1 day agoAtlanta Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic ended his spring training on a positive note in Tuesday's 9-6 Grapefruit League loss to the Twins. Kelenic only had one at-bat, hitting a 452-foot solo home run off Louie Varland in the third inning. It was a bright spot in an otherwise dreary spring for the 24-year-old, as he batted just .143 in 56 spring at-bats and did not have a HR until Tuesday. However, the former first-round pick has been working with hitting coach Kevin Seitzer in an attempt to unlock his potential. Kelenic did show some positive signs in 2023, but it remains to be seen if he can provide fantasy impact with his new team.Source: CJ Haddad - MLB.com
1 day agoSan Francisco Giants corner infielder Pablo Sandoval said after Tuesday's 3-1 exhibition loss to the Athletics that he is not retiring and will report to Triple-A Sacramento if he gets the chance, per the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. The 37-year-old veteran went 1-for-2 with a single and a strikeout, with his broken-bat hit coming in his final at-bat in the ninth inning. Sandoval batted .250 with no home runs in 28 spring at-bats and hasn't played in a big-league organization since 2021. However, he had a storied career during his time with the Giants, earning three World Series Championships, two All-Star appearances, and one World Series Most Value Player Award. Regardless of the outcome, the Panda made a lasting mark in the Giants' organization.Source: Susan Slusser - Twitter.com
1 day agoSan Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski is likely to go on paternity leave for the first Friday through Sunday of the 2024 regular season, per the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. The 33-year-old and his family are expecting their second child, so he may miss some of the team's first few games. Yastrzemski has cooled off in his career after a few solid fantasy seasons and slashed .233/.330/.445 with 15 home runs, 54 runs scored, 43 RBI, and two stolen bases in 381 plate appearances in 2023 while dealing with a left hamstring strain.Source: Susan Slusser - Twitter.com
1 day agoThe Seattle Mariners released third baseman Brian Anderson on Tuesday. The 30-year-old signed a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training this off-season in hopes that he could win a platoon/backup role. While he did slash .250/.344/.536 in 28 Cactus League at-bats, it wasn't enough to earn a spot. Injuries have hindered Anderson's career, and he hasn't hit above .250 since 2020. At this point, he may try to find another team to join where he could have a clearer path to a role.Source: MLB.com
1 day agoHouston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco capped off a great spring in Tuesday's 7-3 exhibition game win over Triple-A Sugarland. Blanco pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing one run on two hits (including a solo home run) and two walks with 10 strikeouts. While it may not have been against big-league competition, it was another strong outing for the 30-year-old, who pitched 15 2/3 scoreless Cactus League innings this spring with 18 strikeouts. He had some fantasy streaming appeal last season and could start this season in the rotation for the Astros given his performance and injuries on the team. He will need to prove he can deliver consistently, but Blanco could be worth a look in favorable matchups if he can carry his strong spring into the regular season.Source: MLB.com
1 day agoMemphis Grizzlies forward/center Brandon Clarke (Achilles) has been upgraded to questionable with just 10 games left in the season. Wednesday, the Grizzlies are set to meet the Lakers, with Clarke potentially playing after rehabbing a torn Achilles for over a year. Clarke finished last season with averages of 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds coming off the bench. The 27-year-old's minutes will obviously be limited if he suits up and he shouldn't be considered a fantasy option for the remainder of the season.Source: Drew Hill
1 day agoSeattle Seahawks president of football operations John Schneider said that both offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (pectoral) are on track to be ready for the start of the 2024 season. Schneider is unsure if safety Jerrick Reed II (knee) will be ready, but he did say that Reed's rehab has gone well. Lucas, 25, had knee surgery at the end of last season, but he should be ready to go as the team's right tackle later this fall. Nwosu, 27, suffered a torn pectoral muscle in 2023 that limited him to six games. Getting the former second-round pick in 2018 out of USC back will be big news for Seattle's pass rush in 2024, as Nwosu picked up career-highs in combined tackles (66), sacks (9.5), tackles for loss (12) and QB hits (26) in 17 starts in 2022 in his first year in Seattle.Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
