MLB News

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo to Increase Workload in Sim Game on Tuesday

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) threw 31 pitches in two simulated innings in batting practice on April 17 and is scheduled to bump up to three innings on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. Lodolo is still working his way back from a blister on his left index finger that landed him on the 15-day injured list on March 25 before the start of the 2026 regular season. His timetable for a return is still to be determined, although he could be cleared to go on a minor-league rehab assignment soon if he gets through his sim game on Tuesday with flying colors. Injuries have kept the 28-year-old southpaw from reaching his true potential in the big leagues, but the former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of TCU remains worth stashing in fantasy baseball leagues because of his strikeout upside when he's healthy. The 6-foot-6, 216-pounder has struck out 26.2% of the batters he's faced in his four MLB seasons and sports an ERA just above 4.00 in 409 2/3 total innings.

5 hours ago

Dylan Cease • SP • Blue Jays

Dylan Cease Continues Strong Start With 12-Strikeout Performance

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease continued his strong start to the 2026 season in his first year with the team in his outing on Monday in Anaheim in a 5-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels, allowing two earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out 12 in five innings to pick up his first win of the year. Cease induced 18 swings and misses among his 110 pitches on the night. He's pitched much better than his 1-0 record indicates through his first five starts with Toronto, as he's posted a career-best 2.10 ERA (1.46 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with a league-high 44 strikeouts and 14 walks in 25 2/3 frames. Cease currently sits in the 82nd percentile in xwOBA and in the 98th percentile in strikeout rate (39.6%). His 1.46 FIP shows he's not just getting lucky early in 2026, though fantasy managers would like to see his 12.6% walk rate come down a bit. It's the first time his walk rate has been in double digits since the 2023 season, his last with the Chicago White Sox.

5 hours ago

Robert Suarez • RP • Braves

Robert Suarez a Must-Add Candidate Following Major Injury in Bullpen

Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Robert Suarez is expected to take on closer duties following the injury to primary closer Raisel Iglesias. On Tuesday morning, the Braves shifted Iglesias to the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation, opening up the ninth inning for Suarez. Suarez joined the Braves in free agency but was the top closer in San Diego for each of the past two seasons. In 2024, Suarez tallied 36 saves while holding a 2.77 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. In the following campaign, Suarez tallied a career-best 40 saves for the Padres while carrying a similar 2.97 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP. This season, Suarez has operated in a set-up role in the bullpen, tallying four holds while posting a near-perfect 0.93 ERA, pitching primarily in the eighth inning. While southpaw Dylan Lee should see occasional save opportunities against left-handed lineups, Suarez projects to see the bulk of the opportunities for the foreseeable future, making him a priority waiver wire candidate in all standard formats.

6 hours ago

Raisel Iglesias • RP • Braves

Raisel Iglesias Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation

The Atlanta Braves are placing closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation. Iglesias was unable to pitch earlier on the weekend due to a shoulder injury, but was cleared to take the bump on Sunday, suggesting this was a minor injury. However, the Braves have shifted their top-ninth-inning option to the injured list earlier this morning, which will keep him sidelined for at least the next 15 days. Iglesias has enjoyed a dominant start to the season and was re-establishing himself as an elite reliever in fantasy. Through 8 2/3 innings, Iglesias did not allow a run, tallied five saves, and carried a stellar 0.69 WHIP. He struck out hitters at a 35.5% rate while walking just 3.2% of the batters he faced. With Iglesias on the shelf, fantasy managers should expect set-up man Robert Suarez to slide into the ninth-inning role and carry high-end value in all standard leagues.

6 hours ago

Payton Tolle • SP • Red Sox

Payton Tolle Viewed as "Top Candidate" to Enter Boston Rotation

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Payton Tolle is one of the team's top options to replace Sonny Gray (hamstring) in the rotation. Gray was forced to leave his start on Monday after 2 2/3 innings on Monday when he felt a "grab" in his right hamstring. The issue is not thought to be serious, but he will miss at least a couple of turns through the rotation, potentially opening the door for Tolle. In his three starts in Triple-A this season, Tolle has allowed five runs in 15 innings with 19 strikeouts. His most recent outing was his strongest one of the year, as he worked five scoreless innings with six strikeouts against the Columbus Clippers. Tolle has high strikeout upside, and the 23-year-old lefty will be a name to watch on the waiver wire if he does get the call to fill a spot in the rotation in the coming weeks.

6 hours ago

Jac Caglianone • RF • Royals

Jac Caglianone Snaps Lengthy Power Skid with Solo Shot, Time to Buy Back in?

Kansas City Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone smashed his first home run of the season on Monday night in the second inning against Kyle Bradish. He added a walk later in the game and finished 1-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI. Caglianone was one of the top hitting prospects in baseball when he got to the majors, but he hit only .157 with a .239 wOBA and seven homers in his 62 games in the majors last season. This year, his batting average is much better at .269 with a .340 wOBA. His strikeout rate has been up to almost 30%, but his hard-hit rate of 55.6% gives him good upside when he makes contact. The Royals could definitely use a boost from his bat, and with a current six-game hitting streak, there are signs that the 23-year-old prospect is starting to turn things around. If you can snag him off the waiver wire, he could be a move that pays off if he can build on his current momentum and get the breakout many expected when he came up through the Royals' farm system.

6 hours ago

Matt Strahm • RP • Royals

Matt Strahm Emerging as Must-Stash Closer Handcuff in Royals Bullpen

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Matt Strahm could be on the verge of taking over at the end of the game for the Royals, so he's worth considering in leagues where you have to be very aggressive looking for saves. Strahm could take over from Lucas Erceg, who has blown his last two save opportunities, including on Monday, when he issued three walks to the Orioles. Erceg doesn't typically strike many batters out, so his control has to be excellent for him to be successful, and it hasn't been in his last two outings. Strahm worked a perfect eighth inning with three strikeouts to earn his sixth hold of the year before giving the ball to Erceg in the ninth. In his eight games this season, Strahm has allowed three runs with nine strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old lefty has never had more than six saves in a season, but he is an experienced high-leverage reliever who could help the team as a bridge option until Carlos Estevez (foot) is ready to return from the injured list.

7 hours ago

Joel Kuhnel • RP • Athletics

Joel Kuhnel Earns Fourth Save, Emerging as Athletics Primary Closer?

Athletics relief pitcher Joel Kuhnel gave up a run and two hits in the ninth inning against the Mariners on Monday, but he was still able to secure the 6-4 win for his team. He entered with a three-run lead and gave up an RBI double to Leo Rivas before getting J.P. Crawford to foul out and Cal Raleigh to fly out to end the game. Kuhnel has converted each of his four save chances and also earned a hold. The run he allowed on Monday was his first given up this season, and his 1.29 ERA and 0.57 WHIP are still very strong. He doesn't typically get a ton of strikeouts, but the 31-year-old righty has been very solid to start the season for the A's and has stepped up as the team's primary closer at this point early in the season.

7 hours ago

Justin Wrobleski • RP • Dodgers

Justin Wrobleski Carrying Sneaky Value on the Waiver Wire

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski earned his third win of the season by allowing just one run in seven innings against the Rockies at Coors Field on Monday night. The 25-year-old lefty lowered his ERA to 1.88 with a 3.01 FIP and 0.88 WHIP. Wrobleski gave up eight hits in that outing and struck out only three, but he continues to be effective despite a 9.8% K%. While he isn't going to be an elite source of strikeouts, he can still have definite fantasy value while limiting damage so well and getting the backing of the Dodgers power-packed lineup. Wrobleski will make another start to finish out the week at home against the Cubs, and he's a nice addition if he's available in a league where you need quality innings and potential wins.

7 hours ago

Jeff Hoffman • RP • Blue Jays

Jeff Hoffman Bounces Back to Earn Third Save, Strikes Out the Side

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman gave up multiple runs in each of his last two appearances, but he was much more effective on Monday, closing out the Angels in a 5-2 win. Hoffman gave up a leadoff single to Jo Adell, but then fanned Josh Lowe, Logan O'Hoppe, and Adam Frazier in succession to end the game. Hoffman has allowed 10 runs (eight earned) in his 11 games this season and has a 6.97 ERA and 1.94 WHIP, despite a 2.94 FIP. He has three saves and three blown saves after Monday's performance, but since the Blue Jays are sticking with him at closer, he remains a strong fantasy option, especially if he is able to build on Monday's successful outing.

7 hours ago

Lucas Erceg • RP • Royals

Lucas Erceg Blows Second Straight Save, No Longer Must-Start Closer?

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Lucas Erceg came into a 1-0 game in the ninth inning on Monday night, but he wasn't able to close out the Orioles, who eventually won 7-5 in extra innings. Erceg walked three batters and gave up an RBI single to Samuel Basallo that tied the game. After earning five saves in his first five chances, Erceg has blown back-to-back opportunities and has a very tenuous hold on the closer role. If the Royals were to go with another option, Matt Strahm and Daniel Lynch IV could get chances while they wait for the return of regular closer Carlos Estevez, who could begin a rehab assignment soon. Erceg still has potential if he gets a few more chances, but he's no longer an option you have to hold if other closers are available.

