2 days agoTexas Rangers catcher
Kyle Higashioka is behind the plate again and will hit eighth on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds and right-hander
Carson Spiers at Great American Ball Park, with
Jonah Heim retreating to the bench. Through the team's first six games of the 2025 season, Higashioka and Heim have split the catching duties down the middle with three starts apiece. Heim has four hits (two homers) and two RBI in 10 at-bats so far, while Higashioka has gone 2-for-7 with a double and an RBI in his first two starts. The near-even split behind the dish should continue and will keep both catchers fresh throughout the year. However, it's also bad news for both players' fantasy ceiling at the weak catcher position. Higashioka is coming off a career-best year in San Diego with 17 homers and 45 RBI, but fantasy managers can't expect that kind of output again if he's in a timeshare.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoAccording to ESPN's Shams Charania, Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center
Naz Reid (suspension) was suspended for one game on Tuesday. Reid will serve a one-game suspension for his involvement in an on-court altercation with the Pistons on Sunday.
Donte DiVincenzo was also involved in the scuffle and won't be able to play Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets. With Reid sidelined, Minnesota's frontcourt will likely need
Luka Garza to take on extra minutes for this evening's contest.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
2 days agoKansas City Royals first baseman
Vinnie Pasquantino is not in the starting lineup when the Royals continue a series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday evening. Pasquantino has been in the lineup for each of the first four games of the regular season. He was in danger of missing Opening Day due to a hamstring injury, but was able to recover in time. On Tuesday, the Royals will give
Cavan Biggio the start at first base. Through his first four games, Pasquantino has held a .214/.333/.643 slash line with one double, one triple, and one long ball. He has tallied four RBI and held a 2:2 BB:K. Fantasy managers should expect Pasquantino to return to the starting nine on Wednesday when the Royals will face Milwaukee ace
Freddy Peralta.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher
Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) completed a three-inning simulated game on Monday. Schmidt is set to throw again on Saturday. The 29-year-old opened the regular season on the 15-day injured list due to rotator cuff tendinitis. However, Schmidt appears to be increasing his workload and has yet to face any significant setbacks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he could embark on a rehab assignment soon, as he was initially targeting a return to the big leagues at the end of April. Last season, Schmidt logged 85 1/3 innings and held a solid 2.85 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at a 26.3 percent rate but held a modest 8.5 percent walk rate. When he is cleared to return,
Will Warren will likely shift to a bullpen role or move back to Triple-A to continue his development.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Meredith Marakovits
2 days agoNew York Mets starting pitcher
Sean Manaea (oblique) is still having trouble with his oblique and received a platelet-rich plasma shot. He will be shut down for two weeks. As a result, Manaea will now be sidelined till at least the end of May. The southpaw has been dealing with this oblique injury since spring training. The 33-year-old began a throwing program and was targeting a return in late April. However, he has faced a setback and will now face a longer recovery process. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could face an extended absence. Last season, Manaea held a solid 3.47 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP across his first campaign in Queens. After the All-Star break, the 33-year-old was quite productive, boasting a 0.94 WHIP across 85 1/3 innings of work. While Manaea remains sidelined,
Griffin Canning should continue to see opportunities in the starting rotation.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Tim Healey
2 days agoThe Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned relief pitcher
David Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis. In a corresponding move, the Pirates promoted right-handed pitching prospect
Thomas Harrington to the major leagues and designated catcher
Jason Delay for assignment. Bednar has had a difficult start to the 2025 season after having similar struggles in 2024. Through three appearances this season, Bednar has tallied just three outs and lost two games. He has earned one save and allowed four hits and three earned runs. Last season, the 30-year-old posted a 5.77 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 57 2/3 innings. He blew seven saves and took eight losses. Fantasy managers should monitor his production at Triple-A as he attempts to turn the corner. While he is in the minor leagues,
Colin Holderman and
Dennis Santana will likely see the majority of save opportunities.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Pittsburgh Pirates
2 days agoArizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Jake McCarthy is back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Yankees. He'll bat seventh and man left field for Arizona. McCarthy has started the season 0-for-8 with a 0:2 BB:K, but has managed to pick up two RBI along the way. Much of his fantasy appeal comes from his ability to steal bases, and he's yet to log one of those so far in 2025. He and the D-backs will take on the Yanks'
