June 9, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder center
Chet Holmgren needed a bounce-back performance after putting up just six points and six rebounds in Game 1. During the 123-107 win in Game 2, the second-year big man registered 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block while shooting 6-for-11 overall and 1-for-3 from downtown. While the Thunder don't need to rely on Holmgren to score 20 or more points every night, his efficiency and defensive presence are keys to their success. So far, in his second postseason run, Holmgren averages 15.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Basketball Reference
June 9, 2025
Indiana Pacers forward
Pascal Siakam had a tough time getting the lid off the rim in Game 2 as the Oklahoma City Thunder coasted to a 123-107 win to tie the series at one game apiece. The former Toronto Raptor finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two turnovers. He was only able to knock down three of his 11 field goal attempts and went 1-for-4 from beyond the arc, but did make eight out of nine free throws. After being named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, Siakam will need to bounce back in Game 3 if the Pacers want to stay on track and win their first championship in the NBA.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Basketball Reference
June 9, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward
Jalen Williams provided support in all aspects during the 123-107 win over the Indiana Pacers, which pushed the NBA Finals to a 1-1 tie. The former lottery pick registered 19 points on 5-for-14 shooting with five rebounds, five assists, and one steal to go along with just two turnovers. When Williams is contributing in more ways than one, it usually results in a score like this one. His efficiency hasn't quite been the same as his first playoff run last season, but Williams averages 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 turnovers per game across 18 postseason contests.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Basketball Reference
June 9, 2025
Indiana Pacers guard
Tyrese Haliburton was the team's top scorer in a lopsided 123-107 loss in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder's defense was on full display as Haliburton and company struggled all night long. The dynamic point guard finished the game with 17 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the floor and 3-for-8 from downtown. He also added six assists, three rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and five turnovers. The good thing for the Pacers is that Haliburton has been noticeably better at home as he averaged 20.2 points, 9.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game with shooting splits of .499/.415/.862 across 37 contests. Game 3, on Wednesday, will be the first NBA Finals game in Indiana in 25 years to the day.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Basketball Reference
June 9, 2025
Baltimore Orioles outfielder
Cedric Mullins (hamstring) took live at-bats against right-hander
Brandon Young (shoulder) on Sunday in Aberdeen. Mullins is expected to return to the Orioles' lineup during the upcoming homestand if things continue to trend well, Orioles beat reporter Jake Rill reports. Mullins has been out of action since May 28, and the veteran outfielder resumed running last week. While Mullins has been out,
Jorge Mateo has been handling center field duties for the Orioles. The Orioles also just activated
Colton Cowser on June 2, so the outfield for the Orioles is getting closer to returning to full strength. Mullins is slashing .232/.324/.448 thus far this season with 10 home runs, 31 RBI, and eight stolen bases.
--NichoSource: Jake Rill
June 9, 2025
San Francisco Giants third baseman
Matt Chapman (hand) underwent X-rays on his right hand, which came back negative, following Sunday's 4-3 win over Atlanta. He said he jammed his fingers backward when he dove back to the bag, Shayna Rubin, beat writer for the Giants, reports. This is good news for Chapman and his fantasy owners, as it sounds like he avoided a trip to the injured list. Chapman was picked off first base when he sustained this injury, and with the Giants having an off day on Monday, he will have until Tuesday to recover and try to be ready for their three-game series in Colorado. Chapman is slashing .243/.360/.452 on the season with 12 home runs and 30 RBI thus far in the 2025 season.
