April 30, 2025
San Diego Padres starting pitcher
Nick Pivetta continued his strong start to the season in Tuesday's 7-4 win over the Giants. Pivetta pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits (including a solo home run) and a walk with nine strikeouts. Everything has come together for the 32-year-old in his first six starts, going 5-1 with a 1.78 ERA, a 0.82 WHIP, and a 9.93 K/9 rate while averaging almost 6 IP/GS. Pivetta's future fortunes will hinge on his next matchup, which will be either at the Pirates or at the Yankees. Even if it is the latter matchup, fantasy managers may feel compelled to start him given how well he has performed.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 30, 2025
Boston Red Sox third baseman/designated hitter
Rafael Devers continued to pick up the power pace in Tuesday's 10-2 win over the Blue Jays. Devers went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, a walk, and a strikeout. The 28-year-old clobbered a third-inning
Bowden Francis off-speed pitch deep into the right-field seats for his fifth HR of the season and his third in the last four games. It has been a rough start to the season offensively for Devers, who has struggled with strikeouts and has produced little batting average and power. However, he has stepped things up recently, batting .231 with three HR and a double in his last seven games. Even that stretch is less than fantasy managers are expecting, but it is encouraging to see Devers trending in the right direction.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 30, 2025
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
AJ Smith-Shawver (arm) exited Tuesday's 8-2 win over the Rockies in the sixth inning after being hit in the right arm by a line drive. He retrieved the ball and tossed it to first for the out but exited after. The 22-year-old, who was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to make the start Tuesday, pitched 5 1/3 innings on 59 pitches, allowing two runs on four hits (including a solo home run) and a walk with five strikeouts. Fantasy managers should wait to hear more about Smith-Shawver's status in the coming days. Should he simply be day-to-day, his status with the team will still be unknown. Smith-Shawver made three starts with the Braves before being sent down to Triple-A earlier in the season. He is now 1-2 with a 4.26 ERA, a 1.68 WHIP, and a 10.42 K/9 rate.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: Owen Perkins - MLB.com
April 30, 2025
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect
Walker Jenkins (ankle) is not expected to play before the end of May. The fifth-overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft injured his ankle in the spring but was able to make two starts for Double-A Wichita before soreness in the ankle sent him to the IL. The left-handed hitter is still experiencing soreness in the ankle and will need more time to recover. A cortisone shot was recently administered to alleviate the pain. The Twins' highest-ranked prospect (MLB No. 3) has one of the best hit tools in the minors and was expected to make his MLB debut this year, however, with just eight games at Double-A under his belt and none at Triple-A, it's looking more like a potential late-season call-up situation or maybe even a 2026 debut if he doesn't knock the rust off quick enough. He's a dynasty hold, but there's no reason to stash him in season-long leagues for now.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 29, 2025
Washington Nationals outfield prospect
Daylen Lile went 2-for-5 with a double, a solo home run, and two runs scored on Tuesday for Double-A Harrisburg. The former second-round draft pick is now riding a 14-game hit streak, during which time he's gone 23-for-62 (.371) with three doubles, two triples, a home run, 12 RBI, 14 runs scored, and six stolen bases. The Nats' ninth-ranked prospect likely won't see the majors this season, but a promotion to Triple-A is warranted with continued success. He's not on the dynasty radar at this point, but whenever he makes it to the big leagues, the left-handed hitter's speed could be an asset in redraft leagues, as evidenced by the 23 career triples in the minors (17 career home runs) and two seasons with 20-plus steals.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
April 29, 2025
Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect
Chase Petty is expected to be called up for a spot start in Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cardinals. The Reds' sixth-ranked prospect has been at Triple-A Louisville this season, and since his first start of the season in which he allowed six earned runs, the righty has a 1.37 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP, and a 19.5 percent K-BB% (7:23 BB:K) over 19 2/3 IP (four starts). The 22-year-old is not expected to remain in the majors after the start, but should get another shot later this season. Armed with a fastball that can touch triple-digits, the 6-foot-1 hurler has a chance to rack up a few strikeouts and make himself a viable DFS play, however, the Cardinals own the 10th-best strikeouts per game average in the majors, so it is not a highly favorable spot and he's best left to the waiver wire in most season-long fantasy leagues.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MLB Pipeline
April 29, 2025
Chicago White Sox catching prospect went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored on Tuesday for Triple-A Charlotte. The 23-year-old has raised his batting average 63 points since April 13, going 14-for-44 (.318) over that 11-game stretch, with five RBI, nine runs scored, and a stolen base. Chicago's second-ranked prospect (MLB No. 29) is now slashing .247/.352/.398 through 25 games, and should push for a major league debut this season. In season-long leagues, unless you're in a very deep AL-only league, with fellow prospect
Edgar Quero in the majors now as well, it might be best to see who gets more playing time before using a valuable roster spot for stashing the former first-round draft pick.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
April
29,
2025
Aside
from
being
virtually
a
home
game
this
week
for
Scottie
Scheffler,
there
isn't
much
reason
for
the
world
number
one
to
tee
it
up
other
than
he's
still
looking
to
get
the
first
win
of
the
season
off
his
back.
