2 days agoTony Finau's approach numbers have been strong to start 2024, and he's always going to be a stroke-gainer off the tee, but it's the putting that has held the 34-year-old back both of late and in his history at Harbour Town Golf Links. Finau has gained strokes on the field on the greens just three times in his 10 appearances, and he's lost strokes putting in all four of his trips to the RBC Heritage, failing to eclipse a 31st-place finish. Having to keep his driver in the bag, and facing a lot of 12-15 foot birdie putts seems to be what holds Finau back at this track, so it's likely that fantasy managers can look elsewhere on DraftKings in this $8,000-$9,000 price range.
--Tommy BellSource: PGA Tour
2 days agoBaltimore Orioles infielder
Jordan Westburg continued his strong season on Tuesday versus the Minnesota Twins. Westburg went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in the team's victory. Westburg has quietly been putting up very solid numbers for a strong Orioles offense, but has been overlooked with so much star power in the lineup. On the season, Westburg is hitting .316 with four homers, 14 RBI and two stolen bases. As part of one of the best lineups in the league, Westburg should be rostered in most formats with his ability to help across the board.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoMiami Heat forward/center
Kevin Love (arm, ankle) has been cleared to play in Wednesday's play-in battle against Philadelphia. He suffered an arm contusion in the regular-season finale against Toronto on Sunday, logging just three minutes. However, the veteran has shaken off the injury ahead of a crucial part of the campaign. Love is set to provide cover for starting center
Bam Adebayo in a tough matchup against
Joel Embiid. The veteran has shown in 2023-24 that there's still some juice left in him, averaging 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds in 16.8 minutes.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 days agoAtlanta Braves starting pitcher
Reynaldo Lopez continued his hot start to the season with a victory on Tuesday versus the Houston Astros. Lopez tossed six innings and allowed four hits, no runs, one walk and struck out seven. Lopez has been a reclamation project for the Braves after spending the bulk of his career with the Chicago White Sox, who had him pitching out of the bullpen. So far, Lopez has earned an A+ and is 2-0 with a sparkling 0.50 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in three starts. Lopez should be rostered in all formats, not only due to his success early on, but the bevy of injuries to pitchers in general. Managers should consider that Lopez has not been a full-time starter since 2019 and it will be interesting to see how he handles a full workload as the season continues. The right-hander will look to keep things going versus a weak Miami Marlins offense on Tuesday.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoMiami Heat guard/forward
Duncan Robinson (back) has been listed as probable for Wednesday's play-in game against Philadelphia. He missed the final four games of the regular season but appears to be on track for a comeback against the 76ers. Robinson also missed time at the end of March with a back problem and didn't look quite like himself after returning. The 29-year-old averaged just 4.5 points across four games. Miami will need a lot more from him on Wednesday if the Heat are to compete with
Joel Embiid's crew.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 days agoWill Zalatoris is quietly picking up right where he left off when an injury cut his 2023 campaign short. The 27-year-old added his third top-10 finish at The Masters last week, and his reliable approach numbers have once again anchored his play. The only question mark in Zalatoris' game is his putting, and that has slowly become a bit more consistent week-to-week, with the occasional down week to be expected. The California native has only played the RBC Heritage once, but there was plenty to like about his approach and putting numbers in that 2021 outing. With his game in a great place and the course fit on his side, Willy Z will be a popular choice on DraftKings at $9,000.