Will Warren who will be making his first start of 2025. The righty had shown some solid stuff in the spring, but also allowed 11 earned runs over his final three starts (11 1/3 IP), so he was also very hittable at times. McCarthy had a breakout campaign last season, slashing .285/.349/.400 with eight home runs and 25 stolen bases, and has a good shot to get going Tuesday against the 25-year-old hurler.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
2 days agoLos Angeles Angels shortstop
Zach Neto (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday evening. The 24-year-old is working his way back from offseason surgery. Shortly before Opening Day, Angels manager Ron Washington noted that there is not a "defined" date for his return. However, given that Neto will begin rehab assignment this evening, suggest that his return may be sooner rather than later. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his production with Triple-A Salt Lake, as he could return as early as next week. Last season, the former first-round pick enjoyed a solid campaign, hitting 23 home runs and swiping 30 bags. He held a .249/.318/.443 slash line. When healthy, Neto should be viewed as a solid low-end No. 1 shortstop in category formats given his ability to hit for power and carry stolen base upside.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jeff Fletcher
2 days agoLos Angeles Angels outfielder
Jo Adell (hip) is returning to the starting lineup on Tuesday evening when the Angels face the St. Louis Cardinals. Adell has missed the previous two contests due to this injury. However, this injury was not serious, and he will make a quick return to the starting nine. This evening, he will cover center field and bat in the eight-hole. Over the first two games of the campaign, Adell has gone 2-for-4 with a 1:1 BB:K. Last summer, the former 10th overall pick began to turn the corner on his slow start to his MLB career. Over 130 contests, Adell posted a .207/.280/.402 line but launched a career-best 20 long balls and tallied 15 doubles. He also swiped a career-high 15 bags. This evening, he is worth a look as a value play in DFS facing St. Louis southpaw
Matthew Liberatore.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jeff Fletcher
2 days agoThe Houston Astros have acquired right-handed pitcher
Nick Robertson from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Edinson Batista. In a corresponding move, the Astros transferred Christian Javier (elbow) to the 60-day injured list. Robertson has reported to Triple-A Sugar Land. Fantasy managers should expect Robertson to join Houston at some point during the season as a depth option in the bullpen. Last season, Robertson logged 13 1/3 innings at the major league level, split between time in St. Louis and Toronto. Across this stint, Robertson held a modest 4.05 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. Across 35 2/3 innings in the major leagues, the 26-year-old has posted a 5.30 ERA with a 1.57 WHIP. When Robertson does make his Houston debut, he will likely have a low-leverage role in the bullpen and carry minimal fantasy value.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chandler Rome
2 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals backup catcher
Pedro Pages will draw the start on Tuesday against the Angels, and
Ivan Herrera will be on the bench. Both have had success early on this season, but it is Pages who has left the yard between the two of them. Pages is 3-for-6 with a home run, three RBI, three runs scored, and no walks or strikeouts thus far. The 26-year-old backstop has faced opposing pitcher
Kyle Hendricks twice in the past, going 0-for-2 against the veteran pitcher. The righty was solid this spring, but last season the 35-year-old pitched to a 5.92 ERA, 1.45 ERA, and a 7.8 percent K-BB% -- all career worsts. Pages would appear to be in play as a viable and cheap DFS play, although there are hopefully better options available for season-long fantasy.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: St. Louis Cardinals
2 days agoNew York Mets shortstop
Francisco Lindor (personal) is back in the lineup on Tuesday and batting leadoff. The 4x All-Star was absent from Monday's contest for the birth of his son. The switch-hitter is 0-for-11 to begin 2025 with a 0:3 BB:K and will look to collect his first hit of the season against former NL Cy Young winner
Sandy Alcantara, whom he has had some success against in the past. For his career, the 31-year-old is 7-for-25 (.280) with two doubles, a home run, and a 3:4 BB:K. The Mets are favored in this game, so Lindor could be on the DFS radar, however, with a 7.5 o/u, there aren't a lot of runs expected.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: New York Mets
2 days agoDetroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (knee) is expected to miss training camp and could miss the start of the regular season, according to head coach Dan Campbell. McNeill suffered a torn ACL in Week 14 of last season and sounds likely to end up on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) to begin the 2025 campaign. McNeill is one of the better interior defensive linemen in the NFL and has compiled 137 tackles (66 solo), 11.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and 24.5 run stuffs in 61 career games since being selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of NC State. While it's not ideal for the 24-year-old to miss time early in the season, getting him back later in the year for another potential playoff run is the focus of the organization.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Nolan Bianchi - Detroit News
2 days agoCincinnati Reds first baseman
Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hand) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's matchup against the Rangers. The right-handed slugger was hit by a pitch on the right hand in Monday's game and had to be removed from the contest. The X-rays on his hand came back negative, however, it appears the Reds will give him a day off anyway; he is considered day-to-day.
