Javier Assad Heading To Chicago To Be Examined
Javier Assad (oblique) felt discomfort in his side during his minor-league rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday and is on his way to Chicago to be examined by the team's medical staff. The 27-year-old injured his left oblique in spring training and opened the 2025 season on the 15-day injured list. Just when the Mexican hurler was getting close to a debut in the big leagues, he suffered a setback this week. In two rehab games with Iowa, Assad allowed three earned runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out nine over 7 1/3 innings. He did a respectable job in his transition to being a full-time start for the Cubbies in 2024, but Assad lacks a ton of fantasy upside because of a below-average strikeout rate. There's no timetable for his potential return to the majors, and when he is back, there's no guarantee he'll have a rotation spot waiting for him.Source: MLB.com - Jordan Bastian
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that right-hander Jake Bauers In Starting Lineup Against Giants
Jake Bauers is making the start at first base and is batting fifth for Thursday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants and right-hander Landen Roupp at Oracle Park. With Jackson Chourio getting the day off, Christian Yelich is in left field and Rhys Hoskins is serving as the designated hitter, opening up first base for Bauers. The 29-year-old Bauers will be making only his sixth start of the season for the Brew Crew in the matinee affair. Although he hasn't seen much playing time so far in 2025, Bauers has swing the bat well, going 7-for-25 (.280) with two home runs, five RBI, five runs scored and a stolen base. The former seventh-rounder of the San Diego Padres in 2013 has one hit in just two career at-bats against Roupp.Source: MLB.com
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jayden Higgins A Potential First-Round Pick?
Jayden Higgins could be a surprise first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The upcoming rookie WR draft class remains a mystery, as the class lacks "can't-miss" high-end talent at the top. However, Higgins is a top wide receiver prospect for many after snagging 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns in his final collegiate season. At 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, Higgins posted a 4.47 forty-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine and is one of the better athletes in this year's class. While he already carries plenty of fantasy football intrigue, he will climb rookie rankings and dynasty rookie draft ADP if he is selected in Round 1.Source: Around The NFL
Iowa State wide receiver Brandon Marsh Starting Rehab Assignment On Thursday
Brandon Marsh (hamstring) is starting his minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Lochlahn March. Marsh is recovering from a strained right hamstring but could be activated from the 10-day injured list when he's eligible on Sunday as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks in a few games at Lehigh Valley this weekend. When the 27-year-old outfielder rejoins the big-league roster, he'll be returning to a nightmarish .095/.220/.167 slash line after going 4-for-42 with a homer, five RBI, seven walks and 16 strikeouts in his first 17 games this year. It's still early, but this is about as bad of a starter as you can get. Before going on the IL, Marsh was hitless in his last 31 at-bats with two RBI, five walks and 11 strikeouts. If he continues to struggle when he's back, Marsh could see more time on the bench.Source: Philadelphia Inquirer - Lochlahn March
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brendan Donovan Expected To Return On Friday
Brendan Donovan (rib) is expected to return to the team's starting lineup on Friday for the series opener against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. A displaced rib kept Donovan out of the starting lineup for the final two games of this week's series against the Atlanta Braves, but with a scheduled day off on Friday, the 28-year-old should be good to go to return on Friday. Fantasy managers will want to check to make sure Donovan is back in there, but if he is, he should be returned to your lineups after his strong start to the 2025 campaign. He's among the league leaders in batting average (.356) in the early going with 32 hits in 90 at-bats, three home runs, 13 RBI, three steals and 14 runs scored. The Cards are scheduled to face Brewers right-hander Chad Patrick in the series opener on Friday at Busch Stadium.Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports that infielder/outfielder Breece Hall Available For Trade?
Breece Hall could be available via trade. Anderson reports that league sources have heard about the potential of his availability "within the last week and a half." The 2022 second-round pick out of Iowa State posted a career-low 4.2 yards per carry last season, and head coach Aaron Glenn has hinted at New York moving to a committee approach in the backfield. With the 2025 NFL Draft set to kick off on Thursday night, Hall could be a trade candidate during Day 2 or Day 3. The 23-year-old has flashed at times during his three-year pro career, but a change of scenery could help or hurt his fantasy football outlook moving forward. Hall has compiled 2,333 rushing yards, 1,292 receiving yards, and 22 total touchdowns in 40 career games.Source: Josina Anderson
According to NFL insider Josina Anderson's sources, New York Jets running back Patrick Bailey Getting Breather In Series Finale
Patrick Bailey will start Thursday's series finale against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park on the bench while Sam Huff does the catching for right-hander Landen Roupp and hits eighth against Brewers right-hander Tobias Myers, who is coming off the injured list to make his 2025 season debut. Bailey, 25, has gotten off to a rough start to the season at the plate, batting just .167 (11-for-66) with no home runs, eight RBI, seven runs scored, five walks and 26 strikeouts in 72 plate appearances over 22 games. He has just two multi-hit games and five extra-base hits as San Fran's primary catcher. Huff has been slightly better with five hits in 22 at-bats, including a home run, but fantasy managers in DFS should be able to find better low-cost options at catcher for Thursday's slate.Source: MLB.com
San Francisco Giants catcher Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Caleb Durbin All Sitting On Thursday
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, catcher William Contreras and rookie infielder Caleb Durbin are all getting a breather in Thursday's series finale against the San Franciscoread more...
