21 hours agoMLB.com's Mark Bowman reports that Atlanta Braves right-hander
Spencer Strider (elbow) will make his Grapefruit League debut on Monday and start against the Boston Red Sox. It's a positive step in the right direction for Strider, who made only two starts in 2024 before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery. The 26-year-old hurler will open the 2025 regular season on the injured list as he puts the finishing touches on his rehab, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment, he could make his season debut for Atlanta by the end of April. Strider was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and was one of the best pitchers in baseball, going 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, a league-best 281 strikeouts and 58 walks in 186 2/3 innings over 32 starts. He also had over 200 strikeouts in 2022, but he's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 38 starting pitcher this year because he could the entire first month and may not be as sharp upon his initial return.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
21 hours agoThe Detroit Tigers announced that second baseman
Gleyber Torres (quadriceps) was scratched from Sunday's Grapefruit League lineup against the Baltimore Orioles due to a right-quadriceps contusion.
Andy Ibanez will take over at the keystone and hit third in the batting order. Torres' injury doesn't appear to be all that serious, so we're considering him day-to-day at this point. The Tigers added the 28-year-old infielder on a one-year, $15 million deal this offseason to operate as their starting second baseman after the team surprisingly made the postseason last fall. His fantasy stock is down going into the 2025 season, though, after he finished with a .257/.330/.378 slash line, .709 OPS, 15 home run, 63 RBI, four steals and 80 runs scored in 154 games in his seventh and final season with the Yankees. Torres was an All-Star his first two years in the big leagues but has been inconsistent since and is RotoBaller's No. 17 fantasy second baseman.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Detroit Tigers
21 hours agoDallas Mavericks forward
Caleb Martin (hip) won't play on Sunday versus the 76ers. He missed over a month because of a hip injury, dating back to his time with Philadelphia. However, the 29-year-old made his Mavericks debut on March 7 and has appeared in Dallas' previous five games. But now that Martin is out, the team is down to eight healthy bodies, meaning
Naji Marshall,
Klay Thompson,
Spencer Dinwiddie, and
Max Christie should see plenty of minutes, The same can be said for
P.J. Washington (ankle), who will return on Sunday after missing the last seven games, and
Brandon Williams (hamstring).
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adam Aaronson
21 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers forward
De'Andre Hunter will start on Sunday versus Orlando. The 27-year-old is in the running to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. Yet, with
Evan Mobley (foot) sidelined, Hunter will roll with the first five against the Magic, with the 2019 No. 4 overall pick averaging 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 50.0% shooting from deep in seven starts during the 2024-25 campaign, giving him added value for fantasy managers.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Danny Cunningham
21 hours agoToronto Blue Jays outfielder
Daulton Varsho (shoulder) could begin the season on the injured list. Keegan Matheson of MLB.com noted that the outfielder is throwing at 120 feet and is viewed as "day-to-day." However, a "brief" stint on the IL is considered the "likeliest" outcome. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will make a decision in the coming days. The 28-year-old has been deployed exclusively as a designated hitter during spring training and has yet to progress enough to take the field defensively. However, even if he did open the season on the injured list, he will likely not miss an extended period of time. Last season, Varsho appeared in 136 games for the Blue Jays and held a .214/.293/.407 line with 18 home runs and 10 stolen bases. When healthy, he should be viewed as a viable depth outfielder in category formats given his ability to hit for power and carry speed upside.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Keegan Matheson
21 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers forward
Evan Mobley (foot) won't play on Sunday against Orlando. He had 22 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks in Friday's win over the Grizzlies. But he'll sit this one out because of a foot contusion.