--Tommy BellSource: PGA Tour
2 days agoThe only thing separating the recent mundane finishes for J.T. Poston versus the strong start he had to his 2024 season is putting. He averaged 1.08 strokes gained putting over his first four events compared to a -0.016 average through his last three starts. Ball striking hasn't been anything to write home about, but he has stayed consistent all year with the irons and off the tee. Harbour Town is suited for Poston's strong mid/long iron game, as he is ranked 28th on the season in approach proximity between 175-200 yards (31' 8"), which has made up 28.3% of approach shots here since 2015. There is a potential for ownership leverage here with the recent dip in performance, and at $8,800, he is worth some consideration this week.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
2 days agoHouston Astros starting pitcher
Hunter Brown bounced back into form on Tuesday versus the Atlanta Braves. In his previous start, Brown didn't make it out of the first inning and allowed 11 hits on nine runs. It was a much better performance Tuesday as earned a quality start by going six innings and allowing five hits, two runs, three walks and striking out three. The three walks weren't ideal, but it was nice to see Brown get back on track after such an abysmal outing his previous time on the mound. Brown still got stuck with the loss as the Astros offense didn't help and falls to 0-3 with a 10.54 ERA. Next up will be a matchup versus the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. The Cubs draw plenty of walks and this isn't an ideal matchup for Brown.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoSan Francisco Giants third baseman
Matt Chapman went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Tuesday's loss versus the Miami Marlins. The veteran is now up to four homers on the season, but is hitting a weak .205. Chapman has never been a big contact hitter with a career ,240 batting average, but the power has always been there and that is showing with his new team thus far. At this point in his career, Chapman is what he is and fantasy managers seeking power can give him a look with the knowledge that he will hurt managers batting average.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoNew York Mets starting pitching prospect
Christian Scott continues to post high strikeout rates through three appearances at the Triple-A level in 2024. The right-hander has now made three starts, allowing just six earned runs and three walks. Meanwhile, he has managed to strike out 26 opposing batters over just 14.1 innings per work. While his strikeout rate is terrific, it's not necessarily a surprise given that Scott is known to have some of the best control in all of Minor League Baseball. The 2021 fifth-round pick also has an impressive three-pix mitch headlined by a high-90s fastball. If he can continue to post an extremely high K/BB rate, Scott will be destined for a promotion to the majors sooner rather than later.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
2 days agoSeattle Mariners starting pitcher
Logan Gilbert picked up his first victory of the season on Tuesday versus the Cincinnati Reds. Gilbert tossed 6 2/3 innings and allowed three hits, one run, one walk and struck out six on the evening. Although it was his first victory of the season, it doesn't speak to how good of a season he has had. Through four starts, the right-hander has produced a shiny 2.33 ERA to go along with 29 strikeouts and just four walks in 27 innings, He has been as productive as one can be. With so many injuries to pitchers early on, managers should hold on tight to Gilbert as he can be a Cy Young candidate if he continues his success. Next up will be a matchup versus the division rival Texas Rangers. Even against a tough lineup like Texas, Gilbert remains a must-start.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoMinnesota Twins infield prospect
Rubel Cespedes signed with the team out of the Dominican Republic in 2019. He has gradually developed within the Twins' farm system and is currently a promising prospect with a variety of skills. He displays positional versatility, having played all four infield positions in 2023. Expect him to settle into a corner infield position long-term. He has also flashed impressive glovework, maintained an impressive K/BB rate, and demonstrated an impressive hit tool. Plus, although he has never been viewed as a major power threat, the first baseman has already homered in three of seven games so far this year. Speaking of Cespedes' contributions this season, the 23-year-old is coming off a big week at High-A. Over six games, he went 11-for-24 with three homers, 11 RBI, three walks, and five strikeouts.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
2 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitching prospect
Quinn Mathews was a fourth-round pick in 2023, but he didn't make his pro debut until this April. The southpaw has a low-90s fastball and rounds out his repertoire with a curveball, slider, and changeup. Of those secondary options, the changeup is the best, though all three can be effective. Mathews flashed decent control in college and has racked up strikeouts so far this year. He also struggled with walks in his pro debut but seemed to harness his control a little more in his last outing. Speaking of such, Mathews' last outing thrust him firmly into the spotlight once again. He struck out a whopping 11 batters over five shutout innings while surrendering just one hit and issuing zero walks.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
2 days agoTampa Bay Rays infield prospect
Carson Williams was the team's first-round pick in the 2021 draft. He boasts a strong blend of offensive and defensive skills and is a fringe five-tool player. He showcases impressive power, runs well, and is such an excellent defender that he should have no trouble remaining at shortstop long-term. He can make an everyday impact in the field with his terrific range, glovework, and arm strength. Williams mounted a five-game hitting streak last week, going 10-for-19 with one homer, three RBI, two walks, and two strikeouts. Outside of the batting average above .500, this line doesn't seem otherworldly. However, he truly rounded out his big week by stealing four bases on five attempts. He spent limited time at Triple-A last year and will likely be on his way back to Durham sooner rather than later.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
2 days agoPatrick Cantlay has had an up-and-down, relatively quiet start to 2024, but his approach game might be coming around at just the right time. In six career starts at the RBC Heritage, the 32-year-old has placed seventh or better FIVE times, with one missed cut in 2021. Cantlay has been the runner-up once, and he's landed in third place three times. The only thing he hasn't done at Harbour Town Golf Links is donned the plaid jacket! A typically reliable ball-striker, the California native has struggled in the SG: Approach category of late, but he did show us at The Genesis and The Masters that he can turn it on at any time. It makes sense to project another strong iron showing from Cantlay here, but fantasy managers will have to pay a hefty price in the betting markets (16/1) and on DraftKings ($10,200) if they want to buy in this week.
