NBA DFS Playbook
Player News
Reds manager Terry Francona told reporters Austin Hays (hamstring) could return for Friday’s series opener against the Astros.
Hays hit the injured list last Friday with a mild left hamstring strain. It sounds like there’s a decent chance he’s back with Cincinnati later this week without needing a minor league rehab assignment. The 29-year-old outfielder has gotten off to a torrid start in his Reds debut, hitting .365/.431/.712 with five homers, 13 RBI and one steal through 13 games.
Cardinals signed TE Josiah Deguara, formerly of the Jaguars.
Deguara was a third-round pick of the Packers back in 2020 and spent last season with the Jaguars. The veteran tight end has a career receiving line of 50-450-2, with half of his receptions and receiving yards coming during the 2021 campaign. He appeared in three games as a backup last season and shouldn’t be considered a lock to make the 53-man roster.
Spencer Strider (hamstring) has been cleared to begin long tossing.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said Monday that Strider is progressing well in his recovery from a Grade 1 hamstring strain that put him on the shelf back on April 21. It’s unclear when he’ll resume throwing bullpen sessions again, which makes it challenging to forecast his potential return timeline. He’s still several weeks away from making it back to Atlanta, even if he makes rapid progress.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (knee) will undergo a follow-up exam in Los Angeles before he’s cleared to start a minor league rehab assignment.
Acuña remains without a definitive return timetable for his season debut. The 27-year-old fantasy superstar will continue rehabbing in Florida until that follow-up visit takes place. Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters Monday he’s not sure when that re-evaluation in Los Angeles will take place. Fantasy managers will have to remain patient for now. It’s going to qualifty as a surprise if Acuña makes it back to Atlanta before the end of May.
Marcus Stroman (knee) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Monday.
Stroman has been on the shelf since mid-April due to left knee inflammation, which required a cortisone injection. The 34-year-old righty is likely a couple weeks away from a minor league rehab assignment, so fantasy managers shouldn’t expect him back until sometime in June.
Hunter Harvey (shoulder) faced hitters on Monday in a live batting practice session.
It’s likely Harvey’s final step before heading out on a minor league rehab assignment. The 30-year-old high-leverage reliever has been out since mid-April recovering from a Grade 1 teres major sprain in his shoulder. It certainly seems like there’s a chance he’s back in Kansas City’s bullpen before the end of the month.