2 mins agoDenver Broncos quarterback
Bo Nix was viewed by many front offices as a backup-caliber player, according to NFL insider Todd McShay. As relayed by Scott Barrett of Fantasy Points, McShay spoke to roughly one dozen teams, and the Broncos were the only one that had a Round 1 grade on Nix. The other teams all had a backup-caliber grade on him. This doesn't necessarily mean that Nix will be a bust and the Broncos will be proven wrong, but it certainly suggests that Denver took a risk by selecting the Oregon product 12th overall in last month's draft. As spring turns to summer, Nix will embark on a competition for the starting quarterback job with
Jarrett Stidham and
Zach Wilson. He's an appealing dynasty option but can probably be avoided in most redraft leagues for now.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Todd McShay
9 mins agoIndianapolis Colts quarterback
Anthony Richardson (shoulder) is progressing well and itching to get back to normal football activities, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. "Richardson feels he's full go at this point," Fowler said during an appearance on SportsCenter. "He's been throwing for
read more...
16 mins agoTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Jalen McMillan drew the praise of wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon, according to PewterReport. McClendon told the media that he likes the rookie's flexibility to play outside or in the slot, and he also feels fortunate that McMillan fell to Tampa Bay in the third round. These comments suggest that not only did Tampa Bay grade McMillan higher than where he was picked, but they also intend to get him involved right away. He's currently projected to compete with
Trey Palmer for the No. 3 wide receiver role, but he might have an early leg up on that competition given his versatility in the passing attack. He's a riser in most dynasty rookie drafts but isn't quite on the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: PewterReport
20 mins agoTampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Sean Tucker drew the praise of running backs coach Skip Peete this week, according to PewterReport. Peete told the media that Tucker "showed a lot of promise early" last season before the Buccaneers ultimately started to lean on
Rachaad White and
Chase Edmonds. Peete is "excited to see [Tucker] grow this offseason," suggesting the second-year back could carve out a real role in the Tampa Bay offense. Tucker will have to compete with White, Edmonds, and rookie
Bucky Irving, but Peete implied that there is plenty of room for competition and he's not the type of coach to lean on just one player. The likelihood of Tucker entering Week 1 with fantasy relevance is low, but he's still a name to watch once training camp gets underway.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: PewterReport
33 mins agoCarolina Panthers running back
Jonathon Brooks could be heavily involved in the passing game this season. According to head coach Dave Canales, the rookie running back's versatility is "probably the biggest thing that stood out" when the Panthers studied Brooks prior to last month's
read more...
40 mins agoBuffalo Bills running back
Ray Davis "could have a sneaky-big impact" in 2024, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. The Kentucky product was selected with the 128th overall pick in last month's draft and has impressive power behind his 5-foot-8, 211-pound frame. One NFL scout told Fowler that Davis is a "great complement to [James] Cook and should get a lot of goal-line and short-yardage work, which should result in some touchdowns." Cook is a fine runner, but he struggled in goal-line and short-yardage situations last year, delivering just two touchdowns. On the other hand, he emerged as a real receiving threat, catching 44 passes for 445 yards through the air. It's easy to envision a scenario where the Bills rely on Cook on early downs and in passing situations before turning to Davis when they need a physical back to secure a few yards. Such a backfield dynamic would drop Cook to the RB2 tier in fantasy football while Davis could sneak into RB3/FLEX territory.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: Jeremy Fowler
47 mins agoDetroit Tigers infielder
Andy Ibanez went yard twice in Tuesday's 11-7 win over the division-rival Cleveland Guardians, piling up four hits and four RBI in the high-scoring affair. Ibanez took Guardians left-hander Logan Allen deep to open the game, tagging the southpaw for another long ball to score three more runs in the second frame. The 31-year-old utility man raised his average by nearly 100 points with the four-hit attack, now batting .364 (12-for-33) with two big flies, one double, seven RBI, and seven runs scored across 13 games. With top prospect
Colt Keith scuffling at the plate to begin his major-league career, Ibanez could push for more playing time at the keystone with continued hot hitting. Ibanez gets another date with Cleveland on Wednesday. In 17 career games versus the Guardians, Ibanez is now hitting a ridiculous .441 (26-for-59) with nine extra-base hits and 15 RBI.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB
1 hour agoSan Francisco Giants outfielder
Rayner Arias (wrist) is dealing with a left-wrist sprain after diving for a ball in the outfield recently while playing for the team's rookie-ball affiliate in the Arizona Complex League. It's an injury worth watching after the young outfielder broke the same wrist on a similar play in 2023. Arias is only 18 years old but has looked impressive in back-to-back spring training appearances. If the team's No. 5 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, can get past his recent wrist injury before the ACL season ends in July, he could be promoted to Single-A San Jose to finish out the 2024 campaign. In the long term, Arias profiles as a big, physical corner outfielder with heart-of-the-order power potential. But he's still at least several years from being a candidate for the major-league roster, and he's going to need to stay healthy to realize his potential.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs - Eric Longenhagen and Travis Ice
1 hour agoTampa Bay Rays infielder
Junior Caminero is slashing a gaudy .324/.378/.662 with six home runs, five doubles, 16 RBI, and 12 runs scored over 68 at-bats (17 games) with Triple-A Durham this season, but Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times believes it's unlikely that Caminero will get called up anytime soon, barring an injury to a key player. The Rays want to make sure Caminero is ready physically, with both the bat and glove, and that he fits somewhere on the current team before promoting him. They also don't want a repeat of young top prospects with other teams who have struggled this season, including
Jackson Holliday,
Jackson Chourio, and
Wyatt Langford. The 20-year-old Caminero is MLB Pipeline's No. 4 prospect for 2024, and RotoBaller's Eric Cross still ranks Caminero as the top prospect to stash in redraft fantasy leagues and expects Tampa to elevate him in May.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Marc Topkin - Tampa Bay Times
2 hours agoMilwaukee Brewers right-hander
Jakob Junis (head, shoulder) was moved to the 60-day injured list on Monday, meaning he won't be eligible to come back until June 2 now, at the earliest. Junis' comeback from a right-shoulder injury in early April was interrupted when he was stretchered off the field on April 22 after being hit in the neck by a batting practice ball. He was alert and responsive when he was sent to a local hospital and was able to resume playing catch by April 26. It's a tough break for the 31-year-old veteran, who allowed just one earned run on three hits while walking one and striking out four in a four-inning no-decision in his lone start of the year on April 2 against the Minnesota Twins. When healthy, Junis should be a candidate to return to Milwaukee's starting rotation next month.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoSan Diego Padres starting pitcher
Dylan Cease is enjoying an excellent start to his 2024 regular season, and he'll try to keep the good times rolling in Wednesday's scheduled start on the road against the Chicago Cubs. Through seven starts this year, Cease boasts a 2.55 ERA (2.50 FIP) and 0.80 WHIP while striking out 48, walking 14, and leading MLB with just 4.3 hits per nine innings over 42 1/3 frames. After spending the first five years of his major-league career with the Chicago White Sox on the South Side, Cease has plenty of experience dealing with the Cubs. In four appearances against the Cubs since 2021, the hard-throwing 28-year-old right-hander is 3-0 with an outstanding 1.50 ERA and 33:11 K:BB across 24 innings. Chicago's current roster is batting just 4-for-46 (.087) versus Cease, who looks like a great fantasy play across the board on Wednesday.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Savant
2 hours agoTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Ryan Pepiot (leg) is likely to go on the injured list, manager Kevin Cash says, but a CT scan was negative. Pepiot departed Sunday's series finale against the visiting New York Mets after taking a 107.5-mph comebacker off his left leg, which resulted in a contusion, and the Rays are preparing the take a cautious approach with the 26-year-old upstart right-hander. It doesn't sound like it'll be a long stint on the IL at the moment for Pepiot, who owns an excellent 3.68 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 41:11 K:BB through 36 2/3 innings (seven starts) as Tampa's ace this season. Look for
Taj Bradley's (pectoral) next start to come in the major leagues to take Pepiot's spot in the rotation, with Bradley's 2024 regular-season debut likely arriving on Saturday at home against the division-rival New York Yankees.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Tricia Whitaker
2 hours agoNew York Mets starting pitcher
