MLB News

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Ryan Helsley Returns From Bereavement List on Sunday

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Sunday that they reinstated right-handed closer Ryan Helsley from the bereavement/family medical emergency list and designated right-hander Albert Suarez for assignment in a corresponding move. Helsley was away from the team for four days. With the 31-year-old veteran away for personal matters, Anthony Nunez picked up the team's last save on Wednesday. Helsley is so far having a bounce-back season in 2026 in his first year with Baltimore, posting a 2.79 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 15 strikeouts, seven walks, and six saves in 9 2/3 innings over his first 11 appearances. Fantasy managers will want to get him back into their starting lineups to close out the week now that he's back with the big-league club as their primary ninth-inning option. Helsley is a two-time All-Star and led baseball with 49 saves in 2024 with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Apr 26

Clayton Beeter • RP • Nationals

Nationals Place Clayton Beeter on Injured List With Forearm Soreness

The Washington Nationals announced on Sunday that they placed right-handed reliever Clayton Beeter (forearm) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 23) with right-forearm soreness and recalled right-handers Paxton Schultz and Andre Granillo from Triple-A Rochester in corresponding moves. Beeter has not appeared in a game for the Nats since Tuesday, and it's unclear how long he might be sidelined with his forearm injury. The 27-year-old Texas native already has a career-high two saves for Washington in his 10 relief appearances so far in his third year in the big leagues, to go along with a 3.48 ERA (6.54 FIP), 1.26 WHIP, nine strikeouts, and eight walks in 10 1/3 innings pitched. Beeter has been fortunate to have an ERA under 4.00, as he's been pretty wild. He leads the league with five wild pitches. The Nats will continue a closer-by-committee approach late in games with Beeter sidelined, with Gus Varland being the favorite for most of the save chances in D.C. Varland is currently rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.

Apr 26

Steven Kwan • LF • Guardians

Steven Kwan Back in Sunday's Lineup

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (neck) is starting in center field and batting in his customary leadoff spot for the Guards on Sunday in the series finale against the hosting Toronto Blue Jays and left-hander Patrick Corbin, according to MLB.com. Kwan was held out of the first two games of this series in Canada on Friday and Saturday with neck stiffness, but he's feeling good enough to return for the third game of the series on Sunday. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Kwan can snap out of his recent slump, as he's gone just 2-for-18 in his last seven games. The 28-year-old former fifth-rounder in 2018 out of Oregon State is hitting just .227/.315/.289 with a .604 OPS, one home run, eight RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 112 plate appearances across 26 games in the early going in his fifth year in the big leagues. The two-time All-Star has faced Corbin eight times in his career and has had some success, batting .375 against him with an .819 OPS and an RBI.

Apr 26

Brent Rooker • RF • Athletics

Brent Rooker Activated and Starting on Sunday Against Rangers

The Athletics announced on Sunday that they reinstated outfielder/designated hitter Brent Rooker (oblique) from the 10-day injured list and designated infielder Andy Ibanez for assignment in a corresponding move. Rooker is serving as the DH and is batting cleanup in his return on Sunday in Texas against the Rangers and right-hander Kumar Rocker. The 31-year-old veteran right-handed slugger is back after originally landing on the IL on April 10 with an oblique strain. Rooker has game-changing power in a hitter-friendly home ballpark in Sacramento, but he had been struggling mightily at the plate early on in 2026 before his oblique injury, batting just .146 (6-for-41) with two home runs, eight RBI, four runs scored, two stolen bases, six walks, and 17 strikeouts in 12 games played. It's still early, though, so nobody should be giving up on Rooker just yet. He is 96% rostered in Yahoo leagues and should be returned to starting fantasy lineups on Sunday. Rooker is hitting .400 with an .800 OPS in just five career at-bats against Rocker.

Apr 26

Roman Anthony • LF • Red Sox

Roman Anthony Returns as DH on Sunday

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (back) has returned to the team's starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the hosting Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Kyle Bradish at Camden Yards, serving as the designated hitter and batting third in the order, per MLB.com. Anthony missed a fourth straight game on Saturday after feeling upper-back tightness on a swing in Tuesday's game against the division-rival New York Yankees. Anthony ended up missing a little more time than originally expected, but he's now back in the starting lineup on Sunday in Baltimore. Fantasy managers will be hoping that the 21-year-old former second-round pick in 2022 can get things going at the plate after a quiet start to his first full season in the big leagues in 2026. Anthony comes into Sunday's tilt with a .225/.361/.325 slash line with a homer, four RBI, 11 runs scored, and two steals in his 80 at-bats. Despite the slow start, Anthony has high-end power/speed potential in all fantasy formats. He's gone 1-for-3 in his career against Bradish.