7 hours ago

Max Muncy • 3B • Dodgers

Max Muncy With Another Two-Homer Game, Becoming Must-Add Off Waiver Wire

Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy's power game hasn't gone away early in the 2026 campaign, and fantasy managers should be plucking him off the waiver wire due to his hot start. Muncy had another two-homer performance while going 4-for-4 with four runs scored and a walk in the team's 12-3 blowout win over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Monday night in the series finale. Catcher Dalton Rushing also went deep twice for the Blue in this contest. Muncy has eight home runs on the year, but somehow he only has nine RBI to show for it. The 35-year-old left-handed slugger still swings and misses plenty, and he won't be an asset for your fantasy team's batting average, but he deserves to be rostered in more than the 51% that he's currently rostered in Yahoo leagues due to his power bat and on-base skills in an elite Dodgers lineup. RBI opportunities will continue to be plentiful for Muncy as long as he stays healthy.

16 hours ago

Rhett Lowder • SP • Reds

Rhett Lowder a Top Breakout Candidate on the Waiver Wire?

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Rhett Lowder picked up his third win of the season in his team's 6-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday. The 24-year-old allowed five hits, two walks, and just one earned run while striking out three across six innings of work. Lowder is off to a solid start to the 2026 season, as he's posted a 3-1 record with a 3.10 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 18 strikeouts across his first 29 innings pitched (five starts). While the young right-hander's 15.3% strikeout rate is certainly less than ideal, he's done a good job limiting hard contact and has allowed just one home run on the year. Lowder did not pitch in the majors at all in 2025 due to injury issues, but he showcased a similar profile in a small sample size in 2024. Across six starts (30 2/3 innings), Lowder logged a 1.17 ERA with a 17.2% strikeout rate and zero homers allowed. Particularly in deeper leagues, Lowder could be a breakout candidate for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.

17 hours ago

Drake Baldwin • C • Braves

Drake Baldwin Emerging as Elite Catcher After Another Two-Hit Effort

Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin continued his hot start to the 2026 season in his team's 9-4 win over the Washington Nationals on Monday, going 2-for-4 with a walk, two RBI, and two runs scored. The 25-year-old is now hitting .313/.377/.500 with five home runs, 21 RBI, and 23 runs scored across his first 106 plate appearances of the year. Entering play on Monday, Baldwin's 16.2% barrel rate was nearly higher than his 17% strikeout rate. Atlanta also regularly deploys Baldwin at designated hitter on days where he needs a break from his duties behind the plate, which should lead to him logging significantly more plate appearances than other catchers around the league. Given his spot in the heart of an excellent Braves lineup and his own standout production, Baldwin currently profiles as an elite fantasy catcher.

18 hours ago

Bryce Elder • SP • Braves

Bryce Elder Punches Out Six in Third Victory, Entering Must-Start Status?

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bryce Elder picked up his third win of 2026 on Monday by going 6 2/3 innings in his team's 9-4 victory over the Washington Nationals. Elder allowed three hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out six. The 26-year-old is off to a very strong start to the season, as he's posted a 3-1 record with a 1.50 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 29 strikeouts across 30 innings (five starts). Elder struggled to a 5.30 ERA across 156 innings with Atlanta in 2025, so some regression could be coming over a larger sample size. Still, the lefty has improved his strikeout rate by a considerable margin and has a good chance to pick up wins every time he takes the mound while pitching for the Braves. Elder profiles as a waiver wire target in leagues where he's not already rostered.

18 hours ago

Jake Bauers • 1B • Brewers

Jake Bauers Emerging as a Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman/outfielder Jake Bauers has shown off his power early in the 2026 season, hitting .224/.297/.463 with five home runs, 13 RBI, 13 runs scored, and three stolen bases across his first 74 plate appearances. Bauers is currently posting a double-digit barrel rate for the fourth consecutive season and owns a career best 51.9% hard-hit rate. The 30-year-old is also making considerably more contact so far this season, as he's cut his strikeout rate from 27.1% in 2025 to 20.3% in 2026. With Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn (hand) and designated hitter Christian Yelich (groin) both currently on the injured list, the lefty-swinging Bauers is getting a chance to hit in a prime spot in the Milwaukee lineup against all right-handed starting pitchers. For fantasy managers in need of power, Bauers could be worth targeting on the waiver wire.

18 hours ago

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.

18 hours ago

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.

18 hours ago

George Springer • RF • 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.

19 hours ago

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.

19 hours ago

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