6 days agoPittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton wouldn't commit to right-handed reliever
David Bednar when asked if he is the team's closer in 2025. "I don't think we're ready to say that, but I think we feel very good with the fact that we have a guy who was a two-time All-Star closer," Shelton said. The skipper mentioned that Bednar had an abbreviated spring training last year and struggled early on before figuring things out and being really good. However, he eventually hit another rough patch with his command later in the year. Shelton fully expects the 30-year-old to bounce back in 2025, but it looks like the Pirates want to see him win the role in spring training over other arms like
Dennis Santana and
Colin Holderman. Bednar had a 5.77 ERA and 1.42 WHIP a year ago and finished in a low-leverage role, so despite the fact he's saved 81 games over the last three years, his leash has tightened considerably.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Foul Territory
6 days agoThe Washington Nationals are re-signing right-handed reliever
Kyle Finnegan to a one-year, $6 million deal on Tuesday, sources told ESPN's Jesse Rogers. The All-Star closer will return to D.C. after the Nationals non-tendered him late last year. The 33-year-old had a 3.68 ERA (4.25 FIP), 1.33 WHIP, a career-high 38 saves, 60 strikeouts and 24 walks in 63 2/3 relief innings for Washington in 2024 and should now be considered the favorite for closing duties again in 2025. Other than the 33-year-old, the Nationals' best options for high-leverage innings late in games are
Jorge Lopez and
Jose A. Ferrer, which makes sense why the Nationals chose to bring Finnegan back to pitch the ninth. Finnegan also had 28 saves in 2023, but his elevated hard-hit rate last year could be a sign of trouble to come. Even though the Nats don't have other great closing options, Finnegan could be on a short leash.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
6 days agoRickie Fowler has made many starts at PGA National in his career. His run in the 2010s was as spectacular as any player could hope for at a single event over 10 years, especially one as unforgiving as the Champion Course. Racking up a win in 2017, a T2 in 2019, two top 10s, and a top 15, the now 36-year-old was the person to beat in Palm Beach Gardens. However, things haven't been as kind to him lately, as he's struggled to crack the top 40 in his last four starts here. Approach play has been the only thing to falter in his past four tries compared to earlier in his career, which hasn't been the greatest to begin this season (ranked 119th in strokes gained on approach: -0.206). Short game and putting have also been weak, as he ranks 160th in strokes gained around the green (-0.423) and 123rd in strokes gained putting (-0.213). As much as the golf world would love another Fowler resurgence, signals aren't there to have any optimism for it this week.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
6 days agoThe Athletic's Matt Gelb reports that Philadelphia Phillies right-hander
Devin Sweet (triceps) left Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Tampa Bay Rays after being hit by a line drive on his right triceps. Sweet recorded just one out in the outing before taking a line drive off the bat of first baseman
Yandy Diaz. The Phillies are calling the 28-year-old's injury merely a right-triceps contusion for now, but he could go for more testing. Barring a more serious injury that is discovered in his arm, Sweet should be considered day-to-day in camp. Sweet did not pitch at all in the big leagues in 2024 after making his MLB debut in 2023 with the Seattle Mariners and Athletics, going 1-0 with a 10.38 ERA, 1.85 WHIP, six strikeouts and six walks in 8 2/3 innings over just seven appearances out of the bullpen. He's merely competing for a bullpen spot in Philly in spring training and isn't on the fantasy radar.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
6 days agoNew York Yankees right-handed reliever
Scott Effross (hamstring) threw one pitch in the Grapefruit League game on Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins before injuring his leg. Effross appeared to grab near his hamstring before walking off the mound with a trainer. The 31-year-old veteran will likely undergo tests to determine the severity of his injury and should be considered day-to-day for now. After missing all of 2023 following Tommy John surgery, Effross returned in 2024 with the Yankees to post a career-worst 5.40 ERA (7.67 FIP), a 1.50 WHIP and a 2:2 K:BB in just 3 1/3 innings of relief at the major-league level. He made 32 total appearances when considering his work in the minors. Depending on the severity of his hamstring injury, Effross could need to begin the 2025 regular season on the injured list. Stay tuned for an update on his injury.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Greg Joyce
6 days agoKansas City Royals outfielder
Dairon Blanco (Achilles) had an X-ray on Monday that showed nothing concerning regarding his right-Achilles soreness, but he is getting an MRI exam on Tuesday as a precaution. The 31-year-old was scratched from Monday's Cactus League lineup against the Athletics and should be considered day-to-day for now in camp. When healthy, Blanco will likely be a reserve outfielder for the Royals' big-league squad in 2025. The Cuban outfielder played in a career-high 88 games for the Royals in his third major-league season in 2024 and hit .258/.308/.392 with a below-average .699 OPS, only four home runs, 13 RBI, 31 stolen bases and 37 runs scored in 132 plate appearances. Most of his success has come against left-handed pitching, but he can be useful for his speed in deeper fantasy leagues as a pinch-runner/defensive replacement late in games.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
