MLB News
Michael Busch Sitting On Saturday Versus Southpaw
Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch is absent from the lineup for Saturday's matchup with the Phillies as Philadelphia sends lefty Jesus Luzardo to the mound. Busch is off to a good start at the plate, slashing .295/.386/.568 with a .414 wOBA and 167 wRC+ over 101 plate appearances, but will give way to Justin Turner on Saturday. The veteran, on the other hand, has been atrocious at the plate, hitting .154 without a single extra base hit on the year so far, and even worse lately, going 1-for-18 (.056) over his last seven games. Although Turner is batting fourth, the Cubs have a low implied run total in this one, and Turner is 1-for-10 in his career off of Luzardo, so DFS users will likely want to look elsewhere for options at first base.
0 hour ago
Brandon Woodruff "Really Tired" After Latest Rehab Start
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) made a 61-pitch rehab start at Triple-A Nashville on Thursday, but felt "really tired" afterward, according to manager Pat Murphy. Murphy also indicated that, although Woodruff experienced tiredness, there were no physical setbacks, so a return to the major league mound in May still appears to be on track. Despite not pitching in a game since 2023, the righty owns a career 3.10 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 22.4 percent K-BB%, so for those in need of pitching help, the 32-year-old is a worthwhile bench or IL stash in most fantasy leagues.
1 hour ago
Tyler Fitzgerald Scratched On Saturday
San Francisco Giants second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald was scratched from Saturday's game against the Rangers with a chest contusion. The injury happened when attempting to make a diving play on a ground ball during Friday's contest, but he remained in the game, so consider him day-to-day for now. The 27-year-old is off to a good start to the year, slashing .289/.341/.447 with seven extra-base hits (two HR), seven RBI, 13 runs scored, and five stolen bases, along with a .347 wOBA and 123 wRC+. Fantasy managers should continue to use the former fourth-round draft pick once he returns to the lineup; in the meantime, Christian Koss will fill in at second base and bat eighth on Saturday.
1 hour ago
Lawrence Butler Absent From Lineup On Saturday
Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler is not in Saturday's lineup against the White Sox, who will send Jonathan Cannon to the mound. Cannon is a righty, so it doesn't appear to be matchup or injury-related, simply a day of rest. It could be good for the young slugger who has slumped a bit over the past week, going 3-for-22 (.136) in the last five games, although two of those three hits were home runs. Brent Rooker will bat second and man right field on Saturday for the A's.
1 hour ago
Ezequiel Tovar Still A Week Or So Away From Return From IL
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (hip) is still at least a week away from returning from the injured list according to manager Bud Black. Aaron Schunk had been filling in as of late for the injured Tovar, but has now been placed on the IL as well. Kyle Farmer will man shortstop in Saturday's game against the Reds, but has not recorded a hit in his last 17 at-bats. So, needless to say, the 4-21 Rockies will hope to get Tovar back as soon as possible to hopefully breathe some life into the offense, although he was struggling to begin the year, slashing .212/.257/.303 with no home runs, a .251 wOBA, and 44 wRC+. In contrast, Tovar put together a .269-26-78-83-6 line last season with a .324 wOBA and 95 wRC+.
1 hour ago
Ivan Herrera Catches Bullpen Session On Saturday
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Ivan Herrera (knee) caught a bullpen session on Saturday as he works his way back from a bone bruise in his left knee. Herrera began running the bases earlier this week and is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday of next week. The 24-year-old had gotten off to a hot start to the year, going 8-for-21 (.381) with two doubles, four home runs, 11 RBI, six runs scored, and a 3:5 BB:K. Fantasy managers who had rostered the Panamanian backstop who had to use a less-potent fill-in during his absence will welcome him back with open arms as the right-handed hitter still ranks within the top 12 at the position despite not having played in a game since April 6. Rostered in less than half of fantasy leagues, managers looking for catching help should stash him before his eventual return.
2 hours ago
Dylan Carlson Recalled By Baltimore
The Baltimore Orioles have recalled outfielder Dylan Carlson in light of fellow outfielder Tyler O'Neill's (neck) move to the 10-day IL. Carlson will join the O's big-league roster, likely serving as depth while O'Neill works out a nagging neck injury that's forced him from a few appearances over the prior weeks. The switch-hitting 26-year-old has already been up with the Orioles briefly in 2025, going 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, a RBI, and a walk. However, he's been much better for Triple-A Norfolk, batting .286 (18-for-63) with 18 runs, 11 RBI, and a 19:15 BB:K ratio. Once a first-round pick, Carlson has yet to live up to his power-speed billing in the MLB. Unless he captures some of his minor-league magic, it's unlikely he'll stick long at the major-league level. Teammate Ramon Laureano is covering right field on Saturday during their outing against the Tigers, batting ninth.
