5 days agoNew York Mets outfielder
Brandon Nimmo (foot) is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut soon, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. Nimmo has been delayed in spring training this year after playing through plantar fasciitis in his left foot for the majority of last season. However, the 31-year-old said he's feeling much better now and will be ready for Opening Day at the end of March. Despite dealing with nagging injuries in recent seasons, Nimmo has surprisingly been able to play in at least 151 games for three straight years. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that he's definitely an injury risk in fantasy because of his foot injury that could flare up at any time in 2025. He hit just .224/.327/.399 in 2024 but still managed 23 home runs, 15 steals, a career-high 90 RBI and 88 runs. If he stays healthy all year, Nimmo should be an excellent value pick in fantasy drafts.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
5 days agoMLB.com's Anthony DiComo reports that New York Mets outfielder
Starling Marte (knee) will begin taking live batting practice early in March on the back fields in camp. The veteran outfielder has been dealing with knee soreness since last summer, although the Mets remain confident he'll be good to go for Opening Day in late March. The 36-year-old Dominican outfielder hasn't played in more than 118 games in his three seasons in Queens due to injuries, and he's hit only 12 home runs with 68 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 180 games combined the last two years. With
Juan Soto now New York's starting right fielder, it seems likely that Marte will be in line for a reduced role in New York between the outfield and designated hitter in 2025. It would not be a surprise if the Mets play it safe and put him on the injured list to begin the year. He's ranked as the No. 100 fantasy outfielder at RotoBaller.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
5 days agoDetroit Tigers left-hander
Tarik Skubal will get the nod on Opening Day on March 27 against the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers. "I'm looking forward to the challenge. You don't know how many Opening Days you're going to start in your career and I'm honored to be able to start two of them," Skubal said. It's no surprise that the 28-year-old southpaw will take the hill on Opening Day at Chavez Ravine after winning the American League Cy Young award unanimously in 2024. He will have a tough task on his hands on the road against the Dodgers, but fantasy managers that pay the high price to take Skubal early in drafts shouldn't be benching him. The former ninth-round pick in 2018 out of Seattle University led the league in WAR (6.3), wins (18), ERA (2.39), strikeouts (228) and FIP (2.49) in 192 innings and 31 starts in 2024 in his fifth year in the league with Detroit.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Detroit News - Chris McCosky
5 days agoSan Diego Padres outfielder
Fernando Tatis Jr. (illness) is back in camp after missing a few days while battling the flu, according to MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. Tatis will likely have a light day on Wednesday as he builds back up, according to manager Mike Shildt. It' unclear when the 26-year-old will make his Cactus League debut, but there's no rush with Opening Day not until late March. The former shortstop made the All-Star team for the second time in his career in 2024 and finished with a .276/.340/.492 slash line, .833 OPS, 21 home runs, 49 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 64 runs in 102 games. A stress reaction in his right quadriceps cost him two-plus months and was also likely the reason why his stolen base production dropped. Fantasy managers can't expect Tatis to ever approach his career-high 42 homers again after his PED suspension, but his power/speed upside still makes him a top-15 overall player.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell
5 days agoNew York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Foul Territory on Wednesday that he's planning to return outfielder
Aaron Judge to the No. 2 spot in the lineup this year. Boone explains that it makes sense with the Yankees' lineup being left-handed heavy, especially with outfielder/designated hitter
Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) currently sidelined. The skipper said that infielder
Jazz Chisholm Jr. and outfielder
Cody Bellinger are candidates to hit in the three-hole, although it could be someone else with a left-hander on the mound. Judge hit in the No. 3 spot last year with
Juan Soto in the two-hole, but now that Soto is out of town, Judge will return to second in the batting order in the Bronx. Chisholm or young outfielder
Jasson Dominguez are the primary options to hit leadoff. Judge won the American League MVP in 2024 and is a top-five fantasy asset.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Foul Territory
