13 mins agoAtlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna halted a mini slump with two more home runs in Wednesday's 5-0 win over the visiting Boston Red Sox, adding a walk in the shutout victory. Entering the day just 4-for-28 with one homer over his last eight outings, Ozuna got right back to his dominant ways first with a three-run jack in the first inning and later with a solo shot in the third frame. Over 144 trips to the dish (34 games), the 33-year-old star slugger is slashing a phenomenal .315/.396/.646 with 12 round-trippers, six doubles, an MLB-leading 38 RBI, and 23 runs scored and should continue piling up counting stats as the everyday No. 5 hitter in Atlanta's loaded lineup. A three-game weekend series with the division-rival New York Mets commences on Friday, which fantasy managers should be looking forward to. In 13 games against the Mets since 2023, Ozuna is batting a torrid .396 with six long balls, seven doubles, and 18 RBI.Source: MLB.com
20 mins agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon turned in a quality start in Wednesday's 9-4 victory over the visiting Houston Astros, tossing 6 1/3 two-run innings on seven hits (one home run) with seven strikeouts on the way to his third win of the season. Rodon got plenty of run support on Wednesday, and it was a strong bounce-back performance after he gave up six earned runs in his last start against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles. The 31-year-old two-time All-Star holds a steady 3.56 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 43:14 K:BB across 43 innings (eight starts) for the Yankees this season, a major upgrade thus far over his disastrous debut season in the Bronx a year ago. Tuesday's stiff matchup against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field marks Rodon's next scheduled appearance, so fantasy managers may want to tread lightly for that one. Over their last 16 contests, the Twins are scoring 6.3 runs per game.Source: MLB.com
27 mins agoArizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery fired seven strong innings in Wednesday's 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, surrendering just two runs on seven hits and two walks with two punchouts in his second win of the season. It was arguably Montgomery's best start as a D-back to this point, though his first start back on April 19 may have been just as impressive. The 31-year-old veteran southpaw will still want to improve on his disappointing 4.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 10:6 K:BB over 23 frames (four starts) for Arizona when he takes the ball in his next scheduled appearance at home in a soft matchup against these same Reds on Monday. Cincinnati is now batting .209 as a team through 36 games, which is the worst mark in all of baseball.Source: MLB.com
40 mins agoAtlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale produced his first double-digit strikeout effort of the season in Wednesday's 5-0 victory over the visiting Boston Red Sox, throwing six scoreless innings on six hits and one walk en route to his fifth win of the year. Staked to an early four-run lead, Sale cruised through his former club with relative ease on Wednesday. After giving up five runs to the last-place Miami Marlins back on April 19, the 35-year-old seven-time All-Star has gone 4-0 with a pristine 1.50 ERA and 32:3 K:BB over his past four starts (23 innings) for the Braves. Up next, Sale sets up for a manageable home start against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. Over their last 12 outings, the Cubs are scoring just 2.8 runs per game.Source: MLB.com
54 mins agoKansas City Royals closer James McArthur tallied his eighth save of the season in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, recording the final two outs of the contest. It was veteran Tyler Duffey who was called upon to protect a four-run lead in the ninth inning on Wednesday, but it became a save situation for McArthur after Duffey coughed up two runs. McArthur put out the fire via two groundouts. The big 27-year-old right-hander badly needed a bounce-back outing after giving up four runs with two blown saves over his past three innings, still carrying a mediocre 4.15 ERA and 1.38 WHIP while fanning 18 and walking only three across 17 1/3 frames on the campaign. McArthur remains the favorite for saves out of KC's bullpen, and he should be rostered in most competitive fantasy leagues.Source: MLB.com
1 hour agoNew York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge racked up a season-high eight total bases in Wednesday's 9-4 win over the visiting Houston Astros, homering and doubling with three RBI. Judge clobbered his eighth home run of the campaign in the third inning, later lining a two-run double in the sixth frame. Although the 32-year-old former American League MVP endured a sluggish start to the year, he's batting a stratospheric .385 with four bombs, four two-baggers, 11 RBI, and nine runs scored in his last 11 games since April 27. Judge looks to keep his foot on the gas during a three-game set against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays beginning on Friday, but in 13 games against the Rays since 2023, he's hitting just .146 with two blasts and five RBI.Source: MLB.com
