1 day agoToronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) will officially open the 2024 season on the injured list, according to manager John Schneider. As a result, Nate Pearson and Wes Parsons will open the year in Toronto's bullpen. Swanson has already resumed playing catch, while the Blue Jays hope Romano can begin throwing off a mound next week. Hopefully, both pitchers will be able to return in the middle of April, but there's no guarantee. Romano should be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues for the time being. With both Romano and Swanson on the shelf, the Blue Jays are expected to roll with a closer-by-committee approach, consisting of arms like Chad Green, Yimi Garcia and Tim Mayza.Source: Sportsnet.ca - Shi Davidi
1 day agoToronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that the team still hasn't decided on when right-hander Kevin Gausman (shoulder) will make his first start of the season, but it will be either Sunday in Tampa Bay against the Rays or on Monday in Houston versus the Astros. Gausman came out of his only Grapefruit League start on Monday fine and will not need to open the regular season on the injured list after dealing with shoulder fatigue in spring training. Neither matchup is ideal for the 33-year-old's first start after missing time in spring training, so he'll be more risky than normal in season-long fantasy leagues and in DFS in his first start of 2024. But fantasy managers should feel comfortable that the Blue Jays' ace can put his shoulder injury in the rearview and put forth another strong season as a No. 1 starter.Source: TSN Sports - Scott Mitchell
1 day agoAtlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (back) will play in Wednesday's matchup against Portland. He landed on the initial injury report with a sore back and a questionable designation, but the 2022 All-Star has now been cleared to play. Murray has been a beast for fantasy managers throughout the month, averaging 25.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 2.3 steals, and 3.8 three-point makes. He's already faced the Trail Blazers once in March, and Murray went off for 40 points in the contest. A similar performance on Wednesday isn't out of the question, with Trae Young (finger) and Jalen Johnson (ankle) still absent and Murray getting a lot of shots because of it.Source: Atlanta Hawks
1 day agoMemphis Grizzlies guard/forward John Konchar (heel) won't return to the lineup on Wednesday versus the Lakers. The team has downgraded Konchar from doubtful to out, meaning he sits out a second consecutive contest. With Luke Kennard (personal) also unavailable, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jordan Goodwin get extra work on the Grizzlies backcourt. Both have gotten some playing time as starters recently, although Goodwin didn't see any action in the last game against Denver, and it's very difficult to predict how the rotation will work out on Wednesday.Source: Mike Trudell
1 day agoMemphis Grizzlies guard/forward Vince Williams Jr. (knee) will be out for a ninth consecutive game on Wednesday versus the Lakers. He remains on the shelf with a left patellar problem, with the team downgrading him from doubtful to out. Williams Jr.'s absence has secured significant roles in the rotation for GG Jackson II and Jake LaRavia. The young Grizzlies should relish the opportunity to pit their talents against LeBron James (ankle), who is expected to return to the Lakers lineup on Wednesday.Source: Mike Trudell
1 day agoMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (hamstring) is expected to play on Thursday in New Orleans. The multi-time MVP has been plagued by left hamstring tendinopathy over the last few weeks. However, the injury appears to be getting better, considering he logged 46 minutes in Tuesday's double-overtime loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. But Milwaukee has a few relatively easy matchups on the horizon, meaning he may get a night off heading toward the postseason. With that in mind, Antetokounmpo amassed 30 points, 12 boards, and two blocks against the Pelicans the first time these clubs met earlier in the season, keeping him on the radar for DFS managers on Thursday night.Source: Eric Nehm
1 day agoChicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso (ankle) will be in the lineup on Wednesday against Indiana. The team has upgraded him from questionable to available as Caruso continues to play through an ankle problem. The 30-year-old has saved some of his best performances of the season for the Pacers. He has averaged 15.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals across three games against them, with 60 percent shooting from deep.Source: Cody Westerlund
