3 days agoWashington Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia Jr. (undisclosed) was scratched from Saturday's lineup. As a result, Darren Baker got the starting nod at the keystone. Fantasy managers should monitor his status as the team did not provide much context about his injury. Last season, Garcia logged a career-high 140 games in his fifth-MLB campaign. Across this stint, Garcia posted a career-best .282/.318/.444 slash line with 25 doubles and 18 home runs. He swiped 22 bags and added 58 runs and 70 RBI. He showed a strong eye at the plate as he only struck out at a 16.3 percent rate. He also generated a .278 xBA. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Garcia to operate as the team's primary second baseman. However, last season, he did sit occasionally against southpaws, which slightly hinders his fantasy value.Source: Bobby Blanco
3 days agoLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (calf) exited Friday's win over the Clippers with a calf injury. Fortunately, an MRI "revealed no serious injury, with Reaves now considered "day-to-day." As a result, there's a chance fantasy managers could see him in the lineup for Sunday's rematch with the Clippers. Of course, the Lakers will take it easy on Reaves, especially with the postseason right around the corner. If he's sidelined on Sunday, Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin could enter the starting lineup. However, Luka Doncic and LeBron James, combining for 59 points on Friday night, should remain in line for more production.Source: Shams Charania
3 days agoColorado Rockies right-handed pitcher Justin Lawrence was placed on waivers. After posting a 3.72 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP during the 2023 season, Lawrence took a step back in 2024 as he held a 6.49 ERA with a 11.78 WHIP. In 2023, Lawrence tallied 11 saves and tallied 78 punchouts across 75 frames. However, in 2024, Lawrence tallied just two saves with 45 strikeouts across 59 2/3 innings. Last summer, Lawrence generated a high 6.23 xERA and a .300 xBA which placed him in the first percentile in both metrics. He also generated whiffs at a low 22.6 percent rate and strikeouts at a 16.1 percent rate, which were both well below the average marks. Given his struggles last season, Lawrence will likely not draw extensive interest on waivers.Source: Jon Heyman
3 days agoGolden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (back) won't play on Saturday against Philadelphia. The veteran has been bothered by back spasms, so he won't be out there versus his former team. He's struggled of late, amassing only 11 points in the last two games. Hopefully, the time off will help Butler get back on track. But while he is out, Gary Payton II and Buddy Hield are the favorites to enter the starting lineup.Source: Anthony Slater
3
days
agoNew
York
Yankees
designated
hitter
Giancarlo
Stanton
(elbow)
will
open
the
season
on
the
injured
list.
Stanton
received
PRP
injections
in
both
of
his
elbows.
He
is
expected
to
return
to
Tampa
next
week
but
will
face
a
longer
recovery
process.
Stantonread more...
3
days
agoThe
Washington
Commanders
have
acquired
wide
receiver
Deebo
Samuel
Sr.
from
the
San
Francisco
49ers
in
exchange
for
a
fifth-round
draft
pick.
Samuel's
name
has
been
around
several
trade
discussions
throughout
the
offseason
after
his
disappointing
2024
campaign.
In
2024,
Samuel
found
the
backread more...
3 days agoBuffalo Sabres left wing Jason Zucker (lower body) will miss a second consecutive game on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens. Earlier this week, Zucker suffered a lower-body injury while blocking a shot. The veteran has landed on the shelf after registering 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 54 games during a highly productive campaign. Sam Lafferty has taken Zucker's spot in the lineup. Lafferty is a fourth-line grinder, offering zero fantasy value. He has posted five points (two goals, three assists) in 40 appearances.Source: Heather Engel
3 days agoOttawa Senators centers Josh Norris (upper body) and Shane Pinto (upper body) will return to action on Saturday against the San Jose Sharks. Norris is good to go after missing six games, while Pinto will rejoin the lineup following a four-game absence. Brady Tkachuk (lower body) already confirmed on Friday that he will play, so the Senators attack will have three key players back against the Sharks. Norris, who has tallied 31 points (19 goals, 12 assists) in 50 games, will center the second line, with Pinto, who has had 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 46 contests, joining the third line.Source: TSN 1200 Ottawa
3 days agoBoston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand suffered an upper-body injury during Saturday's clash against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He exited the action after absorbing a hit from Penguins defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph. Marchand was limited to only three shifts and 2:18 of ice time in the game. The Bruins captain had a slow start to the year but has put together another fine season, scoring 21 goals and 47 points in 61 games. Boston returns to action on Sunday against the Minnesota Wild, with Marchand at risk of missing his first game of the season.Source: ESPN
3 days agoNashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (upper body) was placed on Injured Reserve Saturday. He is now considered week-to-week after being initially regarded as day-to-day. Josi missed a second consecutive game on Saturday against the New York Islanders. With Josi out, Brady Skjei has taken over as the Predators' No. 1 defenseman. He led all skaters in ice time during Saturday's 7-4 loss with 26:06, logging 4:22 of power-play time. However, Skjei finished scoreless for the seventh time in eight games. He has picked up 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 59 appearances across the season.Source: Nashville Predators
3 days agoEdmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (undisclosed) will remain out on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes, missing a second consecutive game. Earlier in the week, Nurse was labeled day-to-day, indicating that he isn't dealing with anything serious. However, he isn't game-ready quite yet. Nurse's next chance to return will come on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks. Once he is back in action, Nurse will look to end an eight-game point drought. He has notched 22 points (four goals, 18 assists) for the season, adding 110 hits and 94 blocks in 55 outings. Troy Stecher is filling in for Nurse in the lineup. He has made minimal impact and does not have any fantasy value. In 46 games this season, Stecher has totaled six points (three goals, three assists).Source: Tony Brar
3 days agoThe Colorado Avalanche have added defenseman Ryan Lindgren for their blue line in a trade with the New York Rangers. Veteran forward Jimmy Vesey also moved to Denver as part of the deal, while forward Juuso Parssinen, defenseman Calvin de Haan, and two draft picks were sent in the opposite direction. Lindgren has spent his entire NHL career with the Rangers, tallying 99 points (12 goals, 87 assists) over 387 games, along with 567 blocks and 573 hits. He is having a career year offensively, recording 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) in 54 games. With more offensive talent surrounding him, Lindgren may even slightly boost his productivity further with the Avalanche.Source: ESPN
3 days agoThe Minnesota Wild have acquired winger Gustav Nyquist in a trade with the Nashville Predators, giving up a 2026 second-round draft pick in the transaction. This marks a return to Saint Paul for Nyquist, who finished the 2022-23 campaign with the Wild, notching five points (one goal, four assists) in three regular-season outings. He added five assists in six playoff appearances. The Swedish veteran boasts 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) through 57 appearances this season. The Wild have struggled with injuries in their attacking department throughout the season, and the addition of Nyquist will offer some relief. With Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) and Joel Eriksson Ek (undisclosed) out, Nyquist could step into a top-six role with the Wild.Source: ESPN
3 days agoAtlanta Braves infield prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. (wrist) is expected to return soon. Alvarez suffered this minor wrist injury during Thursday's spring training contest. However, seeing that he is already nearing a return, suggest the injury was not very serious. Last season, the 21-year-old made his MLB debut. Across his first eight contests in Atlanta, he posted a .100/.156/.100 slash line. However, at Triple-A, the infielder showcased elite contact skills as he posted a .297/.398/.463 slash line with nine doubles and 10 home runs. He swiped 10 bags and held a strong 37:45 BB:K rate across 64 contests. Earlier in the season, Alvarez posted a .265/.381/.312 line in 48 games at Double-A. When healthy, the infielder should compete for a depth role in the Atlanta infield.Source: Mark Bowman
3 days agoNew York Mets infield prospect Luisangel Acuna (arm) exited Saturday's contest after being hit by a pitch on his left arm. He was hit by Tampa Bay Rays left-handed pitcher Shane McClanahan in the second frame. The young infielder was able to swipe second base before being pulled from the contest. Fantasy managers should monitor his status as the team could have removed him out of precaution. Earlier in the week, infielder Nick Madrigal (shoulder) underwent surgery to repair his fractured shoulder which will keep him sidelined for the entire season. Acuna is expected to have a more significant role in camp with Madrigal's injury, but Acuna now may have to remain sidelined for a period of time. Last season, Acuna made his MLB debut and posted a strong .308/.325/.641 line across 14 games. When healthy, he will compete for starts at the keystone alongside Jeff McNeil.Source: Anthony DiComo
3 days agoArizona Diamondbacks outfielder Randal Grichuk (hamstring) was scratched on Saturday due to glute soreness. As a result, A.J. Vukovich replaced his spot in the lineup. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case this injury begins to linger throughout camp. Earlier in the offseason, the Diamondbacks re-signed Grichuk to a one-year deal with $5 million. Last season, the 33-year-old operated primarily on the short-side of a platoon, seeing starts in the outfield and at DH. Across 108 contests, the 33-year-old posted a .391/.348/.528 slash line with 12 home runs. He generated an impressive .359 xwOBA with a strong 16.5 percent strikeout rate. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Grichuk to operate in a similar role. Given his limited playing time, he will only carry value in deeper formats.Source: Alex Weiner
3 days agoCincinnati Reds outfielder/infielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) received a cortisone shot on Saturday which will keep him sidelined for a few days. Steer was a late scratch from Saturday's contest who is still dealing with his lingering shoulder injury. Steer was set to begin a throwing program earlier in the week but felt shoulder discomfort. As a result, he has only seen action as a designated hitter during spring training. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during camp as a further setback could put him in danger of being limited to begin the regular season. Last season across 158 contests, Steer spent time at first base and the outfield and held a .225/.319/.402 line with 20 home runs and 25 stolen bases. If this injury continues to linger, he may have to open the season operating primarily as a designated hitter.Source: Gordon Wittenmyer
3 days agoAccording to David Vassegh of SportsNet LA, the Los Angeles Dodgers have not named a starter for their second Tokyo game against the Chicago Cubs. Right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been named the starter for their first game in Tokyo. However, manager Dave Roberts noted that it is "unlikely" that the pitchers who start the two games in Tokyo would get the starting nod in the home opener the following week. Other candidates to start the second Tokyo game are Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, or Tony Gonsolin. In the offseason, the Dodgers signed Snell to a massive five-year $182 million contract. They also signed Sasaki out of the NPB as well. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor who gets the starting nod as they will face the Cubs who welcomed superstar Kyle Tucker to their starting lineup in the offseason.Source: David Vassegh
3 days agoTexas Rangers left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia (forearm) is expected to make his Cactus League debut on Monday. The 28-year-old has battled irritation in his left forearm during the start of camp but has progressed enough to see his first game action. Fantasy managers should monitor his status in case he faces a setback during his debut. Earlier in the offseason, the Rangers acquired Garcia from the Washington Nationals in exchange for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe. Last season, the 28-year-old logged a career-high 59 2/3 innings with the Nationals. He held a 4.22 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP. However, he generated a strong 2.53 xERA with a .207 xBA, which suggests that he should see significant positive regression when he returns to the bump. If he performs well in camp, he could contend for save opportunities.Source: Shawn McFarland
3 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (ankle) has been dealing with a bone bruise on his left ankle since last June. Smith said this injury occurred when he rolled his ankle. Smith noted that the team is exploring ways to manage it throughout the year. He made his Cactus League debut on Friday and said that the injury did not affect his swing, but he felt "more" pain while running. Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout camp in case he faces a setback. However, seeing him begin to participate in spring training games suggests the injury should not keep him sidelined too often in the regular season. However, he may be given more rest days. Last season, the 29-year-old posted a .248/.327/.433 slash line with 24 doubles and 20 home runs. He should be expected to be the everyday backstop and bat in the heart of a potent Dodger lineup.Source: Jack Harris
3 days agoTexas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom (elbow) will throw his first live bullpen session on Saturday and is slated to make his spring training debut on Friday. deGrom has thrown several bullpen sessions throughout the early part of camp but will now face live hitters for the first time on Saturday. If this session goes well, the 36-year-old will then look to make his Cactus League debut on Friday. Given his slower ramp-up, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his workload, as the right-hander may be given an innings limit during the first few weeks of the campaign. Last season, deGrom only logged 10 2/3 innings (three starts) after recovering from Tommy John surgery. During his brief stint, he posted a strong 1.69 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. He tallied 14 punchouts with an elite 2.3 percent walk rate. Even though he carries high injury risk, he carries high-end SP2 upside given his elite ratios and strikeout upside.Source: Mark Feinsand
3 days agoThe Chicago Cubs optioned pitchers Cody Poteet, Caleb Kilian, Jack Neely, and Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A on Saturday. Poteet spent the 2024 campaign with the New York Yankees and held a 2.22 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP across 24 1/3 innings. Kilian is a former well-regarded prospect but has struggled through his brief taste of the majors as he posted a high 9.22 ERA with a 2.01 WHIP across 27 1/3 innings. Neely made his MLB debut last summer and held a 9.00 ERA with a 1.67 WHIP across his first six MLB frames. Hollowell began his MLB career in Colorado and only logged one 1/3 innings with the Cubs last season. This transaction should provide Chris Flexen and Nate Pearson a good opportunity to make the Opening Day roster, who both signed a contract with the Cubs in the offseason.Source: Jared Wyllys
3 days agoSan Francisco Giants left-handed pitcher Erik Miller (illness) was unable to throw his live bullpen session on Saturday due to an illness. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but should not expect him to miss an extended period of time. The southpaw has been dealing with a finger injury throughout camp but could be nearing his spring debut once he recovers from this illness. The 27-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and held a 3.88 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP across 67 1/3 innings of work. He tallied an impressive 87 punchouts and generated an elite 51.9 percent ground ball rate. However, Miller showed weak command of his pitches as he held a hefty 13.4 percent walk rate. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Miller to compete for a high-leverage role in the San Francisco bullpen.Source: Justice De Los Santos
