2 mins agoPittsburgh Steelers six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Cameron Heyward hasn't attended the team's voluntary offseason workouts and doesn't plan to attend organized team activities as he seeks a contract extension, according to sources. Heyward is a long-time team captain who has never missed an offseason program. The 35-year-old former 31st overall pick by the Steelers in 2011 out of Ohio State is entering the final year of his four-year, $65 million deal. The 35-year-old has obviously been one of the faces of the franchises for a long time now, but he played in only 11 games due to a core injury in 2023 and finished with just 33 tackles (25 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss and a pass defended. Contract issues aside, Heyward is expected to be a full-go for the start of training camp and the 2024 regular season. He has 80.5 career sacks and could be streamer in IDP leagues in good matchups if he's healthy in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
6 mins agoSan Francisco Giants designated hitter
Jorge Soler (shoulder) began a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday. Soler is slated to play in two games in the minors and will likely be back with the Giants on Friday for the series opener against the division-rival Colorado Rockies if everything goes well there. Before hitting the injured list with a strained right shoulder, the 32-year-old slugger slashed a disappointing .202/.294/.361 with five homers, four doubles, and eight RBI through 119 at-bats (34 games) as San Fran's everyday DH. Despite those shortcomings, Soler would have a great opportunity to jump-start his season while facing off with a Rockies team that entered Tuesday's action ranked last in team ERA (5.16) and WHIP (1.53) in 2024.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Alex Pavlovic - NBC Sports Bay Area
8 mins agoCincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver
Jermaine Burton has left a positive impression on the coaching staff despite being drafted less than two weeks ago. According to SI's Albert Breer, Burton has already shown the Bengals that he is a "competitive kid who has good ball skills and the explosiveness to separate from coverage in the NFL." Breer noted that Burton has worked through some off-the-field issues but has the talent needed to make an impact at the pro level. He's currently competing for the No. 3 receiver role behind
Ja'Marr Chase and
Tee Higgins. Such a position on the depth chart was most recently occupied by
Tyler Boyd. The Bengals would love to get production out of Burton in his first pro season, and as Breer points out, he could benefit from Chase and Higgins drawing away coverage.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Albert Breer
12 mins agoIndianapolis Colts quarterback
Anthony Richardson (shoulder) has demonstrated more knowledge and maturity this offseason, quarterbacks coach Cam Turner told the media. "He's the same athletic Anthony that we know, but in the meeting room, he's taking that step as far as the knowledge
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16 mins agoSeattle Mariners shortstop
J.P. Crawford (oblique, hand) exited Wednesday's minor-league rehab game at Triple-A Tacoma after getting hit in the hand by a pitch. Making his first appearance on his rehab assignment on Wednesday, Crawford was hit in the right hand and immediately needed to come out of the contest in the fifth inning. The M's expected Crawford to be ready to rejoin the major-league roster by the time Friday's series opener against the Baltimore Orioles rolled around, but the 29-year-old's return from a strained right oblique may be delayed depending on the severity of this setback with his hand. Look for Seattle to provide for clarity on Crawford's status sometime following the game, and the infielder should be considered day-to-day until more is known.
UPDATE: It sounds like the Mariners have a low concern with Crawford's injury, but it's unclear how it might affect his potential activation this weekend.--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Mariners Minors on X
21 mins agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher
Javier Assad stifled the Atlanta Braves for six sharp innings of four-hit baseball on Wednesday. Assad got the win, bringing his record to 4-0 while lowering his ERA to a sparkling 1.49, good for fourth-best in MLB. He had all of his pitches working Wednesday, tying a season-high seven strikeouts while allowing only one walk. Alongside lefty
Shota Imanaga, Assad has given the Cubs one of the best 1-2 punches in all of baseball, with neither pitcher allowing more than two earned runs in a game all season. Assad looks to keep the streak intact with another start against these Braves in Atlanta on Tuesday.
