2 days agoJonathan Martinez (19-4) is set to face former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo in the co-main event of UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday. Martinez enters the bout on a six-fight winning streak as he's coming off a TKO win over Adrian Yanez. Despite going into enemy territory, Martinez is the favorite as DraftKings has him at a salary of $8,300. Martinez is 10-3 in the UFC and has four wins by knockout, while he's only been finished once in his entire MMA career.
--Cole SheltonSource: UFC
2 days agoFormer UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo (31-8) is set to return to the Octagon on Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 301 against Jonathan Martinez. Aldo hasn't fought in mixed martial arts since August of 2022 and he has had three boxing fights since then. In his return to the UFC, Aldo is the underdog, as DraftKings has him at a salary of $7,900. Aldo is coming off a decision loss to Merab Dvalishvili, which snapped his three-fight winning streak. In the UFC, the Brazilian is 13-7 and has won four fights by knockout, while he's been finished in four of his seven losses.
--Cole SheltonSource: UFC
2 days agoTampa Bay Rays infield prospect
Junior Caminero smacked two more home runs on Wednesday for Triple-A Durham. It was the second time in three games that the 20-year-old accomplished the feat, bringing his season total to six. He's clearly shaken off the early season hamstring injury and there just isn't much more you can say about him.
Isaac Paredes provides plenty of pop at third base but missed Wednesday's game due to general soreness, so perhaps he moves to DH to make room for the youngster. Regardless, no matter the scenario that gets him there, we should be seeing Caminero in the big leagues sooner rather than later and he should be rostered in fantasy leagues wherever possible.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
2 days agoCleveland Guardians starting pitcher
Triston McKenzie submitted his best showing of the 2024 regular season in Wednesday's 3-2 extra-inning victory over the Houston Astros, fanning six hitters while surrendering two runs on five hits (one home run) and one walk over a season-high seven innings. It hasn't been a great start to the year for McKenzie, who missed most of last season due to injury, but he cruised through Houston's dangerous lineup in the first five innings.
Kyle Tucker tagged him for a homer in the seventh, leaving McKenzie with a no-decision. The 26-year-old right-hander improved his ERA to 4.34 with a 1.48 WHIP and a troubling 24:18 K:BB over 29 innings (six starts) to begin the campaign. Monday's home start against the division-rival Detroit Tigers offers him a great chance to build on Wednesday's display. In seven career starts (43 IP) against Detroit, McKenzie has a 1.05 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and 50:11 K:BB.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoWashington Nationals starting pitcher
Trevor Williams held the defending-champion Texas Rangers in check in Wednesday's surprising 1-0 road victory, working around five hits and a season-high four walks to launch five scoreless innings with three strikeouts. After a spotless opening inning, Williams tiptoed around plenty of trouble over his 79 pitches but was able to escape with his third win of the campaign to remain unbeaten. The soft-throwing 32-year-old right-hander now holds a steady 2.27 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 22:12 K:BB across 31 2/3 frames (six starts) out of Washington's rotation this season. A tough test awaits Williams in Tuesday's scheduled start against the visiting Baltimore Orioles and right-hander
Corbin Burnes at Nationals Park for the first outing of a two-game Beltway Series. The O's have hit an MLB-high 45 home run in 30 games, making Williams a tough sell as a fantasy streamer.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoColorado Rockies catching prospect
Drew Romo leads the Pacific Coast League in batting average after a 4-for-4 day at the plate Wednesday for Triple-A Albuquerque. The 22-year-old raised his BA to a robust .372 with the performance, which also included his first two
read more...
2 days agoMiami Marlins starting pitcher
Roddery Munoz turned in another impressive performance in Wednesday's 4-1 victory over the visiting Colorado Rockies, striking out seven hitters while giving up only one run on three hits and two walks over six solid innings for his first career win. In the showing, Munoz joined the late
Jose Fernandez as the only pitchers in Marlins franchise history to have 13-plus strikeouts and a sub-0.75 WHIP across their first two games with the team. The 24-year-old right-hander is giving Miami's injury-riddled rotation some valuable work since joining the major-league roster in late April, attaining a 2.45 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, and 14:3 K:BB over 11 frames (two starts). Despite the strong start, Munoz lines up to take the hill in a shy-away spot for fantasy purposes on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers have scored an MLB-high 177 runs through 33 outings.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Christina De Nicola - MLB.com
2 days agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher
Luis Gil quieted the division-rival Baltimore Orioles in Wednesday's 2-0 road victory, throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings on two hits and one walk with five strikeouts en route to a win. Singles by
Hestonread more...
