23 hours agoMiami Marlins starting pitcher
Braxton Garrett (shoulder) made his second minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Jacksonville on Wednesday since overcoming a bout of "dead arm," launching five one-hit innings on three walks with three strikeouts. After throwing 61 pitches in the outing, Garrett's next appearance may very well come with the major-league roster for his 2024 regular-season debut. The Marlins should make a decision on that sometime this weekend. Last season, the 26-year-old former No. 7 overall pick fanned 156 hitters and walked only 29 for a 3.66 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over his 159 2/3 frames of work (30 starts). If his next showing indeed comes in Miami's rotation, it would likely be in place of rookie
Roddery Munoz during Monday's series opener in a shy-away spot from a fantasy perspective against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Fish on the Farm
23 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Khris Middleton had 14 points in Thursday's loss to the Pacers. He added four boards, three assists, and two steals. While the veteran did all he could, his efforts weren't enough to lead Milwaukee to a win, eliminating the team from the playoffs. Middleton finished the regular season by averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. However, as usual, the 32-year-old was limited to 55 games due to injury. Middleton's play is never a concern. But his inability to stay healthy will negatively impact his fantasy stock heading into the 2024-25 campaign, no matter where he's playing.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
23 hours agoThe New York Mets have concerns that relief pitcher
Brooks Raley (elbow) could miss the remainder of the 2024 season. Manager
Carlos Mendoza already stated on Thursday that Raley won't return from inflammation in his left elbow when first eligible on May 6, but this update is a bit more ominous. The 35-year-old southpaw was serving as New York's primary left-handed setup man this season, working seven scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and three walks while logging four holds over eight appearances. Although veteran lefty
Jake Diekman now figures to operate as a high-leverage arm, unheralded right-hander
Reed Garrett has emerged as a weapon with a 0.54 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 28:8 K:BB through 16 2/3 frames out of the Mets' bullpen this year. Reed is throwing well enough right now to warrant fantasy consideration in all formats.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Joel Sherman - New York Post
23 hours agoMilwaukee Bucks guard
Damian Lillard (Achilles) was back in the lineup for Thursday's playoff meeting with Indiana after missing a few contests with an Achilles injury. He played well, scoring a game-high 28 points while shooting 7-for-16 from the field and 4-for-12 from deep. Unfortunately, Lillard's return didn't help, as the Pacers got the win to eliminate the Bucks from the postseason. Lillard has been one of the league's most potent scorers for years. However, the 33-year-old took a step backward in his first season with the Bucks, averaging 24.3 points, nearly eight fewer than he had in his final season in Portland. On a positive note, he logged 73 games during the regular season, his most since 2017-18. But it appears Lillard is starting to regress statistically, so his fantasy ranking for next season won't be as favorable.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
23 hours agoArizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Merrill Kelly (shoulder) will shift to the 60-day injured list to free up a 40-man roster spot for incoming right-hander
Matt Bowman from the Minnesota Twins for cash considerations. This is a fairly significant update for Kelly, considering manager Torey Lovullo said on April 23 that the hurler's strained right shoulder would undergo re-imaging in the upcoming weeks. As a result, the D-backs and fantasy managers will now be without Kelly until early July at the earliest. The 35-year-old right-hander was working to an excellent 2.19 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 21:6 K:BB over 24 2/3 innings (four starts) before heading to the IL, and he's well worth a stash for those who can afford the roster spot. Right-hander
Slade Cecconi should continue functioning from Arizona's rotation, and he's trending up with a 2.25 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, and 11:1 K:BB across 12 frames (two starts).
