6 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals pitching prospect
Tink Hence (rib cage) is starting the 2025 season at Triple-A Memphis on the seven-day injured list with a right rib-cage strain, according to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak. The team's No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, will now miss the start of the minor-league season, but it's unclear exactly how much time he might miss. The right-hander was drafted by St. Louis in the second round of the 2020 draft and has some of the best stuff among young pitching prospects. However, the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder hasn't been able to stay healthy so far on the farm and has yet to reach the 100-inning mark due to various arm ailments. Last year in 20 starts for Double-A Springfield, Hence had a nice 2.71 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 109 strikeouts and 26 walks in 79 2/3 innings but missed notable time with a shoulder injury. If he continues to struggle to stay healthy, perhaps he'll be moved to a relief role.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Belleville News - Jeff Jones
6 days agoAfter designating third baseman
Eguy Rosario for assignment on Thursday, the San Diego Padres are trying to find a trade partner for him, according to general manager A.J. Preller. Infielder
Tyler Wade was also designated for assignment this week, but he cleared waivers and will remain with the organization. If the Padres can't find a trade partner for Rosario, it's unlikely that the 25-year-old would clear waivers. Rosario's chances of making SD's big-league squad out of spring training took a hit when the team added veteran
Jose Iglesias on a minor-league deal in March. The Dominican infielder debuted in the 2022 season and has hit .245/.283/.500 with a .783 OPS, five home runs, 12 RBI and 34 strikeouts in 100 plate appearances in his 48 games played over three seasons with the Padres. Rosario could get a look on the big-league roster with a rebuilding team like the White Sox.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Jeff Sanders
6 days agoThe San Diego Padres officially placed right-hander
Yu Darvish (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to March 24) with right-elbow inflammation. In addition to Darvish, right-handers
Matt Waldron (oblique),
Bryan Hoeing (shoulder),
Jhony Brito (forearm) and
Sean Reynolds (foot) were placed on the 15-day IL before the start of the regular season. There is no timetable for when Darvish might return to San Diego's starting rotation to make his 2025 debut, but the good news is that he was spotted playing catch at Petco Park earlier this week. In a best-case scenario in which the 38-year-old veteran Japanese hurler avoids surgery on his right arm, he's likely to miss at least the first month of the season as he ramps up after being shut down in the middle of spring training. With Darvish out, left-hander
Kyle Hart opens the season as the Friars' No. 5 starter.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoTampa Bay Rays first baseman
Curtis Mead is getting the starting nod at first base and is batting leadoff on Opening Day on Friday versus the visiting Colorado Rockies and left-hander
Kyle Freeland at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The 24-year-old is hoping to parlay his blistering-hot spring into the start of the regular season after hitting .524 (22-for-42 with a home run in Grapefruit League play for the Rays. So far in two seasons (62 games played) in the big leagues for the Rays, though, Mead has been a disappointment after the team acquired him from the Phillies in the
Cristopher Sanchez trade. In his 224 major-league plate appearances, Mead has slashed .244/.300/.312 with a .613 OPS, two homers and 12 RBI. As a right-handed hitter, Mead will at least be in the lineup against lefties, but he may need to keep hitting to secure an everyday role in Tampa.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals right-handed pitcher
Ryan Fernandez (hip) was unable to pitch on Thursday due to hip tightness. Instead,
Phil Maton was deployed in the eighth inning. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he should contend for a high-leverage role when healthy. Last season, Fernandez made his MLB debut and tossed 66 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.51 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Across this stint, he tallied an impressive 71 punchouts but struggled to command his pitches as her served up walks at a high 11.2 percent rate. The 26-year-old also generated a solid 3.54 xERA and a .221 xBA, which were both above the average marks. While Fernandez remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Maton,
Chris Roycroft, and
JoJo Romero to be the primary setup options in St. Louis.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Derrick Goold
6 days agoTampa Bay Rays catcher
Danny Jansen (rib) is in Friday's starting lineup. Jansen will be behind the dish and bat sixth against Colorado left-hander