--Jay Skadooley - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
29 mins agoThe Washington Commanders have signed free agent wide receiver
Damiere Byrd following a workout, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. The veteran is entering his ninth season in the league, but he's never finished higher than the WR67 in fantasy football. He spent the last two years with the Atlanta Falcons but registered just two targets during one game in 2023. Byrd represents a low-risk signing for the Commanders, and he'll be tasked with competing for a roster spot while leaving his veteran impact on some of his younger teammates in Washington.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Jordan Schultz
32 mins agoCincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins continues to grow frustrated as his trade request from last month has gone unanswered. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Higgins is "pissed" about the lack of a shared vision between himself and the team. Higgins was once said to be seeking a deal similar to
Michael Pittman Jr.'s three-year, $70 million pact, but Cincinnati reportedly never came close to that price tag. This prompted the talented receiver to request a trade, but the Bengals made it clear (via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN) that they have "no plans" to trade him. Therefore, the stalemate continues between Cincinnati and Higgins. One has to wonder if too many bridges have been burned and a holdout might be in the cards.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Adam Schefter
40 mins agoOakland Athletics outfield prospect
Henry Bolte is a former second-round pick who signed an over-slot deal rather than attend the University of Texas. Bolte offers a rare blend of power and speed, using the latter trait to swipe plenty of bases and hold down the fort in center field. He also has a strong glove and a decent hit tool, though he definitely needs to cut down on strikeouts. Last week, Bolte went 7-for-24. While .292 isn't an elite batting average, Bolte worked to complement his hit total with an impressive two home runs, nine RBI, and two stolen bases. If the young outfielder can reduce his strikeout total, he could be shuttled through the minors and to the majors by this time next year.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
41 mins agoDetroit Tigers pitching prospect Andrew Sears was selected from the University of Connecticut during the 10th round of last year's MLB Draft. He's struggled with walks in the past but generally induces weak contact. His pitch repertoire is headlined by an effective fastball that clocks around 95 mph. Last week, Sears twirled five shutout innings. He allowed one hit, walked one batter, and hit one batter, all while recording a whopping nine strikeouts. It was his best outing of the 2024 season and also gave him a two-game streak with zero runs allowed. Don't be surprised if he gets elevated to High-A or Double-A soon.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
42 mins agoDetroit Tigers infield prospect
Hao-Yu Lee is a former international signing from Taiwan who was acquired from the Phillies at last summer's trade deadline. He was swapped for
Michael Lorenzen in a one-for-one trade, and so far, it looks like Detroit won that swap. Lee is a very polished hitter who gets good speed and strength behind his swings, works counts effectively, and hits to all parts of the field. There are also some indications that he may have some untapped (sneaky) pop. Finally, he's an above-average defender with good baseball IQ and reaction time. He'll likely play second base long-term, though he's looked solid on the left side of the infield before, too. Last week, Lee went 7-for-18 with two homers, 10 RBI, four walks, and four strikeouts. There aren't too many prospects who can hit for power while maintaining a respectable K/BB rate, but Lee is one of those players. He'll likely make his MLB debut in 2025.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
43 mins agoCleveland Guardians pitching prospect
Trenton Denholm was the club's 14th-round pick in 2021. At 24, he's on the older side for High-A prospects, but there's still plenty to like about his profile. His fastball velocity has fluctuated over the past few years, but he has ultimately shown that he can throw it in the mid-90s. He also gets plenty of breaking action on his curveball. There are concerns about his control, especially given that he's had difficulty locating his curveball. However, his 10.02 K/9 and 0.84 BB/9 this year are both great signs. Last week, Denholm tossed a seven-inning complete-game shutout. He held his opponent scoreless while surrendering just two hits and one walk. He also showed an ability to find the strike zone and miss bats, racking up an impressive nine strikeouts over seven frames.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
44 mins agoWashington Nationals outfield prospect
James Wood is a former second-round pick who was flipped from the Padres as part of the return package for
Juan Soto. At 6-foot-7, he's a big-bodied prospect capable of producing impressive power. He's also a very good runner, both on the basepaths and as a defender in the outfield. He rounds out his profile with a solid hit tool, reliable glovework, and a strong arm. Wood has legitimate five-tool potential, though he needs to cut down on strikeouts. He went down on strikes 173 times in 2023. Last week, Wood went 10-for-22 with five homers, 12 RBI, four walks, and four strikeouts. He also stole a base. The Nationals have plenty of young talent in their farm system, but Wood might be the best of the bunch. He should make his MLB debut sometime this season.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs
52 mins agoTampa Bay Rays first baseman prospect
Xavier Isaac stayed hot for High-A Bowling Green on Wednesday, going 4-for-6 with two doubles, three RBI, and a run scored. The game raised his season slashline to .280/.366/.523 with six home runs, 32 RBI, 24 runs scored, and five stolen bases in 29 games. The 20-year-old is MLB's 47th-ranked prospect (No. 3 for Tampa) and should see a promotion to Double-A before long, although he's at least a year or more away from making an impact at the major league level. With his hot hitting and 65-grade power, he should remain on the radar in dynasty leagues.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
1 hour agoAtlanta Braves pitching prospect
Hurston Waldrep threw eight innings in a 2-1 victory for Double-A Mississippi on Wednesday. The righty allowed six hits and one run but did not walk a batter while striking out a season-high eight. The 22-year-old was selected in the first round of the 2023 Draft and is currently listed as the Braves second-ranked prospect per MLB.com (No. 75 in MLB). Waldrep is 2-3 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and a 14:33 BB:K in 38 IP so far in 2024. Look for Waldrep to make it to Triple-A at some point this season, and depending on the health of the Braves rotation, it's within the realm of possibility to see him make a couple starts in Atlanta by season's end.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
2 hours agoThe Milwaukee Brewers promoted outfield prospect
Chris Roller to the major league club on Wednesday. In a corresponding move, the Brewers optioned
Oliver Dunn to the minors. The 27-year-old made his major league debut Wednesday night when he entered the game in the sixth inning as a pinch-hitter, ultimately striking out in a six-pitch at-bat. The right-handed hitter did a lot of that in his 56 Triple-A at-bats this season, striking out at a 36.2% clip (21 times compared to two walks), while batting .250 with zero home runs and one stolen base. Roller was drafted in 2017, so it's nice when you see a player's perseverance pay off, but as far as fantasy is concerned, he is off the radar for now.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Brewers on X
2 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers guard
Darius Garland struggled in Wednesday's loss to Boston.
Donovan Mitchell (calf) and
Jarrett Allen (rib) weren't available for Game 4 on Monday, resulting in Garland dropping 30 points. However, despite the pair being out again, he took a step back in Game 5, amassing 11 points and shooting 4-for-17 from the field. While Garland added nine assists and two steals, DFS participants expected more. The 24-year-old finished the regular season by averaging 18.0 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.7 boards, a drop from the 2022-23 campaign. Nonetheless, with Mitchell potentially on the move, Garland may become the No. 1 option for the offense next season. Of course, he'll need to stay healthy for a potential increase in production to make a difference for fantasy managers.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 hours agoSan Francisco Giants outfield prospect
Hunter Bishop was promoted to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday. The 25-year-old was the 10th overall draft pick in 2019, but between 2020 being wiped out due to COVID and other injuries including Tommy John surgery that caused him to miss all of 2023, Bishop's path to Triple-A has taken some time. In 2022 he hit .235 with 13 home runs and 20 stolen bases over 85 games at High-A. Prior to his promotion, the left-handed hitter was slashing .242/.314/.358 at Double-A, with two home runs and five stolen bases. With aspirations of making it to the majors, hopefully he can somehow cut down on the strikeout rate at Triple-A (31.4% K% at Double-A). Although no longer ranked within the Giants Top-30 prospects, Bishop once had the profile to make him a top draft pick, so he should at least be on the radar for dynasty managers.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Maria Guardado - MLB.com
2 hours agoSan Diego Padres right-hander
Joe Musgrove (elbow) is aiming to return from the 15-day injured list this weekend to start on Sunday in Atlanta against the Braves. Musgrove threw a bullpen session on Monday and was expected to throw another one on Wednesday, and it looks like he's shown enough to convince the Padres that he doesn't need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the starting rotation. The 31-year-old veteran went on the injured list on May 5 with right-elbow inflammation and was 3-3 with an elevated 6.37 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with 36 strikeouts in 41 innings over his eight starts to begin 2024. Although Musgrove looked much better in his last outing against the Cincinnati Reds, fantasy managers will be rolling the dice if they go with him in his first start off the IL on Sunday against the strong offense of the Braves.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Jeff Sanders
2 hours agoThe San Francisco Giants have promoted pitching prospect
Reggie Crawford to Triple-A Sacramento. The lefty has seven appearances so far in 2024 and while the ERA isn't notable at 4.66, he's been a strikeout machine with 19 punchouts in just a total of nine-and-two-thirds innings pitched. The 2022 first-round draft pick struck out 32 batters in just 19 IP across two levels of the minors last season. The former two-way player has focused solely on pitching this season, not logging a single at-bat in 2024. As a southpaw with his strikeout potential, there's a chance he'll be in San Francisco before the season ends. Unless closer
Camilo Doval were to become unavailable, though, Crawford would only be good for the Ks in fantasy leagues.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Maria Guardado - MLB.com
2 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers forward/center
Evan Mobley finished with a game-high 33 points in Wednesday's loss to the Boston Celtics. He added seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal. With
Jarrett Allen (rib) and
Donovan Mitchell (calf) both sidelined, Mobley stepped up to deliver his best game of the postseason. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, as the Cavs' loss on Wednesday meant an end to their playoff run. The 22-year-old ended the regular season by averaging 15.7 points, 1.4 blocks, and a career-high 9.4 rebounds. However, he was limited to just 50 games due to various injuries. Without question, Mobley has plenty of untapped potential, so he'll remain a hot commodity for fantasy managers heading into the 2024-25 campaign. He needs to get more consistent on the scoring end. But that should come in time.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 hours agoCleveland Guardians starting pitcher
Gavin Williams (elbow) successfully threw a 50-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday. Williams said he didn't feel any lingering effects following his first bullpen session since receiving an anti-inflammatory injection, and he's scheduled to throw his next bullpen on Friday. The 24-year-old former top prospect is working his way back from discomfort in his right elbow after being shut down in late April, and it remains unclear when he'll resume his rehab assignment at this point. Williams should still be an option in Cleveland's rotation sometime in June, and fantasy managers who can afford the stash should be holding the right-hander after he posted a 3.29 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 81:37 K:BB across 82 innings (16 starts) for the Guards in his rookie season in 2023. In the meantime, veterans
Carlos Carrasco and
Ben Lively will keep battling to hold down spots in the rotation.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoMinnesota Timberwolves guard
Mike Conley (calf) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Nuggets. Like others around the National Basketball Association, the veteran is battling a Soleus Strain. He wasn't available for Game 5, resulting in
Nickeil Alexander-Walker entering the starting lineup and finishing with 14 points, five assists, and two steals. The Timberwolves are a loss away from elimination, so Conley will do all he can to get out there. However, if he does suit up, he likely won't be fully healthy, which isn't ideal for his DFS potential. But if Conley isn't out there, Alexander-Walker has value potential for DFS participants.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
2 hours agoAtlanta Braves catcher
Sean Murphy (oblique) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment next week, which could start as early as Monday. This is a very encouraging development for the Braves, who lost Murphy to a strained left oblique all the way back on Opening Day. The 29-year-old All-Star backstop has remained sidelined with the injury far longer than it was originally anticipated, but he's back on course to get back behind the dish for Atlanta sometime in late May if all goes well. Fantasy managers who have been streaming
Travis d'Arnaud probably should start making other arrangements, but with the veteran slashing a strong .260/.342/.510 with five home runs, 10 doubles, and 16 RBI over 100 at-bats this year, he remains a hold in two-catcher leagues until Murphy returns.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Jeffrey Springs (elbow) threw a two-inning live batting practice session on Wednesday and will next pitch in a Rookie-level Florida Complex League game on Monday. It'll be big step forward in Springs' recovery from last April's Tommy John surgery when the hurler returns to game action on Monday, and considering his rehab assignment is on the verge of beginning, there's a chance he'll be built back up and ready to rejoin Tampa Bay's injury-depleted rotation before the end of June. Over his last three seasons (196 innings), the 31-year-old left-hander owns an outstanding 2.53 ERA (3.14 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, and 231:49 K:BB and can be stashed in deep competitive leagues. Veteran right-hander
Zack Littell is functioning as a starter for the Rays for the time being, and he's worthy of streaming consideration when facing a favorable matchup.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoDenver Nuggets guard
Jamal Murray (calf) is questionable for Thursday's postseason contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Murray has been dealing with a strained left calf for weeks but has played through it, so he'll likely be on the court for Game 6. He got off to a rough start in the series with the Timberwolves. But he's turned things around, recently amassing 16 points in Tuesday's win. Although others have played better in this series, DFS managers can't ignore Murray's upside.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 hours agoTampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that second baseman
Brandon Lowe's (oblique) visit with a specialist on Tuesday brought "good news," as the infielder's imaging showed he's healing and heading in the right direction. It's just an issue of pain tolerance as Lowe recuperates from a strained right oblique, but he'll return to St. Petersburg for what the Rays hope to be a short stay. Lowe will then resume swinging and return to minor-league rehab games, and the 29-year-old righty masher still appears to be on track to return to Tampa Bay sometime in late May if all goes well. Before going down, Lowe went 5-for-27 with one home run and four RBI in eight games this year and is only a modest fantasy stash. In his absence,
Amed Rosario and
Richie Palacios have formed a platoon for at-bats at second base.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Marc Topkin - Tampa Bay Times
3 hours agoAtlanta Braves starting pitcher
Reynaldo Lopez (back) is listed as the probable starter for Sunday's matchup against the visiting San Diego Padres. After exiting Monday's appearance against the Chicago Cubs following 71 pitches due to back tightness, Lopez is good to go for his next scheduled start and won't need to miss any time. The hard-throwing 30-year-old right-hander has been a pleasant surprise out of Atlanta's rotation over seven starts in 2024, compiling a 1.34 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 40:16 K:BB in 40 1/3 innings thus far during his first season with the Braves. With that said, Lopez owns a 3.72 xERA on Baseball Savant and could be in for some regression at some point. The Padres entered Wednesday's action ranking fifth in the major leagues in both average (.255) and runs scored (211) covering 45 games.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Justin Toscano - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3 hours agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher
Garrett Whitlock (oblique) looked sharp in Wednesday's minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Worcester, throwing 4 2/3 scoreless innings with five strikeouts while allowing just two hits and one walk. After throwing 40 of his 61 pitches for strikes on Wednesday, Whitlock should be good to go for a return to Boston's rotation as early as Monday's series opener against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. The 27-year-old right-hander recorded a 1.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 17:4 K:BB through four starts (18 1/3 innings) before suffering a strained left oblique, and he should probably be rostered in the majority of leagues with his return on the horizon. Fantasy managers might want to take a wait-and-see approach before activating Whitlock if he faces the Rays in his first start back, considering the hurler gave up nine runs over 9 2/3 frames (two starts) against Tampa last year.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Thomas Nestico
3 hours agoColorado Rockies outfielder
Jordan Beck belted his first major-league home run in Wednesday's blowout win over the division-rival San Diego Padres, totaling five RBI during a three-hit afternoon. Filling in for the injured
Nolan Jones (back) at the moment, Beck hit a two-run double off Padres right-hander
Michael King in the second inning before homering in the sixth for two more RBI to get the rout fully underway. The 23-year-old top prospect is still hitting just .235 (12-for-51) with the aforementioned long ball, two doubles, six RBI, and one stolen base across 15 games since his promotion on April 30, so he'll likely need to find more success at the plate in order to avoid being optioned back to the minor leagues when Jones or
Kris Bryant (back) rejoin Colorado's outfield in the near future.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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