1 hour agoTampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Chandler Simpson went 4-for-5 with two runs scored and two more stolen bases on Tuesday for High-A Bowling Green. That brings his stolen base total to 25 on the year through just 23 games, good for most in all of the minor leagues. After stealing 94 last season, the 23-year-old is showing he can hit too, batting .359 on the year. The left-handed hitter has also shown a keen eye at the plate, collecting 13 walks with 13 strikeouts. We likely won't be seeing Simpson in Tampa until sometime in 2025, but with speed like that he should certainly be on dynasty managers' radar.Source: MiLB.com
1 hour agoNew York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto collected a season-high five RBI in Wednesday's 9-4 win over the visiting Houston Astros, going 3-for-5 with a home run in the victory. Soto clubbed his ninth homer of the season off Astros right-hander Spencer Arrighetti in the first inning for two runs, later driving in three more amidst the rout. The 25-year-old perennial Silver Slugger hasn't stopped raking since joining the Yankees, including spring training, now slashing a tremendous .338/.437/.586 with nine long balls, seven doubles, 33 RBI, and four stolen bases over 174 trips to the plate (38 games) in the 2024 regular season as New York's everyday right fielder. The Tampa Bay Rays are up next for Soto during a three-game series starting on Friday. In six games against the Rays since 2023, Soto is hitting just .150 (3-for-20) with one big fly, one double, and four RBI.Source: MLB.com
1 hour agoWashington Nationals outfield prospect James Wood smacked two home runs on Wednesday for Triple-A Rochester, extending his hit streak to five games. The home runs were his third and fourth of the season and first since a two-homer game back on April 11. The 21-year-old is making a push for a call-up to the big league club after a sensational spring training and is now slashing .339/.444/.529 at Triple-A with eight stolen bases. Expect to see baseball's 12th-ranked prospect in D.C. by the end of June, but possibly sooner, and not only should he already be on dynasty squads, managers that have an open bench spot could start thinking about stashing him in season-long formats.Source: MiLB.com
2 hours agoAfter Jorge Soler was placed on the 10-Day IL, the San Francisco Giants recalled outfielder Heliot Ramos from Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday. Ramos was immediately slotted into the lineup for the Giants and went 1-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored batting out of the seventh spot in the order. The 24-year-old has seen a limited amount of action with the Giants before in parts of 2022 and 2023, but this is his first action of 2024. He hadn't done much of anything with his prior 82 plate appearances in the majors, but was hitting well for Sacramento so far this season before the call-up, slashing .296/.388/.565 with eight home runs, 21 RBI, 23 runs scored, and a pair of stolen bases in 30 games played. Hopefully he can get things going while Soler is out and perhaps make a push to stick around this time. The right-handed hitter should remain on the waiver wire for now.Source: ESPN
2 hours agoThe Cincinnati Reds promoted pitching prospect Rhett Lowder to Double-A Chattanooga on Wednesday. Lowder was the Reds' first-round draft pick from 2023 and has quickly become a highly-ranked prospect. The righty is the Reds' highest-rated pitching prospect and is ranked 30th overall by MLB.com. Lowder was having a great season so far at High-A, going 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and a 22.5% K-BB% over five starts. With his type of stuff there's a chance the 22-year-old sees the big leagues this season, albeit much later in the season, so he should certainly be on dynasty managers' radar.Source: ESPN
2 hours agoMinnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold could be named the team's Week 1 starter over first-round pick J.J. McCarthy. As Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com writes, "It's only a matter of time before McCarthy becomes the Vikings' starting quarterback [...] but it is not likely to happen as quickly as some fans might hope, and if anything, the Vikings are poised to err on the side of methodical caution." Such a scenario could see Minnesota let Darnold, whom they signed this past offseason when Kirk Cousins left for Atlanta, start a few games before transitioning to McCarthy. Darnold has struggled to support major fantasy production from his playmakers at previous stops, including the Jets and Panthers, so fantasy managers might want to temper expectations with players like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson to start the year. Darnold himself falls to the low-end QB3 tier in fantasy football drafts.Source: Kevin Seifert
2 hours agoGreen Bay Packers tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft can elevate the offense to the next level, according to tight ends coach John Dunn. "I think in terms of the creativity, it's limitless," Dunn told the mediaread more...
2 hours agoGreen Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs believes he has a chip on his shoulder, according to running backs coach Ben Sirmans. "I think he's coming in with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder because we all have something toread more...
2 hours agoFree-agent wide receiver Zay Jones will visit with the Kansas City Chiefs next, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Jones, who was cut loose by the Jacksonville Jaguars recently, has already visited with the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys. All of thoseread more...
