5 days agoKansas City Royals right-handed reliever
Carlos Estevez (back) is dealing with mild lower-back tightness in camp, according to manager Matt Quatraro. It's the reason why Estevez hasn't made his Cactus League debut yet in Arizona. However, he threw off the mound on Wednesday and said he felt good. Quatraro said the Royals think there's plenty of time to "get him six to seven outings later in camp." The good news is relievers don't need as much time to ramp up. The bad news is that the 32-year-old could be in danger of missing Opening Day if he has any flare-ups once he gets into game action. After signing a two-year, $20.2 million deal in free agency, it's believed that Estevez will have a leg up for primary closing duties in his first year in KC, but
Lucas Erceg could have something to say about that. RotoBaller has Estevez ranked as the No. 18 fantasy reliever.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
5 days agoThe Washington Nationals designated outfielder
Stone Garrett for assignment on Thursday to make room for right-handed reliever
Kyle Finnegan on the 40-man roster. Garrett will now be subjected to waivers, but if he goes unclaimed, he could return to the Nationals organization and be assigned to Triple-A Rochester to start the year. The 29-year-old former eighth-round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2014 only appeared in two games in the big leagues in 2024 after having left-ankle surgery. However, in 118 career games since debuting with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2022, Garrett has hit .276/.341/.492 with an .833 OPS, 14 home runs, 53 RBI and six stolen bases in 361 plate appearances, so he could attract interest from around the league as outfield depth with some pop. He could find work in a short-side platoon elsewhere.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MASN Sports - Mark Zuckerman
5 days agoWashington Nationals outfielder
James Wood (quadriceps) will serve as the designated hitter in his Grapefruit League debut on Friday versus the division-rival New York Mets, according to manager Dave Martinez. Depending on how Friday's game goes, the Nationals will decide if Wood is ready to play left field after that. Washington is easing the 22-year-old left-handed slugger into action in spring training while he deals with left-quadriceps tendonitis. With Opening Day not until late March, Wood should be fine for the start of the 2025 regular season, barring a setback when he begins playing in games. Going into his first full season in the big leagues, Wood is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 17 fantasy outfielder after he hit .264/.354/.427 with nine home runs, 41 RBI and 14 steals in his first 79 games in 2024. Lack of consistent contact could be an issue, but Wood's power upside makes him a top-25 fantasy outfielder.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MASN Sports - Mark Zuckerman
5 days agoChicago White Sox outfielder
Andrew Benintendi (hand) was pulled from Thursday's Cactus League game against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians with right-hand soreness after he was hit by a pitch from pitcher Logan Allen. Benintendi will undergo tests to make sure he didn't break any bones in his right hand. For now, the 30-year-old veteran should be considered day-to-day in spring training. In his second year with the Pale Hose in 2024, Benintendi matched his career-high with 20 home runs but also slashed just .229/.289/.396 with a below-average .685 OPS, 64 RBI, three stolen bases and 50 runs scored in 135 games played. He did make gains with his barrel rate and hit more fly balls, but he still checked in as a below-average hitter while also playing terrible defense in left field. If healthy, he'll remain a regular for the rebuilding White Sox, but fantasy managers in mixed leagues can find better outfielders.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Chicago Sun-Times - Daryl Van Schouwen
5 days agoUpdating a previous report, Baltimore Orioles shortstop
Gunnar Henderson (side) was pulled from Thursday's Grapefruit League game early against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays due to lower right-side discomfort. In his only at-bat of the game, Henderson tried to beat out a ground ball and then also made a diving catch in the field. It's likely that the Orioles were exercising an abundance of caution with one of the best players in all of baseball, but we'll pass along word if the 23-year-old's injury is more than just a day-to-day situation early in spring training. Most likely, Henderson will be just fine and ready for Opening Day at the end of March. Henderson can do it all at the plate and on defense and had a breakout 2024 season, vaulting him to a top-10 fantasy player heading into the 2025 campaign.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MASN Sports - Roch Kubatko
5 days agoThe Kansas City Chiefs will place the franchise tag on Pro Bowl offensive guard Trey Smith, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. The goal remains for the Chiefs to work out a long-term deal with Smith, and negotiations will continue. There's no way Kansas City was going to let the 25-year-old reach the open market this offseason, where he would have been the top guard available. If the two sides are unable to reach a contract extension by the deadline in July, Smith will play the 2025 season on the $23.4 million franchise tag. He was originally a sixth-round selection (226th overall) in the 2021 NFL draft out of the University of Tennessee. Not only has Smith started all 67 of the games he's appeared in since entering the league in 2021, but he's been one of the best all-around guards in his four seasons. His Pro Bowl selection in 2024 was the first of his career.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: FOX Sports - Jordan Schultz
5
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City
Chiefs
tight
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Travis
Kelce
is
"coming
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in
2025
after
briefly
contemplating
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following
the
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loss
to
the
Philadelphia
Eagles
in
Super
Bowl
LIX.