2 days agoNew York Yankees infielder
DJ LeMahieu (foot) reported to Yankee Stadium on Wednesday and told the club's training staff that he was "feeling great," according to manager Aaron Boone. LeMahieu appears to be close to resuming baseball activities, and a minor-league rehab assignment doesn't appear far off. The 35-year-old veteran contact hitter suffered a setback while recovering from a non-displaced fracture in his right foot with Double-A Somerset after one inning on April 23, but he should still be able to return sometime in mid-to-late May if he can avoid any additional hitches in the road during his progression. The switch-hitting
Oswaldo Cabrera is serving as New York's everyday third baseman for now, but he's losing steam with a .236/.259/.327 triple-slash line in his most recent 55 at-bats (15 games) and LeMahieu's return approaching.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Gary Phillips - New York Daily News
2 days agoNew York Mets relief pitcher
Adam Ottavino tossed a scoreless eighth inning during Wednesday's 1-0 loss to the visiting Chicago Cubs, continuing to throw as well as any reliever in recent weeks. Believe it or not, Ottavino has not allowed a hit to the last 34 batters he's faced, walking only two and striking out 17 over this superb stretch that dates back to April 5. The 38-year-old veteran high-leverage arm has tallied nine consecutive hitless appearances out of New York's bullpen, and he now carries a shiny 1.54 ERA, 0.51 WHIP, and 20:2 K:BB over 11 2/3 innings overall for the Mets during the 2024 regular season. With
Drew Smith (shoulder) and
Brooks Raley (elbow) on the shelf, it looks pretty clear that Ottavino would be next in line for save opportunities in Queens in the event that
Edwin Diaz ever needs to miss time for whatever reason.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoBoston Red Sox catcher
Connor Wong continued his hot start to the season in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the visiting San Francisco Giants, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two doubles. Wong most notably doubled in a run on a sharp line drive that brought around
Wilyer Abreu for an insurance score in the seventh inning. The 27-year-old backstop is tearing the cover off the ball to begin the campaign, batting .366 (26-for-71) with five home runs, three doubles, 14 RBI, and nine runs scored in 21 games as Boston's primary catcher. Wong is worth a look for fantasy managers in two-catcher leagues while he's rolling ahead of a three-game series with the Minnesota Twins starting on Friday, but the wheels will likely come off a bit at some point. In six games versus the Twins last season, Wong hit .250 (5-for-20) with three RBI, and three runs scored.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoThe Arizona Diamondbacks have called up 2019 first-round draft pick
Blake Walston. The left-handed pitcher is expected to provide depth to the bullpen, which he was able to do in Wednesday's 8-0 loss to the Dodgers. The 22-year-old's debut was a mixed bag, tossing three-and-two-thirds in relief of starter
Jordan Montgomery. He walked four batters but was able to strike out five Dodgers as well, giving up three hits and two earned runs during the outing. He's off the radar for season-long fantasy, but if he were able to earn a spot start (he's worked predominantly as a starter in the minors) he could be a potential DFS option depending on the matchup.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
2 days agoThe New York Giants could look to add a veteran presence to their backfield before the 2024 NFL season, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. "This is a spot that could call for a cheap veteran reinforcement, even if that's just re-signing
Mattread more...
2 days agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga continued his seamless transition to the major leagues in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the New York Mets, firing a career-high seven scoreless innings on three hits and one walk with seven strikeouts for his fifth win of the season. Imanaga was magnificent once again on Wednesday, scattering three singles and getting just enough run support via a
Pete Crow-Armstrong sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. The 30-year-old Japanese import has been nearly unstoppable over his first six starts of the campaign, toting an MLB-best 0.78 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, and 35:4 K:BB across 34 2/3 frames to begin his MLB career. All eyes will be on Imanaga when he toes the rubber in his next scheduled start on Monday during a difficult assignment against the San Diego Padres and fellow Japanese hurler
Yu Darvish at Wrigley Field. The Padres rank second in baseball with 163 runs scored through 34 games.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoPittsburgh Pirates second baseman prospect
Nick Gonzales has been doing all he can for Triple-A Indianapolis to earn another promotion to the big league club. The 24-year-old is now batting .374, which is the second-highest batting average in all of Triple-A behind only 33-year-old teammate
Jake Lamb, and Gonzales leads the circuit with 12 doubles.
