12 hours agoKansas Royals pitching prospect
Steven Zobac was named High-A Pitcher of the Week credited to his performance on April 19, where he threw six shutout innings and only surrendered one hit. He struck out six. Zobac has been stellar to open the season, posting a 1.20 ERA and 0.67 WHIP across 15 innings. Zobac, who is currently ranked as the 24th prospect in the Kansas City system according to MLB Pipeline, is making quite a case for an early promotion to Double-A. Zobac is someone to keep an eye on in dynasty leagues, as he could quickly rise the pitching ranks during the summer.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
12 hours agoSan Francisco Giants starting pitching prospect
Carson Whisenhunt tossed three 2/3 shutout innings with three hits, two free passes, and seven punchouts in Tuesday's victory. This was a big bounce back for the number two prospect in the San Francisco system, as he has allowed 14 earned runs in his past three starts. The southpaw now sits with an 8.79 ERA and 2.09 WHIP across 14 1/3 innings with 24 strikeouts to begin the season. The 23-year-old has flashed at times but has struggled just as much, which will delay his eventual MLB debut. Nonetheless, Whisenhunt is projected to be promoted later in the season as the Giants look to compete for the NL West.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
12 hours agoSan Francisco Giants shortstop prospect
Marco Luciano tallied three RBI en route to Tuesday's victory, increasing his season total to 13. After getting a small taste of the major leagues last season, the Giants sent down the 22-year-old to continue his development in Triple-A. Luciano has performed well early in the season, posting a .303/.419/.382 slash line with six extra-base hits and three stolen bases. Luciano is expected to return to the major leagues later in the summer and is worth keeping an eye on in deeper re-draft formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
12 hours agoOakland Athletics shortstop prospect
Jacob Wilson went 4-for-5 and brought in three runs in Tuesday's victory. Wilson lined his first of two RBI doubles in the second to break the game open and then knocked his second double in the fourth inning. He then brought in his third run of the game in the fifth inning off a single to right field. The top prospect in the Oakland system has been off to a scorching start to the 2024 campaign, as he currently sits with a .409/.438/.636 slash line in his first 12 games at Double-A. Wilson is a name to monitor throughout the summer, as he could force his way into a late-season call-up if he continues his strong play.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
12 hours agoLos Angeles Dodgers outfielder
Jason Heyward (back) isn't swinging a bat and is still dealing with "residual soreness," according to manager Dave Roberts. Heyward is still more than a week from starting a minor-league rehab assignment. The 34-year-old veteran left-handed hitter was put on the 10-day injured list all the way back on April 3 with back soreness, and he hasn't made much progress since. There remains no timetable for a return from the IL, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues should expect him to be out at least another few weeks. Outfielder
Teoscar Hernandez has been shifted over to right field for the Dodgers with Heyward out, while rookie prospect
Andy Pages has also been platooning in center field with
James Outman.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
13 hours agoMiami Marlins left-hander
Braxton Garrett (shoulder) threw a 25-pitch side session on Tuesday that went "great," according to the team. He will now through four innings or 60 pitches in a minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Jacksonville on Friday. Garrett had to pause his rehab assignment after dealing with dead arm, but he's back up and running and may need only a few rehab starts before he's activated to rejoin Miami's starting rotation in the big leagues. The former seventh overall pick by the Fish in 2016 out of high school is worth picking up and stashing right now in deep-mixed fantasy leagues. Garrett flashed his upside in a career-high 31 outings (30 starts) last year when he went 9-7 with a 3.66 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 29 walks and 156 strikeouts in 159 2/3 innings.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
13 hours agoColorado Rockies outfielder
