5 days agoLos Angeles Angels right-hander
Jack Kochanowicz (illness) was scratched from his scheduled Cactus League start on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs due to an illness. With Kochanowicz under the weather, pitching prospect
Caden Dana will make the start instead. Kochanowicz will hopefully be feeling good enough in a few days to make his second start of spring training as he competes for the final spot in the Angels' starting rotation to begin the 2025 regular season. The former third-round pick in 2019 made his big-league debut in 2024 and went 2-6 with a 3.99 ERA (4.62 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and 10 walks in 65 1/3 innings over his 11 starts. The 24-year-old had a miserable 9.4 percent walk rate, although his ground-ball tendencies helped him keep his ERA barely under 4.00. Even if he wins a rotation spot, which is unlikely, he'll have very little fantasy upside.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher
5
days
agoDuring
a
radio
appearance
on
105.3
The
Fan,
Mike
Florio
of
Pro
Football
Talk
said
he
has
heard
the
Dallas
Cowboys
have
talked
to
the
Tennessee
Titans
about
moving
up
for
the
No.
1
pick
in
the
2025
NFL
Draft.
However,
Florio
said
he
is
not
sure
how
read more...
5
days
agoLos
Angeles
Angels
shortstop
Zach
Neto
(shoulder)
will
not
be
ready
for
Opening
Day
in
late
March,
according
to
manager
Ron
Washington.
It
doesn't
come
as
much
of
a
surprise,
but
Washington
said
he
hopes
to
get
Neto
back
at
some
point
in
read more...
5 days agoThe New England Patriots are not expected to pursue pending free-agent Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Tee Higgins. The Bengals are expected to use the franchise tag on Higgins in hopes of reaching a long-term extension, but the Patriots are out on Higgins either way, according to Chad Graff of The Athletic. Instead, New England is focused on building its offensive and defensive lines, something new head coach Mike Vrabel valued highly during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans. New England needs to get better at the wide receiver position, but it sounds like the team is not looking to spend big on a wideout this offseason.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic
5 days agoChicago Cubs third base prospect
Matt Shaw (oblique) said that he will start playing in Cactus League games in the next few days without any restrictions. Shaw is a bit behind the other position players in spring training while dealing with a minor oblique injury since Feb. 5. Oblique injuries can be tricky, but it appears that the 23-year-old should be ready in plenty of time for the March 18 season opener in Tokyo, Japan, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. If he's ready to go by then, Shaw is expected to be the favorite to open the year as the team's starting third baseman after the Cubs traded
Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros in the offseason to acquire outfielder
Kyle Tucker. Shaw absolutely should have fantasy value in all formats in his first full season in the big leagues in 2025 as long as he's playing regularly, as he has the tools to be 25-homer, 25-stolen base man.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine
5 days agoChicago Cubs second baseman
Nico Hoerner (forearm) will not make the trip to Japan with the team to open the 2025 season on March 18 and 19 in Tokyo against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers. Hoerner is still recovering from flexor-tendon surgery on his right forearm last October and will stay back in Arizona to continue his rehab. The 27-year-old has been hitting in the batting cages at camp and is doing a throwing program, but he hasn't made his Cactus League debut as the team plays it safe with him early in spring training. Barring a setback, Hoerner still has a good shot being ready for the March 27 game against the Arizona Diamondback. With Hoerner out for the two-game series against the Cubs in Japan, the most likely options to fill in at the keystone for that two-game series are
Vidal Brujan and
Jon Berti.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
5 days agoCleveland Guardians second base prospect
Travis Bazzana has gone 1-for-3 with a three-run shot across his brief taste of spring training action. Bazzana has also drawn three walks and only struck out twice. Bazzana went deep on Tuesday afternoon against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Guardians selected Bazzana with the first overall selection in last year's draft out of Oregon State. During his final season in college, the 22-year-old posted a .407/.568/.911 line with 28 home runs, 66 RBI, and a 76:23 BB:K ratio. His 28 long balls were a significant increase from the six and 11 he hit during the previous two seasons of his college career. He was then given a brief taste of the High-A level last summer and posted a .238/.369/.396 line with three home runs and five stolen bases across 27 games. While Bazzana may face an uphill battle to break the Opening Day roster, he should have a strong chance to debut at some point during the 2025 season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
5 days agoWashington Nationals outfield prospect
Robert Hassell III has been swinging a hot bat to start spring training. Through four games, Hassell has gone 5-for-11 at the plate with two doubles and a home run. He has tallied five RBI, scored three runs, and swiped a bag. He has only struck out twice. Hassell was initially drafted by the San Diego Padres with the eighth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft but was shipped to Washington in the
Juan Soto trade during the 2022 campaign. The 23-year-old has spent most of the past two seasons at the Double-A level, where he posted a .238/.328/.334 line across 193 contests. However, last summer, the outfielder was promoted to the Triple-A level, where he tallied just eight hits and two home runs across 17 games. He will likely begin the 2025 season at Triple-A and could push for a late-season debut.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
5 days agoTampa Bay Rays shortstop prospect
Chandler Simpson has already begun to showcase his speed in the Grapefruit League. Through four games, the young infielder has swiped two bags and tallied four hits. Through 110 games in the minor leagues last season, Simpson swiped an incredible 104 bases. He opened the season at High-A, where he logged 32 games. He held a strong .364/.431/.372 line with 47 hits and 31 stolen bases. He was only caught stealing five times. The Georgia Tech product was then promoted to Double-A Montgomery, where he posted a .351/.401/.407 line across 78 contests. Simpson swiped 73 bags but was caught stealing 12 times. He also showed an elite eye at the plate with a 23:27 BB:K ratio. If Simpson continues this strong play in camp, he could make a strong case to open the season at the Triple-A level.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
5
days
agoColorado
Rockies
pitching
prospect
Chase
Dollander
is
a
strong
candidate
to
make
the
Opening
Day
roster.
