2 years agoArizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Yu-Min Lin has garnered plenty of attention lately, and rightfully so. The 19-year-old Taiwanese lefty may be just 5-foot-11 and 160 pounds, but he is still mighty when he takes the mound. Lin has posted otherworldly numbers in his first pro season, all while showing effective stuff. Most notably, he has touched 94 mph with his fastball; that velocity will only rise going forward. He posted a 1.74 FIP and 16.04 K/9 in the Complex League this season, and while his numbers have declined a bit since his promotion to Single-A, he still has plenty of potential. Lin took a no-hitter into the sixth inning during his most recent outing on September 8th. When all was said and done, he lasted six frames, posting a line of zero runs, two hits, three walks, and a whopping 10 strikeouts. He earned the win, his first since his Single-A debut back in July.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs

2 years agoSeattle Mariners outfield prospect Cade Marlowe, 25, was selected in the 20th round of the 2019 draft. The left-handed hitter is solid in all facets of the game, though his most noticeable improvements have come at the plate, where he has cut down on strikeouts and continued to develop impressive power. He now has 46 homers over his last 215 games. Marlowe is also a thief on the basepaths, swiping bags with ease. Defensively, he uses his speed, good glovework, and strong arm to his advantage; he should stick in center field long-term, though he might not be an immediate starter once he reaches the majors. Marlowe put on a show this past week, going 12-for-25 (.480) with six homers, 11 RBI, four walks, and two strikeouts. Not only was his power production absolutely phenomenal, but the Tifton, Ga., native also showed impressive discipline. It's not hard to envision a path to fantasy success for Marlowe once he reaches the majors, a benchmark that should come in 2023.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs

2 years agoMinnesota Twins pitching prospect Cody Laweryson has posted impressive numbers between High-A and Double-A this season. The former 14th-round pick doesn't have a whole lot of heat behind his pitches, but he gets the job done with his off-speed offering. FanGraphs' Eric Longenhagen and Tess Taruskin put it best, writing, "Laweryson is in the 'How the hell is this guy doing this?' bucket with Joe Ryan, as he's carved High-A while sitting 89. He's great at killing spin on his changeup." Laweryson made two starts this week, totaling 13 strikeouts, three hits, and one walk over 11 scoreless frames. His better of the two outings came on Sunday when he lasted seven innings, surrendering just one hit and zero walks while fanning eight.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: FanGraphs

2 years agoThe Kansas City Chiefs placed first-round rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday. He'll now miss at least the next four games in his rookie season. Before getting injured in the season-opening blowout win over the Arizona Cardinals, the 22-year-old played 32 defensive snaps. The Chiefs will be looking for the likes of Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams and Chris Lammons to step up with McDuffie sidelined for at least the next four weeks. KC's secondary could struggle a bit in a tough Week 2 matchup on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers and their potent offense.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter

2 years agoFree-agent forward Justin Jackson agreed to an exhibit 10 deal with the Celtics. He was drafted with the No. 15 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and spent his first few seasons in Sacramento. Since then, he's made stops in Dallas, OKC, Milwaukee, Boston, and Phoenix. Although Jackson hasn't found a permanent home since entering the league, he has shown flashes of promise over the years. While that won't make him a viable fantasy commodity initially, he's someone managers should consider if he can carve out a role in Boston's rotation this season.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Bobby Manning

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson (ankle) was upgraded to limited in Tuesday's practice estimation, which is a step forward after he was inactive in the Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. "He's headed in the right direction, but...still a lot to be decided before game time on Thursday night," head coach Brandon Staley said. The 26-year-old will test his injury in Wednesday's practice, but there's a good chance that Jackson will still be listed as questionable for the Week 2 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night. The Bolts secondary could surely use Jackson's talents against quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who threw five touchdowns in the Week 1 drubbing of the Arizona Cardinals.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Los Angeles Times - Jeff Miller

2 years agoThe Indianapolis Colts signed free-agent kickers Chase McLaughlin and Lucas Havrisik to their practice squad on Tuesday after waiving Rodrigo Blankenship, according to sources. McLaughlin went 5-for-6 on field goals and 11-for-11 on extra points in four games for the Colts in 2019, while Havrisik spent time with the team in rookie camp. The Colts plan to elevate one to the active roster for Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. McLaughlin probably has the leg up to be the team's kicker this weekend because of his experience, but it's no guarantee. Fantasy managers should be looking to avoid the Colts' kicker in fantasy in Week 2, regardless of who gets the nod on Sunday.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

