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The Tigers placed right-hander Beau Brieske on the 15-day injured list Friday, and righty Brenan Hanifee was called up in the corresponding move. Brieske has been sidelined by inflammation in his right ankle, and manager A.J. Hinch told reporters (including Chris McCosky of the Detroit News) that the pitcher had been trying to play through ankle soreness for the last couple of weeks.
The injury went from sore to more severe after Brieske rolled his ankle while fielding a grounder during a relief appearance in Detroit’s 7-6 win over the Twins on April 11. Brieske wasn’t used again until Thursday when he threw 30 pitches over one-plus innings of relief, “and was pretty beat up” physically, Hinch said. The decision was then made for a proper IL stint in order to help the righty fully recover.
Playing hurt might explain Brieske’s shaky numbers over the season’s first three weeks. The reliever has an 8.59 ERA and only an 11.1% strikeout rate in his first seven games and 7 1/3 innings of the 2025 campaign, though Brieske has had some bad luck in the form of an unfathomably low 39.2% strand rate. However, he has already allowed two homers this season, after giving up five long balls over 67 2/3 frames in 2024.
Brieske was far more effective in 2023-24, posting a 3.59 ERA over 102 2/3 innings while working in a variety of different roles out of the Tigers’ bullpen. Technically, some of those bullpen outings were starts since Hinch frequently used Brieske as an opener, but the right-hander also got long relief work and some more standard one-inning outings. Brieske’s flexible usage contributed to the “pitching chaos” strategy that helped Detroit make its big late-season surge and playoff run in 2024, though obviously he simply hasn’t been nearly as effective in the early going this year.
Jason Foley is another reliever whose fortunes have taken a turn for the worse in 2025, as the Tigers’ more frequent closer from last season began this year in the minor leagues after a rough Spring Training. He looked sharp in throwing five scoreless innings with Triple-A Toledo, but any plans for a call-up were put on hold when Toledo placed Foley on the seven-day IL on Thursday due to a right shoulder strain.
Foley hasn’t pitched in a week, and Hinch told MLB.com’s Jason Beck that “We’re getting him evaluated. I feel for him, because it comes at a time where he was starting to throw the ball pretty well and [was] starting to look like the player that we expected him to be this spring.”
A proper recovery timeline will likely be known once more tests are complete, and it may be something of a good sign that Foley wasn’t immediately placed on the IL in the wake of his initial shoulder discomfort. Still, the Tigers will naturally be cautious with any shoulder-related injury, and Foley seems likely to miss well beyond the seven-day minimum. Foley missed the entire 2018 season recovering from a Tommy John surgery but has since been injury-free, and he was a workhorse in tossing 189 1/3 innings over 199 appearances for Detroit during the 2022-24 seasons.
In better injury news for the Tigers, Parker Meadows has been cleared to start a throwing program. A musculocutaneous nerve problem in Meadows’ upper right arm arose during Spring Training, preventing Meadows from throwing and necessitating a season-opening stint on Detroit’s 60-day IL. The fact that he has restarted his throwing progression in even a limited fashion is a big plus for Meadows, even if Hinch cautioned that the team will still be carefully monitoring Meadows’ ramp-up before making any further steps in his rehab.
Since Meadows can’t be activated until the last week of May at the earliest, he has plenty of time to gradually rebuild his throwing strength. He has been able to take part in other baseball-related activities during his IL stint, so the throwing is the only obstacle remaining between Meadows and what will likely be a pretty lengthy minor league rehab assignment, given how much time Meadows has already missed.
Meadows is one of several Tigers outfielders sidelined by injury early in the 2025 season, and utilityman Matt Vierling has also yet to play after straining his right rotator cuff back in February. Vierling has now also been cleared to throw, allowing him to fully partake in baseball-related activities. The Tigers are hopeful that Vierling can begin a minor league rehab assignment before April is over.