6 days agoOn one hand, the approach play that Eric Cole has put on display in the past gives many reason to believe he is a good business decision for a course like PGA National. But on the other, how much longer can he live off the ROTY season in 2023 that has given him such credibility? It's an interesting conundrum given that the tournaments where he gains strokes on approach are still incredible (three events gaining a combined +12.14 strokes), but the tournaments where he's lost strokes could be described with the same word but with a much different meaning ( four events losing a combined -14.20 strokes). Perhaps more concerning is the putter sickness he's been dealing with all year, currently ranking 148th in Tour in strokes gained putting (-0.365). Even at $8,900 on FanDuel, Cole isn't someone to have much confidence in right now.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
6 days agoESPN's Adam Schefter said the thing that he's most comfortable and confident in for the upcoming 2025 NFL draft is that the Cleveland Browns will select a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick.
Deshaun Watson (Achilles) tore his Achilles last year and has needed multiple surgeries to address the injury, so he's a question mark to even be able to play in 2025. Not only do the Browns need a signal-caller for the upcoming season, but they need financial relief with basically all of their money tied up with Watson. If the Tennessee Titans pass on a QB with the first overall pick, the Browns would have their choice of their favorite quarterback at No. 2, which would most likely come down to either Miami's Cam Ward or Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. In addition to drafting a QB, the Browns could also consider signing
Kirk Cousins (if the Falcons release him) as a veteran bridge QB.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
6 days agoThe combination of good course history and two quality finishes will make Daniel Berger one of the highest-owned players in DFS lineups this week. The 31-year-old seems ready to jump back into the upper echelons of professional golf in 2025, gaining over seven and a half strokes on approach and over five and a half strokes off the tee in his last two starts. PGA National is a ball-strikers course through and through, and given that Berger's finished fourth at this event in two of his previous three starts, big things will be expected from him this week. If high ownership is a dealbreaker, then going this route probably isn't the best idea. But don't be surprised if he's the winning ticket come Sunday.
--Todd McGill - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
6 days agoCleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said on Tuesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis that he views University of Colorado wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter as a receiver primarily, but he's also a "unicorn" because he can play cornerback as well. Although the Browns are expected to go with a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, it could also be very tempting for them to take Hunter off the board as one of the most athletically gifted prospect in this year's class. The 21-year-old's primary position in his rookie season in the NFL will likely depend on which team drafts him, but if he were to land in Cleveland, he'd likely start his career as the Browns' No. 2 wideout alongside
Jerry Jeudy. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Buffaloes in his final collegiate season on offense.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
6 days agoCleveland Browns running back
Nick Chubb will hit the free-agent market when free agency opens on March 12, according to general manager Andrew Berry. The former second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft rushed for 996 yards as a rookie before compiling four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons from 2019 to 2022. He suffered a significant knee injury in Week 2 of the 2023 campaign, limiting him to just two games played. The 29-year-old returned to action in Week 7 last season but rushed for just 322 yards and three touchdowns in eight games before suffering a broken foot. With Chubb's future outlook uncertain and Cleveland needing to flip its roster, there's a good chance his time with the organization is over. However, the Browns could bring him back on a cheap deal if he does not draw much interest in the open market.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN Cleveland
6 days agoIn a media availability at the 2025 NFL Combine, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said the team has not changed its stance on not wanting to trade defensive end Myles Garrett. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft requested a trade this offseason, citing wanting to compete for a Super Bowl as the primary reason for his request. Garrett has earned six Pro Bowl nods, six All-Pro selections, and an NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award through the first eight seasons of his career behind 352 total tackles, 102.5 sacks, and 20 forced fumbles. However, the Browns have participated in just three playoff games with one win during his tenure in Cleveland. The organization continues to hold firm on its stance and is aiming to reach an agreement with Garrett sometime before the 2025 regular season.
