MLB News

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Byron Buxton Leaves on Friday After Being Hit by a Pitch

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (forearm) was forced from Friday's game early against the Tampa Bay Rays after he was hit by a pitch on the forearm in the seventh inning, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Buxton immediately walked off the field. Hayes speculates that the injury was to Buxton's forearm or elbow, but it also could have been to his ribs. We'll have more information on the specific injury and the severity when the details emerge, but for now, fantasy managers should expect Buxton to be day-to-day. The 32-year-old oft-injured veteran will likely undergo X-rays to rule out any fractures or breaks after he took a 91.6 mph fastball off his body. If Buxton is forced to miss any time, James Outman would likely be the beneficiary of more playing time in center field in Minnesota. Buxton entered Friday's game with only four hits in his 23 at-bats (.174) with an RBI and two runs scored in his first six games. The two-time All-Star was hitless with a strikeout in his three at-bats on Friday before getting hurt.

4 hours ago

Grant Taylor • RP • White Sox

Grant Taylor to Serve as Opener on Saturday

Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor will serve as the team's opener on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays, according to MLB.com's Scott Merkin. Anthony Kay will pitch the bulk of the innings for the Pale Hose on Saturday against Toronto. The 23-year-old Taylor also served as Chicago's opener last Friday, and he's allowed one earned run with two walks and four strikeouts in his two innings of work in relief so far this year in his second big-league season. Taylor went 2-4 last year with a 4.91 ERA (1.42 FIP), 1.42 WHIP, six saves, 54 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 36 2/3 innings over 36 appearances (two starts). This will be Taylor's first "start" of 2026, but he won't be useful in DFS because he's likely to only pitch an inning against Toronto.

4 hours ago

Ryan Waldschmidt • CF • Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks to Keep Ryan Waldschmidt at Triple-A Despite Open Starting Role

The Arizona Diamondbacks are not calling up outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt yet for a few reasons, explains Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. The first big reason is that the team expects outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) back for the first time this year after recovering from a torn ACL late last season, so they would have to add Waldschmidt to an already crowded 40-man roster. Then, in another few weeks, Waldschmidt would be chewing up a roster spot in the minors without a path to regular at-bats at the major-league level. The bottom line is that Arizona just isn't ready to have Waldschmidt in the big leagues. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues were hoping that Jordan Lawlar's fractured wrist would prompt the team to let the 23-year-old make his MLB debut. He hit .302 with a homer and six RBI in 14 Cactus League games in spring training and has gone 5-for-22 (.227) with seven RBI in his first six games at Triple-A Reno. Waldschmidt is one of the best prospect outfield stashes in deeper fantasy leagues early on in 2026.

4 hours ago

Cade Horton • SP • Cubs

Cade Horton Headed for Injured List Stint

Chicago Cubs right-hander Cade Horton (forearm) will go on the 15-day injured list, but he said he's optimistic that it's not a serious injury, according to Taylor McGregor of Watch Marquee Sports. Horton was forced from his start on Friday early against the Cleveland Guardians due to right-forearm discomfort. That's usually a bad sign for pitchers, but Horton may only need a minimum stint on the IL. Before exiting, the 24-year-old's velocity was down about two MPH from his typical readings over one-plus scoreless innings. Horton picked up his first win of the season in his 2026 debut last week against the Washington Nationals, when he allowed two earned runs with a walk and four strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings of work. The former seventh overall pick in 2022 out of Oklahoma should be stashed in all fantasy leagues, especially since Horton might only end up missing a couple of starts. UPDATE: Horton will undergo tests on his right forearm this weekend.

4 hours ago

Patrick Corbin • SP • Blue Jays

Blue Jays Add Patrick Corbin on One-Year Deal

The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Friday that they signed free-agent left-hander Patrick Corbin to an undisclosed one-year deal. The team then optioned Corbin to Single-A Dunedin. Corbin, 36, will give the Jays some experienced starting pitching depth as they try to weather the rash of injuries that have hit their starting staff early on in 2026. Right now, Shane Bieber (elbow), Jose Berrios (elbow), Trey Yesavage (shoulder), and Cody Ponce (knee) are all on the shelf. Corbin will bide his time in the minors and get stretched out, but there's still no guarantee he'll make it into Toronto's rotation this year. Corbin went 7-11 in 155 1/3 innings over 31 outings (30 starts) with the Texas Rangers in 2025 and held a 4.40 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 131:51 K:BB in his 13th big-league season. He hasn't had an ERA under 4.00 since 2019 with the Washington Nationals, so it's unlikely he'll suddenly become an asset in Toronto in hitter-friendly Rogers Centre if he gets a shot to start.

