MLB News
Kyle Schwarber Homers, Collects Two RBI On Monday
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Monday's 6-1 win over the Rockies. The 434-foot blast was Schwarber's third of the season and he's now up to six RBI. The 32-year-old is coming off a 38-home run campaign in 2024, with ATC projections forecasting another 36 in 2025. The left-handed hitter is hitting well to begin the year, now 6-for-17 (.353) on the young season. With the Phillies having an off day on Tuesday, Schwarber will get back to work on Wednesday against Kyle Freeland and the Rockies, a pitcher whom he's not had success against in the past, going just 1-for-12 with six strikeouts in his career. Season-long managers will continue to fire him up, but he might be an avoid for DFS.
0 hour ago
Jake Eder Acquired By The Angels
The Los Angeles Angels have acquired pitching prospect Jake Eder from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash. The lefty was subsequently optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake. The former fourth-round draft pick was once a promising prospect, but underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021, causing him to miss the rest of that season and all of 2022. Since then, the southpaw has logged a 6.52 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, and a 12.8 percent K-BB% over 38 starts. He's still got solid strikeout stuff but the command has been a problem, owning a career 11.5 percent walk rate in the minors. He'll provide the Angels with some starting pitching depth in the minors, but remains off the fantasy radar at this point.
0 hour ago
Alexander Canario Acquired By The Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired outfield prospect Alexander Canario from the New York Mets in exchange for cash. Canario finished his spring season strong, collecting at least one hit in six of his last seven games, going 8-for-11 (.727) with a double and three home runs, but was unable to secure a spot on New York's Opening Day roster. As a result, and without any minor league options remaining, the Mets DFA'd the 24-year-old. Because he has no options remaining, Canario will be a part of Pittsburgh's major league roster, likely as a reserve outfielder. The right-handed slugger has plenty of pop in his bat, belting as many as 37 home runs in 2022 in the minors, but it comes with a ton of swing-and-miss, especially at the major league level. Over his 21 major league games and 42 at-bats, the Dominican has struck out 19 times (42.2 percent). Still, if he can correct that to some extent, power-needy managers in deep NL-only leagues could consider stashing him away in the event he finds his way to regular at-bats.
1 hour ago
Cristopher Sanchez Strikes Out Seven In Strong Outing On Monday
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez struck out seven and gave up just one run in just over five innings of work in the Phillies' 6-1 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday. Sanchez walked two and gave up four hits, though he did not pick up the win. The 28-year-old is continuing to build on a strong past two seasons, each seeing a 3.50 ERA or lower. ATC projects Sanchez to throw for a 3.58 ERA in 2025, nearly matching his 3.56 xERA he posted in 2024. Fantasy managers should do all they can to ensure he's in their starting lineups when he's on the hill. His next scheduled start is slated for Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
2 hours ago
Kris Bubic Notches Eight Strikeouts In Strong Win On Monday
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic was fantastic in his first start of the season, striking out eight Brewers without giving up a run in the Royals' 11-1 win. The outing was great to see for the 27-year-old, who has spent most of the past two seasons in Kansas City's bullpen. It also was a great turnaround after a subpar Spring Training in which Bubic threw for a 5.40 ERA. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Monday's outing to be the norm for Bubic going forward as ATC projections expect him to throw for a 4.16 ERA. However, there are worse options fantasy managers could find on the waiver wire. If he's available on the waiver wire then fantasy managers should pick him up if space is available. His next scheduled start is Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles, most certainly a tougher test than the Milwaukee Brewers.
2 hours ago
Martin Perez Dazzles Twins On Monday, Throws Six Hitless Innings
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Martin Perez was masterful on Monday, throwing six hitless innings and picking up the win in Chicago's 9-0 victory over the Twins. Perez did walk three batters but ultimately was spectacular in his White Sox debut. It's a great sign to see for the 33-year-old after putting up a 4.53 ERA in 2024. ATC projections still expect Perez to pitch to a 4.59 ERA this season, but if today's performance is any indication then there may be some silver linings to the many opportunities the White Sox are likely to give Perez this season. Fantasy managers should look to add Perez if he's on the waiver wire, though they shouldn't expect him to be a driving force to their lineup's success.
2 hours ago
Bryan De La Cruz Draws First Start Of Season On Monday Night
Atlanta Braves outfielder Bryan De La Cruz is in Monday night's lineup against the Dodgers, getting his first start of the season. De La Cruz will bat seventh and face Dodgers' starter Tyler Glasnow. The 28-year-old only has two at-bats this season and hasn't received much opportunity so tonight will be a good chance for him to make an impact as the Braves look for a spark to get them their first win of the season. De La Cruz hasn't had much success against Glasnow in his career going 0-3 against him. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to get him into their starting lineups and DFS managers should do what they can to avoid him until he proves himself.
2 hours ago
Reynaldo Lopez Lands On 15-day IL With Shoulder Inflammation
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) was placed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation on Monday, backdated to March 29th. In a corresponding move, Bryce Elder was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. Lopez gave up three runs on nine hits in his only start this season against the Padres. The 31-year-old had been seeing a decrease in velocity this Spring, suggesting the injury may have been nagging him for longer than just one start. In his absence expect Elder to get starts in Atlanta's rotation. Elder is no stranger to the Braves rotation and posted up a 3.81 ERA in 31 starts in 2023, though he performed much worse in 2024 with a 6.52 ERA in 10 starts. Fantasy managers should exercise caution before adding Elder in their league.
2 hours ago
Max Scherzer Visiting With Hand Specialist On Monday
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (thumb) visited with a hand specialist on Monday to discuss his thumb inflammation that landed him on the 15-day IL. Scherzer plans to return to Toronto soon and discuss next steps with team trainers and doctors according to manager John Schneider. The 40-year-old signed a 1-year, $15.5 million contract with the Blue Jays this offseason. He has dealt with this thumb injury in the past and the recurring nature of the injury should cause some worry for fantasy managers. In his absence, expect Yariel Rodriguez to get more starts for Toronto.
2 hours ago
Jose Ramirez Back In Lineup For Cleveland On Monday
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (wrist) is back in the Guardians' lineup for Monday night's matchup against the San Diego Padres. Ramirez left Saturday's game with a wrist injury from stealing a base but has avoided serious injury and is ready to go. The 32-year-old will look to get his first hit of the year against Padres starter Kyle Hart, who has a 15.55 ERA in 11 IP. Fantasy managers and DFS managers alike should do all they can to get Ramirez in their lineup.
3 hours ago
Freddie Freeman Absent From Lineup For Monday Night
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle) is out of Monday night's lineup. Freeman re-aggravated his ankle injury in what manager Dave Roberts is calling a "mishap" from Freeman stepping into the shower. The 35-year-old is currently considered day-to-day and should not be considered serious. Enrique Hernandez is filling in at first base and will bat eighth in the Dodgers' lineup. Hernandez only has one hit in eight PA this season, though his one hit is a HR. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues are likely the only ones who can benefit from Hernandez starting tonight. DFS managers looking for a cheap longshot may want to consider adding the 33-year-old as well.
3 hours ago
Ryan Weathers Ramping Up His Throwing Progression
Miam Marlins left-hander Ryan Weathers (forearm) is scheduled to ramp up his throwing progression this week, according to Fish On First's Kevin Barral. Weathers suffered a flexor strain in his left forearm late in spring training and was forced to open the 2025 season on the 15-day injured list. The 25-year-old southpaw should be stashed in deep-mixed and NL-only leagues, but he still has a ways to go to ramp up his arm and may not make his season debut until late April or early May, barring any setbacks. Weathers' season was interrupted last year due to injury as well, as he landed on the 60-day IL due to a left index finger strain. He looked good when he wasn't hurt, though, sporting career-best strikeout and walk rates while going 5-6 with a 3.63 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 80:24 K:BB in 86 2/3 innings over 16 starts. A rotation spot will be waiting for the post-hype sleeper when he returns from his forearm injury.
5 hours ago
Connor Norby Progressing In Baseball Activities
Miami Marlins third base prospect Connor Norby (oblique) is progressing in his baseball activities as he recovers from a left-oblique strain, according to Fish On First's Kevin Barral. Norby is progressing, but it's unclear exactly what he's doing, and he will probably remain on the injured list through at least mid-April. When the 24-year-old former second-round pick of the Baltimore Orioles in 2021 out of East Carolina University is finally ready to make his 2025 debut, he's expected to join the big-league roster and see plenty of playing time at the hot corner in Miami. In 36 games for the Marlins after they acquired him from the O's last year, Norby went 36-for-146 (.247) with seven home runs, 17 RBI and three steals. He was inconsistent, but the power/speed combination is clearly evident after he hit 26 homers and stole 16 bases in the majors and minors in 2024. Norby can provide plenty of power and speed but won't help your batting average.
5 hours ago
Braves Acquire Stuart Fairchild From Reds
The Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Cincinnati Reds on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Justin Toscano. In a corresponding move to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Fairchild, the team moved right-handed reliever Joe Jimenez (knee) to the 60-day injured list. Fairchild will head to the National League East to serve as outfield depth for the Braves after they learned on Monday that left fielder Jurickson Profar is being suspended for 80 games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. While Bryan De La Cruz should become Atlanta's primary left fielder for the time being, the 29-year-old Fairchild could also see some playing time there. He's mostly a glove-first player, though, as he's slashed only .224/.308/.389 with 18 homers, 66 RBI and 23 steals in 249 games over four MLB seasons.