--Tommy BellSource: PGA Tour
2 days agoBaltimore Orioles starting pitching prospect Cameron Weston was an eighth-round pick in the 2022 draft and has primarily flown under the radar so far. A mid-90s fastball and effective splitter headline his repertoire, but he also throws a decent slider. Furthermore, he has demonstrated impressive control while maintaining a high ground-ball rate. The southpaw continued to boast his potential with another big start in the minors last week. He tossed five shutout innings on April 11, allowing zero hits and zero walks while hitting one batter. He also struck out nine batters along the way, once again elevating his K/9 rate.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
2 days agoHouston Astros prospect
Joey Loperfido has made his second appearance in our Hot Prospects series over the last three weeks. He ranks No. 3 among Astros outfield prospects but boasts the potential to be an everyday standout in Houston. He runs well, has a strong blend of contact and power, and boasts positional versatility with his ability to play the outfield, first base, or second base. These strengths certainly make up for his average defense and strikeout tendencies. Over six games last week, Loperfido went 11-for-26 with five home runs, 13 RBI, six walks, and 10 strikeouts. He also stole one base along the way. As his hot start continues, don't be surprised if Houston summons him to the majors sooner rather than later.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
2 days agoCleveland Guardians outfielder
Steven Kwan went 3-for-5 with two runs and a walk in Tuesday's victory against the Boston Red Sox. The leadoff hitter for the Guardians raised his batting average to an astounding .372 with the strong effort. All three hits were singles, but a hit is a hit. Kwan has been scorching hot with his bat this season, but 25 of his 29 hits have been singles with two doubles and two homers. He also only has three walks on the season for an OBP of .395. With ability to only reach base when he is hitting the ball well, his ceiling is limited, but at the same time he is an asset when he is in the groove of things as he currently is. Kwan could be a good sell-high candidate as he will eventually regress and doesn't offer much in other counting categories. He will look to stay hot on Tuesday versus
Tanner Houck and the Red Sox.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoBoston Red Sox first baseman
Triston Casas stayed hot with a 2-for-4 performance in Tuesday's contest versus the Cleveland Indians. He also drew a walk and homered for the fifth time this season. Casas was a popular name heading into draft day this season and he has backed that up by hitting .258 with five homers and nine RBI. It seems like Casas has been around forever, but he is just 24 years of age and amid a breakout season. Casas should be rostered in all formats as he looks to continue his success on Wednesday versus
Ben Lively in Game 3 of a four-game series with the Guardians.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers pitching prospect
Landon Knack will make his big-league debut on Wednesday versus the Washington Nationals. The 26-year-old is one of the Dodgers top pitching prospects and has made four starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City this season. In those starts, he has produced a 4.02 ERA with 16 strikeouts and four walks. Knack is intriguing, especially with a matchup versus a Washington Nationals lineup that isn't scary, but it is probably best that managers take a wait-and-see approach with Knack before running him out there. It is also possible that Knack could go back down to the farm with
Walker Buehler (elbow) expected to return next week.
