1 day agoPittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher
Jared Jones turned in another strong start in Monday's 4-2 win over the Brewers. Jones pitched six innings, allowing one run on four hits (including a solo home run) and two walks with seven strikeouts, one of which was true highlight material. The 22-year-old rookie has been excellent to start the season, going 2-2 with a 2.79 ERA, a 12.10 K/9 rate, and a 1.24 BB/9 rate in five starts and 29 IP. He should have a chance to turn in another solid outing in his next scheduled start at the Giants.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoSan Diego Padres outfield prospect
Jakob Marsee went 0-for-4 on Sunday for Double-A San Antonio, bringing his season batting average down to .138. So far, the reigning Arizona Fall League MVP has failed to carry over the success he had last fall into 2024, with just one home run, four RBI, and nine runs scored over 15 games. On the bright side, he has worked 12 walks and stolen eight bases thus far, which were two of his calling cards during his tenure in the minors over the last two seasons. In 2022, Marsee had a BB:K of 30:25 and 15 steals in 31 games, while in 2023 he had a BB:K of 98:97 and 46 steals in 129 games. The 22-year-old has an ETA of 2024 per MLB.com's top prospect list, but he'll need to pick up the pace for that to happen, especially with no Triple-A at-bats to his name yet.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoMinnesota Twins starting pitcher
Chris Paddack earned his first win of the season in Monday's 7-0 game against the White Sox. Paddack took advantage of a favorable matchup, pitching seven innings while allowing six hits and no walks with 10 strikeouts. Despite this good start, the 28-year-old's return to the starting rotation has not been very successful. He is now 1-1 with a 5.57 ERA in his first four starts. While he was a fantasy prospect early in his career, fantasy managers should wait to see more consistency from him before trusting him. Paddack will look to build on his success in a decent matchup at the Angels.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoCincinnati Reds starting pitcher
Hunter Greene pitched deep into his start Monday but came away with a loss in Monday's 7-0 game against the Phillies. Greene pitched seven innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and two walks with six strikeouts. The 24-year-old is now 0-2 with a 4.55 ERA, an 11.71 K/9 rate, and a 3.92 BB/9 rate in his first five starts. The strikeout skills are evident, but Greene is still looking to take the next step toward becoming a consistent fantasy contributor. That may be difficult in his next scheduled start, which will be a tough matchup at the Rangers. This may be a matchup fantasy managers want to avoid.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoPhiladelphia Phillies starting pitcher
Ranger Suarez continued his hot streak in Monday's 7-0 win over the Reds. Suarez pitched seven innings, allowing just two hits and a walk with five strikeouts. The 28-year-old is now 4-0 with a 1.36 ERA, an 8.73 K/9 rate, and a 1.36 BB/9 rate in five starts. He has been a top fantasy performer early on and will look to continue his stellar performance in his next start at the Padres.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1 day agoThe Houston Texans signed former Cleveland Browns free-agent linebacker Jacob Phillips (pectoral) to an undisclosed one-year deal on Monday, according to a source. Phillips was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft out of LSU and was with the Browns for his first four NFL seasons. However, the 25-year-old spent all of last year on Injured Reserve due to a torn pectoral muscle. It was the second straight year that he ended the season on Injured Reserve due to a pectoral injury, and Phillips has a total of 88 tackles (57 solo), three sacks, five tackles for loss and five passes defended in his three years played in the league in 20 games (eight starts). Now that Phillips appears to be past his latest pectoral injury, he'll be fighting for a roster spot out of training camp in Houston this summer.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
1 day agoMilwaukee Brewers first baseman prospect
Tyler Black went 2-for-4 with a home run for Triple-A Nashville on Sunday. He also had four RBI, a walk, and a run scored in the contest. The 23-year-old keeps making his case for a promotion to the big league club, now with a .315-2-13-14-2 line on the young season. With
Rhys Hoskins splitting his time between DH and 1B, and
Jake Bauers and
Owen Miller doing nothing of note with their time manning first base, Black could get the call to the Show sooner rather than later. The lefty could instantly add a boost to the offense with his power-speed combo after belting 18 home runs and stealing 55 bases last season between Double and Triple-A in just 123 games. Fantasy managers with an open bench spot could stash him ahead of his call-up.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoThere remains no timetable for the return of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (knee) after he was injured in Week 9 when chasing down Tennessee Titans receiver
DeAndre Hopkins when teammate Keanu Neal collided with him. "I can tell you Cole [Holcomb's] working extremely hard to get back," general manager Omar Khan said.. "I don't really have much to add on the timeline. We've discussed this, it was a major injury but he is working hard and I'm optimistic about all the effort he's going to put into getting back on the field." The 27-year-old required season-ending surgery, and many thought it might put an end to his career. However, the former fifth-round pick of the Washington Commanders in 2019 out of North Carolina is working his way back and is hoping to play in 2024 after recording 442 tackles (270 solo) and 4.5 sacks in his first five NFL seasons over 58 games (56 starts).