1 day agoChicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (illness) has been cleared to play on Wednesday versus Indiana. He was a late addition to the injury report with an upper respiratory illness but has shaken it off to keep his ironman streak going -- Dosunmu hasn't missed a game since early November. The 24-year-old has taken big steps in his development in recent months and enters Wednesday's action averaging 17.1 points and 5.5 assists for March. Indiana's defense has improved lately, but the team continues to play with a very high pace, which makes this a really good fantasy matchup for Dosunmu and the Bulls.Source: Cody Westerlund
1 day agoPhiladelphia Phillies starting pitcher Noah Song (elbow) is set to miss the entire upcoming 2024 season. This is a tough blow as the 26-year-old will need to undergo Tommy John surgery. This is frustrating for Song who missed most of last season due to a back issue. Song returned to professional baseball last season after leaving after the 2019 campaign to fulfill his military obligations with the Navy.Source: Chris Hatfield
1 day agoPortland Trail Blazers guard/forward Matisse Thybulle (ankle) will remain on the shelf Wednesday versus Atlanta. The team has once again downgraded him from questionable to out, meaning Thybulle will miss a fifth consecutive game. It looks like Thybulle is close to returning from an ankle issue, but it's tough to predict when he will be back. His next chance to make a comeback comes on Friday in a matchup against Miami. Portland continues to carry a lot of injuries, which will give Rayan Rupert a new opportunity to start on Wednesday. He is expected to be joined by Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Toumani Camara, and Duop Reath.Source: Kevin Chouinard
1 day agoCleveland Cavaliers forward Max Strus (knee) will play in Wednesday's clash with the Hornets. The 27-year-old will finally return to the lineup after sitting out a few weeks with a sprained right knee. Undoubtedly, the Cavs are glad to have him back, considering the team has struggled in the last 10 games. With Strus' return, Caris LeVert will head back to the bench. However, Levert will still get enough action to warrant DFS consideration in a favorable matchup with Charlotte.Source: Cleveland Cavaliers
1 day agoMemphis Grizzlies forward/center Brandon Clarke (Achilles) will suit up for Wednesday's game versus the Lakers. The 27-year-old hasn't played in over a year because of an Achilles tear that required surgery. Since then, he's been working his way back and has flirted with returning over the last few games. The Grizzlies could certainly use him, primarily since the roster is loaded with injuries. Although there's a realistic chance Clarke will be limited in his first game back, there's no denying his upside, especially when you consider his DFS rostering cost.Source: Mike Trudell
1 day agoPortland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (hamstring) will sit out a ninth consecutive game on Wednesday against the Hawks. He continues to recover from a hamstring strain, and it doesn't look like Grant is close to returning. Jabari Walker, Kris Murray, and Toumani Camara all have opportunities to fill bigger roles with Grant out. The three have played well, but all have issues with inconsistency, which makes it hard to trust them on a nightly basis in fantasy basketball.Source: Kevin Chouinard
1 day agoPortland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (elbow) will miss a fourth straight contest against Atlanta on Wednesday. The injury-prone big man is dealing with an elbow issue and will have his next chance to return on Friday versus Miami. Duop Reath is getting another start in Ayton's place. He tends to be a bit inconsistent with his performances, but Reath has posted solid numbers in a starting role and will find himself in a juicy matchup on Wednesday. Atlanta is a struggling defensive team, and opposing centers usually feast against the Hawks on the glass.Source: Kevin Chouinard
1 day agoMilwaukee Brewers pitcher Robert Gasser (elbow) is expected to miss significant time due to injury. The left-hander is reportedly out indefinitely due to a bone spur in his left elbow. This is a tough blow to the Brewers as Gasser was looking close to MLB ready. The 24-year-old was likely to start the year in the minors but probably would've been one of the first reserves to be called up. The Brewers should give a timetable on Gasser at a later time.Source: Todd Rosiak
