MLB News

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

Aidan Miller • 3B • Phillies

Aidan Miller Nearing Batting Work

Philadelphia Phillies No. 1 prospect Aidan Miller (back) has resumed baseball activities and is expected to begin swinging a bat this week as he recovers from a lower back injury. Miller, the 27th overall pick in the 2023 draft, has yet to make his major league debut but remains one of the organization's top long-term pieces. The young shortstop owns an .817 OPS across his minor league career and has flashed advanced offensive upside. His recovery has moved slowly with limited updates, but Philadelphia will prioritize a full return. There is no official timetable for Miller's next game action.

Apr 19

Sean Murphy • C • Braves

Sean Murphy Advances Rehab Assignment; Braves Nearing Catching Upgrade

Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hip) will start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday as he continues his rehab assignment for a right hip labral tear. Murphy previously appeared for High-A Rome and is moving closer to a return in the coming weeks if he avoids setbacks. The veteran opened the season on the 10-day injured list and is expected to reclaim regular catching duties once activated. This is Murphy's third season with Atlanta after arriving in a trade from the Athletics. His production dipped last year, as he slashed .199/.300/.409 with a .709 OPS in 94 games. However, a healthy return would give the Braves a needed boost behind the plate.

Apr 19

Patrick Sandoval • SP • Red Sox

Patrick Sandoval Experiences Biceps Discomfort; Red Sox Return Timeline Slips

Boston Red Sox left-hander Patrick Sandoval (biceps) experienced discomfort after struggling in his second rehab start for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, creating another delay in his recovery. Sandoval was scheduled to pitch Sunday, but that outing has been postponed as he returns to Boston for further evaluation. The left-hander has been on the 15-day injured list retroactive to March 22 and has yet to make his debut with the Red Sox. With this new setback, he is expected to return no sooner than May, but that timeline may vary as he receives a full evaluation. Sandoval has not appeared in a major league game since 2024 after missing all of 2025 with an elbow injury. He owns a 4.01 career ERA across six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.

Apr 19

Brent Rooker • RF • Athletics

Brent Rooker Resumes Baseball Activity; Athletics Await Key Power Bat

Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (oblique) has resumed light baseball activity as he works back from a right oblique strain and is expected to travel with the club for its upcoming road trip to Seattle on Monday. Rooker has been sidelined since April and is targeting a late May return if his recovery continues on schedule. The 31-year-old slugger opened the season slowly, slashing .146/.245/.293 in 12 games before landing on the injured list. Rooker remains one of the Athletics' most important power threats after producing 30 or more home runs in each of the last three seasons. His return should provide a needed boost to the top of the lineup.

Apr 19

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider to Move Rehab Assignment to Triple-A

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) is expected to make his second rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Gwinnett as he moves closer to a return in early May. Strider has yet to pitch this season while recovering from a left oblique strain, but his first outing was encouraging. He tossed 3 scoreless innings for High-A Rome on Thursday and showed strong command throughout the appearance. The 2023 National League All-Star owns elite strikeout upside when healthy and could provide a major lift for Atlanta's rotation. Strider posted a 4.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 23 starts last season, but his fantasy upside remains high once activated.

Apr 19

Corbin Carroll • RF • Diamondbacks

Corbin Carroll Expected Back Tuesday; Injury Concern Appears Minor

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said outfielder Corbin Carroll (back) will start in right field on Tuesday after leaving Sunday's game vs. the Blue Jays with back tightness. Carroll went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before exiting in the fourth inning, with Jorge Barrosa taking over in right field. The quick return suggests Arizona avoided a more serious issue with one of its top stars. Carroll has been excellent early this season, slashing .309/.400/.618 through 19 games. The Diamondbacks are off Monday before opening a three-game series against the White Sox on Tuesday.

Apr 19

Didier Fuentes • SP • Braves

Didier Fuentes Could Join Braves Next Week

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Didier Fuentes had his start with Triple-A Gwinnett skipped on Sunday. The Braves are in the midst of a stretch of 10 games in 10 days. With that being said, Fuentes could be needed to make a spot start or help out as a long relief option in the bullpen. The 20-year-old has already made one appearance for the Braves this season out of the bullpen. He has looked outstanding as a full-time starter in Triple-A so far this season. If he does get the call to start next week, Fuentes could be an interesting streaming option. He won't be an ideal long-term option with Spencer Strider (oblique) working his way back soon. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to see if Fuentes is asked to join the big league club this week.