Kodai Senga (shoulder) will throw another bullpen session in the coming days, followed by possibly another live batting practice before going on a minor-league rehab assignment. Senga took extra time between live BP sessions and will now require the additional bullpen, plus perhaps another live BP before the Mets send him on a rehab assignment. Despite being eligible to come off the 60-day injured list on May 27, Senga's absence with a right posterior shoulder capsule strain will almost certainly extend into at least early June. Last year, the 31-year-old ace recorded a strong 2.98 ERA and 1.22 WHIP while striking out 202 and walking 77 in 166 1/3 innings (29 starts) for the Mets and still needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues. Right-hander
Jose Butto and top prospect
Christian Scott will continue competing to lock down spots in New York's rotation until Senga is cleared to return.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Anthony DiComo - MLB.com
2 hours agoTexas Rangers second baseman
Marcus Semien collected a season-high five RBI in Tuesday's 15-8 win over the division-rival Oakland Athletics, also smacking a solo home run in the victory. It was a massive day at the plate for Semien, who went 4-for-5 with an RBI single plus a two-run double as part of a 10-run blitz in the second frame by the Rangers, and he added another run-scoring single in the fourth for good measure. The 33-year-old All-Star infielder is now slashing a solid .266/.314/.449 with six homers, nine doubles, 27 RBI, and 27 runs scored in 158 at-bats as Texas' everyday leadoff man. Before a tasty three-game weekend set against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field begins on Friday, Semien gets two more cracks at his former Athletics team in Wednesday's doubleheader. In 18 games versus Oakland since 2023, Semien is batting .329 with four long balls, 15 RBI, and three stolen bases.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 hours agoIf the game of golf was only from tee to green, Keegan Bradley would be a rockstar in 2024. He's gained over 11 shots on the field on approach over his last two starts and is currently 37th on the season in strokes gained on approach (0.407). The bad part is we have to keep counting once we've made it to the green, and so far, Bradley is bleeding strokes with the putter at a clip even his great ball striking can't keep up with. He lost over seven shots on the greens at TPC Sawgrass and nearly four shots on the greens a few weeks ago at Harbour Town. It's an annoying situation for us to watch, as it surely is for him to perform. Nevertheless, all it takes is a few solid rounds with the flat stick to put together a solid week; just not on a fantasy roster.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
2 hours agoMiami Marlins relief pitcher
A.J. Puk (shoulder) tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts for the Florida Complex League Marlins on Monday. Puk went back-to-back with an outing for Single-A Jupiter on Tuesday, allowing two runs on three hits in the fifth inning. The 29-year-old left-hander is expected to make his return from fatigue in his left shoulder as a reliever, and he could be activated from the 15-day injured list at some point during Miami's next homestand that begins with Friday's series opener versus the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies. Working mainly as a high-leverage arm last season, Puk posted a 3.97 ERA and 1.18 WHIP while striking out 78 and walking only 13, but he converted just 15 of his 24 save opportunities with two holds across 56 2/3 innings. Even so, he'll eventually be a threat for ninth-inning work with closer
Tanner Scott's expiring contract making him a potential trade candidate.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Fish on First
2 hours agoDetroit Tigers third baseman
Gio Urshela (hamstring) ran the bases and took batting practice ahead of Tuesday's game against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians, and he will do so again on Wednesday. If all goes well, Urshela could begin a minor-league rehab assignment sometime soon after the Tigers return home on Friday for the start of a three-game series with the Houston Astros. Although the 32-year-old defensive-minded infielder was hitting .298 (17-for-57) before going on the 10-day injured list due to a strained right hamstring, he has only six RBI, two extra-base hits, and four runs scored through 18 games (57 at-bats) as Detroit's primary third baseman and doesn't need to be stashed in most fantasy leagues.
Matt Vierling is worth a look in AL-only formats in the meantime, however, slashing .286/.321/.510 with two home runs, one double, two triples, and seven RBI over his last 49 ABs (15 games).
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Evan Petzold - Detroit Free Press
2 hours agoThere's little ambiguity as the who the Baltimore Ravens' top three wide receivers are entering the 2024 season --
Zay Flowers at No. 1,
Rashod Bateman at No. 2, and
Nelson Agholor at
read more...