--Daniel Burdeen - RotoBallerSource: Kirsten Watson
3 days agoAkshay Bhatia has done nothing but play stellar golf in the last four weeks. He's the hottest young player currently with top-of-the-charts ball-striking numbers -- ranking 12th in strokes gained on approach (0.630) and 16th in strokes gained off the tee (0.504). There isn't anything to dislike about how he's been playing, however, a freak dislocation of his shoulder that was made public after his win in Texas was perhaps a culprit of losing strokes (minus-0.95) with his irons at Augusta National, which was just the second time losing strokes on approach all season. It should also be noted that this will be the California native's fifth straight event, which has to be exhausting given the roller coaster of getting your second PGA Tour win and playing in your first Masters Tournament. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him near the lead again this week, but a digression from what he's produced lately would be completely understandable.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
3 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers middle infielder/outfielder
Mookie Betts had another stellar offensive game in Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Nationals. Betts went 5-for-5 with three singles, two doubles, and two RBI. The 31-year-old has produced like a top fantasy pick, slashing .388/.490/.700 with six home runs, 22 runs scored, 18 RBI, and three stolen bases while hitting atop one of baseball's best lineups.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Yusei Kikuchi continued his excellent start to the season in Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Yankees. Kikuchi pitched six innings, allowing one run on four hits and a walk with nine strikeouts. Everything is finally clicking for the 32-year-old, who is now 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 12.05 K/9 rate in his first four starts and 21 2/3 IP. He will look to keep things going in his next projected start at the Royals.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoToronto Blue Jays closer
Jordan Romano (elbow) earned a save in his season debut during Tuesday's 5-4 win over the Yankees. Romano saw action immediately after being activated from the 15-day injured list earlier in the day. He entered the game to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by two. He got the first out on a lineout, hit a batter, allowed a double, got the second out on an RBI groundout, and ended the game with another groundout. It wasn't the cleanest save, but it was encouraging to see Romano convert in game action. The 30-year-old's return is a welcome sight for fantasy managers, as he has provided 36 saves in each of his last two seasons.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoJake Knapp had a decent T55 finish at the Masters Tournament last week, and he is all set to continue his impressive 2024 season when he tees it up for the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links this week. Knapp has already won one tournament and three top-five finishes in his ten appearances this year. Although it is his first time at the RBC Heritage, Knapp has the skill set to tackle Harbour Town's unique challenges. It is worth noting that over the last 12 months, he ranks in the 75th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway; this is a crucial aspect as over 46% of approach shots were taken from this distance in last year's edition. Even though Knapp is a debutant this week, he could be a valuable consideration for DFS lineups.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
3 days agoMiami Marlins closer
Tanner Scott picked up his second save of the season in Tuesday's 6-3 win over the Giants. Scott came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by three. He got the first out on a flyout, allowed back-to-back walks, and got the final two outs on a strikeout and a pop-out. Things haven't gone smoothly for the 29-year-old, as he is 0-3 and has converted two of three save opportunities with a 4.15 ERA, an 8.31 K/9 rate, and a huge 12.46 BB/9 rate. Scott ended the 2023 season to earn the closer's role to start 2024, but walks have been an issue throughout his career. Fantasy managers should keep an eye out to see if he can get them back under control.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoBaltimore Orioles first baseman/outfielder
Ryan O'Hearn got in on the slugfest in Tuesday's 11-3 win over the Twins. O'Hearn went 2-for-5 with a single and a two-run home run. The 30-year-old has made the most of his playing time in the O's lineup, slashing .333/.400/.689 with four HR, 11 runs scored, and six RBI in 50 plate appearances. The O's have plenty of young talent to stack the lineup, but O'Hearn is worth a look in deeper leagues as long as he hits well enough to earn playing time.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoNew York Mets relief pitcher
Drew Smith earned his first save of the season in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Pirates. Smith came in to pitch the top of the ninth inning up by two and delivered a 1-2-3 outing with two strikeouts.
Edwin Diaz had pitched each of the last two days, so Smith was called upon to close things out. The 30-year-old has pitched well this season, going 1-0 with two holds and a 1.08 ERA in 8 1/3 IP. However, he has not seen enough high-leverage situations to warrant fantasy attention at this time.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 days agoNick Taylor missed his second cut of the year at the Masters Tournament last week. He only managed to gain strokes off the tee, whereas he lost strokes on approach for the first time in his ten appearances in 2024. However, Taylor will have a chance to bounce back this week when he tees it up in the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links. Taylor has had mixed results at this tournament, finishing T41 in 2023 but missing the cut in 2022 and 2021. Over the past 12 months, Taylor ranks in the 76th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from 150-200 yards in the fairway, showcasing his excellent iron play. Harbour Town should allow him to display his skills, as over 46% of approach shots were taken from 150-200 yards in last year's tournament. Although Taylor had a disappointing week last week, he could still be worth consideration for DFS lineups this week.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
3 days agoPittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher
Jared Jones turned in another strong start in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Mets. Jones pitched five scoreless innings, allowing one hit and no walks with seven strikeouts. The 22-year-old rookie has been stellar through his first four big-league starts, compiling a 3.13 ERA and 12.52 K/9 rate with just two walks in 23 IP. He will look to keep his hot streak going in his next scheduled start against the Red Sox.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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