"I'm
gonna
get
in
the
best
shape
of
my
read more...
5 days agoToronto Blue Jays outfielder
Daulton Varsho (shoulder) will make his Grapefruit League debut on Friday against the division-rival New York Yankees while serving as the designated hitter. Varsho said he's progressing well from right rotator-cuff surgery last September and has been throwing at 120 feet. He also continues to shag fly balls and hit in camp. The 28-year-old will begin the 2025 regular season on the injured list, but he might only have to spent the minimum time on the shelf before making his season debut. Fantasy managers shouldn't be in any hurry to roster Varsho coming off a pretty serious surgery, especially after he hit just .214/.293/.407 with a .700 OPS, 18 home runs, 58 RBI, 10 stolen bases and 73 runs scored in 136 games in 2024 in his second year in Toronto. His batted-ball metrics didn't paint a pretty picture, although his defensive abilities should keep him as a lineup regular if he's healthy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith
5 days agoChicago White Sox shortstop prospect
Colson Montgomery (back) was scratched from Thursday's Cactus League lineup against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians for precautionary reasons due to back spasms, according to MLB.com's Scott Merkin. Montgomery is considered day-to-day. It's not a serious injury, but it's something to keep an eye on with the 23-year-old, who is considered by MLB Pipeline to be the No. 39 overall prospect entering the 2025 season. While he hasn't exactly turned heads with his production in the minor leagues and doesn't have high-end speed, he could easily be considered Chicago's shortstop of the future, perhaps due to lack of better options. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder does get on base often and has intriguing power. Montgomery should already be stashed in dynasty leagues and is worth a late-round flier in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin
5 days agoEdmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse (undisclosed) will not suit up on Thursday night to face the Florida Panthers. Head coach Kris Knoblauch noted that the defenseman is viewed as "day-to-day." The 30-year-old was absent during Thursday's morning skate and hopes to return to the starting lineup on Saturday to face the Carolina Hurricanes. Over his previous eight contests, Nurse did not get on the scoresheet but added 28 hits and 18 blocked shots. Prior to this scoring slump, Nurse tallied five points (all helpers) over his last eight games while adding 14 hits and 11 blocks. With Nurse ruled out, fantasy managers should expect John Klingberg to rejoin the starting lineup. Evan Bouchard should continue to occupy the top pairing alongside Mattias Ekholm.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Bob Stauffer
5 days agoAlthough nothing is finalized, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Japanese right-hander
Roki Sasaki could "potentially" make his Cactus League debut on Tuesday night against the Cincinnati Reds. The news comes after Sasaki had a three-inning simulated game against Chicago White Sox hitters on Tuesday in which he allowed two home runs. The 23-year-old rookie is expected to start on March 19 in the second game of the season in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs, although he could be on a short leash in that one and early on in his first year in the big leagues. Sasaki will be fantasy relevant in all leagues in his first taste of major-league hitters and he features a nasty splitter. There's definitely ace upside here, but durability could be an issue since he hasn't thrown more than 129 1/3 innings in a season while dealing with some injuries. He'll be a risk/reward low-end No. 2 fantasy starter in his rookie season.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
5 days agoNashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (upper body) will not suit up on Thursday evening against the Winnipeg Jets. Head coach Andrew Brunette noted that the star defenseman is viewed as "day-to-day." Josi suffered this injury during Tuesday's contest against the Florida Panthers. He was evaluated following the game and appears to have potentially avoided a significant injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could return to the lineup either Saturday or Sunday if he continues to be viewed as "day-to-day." Before the injury, the 34-year-old tallied three points (three helpers) over his last five contests, adding nine shots on goal with 13 blocks. While Josi remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Brady Skjei to move up to the top pairing and power-play unit.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Brooks Bratten
5 days agoSan Diego Padres right-hander
Dylan Cease will make his Cactus League debut on Saturday against the Cincinnati Reds, according to MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. Cease was the subject of trade rumors in the offseason as he heads into the final year of his contract, and although it appears the 29-year-old will stick with the Friars to begin the 2025 regular season, he could get moved closer to the deadline this summer. In his first year with the Padres in 2024 after being acquired in a trade from the Chicago White Sox, Cease went 14-11 with a 3.47 ERA (3.10 FIP), 1.07 WHIP, 224 strikeouts and 65 walks in 189 1/3 innings over 33 starts in the regular season. He has now fanned 200-plus hitters in four straight seasons and also had a career-best 8.5 percent walk rate last year. The ace of San Diego's staff should be viewed as a low-end fantasy ace/high-end No. 2 in 2025.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
