5 days agoWinnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor tallied two points during their 4-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday evening. Connor found the back of the net for the 31st time this season in the second period. He beat Ottawa netminder Linus Ullmark on a wrist shot. Then, later in the final frame, Connor would add the primary helper on Mark Scheifele's empty-netter. He also logged two shots on goal with one hit and a +2 rating during this game. This outing also extended his point streak to four games. During this stretch, he has tallied six points (five helpers) with a +5 rating. Over his last nine games, the 28-year-old has found the back of the net five times and added eight helpers. Connor remains a must-start player in all formats and will look to stay hot on Thursday evening against the Nashville Predators.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
5 days agoWinnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced en route to defeating the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday evening. The Jets had a significant advantage in the shot total, but Hellebuyck was able to stand up when called on. His lone blemish came in the second frame when Thomas Chabot beat him with a wrist shot. This outing extended the team's record to an incredible 11 games and Hellebuyck's win record to eight games. During this eight-game stretch, the 31-year-old has held a strong .922 save percentage with a 1.99 GAA. He has only allowed three or more goals in two of these contests and allowed one or less in three. Fantasy managers should expect Eric Comrie to get the nod on the back-to-back contest on Thursday night, which sets up Hellebuyck to face the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday evening.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: NHL.com
5
days
agoAtlanta
Braves
starting
pitcher
prospect
AJ
Smith-Shawver
made
his
spring
debut
on
Wednesday,
yielding
zero
runs
on
two
hits
while
striking
out
three
in
two
innings
of
work
in
a
9-4
Grapefruit
League
win
over
the
Pirates.
Smith-Shawver
made
21
starts
at
read more...
5
days
agoArizona
Diamondbacks
shortstop
prospect
Jordan
Lawlar
blasted
his
first
home
run
of
the
spring
in
Wednesday's
7-1
Cactus
League
win
over
the
Brewers.
The
two-run
home
run
was
the
only
hit
of
the
day
for
the
22-year-old,
who
is
now
2-for-8
this
spring.
read more...
5 days agoESPN's Dan Graziano writes that trading quarterback
Kirk Cousins before March 17 is the best course of action for the Atlanta Falcons from a salary cap standpoint. However, it might be tough for the Falcons to find a trade partner willing to take on $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025 and $10 million next year after Cousins was benched after throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 2024. The Falcons would absorb $37.5 million in dead money on their 2025 camp if they trade him. If they release him outright before March 17, they'd take on $65 million in dead money this year. If they release him before March 17 as a post-June 1 cut, they'd take on $40 million in dead money this year and $25 million in 2026. The 36-year-old didn't look great coming off a torn Achilles in 2023 and also dealt with a right-shoulder injury in 2024. It remains to be seen if a QB-needy team will be desperate enough to trade for Cousins.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano
5 days agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher prospect
Will Warren turned in his second consecutive strong outing to open the spring season, tossing three innings of perfect baseball in Wednesday's 7-0 Grapefruit League win over the Cardinals. The righty didn't allow a hit or a walk while striking out four batters, utilizing a four-pitch mix that included a nasty sweeper and a four-seamer that coaxed three whiffs on its own. The 25-year-old debuted with the Yankees last season, but the results weren't nearly as stellar, however, with a strong spring, he could be one of the first options to be called upon to fill a rotation spot if necessary. Despite a high ERA and WHIP last year at Triple-A, the 6-foot-2 hurler struck out 136 batters in 109 2/3 IP (11.16 K/9). As he's not expected to break camp with the club, the former eighth-rounder is not on the 2025 fantasy draft radar, but is certainly giving redraft managers reason to take notice.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
5
days
agoChicago
Cubs
outfield
prospect
Owen
Caissie
was
optioned
to
Triple-A
on
Wednesday
as
the
team
made
the
first
round
of
roster
cuts.
Although
Caissie
is
one
of
the
Cubs'
top
prospects,
it
wasn't
surprising
to
see
him
get
sent
down
since
the
Cubs
read more...
5 days agoPenn State defensive end Abdul Carter (shoulder), who will not work out at the NFL Combine this week in Indianapolis due to a shoulder injury that he suffered late last year, said he is close to being 100 percent healthy. Once he's cleared, Carter plans to do a battery of workouts at Penn State's Pro Day on March 28. "I think I'm about 90 percent right now. I feel like the next month, it's going to be really close to 100," Carter said. While either Miami quarterback Cam Ward or Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders are projected to No. 1 overall in this year's NFL draft, Carter is also in play and said he feels "like I'm the best player in the country." The 6-foot-3, 248-pounder proved to be a game-changer while recording 12 sacks for the Nittany Lions in 2024 to earn All-American status. Despite his shoulder injury, Carter should be a top-five pick in April's draft.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com - Eric Edholm
5 days agoThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers informed safety Jordan Whitehead (neck) that they will not exercise his $3.75 million option bonus for the 2025 season, which will make him a free agent in a few weeks, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. A neck injury that Whitehead suffered in a car accident caused him to miss the Week 18 regular-season finale and the loss to the Washington Commanders in the wild-card round. The 27-year-old ended up suiting up to start 12 games in 2024 in his return to Tampa and had 79 tackles (49 solo) and three pass breakups in his seventh year in the NFL. It was a drop in production after he recorded a career-high 97 combined tackles and career-high four interceptions in 17 starts for the New York Jets in 2023. Whitehead is expected to be fully recovered from his neck injury in time for the start of the 2025 season, so he should be able to find a landing spot elsewhere.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Mike Garofolo
5 days agoNFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Hawk-Eye virtual measurement for the line to gain is scheduled to replace the chains as the primary measurement system for the NFL regular season in 2025. The chain gain will remain on the sidelines as a backup option. The average time to measure with the chains came out to 75 seconds, while virtual measurements have averaged just 30 seconds during the testing phase. Most fans are supportive of the move, feeling that the chain gain was an outdated system that didn't give the most accurate measurements for down distance or when determining whether a team picked up a first down. It has led to controversial calls, none more prominent than when Bills quarterback
Josh Allen appeared to cross the first-down marker in the AFC Championship before officials ruled he didn't reach the line to gain against the Kansas City Chiefs, who ended up winning the game 22-21.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Mike Garofolo
5
days
agoKansas
City
Royals
shortstop
Bobby
Witt
Jr.
had
an
incredible
2024
season
that
resulted
in
him
being
the
runner-up
for
the
American
League
MVP
award,
but
he
wants
to
be
more
efficient
as
a
baserunner
in
2025.
"I'm
one
of
the
fastest
read more...
5 days agoPortland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (quadriceps) won't return to Wednesday's meeting against the Wizards. He wasn't on the floor long, logging only six minutes and finishing with five points. The Blazers are already down
Deandre Ayton (calf), so another extended absence of one of the team's top producers wouldn't be an ideal scenario. Fantasy managers will likely see Avdija's name on the injury report heading into Friday's game in Brooklyn. If he isn't out there for that one,
Shaedon Sharpe or
Scoot Henderson would likely slide into the starting lineup.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Trail Blazers PR
5 days agoCharlotte Hornets forward
Wendell Moore Jr. (head) remains in the league's concussion protocol ahead of Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. That being said, Moore is currently tagged as questionable for that contest. That's a shame considering Moore is coming off a double-double during Tuesday's game. He played 28 minutes during that game and looked like he might actually start earning playing time in Charlotte. If he sits,
Damion Baugh and possibly
Elfrid Payton will see additional playing time on Thursday. Neither are much of a fantasy option right now.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Hornets PR
5 days agoCharlotte Hornets guard
DaQuan Jeffries (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Jeffries is in danger of missing his fifth game in a row due to knee soreness. Normally, his status doesn't mean too much, but Jeffries was actually playing minutes in the 20s throughout most of February.
Damion Baugh figures to continue playing increased minutes until Jeffries is back on the court. Baugh is offering some low-end streaming value, but he's still not worth a look in most fantasy formats.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Hornets PR
5 days agoCharlotte Hornets guard
Seth Curry (back) is listed as probable ahead of Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Curry has been dealing with back tightness, but he was able to play 16 minutes during Tuesday's game. The fact he was able to play on Tuesday means he should be good to go here, barring any setbacks. He finished with 14 points on Tuesday, but he didn't do much outside of that. Curry is a decent scoring option, but isn't going to offer much fantasy value outside of that.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Hornets PR
5 days agoCharlotte Hornets guard
LaMelo Ball (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks. Ball is back in action after sitting out their last game due to an ankle injury. Honestly, Ball likely sat out for rest purposes considering it was the second leg of a back-to-back set. The expectation is that Ball will have his full workload against the Mavs.
Elfrid Payton will shift back to the bench and lose most of his streaming value.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Hornets PR
5 days agoMinnesota Timberwolves forward
Julius Randle (groin) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. As expected, Randle will remain out due to a lingering groin issue. The 30-year-old hasn't played all month and it's unclear when he'll get back on the court. The absence of Randle and
Rudy Gobert (back) means more run for
Naz Reid,
Luka Garza, and
Terrence Shannon Jr. in the rotation. However, Reid is the only player worth rostering out of the three in fantasy formats right now.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Timberwolves PR
5 days agoMinnesota Timberwolves center
Rudy Gobert (back) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The big man is set to miss his fifth game in a row due to a lingering back issue. The Wolves haven't given much information on the situation outside of the fact that Gobert is receiving treatment for his back problem.
Naz Reid and Jaylen Reid figure to continue seeing increased run in the rotation. Reid should already be rostered in most fantasy formats, but if he's available, then fantasy managers better scoop him up.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Timberwolves PR
5 days agoThings certainly haven't been pretty for Emiliano Grillo lately. The 32-year-old Argentinian has played in five events since the start of the 2025 calendar year, posting two missed cuts, a withdraw, a 76th two weeks ago, and a T65 at last week's Mexico Open. He typically leans on solid iron play to contend, and he's lost strokes in that category in all five of his starts this year. Equally woeful, he's lost strokes ball-striking in four of those five starts. While Grillo does have a T8 finish here in 2018, he missed the cut in his last two starts here in 2019 and 2020. Fantasy managers should consider waiting for a return to form before rostering Grill in their fantasy lineups.
--Ryan HickeySource: PGA Tour
5 days agoSam Ryder was a model of inconsistency last year, but the 2025 calendar year has been a different story so far. The OWGR No. 194 had made the cut in all five of his starts this year, and he's gained strokes on approach and putting in four of those appearances. He also boasts excellent course history at PGA National, as he's made the cut in all four of his Cognizant Classic starts, including a T8 in 2021, a T9 in 2022, and a T21 in his recent start in 2024. Over the last 36 rounds, he ranks 11th in good drive percentage, 36th in driving accuracy, 29th on approach, and 29th in opportunities gained. Ryder can be streaky with the putter, but he's picked up over four strokes putting in his last two starts here. Fantasy managers should strongly consider exposure to Ryder and his $7,100 DraftKings salary at the Cognizant Classic this week.
--Ryan HickeySource: PGA Tour
5 days agoMatt Kuchar appears to be a safe option at the Cognizant Classic this week. The 46-year-old Tour veteran made the cut in five of his seven starts in the Fall Swing, and he heads to Palm Beach Gardens on the heels of four consecutive made cuts, including three finishes inside of the top-25. While he has missed the cut in his previous two starts here, he appears to be a solid course fit for PGA National, as he ranks 14th in driving accuracy, 46th in scrambling percentage, 23rd around-the-green, 25th in Bermuda putting, and 20th in bogey avoidance over the last 36 rounds. The 9-time Tour winner has also gained strokes on approach in seven consecutive measured events. With a flat $7,000 DraftKings salary, Kuchar profiles as a cut-maker with top-20 upside at the Cognizant Classic.
--Ryan HickeySource: PGA Tour
5 days agoMinnesota Timberwolves guard
Anthony Edwards (calf) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Edwards has been dealing with a sore right calf lately, but it hasn't forced him to the sideline. He has played in six straight games and nearly notched a triple-double during his last two games. The expectation is that Edwards is going to be out there, barring any setbacks. If he sits,
Nickeil Alexander-Walker would likely start and see increased fantasy value.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Timberwolves PR
5 days agoPortland Trail Blazers forward
Deni Avdija (quad) was forced to exit during the first quarter of Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards. He took a hit to his left quad and would eventually head to the locker room. Avdija is currently questionable to return to his contest, but fantasy managers should know more information soon. In the meantime,
Scoot Henderson and
Kris Murray could see increased run if Avdija is unable to return. Henderson is the better fantasy option long-term if Avdija is forced to miss more time.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Portland Trail Blazers
5 days agoSeattle Mariners infielder
Leo Rivas (ankle) was seen limping during Tuesday's practice session and is viewed as a day-to-day. The team is optimistic the infielder will only miss a few days of practice. Rivas sustained this injury when doing infield drills. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he will likely compete for a depth role on the Opening Day roster. Last season, the 27-year-old made his big league debut and posted a .233/.333/.274 line across 43 contests. He showed a strong eye at the plate as he drew walks at an elite 11.6 percent rate. Earlier in the season, Rivas posted a strong .296/.441/.424 slash line across 63 games at Triple-A. He held an elite 55:51 BB:K ratio and added 24 swiped bags. When cleared to return, he will likely slot in as the No. 2 option behind
Dylan Moore at the keystone.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Daniel Kramer
5 days agoToronto Blue Jays outfielder
Joey Loperfido (neck/back) is expected to go through a full workout on Thursday and could return to the starting lineup on Friday. Loperfido avoided a serious injury on Tuesday when he collided into the center field wall. Loperfido did not have any concussion symptoms and is not expected to miss any significant period of time. If the 25-year-old progresses well during Thursday's workouts, he could be cleared to return to game action. Last season, Loperfido made his MLB debut and held a .214/.264/.350 line with four home runs and four stolen bases. However, at the Triple-A level, the Duke product flashed high power upside as he launched 13 home runs with a .568 SLG and a .933 OPS across 39 contests. Fantasy managers should expect Loperfido to open the season as Toronto's starting left fielder.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
5 days agoTexas Rangers left-handed pitcher
Robert Garcia (forearm) is set to face live hitters on Thursday. The 28-year-old has been dealing with irritation in his left forearm and has been behind schedule during camp. Garcia has been throwing bullpen sessions and will now look to progress to the next step in his recovery process. If Garcia is able to perform well in this session, he could be nearing his spring training debut. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression. Last season, the 28-year-old logged a career-high 59 2/3 innings with the Washington Nationals. He held a 4.22 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP. Garcia tallied 75 strikeouts and generated an elite 2.53 xERA, which suggests he should face significant positive regression when he returns to the bump. Fantasy managers should expect Garcia to compete for a high-leverage role in the Texas bullpen.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Shawn McFarland
5 days agoAtlanta Hawks point guard
Trae Young (Achilles) will play against the Miami Heat on Wednesday. Young finished with 11 points, three rebounds and 14 assists in 38 minutes of work in a 98-86 win over the Heat on Monday. He's averaged 29.4 points, 11.6 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 38.3 minutes per contest during the last nine Hawks games. The superstar guard will handle a full workload this evening and is always a must-start for fantasy managers.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: Atlanta Hawks
5 days agoNew York Mets right-handed pitcher
Dedniel Nunez (elbow) is not expected to pitch in spring training games "anytime soon." However, manager
Carlos Mendoza noted that the team still believes Nunez could be ready in time for Opening Day. The 28-year-old dealt with a flexor strain during the second half of the 2024 campaign and is slowly working his way back to full strength. When healthy, Nunez should compete for a role in the bullpen. Last summer, Nunez made his MLB debut and held a solid 2.31 ERA with a 0.91 WHIP across 35 innings of work. He tallied an impressive 48 punchouts and generated an elite 39.0 percent chase rate. Nunez also generated a high 53.2 percent ground-ball rate. He tallied nine holds last season and could earn a high-leverage role when cleared for action.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Anthony DiComo
5 days agoPittsburgh Pirates outfielder
Oneil Cruz (illness) is progressing slower during camp due to an illness. Manager Derek Shelton noted that the 26-year-old reported to camp sick, and as a result, the team is opting to exercise caution as he ramps up his activity. The young outfielder has only appeared in one spring game so far and should be expected to gradually see his workload increase over the next few weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Last season, the 26-year-old posted a .259/.324/.449 line with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He generated an elite 54.9 percent hard-hit rate and a 15.7 percent barrel rate, which placed him in the 97th percentile among qualified hitters. When healthy, Cruz should be expected to see an everyday role in center field and is a strong target in standard formats, given his ability to contribute to all five standard categories.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Andrew Destin
5 days agoChicago White Sox starting pitcher
Drew Thorpe (elbow) "continues to progress." Thorpe has been throwing fastballs and changeups exclusively during his bullpen sessions and has yet to throw a breaking ball. The Cal Poly product is slowly working his way back from the elbow surgery he underwent in September to remove a bone spur. Thorpe has faced a few setbacks during his recovery process, which has delayed his timetable. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, and he begins to increase his workload slowly. When Thorpe begins to add breaking balls to his pitch mix, he could then be cleared to face live hitters. Given his current timetable, Thorpe is not expected to be ready for Opening Day. The 24-year-old was given his first taste of the majors last season and held a 5.84 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings. When he is cleared to return, he should have a spot in the starting rotation and carry value in deeper formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Scott Merkin
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