MLB News

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. • LF • Diamondbacks

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Carries Waiver-Wire Appeal After Return From Injury

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) had his start to the 2026 season delayed by recovery from the ACL tear that ended his 2025 campaign. However, the 32-year-old made his return to the Arizona lineup on Saturday after logging a 1.083 OPS across nine plate appearances in his rehab stint at Double-A. Now that he's back, Gurriel Jr. profiles as the Diamondbacks' everyday left fielder and should be a fixture in the heart of the team's lineup. Before getting injured last season, Gurriel Jr. hit .248/.295/.418 with 19 home runs, 80 RBI, 52 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across 546 plate appearances. While Gurriel Jr. may struggle to reach double-digit stolen bases in his return from major knee surgery, he's driven in at least 75 runs in all three of his seasons with the Diamondbacks and owns a career batting average of .274. Particularly in deeper leagues, Gurriel Jr. could be a useful compiler for managers to target on the waiver wire.

Apr 20

Francisco Alvarez • C • Mets

Francisco Alvarez a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Amidst Hot Start to 2026

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is off to a strong start to the 2026 season, hitting .268/.379/.500 with four home runs, five RBI, and eight runs scored across his first 68 plate appearances. The 24-year-old has always logged strong batted-ball metrics, and he's currently posting an excellent 17.4% barrel rate. Perhaps most encouragingly, Alvarez has shown significant improvement in his plate skills early in the year. He's cut his strikeout rate to 17.6%, down from 26.4% in 2025. Health has been an issue for Alvarez in recent seasons, as he has not reached 400 plate appearances since 2023. However, if he can stay on the field, Alvarez could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. In leagues where he is not already rostered, Alvarez profiles as a high-upside catcher to target on the waiver wire.

Apr 20

George Springer • DH • Blue Jays

George Springer Ramping Up his Baseball Activities

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder/designated hitter George Springer (toe) did some more throwing on Monday and was also scheduled to hit, according to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet. Manager John Schneider said that Springer will do some "dynamic warmup and mobility stuff." Springer began hitting off a tee last Wednesday, which is pretty quick progress after he was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 12 with a fractured left big toe. The Blue Jays aren't planning on sending Springer on a minor-league rehab start, which means he's a candidate to return from the IL for the start of the team's homestand on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians. The 36-year-old four-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner had a resurgent season in 2025 for the Jays and helped them make a run to the World Series, but he was hitting just .185 (10-for-54) with two home runs, six RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base in a small sample size of 14 games played before fracturing his toe. Springer is still useful in fantasy when he's healthy as an everyday player for Toronto, with most of his playing time coming as the DH.

Apr 20

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts Starts Swinging a Bat, Still has Boxes to Check in his Rehab

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that shortstop Mookie Betts (oblique) began swinging a bat over the weekend, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Betts is making progress, but he must progress to hitting off a tee and flips before he's cleared to take batting practice. The 33-year-old former MVP, eight-time All-Star, and seven-time Silver Slugger winner has been on the 10-day injured list since suffering a right-oblique strain in early April. He went just 5-for-28 (.179) with two home runs, seven RBI, and seven runs scored in eight games to kick off the year before getting injured. Betts isn't getting any younger, but when healthy, he's still a must-start in all fantasy baseball leagues in the best lineup in baseball. Fantasy managers will want to keep him stashed in an IL spot while he continues his rehab. In the meantime, veteran Miguel Rojas will continue to see most of the playing time at the 6 in Hollywood with Betts on the IL.

Apr 20

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. Day-to-Day After Being Hit on the Hand on Monday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hand) was pulled from Monday's game early against the Washington Nationals after being hit by a pitch on his left hand, the team announced. Thankfully, X-rays on Acuna came back negative, and he's considered day-to-day. Before leaving the eventual 9-4 win in D.C., Acuna was 0-for-1 at the plate with two hit-by-pitches, a run scored, and a strikeout. It doesn't sound like a serious injury for the All-Star right fielder, but fantasy managers will need to check back on Acuna's status on Tuesday to see if he's ready to participate in Game 2 of the series versus Washington. The 28-year-old former MVP, five-time All-Star, and three-time Silver Slugger winner came into Monday's series opener hitting .247/.350/.365 with a .715 OPS, a home run, five RBI, nine runs scored, and four stolen bases in 85 at-bats. His numbers don't jump off the page, but Acuna has five-category upside when he's fully healthy and is a must-start every day in traditional fantasy leagues when he's active.