Kyle Freeland. Jansen was sidelined at the end of spring training due to a pulled muscle in his rib cage. However, the 29-year-old was able to progress enough and will not miss Opening Day. Earlier in the offseason, the Rays signed Jansen to a one-year deal worth $8.5 million to be the primary backstop. Before the injury, Jansen tallied three round-trippers with a .320/.452/.640 slash line with two doubles and two long balls across 11 contests in the Grapefruit League. Last season, Jansen posted a modest .205/.309/.349 slash line with nine long balls. He is worth a look in DFS competitions facing Freeland, who posted a 5.24 ERA last season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoColorado Rockies catcher
Hunter Goodman will get the starting nod in their season opener on Friday afternoon. Goodman will play catcher and bat sixth against Tampa Bay right-hander
Ryan Pepiot. Goodman was competing for the starting catcher job during camp and appears to have won the job for the time being. During spring training, the 25-year-old posted an impressive .444/.500/.822 slash line with three round-trippers and six doubles. Last season, Goodman appeared in 70 MLB games and posted a .190/.228/.417 slash line with nine doubles and 13 home runs. However, he spent most of his time in the outfield and started just 22 games behind the dish. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his deployment in the starting nine as he could be quite valuable in two-catcher leagues if he also sees time in the outfield. He is worth a look as a cheap option for power in DFS, facing Pepiot, who struggles to put the ball on the ground.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoAtlanta Braves starting pitcher
Spencer Strider (elbow) will make a rehab appearance for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. Strider was placed on the 15-day IL earlier this week. Strider is working his way back from an internal brace procedure he underwent last April. He was able to log four innings during spring training and flashed elite strikeout upside as he tallied 10 punchouts over this short stint. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his progression in the minor leagues as he could return to the majors later in April. Last season, he was only able to pitch nine innings before being shut down. In 2023, the 26-year-old led the National League in strikeouts (281) and posted a 3.86 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 186 2/3 innings. When he does return to the majors, prospect
AJ Smith-Shawver or
Grant Holmes could lose their spot in the rotation.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Mark Bowman
6 days agoCleveland Guardians starting pitcher
Tanner Bibee (illness) will make his season debut on Sunday against the Kansas City Royals. Bibee was initially scheduled to start on Opening Day, but dealt with food poisoning prior to first pitch. Instead,
Ben Lively got the nod. On Saturday,
Gavin Williams is set to take the mound. Last summer, Bibee logged a career-high 173 2/3 innings and posted a 3.47 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at a solid 26.3 percent rate and showed solid command as he served up walks at a 6.2 percent rate. However, Bibee generated a modest .237 xBA and a 3.78 xERA, which were both just above the average marks. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to this start in case he faces a setback. He should be viewed as a must-start option in all formats and a top play in DFS.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Zack Meisel
6 days agoMilwaukee Brewers first base prospect
Tyler Black ( hand) will miss the start of the 2025 regular season at Triple-A Nashville after suffering a fracture in his right hamate bone. Black will be out six to eight weeks as a result. It's a tough break (literally) for the team's No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. The 24-year-old will likely undergo surgery, which has a good chance of sapping his power for a while when he initially returns to action in the minors. The Canadian former 33rd overall pick in 2021 out of Wright State University made his major-league debut for the Brew Crew last year and went 10-for-49 (.204) with no homers, two RBI, three steals and 17 strikeouts in his first 18 games played. However, the left-handed hitter clubbed 15 homers, stole 20 bags and produced an .805 OPS in 103 games for Nashville in 2024. Black has intriguing power-speed upside, but we probably won't see him back in the majors until later this year, if at all.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt Hogg
6 days agoThe Cleveland Guardians have placed pitcher
John Means (elbow) on the 15-day IL, retroactive to Mar. 24. Means is unlikely to rejoin the team until late in the year as he recovers from Tommy John surgery in June. It was the second Tommy John surgery the 31-year-old required on his left elbow. He's proved a capable pitcher before, compiling a 3.62 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over 146.2 innings in 2021, and held a strong 2.61 ERA in 20.2 innings pitched before hurting his elbow in 2024. There's still a chance Means won't pitch in 2025. He can be left on waivers for the time being. Even if Means hits no snags in his recovery process, he may not be a factor on the field until September.
