MLB News
Rays Place Jake Mangum On 10-Day Injured List With Groin Strain
The Tampa Bay Rays placed rookie outfielder Jake Mangum (groin) on the 10-day injured list on Thursday with a left-groin strain and recalled infielder Coco Montes from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move, according to Bally Sports Florida's Ryan Bass. Mangum strained his groin in Wednesday's win over the Arizona Diamondbacks and will now have to miss at least the next 10 days. It's a tough break for the 29-year-old, who has taken advantage of his opportunities early in his rookie year, going 23-for-68 (.338) with four doubles, seven RBI, a league-leading eight stolen bases and seven runs scored in his first 21 contests. Fantasy managers that scooped him up off waivers can only hope he's able to pick up where he left off when he returns from the IL. Jonny De Luca, Josh Lowe and Richie Palacios are also on the IL, so Kameron Misner should play every day for Tampa with Mangum now sidelined.
2 hours ago
Jacob Young, Jose Tena Sitting Out On Thursday
Washington Nationals outfielder Jacob Young and third baseman Jose Tena will start on the bench for Thursday's contest against the visiting Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. Dylan Crews is starting in center field and will bat eighth, Alex Call is in right field and in the two-hole, and Amed Rosario is starting at third base and batting sixth versus Orioles left-hander Cade Povich. Young went 0-for-3 on Wednesday to snap a three-game hitting streak and is hitting just .220 (11-for-50) with no homers, one RBI, two steals and six runs scored as a platoon outfielder in D.C. Tena has hits in both of his at-bats against lefties this year with two RBI, but the left-handed hitter will take a seat in favor of Rosario. Although Call has yet to clear the fences in 42 at-bats in 2025, he'll be the better DFS sleeper play in the second spot. The 30-year-old is hitting .310 (13-for-42) with eight RBI and seven runs scored.
2 hours ago
Kyle Gibson Dealing With Minor Back Tightness
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Kyle Gibson (back) said he dealt with some back tightness in his last minor-league rehab start with High-A Aberdeen on Sunday, but it's nothing serious and he's still ready to join the big-league rotation in Baltimore. Gibson allowed two runs (one earned) on one hit while walking two and striking out five in five innings of work for Aberdeen on Easter Sunday. In his three rehab outings to this point (two with Triple-A Norfolk), the 37-year-old veteran has given up six runs (five earned) on 10 hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out 13 in 12 innings pitched. Although Gibson feels ready to make his 2025 debut in the majors, it's unclear if the Orioles want to see him make one more rehab start in the minors first. Gibson has been durable the last three years, but he won't offer much fantasy upside outside of AL-only formats when he's back with Baltimore.
2 hours ago
Small Mechanical Tweak Working For Triston Casas
After slumping to open the 2025 regular season, Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas worked with hitting coach Pete Fatse this week to move the positioning of his hands further away from his body. The early results have been encouraging after Casas hit a three-run home run for the second straight day in Wednesday's loss to the Seattle Mariners. In his first 23 games, the 25-year-old left-handed slugger had a 39 wRC+ while batting .171 with a .570 OPS, which was the worst month of his career. As a result, manager Alex Cora recently moved him down from his customary fourth spot in the batting order. Both of his homers the last two days were just over 105 mph off the bat, and fantasy managers will be hoping Casas' adjustment with his stance will continue to mean more production after a slow start. Now he just needs to be moved back up the batting order.
2 hours ago
CJ Abrams Reinstated From 10-Day Injured List
The Washington Nationals announced on Thursday that they reinstated shortstop CJ Abrams (hip) from the 10-day injured list and optioned infielder Trey Lipscomb to Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move. Fantasy managers will want to check back a bit later to see if Abrams is back in the starting lineup for Thursday's contest against the visiting Baltimore Orioles at Nationals Park. The 24-year-old will be rejoining the big-league roster since landing on the IL back on April 12 due to a right hip-flexor strain. In two minor-league rehab games with Triple-A Rochester, Abrams went hitless in four at bats with two walks. Before tweaking his hip stealing a base, Abrams was hitting .244 (10-for-41) in the early going in 2025 with four home runs, two doubles, seven RBI and four stolen bases in 11 games. Get Abrams back into all starting fantasy lineups if he's active on Thursday, which he should be. UPDATE: Abrams is at shortstop and batting leadoff on Thursday against Orioles left-hander Cade Povich.
