MLB News

Lucas Erceg • RP • Royals

Is Lucas Erceg's Closer Seat Getting Warm After Blown Save?

Kansas City Royals closer Lucas Erceg had converted five straight save chances before his last appearance on Thursday this past week, when he allowed three earned runs on three hits and one walk, blowing the save opportunity and taking the loss to the Tigers. Before that, the right-hander had not allowed a run in six of seven appearances, but after Thursday's collapse, his ERA now stands at 6.14 with a 1.50 WHIP and a 6.7 percent K-BB%. The 30-year-old has pitched well for the Royals over the last two years, but saw a significant drop-off in strikeout rate between 2024 and 2025, from 28.5 percent to 19.3 percent. It has fallen even more this season, currently standing at 16.7 percent. Fantasy managers won't argue with collecting five saves so far, but with diminishing strikeouts and regular closer Carlos Estevez (foot) beginning a rehab assignment this week, Erceg's handle on the role is becoming somewhat tenuous.

Apr 20

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans Struggles Again on Sunday, Quickly Losing Fantasy Value

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans struggled mightily in Sunday's 7-0 loss to the Yankees, allowing seven earned runs while serving up three home runs for the second time this season and also walking a career-high eight batters in just 4 1/3 innings pitched. The southpaw managed to strike out six batters as well, but threw only 51 percent of his pitches for strikes (49 of 97). It has been a rough start to the season for the 28-year-old, now the owner of a 6.00 ERA (5.30 xFIP), 1.67 WHIP, and a lowly 4.3 percent K-BB%. The former All-Star dealt with injuries in 2025 that limited him to just 13 starts, including a rotator cuff injury that sidelined him for three months. Hopefully it is not related, but his fastball velocity is down almost a full mile per hour this season, and he's seen a significant drop-off in both chase and whiff rates (from 68th and 95th percentile, respectively, to 17th and 58th percentile). The 6-foot-4 hurler will be hard to trust his next time out against a much-improved Angels offense that is top 10 in runs per game (5.0), wOBA versus LHP (.341), and wRC+ (116) versus LHP. With Ragans' potential, he may not be a drop yet, but managers could justify sitting him until the lefty rights the ship.

Apr 20

Payton Tolle • SP • Red Sox

Payton Tolle a Top Name to Stash Following Recent Red Sox Injury

Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Payton Tolle potentially became even more fantasy relevant after Boston starter Sonny Gray (hamstring) was removed from his outing on Monday against the Tigers in the third inning with what is being described as right hamstring tightness. Tolle hasn't pitched for Triple-A Worcester since April 12, so he could be fresh and is already on the 40-man roster. Boston's top-ranked prospect debuted with the club in August last year and was fairly solid outside of one poor outing, racking up 19 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings pitched (IP) both as a starter and a reliever. The southpaw had a hiccup in his first outing at Triple-A this year, but has shone over his last two turns, allowing just one earned run on seven hits and two walks while striking out 13 batters in 11 IP. The 23-year-old's strikeout upside already made him a worthy stash candidate in most formats, but with the likelihood of a call-up now much higher, the time is now to grab him off the waiver wire.

Apr 20

Sonny Gray • SP • Red Sox

Sonny Gray Leaves Monday's Start Early With Hamstring Tightness

Boston Red Sox right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) only made it through 2 2/3 innings on Monday at Fenway Park against the visiting Detroit Tigers due to right-hamstring tightness, according to Gabrielle Starr of the Boston Herald. In his 2 2/3 innings of work, Gray allowed an earned run on three hits while walking one and striking out two. He threw 27 of his 40 pitches for strikes. For now, fantasy managers should consider Gray questionable to make his next scheduled start this weekend against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles. Coming into his start on Monday, Gray had gone 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA (4.70 FIP) and 1.28 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and four walks in 20 1/3 innings pitched over his first four starts in his first season in Beantown. Fantasy managers looking for a high-upside starting arm might want to grab Payton Tolle off the waiver wire, as he could be the BoSox's first choice to replace Gray in the rotation if he's forced to the 15-day injured list.

Apr 20

Patrick Sandoval • SP • Red Sox

Red Sox Not Concerned About Patrick Sandoval

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that left-hander Patrick Sandoval (biceps) is unlikely to have testing done on a sore left biceps muscle, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. Instead, the Red Sox are hoping that a couple of days of rest will do the trick. The organization doesn't seem to be very concerned about his setback. Sandoval was scheduled to make his third minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, but he was pulled off his rehab assignment due to biceps tightness after his previous outing. The 29-year-old southpaw is working his way back from an internal-brace procedure that he had on his left elbow in June of 2024. He did not pitch at all for the BoSox in 2025 and went 2-8 with a 5.08 ERA (3.87 FIP), 1.51 WHIP, and 81:35 K:BB in 79 2/3 innings pitched over 16 starts in 2024 with the Los Angeles Angels before being shut down with elbow issues. Sandoval won't be ready for his Boston debut until sometime in May, and even when he's ready, there may not be an open spot in the team's starting rotation for him.