--NichoSource: Shayna Rubin
June 9, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved why he was named the NBA's MVP this season after leading all scorers in the dominant 123-107 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 2. He finished with 34 points, eight assists, five rebounds, four steals, and one block while shooting 11-for-21 from the floor and 11-for-12 from the charity stripe. This was his second consecutive game with 30 or more points, which further pushes his lead for most points this postseason (548). Gilgeous-Alexander also boasts the highest number of win shares in the playoffs, with 3.5, as the series shifts to Indiana for Game 3 on Wednesday.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Basketball Reference
June 9, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander
Max Scherzer (thumb) was "good" during his 50 pitches over three innings in a simulated game in Dunedin on Sunday, Shi Davidi reports. The 40-year-old has been working his way back from a thumb injury that occurred on March 29. Thus far this season, Scherzer has only thrown three innings and has allowed two earned runs. The right-hander is expected to throw an additional side session in the coming days at the team's Player Development Complex (PDC) in Florida. Manager John Schneider said that the team will "go from there" after the session to determine next steps. This is positive news for the Blue Jays, as they currently sit at 35-30 and are right in the thick of the AL East race thus far in 2025. From a fantasy perspective, owners can stash him on their IL, but don't worry about dropping him if you need to make room for someone else.
--NichoSource: Shi Davidi
June 9, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander
Shane McClanahan (triceps) threw a bullpen on Sunday and "all went well," according to Rays manager Kevin Cash. Cash also mentioned there is no timetable for McClanahan's return, but that imaging showed that everything is structurally in place and the left-hander is feeling good. McClanahan sustained this triceps injury in spring training, and it's likely he will still require a handful of bullpens, live BP sessions, and a few rehab starts. Outside of his seven innings in spring training this year, McClanahan has not pitched in live action since 2023, making holding onto him a bit difficult, considering his expected return date is late July or early August. If you have an injured list spot available, continue to hold on, as he could provide you with some upside in the last month and a half of the fantasy season.
--NichoSource: Tampa Bay Rays
June 9, 2025
Houston Astros right-hander
Spencer Arrighetti (thumb) played catch from 70 feet while traveling with the team during its weekend series against Cleveland, Astros beat writer Brian McTaggart reports. Arrighetti has made progress since breaking his thumb during batting practice on April 7 in Seattle. At this point, he is building up as if it were the start of spring training. As a result, Arrighetti will need to throw multiple bullpens, face live hitters, and likely require a handful of rehab starts before the Astros slide him back into the rotation. Fantasy managers who see him on their waiver wire may want to add him to their injured list spot if they have one available, as Arrighetti was a top sleeper coming into the 2025 season and could provide a lot of upside after the All-Star Break. So far through 9 2/3 innings pitched, he owns a 5.59 ERA.
--NichoSource: Houston Astros
June 9, 2025
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Daniil Tarasov is wrapping up a three-year, $3.15 million contract this season, but it seems he wants to remain in Ohio. The Russian netminder, who is a pending restricted free agent, told Daria Tuboltseva of RG that he has begun negotiations on an extension with the Blue Jackets. Tarasov, a third-round draft pick by Columbus in 2017, has made 61 starts with the team, going 19-34-6. He finished the 2024-25 campaign with a record of 7-10-2 and posted a 3.54 goals-against average with a .881 save percentage and one shutout. Tarasov has not had a fun time in the NHL, but he told Tuboltseva that he is not considering a return to the KHL. The Blue Jackets already have two goalies locked up for next season in Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves.
--Taavi PailkSource: Daria Tuboltseva
June 9, 2025
New York Islanders left wing Anthony Duclair (personal) will likely be back with the team next season. He missed the end of 2024-25 due to a personal leave. The 29-year-old left the team after Islanders head coach Patrick Roy publicly criticized him. Roy, who will remain in charge of the Islanders next season, called Duclair's play "god-awful" and said he was "lucky" to be in the lineup. The two clearly have issues to work out, but Duclair has a clean slate with new general manager Mathieu Darche. In an interview with Andrew Gross of Newsday, Darche mentioned that he had spoken with Duclair, adding that he hopes to have him ready for training camp. Duclair was a 30-goal scorer with the Florida Panthers just three years ago, but finished the 2024-25 campaign with only 11 points (seven goals, four assists) in 44 games. He should be regarded as a very risky choice during fantasy drafts in the fall.
