1
day
agoIf
Boston
Red
Sox
right-hander
Brayan
Bello
(shoulder)
starts
the
year
on
the
injured
list,
right-handers
Richard
Fitts
or
Quinn
Priester
are
real
possibilities
to
open
the
2025
regular
season
in
the
No.read more...
1 day agoBoston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (shoulders) doesn't feel up to speed at the plate during live batting practice sessions and will not make his Grapefruit League debut on Wednesday, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne. Devers has asked manager Alex Cora for a little more time. Although Devers wants to stay at third base and the Red Sox haven't announced that he'll move off the hot corner in 2025, it's looking more and more likely that he'll at least start the regular season as the team's designated hitter to preserve his health. That would mean Alex Bregman starting at third and prospect Kristian Campbell slotting in at the keystone regularly. Not only was the 28-year-old's defense not very strong at third in 2024, but he battled injuries to both of his shoulders. He's currently not in danger of missing Opening Day, but there are more questions surround Devers as a midrange starting fantasy third baseman.Source: MLB.com - Ian Browne
1 day agoSan Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (back) is back at third base and is hitting cleanup on Tuesday for the split-squad Cactus League game against the division-rival San Francisco Giants. Machado was scratched from a spring training game a week ago due to some back tightness, but after resting up, he's feeling better and is ready to return to the field. It's a good sign he's also being allowed to play defense in his return, so Machado should be ready to go later this month for Opening Day, barring a setback with his back. Although he's on the wrong side of 32, Machado has been extremely consistent and has 30-plus home runs in seven of the last the last 10 full seasons. Although he hit just 29 bombs a year ago, he drove in 100-plus runs for the fourth time in his career and has at least 600 plate appearances in 10 of his 13 MLB seasons. Machado is RotoBaller's No. 6-ranked fantasy third baseman.Source: San Diego Padres
1 day agoDenver Broncos impending free-agent quarterback Zach Wilson figures to draw interest on the free-agent market this offseason as a player who could compete for a starting spot in training camp, according to The Athletic's Nick Kosmider. Wilson worked as Denver's third-stringer in 2024, but he's only 25 years old and has five years of NFL experience. In addition to Wilson, Jarrett Stidham is also a free agent, and Kosmider doesn't envision both QBs returning to back up Bo Nix for a second straight year. The Broncos would be interested in having one of Wilson/Stidham back in 2025 to back up Nix, though. Kosmider predicts the Broncos will re-sign Stidham on a one- or two-year deal and add a developmental QB prospect on Day 3 of the NFL draft or through college free agency. If Wilson leaves Denver, he'll most likely settle into a backup role somewhere else.Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
1 day agoThe Denver Broncos made it clear at last week's NFL Combine that Drew Sanders will be a permanent part of the linebacker room in 2025, especially with Cody Barton and Justin Strnad both set to be unrestricted free agents next week and Alex Singleton (knee) coming off an ACL injury. Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton said Sanders will work this offseason at inside linebacker, and they have high expectations for him. "We think Sanders can be a starter in this league at linebacker," Paton said. It doesn't mean the Broncos won't add to the position in free agency, though, and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun and Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton could be targets for the Broncos. Baun was a former draft pick when Payton was with the Saints, so he could be the big free-agent splash Denver makes this offseason.Source: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider
1 day agoSt. Louis Cardinals starting pitching prospect Michael McGreevy tossed two shutout frames in his spring debut. The right-hander did not allow a baserunner and tallied two strikeouts. The 24-year-old is currently competing for a spot at the back-end of the St. Louis rotation. Last season, McGreevy received a brief taste of the majors and performed well as he held a 1.96 ERA with a 0.78 WHIP. He tallied 18 strikeouts across 23 innings. He showed elite command as he only served up walks at a 2.3 percent rate and generated groundballs at a strong 64.6 percent rate. Across 150 innings at the Triple-A level last summer, the 24-year-old held a 4.02 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. If McGreevy were to fall short of a spot in the rotation, the Cardinals will likely have him open the campaign at Triple-A to further his development instead of moving him to the bullpen.Source: MLB.com
1
day
agoOutside
of
getting
a
long-term
deal
done
with
wide
receiver
Courtland
Sutton,
The
Athletic's
Nick
Kosmider
doesn't
expect
the
Denver
Broncos
to
make
a
big
splash
at
the
receiver
position
in
free
agency
this
offseason.
Head
coach
Sean
Payton
said
that
he
likes
theread more...