4 hours ago

Cooper Pratt • SS • Brewers

Brewers Add Cooper Pratt to 40-Man Roster

The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Friday that they added infield prospect Cooper Pratt to the 40-man roster and optioned him to Triple-A Nashville. In a corresponding move, outfielder Steward Berroa was designated for assignment. The move comes after the Brewers signed the 21-year-old shortstop to an eight-year, $50 million contract extension before Pratt has even stepped foot on a major-league field. Per MLB.com, Pratt is Milwaukee's fourth-ranked prospect. He's getting his first taste of Triple-A to start the 2026 season, and he has gone 4-for-15 (.267) in the early going with an RBI and a stolen base in three games at Nashville. Last year in 120 games at Double-A Biloxi, Pratt slashed .238/.343/.348 with eight home runs, 62 RBI, 71 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases in 524 plate appearances. His glove is already major-league ready, and so is his speed, but the Brewers probably would like to see more development offensively before they officially call him up to the big leagues. Still, if he tears Triple-A up in the first half of the season, Pratt could be a big-leaguer later this year.

4 hours ago

Isaac Paredes • 3B • Astros

Isaac Paredes Placed on Bereavement List

Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes has been placed on the bereavement list, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. In a corresponding move, the Astros have promoted Shay Whitcomb from Triple-A Sugar Land. As a result, Paredes will miss at least three days of action but no more than seven days. The 27-year-old has had a quiet start to the 2026 campaign, posting a modest .227/.346/.409 line with no home runs. Under the hood, he has generated a low .302 xwOBA with a .235 xBA, both of which place him below the average marks. However, he has shown a strong eye at the plate, drawing walks at an 11.4% rate and striking out at a low 17.4% rate. While he remains on the shelf, fantasy managers should expect Carlos Correa to operate as the full-time third baseman while Jeremy Pena and Jose Altuve see everyday opportunities in the middle of the infield.

5 hours ago

Jordan Lawlar • SS • Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar Suffers Fractured Wrist, Set to Miss 6-8 Weeks

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jordan Lawlar (wrist) has been diagnosed with a fractured wrist and is set to miss the next six to eight weeks of action, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. The former top prospect hit his first career MLB home run on Thursday evening, but he was also hit by a pitch in his right wrist in this game. Following the contest, Lawlar underwent X-rays, which came back negative. However, a follow-up scan revealed the 23-year-old is dealing with a more serious injury. In a corresponding move, the Diamondbacks are set to promote catcher Adrian Del Castillo to the major league roster. Lawlar was able to break camp with the MLB roster and has held a solid .333/.400/.556 line with a .956 OPS over his first six contests. While he remains out, fantasy managers should expect Tim Tawa or Jorge Barrosa to see more time in the outfield.

5 hours ago

Alejandro Kirk • C • Blue Jays

Alejandro Kirk Having X-Rays on his Thumb

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (thumb) is going for X-rays on his thumb, manager John Schneider told Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. If the Blue Jays need another catcher, it's likely to be Brandon Valenzuela. Kirk left Friday's game early against the Chicago White Sox after he was hit in the left thumb by a foul tip behind the plate. Before leaving, he went 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. The injury occurred in the bottom of the 10th inning. The 27-year-old came into Friday's game struggling in the early portion of the 2026 season, going 2-for-16 (.125) with a solo home run and two runs scored in the first four games. For now, fantasy managers should consider Kirk day-to-day and check back on Saturday to see if he's available to return to action. Tyler Heineman is the only other catcher on Toronto's big-league roster, so he'll likely get the start on Saturday behind the dish if Kirk is unavailable to play.

5 hours ago

Cade Horton • SP • Cubs

Cade Horton Exits Friday's Start with Forearm Tightness

Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Cade Horton (forearm) exited Friday's start with forearm tightness, according to Taylor McGregor of Marquee Sports. Horton removed himself from Friday's contest in the second inning after experiencing pain in his right forearm. Before exiting, Horton logged one inning of work with one walk, no hits, and no runs. In his season debut, Horton tossed 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball with four hits and four punchouts en route to picking up the victory over the Washington Nationals. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his stats, as the team will likely provide an update after Friday's contest. With Horton potentially in danger of missing time on the bump, managers should expect Colin Rea or Ben Brown to compete for opportunities in the rotation.