Apr 26

Miguel Vargas • 3B • White Sox

Miguel Vargas is Worth a Look During Hot Streak

Chicago White Sox infielder Miguel Vargas has been putting together a nice stretch of play at the plate recently. Vargas is currently riding a six-game hitting streak heading into Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. During this stretch, Vargas is hitting over .400 with three home runs, five RBI, and seven walks. His overall numbers aren't pretty, but it seems like Vargas is finally turning a corner. The plate discipline is great to see with Vargas already having 19 walks on the season. Fantasy managers looking for help with walks or just need a batter right now should consider adding Vargas during his hot stretch.

Apr 26

JR Ritchie • SP • Braves

JR Ritchie is Gaining Value After Excellent First Start

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher JR Ritchie looked fantastic on the mound during his first start on Thursday. The rookie right-hander tossed seven innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits, while striking out seven batters in the win. Afterwards, Braves manager Walt Weiss said Ritchie will remain with the big league club for now. Ritchie was sharp against the Nationals and is now looking like a solid waiver wire addition with the news that he's sticking around. It's worth noting that Spencer Strider (oblique) is supposed to rejoin the Braves within the next week. It's unclear if Ritchie will move to the bullpen or if the Braves will operate with a six-man rotation. Ritchie is worth a look in deep leagues at the minimum right now.

Apr 26

Jacob Latz • RP • Rangers

Jacob Latz Earns Save on Saturday, Worth Stashing in Deep Leagues?

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Latz earned his first save of the season during Saturday's game against the Athletics. Latz was called upon with a one-run lead in the ninth inning. The southpaw tossed a scoreless inning, recording one strikeout and earning the save on 14 pitches. It was his first save of the season as the Rangers continue to operate with a committee approach. Latz has been solid with a 1.23 ERA, 0.48 WHIP, and a 13/3 K:BB ratio across 14.2 innings of work. Given his success, Latz will likely receive more opportunities to pitch in high-leverage spots, but the Rangers also have other options to pitch in the ninth. Latz could be worth a look in deep leagues, but isn't a full-time closer at the moment.

Apr 26

Jordan Romano • RP

Jordan Romano Stumbles in Low-Leverage Spot, Time to Cut Ties?

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jordan Romano had a horrendous outing on the mound during Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Romano came into the game in a mop-up role and only made things worse. The right-hander gave up four earned runs on three hits with one walk across 0.2 innings of work. This disaster of an outing will put Romano at a 10.13 ERA on the year. Despite a few blow-up outings, Romano is likely still the favorite for saves in Los Angeles. Given his struggles, it probably won't take much for Romano to get yanked out of the role. Fantasy managers may want to start looking elsewhere for help.

Apr 26

Shane McClanahan • SP • Rays

Shane McClanahan Turns in Best Start of the Season, Regaining High-End Value?

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan was sharp on the mound during Saturday's outing against the Minnesota Twins. The southpaw tossed five scoreless innings, allowing three hits, while striking out seven batters in the win. This was McClanahan's best outing of the season and hopefully a turning point for him. The Rays continue to ease him into things, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to work deep into games yet. He'll take a 3.91 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 25:13 K:BB ratio into his next start against the San Francisco Giants. The southpaw has allowed two earned runs or less in four of his first five starts of the season. It's going to take time for the southpaw to build up his stamina, but he could be an elite option once he's back to full speed.

Apr 26

Joel Kuhnel • RP • Athletics

Joel Kuhnel Remains the Top Option for Saves for Athletics

Athletics reliever Joel Kuhnel was tagged with the loss in his last appearance after allowing one run on four hits across 2/3 of an inning in Thursday's loss to the Seattle Mariners. Despite suffering the loss on Thursday, Kuhnel remains the top option for saves for the Athletics. The 31-year-old owns a 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and three strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings in 2026. He has racked up three saves over his last five appearances, with his most recent save coming in Monday's win over the Mariners. Kuhnel appears to be the favorite in the ninth inning to close games over Mark Leiter Jr. and Hogan Harris. He is rostered in 26% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is ranked 55th in the latest RotoBaller waiver wire rankings for Week 4. Kuhnel is worth adding in leagues with 12 or more teams for fantasy managers searching for saves.

Apr 25

Jakob Junis • RP • Rangers

Jakob Junis Pitches in Eighth Inning, Remains in Strict Committee?

Texas Rangers reliever Jakob Junis allowed a hit across a scoreless inning, earning the hold in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Athletics. This was the Rangers' first save opportunity in over a week. He entered the game in the eighth inning in a high-leverage situation while the team turned to Jacob Latz for the save on Saturday. Junis hasn't had a save since April 12 but has racked up three saves and two holds in his last eight appearances. The Rangers are down a few relievers as the team recently placed reliever Robert Garcia (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with shoulder inflammation, while Chris Martin (bicep) was placed on the IL on April 15 with a bicep injury. Despite not getting the save on Saturday, Junis is the favorite to be the Rangers' primary closer over Latz and Cole Winn. Junis is rostered in 23% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is worth the waiver wire addition in leagues with 12 teams or more for managers searching for saves.