2 hours agoColorado Rockies infielder/outfielder
Kris Bryant (back) has been increasing his baseball activities, according to manager Bud Black. Despite the positive news, there is still not a clear timetable for Bryant's return from a strained lower back. Before hitting the injured list, the 32-year-old former All-Star was slashing a weak .149/.273/.255 with one home run, two doubles, six RBI, and three runs scored through 55 plate appearances (13 games) while splitting work at first base and in right field for the Rockies. He's not a recommended stash in shallow fantasy leagues at this point. With Bryant sidelined, veteran
Charlie Blackmon is spending more time in right field while
Elehuris Montero functions as Colorado's primary first baseman. Both players have a sub-.600 OPS and aren't worth streaming at this time.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Patrick Lyons
2 hours agoBaltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh reiterated after the NFL draft that quarterback
Josh Johnson is his No. 2 quarterback right now behind starter
Lamar Jackson. Harbaugh said that sixth-round rookie
Devin Leary will "probably be the third quarterback this year in some way or fashion and grow into the job as we go."
Malik Cunningham, who was signed off the New England Patriots' practice squad in December, has time to change the coaching staff's mind in training camp this summer, but the Ravens have been non-committal about their long-term plans for him. Now that
Tyler Huntley is now in Cleveland, the 37-year-old journeyman Johnson will be the primary backup for Jackson entering the 2024 season. Needless to say, but the Ravens will be in trouble if Jackson misses time with an injury.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
2 hours agoCincinnati Bengals quarterback
Joe Burrow (wrist) threw in front of the media on Tuesday for the first time since injuring his right wrist last November. Burrow has been throwing for more than a month at the tail end of his expected six-month recovery process. Still, he expects this to take time to get all the way back to where he wants to be for training camp in late July. Burrow is fully cleared for everything except contact, which is supposed to come in around a month. "Whenever you have an injury to your throwing side, you're never quite sure how it's gonna turn out at the end, but I'm in a good spot," Burrow said. "I'm happy with where I'm at." Barring a setback when he starts taking contact, the 27-year-old should be ready to go for the start of the 2024 season as he looks to bounce back to being a high-end QB1 in fantasy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
3 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals catcher
Willson Contreras (arm) has been diagnosed with a fractured left arm after exiting Tuesday's game against the visiting New York Mets in the second inning. Contreras was writhing in pain after getting hit on a swing by
J.D. Martinez, and he immediately came out of the game. It's a massive blow to a Cardinals offense already struggling to produce runs as well as Contreras, who will face some kind of lengthy absence following the setback. Through 128 plate appearances (31 games) for St. Louis this year, the 31-year-old star backstop was slashing a robust .280/.398/.551 with six home runs, 11 doubles, 12 RBI, 20 runs scored, and two stolen bases.
Ivan Herrera stepped in on Tuesday and figures to get all the action he can handle behind the dish in Contreras' stead, slashing just .215/.264/.369 with three homers and 11 RBI over 65 at-bats. Fantasy managers can find better replacements on waiver wires.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: St. Louis Cardinals on X
3 hours agoIt has been a feast or famine year for Billy Horschel, with his recent victory at the Corales Puntacana Championship bookended by missed cuts. Many of his poor performances this season can be attributed to poor iron play, though he's still ranked in a respectable 70th spot in strokes gained on approach (0.145). His work with the putter has been the backbone of most rounds as he is ranked 14th in strokes gained putting (0.578). His misses--while they have been small--have been plentiful, but his ceiling is gaining over 16 strokes on the field as he did in his win. He's an interesting choice this week simply because it is a no-cut event and he leads the tour in final round scoring average, but having to count everything together makes him a scary play at $9,100 on FanDuel.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
3 hours agoTaylor Moore appeared to be playing well. The American golfer barely finished inside the Top 60 at the RBC Heritage. That included a rough weekend culminating in a final round 74. After missing the cut at the Zurich Open, Moore may have an opportunity to rebound at the Wells Fargo Championship. The last time Moore put four rounds together was in Houston where he finished tied for second. He is 32nd when it comes to GIR (Greens In Regulation) at 68.99%. It is vital that Moore gets approaches on the green with regularity. If he putts reasonably well, the golfer could be a reasonable DFS play this weekend.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