6 hours ago

Bailey Falter • SP • Royals

Royals Place Bailey Falter on 15-Day Injured List With Elbow Inflammation

The Kansas City Royals announced on Friday that they placed left-hander Bailey Falter (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 2) with left-elbow inflammation and recalled right-hander Luinder Avila from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. It could help explain why Falter allowed three runs in just one-third of an inning during his outing in relief against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. He's allowed five earned runs on eight hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out four in just 3 1/3 innings in his first two appearances out of KC's bullpen in 2026. It's unclear if Falter will be eligible to return from the IL when he's eligible in mid-April. The 28-year-old southpaw isn't much to look at for fantasy baseball purposes, even if he were to rejoin the Royals' starting rotation at some point this year. Falter finished in the bottom 20th percentile in 2025 in whiff rate, strikeout rate, xERA, xBA, and ground-ball rate.

8 hours ago

Orion Kerkering • RP • Phillies

Orion Kerkering to Make One More Appearance at Triple-A Before Rejoining Phils

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering (hamstring) will make one more appearance at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this Saturday and is expected to rejoin the club during their series in San Francisco that starts on Monday, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. The right-hander could be activated either Monday or Tuesday. The 24-year-old is working his way back from a hamstring strain that limited him to just one inning pitched during Grapefruit League action. The 6-foot-2 hurler had a decent 3.30 ERA last season for the Phils, but a 10.2 percent walk rate caused an inflated 1.37 WHIP and a depressed 14.3 percent K-BB%, compared to a 22.2 percent K-BB% in 2024. He's probably good for a strikeout per inning, so if he returns to 2024 form, the former fifth-rounder could be a ratio-booster for fantasy; otherwise, his value really lies in leagues where holds are rewarded, as he collected 19 of those last season for Philadelphia, along with four saves.

8 hours ago

Zach Eflin • SP • Orioles

Zach Eflin to Seek Second Opinion on Ailing Elbow

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin (elbow) is seeking a second opinion on his right elbow and will fly to Dallas to consult Dr. Keith Meister, per Jake Rill of MLB.com. Eflin was removed from his first start of the season with elbow discomfort, and apparently, the results of initial tests were not encouraging. The veteran has been placed on the 15-day injured list, but fantasy managers will want to plan accordingly in the event this turns into a longer-term injury. The O's could turn to Dean Kremer at Triple-A Norfolk to fill his spot in the rotation, who pitched 171 2/3 innings for Baltimore last season and won 11 games, although a 4.19 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and 13.7 percent K-BB% aren't very appealing for fantasy purposes.

8 hours ago

Ryan Pepiot • SP • Rays

Ryan Pepiot to Throw Bullpen on Friday, on Track to Return Next Week

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot (hip) is throwing a bullpen session on Friday as he continues to work his way back from right hip inflammation that sidelined him to begin the season. The right-hander is eligible to come off the injured list on Monday when the team has its first home game of the season against the Cubs, and the 28-year-old could make his season debut for that start, assuming he does not encounter any setbacks. The former third-round draft pick pitched well for the Rays in 2025, posting a 3.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and a 15.6 percent K-BB% in 31 starts (167 2/3 innings). The 6-foot-3 hurler looked good in spring action, too, yielding just one earned run in 10 innings of work while recording seven strikeouts, although nine walks were something to keep an eye on.

9 hours ago

Josh Hader • RP • Astros

Josh Hader Showing Good Velocity in Latest Bullpen Session

Houston Astros closer Josh Hader (biceps) touched 90 mph in his latest bullpen session, something the 31-year-old said he's never done before in a bullpen. It's definitely an encouraging sign as the southpaw works his way back from a bicep injury. The Astros are taking it slow with him, but the 6-foot-3 hurler remains on track for a return sometime in May. Although he dealt with a shoulder injury last season, he was his usual dominant self when he was on the mound, pitching to a 2.05 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and a 29.1 percent K-BB% while notching 28 saves for Houston in 52 2/3 innings pitched. The veteran should be stashed away in all leagues until his return. In the meantime, the six-time All-Star's replacement has been Bryan Abreu, who has been shaky at best, allowing at least one run in each of his three appearances thus far, with a 2.57 WHIP, although he does have six strikeouts in just 2 1/3 IP.

9 hours ago

Kyle Teel • C • White Sox

Kyle Teel Doing Well in his Recovery From Hamstring Strain

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (hamstring) had a positive report on his right-hamstring injury, according to Scott Merking of MLB.com. "I feel much better this week, honestly. It's going well. I would say that, like I still don't know exactly when on the timeline I'll be back," Teel said. "From the way I've been feeling, it's been a steady incline. From what everyone who has hamstring injuries tells me, there's going to be a day where it just feels really, really good. That's when you make that big jump. I feel like I'm coming up on that day really soon." The 24-year-old backstop was diagnosed with a Grade 2 right-hamstring strain in mid-March in spring training while playing for Team Italy during the World Baseball Classic, which is why he's on the shelf to begin the 2026 regular season. When healthy, Teel is expected to be Chicago's primary catcher. Until then, Edgar Quero and Reese McGuire will continue to split the catching duties for the Pale Hose.

10 hours ago

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Reds to Discuss Next Steps for Nick Lodolo

FOX 19's Charlie Goldsmith reports that Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) will meet the team on their road trip in Texas, at which point they will discuss his blister issues and the next step in his rehab. Lodolo started the 2026 regular season on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his left index finger, and he had to leave his minor-league rehab start early with Single-A Dayton in the third inning on Tuesday. Because of the setback, the 28-year-old southpaw will have a longer stay on the IL to begin the season. The good news is that Lodolo struck out four of the eight batters he faced in his rehab outing on Tuesday, throwing 40 pitches in the process. Depending on how Lodolo's finger recovers, he could still have a chance to make his season debut for the Reds before the end of April. Because of his strikeout upside, Lodolo should be stashed in all fantasy formats while he recovers.

10 hours ago

Mickey Moniak • RF • Rockies

Mickey Moniak Activated and Starting on Friday Against Phillies

The Colorado Rockies activated outfielder Mickey Moniak (finger) from the 10-day injured list on Friday, and he will hit third in the team's home opener at Coors Field against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Moniak is hitting third in the batting order. The 27-year-old will be making his 2026 season debut after suffering a right ring finger sprain just before the start of the regular season. The former first overall pick by the Phillies in 2016 had a breakout season in 2025 with the Rockies, slashing .270/.306/.518 with an .824 OPS, 24 home runs, 68 RBI, 62 runs scored, and nine stolen bases in 461 plate appearances over 135 games played. He definitely receives a boost in hitter-friendly Coors Field in the high altitude in Denver, and he should be a lineup regular for Colorado against right-handed pitchers. Moniak has never faced Nola in his six-year major-league career.

10 hours ago

Trey Yesavage • SP • Blue Jays

Trey Yesavage Set for Rehab Game on Friday

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect Trey Yesavage (shoulder) is scheduled to throw three innings for Single-A Dunedin on Friday, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. Manager John Schneider estimated that Yesavage would be back in the majors first, followed by right-handers Jose Berrios (elbow) and Shane Bieber (elbow, forearm). The Blue Jays proceeded cautiously with the 22-year-old in spring training after he made a quick rise all the way to the big leagues at the tail end of last season. He put his high-end arsenal on display in the postseason, too, even striking out 12 Los Angeles Dodgers batters in the World Series. Yesavage didn't pitch in any Grapefruit League games before being shut down with a right-shoulder impingement that isn't considered serious. Barring a setback, he should be ready to rejoin the Jays' rotation before the end of April, but his fantasy upside will likely be limited initially as Toronto eases him back and limits his innings.

11 hours ago

James Wood • LF • Nationals

James Wood Dealt With Several Injuries in 2025

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood admitted that he dealt with nagging knee and quadriceps injuries in 2025, which helps explain why he cooled off so much in the second half, according to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic. Wood initially dealt with left-quad tendinitis in spring training last year before recovering and playing well in the first half of the season. "It was just kind of more of a nagging thing. One series I'd feel great, and the next, not so great. So it was just kind of a series-by-series, or week-by-week thing," Wood said. The young left-handed slugger came into the 2026 season fully healthy, but he's hitting .111 with a homer, 12 strikeouts, and a .496 OPS in the early going this year. The difference this year is that Wood believes he's better equipped to handle slumps, and he's not worried about the lower-body injuries that plagued him a year ago. There's no reason to go into panic mode on the 23-year-old just yet.

11 hours ago

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