2 hours ago
Jalen Beeks Avoids Serious Injury
Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports that x-rays on Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Jalen Beeks (forearm) came back negative following his early removal from the team's loss against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. The 31-year-old picked up his fourth hold in the contest, allowing one hit while striking out one batter. However, he was struck with a comebacker on his left forearm. Fortunately, there was no structural damage to his arm, but the injury required him to leave the game as his arm immediately began to swell. He can be considered day-to-day for now. Beeks has been superb for the D-Backs in 2025, bolstering a 0.60 ERA and 0.73 WHIP over 15 innings pitched. He's struck out 15 batters (27.3% K%) to just three walks on the season.
2 hours ago
Lucas Giolito Starting On Wednesday Vs. Toronto
Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito (hamstring) will line up for his first scheduled start of the season this coming Wednesday when his team squares off against the Toronto Blue Jays for their second game of the series. The veteran hurler has been shelved since Spring Training after suffering a low-grade hamstring strain. Giolito had a rough go over his five rehab starts, compiling a 5.19 ERA in 17.1 innings with a 17:13 K:BB ratio across two levels. He was better for Triple-A Worcester, but walked ten batters in 10.1 innings there. The former first-round pick hasn't pitched in the Majors since 2023 after missing all of last season due to an internal brace procedure on his elbow. He has the tools to boost Boston's rotation, but fantasy managers may want to exhibit caution before immediately slotting him into their lineups.
2 hours ago
Tyler O'Neill Heading To The IL
The Baltimore Orioles have placed outfielder Tyler O'Neill (neck) on the 10-day IL retroactive to Apr 24 with neck soreness. O's manager, Brandon Hyde, stated that he's "hopeful" it's a minimum stay for the veteran. O'Neill has been battling his neck issue for a few weeks now, and he'll finally have time to get it sorted. The power-hitting right-hander has had trouble staying healthy over the years, and 2025 has been no different. Baltimore recalled outfielder Dylan Carlson in a corresponding move. Before his trip to the IL, the 29-year-old had been scuffling at the plate, batting .118 over his last 51 at-bats (six hits). It's possible his neck ailment is at least partially to blame.
3 hours ago
Mike Trout Blasts His Ninth Home Run Of The Season
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout saw a pitch from Minnesota Twins reliever Cole Sands in the seventh inning and deposited it into the left field seats for his ninth of the season as the Angels lost to the Twins 11-4. He is now tied for the MLB lead in that department. Trout is enjoying a nice power surge to start the 2025 campaign, but is only batting .185 thus far. Look for Trout to find more consistency at the plate throughout the season, but his power production has been incredible for fantasy managers. He is now slashing .185/.280/.511 with the nine home runs, 14 runs scored, and 18 RBI to go with two stolen bases. Next up for Trout are a few right-handed Twins pitchers, Simeon Woods Richardson and Joe Ryan, to wrap their three-game series against the Twins.
3 hours ago
Adley Rutschman, Ryan Mountcastle Not In Game 1 Lineup
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle will take a seat in game one of their doubleheader on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers with Casey Mize on the mound. Both Orioles hitters have been struggling lately; however, the decision by manager Brandon Hyde not to start them in Game 1 is due to the nature of the doubleheader, so fantasy managers should not look too much into it. In the meantime, Gary Sanchez will start behind the plate and bat eighth in place of Rutschman. Ryan O'Hearn will start at first base because of Mountcastle, moving Jordan Westburg into the designated hitter spot while Ramon Urias starts at third base.
3 hours ago
Edwin Diaz Wasn't Available Friday Due To Recent Usage
New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz (hip) was injured on Wednesday during his outing against the Philadelphia Phillies and has not returned to game action since. Mike Puma of the New York Post reported on Friday that Diaz could play catch before Friday's game without any issues. However, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza elected not to use him in a save situation that night due to his recent workload. This is an encouraging sign for Diaz and fantasy owners, as it seems likely he will be available at some point either Saturday or Sunday, if not next week at the latest. Without Diaz available, Ryne Stanek blew the save for the Mets on Friday, as the Washington Nationals won in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the ninth.
3 hours ago
Ha-Seong Kim Targeting June/July Return
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) is targeting a June/July return to the lineup for the Rays. He is reportedly doing well in his rehab from offseason shoulder surgery last October to fix a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Although he has not seen any game action, he has been throwing, hitting, and taking ground balls since March. The Rays will likely want to get him some minor league action before his return, and if that is the case, the Rays will try to get him playing by mid-May, if he is targeting a June/July return. Kim, a career .242/.326/.380 hitter, will likely take over daily shortstop duties for the Rays upon his return. Kim is a decent stash in 14-plus team leagues or should solely be relied on as a base stealer in category leagues.