read more...
April 29, 2025
Arizona Diamondbacks infield prospect
Jordan Lawlar was in action for Triple-A Reno on Tuesday, which meant another multi-hit performance was in order. The 22-year-old did not disappoint, going 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, and his sixth home run of the season. The Diamondbacks' top prospect also collected two RBI and scored three times. The right-handed hitter has now tallied at least one hit in 13 straight games in which he started, with 10 of the 13 being multi-hit efforts, now slashing .364/.460/.682. Lawlar manned third base on Tuesday, the fifth time he's done so this season, with 14 starts coming at second base, six at shortstop, and one at DH. The positional versatility will help get him to the majors and should also help get him at-bats once he's there, an opportunity just needs to present itself, which could be any day now. Stash him while you still can.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
April
29,
2025
Kansas
City
Royals
pitching
prospect
Noah
Cameron
will
be
called
up
from
Triple-A
Omaha
to
make
a
spot
start
for
the
Royals
on
Wednesday
against
the
Rays,
which
will
be
his
major
league
debut.
He'll
take
read more...
April 29, 2025
From a cuts-made perspective, it's been a fair run so far in 2025 for Tom Kim. But he hasn't done much on the weekends to take advantage of most opportunities. He's only managed one top-10 finish this season, since the iron play has been the only bright spot to speak of, ranking 13th this season in strokes gained on approach (+0.640). All other metrics rank outside the top 120 and have made it difficult to gain traction on leaderboards. The South Korean isn't exactly long or accurate off the tee either, which doesn't exactly spell success at TPC Craig Ranch. It would be plausible to expect another made cut, especially in such a weak field. However, he likely won't live up to his $10,400 price tag on FanDuel.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
April 29, 2025
It has been a turbulent few weeks for Austin Eckroat, who managed to have a decent T32 finish in Hilton Head after missing two straight cuts in Augusta and Houston. Short game and approach play have been the downfall of most rounds, as he ranks 124th in strokes gained on approach (-0.201) and 158th in strokes gained around the green (-0.327). Iron play is certainly the bigger importance this week, and averaging +0.78 strokes gained in this area at Harbour Town is intriguing along with a T2 in this event two years ago. Eckroat is one of the more accurate drivers on Tour, which also bodes well on this Tom Weiskopf layout. Given the recent struggles, there is some level of volatility with the 26-year-old, but the course fit is undoubtedly there and makes him a decent option at $9,300 on FanDuel.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
April 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Jonny DeLuca (shoulder) experienced some soreness while throwing and swinging and will be shut down for 3-to-5 days, according to manager Kevin Cash. DeLuca was beginning the rehab of his strained right shoulder, but it looks like he may have started a bit too early. The soreness isn't expected to be anything serious, but this will still delay his return to the team. The speedy center fielder was batting .435 with four stolen bases before suffering the injury while making a diving catch. Playing time may be a bit murkier once he does return, as top prospect
Chandler Simpson has taken over in center field recently.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Ryan Bass
April 29, 2025
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Matt Vierling (shoulder) will hopefully be ready to begin a rehab assignment pretty soon, according to manager A.J. Hinch. He's yet to play this season after suffering a strained rotator cuff in February. His rehab assignment should be expected to be on the longer side, considering he missed almost all of spring training with the injury. In 2024, he slashed .257/.312/.423 with 16 home runs, 57 RBI, 80 runs, and six stolen bases in 144 games, making him a useful fantasy player in deeper formats.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Jason Beck
April 29, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder
Brandon Marsh (hamstring) is expected to resume his rehab at some point this week, reports Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Marsh left his rehab game on Sunday with a cramp in his injured right hamstring and is seeing a doctor. Even though it's an issue with the injury he is rehabbing, it was just a cramp, and the Phillies don't seem to be concerned. The outfielder will be looking to turn his season around once he does get activated, since he was batting just .095 through 17 games before being placed on the injured list.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Matt Gelb
April 29, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Ranger Suarez (back) could possibly rejoin the rotation this weekend, reports Matt Gelb of The Athletic. That would line him up to make his season debut against the Diamondbacks. He has yet to pitch this season while recovering from a back injury, but will be looking to build on his breakout 2024 season, where he posted a 3.46 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 27 starts for Philadelphia. He was one of the best pitchers in baseball in the first half of 2024 before fading down the stretch, but he has enough potential to be worth adding in any fantasy league where he is available.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Matt Gelb