1 day agoTexas Rangers starting pitching prospect Kumar Rocker struggled in his second outing of spring training. He was given the starting nod but was only able to log an inning of work as he served up four earned runs to the Milwaukee Brewers. In his first outing, he also allowed four runs. The 25-year-old entered camp as a favorite to land a spot in the starting rotation, but if he continues to stumble, the team may opt to have him open the campaign at Triple-A to further his development. He was given a brief look at the majors last summer and held a 3.86 ERA with a 1.54 WHIP across 11 2/3 innings. Across 36 2/3 innings in the minor leagues last season, the right-hander posted a strong 1.96 ERA with a 0.79 WHIP. He held an elite 5:55 BB:K ratio. If Rocker were to open the season at Triple-A, Dane Dunning could be given a starting role.Source: MLB.com
1 day agoThe Minnesota Vikings want to re-sign impending free-agent running back Aaron Jones, but The Athletic's Alec Lewis writes that even if they do, they are looking for more of a by-committee backfield approach. Lewis expects the Vikings to take a running back in the upcoming NFL draft in April. After signing a one-year, $7 million deal with Minnesota last offseason, the 30-year-old former Packers RB posted his fourth 1,000-yard rushing campaign and added five rushing touchdowns on a career-high 255 rushing attempts in 17 regular-season starts. He also added 51 catches for 408 yards and another two touchdowns. But Jones is now 30 years old, and the Vikings surely want to lessen his load as he ages if they bring him back in 2025. If Jones returns to the Vikings next season, he could end up being more of a shaky RB2 target in fantasy.Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
1 day agoNew York Yankees shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. has been swinging a hot bat during the start of spring training. The infielder has gone 3-for-11 with two home runs and three RBI. He has held a 1:3 BB:K ratio and has been caught stealing once. The Yankees drafted Lombard with the 26th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. The 19-year-old has yet to reach the upper levels of the minor leagues but is already looking quite comfortable in the Grapefruit League. Last season, Lombard received his first extended look at Single-A and held a .232/.344/.348 slash line with five home runs and 30 stolen bases. He then earned a brief look at High-A later in the summer where he posted a .226/.321/.296 line with eight doubles, no home runs, and nine swiped bags across 29 contests. If he continues this strong play at spring training, he could push for an early-season promotion to Double-A.Source: MLB.com
1 day agoThe Athletic's Alec Lewis writes that the Minnesota Vikings want to re-sign cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., which is precisely why they extended the void date of his contract recently, which bought them more time to negotiate a new deal with the pending free agent. Not only does Murphy adore the organization, but the Vikings love his versatile skill set that allows him to play outside, lineup in the slot, blitz, and drop into coverage deep. Because the 27-year-old is younger than some of the more experienced cornerback options in this year's free-agent class and the fact he's also more versatile, he'd have plenty of suitors if he makes it to the open market. If Murphy reaches free agency, his asking price will likely be for around $15 million per year. If Minnesota loses out on Murphy, they may be forced to seek several players to try and replace him.Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
1 day agoChicago White Sox shortstop prospect Colson Montgomery (back) remains sidelined and is expected to be re-evaluated following their off day on Tuesday. The 23-year-old is battling back spasms. The former first round pick has not participated in any baseball activities since the injury popped up last week. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status during camp, but he may be facing an extended absence. At the start of spring training, Montgomery was expected to compete for the starting shortstop role. However, given this injury, the team may have him open the campaign at the Triple-A. The Southridge HS product spent the entire 2024 season at Triple-A and held a .214/.329/.381 slash line with 21 doubles and 18 home runs. If Montgomery were to open the season at Triple-A, Brooks Baldwin will likely get the starting nod at shortstop on Opening Day.Source: LaMond Pope
1 day agoNew York Mets outfield prospect Drew Gilbert (hamstring) may not participate in any spring training contests. The team is opting to take Gilbert slow as he dealt with a hamstring injury during most of the 2024 campaign. However, the team is expecting Gilbert to be ready for Opening Day. Last season, the former 28th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft spent most of his season at Triple-A. Across 56 contests, Gilbert held a .215/.313/.393 slash line with eight doubles and 10 home runs. He swiped three bags and held a 25:51 BB:K ratio. However, during the previous campaign, Gilbert posted a .271/.372/.438 slash line with 18 doubles and 12 long balls across 95 contests. When the Tennessee product is cleared for action, he will likely open the season at Triple-A. If he can find his footing at this level, he should contend for an early 2025 debut.Source: Anthony DiComo
1 day agoCleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (rest) will return to the lineup on Tuesday against the Chicago Bulls. The team has not listed him on the injury report. Mitchell skipped Sunday's action against the Portland Trail Blazers for rest purposes. De'Andre Hunter received an opportunity to start and led all scorers with 32 points in a 133-129 win. He might remain part of the first unit on Tuesday, as Cleveland will rest Evan Mobley against the Bulls.Source: NBA Injury Report
1
day
agoBoston
Red
Sox
second
base
prospect
Kristian
Campbell
has
seen
opportunities
in
left
field
during
spring
training.
