Fri Mar 29 | 22:11 | Matt Olson Doubles Up On Opening Day | Matt Olson | 1B | Athletics | Free Agent |
Atlanta Braves first basemanMatt Olsonhad a massive day on Friday, going 3-5 with three doubles, three RBI, and one run in Friday's 9-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. His bases-loaded double in the eighth inning put the finishing touches on the Braves' win over the Phillies. It was a great sign for Olson, who had a lackluster spring. As one of the best-hitting first basemen in the game, you can expect the 30-year-old to continue to be an essential cog in a very potent Braves lineup. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 22:02 | Zack Wheeler Shines In Opening Day Start | Zack Wheeler | SP | Mets | Free Agent |
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcherZack Wheelercontinued his dominant ways on Friday, throwing for five strikeouts in six scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves. Despite Wheeler's efforts, the Phillies fell to the Braves 9-2. Wheeler was in line to record the win until the Braves scored two runs in the seventh, knotting it up at two, and then scoring seven runs in the eighth inning. Though an unlucky result for Wheeler, he should continue to be dominant for the Phillies in 2024 as they try to make a run to dethrone the Braves in the National League East. Wheeler will look to build on Friday's performance against the Reds in his next scheduled start on Wednesday. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 21:56 | Alex Cobb Throws Five Innings In Rehab Start | Alex Cobb | SP | Orioles | Free Agent |
San Francisco Giants right-hander Alex Cobb (hip) threw five innings in a rehab start in Arizona on Thursday. Cobb is eligible to return from the injured list on April 9th and is well ahead of his initial recovery timeline. He owned a 3.87 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 131:37 K: BB across 151 1/3 innings in 2023. The 36-year-old may be a viable streaming option once he returns to the Giants rotation and is projected for a 3.84 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. Injury concerns are likely to be consistent with Cobb, so fantasy managers should take caution about how much they depend on him when rostering the right-hander. |
Source: Alex Pavlovic | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 21:44 | Sonny Gray Set For Rehab Start On Wednesday | Sonny Gray | SP | Reds | Free Agent |
St. Louis Cardinals pitcherSonny Gray(hamstring) is set to pitch for the Triple-A Memphis Cardinals on Wednesday. Gray was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday after injuring his hamstring during a spring training start against the Washington Nationals on March 4th. ATC projects the newly-acquired Gray with a 3.67 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts with nine wins. A successful rehab start and a quick return to the rotation will be greatly welcomed by the Cardinals, who made a concerted effort to improve their starting pitching this season, with Gray being the most significant addition. |
Source: Lynn Worthy | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 21:33 | Tommy Edman Set For MRI | Tommy Edman | 2B/3B/SS | Cardinals | Free Agent |
St. Louis Cardinals outfielderTommy Edman(wrist) is set to have an MRI on Wednesday to verify that his wrist is healing and progressing positively. If the MRI yields positive results, Edman will begin a swinging program. The 28-year-old has been recovering from wrist surgery, which was performed in October. However, no date for his return has yet to be determined, as the Cardinals will have a better idea when he will return once the MRI results are in. The Cardinals and fantasy managers will benefit from his speed on the base paths once he returns to St. Louis' lineup. Victor Scott II should continue to handle centerfield duties while Edman is sidelined. After swiping 107 bags in over 163 minor-league games, Scott should be added to all leagues, especially for managers searching for speed. |
Source: Jeff Jones | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 20:46 | Walker Buehler To Begin Rehab Assignment Sunday | Walker Buehler | SP | Dodgers | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler will begin a rehab assignment and is scheduled to pitch 4-5 innings, according to manager Dave Roberts. The skipper added that it's "reasonable" Buehler will need around four rehab outings before returning to the big club. The 29-year-old missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in August of 2022. Unsurprisingly, the Dodgers have proceeded with caution with Buehler and have brought him along slowly this spring. The righty was enduring a down 2022 season prior to the procedure with a 4.02 ERA in 12 starts, a full run above his 3.02 career mark. Add in a career 20.6% K-BB% and Buehler is an excellent injury stash and should be rostered in all formats upon his return. |
Source: Fabian Ardaya | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 20:41 | Mitch Garver Scratched On Friday | Mitch Garver | C | Twins | Free Agent |
Seattle Mariners designated hitter/catcher Mitch Haniger was scratched from Friday's starting lineup, although a reason for the removal has not been released at this time. Dominic Canzone has been added to the lineup and will man left field while Mitch Haniger will slide into Garver's DH spot. Garver doubled in his four trips to the plate in Thursday's Opening Day 6-4 loss to the Red Sox. The veteran has long provided big-time power in limited duty, something he did in the 2023 season with 19 home runs and an .870 OPS in just 87 games and 344 trips to the plate as a member of the World Champion Texas Rangers. ATC projects 22 more homers and a healthy 11.5% BB% from the 33-year-old as the Mariners' primary DH in the 2023 season. |
