Lane Thomas Remains Sidelined On Tuesday
3 days agoCleveland Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas (wrist) will remain out of the starting lineup on Tuesday evening when the Guardians face the Baltimore Orioles. Thomas exited last Tuesday's game early with a wrist injury and has not returned to the starting nine since. As a result, Angel Martinez will get the start at center field and bat in the seven-hole. Over his first eight games of the season, Thomas has posted a .167/.212/.200 slash line with one double and one stolen base. He has held a 24.2 percent strike rate with a low 3.0 percent walk rate. Under the hood, he has generated a low .199 xwOBA with a .209 xSLG, which places him in the first percentile among qualified hitters. Martinez is worth a look as a value play in DFS facing Baltimore right-hander Charlie Morton.Source: MLB.com
Joey Bart Will Go Through Testing
3 days agoPittsburgh Pirates catcher Joey Bart (back) is set to undergo testing before Tuesday's contest against the Cincinnati Reds. Bart has been held out of the starting nine since being removed from Friday's contest with a back injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he may need to be placed on the injured list if he has not made any progress. As a result, Henry Davis will get another start behind the dish and bat ninth. Through his first 11 games of the campaign, Bart was productive at the plate, holding a .282/.378/.436 slash line with one double and one home run. He held a 4:14 BB:K and swiped one bag. Last summer, Bart enjoyed similar success in Pittsburgh, posting a .265/.337/.462 slash line with 13 home runs across 80 games. Fantasy managers in two-catcher formats should continue to stash Bart on their roster while he remains sidelined.Source: MLB.com
Jonathan India Not Playing On Tuesday
3 days agoKansas City Royals infielder Jonathan India will not be in the starting nine when the Royals continue a series against the New York Yankees on Tuesday evening. India was held out of the starting lineup on Sunday due to a quadriceps injury but was able to return on Monday. However, India has returned to the bench. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case the 28-year-old suffered a setback. As a result, Cavan Biggio will get the nod at the hot corner and bat in the nine-hole. Through his first 16 games in Kansas City, India has seen time at both third base and the outfield. He has posted a .198/.328/.250 line with stellar 14.9 percent walk rate and an 11.9 percent strikeout rate. He remains a strong option in points leagues given his low strikeout rate and ability to draw walks.Source: MLB.com
Tyler Soderstrom Could See Time At Third Base
3 days agoAthletics first baseman Tyler Soderstrom could see time at third base to open a spot in the starting nine for prospect Nick Kurtz. According to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, the Athletics have to find a spot in the lineup for Kurtz as both first base and designated hitter are typically occupied by Soderstrom and Brent Rooker, respectively. Gallegos noted that there is a scenario where the Athletics attempt to move Soderstrom to the hot corner to open first base for Kurtz. Rooker could also move to the outfield. Soderstrom has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, posting a .305/.388/.644 slash line with six home runs. However, first base prospect Nick Kurtz has been just as impressive with Triple-A Las Vegas, posting a .367/.409/.817 line with seven long balls. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the Athletics' starting nine as both Soderstrom and Rooker could begin to shift to another position to open a spot for Kurtz.Source: Martin Gallegos
Wade Miley Getting Close To Rehab Assignment
3 days agoCincinnati Reds left-hander Wade Miley (elbow) is scheduled to throw three innings in an extended spring training game on Tuesday in Arizona and then could start a minor-league rehab assignment, according to manager Terry Francona. It's unclear when Miley might be an option to make starts for the Reds in 2025, but the veteran 38-year-old southpaw is clearly making progress after having a hybrid internal-brace/Tommy John procedure on his left UCL last May. He will need a lengthy rehab assignment and probably won't be an option for Cincy's starting rotation until late May or early June, and he doesn't have much fantasy appeal at all these days. Miley made only two starts a season ago with the Milwaukee Brewers before being shut down with his elbow problems, and he allowed five earned runs on six hits while walking two and striking out two in seven innings.Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
Tyler Stephenson Could Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
3 days agoCincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (oblique) could start a minor-league rehab assignment next Tuesday, according to manager Terry Francona. Stephenson is getting closer to making his 2025 debut with the Reds after suffering a left-oblique strain in mid-March in spring training. Barring a setback to his oblique when he resumes playing in games, the 28-year-old backstop could rejoin the big-league squad late next week. Stephenson is the Reds' starting catcher when healthy and should be stashed in all fantasy formats right now. Until he's activated from the injured list, Cincy will continue to roll with veteran Jose Trevino as their No. 1 catcher, with Austin Wynns backing him up. Last year in 138 games played, Stephenson hit a career-high 19 home runs and drove in a career-high 66 runs while slashing .258/.338/.444.Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