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Arizona Diamondbacks on X
23 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen (rib) is questionable for Friday's matchup with Orlando. The veteran is bothered by a right rib contusion, keeping him off the floor for Tuesday's win. He didn't practice on Thursday, although it appears he still has a chance to suit up for Game 6. However, if Allen misses another contest,
Isaac Okoro will likely remain in the starting lineup. On the other hand,
Marcus Morris Sr., coming off a 12-point effort in Game 5, would be the preferred DFS value option if Allen can't go.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
23 hours agoBaltimore Orioles starting pitcher
Tyler Wells (elbow) played catch on Wednesday and is still undergoing tests, according to manager Brandon Hyde, who had nothing further to report on the hurler. Working his way back from inflammation in his right elbow, Wells still has no clear timetable for his return to Baltimore's rotation at this juncture. Considering the big 29-year-old right-hander logged a shaky 5.87 ERA and 1.37 WHIP while striking out 13 batters and walking three over 15 1/3 innings (three starts), he doesn't need to be stashed in the majority of fantasy leagues. The O's just reinstated
Kyle Bradish and
John Means from the injured list this week, but
Dean Kremer and
Cole Irvin will still be needed as starters until Wells is back in the fold, and they'll have streaming appeal under the appropriate circumstances.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Jake Rill - MLB.com
23 hours agoDallas Mavericks guard/forward
Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) remains out for Friday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. The sharpshooting veteran tweaked his right ankle in Game 2 of this series and hasn't been available since. Without him,
Maxi Kleber and
Josh Green have gotten more minutes, even though neither player has been able to take advantage of their extra time on the floor.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
23 hours agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher
Gerrit Cole (elbow) is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session on Saturday, with the new target for his return now being "mid-June." Cole is all set to resume throwing off the mound, which is a big step forward in his throwing progression, and a mid-June return is pretty much in line with his original recovery timetable from discomfort in his right elbow. The 33-year-old reigning American League Cy Young Award winner still needs to build up his stamina and then start a minor-league rehab assignment, which could begin sometime in the next few weeks if all continues to go well. Cole notched a 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 222:48 K:BB over 209 innings (33 starts) a year ago. Until he's ready to rejoin New York's rotation, right-handers
Clarke Schmidt and
Luis Gil should continue getting starts for the Yankees as fantasy streaming options in favorable matchups.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Jon Heyman - New York Post
23 hours agoLos Angeles Clippers guard
Terance Mann (leg) is questionable for Friday's postseason encounter with the Mavericks. As expected,
Kawhi Leonard (knee) remains out, so the team needs Mann to help fill the void in the lineup. The 27-year-old has posted double-digit scoring performances three times during the series. However, Mann is not a consistent fantasy producer, although the upside is there for the DFS managers willing to take a risk, assuming he plays. If he doesn't,
Norman Powell,
Amir Coffey, and
Russell Westbrook should absorb most of his minutes.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
24 hours agoLos Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) won't play on Friday against the Mavericks. There isn't any new information concerning his ailment. However, the Clippers need to win the next two games to advance to the next round, although they will likely need to do it without Leonard in the lineup. As usual,
Paul George and
James Harden will do their best to lead the offense in Game 6. But
Norman Powell,
Russell Westbrook, and
Terance Mann should continue to get more minutes and shot opportunities. With that said, nobody on the Clippers' roster has been consistent from a fantasy standpoint throughout this series.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
24 hours agoNew York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson (ankle) will be available for Game 6 against Philadelphia on Thursday. He has missed one game in the series with an ankle injury, but Robinson has been upgraded from questionable to available ahead of the Game 6 tip-off. Robinson has an important role to play behind starting center
Isaiah Hartenstein, as the Knicks' success depends a lot on how well they deal with
Joel Embiid.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
24 hours agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) will be in the lineup for Thursday's Game 6 clash against the Knicks. He has been upgraded from questionable to available. Embiid has yet to miss any playoff action after returning from a left knee injury, and another big performance is expected from him in Thursday's elimination game. The 76ers superstar looked quite lethargic in Tuesday's survival battle but still produced a triple-double. He's averaging close to 32 points in the postseason with 10.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoPittsburgh Pirates shortstop prospect