1 day agoTaylor Moore performed well at the Valspar Championship last week, tying for 12th place. This marks his eighth consecutive made cut in the 2024 season, with two top-25 finishes. His tie for 12th place in the previous week was his best finish in 2024. Moore's approach play has been exceptional, gaining strokes on approach in four of his last five appearances. In the past year, he ranked in the 72nd percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway, which will be critical this week because over 33% of approach shots came from this distance at last year's tournament. Moore could be a valuable addition to DFS lineups this week with his consistent form and strong approach play.Source: Data Golf
1 day agoAdam Svensson finished tied for 49th place last week at the Valspar Championship. This was a much-needed improvement for Svensson, as he had failed to make the cut in his previous three appearances before the Valspar Championship. His best performance this year was a tie for tenth at The Genesis Invitational last month. Svensson possesses the skill set required to compete this week. He has ranked in the 78th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway over the past 12 months, which is crucial for this week's tournament. This is because over 33% of approach shots came from this distance in last year's tournament. However, despite making the cut last week, his recent form makes him a risky pick to include in DFS lineups this week.Source: Data Golf
1 day agoTaylor Montgomery missed the cut at the Valspar Championship last week, marking his second missed cut in his previous four appearances. Although he has played some great golf this year, particularly with his putter, he has struggled with his approach shots in three of his last four appearances. Montgomery must improve his approach play to be competitive this week, but it may be challenging for him at Memorial Park. Last year's tournament saw over 33% of approach shots coming from more than 200 yards, and Montgomery ranks in the 29th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway over the past year. However, despite his struggles with approach play, Montgomery has been performing well with his putter, which could make him worth consideration for DFS lineups this week.Source: Data Golf
1 day agoJake Knapp is set to play at the Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course after finishing T45 at THE PLAYERS Championship two weeks ago. Knapp has been in fantastic form lately, missing only one cut and securing two top-five finishes and one win in his last six appearances. His skills could come in handy at Memorial Park, where he ranks in the 83rd percentile for greens in regulation on approach shots over 200 yards in the fairway in the past 12 months. This is important since over 33% of approach shots were taken from this distance in last year's tournament. With his recent form and strong approach play, Knapp could be a valuable addition to DFS lineups this week.Source: Data Golf
1 day agoAaron Rai had a disappointing performance at the Valspar Championship last week, failing to make the cut after three consecutive top-35 finishes. However, he is set to tee it up in the Texas Children's Houston Open at the Memorial Park Golf Course this week. Rai has a good Memorial Park Golf Course record and hopes to bounce back strongly after his recent setback. In the past 12 months, Rai has ranked in the 53rd percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from over 200 yards in the fairway. This is important to note, as over 33% of approach shots came from this distance in last year's tournament. Despite not making the cut last week, Rai could still be a valuable addition to DFS lineups for this week's event.Source: Data Golf
1 day agoDallas Cowboys nose tackle Mazi Smith (shoulder) carried a four- to six-month timetable after having shoulder surgery shortly after last season, but he is expected to be ready for training camp this summer. As long as Smith doesn't encounter any setbacks as he rehabs his shoulder this offseason, the 22-year-old should be ready for training camp at the end of the July and for the start of the 2024 season. After being taken 26th overall in the first round last year out of Michigan, Smith played in all 17 regular-season games (three starts) and recorded only 13 tackles (nine solo) and one sack in a depth role. He could carve out a bigger role on the interior of Dallas' defensive line in Year 2, but Smith isn't going to be on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues.Source: Dallas Morning News - Michael Gehlken
1 day agoSan Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson (knee) is currently dealing with knee soreness and is officially listed as questionable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz. The 24-year-old is coming off a 14-point outing after playing 31 minutes against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Fantasy managers will need to check back closer to tip-off to get a better idea about his status. If he were to miss Wednesday's game, more minutes would likely go to Julian Champagnie and Cedi Osman. Malaki Branham could also see more playing time if Johnson were ruled out.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoDallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (shoulder) had shoulder surgery recently but is "all systems go" for training camp this summer, according to a person familiar with the situation. Schoonmaker played in all 17 regular-season games in his rookie season in 2023 after being taken in the second round out of Michigan, but he didn't do much behind Jake Ferguson, catching only eight of 15 targets for 65 yards and two touchdowns. However, his shoulder injury may have been partially to blame. The 25-year-old could have a bigger role in his sophomore campaign in Dallas, but as long as Ferguson stays healthy, it's hard to envision Schoonmaker being very attractive for fantasy managers on a weekly basis. As long as Ferguson is healthy, Schoonmaker will be a blocker over a receiver.Source: Dallas Morning News - Michael Gehlken