Source: Ryan Divish | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 20:32 | Rafael Devers Scratched On Friday | Rafael Devers | 3B | Red Sox | Free Agent |
Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers was scratched due to shoulder soreness prior to Friday's contest against the Seattle Mariners. The star infielder homered and doubled on Opening Day Thursday but quickly hits the sidelines just 24 hours later. Bobby Dalbec will take over at third base and hit eighth against Mariners right-hander George Kirby. The 27-year-old had yet another big season in 2023, hitting .271 with 33 home runs, 90 runs, 100 RBI, five stolen bases, and an .851 OPS across a hefty 656 trips to the plate. The Red Sox won their season opener by a 6-4 score on Thursday and will look to stay clean behind right-hander Nick Pivetta on Friday. |
Source: Ryan Divish | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 19:04 | Joc Pederson Moves Into Starting Lineup | Joc Pederson | 1B/CF/LF/PH/RF | Dodgers | Free Agent |
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Joc Pederson will slide into the starting lineup on Friday. The lefty slugger will play after sitting out the season opener with a left-handed starter opposing them in that one. Pederson will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth versus right-hander Cal Quantrill on Friday. The left-handed slugger looks to join in on the fun after watching his team put up 16 runs in the season opener. Fantasy managers who have Pederson rostered should make sure to get him in their lineups. |
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 19:00 | DJ LeMahieu Underwent MRI On Friday | DJ LeMahieu | 1B/2B/3B | Yankees | Free Agent |
New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu (foot) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Friday. The veteran slugger was recently placed on the injured list due to a foot issue. The good news is that LeMahieu was able to throw and hit off a tee on Thursday. The team will likely wait until after the MRI results are in before they give another update on his status. Fantasy managers should expect the team to have those results this weekend. The hope is that LeMahieu is available in roughly a week or so. Oswaldo Cabrera figures to see more playing time with LeMahieu sidelined. |
Source: Bryan Hoch | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 18:49 | Jose Alvarado Hit Around On Friday | José Alvarado | RP | Rays | Free Agent |
Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jose Alvarado put together a horrendous outing during Friday's season opener versus the Atlanta Braves. The left-hander was smacked around for five runs on three hits and a pair of walks in just 2/3 of an inning. This sucks to see for Phillies fans after starter Zack Wheeler threw six shutout innings. After that, right-hander Jeff Hoffman gave up a pair of runs which tied the game. Phillies manager Rob Thompson turned to Alvarado after that and he couldn't hold his own. Despite this awful outing, Alvarado should still be in the mix for saves in Philly this season. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 18:43 | Sean Murphy Heading To Injured List | Sean Murphy | C | Athletics | Free Agent |
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (oblique) is heading to the injured list following Friday's victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Braves' manager Brian Snitker confirmed that Murphy will miss time due to a left oblique strain. This is a tough blow to both fantasy managers and to the Braves roster. The organization should give a timetable on his return shortly, but he'll likely miss close to a month of action. In the meantime, Travis d'Arnaud figures to be the primary catcher in Atlanta. He's worth a look in fantasy formats for managers seeking help at the catcher spot. Chadwick Tromp figures to be recalled as backup to d'Arnaud. |
Source: David O'Brien | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 18:33 | Danny Jansen Resumes Swinging | Danny Jansen | C | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen (wrist) is making solid strides in his recovery process. On Friday, it was reported that Jansen had begun swinging a bat again. It's uncertain if it was dry swings or off a tee. Regardless, it's great to see Jansen back out there swinging again. He has been able to play long toss as well. The team has not given a timetable for Jansen's return to the field. He is working his way back from a fractured wrist, so it could take some time. While he's gone, Alejandro Kirk and Brian Serven figure to split up the playing time behind the plate. |
Source: Shi Davidi | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 17:25 | Jordan Montgomery Targeting April 19 For Season Debut | Jordan Montgomery | SP | Yankees | Free Agent |
Left-hander Jordan Montgomery said he is targeting April 19 versus the San Francisco Giants for his first start with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-backs officially agreed to terms with Montgomery on a one-year deal on Friday that includes a player option. He has been optioned to Triple-A Reno and will build up his arm before hopefully debuting in late April. It's no surprise that the 31-year-old southpaw isn't ready for the start of the regular season after missing all of spring training. He could get off to a slow start with his new team as well, but Montgomery should already be rostered in all fantasy leagues after helping lead the Texas Rangers to their first World Series championship last fall. He's had a below-average strikeout rate in his career, but he limits walks and has been durable for fantasy managers. |