5 days agoSan Diego Padres outfielder
Fernando Tatis Jr. (illness) is expected to make his Cactus League debut on Friday against the Seattle Mariners, as well as most of the regulars for the Padres, according to manager Mike Shildt. Tatis had been away from the team for a few days while dealing with the flu before returning to camp on Wednesday. The 26-year-old will have a light day on Thursday before playing in his first game on Friday. The Dominican outfielder missed substantial time last year due to a stress reaction in his right quadriceps, but he still managed to hit .276/.340/.492 with an .833 OPS, 21 home runs, 49 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 64 runs scored in 102 regular-season games. With better health in 2025, Tatis' stolen base numbers should be back on the rise, and his power/speed upside make him a top-15 fantasy selection in 2025 drafts.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
5 days agoFlorida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (groin) will remain sidelined during Thursday's contest when the Panthers host the Oilers in a Stanley Cup rematch. Tkachuk has missed their previous two contests. Head coach Paul Maurice noted that the star winger is out "near-term." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to their next contest on Saturday evening when they host the Calgary Flames. Tkachuk sustained this injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Before the international break, Tkachuk was riding a six-game point streak. During this stretch, he tallied 13 points (seven goals) with 30 shots on goal and four power-play points. Through 52 total games, Tkachuk has found the back of the net 22 times. Fantasy managers should expect Carter Verhaeghe to continue to operate as the top left wing with Mackie Samoskevich slotting in on the second line.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Colby Guy
5 days agoTampa Bay Rays infielder
Jose Caballero (foot) fouled a ball off his foot in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers and left the contest, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin. Caballero will surely go for testing to determine whether he's dealing with a serious injury, so stay tuned for more news later on Thursday. The 28-year-old native of Panama led the league with 44 stolen bases and was also caught a league-leading 16 times while slashing .227/.283/.347 with nine home runs, 44 RBI and 53 runs scored in 139 games and 483 plate appearances in his first season with the Rays. He's mainly attractive to fantasy managers for his positional versatility and his wheels on the basepaths. With
Junior Caminero expected to be a regular starter in 2025, it's possible that Caballero becomes more of a utility infielder in 2025, which would obviously be a big hit to his fantasy value.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
5 days agoMontreal Canadiens center Kirby Dach (lower body) will not play against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday evening. Dach was also unable to play on Tuesday evening against the Carolina Hurricanes. The team is expected to provide an update on Dach's status on Friday. In his previous five contests, Dach tallied three points (all helpers), adding 13 hits and three blocked shots. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Own Beck to continue to remain in the starting lineup. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Dach's status leading up to their next contest on Saturday evening when the Canadiens face the Buffalo Sabres. Through 57 contests this season, Dach has tallied 10 goals and added 12 helpers with 100 hits, 36 blocks and 84 shots on goal.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Stu Cowan
5 days agoBaltimore Orioles shortstop
Gunnar Henderson (undisclosed) left Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays after just one inning due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Luis Vasquez in the field. Henderson tried to beat out a muffed ground ball in the first inning and also made a leaping catch in the field before departing. Check back for an update soon on Henderson's status. Losing the 23-year-old for any amount of time to open the 2025 season would be a major blow for the Orioles after he proved to be one of the best overall players in the game in a breakout 2024 campaign. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 6 overall player this year after the left-handed hitter batted a cool .281/.364/.529 with an .893 OPS, 37 home runs, 92 RBI, 21 steals and 118 runs scored in 159 regular-season games.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Baltimore Sun - Matt Weyrich
5 days agoNew York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he doesn't know when outfielder/designated hitter
Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) will rejoin the team at spring training. "I don't. Hopefully soon," Boone said. Stanton dealt with tennis elbow in both of his arms last year and also was bothered by it early this spring, which prompted the team to send him back to New York for tests. With no real update on the power-hitting 35-year-old, there appears to be a real chance that he won't be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season at the end of March. The five-time All-Star and former MVP still has plenty of power when he's healthy, but health has been a problem for Stanton, and that's not going to change now that he's in his mid-30s. At this point in his career, he's a DH-only that is injury-prone and really only provides value in fantasy in power and RB1.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
5 days agoPittsburgh Penguins left wing Michael Bunting (abdomen) underwent surgery to remove his appendix and will be sidelined indefinitely. Fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to miss a significant amount of time and could even miss the remainder of the regular season. Over his previous 10 contests, Bunting has tallied just two points (both helpers) while holding a -3 rating with 20 shots on goal. However, before this slump, Bunting tallied 11 points (seven goals) over his previous 14 contests. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Anthony Beauvillier and Danton Heinen to have a role on the second line alongside Evgeni Malkin for the foreseeable future. Philip Tomasino could also be given opportunities to play in the top six. Through 58 games this season, Bunting has found the back of the net 14 times and added 15 helpers.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Matt Vensel
5 days agoNew York Rangers center J.T. Miller (illness) did not participate in Thursday's practice session due to illness. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his status leading up to their next contest on Friday evening against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old has enjoyed a recent offensive surge, riding a three-game point streak. During this stretch, Miller has found the back of the net three times and added two helpers. Since being acquired by the Rangers earlier in February, Miller has tallied nine points through eight contests. He has tallied an impressive 29 hits and logged 14 shots on goal. If Miller were to sit out during Friday's contest, Mika Zibanejad will likely take his spot on the second line and play alongside Will Cuylle and Chris Krieder. Jonny Brodzinski could also have an increased role in Friday's contest as well.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Mollie Walker
5 days agoBuffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that safety Cole Bishop will "have every chance" to be a starter in 2025. Head coach Sean McDermott also said the team will be counting on Bishop to make an impact next season, but it will also depend on how much work he puts in in the offseason. The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia thinks safety Damar Hamlin would almost certainly have to settle for a below-market deal if he wants to stay with the Bills as the backup to Bishop in 2025. The 22-year-old Bishop was taken in the second round (60th overall) in 2024 out of Utah and had a promising rookie campaign, recording 40 tackles (25 solo), two pass breakups and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season games (four starts) in Buffalo. Bishop led the team with 10 total tackles in the AFC Championship game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
5 days agoBuffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano has had two long-term injuries over the last two years, which puts him in the conversation as a potential salary-cap casualty this offseason, but the Bills are expecting him back in 2025. Milano suffered a torn biceps before the 2024 season but was able to rehab and return by the end of the year. Also, cutting Milano this year would incur an $11 million dead-cap hit in 2026. The 30-year-old only ended up playing in four games for the Bills in 2024, but the team expects him to be a starter again in 2025 now that he'll be able to have a normal, healthy offseason. In his four games last season, Milano recorded 16 tackles (seven solo) and two fumble recoveries. He was a first-team All-Pro back in 2022, though, so if he can return to his pre-injury form, it will be a huge boost to Buffalo's defense and put him back on the radar in IDP fantasy leagues.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
5 days agoSources told Josina Anderson that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers met with linebacker Lavonte David's agent on Wednesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, and "it was a positive conversation." The Buccaneers are still willing to give David plenty of time to make a decision on whether he wants to continue his career. Additionally, other NFL teams are checking on the 35-year-old veteran's potential interest in playing elsewhere. The former second-round pick by Tampa in 2012 had his 11th 100-plus-tackle year in 2024 in his 13th year in the league, also adding 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, six QB hits, an interception, six pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 17 regular-season starts in 2024. It would be a surprise if Davis announced his retirement since he's still playing at a high level despite his age.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Josina Anderson
5 days agoNew York Yankees right-hander