3 hours ago
Eli Morgan Shut Down From Throwing For 2-3 Weeks
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that right-handed reliever Eli Morgan (elbow) is dealing with right-elbow neuritis. Morgan is heading to the team's spring training facility in Arizona and will be shut down from throwing for two to three weeks. The 28-year-old Morgan landed on the 15-day injured list with his right-elbow injury last week and won't be ready to come off the IL when he's eligible. Before getting injured, the former eighth-round selection by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017 out of Gonzaga University appeared in seven games for Chicago out of the bullpen and allowed 10 earned runs on 12 hits (three home runs) while walking three and striking out four. It has been a rough start to 2025 for Morgan, and now he probably won't be able to return to the big leagues for at least a couple weeks.
3 hours ago
Javier Assad Heading To Chicago To Be Examined
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that right-hander Javier Assad (oblique) felt discomfort in his side during his minor-league rehab outing with Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday and is on his way to Chicago to be examined by the team's medical staff. The 27-year-old injured his left oblique in spring training and opened the 2025 season on the 15-day injured list. Just when the Mexican hurler was getting close to a debut in the big leagues, he suffered a setback this week. In two rehab games with Iowa, Assad allowed three earned runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out nine over 7 1/3 innings. He did a respectable job in his transition to being a full-time start for the Cubbies in 2024, but Assad lacks a ton of fantasy upside because of a below-average strikeout rate. There's no timetable for his potential return to the majors, and when he is back, there's no guarantee he'll have a rotation spot waiting for him.
3 hours ago
Jake Bauers In Starting Lineup Against Giants
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers is making the start at first base and is batting fifth for Thursday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants and right-hander Landen Roupp at Oracle Park. With Jackson Chourio getting the day off, Christian Yelich is in left field and Rhys Hoskins is serving as the designated hitter, opening up first base for Bauers. The 29-year-old Bauers will be making only his sixth start of the season for the Brew Crew in the matinee affair. Although he hasn't seen much playing time so far in 2025, Bauers has swing the bat well, going 7-for-25 (.280) with two home runs, five RBI, five runs scored and a stolen base. The former seventh-rounder of the San Diego Padres in 2013 has one hit in just two career at-bats against Roupp.
3 hours ago
Brandon Marsh Starting Rehab Assignment On Thursday
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (hamstring) is starting his minor-league rehab assignment on Thursday with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Lochlahn March. Marsh is recovering from a strained right hamstring but could be activated from the 10-day injured list when he's eligible on Sunday as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks in a few games at Lehigh Valley this weekend. When the 27-year-old outfielder rejoins the big-league roster, he'll be returning to a nightmarish .095/.220/.167 slash line after going 4-for-42 with a homer, five RBI, seven walks and 16 strikeouts in his first 17 games this year. It's still early, but this is about as bad of a starter as you can get. Before going on the IL, Marsh was hitless in his last 31 at-bats with two RBI, five walks and 11 strikeouts. If he continues to struggle when he's back, Marsh could see more time on the bench.
3 hours ago
Brendan Donovan Expected To Return On Friday
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reports that infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan (rib) is expected to return to the team's starting lineup on Friday for the series opener against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. A displaced rib kept Donovan out of the starting lineup for the final two games of this week's series against the Atlanta Braves, but with a scheduled day off on Friday, the 28-year-old should be good to go to return on Friday. Fantasy managers will want to check to make sure Donovan is back in there, but if he is, he should be returned to your lineups after his strong start to the 2025 campaign. He's among the league leaders in batting average (.356) in the early going with 32 hits in 90 at-bats, three home runs, 13 RBI, three steals and 14 runs scored. The Cards are scheduled to face Brewers right-hander Chad Patrick in the series opener on Friday at Busch Stadium.
