MLB News
Christian Vazquez Moves Past Hand Injury
Minnesota Twins catcher Christian Vazquez (hand) is rejoining the starting nine on Saturday afternoon when the Twins continue a series against the Atlanta Braves. The veteran catcher has been kept sidelined through most of the week since suffering this injury on Monday. However, Vazquez was able to avoid a stint on the injured list. He will catch for Minnesota right-hander Simeon Woods Richardson and bat in the eight-hole. Through his first 11 games of the regular season, Vazquez has posted an underwhelming .115/.172/.192 slash line with two doubles. He has yet to go deep. Despite his poor production at the plate, Vazquez has posted a stellar 16.7 percent whiff rate and a 17.2 percent strikeout rate. Vazquez is not worth targeting in DFS this afternoon, facing Atlanta southpaw Chris Sale.
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Willi Castro Remains Sidelined With Oblique Injury
Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Willi Castro (oblique) remains sidelined on Saturday due to his oblique injury. The utility man has been kept out of the starting nine since exiting Wednesday's game early. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his status leading up to Sunday's game. Before his injury, Castro held a .227/.292/.364 slash line with six doubles and one home run. He has generated a modest .286 xwOBA, .235 xBA, and a .340 xSLG, which are all slightly below the average marks of qualified hitters. With the 27-year-old sitting out, prospect Luke Keaschall will get another opportunity and start at the keystone, while Jonah Bride will cover the hot corner. The Twins are not worth targeting in DFS facing Atlanta left-hander Chris Sale.
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Austin Wells Back In Action On Saturday
New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (illness) will start behind the dish and bat third on Saturday afternoon when the Yankees continue a series against the Tampa Bay Rays. Wells was unable to suit up Friday evening due to food poisoning. However, this illness was quite minor as Wells will make a quick return to the starting nine just a day later. Wells has been in a bit of a slump over his last nine contests. During this stretch, the 25-year-old has held a .185/.214/.407 slash line with one double and one home run. However, over the first seven games of the campaign, Wells hit two long balls and held a strong .833 OPS. This evening, he will face Tampa Bay right-hander Shane Baz. Baz enters this game holding a stellar 1.42 ERA, and fantasy managers should avoid targeting Wells in DFS.
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Gabriel Arias, Lane Thomas Sitting On Saturday
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias and outfielder Lane Thomas are not in the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon when they continue a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Arias has been in the starting nine in each of the last seven contests. During this stretch, he has posted a stellar .385/.429/.769 slash line with three long balls and eight RBI. Thomas has been in a bit of a slump. Over his last eight contests, the 29-year-old held a .154/.179/.192 slash line with just one extra-base hit. Fantasy managers should expect Arias and Thomas to both rejoin the starting lineup on Sunday. As a result, Brayan Rocchio and Angel Martinez will enter the starting nine and cover shortstop and center field, respectively. Neither player is worth targeting in DFS facing Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes.
1 hour ago
Josh Smith Back In Action On Saturday
Texas Rangers infielder Josh Smith (thumb) is returning to the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon when they continue a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Smith has been held out of the starting lineup in each of the previous four contests due to a bruised thumb. However, Smith has been cleared for action and is slated to bat third and cover first base on Saturday afternoon. Before his minor injury, the 27-year-old was enjoying an impressive start to the campaign with a .342/.432/.500 slash line with three doubles and a home run. He also flashed speed upside as he swiped three bags and held an 11:6 K:BB. Last summer, Smith held a .258/.337/.394 line with 13 long balls and 11 stolen bases. Smith remains a solid depth option in all formats. He is worth a look in DFS as well, facing Dodger right-hander Roki Sasaki, who enters Saturday with a 3.29 ERA.
1 hour ago
Martin Perez Hits 15-Day Injured List
The Chicago White Sox have placed left-handed pitcher Martin Perez (elbow) on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation. The 34-year-old exited Friday's contest due to soreness and will now miss at least the next two weeks of action. Before exiting, the southpaw struggled against the Boston Red Sox as he allowed five hits, four runs, and two walks in just three innings of work. However, over his first three starts of the campaign, Perez looked quite sharp as he tossed 17 innings to the tune of an impressive 1.59 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. He struck out 18 batters and served up nine free passes. In a corresponding move, the White Sox promoted Jared Shuster from Triple-A Charlotte to provide depth on their pitching staff. Shuster could contend for starting opportunities while Perez is sidelined.
1 hour ago
Jordan Beck Recalled From Triple-A
The Colorado Rockies have recalled outfielder Jordan Beck from Triple-A Albuquerque. In a corresponding move, the Rockies officially placed outfielder Brenton Doyle on the bereavement roster effective April 17. Beck was able to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster but was later optioned to Triple-A after he struggled during the early part of the campaign. Through nine games this season, the 24-year-old posted a disappointing .150/.261/.150 slash line with just three total hits (all singles). He generated a low .193 xwOBA with a .122 xBA, which were both well below the average marks. Beck carried these struggles into Triple-A as he held a .143/.189/.286 line with one triple and one home run across nine contests. Beck is starting in left field on Saturday afternoon and could find a part-time role in the outfield while Doyle remains sidelined.