Donovan Mitchell (groin) is cleared to suit up after missing the last two games, so that will help lessen the blow. There should also be room for
Ty Jerome and
De'Andre Hunter to see more minutes and involvement.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Danny Cunningham
21 hours agoFree-agent defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi is signing an undisclosed deal with the New York Jets on Sunday, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The multi-time Super Bowl winner with the Kansas City Chiefs will head to the AFC East after spending the first seven years of his NFL career in Kansas City after the Chief took him in the third round (75th overall) in the 2018 draft out of Florida State. Although the 28-year-old wasn't a lineup regular for the Chiefs in 2024 (he only started one of 17 regular-season games), he has appeared in all 17 regular-season games in each of the last four seasons and has missed just one game in his seven years. Nnadi has 233 total tackles (109 solo), five sacks, seven tackles for loss, eight QB hits, an interception and a forced fumble in his 115 games played (87 starts). It's possible that Nnadi could start more in 2025 with his move to New York.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
21 hours agoCleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (groin) will return from a two-game absence for Sunday's matchup with the Orlando Magic. The 28-year-old has battled a sore groin. However, it didn't stop the Cavaliers from extending their win streak to 16 games.
De'Andre Hunter and
Ty Jerome got some extra work while Mitchell was out, with
Darius Garland and
Evan Mobley (foot) carrying most of the load offensively. But with Mobley ruled out, there's still room for at least Hunter to remain involved from off the bench.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Danny Cunningham
21 hours agoOrlando Magic guard
Cole Anthony (toe) will play on Sunday versus the Cavs after missing the last two games because of a left great toe strain.
Jalen Suggs (knee) has been on the shelf, so Anthony has handled things at the point guard position. The 24-year-old has played well for the most part, averaging 13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 22 starts during the 2024-25 campaign. With Anthony back in the equation,
Cory Joseph will head back to the bench, eradicating nearly all of his fantasy potential.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Orlando Magic HQ
22 hours agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher
Max Scherzer (thumb) is set to throw in a minor-league game "in the next day or two." If Scherzer performs well, he should be on track to be ready for Opening Day. Earlier in camp, Scherzer was scratched from a start due to minor thumb soreness. However, given this report, it appears Scherzer should be in a good position to be ready for Opening Day. During the winter, the Blue Jays signed the right-hander to a one-year $15.5 million contract. Last season, Scherzer was limited by numerous injuries as he logged just 43 1/3 innings. He posted a 3.95 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP. In 2023, Scherzer tossed 152 2/3 innings with a 3.77 ERA and a strong 1.12 WHIP. Fantasy managers should view the 40-year-old as a solid late-round starting pitcher that should provide solid strikeout upside while improving your WHIP ratio.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Keegan Matheson
22 hours agoFree-agent defensive lineman Eddie Goldman signed an undisclosed one-year deal with the Washington Commanders this week, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Goldman will head to the NFC East after spending the 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons. The 31-year-old veteran defensive tackle played in all 17 games (10 starts) for Atlanta, recording just 16 tackles (seven solo) and one sack for the Falcons in his lone season with the team. Goldman should once again serve in a rotational backup role in D.C. in 2025 behind the likes of Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw and Jer'Zhan Newton. The veteran defensive lineman returned in 2022 and also did not play in 2023 before returning to the NFL last year. Goldman has 191 career tackles (123 solo), 14 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, 24 QB hits and two fumble recoveries in seven NFL seasons.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
22 hours agoHouston Astros first baseman
Christian Walker (oblique) is expected to return to spring training games this week and should be "fine" for Opening Day. Earlier in camp, Walker suffered an oblique injury but appears to be nearing a return. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but given this report, he should be a full-go by Opening Day. In the offseason, the Astros signed Walker to a three-year $60 million contract. Last season, Walker held a .251/.335/.468 slash line with 26 doubles and 26 home runs across 130 contests. He tallied 72 runs and added 84 RBI. He generated an impressive .351 xwOBA with a 13.3 percent barrel rate. Fantasy managers should view Walker as a solid low-end No.1 first baseman as his power should translate well to the short left field in Daikin Park.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chandler Rome
22 hours agoFormer Dallas Cowboys free-agent quarterback