Trent Grisham Activated From Paternity List
Trent Grisham was activated from the paternity list prior to their contest on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays. The outfielder was held out of action during their entire three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians at the start of the week. However, Grisham will be back in action for their weekend series in the Bronx against the Blue Jays. Grisham has enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, holding a stellar .320/.393/.700 slash line with two doubles and six long balls. Grisham has tallied 13 RBI and scored 12 runs. Even though he may occasionally sit against southpaws, he appears to have a significant role in the Yankee lineup, given his hot start. Fantasy managers should expect the 28-year-old to return to the starting nine on Friday to face Toronto right-hander Jose Berrios.Source: New York Yankees
New York Yankees outfielder Greg Newsome, Ogbo Okoronkwo Could Be Available Via Trade During The Draft
Source: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome and defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo are two players that are believed to be available via trade during this week's NFL draft, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Okoronkwo has 7.5 sacs over the last two seasons, while Newsome is entering the final year of his current deal in 2025. Newsome, who the team selected 26th overall in the 2021 draft out of Northwestern, has a $13.4 million salary cap hit this year, which is another reason for Cleveland to consider trading him. The 24-year-old is a versatile defensive back for the Browns, but he had a career-low 27 tackles (24 solo), one interception and five pass breakups in 13 games (three starts) in 2024 in his fourth year in the league. Okoronkwo, 30, had three sacks, 23 tackles (15 solo), five tackles for loss and six QB hits in 16 games (five starts) in his second year with the Browns.Tobias Myers Activated Off Injured List, Starting On Thursday
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher Tobias Myers (oblique) was activated off the 15-day injured list prior to his season debut on Thursday against the San Francisco Giants. Myers has been out of action since spring training dueread more...
Paris Johnson Jr. Completely Healthy This Offseason
James Conner go for over 1,000 yards rushing for the second straight season. The 23-year-old injured his knee in Week 15. Johnson was the sixth overall pick in 2023 out of Ohio State and played his rookie season at right tackle before switching over to the left side last year. 2025 will mark the first time Johnson will play the same position in back-to-back seasons since high school. Johnson started all 17 games at right tackle in his first year in the NFL in 2023 but was limited to 14 starts due to his knee injury a year ago.Source: AZCardinals.com - Zach Gershman
Arizona Cardinals left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (knee) said he was "completely" good to go as the team started their offseason program on Tuesday. Despite injuring his knee last year, Johnson finished the 2024 season as a Pro Bowl alternate and was a key piece of Arizona's offensive line as they helped running back Jacob Stallings, Nick Martini Sitting In Game 1
Colorado Rockies catcher Jacob Stallings and outfielder Nick Martini will take a seat in Game 1 of their doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday afternoon. Fantasy managers should expectread more...
Derrick Brown Expected To Be Ready For Start Of Season
Source: ESPN.com - David Newton
Carolina Panthers Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown (knee) said he's doing great in his recovery from a meniscus injury and has been participating in offseason workouts. Brown has been doing what doctors and trainers are telling him and expects to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. The 27-year-old defensive end played in just one game for the Panthers in 2024 due to his knee injury after starting 17 games in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023. He was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023, racking up a career-best 103 tackles (57 solo), two sacks, seven tackles for loss, 15 QB hits, one interception and six pass breakups. Carolina's pass rush will be in a much better place if Brown, the former seventh overall pick in 2020 out of Auburn, can return to his pre-injury form. The same can be said for Brown's value in IDP fantasy leagues if he's 100 percent healthy.Jorge Polanco Sitting Against Lefty
Seattle Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco will take a seat during Thursday's contest against the Boston Red Sox with left-hander Garrett Crochet set to take the mound. Through the early part ofread more...
Broncos Fielding Calls For No. 20 Pick In NFL Draft
Sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Denver Broncos have fielded calls in recent days from teams interested in potentially moving up to the team's No. 20 overall selection in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday night.read more...