--Alex CiullaSource: MLB.com
6 days agoFormer flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg will look to get back in the win column when he takes on former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno in the main event of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Erceg was last seen in action at UFC 305, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Kai Kara-France. Prior to that, Erceg fought for the title against Alexandre Pantoja but ultimately lost via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Erceg as the underdog with a salary of $7,600. Throughout his UFC career (five bouts), he averages 62.7 fantasy points per contest.
--Alen Kurbasic - RotoBallerSource: UFC
6 days agoOn Saturday, former flyweight champion Brandon Moreno is scheduled to take on former flyweight challenger Steve Erceg in the main event of UFC Mexico City. Moreno recovered from a lacklustre loss to Brandon Royval in 2024 by handing Amir Albazi his first UFC defeat. Moreno's second title reign at flyweight ended in 2023 when he lost his belt via split decision to Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290. DraftKings sees Moreno as the favorite with a salary of $8,600. Throughout his UFC career of 17 bouts, Moreno averages 78.5 fantasy points per contest.
--Alen Kurbasic - RotoBallerSource: UFC
6 days agoThe Jacksonville Jaguars released offensive lineman Dieter Eiselen this week, according to NFL.com. Eiselen spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears before he joined the Houston Texans for the 2023 campaign. The 28-year-old offensive guard did not see the field at all in 2024 and will now be looking for a new team this offseason. If he gets picked up by another organization, expect him to operate as interior offensive-line depth as he competes for a roster spot. In his four seasons in the NFL, Eiselen hasn't started any of the 24 games that he's appeared in. The South African native originally went undrafted out of Yale before joining the Bears and debuting in 2020.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com
6 days agoSean McAdam of Masslive.com reports that Boston Red Sox outfielder
Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) traveled back to Boston for consultation on the back injury he's dealing with. McAdam notes that he'll stay there for shoulder rehab until he is game-ready. The 31-year-old was never expected to be ready for the Red Sox opener, though it shouldn't be long before he rejoins the team. The lefty hit a respectable .286 this spring (10-for-35) in 11 appearances but was having issues throwing the ball while recovering from surgery to fix a torn labrum in his right shoulder last October. He was far superior against right-handed pitching in 2024.
--Alex CiullaSource: Sean McAdam
6 days agoIn addition to visiting with his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders, free-agent wide receiver
Hunter Renfrow took a visit with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Renfrow has 269 catches for 2,884 yards and 17 touchdowns in his five NFL seasons with the Raiders but did not play at all in 2024 after Vegas released him last March. The 29-year-old pass-catcher was a first-time Pro Bowler back in 2021, when he had 103 receptions for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games (nine starts). If Renfrow were to land in Carolina, he'd provide the Panthers with an experienced veteran that would serve in a depth role behind the likes of
Xavier Legette,
Adam Thielen,
Jalen Coker and
David Moore.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
6 days agoOn Saturday, Manuel Torres will look to get back in the win column when he faces off against Drew Dober in the co-main event of UFC Mexico City. Torres was last seen in action at UFC 306, where he lost to Ignacio Bahamondes via first-round TKO. Before losing to Bahamondes, Torres was on a six-fight winning streak. Since joining the promotion, Torres has gone 3-1. DraftKings sees Torres as a slight favorite with a salary of $8,200. Throughout his UFC career of four bouts, Torres averages 82.7 fantasy points per contest.