1 hour ago
Ezequiel Tovar Placed On 10-Day Injured List
Colorado Rockies infielder Ezequiel Tovar (hip) was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left hip contusion. This transaction was retroactive to April 16. Through the first 16 games of the season, Tovar has posted a .212/.257/.303 slash line with four doubles, one triple, and two stolen bases through the first 16 games of the regular season. The 23-year-old has been held out of the starting lineup since Wednesday and was considered day-to-day. However, with Tovar now on the injured list, fantasy managers should expect him to miss at least the next week of action. In a corresponding move, the Rockies promoted infielder Aaron Schunk to the major league roster. He will also get the starting nod on Sunday and bat in the nine hole. While Tovar is out, Schunk and Kyle Farmer should share time at shortstop.
1 hour ago
Vaughn Grissom Swinging A Hot Bat At Triple-A
Boston Red Sox infielder Vaughn Grissom has been swinging a hot bat at Triple-A. On Friday, Grissom went 5-for-6 with four doubles and one home run. Over his last eight contests, Grissom has posted a .441/.486/.735 slash line with seven doubles and a 9:2 K:BB. Through the first 16 contests of the Triple-A campaign, Grissom has held a stellar .359/.414/.609 line with seven doubles, three round-trippers, and one stolen base. Grissom was competing for a spot on the major league roster during spring training but fell short in the competition. However, given his strong start to the Triple-A regular season, the 24-year-old could be in the mix to return to the major leagues. Across 31 games with Boston last summer, Grissom held a modest .190/.246/.219 line with three doubles. He is worth monitoring in deeper formats for the time being.
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Jordan Walker, Pedro Pages Sitting On Saturday
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker and catcher Pedro Pages are not in the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon when the Cardinals continue a series against the New York Mets. Walker has been in the starting nine for each of their previous eight contests. During this stretch, the former 21st overall pick has held a modest .188/.188/.313 slash line with one double and a home run. Through 19 games this season, Walker has held a .239/.299/.338 slash line with two home runs and two stolen bases. Fantasy managers should expect the 22-year-old to return to the lineup on Sunday. Pages has taken over top catching duties with Ivan Herrera (knee) on the 10-day injured list. Pages has held a .207 AVG over his last eight games. As a result, Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, and Victor Scott II will cover the outfield while Yohel Pozo will be behind the dish.
2 hours ago
A.J. Puk Hits 15-Day Injured List
The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed left-handed pitcher A.J. Puk (elbow) on the 15-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation. The 29-year-old last appeared in a contest on April 17 and did not show any signs of an injury. Through his first eight innings of the campaign, Puk has posted a 3.38 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. He has tallied four saves, two holds, and held a 12:2 K:BB. Puk has typically alternated save opportunities with right-hander Justin Martinez. However, with Puk hitting the injured list, fantasy managers should expect Martinez to be the clear top ninth-inning option in the desert. In addition, this will likely open eighth-inning duties for Shelby Miller and Jalen Beeks. Both relievers are viable targets in deeper formats that reward holds.
2 hours ago
Brandon Marsh Remains Sidelined On Saturday
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (knee) remains out of the starting lineup on Saturday, when the Phillies continue a series against the Miami Marlins. Marsh suffered this knee injury on Wednesday. Initially, this injury was not viewed as serious, but it appears Marsh could hit the injured list if he remains sidelined. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to Sunday's contest. Through the first 15 games of the campaign, Marsh tallied just one hit (a single) and held a 12:7 K:BB. Under the hood, he generated a low .259 xwOBA with a .287 xSLG. With Marsh sitting out again, Johan Rojas will get the starting nod in center field. Rojas is worth a look as a value play in DFS facing Miami right-hander Cal Quantrill, who enters Saturday carrying a 5.79 ERA.
2 hours ago
Ryan Mountcastle Not In Saturday's Lineup
Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle is not in the starting nine on Saturday afternoon when the Orioles continue a series against the Cincinnati Reds. Mountcastle has been in the starting lineup in each of the past seven contests. During this stretch, he has held a modest .167/.200/.333 line. He will get a chance to recover and will likely rejoin the lineup on Sunday. Instead, the Orioles will give Ryan O'Hearn the starting nod at first base. He will bat in the cleanup spot. Mountcastle has held an overall .242/.227/.339 slash line. However, he has generated an elite 55.3 percent hard-hit, which suggests he should see positive regression. O'Hearn is not worth targeting in DFS this afternoon as he will face Cincinnati ace, Hunter Greene.