3 hours agoOakland Athletics right-hander
Freddy Tarnok (hip) reported to the team's minor-league complex in Arizona on April 29. He was scheduled to throw a bullpen session on April 30 and a live batting practice session last Thursday. Tarnok was moved to the 60-day injured list on Friday and he doesn't have a current timetable to start a minor-league rehab assignment. The 25-year-old is recovering from right-hip inflammation that he first experienced in spring training and won't be able to return until at least late May. The A's aren't going to rush him along once he does start a rehab assignment on the farm. In just five appearances (one start) for the A's last year, Tarnok had a 4.91 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 11 walks and 14 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings. Tarnok has shown the ability to miss bats, but he's going to need to stay healthy to give himself a chance at a role.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoOakland Athletics infielder
Aledmys Diaz (calf) has resumed taking batting practice. He has not started running the bases yet, but manager Mark Kotsay said that once Diaz does so without issue, he could be ready to go on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 33-year-old veteran utility man is slowly making progress but is probably still a month away from being able to make his 2024 debut with the A's. The Cuban infielder won't be guaranteed playing time when he's able to return, though, after disappointing with a .229/.280/.337 slash line in his first year with the team in 2023 in 109 games. Even if Diaz does find regular playing time when he's healthy, he'll have a low ceiling with minimal power and speed. Diaz hasn't hit more than 18 home runs in a single season in his eight-year big-league career.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoLucas Glover enjoyed a career renaissance of sorts in 2023. The American golfer won two tournaments (Fed Ex St. Jude and the Wyndham Championship). 2024 has been different as Glover has zero Top 10 results. He has been close, however. Glover finished 11th at the Valspar in March but subpar final rounds have plagued him the past three events. Glover's metrics are all over the place. He is sixth in driving accuracy but drives the ball only 286.2 yards. Glover ranks ninth in strokes gained approaching the green but is 170th when it comes to putting. Putts that fell last year might this weekend at the event one state north of his native South Carolina.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
3 hours agoOakland Athletics left-hander
Ken Waldichuk (elbow) had a setback after he faced hitters in a 25-pitch live batting practice session on April 29 and has not thrown since. Waldichuk will be re-evaluated in the next week and is shut down indefinitely. The 26-year-old southpaw opened the year on the 60-day injured list while recovering from a left-elbow sprain, but this recent setback is going to keep him out at least into June. He's merely a name to monitor in AL-only leagues while he works to get healthy. Waldichuk won't be a lock for the big-league rotation when he's finally healthy, either, after going 4-9 with a 5.36 ERA (5.30 FIP) and 1.56 WHIP with 71 walks and 132 K's in 141 innings over 35 outings (22 starts) last year. A relief role is probably his best path to work in the majors if he can eventually make it back before the All-Star break.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 hours agoSi Woo Kim had an impressive performance at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, finishing T13 and securing his fourth top-20 finish in his previous five starts. Kim hasn't missed a cut in 2024 and has achieved eight top-25 finishes. This week, he will be playing at Quail Hollow for the Wells Fargo Championship. Last year, he finished T43 at the same event. In the previous Wells Fargo Championship, over 44% of approach shots were made from 150-200 yards, and Kim ranks in the 58th percentile in proximity to the hole on approach shots from this distance in the fairway over the previous 12 months. Considering his recent and overall 2024 form, Kim could be an excellent addition to DFS lineups this week.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
3 hours agoKurt Kitayama has played well enough to come close to contending without truly contending in 2024. He has a T-8 at Phoenix with several Top 25 results. The American golfer has only missed one cut in 2024. Total driving is where Kitayama excels ranking tenth overall. His driving distance of 303.8 yards is useful on the long Wells Fargo Championship course (7,538 yards). The one concern is the 3.78 birdies per round (123rd). Now, if the weather cooperates and birdies increase, that may keep Kitayama lurking and little else.
--Chris Wassel - RotoBallerSource: PGATour.com
RADIO