Apr 20

Mick Abel • SP • Twins

Mick Abel's Injury Described as "Not Too Serious"

The Minnesota Twins placed young right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) on the 15-day injured list with right-elbow inflammation on Monday, but Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports that multiple sources described Abel's injury as "not too serious." Abel struck out 16 batters over 13 scoreless innings in his last two starts, and he had an appealing matchup on deck against the struggling New York Mets lineup on Tuesday. Kendry Rojas will now pitch the series opener in New York on Tuesday in place of Abel. Left-handed prospect Connor Prielipp will also be added to the Twins' taxi squad. The 24-year-old Abel has been an early-season waiver-wire target of late because of how well he's pitched in his last two starts, but he's still only rostered in 25% of Yahoo leagues currently. Barring a setback once Abel begins ramping up again, he could only miss a couple of turns through Minnesota's starting rotation. Those who picked Abel up should stick it out.

Apr 20

Colt Emerson • SS • Mariners

Colt Emerson's Wrist Injury Preventing him From Making MLB Debut

Seattle Mariners infield prospect Colt Emerson (wrist) has been dealing with a wrist issue at Triple-A Tacoma, which was a factor in the team's decision not to bring him up on Monday with infielder Brendan Donovan (groin) going on the 10-day injured list, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. "It just didn't feel like this was the right time for that," manager Dan Wilson said. The M's want Emerson to be 100% confident in his abilities and not dealing with any kind of injury when they eventually call him up to the big leagues, which should happen sooner rather than later in 2026. While Emerson, MLB's No. 7 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline, bides his time on the farm, Leo Rivas should handle the majority of starts at third base in Seattle in the short term with Donovan sidelined. Emerson, who is just 20 years old, is one of the top position-player stash options in fantasy baseball leagues. He's currently hitting .258/.361/.452 with two home runs, seven RBI, 10 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 18 games for Tacoma to begin the year.

Apr 20

Brendan Donovan • 3B • Mariners

Mariners Place Brendan Donovan on Injured List With Groin Strain

The Seattle Mariners announced on Monday that they placed infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan (groin) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 18) with a left-groin muscle strain and selected infielder Will Wilson's contract from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move. The M's sent the 29-year-old to the IL after he missed the last two games with his groin injury. It remains to be seen if Donovan will be ready to return when he's eligible to be reinstated on April 28. In Donovan's absence, infielder Leo Rivas should see the majority of the playing time at the hot corner in Seattle. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Donovan's IL stint doesn't get in the way of his hot start at the plate. Following his first All-Star selection in 2025 in his final year in St. Louis, he is hitting .304 (17-for-56) with three home runs, three doubles, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and a steal in 18 games played. Donovan is good for runs scored and a stable average, but his modest power/speed numbers give him a low fantasy baseball ceiling.

Apr 20

Edwin Díaz • RP • Dodgers

Dodgers Not Naming Primary Closer With Edwin Diaz Injured

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed star closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) on the 15-day injured list on Monday, and he's expected to miss around three months after he has surgery on his right elbow to remove loose bodies. Manager Dave Roberts declined to name a set closer in Diaz's absence, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. It helps explain why the 32-year-old All-Star's velocity has been down early in his first year in L.A. Diaz appeared in Sunday's loss to the Rockies for the first time since April 10, and he allowed three earned runs without even recording an out. After complaining of right-elbow issues after the game, the Dodgers sent him for an MRI exam, which revealed the loose bodies in his arm. Fantasy managers need to keep Diaz stashed everywhere for a second-half run. In the meantime, left-hander Tanner Scott is likely to get the first crack at save chances for the Dodgers, despite his rough 2025 campaign. In addition to Scott, lefty Alex Vesia and righty Blake Treinen could mix in to form a closer-by-committee situation.

Apr 20

Sonny Gray • SP • Red Sox

Sonny Gray Heading to the Injured List With Hamstring Injury

The plan is for the Boston Red Sox to place right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list, according to 7 News' Ari Alexander. The Red Sox are expected to call up left-hander Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move. Samaniego will give the team some extra bullpen depth before Gray's next turn in the starting rotation comes up. Left-hander Payton Tolle could be the guy that the BoSox choose to have replace Gray in the starting rotation, and fantasy managers in need of pitching depth might want to pick Tolle up now off the waiver wire. Tolle is currently rostered in just 10% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. Gray, 36, suffered a right-hamstring injury in his abbreviated outing on Monday against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park and will now miss at least a few turns in the rotation. With a potential short stay on the IL, Gray should be retained in most fantasy baseball leagues while he heals up.