Cooper Rush agreed on Sunday to a two-year deal worth up to $12.2 million with the Baltimore Ravens, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Rush now becomes the new backup to starter
Lamar Jackson. The 31-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan debuted in the NFL in 2017 with the Dallas Cowboys and has spent all seven of his seasons in the league with Dallas. Rush saw his most run in 2024 after
Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending torn hamstring. The veteran signal-caller played in 12 games (eight starts) and completed 60.7 percent of his 308 pass attempts for 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. Rush has 3,463 career passing yards with 20 TDs and 10 interceptions in 38 games played (14 starts). He's unlikely to see the field much in Baltimore, with Jackson missing one game in the last two seasons.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
22 hours agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher
Sonny Gray will get the nod on Opening Day against the Minnesota Twins. Gray enjoyed a strong debut season in St. Louis last summer and will operate as the top man in the rotation in 2025. Last season, Gray logged 166 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.84 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 203 strikeouts and served up just 39 walks. His strikeouts were the fourth-most in the National League. He generated a solid 3.67 xERA with a .237 xBA which placed him in the 63rd and 53rd percentiles respectively. In addition, the 35-year-old generated whiffs at an elite 29.8 percent rate. Gray's sweeper (second-most used pitch) is his primary put-away pitch as it generated an elite 44.8 percent whiff rate. Facing the Twins, Gray will be viewed as a solid option in DFS given his strikeout upside.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Derrick Goold
22 hours agoHouston Astros catcher
Yainer Diaz (illness) is returning to the starting lineup on Sunday afternoon. The primary backstop was dealing with an illness. Fantasy managers should expect the 26-year-old to operate as Houston's top catcher during the 2025 season. After appearing in 104 contests in 2023, Diaz logged a career-high 148 starts in 2024. Across this stint, Diaz posted a .299/.325/.441 slash line. His batting average was the fifth-highest mark in the American League. Diaz tallied 29 doubles and 16 home runs. He added 70 runs and 84 RBI. Under the hood, Diaz placed in the 97th percentile in xBA and 80th percentile in xSLG. In addition, Diaz held a 17.4 percent strikeout rate while generating hard hits at a strong 47.5 percent rate. Fantasy managers should view Diaz as a high-floor No.1 catcher in all formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chandler Rome
22 hours agoBoston Red Sox catcher
Connor Wong (illness) returned to the starting lineup on Sunday. Wong is batting six and behind the dish. The backstop has been dealing with an illness during the week but is making a quick return to the starting lineup. Fantasy managers should expect Wong to be Boston's primary catcher during the 2025 season. Last summer, Wong logged a career-high in plate appearances and posted a .280/.333/.425 slash line. He tallied 24 doubles and added 13 long balls. He held a 28:114 BB:K and swiped eight bags. Under the hood, he generated a low .231 xBA with a .288 xwOBA which suggests he will likely face some regression during the upcoming campaign. Fantasy managers should view Wong as a solid No. 2 catcher as he should see ample playing time in a competitive lineup.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Christopher Smith
1 day agoBaltimore Ravens offensive guard Ben Cleveland has re-signed with the organization. Cleveland is back with the team after spending the first four seasons with his career with the team. He is a former third-round pick of the Ravens from 2021. Cleveland has made some spot starts in his career, but has mainly been a rotational player. He played in all 19 games for the Ravens last season, including the playoffs. Cleveland will probably be a depth or rotational player next season, but the fact he has been a viable and healthy option makes him valuable to the team.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: spotrac.com
1 day agoThe Seattle Seahawks have signed defensive back Shemar Jean-Charles to a one-year deal. The former fifth-round pick hasn't been able to make much of an impact early in his career. He last played with the New Orleans Saints in 2024. He finished with 14 tackles, two passes defended, and one interception in nine games (two starts) with the Saints last season. Jean-Charles will get a chance to compete for a depth role in Seattle during training camp.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: spotrac.com
1 day agoThe New Orleans Saints have signed free-agent wide receiver
Velus Jones Jr. to a one-year deal. Jones is a former third-round pick of the Chicago Bears from 2022. He was never able to make much of an impact in Chicago and was waived by the team in October. Jones finished out last season with the Carolina Panthers, but he didn't see much of the field over there. He'll compete for a spot on the 53-man roster in training camp and could serve as a depth option or kick returner if he's able to make the team.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Yahoo.com
1 day agoThe X-rays came back negative on Athletics outfield prospect