Spencer Steer Starting On The Bench On Tuesday
3 days agoCincinnati Reds outfielder/infielder Spencer Steer will begin Tuesday's game against the visiting Seattle Mariners on the bench at Great American Ball Park. Austin Hays (calf), who is making his season debut, will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth against Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo. Due to a shoulder injury he dealt with in spring training, Steer has yet to appear on defense so far in 2025. However, the 27-year-old has been ramping up his throwing of late and could make his first start on defense soon, which might be bad news for first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Steer's shoulder could be affecting him at the plate as well, as he's started the 2025 campaign hitting just .109 (5-for-46) with a homer, two doubles, three RBI, four walks and 12 strikeouts in his first 13 games. Fantasy managers may want to steer clear of Steer for now until he breaks out of his early slump.Source: MLB.com
Christian Encarnacion-Strand Returns Against Mariners
3 days agoCincinnati Reds corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (back, hamstring) is back in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the visiting Seattle Mariners, starting at first base and batting seventh against right-hander Luis Castillo at Great American Ball Park. The Reds held Encarnacion-Strand out of action the last two games with minor back and hamstring injuries, but he's ready to go now. The 25-year-old hasn't been a reliable fantasy asset in the early going in 2025, batting .163 (8-for-49) with two home runs, a double, three RBI, three runs scored, one walk and 12 strikeouts in 13 games played. With Austin Hays back, he might need to start picking it up at the plate to continue seeing everyday playing time with the Reds. CEH has never faced Castillo in his career.Source: MLB.com
Austin Hays Activated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
3 days agoCincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays (calf) was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth against the visiting Seattle Mariners and right-hander Luis Castillo at Great American Ball Park. Outfielder Jacob Hurtubise was optioned to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. Hays is recovered from a strained calf and will be making his season debut on Tuesday against the M's. The 29-year-old is expected to see regular playing time for the Reds in left field now that he's back, giving him fantasy appeal in deep-mixed leagues. An All-Star in 2023 with the Baltimore Orioles, Hays battled injury last year with the Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies and finished with a .255/.303/.396 slash line, five home runs and 20 RBI in 85 total games played. Hays is hitless in two career at-bats against Castillo with one RBI.Source: Cincinnati Reds
Packers Remain Committed To Trading Jaire Alexander, Have Received Interest
3 days agoThe Green Bay Packers have received trade interest for veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander, but no deal is imminent with just over a week to go before the 2025 NFL Draft. The team is committed to finding a deal for Alexander rather than cutting him, but attempts to shop the Pro Bowler have been unsuccessful thus far. A deal could take place following the draft if a team does not land one of the cornerbacks on their board. Alexander, a former first-round pick out of Louisville in the 2018 NFL Draft, has tallied 287 tackles (240 solo), 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, 12 interceptions, and 70 pass deflections in 78 games. He is a two-time All-Pro selection but injuries have caused him to miss 20 regular-season games over the last two years, and his best football is likely behind him.Source: Tom Silverstein
Alexis Diaz Back From Injured List, Not The Set Closer
3 days agoThe Cincinnati Reds announced on Tuesday that they activated right-handed reliever Alexis Diaz (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list prior to their game against the visiting Seattle Mariners. However, manager Terry Francona said that Diaz won't be the set closer upon his activation. The skipper said it's fair to pitch Diaz "when it makes sense." Diaz could get the closer job back eventually this year, but the Reds have been pleased with Emilio Pagan's early-season performance -- 1.23 ERA, 0.41 WHIP, four saves and five strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old Diaz not only injured his hamstring in spring training, but he was all over the place with his control and his mechanics were out of whack. Expect the Puerto Rican reliever to start out in low-leverage situations out of the bullpen before eventually being moved to a more high-leverage role. He's still worth stashing in fantasy for save opps this year.Source: Cincinnati Reds
Matt McLain Activated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
3
days
agoThe
Cincinnati
Reds
announced
that
they
have
activated
infielder
Matt
McLain
(hamstring)
from
the
10-day
injured
list,
and
he
is
starting
at
second
base
and
batting
second
on
Tuesday
against
the
visiting
Seattle
Mariners
and
right-hander
Luis
Castillo
at
Greatread more...