3 hours ago
Patrick Bailey Getting Breather In Series Finale
San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey will start Thursday's series finale against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park on the bench while Sam Huff does the catching for right-hander Landen Roupp and hits eighth against Brewers right-hander Tobias Myers, who is coming off the injured list to make his 2025 season debut. Bailey, 25, has gotten off to a rough start to the season at the plate, batting just .167 (11-for-66) with no home runs, eight RBI, seven runs scored, five walks and 26 strikeouts in 72 plate appearances over 22 games. He has just two multi-hit games and five extra-base hits as San Fran's primary catcher. Huff has been slightly better with five hits in 22 at-bats, including a home run, but fantasy managers in DFS should be able to find better low-cost options at catcher for Thursday's slate.
3 hours ago
Jackson Chourio, William Contreras, Caleb Durbin All Sitting On Thursday
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio, catcher William Contreras and rookie infielder Caleb Durbin are all getting a breather in Thursday's series finale against the San Francisco Giants. Christian Yelich is in left field and batting third, Rhys Hoskins is the designated hitter and batting cleanup, and Jake Bauers will start at first and hit fifth against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp. Vinny Capra is starting at third and hitting eighth, and Eric Haase is catching and in the nine-hole. Chourio has been slumping lately, going 6-for-42 in his last 10 games going into Thursday, so he'll receive a mental day. Contreras has been hot, picking up hits in 15 of his last 16 games. This will be only the second day off of the season for the 27-year-old backstop. Durbin made his MLB debut last Friday and has gone 6-for-23 with three RBI and four runs in his first six games with the Brewers.
3 hours ago
Trent Grisham Activated From Paternity List
New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham was activated from the paternity list prior to their contest on Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays. The outfielder was held out of action during their entire three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians at the start of the week. However, Grisham will be back in action for their weekend series in the Bronx against the Blue Jays. Grisham has enjoyed a productive start to the campaign, holding a stellar .320/.393/.700 slash line with two doubles and six long balls. Grisham has tallied 13 RBI and scored 12 runs. Even though he may occasionally sit against southpaws, he appears to have a significant role in the Yankee lineup, given his hot start. Fantasy managers should expect the 28-year-old to return to the starting nine on Friday to face Toronto right-hander Jose Berrios.
5 hours ago
Tobias Myers Activated Off Injured List, Starting On Thursday
Milwaukee Brewers right-handed pitcher Tobias Myers (oblique) was activated off the 15-day injured list prior to his season debut on Thursday against the San Francisco Giants. Myers has been out of action since spring training due to this injury. In a corresponding move, the Brewers optioned left-handed pitcher Bryan Hudson to Triple-A Nashville. Myers made his MLB debut last season and performed quite well, holding a 3.00 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP across 138 innings of work. He tallied strikeouts at a modest 22.3 percent rate but showed strong command of his pitches, allowing walks at a 6.3 percent rate. He also generated a 38.7 percent hard-hit rate and an 8.0 percent barrel rate, which were both just below the average marks. Fantasy managers in deeper 15+ team formats should look to add Meyers ahead of his season debut, as he should remain in the Milwaukee rotation throughout the season. However, he is best to leave on your bench on Thursday, as he could face an innings limit in his debut.
5 hours ago
Jacob Stallings, Nick Martini Sitting In Game 1
Colorado Rockies catcher Jacob Stallings and outfielder Nick Martini will take a seat in Game 1 of their doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday afternoon. Fantasy managers should expect Stallings to return to the lineup for Game 2. Instead, Hunter Goodman will be behind the dish in the early game. Martini has typically taken a seat against left-handed pitching this season, and will follow suit in Game 1 as the Royals will send out Cole Ragans. As a result, Mickey Moniak will cover right field. However, Martini will return to the lineup for the second game this evening, as the Royals are scheduled to send right-hander Michael Lorenzen to the bump. The Rockies are best to fade in Game 1, facing Ragans, as he has struck out 42 batters and held a 3.58 ERA in 27 2/3 innings of work this season.
