4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Cincinnati Reds
4 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.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Tom Silverstein
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Cincinnati Reds
4
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
Great
read more...
4 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.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Jeff Zrebiec
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
4 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.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Adam Schefter
4 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.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4 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.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
4
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
off
read more...
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Denver Post - Parker Gabriel
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
4
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
with
read more...
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch
4 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.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ari Alexander
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Boston Herald - Gabrielle Starr
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
4 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.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
4 days agoThe Miami Marlins have sent right-handed pitcher
Xzavion Curry to Triple-A Jacksonville. Curry was designated for assignment by the Marlins earlier this week and was not claimed on waivers. Curry made three appearances with the Marlins during the early part of the campaign and tossed three innings of work to the tune of a 6.00 ERA with a 2.33 WHIP. Last season, Curry logged 42 2/3 innings split between the Marlins and the Cleveland Guardians. He held a 4.64 ERA with a strong 1.03 WHIP during this stint. He tallied just 28 punchouts but showed strong command, serving up just seven free passes. Through 114 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level, Curry has struggled and posted a 5.81 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Curry to be in the mix to return to the majors later in the summer.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
4 days agoThe Atlanta Braves sent outfielder
Marcell Ozuna (hip) back to Atlanta on Monday for an exploratory MRI exam on his injured hip, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Justin Toscano. The MRI showed inflammation but nothing serious, and Ozuna is considered day-to-day. While it seems that the 34-year-old veteran slugger has avoided a serious injury, he's expected to miss the entire three-game series in Toronto against the Blue Jays. Atlanta has the day off on Thursday before returning home on Friday to start a weekend series against the Minnesota Twins. Fantasy managers will want to check back then to see if Ozuna is feeling good enough to return to the starting lineup. With Ozuna out on Monday,
Bryan De La Cruz served as the designated hitter and went 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the 8-4 victory.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin Toscano
4 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers right-handed reliever
Michael Kopech (shoulder) threw a bullpen session last Friday, according to manager Dave Roberts. Kopech will join the Dodgers in L.A. during their series against the Colorado Rockies and throw another bullpen session on Tuesday. The hard-throwing 28-year-old entered spring training in mid-February with a right-forearm issue. He eventually recovered from that but then developed a shoulder injury that landed him on the injured list to begin the 2025 regular season. Kopech continues to build up his arm with bullpen sessions, but he's also going to need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to the Dodgers' bullpen. Barring a setback, though, he should be able to make his season debut before the end of April. When healthy, Kopech will serve as a late-inning setup man in the Dodgers' stacked bullpen.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
4 days agoNew York Mets infield prospect
Ronny Mauricio (knee) is expected to serve as the designated hitter during Tuesday's extended spring training game. This is Mauricio's first game action since December 2023 in the Dominican Winter League. He has been sidelined over the past year due to a torn ACL in his right knee. The 24-year-old also faced a minor setback last July when he had to undergo a procedure to remove scar tissue from his knee. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he slowly increases his workload. Mauricio made his MLB debut during the 2023 season and held a .248/.296/.347 line with two home runs and seven stolen bases across 26 games. If he continues to progress well, he could return to the majors in the second half of the season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Mike Puma
4 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers right-handed reliever
Evan Phillips (shoulder) made his fourth minor-league rehab appearance on Friday and is "close" to a return, according to manager Dave Roberts. Phillips is scheduled to make another rehab appearance on Tuesday. The 30-year-old veteran is recovering from a torn muscle in his rotator cuff and began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on April 3. In four appearances so far for OKC, Phillips has allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits while walking one and striking out six in 3 2/3 innings of work. Barring a setback, it appears that he'll rejoin L.A.'s bullpen and make his 2025 season debut before the end of April. Phillips recorded 42 total saves for the Dodgers in the last two seasons, but after they added firepower to the back end of their bullpen in the offseason, he's expected to be used as more of a setup man when he returns.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
4 days agoThe Baltimore Orioles have signed catcher
Chadwick Tromp to a minor-league contract. Tromp was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves last week and elected free agency. The Braves removed him from the roster in the same transaction that activated
Sean Murphy off the injured list. Tromp has been in the Atlanta organization for the past four seasons, after starting his career in San Francisco. Across 61 career MLB contests, the 30-year-old posted a .224/.235/.385 slash line with 10 doubles and five long balls. In 335 career games at the Triple-A level, the backstop has held a .253/.327/.419 slash line. Fantasy managers should expect Tromp to start his career in Baltimore with Triple-A Norfolk. He will only see time in the majors if
Adley Rutschman or
Gary Sanchez were to miss time.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MiLB.com
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