Jeimer Candelario will take over at first for Cincinnati while
Santiago Espinal will man third against the Rangers'
Nathan Eovaldi. Candelario is 2-for-7 with a 1:3 BB:K against the veteran righty, and Espinal is 1-for-9 with a 0:3 BB:K. Candelario, who is batting fifth, carries a much higher barrel rate in his career compared to Espinal, who is batting sixth, so the switch-hitting Candelario may be the better option in DFS formats.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Cincinnati Reds
2 days agoOn Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves designated relief pitcher
Jesse Chavez for assignment, and in a corresponding move, they selected the contract of reliever
Zach Thompson. Chavez signed on with the Braves last week and had his contract selected March 31, pitching two innings for Atlanta that day, only to be DFA'd the next day as the Braves' bullpen had been taxed and long-relief reinforcements were needed. Thompson will provide that, however, it remains to be seen how effective he will be. The 31-year-old missed all of 2024 recovering from flexor tendon surgery, and hasn't pitched at the major league level since 2022. In his limited major league action, the 6-foot-7 hurler owns a 4.44 ERA (4.42 FIP), 1.40 WHIP, and a 9.6 percent K-BB% over 196 2/3 IP. The righty is best left unrostered for fantasy, and as for Chavez, if he clears waivers, don't be surprised to see him back with the Braves soon.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Atlanta Braves
2 days agoThe Tennessee Titans have re-signed defensive back/special-teams ace Justin Hardee Sr., according to NFL.com. The 31-year-old signed with Tennessee in October of last year and played in nine games for the organization, totaling three tackles (two solo). Originally undrafted out of Illinois in 2017, Hardee has primarily been a special-teamer in his eight-year career with the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Titans. He was named a Pro Bowler for his special teams work in 2022. Overall, Hardee has compiled 81 tackles (61 solo), one forced fumble, one interception, and two pass deflections in 109 career games.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
2 days agoWashington Commanders offensive tackle Brandon Coleman is moving to the right side of the line after starting at left tackle in his rookie season in 2024, according to head coach Dan Quinn. The franchise traded for Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil this offseason, and Coleman is expected to provide depth or competition behind starting right tackle Andrew Wylie. Coleman was a third-round selection out of TCU in the 2024 NFL Draft and played in 16 games (12 starts) a season ago. While this move doesn't directly affect fantasy football, a stronger offensive line and versatile depth at tackle can only help the prospects of
Jayden Daniels,
Austin Ekeler, and
Brian Robinson Jr.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
2 days agoThe New York Yankees and relief pitcher
Adam Ottavino agreed to a one-year contract on Tuesday. The veteran was with Boston this spring but wasn't able to make the roster so he opted out of his minor league deal, allowing him to sign with another team. That other team will be the same one he was with from 2019-20. The righty pitched last season for the Mets and owns a career ERA of 3.49, a 1.28 WHIP, and 16.9 percent K-BB%. The 39-year-old will likely provide the Yankees with some middle relief help, and with some solid strikeout stuff left in the repertoire, he could feasibly be of help to managers in deep AL-only leagues, but that's about the extent of his fantasy relevance.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Associated Press
2 days agoThe Carolina Panthers are re-signing running back
Raheem Blackshear to a one-year deal, according to NFL.com. After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Virginia Tech, Blackshear spent the 2022 preseason with the Buffalo Bills before landing with the Panthers, where he has been ever since. In his three-year NFL career, the 26-year-old has totaled 52 carries for 203 yards and three touchdowns on the ground and 16 receptions for 138 yards through the air in 41 games. With
Chuba Hubbard,
Rico Dowdle, and potentially
Jonathon Brooks (knee) in the Carolina backfield next season, it would be a surprise if Blackshear ends up on the fantasy football radar.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
2 days agoAtlanta Falcons quarterback