1 day agoMinnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (finger) is questionable for Wednesday's tilt with Detroit. He's one of the most durable players in the National Basketball Association so he should be good for this contest. The Timberwolves have won five of six games, meaning Edwards has produced for fantasy managers as usual. The 22-year-old is a must-start anytime he steps on the court in all fantasy formats.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoThe Green Bay Packers feel that they have a better grasp of where wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) stands after he underwent a body scan at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this offseason with the hope of preventing future flare-ups. Watson has battled hamstring injuries in both of his two seasons in the NFL, with the 6-foot-4, 208-pounder missing eight games in 2023, playing just 446 offensive snaps. It hasn't just been hamstring injuries for the 24-year-old, and he's played in only 23 games in his first two seasons to quickly develop an injury-prone label. But when healthy, he's caught 69 of 119 targets for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding two rushing scores. There's intriguing upside given the nature of Green Bay's improving offense under quarterback Jordan Love, but Watson's durability makes him a risk/reward fantasy selection heading into his third year.Source: Packers.com - Wes Hodkiewicz
1 day agoMinnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (rib) is questionable for Wednesday's game with the Pistons due to a sprained rib on his left side. The big man has competed in the last two Timberwolves contests, but he missed three consecutive games before with the rib injury. Minnesota's Anthony Edwards (finger) is also questionable. Naz Reid has stepped up his game when Gobert has been sidelined recently, posting 20 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks against Golden State on Sunday.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoSan Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (ankle) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz. The talented rookie missed Monday's game with a sprained ankle, and his playing status is in doubt once again. The injury is not severe considering the fact he has a chance to play, however, it would not be surprising for the Spurs to be extra cautious with their young star and let him rest, especially since the Spurs do not have much to play for at this point. If Wembanyama does sit out, Zach Collins would likely benefit once again. Collins started the last game and posted 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard/forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (shoulder) is considered questionable for Wednesday's clash with the Los Angeles Clippers. He didn't play in Monday's loss to Sacramento because of shoulder soreness. As a result, Nicolas Batum slid into the starting lineup. However, Batum was held scoreless, so he'll be hard to trust from a fantasy standpoint if Oubre misses another contest. Instead, Buddy Hield, who also had a rough showing, has a much higher fantasy upside.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoDetroit Tigers right-hander Alex Faedo made the team's Opening Day roster for the first time in his career. In addition, left-hander Joey Wentz made the team out of spring training. In large part due to injuries, the 28-year-old Faedo has had an uneven two seasons in the big leagues with Detroit. He's dealt with blister and nail issues, a back strain, hip pain and had Tommy John surgery. But the former first-rounder in 2017 out of Florida was healthy in the offseason and had a 1.35 spring training ERA. Faedo is expected to work in a long-relief role, which won't give him any real fantasy value, but if he can stay healthy, he could be an important piece for Detroit's pitching staff in 2024. In his 27 big-league outings (24 starts), Faedo has a 4.94 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 45 walks and 102 K's in 118 1/3 frames.Source: MLB.com - Julia Kreuz
1 day agoFrom a statistical perspective, Alex Smalley is as gross as they come. He has only played one meaningful tournament in 2024 (T21 at the American Express), which was an event that featured the most improbable of outcomes. Things have been on a bad run mostly thanks to irons and putter performances that seem to fluctuate week to week from fairly mundane, to downright horrible. A rank of 177th in strokes gained putting (-1.091) is enough reason to look elsewhere. However, if there is a shining light to be found, it would be the impeccable course history at this event (T4 in 2023 and T15 in 2022) and other comparable courses that have resulted in some of the best finishes of his career. In most cases, it is hard to recommend Smalley at $9,000 on FanDuel, but sprinkling him in a few spots could be a smart play for those who make a ton of lineups every week.Source: PGA Tour