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Steelers Now - Adam Borst
1 day agoArizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that right-hander
Merrill Kelly (shoulder) is "most likely" headed to the injured list to make room for the call-up of left-hander
Tommy Henry, who will start on Tuesday on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals. Kelly was scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday against the San Francisco Giants and is now most likely going to have to miss the next couple weeks at the very least due to a shoulder strain. The 35-year-old veteran should be stashed in most fantasy leagues while he's on the injured list, as he's currently 2-0 with a strong 2.19 ERA (3.82 FIP) and 0.93 WHIP with six walks and 21 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings over his first four starts. Henry should fill in in Arizona's rotation in the short-term, but the soft-tossing southpaw has minimal fantasy upside and was sporting a 6.87 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in his first four starts before being optioned to the minors.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Arizona Republic - Theo Mackie
1 day agoSeattle Mariners right-hander
Bryan Woo (elbow) tossed three shutout innings with no hits allowed, no walks and five strikeouts in his first minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday. It was a great first rehab start for Woo, who could be ready to make his 2024 debut in Seattle's starting rotation in early May. The 24-year-old threw 35 pitches in the outing and wasn't quite there with the velocity on his fastball, but nonetheless it was a good first outing in the minors. We'll keep you in the loop on how he does in his next minor-league start as he continues to build his pitch count up. Woo, a former sixth-rounder in 2021, should have a spot in the rotation waiting for him after he went 4-5 with a 4.21 ERA and 1.21 WHIP with 93 strikeouts in 87 2/3 innings over 18 starts in his first taste of the big leagues last year.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Milb.com
1 day agoNew York Mets shortstop prospect
Luisangel Acuna is showing off the speed at Triple-A, but not much power yet. The 22-year-old hit a home run in his first game of the season, however, has not hit one since. Ronald's brother went 2-for-5 with a single, a triple, a walk, an RBI, and two runs scored for Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday, bringing his season slashline to a pedestrian .211/.253/.310. Acuna has stolen seven bases so far this year and 40 or more each of the past three seasons.
Francisco Lindor is blocking his way to the majors at shortstop though, but he could make it to Queens as a second baseman or outfielder. He's not forcing the issue with his performance at the plate, however.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoCleveland Guardians outfield prospect
Jaison Chourio went 1-for-2 with two walks for Single-A Lynchburg on Sunday after going 3-for-5 with two doubles, a home run, four RBI, two runs scored, and a walk on Saturday. The younger brother of
Jackson Chourio is now slashing .310/.500/.571 over 12 Single-A games this year, with five doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI, 12 runs scored, and five stolen bases. What's more is that he's got more walks than strikeouts (14:9 BB:K). The 18-year-old is at least a year or so away from the majors, but with a 60-grade hit tool, speed to steal bases, and a keen eye at the plate, dynasty managers should make sure to keep tabs on him. The switch-hitter will likely see some Double-A action before the year is out.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 day agoNew York Knicks forward
Josh Hart had another big game on Monday night in the postseason win over the 76ers. He played all 48 minutes and finished with a double-double, amassing 21 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. The 29-year-old also got after it defensively by ending the evening with two steals and two blocks. Hart has been one of New York's top contributors, combining for 43 points and 28 rebounds in the series' first two games. With the Knicks now up two games to none, both clubs will meet again on Thursday in Philadelphia. DFS managers should expect the 2017 No. 30 overall pick to get all the work he can handle and remain heavily involved on both sides of the floor.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoNew York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson cooled off in the Game 2 win over the Sixers. The big man logged 30 minutes in Game 1 to finish with eight points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, and one steal. However, he played only 18 minutes on Monday night and wasn't nearly as productive. Robinson could bounce back at some point in this series. Yet, with
Isaiah Hartenstein in the equation, Robinson will remain a risky DFS option for Game 3 on Thursday evening.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoNew York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson scored a team-high 24 points in Monday's win over Philly. He added eight rebounds and six assists. While the 27-year-old led the way on the scoring end, he still had trouble shooting the ball, going 8-for-29 from the field and 1-for-6 from deep. He posted similar shooting percentages in Game 1, so it's apparent the Sixers will continue to make him a focal point defensively. However, Brunson can get it done in multiple ways, keeping him on the radar as a top DFS option for any lineup when these clubs meet for Game 3 on Thursday night in Philadelphia.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) had a double-double in Monday's loss to the Knicks. He tweaked his surgically repaired left knee in Game 1 on Saturday and was listed as questionable heading into this one. However, the reigning MVP logged 39 minutes and finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. With the Sixers trailing two games, the series will head back to Philadelphia for Game 3. DFS managers should expect Embiid to appear on the injury report, just like he has since returning from his lengthy layoff. With that in mind, Embiid will remain one of the best fantasy options available, even though he's not fully healthy and has had issues shooting the ball in this series.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard
Tyrese Maxey (illness) shed his questionable designation to suit up for Monday's postseason meeting with the Knicks. After scoring 33 points in Game 1, Maxey played even better in this one, scoring 35 points and adding 10 assists and nine rebounds. The 23-year-old had a lower DFS rostering cost entering Game 2, at least compared to some of the other potent guards on the slate. However, he certainly produced well beyond expectations. With the Sixers down two games to New York, the series will head back to Philly for Game 3 on Thursday night. Expect Maxey to continue to play heavy minutes and get a bulk of the scoring chances.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoThe Kansas City Royals placed right-hander
Jordan Lyles (personal) on the inactive list on Saturday, and the team is not disclosing the reason for his absence other than describing it as a "personal matter." There's no timeline for his return, but because of the type of inactive list Lyles was placed on, it opened a 40-man roster spot for the Royals to call up veteran right-handed reliever
Tyler Duffey. Lyles has thrown five scoreless innings with three strikeouts in five appearances out of KC's bullpen during the 2024 regular season, but he hasn't pitched since April 12. With no defined role and most of his work coming in mop-up duty this year, however, the 33-year-old journeyman belongs on fantasy waiver wires while he's unavailable. There's no clear-cut fantasy beneficiary of his absence, either.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Anne Rogers - MLB.com
1 day agoToronto Blue Jays first baseman
Joey Votto (ankle) has started running more, but he's not hitting live pitching yet. There's no immediate plan for him to get into minor-league games, so until Votto resumes hitting, there's also no reason for fantasy managers to consider stashing the veteran on-base machine. After slashing .202/.314/.433 with 14 home runs and 38 RBI over 242 plate appearances (65 games) with the Cincinnati Reds a year ago, the 40-year-old former All-Star will be an option to serve as Toronto's designated hitter versus right-handed pitching when he's ultimately able to return from an ankle sprain and make his 2024 regular-season debut. Righty-mashing veteran
Daniel Vogelbach will draw the occasional start as the DH, but he's only appeared in eight games for the Jays so far and isn't receiving enough at-bats to garner any fantasy interest right now.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith - Sportsnet.ca
1 day agoNew York Mets designated hitter
J.D. Martinez (back) will move his rehab to Triple-A Syracuse this week, and "it's possible" the team could activate him when they get home on Friday for the start of a three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals, per manager
Carlos Mendoza. After receiving a cortisone shot due to lower back tightness, Martinez returned to a minor-league rehab assignment on Sunday and is on track to make his 2024 regular-season debut in Queens in Week 4 of fantasy baseball. With the Mets struggling to find consistency in the heart of their batting order, the 36-year-old All-Star slugger figures to slot right in as the No. 5 hitter in the lineup immediately upon his move to New York's active roster. After slashing .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs, 27 doubles, and 103 RBI across 432 at-bats (113 games) with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, Martinez should be rostered for those in need of power numbers.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Anthony DiComo - MLB.com
1 day agoThe Baltimore Orioles plan to recall outfield prospect
Heston Kjerstad from the minor leagues ahead of Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Kjerstad, the No. 42 prospect in baseball and Baltimore's No. 4 prospect, is slashing a prolific .349/.431/.744 with 10 home
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1 day agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher
Justin Steele (hamstring) completed a live batting practice session on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Manager Craig Counsell said everything went well, and Steele's next outing will come in an extended spring training game in Arizona on Friday. On the mend from a Grade 1 left hamstring strain that he suffered back on Opening Day, Steele continues to ramp up his activity ahead of a minor-league rehab assignment that appears to be on the horizon. Based on Steele's current progress, fantasy managers can expect the 28-year-old All-Star left-hander to rejoin Chicago's rotation at some point in the middle of May. Right-hander
Javier Assad has been a major factor in mixed leagues as a starter for the Cubs to begin the 2024 regular season, posting a 2.11 ERA (3.72 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, and 21:8 K:BB over 21 1/3 innings (four starts), but he'll face a tough matchup on paper in Thursday's scheduled home start versus the Houston Astros.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Bruce Levine - Marquee Sports Network
1 day agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Alek Manoah (shoulder) is slated to start for Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday or Thursday, per manager John Schneider. Schneider liked Manoah's fastball command and slider movement when he watched his latest rehab start on video, but the Jays want the hurler to get one more minor-league rehab appearance under his belt before deciding what's next for Manoah. The big 26-year-old right-hander threw 92 pitches of two-run ball in his latest rehab outing and is essentially built up in his recovery from soreness in his right shoulder, and he figures to be an option for Toronto's starting rotation early next week if he bounces back well from the start. Rookie right-hander
Yariel Rodriguez will get at least one more start, which is scheduled for Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals, sporting a promising 2.35 ERA (4.38 FIP), 1.30 WHIP, and 13:3 K:BB across 7 2/3 innings (two starts).