Kris Bryant (back) is eligible to come off the 10-day injured list for a lower-back strain on Wednesday, but that won't be happening. Manager Bud Black said that Bryant isn't doing any baseball activities yet. Bryant hasn't undergone anymore tests, though, and there has been no discussion of surgery. Given all the time the 32-year-old former MVP has missed in recent seasons due to various ailments, it makes sense for the Rockies to bring him back slowly, even if his back injury isn't considered very serious. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues must remain patient, but in shallower leagues, it's fair to consider dumping him for better options after he started the year going 7-for-47 (.149) with a home run and six RBI.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: DNVR Sports - Patrick Lyons
13 hours agoHouston Astros left-hander
Framber Valdez (elbow) will throw a bullpen session with the team in Chicago this week and he could start one of the two games against the Colorado Rockies in Mexico City, either this Saturday or Sunday, according to manager Joe Espada. The 30-year-old southpaw was able to throw a 30-pitch bullpen session last Saturday, which was his first time throwing off a mound since left-elbow inflammation landed him on the injured list on April 9. Whether Valdez is able to make his return and start this weekend against the Rockies will be determined by how he looks in his next bullpen session this week. Even though the Rockies are a very enticing matchup, Valdez would be a shaky fantasy play in the altitude in Mexico City if he's activated for a start this weekend.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
13 hours agoLos Angeles Angels right-handed reliever
Robert Stephenson (elbow) said he will have Tommy John surgery with the internal brace on April 30 and he's expecting to have a rehab timeline of 12 to 18 months. The exact nature of his surgery hadn't been revealed until Stephenson talked to the media on Tuesday for the first time since getting injured. We already knew the 31-year-old veteran would miss the rest of 2024, but now we know the exact nature of his surgery. He signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Halos in January but didn't throw a single pitch in the regular season and also was battling a shoulder injury in spring training. There's no guarantee that Stephenson will be ready to roll for the start of the 2025 campaign.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
13 hours agoLos Angeles Angels outfielder
Mike Trout is in center field and hitting out of the leadoff spot on Tuesday versus the visiting Baltimore Orioles and right-hander
Grayson Rodriguez. It's a notable development, as Trout will be hitting leadoff for the first time since August of 2020. Perhaps it will get the 32-year-old All-Star going, as he's hitting just .111 in his last seven games after a strong start to the season. This setup with Trout at the top of the batting order could continue until third baseman
Anthony Rendon (hamstring) returns from a stint on the injured list. Trout's recent slump at the plate has dropped his season slash line to .236/.327/.562 with an .889 OPS, but he's still leading the league with eight home runs while driving in 11 and stealing five bases in 23 games. In six career at-bats against Rodriguez, Trout is hitting .333.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
13 hours agoArizona Diamondbacks rookie infielder
Blaze Alexander (hamstring) remains out of the team's starting lineup on Tuesday as they get set to face the St. Louis Cardinals. Alexander injured his right hamstring on Sunday and will miss his second straight game as a result. The 24-year-old was reportedly available off the bench in Monday's game, though, so it doesn't appear to be a serious injury and he should be considered day-to-day.
Kevin Newman is starting at the 6 on Tuesday and will hit eighth against Cardinals left-hander
Steven Matz. Although Newman has hit .583 with a 1.416 OPS and five RBI in 12 career at-bats against Matz, he'll still be a low-upside DFS sleeper on Tuesday. Alexander has looked great in his first 18 major-league games in 2024, going 17-for-53 (.321) with three home runs, 13 RBI and a steal in his first 58 plate appearances.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
13 hours agoArizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Corbin Carroll (rest) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. This appears to be a routine rest day for the young slugger against left-hander
Steven Matz. The 23-year-old is off to a slow start to the season, but fantasy managers shouldn't lose hope. Possibly a rest day will help Carroll get back on track.