Apr 20

Ryan Pepiot • SP • Rays

Ryan Pepiot's Hip Feels "Unstable" While Playing Catch

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said on Monday that right-hander Ryan Pepiot (hip) had a bad day on Monday, as his right hip felt "unstable" while he played catch, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays moved Pepiot to the 60-day injured list last week after he suffered a setback with his right-hip injury, and things continue to go poorly for him despite receiving an injection. Since he's on the 60-day IL, the 28-year-old will not be eligible to return to the major-league roster until late May, and fantasy managers should be preparing for the possibility that it could be longer than that until he's reinstated. When healthy, Pepiot is one of the team's aces, and he's currently rostered in 79% of Yahoo leagues. Right-hander Jesse Scholtens has appeared in bulk relief for the Rays in his first two outings in 2026, but he'll be making his first start on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, and he could stick in Tampa's rotation with Pepiot out if he continues to pitch well.

Apr 20

Edwin Díaz • RP • Dodgers

Edwin Diaz Expected to Miss Around Three Months

Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) will have surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, a source told Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Diaz is expected to miss in the neighborhood of three months. The Dodgers officially placed the 32-year-old veteran on the 15-day injured list on Monday after Diaz appeared on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies for the first time since April 10. He proceeded to allow three runs and a walk without recording an out while also seeing his velocity dip again. Now we know why. Barring a setback after he goes under the knife, Diaz won't return to the Dodgers' bullpen until late June or early July. Despite the injury, the All-Star closer should be stashed in all fantasy baseball leagues while he recovers. In the meantime, lefties Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia and righty Blake Treinen could all mix and match for save opportunities in L.A. Although Scott struggled for the team in 2025, he had a career-high 23 saves and has locked down 78 games in his nine-plus-year career.

Apr 20

Tanner Scott • RP • Dodgers

Injury in Dodgers Bullpen Makes Tanner Scott Waiver-Wire-Worthy

Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed reliever Tanner Scott should at least be part of a closer-by-committee approach for the team moving forward now that right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) is expected to miss at least three months while needing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. In addition to Scott, fellow lefty Alex Vesia and righty Blake Treinen could be used in save situations for the foreseeable future by manager Dave Roberts. The 31-year-old Scott was an All-Star for the first time in his career in 2024 with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, but that was followed by a rough 2025 campaign in his first year with the Blue. Scott did have a career-high 23 saves last year, but he also struggled to a 1-4 record, 4.74 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 60:18 K:BB in 57 innings pitched over 61 appearances. He has turned things around so far in 2026, allowing just an earned run with no walks and eight punchouts in 8 2/3 frames. Now that Scott is back in a position to pick up saves, his ownership in fantasy leagues should increase. Scott is currently only rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues.

Apr 20

Tim Mayza • RP • Phillies

Tim Mayza Could See Save Opportunities in Philadelphia

MLB Network's Jon Morosi mentions that Philadelphia Phillies left-handed reliever Tim Mayza has been excellent so far this year when discussing the direction that the team might go at the back end of the bullpen with star closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) expected to be out two to three weeks with an oblique injury. Right-hander Brad Keller is "probably" going to be the guy that gets the next save chance in Philly, but Mayza, Jose Alvarado, and Orion Kerkering could end up forming some sort of committee for manager Rob Thomson. Mayza could get the nod if it's a lefty-heavy inning for the opponent in the ninth inning. The 34-year-old veteran only has four saves in his big-league career in eight-plus seasons, but he currently has a 3.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts and four walks in 12 relief innings pitched in 2026. In deeper fantasy leagues where managers are desperate for saves, they may want to consider a waiver-wire pickup of Mayza in the short term.

Apr 20

Edwin Uceta • RP • Rays

Edwin Uceta Shut Down for 2-3 Weeks; Is he Still Stash-Worthy?

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta (shoulder) has a right-shoulder strain, which is a new injury from the discomfort that initially landed him on the 15-day injured list to begin the 2026 regular season, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Uceta will be shut down from throwing for two to three weeks and will then have to build back up, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to make his season debut for the Rays for a while. It's a tough break for those who have been stashing the 28-year-old in fantasy leagues in hopes that he'll become the team's primary closer when he's fully healthy. In a best-case scenario, Uceta may not rejoin Tampa's bullpen until mid-to-late May. He's still worth holding onto in fantasy leagues, though, if you have an available IL spot. Uceta has been pretty solid for the Rays the last two seasons and was one of only five relievers in 2025 to have over 100 strikeouts. Until further notice, Bryan Baker is the reliever to roster for saves in Tampa.

Apr 20

Brad Keller • RP • Phillies

Brad Keller Will "Probably" Earn First Save Situation in Modified Phillies Bullpen

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Brad Keller is projected to receive the first save situation in the current bullpen. The Phillies have several relievers on the injured list, with primary closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) being the most notable name. Through the early going in the regular season, Keller has operated as the top setup man, tallying four saves over his first eight appearances while posting a 4.70 ERA with an 8:2 K:BB. On April 18, Keller was deployed in the ninth inning (in a non-save situation), which suggests the Phillies trust him in the final frame. Last summer, Keller was a reliable setup option for the Cubs, earning 26 holds and chipping in three saves with a strong 2.07 ERA. He should be viewed as a top option for saves on the waiver wire ahead of Week 4.

