6 days agoSan Diego Padres shortstop prospect Leodalis De Vries has been assigned to High-A Fort Wayne to begin the 2025 campaign. The Dominican played all of last season at Single-A, where he hit .237 while displaying a blend of power (11 HR), speed (13), and patience (13.9 percent BB%) as a 17-year-old. The switch-hitter received an invite to spring training with the big league club this year, going 2-for-18 with a 3:6 BB:K, however, the 18-year-old was not expected to make the team out of camp and will now have a chance to show what he's got against High-A pitching. MLB's No. 18 overall prospect (San Diego No. 1) is still a long way from a big league debut, not expected to arrive until 2027 per MLB.com, but has the talent to arrive bit sooner than expected.Source: MiLB.com
6 days agoSt. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar launched a two-run home run as part of a 2-for-4 performance in a win over the Twins. He led off in this game against a right-handed pitcher, which is a positive sign for his future fantasy outlook. Nootbaar came into 2025 with some sleeper appeal after slashing .290/.420/.565 in September to close out last season. He posted an excellent 49.5% hard-hit rate and walked at a 12.8% clip in 2024. He has the skills to be a fantasy difference-maker if he can put it all together, and he is worth a speculative add in any leagues where he is available.Source: MLB.com
6 days agoBoston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman was recently named the primary closer heading into the regular season, according to manager Alex Cora. Well, there's still 161 more chances for Chapman to get a save, but he didn't get that chance on Thursday. Instead, Chapman was called upon to face left-handed slugger Corey Seager in the eighth inning. It's worth noting that the game was tied when Chapman came in which could be part of the reason why they decided to use him in that spot. Afterwards, Wilyer Abreu smacked a three-run home run and right-hander Justin Slaten was called upon to close out the game. Chapman will certainly get his save chances, but this isn't quite a full-time closer role like the organization claimed it was a few days ago. Fantasy managers who have Chapman rostered should keep him as he'll likely still get a majority of the save opportunities.Source: mlb.com
6 days agoGolden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (pelvis) is questionable for Friday's game in New Orleans. The veteran has missed the last two games after suffering a pelvic contusion in a recent win over the Toronto Raptors. Brandin Podziemski has been handling most of the duties at the one, with the 22-year-old most recently amassing 14 points and two steals in Tuesday's loss to the Miami Heat. If Curry remains sidelined, Podziemski, Jimmy Butler III, Jonathan Kuminga, and Draymond Green should benefit the most offensively, although there's room for added production from Moses Moody and Buddy Hield.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoBoston Red Sox relief pitcher Justin Slaten was called upon to hold a three-run lead during Thursday's season opener against the Texas Rangers. This is an interesting development after the organization recently said Aroldis Chapman would be the primary closer. Instead, Chapman was called upon to the face left-handed batter Corey Seager to start the eighth inning. It's worth noting that the game was tied until Wilyer Abreu blasted a three-run home run in the ninth inning. That being said, Slaten did get the save opportunity, but it wasn't like the team was planning to give him the ball in the ninth from the beginning of the contest. However, the Red Sox have made it known that they will play matchups and use Chapman earlier in the game if needed. That being said, Slaten is someone worth keeping an eye on right now.Source: mlb.com
6 days agoToronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (rest) won't play on Friday against Charlotte. The former Knick has played well this season, averaging 21.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. However, he's appeared in only 54 games, missing time for various reasons. The Raptors are still in the hunt for a Play-In spot, although time is running out for the team to make a late-season surge. At any rate, his absence should mean Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poeltl, and Immanuel Quickley will see a few more scoring tries. Jamison Battle, averaging 10.4 points in five starts during the 2024-25 campaign, should continue to fill the void in the rotation.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoBoston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu was probably the most unlikely of heroes during Thursday's season opener against the Texas Rangers. Abreu missed a majority of spring training due to an illness, but it doesn't look like that matters. Abreu went 3-for-3 with two home runs, including a go-ahead blast in the ninth inning during Thursday's victory. He collected four RBI along the way and two walks during the 5-2 win. Abreu wasn't a popular name on draft boards, but the 25-year-old does have the potential to knock out around 20-25 homers a season. He's also someone that is surprisingly quick and could steal some bases as well, so he should be on the radar for fantasy managers.Source: mlb.com
6 days agoBaltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O'Neill probably wishes that everyday was Opening Day. On Thursday, O'Neill homered for a record sixth consecutive Opening Day. The right-handed slugger joined the O's this offseason and is already off to a bang. He went 3-for-3 at the plate with a three-run blast and two walks in the blowout win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The O's added O'Neill this offseason in hopes that he could be a reliable source of power in the middle of the lineup. So far, O'Neill is doing a great job after a 31-homer season in 2024. His power numbers alone make him worth rostering in most fantasy formats.Source: MLB.com
6 days agoBaltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins came ready to play during Thursday's season opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. Mullins had an ugly spring with only a .136 batting average, but this performance shows that those camp numbers might not matter too much. Mullins went 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI during Thursday's blowout win. The left-handed slugger is looking to bounce back at the plate after slashing .234/.305/.405 with 18 homers and 54 RBI last season. After Thursday's game, Mullins is likely to become a popular waiver wire addition.Source: mlb.com
6
days
agoCharlotte
Hornets
guard
LaMelo
Ball
(ankle)
won't
play
on
Friday
versus
the
Raptors.