1 day agoBrooklyn Nets guard/forward Cam Thomas (back) will be back on the court Wednesday versus Washington. He was initially regarded as questionable for the game after Thomas was a late scratch for Monday's meeting with Toronto. Thomas has had a great campaign, leading his team with 21.5 points per game, and he should be in full flow on Wednesday in a pace-up spot against one of the worst defensive teams in the league. Jalen Wilson had an opportunity to start on Monday with Thomas missing and looks set to head back to the bench versus the Wizards, where he doesn't carry any fantasy appeal.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoThe Boston Red Sox acquired pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa from the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. The right-hander will head to a divisional rival after failing to make the Opening Day roster in Tampa Bay. The Rays will receive cash considerations for Uwasawa who they signed to a minor-league deal this offseason. The 30-year-old looks like additional bullpen depth and will probably be put in low leverage situations right away.Source: Jeff Passan
1 day agoGolden State Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis (knee) has been cleared to play on Wednesday versus Orlando, while forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will miss the action. Both players were initially regarded as questionable for the game. Jackson-Davis returns from a one-game absence after he missed Tuesday's matchup against Miami. The 24-year-old rookie has carved out a good role for himself this month, averaging 10.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 23.0 minutes. However, he will be in a tricky spot to produce good numbers on Wednesday, as the Magic give up the second-fewest points and the fourth-fewest rebounds in the league to centers.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) will sit out Wednesday's clash against Houston. OKC completes a back-to-back versus the Rockets, and the MVP candidate will sit out the action with a quadriceps injury he has been carrying since last week. Rookie Cason Wallace and sniper Isaiah Joe are looking at an opportunity to play more in Gilgeous-Alexander's absence. It's not a good spot for the two to perform, as Houston boasts a 112.1 defensive rating, which puts the team eighth in the league.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoNew York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres is set to bat leadoff against the Houston Astros on Thursday. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made it official that Torres will take the first at-bat of the regular season for New York. It won't be an easy task against left-hander Framber Valdez. Boone said that Juan Soto is batting second and Aaron Judge hitting third. The move to the leadoff spot should give Torres a boost in fantasy value until DJ LeMahieu (foot) returns to the lineup.Source: Bryan Hoch
1 day agoMark Hubbard has long been known as one of the PGA Tour's premier microwaves -- as his elite iron play allows him to create birdie chances on holes other pros are aiming merely for the putting surfaces themselves. There has perhaps never been a better example of this than two weeks ago at TPC Sawgrass, as Hubbard gained a whopping 8.3 shots to the field with his irons (10.5 from tee-to-green), and outpaced even the great Scottie Scheffler with his approach play. Of course, the 6.4 shots Hubbard lost to the field with his putter resulted in a more muted finish than his ball-striking deserved, but it should not be understated just how rare this type of upside is for a player in Hubbard's price range. Memorial Park figures to be a bit too demanding off the tee for his lackluster driving profile, but if Hubbard can find the range off of the tee, there aren't many players in the field better suited to attacking these pins.Source: PGA Tour
1 day agoTampa Bay Rays infielder Jonathan Aranda (finger) has been placed on the 10-day injured list. As expected, Aranda is going to miss some time after suffering a broken finger last week. The expectation is that Aranda should return around late April or early May. As a result, infielder Austin Shenton has been recalled from the minors. He'll likely be in the mix with Curtis Mead, and Harold Ramirez for more playing time with Aranda sidelined.Source: Ryan Bass
1 day agoThe results haven't quite matched up for young Davis Thompson, but looking strictly at the underlying stats, the former UGA Bulldog seems to be primed for a breakout finish. Thompson ranks inside the top 40 in each of the four strokes gained metrics over his last 50 rounds, and Memorial Park's demanding 7400-yard layout should be a perfect fit for his power game. In 2022, Thompson recorded one of the best driving weeks of his career at the Houston Open (+3.8 Strokes Gained), and with the spring overseed slowing down fairways and rough cut down by 50%, this course should be ripe for Thompson to once again take advantage of his elite length. Recent putting woes have robbed Davis of better results through Florida, but perhaps a change of scenery can allow his potential to shine through once again.Source: PGA Tour