Ravens Non-Committal On Mark Andrews' Status With Team
3 days agoBaltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is one of the best players in franchise history, collecting 436 receptions for 5,530 yards and 51 touchdowns in 104 games across seven NFL seasons. However, the three-time Pro Bowler's status with the team for 2025 has been a topic of discussion this offseason, and general manager Eric DeCosta declined to definitively say he would be on the team next season. "I never know what's going to happen, but I can tell you this, Mark Andrews is a warrior," DeCosta said. He's a great player and we're in the business of keeping as many great players as we can." Andrews is entering his age-29 season and posted his lowest yardage total last year (minimum 11 games) since his 2018 rookie campaign. Whether he is potentially traded or released, uncertainty remains for the veteran, who is usually a TE1 in fantasy football.Source: Jeff Zrebiec
Yankees Hope Luis Gil Will Begin A Throwing Program This Week
3 days agoThe New York Yankees are hopeful that right-hander Luis Gil (lat) will begin his throwing program on either Wednesday or Thursday, according to the New York Daily News' Gary Phillips. Gil has been shut down from throwing for six weeks du to a high-grade lat strain that he suffered in spring training but the 26-year-old is ready to test it out this week. After a breakout 2024 season that saw him win American League Rookie of the Year thanks to a 3.50 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 171:77 K:BB in 29 starts, Gil is on the 60-day injured list and might not be able to pitch at all in the first half of the season. We'll have a better idea of his timetable once he starts building his arm back up, but fantasy managers stashing him in an IL spot need to be prepared for a very lengthy absence. There's no guarantee he'll be nearly as good as last year when he returns, either.Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Giants Holding Private Workouts For Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough
3 days agoThe New York Giants are doing extra homework on 2025 NFL Draft quarterback prospects just a week before the draft begins. It was previously announced that the organization would hold a private workout for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, but they are also doing the same with Alabama's Jalen Milroe and Louisville's Tyler Shough. While New York holds the No. 3 overall pick, they are reportedly unlikely to select a quarterback in that spot. Instead, the G-Men could be looking to trade back into the first round or pick a signal-caller with their second-round selection (No. 34 overall). The team signed veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason, but the late workouts with top quarterback prospects suggest they are interested in adding a rookie to the QB room earlier than on Day 3.Source: Adam Schefter
Panthers Open To Trading Back From No. 8 Overall Pick
3 days agoAccording to Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan, the team is "open to trading back" from the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. "I think we're definitely open to trading back and acquiring more picks," Morgan said. "I think we're gonna be open for all possibilities. Let's put it that way." The Panthers have nine picks in next week's draft and are looking to build depth on both sides of the ball. The team is expected to have a defense-heavy draft after ranking last in total yards per game allowed a season ago. If a team wants to make a move for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart or Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders in Round 1, Carolina could be a team interested in doing a deal.Source: NFL.com
Tyron Smith Calling It A Career
3 days agoLong-time Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith is retiring from the NFL after 14 seasons, as first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapaport. Smith will sign a one-day contract to retire as a Cowboy after spending last season with the New York Jets. Overall, the 34-year-old started 171 games and was named to eight Pro Bowl rosters. He earned five All-Pro selections. Smith is a part of the NFL's 2010s All-Decade Team and is likely headed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame at some point in the future. A former first-round pick out of USC in 2011, Smith is one of the greatest offensive tackles of his generation.Source: NFL.com
Omarion Hampton Visits With Bears
3
days
agoNorth
Carolina
running
back
Omarion
Hampton
visited
with
the
Chicago
Bears
on
Monday,
according
to
FOX
Sports'
Jordan
Schultz.
Hampton's
immense
skill
set
has
endeared
him
to
NFL
general
managers
in
the
pre-draft
process,
and
there's
a
growing
belief
that
he
could
come
offread more...