Statistically,
Ball
has
had
a
fantastic
season,
averaging
a
career-high
25.2
points
with
7.4
assists,
4.9
rebounds,
and
1.1
steals.
However,
as
has
been
the
case
over
the
years,
heread more...
6 days agoWashington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore was fantastic on the mound during Thursday's season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. Gore recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts over six shutout innings in a no-decision. Gore only allowed one hit during his time on the mound as he looked nearly flawless out there. Sadly for Gore, the Nats bullpen was unable to hold the lead for him. Despite that, Gore puts his name in the history books with his franchise-record 13 punchouts. The 26-year-old will certainly be a popular waiver wire pickup after that performance. He'll look to keep it going next week against the Toronto Blue Jays.Source: mlb.com
6 days agoSacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (illness) will return from a three-game absence on Thursday against the Trail Blazers. Sacramento has lost four-straight contests, so the Kings need to get it together if the team hopes to remain in the Play-In conversation. Fortunately, Monk, who has averaged a career-high 18.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.0 steals, will be back on the floor. However, his return means Keon Ellis, combining for 46 points in the last three games, will head back to the bench.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoDetroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (calf) won't play on Friday night versus Cleveland. Detroit currently sits comfortably in the playoff picture, so allowing Cunningham to fully recover from a calf contusion makes the most sense. Dennis Schroder has been starting in his place, most recently scoring seven points in Tuesday's win over the San Antonio Spurs. Yet, it has been Marcus Sasser who has benefited the most from his increased playing time, with the 24-year-old combining for 47 points while Cunningham has been on the shelf (two games).Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoPittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales (ankle) went 1-for-3 with his first home run of the season, a run scored, two RBI and two strikeouts in the team's 5-4 loss to the Miami Marlins on Opening Day on Thursday, but he was also removed early due to recurrent left-ankle discomfort. Gonzales went deep for a two-run homer in the sixth inning and hobbled around the bases before being pulled. The 25-year-old will be examined by the team's medical staff before the Bucs provide an update on his status. Consider him day-to-day for now, but we'd be surprised if he's back in the starting lineup on Friday in Miami. Veteran Adam Frazier took over for Gonzales at the keystone on Thursday and walked in his only plate appearance. If Gonzales is forced to miss extended time with his ankle injury, Frazier would likely take over as the regular at second base in Pittsburgh.Source: Pittsburgh Baseball Now - Danny Demilio
6 days agoThe Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms on an undisclosed three-year deal on Thursday with German-born kicker Lenny Krieg, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Krieg visited with the Falcons a day after he kicked at the league's International Player Pathway program. Although he had other visits scheduled with NFL teams, the Falcons liked him enough to get a deal done before that could happen. Atlanta still has Younghoe Koo on their roster, but he missed three games in 2024 due to a hip injury, finished the year on Injured Reserve, and also made a career-low 74 percent of his 34 field-goal attempts (6-for-9 from 50-plus yards) in his sixth year with the organization. Riley Patterson is also on the team's roster at kicker this offseason. Krieg and Patterson will give Koo competition in training camp this summer, but as long as Koo is healthy, he'll be the favorite to remain as Atlanta's primary kicker.Source: NFL Network - Mike Garofolo
6
days
agoThe
New
Orleans
Saints
are
expected
to
have
many
of
their
top
people
at
Ole
Miss's
Pro
Day
on
Friday,
including
head
coach
Kellen
Moore,
to
watch
quarterback
Jaxson
Dart
throw.
However,
the
most
interesting
prospect
for
the
Saints
on
Friday
at
Ole
Missread more...