5 days agoOttawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark will get the starting nod on Wednesday when the Senators host the Winnipeg Jets. Since returning to action on February 4, Ullmark has held an underwhelming 0-3 record with a hefty 4.88 and .879 save percentage. Before his return, Ullmark was sidelined since December 22 due to a back injury. While Ullmark has yet to find his footing since his return, the 31-year-old was quite productive before the injury. Over his previous 10 starts before suffering the injury, Ullmark posted a stellar 8-0-1 record with a .952 save percentage and a 1.48 GAA. On Wednesday, he will face the Winnipeg Jets who have averaged the third-highest goals per game (3.57). As a result, DFS managers should look to fade Ullmark in this matchup until he returns to form.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: TSN Ottawa
5 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers catcher
Will Smith (ankle) is set to make his Cactus League debut for the Dodgers on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels, according to the Los Angeles Times' Jack Harris. A minor ankle injury kept Smith sidelined early in the spring training slate, but he's ready to go now and will be ready to roll for Opening Day on March 18 against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, Japan, barring a setback once he gets into games. The 29-year-old backstop will also serve as the catcher in his first spring game on Friday. The former 32nd overall pick in 2016 out of the University of Louisville, Smith has been an All-Star each of the last two years and slashed .248/.327/.433 with a career-low .760 OPS, 20 home runs, 75 RBI and 77 runs scored in 128 regular-season games in 2024. While Smith's numbers definitely dipped, especially in the second half, he's been extremely consistent and is on the best team in baseball.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Los Angeles Times - Jack Harris
5 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers first baseman
Freddie Freeman (ankle) is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut as the designated hitter on Thursday against the division-rival Colorado Rockies, according to the Los Angeles Times' Jack Harris. The Dodgers have eased Freeman into the early portion of spring training after he had surgery in December to remove loose bodies from his right ankle. The 35-year-old veteran left-handed hitter should be good to go by Opening Day in Tokyo, Japan, on March 18 versus the Chicago Cubs. Although Freeman is getting up there in age, he still ranks as RotoBaller's No. 2 fantasy first baseman in 2025 and is projected to hit third in the Dodgers' lineup behind MVP
Shohei Ohtani and
Mookie Betts. His ankle injury slowed him down early in the postseason, but the fact that he hit four long balls in the World Series against the Yankees should have fantasy managers unconcerned heading into this season.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Los Angeles Times - Jack Harris
5 days agoToronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (upper body) is not expected to play on Friday evening against the New York Rangers but is not expected to miss a significant amount of time. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to their next contest on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, as Tanev may only be held out of one game. Tanev sustained this injury during Tuesday's overtime victory over the Boston Bruins. The 35-year-old only logged 39 seconds of ice time before exiting the contest. This will likely open the door for Philippe Myers to enter the starting lineup against the Rangers on Friday evening. Through 57 contests, Tanev has tallied 17 points (two goals) and held a +26 rating with an impressive 151 blocked shots.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: David Alter
5 days agoPittsburgh Penguins left wing Michael Bunting (illness) was unable to participate during Wednesday's practice due to an illness. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to their next contest against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday evening. If the 29-year-old were to miss time, left wing Matt Nieto would likely rejoin the starting lineup. Over his previous 10 contests, Bunting has been in the midst of a scoring slump as he tallied just two points (both helpers). However, prior to this skid, Bunting tallied eight points (four goals, four helpers) over his last 12 games. Through 58 games, Bunting has found the back of the net 14 times and added 15 helpers with 110 shots on goal. If Bunting were to miss time, Blake Lizotte could take his spot on the third line.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Matt Vensel
5 days agoOttawa Senators center Shane Pinto (upper body) will miss his fourth-straight contest on Wednesday evening when the Senators host the Winnipeg Jets. Pinto sustained this injury earlier in the month, on February 4, and seeing that he is continuing to sit out suggests this injury may be serious. Fantasy managers should monitor his status ahead of their next contest on Saturday evening against the San Jose Sharks. Before the injury, Pinto tallied six points (three goals, three helpers) over his last six contests. During this stretch, he averaged 2.3 shots on goal per game and held a strong +5 rating. Through 46 contests, Pinto has scored 11 goals and tallied 11 helpers. With Pinto sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Jan Jenik to slot in as the team's No. 3 center.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: TSN Ottawa
5
days
agoAccording
to
SNY's
Connor
Hughes,
the
current
sentiment
shared
by
most
right
now
is
that
the
Los
Angeles
Rams
won't
trade
veteran
quarterback
Matthew
Stafford
this
offseason.