4 hours ago
Colt Keith Not In the Lineup For Game One Of Doubleheader
Detroit Tigers second baseman Colt Keith isn't in the lineup for the first game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles. Keith has gone 2-for-10 over his last five games with one RBI and a run scored. With Keith sitting in game one, Spencer Torkelson will occupy first base, Zack McKinstry will be in right field, and Gleyber Torres will play second base. The Tigers have a doubleheader on Saturday, so Keith will likely start in game two. Keith has been underperforming this season after a promising rookie year, slashing an ugly .188/.333/.219 with eight runs scored and three RBI with no home runs. He will look to get back on track after sitting out game one.
4 hours ago
Spencer Steer Hits Two-Run Home Run On Friday
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run and two runs scored in Friday's 8-7 win over the Rockies. Steer was back at first base for the fourth straight game after opening the season exclusively as a DH, and has gone 5-for-17 (.294) over that time. Perhaps more importantly, he's struck out just once in his last 20 plate appearances (5.0 percent) after striking out 18 times in his first 59 PA (30.5 percent). After back-to-back 20-home run campaigns, hopefully Friday's home run gets the right-handed hitter going. The Reds get another shot at the Rockies in Colorado on Saturday against Antonio Senzatela, and although Steer has no matchup history with the pitcher, the righty sports a 4.81 ERA and 1.93 WHIP, making all of Cincinnati's hitters viable DFS options.
6 hours ago
Agustin Ramirez Hits First Career Home Run In Multi-Hit Effort
Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez kept on hitting on Friday, going 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, two RBI, and a run scored in the 8-4 win over the Mariners. The home run was his first, and it marked the third consecutive multi-hit performance to begin his big league career. Not only that, the 23-year-old has drawn two free passes and has yet to strike out in 12 plate appearances. The Marlins' fourth-ranked prospect is making good on the promise he showed in the minors and is looking like a fantasy stud so far, now 7-for-10 (.700) with five of the seven hits going for extra bases. The Dominican backstop has also stolen a base, somewhat of a rarity for catchers, and is eligible at both C and 1B on Yahoo!, making him all the more appealing. His rostership stands at 31 percent, but is worth a roster spot in all formats until he proves otherwise.
7 hours ago
Jacob Wilson Hits Third Home Run In Three-Hit Game On Friday
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson continued his hot start with a 3-for-4 night at the plate in a 6-5 win over the White Sox on Friday, smacking his third home run of the year and collecting two RBI in the contest. The former first-rounder has now hit safely in 23 of the first 25 games, slashing a robust .347/.354/.500 with a .374 wOBA and a 149 wRC+. With a low 5.1 percent strikeout rate and 91.5 percent contact rate, expect the right-handed hitter to continue to put the bat on the ball, and hitting at Sutter Health Park may even provide a little more power than fantasy managers were expecting. The 23-year-old is putting together a strong case for AL Rookie of the Year, and can continue to be used in both season-long and DFS formats.
7 hours ago
Paul Skenes Strikes Out Nine In Win Over Dodgers
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes dominated the Dodgers on Friday, throwing six-and-a-third innings of scoreless ball, scattering five hits while walking none and striking out nine on his way to earning the win in the 3-0 victory. That makes three consecutive quality starts for the righty and four quality starts out of six, now with a 3-2 record to go along with a 2.39 ERA (1.70 FIP), 0.80 WHIP, and a pristine 24.6 percent K-BB%. The 2024 NL Rookie of the Year's next start lines up with the Cubs at home next week, which should be a tough test as Chicago is averaging the highest runs per game in all of baseball to start the year, with the fourth-highest team batting average against right-handed pitching.
7 hours ago
Shane Baz Tosses Seven Shutout Innings In Win
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz silenced San Diego's bats on Friday, tossing seven shutout innings, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out six in a tight 1-0 win over the Padres. Baz has had just one hiccup so far this season, which came in his last start against the Yankees, where he allowed five earned runs, but the other four appearances have been quality starts. The righty is now 3-0 with a 2.43 ERA (3.19 xFIP), 0.99 WHIP, and a phenomenal 23.7 percent K-BB% over 29 1/3 IP. The former first-round draft pick's next start will come at home against Kansas City next week, a team that doesn't strike out much but has produced the second-fewest runs per game so far this season.
7 hours ago
Michael Busch
• 1B
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Cubs
