News for All Players - 2017 5x5 NL League - $260 Cap

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Fri Mar 2909:28Kenley Jansen Records First SaveKenley JansenRPDodgersFree Agent
Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen recorded his first save of the season in Thursday's victory against the Seattle Mariners. The veteran allowed a walk, but also recorded a pair of strikeouts. Despite dealing with back issues this spring, Jansen was ready and looked good to go on Opening Day. Even at age 36, Jansen remains a solid option for managers out of the bullpen. The veteran was rumored to be on the trade block this offseason, so it would not be the worst idea for Jansen managers to consider rostering Chris Martin if the Red Sox get off to a slow start and the rumors pick back up.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2909:16Luis Castillo Suffers First LossLuis CastilloSPRedsFree Agent
Luis CastilloFree Agent
Seattle Mariners Opening Day starting pitcher Luis Castillo struggled in his first game of the season on Thursday against the Boston Red Sox. Castillo pushed through five innings and allowed six hits, four runs, two walks and struck out five on the evening. The 31-year-old is coming off another strong season and managers should not be concerned as of now, despite spending a high draft pick on the right-hander. Castillo remains a top tier option with ability to rack up strikeouts and limits walks. He will look to get into the win column versus the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2909:09Rafael Devers Goes Yard On Opening DayRafael Devers3BRed SoxFree Agent
Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer in Thursday's Opening Day victory against the Seattle Mariners. The 27-year-old is coming off an impressive Grapefruit League and remains one of the most talented hitters in all of baseball. It seems like he has been around forever, but he is still just entering his prime and that's scary to think about. With his ability to help pretty much everywhere but the speed department, Devers should easily be a top-20 player in 2024.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2908:59Yasmani Grandal Placed On Injured ListYasmani GrandalCDodgersFree Agent
The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed veteran catcher Yasmani Grandal (foot) on the 15-day injured list with plantar fasciitis. The veteran came over from the White Sox this offseason to mentor fellow backstop Henry Davis. At age 35, Grandal is no longer the defensive specialist he once was and his offense has also started to decline. There is no timetable for his return, but he only played in two Grapefruit League games this spring and will need to shake off the rust before returning to the big leagues. Even when healthy, Grandal can be left on the wire in almost all formats. Catcher Jason Delay will take over the backup duties to Henry Davis with Grandal sidelined.
Source: Pittsburgh PiratesRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2908:57Mitch Haniger Goes YardMitch HanigerRFMarinersFree Agent
Seattle Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer, two runs and a walk in Thursday's Opening Day loss versus the Boston Red Sox. Haniger returned to the Mariners this offseason as part of the Robbie Ray trade. After a nice spring, the veteran starts the regular season out on a high. Haniger is entering his eighth season and while he has been productive, that is only when he has been able to be on the field. Outside of two seasons with Seattle that he played 157 contests, his next highest total is 96 games and that is all the way back in 2017. Managers should roster Haniger in deeper formats as he does provide good power stats, but he makes for a perfect sell-high candidate if he continues to hit well a few weeks into the season.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2908:50Tyler O'Neill Continues Opening Day StreakTyler O'NeillLFCardinalsFree Agent
Boston Red Sox outfielder Tyler O'Neill went 1-for-3 with a walk, two runs, one stolen base and a solo home run. The home run would mark the fifth straight season that the slugger has gone yard on Opening Day, which is now a MLB record. O'Neill had a nice spring with his new club and should provide some punch in the Red Sox lineup this season. O'Neill hit 34 homers in 2021, but has dealt with injuries over the past season and has not seen the field much. As long as he can stay healthy, O'Neill makes for a very good bounce back candidate as well as an affordable power bat that can sprinkle in some steals.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2900:47Jon Gray To Start On SundayJon GraySPRockiesFree Agent
Texas Rangers right-hander Jon Gray (neck) will make his first start of the season on Sunday versus the Chicago Cubs, with Cody Bradford getting the nod on Saturday. Gray was scratched from his scheduled exhibition start earlier this week due to a stiff neck, but the injury isn't serious and he will be able to take the ball for his first turn through the starting rotation. The last time the 32-year-old took the mound in spring training, he went five innings, so fantasy managers should expect Gray to be pretty limited from a pitch-count perspective on Sunday against Chicago. Gray got off to an amazing start for the Rangers in 2023 but struggled down the stretch. He pitches in a hitter-friendly home park, is injury-prone and has a hittable fastball, making him a backend fantasy starter in mixed leagues, at best.