Apr 19

Cristian Javier • SP • Astros |

Hunter Brown • SP • Astros

Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier Could Return in Late May

Houston Astros starting pitchers Hunter Brown (shoulder) and Cristian Javier (shoulder) aren't expected to be back in the mix until late May or early June. Astros general manager Dana Brown told reporters the expected timetable on Sunday, but is hopeful that both pitchers can be back sooner than expected. Both right-handers suffered Grade 2 right shoulder strains within a week of each other. Given the extent of the injury, both pitchers are looking at lengthy buildups. They'll likely need to ramp up throwing sessions before going on multiple rehab starts. Fantasy managers won't have either pitcher back in the mix for at least another month or so. Brown is worth holding through the injury, while Javier can be dropped for a healthy arm.

Apr 19

Juan Soto • LF • Mets

Juan Soto is on Track to Return Next Homestand

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) is reportedly on track to return to the lineup for the upcoming homestand. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed this news on Sunday, saying that Soto should be back for the homestand starting April 21-30. The plan is for Soto to undergo an MRI to confirm his right calf strain is fully healed. If all goes well, Soto could be activated as early as Tuesday's game for the beginning of the homestand. The superstar slugger has been out for the last two-plus weeks due to a calf strain. His return to the lineup will be a welcoming sight to this Mets team that dropped its 11th straight game on Sunday.

Apr 19

Corbin Carroll • RF • Diamondbacks

Corbin Carroll Exits Sunday's Game with Back Tightness

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (back) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Carroll didn't look right after striking out in the bottom of the third inning. He was later replaced by Jorge Barrosa to open the fifth inning. The D-Backs are saying that Carroll was pulled due to lower back tightness. He was hitless in two plate appearances before being taken out of the contest. Fantasy managers should consider Carroll as day-to-day until the team gives more information on his status. This shouldn't be something that lands Carroll on the Injured List. If he misses any time, Barrosa will likely see some extra playing time.

Apr 19

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler Makes Second Rehab Start on Sunday

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (shoulder) took the mound for his second rehab start with Double-A Reading on Sunday. Wheeler didn't have the same success as he did during his first rehab start on Tuesday. On Sunday, Wheeler went four innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits while striking out four batters. The overall results don't matter much, as it's about building up Wheeler's stamina. The expectation is that Wheeler will make at least one more rehab start before rejoining the Phillies rotation. If everything goes well, Wheeler could return for next weekend's series against the Atlanta Braves.

Apr 19

J.T. Realmuto • C • Phillies

JT Realmuto is Absent on Sunday

Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto (back) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Realmuto was removed from Saturday's game in the sixth inning due to lower back tightness. The Phillies are going to play it safe and give him the night off on Sunday. Fantasy managers should consider Realmuto as day-to-day until the team gives another update on his status. Rafael Marchan will draw the start behind the plate and bat eighth versus right-hander Grant Holmes on Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back for another update ahead of Monday's game versus the Chicago Cubs.

Apr 19

Willi Castro • 2B • Rockies

Willi Castro Returns on Sunday to Play Shortstop

Colorado Rockies infielder Willi Castro (hand) is back in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Roki Sasaki at Coors Field, according to MLB.com. Castro is starting at shortstop and will hit seventh with regular shortstop Ezequiel Tovar getting the day off. Edouard Julien is at second base and is batting leadoff for Colorado. Castro is returning to the starting nine for the first time since suffering a right-hand contusion when he was hit by a pitch on Wednesday. The 28-year-old switch-hitting Puerto Rican outfielder had mostly been playing at second in his first year with the Rockies to begin the 2026 season, but he might be relegated to more of a bench role soon if he doesn't pick things up offensively. Going into Sunday's clash with L.A., Castro has gone just 12-for-56 (.214) with a homer, eight RBI, eight runs scored, and a stolen base. He has never faced Sasaki in his MLB career.

Apr 19

Daulton Varsho • CF • Blue Jays

Daulton Varsho Remains Out on Sunday

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (knee) remains out of the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale on the road against the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to MLB.com. Myles Straw will make the start in center field for Toronto and will bat eighth against D-backs right-hander Ryne Nelson. Varsho will miss a second straight game after being pulled from Friday's series opener early at Chase Field due to left-knee discomfort. He's considered day-to-day for now, but fantasy managers will want to check back on Monday for an update on his status before the team's series opener on Monday night in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels. Varsho played only 71 games in the 2025 regular season due to injuries. In 19 games so far in 2026, he has slashed .262/.333/.462 with three home runs, seven RBI, and eight runs scored. Straw, who is more of a defensive asset for the Jays than an offensive one, should see most of the playing time in center for however long Varsho is out.

Apr 19

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