3 hours agoThe St. Louis Cardinals have recalled catcher Pedro Pages from Triple-A Memphis to work as the backup to Ivan Herrera after Willson Contreras was placed on the IL. Pages was penciled into the eighth spot in the lineup Wednesday night before the game was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up August 5, so we'll see who gets the start Thursday against the Brewers and RHP Tobias Myers. Pages offers little fantasy relevance at this point, although he's got some power as he hit 16 home runs in 2023 over 117 games at Double-A, and he posts solid BB% numbers which provide a solid OBP. The 25-year-old does have four major league plate appearances, however, whenever he does draw a start it will be his first in the big leagues.Source: St. Louis Cardinals on X
3 hours agoSeattle Mariners outfielder Lazaro Montes was once a highly regarded international prospect who ultimately signed with the club in 2022. He possesses solid discipline and awareness at the plate, but he really makes his mark in the power department, slugging homers left and right. On the other hand, his defense is holding him back and will likely require him to play left field, first base, or designated hitter long-term. Montes went on a tear last week, hitting 10-for-22 (.454) with three homers, 14 RBI, four walks, and three strikeouts. These statistics are amazing, and even if Montes can't quite replicate them again going forward, he has certainly shown the Mariners organization that he could be a superstar hitter someday. For now, don't be surprised if Montes earns a promotion to Double-A.Source: FanGraphs
3 hours agoSeattle Mariners starting pitcher Will Schomberg signed with the club as a non-drafted free agent out of Davidson in 2022 and is already making waves as an impactful prospect in the depths of the farm system. The right-handed hurler has flashed decent velocity with his fastball and gets good movement on his slider. One of his biggest weaknesses is allowing fly balls and other loud contact. In fact, he owns a measly 29.4 percent walk rate so far this season. This past week, Schomberg was quite effective. He tossed six full innings, allowing zero runs, zero hits, and just one walk. He also found the zone quite often, finishing his day with double-digit strikeouts. If Schomberg can continue to grow his K/BB rate while keeping his ERA in check, he'll earn a promotion very quickly.Source: FanGraphs
3 hours agoAtlanta Braves infield prospect E.J. Exposito is a former 16th-round pick who played college ball at Long Island University. He has decent contact and power skills, continuing to spray the ball to all parts of the field and showing legitimate pop. Defensively, he offers the Braves versatility in the infield. While he'll likely play second base long-term, he's already seen plenty of action at first base, third base, and shortstop, too. Last week was huge for Exposito as he ultimately hit 11-for-23 (.478) with three home runs and five RBI. He also contributed plenty of value on the basepaths by stealing five bases on five attempts last week. The 23-year-old's biggest weakness is his tendency to strike out (3.0 K/BB last week), which he'll need to address before any potential promotion.Source: FanGraphs
3 hours agoBaltimore Orioles pitching prospect Chayce McDermott, dealt from Houston to Baltimore in the Trey Mancini trade, is a former fourth-round pick who gets good velocity behind his fastball, slider, and curveball. The jury is still out on whether McDermott will be a starter or reliever in Baltimore, but he can help his case by developing a fourth offering (changeup) and drastically improving his control. Pitching last Friday, McDermott went 6.2 innings, allowing zero runs, zero hits, and just two walks. He also attacked the strike zone, finishing his outing with a whopping 11 strikeouts, good for an average of 1.65 per inning.Source: FanGraphs
3 hours agoWashington Nationals outfielder Robert Hassell III is a former first-round pick who was flipped to Washington during the trade that made Juan Soto a Padre. The talented left-hander gets good speed behind each of his swings whileread more...