Patrick
Saunders
of
The
Denver
Post
expects
the
budding
ace
to
earn
a
spot
in
the
starting
rotation
out
of
camp.
The
former
ninth
selection
in
the
read more...
5 days agoCleveland Guardians pitching prospect
Daniel Espino (shoulder) has increased his throwing distance to 120 feet. However, the team noted that Espino would not be able to return to game action until late in the 2025 season if he continues to progress at this rate. The 24-year-old underwent two shoulder operations over the past two years and still has a long recovery process ahead. Espino has not appeared in a minor league contest since the 2022 campaign. During that campaign, he logged 18 1/3 innings at Double-A and held a strong 2.45 ERA with a stellar 0.71 WHIP. He tallied 35 punchouts and only served up four free passes. In 2021, Espino logged 91 2/3 innings with Single and High-A and posted a 3.73 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and 152 punchouts. When he is cleared, he will likely return to Double-A Akron.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Cleveland Guardians
5 days agoCleveland Guardians outfield prospect
George Valera (knee) participated in live batting practice earlier in the week. Valera is expected to begin defensive drills during the first week of March. The 24-year-old has been running and throwing for some time but finally returned to the batting cage. He is still recovering from knee surgery, which he underwent in September, but is nearing his return to full activities. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he could make his spring debut in early March if he does not face a setback. Last season, the 24-year-old was given his second extended look at Triple-A and held a .248/.337/.452 line with 15 doubles and 17 home runs. He swiped six bags and held a 45:101 BB:K ratio. While he will likely open the season with Triple-A Columbus, a strong start could open the door for a 2025 MLB debut.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Cleveland Guardians
5 days agoDallas Mavericks forward
P.J. Washington (ankle) has been labeled questionable for Thursday's action against the Charlotte Hornets. He may miss the meeting with his former team due to a lingering ankle injury. Washington is coming off a horrible zero-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, so having some time off might even benefit him. If Washington is out on Thursday,
Olivier-Maxence Prosper and
Kessler Edwards are expected to step into more significant roles. However, their production has been inconsistent, and the duo likely won't offer much help to fantasy managers.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 days agoOrlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (quadriceps) will remain sidelined for Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors, marking his 14th consecutive absence. Suggs is not participating in contact drills during practices, suggesting he is still some way from being game-ready. However, while speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley stated that Suggs has not been ruled out for the season. Following Thursday's action, Orlando has 21 more contests left. With Suggs unavailable,
Cole Anthony (knee) and
Anthony Black have been sharing point guard duties. Anthony may also be out on Thursday, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 days agoOrlando Magic point guard
Cole Anthony (knee) is regarded as questionable for Thursday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Anthony left Tuesday's contest versus the Cleveland Cavaliers early due to a hyperextended left knee. However, there is a possibility that he may not need to miss any further time. With
Jalen Suggs (quadriceps) unavailable, Anthony has been Orlando's starting point guard for the last nine games. His production has been inconsistent during that period, averaging 10.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals in 23.7 minutes. If Anthony is unable to play against Golden State,
Anthony Black will move up the depth chart.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 days agoDenver Nuggets forward/center
Aaron Gordon (calf) is probable for Thursday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Gordon remains on the injury report due to managing a right calf injury, but he has missed only two games over the past six weeks. The veteran has significantly improved his performance since the All-Star break, boosting his scoring average to 22.3 points while tallying 5.7 rebounds. He has taken a lot more shots, making them at a very high rate. While Gordon's shooting percentages may not be sustainable, he appears rejuvenated, and it seems like fantasy managers will get much more out of him moving forward than they did during the first part of the season.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 days agoDenver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray (knee) has been listed as probable on the injury report for Thursday's clash against the Milwaukee Bucks. This has been his typical designation for some time, but Murray has skipped only one game since Christmas Day. Despite battling inflammation in his left knee, Murray has put together a strong stretch of performances, averaging 24.6 points in February while notching 5.9 assists and 1.2 steals. If Murray ends up needing to take time off on Thursday,
Russell Westbrook would be in line for a larger workload.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 days agoMinnesota Timberwolves guard/forward
Donte DiVincenzo (toe) has picked up a questionable tag ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He seems to be nearing his return to the lineup after practicing on Wednesday. DiVincenzo has been sidelined for 19 games due to a toe sprain.
