MLB News

Kirby Yates • RP • Angels

Is Kirby Yates a High-Upside Stash Candidate?

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Kirby Yates (knee) is working his way back from left knee inflammation and could be ready to step into a meaningful role in the bullpen soon. He threw to hitters last week but has not yet started a rehab assignment. He seems ready to start his rehab soon and could be set for his Halos' debut soon. Over the offseason, the 39-year-old veteran righty signed a one-year deal worth $5 million. He brings plenty of experience in high-leverage situations and could challenge Jordan Romano for the closer job when he's healthy. Romano blew his first save of the season against the Yankees on Monday, so Yates' return could be at the perfect time for him to take over the role if Romano has more issues. If you're seeking saves on the waiver wire and trying to get ahead of potential changes in a deep league, Yates is worth stashing since he's such a proven option when healthy.

Apr 14

Garrett Crochet • SP • Red Sox

Garrett Crochet Implodes on Monday, Is There a Cause for Concern?

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet had an uncharacteristically rough outing on Monday night, allowing 10 runs on nine hits and three walks, while recording only five outs against the Twins. His velocity was down, and he allowed home runs to Victor Caratini and Ryan Kreidler in one of the worst statistical starts of his career. The Red Sox and their ace did not indicate they had any injury concerns coming out of the game, but it was an alarmingly bad showing that will take some time for his ERA to recover from. While it's definitely not the time to panic about Crochet just yet, his next outing will be an important one for him to prove this was just a blip and not a trend. His next start lines up for Sunday afternoon at home against the Tigers.

Apr 14

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Ryan Helsley Perfect En Route To Earning Fifth Save

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Ryan Helsley secured his team's dramatic comeback win over the Diamondbacks on Monday night by pitching a drama-free ninth inning. He retired the D-Backs in order, including a pair of strikeouts, to earn his fifth save in five save opportunities. He has pitched in seven games for Baltimore, allowing only two runs in 6 1/3 innings with nine strikeouts. He remains locked in as one of the best closing options in the league, and the 31-year-old righty reached a max of 101.2 mph on his 12 pitches on Monday. Fantasy managers can continue to use Helsley with confidence at the back end of Baltimore's bullpen.

Apr 14

Jordan Romano • RP • Angels

Jordan Romano Blows First Save on Monday, Allows Three Runs

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jordan Romano locked up his first four saves of the season, but he stumbled on Monday night in New York. He came in with a 10-8 lead and failed to record a single out before giving up three runs on three hits, including a Trent Grisham home run that tied the game. After Grisham's dinger, Jose Caballero doubled, stole third, and scored on a wild pitch to get the Yankees a walk-off win and hand Romano his first loss of the year. In his previous six games, Romano had not allowed a hit over five innings with seven strikeouts and two walks. He hadn't pitched in a week coming into this appearance and was due for a little regression. He will likely remain the team's primary closer for now, but he'll need to get back on track the next time he's called on for relief.

Apr 14

Justin Wrobleski • RP • Dodgers

Is Justin Wrobleski Worth a Waiver-Wire Look After a Gem Against the Mets?

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski held the Mets to just two hits in eight shutout innings on Monday night to earn his second win of the season. Wrobleski only had two strikeouts but was very efficient, needing just 90 pitches to get 24 outs. The 25-year-old lefty has a 2.12 ERA and 3.37 FIP through his first three games this season, and he has held opponents to a 32.7% hard-hit rate with just a single barrel. While he only has a 9.5% K%, he has been very effective at limiting hard contact and contributing solid, efficient innings. He can be a nice pickup off the waiver wire for wins and quality innings, despite his limited strikeout upside. Wrobleski's next outing is scheduled for on the road at Coors Field next Monday, which will be a test given his contact-heavy approach.

Apr 14

Nolan Arenado • 3B • Diamondbacks

Nolan Arenado Hits Two Homers, Drives in Five on Monday

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado turned back the clock on Monday night in the team's 9-7 loss to the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Arenado went 2-for-4 with two home runs, five RBI, and a strikeout. The home runs were his first of the year in Arizona, which was nice to see after he entered Monday's action slashing .180/.192/.200 with no homers, three RBI, four runs scored, one walk, and 13 strikeouts in 14 games played. Before this contest, Arenado had just one extra-base hit. It was Arenado's 25th career two-home run game, and his first since the 2022 season. It was also the 11th time in Arenado's career in which he's had five RBI. Despite the strong game, the 34-year-old eight-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger winner has been in offensive decline the last several seasons, and he'll need to do more of this going forward to pique the interest of fantasy managers in mixed leagues that need corner-infield help.