--Taavi PailkSource: Andrew Gross
June 9, 2025
Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (undisclosed) is considered a game-time decision for Monday's Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Florida Panthers. The 32-year-old was unavailable for Sunday's practice due to an undisclosed health issue. However, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch sounded optimistic about Nugent-Hopkins's chances of playing. "We think (he'll be available)," Knoblauch told reporters. "We'll play it by ear." Nugent-Hopkins has gone scoreless in the first two games against Florida, but he has played a big part in Edmonton's success in the postseason. With 18 games played, Nugent-Hopkins has contributed five goals and 13 assists. Jeff Skinner skated in Nugent-Hopkins' spot during practice and is set to rejoin the lineup for Game 3 if he cannot play.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
June 9, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect
Konnor Griffin is being promoted to High-A Greensboro. The Pirates drafted the 19-year-old with the ninth pick in last year's MLB Draft out of Jackson Prep School. Griffin made his professional debut with Low-A Bradenton at the start of the 2025 campaign. Through 50 games with Low-A, Griffin has held a stellar .338/.396/.536 slash line with 10 doubles, two triples, nine home runs, and 26 stolen bases. Over his last five games, Griffin has tallied at least two hits in each game and held an impressive .565/.600/.739 line over this stretch. The infielder is currently ranked as the No. 2-best prospect in the Pittsburgh system and the No. 37-overall prospect in the sport on MLB.com. If he continues to swing a hot bat at High-A, he could earn a brief taste of Double-A in the final months of the season.
--Andy SmithSource: Noah Hiles
June 9, 2025
Baltimore Orioles catching prospect
Samuel Basallo tallied a hit in each game of the doubleheader on Sunday to extend his hitting streak to five games. During the first contest, Basallo went 2-for-3 with a home run and a walk. This was his fourth home run of this five-game hitting streak. Before this recent surge at the plate, the top catching prospect in baseball held a low .091 AVG over his last seven games. Through 39 games with Triple-A Norfolk this season, Basallo has continued to show high power upside, launching 13 long balls while posting a .252/.365/.595 line. During this stretch, he has tallied 26 RBI while holding a 39:23 K:BB. During his first taste of Triple-A last season, Basallo posted a modest .222/.267/.370 line. Given his steady progress, he should be in the mix to reach the majors in the coming weeks and is worth stashing in deeper redraft formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
June 9, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect
Chandler Simpson went 5-for-5 with a run, an RBI, and a stolen base during their contest against Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday. This was Williams' third-straight game tallying at least one hit and second-straight game tallying at least one stolen base. Since returning to Triple-A on June 3, Simpson has been very productive at the plate, holding a .391 AVG with three stolen bases across five games. Simpson made his MLB debut earlier this season and was quite productive during his first taste of the majors, posting a .285/.315/.317 line with 19 stolen bases across 35 games. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his production with Triple-A, as he should be in the mix to return to the majors soon. Once he gets the call, he is worth adding in all category leagues given his elite speed upside.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
June 9, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop prospect
Carson Williams went 4-for-5 with two home runs and seven RBI during their contest against Triple-A Jacksonville on Sunday. Over his last six contests, Williams has posted a .375/.442/.792 slash line with a double and three round-trippers. The top prospect in the Tampa Bay system was able to open the campaign by making his Triple-A debut. Through his first 57 games with Durham, Williams has held a modest .197/.296/.394 line. However, it appears the infielder is beginning to turn the corner, especially from a power perspective. Last summer, Williams spent his entire season with Double-A Montgomery and held a .256/.352/.469 line with 20 doubles and 20 long balls. Williams could contend for his MLB debut in the second half if he continues to make strides at the plate.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
June 9, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds are promoting right-handed pitching prospect
Chase Burns to Triple-A. Burns is considered the No. 11-ranked prospect in the sport on MLB.com and one of the top pitching prospects. The Reds selected the 22-year-old with the second pick in last year's draft out of Wake Forest. Burns made his professional debut at the start of the season with High-A Dayton. Across 11 2/3 innings of work, Burns struck out an impressive 20 batters while allowing just five walks. He then earned the call to Double-A, where he continued to dominate. In 42 innings of work with Double-A Chattanooga, Burns posted a 1.29 ERA with a 0.71 WHIP. During this stint, he tallied 55 strikeouts while allowing just five free passes. Burns is quickly approaching his MLB debut and may only need a few starts at Triple-A to get the call. He is worth stashing in all 12+ team leagues going forward.