Jared Triolo is the Pirates' current second baseman but is batting just .216 on the season and only .152 over his last 14 games (7-for-46 including one double and zero HR). The Pirates just dropped three in a row to the Athletics after scoring three total runs in the three-game series, so if they are looking for offense then they should look no further than Gonzales. The former first-round draft pick hit just .209 during his cup of coffee with the big league club in 2023, but he's shown an improved K% in the minors this season (18.3%) which is another sign he's ready for another shot.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
2 days agoIndianapolis Colts quarterback
Anthony Richardson will be more aware of the speed and violence of the football game around him so that he can better protect himself heading into his second pro season, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter told members of the media. Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but made just four starts as a rookie before he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Richardson's physicality and athleticism helped him become a top pick and budding NFL star, but these same qualities likely made him more susceptible to injury, too. Cooter's comments should provide Colts fans and fantasy managers with some optimism that Richardson can stay healthy in 2024. At the same time, though, they also suggest that Richardson may tone down his physicality, which could lead to fewer rushing yards and touchdowns, as well as more sacks. Fantasy managers should view the Indianapolis signal-caller as a fringe QB1 heading into drafts.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: James Boyd
2 days agoLos Angeles Angels starting pitcher
Patrick Sandoval tallied 10 strikeouts in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to the visiting Philadelphia Phillies, tossing five innings of two-run ball on four hits and two walks en route to a loss. It was Sandoval's first game with double-digit punchouts since 2022, but
Kyle Schwarber's two-run single in the second inning proved to be enough to saddle the hurler with a loss on a day the Phillies struck out 18 times. The 27-year-old southpaw will take an underwhelming 5.91 ERA, 1.69 WHIP, and 38:16 K:BB over 32 frames (seven starts) for the Halos into in his next scheduled appearance on Tuesday on the road against the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates, who are scoring just 2.4 runs per game over their last 21 contests.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoCincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder
Spencer Steer got the scoring started in Wednesday's 6-2 loss on the road to the San Diego Padres, smashing his fourth home run of the 2024 regular season and stealing a base. Steer took Padres right-hander
Joe Musgrove yard for a 412-foot bomb to deep left center in the first inning, continuing what has been a prolific start to the campaign for him. The 26-year-old left fielder is building on his 2023 breakout thus far, slashing .252/.364/.450 with four long balls, 22 RBI, 18 runs scored, and eight stolen bases through 132 trips to the plate (31 outings) for the Reds. On tap for Steer is a three-game weekend series starting on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. In three games against Baltimore last season, Steer hit .400 (4-for-10) with one big fly, three RBI, three walks, and one pilfer.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoWashington Commanders tight end
Zach Ertz could face competition from rookie
Ben Sinnott heading into the 2024 season, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Ertz landed with Washington during free agency as the Commanders looked to replace fellow veteran
Logan Thomas. While Ertz currently has a grasp on the No. 1 tight end role, Washington did spend a second-round pick on Sinnott, a Kansas State product, suggesting there could be some competition and turnover at the position. Standig writes that "Sinnott's unique versatility means he could carve out a role in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's attack," implying the rookie has an inside track to earning targets right away. Ertz might still be the preferred option to open the year, but Sinnott will get involved. As a result, both tight ends should be avoided in most redraft formats. Sinnott, however, is an intriguing depth name in dynasty leagues.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Ben Standig
2 days agoBoston Celtics power forward/center
Al Horford replaced
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) in the starting lineup for Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Miami Heat. The dominant team performance putting the game out of hand early limited Horford's time on the court to 22 minutes. Boston's 37-year-old veteran still delivered eight points, six rebounds, and three assists to help build the lead. Horford will continue to start in the next round with Porzingis missing several more games. The Celtics must rely on Horford and reserve
Luke Kornet as their centers against a tougher Cleveland Cavaliers or Orlando Magic opponent.
--Joey Haverford - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 days agoNew York Giants wide receiver
Jalin Hyatt has likely dropped to No. 3 on the depth chart after the team spent a first-round pick on
Malik Nabers, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Duggan notes that Nabers already has the inside path to being New York's No. 1 receiver and
Darius Slayton will likely start opposite him. With that said, there could be an opportunity for Hyatt to surpass Slayton on the depth chart. "The plan should be for Hyatt to take on a bigger role this season and eventually replace Slayton," writes Duggan. Such a plan would put Hyatt on the radar in deeper dynasty leagues, but he can be avoided in most redraft formats.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Dan Duggan
2 days agoNew York Giants wide receiver
Darius Slayton is expected to remain a starter despite the addition of first-round pick
Malik Nabers, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Duggan notes that while Slayton has expressed frustration about his current contract status, the pass-catcher is expected to open the 2024 campaign as New York's No. 2 receiver behind Nabers. Such an alignment would push
Jalin Hyatt into the No. 3 role, at least to start the year.