The
Red
Sox
are
providing
their
budding
star
several
opportunities
to
find
a
spot
on
the
Opening
Day
roster.
Even
though
the
team
brought
inread more...
1 day agoNew Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Boston Jr. (ankle) has picked up a questionable tag ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 23-year-old may be ready to return to action after sitting out nine games with a left ankle sprain. With Dejounte Murray (Achilles) and Herbert Jones (shoulder) done for the season, Boston Jr. would be a valuable addition to the rotation. The Kentucky product has averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals in 23.6 minutes this season.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoIndiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (wrist) has been listed as doubtful for Tuesday's clash against the Houston Rockets. He has missed a pair of games due to a left wrist sprain. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters over the weekend that Mathurin is considered day-to-day. It seems Mathurin is closing in on his return, but the doubtful tag suggests that Tuesday's action will come too soon for him. Ben Sheppard and Aaron Nesmith have been more involved in the rotation during Mathurin's absence. Nesmith has fully capitalized on this opportunity, scoring a career-high 27 points in Sunday's win against the Chicago Bulls.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoToronto Raptors guard/forward Ochai Agbaji (ankle) will miss Tuesday's game against the Orlando Magic. This will be his second consecutive absence since Agbaji sprained his left ankle in a game against the Chicago Bulls last week. Because Agbaji is absent, the rest of the Raptors bench might see extra playing time. Jamal Shead led the second unit in Sunday's clash against the Magic, scoring 12 points and dishing out four assists in 17 minutes. Agbaji's next opportunity to return will come on Friday when Toronto begins a back-to-back set against the Utah Jazz.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoToronto Raptors guard/forward Gradey Dick (pelvis) will not suit up for Tuesday's rematch against the Orlando Magic. When the two teams met on Sunday, Dick exited the action due to a right knee hyperextension and a sit-bone bruise. With Dick out, Ja'Kobe Walter is expected to move into the starting unit. Walter has been an inconsistent performer during his rookie campaign, but his numbers in a starting role have been decent. Over nine starts, Walter has averaged 10.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 24.3 minutes. Jamal Shead may also pick up a few extra minutes due to Dick's absence.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoChicago Bulls guard/forward Kevin Huerter (knee) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After spraining his right knee, Huerter missed Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers and was unable to practice on Monday. His chances of playing in Tuesday's game appear quite slim. Chicago currently has a lengthy injury list, which allows Dalen Terry and Tre Jones to have more playing time. Jones is the superior fantasy option of the two, but his value mainly depends on the statuses of Josh Giddey (quadriceps), Lonzo Ball (wrist), and Coby White (thumb).Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoChicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball (wrist) may miss a second consecutive game on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, as the team lists him as questionable for the matchup. Ball is bothered by a right wrist sprain and only partially participated in Monday's practice. Josh Giddey (quadriceps) and Kevin Huerter (knee) are also questionable for Tuesday's game. If all three miss the game, Tre Jones and Dalen Terry would be candidates to start against Cleveland. The latter already found himself in the first unit on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers, although Terry had a quiet evening with two points in 19 minutes.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoChicago Bulls guard Coby White (thumb) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is expected to play despite a thumb sprain. This is a matchup White has enjoyed all season, averaging 24.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 3.0 steals in 33.5 minutes. If he is available for the contest, White will look for his third straight 20-point game. He has previously managed four such scoring streaks this season.Source: NBA Injury Report
1 day agoChicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor (elbow) is expected to return to the starting lineup later this week. The outfielder was scratched on Saturday due to right elbow inflammation. However, it seems this injury is not too serious and he will only need a few days to return to action. This is a good sign for the White Sox as they could be without their starting left fielder Andrew Benintendi (hand) during the start of the season. Last summer, Taylor spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Across 113 contests, Taylor posted a .193/.253/.290 slash line with nine doubles and five home runs. He generated a weak .204 xBA but showed power upside as he posted a high 11.6 percent barrel rate. He also was placed in the 96th percentile in range and 83rd in arm strength. When healthy, he should have a depth role in the Chicago outfield.Source: LaMond Pope