2 years agoBrooklyn Nets forward Joe Harris (ankle) is expected to be 100% for the start of training camp. The 31-year-old was limited to 14 games last season before undergoing two procedures on his ankle, so losing him was a tough blow for a Brooklyn team that struggled. Harris has established himself as a potent offensive threat over the years, averaging 11.1 points while netting 43.9% of his attempts from deep throughout his career. Even though the sharpshooter isn't predicted to be a regular presence in Brooklyn's starting lineup this season, his efficient shooting percentages will still benefit category managers as long as he stays healthy.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Brian Lewis

2 years agoHouston Texans rookie running back Dameon Pierce played only 29% of the team's 70 offensive snaps in the Week 1 tie with the Indianapolis Colts. He ran for only 33 yards on 11 carries and caught one pass for six yards while taking a back seat to veteran Rex Burkhead. Burkhead played 71% of the snaps and rushed for 40 yards on 14 catches while catching five passes for 30 yards. Pierce has some work to do in passing situations, but the Texans want to increase the impressive fourth-rounder's workload moving forward. The 22-year-old still has more season-long upside in fantasy than Burkhead, but the Texans were one of the worst rushing offenses a season ago. Against a Broncos defense that allowed only 76 rushing yards to the Seahawks on Monday night, Pierce will be an RB3/flex play in deeper leagues in Week 2, at best.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson

2 years agoPhiladelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (forearm) threw a successful bullpen session on Tuesday, and he's scheduled to throw another one or live batting practice on Friday in Atlanta. Barring setbacks, Wheeler could be back in the starting rotation for the Phillies as early as next Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Phillies could use Wheeler down the stretch as they look to hang onto one of the National League's three wild-card spots for the postseason. The 32-year-old could still help fantasy managers win a title the rest of the way in September if he can return next week, albeit in a tough matchup against Toronto. Wheeler has gone 11-7 in 2022 with a 3.07 ERA (2.98 FIP), a 1.08 WHIP and a 148:33 K:BB in 138 innings pitched over 23 starts.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki

2 years agoFree-agent guard Jarrett Culver agreed to a two-way contract with Atlanta. The Timberwolves took Culver with the No. 6 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. He spent two seasons in Minnesota before he was shipped to Memphis in August 2021. However, the 23-year-old didn't meet expectations with either club, averaging 6.6 points and 2.7 rebounds while shooting a disastrous 28.3% from deep. Although there is a chance Culver may get some minutes at the professional level this season, he's not someone fantasy managers should consider drafting ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA.com

2 years agoFree-agent forward Jake Layman signed a training camp deal with the Boston Celtics. As a result, he will compete for a roster spot leading up to the regular season. The 28-year-old has been in the NBA for six seasons, making stops in Portland and Minnesota. During that span, he's averaged 4.8 points and 1.7 rebounds. Nonetheless, even with the C's looking to fill the void left the Danilo Gallinari (knee), Layman isn't expected to receive a consistent workload, so fantasy managers shouldn't look in his direction.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Justin Leger

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham Jr. (hamstring) has been officially ruled out for their Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach Brandon Staley confirmed that Parham is not ready to play yet. Honestly, it seemed like a longshot that Parham would be ready on a short week. Gerald Everett should have some streaming appeal after his three-catch performance in Week 1.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Daniel Popper

2 years agoFree-agent guard Jordan Goodwin signed an exhibit 10 deal with Washington. Goodwin went undrafted in 2021 and spent most of last season with the Capital City Go-Go and averaged 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He also played two games with the Wizards, signing a 10-day contract with the team back in December. The 23-year-old may not any see interest in fantasy drafts heading into October. However, Goodwin has a chance to earn some minutes at the professional level in 2022-23, possibly even earning a backup spot at the one, so there may be something there as the year progress.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: JD Shaw

2 years agoNew England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is likely to have an increased role going forward, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. It sounds like Bourne was late to a pregame meeting before their final preseason game. That landed him in the doghouse with the coaching staff. In Week 1, Bourne finished with one catch in his two snaps he played against the Miami Dolphins. It would be silly for the Patriots to continue punishing Bourne when he can clearly benefit the offense. The expectation is that he'll have a bigger role on the team going forward. However, he'll likely only be a low-end flex option in deep leagues. It remains to be seen how much he'll actually get targeted in New England.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Jeff Howe

