RADIO
Jake Lamb Activated From 10-Day Injured List
1 day agoThe Arizona Diamondbacks activated first baseman/third baseman Jake Lamb (quadriceps) from the 10-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's game with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He managed to hit just .179 across 12 minor-league rehab games. "I feel good," Lamb said. "I was hitting some balls hard and didn't really have anything to show for it. It was more just my mentality at the plate." He returns to Arizona with Christian Walker playing well at first, and Eduardo Escobar humming along at third. Escobar might shift to second base to accommodate Lamb's return. Fantasy owners will want to see Lamb knock off the rust before trusting him in the active lineup again.Source: The Arizona Republic - Julia Stumbaugh and Nick Piecoro
Kenley Jansen Nails Down His 23rd Save In Road Win
1 day agoLos Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen worked around a single while striking out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday in Arizona as he secured his 23rd save of the season. He needed 27 pitches to get through the inning, throwing two first-pitch strikes to the four batters he faced. He has logged 56 pitches while appearing in three of the past four games, so it's uncertain if he will be available on Wednesday should a save situation arise. If he doesn't work on Wednesday you'll know it's a workload issue.Source: ESPN
David Freese Hasn't Resumed Baseball Activities
1 day agoLos Angeles Dodgers first baseman David Freese (hamstring) has yet to resume baseball activities, and he is still receiving just treatment for his left hamstring strain. Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday that he is hopeful Freese will be back after the All-Star break, perhaps sooner. Fantasy owners will want to keep him reserved in all leagues until he can officially return and make his way through a full game or two without any setbacks before plugging him back into the active lineup.Source: MLB.com - Ken Gurnick
Kike Hernandez Cranks His Sixth Leadoff Home Run
1 day agoLos Angeles Dodgers second baseman/outfielder Kike Hernandez went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's 3-2 road win against the Arizona Diamondbacks. His blast was a leadoff homer, the sixth of his career, and it came off of LHP Robbie Ray. The homer was on an 0-2 pitch, and is his fourth homer in 35 at-bats against the Diamondbacks southpaw. DFS owners should jot those type of notes down and file them away for down the road.Source: MLB.com - Ken Gurnick
Ross Stripling Doesn't Last Long In No-Decision
1 day agoLos Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ross Stripling allowed two runs - one earned - and four hits with a walk and four strikeouts over three innings in a no-decision Tuesday in Arizona. He threw 38 of his 60 pitches for strikes, with nine first-pitch strikes to the 14 batters he faced. Manager Dave Roberts said before the outing that he hoped to get four innings or 60 pitches from Stripling in his first start since April 25. For now, he is only worth a look in NL fantasy leagues until he starts to build up his stamina and go deeper into games. His next scheduled start is tentatively set for Sunday in Colorado.Source: MLB.com - Ken Gurnick
Chris Bassitt Shaky In Interleague Road Outing
1 day agoOakland Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt allowed three earned runs, four hits and four walks with just two strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. He threw just 62 of his 94 pitches for strikes. His ERA jumped from 3.64 to 3.86 as a result of the shaky outing, and he has won just once in five outings in the month of June. Bassitt also went six innings back on June 2, but he has failed to hit the mark in each of his past four. Overall he is 4-3 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, but he remains useful only in AL-only leagues and some deeper mixed formats at this point. He'll take the ball next on Sunday in another road outing against the Los Angeles Angels.Source: ESPN
Chris Herrmann Nearing Return From Injured List
1 day agoOakland Athletics catcher Chris Herrmann (knee) will need to catch consecutive games during his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas before he is activated from the 10-day injured list. He was 2-for-5 in a game Monday for Vegas, posting an RBI single while playing all nine innings behind the plate. He did not play in Tuesday's game. With Nick Hundley (knee) recovering from knee surgery with the big club, Herrmann could return and see occasional starts.Source: MiLB.com
Omar Narvaez Has Hit Safely In Eight Straight Games
1 day agoSeattle Mariners catcher Omar Narvaez went 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored in Tuesday's 8-3 road victory against the Milwaukee Brewers. He has hit safely in eight straight games posting a .370 average (10-for-27) with six runs scored, a homer, three RBI and four walks during the impressive span. Narvaez has raised his average from .284 to .294 as a result of the eight-game streak. He is enjoying a breakout campaign, emerging as a decent fantasy backstop in all AL-only leagues and plenty of mixed formats due to his power potential.Source: ESPN
Marco Gonzales Posts His Ninth Victory
1 day agoSeattle Mariners starting pitcher Marco Gonzales allowed three runs - two earned - and eight hits with no walks and four strikeouts over five innings in an interleague road win against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday. He threw 64 of his 94 pitches for strikes, including first-pitch strikes to 16 of the 24 batters he faced. It's been a roller coaster ride for Gonzo, as he lost six straight decisions after starting out 5-0. Now, he has rattled off four straight victories with a 2.59 ERA dating back to June 2. He'll look to win his fifth consecutive start when he takes the ball next on Sunday in Houston.Source: ESPN
Jordan Hicks To Have Tommy John Surgery Wednesday
1 day agoSt. Louis Cardinals closer Jordan Hicks (elbow) will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, according to John Mozeliak. Hicks will miss the rest of the season and likely the first half of 2020 as well. The 22-year-old right-hander was 2-2 with a 3.14 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 14 saves and 31 K's in 28 2/3 frames over 29 outings for the Red Birds in 2019. It's very disappointing for his fantasy owners, and they can now safely drop him in all redraft formats. Carlos Martinez is expected to be the primary ninth-inning guy in St. Louis now, so he should be owned everywhere. John Gant and Andrew Miller will be fallback options should C-Mart struggle or need a day off.Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Derrick Goold
Hunter Pence Unlikely To Return Thursday
1 day agoTexas Rangers outfielder Hunter Pence (groin) is unlikely to return from the injured list when he's eligible on Thursday. He ran for the first time on Tuesday at around 60 to 70 percent intensity, according to manager Chris Woodward. Pence has been reborn in Texas in 2019 and was hitting a surprising .294/.353/.608 with 15 home runs, 44 runs, 48 RBI and even three steals before getting injured. He should return to regular playing time when he's ready, which will create even more of a logjam in the outfield and at designated hitter between Delino DeShields, Joey Gallo, Nomar Mazara, Shin-Soo Choo and Willie Calhoun. Something will have to give, but Pence has earned regular playing time and a spot on all fantasy rosters.Source: Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Sam Tuivailala Back On Mound In The Minors
1 day agoSeattle Mariners relief pitcher Sam Tuivailala (Achilles, shoulder) was back on the mound for a minor-league rehab appearance on Sunday for Class A Everett (Wash.), but he was tuned up for five runs - four earned - and five hits while retiring just two batters. He is on the 60-day injured list due to an Achilles' injury, and he was pulled from his rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma due to a shoulder issue. At this point he is only worth monitoring in deeper AL-only fantasy leagues.Source: ESPN
Lorenzo Cain Undergoes Cryotherapy On Thumb
1 day agoMilwaukee Brewers outfielder Lorenzo Cain (thumb) was in Los Angeles on Tuesday to undergo the same cryotherapy procedure that has helped Ryan Braun in recent years. The pain in Cain's thumb was had been affecting his play and was too much to bear, according to manager Craig Counsell. It could also help explain why Cain has been disappointing for much of the season, hitting .253/.314/.357 with four home runs, 46 runs, 28 RBI and 10 stolen bases. While this is obviously concerning, it doesn't sound like Cain will need to go on the injured list and he could return later this week. Ben Gamel filled in for Cain on Tuesday and should do so until he returns.Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Joey Gallo Back From Injured List, Drives In Run
1 day agoTexas Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo (oblique) finished 1-for-4 with a double, a walk and an RBI in his return from the 10-day injured list in Tuesday's 5-3 road win against the Detroit Tigers. He was a bit rusty, too, as he struck out thrice. Gallo made it through the full game without any setbacks, so that's the good news. If you normally rely upon the slugger, it appears safe to plug him back into the active fantasy lineup in all formats. In other Gallo news, he said he has not been extended an invite for the 2019 Home Run Derby in Cleveland, but he expressed an interest in the contest if he is elected to the All-Star roster.Source: The Dallas Morning News - Evan Grant
Andrelton Simmons Back On Rehab Assignment
1 day agoLos Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons (ankle) restarted his minor league rehab assignment with Single-A Inland Empire on Tuesday after he was slowed last week in his recovery from an ankle sprain. Simmons was well ahead of schedule when he started his rehab assignment last week, so the Angels will probably be a bit more careful this time around. But if he avoids setbacks, the Halos could have him back sometime next week. The 29-year-old was hitting .298/.323/.415 with three homers, 22 runs, 21 RBI and five steals before his injury. He won't hit for much power, but Simba makes a lot of contact and can run a little, making him useful in deep mixed leagues as middle infield depth.Source: Los Angeles Times - Mike DiGiovanna