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith - Sportsnet.ca
1 day agoThe Baltimore Orioles placed outfielder
Austin Hays (calf) on the 10-day injured list on Monday, retroactive to Sunday. After leaving Saturday's win over the Kansas City Royals, Hays needs to miss some additional time with a strained left calf. The 28-year-old left fielder was already trending down due to a feeble .111/.200/.111 triple-slash line with just two RBI over 45 at-bats (19 games) as well as the emergence of former top prospect
Colton Cowser for the O's, so fantasy managers shouldn't feel inclined to stash Hays while he's sidelined. Cowser's playing time in left field becomes even more solidified in the absence of Hays. Hitting .373 (19-for-51) with five home runs, six doubles, nine runs scored, and three stolen bases to this point, Cowser is a player with five-category upside in Baltimore's potent lineup for the foreseeable future.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Orioles on X
1 day agoBaltimore Orioles first baseman
Ryan Mountcastle (knee) is out of Monday's lineup for the start of a three-game series on the road against the Los Angeles Angels as a precaution due to knee soreness. Skipper Brandon Hyde says Mountcastle is available to pinch-hit from Baltimore's bench if needed, so there's no need for fantasy managers to be alarmed by the infielder's absence. The 27-year-old slugger is slashing a stellar .324/.388/.500 with two home runs, seven doubles, 11 RBI, and 14 runs scored through 74 at-bats (19 games), and he can be expected back in the starting lineup as soon as Tuesday's matchup in Anaheim. Utility man
Ramon Urias will slide in to bat fifth against Halos left-hander
Reid Detmers and cover the cold corner for Mountcastle on Monday, but he's not the most exciting fantasy option while batting .219 (7-for-32) with just one extra-base hit and two RBI this season.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Steve Melewski - MASN Sports
1 day agoOrlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) returned to Monday's contest against the Cavs. The 22-year-old suffered a left knee strain in the first quarter and needed assistance to the locker room. It appeared his night was over. However, Suggs managed to return to start the second half. Without question, DFS managers who have him in their lineups are thrilled he's back on the floor. However, Suggs will likely appear on the injury report heading into Game 3.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: TV Broadcast
2 days agoLos Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's postseason clash with the Mavericks. He has started practicing, although it's unknown how involved he actually was. With that in mind, DFS managers likely won't see him on Tuesday night. However, it appears there's at least a chance Leonard could return during the series with Dallas. Nonetheless,
Paul George,
Ivica Zubac, and
James Harden should lead the way offensively while Leonard is out. At the same time, there's room for
Russell Westbrook,
Norman Powell, and
Terance Mann to benefit on the scoring end.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Michael Scotto
2 days agoAccording to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com, the Pistons might be interested in signing forward
Miles Bridges this summer. After sitting out the 2022-23 campaign because of legal troubles, the 26-year-old amassed a career-high 21.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in 69 games with the Hornets this season. Of course, there will be more than a handful of teams expected to make an offer. However, Detroit will have the cap space during the offseason, although the interest could fade depending on who takes over as the president of basketball operations.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Michael Scotto
2 days agoImpending free-agent guard
Malik Monk (knee) is expected to test free agency. While the Sixth Man of the Year favorite indicated his love for Sacramento, he could sign elsewhere for more money. Without question, Monk will command plenty of attention in the open market, especially from teams with cash to spend. The 26-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 15.4 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 72 games during the 2023-24 campaign. Unfortunately, he suffered a sprained MCL toward the end of the year and wasn't available for either of Sacramento's Play-In contests. Monk should be fully healthy by the start of the new season, although his fantasy outlook won't be known until he signs his next contract.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Jason Anderson
2 days agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is doubtful to play in Tuesday's game versus the Pacers. TNT's Jared Greenberg reported on Sunday that the team remains optimistic the multi-time MVP will be back at some point during the series against Indiana. However, he's not expected to play in Game 2 as he continues to work his way back from a left Soleus strain. Of course,
Damian Lillard will stay a popular DFS option on Tuesday night, especially after scoring 35 points in Game 1. In addition,
Bobby Portis and
Khris Middleton, each amassing a double-double on Sunday, will also see more attention from fantasy managers if Antetokounmpo is officially ruled out.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
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