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53
Christian Walker
53 IF Drops & Disasters: Fantasy Baseball Roster Moves (5/11)
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Christian Walker Still Expected To Play On Thursday

Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) took seven at-bats in a minor-league game on Tuesday and will travel back to Houston in the evening. He is still expected to be in the Opening Day lineup on Thursday against the New York Mets, according to manager Joe Espada. An oblique injury suffered in spring training limited Walker to only four Grapefruit League games, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get off to a slow start at the plate in his first year in Houston. The 33-year-old veteran right-handed slugger is by no means an elite fantasy first baseman, but he's been among the most consistent power threats at the position the last three years with the Arizona Diamondbacks, producing two 30-homer campaigns while driving in 281 runs the last three seasons. His new home in Houston should help him continue that run as long as he stays healthy.

expert-image
03/25/2025 18:12
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50
Mookie Betts
50 IF Los Angeles Dodgers
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Mookie Betts Back In Lineup On Tuesday

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) is back at shortstop and is hitting second for Tuesday's exhibition game against the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Angels. Betts fell ill just before the Dodgers departed for Tokyo, Japan, and missed both of their wins against the Chicago Cubs last Tuesday and Wednesday. Although the 32-year-old former MVP reportedly lost around 20 pounds due to the illness, he's been feeling better of late and is giving it a go in the team's final exhibition game before their home opener this Thursday against the Detroit Tigers. It remains to be seen how effective Betts will be on the field, but he should be in the starting lineup on Thursday and in all starting fantasy lineups as well against lefty Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young winner. In 11 Cactus League games, Betts went 6-for-25 (.240) with a homer, three RBI and three runs scored.

expert-image
03/25/2025 18:07
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68
Marc Church
68 P Los Angeles Dodgers
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Marc Church Makes Opening Day Roster

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Marc Church has made the Opening Day roster, according to manager Bruce Bochy. Church made one appearance with the Rangers last season, but he has put together decent numbers in the minor leagues. Bochy mentioned that Church could be a possible closing option for the Rangers this season. The Rangers are unlikely going to hand the 23-year-old the closer role right out of the gate. That means, Chris Martin and Luke Jackson figure to get a majority of the saves to start the season, but Church should work in a high-leverage role. He's a name to keep in mind in case the other options don't work out in the ninth inning role.

expert-image
03/25/2025 19:54
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45
Aroldis Chapman
45 P Pittsburgh Pirates
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Aroldis Chapman Named Primary Closer

Boston Red Sox left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman will operate as the primary closer to begin the season, according to manager Alex Cora. As expected, Chapman has won the closer competition in Boston, but he could pitch in different spots as well. Cora confirmed that Chapman could pitch in the seventh or eighth inning if the matchup is right. If that happens, Liam Hendriks or Justin Slaten could see the occasion save chance. For now, fantasy managers should expect Chapman to get the bulk of the save chances in Boston to start the season.

Source Ian Browne
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03/25/2025 19:43
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54
Lucas Giolito
54 P Boston Red Sox
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Lucas Giolito To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (hamstring) is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester next week. The veteran right-hander is working his way back from a left hamstring strain that he suffered earlier in camp. The expectation is that Giolito will need a few rehab starts before he's ready to rejoin the Red Sox rotation. It's unclear what kind of fantasy value Giolito is going to offer considering he hasn't pitched since 2023. During that season, Giolito posted a 4.88 ERA with a league-leading 41 home runs allowed. The absence of Giolito should mean that Richard Fitts gets a longer look in the rotation to begin the season.

Source Rob Bradford
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03/25/2025 19:35