Apr 25

Geraldo Perdomo • SS • Diamondbacks

Geraldo Perdomo Day-to-Day With Left-Ankle Sprain

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (ankle) was removed from Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres with a left ankle sprain. He injured his ankle while fielding a ground ball during the seventh inning. The 26-year-old went 0-for-3 with a strikeout before exiting. He is considered day-to-day with his next chance to return being on Sunday in the series finale against the Padres in Mexico City. Perdomo is slashing .250/.350/.393 with a home run and six stolen bases over 84 at-bats this season. Ildemaro Vargas would see an uptick in at-bats and would handle shortstop for the Diamondbacks if Perdomo misses any time. Vargas is off to a hot start this season, hitting .351 (26-for-74) with five home runs and 16 RBI over 19 games.

Apr 25

Zac Gallen • SP • Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen Exits Saturday's Start Early with a Shoulder Contusion

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (shoulder) was removed from Saturday's start against the San Diego Padres with a right shoulder contusion. He was hit by a comebacker in the shoulder during the third inning and initially stayed in the game. The Diamondbacks pulled Gallen at the end of the third inning after 49 pitches. He allowed one hit while striking out three over three scoreless innings before exiting. The 30-year-old is considered day-to-day and will undergo additional testing. Overall, he owns a 3.14 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts over 28 2/3 innings in 2026. Gallen is considered questionable to make his next start on Friday at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs.

Apr 25

Louis Varland • RP • Blue Jays

Louis Varland Notches Save, Becoming Must-Have Reliever?

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Louis Varland was tasked with holding the lead in the ninth inning during Saturday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. This one nearly slipped away from Varland, but he was able to hold it down in the end. He allowed three hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck out two batters on his way to his second save of the season. This outing was the first time that Varland had allowed a run all season long. He's likely the favorite to record saves in Toronto, with Jeff Hoffman being pulled out of the role earlier this week. Fantasy managers who are searching for a source of saves should consider adding Varland right now.

Apr 25

Michael Harris II • CF • Braves

Michael Harris II is Returning on Saturday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (quad) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Harris made an early exit from Thursday's game due to left quad tightness. He was originally penciled into the lineup on Friday, but was scratched due to the injury. He was able to come into the game as a pinch hitter and appears to be fully healthy now. Harris will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth against right-hander Zack Wheeler on Saturday. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly ahead of first pitch.

Apr 25

Will Smith • C • Dodgers

Will Smith is Sitting Out with Back Tightness

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (back) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs. At first, this seemed like a routine rest day, but it's a little more than that. Manager Dave Roberts said that Smith is getting the day off while dealing with back tightness. It doesn't sound like anything serious, but it wouldn't be shocking to see Smith sit out the rest of the weekend. Dalton Rushing will take over behind the plate and bat sixth versus right-hander Colin Rea. Rushing was already trending in the right direction, but this injury should give him even more fantasy value.

Apr 25

Giancarlo Stanton • DH • Yankees

Giancarlo Stanton is Absent with Calf Injury

New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (calf) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Astros. Stanton is being held out of this game after exiting Friday's game due to right calf tightness. The Yankees are going to play it safe and rest Stanton here. It doesn't sound like he'll require a trip to the Injured List, so fantasy managers should consider him as day-to-day. Amed Rosario will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth versus right-hander Mike Burrows. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on Stanton ahead of Sunday's game.

Apr 25

Braxton Ashcraft • SP • Pirates

Braxton Ashcraft is Placed on Bereavement List

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft (personal) was placed on the bereavement list on Saturday. The right-hander is currently away from the team while dealing with a personal matter. He was scheduled to start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. That won't happen with Ashcraft being forced to miss at least three games while on the bereavement list. In a corresponding move, reliever Cam Sanders has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. It's unclear who is going to make the start in place of Ashcraft. It's possible that the Pirates go with a bullpen game, but more information should be known closer to that contest.

Apr 25

Maikel Garcia • 3B • Royals

Maikel Garcia Remains Out on Saturday

Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia (elbow) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Garcia will miss his second straight game after suffering an elbow injury earlier in the week. The team is calling it right elbow soreness, so Garcia shouldn't require a stint on the Injured List. Nick Loftin will cover third base and bat eighth against right-hander Walbert Urena on Saturday. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of Sunday's contest for another update on Garcia.

Apr 25

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