MLB News
Vinnie Pasquantino Sitting On Tuesday
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino is not in the starting lineup when the Royals continue a series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday evening. Pasquantino has been in the lineup for each of the first four games of the regular season. He was in danger of missing Opening Day due to a hamstring injury, but was able to recover in time. On Tuesday, the Royals will give Cavan Biggio the start at first base. Through his first four games, Pasquantino has held a .214/.333/.643 slash line with one double, one triple, and one long ball. He has tallied four RBI and held a 2:2 BB:K. Fantasy managers should expect Pasquantino to return to the starting nine on Wednesday when the Royals will face Milwaukee ace Freddy Peralta.
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Clarke Schmidt Throws Three-Inning Sim Game
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) completed a three-inning simulated game on Monday. Schmidt is set to throw again on Saturday. The 29-year-old opened the regular season on the 15-day injured list due to rotator cuff tendinitis. However, Schmidt appears to be increasing his workload and has yet to face any significant setbacks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression as he could embark on a rehab assignment soon, as he was initially targeting a return to the big leagues at the end of April. Last season, Schmidt logged 85 1/3 innings and held a solid 2.85 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at a 26.3 percent rate but held a modest 8.5 percent walk rate. When he is cleared to return, Will Warren will likely shift to a bullpen role or move back to Triple-A to continue his development.
1 hour ago
Sean Manaea Shut Down For Two Weeks
New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea (oblique) is still having trouble with his oblique and received a platelet-rich plasma shot. He will be shut down for two weeks. As a result, Manaea will now be sidelined till at least the end of May. The southpaw has been dealing with this oblique injury since spring training. The 33-year-old began a throwing program and was targeting a return in late April. However, he has faced a setback and will now face a longer recovery process. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could face an extended absence. Last season, Manaea held a solid 3.47 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP across his first campaign in Queens. After the All-Star break, the 33-year-old was quite productive, boasting a 0.94 WHIP across 85 1/3 innings of work. While Manaea remains sidelined, Griffin Canning should continue to see opportunities in the starting rotation.
1 hour ago
David Bednar Optioned To Triple-A
The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned relief pitcher David Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis. In a corresponding move, the Pirates promoted right-handed pitching prospect Thomas Harrington to the major leagues and designated catcher Jason Delay for assignment. Bednar has had a difficult start to the 2025 season after having similar struggles in 2024. Through three appearances this season, Bednar has tallied just three outs and lost two games. He has earned one save and allowed four hits and three earned runs. Last season, the 30-year-old posted a 5.77 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 57 2/3 innings. He blew seven saves and took eight losses. Fantasy managers should monitor his production at Triple-A as he attempts to turn the corner. While he is in the minor leagues, Colin Holderman and Dennis Santana will likely see the majority of save opportunities.
1 hour ago
Jake McCarthy Back In The Lineup Tuesday
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy is back in the lineup on Tuesday against the Yankees. He'll bat seventh and man left field for Arizona. McCarthy has started the season 0-for-8 with a 0:2 BB:K, but has managed to pick up two RBI along the way. Much of his fantasy appeal comes from his ability to steal bases, and he's yet to log one of those so far in 2025. He and the D-backs will take on the Yanks' Will Warren who will be making his first start of 2025. The righty had shown some solid stuff in the spring, but also allowed 11 earned runs over his final three starts (11 1/3 IP), so he was also very hittable at times. McCarthy had a breakout campaign last season, slashing .285/.349/.400 with eight home runs and 25 stolen bases, and has a good shot to get going Tuesday against the 25-year-old hurler.
1 hour ago
Zach Neto Starting Rehab Assignment On Tuesday
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Salt Lake on Tuesday evening. The 24-year-old is working his way back from offseason surgery. Shortly before Opening Day, Angels manager Ron Washington noted that there is not a "defined" date for his return. However, given that Neto will begin rehab assignment this evening, suggest that his return may be sooner rather than later. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his production with Triple-A Salt Lake, as he could return as early as next week. Last season, the former first-round pick enjoyed a solid campaign, hitting 23 home runs and swiping 30 bags. He held a .249/.318/.443 slash line. When healthy, Neto should be viewed as a solid low-end No. 1 shortstop in category formats given his ability to hit for power and carry stolen base upside.
1 hour ago
Jo Adell Starting On Tuesday
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell (hip) is returning to the starting lineup on Tuesday evening when the Angels face the St. Louis Cardinals. Adell has missed the previous two contests due to this injury. However, this injury was not serious, and he will make a quick return to the starting nine. This evening, he will cover center field and bat in the eight-hole. Over the first two games of the campaign, Adell has gone 2-for-4 with a 1:1 BB:K. Last summer, the former 10th overall pick began to turn the corner on his slow start to his MLB career. Over 130 contests, Adell posted a .207/.280/.402 line but launched a career-best 20 long balls and tallied 15 doubles. He also swiped a career-high 15 bags. This evening, he is worth a look as a value play in DFS facing St. Louis southpaw Matthew Liberatore.
