MLB News
Ronald Acuna Jr. Cleared To Begin Ramping Up Baseball Activity
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Justin Toscano reports that Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) has been cleared to ramp up his baseball activity and begin progressing toward a minor-league rehab assignment. There remains no firm timetable for when Acuna might make his 2025 debut, but he appears to be on a scheduled to return at some point in the next month, as previously thought. The 27-year-old is recovering from surgery to fix a torn ACL in his left knee last year and won't be available to fantasy managers until May. Acuna has been hitting for a while now, but he will now ramp up his running program Until he's able to return, Jarred Kelenic will continue to see the majority of starts in right field for Atlanta. Acuna, a former MVP, has the ability to be a fantasy difference-maker when he's healthy, so he should be rostered in all fantasy leagues.
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Edouard Julien In Leadoff Spot Again On Tuesday
Minnesota Twins second baseman Edouard Julien is starting at second base and batting leadoff for the Twins in Game 2 of their series against the visiting New York Mets at Target Field on Tuesday. Julien will be facing right-hander Tylor Megill. The Twins are trying to scrape together offense after a slow start to the season, and this marks the third straight game that Julien will operate at the top of the batting order. The 25-year-old Canadian has become a fixture in Minnesota's starting lineup as well. The third-year infielder has gone 11-for-43 (.256) in the early going in 2025 with a home run, three doubles, four RBI, two runs scored, two walks and 12 strikeouts in 15 games played. Julien's move to the leadoff spot is good news for his fantasy value if he can stick there, but he still represents somewhat of a lackluster DFS play against Megill on Tuesday.
1 hour ago
Colton Cowser Targeting Late-May, Early-June Return
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (thumb) continues to improve from a fractured left thumb and is targeting a late-May, early-June return, according to general manager Mike Elias. Cowser initially suffered his broken thumb at the end of March and was given a six- to eight-week timetable. He went 2-for-16 with a home run and an RBI in his first four games this year before getting injured, but Cowser deserves to be held in most fantasy formats due to his potential for a breakout when healthy. The 25-year-old slashed .242/.321/.447 with 24 home runs, 69 RBI, nine stolen bases and 77 runs scored in 153 games in 2024 in his first full season in the majors. Until Cowser is able to return, Heston Kjerstad should continue to see regular at-bats as the team's primary left fielder. Kjerstad has so far been cold, batting .222 (8-for-36) with a homer, two doubles and six RBI in 13 games played.
1 hour ago
Jackson Holliday Out Versus Southpaw
Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday is getting a breather against a left-handed pitcher on Tuesday versus the visiting Cleveland Guardians at Camden Yards. Jorge Mateo will draw into the starting lineup at the keystone and will bat ninth against Guardians left-hander Logan Allen. The Orioles have protected Holliday from left-handed pitching this year as he continues to develop at the major-league level. The 21-year-old former top prospect has gotten off to a slow start offensively in his first full season in the big leagues, going 10-for-47 (.213) with a homer, double, triple, four RBI, one steal, four runs scored, one walk and 12 strikeouts in 13 games played. He will continue to play regularly at second in Baltimore, but the O's could continue to shield him from lefty starters. Mateo offers speed but will have little DFS upside in the nine-hole. He's still searching for his first hit this year.
1 hour ago
Jonah Bride Designated For Assignment
The Miami Marlins announced on Tuesday that they designated infielder Jonah Bride for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for outfielder Jesus Sanchez (oblique), who was activated from the 10-day injured list. If Bride clears waivers, he'll likely return to Triple-A Jacksonville and serve as minor-league infield depth for the Marlins. The 29-year-old had a rough start to the 2025 season in the big leagues, going 4-for-40 (.100) with no homers, two RBI, three runs scored, five walks and 15 strikeouts in 45 plate appearances over 12 games played. The move is good news for both Eric Wagaman and Matt Mervis, who are both in the team's starting lineup on Tuesday against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. If Bride returns to the Marlins organization, he could eventually be a bench option against right-handed pitching again at some point this year.
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Ryan Weathers Throws Bullpen On Tuesday
Miami Marlins left-hander Ryan Weathers (forearm) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday at loanDepot Park before the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks and will have a couple more bullpen sessions before going on a minor-league rehab assignment, according to El Extra Base's Daniel Alvarez-Montes. Weathers said over the weekend that he could join Miami's starting rotation in the first week of May, barring any setbacks. The 25-year-old southpaw is recovering from a left flexor strain that he suffered in spring training, but he's getting closer to being able to make his 2025 debut. The former first-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2018 is worth stashing in most fantasy formats while he rehabs, as he showed signs in 2024 in his first full season with the Fish of a potential breakout this year.