Mike Conley and
Nickeil Alexander-Walker have taken on expanded roles with DiVincenzo out and will lose fantasy value when he returns. DiVincenzo replaced Conley in the starting lineup in early January, averaging an impressive 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 days agoLos Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot) is considered probable for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He will likely be cleared for a seventh consecutive appearance, even though James remains on the injury report due to left foot injury management. James has struggled in two meetings with the Timberwolves this season, recording only 13.0 points with 34.4 percent shooting. However, his play has been impressive since the All-Star break, with averages of 29.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals across four games.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 days agoChicago White Sox right-handed pitcher
Davis Martin will open the season in the starting rotation. Martin spent most of his time in the rotation last season and will open the 2025 campaign in a similar role. Through his 10 starts last season, Martin held a 4.37 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 47 1/3 innings of work. He tallied 44 punchouts and showed weak command as he served up 20 free passes. He allowed four or more runs in three of his starts. Under the hood, he generated a modest 4.02 xERA with a solid .226 xBA. He also generated ground balls at an above-average 46.9 percent rate, placing him in the 75th percentile. Across 76 2/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Martin tallied an impressive 92 punchouts but has yet to flash this strikeout upside in the majors. However, given that he will have a role in the rotation, he will have value in AL-only formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Scott Merkin
5 days agoMilwaukee Bucks forward/center
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is listed as probable for Thursday's matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Since returning from a calf strain, Antetokounmpo has made four consecutive appearances and appears set to remain in the lineup. The Bucks have been monitoring Antetokounmpo's workload since his return, with him averaging 26.7 minutes per game. However, he has logged 32 minutes in each of the past two contests, signaling that Antetokounmpo may be ready to work at full capacity soon. Despite seeing fewer minutes than usual, Antetokounmpo has still filled up the stat sheet, notching 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
5 days agoToronto Blue Jays third baseman
Addison Barger (hand) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's spring training contest. Barger is batting third and covering the hot corner. Barger was hit by a pitch during Sunday's contest, which kept him sidelined through most of the week. He underwent X-rays but was able to avoid a serious injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress during spring training, as he will likely be competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Currently, he is expected to operate as the No. 2 option at third base behind
Ernie Clement. However, a strong spring could push him into a more significant role as he has had previous experience in the outfield as well. Last season, Barger made his MLB debut and held a .197/.250/.351 line with seven home runs across 69 games. If he does crack the Opening Day roster, he should have value in deeper AL-only formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Toronto Blue Jays
5 days agoCincinnati Reds starting pitcher
Andrew Abbott (shoulder) threw a successful side session on Wednesday. Abbott has been on a slower progression throughout camp due to a shoulder strain that cut his 2024 season short. In addition, the left-handed pitcher battled an illness last week, which slightly slowed down his recovery process. The team has still not provided a date when Abbott will progress to facing live hitters. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression but should not expect him to face hitters until he is able to throw several successful bullpen sessions. When healthy, the 25-year-old is expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation. Last season, Abbott held a 3.72 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP across 138 frames. However, if he continues to face restrictions,
Graham Ashcraft could become the favorite to land the final rotation spot.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Mark Sheldon
5 days agoArizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Jordan Montgomery (finger) is expected to throw his next bullpen session on Friday. The southpaw completed a session on Tuesday and will look to continue his recovery process later in the week. If this session goes well, the 32-year-old could be cleared to face hitters sometime next week. Montgomery was diagnosed with a strain on his left index finger earlier in February. He was sidelined from throwing for a few days but was quickly cleared for action. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be approaching his spring debut. Last summer, Montgomery had the worst season of his career as he held a high 6.23 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP across 117 innings. If Montgomery can return to form during camp, he could compete for one of the final spots in the starting rotation.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Alex Weiner
5 days agoPittsburgh Pirates outfielder