--Alen Kurbasic - RotoBallerSource: UFC
6 days agoDrew Dober will look to get back in the win column when he faces off against Manuel Torres in the co-main event on Saturday. Dober has gone 1-3 in his last four and is currently on a two-fight losing skid, losing to Renato Moicano via unanimous decision and most recently to Jean Silva. Dober has been with the UFC since 2013, recording 13 wins, 10 losses, and one NC. DraftKings sees Dober as the underdog with a salary of $8,000. Throughout his UFC career (24 bouts), he averages 62.4 fantasy points per contest.
--Alen Kurbasic - RotoBallerSource: UFC
6 days agoThe Arizona Diamondbacks have placed pitcher
Kendall Graveman (back) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to March 24). Graveman has been dealing with back tightness this spring after missing the entirety of the 2024 season due to surgery on his shoulder. The veteran right-hander is set to resume throwing off a mound next week, but he's behind in his buildup, considering he didn't make any appearances this spring. He's been a useful bullpen arm over the past few seasons, registering an ERA of 3.18 or under from 2021-2023. It will be a little bit before Graveman returns to the mound.
--Alex CiullaSource: Alex Weiner
6 days agoThe New England Patriots are expected to release linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (pectoral) on Friday, according to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss. The three-time captain has spent all seven of his NFL seasons with the Patriots but will be now be looking for a new team after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 of the 2024 season against the Seattle Seahawks. The 28-year-old former fifth-rounder (143rd overall) in 2018 out of Purdue broke a three-year streak of 100-plus combined tackles in 2024 because of his pec injury. Bentley missed just two regular-season games from 2021 to 2023 and was extremely productive when he was on the field for the Patriots during that time, so he shouldn't have much trouble finding a new team as long as he's fully recovered from his pectoral injury. Bentley has 509 career tackles (280 solo), 10.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 29 QB hits, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 83 games (68 starts) over seven seasons.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
6 days agoOn Saturday, Joe Pyfer will look for his second win in a row when he takes on former interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum on the main card of UFC Mexico City. Pyfer was last seen in action at UFC 303, where he got back in the win column by knocking out Marc-Andre Barriault in the first round. Since signing with the UFC, Pyfer's only loss is to Jack Hermansson. DraftKings sees Pyfer as the favorite with a salary of $9,300. Throughout his UFC career of five bouts, Pyfer averages 88.3 fantasy points per contest.
--Alen Kurbasic - RotoBallerSource: UFC
6 days agoThe New York Mets have placed infield prospect
Ronny Mauricio (knee) on the 10-day injured list. Mauricio is still working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered in January 2024. However, the 23-year-old has faced a few setbacks which has slowed down his recovery process. Mauricio was unable to participate in any spring training contests and will now miss at least the beginning of the minor league campaign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he would be eligible to begin a rehab assignment later in April. The No. 6 ranked prospect in the New York system made his MLB debut during the 2023 campaign and posted a .248/.296/.347 slash line with two home runs and seven swiped bags. When he is cleared to return, he could eventually compete for time at the keystone in the majors.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoFormer interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum is scheduled to take on Joe Pyfer on the main card of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Gastelum was last seen in action at UFC Saudi Arabia, where he got back in the win column by defeating Daniel Rodriguez via unanimous decision. Prior to that, Gastelum was submitted by Sean Brady. The 33-year-old Gastelum has gone 2-3 in his last five. DraftKings sees Gastelum as the underdog with a salary of $6,900. Throughout his UFC career (23 bouts), he averages 64.1 fantasy points per contest.
--Alen Kurbasic - RotoBallerSource: UFC
6 days agoSan Diego Padres outfielder
Jackson Merrill went 1-for-3 in the team's 7-4 win over the Atlanta Braves on Opening Day, with a single and four RBI. He did not walk or strikeout. The 21-year-old got the scoring started for the Friars in the bottom of the first, slapping a single into shallow center field, plating teammates
Fernando Tatis Jr. and
Manny Machado. Though Merrill would not record another hit, he'd knock in Machado again two innings later on a groundout and then once more in the seventh on a sacrifice fly to right. The former first-round pick hit fifth on Thursday and will be afforded many more RBI opportunities while batting in the heart of the Padres' order.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
6 days agoVince Morales is scheduled to face off against Raul Rosas Jr. on the main card of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Morales has lost two in a row, first to Taylor Lapilus via unanimous decision and most recently to Elijah Smith via unanimous decision after going 3-5 during his first promotional stint from 2018 to 2022. DraftKings sees Morales as the underdog with a salary of $7,000. Throughout his UFC career (10 bouts), he averages 42.5 fantasy points per contest.