Colby Thomas (knee). Thomas exited Saturday's spring training contest early after being struck by a line drive while at third base. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears that this injury is not overly serious. However, the team may keep Thomas sidelined for a few games out of precaution. Thomas is considered one of the top prospects in the Athletics system. Last season, the Mercer production opened the campaign by making his Double-A debut. Across 59 games, he held a strong .282/.340/.568 line. He was then promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas where he posted a .272/.344/.559 slash line. Fantasy managers should expect Thomas to open the 2025 campaign at Triple-A but he should be in the mix for an early-season MLB debut given his success at Triple-A last summer.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Jessica Kleinschmidt
1 day agoChristopher Bell is on a roll to start the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. In addition to winning at Atlanta a few weeks ago, Bell ended up in victory lane at both COTA and Phoenix over the last two weeks, giving the Joe Gibbs Racing driver three wins in just four races this year. Can he add a fourth at Las Vegas this weekend? Bell's No. 20 Toyota was definitely the car to beat the last time we were here (last October), but he's going to have his work cut out for him if he's going to compete for the win on Sunday. After qualifying 13th for this weekend's Pennzoil 400, Bell's No. 20 team changed the throttle body, which will require NASCAR's most recent winner to drop to the rear of the field at the start on Sunday. Despite this setback, though, Bell should still contend in the race. He has three top-five results in his last four starts at this track.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Bob Pockrass / FOX Sports
1 day agoMinnesota Twins right-handed pitcher
Brock Stewart (knee) exited Saturday's spring training contest with a knee injury. Stewart felt a "slight pull" behind his left knee. However, after the game, Stewart was feeling much better and testing afterwards went well. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, but this injury appears to not be very serious. Last season, Stewart logged just 15 2/3 innings in the major leagues as he dealt with a shoulder injury during most of the season. During this limited stint, he held a high 5.17 ERA with a 1.47 WHIP. He tallied 20 punchouts and served up walks at a high 11.9 percent rate. However, in 2023, Stewart was one of the most dominant relievers in the sport as he posted a near-perfect 0.65 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP across 27 2/3 innings. When healthy, he should contend for a high-leverage role in the bullpen.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Phil Miller
1 day agoKyle Larson should be in contention for his first win of the 2025 Cup Series season this Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This is one of Larson's best tracks on the schedule, and he has won two of the last three here--including a dominating effort in this race one year ago, where the No. 5 Chevrolet was out front for 181 laps en route to victory lane. Additionally, in five of the last eight races at Las Vegas, Larson has finished first or second. Also worth noting is the fact that Larson has led for over 20% of all of the laps on 1.5-mile tracks in the Next Gen era. This weekend, the No. 5 Chevrolet looked stout in practice, ranking fourth-fastest with the fifth-best 20-lap average. "Yung Money" qualified 10th for this weekend's Pennzoil 400, so he has some Place Differential upside in DFS contests as well.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Speedway Media
1 day agoOnce again, Ryan Blaney is the chalk DFS pick at Las Vegas. After blowing a right rear tire during practice on Saturday afternoon, Blaney backed his No. 12 Ford into the fence, damaging the back end and forcing his Team Penske crew to repair the car. Luckily, the team didn't have to pull out the backup car, and Blaney will be able to start the race in the vehicle he planned to this weekend. Blaney ended up 28th-fastest in practice but seemed to have a better car than that, especially on the long run, as his 15-lap average during practice was ninth-quickest on the board. Here in Sin City, Blaney has finished seventh or better in 10 of his 17 career Cup Series starts. In DFS contest this weekend, you have to play him at $9,300--especially in cash games--simply for the massive Place Differential upside.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: NASCAR X Account
1 day agoRoss Chastain fired out of the gates fast at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend, as the No. 1 Chevrolet was the fastest car in practice on Saturday afternoon. Chastain's lap (187.846 mph) was faster by over two-tenths of a second than the second-fastest driver, Bubba Wallace. And really, it shouldn't be that surprising. Statistically, Chastain has been one of the best at Las Vegas in the Next Gen era, with an average finish of 5.5 over the last six races. Over that span, the Melon Man has just one result worse than seventh at Las Vegas, and that was a 12th-place effort in 2023. There's no doubt that the No. 1 Chevrolet is fast this weekend, and Chastain makes a good DFS pick because of that. He also has Place Differential upside, as he qualified back in 19th for Sunday's race. At a palatable $8,300 on DraftKings, Chastain is a solid DFS pick this weekend with high upside.
