1 day agoNew York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (upper body) will exit the lineup for the final two games of the regular season. The 23-year-old has been dealing with an upper-body injury during the season and will now get proper time to heal, with the Rangers eliminated from postseason contention. During a difficult campaign, Schneider was one of only a few bright spots for the Rangers. He totaled a career-high 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 80 games, ranking first on the team with 145 blocks and third with 146 hits. Matthew Robertson has been summoned from the AHL and looks set to fill in for Schneider in the last couple of games.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Peter Baugh
1 day agoNew York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (upper body) made an early exit in Sunday's 1-0 win over the New Jersey Devils. He sustained an upper-body injury from a high hit by Devils forward Paul Cotter in the second period. This might be the last we see of Pelech in 2024-25, as the Islanders have been eliminated from playoff contention and have no incentive to rush him back into action. The 30-year-old has recorded 21 assists, 107 shots, 86 blocks, and 73 hits in 59 appearances this season. Mike Reilly, Adam Boqvist, and Scott Perunovich are the options to replace Pelech in the lineup. The Islanders have two more games to come in the regular season.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: New York Islanders
1 day agoWashington Capitals defenseman John Carlson (rest) will not be in action on Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Washington has begun resting key personnel before the playoffs, and Carlson will have Sunday off after participating in all 79 games so far. Carlson has had a good campaign with 51 points (five goals, 46 assists) and 131 blocks. Dylan McIlrath will come into the lineup on Sunday, while the Capitals could also welcome back Jakob Chychrun (illness), who is considered a game-time call.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Tom Gulitti
1 day agoWashington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin (rest) will return to the lineup on Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was rested on Saturday when Columbus dismantled the Capitals 7-0. Ovechkin has grown his points tally in each of his last seven appearances, reaching 42 goals and 28 assists for the campaign with 62 games played. Ethen Frank will exit the lineup to make room for Ovechkin, who is projected to skate with Dylan Strome and Taylor Raddysh.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Tom Gulitti
1 day agoTampa Bay Lightning right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand (lower body) has been labeled as week-to-week by head coach Jon Cooper. The veteran forward suffered a lower-body injury on Friday against the Detroit Red Wings and is set to miss the team's final three regular-season games as well as the start of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Bjorkstrand, a trade deadline acquisition from the Seattle Kraken, has notched nine points (five goals, four assists) in 18 games with the Lightning. Conor Geekie has been recalled from the minors and will replace Bjorkstrand in the lineup on Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres. The 20-year-old has posted 12 points (six goals, six assists) through his first 49 NHL career games in 2024-25.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 day agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher
Garrett Crochet was excellent on the mound during Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox. The southpaw was at the top of his game for his revenge outing versus his former team. Crochet took a no-hitter into the eighth inning as he seemingly had no issues on the mound. He would eventually give up a hit and an earned run, but Crochet struck out 11 batters in what was an elite outing from him. Fantasy managers will be happy to hear that Crochet will face the White Sox again during his next start. He has been great this season with two earned runs or less in all four of his starts this season. Crochet is a top tier fantasy option that needs to be rostered and started in every format.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
1 day agoDenver Broncos tight end
Evan Engram lauded his new quarterback,
Bo Nix, last week in an interview with DNVR's Bennie Fowler. "He has everything that it takes to be great in this league," said Engram. The 30-year-old went on to praise Nix's dual-threat ability and noted that the team should continue to put talent around such a weapon. The Georgia native was fantastic in 2023 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, churning out an impressive 114 receptions. However, after being limited to nine games during an injury-plagued 2024, the team released him. Engram has an excellent chance to rebound with the Broncos in 2025 -- particularly as the joker in a Sean Payton offense bereft of weapons outside wideout
Courtland Sutton. With Denver set to spend an early pick on running back in the draft later this month, the veteran tight end should provide solid TE1 numbers this season, barring health.
--Alex CiullaSource: Bobby Kownack
1 day agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher
Justin Steele (elbow) will undergo season-ending surgery, according to manager Craig Counsell. Steele was recently placed on the injured list due to elbow tendinitis. On Friday, Steele got a second opinion on his elbow injury, which is never a good sign. Now, Steele is done for the year, but it's unclear if he'll undergo Tommy John surgery. Fantasy managers in redraft formats can feel free to go ahead and look elsewhere for help. The assumption is that
Colin Rea will remain in the starting rotation. Also, right-hander
Javier Assad (forearm) figures to get a look in the rotation as well once he returns to the roster. This is a tough blow as Steele was coming off his best performance of the season with seven shutout innings before landing on the injured list. The Cubs might look to make a trade for a frontline starter if they remain in contention around the trade deadline.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Patrick Mooney
1 day agoArizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell told reporters last week that despite entering his 18th season in the league, he still feels dominant and can "change ball games." "I'm one of those guys that love this game so much...But I feel like I'm still good at it, still dominant, and I feel I could really help this team." The journeyman hasn't hit a double-digit sack total since 2018, but he's still been a disruptive player, logging 11.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss over the prior two seasons with 29 quarterback hits. His age hasn't affected his game, but the 38-year-old did note that shouldering a full snap load would degrade his play. The Cardinals understand this and project to use him as a rotational role player in 2025. Even in that regard, Campbell still has the propensity to be a fine asset for Arizona. Their defensive front is much improved from a season ago.