3 hours agoNew York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (hamstring) won't return to Wednesday's matchup against the Pacers. He had played well in the contest, scoring 28 points while shooting 10-for-19 from the field and 4-for-7 from deep. Unfortunately, Anunoby limped off the court late in the third quarter, with TNT's Chris Haynes reporting the former Raptor experienced left hamstring soreness. Jalen Brunson (foot) briefly exited this contest, although he returned. However, DFS managers will likely see both men on the injury report ahead of Game 3 on Friday evening. While Anunoby is sidelined, Precious Achiuwa will likely see more work.Source: Chris Haynes
3 hours agoLos Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estevez nailed down his sixth save of the season in Wednesday's 5-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, slamming the door with two strikeouts in a clean ninth inning. Working on back-to-back days, Estevez continued his encouraging start to the month of May with another scoreless appearance after yielding seven runs with two blown saves across 7 2/3 innings during a rough April. The 31-year-old right-hander owns a dodgy 5.06 ERA through 10 2/3 frames on the season as a whole, but he's remarkably walked zero while striking out 13 over 11 appearances. Estevez is an unrestricted free agent next year, so the 14-23 Halos could opt to move the veteran reliever at the trade deadline later this summer. He'll be an obvious sell-high candidate in fantasy as we get closer to July.Source: MLB.com
3 hours agoChicago White Sox closer Michael Kopech locked down Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, firing a scoreless ninth inning to secure the victory. Kopech got Randy Arozarena to fly out before giving up a single to Harold Ramirez, but the hurler managed to induce a game-ending double play out of Isaac Paredes. It's been a mixed bag from the hard-throwing 28-year-old right-hander as a reliever for the last-place ChiSox this season, but he does have three saves as well as a serviceable 3.93 ERA and 1.25 WHIP while fanning 25 and walking 10 over 18 1/3 frames as Chicago's preferred ninth-inning weapon. Rookie righty Jordan Leasure and veteran John Brebbia are also in the mix for save opportunities on the South Side, making Kopech a fringe hold in fantasy leagues for saves desperados.Source: MLB.com
3 hours agoNew York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (leg) exited Wednesday's postseason matchup with the Pacers. Jalen Brunson (foot) left in the first half because of right foot discomfort. Fortunately, Brunson returned, although now the team could be without Anunoby, who limped off the court while holding his left hamstring in the third quarter. If he doesn't return, he'll finish with 28 points, shooting 10-for-19 from the field and 4-for-7 from deep, with Precious Achiuwa and Miles McBride expected to see more minutes the rest of the way.Source: Stefan Bondy
3 hours agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Chris Bassitt delivered an outstanding performance in Wednesday's 5-3 victory on the road over the Philadelphia Phillies, striking out six and allowing just two runs on three hits and two walks for his third win of the season. That's back-to-back quality starts now for Bassitt, who was hammered for seven runs at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers in his prior appearance on April 26. The 35-year-old veteran right-hander still has work to do to enhance his 5.06 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 40:20 K:BB through 42 2/3 frames (eight starts) for the Jays this season, but he's certainly trending in the right direction. Tuesday's scheduled start against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards unfortunately looks like a nightmarish spot for Bassitt, who went 0-2 and gave up 12 runs across nine innings (two starts) against Baltimore a year ago.Source: MLB.com
4 hours agoKansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. stayed hot in Wednesday's 6-4 win over the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, going 2-for-3 with a home run and a double while scoring three runs. After doubling in the first inning, Witt greeted Brewers right-hander Joel Payamps with a solo shot to deep left center in the eighth frame. The 23-year-old former top prospect has been spectacular all year long, but over his last 15 games since April 23, he's batting .377 with the aforementioned homer, 12 RBI, 16 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. A four-game set against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim starting on Thursday is on tap for Witt. In nine games against the Angels in his career, Witt is surprisingly hitting just .237 with three taters, 10 RBI, three runs scored, and zero steals.Source: MLB.com
4 hours agoNew York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (foot) returned to Wednesday's postseason contest versus the Pacers. Brunson experienced right foot discomfort in the first quarter and was questionable to return. However, while fantasy managers are happy he's out there, it's evident he's not 100%. Of course, head coach Tom Thibodeau will monitor Brunson throughout the contest, and he will likely see fewer minutes than usual.Source: Ian Begley
4 hours agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock (oblique) is scheduled to throw live batting practice ahead of Friday's series opener against the visiting Washington Nationals. If all goes well, Whitlock could make a minor-league rehab start five days later on May 15 and potentially be back with the Red Sox by May 20. Before suffering a strained left oblique, the 27-year-old right-hander registered an outstanding 1.96 ERA (3.31 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP while striking out 17 and walking seven in four starts (18 1/3 innings) out of Boston's rotation this season, and he remains a strong stash in all fantasy leagues. Swingman Cooper Criswell has filled in well during Whitlock's absence, compiling a 1.74 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 16:4 K:BB through 20 2/3 frames (four starts), and he'll be a prime streaming candidate for Sunday's series finale against a middling Nats lineup.Source: Jones & Mego with Arcand - WEEI
4 hours agoBoston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) remains out for Thursday's matchup against the Cavaliers. The 28-year-old suffered a right Soleus strain during the previous round versus the Miami Heat. Fortunately, team reporter Chris Forsberg posted a video to X on Wednesday that showed Porzingis doing some shooting. Nonetheless, he could still miss the remainder of the series with Cleveland. But until Porzingis is back in the lineup, Al Horford and Luke Kornet should handle things in the middle.Source: NBA Injury Report