2 years agoTexas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager is not in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Oakland Athletics. It looks to be a routine day off for Seager, but fantasy managers need to act accordingly. In his first year in Texas after signing a big free-agent deal in the offseason, Seager has hit .246/.322/.456 with a career-high 30 home runs, 76 RBI, 81 runs scored and three stolen bases in 596 plate appearances and 135 games. The three-tie All-Star remains a must-start when he's on the field. Rookie Josh Smith is starting at shortstop and batting eighth on Tuesday against A's left-hander Ken Waldichuk. Smith has struggled in his first 161 major-league at-bats in 2022, going 34-for-161 (.211) with only one long ball, 12 RBI, 19 runs scored and three steals in 54 games.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoThe San Francisco 49ers are in search of more depth at the running back position. They recently lost Elijah Mitchell (knee) who is expected to miss roughly two months of action. That being said, the 49ers want to add some depth behind Jeff Wilson Jr. on their roster. On Tuesday, they worked out Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Nate McCrary, Abram Smith, La'Mical Perine, Godwin Igwebuike, and Marlon Mack. Whoever does win the job could have some low-end value while Mitchell recovers. Fantasy managers will have to check back after the 49ers decide which back they want to sign.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Field Yates

2 years agoNew York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (head) said he's targeting a return in one of the team's next two series, but he won't play against the division-rival Boston Red Sox in a two-game series that begins on Tuesday. The 33-year-old left-handed slugger could be back in the lineup this weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers, though. He began experiencing headaches after receiving an injection for lower back issues and hasn't played since Aug. 31. Rizzo could be eased back into action when he returns, but he's still worth rostering in all leagues because of his elite power (30 homers, 71 RBI in 2022). With DJ LeMahieu also sidelined due to injury, veteran utility man Marwin Gonzalez has been playing first base regularly for the Yanks.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NJ Advance Media - Brendan Kuty

2 years agoNew England Patriots running back Ty Montgomery (knee) has been officially placed on the injured reserve. He has been dealing with an knee injury since the preseason. Now, the team has decided to send him to the injured reserve. That means, Montgomery will miss at least four games while recovering from his knee injury. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson should see increased fantasy value with Montgomery out of the mix. Pierre Strong could see more chances as well, but Harris and Stevenson are the biggest winners with Montgomery sidelined.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Field Yates

2 years agoSeattle Mariners first baseman Ty France (wrist) is back at first base and is hitting second on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres and right-hander Yu Darvish. France didn't start the series finale on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves due to a left wrist injury, but he's back in there after the off day on Monday. The first-time All-Star has been great in 2022 with 18 home runs, 71 RBI and 52 runs scored in 469 at-bats, but he's slowed down of late and has gone just 8-for-40 (.200) with two home runs, five RBI, four runs scored and six strikeouts in 10 games so far in the month of September. The 28-year-old is returning to a tough matchup versus Darvish as well.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoSeattle Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger (back) is not in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres. Haniger will start on the bench after leaving the game early on Sunday with lower back tightness. He should be considered day-to-day for now. The 31-year-old veteran has only had 163 at-bats this year and is hitting .233/.288/.399 with seven home runs, 23 RBI and 19 runs scored in 41 games played. With Haniger out on Tuesday, Sam Haggerty is starting in right field and is hitting eighth in the batting order against Padres right-hander Yu Darvish. Haggerty is a low-upside DFS option at the bottom of the order, but he's hitting a nice .294/.353/.478 with an .831 OPS, five homers, 17 RBI, 26 runs and 11 stolen bases on the year in 136 at-bats.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoThe New Orleans Saints have signed running back Latavius Murray to their practice squad. This doesn't come as a surprise after Mark Ingram II struggled in Week 1, while Alvin Kamara (ribs) continues to deal with a lingering injury. Murray spent two seasons with New Orleans before joining the Baltimore Ravens last season. In 14 games, Murray rushed for 501 yards on 119 attempts with six touchdowns in 2021. He could quickly be elevated to the active roster with the Saints backs struggling right now. He's worth monitoring in fantasy leagues, but this would likely turn into a committee situation.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: CBS Sports

2 years agoThe Tampa Bay Rays placed second baseman Brandon Lowe (back) on the 10-day injured list with lower back discomfort on Tuesday and recalled catcher Rene Pinto from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move. The injured list move is retroactive to Sept. 12. Lowe can return from the injured list on Sept. 22, but it remains to be seen if he'll even be ready by then, so the 28-year-old isn't a must-stash in single-year fantasy leagues. He's been a disappointment in 2022 with a .221/.308/.383 slash line, eight home runs, 25 RBI, 31 runs scored and a stolen base in 235 at-bats. Taylor Walls got the start at the keystone in Game 1 of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, but Isaac Paredes and Jonathan Aranda could see time there down the stretch with Lowe sidelined again.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Neil Solondz