Apr 20

Mick Abel • SP • Twins

Twins Placing Mick Abel on Injured List With Elbow Inflammation

The Minnesota Twins are placing right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) on the 15-day injured list on Monday with right-elbow inflammation, according to Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. It's a tough break for the 24-year-old former 15th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020 after he struck out 10 over seven innings while allowing zero runs in a win against the Boston Red Sox early last week. Abel will now miss at least the next two weeks after going 1-2 with a 3.98 ERA and 1.57 WHIP with 23 strikeouts and 10 walks in 20 1/3 innings over his first four appearances (three starts) this year in his first full season with the Twins. It didn't start great for Abel in 2026, but he's bounced back and has struck out 16 without allowing a run in 13 innings over his last two starts. He will not be available for his next scheduled start against a floundering New York Mets team, but fantasy managers who have him rostered should be looking to stash him while he recovers from his elbow injury.

Apr 20

Robert Garcia • RP • Rangers

Robert Garcia Undergoes MRI on Sore Shoulder

Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker confirmed on Sunday that left-handed reliever Robert Garcia (shoulder) underwent an MRI exam on his sore left shoulder, which kept him out last Thursday, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News. The Rangers are optimistic that Garcia doesn't have any significant structural damage in his shoulder, but he's still likely to require an anti-inflammatory injection on Monday when the team returns home. Grant writes that in a best-case scenario, Garcia probably won't be available before Wednesday, meaning the Rangers would be without him for a minimum of five days. The Rangers are short-handed in their bullpen early on this year. With Garcia unlikely to be ready to pitch until the middle of this week, Peyton Gray, Patrick Murphy, and Josh Sborz are all options to join Texas' bullpen for more depth. Through his first eight innings of relief for Texas so far in 2026, Garcia has allowed five runs (three earned) on five hits while walking seven and striking out six. In his first year with the Rangers in 2025, Garcia secured the first nine saves of his MLB career.

Apr 20

Charlie Condon • LF • Rockies

Is Charlie Condon Nearing his MLB Debut?

Colorado Rockies first base prospect Charlie Condon is not slowing down at Triple-A and continues to make a strong case to join the MLB roster in the near future. While he was given an opportunity to win a starting job out of camp, the Rockies opted to send him to Triple-A to further his development. However, throughout his first taste of the top level of the Rockies system, Condon has looked very impressive and has proven he is more than ready to face MLB pitching. Through his first 15 games with Albuquerque, the former Georgia standout has posted a .322/.452/.559 line with two doubles, four home runs, two stolen bases, and a strong 13:12 K:BB. Additionally, following a hot start to the season, current starting first baseman, TJ Rumfield, has gone just 2-for-24 over his last six games. As a result, Condon should be viewed as a priority stash option in all leagues in Week 4.

Apr 20

Max Clark • CF • Tigers

Max Clark Continues to Climb Stash Rankings

Detroit Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark continues to perform at an elite level at Triple-A and is quickly approaching his MLB debut. Through his first 19 games at the top level of the minor leagues, Clark has posted a .351/.416/.519 slash line with eight doubles, one triple, one home run, six stolen bases, and a 10:10 K:BB. Last summer, Clark spent most of his time with High-A before joining Double-A in the second half. Across both levels (111 games), the former third overall selection looked just as sharp, carrying a .271/.403/.432 line with an .835 OPS, 14 home runs, and 19 stolen bases. While the Detroit outfield is crowded at the moment, following the promotion of Wenceel Perez, Clark's current trajectory could push the team's hand. For now, he is a top stash option in 12+ team, five-outfielder leagues.

Apr 20

Robby Snelling • SP • Marlins

Robby Snelling Holds Priority Stash Value After Dominant Nine-Strikeout Effort

Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect Robby Snelling continues to impress at Triple-A and is knocking on the MLB door. This weekend, Snelling turned in another dominant showing at Triple-A Jacksonville, tossing six shutout frames with two hits and one walk while striking out nine batters. In his previous outing, Snelling looked just as sharp, striking out a season-best 12 hitters over five shutout frames. Overall, through his first four outings of the young season, the southpaw has struck out 31 hitters while holding a 1.89 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP over 19 innings. Last summer, Snelling looked just as comfortable in his first stint at Triple-A, holding a 1.27 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP across 63 2/3 innings. Given his impressive production at the top level of the minor leagues, Snelling holds elite stash value in all standard leagues ahead of Week 4.