--Alex CiullaSource: Nick Shook
1 day agoChicago Cubs outfielder
Seiya Suzuki (wrist) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This doesn't come as a surprise after Suzuki was forced to exit early on Saturday due to right wrist discomfort. For now, fantasy managers should consider Suzuki as day-to-day. However, it wouldn't be shocking to see him land on the injured list if he doesn't get better in a few days. In the meantime,
Justin Turner will take over at the designated hitter spot and bat third versus right-hander
Tyler Glasnow on Sunday. Turner isn't bringing enough upside with the bat right now to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
1 day agoDetroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (leg) indicated last week that he's nearly done rehabbing from his season-ending injury last October. "I'm there. I'd say I'm good," Hutchinson told Marty Smith on Thursday at the Masters. "I've got my last evaluation tests when I get back, I leave today...and once I knock them out of the park, I'll be on my way and done with rehab." The superstar pass-rusher was a force in 2024, notching 7.5 sacks and 19 tackles in five games -- including a dominant 4.5 sack effort against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. Hutchinson recently released a workout video of him sprinting and zig-zagging down the field, and he looks strong. The Michigan product is well on his way to being ready for training camp, and though he may not be 100% himself this season after a severe injury, his expedited return to the field has been remarkable.
--Alex CiullaSource: Bobby Kownack
1 day agoLos Angeles Dodgers outfielder
Andy Pages (rest) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs. The Dodgers will give Pages the night off after going 0-for-6 with three strikeouts over the first two games of the series. In his absence,
Tommy Edman will cover center field while
Miguel Rojas takes over second base versus right-hander
Colin Rea. Pages has been quiet early in the season with only seven hits, two homers, and two RBI to begin the year.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
1 day agoLos Angeles Dodgers first baseman
Freddie Freeman (rest) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs. Freeman recently returned from the injured list and went 1-for-6 with three strikeouts during that span. It's not shocking to see the Dodgers giving Freeman a day off to get his mind right.
Enrique Hernandez will cover first base and bat eighth versus right-hander
Colin Rea. Hernandez is 4-for-40 to start the season, so he isn't an ideal fantasy option right now.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: mlb.com
1 day agoToronto Blue Jays outfielder
George Springer (wrist) was removed early during Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. The veteran outfielder appeared to have suffered a left wrist injury during a plate appearance in the fifth inning. He was pulled out of the contest and finished his day 0-for-3 with a strikeout. The assumption is that Springer will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Springer has been on a tear to start the season, so hopefully this is only a day-to-day type of issue. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status.
Will Wagner and
Alan Roden could see more playing time if Springer does miss time.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Ben Nicholson-Smith
1 day agoOn Saturday, Cleveland Browns quarterback
Kenny Pickett told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the plan is for him to be the team's starting quarterback in 2025. "I'm not going there to hang out. I want to go play. I'm excited, been working hard for it, taking it a day at a time." Pickett looked to be on his way to the starting gig with the news that teammate
Deshaun Watson (Achilles) could miss all of next season after rupturing his Achilles tendon again. Now, he'll incur some competition courtesy of veteran
Joe Flacco. The 26-year-old struggled during his two-year stint as a Steeler but gained valuable experience with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl run in 2024. Pickett will be awarded the starting job if he can beat out the aging veteran. Still, it isn't a foregone conclusion that the Browns won't continue to add arms with uncertainty surrounding Watson's status. The Cleveland QB situation will be one to monitor.
--Alex CiullaSource: Bobby Kownack
2
days
agoMinnesota
Twins
starting
pitcher
David
Festa
is
expected
to
make
another
start
on
Wednesday
against
the
New
York
Mets.
With
Pablo
Lopez
(hamstring)
hitting
the
15-day
injured
list,
the
Twins
promoted
Festa
from
Triple-A
St.
Paul
to
fill
read more...