1 hour ago
Jesus Sanchez Activated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
The Miami Marlins announced on Tuesday that they activated outfielder Jesus Sanchez (oblique) from the 10-day injured list, and he's starting in center field and batting in the two-hole against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks and right-hander Merrill Kelly at loanDepot Park. Sanchez will be making his season debut on Tuesday after straining his left oblique in spring training. Now that he's healthy, the 27-year-old will be a regular starter in Miami's outfield and deserves attention in mixed fantasy leagues if he's still on the waiver wire. Although he has never reached the 20-homer mark in his career, Sanchez makes loud contact and has an intriguing power/speed profile. He'll be an interesting DFS play right away in the No. 2 spot in the batting order as well, and he has a home run and three RBI in only four career at-bats against Kelly.
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Alex Call Out Against Pirates
Washington Nationals outfielder Alex Call is getting the day off on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Jacob Young will replace him in center field and will bat ninth against Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller. Although Call has yet to go deep in 2025, it's been an impressive start to the 2025 season for the 30-year-old, as he's gone 11-for-34 (.324) with two doubles, a triple, seven RBI, a stolen base, six runs scored, 10 walks and only two strikeouts in 11 games played for the Nats. Young enters Tuesday's game in Pittsburgh with a .250 average (7-for-28) with no homers, a double, one RBI, one stolen base, six walks and two strikeouts in 13 games played. Batting out of the nine-hole, fantasy managers setting DFS lineups will want to ignore Young in this one. He's gone hitless in just two career at-bats against Keller.
1 hour ago
George Springer Not Starting On Tuesday
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (wrist) will miss his second-straight contest on Tuesday evening when the Blue Jays continue a series against the Atlanta Braves. Springer suffered this injury during Sunday's contest against the Baltimore Orioles. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his status as he works his way back from this injury. As a result, Addison Barger will get the nod in right field, while Alan Roden and Myles Straw cover left and center, respectively. Springer has enjoyed a strong start to the early season, posting a stellar .375/.436/.604 slash line. He has tallied two home runs and swiped two bags. Under the hood, he has generated an elite .408 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should not target the Toronto offense this evening in DFS, facing Atlanta right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach.
2 hours ago
Wyatt Langford Swinging A Bat On Tuesday
Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford (oblique) was swinging a bat on Tuesday. According to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas News, Langford feels "pretty much fine." Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, but it appears Langford will not have a lengthy stint on the 10-day injured list. The Rangers placed the former fourth overall pick on the IL with an oblique strain last Wednesday. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status as he increases his workload. Before the injury, the Florida product was flashing elite power upside, holding a .244/.333/.561 line with four home runs across 12 games. While Langford remains sidelined, Kevin Pillar should continue to see opportunities in left field.
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Lane Thomas Remains Sidelined On Tuesday
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas (wrist) will remain out of the starting lineup on Tuesday evening when the Guardians face the Baltimore Orioles. Thomas exited last Tuesday's game early with a wrist injury and has not returned to the starting nine since. As a result, Angel Martinez will get the start at center field and bat in the seven-hole. Over his first eight games of the season, Thomas has posted a .167/.212/.200 slash line with one double and one stolen base. He has held a 24.2 percent strike rate with a low 3.0 percent walk rate. Under the hood, he has generated a low .199 xwOBA with a .209 xSLG, which places him in the first percentile among qualified hitters. Martinez is worth a look as a value play in DFS facing Baltimore right-hander Charlie Morton.
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Joey Bart Will Go Through Testing
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Joey Bart (back) is set to undergo testing before Tuesday's contest against the Cincinnati Reds. Bart has been held out of the starting nine since being removed from Friday's contest with a back injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as he may need to be placed on the injured list if he has not made any progress. As a result, Henry Davis will get another start behind the dish and bat ninth. Through his first 11 games of the campaign, Bart was productive at the plate, holding a .282/.378/.436 slash line with one double and one home run. He held a 4:14 BB:K and swiped one bag. Last summer, Bart enjoyed similar success in Pittsburgh, posting a .265/.337/.462 slash line with 13 home runs across 80 games. Fantasy managers in two-catcher formats should continue to stash Bart on their roster while he remains sidelined.
2 hours ago
Jonathan India Not Playing On Tuesday
Kansas City Royals infielder Jonathan India will not be in the starting nine when the Royals continue a series against the New York Yankees on Tuesday evening. India was held out of the starting lineup on Sunday due to a quadriceps injury but was able to return on Monday. However, India has returned to the bench. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case the 28-year-old suffered a setback. As a result, Cavan Biggio will get the nod at the hot corner and bat in the nine-hole. Through his first 16 games in Kansas City, India has seen time at both third base and the outfield. He has posted a .198/.328/.250 line with stellar 14.9 percent walk rate and an 11.9 percent strikeout rate. He remains a strong option in points leagues given his low strikeout rate and ability to draw walks.
2 hours ago
Tyler Soderstrom Could See Time At Third Base
Athletics first baseman Tyler Soderstrom could see time at third base to open a spot in the starting nine for prospect Nick Kurtz. According to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, the Athletics have to find a spot in the lineup for Kurtz as both first base and designated hitter are typically occupied by Soderstrom and Brent Rooker, respectively. Gallegos noted that there is a scenario where the Athletics attempt to move Soderstrom to the hot corner to open first base for Kurtz. Rooker could also move to the outfield. Soderstrom has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, posting a .305/.388/.644 slash line with six home runs. However, first base prospect Nick Kurtz has been just as impressive with Triple-A Las Vegas, posting a .367/.409/.817 line with seven long balls. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the Athletics' starting nine as both Soderstrom and Rooker could begin to shift to another position to open a spot for Kurtz.