Matt Gorski is making a strong push to begin the season on the MLB roster. Throughout camp, Gorski has begun seeing time at first base with
Spencer Horwitz (wrist) sidelined, improving his defensive versatility. The Pirates are lacking a depth outfielder, and Gorski could be given the edge due to his ability to play first base. The 27-year-old has also made an impact during his first taste of the Grapefruit League. Gorski has gone deep three times through three games and held an impressive 2.429 OPS. The former second-round selection was once considered a top prospect in the Pittsburgh system but struggled during his first look at the upper levels of the minor leagues in 2023. However, Gorski got back on track last summer as he held a .257/.319/.522 line with 23 home runs in 113 games at Triple-A. If he does make the Opening Day roster, he could have value in deeper NL-only formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Alex Stumpf
5 days agoTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Taj Bradley unveiled a new pitch during Tuesday's spring training contest against the Philadelphia Phillies. Bradley's new pitch is a modification of his cutter that moves like a slider. Bradley noted that this pitch will look to limit hard contact. Last season, the right-hander showed flashes of potential times but struggled to find consistency as he struggled to keep the ball in the park. He allowed a high 10.2 percent barrel rate with a 42.9 percent hard-hit, which placed him in the ninth and 15th percentile, respectively. The 23-year-old also allowed a high 1.4 HR/9, which was one of the worst marks among starting pitchers last season. However, he was able to generate strikeouts at a strong 26.6 percent rate and whiffs at a 27.4 percent rate. If this new pitch finds him success during camp, he could become an intriguing late-round target when looking for an upside starting pitcher.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Marc Topkin
5 days agoVancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (oblique) tallied a game-winning primary assist in his return on Wednesday evening. Hughes has been sidelined over their previous six contests due to an oblique injury. However, the defenseman saw his typical workload as he logged over 21 minutes of ice time and over three minutes on the power play. The 25-year-old logged one hit and added two shots on goal. He was able to set up Connor Garland on the game-winner in overtime to seal the victory. This also extended his point streak to an impressive nine games. Before his injury, Hughes tallied 12 points (five goals, seven helpers) over his last eight games while logging 21 shots on goal. Fantasy managers should view Hughes as a must-start player in all formats and a top pick in DFS on Thursday when he faces the Anaheim Ducks.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
5 days agoVancouver Canucks right wing Connor Garland tallied two goals, including the overtime winner, to power the Canucks over the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday evening. Garland found the back of the net for the first time in the second frame on the power-play. Then, in overtime, Garland would score his 16th goal of the season as he sealed the victory. This was a much-needed outing for the 28-year-old as he entered Wednesday's contest carrying a six-game scoreless streak. During this stretch, he averaged just two shots on goal per game and held a -1 rating. However, before this slump, Garland found the back of the net three times over his previous three contests while averaging 3.3 shots on goal per game. Overall, he has found the back of the net 16 times and added 20 helpers across 58 games. He will look to stay hot on Thursday evening against the Anaheim Ducks.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
5 days agoColorado Avalanche right wing Martin Necas tallied three helpers during their 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday evening. Necas tallied the primary assist on Artturi Lehkonen's opening game in the first period. Later in the third, Necas would add two helpers on the power-play, one as a primary assist and the other as a secondary assist. He also logged two shots on goal and two hits and held a +1 rating. This outing snapped a three-game skid where Necas only tallied one point (a goal) and logged just four total shots on goal. However, before this slump, the 26-year-old tallied 10 points (3 goals, seven helpers) over his last eight. Fantasy managers should continue to expect Necas to play alongside Nathan MacKinnon on the top line, which makes him a viable play in all DFS competitions.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
5 days agoColorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon tallied three points during their 5-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday evening. MacKinnon tallied the secondary assist on Artturi Lehkonen's opening game in the first period. Then, in the third, MacKinnon would find the back of the net twice, both times on the power-play. He also tallied six shots on goal in this game and held a +1 rating. This outing snapped a two-game scores skid for the 29-year-old. However, prior to this minor slump, MacKinnon tallied 19 points (six goals, 13 helpers) over his last 13 games. During this stretch, he was only held off the scoresheet in two games. Fantasy managers should continue to view MacKinnon as a top pick in all DFS competitions and a must-start option in all leagues. He will look to start a new point streak against the Wild on Friday evening.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
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