David Festa Optioned To Triple-A
David Festa to Triple-A St. Paul. Festa was promoted to the majors to fill Pablo Lopez's rotation spot. However, with Lopez set to return to action this weekend, Festa will return to the top level of the minor leagues. Through three starts this season (13 innings), Festa held a 1.38 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. During this minor stint, Festa struck out 15 batters and served up five walks. Last summer, the Seton Hall product made his MLB debut and posted a modest 4.90 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP across 64 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should expect Festa to return to the big leagues when Minnesota needs additional depth in its rotation. However, given his modest showing, he is only worth holding onto in deeper AL-only redraft formats.Source: Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins have optioned right-handed pitcher Browns, Giants Both Like Jaxson Dart
Jaxson Dart heading into the first round of the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday night, multiple sources told ESPN's Jordan Raanan over the last couple days. Cleveland holds the No. 2 overall pick, while the G-Men have the No. 3 pick. Neither team is going to select Dart that early if they hold onto their early picks in the first round. However, if Dart remains available near the end of the first round, both teams could be looking to trade back into the first round to take Dart as their future franchise signal-caller. The Denver Broncos have reportedly been fielding offers for the No. 20 overall pick, which could be right in the wheelhouse for a team like the Browns or Giants to trade back up into the first round. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who are just as desperate for a QB, sit at No. 21 overall.Source: ESPN New York - Jordan Raanan
The Cleveland Browns and New York Giants both like Ole Miss quarterback Willi Castro Placed On 10-Day Injured List
Willi Castro (oblique) is on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain. In a corresponding move, the Twins promoted Mickey Gasper from Triple-A St. Paul. Castro has been held out of the lineup since suffering this injury on April 16. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as this injury could keep Castro sidelined for an extended period. While he remains out, fantasy managers should expect prospect Luke Keaschall to continue to see time at second base and Brooks Lee to see time at the hot corner. Through the first 18 games of the campaign, Castro has held a .227/.292/.364 line with six doubles, one home run, and one stolen base. He is worth holding on an IR spot in deeper formats given his positional flexibility.Source: Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Kevin Stefanski Thinks Travis Hunter Can Succeed As Two-Way Player
Travis Hunter will transition to the balance of being both an offensive and defensive player in the NFL, but Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is confident Hunter will succeed. "Travis is somebody that is uniquely equipped to do both," Stefanski said. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner averaged an FBS-high 111.5 snaps per game the last two years at Colorado, with no other player averaging more than 78 since at least 2015. Many draft analysts believe the 21-year-old is both the top receiver and top cornerback available in the 2025 NFL draft this week. The Brows would certainly use Hunter in more ways than one, and if they don't trade back from No. 2 overall, many believe that Cleveland will add the elite athlete on Thursday night in Round 1.Source: NFL.com - Grant Gordon
There are questions as to how Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Hagen Smith Showing Strikeout Potential At Double-A
Hagen Smith has looked sharp during his first taste of Double-A action. On Wednesday, Smith logged four shutout innings. During this start, he allowed just one hit and held an 8:4 K:BB. Through 13 2/3 innings of work, the fifth overall pick in last year's MLB Draft has held a 2.63 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP. He has tallied an impressive 25 strikeouts and served up 10 walks. After being selected out of Arkansas last summer, he earned a brief seven 2/3 inning taste of High-A. During this small look, Smith allowed three runs and held a 7:2 K:BB. Fantasy managers should expect the left-hander to spend most of the first half of the season with Double-A Birmingham. If he continues to perform well, he could push for a Triple-A promotion.Source: MiLB.com
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Kohl Drake Strikes Out 10 On Wednesday
Source: MiLB.com
Texas Rangers pitching prospect Kohl Drake struck out 10 batters in his latest outing at Double-A Frisco. On Wednesday, Drake looked sharp against Corpus Christi as he allowed just one hit and two walks across four 1/3 innings. His 10 strikeouts are a season-high. Through his first three starts of the season, Drake has looked quite sharp, as he has held a 2.92 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP across 12 1/3 innings of work. During this stretch, Drake has struck out 19 batters and allowed six walks. Last summer, the 24-year-old spent time with Low-A, High-A, and Double-A, logging a total of 106 innings of work. During this stint, he posted a solid 2.29 ERA with a strong 1.00 WHIP. Drake is a name to monitor as he is emerging as one of the top arms in the Texas system. If he continues to progress, he could spend most of the second half with Triple-A.Linus Ullmark Attempts To Overcome Playoff Struggles Thursday
Source: ESPN
Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark allowed nine goals in two games against the Toronto Maple Leafs to open the 2025 postseason and will attempt to perform better as the series shifts to the Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday. He will enter the contest with a lowly .800 save percentage for this year's playoffs. Postseason struggles are not new for Ullmark, as he has allowed four or more goals in six of his 11 starts during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Overall, he has a 3-8-0 record in the playoffs, with a goals-against average of 3.73 and a save percentage of .875. Ullmark must significantly improve for the Senators to make this series competitive.Robby Snelling Tallies Nine Punchouts For The Second Time This Season