5 hours ago
Jurickson Profar Suspended 80 Games For PEDs
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is being suspended for 80 games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, according to sources. Profar parlayed his career year with the San Diego Padres in 2024 into a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves in the offseason, but he played in only four games for the Braves to open the 2025 season before being hit with an 80-game PED suspension. It's a big blow for the Braves offense, especially with former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) not expected to make his debut until May after tearing his ACL in 2024. With Profar suspended, the Braves acquired Stuart Fairchild on Monday from the Reds to give them extra outfield depth. With Profar out for the foreseeable future, expect Bryan De La Cruz to see most of the playing time in left field in Atlanta.
5 hours ago
Declan Cronin, Andrew Nardi Resume Throwing
Miami Marlins pitchers Declan Cronin (hip) and Andrew Nardi (back) have both resumed their throwing programs, according to Fish On First's Kevin Barral. Cronin, a 27-year-old right-hander, is recovering from a left-hip strain that he suffered late in spring training. If he can avoid setbacks with his hip, he could be an option for the Marlins' bullpen by mid- to late-April. In his first year in Miami in 2024, Cronin had a 4.35 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 72 K's and 25 walks in 70 1/3 relief innings. Nardi, a 26-year-old lefty, is on the 60-day injured list due to lower-back inflammation that shut him down in early March in camp. He is behind Cronin in his recovery and won't be eligible to make his 2025 debut until late May. In his third season with the Fish last year, Nardi posted a bloated 5.07 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 70 K's and 18 walks in 49 2/3 relief innings.
6 hours ago
Edward Cabrera To Begin Rehab Assignment On Tuesday
Miami Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera (finger) will start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday at Triple-A Jacksonville. Cabrera is on the injured list to begin the 2025 regular season due to yet another blister issue on his right middle finger that surfaced on March 13 during his spring training start. However, the 26-year-old is already ready to start his rehab assignment and may only need a couple of outings in the minors before he's activated and rejoins Miami's starting rotation. Cabrera is officially eligible to come off the IL on April 7. Fantasy managers in most mixed leagues can probably take a wait-and-see approach on the Dominican hurler when he's ready to return. He's been incredibly inconsistent and injury-prone in his four years in the majors and went 4-8 in 2024 with a 4.95 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 107:50 K:BB in 96 1/3 frames over 20 starts.
6 hours ago
Lance McCullers Jr. Throws Two Innings In First Rehab Start
Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) allowed two earned runs and struck out three batters in his two innings of work in his first minor-league rehab start on Sunday at Triple-A Sugar Land. McCullers hit 94.9 mph on the radar gun in what was overall a positive outing, especially when considering it was his first real game action since the World Series in 2022. The 31-year-old also threw a scoreless inning in his only action in the Grapefruit League during spring training. McCullers had surgery to fix the flexor tendon in his right arm back in 2023 and hasn't pitched since after having multiple setbacks along the way. It's looking he may finally make his return to Houston's starting rotation in 2025, but he has a ways to go still, and the Astros are going to take their time. McCullers deserves to be stashed in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues, but his fantasy upside will be limited while on a strict workload this year.
6 hours ago
Bailey Ober Has Been Under The Weather
Minnesota Twins right-hander Bailey Ober (illness) allowed eight earned runs in just 2 2/3 innings in his first start of the year on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Ober struggled through diminished velocity and poor command on Sunday and in spring training, but he revealed after his poor start on Sunday that he has been battling an illness. The 29-year-old's fastball averaged 91.7 mph last year, but it fell to 89.9 mph during spring training and was only slightly better on Sunday. He threw only 33 of his 77 pitches for strikes and got only four whiffs on 28 swings while also walking three. Manager Rocco Baldelli noted the coaching staff came close to skipping or pushing Ober's start back. His next scheduled start will be on Saturday at home against the Houston Astros, giving him extra time to get healthy. Fantasy managers will be hoping Ober can bounce back after a rough first start, which is what he did in 2024.
6 hours ago
Emilio Pagan Looks To Be Favorite For Saves In Cincinnati
Cincinnati Reds right-handed reliever Emilio Pagan could be the favorite for saves after he was seen warming up in the bullpen in the bottom of the eighth inning of Sunday's loss to the San Francisco Giants. Pagan also pitched in the first two games of the series against San Fran and recorded the save on Saturday. Manager Terry Francona refused to name a set closer to enter the year with Alexis Diaz (hamstring) on the injured list, but after the first series of the season, it looks pretty clear that Pagan is Francona's top option for the ninth. Diaz has no timeline for a return and won't necessarily be handed closing duties when he's back, considering his rough showing in spring training. In addition to Pagan, Tony Santillan might be next in line for fantasy managers scrounging for save opps. He pitched scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth with the Reds up by a run on both Thursday and Saturday.
6 hours ago
Kyle Schwarber
• DH
•
Phillies