5 hours ago
Jorge Polanco Sitting Against Lefty
Seattle Mariners infielder Jorge Polanco will take a seat during Thursday's contest against the Boston Red Sox with left-hander Garrett Crochet set to take the mound. Through the early part of the campaign, Polanco has only made one start against a southpaw. Instead, Ben Williamson will cover the hot corner, and Cal Raleigh will shift to the DH spot, which will allow Mitch Garver to be behind the dish. Polanco has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign, posting a strong .339/.356/.589 slash line with two doubles and four home runs. Under the hood, Polanco has generated an elite .424 xwOBA and a .354 xBA, which suggests his production is sustainable. Fantasy managers should expect the 31-year-old to return to the starting nine on Friday when they face Miami right-hander Cal Quantrill. The Mariners are not worth targeting in DFS, as they face Crochet, who enters this game with a 1.13 ERA.
5 hours ago
David Festa Optioned To Triple-A
The Minnesota Twins have optioned right-handed pitcher David Festa to Triple-A St. Paul. Festa was promoted to the majors to fill Pablo Lopez's rotation spot. However, with Lopez set to return to action this weekend, Festa will return to the top level of the minor leagues. Through three starts this season (13 innings), Festa held a 1.38 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. During this minor stint, Festa struck out 15 batters and served up five walks. Last summer, the Seton Hall product made his MLB debut and posted a modest 4.90 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP across 64 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should expect Festa to return to the big leagues when Minnesota needs additional depth in its rotation. However, given his modest showing, he is only worth holding onto in deeper AL-only redraft formats.
5 hours ago
Willi Castro Placed On 10-Day Injured List
Minnesota Twins infielder/outfielder Willi Castro (oblique) is on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain. In a corresponding move, the Twins promoted Mickey Gasper from Triple-A St. Paul. Castro has been held out of the lineup since suffering this injury on April 16. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as this injury could keep Castro sidelined for an extended period. While he remains out, fantasy managers should expect prospect Luke Keaschall to continue to see time at second base and Brooks Lee to see time at the hot corner. Through the first 18 games of the campaign, Castro has held a .227/.292/.364 line with six doubles, one home run, and one stolen base. He is worth holding on an IR spot in deeper formats given his positional flexibility.
6 hours ago
Hagen Smith Showing Strikeout Potential At Double-A
Chicago White Sox pitching prospect Hagen Smith has looked sharp during his first taste of Double-A action. On Wednesday, Smith logged four shutout innings. During this start, he allowed just one hit and held an 8:4 K:BB. Through 13 2/3 innings of work, the fifth overall pick in last year's MLB Draft has held a 2.63 ERA with a 1.17 WHIP. He has tallied an impressive 25 strikeouts and served up 10 walks. After being selected out of Arkansas last summer, he earned a brief seven 2/3 inning taste of High-A. During this small look, Smith allowed three runs and held a 7:2 K:BB. Fantasy managers should expect the left-hander to spend most of the first half of the season with Double-A Birmingham. If he continues to perform well, he could push for a Triple-A promotion.
6 hours ago
Robby Snelling Tallies Nine Punchouts For The Second Time This Season
Miami Marlins pitching prospect Robby Snelling struck out nine batters in a start for the second time this season. On Wednesday, Snelling tossed six shutout innings against Double-A Knoxville. In this outing, he allowed just three hits and held a near-perfect 9:1 K:BB. Through his first 22 1/3 innings of work this season, the southpaw has held an impressive 1.61 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP. Across this hot start, Snelling has struck out 29 batters and served up just three free passes. This is an excellent sign for the 21-year-old as he struggled at the Double-A level last season. Across 109 1/3 innings split between Double-A San Antonio and Pensacola, Snelling held a modest 5.53 ERA with a 1.53 WHIP. Given his impressive start, Snelling should earn an early promotion to Triple-A, which keeps the door open for a late-season MLB debut.
7 hours ago
Jake Mangum
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Rays