6 days agoSacramento Kings point guard Devin Carter (illness) will be active on Thursday against the Portland Trail Blazers. He was initially regarded as questionable for the game due to an illness. Carter's presence could be important for Sacramento if Malik Monk (illness) has to miss a fourth straight contest. However, it is unlikely he will make a major impact in fantasy basketball, as Carter's contributions this season have been limited to 4.1 points and 1.2 assists per game.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoHouston Rockets center Steven Adams (wrist) will not play on Thursday against the Utah Jazz. He has been ruled out for the contest after the team listed him as questionable on the initial injury report. Jock Landale will move up on the depth chart and serve as Alperen Sengun's backup on Thursday. Additionally, Jabari Smith Jr. may also soak up some minutes at center. Adams will have his first opportunity to return to action on Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns.Source: Vanessa Richardson
6 days agoHouston Rockets guard/forward Amen Thompson (ankle) will play in Thursday's contest against the Utah Jazz. He was in danger of missing a second consecutive contest due to a left ankle sprain, but the team has upgraded his status from questionable to available. Thompson has made big strides in his development this season and is averaging nearly a double-double since the All-Star break with 15.7 points and 9.5 rebounds. With Thompson back, Tari Eason will likely have to settle for a bench role on Thursday, but he will still play a significant role in the rotation.Source: Vanessa Richardson
6 days agoOklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (knee) will rejoin the lineup for Thursday's meeting with the Memphis Grizzlies. He has been cleared for action after missing one game due to a knee contusion. After rolling with the starters in each of his last five appearances, Wallace will come off the bench in Thursday's contest, which will negatively impact his fantasy value. As a reserve, Wallace has averaged 7.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists this season.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoOklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams (hip) will re-enter the lineup on Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Thunder have been without Williams for a couple of weeks due to a hip problem, but he is finally back in game shape after missing seven contests. Isaiah Joe, Alex Caruso, and Kenrich Williams lose fantasy value with Williams' return. The team may want to ease Williams back into action on Thursday, but he should still be capable of filling the box score due to his all-around ability.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoLos Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (knee) will exit the lineup for Thursday's clash against the Chicago Bulls. He only recently returned to action after missing time with a knee injury, and the team will keep Hachimura sidelined for this matchup after he played 28 minutes as a starter in Wednesday's win over the Indiana Pacers. Dorian Finney-Smith may land back in the starting unit on Thursday, with Jarred Vanderbilt and Jordan Goodwin also potentially getting extra work.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoMemphis Grizzlies forward Lamar Stevens (shoulder) will be active for Thursday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is ready to rejoin the action after missing three games due to a shoulder issue. Stevens will provide bench depth for Memphis but is not expected to play a significant role in Thursday's contest. In nine appearances with the Grizzlies since joining the team in February, Stevens has posted 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while logging 10.8 minutes of action.Source: Memphis Grizzlies PR
6 days agoAccording to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Miami Heat guard/forward Alec Burks (back) is available to suit up against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday. Burks had been labeled as questionable earlier due to a back injury. However, he will be good to go for the sixth straight game after missing seven in a row. Burks turned in a 17-point effort in 24 minutes on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors, and he will likely see plenty of extra scoring opportunities with Duncan Robinson (back) still sidelined for this evening's matchup.Source: Anthony Chiang
6 days agoChicago Bulls guard Coby White (toe) will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. As expected, White has received the all-clear to play after being on the initial injury report with a probable tag. White has finished three consecutive games with 35-plus points, and the hot streak includes a 36-point effort in a blowout win against the Lakers on Saturday night. This scoring surge has placed him alongside Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Michael Jordan, and Bob Love as the only Bulls players to score 35 or more points in three straight games.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoChicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (back) will play in Thursday's clash against the Los Angeles Lakers after overcoming a questionable designation. It has been a solid campaign for Vucevic, although he has lost some momentum after spending a few weeks on the sidelines due to a calf injury. Since returning to action, Vucevic has averaged 14.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 28.0 minutes. He recorded a 12-12-5 line in last week's encounter with the Lakers.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoChicago Bulls guard/forward Josh Giddey (wrist) will suit up for Thursday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was initially regarded as questionable for the game due to a wrist injury. Giddey and the Bulls only recently defeated the Lakers, with the talented Australian delivering a special stat line. He capped off a 146-115 victory on Saturday with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists, and eight steals. A repeat of that performance appears unlikely, but Giddey has been back to his best in recent weeks.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoAnthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports that Miami Heat guard/forward Duncan Robinson (back) is out for Thursday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. The 30-year-old sharpshooter will be on the shelf for his third consecutive game due to lower back pain. Alec Burks, Jaime Jaquez and Davion Mitchell could also see extra minutes in the backcourt while Robinson is sidelined. Burks will likely remain in the starting lineup this evening, as he finished with 17 points in 24 minutes against Golden State on Tuesday.Source: Anthony Chiang
6 days agoChicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball (wrist) will not make his comeback in Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Ball is expected to return to the lineup this week and was initially listed as questionable for Thursday. Unfortunately, he is not ready to return, marking his 13th consecutive game missed. Kevin Huerter, who has made seven straight starts, will continue to have extra fantasy value due to Ball's absence. He has averaged 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 steals during his recent run as a starter.Source: NBA Injury Report
6 days agoOrlando Magic point guard Cole Anthony (toe) will miss a fifth consecutive game on Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks, having been downgraded from doubtful to out. The 24-year-old playmaker is struggling to recover from a sprained left big toe. Anthony Black and Cory Joseph will maintain their additional fantasy value against Dallas. This matchup is favorable for Orlando's point guards, as Dallas allows the ninth-most fantasy points to that position. Recently, Black has been the superior fantasy option, averaging 16.7 points and 5.3 rebounds over the past three games.Source: NBA Injury Report