--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Adam Schefter
6 days agoKansas City Royals right-hander
Alec Marsh (shoulder) is responding well after throwing his first bullpen session in camp on Monday and is scheduled to throw another one on Thursday. Marsh, who dealt with right-shoulder soreness in the offseason, threw 25 pitches on Monday and described it as a "normal" bullpen in terms of intensity. He'll throw a couple more bullpens before facing hitters in live batting practice. At this point, it's unclear if the 26-year-old will be completely built up and ready to go for Opening Day in late March. From a pure innings standpoint, Marsh is probably out of the competition for a starting rotation spot. "I'm just going to take it one week at a time," Marsh said. In 25 starts for the Royals in 2024, Marsh went 9-9 with a 4.53 ERA, 123 strikeouts and 39 walks in 129 innings pitched. In 12-team fantasy leagues, Marsh can be avoided.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
6 days agoMontreal Canadiens right wing Brendan Gallagher (personal) will be available during Tuesday's contest against the Carolina Hurricanes. The 32-year-old was unable to participate in Monday's practice due to personal reasons and was in danger of missing Tuesday's game. However, Gallagher participated in the team's morning skate and is slated to return to the starting lineup. Gallagher has tallied two points in each of his previous two contests. During this stretch, he has tallied six shots on goal and added five hits. Through 57 contests this season, the 32-year-old has found the back of the net 15 times and has added 10 helpers. The former fifth-round selection has tallied six of his points on the power-play. Fantasy managers should expect Gallagher to return to his role on the third line and on the second power-play unit. He will have a difficult matchup against the Hurricanes on Tuesday night and is best to fade in DFS formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Montreal Canadiens
6 days agoKansas City Royals left-hander
Cole Ragans, who tossed two scoreless innings in his Cactus League debut on Monday against the Athletics, has been focusing on his slider early in spring training. He averaged 96.9 mph with the 17 fastballs that he threw and topped out at 98.3 mph. Ragans wants to get back to the success he had in the second half of 2023 when he first introduced his slider. "The movement was right where we wanted it," Ragans said. "Just more so now getting it to that down and glove side [part of the plate] instead of over the plate." The 27-year-old southpaw just signed a three-year, $13.25 million extension with KC several weeks ago after he became one of the team's top starters in 2024 with a 3.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 223 K's in 186 1/3 regular-season innings. Fantasy managers should target him as a low-end No.1/high-end No. 2 starting pitcher.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Anne Rogers
6 days agoMass Live's Christopher Smith reports that Boston Red Sox outfielder
Wilyer Abreu (illness) continues to deal with a viral gastrointestinal illness and hasn't resumed baseball activities in camp. "He can work out. He cannot do baseball activities yet," manager Alex Cora said Tuesday. Abreu won a Gold Glove in the outfield and finished sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2024, so he should be guaranteed the strong side of a platoon, at the very least, in right field in 2025. He finished with 17 defensive runs saved in 921 1/3 innings and also hit .253 with a .322 on-base percentage, .459 slugging percentage, .781 OPS, 15 homers, 33 doubles, 58 RBI and 59 runs in 132 games (447 plate appearances). Abreu is day-to-day for now and has plenty of time to put some weight back on that he lost during his illness before Opening Day in late March.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MassLive.com - Christopher Smith
6 days agoToronto Maple Leafs left wing Max Pacioretty (undisclosed) will remain sidelined on Tuesday evening when the Leafs face the Boston Bruins. Pacioretty has missed their previous two contests due to this injury and could face an extended absence. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status leading up to their next contest on Friday evening against the New York Rangers. As a result, Alex Steeves will remain in the starting lineup and play on the fourth line. Throughout his time in Toronto this season, Pacioretty has played primarily in the middle-six role but has occasionally seen time on the second line. Through 37 games, the 36-year-old has scored five goals and added eight helpers. When he does return, he will only carry value in deeper formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Mark Masters
6 days agoNew York Mets right-hander
Kodai Senga hasn't been cleared to pitch in Grapefruit League games yet, according to manager
Carlos Mendoza. Senga will have a couple more simulated outings in live batting practice, including on Wednesday. "A more controlled environment," Mendoza said. Despite Senga not being ready for spring training games yet, the feedback on his buildup/health continues to be positive after he was able to make only one regular-season start in 2024 due to calf and shoulder injuries. The 32-year-old is a prime bounce-back candidate for fantasy managers in 2025, but you should also be hesitant because of the fact that he threw only 10 1/3 innings last season. Even if he's ready for Opening Day in late March, expect the Mets to ease him into things early on, limiting his fantasy ceiling. Senga is ranked at No. 47 among fantasy starting pitchers at RotoBaller.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Newsday - Tim Healey