Robby Snelling struck out nine batters in a start for the second time this season. On Wednesday, Snelling tossed six shutout innings against Double-A Knoxville. In this outing, he allowed just three hits and held a near-perfect 9:1 K:BB. Through his first 22 1/3 innings of work this season, the southpaw has held an impressive 1.61 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP. Across this hot start, Snelling has struck out 29 batters and served up just three free passes. This is an excellent sign for the 21-year-old as he struggled at the Double-A level last season. Across 109 1/3 innings split between Double-A San Antonio and Pensacola, Snelling held a modest 5.53 ERA with a 1.53 WHIP. Given his impressive start, Snelling should earn an early promotion to Triple-A, which keeps the door open for a late-season MLB debut.Source: MiLB.com
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Anthony Cirelli A Game-Time Call Thursday
Source: Benjamin Pierce
Tampa Bay Lightning center Anthony Cirelli (undisclosed) is considered a game-time call for Thursday's matchup against the Florida Panthers. He suffered an undisclosed injury against the Panthers on Tuesday night and didn't take part in Thursday's morning skate. Nick Paul filled in for Cirelli on the second line, skating next to Jake Guentzel and Brandon Hagel. Mitchell Chaffee, who was a healthy scratch for the series opener, worked on the third line. Losing Cirelli would be a huge blow for the Lightning. He is a strong two-way player who recorded career highs in several categories during the regular season, including goals (27), assists (32), and points (59).Javier Rivas Continues Hot Start To High-A Regular Season
Javier Rivas continued to swing a hot bat during his first extended look at High-A. On Wednesday, Rivas went 2-for-4 with two home runs. Over his last nine contests, Rivas has held an impressive .394/.444/.788 slash line with two doubles and four home runs. Through 16 games this season, the 22-year-old has posted a .335/.397/.694 line with three doubles and six round-trippers. During his first taste of High-A ball last season, Rivas held a modest .125/.176/.188 slash line with just one extra-base hit across 10 games. He spent most of the 2024 campaign with Low-A, where he held a .223/.282/.393 line. This is a great sign to see Rivas take the next step against tougher competition. If he continues this steady progress, he could earn a late-season taste of Double-A.Source: MiLB.com
Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect Logan Thompson Comes Up Big In Game 2
Source: ESPN
Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson played a crucial role in Wednesday's 3-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery hailed Thompson as the "difference" in the game after he stopped 25 of 26 shots. Thompson's work included several outstanding saves, especially in the third period when the Capitals held a slender 2-1 lead. Thompson joined a select group of netminders on Wednesday night, becoming the fourth goaltender to win his first two playoff games with the Capitals. He has allowed 1.47 goals in the series, boasting a superb .951 save percentage. With Thompson in such good form, the Capitals have a great chance of making a deep postseason run.Chase Petty Strikes Out Seven On Wednesday
Chase Petty struck out seven batters across six shutout innings on Wednesday evening. Petty allowed just one hit and two free passes. Since allowing six runs in his season debut, Petty has been very effective with Triple-A Louisville. Over his last 19 2/3 innings (four outings), Petty has posted a strong 1.37 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP. During this stretch, the former 26th overall pick has served up just seven walks and struck out 23 batters. Last season, the No. 6-ranked prospect in the system spent most of his time with Double-A before earning a brief taste of Triple-A. During his first look at the top level of the minor leagues, the right-hander logged 10 innings of two-run ball. Given his current production, Petty should be in the mix to make his MLB debut later this season.Source: MiLB.com
Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Connor McMichael Strikes Twice In Wednesday's Win
Source: ESPN
Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael popped up with two goals as the team snuck past the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 on Wednesday night. McMichael tied the game at one early in the second period and completed his multi-goal effort with an empty-netter in the dying seconds of the third. The 24-year-old scored a career-high 26 goals and 57 points in 82 games during the regular season and is also poised to contribute in the playoffs for the Capitals, who secured a 2-0 series lead on Wednesday night. McMichael's goals represent his first postseason points this year, but he ranks second on the team with seven shots on the net.Cade Horton Shines On Wednesday
Cade Horton looked strong again in his latest outing on Thursday against Triple-A Louisville. Horton tossed four 2/3 shutout innings. He allowed just two hits and one walk, and struck out five batters. Through his first four outings of the Triple-A campaign, the top pitching prospect on the Northside has held an impressive 1.06 ERA with a 1.06 WHIP. During this stretch, he has held a 23:11 K:BB and allowed just one home run. Last summer, the former seventh overall pick battled numerous injuries and was able to pitch only 34 1/3 innings. While he was effective in his time with Double-A, Horton struggled in his first taste of Triple-A, allowing 15 runs in just 18 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Horton's production as he could be in the mix for a relatively early MLB debut this season, given the season-ending injury to Justin Steele (elbow).Source: MiLB.com
Chicago Cubs pitching prospect