The
permission
that
the
Rams
granted
Stafford
to
talk
with
other
teams
is
likely
nothing
more
read more...
5 days agoOttawa Senators center Josh Norris (upper body) will remain sidelined during Wednesday's contest when the Senators host the Winnipeg Jets. Norris has missed their previous five contests due to this injury and could be facing an extended absence. Over his last six contests, the former 19th overall selection has tallied six points (four goals) with 10 hits and five blocked shots. Overall, Norris has found the back of the net 19 times and added 12 helpers across 50 games. Despite only playing in 50 games in four out of his six NHL seasons, Norris has eclipsed the 30-point mark in all four and scored at least 16 goals in each. While Norris remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Ridly Greig to continue to play on the second line. However, this line is best to fade in DFS as left wing Brady Tkachuk will also not suit up for this contest.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: TSN Ottawa
5
days
agoNew
York
Jets
quarterback
Aaron
Rodgers
will
be
released
in
two
weeks
and
will
then
be
free
to
sign
with
any
team
for
the
first
time
in
his
20-year
career.
Rodgers,
who
turns
42
this
December,
wants
to
play
for
a
contending
team,
but
read more...
5 days agoOttawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (lower body) will remain out of the starting lineup on Wednesday when the Senators face the Winnipeg Jets. Tkachuk sustained this injury during the 4 Nations Face-Off. He will now miss his second-straight game. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status leading up to their next contest on Saturday evening against the San Jose Sharks. Before the injury, Tkachuk tallied five points (two goals, three helpers) over his last five contests. During this stretch, the 25-year-old tallied 10 hits with 33 shots on goal. Overall, Tkachuk has found the back of the net 21 times (44 points) across 56 games while averaging a solid 4.2 shots on goal per game. While he remains sidelined, Noah Gregor will continue to play on the second offensive line.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: TSN Ottawa
5 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar
Shohei Ohtani (elbow, shoulder) will make his Cactus League debut on Friday against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels, according to the Los Angeles Times' Jack Harris. Ohtani, who had surgery in November to fix the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder, will serve as the designated hitter and will be ready to go as a hitter for the March 18 opener in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs. The 30-year-old three-time MVP didn't pitch at all in 2024 in his first year with the Dodgers after having Tommy John surgery, and he's unlikely to make his 2025 debut on the mound until early May. Ohtani's right elbow certainly didn't give him problems at the plate last year, as he clubbed over 50 homers and stole over 50 bases to make major-league history. As a DH, the Japanese sensation will be the first player off the board in most fantasy drafts.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Los Angeles Times - Jack Harris
5
days
agoToronto
Blue
Jays
outfielder
Jonatan
Clase
(hamstring)
has
been
running
and
could
play
in
Grapefruit
League
games
by
the
weekend,
according
to
manager
John
Schneider.
Clase
is
working
his
way
through
a
sore
hamstring,
but
it's
a
minor
issue
and
should
not
read more...
5 days agoMLB.com's Keegan Matheson reports that Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
Anthony Santander has been away from camp while sorting out visa issues. However, Santander will be back in Dunedin on Wednesday night and is expected to play in a Grapefruit League game on Friday, according to manager John Schneider. The Blue Jays' offseason acquisition initially reported to camp but then had to leave to take care of the visa issues. It should be all sorted out now, though. The 30-year-old adds plenty of pop to the heart of Toronto's batting order for the 2025 season after inking a five-year, $92.5 million deal in free agency in the offseason. The switch-hitter clubbed a career-high 44 home runs in his final season in Baltimore in 2024 and could be the Jays' primary designated hitter in his first season in Canada. Although some regression wouldn't be a surprise, Santander is a pretty good bet for 30-plus homers if he stays healthy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
5 days agoThe Green Bay Packers have had trade conversations involving Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander and are willing to trade him this offseason, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 2018 first-round pick out of Louisville has spent his entire professional career with Green Bay, racking up 287 tackles (240 solo), 12 interceptions, 70 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and 1.5 sacks in 78 career games. However, Alexander has played in just 14 of 34 possible regular-season games over the last two seasons. The 28-year-old could be headed toward a steep decline in play, so he should not be too expensive to trade for. Still, a contending team with a significant need at cornerback could be interested in taking the flyer on the two-time All-Pro selection.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport
5 days agoNew York Yankees right-hander
Clarke Schmidt (back) threw a two-up bullpen session on Tuesday at camp and expects to throw live batting practice by this weekend, according to the New York Post's Greg Joyce. Schmidt is behind in spring training due to a minor back injury. However, as long as he doesn't suffer a setback this weekend, he could be cleared to make his Grapefruit League debut sooner than later. There's still time for the 29-year-old to get ready for Opening Day in late March. If healthy, Schmidt will surely be part of New York's Opening Day starting rotation. The former first-rounder missed three months last year with a right-lat strain, but he was impressive when he was available, going 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 93 strikeouts in 85 1/3 innings over 16 starts. If he can stay healthy in 2025, Schmidt has the ability to take the next step for fantasy managers.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Greg Joyce
5 days agoThe Los Angeles Rams allowed quarterback
Matthew Stafford to explore his market value over the last few weeks, and the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are two teams with noted significant interest in trading for the veteran signal-caller. Based on the interest around the league, teams are expecting the Rams to drive up the asking price for Stafford if they decide to move him, according to NFL insider Dianna Russini. Stafford is entering his age-37 season in 2025, but the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft is still one of the top quarterbacks in the NFC and could get a middling team over the hump in 2025 and beyond. While it's still unknown if Los Angeles is truly willing to deal him, the chances he is traded have seemingly increased incrementally over the last week. However, it sounds like the Rams will need a significant haul of value to move off the Super Bowl-winning franchise quarterback.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Dianna Russini -- The Athletic
5 days agoThe New York Post's Greg Joyce reports that New York Yankees right-hander
Jake Cousins (forearm), who reported to spring training with a forearm strain, is scheduled to begin a throwing program on Monday after a five-week shutdown. "I'm ready to go," Cousins said. He will not be ready by Opening Day at the end of March, but barring a setback once he resumes throwing, Cousins might be able to make his 2025 debut early in April. The 30-year-old reliever had a strong first year with the Yankees in 2024, posting a 2.37 ERA (4.06 FIP), a 1.05 WHIP, his first career save, a career-high 53 strikeouts and 20 walks in 38 relief innings. Cousins rode the success of his slider, which generated a 47.7% whiff rate, to earn a high-leverage role in the Yankees' bullpen in the second half. His swing-and-miss stuff is real, but control issues could be a problem with more exposure.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Greg Joyce
5 days agoNew York Yankees catcher
Austin Wells is behind the plate and batting fifth for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game versus the St. Louis Cardinals. The Yankees have held Wells back a bit in the early going in spring training to give him a little break after the team advanced to the World Series last fall. They were originally planning to hold him out until March, but the 25-year-old backstop will make his spring debut on Wednesday. After slashing .229/.322/.395 with 13 home runs and 55 RBI in the regular season last year, Wells is fully expected to see the majority of starts behind the plate in the Bronx in 2025. Wells' glove and plate discipline are his strengths, and while he can offer moderate power at the weak catching position, his struggles against lefties will likely keep his upside on the lower end. Consider him a low-end No. 1 catcher/high-end No. 2 option in fantasy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Newsday - Erik Boland
5
days
agoHouston
Astros
second
baseman
Jose
Altuve
is
set
to
make
his
spring
training
debut
in
left
field
on
Friday
when
the
team
takes
on
the
St.