Apr 20

Colt Emerson • SS • Mariners

Colt Emerson Enters Week 4 as High-End Hitting Prospect to Stash

Seattle Mariners infield prospect Colt Emerson carries high-end stash upside among hitting prospects as he is on the verge of making his MLB debut. Earlier this season, Emerson inked a massive eight-year contract and was later added to the 40-man roster, but has yet to earn the call. Through his first 18 games of the Triple-A regular season, the former 22nd overall selection has posted a solid .258/.361/.452 line with a .813 OPS. During this stretch, Emerson has launched two home runs and added six doubles with six stolen bases. Last summer, Emerson spent most of his time with High-A and Double-A, where he carried .280/.380/.444 line over a 124-game stint. When he does earn the call, Emerson could see time at second base, third base, or shortstop, which could shift Brendan Donovan to left field or limit Cole Young's and J.P. Crawford's at-bats.

Apr 20

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Nearing Return to MLB Following Scratch From Triple-A Start

Atlanta Braves right-handed starting pitcher Didier Fuentes is on the verge of a return to the major leagues. On Sunday, the young right-hander saw his Triple-A start scratched as the Braves are entering a stretch of 10 games in 10 straight days. While a promotion has yet to be confirmed, managers should pay close attention to his status over the coming days, as a return could be imminent. Fuentes broke camp with the MLB roster but was deployed in a long relief role before being optioned back to Triple-A to further increase his workload. With Triple-A, Fuentes has looked quite comfortable as of late, logging 16 2/3 innings (three starts), while allowing just four runs and posting a 20:6 K:BB. Last summer, Fuentes made his MLB debut but looked quite overmatched, allowing 20 runs over 13 innings. For now, Fuentes is a viable stash option in all 12-team leagues.

Apr 20

Payton Tolle • SP • Red Sox

Payton Tolle Remains Elite Stash Option in All Formats

Boston Red Sox left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle remains an elite high-end stash option in all formats for Week 4 of the fantasy season. Tolle was unable to crack the Opening Day rotation but has quickly found his footing at Triple-A and is knocking on the MLB door. Since allowing four runs in his season debut, facing Triple-A Syracuse, the hard-throwing southpaw has quickly flipped the script, logging 11 innings of two-run ball (one earned run) with 13 punchouts and just two free passes. Last summer, Tolle made his MLB debut and struggled over his short 16 1/3 inning stint, allowing 11 earned runs. However, in the minor leagues, Tolle struck out an impressive 133 hitters over 91 2/3 innings. While his path to joining the MLB rotation does not appear clear at the moment, his elite strikeout upside makes him a top stash option in all formats.

Apr 20

Raisel Iglesias • RP • Braves

Raisel Iglesias Secures Save in his Return on Sunday Night

Atlanta Braves right-handed closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) was unavailable in a save situation in Saturday's win over the Philadelphia Phillies because he slept on his right shoulder wrong on Friday night. Iglesias was thankfully able to return in Sunday night's 4-2 win over Philly, and he secured his fifth save of the season while throwing a scoreless ninth inning with one hit allowed, one walk, and a strikeout. With Iglesias out on Saturday, right-hander Robert Suarez picked up his first save of the year in his first season with Atlanta. The 36-year-old Iglesias will need to pitch well all year to hold off Suarez for save opportunities, but right now, he's been lights-out to begin the 2026 campaign. Iglesias has yet to allow a run in his 8 2/3 innings pitched with five saves, 11 strikeouts, and just one walk in his eight relief appearances. Until further notice, fantasy managers need to continue to run him out there.

Apr 20

Spencer Torkelson • 1B • Tigers

Spencer Torkelson Sitting Out Monday's Game in Boston

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson is not in the team's starting lineup for Monday's series opener in Boston against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, according to MLB.com. Colt Keith will slide across the diamond to play first base while hitting third for Detroit against Red Sox veteran right-hander Sonny Gray. Torkelson could use a day off to begin the week, as the 26-year-old former first overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State is off to a rough start in 2026. Through his first 21 games, he's hitting .182 (12-for-66) with no home runs, three doubles, six RBI, five runs scored, 14 walks, and 23 strikeouts in 81 plate appearances. He's taking plenty of walks, but his passive approach at the dish so far isn't leading to much production for his fantasy managers. We know Tork has the power to be an asset in all leagues -- he's reached the 30-homer mark in two of his four MLB seasons -- but an adjustment in approach might be needed to turn things around.