6 days agoNew York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (upper body) is viewed as a game-time decision for Tuesday's contest against the New York Islanders. Kreider was a late scratch prior to Sunday's contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, the 33-year-old was able to participate in Tuesday's morning skate, which is a positive sign. When Kreider was scratched before Sunday's contest, Arthur Kaliyev drew into the starting lineup. If Kreider is unable to play on Tuesday, Kaliyev or Jimmy Vesey will take Kreider's spot in the lineup. Across 48 games this season, Kreider has scored just 17 goals and added four helpers. He has logged 60 hits with a poor -6 rating. If Kreider is cleared to return, he will likely return to the third unit and carry little fantasy value.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Peter Baugh
6 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers right-hander
Michael Grove (shoulder) will not be ready for Opening Day on March 18 in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs, according to manager Dave Roberts. It's not much of a surprise, as Grove was around a month behind scheduled in the offseason after he finished the 2024 campaign with a right-shoulder injury. The 28-year-old made a career-high 39 appearances (two starts) for the Blue last year and held a 5.12 ERA (3.87 FIP) and 1.22 WHIP with 54 strikeouts and 16 walks in 51 inning pitched. Grove was a bit unlucky in his relief role and showed much better velocity out of the bullpen. Because he won't be ready for the start of the regular season because of his shoulder injury, it's most likely that the Dodgers will leave him in a relief role in 2025 when he returns, which makes him one to avoid in fantasy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Los Angeles Times - Jack Harris
6 days agoOttawa Senators center Josh Norris (upper body) was able to practice on Tuesday and could return to the starting lineup on Wednesday to face the Winnipeg Jets. Norris has missed the previous five contests but seems to be approaching a return. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his status as he should return to his role in the top six. Before his injury, Norris tallied four points (two goals, two helpers) over his previous two contests with four shots on goal. Across 50 contests, the 25-year-old has found the back of the net 19 times and added 12 helpers with a -6 rating. He has added an impressive 126 hits with 92 shots on goal. Norris will likely return to the second line and play alongside Drake Batherson and David Perron.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: TSN Ottawa
6 days agoLos Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has left open the possibility that rookie infielder
Hyeseong Kim starting the year in the minor leagues as he continues to make swing adjustments after coming over from Korea. General manager Brandon Gomes has also been non-committal about where Kim will begin the 2025 regular season, although there is still plenty of time left in spring training before any final decisions are made. If the 26-year-old starts the year at Triple-A Oklahoma City,
Tommy Edman would likely be the favorite for most of the playing time at the keystone in L.A. Kim's glove is steady, but it sounds like the Dodgers might want to give him some more time to develop as a hitter in the minor leagues before exposing him to big-league pitching in 2025. Fantasy managers should think of him as very similar to
Ha-Seong Kim, but without as much power.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Los Angeles Times - Jack Harris
6 days agoToronto Blue Jays outfielder
Joey Loperfido (head, neck) left Tuesday's Grapefruit League game early against the St. Louis Cardinals with an apparent head/neck injury after crashing into the center-field wall awkwardly. Loperfido got up holding the back of his head/neck area and left the game after manager John Schneider and team trainers came out to check on him. We'll have an update on the 25-year-old's condition when the Blue Jays know more about his injury. Loperfido debuted in the big leagues in 2024 with the Houston Astros before being traded to Toronto. In 81 combined games, he hit .214/.264/.350 with a weak .614 OPS, four homers, 25 RBI and four stolen bases. Loperfido is competing for an outfield job this spring in Toronto. He'll need to cut down on his strikeouts to realize his 20-20 potential.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
6 days agoPittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (lower body) will return to the starting lineup on Tuesday to face the Philadelphia Flyers. Rust has been on the injured reserve since February 8. The 32-year-old has missed their previous three contests but will make a quick return to the lineup. Fantasy managers should expect Rust to return to his typical spot on the top unit alongside Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell. Rust has enjoyed another strong campaign, as he has tallied at least 20 goals for the sixth straight season. Through 48 games, the former third-round selection has found the back of the net 20 times and added 22 helpers. Before the injury, he tallied four points over his last five. He remains a solid option in DFS, as Pittsburgh's top unit has been quite productive throughout the season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Josh Getzoff
6 days agoSeattle Mariners first baseman/outfielder
