his fantasy stock heading into the 2024-25 campaign, no matter where he's playing.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
6 days agoThe New York Mets have concerns that relief pitcher
Brooks Raley (elbow) could miss the remainder of the 2024 season. Manager
Carlos Mendoza already stated on Thursday that Raley won't return from inflammation in his left elbow when first eligible on May 6, but this update is a bit more ominous. The 35-year-old southpaw was serving as New York's primary left-handed setup man this season, working seven scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and three walks while logging four holds over eight appearances. Although veteran lefty
Jake Diekman now figures to operate as a high-leverage arm, unheralded right-hander
Reed Garrett has emerged as a weapon with a 0.54 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 28:8 K:BB through 16 2/3 frames out of the Mets' bullpen this year. Reed is throwing well enough right now to warrant fantasy consideration in all formats.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Joel Sherman - New York Post
6 days agoMilwaukee Bucks guard
Damian Lillard (Achilles) was back in the lineup for Thursday's playoff meeting with Indiana after missing a few contests with an Achilles injury. He played well, scoring a game-high 28 points while shooting 7-for-16 from the field and 4-for-12 from deep. Unfortunately, Lillard's return didn't help, as the Pacers got the win to eliminate the Bucks from the postseason. Lillard has been one of the league's most potent scorers for years. However, the 33-year-old took a step backward in his first season with the Bucks, averaging 24.3 points, nearly eight fewer than he had in his final season in Portland. On a positive note, he logged 73 games during the regular season, his most since 2017-18. But it appears Lillard is starting to regress statistically, so his fantasy ranking for next season won't be as favorable.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
Page 24 of 30...222324252627...
RADIO
