MLB News
Paul Dejong Leaves Early After Being Hit In The Face By A Pitch
Washington Nationals infielder Paul DeJong (face) was hit by a pitch by Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller in the sixth inning in the left side of his face in Tuesday's 3-0 win and had to leave the game early. DeJong was able to get up and walk off the field under his own power but had a cut on the left side of his face. The 31-year-old veteran will probably be put through concussion tests as a precaution, but it sounds like he may have avoided a serious injury. DeJong went 0-for-2 in the game with a strikeout before leaving and was replaced at third base by Amed Rosario. He probably won't be available to play on Wednesday in Pittsburgh, but hopefully DeJong won't be forced to miss extended time. DeJong has struggled early in his first year with the Nats, as he came into Tuesday's contest with a .212 average (11-for-52) with no homers, two RBI, two steals and three runs. Check back on his status on Wednesday.
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Matt Wallner Suffers Hamstring Injury On Tuesday
Minnesota Twins outfielder Matt Wallner (hamstring) was removed from Tuesday's 6-3 win over the New York Mets early due to left-hamstring tightness, according to the team. Wallner injured his hamstring in the first inning on an infield single and was replaced by pinch-runner DaShawn Keirsey Jr. At the very least, Wallner will probably be out of Wednesday's contest against the Mets, and it's possible he could miss much more time, depending on the severity of the injury. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Wednesday for more information on his injury. The 27-year-old entered Tuesday's contest with a .250 average (14-for-56) with one home run, three RBI and seven runs scored in 17 games as an everyday starter in the outfield. If Wallner is forced to miss extended time due to his hamstring injury, Harrison Bader would likely be the beneficiary of extra playing time.
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Carlos Correa Departs Monday's Game With Wrist Soreness
Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (wrist) left Tuesday's 6-3 win over the New York Mets early due to left-wrist soreness, according to the team. Correa appeared to injure his wrist after taking a swing in the fifth inning. The 30-year-old went 1-for-2 with an RBI before departing. Willi Castro moved from third base to shortstop after Correa's injury, with Brooks Lee entering the contest to play third base. Correa will likely go for testing after the game, at which point we should have a better idea of the severity of his wrist injury on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. It's certainly a concerning development for the Twins, especially since Matt Wallner (hamstring) also left this game with an injury. In addition to his injury, Correa entered Tuesday's game hitting just .153 (9-for-59) with no home runs. Lee would be in line for regular playing time if Correa is forced to the injured list.
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Jake Cronenworth Could Be Out A Month-Plus
The San Diego Union-Tribune's Jeff Sanders reports that San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth (ribs) could miss more than a month due to a non-displaced fracture in his ribs after he was hit by a pitch in Chicago on April 6. Cronenworth started the next two games against the Athletics but was pulled early in the second game before being placed on the injured list late last week. The 31-year-old probably won't be ready to be activated from the IL when he's eligible this Saturday, April 19. While Crone is sidelined, the light-hitting Jose Iglesias will see most of the action at the keystone, with the lefty-hitting Tyler Wade being another option. Fantasy managers stashing Cronenworth will need to be patient, as he might not be back until early May. He was hitting .257 (9-for-35) with two home runs, five RBI and seven runs scored in his first 12 games in 2025 before injuring his ribs.
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Bryan Hoeing Mixes In Breaking Balls In Tuesday's Bullpen
San Diego Padres right-handed reliever Bryan Hoeing (shoulder) threw another bullpen session on Tuesday and mixed in breaking pitches for the first time. Hoeing was placed on the 15-day injured list at the end of March after being delayed at the start of spring training with a right-shoulder injury. The 28-year-old is recovering from a strained right shoulder but appears to be getting close to going on a minor-league rehab assignment. If Hoeing can avoid a setback once he begins facing live hitters, he could return to San Diego's big-league bullpen before the end of April. After beginning last year with the Miami Marlins, Hoeing had a career-low 1.52 ERA and 0.80 WHIP with 18 strikeouts and five walks in 23 2/3 relief innings for the Friars in the second half of the season. Hoeing will return to a key setup role for SD when he's activated from the IL.
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Yu Darvish Plays Catch Off Mound
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish (elbow) played catch off of the mound on Tuesday, writes AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. It's a step in the right direction for Darvish, who still figures to be a ways away despite reportedly also playing loss toss out to 180 feet recently. There is no set timetable for his return, but the next step in his recovery will be throwing bullpens when he is ready. He landed on the injured list at the start of the season after dealing with elbow inflammation during the spring. He has struggled to stay healthy in recent years but remained productive when he takes the mound, posting a 3.31 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 16 starts in 2024. Darvish is likely at least three weeks away from coming off the injured list.