--Andy SmithSource: MLB Pipeline
June 9, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitching prospect
Jacob Misiorowski tossed five shutout innings in his last start on June 7 against Triple-A Gwinnett. In this outing, Misiorowski allowed just two hits, allowed three walks, and struck out seven batters. This was a much-needed bounce-back outing for Misiorowski, as he allowed five runs with six walks in his previous outing. Over his last 44 2/3 innings, the hard-throwing right-hander has been one of the most dominant arms at the Triple-A level, holding a 1.81 ERA with a stellar 1.05 WHIP. During this stretch, Misiorowski has struck out 59 batters and served up 19 walks. During this stretch, he only allowed more than one run in a single outing once. Given his impressive production at Triple-A, Misiorowski is nearing his MLB debut and should be viewed as a strong stash option in all standard formats.
--Andy SmithSource: MiLB.com
June 9, 2025
Cleveland Guardians right-handed closer
Emmanuel Clase locked down the team's 4-2 victory over the visiting Houston Astros at Progressive Field in Sunday's series finale for his 14th save of the year. Although Clase didn't give up a run in his inning of work, he didn't strike anyone out and allowed two hits to catcher
Yainer Diaz and outfielder
Jake Meyers. The hard-throwing 27-year-old reliever currently sports a career-high 3.67 ERA (2.11 FIP), but he's now converted his last 10 save opportunities and has allowed just one earned run since the start of May. He's gone 4-0 with a 1.29 WHIP, 30 strikeouts and only five walks in his 27 innings over 28 appearances out of the bullpen. While Clase didn't exactly start out strong for fantasy managers, he looks locked in now and remains one of the most dominant closers in the game when he's right. His 14 saves are tied for eighth-most in baseball.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
June 9, 2025
New York Yankees outfielder and reigning American League MVP
Aaron Judge hit two more home runs in the 11-7 loss to the division-rival Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on Sunday night. Judge did all he could in this one, going 3-for-5 with four RBI, three runs scored and a walk to continue what has been another dominant season at the plate. The 33-year-old right-handed slugger now has 23 home runs on the year, which is tied for second in MLB with
Shohei Ohtani and behind only Mariners catcher
Cal Raleigh (26). Believe it or not, the two long balls snapped a six-game homer drought for Judge, who is now hitting an absurd .396/.493/.771 with 55 RBI, 62 runs scored and five stolen bases in 64 games played. He leads major-league baseball in runs, hits, average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS and total bases. Judge is simply amazing.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
June 9, 2025
Kansas City Royals shortstop
Bobby Witt Jr. was among the club's offensive catalysts in a 7-5 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday. Witt went 2-for-5 and capped off his afternoon with a ninth-inning two-run homer that put the game out of reach. The 24-year-old now has a seven-game hitting streak and has gone a sizzling 10-of-29 with two HRs and six RBI in June. While Witt's 2025 numbers don't rival his spectacular output from last season, he's still hitting a more-than-respectable .291/.349/.492 with eight HRs, 37 RBI, and 21 stolen bases over 289 plate appearances. Witt and the Royals will start a three-game series against the New York Yankees on Tuesday.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
June 8, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop
Mookie Betts homered for the first time in 13 games in a 7-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. Betts, who hadn't gone deep since May 19, smacked a 359-foot solo blast for his ninth HR and 33rd RBI of the year. It was the lone hit for Betts in a 1-for-5 afternoon. The 32-year-old superstar missed four games last week with a fractured toe, but he has returned to go a productive 11-of-27 in six contests. He'll take a .274/.352/.430 line over 261 plate appearances into a matchup against San Diego Padres right-hander
Nick Pivetta on Monday. Betts has gone 1-for-5 with two walks against Pivetta.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