Source: RangersToday.com - Jeff WilsonRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2822:21X-Rays Come Back Negative On Max KeplerMax KeplerRFTwinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said that outfielder Max Kepler (leg) had X-rays come back negative on his injured leg. Kepler left Thursday's Opening Day contest early against the Kansas City Royals after fouling a ball off his leg, but the team will see how he's moving around after an off day on Friday. Fantasy managers will have to check back on Saturday to see if the 31-year-old left-handed hitter will be available to face KC following the off day. If Kepler misses any time this weekend, Matt Wallner would likely get a start in right field. Before leaving the game early on Thursday, Kepler had a rough day at the plate to kick off the 2024 season, going 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy HelfandRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2822:04Frankie Montas Blanks Nationals In WinFrankie MontasRPAthleticsFree Agent
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas picked up the win in Thursday's 8-2 Opening Day victory over the visiting Washington Nationals, hurling six scoreless innings with four strikeouts. Montas allowed four harmless singles before his strong 2024 debut ended, and the Reds wouldn't look back after taking a commanding 7-0 lead during the third frame. After missing all but one appearance with the New York Yankees in 2023 following right shoulder surgery, the 31-year-old Dominican right-hander could be ready for a fresh start on a one-year prove-it deal in Cincy. So far, so good for Montas, but the former Oakland Athletics ace will face a much stiffer test in his next scheduled start next Wednesday on the road against Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies. He'll be a complete fade for fantasy purposes in that one.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2819:47Randal Grichuk Begins Season On Injured ListRandal GrichukLFCardinalsFree Agent
The Arizona Diamondbacks officially placed outfielder Randal Grichuk (ankle) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to March 25) on Thursday. Grichuk is recovering from right-ankle surgery to remove bone spurs in January, but he is with Triple-A Reno and will play center field for the first time in his recovery process at some point this weekend. It sounds like he won't need much time before being ready to go. The 32-year-old didn't take part at all in any spring training games but will get some work in the minors before eventually being activated from the IL and brought to Arizona as outfield depth. Grichuk is first eligible to come off the IL on April 5. Because the veteran outfielder won't see much playing time, he's only a bench asset in NL-only fantasy leagues.
Source: Arizona DiamondbacksRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2819:41Eduardo Rodriguez Could Throw Off Mound In 5-7 DaysEduardo RodriguezSPRed SoxFree Agent
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) could throw off a mound within the next five to seven days. Lovullo called Rodriguez's progress so far "very encouraging." A strained left shoulder landed E-Rod on the injured list to begin the year in his first season with Arizona, but it's looking like he may not be out for long. Still, there's a good chance that the 30-year-old veteran southpaw will miss most, if not all, of April. His injury allowed both Tommy Henry and Ryne Nelson to make the club's Opening Day roster, although the Snakes also recently added lefty Jordan Montgomery in free agency. After fortunately posting career-bests in ERA (3.30) and WHIP (1.15) in 2023 with the Detroit Tigers, fantasy managers should be expecting some regression from the oft-injured Rodriguez.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Theo MackieRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2819:35Max Kepler Leaves On Opening Day With InjuryMax KeplerRFTwinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (leg) left Thursday's Opening Day contest early against the Kansas City Royals after fouling a ball off his right leg. Matt Wallner entered the game to replace Kepler in right field. Before leaving the game, Kepler went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. The 31-year-old left-handed slugger was at least able to finish out his at-bat after fouling the ball off his leg, but fantasy managers will have to check back for more information on Kepler's injury. It's not the start that he was looking for after a strong season in 2023 in which he hit .260/.332/.484 with an .816 OPS, 24 home runs and 66 RBI in 130 games. Injuries have been an issue for Kepler before, but hopefully this one doesn't keep him out for long, if at all. If Kepler misses extended time, Wallner would be in line for more playing time in right field.
Source: MLB.com - Do-Hyoung ParkRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:53Taijuan Walker Opening On Injured ListTaijuan WalkerSPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Taijuan Walker (shoulder) is opening the season on the 15-day injured list with an impingement in his right shoulder. Walker doesn't need an injection or an MRI exam, though, and is hoping he doesn't have to miss much time. The 31-year-old felt discomfort while throwing a bullpen session last weekend and has been shut down since. With Walker starting the year on the shelf, it has opened up a starting rotation spot for Spencer Turnbull in Philly. Walker, the former 43rd overall pick in 2010 by the Seattle Mariners, went 15-6 last year in his first season with the Phils and had a 4.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 71 walks and 138 strikeouts in 172 2/3 innings over 31 starts. He was fortunate to have those numbers, though, with below-average walk and strikeout rates.
Source: MLB.com - Todd ZoleckiRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:34Max Scherzer Throws Bullpen SessionMax ScherzerSPNationalsFree Agent
Texas Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer (back) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday. He said his arm is feeling good and described this period as "early February" for him if he didn't have the rehab for his back injury. Scherzer said there are still hurdles to jump through, but he said he respects the process of the rehab he's currently going through. The 39-year-old future Hall of Famer underwent back surgery in December to fix a herniated disc in his back, which is why he's not ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. The Rangers don't have plans to put Scherzer on the 60-day injured list, which means that he could make his return to Texas' rotation before the end of May. That would be a best-case scenario. While Scherzer can still be an asset in fantasy, his days of being an ace are likely behind him at this point, especially coming off injury.