1 day agoDetroit Pistons guard/forward Quentin Grimes (knee) will not play against Minnesota on Wednesday due to a knee injury. This is his eighth consecutive game missed due to a right knee contusion. Simone Fontecchio (toe) will also be unavailable. Additionally, Cade Cunningham (knee/rest) is listed as questionable after missing multiple games. As a result, Jaden Ivey and Marcus Sasser are expected to continue leading the short-handed backcourt. Sasser only holds a little fantasy value, but Ivey is averaging 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 68 regular season tilts.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoCleveland Cavaliers forward Max Strus (knee) is questionable heading into Wednesday's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. The 27-year-old has been sidelined for a few weeks because of a sprained right knee. While there's a chance he won't return versus Philly, the injury designation suggests he's at least moving in the right direction. But if Strus isn't available versus the Hornets, Isaac Okoro would presumably remain in the starting lineup. With that said, Okoro isn't always the most reliable fantasy option.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoUtah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (quadriceps) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup with San Antonio due to a right quadriceps contusion. Markkanen posted 34 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block in 34 minutes during Monday's 115-105 loss to the Mavericks. The 26-year-old has played in only four out of 12 games in March. If he cannot suit up, Taylor Hendricks, Luka Samanic, and Brice Sensabaugh could see more minutes on the court.Source: Ben Anderson
1 day agoBrooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (toe) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards, as he continues to be hampered by a sprained toe. This will be the second straight game that Johnson will miss because of the injury. The 28-year-old sharpshooter was shooting well from beyond the arc in the previous two games, so the Nets and fantasy owners hope to have him back in the lineup soon. His absence will continue to likely open up minutes for Dorian Finney-Smith, Trendon Watford, and Jalen Wilson.Source: Brooklyn Nets
1 day agoThings have been slow and steady since a T6 finish at the Mexico Open for Robert MacIntyre, but he isn't doing anything in his rounds that jump off the page. He has stayed around even in total strokes gained in three of his last four starts, aside from a poor outing at TPC Sawgrass. Bobby Mac hangs around the top 75 in both strokes gained off the tee (0.173) and on approach (0.090), but his abysmal rate of losing over half a stoke putting on the year is a cause for concern. However, much of that is due to a horrendous stretch over three events in February, where he lost an average of minus-3.93 strokes putting. For DFS players shopping in this range, there certainly are riskier options than MacIntyre at $8,700 on FanDuel.Source: Data Golf
1 day agoDallas Mavericks forward/center Maxi Kleber (knee) will play on Tuesday versus Sacramento. Dallas needs a win on Tuesday night, so it's all hands on deck for this one. Luka Doncic (Achilles) is available, which is undoubtedly good news. And while Kleber provides depth for the Mavs, he's only averaged 2.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in the last 10 games, meaning he's not worth considering for DFS contests.Source: Dallas Mavericks
1 day agoDallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (Achilles) will play on Tuesday against the Sacramento Kings. The 25-year-old logged 41 minutes in Monday's win over the Utah Jazz. However, he popped up on the injury report on Tuesday because of Achilles soreness. But Dallas is fighting to secure at least a sixth seed in the Western Conference, so it would have taken a lot to keep Doncic off the floor for this one. As usual, he is in the MVP conversation and remains a lock for all fantasy lineups. Yet, Doncic has averaged 26.5 points in two meetings with Sacramento this season, meaning he may not be as productive as usual.Source: Mark Stein
1 day agoBrooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (back) is questionable for Wednesday's game in Washington. Cameron Johnson (toe) and Dennis Smith Jr. (hip) were ruled out shortly before Monday's win over Toronto. Unfortunately, the Nets would lose another of their core players heading into that one, with Thomas suffering lower back tightness during pre-game warmups. As a result, Jalen Wilson moved into the starting lineup and finished with 11 points, five rebounds, one steal, and one block in 30 minutes. However, Dennis Schroder had a team-high 19 points and seven assists. Nonetheless, if Thomas is out against the Wizards, Schroder is a lock for any fantasy lineup, while guys like Wilson, Trendon Watford, and Dorian Finney-Smith will have DFS value potential.Source: NBA Injury Report