June 8, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander
Drew Rasmussen continued his strong start to the season in a 3-2 victory over the Miami Marlins on Sunday. While Rasmussen did not factor into the decision, he picked up a quality start with six innings of two-run ball. He yielded six hits, struck out three, and walked one in the contest. Sunday's outing marked the first time Rasmussen allowed a run since May 11. He carried a streak of 23 straight scoreless frames into the game, but Marlins shortstop
Otto Lopez snapped it in the first inning with an RBI single. Although Rasmussen has not exceeded six innings in any start this year, he has recorded a highly effective 2.22 ERA with 59:14 K:BB over 69 frames. The 29-year-old will face a formidable New York Mets offense on Saturday.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
June 8, 2025
San Diego Padres third baseman
Manny Machado accounted for all of the scoring in the club's 1-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday. Machado broke a scoreless tie in the top of the seventh inning with a 425-foot solo shot off Brewers left-hander
Rob Zastryzny. The 33-year-old also drew a walk during a 1-for-3 afternoon. Machado has homered in three of the past four games, giving him 10 on the season, and is slashing .318/.382/.515 with 33 RBI and eight stolen bases across 267 plate appearances. He'll take on Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander
Dustin May on Monday. Machado has gone 7-of-28 with two HRs against May.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
June
8,
2025
KPRC
2
Sports'
Aaron
Wilson
reports
that
Houston
Texans
running
backs
Joe
Mixon
(ankle)
and
Dameon
Pierce
(undisclosed)
are
both
expected
to
be
ready
for
the
start
of
training
camp
in
late
July.
read more...
June 8, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman
Yandy Diaz had a big game at the plate to help lead the club to a 3-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Sunday. With the Rays trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth inning, Diaz hit a two-run homer off right-hander
Valente Bellozo to tie the game. He also doubled and singled during a 3-for-4 afternoon. Diaz has offered above-average offensive production since he became a regular in 2021, but he's hitting an underwhelming .246/.297/.413 with nine homers, 36 RBI, and a career-worst 6.5% walk rate this season. However, Diaz does rank in the league's 67th percentile or higher in xwOBA, xBA, and xSLG, suggesting he's due for positive regression. He'll try to keep it going Monday in a meeting with Boston Red Sox righty
Brayan Bello. Diaz has performed well in their matchups with five hits (including two doubles) in 12 at-bats.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
June
8,
2025
Former
Jacksonville
Jaguars
wide
receiver
Gabe
Davis
is
scheduled
to
visit
with
the
New
Orleans
Saints,
according
to
NFL
Network's
Ian
Rapoport.
Davis
also
recently
visited
with
the
Pittsburgh
Steelers
and
New
York
Giants.
He
has
plenty
read more...
June 8, 2025
Cincinnati Reds infielder
Christian Encarnacion-Strand swatted another home run Sunday in a 4-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Encarnacion-Strand has homered in three consecutive games since returning Friday from a back injury that had shelved him since mid-April. He belted a 403-foot solo blast against Diamondbacks righty
Zac Gallen on Sunday to highlight a 2-for-3, one-walk performance. The powerful Encarnacion-Strand has gone a sizzling 7-for-13 with three HRs, a double, and six RBI since coming off the injured list. He now has five HRs and 11 RBI in just 74 plate appearances this year, but he's hitting an unspectacular .229/.257/.486 with 15 strikeouts and two walks. The Reds have batted the 25-year-old either fourth or fifth in all three games since he came back, though, and he has repaid them with dazzling production.
--Connor ByrneSource: ESPN
June
8,
2025
The
Los
Angeles
Angels
announced
that
they
have
acquired
first
baseman/outfielder
LaMonte
Wade
Jr.
from
the
San
Francisco
Giants
for
cash
considerations
or
a
player
to
be
named
later.
The
Angels
designated
right-hander
read more...
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