Luke Raley (undisclosed) was scratched from Tuesday's Cactus League lineup for undisclosed reasons against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Tyler Locklear replaced Raley in the starting lineup and is batting fifth and playing first base. We'll post an update on Raley if he was scratched due to an injury. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter enjoyed his first year in Seattle in 2024, slashing .234/.320/.463 with a career-high 22 home runs, 58 RBI, 11 stolen bases and 58 runs scored in 137 games and 455 plate appearances. He especially excelled at T-Mobile Park, although his fantasy value was limited because of the fact that he only started twice against left-handed pitchers. Twenty of his 22 home runs also came against righties. Raley has fanned at over a 30% clip in his career, but his power stroke from the left side makes him a valuable corner-infield commodity in deeper fantasy leagues.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Seattle Mariners
6 days agoFlorida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (groin) will not play on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators. The 27-year-old sustained this injury during the 4 Nations-Face Off and has yet to see NHL return after the international break. Tkachuk saw doctors earlier in the week and is waiting for further evaluation. Fantasy managers should expect the 27-year-old to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future. Given that he continues to seek medical evaluation suggests that he is not on the verge of a return. Before the injury, Tkachuk tallied 22 goals with 35 helpers across 52 contests. While he remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Carter Verhaeghe to see time as the top left wing, with Mackie Samoskevich slotting in on the second unit.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Katie Engleson
6 days agoESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Buffalo Bills and wide receiver
Khalil Shakir agreed to four-year contract extension on Tuesday that is worth up to $60.2 million, including $32 million guaranteed at signing with $18 million paid in the first 12 months. The new deal ties Shakir to Buffalo through the 2029 season. After the Bills traded
Stefon Diggs away and let
Gabe Davis walk in free agency last offseason, Shakir stepped up as Buffalo's No. 1 wideout to lead the team with 100 targets, 76 catches and 821 yards while scoring four touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (nine starts). The 25-year-old slot man also had six catches in each of the team's three playoff games. He's now locked in with the Bills for the foreseeable future and should continue to be quarterback
Josh Allen's favorite weapon in the passing game with a solid floor for fantasy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
6 days agoKansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said on Tuesday that he's "pretty optimistic" that the team can retain offensive guard Trey Smith, also saying "we've already had some good dialogue on him" and his agency. Smith is headed for free agency next month and should have plenty of suitors if he reaches the open market after performing as a top-15 guard in 2024, per Pro Football Focus. If the Chiefs aren't able to reach an extension to keep Smith in town before he officially becomes a free agent, they could place the franchise tag on him, specifically the transition tag. The 25-year-old was taken in the sixth round by the Chiefs in the 2021 NFL draft out of the University of Tennessee and he's started in all 67 of the games that he's appeared in over his four seasons. Smith made his first Pro Bowl with KC in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
6 days agoKansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said on Tuesday that the team anticipates tight end
Travis Kelce playing in 2025. "Hopefully he has a magical season to end his magical career," Veach said. Kelce, a four-time All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler, has been contemplating retirement this offseason after the blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in which he had four catches for 39 yards. The 35-year-old caught 97 of his 133 targets for 823 yards and only three touchdowns in 16 regular-season starts. He's scheduled to make $17 million this year -- $4.5 million in salary, $11.5 million on a roster bonus due on March 15 and $1 million on a roster bonus due on Aug. 1. Veach said that the March 15 deadline on Kelce's bonus isn't a deadline for Kelce to make a decision, but Chiefs surely wouldn't want to pay $11.5 million to Kelce for him to walk away. Stay tuned.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Nate Taylor
6 days agoMiami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Tuesday that wide receiver
Tyreek Hill (wrist) underwent surgery on his left wrist this offseason to fix a ligament issue, which will keep him out for most of the offseason. The 30-year-old Cheetah dealt with his wrist injury for much of last season, which helps explain some of his drop in production, but he never actually missed a game because of it. While he won't take part in the majority of offseason workouts, Hill should be ready to go for training camp in the summer. Hill was upset after the Week 18 regular-season finale and said he wanted out of Miami, but he has since toned down that stance and said he was merely frustrated over the team's disappointing 2024 campaign that ended without a playoff appearance. The five-time All-Pro fell short of 1,000 receiving yards for just the third time in his nine NFL seasons in 2024 but could be a nice value pick in fantasy this fall.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
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