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The 'Four+ 20-home run/20-stolen base MLB seasons' quiz
Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez hit the 100th home run of his career against the Texas Rangers on Sunday, and it was an important one. His two-run home run came in a 5-4 victory over the Rangers to give Seattle an important series win for both the American League West and Wild Card standings. It was also his 20th dinger of the season, giving him a historic fourth-consecutive 20-home run/20 stolen base season to start his MLB career. Which brings us to today’ quiz. Rodriguez became the first player in MLB history to reach the 20/20 milestone four times in the first four seasons of his career. With that being said, can you name every player in MLB history to have at least four career 20/20 seasons? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
Justin Fields Called 'Biggest Loser' In Jets Training Camp
The New York Jets opted to cut Aaron Rodgers and sign Justin Fields to replace him during the offseason. This kind of commitment to Fields should bolster his confidence, but it could also place a lot of pressure on his shoulders. To this point, Fields has looked solid in training camp, aside from a scary toe injury that was quickly resolved in July. Justin Fried of the Jet Press recently reported that Fields' training camp may have reached a new low over the weekend as the young signal caller struggled. "Justin Fields put together his best practice of the summer to this point on Friday, completing his first 12 passes en route to an excellent all-around performance. The same can't be said about his showing on Saturday, however," Fried wrote. "Fields finished the day an abysmal 2-of-10 in the air, including a drop from rookie tight end Mason Taylor. "Some of his incompletions were catchable balls, but the Jets' passing game struggles on Saturday can largely be blamed on No. 7. Fields did flash his running ability with a 25-yard rushing score on the first play of red-zone drills, but the Jets would like to see more consistency in the air from the starting quarterback. Saturday's scrimmage was far from his best showing of the summer." Fields is a runner first at the NFL level, but his arm is nothing to scoff at. For most of training camp, his arm talent has been better than advertised, but during Saturday's scrimmage, it just wasn't there. A 2 for 10 performance is unacceptable for a $40 million quarterback who was signed to take over the team. The running game should open up the passing game for the Jets, which is going to need to be the case if Fields is going to struggle like this. However, it's just one day of camp. It's nothing to be too concerned about. Just because Fields lost this specific practice doesn't mean he's heading in the wrong direction as a whole.
Saints quarterback has 'convincing lead' in training camp battle
The New Orleans Saints' three-way quarterback competition is narrowing before the team's first preseason contest against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Per Ross Jackson of Louisiana Sports, second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler has looked the best at training camp this summer, going 83-of-114 passing (72.8 percent) for eight touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns and four interceptions. Rattler is beating out rookie Tyler Shough. The second-round pick has completed just 62 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and three interceptions. 2023 fourth-round pick Jake Haener has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and one Interception. Jackson believes first-year head coach Kellen Moore is priming Rattler as the favorite to start in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. "Over the team’s 10 practices, these three young passers have seen their chance to earn the starting role to begin the season in a rotation of first-team reps," Jackson wrote. "But there are decisions the Saints have made in the process that indicate a favorite. "After looking over individual performance stats, practice rep distribution and the team’s treatment of each quarterback throughout the important and highly-productive scrimmages on camp day 10, it’s become clear that Rattler is comfortably in the lead, for now." Jackson thinks Rattler can fend off his "convincing lead" for the starting job if he plays competently against the Chargers on Sunday. Rattler feels like the safe choice for Moore over Shough and Haener, at least to start the regular season. He appeared in seven games and started in six in 2024. Rattler played inconsistently as a rookie, throwing four touchdowns to five interceptions. However, he's had time to develop. Given his numbers in training camp, Rattler appears to be the most polished quarterback before the regular season. Shough could eventually develop into the Saints' best option, but the rookie's completion percentage against friendly competition at camp is low before he even faces live action in the preseason.
Zero RB Strategy Explained: Top Fantasy Football Targets for 2025
If you’ve participated in fantasy football for a few years, chances are you’ve heard discussions about “Zero RB.” But what does the zero running back strategy actually mean, and how might it benefit fantasy managers on draft day? The following is a comprehensive look at the Zero RB approach, as well as players suited to this draft philosophy whom you can consider targeting for the upcoming season. Don't forget to sign up for your fantasy football league on Yahoo Sports! What is Zero RB Strategy? Although its name suggests otherwise, the Zero RB strategy doesn’t require fantasy football managers to entirely disregard the running back position during drafts or leave those roster spots empty. Typically, the Zero RB approach involves focusing on other positions in the early rounds, building a strong group of wide receivers and locking in top options at quarterback and/or tight end. While opinions differ on the exact round where Zero RB draws the line, the strategy generally means waiting until at least the fifth round or beyond to select your first running back. Running back is one of the most unpredictable positions throughout the season, largely due to injuries. Backup players often step into starting roles and deliver significant fantasy production, no matter their perceived talent. By spending minimal draft capital on premium running backs and instead targeting late-round options with breakout potential, the Zero RB strategy aims to