Mitch Jebb had his best game of the season as he launched two home runs and tallied five RBI in Wednesday's victory. Jebb has now hit a home run in back-to-back performances. Overall, on the season, the number eight ranked prospect in the Pittsburgh system, according to MLB Pipeline, has a .250/.318/.388 line with four swiped bags in his first season at High-A. The former Michigan State Spartan is finally showing his power potential after going through his first professional season at Single-A with only one round-tripper. For now, Jebb should be monitored in dynasty leagues and could emerge as a potential stash if he can reach Double-A this summer.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoNew York Yankees second base/shortstop prospect
Jared Serna had a monster day at the plate on Wednesday, tallying three home runs and six RBI to power the Hudson Valley Renegades over the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Following this big performance, the 21-year-old has an overall .231/.351/.474 with five home runs, 17 RBI, and one stolen base across 21 games at High-A. Serna also has a strong 15:10 BB:K ratio. It is very promising to see Serna display his power potential, as he did not tally one home run in 27 games at the High-A level last season. Serna could reach Double-A by the end of the summer if he continues this trajectory, and he is worth keeping an eye on in dynasty formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoBoston Red Sox catching prospect
Kyle Teel launched his third home run of the season in Wednesday's victory. Teel went 2-4 at the plate with four RBI. The fifth overall catching prospect in baseball now sits with a solid .231/.351/.400 with 12 RBI and a 21:11 K:BB ratio across the first 17 games of the season. This is the 22-year-old's first full test in Double-A, as he only appeared in nine games at this level last season. The former Virginia Cavalier should be rostered in all dynasty leagues but should not be expected to make his major league debut until 2025, especially since he may not reach Triple-A until later this summer.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoNew York Yankees pitching prospect
Clayton Beeter tallied a season-high of nine strikeouts to earn his third victory of the season in Triple-A. This was his best start of the season, putting the 25-year-old in a good opportunity to return to the major leagues. Beeter was named to the Yankees Opening Day Roster but only threw one inning while with the major league team this season before returning to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. However, after being sent back down to Triple-A, Beeter has posted a strong 2.74 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 35 punchouts across 23 innings. The former Texas Tech Red Raider should be a name to monitor in deeper AL-only formats, as he could see opportunities later in the summer to start games for the Yankees.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoCleveland Guardians right-hander
Gavin Williams (elbow) has been cleared to begin throwing and did so on Thursday pain-free, according to manager
Stephen Vogt. An elbow injury has kept Williams from making his 2024 debut with the Guardians after a fine rookie season in 2023 in which he went 3-5 with a 3.29 ERA (4.05 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 81 strikeouts and 37 walks in 82 innings in his first 16 major-league starts. He allowed just one earned run in 4 2/3 spring training innings over two appearances as well before getting hurt and landing on the injured to open the year. The 24-year-old former 23rd overall pick in 2021 out of East Carolina isn't exactly close to joining Cleveland's rotation, but he showed enough last year to be worthy of stashing in mixed fantasy leagues if you have the room on your roster.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Mandy Bell
1 day agoSan Francisco Giants right-hander
Jordan Hicks (side) is scheduled to make the start on Friday in the series opener in Philadelphia against the Phillies. Hicks felt some tightness in his side in his last start on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he managed it well and struck out a season-high nine batters while giving up just one earned run in six innings. There was a lot to be skeptical about from Hicks from a fantasy perspective with his move to a full-time starting role in 2024, mainly because of his history with injuries as a hard-throwing reliever. However, he's excelling so far in San Fran and has gone 2-0 with a fantastic 1.59 ERA (3.08 FIP) and 0.91 WHIP with 27 K's and 10 walks in 34 innings over his six starts. He'll face a tough matchup in a hostile environment on Friday against a Phillies offense that ranks seventh in MLB in OPS (.742), but he's been a must-start through the first month.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoMilwaukee Brewers third base prospect
Mike Boeve was recently promoted to Double-A Biloxi after having a great start to the season at High-A. Boeve posted a dominant .553/.642/.632 stat line with a 13:5 BB:K ratio across 13 games at High-A Wisconsin. Boeve has carried the momentum into his first nine games at Double-A with an excellent .306/.405/.583 line and has already tallied four doubles and three triples. The 14th-ranked prospect is beginning to make headlines and is worth monitoring in dynasty leagues as he is quickly progressing through the minor leagues. Even though MLB Pipeline projects the 21-year-old to reach the majors in 2026, with the rate he is currently going at, do not be surprised if he is knocking on the door by next summer.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoChicago Cubs outfielder
Christopher Morel went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run and a walk during Thursday's extra-innings loss to the New York Mets. The 24-year-old is now slashing .209/.287/.383 with five homers, 17 RBI and three stolen bases in 31 games. Morel has not had the breakout campaign some pundits were expecting as he has struggled to find consistency at the plate. There is still value in his bat due to his power potential and positional versatility, but he is becoming more of a liability in shallow formats.