April 29, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Cristopher Sanchez (forearm) will start on Wednesday, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. He left his previous start last week after two innings due to forearm soreness, but luckily the injury didn't turn into something more serious. Sanchez threw a bullpen session on Sunday without issue and will be ready to start Wednesday against the Nationals. He'll look to pick up where he left off in the midst of a breakout season where he has posted a 3.42 ERA with 33 strikeouts and eight walks over 26 ⅓ innings.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Todd Zolecki
April 29, 2025
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga left his start on Tuesday after five innings with leg cramps. He was cruising before he was knocked out of the game, shutting out the Pirates over the five frames while allowing six hits, one walk, and striking out three. His ERA for the season is now down to an excellent 2.77, and he should be good to go for his next start, assuming the cramps don't become an ongoing issue. If he stays on his normal schedule, his next start will come on Sunday in Milwaukee.
--Jeremy Heist - RotoBallerSource: Taylor McGregor
April 29, 2025
Ben Kohles finished tied for 59th at the Corales Puntacana Championship two weeks ago and is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will be held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Kohles has two top-25 finishes out of 12 starts this season, but he has also missed the cut in seven of those tournaments. In the past 12 months, Kohles ranks in the 50th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is important because, at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, over 38% of approach shots came from this distance. Including Kohles in DFS lineups this week carries some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Joel Dahmen tied for second place at the Corales Puntacana Championship and is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will be held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. This season, Dahmen has four top-20 finishes but has also missed the cut in six of his 12 starts. Last year at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, he finished in a tie for 62nd. Over the past 12 months, Dahmen has ranked in the 91st percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is significant because more than 38% of approach shots at last year's tournament came from this distance. Including Dahmen in your DFS lineups this week does carry some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Beau Hossler finished tied for 60th at the Valero Texas Open earlier this month and is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will be held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. This season, Hossler has missed the cut in three of his 11 starts, but he does have two top-15 finishes. Last year, he finished in a tie for 52nd at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. Over the past 12 months, Hossler ranks in the 12th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is important because over 38% of approach shots at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson came from this distance. Including Hossler DFS lineups this week carries some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Doug Ghim finished tied for 18th place at the Valero Texas Open earlier this month and is now focused on preparing for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. This season, Ghim has three top-25 finishes in 11 starts. However, he missed the cut at this event last year. Over the past 12 months, Ghim has ranked in the 71st percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is particularly relevant since over 38% of approach shots at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson came from this distance. Including Ghim in DFS lineups this week carries some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Jordan Spieth finished tied for 18th at the RBC Heritage two weeks ago and is now focusing on preparing for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, which will be held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Spieth has three consecutive top-20 finishes and five in his nine starts this season. It's worth noting that he missed the cut at this event last year. Over the past 12 months, Spieth ranks in the 79th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is significant because, at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, over 38% of approach shots came from this distance. Given his recent performance, Spieth could be a valuable addition to DFS lineups this week.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Kurt Kitayama missed the cut at the Valero Texas Open earlier this month. He is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup at Byron Nelson, at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. This season, Kitayama has missed the cut in six out of his 11 starts. The last time he played in this event was in 2022, where he also missed the cut. Over the past 12 months, Kitayama has ranked in the 94th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. While he could be a solid addition to DFS lineups this week, including him carries some risk.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Si Woo Kim finished tied for eighth at the RBC Heritage two weeks ago and is now focusing on preparing for this week's CJ Cup Byron Nelson, held at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas. Prior to the RBC Heritage, Kim had missed the cut in two consecutive events. He has five top-25 finishes this season out of 13 starts. Over the past 12 months, Kim ranks in the 94th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is significant because over 38% of approach shots at last year's CJ Cup Byron Nelson came from this distance. Kim could be a valuable addition to DFS lineups this week.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