Kirk Cousins is not expected to participate in the team's voluntary offseason training program, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Cousins is just over a year removed from signing a four-year, $180 million contract ($100 million guaranteed) but was benched after throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 14 games last season for first-round rookie
Michael Penix Jr. The team has stated they are comfortable keeping Cousins on the roster as a backup, but he could still be cut or traded at some point before the 2025 regular season.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
2 days agoStarting in 2025, kickoff touchbacks will now result in the ball being spotted at the 35-yard line instead of the 30-yard line after the NFL owners voted to change the rule on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The dynamic kickoff debuted in 2024, and this is seen as an enhancement to the new-look kickoff. The league saw 332 more kickoff returns in 2024 compared to 2023, and the new field position is expected to discourage kickoff units from kicking the ball into the end zone. While this does not directly affect all fantasy football leagues, some leagues reward points to individual players for kickoff-return touchdowns, and there could be more special-teams touchdowns, leading to more fantasy scoring for D/ST units starting next season.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
2 days agoUtah Hockey Club defenseman Olli Maatta (lower body) is viewed as a game-time decision for their contest on Tuesday evening against the Calgary Flames. Maatta was unable to play in their previous contest due to this injury. If he were to remain out of the starting lineup, fantasy managers should expect Nick DeSimone to remain in the starting lineup and on the bottom defensive pairing alongside Michael Kesselring. Before his injury, Maatta was riding a nine-game scoreless streak. During this offensive skid, the 30-year-old logged six hits and nine blocked shots. Through 70 contests this season, Maatta has found the back of the net twice and added 13 helpers with 29 hits and an impressive 113 blocked shots.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Belle Fraser
2 days agoBuffalo Sabres left wing Jordan Greenway (lower body) will remain out of the starting lineup on Tuesday evening when the Sabres travel to Ottawa to face the Senators. Greenway has missed the previous four contests due to this lower-body injury. Before his injury, Greenway was riding a 13-game scoreless streak. During this skid, Greenway logged 40 hits, 32 penalty minutes, and added nine blocked shots. Through 34 contests this season, Greenway has only found the back of the net three times and added five helpers. He has held a -4 rating and logged 100 hits with 45 penalty minutes. When he is cleared to return, fantasy managers should expect Greenway to return to his role in the bottom-six of the Buffalo offense.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
2 days agoDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been negotiating directly with All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons on a long-term contract extension and is offering him a contract that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, according to DLLS Sports' Clarence Hill. The Cowboys have conducted all negotiations without Parsons' agent, David Mulugheta, and haven't talked with him since the scouting combine in late February. Parsons will not sign a new deal without his agent's approval, so this could be a sticking point in negotiations. The 25-year-old former 12th overall pick in 2021 out of Penn State has made the Pro Bowl in all four of his NFL seasons and has been a first-team All-Pro twice, having recorded a whopping 52.5 sacks in 63 regular-season games. Regardless of his contract situation, Parsons is an elite pass-rusher in IDP fantasy leagues.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: DLLS Sports - Clarence Hill
2 days agoCarolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal (lower body) is considered doubtful for Wednesday's contest against the Washington Capitals. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour noted that this move is precautionary. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to their next game on Friday evening against the Detroit Red Wings. He is currently riding a six-game scoreless streak. During this skid, Staal has logged nine hits, two blocks, and held a -2 rating. Through 71 total contests this season, the 36-year-old has found the back of the net has found the back of the net 12 times and added 21 helpers. Staal has added 127 hits with 99 shots on goal. While Staal is out of the lineup, fantasy managers should expect Tyson Jost to remain in the starting lineup.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chip Alexander
2 days agoWashington Capitals defenseman Matt Roy (personal) will not travel with the team when they face the Bruins in Boston on Tuesday evening. Roy is tending to a family matter. Fantasy managers should monitor his status, but he will likely also miss their next contest on Wednesday evening in Carolina. He will likely return to the starting lineup when the Capitals return to D.C. on Friday, even when they host the Chicago Blackhawks. While Roy is out of the starting lineup, fantasy managers should expect Dylan McIlrath to enter the lineup and play on the bottom defensive pairing alongside Martin Fehervary. Over his last five games, Roy has tallied three points (two helpers) with six hits and six blocked shots. Through 63 total games this season, Roy has scored three goals and added 21 helpers.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Bailey Johnson
2 days agoLas Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said on Monday that the team is "working on it" in regards to a long-term contract extension with quarterback
Geno Smith. The 34-year-old veteran signal-caller turned down the Seattle Seahawks' initial contract offer after the scouting combine in February, which led Seattle to eventually trade Smith to the Raiders in a surprising move. Smith and Carroll will be working together again in 2025 after they were together in Seattle from 2020-23. Smith was a Pro Bowler in both 2022 and 2023 under Carroll, completing 67.4$ of his pass attempts for 7,906 combined passing yards, 50 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 32 starts. The familiarity between the two is a plus, but other than tight end
Brock Bowers, Smith's weapons in his new home are questionable, at best, making him more of a QB2 target yet again in fantasy in 2025.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
2 days agoTampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that he's optimistic that wide receiver
Chris Godwin (ankle) will be ready to play in Week 1 of the 2025 regular season. "I'm hoping he's on the field Week 1. I'll have more to know about that after [this] month goes on - see how he feels when he gets running and practicing and everything else," Bowles said. Despite suffering a dislocated left ankle in Week 7 of 2024 that sidelined him for the rest of the season, the Bucs re-signed Godwin this offseason to a three-year contract. The 29-year-old pass-catcher will continue to form an excellent one-two punch with veteran
Mike Evans when he's healthy, but there will be plenty of skepticism about his fantasy value until we see him get back on the field this offseason. The good news is he was averaging a career-high 19.7 PPR fantasy points per game last year before his injury.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
2 days agoBuffalo Sabres center Josh Norris (undisclosed) did not travel with the team on Tuesday when the Sabres went to Ottawa to face the Senators. Norris has missed each of the last nine contests with this same injury. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, but Norris may not see many more opportunities during the regular season. The Sabres acquired the 25-year-old at the trade deadline from the Senators. Before his injury, Norris scored two goals and tallied two helpers over his last six contests. Through 56 contests this season, the 25-year-old has scored 21 goals and added 14 helpers. Norris has tallied 11 of his points on the power play and logged 96 shots on goal with 135 hits. While Norris remains out, Ryan McLeod will continue to operate as the No. 2 center in the Buffalo offense.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: TSN Ottawa
2 days agoLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead said he expects center Coleman Shelton, who was re-signed to a two-year deal in free agency this spring, to start again in 2025. Shelton started for the Rams in parts of the 2022 season and for all of 2023 before spending last year with the Chicago Bears. Due to injuries in 2024, rookie sixth-rounder Beaux Limmer ended up starting at center. While Limmer held his own in a starting role last year, the Rams wanted to upgrade at the position and improve the communication along the offensive line. The Rams will continue to develop Limmer in 2025, and he could also be used at guard. The 29-year-old Shelton also started all 17 regular-season games while with the Bears in 2024. It's good news for quarterback
Matthew Stafford and the rest of the Rams offense.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Jourdan Rodrigue
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