Apr 14

Brandon Lowe • 2B • Pirates

Brandon Lowe Stays Hot in Monday's Blowout Win Over Nationals

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe stayed red-hot at the plate in Monday's 16-5 blowout victory over the visiting Washington Nationals at PNC Park. Lowe finished the game 3-for-5 at the plate with another home run, five RBI, and two runs scored out of the two-hole in the lineup. He had a three-run homer, his third in the last two days, and drove in five runs for the second consecutive game. It's safe to say that Lowe is locked in at the plate right now in his first year in the Steel City. After Monday's strong performance, the 31-year-old veteran infielder is hitting .278 (15-for-54) with six home runs and 14 RBI in 14 games played. This isn't unheard of from Lowe, as the two-time All-Star has two 30-homer seasons in his eight years in the big leagues (all with the Tampa Bay Rays). Lowe has been hit or miss in fantasy because of his inability to stay healthy consistently, but his power at the keystone is well-documented and is still going strong in Year 9. Stick with him in fantasy lineups while he's hot.

Apr 14

Kyle Schwarber • DH • Phillies

Kyle Schwarber Goes Deep Twice on Monday in Win Over Cubs

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber had the 37th mult-homer game of his career on Monday night in the team's 13-7 win over the Chicago Cubs. Schwarber finished the night 2-for-3 with two home runs, four runs scored, three RBI, and a walk. The 33-year-old veteran three-time All-Star came into Monday's game hitting .212, but he now has six home runs on the year, 12 RBI, and 12 runs scored in 55 at-bats over 16 games played. Schwarber not only has elite power from the left side of the plate, but he gets on base consistently while taking plenty of walks near the top of Philly's batting order on a daily basis. He has hit safely in eight of his 11 games so far in April. Schwarber is a beast in Philly and has at least 46 home runs in three of the last four seasons with the Phillies. He should be in starting fantasy lineups every day.

Apr 14

Cole Henry • RP • Nationals

Nationals Place Cole Henry on 15-Day Injured List With Rotator-Cuff Strain

The Washington Nationals announced on Monday that they placed right-handed reliever Cole Henry (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with a right rotator-cuff strain. Manager Blake Butera said that Henry's MRI exam didn't show anything "too serious," but it's unclear when the 26-year-old will throw again. The 26-year-old has gotten off to a tough start in 2026 in his second MLB season, allowing seven runs (five earned) on eight hits (one homer) while walking four and striking out eight in seven innings out of the bullpen. There is opportunity in Washington's bullpen this year, but Henry is not only not healthy, but he hasn't been pitching well enough to be trusted in high-leverage situations. Henry might never be a very reliable late-inning pitcher for fantasy purposes with shaky control and fly-ball tendencies.

Apr 14

Richard Fitts • SP • Cardinals

Richard Fitts Goes on Minor-League Injured List

The St. Louis Cardinals announced on Monday that right-hander Richard Fitts (lat) was placed on the seven-day injured list at Triple-A Memphis with a right-lat strain. Fitts was acquired by the Cardinals in the offseason from the Boston Red Sox, but he has yet to appear at the big-league level in 2026. The 26-year-old was looking good early on at Memphis before his lat injury, going 2-0 with a 1.76 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and six walks in 15 1/3 innings over three starts. It's a tough break for Fitts as he seeks to get back to the big leagues, and it's uncertain how long he'll be out. The former sixth-round pick of the New York Yankees in 2021 out of Auburn has a 3.97 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 49 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 15 outings (14 starts) in his first two major-league seasons with the Red Sox. Fitts currently isn't rostered in any Yahoo fantasy baseball leagues.