capitalize on this volatility. Use promo code YARD20 for $20 off your FantasyLabs fantasy football subscription! Pros of Zero RB Strategy There are several appealing advantages to the Zero RB strategy, making it especially popular among bold fantasy football drafters. One clear benefit is the opportunity to build greater strength at other positions when running backs are bypassed early. This approach lets fantasy managers more easily prioritize the single starting spots at quarterback and tight end. Instead of struggling to fit high-upside players like Brock Bowers in the second round or elite quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, or Jalen Hurts into your early draft plan, the Zero RB method actually encourages you to target these difference-makers. The positional edge provided by top quarterbacks and tight ends is tempting, but many fantasy players hesitate to spend early draft capital on them. Zero RB, however, expands your flexibility and allows you to load up on these potential game-changers. Injuries are another key factor in favor of this strategy. Running backs are more prone to injuries than most other positions. Every season, several first-round backs land on injured reserve, sinking their fantasy managers’ title hopes along the way. Even elite talents like Christian McCaffrey have endured significant mid-season injuries in multiple years. Zero RB aims to avoid the risk of early picks being wasted on running backs and instead focuses on investing in positions with fewer injury risks. The strategy also aims to take advantage of the inherent volatility at running back—when injuries happen, backups often step into sizable workloads, which rarely occurs at wide receiver. Late-round backs can produce major fantasy value, and with enough lottery ticket picks, you could land on a league-winning player at a bargain. For example, last year Chase Brown emerged from a crowded backfield in Cincinnati to deliver a top-10 PPR season. Of course, there are drawbacks. For starters, you’ll need those late-round running backs to outperform expectations to have a real shot at a fantasy championship. Relying on backups and timeshare players fills your bench with potential options—or weekly headaches as you try to decide who to start. Often, a Zero RB draft means your week one running backs look weak on paper. That’s part of the plan: you hope your other positions are stacked and that, as injuries strike, you’ll be able to improve your running back situation. The greatest risk may come if your top quarterback or tight end suffers a major injury. Since Zero RB teams use early picks to secure stars at these positions rather than focusing on depth, losing one can be devastating—especially if your late-round running backs can’t pick up the slack. With this approach, your path to victory relies on both health for your top picks and luck in finding running back breakouts as the season unfolds. Dominate your Best Ball and season-long fantasy football leagues with FantasyLabs’ brand-new app that's available in the Apple App Store and on Android! Cons of Zero RB Strategy For a strict Zero RB approach, many fantasy managers recommend holding off until at least the fifth round before selecting your first running back. Of course, there isn’t a fantasy football overlord who will punish you for choosing someone like Kenneth Walker III in the third or fourth round. Ultimately, the smartest draft strategy is to capitalize on whatever value is available during your draft. If an outstanding running back falls into the early rounds, it’s perfectly reasonable to abandon the Zero RB philosophy. However, for those committed to following the strategy no matter what, the usual guidance is to build out your starting wide receivers, quarterback, and tight end before targeting a running back. Top Zero RB Targets in 2025 By the fifth or sixth round, there are still several starting running backs on the board who can offer steady production, even if they aren’t likely to deliver elite numbers. Here are some mid-round options to consider as potential RB1s when using a Zero RB strategy: Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs Returning from an injury-filled 2024, Isiah Pacheco enters this season healthy and looks significantly undervalued as a sixth-round pick in fantasy drafts, considering the upside he’s shown during his career. After being chosen in the seventh round of the NFL draft, Pacheco finished 15th in PPR scoring in 2023 and appeared poised for a breakout campaign last year before injuries struck. He’s in a strong position to outpace backfield competitors Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie running backs are appealing Zero RB selections in the mid-rounds thanks to their potential for a wide variety of outcomes. Former Iowa back Kaleb Johnson is expected to step right into the early-down role left open by Najee Harris and has a chance to challenge Jaylen Warren for more involvement in the passing game. Best Ball rankings from some of the top industry experts are also available on FantasyLabs. Late Round RB Targets in 2025 Keep in mind, the objective is to fill your bench with high-upside running backs in the later rounds of the draft. Here are several late-round fliers who could develop into weekly RB1 options as the season progresses: Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants Yet another rookie back with significant upside, Cam Skattebo has earned rave reviews out of Giants training camp. The Arizona State alum was known for his ability to punch in touchdowns near the goal line in college and seems likely to step into valuable scoring situations right away. If Skattebo can also contribute as a receiver, he has the potential to be an outstanding late-round find. While Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary have both shown flashes during their careers, neither should deter fantasy managers from taking a chance on Skattebo. Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings Jordan Mason, once a backup for the 49ers, could see improved touches now that he’s with Minnesota. While Aaron Jones currently leads the Vikings’ backfield, Mason stands to claim a larger role, especially with Jones Sr. now 30 years old. Minnesota bolstered their offensive line in the offseason and is expected to rely more on the ground game as rookie J.J. McCarthy steps in as starting quarterback. Should Jones miss time, Mason would have the chance to break out as a top fantasy running back.
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