April 29, 2025
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher
George Kirby (shoulder) felt great after completing his bullpen session on Monday and is expected to throw again on Sunday. After the session, Kirby noted that he "felt great" and described his session as "nasty." Fantasy managers should monitor his status over the week, as Kirby could be cleared to embark on a rehab assignment this weekend. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since the start of the campaign due to right shoulder inflammation. While the right-hander will need to increase his workload significantly before being in contention to return to the majors, this was a great step in the right direction. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Kirby in all standard formats as he will carry solid SP2 value in all formats when he returns. Last summer, Kirby held a 3.53 ERA with a stellar 1.07 WHIP across 191 innings of work.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Daniel Kramer
April 29, 2025
San Francisco Giants infielder/outfielder
Tyler Fitzgerald (chest) is returning to the starting nine on Tuesday when they face the San Diego Padres. The 27-year-old has been held out of the starting lineup for the past two games due to this minor injury. However, Fitzgerald will be making a quick return to the lineup. This evening, he will cover the keystone and bat in the nine-hole. Before his injury, Fitzgerald had not tallied a hit in each of his past two games. However, before this minor skid, the 27-year-old held an impressive .391/.429/.630 slash line with three doubles, two home runs, and seven RBI over his last 14 contests. Even though he has enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, he has generated a low .257 xwOBA, which is well below the average marks. He is best to fade this evening in DFS facing San Diego right-hander
Nick Pivetta.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Shayna Rubin
April 29, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Max Scherzer (thumb) completed a 27-pitch bullpen session on Friday. Toronto manager John Schneider noted that it was a "step in the right direction" for the veteran right-hander. Scherzer has been sidelined with this injury after making his season debut on March 29. In this outing, Scherzer lasted just three innings before exiting the contest. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears Scherzer will need to complete several more bullpen sessions before being cleared to embark on a rehab assignment. Last season, the 40-year-old was limited to numerous injuries and logged just 43 1/3 innings on the bump. Even though he has battled injuries over the past few seasons, when on the mound, he has been effective. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should continue to stash Scherzer while he slowly increases his workload.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Shi Davidi
April 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder
Josh Lowe (oblique) has been progressing well and could be cleared to participate in rehab games on Saturday. According to Ryan Bass of the FanDuel Sports Network, Lowe participated in batting practice on Tuesday and is expected to take another session on Friday before officially being cleared for a rehab assignment. This is an excellent sign for the 27-year-old as he has only appeared in one game this season before suffering this injury. If Lowe progresses well this week and is able to carry this success into his rehab assignment, he could be cleared to return to the starting nine sometime next week. In 2023, Lowe held a .241/.302/.391 slash line with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases. Given his five-category potential, he is a solid depth outfielder in standard formats when he returns to action.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ryan Bass
April 29, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Shane McClanahan (triceps) has begun "throwing-like" activities but has yet to begin playing catch. Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash noted that his recovery process has been "slow and steady." While this is not a significant improvement in his progress, it is a good sign to see the southpaw slowly progressing and not facing any setbacks. The left-hander was expected to be Tampa Bay's Opening Day starter but suffered a triceps injury during spring training. He has been on the injured list since the start of the campaign. In addition, McClanahan was recently shifted to the 60-day injured list, which means he will not return till at least the end of the month. Despite his potential extended recovery timetable, McClanahan remains a strong stash option in standard formats given his strikeout potential. While he remains sidelined,
Zack Littell should continue to see opportunities in the rotation.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ryan Bass
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