1 hour ago
Astros Acquire Nick Robertson From Blue Jays
The Houston Astros have acquired right-handed pitcher Nick Robertson from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Edinson Batista. In a corresponding move, the Astros transferred Christian Javier (elbow) to the 60-day injured list. Robertson has reported to Triple-A Sugar Land. Fantasy managers should expect Robertson to join Houston at some point during the season as a depth option in the bullpen. Last season, Robertson logged 13 1/3 innings at the major league level, split between time in St. Louis and Toronto. Across this stint, Robertson held a modest 4.05 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. Across 35 2/3 innings in the major leagues, the 26-year-old has posted a 5.30 ERA with a 1.57 WHIP. When Robertson does make his Houston debut, he will likely have a low-leverage role in the bullpen and carry minimal fantasy value.
1 hour ago
Ivan Herrera Sitting, Pedro Pages Will Start At Catcher Tuesday
St. Louis Cardinals backup catcher Pedro Pages will draw the start on Tuesday against the Angels, and Ivan Herrera will be on the bench. Both have had success early on this season, but it is Pages who has left the yard between the two of them. Pages is 3-for-6 with a home run, three RBI, three runs scored, and no walks or strikeouts thus far. The 26-year-old backstop has faced opposing pitcher Kyle Hendricks twice in the past, going 0-for-2 against the veteran pitcher. The righty was solid this spring, but last season the 35-year-old pitched to a 5.92 ERA, 1.45 ERA, and a 7.8 percent K-BB% -- all career worsts. Pages would appear to be in play as a viable and cheap DFS play, although there are hopefully better options available for season-long fantasy.
2 hours ago
Francisco Lindor Returns To The Lineup On Tuesday
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (personal) is back in the lineup on Tuesday and batting leadoff. The 4x All-Star was absent from Monday's contest for the birth of his son. The switch-hitter is 0-for-11 to begin 2025 with a 0:3 BB:K and will look to collect his first hit of the season against former NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, whom he has had some success against in the past. For his career, the 31-year-old is 7-for-25 (.280) with two doubles, a home run, and a 3:4 BB:K. The Mets are favored in this game, so Lindor could be on the DFS radar, however, with a 7.5 o/u, there aren't a lot of runs expected.
2 hours ago
Christian Encarnacion-Strand Not In Reds Lineup Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hand) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's matchup against the Rangers. The right-handed slugger was hit by a pitch on the right hand in Monday's game and had to be removed from the contest. The X-rays on his hand came back negative, however, it appears the Reds will give him a day off anyway; he is considered day-to-day. Jeimer Candelario will take over at first for Cincinnati while Santiago Espinal will man third against the Rangers' Nathan Eovaldi. Candelario is 2-for-7 with a 1:3 BB:K against the veteran righty, and Espinal is 1-for-9 with a 0:3 BB:K. Candelario, who is batting fifth, carries a much higher barrel rate in his career compared to Espinal, who is batting sixth, so the switch-hitting Candelario may be the better option in DFS formats.
2 hours ago
Jesse Chavez DFA'd, Braves Select Zach Thompson To MLB Roster
On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves designated relief pitcher Jesse Chavez for assignment, and in a corresponding move, they selected the contract of reliever Zach Thompson. Chavez signed on with the Braves last week and had his contract selected March 31, pitching two innings for Atlanta that day, only to be DFA'd the next day as the Braves' bullpen had been taxed and long-relief reinforcements were needed. Thompson will provide that, however, it remains to be seen how effective he will be. The 31-year-old missed all of 2024 recovering from flexor tendon surgery, and hasn't pitched at the major league level since 2022. In his limited major league action, the 6-foot-7 hurler owns a 4.44 ERA (4.42 FIP), 1.40 WHIP, and a 9.6 percent K-BB% over 196 2/3 IP. The righty is best left unrostered for fantasy, and as for Chavez, if he clears waivers, don't be surprised to see him back with the Braves soon.
2 hours ago
Adam Ottavino And Yankees Agree On One-Year Deal
The New York Yankees and relief pitcher Adam Ottavino agreed to a one-year contract on Tuesday. The veteran was with Boston this spring but wasn't able to make the roster so he opted out of his minor league deal, allowing him to sign with another team. That other team will be the same one he was with from 2019-20. The righty pitched last season for the Mets and owns a career ERA of 3.49, a 1.28 WHIP, and 16.9 percent K-BB%. The 39-year-old will likely provide the Yankees with some middle relief help, and with some solid strikeout stuff left in the repertoire, he could feasibly be of help to managers in deep AL-only leagues, but that's about the extent of his fantasy relevance.
3 hours ago
Sam Hilliard Outrighted To Triple-A Albuquerque
Colorado Rockies outfielder Sam Hilliard has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A. Hilliard was designated for assignment shortly before Opening Day when the Rockies claimed outfielder Mickey Moniak off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. Last season, Hilliard spent 58 games with the Rockies. Across this stint, Hilliard held a .239/.305/.507 slash line with five doubles and 10 long balls. He generated a modest .215 xBA but flashed upside power as he generated an elite 14.8 percent barrel rate and a 52.3 percent hard-hit rate. He also placed in the 88th percentile in sprint speed and swiped five bags. In 65 games with Triple-A last season, Hilliard held a strong .288/.374/.542 slash line with 14 home runs and 13 stolen bases. He is worth monitoring in NL-only leagues as he should be in the mix to return to the majors later in the summer.
5 hours ago
Trea Turner Appears As Pinch-Hitter On Monday
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (back), who was out of the starting lineup for the third straight day on Monday against the Colorado Rockies due to back spasms, appeared as a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning and walked before scoring the go-ahead run in the 6-1 victory in the team's home opener. Turner is expected to miss another game on Tuesday against Colorado, but he's clearly feeling better and is expected to return to the starting lineup for Wednesday's contest. The 31-year-old veteran is still searching for his first hit of the 2025 season after going hitless in his first six plate appearance with two walks, a strikeout and a run scored in just two games (one start). Fantasy managers will want to check back later on Tuesday to see if he's back in there, but most likely he won't be available again until Wednesday's game.
5 hours ago
Dominic Smith Returning To Yankees On Minor-League Deal
First baseman Dominic Smith is returning to the New York Yankees on a minor league contract. Smith opted out of his previous minor league deal with the Yankees in March but will return to the Bronx after not finding another suitor. Fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to report to Triple-A and provide first base and outfield depth. Last season, Smith appeared in 93 MLB contests, with most of his time in Boston. Across this stint, the 29-year-old posted a .233/.313/.378 slash line with 22 doubles and six home runs. During the 2023 campaign, he spent the entire campaign with the Washington Nationals and held a .254/.326/.366 slash line. In 275 career games at Triple-A, Smith has posted a strong .293/.360/.455 slash line. He should be in the mix to return to the big leagues if the Yankees need additional depth at first base or in the outfield.
5 hours ago
Lance Lynn Announces His Retirement
Veteran right-hander Lance Lynn announced his retirement from professional baseball on his wife's podcast on Tuesday, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman. Lynn was hoping to continue his playing career in 2025 and was even reportedly discussing a deal with the Chicago Cubs, but apparently nothing has come to fruition and he will instead hang up his cleats after 13 years in the big leagues. The 37-year-old was originally drafted in the first round (39th overall) in 2008 out of the University of Mississippi. Seven of his 13 MLB campaigns came in St. Louis, including his last in 2024 in which he went 7-4 with a 3.84 ERA (4.31 FIP) and 1.34 WHIP with 109 strikeouts and 44 walks in 117 1/3 innings over 23 starts. The two-time All-Star will finish his major-league career with a 143-99 record, 3.74 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 23.7% strikeout rate in 2,006 1/3 regular-season innings. He won a World Series ring with St. Louis in 2011.
5 hours ago
Angels Designate Michael Petersen For Assignment
The Los Angeles Angels have designated right-handed pitcher Michael Petersen for assignment. This transaction opened a spot for left-handed pitcher Jake Eder, whom the Angels acquired from the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations on Monday. Last season, Petersen made his MLB debut and logged 19 2/3 innings in the majors. He posted a 5.95 ERA with a 1.63 WHIP. He tallied just 14 punchouts and served up a high 11 free passes. He spent most of his 2024 season with Triple-A Oklahoma City and posted a stellar 1.64 ERA with a 0.76 WHIP. He tallied 10 saves and held an 8:44 BB:K. Through the early part of the 2025 Triple-A campaign, Petersen tossed one 1/3 inning with Triple-A Salt Lake and allowed two earned runs. Given his success at Triple-A last summer, he may draw interest on waivers.
5 hours ago
Yankees Place Devin Williams On Paternity List
The New York Yankees announced on Tuesday that they placed right-hander Devin Williams on the paternity list before their game in the Bronx against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. The team also signed right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino to a major-league contract and added him to the active roster. To clear space on the 40-man roster, right-hander JT Brubaker (rib) was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Williams will be away from the Yankees for anywhere from one to three days, so act accordingly with your fantasy lineups. In the meantime, the best bet to fill in for a save chance for the Yankees will be right-hander Luke Weaver. To open his first year with the Yanks, Williams picked up a save on Opening Day last Thursday against his former team, the Milwaukee Brewers, but he also allowed an earned run while walking one and striking out two.
5 hours ago
Hogan Harris Optioned To Triple-A
The Athletics have optioned left-handed pitcher Hogan Harris to Triple-A Las Vegas. Harris tallied just one out in the majors during the opening week of the campaign. In a corresponding move, the Athletics claimed left-handed Angel Perdomo on waivers. Last season, the 28-year-old logged 72 1/3 innings in the major leagues and posted a 2.86 ERA with a 1.35 WHIP. He tallied 61 punchouts and served up a high 33 free passes. He generated a modest 5.04 xERA with a .260 xBA, which suggests he will likely see some regression during the 2025 regular season. Across 142 career innings at the Triple-A level, the southpaw posted a high 6.40 ERA with a 1.75 WHIP. During this stint, he served up 94 walks. Fantasy managers should expect Harris to likely return to the majors as a relief option later in the campaign.
5 hours ago
Vinnie Pasquantino
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Royals