Isaiah Hodgins,
Isaiah McKenzie, and
Gunner Olszewski would round out the depth chart. With uncertainty at quarterback and increased competition in the passing game, Slayton isn't a very enticing name for the 2024 fantasy football season. In all likelihood, he'll open the year on the fringe of rosters and waiver wires in most 12-team redraft formats.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Dan Duggan
2 days agoBoston Celtics guard
Jrue Holiday contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists in the team's Game 5 win versus the Miami Heat. The five-time All-Defensive Team guard closed a quiet offensive series by shooting 3-for-5 from the field on Wednesday. Holiday helped keep the opposing guards in check with his stellar defense, but he only averaged 7.8 points on eight shot attempts per game in the series.
Derrick White becoming a bigger offensive force in the backcourt limits Holiday's fantasy ceiling. However,
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) missing several more games in the next round could be a fantasy boost to improve Holiday's points and rebounds in a more challenging series.
--Joey Haverford - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 days agoAtlanta Braves starting pitcher prospect
AJ Smith-Shawver threw five strong innings for Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday. The righty allowed no runs on three hits and one walk while striking out five. The 21-year-old now has a 5.09 ERA and 1.36 WHIP on the season with 21 strikeouts in 17 2/3 innings pitched. Ranked as the Braves' top prospect, he'll surely make an appearance in Atlanta this season after making his MLB debut in 2023, starting five games for the Braves while recording a 4.26 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and a 20:11 K:BB. Fantasy managers should scoop him up once he does get the call, as he should be a solid starter on a team that produces plenty of run support.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
2 days agoBoston Celtics guard
Derrick White had a great game with 25 points, five rebounds, and two assists in Game 5's win over the Miami Heat. The 29-year-old tied
Jaylen Brown for the most points scored as Boston dominated the game from start to finish. White has stepped up the whole series by averaging 22.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in the five games. The Celtics treat White as their third offensive option behind
Jayson Tatum and Brown in most games without
Kristaps Porzingis. White's stock continuing to rise, and he'll be a strong fantasy option in the next round due to Porzingis (calf) missing more games.
--Joey Haverford - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 days agoMiami Heat forward
Nikola Jovic had eight points, seven boards, and four assists in Wednesday's meeting with the Celtics. Unfortunately, his efforts weren't enough, as Boston closed out the series in five games. At any rate, the 2022 No. 27 overall pick picked things up toward the end of the 2023-24 campaign. He ended the year by averaging 12.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in eight games in April. It appears Erik Spoelstra could give Jovic regular playing time next season, assuming he remains in Miami. However, the 20-year-old has a way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 days agoMiami Heat guard/forward
Duncan Robinson (back) finished with just two points in Wednesday's loss to Boston. Robinson admittedly wasn't healthy for this series. On a positive note, he finished the regular season by averaging 12.9 points, a significant upgrade from the 2022-23 campaign. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old has had issues staying healthy over the last few seasons, which is something for fantasy managers to consider moving ahead. There's also a chance Robinson won't be in Miami next season, considering the Heat have been trying to move him for years. Yet, a change of scenery could do him good, especially if he gets more minutes elsewhere.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 days agoBoston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum delivered 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists in the team's Game 5 series-clinching win over the Miami Heat. Tatum did not have to showcase his usual scoring excellence with the game out of hand early, but he still produced a double-double in just 32 minutes. The 26-year-old averaged 39.5 minutes per game in the series before tonight's game to show that the blowout impacted his fantasy output and time on the court.
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) missing more games could mean more fantasy production from Tatum in the next round.
--Joey Haverford - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 days agoMiami Heat forward
Caleb Martin finished with 10 points in Wednesday's loss to the Boston Celtics. He added four boards and one assist. The 28-year-old was one of Miami's top rotational pieces during the regular season. He averaged a career-high 10 points. Unfortunately, he was limited to 64 games due to injury. That's been the theme for Martin throughout his career. He also isn't a consistent fantasy producer. Assuming he remains in Miami, he may battle for minutes with
Jaime Jaquez Jr. and
Nikola Jovic throughout the 2024-25 campaign. Martin's injury woes over the years are another reason fantasy managers may look the other way.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 days agoMiami Heat guard
Tyler Herro struggled in Wednesday's loss to the Boston Celtics. While he had 15 points, he shot a rough 6-for-19 from the field and 1-for-8 from downtown. With Miami's year finished, Herro will get some much-needed rest. He ended the regular season by averaging a career-high 20.8 points with 5.3 boards and 4.5 assists. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 42 games because of various ailments. Without question, the 24-year-old can be a potent fantasy performer. However, his inability to remain on the court will significantly lower his fantasy value heading into the 2024-25 campaign. The Heat might also make some roster moves during the offseason, so Herro's name will likely be mentioned in several trade scenarios.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
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