Apr 20

Jeff Hoffman • RP • Blue Jays

Jeff Hoffman Seeing Fantasy Value Fall Amid Rough Stretch

Toronto Blue Jays closer Jeff Hoffman has struggled mightily thus far during the 2026 season, pitching to the tune of a 7.71 ERA and 2.04 WHIP through 9 1/3 innings pitched. Additionally, he has blown three of his five save opportunities so far this season. Blue Jays' manager, John Schneider, stated on Saturday after Hoffman blew the save in Arizona against the Diamondbacks that he (Hoffman) will continue to remain the team's closer following the game, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. The man behind Hoffman, Louis Varland, has been fantastic so far in the 2026 season, with a 0.00 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 11 innings pitched. Hoffman appears to have the manager's trust for now, but needs to start converting on his save opportunities if he wants to keep his job as the closer. Hoffman is coming off a career-high 33 saves in 2025.

Apr 20

Edwin Díaz • RP • Dodgers

Edwin Diaz Implodes in Brief Outing, Velocity Remains Serious Concern

Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edwin Diaz continues to struggle thus far in 2026, following an outing on Sunday where he allowed three earned runs on three hits and walked one without recording a single out against the Colorado Rockies. His velocity remains down compared to last season (95.7 mph compared to 97.2 mph in 2025). In addition, his walk rate is up (15.2 percent compared to 8.7 percent in his career), and his strikeout rate is way down (30.3 percent compared to 39.7 percent in his career). Both of those marks would be career-worst for Diaz. On the season, Diaz has converted four of his five save opportunities, but owns a 10.50 ERA and 2.33 WHIP across seven appearances. Alex Vesia has converted both of his save opportunities, and if Diaz continues to stumble, they may turn to Vesia in the short term. It's still likely the Dodgers' long-term plans are to have Diaz close games, which is evident by his three-year, $69 million contract; however, fantasy managers have the right to be concerned about his performance, especially when most signs point towards the regression being understandable with the decrease in control and velocity.

Apr 20

Garrett Crochet • SP • Red Sox

Garrett Crochet Continues to Stumble, Should Managers be Concerned?

Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet followed up his awful outing on April 13 against the Twins, where he didn't even make it out of the second inning and allowed 10 earned runs, with his second start of the week on Sunday against the Tigers, where he once again struggled mightily. In this outing, he threw only five innings and allowed five earned runs on seven hits, two walks, 11 whiffs, and struck out eight. Following this outing, Crochet now has a 7.88 ERA and 1.63 WHIP, with a 25.9 percent strikeout rate. His velocity on his four-seamer has been down about 1/2 mph compared to 2025, and his SwStr percentage is down to 10.7 percent, compared to 13.7 percent last season and 16.2 percent the season before. While there are signs of optimism for positive regression based on his current numbers (5.29 xERA and 3.57 xFIP), they're still well below what most expected from Crochet coming into the season. He has been allowing hard contact across the board, and fantasy managers have every right to be concerned about his performance thus far. At this point, fantasy managers should be holding or receiving a package that returns fair second-round or late first-round value. Crochet is too valuable and provides too much upside to be selling for pennies on the dollar.

Apr 20

Louis Varland • RP • Blue Jays

Louis Varland Emerging as Elite Closer Handcuff in Toronto?

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Louis Varland has been fantastic so far in the 2026 season, with a 0.00 ERA, 16 strikeouts, and 1.00 WHIP in 11 innings pitched. The Minnesota native, Varland, is currently being deployed as the team's high-leverage setup reliever, and with Jeff Hoffman already blowing three saves in five opportunities, Varland may be emerging as a top handcuff option if Hoffman continues to struggle. Blue Jays' manager, John Schneider, stated on Saturday after Hoffman blew the save in Arizona against the Diamondbacks that he (Hoffman) will continue to remain the team's closer following the game, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. In addition to the three blown save opportunities, Hoffman also owns a poor 7.71 ERA and 2.04 WHIP through 9 1/3 innings pitched. While Varland doesn't have a history of closing out games, evidenced by his zero saves in his career, he is right up there with Hoffman in terms of having the best stuff in the Blue Jays' bullpen, and in leagues where saves are hard to come by, Varland is someone to keep an eye on.

Apr 20

Kendry Rojas • SP • Twins

Twins Call Up Kendry Rojas to Make his MLB Debut

The Minnesota Twins, who just got swept at home over the weekend against the Cincinnati Reds, are calling up their No. 10-ranked prospect, Kendry Rojas, from Triple-A. Recent reports have suggested that the Twins have been using Rojas in a hybrid role, as both a reliever and a starting pitcher, as evidenced by his two appearances in 2026: one a start and the other a relief appearance. Last season in the minors, Rojas posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over 69 innings, spread across 19 games and 18 starts. Thus far in 2026, he has not allowed a run in 7 1/3 innings pitched (two appearances and one start). The Twins' bullpen struggled mightily over the weekend, so if Rojas pitches well, he may have a shot at staying with the big league club. From a fantasy standpoint, Rojas should remain on the waiver wire, especially if he is used as a middle reliever.

Apr 20

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