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Jackson Merrill Ramping Up
San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill (hamstring) is ramping up to baseball activity, according to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. He was on the field for early batting practice and practiced bunting, but wasn't doing any running yet. There's still no definite timetable for Merrill, who is recovering from a right hamstring strain that he suffered during the first week of April. At the time, he had already racked up three home runs and 10 RBI with a .378 batting average through his first 10 games.
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Michael Toglia Absent On Tuesday
Colorado Rockies first baseman Michael Toglia is out of the lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers. He'll take a breather for the first time this season after starting each of the team's first 16 games. Hopefully, the rest can give him time to reset and break out of his early-season slump, as he's batting just .167 with no home runs. Kyle Farmer will get the start at first base in his place.
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Brenton Doyle Still Sitting On Tuesday
Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle (quadriceps) is missing from Tuesday's lineup against the Dodgers. This is now his fifth straight missed game with a sore left quad, with Mickey Moniak picking up another start in center field. Despite the lengthy absence, Doyle isn't expected to require an IL stint and remains day-to-day. He's carried over his breakout performance from 2024 into this season so far, batting .321 with three homers through 12 games.
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Carson Kelly Sitting Again On Tuesday
Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly (hand) is out of the lineup for the second straight day on Tuesday against the Padres. He was hit in the hand by a pitch on Sunday, and while the x-rays came back negative, he's yet to see the field since. Miguel Amaya will get the start instead, who has handled the majority of the catching duties this year for Chicago. Kelly remains day-to-day, with manager Craig Counsell hoping he will be available again sometime this week. Despite the limited plate appearances, he's launched four homers with a .417 batting average in the nine games he has played.
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Seiya Suzuki Out Again On Tuesday
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (wrist) is out for his third straight game on Tuesday. He suffered the injury after being hit in the wrist by a pitch on Saturday and was deemed as day-to-day by manager Craig Counsell. There have been no updates on his timetable since so it will be something to continue to monitor over the next few days. Suzuki will hope to avoid a trip to the injured list after getting off to a hot start at the dish, slashing .292/.390/.538 with four home runs through 17 games.
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Paul Blackburn To Throw Another Live BP Session On Tuesday
New York Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn (knee) was scheduled to throw a second live batting practice session on Tuesday as he rehabs from inflammation in his right knee, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. The skipper said the goal is for Blackburn to build up to 65 to 70 pitches before he returns from the 15-day injured list. The 31-year-old veteran tossed his first live BP session last Friday and could be cleared to start a minor-league rehab assignment if he doesn't suffer a setback on Tuesday. Blackburn should be expected to need at least a couple rehab starts before rejoining the big-league roster. When he's activated, Blackburn won't be a lock for a starting rotation spot after struggling to a 5.18 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB in his five starts for the Mets to close out 2024. He won't be of much use in fantasy in a long-relief role.
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Francisco Alvarez Shifting Rehab To Double-A On Tuesday
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (hand) will shift his minor-league rehab assignment from Single-A St. Lucie to Double-A Binghamton on Tuesday, instead of Triple-A Syracuse, because of weather concerns, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. In three rehab games with St. Lucie, the 23-year-old backstop went 1-for-10 with a run scored, two walks and three strikeouts. He is recovering from surgery to fix a broken hamate bone in his left hand, but if he can continue to avoid any setbacks, he could be ready to come off the injured list to make his season debut at some point next week. The Venezuelan catcher hit a disappointing 11 home runs in 2024 and played in only 100 games due to injury after clubbing a career-high 25 round-trippers in 2023. With better health once he returns, Alvarez could bounce back in the power department at a position that lacks power.
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Jeff McNeil Moving Rehab To Triple-A Later This Week
New York Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil (oblique) will remain with Single-A St. Lucie on his minor-league rehab assignment from a strained right oblique until Thursday before heading to Triple-A Syracuse, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. If McNeil doesn't suffer a setback with his oblique over the weekend at Syracuse, he should come off the 10-day injured list at some point next week to make his season debut. In his first two rehab starts with St. Lucie, the 33-year-old former batting champion went 2-for-5 with a walk and a run scored. When he's back in New York with the Mets, McNeil is expected to take over primary duties at second base in Queens. Until then, Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna have been platooning at the keystone. Since winning a batting title in 2022, McNeil has mostly been an empty batting average contributor in fantasy.
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Sean Manaea Resumes Throwing After Layoff
New York Mets left-hander Sean Manaea (oblique) has resumed throwing after a two-week layoff following a recent MRI exam, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Manaea will still need a full spring training buildup, though, after suffering a right-oblique strain in camp. It means that fantasy managers shouldn't expect the 33-year-old veteran to make his 2025 debut until late May or early June. When healthy, he's expected to be locked into a rotation spot in New York after a career resurgence in 2024 after dropping his arm slot. The former first-rounder of the Kansas City Royals back in 2013 out of Indiana State University went 12-6 last year in his first year with the Mets, posting a 3.47 ERA (3.83 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 184 K's and 63 walks in 32 regular-season starts. Manaea was able to play catch from 60 feet on Monday.
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Jose Siri To Miss Time With Fractured Tibia
New York Mets outfielder Jose Siri (leg) will miss extended time after tests on Monday showed he is dealing with a fractured left tibia, according to the New York Post's Mike Puma. Siri underwent an MRI exam and a CT scan on his shin after initial X-rays came back negative following a foul ball off his leg on Saturday. He has been unable to put weight on his leg and has been on crutches since. Although Siri doesn't think it's a serious fracture, he hasn't received a timetable for recovery. Tyrone Taylor had been splitting time in center field with Siri, so he stands to see the bulk of playing time now, although Luisangel Acuna could be a possibility in center. Siri has struggled offensively for most of his big-league career and was hitting just .050 in 24 plate appearances in his first season with the Mets before his injury. Taylor's stock in NL-only leagues is on the rise.
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Griffin Canning Scratched From Wednesday's Outing Due To Illness
New York Mets right-hander Griffin Canning (illness) has been scratched from his scheduled start on Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins due to an illness, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. The Mets have yet to announce a replacement, but it's unlikely to be pitching prospect Brandon Sproat on short rest. If Canning is feeling better in a few days, he could be asked to make his next start this Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals. After making some mechanical tweaks in the offseason, the 28-year-old has opened his first year in New York by going 1-1 with a 4.20 ERA with 13 strikeouts and eight walks in 15 innings over his first three starts. His last outing against the Athletics was his worst, as he allowed four earned runs on seven hits while walking three and fanning three. Canning will be a middling fantasy streamer in deeper formats whenever he makes his next start.
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Teoscar Hernandez Missing Another Game
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (illness) will miss his second straight game on Tuesday as the team continues a series against the division-rival Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. The good news, though, is that Hernandez is feeling good enough to be at the ballpark, which means there's a good chance he'll be back in there on Wednesday. Michael Conforto is in left field and is batting fifth, while Andy Pages is starting in right field and is hitting ninth against Rockies right-hander Ryan Feltner. Hernandez is a must-start in fantasy when he's active in one of the best lineups in baseball, and he's off to a .281/.309/.563 slash line with an .871 OPS, five home runs, 16 RBI and nine runs scored in the early portion of the season. Conforto is the more attractive DFS play on Tuesday night than Pages, but he's gone hitless in five career at-bats against Feltner.
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Josh Smith Out Again Versus Angels
Texas Rangers utility man Josh Smith (thumb) is out of the starting lineup again on Tuesday against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Field due to a thumb bruise, according to The Dallas Morning News' Shawn McFarland. The Rangers moved Smith to left field after Wyatt Langford (oblique) landed on the injured list over the weekend, but he'll now miss his second straight game with a minor thumb injury. Veteran Kevin Pillar is starting in left field on Tuesday and will hit fifth against Angels left-hander Yusei Kikuchi. While Smith doesn't stand out in any one category, he's useful in deep-mixed leagues for his multi-position eligibility, and he's also hitting .342 (13-for-38) early on with a homer, eight runs, three RBI and three steals. Pillar lacks daily upside but is hitting .313 (5-for-16) in a small sample size and has hit a solo home run in his two career at-bats against Kikuchi.
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Chayce McDermott Will Face Hitters Next Week
Baltimore Orioles pitching prospect Chayce McDermott (lat) is expected to face live hitters next week and could return before the end of May. McDermott has been sidelined since the start of the campaign due to a right lat strain. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression, but it appears the Ball State product is nearing a return to action. Last summer, McDermott made his MLB debut and logged four innings in the major leagues. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Norfolk, where he logged 100 innings of work to the tune of a 3.78 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP. He struck out an impressive 144 batters but served up a high 60 free passes. When McDermott returns to action, he should contend for a return to the big leagues later in the summer.
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