1 day agoNew York Mets outfielder Jose Siri has gone 3-for-10 with three long balls during his first taste of spring training with the Mets. He has tallied seven RBI and held a 3:3 BB:K. He has also swiped one bag. Earlier in the offseason, the Mets acquired Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Eric Orze. He then signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract to avoid arbitration. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his performance during spring training, as he could eventually claim the starting center field job over Tyrone Taylor. Last season, Siri went deep 18 times and stole 14 bags with a .187/.255/.366 slash line. He generated a strong 14.7 percent barrel rate but struck out at a hefty 37.9 percent rate. Taylor held a .248/.299/.401 line. If Siri were to win the job, he could have value in deeper category formats given his power and speed upside.Source: MLB.com
1 day agoFree-agent outfielder Adam Duvall turned down a $1 million contract from the Kansas City Royals. The 36-year-old has informed teams that if he is not guaranteed at least $3 million in a contract, he will retire. Duvall made $3 million with the Atlanta Braves last season. Last summer in Atlanta, the slugger held an underwhelming .182/.245/.323 slash line with 10 doubles and 11 home runs. However, he generated a strong 10.7 percent barrel rate. When facing left-handed pitchers, Duvall was also quite productive, as he posted a solid .252/.341/.514 slash line with four doubles, eight home runs, and a 13:28 BB:K. Duvall has been an elite power hitter throughout the majority of his professional career. If he finds a suitor for the upcoming season, he will likely only see time in a platoon role and would only carry value in deeper AL/NL-only formats.Source: Joel Sherman
1 day agoChicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Eli Morgan could be the "odd man out" on the Opening Day roster. Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reported that while Morgan is "in the hunt", he could be the odd man out as he still has a minor-league option remaining. Earlier in the offseason, Morgan was traded to the Cubs in exchange for Alfonso Rivas. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during camp as he will likely compete for a spot alongside other depth options in the bullpen such as Nate Pearson, Julian Merryweather, or Caleb Thielbar. Last season, Morgan posted a strong 1.93 ERA with a 0.98 WHIP across 42 innings with the Cleveland Guardians. He generated an elite 28.1 percent hard-hit rate with a strong 6.6 percent walk rate. If he makes the roster, he will likely have a middle relief role.Source: Jordan Bastian
1 day agoDetroit Tigers outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy could be in a good position to make the Opening Day roster. With Parker Meadows (biceps) sidelined, the Tigers could turn to Malloy to fill the open spot. Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reported that the Tigers could opt to have Malloy split time at first base with Spencer Torkelson or have Malloy serve as a designated hitter. Malloy could also provide depth in left field, which would move Riley Green to right field. Last season, the 25-year-old made 43 starts in the outfield in Detroit and 12 as a DH. Across his first 71 games in the majors, the Georgia Tech product posted a .203/.291/.366 slash line with eight home runs and one stolen base. He drew walks at a strong 10.0 percent rate but generated a weak .179 xBA. If he breaks the Opening Day roster, he will have value as a depth option in AL-only formats.Source: Cody Stavenhagen
1 day agoDetroit Tigers left-handed pitcher Brant Hurter could be in danger of losing a spot on the major-league roster. Cody Stavenhagen of the Athletic noted that with the Tigers bringing in Andrew Chafin, Hurter could be the most "vulnerable." Given Hurter's slow start in spring training, Chafin would likely replace his spot in the bullpen. Last season, Hurter held a 2.58 ERA with a 0.88 WHIP across 45 1/3 innings. He tallied 38 punchouts and showed elite command, serving up walks at a strong 3.8 percent. However, Stavenhagen noted that Hurter's command during spring training has been "iffy" which could eventually push him out of this role. If the 26-year-old can return to form during the final month of spring training, he should be in a good position to break the Opening Day roster. If he earns a spot, he will likely be deployed as a long relief option, carrying little value in fantasy formats.Source: Cody Stavenhagen
1 day agoChicago Blackhawks goaltender Spencer Knight stopped 41 of the 42 shots he faced in his first start with his new club. He was traded to Chicago on Saturday as part of the package that sent Seth Jones to Florida. Knight did not disappoint in his debut as he stood tall and enjoyed a career outing. The Blackhawks were heavily outshot in this contest but Knight was able to lead the way. His lone blemish came in the opening frame when Anze Kopitar found the back of the net for his 14th goal of the season, Knight would go on to stop all 25 shots he saw in the second and third period. This outing also extended his win streak to four games. During this span, he has held a strong .940 save percentage with a 1.75 GAA. Fantasy managers should expect Knight to share the crease with Petr Mrazek.Source: NHL.com
1 day agoSan Jose Sharks center Alexander Wennberg tallied two helpers during their shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday evening. The Sharks were down two goals in the third period but Wennberg was able to spark a comeback. In the final frame, Wennberg tallied two primary helpers, one on Jack Thompson's goal and the other on Tyler Toffoli's goal, which served as the game-tying goal. The Sharks would then complete the comeback by winning in the shootout. This outing extended Wennberg's point streak to three games. Over this stretch, he has tallied five helpers and has not found the back of the net. Through 57 total games, the 30-year-old has scored eight goals and added 20 helpers. He remains a viable option in deeper formats while he continues this productive stretch.Source: NHL.com