2 years agoChicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson (hand) followed up with a hand specialist and has been cleared to ramp up his baseball activities immediately. If he can avoid any setbacks after having left hand surgery on Aug. 6, Anderson could potentially return to the White Sox's starting lineup at some point next week. There's very little time for the 29-year-old to contribute the rest of the way for fantasy managers, but he should remain stashed everywhere. The two-time All-Star was hitting .301/.339/.395 with six home runs, 25 RBI, 50 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 351 plate appearances over 79 games before his injury. The White Sox signed veteran Elvis Andrus to be their everyday shortstop with Anderson on the shelf.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Scott Merkin

2 years agoNew York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer (oblique) will either throw a simulated game at Citi Field on Wednesday or make a minor league rehab start for Triple-A Syracuse. In either scenario, the Mets plan to activate him from the injured list as soon as he's eligible on Sept. 19. "That's the hope," said skipper Buck Showalter. Scherzer was placed on the injured list last week with left oblique soreness, but it looks like he's doing well and is ready to finish the 2022 regular season in New York's rotation. The 38-year-old future Hall of Famer continues to be a must-start for fantasy managers every time he toes the rubber. He's gone 9-4 with a 2.26 ERA (2.54 FIP), a 0.92 WHIP, 153 strikeouts and only 23 walks in 127 2/3 innings over 20 starts in his first year in the Big Apple.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo

2 years agoToronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (illness) has recovered from his stomach bug and won't have any restrictions when he starts Game 2 of a doubleheader against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Manoah was originally scheduled to start Game 1, but he was scratched due to a stomach bug. The 24-year-old right-hander will still be a little more risky in this one, but he should be started in the majority of fantasy formats. The first-time All-Star has gone 14-7 for the Blue Jays this year with a 2.42 ERA (3.30 FIP), a 0.99 WHIP, 158 strikeouts and 41 walks in 171 innings over 27 starts. He hasn't allowed more than one earned run in any of his last four starts against the Orioles, Pirates, Angels and Yankees.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: TSN Sports - Scott Mitchell

2 years agoCincinnati Reds outfielder Jake Fraley (head) left Game 1 of a doubleheader early on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates when he was hit in the head by a fastball from Manny Banuelos. Fraley was down on the ground for a bit before he was able to get up and walk off the field under his owner power. The 27-year-old left-handed hitter will likely be put through the league's concussion protocol and is unlikely to be in the starting lineup for Game 2. Fraley went 0-for-2 with a walk before leaving the game and was replaced by Stuart Fairchild. Coming into Tuesday's doubleheader, Fraley was hitting .248/.341/.484 with an .825 OPS, 10 home runs, 23 RBI, 30 runs scored and three stolen bases in 52 games for Cincy.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: DK Pgh Sports - Chris Halicke

2 years agoChicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert (hand) is back in center field and is batting seventh on Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies and right-hander Chad Kuhl. Robert has been sidelined for all but two games in the month of September due to hand and wrist injuries. He hasn't played in a full game since Sept. 5 and hasn't recorded a hit since Aug. 24, going 0-for-11 with three strikeouts in five games since then. The 25-year-old will return to the seventh spot in the lineup as well, which makes him less attractive from a fantasy standpoint. When he's been healthy, Robert has swung the bat well, slashing .295/.331/.444 with 12 home runs, 56 RBI, 54 runs scored and 11 stolen bases in 363 at-bats.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoThe Miami Marlins placed outfielder Avisail Garcia (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and called up infield prospect Jordan Groshans from Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move. With time running out in the regular season, there's a good chance we won't see Garcia again in 2022. He's hit a disappointing .230/.267/.316 with seven home runs, 31 RBI, 29 runs scored and four stolen bases in 359 plate appearances over 93 games in his first year in Miami after clubbing a career-high 29 home runs and driving in 86 in 2021 with the Milwaukee Brewers. With the 31-year-old veteran on the shelf, Jerar Encarnacion and Bryan De La Cruz will battle for more playing time in the outfield.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Miami Herald - Barry Jackson

2 years agoThe New York Yankees promoted outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez from High-A Hudson Valley to Double-A Somerset on Tuesday. The Yankees also promoted first baseman Tyler Hardman from Hudson Valley to Somerset while placing Everson Pereira on the seven-day injured list at Somerset. Dominguez is the Yankees No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and he will continue his minor league season at Double-A with Single-A seasons wrapping up. The 19-year-old switch-hitter batted .280/.382/.465 with an .847 OPS, 15 home runs, 58 RBI, 87 runs scored and a career-high 36 stolen bases in 115 games for Hudson Valley and Single-A Tampa this year. Dominguez has plus-plus speed and elite raw power for his age. We may not see him debut until 2024, but he's worth stashing in dynasty/keeper leagues right now because of his high upside down the road.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Somerset Patriots Twitter