2 days agoTexas Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (back) continues making progress from his offseason back surgery and was able to play catch on Wednesday. The veteran right-hander won't be ready for Opening Day, but might not miss too much time. Rangers manager Chris Young doesn't believe that Scherzer will need to be placed on the 60-day injured list. Instead, Young suggested that Scherzer could be back as early as May. The Rangers are likely going to be cautious with the 39-year-old. His injury might push him back into the later rounds of fantasy drafts.Source: Buster Olney
2 days agoThe Florida Swing didn't get off to the best start for 22-year-old Akshay Bhatia, as missed cuts at PGA National and TPC Sawgrass extended his streak to three straight truck slams. However, last week's Valspar Championship may have breathed some life into his profile heading into the Lone Star State, as a 17th-place finish in Palm Harbor represented the best result we've seen from Akshay since the Farmers Insurance Open in January. Of course, Bhatia's prolific ball-striking prowess makes him an ever-present threat to contend -- particularly in a field with just four of the OWGR top 20 in attendance. Last week, he also gained strokes in both short game categories for the first time since last October. If he can sustain these performances on and around the greens, you'd have to think the tee-to-green game will eventually find its range.Source: PGA Tour
2 days agoDespite a spectacular run of play in Europe from the Fall of 2023 until January of 2024 that included five top 10 finishes and a win over nine starts, Thorbjorn Olesen hasn't been able to translate that form across the pond. He's made just one cut out of three across Mexico, Palm Beach, and Palm Harbor, and has surprisingly found most of his struggles on the greens (losing a combined 3.5 strokes putting in eight recorded rounds). The short game will need to be revived quickly for the Dane here in Houston, as Oleson's historic struggles off of the tee won't exactly be met with the most welcoming confines at 7400-yard Memorial Park. Still, we're not too far removed from him making a case as the most in-form player on the DP World Tour, so I remain optimistic on his long-term prospects.Source: PGA Tour
2 days ago2024 has been an up-and-down season thus far for Patrick Rodgers, as the former Stanford standout has recorded three top 15 finishes in nine starts but missed three of his last five cuts. Positive signs could be on the horizon, however, as Memorial Park's lengthy layout should suit the big-hitting Rodgers' game to a tee. He finished 16th here the last time the Houston Open was played in 2022, and two of his best results thus far this year have come on similarly driver/long-iron-heavy venues (Torrey Pines and Vidanta Vallarta. In this rather beleaguered field, who knows? Maybe P-Rodge can make another run at that long-awaited breakthrough win.Source: PGA Tour
2 days agoFormer LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers impressed at the University's Pro Day on Wednesday, running an unofficial 4.35 40-yard dash and excelling in both the vertical jump (42") and broad jump (10'9"). The 20-year-old is coming off a spectacular junior campaign consisting of catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. His excellent athletic testing numbers certainly won't hurt his draft stock, and many analysts believe he could be taken ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft next month. Nabers has visited or will visit with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and New York Giants this week.Source: Katherine Terrell -- ESPN
2 days agoFree-agent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney is signing a two-year, $24 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens, and it was one of the best campaigns of his career. He tied a career-high with 9.5 sacks and did not miss a game for the first time since 2017. The 31-year-old still has plenty of ability, but his surroundings in Carolina won't be as strong as they were with the Ravens. The South Carolina native is now closer to home, and he'll look to help the struggling franchise accelerate its rebuild in 2024.Source: Adam Schefter
2 days agoArizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar (thumb) tore a ligament in his right thumb while trying to pick up a ball off the ground during a minor-league spring training game on Sunday and will need surgery, which will sideline him for at least the first two months of the season. It's bad news for the team's top prospect, who is slated to open the year at Triple-A Reno. He will have surgery on Thursday and could have a "full return to baseball activity in eight to 10 weeks," farm director Shaun Larkin said. The 21-year-old is the future at the shortstop position for the D-backs, but this injury news makes it very hard to recommend stashing the young infielder in single-year fantasy leagues because of the fact that if he does join the Snakes in the big league in 2024, it probably won't be until the tail end of the season now.Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro