1 hour agoThe New York Rangers acquired defenseman Jacob Trouba from the Winnipeg Jets on Monday for Neal Pionk and the 20th-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Trouba is a restricted free agent in need of a new contract, and the Jets could not afford to keep him around. The 25-year-old recorded eight goals, 42 assists, and 18 power-play points last season. He will step into a high-leverage role with the Rangers and eat up a lot of minutes. Trouba is unquestionably a top-20 fantasy defenseman for next season.--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: TSN

2 hours agoKansas City Royals reliever Brian Flynn has been on a roll since he returned from the Injured List (elbow). Flynn has worked 9 2/3 innings in relief so far, and is carrying a sparkling 0.93 ERA. On Monday, he showed off by shutting down the Mariners for two scoreless innings to allow his offense to come back and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Unfortunately, while Flynn looks attractive so far, his underlying numbers bear some concern. That shiny ERA is buoyed by an 86% strand rate, and Flynn is walking more than four batters per nine innings so far. His xFIP of 4.06 is more in line with his career ERA of 4.07, and it seems like the more logical landing place for Flynn once he evens out some.--Billy Stonick - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 hours agoKansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy was fortunate enough to come away with a no-decision in Monday's game against the Mariners after allowing multiple baserunners in all but one inning. A surprisingly strong bullpen and offensive performance bailed him out. Duffy allowed seven hits and three walks en route to four earned runs in five innings, but an eighth-inning blast by Jorge Soler snatched the win away from the Mariners. Duffy has been bad in three of his last four outings, and he really shouldn't be used at this point. Hosting the Twins this weekend is a perfect opportunity to not play Duffy in fantasy leagues.--Billy Stonick - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 hours agoKansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Soler smashed his 19th home run on Monday, pushing a two-run shot over the right-center wall in the eighth inning to lead his team to victory. Soler's recent run has been impressive, hitting nine home runs in his last 93 at-bats, putting up an elite rate of one home run per 10.3 at-bats. His batting average still isn't the best, but he's hitting .243 during the run, which is acceptable if the player's going to hit with this much power. The power is certainly real, but the cold streaks that plague most hitters who do nothing but swing for the fences are also likely. As long as owners can withstand those, Soler should be treated as one of the top power hitters in the game.--Billy Stonick - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 hours agoAtlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis was 2-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored during a 12-3 win over the New York Mets on Monday. The 35-year-old is slashing .275/.365/.420 with six home runs, 39 RBI, and 48 runs scored this season. Markakis is still a highly serviceable bat in the latter stages of his career. He plays in one of the premier lineups in the National League and is capable of producing runs. He is worthy of ownership in almost all formats.--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 hours agoAtlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies was 3-for-5 with a solo home run, four RBI, and two runs scored during a 12-3 thrashing of the New York Mets on Monday. Albies, who lost his power stroke during May, is now slashing .357/.439/.696 with four HRs, 15 RBI, and a 6/8 K/BB rate over his past 15 games. The 22-year-old is batting .289 on the year with 11 HRs, 39 RBI, and five stolen bases. He is a stud in the infield that will be fantasy relevant for years to come. Start him without question each time he takes the field.--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 hours agoAtlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna was 3-for-5 with a solo home run, two RBI, and a walk during a 12-3 win over the New York Mets on Monday. Acuna is slashing .301/.380/.519 on the season with 17 HRs, 49 RBI, and nine stolen bases. The 21-year-old is one of the best young players in baseball and will be a fantasy stalwart for years to come. If you are one of the managers who have the fortune of owning Acuna, consider yourself lucky. Start him without question every time he takes the field.--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 hours agoAtlanta Braves starter Mike Soroka allowed three runs on six hits in six innings of work during a 12-3 win over the New York Mets on Monday. He walked one batter while striking out two. Soroka has been a revelation in the Braves' rotation this season as he has solidified himself as the ace of the staff. The 21-year-old owns an 8-1 record to go along with a minuscule 2.12 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 62/19 K/BB rate. Soroka has been one of the best pitchers in the league through the first few months of the season. He will look to keep it rolling against the inconsistent Washington Nationals in his next projected start.--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

3 hours agoBoston Red Sox relief pitcher Ryan Brasier pitched a scoreless ninth inning, with a strikeout, to save a 2-0 win over Minnesota Monday. The 31-year-old needed just 11 pitches to clean up the inning and record his team-leading seventh save. He had just been activated from a week-long stint on the bereavement list. On the season, he's pitched 29 2/3 innings, has a 3.64 ERA, with a 26/8 K/BB. Matt Barnes had pitched four times in the last calendar week, so Boston simply could have been going with the fresh arm. However, Barnes has also been struggling in June, surrendering six runs in 7 2/3 innings, so it's possible that Brasier will continue to get save opportunities in the near future.--Steve Janik - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

3 hours agoToronto Blue Jays second baseman Cavan Biggio was 2-for-2 with two home runs, three RBI, and two walks during a 10-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. The performance was Biggio's second two-homer game of the week. The 24-year-old is showing signs of life after a slow start to his MLB career. He has a .233 average, but a respectable .378 on-base percentage to go along with five HRs and 10 RBI through 60 at-bats. Biggio is worthy of a roster spot in deeper dynasty formats and is someone to watch in shallow leagues.--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

3 hours agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher Rick Porcello threw seven innings of shutout baseball, while surrendering just four hits, striking out eight, and walking only one in a 2-0 win over Minnesota Monday. Porcello allowed one base hit in the first inning, then went on to retire 10 straight Twins hitters. The righty never allowed more than one hit in an inning, and the only time there was more than one base runner in an inning was in the seventh, when he allowed a double and a walk before finishing the inning unscathed. To top it off, 68 of is 94 pitches were for strikes. It's Porcello's second scoreless outing of the season, while also tying a season-high in strikeouts. The 30-year-old is trending up; in his last 13 2/3 innings, he's allowed just two runs, on nine hits, with a 14/1 K/BB. He next toes the rubber against the Blue Jays on Sunday, where he should have a chance to continue his strong performances, so long as he can keep the ball in the yard.--Steve Janik - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

3 hours agoToronto Blue Jays starter Edwin Jackson allowed seven runs on six hits in 2/3 of an inning during a 10-5 rout at the hands of the Los Angeles Angels. Derek Law opened the game for the Jays and tossed a scoreless first inning, but things fell apart once Jackson entered the contest. The veteran right-hander now owns a 1-5 record on the season to go along with a ridiculous 12.43 ERA and 2.29 WHIP. Avoid Jackson at all costs any time he takes the mound this season.--Raymond Harrison - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

4 hours agoPhiladelphia Phillies utilityman Scott Kingery has been on an extended hot streak since the calendar flipped to June, batting .353 with a whopping .804 slugging percentage. During this streak, Kingery is making hard contact at a 63.2 percent rate and pulling hitting almost 40 percent fly balls. The fun won't last forever as his 33.3 percent home run to fly ball rate is clearly not sustainable but the quality of contact he's making could signify the former top prospect is taking the last step and becoming the hitter fantasy owners were tripping over themselves to draft last season. Phillies manager Gabe Kapler has taken note as well batting Kingery third in the past two games which can only help his value in fantasy. With his multi-position eligibility and how well he's been hitting its hard to find a league he's not worth starting despite some ferocious matchups with the Nationals pitchers upcoming.--Mike Schwarzenbach - RotoBallerSource: MLB

5 hours agoMinnesota Twins right-hander Jose Berrios took his third loss in his Monday start against the Boston Red Sox. Berrios pitched well, allowing just one run over eight innings of work while striking out 10. The young right-hander has taken a huge step forward this season, posting an 8-3 record, 2.86 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 94 strikeouts in 97 2/3 innings of work. Berrios will be a must-start option in his next start, which will be Saturday against the Kansas City Royals.--Matt Terelle - RotoBallerSource: www.MLB.com

5 hours agoCincinnati Reds closer Raisel Iglesias was pulled early from a save chance on Monday. He got two outs in the eighth and the first out in the ninth inning before giving way to Michael Lorenzen, who wound up earning the save in the eventual 3-2 win over the Houston Astros. Iglesias did not allow a run in the outing, although he did walk two batters. Part of Iglesias' control issues may have stemmed from the fact he hadn't pitched since June 11. Iglesias did not appear to be unhappy about being pulled after the game, telling reporters, “I feel really happy because we won the game. That’s the most important thing here is just to win the game. I wasn’t surprised at all. My command wasn’t good enough because I spent many days without pitching." Iglesias now has a 2.97 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 13 saves, and 40 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings of work. He remains the team's closer despite leaving early on Monday.--Matt Terelle - RotoBallerSource: www.MLB.com

5 hours agoCincinnati Reds right-hander Luis Castillo picked up his seventh win in beating the Houston Astros 3-2 on Monday. Castillo allowed just two runs over six innings while striking out seven. The only blemish on his otherwise excellent performance was a season-high six walks issued by the young right-hander. Castillo now has a 7-1 record, 2.26 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and 103 strikeouts in 87 2/3 innings of work. He is scheduled to take on the Milwaukee Brewers in his next start, which will be Saturday. That will be a tough matchup but Castillo has earned the right to be trusted by his fantasy owners this season.--Matt Terelle - RotoBallerSource: www.MLB.com

11 hours agoBaltimore Orioles starting pitcher Andrew Cashner fell to 6-3 in Monday's 3-2 loss against the A's. Cashner pitched six innings, allowing three runs (just one earned) on four hits and a walk with two strikeouts. The 32-year-old now has a 4.48 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 76 1/3 IP on the season. He hasn't been great this season, but faces a favorable matchup in his next start at the Mariners. He could be a streaming option in deeper leagues or in daily leagues.--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

11 hours agoBaltimore Orioles second baseman/shortstop Jonathan Villar continued to struggle in Monday's 3-2 loss to the A's, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. The 28-year-old has been in a deep slump, hitting just .226 with 50 strikeouts and eight stolen bases since May. Villar is always valuable in roto leagues for his steals, but is unstartable otherwise. Fantasy owners should hold onto him in deeper leagues if they can, but they can consider dropping him in 12-team leagues or shallower.--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

12 hours agoThe New York Mets brought reliever Jeurys Familia back during the offseason and former All-Star has not rewarded his club. After entering the seventh inning with his club down two runs Monday night in Atlanta, Familia loaded the bases before getting pulled. All three runs would score as the Braves blew the game wide open en route to a comfortable victory. Familia's ERA continued to climb, now at 7.81 on the season. While manager Mickey Callaway continues to publicly voice his support for Familia, he doesn't seem to be on his way towards improvement.--Ricky Delgado - RotoBallerSource: Anthony DiComo Twitter

12 hours agoCleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor blasted his 12th home run of the season on Monday, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Lindor started the season off slowly, but he's been everything everyone expects from Francisco Lindor since his slow start. His slash line stands at .303/.368/.538 and seems to be going up every day.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com

12 hours agoCleveland Indians starting pitcher Mike Clevinger struggled in his return from the injured list on Monday. He lasted only 4 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on three hits and three walks. He did strike out seven, but there were definite signs of rust among his 91 pitches. Clevinger has the potential to be one of the elite starting pitchers in the American League, so this was likely not more than a bump in the road. He should fare much better his next time out against the Detroit Tigers.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com

13 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dexter Fowler smacked a three-run home run on Monday, going 1-for-4 with a run scored and three RBI. It was Fowler's only hit of the night, but he made it count, driving an Austin Brice pitch just over the right field wall in the eighth inning. Fowler's slash line sits at .244/.355/.415.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com

13 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter did well on Monday, going 3-for-4 with a home run and a bunt double (watch the replay). He drove in a run and scored three. The homer was his 10th and he raised his slash line to .227/.334/.401. He's been scuffling for most of the season, but it looks like he may be starting up a hot streak. He's worth an add on leagues where he's on the waiver wire.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com

13 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Miles Mikolas rebounded from a rough start with six scoreless innings against the Marlins on Monday. He allowed just six hits and struck out four without allowing a walk. It took him 99 pitches, and this start was much more what the Cardinals and Mikolas' fantasy owners were expecting after his excellent season last year. His ERA dropped to 4.48 and this might be the start of a hot streak for the 30-year-old.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com

13 hours agoNew York Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler had a rough start against the Atlanta Braves on Monday night. Wheeler tossed six innings, allowing four earned runs on 10 hits to go along with just four strikeouts. The Braves consistently made contact against Wheeler, whose ERA jumped up to a disappointing 4.94 on the season. The young righty has had some poor outings lately but will look to turn things around this weekend against the Chicago Cubs.--Adam Young - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

14 hours agoThe New York Yankees debuted a new DH Monday night as newly-acquired Edwin Encarnacion made his team debut. Currently leading the American League in home runs with 21, he struck out once in four hitless plate appearances. The 36-year-old has a career .840 OPS with 18 home runs and 43 RBI in 69 games at Yankee Stadium. This is just the beginning of a major week for the Yankees offense, as Giancarlo Stanton is set to return Tuesday while Aaron Judge should return by the end of the week. Encarnacion will soon feature in one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball.--Ricky Delgado - RotoBallerSource: Newsday

14 hours agoThe New York Yankees increased their AL East lead to a game and a half Monday night in the Bronx with starter Masahiro Tanaka delivering a complete-game shutout. At the plate, however, infielder DJ LeMahieu delivered the bigger shot. With a runner on in the third, the 30-year-old drilled a home run to center. Ultimately, it would be the only offense his club needed to win. The home run was LeMahieu's eighth of the season as he continues to push for an All-Star selection. Now in a platoon with Giovanny Urshela at third base, he's hitting .311 with 43 RBI.--Ricky Delgado - RotoBallerSource: NJ.com

14 hours agoThe New York Yankees gained a game on the Tampa Bay Rays Monday night riding the arm of Masahiro Tanaka. The 30-year-old went the distance, recording the fourth complete-game shutout of his career. Tossing 111 pitches, he allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out 10. The performance was his best of the season, as he completely dominated New York's main rival in the race for the AL East. With the victory, Tanaka improved his record to 5-5 on the season while dropping his ERA to 3.23. This is the first of two starts for him this week, as he's set to take on the Houston Astros Saturday at Yankee Stadium.--Ricky Delgado - RotoBallerSource: YES Network Twitter

14 hours agoThe San Diego Padres recalled catcher Francisco Mejia on Monday and optioned catcher Austin Allen to Triple-A. Mejia went on the IL with a knee issue on May 10 and has been on extended rehab in the minors where he’s posted a 1.157 OPS with four homers in 18 games. He was struggling with the Friars before the injury, slashing just .167/.207/.259 with a 31 percent strikeout rate. With primary backstop Austin Hedges floundering with the bat (51 wRC+), Mejia should get his share of opportunities. Allen will return to Triple-A after registering a .674 OPS in limited action in his first taste of the majors. Fantasy-wise, no Padres catchers currently merit consideration.--Andrew Le - RotoBallerSource: Twitter - Dennis Lin

16 hours agoThe San Diego Padres will promote starting pitcher Logan Allen to start Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Starter Nick Margevicius will be optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Allen, a 22-year-old southpaw, is the Padres No. 5 prospect and No. 61 overall in the majors. Through 13 starts in Triple-A, Allen posted a 5.15 ERA (4.76 FIP) in the PCL launching pad and will face a stiff test against the heavy-hitting Brew Crew. With his stay in the big leagues uncertain, Allen shouldn’t be a trusted fantasy option. Meanwhile, Margevicius got off to a surprising start but has since fallen on hard times. After giving up nine earned runs on Sunday in Coors Field, he sits with an ugly 6.41 ERA and 1.58 WHIP. His demotion is likely indefinite until he irons things out.--Andrew Le - RotoBallerSource: Twitter - Bill Center