2 days agoNew York Yankees starting pitcher
Marcus Stroman (knee) received a cortisone shot in his swollen knee. Manager Aaron Boone noted that he hopes Stroman's timeline is not "too long." The Yankees placed Stroman on the 15-day injured list on Saturday following his outing on Friday evening. On Friday, Stroman allowed four hits, three walks, and five earned runs across just 2/3 innings of work against the Giants. After the contest, Stroman said that his knee was bothering him during this outing. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but should expect him to miss at least the next two weeks of action. When he does return, Stroman may not be guaranteed a spot in the rotation as he has allowed four or more runs in two of his three starts this season. As a result, he is not worth stashing in any standard format.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Gary Phillips
2 days agoNew York Yankees designated hitter
Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) is still hitting off the Trajekt machine. However, Yankee manager Aaron Boone noted that Stanton is progressing well and is "getting close" to taking live at-bats. Stanton has been sidelined since the start of the campaign due to tennis elbows in both of his arms. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as it appears the slugger is progressing well in his recovery. Last season, the 35-year-old posted a .233/.298/.475 slash line with 27 long balls. Under the hood, he generated a .509 xSLG with a 20.7 percent barrel rate and a 53.5 percent hard-hit rate, which were all well above the average marks. When Stanton eventually returns to action, he could limit
Ben Rice's playing time. For now, Stanton is only worth stashing in deeper 12+ team formats.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Gary Phillips
2 days agoColorado Rockies outfielder
Brenton Doyle (quadriceps) is not in the starting lineup on Sunday when the Rockies conclude a series against the San Diego Padres. Doyle was unable to play in the first two games of the series and could be facing an extended absence. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status leading up to their next game on Monday evening against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With Doyle sitting out,
Mickey Moniak will get the starting nod in center field and bat in the six-hole. Before his injury, Doyle was enjoying an impressive start to the campaign, posting a .321/.357/.547 slash line with three doubles, three home runs, and one stolen base. If Doyle were to continue to remain sidelined, Moniak should see most of the opportunities in center field. Moniak is not worth considering in DFS this afternoon, facing San Diego right-hander
Michael King.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoMinnesota Twins shortstop
Carlos Correa is not in the starting lineup on Sunday when the Twins conclude a series against the Detroit Tigers. Correa has started in each of the first 15 games of the regular season. As a result, utility man
Willi Castro will cover shortstop in this contest and bat third. After posting an underwhelming .111/179/.139 slash line through his first 10 games of the regular season, Correa has begun to turn the corner, posting a .263/.333/.474 slash line with four doubles over his last five contests. Fantasy managers should expect the 30-year-old to return to the starting nine on Monday evening when the Twins host the New York Mets. Despite his slow start, Correa remains a must-start option in all formats as he posted a .310/.388/.517 line last summer.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoNew York Yankees right-handed pitcher
Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) is set to make his season debut on Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals. He is expected to face Kansas City southpaw
Kris Bubic. Schmidt has been on the 15-day injured list through the early part of the campaign due to rotator cuff tendinitis. Schmidt has made two appearances with Double-A Somerset and did not allow a run across seven 1/3 innings of work. He has struck out 11 batters and allowed one free pass with four total hits. Last season, Schmidt was limited by injuries as well, but was effective when on the bump. Across 85 1/3 innings of work, Schmidt posted a strong 26.3 percent strikeout rate with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. He is a solid play in all formats on Wednesday against the Royals.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Gary Phillips
2 days agoBoth ESPN's Brady Henderson and Matt Miller believe that upgrading their offensive line will be a heavy emphasis for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL draft. Specifically, Henderson thinks Seattle needs to find at least one difference-maker on the interior of the offensive line, although general manager John Schneider believes it will be hard to upgrade at center. In addition to offensive line, a speedy receiver, a safety and a nose tackle could be targets for the Seahawks in a few weeks. They have five picks in the top 100 this year, so they have the draft capital to aid in their current roster makeover. Miller mentions University of Arizona wide receiver Teairoa McMillan as a pass-catcher that they could look to target with the No. 18 overall pick in this first round after releasing
Tyler Lockett and trading
DK Metcalf this offseason.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson and Matt Miller
2 days agoChicago Cubs outfielder
Seiya Suzuki (wrist) is considered day-to-day with a wrist injury. According to Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports, Suzuki initially sustained this injury during their contest on Monday against the Rangers but aggravated it against the Dodgers on Saturday evening. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to their rubber match against the Dodgers on Sunday evening, as the Cubs may opt to give the 30-year-old a day off. Over his previous five games, Suzuki posted a .500/.556/.625 slash line with one triple and four RBI. If Suzuki were to miss time, the Cubs may opt to move one of their position players to the designated hitter spot this evening. This could also open a starting spot for depth infielder
Justin Turner or backstop
Carson Kelly, if
Miguel Amaya starts behind the dish.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Taylor McGregor
2 days agoBoston Red Sox right-handed pitcher
Richard Fitts (pectoral) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday with a right pectoral strain. In a corresponding move, the Red Sox promoted right-handed pitcher
Michael Fulmer. Fitts was able to win a spot in the starting rotation during spring training due to the numerous injuries to the Boston rotation. During his first three starts of the campaign, Fitts has logged 17 innings to the tune of a 3.18 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP. Fitts was diagnosed with this injury following his start on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox. Fantasy managers should expect Fulmer to be deployed out of the bullpen.
Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and
Brayan Bello (shoulder) are nearing a return to the rotation and are expected to take Fitts' spot.
Cooper Criswell could see starting opportunities if Bello or Giolito are not cleared to return.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Chris Cotillo
2 days agoESPN's Jordan Reid writes that after the lucrative extensions of wide receivers
Ja'Marr Chase and
Tee Higgins this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals are expected to devote most of their six picks in the 2025 NFL draft to drafting and developing defensive players. It also makes plenty of sense with the uncertainty surrounding All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson. Reid believes that edge rusher and defensive tackle will be the most likely targets for Cincy in the first round with the No. 17 overall pick. On Day 2, the Bengals could go for an offensive guard because they could use a starter there. Georgia's Tate Ratledge and LSU's Miles Frazier are two players that could do well in the Bengals' system. Cincy's offense can put up points with the best of them, but there defense is very suspect, which will only be compounded if they trade Hendrickson.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jordan Reid
2 days agoWashington Nationals outfielder
Dylan Crews is not in the starting lineup for the second-straight game on Sunday when the Nationals conclude a series against the Miami Marlins. The former second overall pick from the 2023 MLB Draft has gotten off to a slow start to the season. Over his last 11 contests, the LSU product has posted an underwhelming .125/.146/.125 slash line with no extra-base hits and a 1:17 BB:K. As a result,
Jacob Young will start in center field and
Alex Call will get the nod in right field. Fantasy managers should consider monitoring Crews' opportunities as the team could decide to move him to Triple-A to continue his development. The Nationals' lineup is worth a look in DFS this afternoon, facing Miami right-hander
Cal Quantrill.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoFormer LSU wide receiver
Kyren Lacy passed away on Saturday night, according to NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill. A cause of death for the 24-year-old was not immediately known. He was accused of causing a crash that killed a 78-year-old man on Dec. 17 and then fleeing the scene without rendering aid or calling authorities. Lacy later turned himself in on Jan. 12, was jailed and later released on $151,000 bail. He was eventually charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run with death and reckless operation of a vehicle. Lacy declared for the NFL draft on Dec. 19, two days after the crash, and didn't play in LSU's win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl. He was ranked as high as No. 6 for the upcoming draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper back in December. Lacy caught 58 passes for 866 yards and a team-leading nine touchdowns in 2024.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NewOrleans.Football - Nick Underhill
2 days agoPhiladelphia Phillies second baseman
Bryson Stott and outfielder
Max Kepler are not in the starting lineup on Sunday when they face St. Louis southpaw
Matthew Liberatore. Stott has only made three starts against southpaws throughout the early part of the campaign. Over his previous four contests, Stott has posted a .250/.333/.313 line. Fantasy managers should expect the 27-year-old Stott to return to the starting nine on Monday when he faces San Francisco right-hander
Landen Roupp. Kepler has only made two starts this season against left-handed pitching. As a result,
Edmundo Sosa will cover the keystone, and
Johan Rojas will take a spot in the outfield. The Phillies' offense is worth targeting in DFS this afternoon, facing Liberatore, who enters Sunday with a hefty 5.84 ERA.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 days agoUniversity of Arizona wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan, who is projected to be taken in the first round in this year's NFL draft, is making the rounds and has pre-draft visits scheduled with the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson. McMillan had 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns with the Wildcats last season and should make plenty of noise at the next level thanks to his 6-foot-4, 219-pound frame as a downfield threat. The 22-year-old was a consensus All-American and first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2024. In 2023, he had a career-high 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns. McMillan holds Arizona's all-time record with 3,423 receiving yards. Depending on where he ends up in the draft, McMillan could be a starting option in all fantasy lineups in Year 1 in the NFL.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
2 days agoChicago White Sox infield prospect
Chase Meidroth is batting sixth and covering second base during Sunday's series finale against the Boston Red Sox. The White Sox promoted Meidroth before Friday's game. He was a key piece in the trade that sent
Garrett Crochet to Boston earlier in the winter. Through his first two games of his MLB career, Meidroth has tallied at least one hit in each contest. During his first game on Friday, Meidroth reached base four times. At the start of the season, the No. 8-ranked prospect in the system posted a strong .267/.450/.600 slash line with three home runs through the first nine games of the Triple-A campaign. Fantasy managers should consider adding Meidroth in deeper formats, but should consider fading him in DFS facing Boston ace, Garrett Crochet.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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