--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoNew York Mets pitching prospect Jonah Tong has pitched 23 ⅔ shutout innings to open the 2024 season. Tong began in Single-A and tossed 18 ⅔ clean innings to the tune of a 0.64 WHIP and 36 punchouts. Then, the 20-year-old was promoted to High-A earlier this week and looked just as stellar in his debut on May 2 with the Brooklyn Cyclones. In his first start, he pitched five innings and allowed two hits and three free passes with seven punchouts. Tong remains a name to monitor in deep dynasty leagues, as he is expected to remain in High-A for the entire summer. If he continues this course, he could develop into a top prospect in the Mets system.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoNew York Yankees outfielder
Juan Soto went 2-for-4 in Thursday's 7-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles and extended his hit streak to 10 games. Soto's streak is currently the third-longest active streak in the majors. He has only gone hitless in seven of his first 33 games this year. The 25-year-old is enjoying a strong first season in the Bronx, as he is slashing .331/.441/.589 with eight homers, 25 RBI, and four stolen bases. He has also scored 22 runs and owns a ridiculous 26:20 BB:K. Soto is unquestionably one of the top fantasy assets in baseball and should be locked into lineups whenever he takes the field.
--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoTexas Rangers starting pitcher
Max Scherzer (back, thumb) is likely to make his next minor-league rehab start next week. He started a rehab game at Triple-A Round Rock last Wednesday and dealt with some lingering thumb soreness that pushed his next appearance back a few days. Apparently, that outing will come sometime in the next seven days as Scherzer said his thumb is improving. The 39-year-old is a risky fantasy asset due to potential injury reoccurrence, but he is still worthy of a roster spot if he has a place to be stashed. Scherzer still probably needs a couple of starts to build his arm up before joining the Rangers. Barring any setbacks, fantasy managers can anticipate his return sometime in mid-May.
--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: Jeff Wilson
1 day agoSan Francisco Giants closer
Camilo Doval struck out one batter in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday. The 26-year-old is six-for-six on save opportunities this season to go along with a 3.09 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 15/6 K/BB. Doval has not been flawless this year, but he has found a way to work around trouble when it pops up. The right-hander remains a premium fantasy option as he tries to usurp last season's career-high of 39 saves.
--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoMiami Marlins starter
Edward Cabrera allowed four runs on three hits across four innings of work during Thursday's 5-4 win over the Colorado Rockies. Cabrera struck out nine batters in the shortened outing while issuing four walks. A three-run shot by
Jacob Stallings in the second inning put a sizeable blemish on the 26-year-old's day. He also struggled with his command, as he only tossed 56-of-91 pitches for strikes. Cabrera owns a bloated 6.05 ERA through four starts in 2024, although he still possesses significant strikeout upside. He should be sat in all fantasy formats heading into his next start against the vaunted Los Angeles Dodgers lineup.
--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher
Carlos Rodon had a start to forget on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles. The left-hander was tagged for seven runs (six earned) on eight hits with six strikeouts. He did not issue a walk, but he gave up three homers in the defeat. Prior to this outing against a tough Orioles lineup, Rodon had not allowed more than three runs in any outing this season. He will carry a 3.68 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 36/14 K/BB into his next projected start against the underperforming Houston Astros. Rodon still deserves to be rostered in most fantasy formats.
--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoNew York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (illness) did not start Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs, but he still managed to make a massive impact. The talented infielder came off the bench in the sixth inning and proceeded to hit a two-run double to bring the Mets within a run. In extra innings, Lindor smacked another double to cash in two runs and earn the walk-off win. It was one of Lindor's stronger games this season, as he has struggled at the plate in the early going. His .207/.287/.380 slash line is rather uninspiring, so hopefully this performance kick-starts the four-time All-Star.
--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoIndiana Pacers point guard
Tyrese Haliburton (back) will be good to go for Thursday's Game 6 against Milwaukee. An issue with his lower back has kept Haliburton on the injury report for the past few games, but the team has upgraded him from questionable to available ahead of Thursday's action. The young Pacers star will aim to produce a big finish to the series. Through five games, he's gotten to the 20-point mark only once, averaging 15.8 points in the first-round matchup with 5.8 rebounds and 9.2 assists.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Indiana Pacers
1 day agoMilwaukee Bucks point guard
Patrick Beverley (oblique) has been upgraded from probable to available for Thursday's Game 6 against Indiana. Beverley is set to make up Milwaukee's starting backcourt with the returning
Damian Lillard (Achilles). He will likely take a backseat offensively, but Beverley's tenacity on the defensive end is a big asset for the Bucks, and he should continue to get a healthy dose of action. Through the first five games in the series, Beverley has averaged 34.0 minutes a night, posting 8.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
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