Scott Effross (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left-hamstring strain, according to manager Aaron Boone. Effross received a platelet-rich plasma injection on Thursday, but it's going to be a while before he's able to return. The 31-year-old veteran injured his hamstring on his only pitch during his Grapefruit League appearance earlier this week. The injury surely means that he will open the 2025 regular season on the injured list after he was only able to appear in 16 big-league games since the start of the 2022 season due to injuries. Effross did not pitch at all in the majors in 2023. It's a tough break for the former 15th-round selection of the Chicago Cubs in 2015 out of Indiana University Bloomington. Effross has a 2.89 ERA, four saves, a 1.06 WHIP and 82:18 K:BB in three big-league seasons over 74 2/3 innings pitched.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Greg Joyce
5 days agoNew York Yankees infielder
DJ LeMahieu could make his Grapefruit League debut either on Saturday or Monday, according to the New York Post's Greg Joyce. LeMahieu dealt with foot and hip injuries a year ago that limited him to 67 games, but he entered spring training fully healthy and ready to compete for the team's starting third base job. The Yankees have been looking to limit his workload this spring to make sure that he's fully healthy for Opening Day, but it looks like he'll begin playing in games soon. The three-time All-Star's skills have eroded offensively in the last few years, and he hit just .204/.269/.259 with two home runs, 26 RBI and 19 runs scored in his 228 plate appearances in 2024. But for lack of better options, LeMahieu is viewed as the favorite for most of the playing time at the hot corner in the Bronx, at least early in the season. At 36 years old, fantasy managers shouldn't be banking on a big bounce-back.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Greg Joyce
5 days agoThe New York Post's Greg Joyce reports that New York Yankees outfielder
Aaron Judge is set to make his Grapefruit League debut this Saturday, March 1, against the Houston Astros. Nothing is wrong with Judge physically, but the Yankees wanted to give him a little extra rest after the team's World Series run last fall. Manager Aaron Boone said on Wednesday that he plans to hit Judge in the No. 2 spot in the lineup this year now that
Juan Soto is playing for the New York Mets. The 32-year-old two-time MVP will also be moving from center field back to right field, which will be less stressful from a physical standpoint. Judge is firmly in play for a top-three overall fantasy selection in drafts this spring after leading the league in WAR (10.8), homers (58), RBI (144), walks (133), on-base percentage (.458), slugging percentage (.701), OPS (1.159) and total bases (392) in 158 regular-season games in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Greg Joyce
5 days agoLos Angeles Rams quarterback
Matthew Stafford should know where he is going to play in 2025 by March 14, according to NFL insider Albert Breer. March 14 marks the official start of free agency, and the Rams owe Stafford $4 million in the form of a roster bonus if he's with the team by that date. The New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly the top potential suitors for Stafford if he is moved, but the Rams could ultimately offer Stafford more money to stay with the organization. While Stafford is entering his age-37 season in 2025, he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and could be headed toward a significant pay raise.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Albert Breer
5 days agoBaltimore Orioles infielder
Jordan Westburg (back) is dealing with a sore lower back in camp and will be out of the Grapefruit League lineup for a few days as a result, according to the Baltimore Banner's Danielle Allentuck. Westburg is getting treatment. Manager Brandon Hyde said Westburg hasn't played since last Saturday due to his lower-back soreness. As long as the 26-year-old gets back to baseball activities soon and doesn't have any setbacks, he should be ready for Opening Day at the end of March. If healthy, Westburg will be a regular in Baltimore's lineup again in 2025 after hitting 18 home runs with six stolen bases and a .792 OPS in 107 regular-season games a year ago. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 9 fantasy third baseman entering 2025. Westburg should also be eligible at second base in most fantasy leagues, giving him a little extra appeal.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baltimore Banner - Danielle Allentuck
5 days agoAt the 2025 NFL Combine, top draft prospect Travis Hunter said he wants to play both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. The Colorado product is at the combine primarily as a defensive back, but he won't participate in on-field work. However, some teams view him more as a wide receiver at the next level. Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy after posting 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns. On defense, he racked up 36 tackles (25 solo), one tackle for loss, four interceptions, and 11 passes defended. The 21-year-old is a unicorn of a prospect, but there remains uncertainty around his role in the NFL, and it could vary widely depending on which team selects him. Hunter is difficult to analyze as a fantasy football prospect, but if he lands with a team that wants to use him as a full-time wideout, he has no shortage of upside.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Jim Wyatt -- TennesseeTitans.com
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