MLB News

Willy Adames • SS • Giants

Willy Adames Staying in Leadoff Spot After Four-Hit Effort

San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames will hit leadoff for a third straight game on Wednesday following his four-hit performance at the top of the order on Tuesday. The right-handed slugger is now riding a three-game hit streak and is 6-for-20 (.300) through five games, including a double, a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored. He's also struck out six times (30 percent) and has yet to draw a walk. The Dominican has three 30-home run seasons in his last four and posted a career-best 127 wRC+ last year, so hopefully he can keep up the hot hitting, as there should be plenty of RBI and runs scored coming behind it, although the high strikeout rate tends to limit his batting average. Even so, he should be rostered in all fantasy leagues.

5 hours ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler to Make Second Rehab Start on Friday

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (shoulder) will make his second start of his rehab assignment on Friday in Durham, and is expected to throw about four innings or 50 to 55 pitches total. While that was expected, his third start was originally scheduled to be in Reading, but that has now been changed to next week with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Whether or not he'll get a fourth rehab start is still up in the air. Wheeler has been working his way back from thoracic outlet decompression surgery he had last September. The right-hander was his usual dominant self in 2025 before the surgery, posting a 2.71 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and a 27.7 percent K-BB% in 24 starts. Hopefully the 35-year-old can return to form, and assuming he can, the three-time All-Star should continue to be stashed in all fantasy leagues.

5 hours ago

Gavin Lux • LF • Rays

Gavin Lux to Begin Rehab Assignment at Triple-A Durham

Tampa Bay Rays second baseman/outfielder Gavin Lux (shoulder) will head to Triple-A Durham to begin a rehab assignment. The left-handed hitter has been on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder impingement since the beginning of the season. Per manager Kevin Cash, the former first-round draft pick will make a few consecutive starts with Durham and they'll "see how it goes." Presumably, if all goes well, then the 28-year-old should be able to make his major league debut sometime next week. Once he returns, Lux will likely take over as the team's second baseman, although for fantasy, he's also eligible at third base and outfield in Yahoo! leagues. While that is appealing, he offers little power and speed with a career batting average of .256, so there is not much use for fantasy except in very deep or AL-only leagues.

5 hours ago

Triston Casas • 1B • Red Sox

Triston Casas Suffers Setback During Rehab

Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (knee) has encountered a setback in his recovery from a ruptured left patellar tendon that he suffered back in 2025. The former first-rounder is now dealing with sore ribs, per manager Alex Cora. At least the setback is not related to his knee, but Cora stated that they need to "shut it down for a while... we have to slow it down." Casas was placed on the 10-day injured list to begin the season, and a mid-to-late-May return to the majors was the original estimate, however, a return closer to midseason seems more realistic at this point. The team acquired Willson Contreras in the offseason to man first, but he is just 2-for-17 (.118) to begin the season, and if he doesn't pick it up at the plate, there could be a real competition for playing time whenever Casas returns. The 6-foot-4 left-handed slugger has legit power, belting 40 home runs over his last 224 games (~29 home runs per 162 games), but will be waiver wire fodder until he is getting regular at-bats.

6 hours ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Astros Continue to Monitor Jeremy Pena's Usage, Remains Out on Wednesday

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena is out of the lineup on Wednesday as the team continues to ease him back into action following a fractured finger that he suffered this spring. The right-handed slugger went 1-for-5 in Tuesday's contest, and although he is out of the lineup Wednesday, Pena could play in back-to-back games this weekend, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The 28-year-old is 3-for-15 (.200) so far this season with two runs scored and a stolen base. If the former third-round draft pick returns Friday, it would be against left-hander Jeffrey Springs for the Athletics, and Pena has hit lefties better for his career, with a .302/.344/.468 slash line against them compared to .259/.311/.397 against righties.

6 hours ago

Seiya Suzuki • RF • Cubs

Seiya Suzuki To Begin Rehab Assignment on Friday

Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (knee) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Knoxville on Friday, according to Taylor McGregor of the Marquee Sports Network. Per McGregor, Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that he expects the assignment to last anywhere from three to seven days. Suzuki started the season on the 10-day injured list after spraining his PCL in Team Japan's loss to Venezuela in the quarterfinal round of the World Baseball Classic on March 14. In 2025, Suzuki hit just .245, but reached career highs in home runs (32) and RBI (103), and will be a welcome addition back to the heart of the Cubs' lineup. His return will squeeze utilityman Matt Shaw and outfielder Michael Conforto out of their regular roles and into a possible split platoon.

6 hours ago

Cody Ponce • SP • Blue Jays

Cody Ponce To Visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache On Monday

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Cody Ponce (knee) will visit Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Monday, per Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. The visit is scheduled one week after Ponce injured his knee during his March 30 start against the Colorado Rockies. While attempting to field a ground ball in the third inning, Ponce came up limp and, after a few steps, fell to the dirt in noticeable pain. He had to be carted off in what was his first MLB start since 2021. In 2.1 innings pitched, Ponce allowed one hit, one run, one walk, and recorded three strikeouts. His current diagnosis is a sprained right ACL. The 31-year-old's evaluation by Dr. ElAttrache should determine if surgery will be required and help to establish a timeline for recovery. Manager John Schneider said on Tuesday that Ponce can be expected to miss "a significant chunk of time." Ponce was placed on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday.

7 hours ago

Tyler Freeman • RF • Rockies

Tyler Freeman Reinstated From 10-Day Injured List

The Colorado Rockies announced that utilityman Tyler Freeman (back) will be reinstated from the 10-day injured list, effective April 1. Backup catcher Braxton Fulford is being optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move. Freeman started the 2026 season on the IL due to back inflammation, which limited him to just eight games in spring training. With a profile that emphasizes contact ability and speed, Freeman hit just two home runs in 110 games in 2025, but finished with a batting average of .281, 50 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. The right-handed batter's career-long numbers favored a reverse split, but last season he showed vast improvements against southpaws, and he hit .291 against lefties. The Rockies used Freeman mainly at second base and right field last season, but the 26-year-old also has experience at third base and center field from his three seasons with the Guardians. He should be a regular when the Rockies face left-handed starters, and his versatility in the field will allow him to pick up an occasional start in between.

7 hours ago

Zach Eflin • SP • Orioles

Zach Eflin Officially Placed On 15-Day Injured List

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Wednesday morning that they have placed starting pitcher Zach Eflin (elbow) on the 15-day injured list. Eflin started Tuesday's game against the Texas Rangers but left partway through the fourth inning due to discomfort in his throwing elbow. In 3.2 innings pitched, Eflin allowed two walks and a home run as his only hit of the ballgame and racked up seven strikeouts on 74 pitches. Eflin was limited to 71.1 IP in 2025 due to lat and back injuries and a subsequent surgery on his back. The Orioles called up pitcher Albert Suarez from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. A shoulder strain held Suarez to just 11.2 IP in 2025, but in 2024 the righthander tossed 133.2 innings for the O's, resulting in a 9-7 record, 108 strikeouts, a 3.70 ERA, and a 1.29 WHIP.

7 hours ago

Jordan Westburg • 3B • Orioles

Jordan Westburg Moved To 60-Day Injured List

The Baltimore Orioles announced on Wednesday that they have transferred infielder Jordan Westburg (elbow) to the 60-day injured list. Westburg started the season on the 10-day IL after a partial tear in the UCL of his right arm was discovered during imaging early in spring training. Westburg opted against surgery to repair the ligament and instead received a plasma-rich platelet injection on February 20 in the hopes that that treatment, along with rest, would get him back on the field sooner. Westburg's timeline for recovery is still uncertain, but the move to the 60-day IL means that the soonest he will be back in action is May 21. On a positive note, Jacob Calvin Meyer of the Baltimore Sun reports that Westburg has progressed to swinging a bat and playing catch. In the meantime, Coby Mayo is holding down the hot corner in Baltimore, but is off to a 2-and-13 start with one stolen base.

7 hours ago

Paul Sewald • RP • Diamondbacks

Paul Sewald Earns Second Save, Emerging as Arizona's Go-to Ninth-Inning Option

Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Paul Sewald continued his strong start Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers, earning his second save of the season with a clean inning. Sewald struck out the side and has yet to allow a baserunner through 2 1/3 innings of work this year. His early dominance positions him for more opportunities as Arizona works to solidify its closer role. Sewald saw limited innings last season in Detroit, but he has shown the ability to anchor the back end of a bullpen. The 35-year-old owns a 4.09 ERA and 1.14 WHIP across 398 career innings and is quickly building momentum in Arizona.

10 hours ago

Kenley Jansen • RP • Tigers

Kenley Jansen Stumbles, Blows Save on Tuesday

Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen blew his second save opportunity of the season Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, surrendering a three-run go-ahead home run after entering with two runners on base in the eighth inning. Jansen is now one for two in save chances this year. Despite the setback, he is not expected to lose trust from his manager after over a decade of dominance in the role. The 38-year-old is in his first season with Detroit and has allowed one run across 1 1/3 innings. He will look to rebound quickly and remain a steady presence at the back end of the bullpen.

10 hours ago

Mark Leiter Jr. • RP • Athletics

A's Turn to Mark Leiter Jr. to Earn Tuesday's Save

Athletics reliever Mark Leiter Jr. earned his first save of the season Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves, working through traffic to secure the win. Leiter Jr. allowed two hits in the inning but limited the damage, recording one strikeout and stranding both runners. The left-hander is in his first season with Oakland and is working to establish a role early. The 35-year-old has never recorded more than eight save opportunities in a season, but early success could create more chances. He has pitched 2 2/3 innings this year, allowing one run on five hits with one strikeout, and is beginning to emerge as an option in late innings.

10 hours ago

Ryne Stanek • RP • Cardinals

Ryne Stanek Demoted to Seventh-Inning Role on Tuesday

St. Louis Cardinals reliever Ryne Stanek was used earlier than expected in Tuesday's 3-0 win against the New York Mets. The 34-year-old worked a clean seventh inning, allowing one walk and recording one strikeout. The outing followed a blown save Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays in his second opportunity of the season. Stanek will look to build on this performance and regain his manager's trust in high-leverage situations. The 10-year veteran is in his first season with St. Louis and has posted a 2.70 ERA across 3 1/3 innings this year.

11 hours ago

Jordan Romano • RP • Angels

Jordan Romano Perfect in Second Save, Locked in as Angels Closer?

Los Angeles Angels reliever Jordan Romano earned his second save in as many chances Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs, continuing a strong early-season run. Jordan Romano entered for Drew Pomeranz with one out in the ninth inning and worked around a walk, recording a lineout before finishing the game with a strikeout. The right-hander has appeared in three games and has not allowed a hit, while tallying two strikeouts and four walks. This marks a sharp turnaround from 2025, when he posted an 8.23 ERA across 42 2/3 innings. His early role in save situations signals growing trust with his new team, and he is positioning himself to claim a firm grip on the closer job in Los Angeles.

11 hours ago

Riley O'Brien • RP • Cardinals

Riley O'Brien Earns Save for Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals reliever Riley O'Brien picked up his first save of the season Tuesday against the New York Mets, tossing one hitless inning to close out the win. The right-hander has now appeared in three games, logging 3 1/3 innings with two strikeouts, three hits allowed, and zero earned runs. O'Brien is building on last season's breakout, when he posted a 2.06 ERA and 0.90 WHIP across 48 innings. His early usage in high-leverage spots suggests growing trust from the coaching staff. If this trend continues, he could carve out a steady role in late-game situations for St. Louis.

11 hours ago

Parker Messick • SP • Guardians

Parker Messick a Top Waiver-Wire Pickup After Stellar Season Debut

Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect Parker Messick should be viewed as a priority waiver wire pickup this week after his strong season debut. On Monday evening, the young southpaw was tasked to face the reigning two-time World Series Champions in Los Angeles. However, Messick looked quite comfortable on the bump, logging six shutout frames. He surrendered just five hits and no walks. He struck out five hitters. Last season, the 25-year-old made his MLB debut and flashed similar upside over a short 39 2/3 inning stint, holding a 2.72 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. Last summer, Messick spent most of his campaign with Triple-A Columbus, where he held a 3.47 ERA with a 119:42 K:BB. Given his impressive showing against the game's top lineup, Messick should be viewed as a worthy starting pitcher target on the waiver wire.

12 hours ago

Bubba Chandler • SP • Pirates

Bubba Chandler Struggles to Command Pitches in Season Debut

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitching prospect Bubba Chandler struggled to command his pitches in his season debut on Tuesday evening. Facing the Cincinnati Reds, Chandler tossed 4 1/3 innings with one run (unearned), no hits, and six punchouts. However, he allowed a hefty six free passes, which has limited his effectiveness. While he was able to keep runs and hits off the board, his command remains a serious issue. Last season, Chandler allowed 53 free passes over just 100 innings at the Triple-A level. While he struck out 121 hitters in this stint, his weak command significantly hindered his upside. While he carried a near-perfect 3.2% BB% over his first stint in the majors in 2025 (31 1/3 innings), seeing him command stumble again is not a good sign. While the high-end strikeout upside is still elite, he remains a difficult pitcher to trust on a weekly basis. He will look to bounce back facing the San Diego Padres next week.

12 hours ago

Andrew Painter • SP • Phillies

Andrew Painter Strikes Out Eight, Allows One Run in Strong MLB Debut

Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect Andrew Painter was sharp in his MLB debut on Tuesday evening. Facing the Washington Nationals, Painter logged 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball with just four hits and one free pass. He struck out eight batters en route to picking up the victory as well. Painter endured some serious growing pains working his way back from injury last season, but he appears to have taken a massive step forward in the majors. In 2025, Painter spent 106 2/3 innings with Triple-A Lehigh Valley but carried a modest 5.40 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and a 111:46 K:BB. In spring training, the former 13th overall pick showed some signs of progress, holding a 2.31 ERA over 11 2/3 innings. Given his impressive debut, Painter should be viewed as a primary target on the waiver wire ahead of his next outing, against the San Francisco Giants.

12 hours ago

Jose Fernandez • SS • Diamondbacks

Jose Fernandez Launches Two Home Runs in Historic MLB Debut

Arizona Diamondbacks infield prospect Jose Fernandez went 3-for-4 with two home runs during his MLB debut on Tuesday evening against the Detroit Tigers. Fernandez was promoted to the roster to replace Pavin Smith (elbow), who was placed on the injured list earlier in the day. Fernandez got the start at the hot corner and did not disappoint, launching two long balls. He would hit his first home run off Detroit starter Casey Mize in the fourth inning before hitting the go-ahead blast in the eighth inning off Detroit closer Kenley Jansen. Last summer, Fernandez spent his entire 2025 season with Triple-A Reno, where he posted a .271/.321/.454 slash line with 17 home runs and 12 stolen bases. Given his impressive debut, managers in deeper 12+ team formats should consider adding him as he may carve out a role in this offense.

12 hours ago

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