Apr 14

Christian Encarnacion-Strand • 1B • Orioles

Orioles Acquire Christian Encarnacion-Strand From Reds

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Monday that they acquired infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles will take a shot on the former fourth-rounder in 2021 out of Oklahoma State, with first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle (foot) going on the 60-day injured list with a broken foot. The 26-year-old Encarnacion-Strand didn't even make Cincy's Opening Day roster and was recently designated for assignment by the Reds. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can continue to ignore him, but he might be worth a flier in AL-only leagues now with hopes that a change of scenery can get him going. Encarnacion had 13 homers in 63 games in his rookie year in Cincy in 2023, but he combined for eight homers in the next two seasons before falling out of favor in the organization. He went 8-for-36 (.222) with five runs scored, two home runs, and eight RBI

Apr 14

Cade Povich • SP • Orioles

Cade Povich Sent to Triple-A

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Monday that they optioned left-hander Cade Povich to Triple-A Norfolk. For now, right-hander Dean Kremer will take Povich's starting rotation spot in the big leagues. Kremer got off to a good start in his first start of 2026 on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, walking none and striking out nine in five innings. With Zach Eflin (elbow) done for the entire season after having Tommy John surgery, Kremer could stick around as a starter for the O's if he continues to hold his own as he did on Monday night. Fantasy managers in DFS may want to consider him as a matchup-based cheap streamer in his next scheduled outing against the Cleveland Guardians. Povich, 26, should be back in Baltimore sooner than later, but for now, he's out of the team's starting rotation despite going 1-0 with a 2.19 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 7:3 K:BB in 12 1/3 innings over two outings (one start).

Apr 13

Dean Kremer • SP • Orioles

Dean Kremer Strikes Out Nine in Return to Big Leagues

The Baltimore Orioles recalled right-hander Dean Kremer from Triple-A Norfolk to start Monday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and he was a mixed bag in his first start of the 2026 campaign. In the 9-7 win over the D-backs, Kremer allowed four runs (two earned) on six hits (three homers) while walking none and striking out nine in five innings of work. He did not factor into the decision and threw 55 of his 80 pitches for strikes. It was the fourth time in the 30-year-old's career that he struck out at least nine hitters in a game. He most likely earned another turn in Baltimore's starting rotation after the club optioned Cade Povich to Norfolk in the corresponding move to bring Kremer back to the big leagues. Right-hander Zach Eflin (elbow) is out for the rest of the regular season after having Tommy John surgery. Home runs have been an issue, and nights like Monday night have been rare for him in the strikeout department, which limits Kremer's overall fantasy upside.

Apr 13

Jackson Holliday • 2B • Orioles

Jackson Holliday Not Expected to Come Off Injured List This Week

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said that he doesn't expect second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand) to come off the 10-day injured list this week, according to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner. Holliday was doing infield drills at Camden Yards on Monday. The 22-year-old youngster has yet to debut in 2026 after having surgery for a broken hamate bone in his right hand in spring training. The son of former big-leaguer Matt Holliday just isn't ready yet, and he's been hitting .167 with 12 strikeouts and three walks in 11 minor-league rehab games with Triple-A Norfolk. Fantasy managers need to continue to stash Holliday, but they'll have to be a bit more patient. The good news is that he can be activated off the IL at any time, so we could see him back in the big leagues by some point next week. Jeremiah Jackson has been Baltimore's primary second baseman with Holliday sidelined. The former first overall pick had 17 home runs and 17 stolen bases in 149 games in his first full season in the majors in 2025, so he clearly has 20-20 potential if he can put his hand injury in the rearview mirror quickly.

Apr 13

Dillon Dingler • C • Tigers

Dillon Dingler Flashing High-End Upside Early in 2026

Across his first 53 plate appearances of 2026, Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler is hitting .250/.353/.477 with three home runs, 11 RBI, and eight runs scored. The 27-year-old emerged as the starting catcher in Detroit with a breakout season in 2025, hitting .278 with 13 home runs across 469 plate appearances. Dingler's underlying metrics are even stronger in a small sample size this season, as he's posted a 16.7% barrel rate and 52.8% hard-hit rate. Dingler has also cut his strikeout rate from 23.5% to 18.9%. If Dingler's current batting average on balls in play of .258 regresses closer to the .345 mark he posted in 2025, he could be on the verge of emerging as a high-end starting fantasy catcher. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Dingler profiles as a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers.

Apr 13

Mitch Keller • SP • Pirates

Mitch Keller a Prime Waiver-Wire Target Amidst Strong Start to 2026?

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller is off to a strong beginning to his 2026 season, posting a 1-0 record with a 1.00 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts across 18 innings (three starts). The 30-year-old has yet to give up a home run this season, and opposing batters own just a 1.9% barrel rate against Keller. Keller has just one season with a strikeout rate above 21.5% since 2019, which limits his fantasy upside. He's also currently benefitting from an 88.2% strand rate, which is well above his career average of 71.2%. Still, Keller has pitched at least 175 innings in each of the last three seasons and works in one of the more pitcher-friendly parks in baseball in Pittsburgh. In leagues where he remains available, Keller could be a player for fantasy managers to target off the waiver wire while he is running hot.

Apr 13

Eduardo Rodriguez • SP • Diamondbacks

Eduardo Rodriguez Could Be Poised for a Resurgent Season

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez has fallen on hard times in recent years, posting back-to-back seasons with an ERA north of 5.00 in 2024 and 2025. However, the 33-year-old has been excellent so far in 2026. Across 18 innings (three starts), Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 0.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts. The veteran left-hander's line is made even more impressive by the competition he's shut down, as he's faced the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets. Rodriguez has not posted a strikeout rate above 23% since 2021, so his fantasy upside remains somewhat limited. Still, Rodriguez is showing signs of bouncing back to his 2023 form, when he recorded 13 wins with a 3.30 ERA and 1.15 WHIP as a member of the Detroit Tigers. Fantasy managers in need of a capable innings-eater may want to target Rodriguez.

Apr 13

Mauricio Dubón • SS • Braves

Mauricio Dubon Off to a Hot Start in Atlanta, Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire?

Atlanta Braves infielder Mauricio Dubon is off to a red-hot start to the 2026 season, hitting .339/.381/.542 with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 10 runs scored across his first 63 plate appearances. The 31-year-old has spent most of his career to this point in a super-utility role. However, with Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (finger) currently on the injured list, Dubon has largely seen everyday playing time so far this year. Dubon currently owns a .391 batting average on balls in play, which is significantly higher than his career mark of .286. Still, he does currently own a career-best 8.3% barrel rate and could continue to rack up counting stats in a strong Braves' lineup. Even with some regression, Dubon could be a valuable depth piece for deep-league fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire while he is getting regular playing time in Atlanta.

Apr 13

Alec Bohm • 3B • Phillies

Alec Bohm Fires Scott Boras

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm has fired agent Scott Boras, per Charlotte Varnes and Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Bohm is currently embroiled in a civil court with his parents, whom Bohm alleges owe him as much as $3 million. Varnes and Gelb also report that Bohm's parents were the ones to lead him to sign with Boras. To replace Boras, Bohm has rehired his initial agent, Nick Chanock. The 29-year-old is off to a rough start in 2026, as he entered play on Monday hitting .148/.233/.222 with one home run, eight RBI, and four runs scored across 60 plate appearances. He will be a free agent at season's end, adding another mental battle to what appears to be a trying time for Bohm off the field. Fantasy managers may want to closely monitor Bohm as he attempts to work his way out of his current slump.

Apr 13

Tommy Pham • LF • Mets

Mets Call Up Tommy Pham From Minors

The New York Mets recalled veteran outfielder Tommy Pham from Single-A St. Lucie on Monday, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. The move comes with the Mets searching for some offense during their five-game losing streak. In a corresponding move, infielder Ronny Mauricio was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Pham will receive a $2.25 million base salary for reaching the majors. In 12 games for St. Lucie, Pham went 2-for-12 at the plate. He'll now provide the Mets with outfield depth in addition to rookie Carson Benge, Brett Baty, Jared Young, Tyrone Taylor, and Luis Robert Jr. With the Mets missing All-Star outfielder Juan Soto, they have a season-wide .658 OPS. The 38-year-old Pham is in his 13th year in the big leagues, so he certainly has experience, but he'll continue to have minimal fantasy appeal as a part-time corner outfielder, potentially in the short-term. In 120 games with the Pirates in 2025, Pham had a .245/.330/.370 slash line with a .700 OPS, 10 home runs, 52 RBI, 44 runs scored, and five steals in 449 plate appearances.

Apr 13

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