--Jordan McAbeeSource: Driver Averages
1 day agoThe Kansas City Royals have optioned left-handed pitcher
Evan Sisk to Triple-A Omaha. Sisk has yet to make his MLB debut. Last summer, the 27-year-old spent the entire campaign at the Triple-A level. He logged 57 1/3 innings to the tune of a stellar 1.57 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. He tallied 81 punchouts and only served up 26 free passes. He did not allow a home run. This was a significant improvement compared to the 6.34 ERA and a 1.77 WHIP he held across 61 innings at the Triple-A level during the 2023 campaign. Fantasy managers should expect the southpaw to be in contention for an early-season 2025 MLB debut given the success he enjoyed at Triple-A last season. When he does get the call, he could contend for a middle-relief role in the bullpen.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Kansas City Royals
1 day agoCincinnati Reds outfielder
Will Benson was optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Benson was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will instead begin his 2025 campaign in the minor leagues. Benson struggled at the plate last season as he held an underwhelming .187/.274/.376 slash line with 14 home runs and 16 stolen bases. He generated a poor .268 xwOBA with a .180 xBA. This was a sharp decline when looking at the .275/.365/.498 slash line with 11 home runs and 19 stolen bases. During that campaign, Benson generated a solid 42.3 percent hard-hit rate and drew walks at an elite 12.2 percent rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression at Triple-A as he should be in the mix to return to the big leagues as an injury replacement. When he does get the call, he could be worth a look in deeper NL-only leagues, given his ability to hit for power and steal bases.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1
day
agoChris
Buescher
has
never
finished
better
than
ninth
at
Las
Vegas
Motor
Speedway
in
16
career
Cup
Series
starts,
but
that
doesn't
mean
that
there
isn't
upside
for
the
Roush-Fenway
Keselowski
Racing
driver
in
the
Pennzoil
400
this
weekend.
The
No.
17
Ford
was
actually
one
of
the
read more...
1 day agoCincinnati Reds right-handed pitcher
Bryan Shaw was optioned to Triple-A. Shaw joined the Reds as a non-roster invite earlier in the winter. Last season, the 37-year-old logged just four innings in the major leagues. Across this short stint, Shaw allowed four earned runs and held a 4:4 BB:K. During the 2023 campaign, Shaw logged 45 2/3 innings of work to the tune of a 4.14 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. During this season, Shaw tallied 40 punchouts with 17 walks and four saves. Across 92 2/3 career innings a the Triple-A level, Shaw has posted a 4.37 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Shaw to be in the mix to return to the majors later in the 2025 season when the Reds need additional depth in their bullpen.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
1
day
agoLos
Angeles
Dodgers
outfielder/infielder
Mookie
Betts
(illness)
has
been
showing
fatigue
during
team
practices
and
could
be
in
danger
of
missing
the
Tokyo
series.
Manager
Dave
Roberts
said,
"I
think
that
we're
really
trying
to
be
mindful
of
not
just
Opening
Day
but
read more...
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