--Alen Kurbasic - RotoBallerSource: UFC
6 days agoCleveland Guardians outfield prospect
Johnathan Rodriguez was promoted to the MLB roster prior to Thursday's contest. Rodriguez was initially optioned to Triple-A Columbus but returned to the majors once Cleveland placed several pitchers on the injured list. During spring training, the 25-year-old posted a .217/.375/.391 slash line with a long ball. He received a brief taste of the majors last season as he tallied four hits (one extra-base hit) across 13 contests. He tallied five RBI and held a 9:14 BB:K. Rodriguez was very productive at Triple-A last summer as he posted a strong .301/.390/.540 slash line with 18 doubles and 29 round-trippers. Fantasy managers should expect Rodriguez to serve as a depth outfielder and could eventually see playing time over
Jhonkensy Noel. However, given his low projected playing time at the moment, he should only be rostered in deeper AL-only leagues as a stash option.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Cleveland Guardians
6 days agoRaul Rosas Jr. will look to extend his win streak to four when he takes on Vince Morales on the main card of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Rosas Jr. was last seen in action at UFC 306, where he defeated Aoriqileng via unanimous decision. The only time he lost was to Christian Rodriguez back in 2023. Since joining the promotion, Rosas Jr. has gone 4-1. DraftKings sees Rosas Jr. as the favorite with a salary of $9,200. Throughout his UFC career of five bouts, Rosas Jr. averages 92.2 fantasy points per contest.
--Alen Kurbasic - RotoBallerSource: UFC
6 days agoMilwaukee Brewers third baseman
Vinny Capra went 1-for-3 with a solo shot on Opening Day. Capra was competing for a depth role in the infield during camp and earned the starting nod on Opening Day. In this contest, he struck out once but was able to go deep for the first time in his MLB career off Yankee southpaw
Carlos Rodon. During spring training, the 28-year-old posted an impressive .292/.358/.728 slash line. He went six times and added three doubles across 19 contests. Before Thursday's game, Capra appeared in just 20 MLB contests and held a .156/.250/.219 slash line with a 24.3 percent strikeout rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his production as he may eventually earn the majority of starts at the hot corner over
Oliver Dunn.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
6 days agoThe Kansas City Chiefs announced on Thursday that they re-signed cornerback Nazeeh Johnson to an undisclosed deal. Johnson will stick around with the Chiefs for secondary depth after originally being taken in the seventh round (259th overall) by KC in 2022 out of Marshall. The 26-year-old defensive back did not play at all in 2023 and has 64 tackles (38 solo), one sack and three pass breakups in 27 games (six starts) in his two NFL seasons, with 56 of those tackles coming in 16 regular-season games (six starts) last year. Johnson is far off the fantasy radar in IDP leagues, but he should retain his rotational role in the Chiefs' secondary in 2025 while also contributing on special teams.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Kansas City Chiefs
6 days agoSaimon Oliveira is set to face off against UFC newcomer David Martinez on the main card of UFC Mexico City on Saturday. Oliveira earned his UFC contract by defeating Jose Alday via split decision on DWCS back in 2021. Since then, Oliveira has lost both of his UFC fights, first to Tony Gravely via unanimous decision and most recently to Daniel Marcos by a second-round TKO. DraftKings sees Oliveira as the underdog with a salary of $6,800. Throughout his UFC career (two bouts), he averages 15.6 fantasy points per contest.
--Alen Kurbasic - RotoBallerSource: UFC
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