Randal Grichuk,
Jake McCarthy, and
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will cover the outfield during Tuesday's game.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
13 hours agoArizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Merrill Kelly (shoulder) has been placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday. The right-hander is dealing with a shoulder strain, but reportedly won't need surgery, according to manager Torey Lovullo. The D-Backs have not given a timetable on Kelly's possible return to the mound. It sounds like the organization plans to have Kelly undergo further testing before they decide on what to do. Southpaw
Tommy Henry has been recalled from the minors and figures to slide into the open spot in the starting rotation.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Jesse Friedman
13 hours agoThe Texas Rangers have signed starting pitcher
Johnny Cueto to a minor-league contract on Tuesday. The 38-year-old lands a deal with the defending World Series champions after a rough year with the Miami Marlins. Cueto posted a 6.02 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 39/15 K/BB ratio over 52 1/3 innings with the Marlins last season. It's uncertain what Cueto still has left in the tank, but he'll at least be additional depth for the organization. Cueto has plenty of experience but is unlikely to offer any kind of fantasy value.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman
13 hours agoWashington Nationals catcher
Keibert Ruiz (illness) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg on Tuesday. Ruiz landed on the injured list last week with influenza. Barring any setbacks, Ruiz should be ready to return to the Nats lineup at some point later this week. Until then,
Riley Adams and
Drew Millas figure to split up the playing time behind the plate.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Andrew Golden
13 hours agoPhoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (ankle) has been cleared to play in Tuesday's Game 2 against Minnesota. An ankle injury forced him to exit the series opener early on Saturday, but Allen has fully shaken off the injury and reportedly won't have a minutes limit on Tuesday. The 28-year-old sharpshooter averaged 19.0 points against Minnesota during the regular season with a sizzling 62.5 percent success rate from deep, but he had an off night in Game 1. Before injuring his ankle, Allen notched only four points, which all came via free throws. He finished 0-for-3 from the field in 25 minutes of action.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Doug Haller
13 hours agoPhiladelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Taijuan Walker (shoulder) is set to make his season debut against the San Diego Padres on Sunday. The 31-year-old appears to be ready to pitch after missing time due to right shoulder soreness. Walker isn't an excellent fantasy option, but he could be worth a look in deeper mixed leagues. He has shown in the past that he has the skills to be a viable option in the big leagues. Fantasy managers who are in need of pitching help should keep an eye on Walker.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Todd Zolecki
14 hours agoNew York Yankees infielder
DJ LeMahieu (foot) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Tuesday. It sounds like the plan is for LeMahieu to play four games in the minors before possibly returning to the Yankees roster. The veteran slugger has been sidelined all season due to a fractured foot. The Yankees could certainly use LeMahieu's help given their current struggles at the plate. Fantasy managers should wait patiently as it sounds like LeMahieu should be back soon.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Bryan Hoch
14 hours agoNew Orleans Pelicans forward
Zion Williamson (hamstring) has said that it is "absolutely realistic" for him to return to action this postseason, reports Will Guillory of The Athletic. Williamson suffered a left hamstring strain a week ago in the team's first play-in game against the Lakers. He's on track for a re-evaluation in a week's time.
Trey Murphy III has taken over from Williamson in the starting unit and opened the playoffs with a very impressive performance in Game 1 against Oklahoma City. The 23-year-old led the team with 21 points and three blocks, adding four rebounds, two steals, and one steal to his line.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Will Guillory
14 hours agoBaltimore Orioles first baseman
Ryan Mountcastle (knee) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. The right-handed slugger will miss his second game in a row due to knee soreness. That means,
Ryan O'Hearn will cover first base and bat third on Tuesday. It doesn't sound like this issue will force Mountcastle to miss significant time. For now, fantasy managers should consider him as day-to-day.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Orioles
14 hours agoBaltimore Orioles rookie outfielder
Heston Kjerstad will make his MLB debut against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. The rookie outfielder is in right field and batting eighth during his O's debut. It's nice to see the O's giving Kjerstad a legitimate look after he tore the cover off the ball in Triple-A. Kjerstad hit 10 home runs with 30 RBI in 21 games before his promotion. He should be a strong fantasy contributor as long as he gets regular at-bats in Baltimore.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Orioles
14 hours agoMiami Heat point guard
Terry Rozier (neck) won't be ready to return to the lineup when the team continues its first-round series against Boston on Wednesday. He'll be sidelined for an eighth consecutive game due to neck spasms. Rozier's absence should secure a significant role for
Delon Wright on Wednesday. His performance was one of only a few bright spots for Miami in Game 1, as Wright led both benches with 17 points, hitting a perfect 5-for-5 from deep. He also notched a pair of steals and handed out three assists.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Miami Heat
14 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) has been officially ruled out for Tuesday's Game 2 against Indiana. The former MVP is expected to return to action at some point in the series, but it's only been a couple of weeks since he strained his left Soleus muscle, and Antetokounmpo needs more time to heal.