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 17:16 | Yankees Acquire JT Brubaker From Pirates | JT Brubaker | SP | Pirates | Free Agent |
The New York Yankees acquired right-hander JT Brubaker (elbow) from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday in exchange for a player to be named later, according to a source. Brubaker will give the Yankees some additional starting-pitching depth, but not until later this year while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old has been nothing special in his three big-league seasons with the Pirates, going a combined 9-28 with a 4.99 ERA (4.43 FIP) and 1.38 WHIP with 109 walks and 324 strikeouts in 315 2/3 innings over 63 appearances (61 starts). While he probably won't be anything more than a spot starter in the Bronx, the move to the American League East is also a downgrade for the former sixth-round pick in 2015 out of Akron. |
Source: MLB.com - Alex Stumpf | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 17:11 | Sean Murphy Leaves Season Opener With Oblique Tightness | Sean Murphy | C | Athletics | Free Agent |
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (oblique) was pulled from Friday's season opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies with left-oblique tightness. Murphy grabbed his side after swinging and missing at a Matt Strahm pitch in the seventh inning and eventually walked off the field with a trainer. We should know more on Murphy's injury after the game, but all we can say is it didn't look good. Fantasy managers should brace for the 29-year-old backstop to miss some time and potentially land on the injured list. Before leaving the contest early, Murphy was hitless in his three at-bats with one strikeout. He was replaced by veteran Travis d'Arnaud, who would take over the primary catching duties for the Braves if Murphy is forced to miss extended time. |
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 16:32 | Kevin Gausman Throws Bullpen On Friday | Kevin Gausman | SP | Braves | Free Agent |
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (shoulder) threw a bullpen session at Tropicana Field on Friday. Manager John Schneider said on Thursday that there will likely be no decision on when Gausman makes his season debut until Saturday. The 33-year-old veteran will either make his 2024 debut on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays or on Monday for the first game of a series versus the Houston Astros. Neither matchup is particularly nice for Gausman to make his season debut after missing valuable time in spring training with right-shoulder fatigue. The Blue Jays ace looked excellent in an exhibition game on Monday, but we would still encourage DFS gamers to fade Gausman in his first start of 2024. |
Source: Hazel Mae | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 16:20 | Dodgers Sign Drew Pomeranz To Minor-League Deal | Drew Pomeranz | RP/SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed free-agent left-hander Drew Pomeranz to a minor-league deal on Friday, and he's set to be assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. The nine-year major-league veteran reliever has been beleaguered by injuries the last two years. Pomeranz was with the Los Angeles Angels in spring training but was recently released. The 35-year-old southpaw hasn't pitched in the majors since 2021 with the San Diego Padres due to injuries, when he was outstanding with a 1.75 ERA (3.01 FIP) and 1.13 WHIP with 10 walks and 30 strikeouts in 25 2/3 relief innings. He'll bring plenty of relief experience to the organization, but nobody should be expecting him to contribute much at the major-league level given his struggles with injuries in recent seasons. |
Source: Alex Freedman | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 16:12 | Cubs Sign Curt Casali To Minor-League Deal | Curt Casali | C | Reds | Free Agent |
The Chicago Cubs signed free-agent catcher Curt Casali to a minor-league deal on Friday. Casali comes to the Cubbies after being released by the Miami Marlins earlier this week. The 35-year-old veteran backstop will begin his 2024 campaign at Triple-A Iowa while serving as organizational catching depth behind big-leaguers Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya. The former 10th-round pick of the Detroit Tigers in 2011 out of Vanderbilt is nowhere near the fantasy radar right now. He hit .175/.290/.200 with no home runs and six RBI in just 40 big-league games with the Cincinnati Reds last year and has a career slash line of .200/.314/.380 with 47 homers and 154 RBI in 502 games over 10 seasons with four different organizations. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 29 | 16:05 | Whit Merrifield Likely To Play This Weekend | Whit Merrifield | 2B/CF/RF | Royals | Free Agent |
Philadelphia Phillies infielder/outfielder Whit Merrifield was not in the starting lineup for the team's season opener on Friday against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, but with the Phillies facing lefties on Saturday and Sunday, Merrifield will likely be in the lineup, according to manager Rob Thomson. Merrifield told Thomson before signing in the offseason that, "I'll work myself into the lineup." The three-time All-Star hit .272/.318/.382 in 2023 with the Toronto Blue Jays with 11 home runs, 67 RBI and 26 stolen bases in 145 games in a bounce-back year. The short side of a platoon role in Philly hurts his overall upside for fantasy managers in deeper leagues, but Merrifield could be more efficient in 2024 if he's mostly facing lefties. He's a .289 career hitter in 526 games against southpaws. |
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber | RotoBaller.com |