Louis
Cardinals
in
a
Grapefruit
League
game.
Altuve
has
been
working
regularly
in
left
field
in
camp
read more...
5 days agoTexas Rangers outfielder
Wyatt Langford (oblique) has resumed light baseball activities at camp and said he's "feeling great," according to the Dallas Morning News' Shawn McFarland. Langford threw and ran the bases on Wednesday. It's great news for Langford, who suffered a mild oblique strain in spring training last week. There's still plenty of time for the 23-year-old to recover before Opening Day in late March, but oblique injuries can be tricky to return from, so his status bears watching once he resumes swinging a bat. For now, though, Langford's injury shouldn't negatively affect his fantasy draft stock. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 15 fantasy outfielder because of his power/speed upside in what should be a stronger Rangers lineup in 2025. The former fourth overall pick in 2023 hit .253/.325/.415 with 16 homers, 74 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 134 games in his rookie season in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarland
6
days
agoCameron
Young
has
played
five
events
this
year
with
two
top-15
finishes,
two
missed
cuts,
and
a
72nd-place
finish.
Now
he
turns
his
focus
to
the
Cognizant
Classic,
where
he
has
had
success
in
the
past,
finishing
T4
in
2024
and
T16
in
2022.
In
those
performances,
Young
read more...
6 days agoKnowing what to do with Taylor Pendrith as the PGA Tour heads to Florida is tough. The Canadian had a good run on the West Coast, including two top-10s and a top-15 in five starts. However, his success has lived and died by the ball striking, as he's lost strokes on the greens in four of five events. What's more concerning is that the T50 in the Genesis Invitational a couple of weeks ago was because the 33-year-old lost strokes in every metric besides off the tee (+1.28). That won't be enough to get around PGA National unscathed, and if he doesn't find a way to crack the top 15 in the field in strokes gained on approach, he probably won't do much for DFS lineups.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
6 days agoPrior to missing the cut at the Genesis Invitational, Gary Woodland had posted three straight top-22 finishes to start the year. He now looks to get back on track at the Cognizant Classic, an event where he has missed the cut just once in 10 appearances, with four career top-10 finishes. Woodland has gained the majority of his strokes this season off the tee (7.504) but has also been impressive on approach, gaining 0.421 strokes per round. Given the challenging nature of PGA National, this part of his game will be crucial for success. Woodland ranks in the 94th percentile for greens in regulation from 150-200 yards and in the 80th percentile for proximity from the same distance, which accounts for 48.1% of all approach shots at this course. This is especially important for Woodland, as he has lost 3.984 strokes combined in putting and around the green. At $7,500 on DraftKings, Woodland presents solid value and could be a core piece in any DFS lineup.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
6
days
agoDetroit
Tigers
starting
pitching
prospect
Jackson
Jobe
allowed
two
runs
during
his
spring
debut.
The
right-hander
logged
two
innings
of
work.
His
lone
blemish
came
against
young
Baltimore
slugger
Heston
Kjerstad,
who
hit
a
two-run
shot
off
Jobe
read more...
6 days agoKris Ventura has been in solid form over his last four events with finishes of T58, T4, T49, and most recently a T25 at the Mexico Open. He now looks to the Cognizant Classic, an event he has played in once before, missing the cut in 2021. PGA National is a demanding course that requires precision on approach, and Ventura ranks 39th in strokes gained on approach, averaging 0.435 strokes gained per round. He is also in the 87th percentile over the past 12 months in greens in regulation from 150-200 yards, a range that accounts for 48.1% of all approach shots at this course. The only area where Ventura has struggled this season is around the greens, so hitting greens in regulation will be key to his success. At a price tag of $6,900 on DraftKings, fantasy managers can confidently consider Ventura as a value play this week.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
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