Jesse Chavez Turns In Outstanding Effort In Road Win
1 day agoTexas Rangers starting pitcher Jesse Chavez allowed one unearned run, five hits and no walks with seven strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings in a victory on Tuesday in Detroit. He threw first-pitch strikes to 16 of the 24 batters he faced, throwing 56 of his 79 pitches for strikes. Chavez has appeared in an 'opener' role a handful of times this season, but this was his first traditional start as a member of the rotation, and he passed with flying colors. If you are in need of starting pitching in AL-only fantasy leagues you should roll the dice on the 35-year-old righty.Source: ESPN
Caleb Smith Expected To Make Another Rehab Start
1 day agoMiami Marlins starting pitcher Caleb Smith (hip) is expected to make at least one more minor league rehab start. The Marlins are just being cautious with the left-hander after he struck out 11 hitters and gave up two solo home runs in 4 1/3 innings for Double-A Jacksonville on Monday. If he gets through his next outing fine, Smith should return to the rotation next week. The 27-year-old was the club's best pitcher before his injury, posting a 3.41 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 82 strikeouts in 66 innings over 12 starts. The Fish may be mindful of his innings as we get into the second half, but he needs to be owned in all formats for his strikeout upside despite pitching for one of the worst teams in baseball.Source: The Athletic - Andre Fernandez
Marcus Stroman Open To Playing For Big-Market Team
1 day agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman said that he'd be interested in playing for a big-market team, although he didn't specifically say he wanted to play for the Yankees. Stroman is almost certainly expected to be traded before the deadline on July 31,read more...
Trace McSorley Working As Punt Returner
1 day agoBaltimore Ravens quarterback Trace McSorley, the team's sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, was tested out as a punt returner during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp practices. "It's something that's a new challenge for me, something that I hadn't really had never done," McSorley said. Perhaps the Ravens will have their version of New Orleans Saints QB Taysom Hill, who has worked as a tight end, wide receiver and running back, as well as working on special teams. While QB Lamar Jackson is the unquestioned starter under center, McSorley could see the field in 2019 as a Swiss Army Knife of sorts, but that might not necessarily translate into fantasy appeal just yet.Source: NFL.com - Logan Reardon
Dodgers Could Look To Trade For Will Smith
1 day agoThe Los Angeles Dodgers aren't ruling out a potential trade to acquired San Francisco Giants closer Will Smith, according to a source. The National League West rivals haven't gotten together for a trade since 2007. Even on a bad Giants team in 2019, Smith has been excellent for fantasy owners with a 2.01 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 20 saves and 47 strikeouts in 31 1/3 innings. Moving to LA would be bad news for his fantasy value, however, as he'd merely be a lefty setup man ahead of closer Kenley Jansen. Tony Watson, Sam Dyson, Reyes Moronta and Mark Melancon would all be candidates for the ninth inning if San Francisco were to ship Smith out before the trade deadline next month.Source: MLB Network - Jon Paul Morosi
Jakeem Grant Aiming Higher In 2019
1 day agoMiami Dolphins wide receiver/kick returner Jakeem Grant (leg) is aiming to do more in the 2019 season. He caught a pair of touchdown passes while also returning a kickoff and a punt for touchdown in 2018, joining Andre Roberts as the only player in the NFL to check off all of those boxes. He was limited to 10 games due to a lower leg injury. "I feel like last year I kind of made a big name for myself in the return game. I want to be the best returner in the league," Grant said. "And I want to be one of the top receivers in the league." Grant is heading into a contract year, too, which is always good news for fantasy owners.Source: Palm Beach Post - Hal Habib
Long-Term Pact Between William Karlsson, Golden Knights
1 day agoThe Vegas Golden Knights signed forward William Karlsson to an eight-year contract extension through the 2026-27 season, and the deal has an annual average value of $5.9 million per season. Karlsson posted 24 goals and 56 points during the 2018-19 regular season. Since landing with the Golden Knights during the expansion draft prior to the 2017-18 season he has posted 67 goals and 67 assists in 164 games in Vegas, emerging as a must-start fantasy option across the board.Source: NHL.com/GoldenKnights
Calvin De Haan Might Not Be Ready For Regular Season
1 day agoNewly acquired Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Calvin De Haan (shoulder) underwent right shoulder surgery back in May and the original recovery time was expected to be four to six months. As such, it's possible he might not be ready for the starting of training camp in September, and he might not even be ready for the regular season opener. Still, the 'Hawks pulled the trigger on the deal, so they must not have concerns that the injury is going to be a long-term issue. He is a nice stay-at-home rearguard who doesn't do much on the offensive end. If your pool doesn't reward hits and blocked shots his fantasy appeal is rather minimal.Source: NBC Sports Chicago - Charlie Roumeliotis
Kevin Connauton Lands In Mile High City
1 day agoThe Arizona Coyotes traded defenseman Kevin Connauton and a third-round draft pick to the Colorado Avalanche for center Carl Soderberg on Tuesday. This is a salary cap move for the Avs, as the rearguard will cost just $1.375 million against the cap in 2019-20, while Soderberg was set to count $4.75 million. Connauton registered just one goal and eight points with a minus-2 rating while dishing out 108 hits with 75 blocked shots over 50 games for the Coyotes. The stay-at-home rearguard doesn't warrant much in the way of fantasy consideration heading into the 2019-20 season.Source: TSN.ca - Darren Dreger
Carl Soderberg Shipped To Arizona Coyotes
1 day agoThe Colorado Avalanche traded center Carl Soderberg to the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday in exchange for defenseman Kevin Connauton and a third-round draft pick. Soderberg registered a career-high 23 goals with 49 points, and his point total was two short of tying a career high set during the 2015-16 season. This was likely a salary-cap related move for the Avs, as they save a little bit of bread in this transaction, while also adding a veteran rearguard. On the surface this deal doesn't appear terribly strong for the Avs. Soderberg is also 33, so he isn't exactly a spring chicken, so perhaps Colorado views him as a sell-high player who is about to take a step back. Regardless, he is a decent late-round pick in most fantasy pools heading into the 2019-20.Source: TSN.ca - Darren Dreger
Lightning Sign Nolan Foote, Their First-Round Pick
1 day agoThe Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Nolan Foote to an entry-level contract on Tuesday, team vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois announced. The team drafted Foote No. 27 overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft this past weekend. The son of former NHL rearguard Adam Foote, and younger brother of Cal Foote, the team's first-round pick in 2017, posted 36 goals and 27 assists with 62 penalty minutes across 66 games for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL, including 17 power-play goals. He'll likely need at least a year or two before he makes a splash in the NHL, but the bloodlines are strong with this one, and he is a nice long-term keeper prospect.Source: NHL.com/Lightning
Canes Talking Long-Term Deal With Justin Faulk
1 day agoCarolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said that the organization had "good talks" with the representation of defenseman Justin Faulk on a contract extension at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, and the two sides plan to continue talking. "If he stays on for (the) last year of (his) contract we're OK with that," Waddell said, adding that there is no urgency to get a deal done. Faulk is the cornerstone of the defenseman corps along with Dougie Hamilton, and the fan favorite has been with the organization since going No. 37 overall in the second round of the 2010 draft. He has 11 or more goals in four of the past five seasons and is a decent fantasy option in many pools heading into 2019-20, especially if Carolina contends again and his plus/minus rating continues to be improved.Source: Raleigh News & Observer - Chip Alexander
Hurricanes Continue To Negotiate With Petr Mrazek
1 day agoCarolina Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said on Tuesday that the organization continues to negotiate with impending unrestricted free-agent goaltender Petr Mrazek on a daily basis. He added "but not so much" when asked about the talks with impending unrestricted free-agent goaltender Curtis McElhinney. Mrazek quickly became a fan favorite in Raleigh during the team's playoff run. If they're unable to bring him back at a cap-friendly price, the organization added Anton Forsberg to possibly serve as backup to Charlotte Checkers goaltender and Calder Cup champion Alex Nedeljkovic.Source: Raleigh News & Observer - Chip Alexander
Jack Flaherty Struggles on Tuesday Against the A's
1 day agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty had a rough time on Tuesday night, allowing seven runs on nine hits and a walk in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out five and allowed three home runs among his 92 pitches. Flaherty has shown his upside now and then, but his 4.75 ERA shows how inconsistent he's been. He's a risky fantasy asset, but one that certainly carries upside.Source: mlb.com
Brad Hand Explodes on Tuesday
1 day agoCleveland Indians closer Brad Hand blew his first save of the season on Tuesday in spectacular fashion, allowing five runs on five hits without recording a single out. Hand faced five batters, and all five reached base. Hunter Dozier's grand slam was the exclamation point on what will likely be Hand's worst outing of the season. He's been so good that this 13-pitch disaster only raised his ERA to 2.36.Source: mlb.com