Dolphins Not Pursuing A Trade Of Tyreek Hill
3 days agoMiami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said that the team isn't pursuing a trade of All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and no team has called them attempting to trade for Hill. Grier joked that if a team called to offer the Dolphins two first-round picks for Hill, they'd maybe consider it. Hill, who had a disappointing 2024 campaign by his standards while battling through a left-wrist injury that required surgery, insinuated he'd be heading out of town after the season finale last year. However, he later went back on his statements and said he made them out of frustration after missing the playoffs. The 31-year-old speedster could easily bounce back in 2025 with better health, unfortunately his fantasy value is also tied to oft-injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The eight-time Pro Bowler finished shy of 1,000 receiving yards last year for the first time since 2019, when he played in just 12 games in KC.Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Shedeur Sanders To Hold A Final Private Workout For Giants On Thursday
3 days agoUniversity of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders will hold one last private workout for NFL teams on Thursday in Boulder, Colorado, for a contingent of officials from the New York Giants. The Tennessee Titans are fully expected to take Miami QB Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, and things are trending toward the Cleveland Browns taking either Colorado receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter or Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the second overall pick, leaving the Giants to potentially take Sanders as their new franchise signal-caller. It's anyone's guess as to where the 23-year-old Sanders will wind up in this year's NFL draft. New York could take him at No. 3 overall, but there is also speculation that he could end up falling out of the first round entirely. If Sanders were to land in New York, he'd likely sit and learn behind veteran Russell Wilson in 2025.Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Isaiah Simmons Visits With Packers
3 days agoNew York Giants free-agent linebacker Isaiah Simmons visited with the Green Bay Packers on Monday, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Simmons is an intriguing potential addition for the Packers after he played for the Giants the last two seasons. The 26-year-old was originally the eighth overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020 out of Clemson. Simmons came into the NFL as a hybrid linebacker/cornerback and has bounced around at corner and linebacker in his time with Arizona and New York. He wasn't as productive in his two years in the Big Apple, contributing 71 combined tackles (45 solo), one sack, one interception returned for a touchdown, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 34 games (five starts). Simmons could have a bigger role on defense when he latches on with a new team, but IDP fantasy managers will likely be avoiding him.Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Contract Talks With Courtland Sutton "Moving In The Right Direction"
3 days agoDenver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton said over the weekend that he thinks his representation and the team are "moving in the right direction" regarding a long-term contract extension this offseason. "I'm open and optimistic about the fact that I'll be able to be here for the rest of my career," Sutton said. Last year, both sides were in a stalemate in terms of an extension, and Sutton skipped all of the team's voluntary offseason program as a result. Eventually, Denver added incentives to the 29-year-old's contract to appease him. It paid off, as he caught 81 passes for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns as rookie quarterback Bo Nix's go-to target. Sutton is entering the final year of a four-year, $60.1 million extension he signed in November of 2021. He's excited about where he and Nix can go from here after making the postseason last year. After his big season, Sutton will be drafted as at least a low-end WR1.Source: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
Dak Prescott To Be Limited During Voluntary Workouts
3 days agoDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring), who is recovering from a torn right hamstring suffered last year, said that he would be in attendance for the team's voluntary workouts this week but will be limited. Prescott said last Friday that his surgically repaired hamstring has been improving and that he thought he could play in games right now if he had to. The 31-year-old played in just eight games in 2024 and had surgery on his hamstring in November. The fact that he's even participating in voluntary workouts is a good sign. Barring a setback this summer, Prescott should be ready to rock as a low-end QB1 option for fantasy managers for Week 1 this fall. The three-time Pro Bowler had a career year in 2023 but had 1,978 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions at the time of his injury last year.Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
Travis Hunter Not Interested In Being Limited To One Side Of The Ball
3
days
agoUniversity
of
Colorado
wide
receiver/defensive
back
Travis
Hunter
said
he
won't
play
football
at
all
if
an
NFL
team
tries
to
limit
him
to
just
one
side
of
the
ball,
according
to
The
33rd
Team's
Ari
Meirov.
However,
Hunter
said
that
no
teams
have
expressed
any
issues
withread more...