3 days agoMinnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins (ankle) suffered a mild ankle sprain. Jenkins sustained this injury when jumping for a ball. Dan Hayes of The Athletic noted that this injury is not serious and is just "1-to-2 weeks behind." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the next week as he may begin to return to baseball activities in the coming days. Last season, Jenkins was only limited to 82 games of action as he dealt with a hamstring strain. Across 34 games with High-A, the former fifth overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft held a .290/.382/.481 slash line with three home runs and eight stolen bases. However, in his brief taste of Double-A, Jenkins held a .160 AVG across six contests. Fantasy managers should expect the budding star to open the campaign with Double-A.Source: Dan Hayes
3 days agoChicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor (elbow) was scratched from Saturday's contest due to right elbow inflammation. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the severity of the injury is not clear. Wilfred Veras replaced Taylor in the lineup and covered right field. Earlier in the offseason, the White Sox signed the 33-year-old to a one-year $1.95 million contract. Last season, Taylor logged 113 contests with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Across this stint, the veteran outfielder held a .193/.253/.290 slash line with nine doubles, one home run, and 12 stolen bases. He generated a strong 11.6 percent barrel rate but held a high 35.0 percent strikeout rate. However, Taylor was graded as an elite defender as he placed in 96th percentile in range and 83rd percentile in arm strength. When healthy, Taylor should have a depth role in the Chicago outfield.Source: Daryl Van Schouwen
3 days agoBoston Red Sox designated hitter Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) is set to make his spring debut on Sunday. Yoshida is expected to serve as a designated hitter. The 31-year-old is still recovering from the surgery he underwent on his right labrum in October. Yoshida will continue to serve as a DH for the time being as he has yet to fully progress through his throwing program. Last summer, he made only one start in the outfield and logged his other starts as a DH. Across 108 contests, Yoshida held a .280/.349/.415 slash line with 21 doubles and 10 home runs. He swiped two bags. Under the hood, he generated a .258 xBA with a modest .322 xwOBA, suggesting he may face some regression when he returns to the field. During the regular season, fantasy managers should expect him to operate primarily as a DH, which could limit his playing time.Source: Christopher Smith
3 days agoThe New Orleans Saints are projected to be $50 million over the 2025 salary cap, so they are once again going to need to perform salary-cap gymnastics this offseason. Defensive end Cameron Jordan is a beloved and long-time member of the organization and has told ESPN's Dan Graziano he wants to finish his career in New Orleans. However, he turns 36 years old in July, has one year left on his current contract, and has a cap number of around $20 million in 2025. If the Saints don't want to approach Jordan with an extension, they could make him a post-June 1 cut to save $11 million in this year's cap. It will be a difficult decision on a player that has spent all 14 years of his NFL career with the Saints, but Jordan, an eight-time Pro Bowler, has seen his production fall off dramatically the last couple of years and has just six sacks in the last two seasons.Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
3 days agoGolden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (back) is questionable for Saturday's game against Philadelphia. The veteran hasn't missed a game since being acquired by the Warriors. However, back spasms may be enough to keep him off the floor on Saturday. Butler is a must-start if he's available, despite combining for only 11 points in the last two games. But if he doesn't suit up, Buddy Hield and Gary Payton II will be in line for more work.Source: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoThe Carolina Panthers have said they are interested in working out an extension with cornerback Jaycee Horn that will keep him in Carolina long term, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. The former first-rounder is scheduled to make $12.472 million in 2025 on his fifth-year option. Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II's four-year, $96 million deal last September is the target for top cornerbacks due for extensions, but it's unclear how high the Panthers will be willing to go for Horn. The 25-year-old defensive back has missed time due to injuries in his career -- he played in only three games in his rookie season and six games in 2023 -- but he was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024 and has been a key defender when he's been healthy. Horn had a career-high 68 tackles (49 solo), his first two career sacks, five tackles for loss, one interception and 13 pass breakups in 15 starts last year.Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
3 days agoCharlotte Hornets center Jusuf Nurkic (illness) is questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Wizards. The veteran has been decent in five appearances with the Hornets, averaging 8.2 points, 8.6 boards, 1.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He has missed the last two games because of an illness. However, with Mark Williams available on Saturday night, Nurkic is a shaky fantasy option if he plays.Source: NBA Injury Report