Apr 20

Edwin Díaz • RP • Dodgers

Edwin Diaz Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) on the 15-day injured list with loose bodies in his right elbow. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers are promoting Jake Eder from Oklahoma City. Diaz was dealing with velocity concerns over the past two weeks and will now miss at least the next 15 days on the injured list. In his most recent outing on Sunday, Diaz failed to record an out as he surrendered three hits, three runs, and a walk to the Colorado Rockies. In this appearance, Diaz's fastball sat at 95.4 mph compared to the 97.3 mph it averaged last summer. While Diaz was enjoying a strong start to his Dodger career, earning four saves over his first five appearances with a 1.80 ERA, the right-hander is now in serious danger of missing extended time. While he remains sidelined, Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott figure to see the bulk of the save opportunities, with Vesia projected to operate as the lead option, given his recent usage.

Apr 20

Moisés Ballesteros • C • Cubs

Moises Ballesteros' Hot Bat Earning Waiver-Wire Consideration

Chicago Cubs catcher/designated hitter Moises Ballesteros is impressing in the early part of 2026, showing why his hit tool was so highly regarded before joining the big leagues. The Cubs' former top prospect has hit safely in eight of his last 10 games, with five multi-hit performances mixed in there. It has raised the left-handed slugger's season-long slash line to .364/.396/.591 with three home runs, a .429 wOBA, and a 174 wRC+. Unfortunately, the 5-foot-8 Venezuelan continues to get pulled against left-handed pitching, logging just three plate appearances against southpaws in 2026, which is going to dampen his appeal in season-long leagues and more so in daily formats. Nevertheless, he's 16-for-41 (.390) against righties, so if he can earn more at-bats with his exceptional hitting, the 22-year-old could see an increase in categorical productivity. He may not be a must-add yet, but Ballesteros is certainly a must-watch in the event he gains more at-bats.

Apr 20

Reid Detmers • SP • Angels

Reid Detmers a Worthy Waiver-Wire Add With Strikeout Upside

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Reid Detmers has had a promising yet inconsistent start to the season, allowing a combined eight runs in two starts but just one earned run combined in the other two starts, including a nine-strikeout performance against the Yankees in his latest turn through the rotation. It has produced an acceptable 3.57 ERA (3.40 xFIP) with a 1.06 WHIP and a strong 21.3 percent K-BB%. A solid ERA and WHIP with strikeout upside is exactly what fantasy managers were hoping for after the southpaw finished last season with a 2.19 ERA (2.77 SIERA), 1.11 WHIP, and a 23.9 percent K-BB% from May 9 through the end of the campaign (49 appearances, 49 1/3 innings pitched). Those innings were in relief, though, so it was interesting to see if it would carry over to his role as a starter this season, and it appears to have continued. As a starter back in 2022, the former first-rounder threw a no-hitter, so the talent has always been there; he just needed to find it again. The 26-year-old will have his work cut out for him in his next start, a home date with Toronto on Monday, a team that owns the eighth-best batting average against lefties this year (.262). But for interested season-long managers, he's still available in nearly half of Yahoo! leagues.

Apr 20

Shane McClanahan • SP • Rays

Shane McClanahan Unable to Regain Pre-Injury Form

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan lasted just 4 1/3 innings in his latest start on Sunday, allowing four earned runs on eight hits while striking out five batters in a 6-3 loss to the Pirates. On the bright side, the lefty threw 72 percent of his pitches for strikes and did not walk a batter, something that plagued him in his first three starts, where he walked 11 hitters. In all, the 28-year-old has posted a 5.00 ERA (4.48 xFIP), 1.33 WHIP, and an 8.8 percent K-BB%. It's a far cry from the 3.02 ERA (3.15 xFIP), 1.10 WHIP, and 20.9 percent K-BB% that he recorded in 74 starts from 2021 to 2023. The former 31st-overall draft pick dealt with Tommy John surgery that disrupted his 2023 season and caused him to miss all of 2024, then encountered a setback with a nerve issue that completely derailed 2025, so there could still be more rust to knock off. However, a couple more subpar starts and he may be headed to the cut list for fantasy. The 6-foot-3 hurler will get Minnesota at home his next time out, a team that is top 12 in runs scored per game (5.09), wOBA versus LHP (.327), and wRC+ versus LHP (107).

Apr 20

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