Fantasy Baseball Closer Report
Player News
Angels manager Ron Washington told reporters Zach Neto (shoulder) will play nine innings at shortstop next week at Triple-A Salt Lake.
Neto is batting .313 (10-for-32) with three homers and one steal through 10 games on his minor league rehab assignment as he completes his rehabilitation from last year’s shoulder surgery. The 24-year-old continues to make steady progress from a defensive standpoint, gradually ramping up his workload at shortstop, and doesn’t appear too far off from making his season debut at some point in mid-to-late April.
JT Thor (knee) is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Heat.
Thor’s status for Sunday’s season finale is in some doubt. Rotation minutes should be available if he can play, with most of the Wizards’ veterans unavailable. However, Thor is not in a position to be trusted in active fantasy leagues.
Saddiq Bey (knee) is available for Sunday’s game against the Heat.
After suffering a torn ACL late last season, Bey has not appeared in a game during his first season with the Wizards. That will likely change on Sunday, as he’s available after a rehabilitation stint in the G League. Fantasy managers in active leagues should not expect much from Bey, as his playing time will likely be restricted.
Jordan Poole (elbow) and Richaun Holmes (shoulder) are out for Sunday’s game against the Heat.
Poole and Holmes will not be available for Sunday’s season finale, with the former’s absence being more impactful. Bub Carrington and AJ Johnson have been the starting guards, which will likely remain the case against the Heat. Poole’s 2024-25 season was very good for him, even if the individual resurgence did not result in more wins for the Wizards. As for Holmes, he had a limited impact on fantasy basketball and is unlikely to be a draftable player in most fantasy leagues next fall.
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) and Jalen Brunson (ankle) are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Nets.
Towns did not play in Friday’s loss to the Cavaliers, while Brunson was active for both games of New York’s final back-to-back. With the Knicks having secured the three-seed in the East, there isn’t anything on the line for Sunday’s game. Cameron Payne and Mitchell Robinson are the likely starters if Towns and Brunson do not play.
OG Anunoby (thumb) and Josh Hart (knee) are questionable for Sunday’s game against the Nets.
The Knicks are locked into the three-seed in the East, so there may not be much motivation to play the starters other than Mikal Bridges (he has not missed a game this season). Anunoby and Hart sat out Thursday’s loss to the Pistons, resulting in Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa moving into the starting lineup. They’re the likely replacements if OG and Josh do not play.