Bobby Portis has taken over Antetokounmpo's position in the starting unit. He opened the first-round series with a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double. Meanwhile,
Damian Lillard and
Khris Middleton carry bigger loads offensively without Antetokounmpo.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Milwaukee Bucks
14 hours agoBoston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke (finger) has been labeled as week-to-week after he was hurt in Game 2 against the Maple Leafs on Monday. The 26-year-old was limited to 10:20 of action due to an apparent finger injury and missed the entire third period. Peeke hasn't traveled with the team to Toronto, meaning he will sit for at least two games. Mason Lohrei or Parker Wotherspoon should take his spot in the lineup on Wednesday. Derek Forbort (undisclosed) has also traveled with the team but isn't expected to feature in Game 3.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Elliotte Friedman
14 hours agoFlorida Panthers winger Ryan Lomberg is feeling under the weather and won't play in Game 2 against Tampa Bay on Tuesday. The 29-year-old grinder will be replaced in the lineup by Steve Lorentz. Lomberg posted only seven points (five goals, two assists) in 75 regular-season appearances, but the team will definitely miss his physical presence on Tuesday. In the regular season, Niko Mikkola (198) was the only Panthers skater with more hits than Lomberg (179). He registered four hits and one shot on goal in 6:32 of action in Game 1 at the weekend. Lorentz settled for three points (one goal, two assists) in 38 games during the regular season.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Colby Guy
14 hours agoThe Chicago Cubs designated outfielder
Garrett Cooper for assignment on Tuesday, according to a source. Cooper wasn't exactly slumping at the plate, but the Cubs think he's expendable in order to bring up first base prospect
Matt Mervis as another right-handed bat. The 33-year-old Cooper was hitting .270/.341/.432 with a home run, double, triple, six RBI and three runs scored in 41 trips to the plate and 12 games for the Cubs before getting DFA'd. He had walked four times and struck out 13 times. For now, Mervis is likely to see most of his time as the team's designated hitter, at least until outfielder
Seiya Suzuki (oblique) is able to return from the injured list. Mervis is worth a pickup in NL-only leagues for now.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: FanSided - Robert Murray
14 hours agoColorado Avalanche goaltender Alexandar Georgiev will start Game 2 against Winnipeg on Tuesday. The Russian netminder opened the series with an awful performance, but Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar keeps faith in him. Georgiev allowed three first-period goals on eight shots in Game 1 and saved only 16 of 23 shots overall in a 7-6 loss. He kicked off the playoffs with a below-par performance after leading all goalies with 38 wins during the regular season. Georgiev now needs to prove that he can also cope with the postseason pressure.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Jesse Montano
14 hours agoChicago Cubs first base prospect
Matt Mervis was called up from Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday and is serving as the designated hitter and batting eighth in his season debut for the Cubs against the Houston Astros and right-hander
J.P. France. The Cubs' No. 13 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, could see regular playing time at DH in Chicago, at least until outfielder
Seiya Suzuki (oblique) returns from the injured list. The 26-year-old Mervis was taken in the 39th round by the Washington Nationals in 2016. He hit .167 (15-for-90) with three home runs and 11 RBI in his first 27 major-league games in 2023 and had gone 19-for-66 (.288) with five homers and 13 RBI in 18 games for Iowa this year before his call-up. Mervis is hitless in his two career at-bats against France.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
14 hours agoChicago Cubs outfielder
Ian Happ (hamstring) is back in left field and is hitting second for the Cubs on Tuesday against the visiting Houston Astros and right-hander
J.P. France. Happ tweaked his hamstring last Friday and sat out Saturday and Sunday. But after the team's scheduled off day on Monday, the 29-year-old switch-hitter is ready to return to Chicago's starting lineup. Happ will be looking to bust out of a recent slump that has seen him record just four hits in his last 35 at-bats now that he's healthy again. Overall this year, he's hitting .240/.352/.360 with a home run, 12 RBI and 14 runs scored in his first 75 at-bats. In his two career at-bats against France, Happ has two hits and an RBI.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Houston Chronicle - Matt Kawahara
15 hours agoWashington Capitals defensemen Nick Jensen (upper body) and Rasmus Sandin (upper body) will remain out for Game 2 against the Rangers on Tuesday. Both players missed the end of the regular season with upper-body injuries and still need a bit more time to recover. Jensen misses a third consecutive game, and Sandin's absence stretches to six games. The injuries have left Washington very thin at the back. As a result, Lucas Johansen will make his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut on Tuesday. The younger brother of former All-Star Ryan Johansen has posted two points in nine regular-season appearances in the NHL.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Tom Gulitti
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