Source: Dallas Morning News - Shawn McFarlandRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:29Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen "A Ways Away" From ReturningBlake TreinenRPAthleticsFree Agent
Brusdar GraterolFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that relief pitchers Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) and Blake Treinen (lung) are "a ways away" from returning from the injured list. Both players are playing catch but have yet to start throwing bullpen sessions. Graterol is dealing with right-shoulder inflammation, while Treinen suffered a bruised lung when he was hit by a comebacker in the chest in spring training in early March. Both relievers are unlikely to be available for the Dodgers' bullpen until probably late April. Until they are able to return, Joe Kelly and Ryan Brasier will be counted on more in late-inning setup roles ahead of closer Evan Phillips.
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Jack HarrisRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:22Clayton Kershaw "Ahead Of Things" Timetable-WiseClayton KershawSPDodgersFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) said he is feeling good about his recovery and is out to 120 feet in long toss. Manager Dave Roberts thinks that Kershaw is also "ahead of things" timetable-wise. His next step will be throwing bullpen sessions, but it's to be determined when that will take place. The 36-year-old future Hall of Famer had left-shoulder surgery in the offseason and is starting the year on the 60-day injured list. As he nears the end of his illustrious career with the Dodgers, injuries are beginning to take their toll on Kershaw. However, the three-time Cy Young winner was effective in his 24 starts in 2023, posting a 2.46 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 40 walks and 137 strikeouts. Kershaw isn't going to be ready until sometime this summer, but if he's right, he can still be valuable in fantasy.
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Jack HarrisRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:18Walker Buehler Ahead Of ScheduleWalker BuehlerSPDodgersFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler (elbow) is "coming sooner than I think we anticipated," according to manager Dave Roberts. Buehler will either head to Triple-A Oklahoma City or Arizona next to continue building his arm up. The 29-year-old threw four simulated innings before the team's exhibition game on Monday against the Los Angeles Angels but is opening the 2024 season on the injured list. Buehler missed all of the 2023 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery, so his fantasy upside will be limited this year while being on an innings limit. However, he deserves to be stashed in all fantasy leagues to begin the year since he has the ability to be an X factor for fantasy rotations if he's able to recover his pre-injury form for the Dodgers. We'll have a better idea of when Buehler might be able to make his season debut, but don't be surprised if it's not until May.
Source: Los Angeles Times - Jack HarrisRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:11Corey Seager Active On Opening DayCorey SeagerSSDodgersFree Agent
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (hernia) is starting at shortstop and batting second on Opening Day on Thursday versus left-hander Justin Steele and the visiting Chicago Cubs. It was uncertain earlier this spring if the two-time World Series MVP would be ready for Opening Day, but those concerns were mostly put to rest when he started at shortstop and went 0-for-3 in Monday's exhibition game at Globe Life Field against the Boston Red Sox. The 29-year-old missed most of spring training after having sports-hernia surgery in the offseason, but all that matters now is that he's available for fantasy managers in Game 1 of the 2024 season. Seager is a must-start on a daily basis in single-year fantasy leagues, but don't be surprised if he gets off to a slow start given his lack of spring training activity.
Source: Texas RangersRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2814:50Alex Bregman Batting Cleanup Against The New York YankeesAlex Bregman3BAstrosFree Agent
Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman will be batting cleanup on Opening Day as he faces southpaw Nestor Cortes and the New York Yankees. Bregman was a popular target in drafts this offseason with an ADP of 59.0. The 29-year-old has been a staple in the Houston lineup for several seasons and should once again be counted on to produce as a strong source of counting stats and great on-base skills. Bregman is an excellent play in DFS, as he should see ample opportunities to be on the score sheet.
Source: Houston AstrosRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2812:52Kyle Farmer Starting At Second On Opening DayKyle FarmerCDodgersFree Agent
Minnesota Twins infielder Kyle Farmer, not Edouard Julien, is starting at second base and batting seventh on Opening Day on Thursday with the team facing left-hander Cole Ragans and the Kansas City Royals. In addition to Julien starting on the bench, which was common last year against lefties, too, Alex Kirilloff and Matt Waller will also grab pine on Opening Day. Farmer hit .290/.352/.430 against left-handers last year in 128 plate appearances, but it came with only two home runs and 16 RBI. In total in 120 games in his first year in Minnesota last year, Farmer slashed .256/.317/.408 with 11 home runs and 46 RBI in 369 trips to the plate. He'll be a low-upside DFS sleeper in fantasy lineups to kick the 2024 season off.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
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