2 hours ago
Chandler Simpson Batting Leadoff In MLB Debut
Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Chandler Simpson is batting leadoff in his MLB debut on Saturday afternoon against the New York Yankees. Simpson will cover center field and face New York right-hander Carlos Carrasco. The Rays promoted Simpson from Triple-A Durham before Friday's contest. Simpson carries elite speed upside. Last summer in the minor leagues, the 24-year-old swiped an impressive 104 bags across 110 contests between High-A and Double-A. He made his Triple-A debut this season and needed only 17 games to prove he was ready for the majors. In his brief stint with the Durham Bulls, Simpson posted a .301/.325/.329 slash line with eight stolen bases. Simpson should be viewed as a must-start option in category formats given his elite speed. However, he does not carry any power upside.
2 hours ago
John Brebbia Placed On 15-Day Injured List
Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher John Brebbia (triceps) was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right triceps strain. In a corresponding move, the Tigers promoted left-handed pitcher Bailey Horn from Triple-A Toledo. Brebbia has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign. Pitching out of the bullpen, the right-hander has logged nine innings to the tune of a 1.00 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP. He has held a 9:5 K:BB and allowed just three total hits. The Tigers have typically deployed Brebbia in the eighth and ninth innings in high-leverage situations. With Brebbia sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Tommy Kahnle to continue to operate as the go-to option for saves while Will Vest and Tyler Holton operate as the setup options.
2 hours ago
Julio Rodriguez Sitting On Saturday
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez will get his first day off the season on Saturday afternoon when the Mariners continue a series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Rodriguez has gone just 1-for-16 over his last four contests with a 20.0 percent strikeout rate. Fantasy managers should expect the star outfielder to return to the starting nine on Sunday. Through the first 20 games of the campaign, the former top prospect has held an underwhelming .179/.304/.359 slash line with three home runs. However, a look under the hood suggests Rodriguez should see significant positive regression throughout the season. He has generated a strong .352 xwOBA with a 93.7 mph average exit velocity and a 75.3 mph bat speed, which are all well above the average marks. With Rodriguez sitting out, Luke Raley will cover center field, and Miles Mastrobuoni will enter the starting nine. The Mariners are a viable stack in DFS facing Toronto right-hander Jose Berrios.
3 hours ago
Patrick Monteverde Promoted To Major Leagues, George Soriano Optioned
The Miami Marlins have promoted left-handed pitcher Pat Monteverde to the major league roster prior to Saturday's contest against the Philadelphia Phillies. In a corresponding move, the Marlins optioned right-handed pitcher George Soriano to Triple-A Jacksonville. Monteverde has yet to appear in an MLB contest. Through the start of the Triple-A regular season, Monteverde has logged nine 1/3 innings to the tune of a 4.82 ERA and a strong 1.07 WHIP. He has struck out six batters and served up four walks. Last season, the southpaw spent most of the season with Jacksonville and held a high 5.66 ERA with a 1.51 WHIP. Soriano has posted a 6.94 ERA through his first 10 innings of the season with Miami. Fantasy managers should expect Monteverde to operate in a low-leverage role in the Miami bullpen.
3 hours ago
MJ Melendez Optioned To Triple-A
The Kansas City Royals have optioned outfielder MJ Melendez to Triple-A Omaha. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for Mark Canha (hip), who was activated off the injured list in a corresponding move. Melendez has had a rough start to the campaign and will look to find his footing in the minor leagues. Through the first 16 contests, Melendez has posted a .085/.173/.170 slash line with just one double and one home run. He has held a low 5.8 percent walk rate and a high 38.5 percent strikeout rate, which placed him in the first percentile among qualified hitters. In addition, Melendez generated a weak .224 xwOBA. With Melendez heading to Triple-A, fantasy managers should expect Jonathan India, Mark Canha, and Drew Waters to share time in left field.
3 hours ago
Mark Canha Activated Off Injured List
The Kansas City Royals have activated outfielder Mark Canha (hip) from the injured list. In a corresponding move, the Royals optioned outfielder MJ Melendez to Triple-A Omaha. Canha has been sidelined since April 9 due to a left abductor strain. Before the injury, Canha was swinging a hot bat in Kansas City, as he held a stellar .357/.471/.500 line with two doubles across the first seven games of the campaign. Under the hood, Canha generated a stellar .299 xBA, which suggests he could see stable production. Last season, the 36-year-old spent time with the Tigers and Giants and held a .242/.344/.346 line across 125 contests. With Melendez being sent to Triple-A, fantasy managers should expect Canha to have a consistent role in the starting nine, either seeing time in left field or at the DH spot.
3 hours ago
Jake Cronenworth Targeting Earlier Return
San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth (ribs) is progressing well in his recovery and is optimistic that he could return to action earlier than expected. The infielder was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 11 due to a rib fracture. His initial timeline suggested he would miss at least 4-to-6 weeks. However, the infielder has begun taking groundballs and dry swings, which could open the door for an earlier return. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his progression as he slowly increases his workload. Before the injury, Cronenworth held a .257/.409/.486 slash line with two doubles and two home runs across 12 contests. He drew walks at an elite 18.2 percent rate. While the 31-year-old remains out, Jose Iglesias should see most of the work at the keystone.
6 hours ago
Christian Vázquez
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Twins