2 hours ago
Wade Miley Getting Close To Rehab Assignment
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Wade Miley (elbow) is scheduled to throw three innings in an extended spring training game on Tuesday in Arizona and then could start a minor-league rehab assignment, according to manager Terry Francona. It's unclear when Miley might be an option to make starts for the Reds in 2025, but the veteran 38-year-old southpaw is clearly making progress after having a hybrid internal-brace/Tommy John procedure on his left UCL last May. He will need a lengthy rehab assignment and probably won't be an option for Cincy's starting rotation until late May or early June, and he doesn't have much fantasy appeal at all these days. Miley made only two starts a season ago with the Milwaukee Brewers before being shut down with his elbow problems, and he allowed five earned runs on six hits while walking two and striking out two in seven innings.
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Tyler Stephenson Could Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (oblique) could start a minor-league rehab assignment next Tuesday, according to manager Terry Francona. Stephenson is getting closer to making his 2025 debut with the Reds after suffering a left-oblique strain in mid-March in spring training. Barring a setback to his oblique when he resumes playing in games, the 28-year-old backstop could rejoin the big-league squad late next week. Stephenson is the Reds' starting catcher when healthy and should be stashed in all fantasy formats right now. Until he's activated from the injured list, Cincy will continue to roll with veteran Jose Trevino as their No. 1 catcher, with Austin Wynns backing him up. Last year in 138 games played, Stephenson hit a career-high 19 home runs and drove in a career-high 66 runs while slashing .258/.338/.444.
3 hours ago
Spencer Steer Starting On The Bench On Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds outfielder/infielder Spencer Steer will begin Tuesday's game against the visiting Seattle Mariners on the bench at Great American Ball Park. Austin Hays (calf), who is making his season debut, will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth against Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo. Due to a shoulder injury he dealt with in spring training, Steer has yet to appear on defense so far in 2025. However, the 27-year-old has been ramping up his throwing of late and could make his first start on defense soon, which might be bad news for first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Steer's shoulder could be affecting him at the plate as well, as he's started the 2025 campaign hitting just .109 (5-for-46) with a homer, two doubles, three RBI, four walks and 12 strikeouts in his first 13 games. Fantasy managers may want to steer clear of Steer for now until he breaks out of his early slump.
3 hours ago
Christian Encarnacion-Strand Returns Against Mariners
Cincinnati Reds corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (back, hamstring) is back in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the visiting Seattle Mariners, starting at first base and batting seventh against right-hander Luis Castillo at Great American Ball Park. The Reds held Encarnacion-Strand out of action the last two games with minor back and hamstring injuries, but he's ready to go now. The 25-year-old hasn't been a reliable fantasy asset in the early going in 2025, batting .163 (8-for-49) with two home runs, a double, three RBI, three runs scored, one walk and 12 strikeouts in 13 games played. With Austin Hays back, he might need to start picking it up at the plate to continue seeing everyday playing time with the Reds. CEH has never faced Castillo in his career.
3 hours ago
Austin Hays Activated From Injured List And Starting On Tuesday
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays (calf) was activated from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and is serving as the designated hitter and batting fifth against the visiting Seattle Mariners and right-hander Luis Castillo at Great American Ball Park. Outfielder Jacob Hurtubise was optioned to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. Hays is recovered from a strained calf and will be making his season debut on Tuesday against the M's. The 29-year-old is expected to see regular playing time for the Reds in left field now that he's back, giving him fantasy appeal in deep-mixed leagues. An All-Star in 2023 with the Baltimore Orioles, Hays battled injury last year with the Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies and finished with a .255/.303/.396 slash line, five home runs and 20 RBI in 85 total games played. Hays is hitless in two career at-bats against Castillo with one RBI.
3 hours ago
Alexis Diaz Back From Injured List, Not The Set Closer
The Cincinnati Reds announced on Tuesday that they activated right-handed reliever Alexis Diaz (hamstring) from the 15-day injured list prior to their game against the visiting Seattle Mariners. However, manager Terry Francona said that Diaz won't be the set closer upon his activation. The skipper said it's fair to pitch Diaz "when it makes sense." Diaz could get the closer job back eventually this year, but the Reds have been pleased with Emilio Pagan's early-season performance -- 1.23 ERA, 0.41 WHIP, four saves and five strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old Diaz not only injured his hamstring in spring training, but he was all over the place with his control and his mechanics were out of whack. Expect the Puerto Rican reliever to start out in low-leverage situations out of the bullpen before eventually being moved to a more high-leverage role. He's still worth stashing in fantasy for save opps this year.
3 hours ago
Ronald Acuña Jr.
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Braves