Dolphins, Jalen Ramsey Mutually Agree To Explore Trade Options
3 days agoThe Miami Dolphins and seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey are mutually set to explore trade options, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport writes that it wouldn't be a surprise if Ramsey played elsewhere in 2025. It appears that the Dolphins and Ramsey, who is due $25.1 million fully guaranteed this year, are headed for a divorce. Although the 30-year-old veteran signed a three-year contract extension with the team last September, he doesn't have any guaranteed money beyond the 2025 campaign. Ramsey continues to be one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL, so there should be no shortage of interest around the league. The former fifth overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 out of Florida State had 60 tackles (39 solo), a sack, six tackles for loss, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 17 starts for Miami in 2024.Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Cody Bellinger Still Getting Treatment On His Back
3 days agoNew York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that outfielder Cody Bellinger (back) is still getting treatment for his sore back, which is why he was out of the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the visiting Kansas City Royals. "He's doing well. I just want to pick some spots here, especially getting through 13 (games) in a row here," Boone said. It doesn't sound like anything fantasy managers should be worried about, but they'll want to check back on Tuesday to see if he has returned to the starting lineup. It could also be a big reason for why the 29-year-old left-handed slugger is hitting just .191 (9-for-47) in the early going of his first year in pinstripes with a homer, eight RBI, nine runs scored and two stolen bases in 13 games played. Bellinger also missed some time early last week after dealing with food poisoning.Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
Twins Sign Tyler Beede To Minor-League Deal
3 days agoThe Minnesota Twins have signed right-handed pitcher Tyler Beede to a minor-league contract. According to Ari Alexander, Beede is expected to report to Triple-A St. Paul. Beede earned a spot on Cleveland's Opening Day roster last season but was later sent to Triple-A after he posted an 8.36 ERA with a 1.79 WHIP across 14 innings of work. He did not find much success across 22 1/3 innings with Triple-A Columbus, as he allowed 33 hits and 28 earned runs. He struck out just 24 batters and served up 16 free passes. Through 201 career innings in the major leagues, the right-hander has held a modest 5.55 ERA with a 1.58 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Beede to spend most of the season at Triple-A St. Paul. He could push for a return to the majors if he is able to find success at the top level of the minor leagues.Source: Ari Alexander
Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito Set For More Rehab Starts This Week
3 days agoBoston Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello (shoulder) will make his next minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Worcester on Wednesday, with right-hander Lucas Giolito (hamstring) starting for the WooSox on Tuesday, according to the Boston Herald's Gabrielle Star. Manager Alex Cora said it will "most likely" be Bello's last rehab start before he's activated from the injured list. Bello is ahead of Giolito after throwing 64 pitches in four innings in his last start for Worcester. If all goes well with his outing on Wednesday, the 25-year-old should make his 2025 debut next week for the BoSox. Both Bello and Giolito will be inserted into Boston's starting rotation, which will bump left-hander Sean Newcomb out. Bello has allowed eight runs (seven earned) in his three rehab starts, but he's walked three and fanned 14 in 9 2/3 frames. In two rehab starts, Giolito has allowed an earned run with four walks and five K's.Source: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
Daulton Varsho To Begin Rehab Assignment Soon
3 days agoToronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (shoulder) will start a formal minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin soon, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson. Varsho and his wife, Brook, are expecting a child in the coming days, so he will ramp up his rehab after the baby arrives. The 28-year-old has been cleared to begin a rehab assignment after recently playing in extended spring training games on defense in the outfield. He got a late start in spring training after offseason surgery on his right shoulder, but if everything goes well on his rehab assignment, he could rejoin Toronto before the end of April. The Blue Jays will surely ease Varsho in on defense when he comes off the injured list, but when healthy, he will be a regular starter in the outfield as one of their best defenders. He was a disappointment offensively in 2024, and it remains to be seen how productive he'll be coming off shoulder surgery.Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Max Scherzer Still Dealing With Soreness, To Visit With A Doctor
3 days agoToronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer (thumb) is still feeling soreness in his right thumb after throwing recently, according to manager John Schneider. Scherzer will visit with a doctor again in the coming days, at which point we should have word on how much more time the three-time Cy Young winner will have to miss. The 40-year-old made just one start for Toronto before injuring his thumb and being placed on the injured list. He received a couple of cortisone injections in his thumb in early April that at first appeared to help, but now Scherzer is back in the same situation with more soreness. Fantasy managers that took Scherzer as a value pick in drafts this spring need to stay patient, but it's looking more and more like he could be in for a lengthy absence.Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson