MLB News

Brett Baty • 3B • Mets

Brett Baty Scratched From Sunday's Lineup

New York Mets first baseman Brett Baty (thumb) was a late scratch after initially appearing in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Manager Carlos Mendoza told Andrew Tredinnick of USA Today that Baty is dealing with a sore left thumb after jamming it on a slide on Saturday. The injury is not believed to be serious, and there's a strong chance that the 26-year-old will get back into the lineup on Tuesday. Baty is off to a slow start at the plate, slashing .242/.242/.364 with zero home runs, zero walks, and a 30.3% strikeout rate so far. He has primarily played first base but also has three appearances at designated hitter and two in right field. Mark Vientos will start at first base in his absence on Sunday, and Jorge Polanco (Achilles) is back in the lineup as the designated hitter.

4 hours ago

Pete Fairbanks • RP • Marlins

Pete Fairbanks Serving as Opener Before Going on Paternity List

Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Pete Fairbanks will serve as the opener for Sunday's game against the New York Yankees. After the game, he will be placed on the paternity list. Fairbanks has been excellent, as per usual, in his role as the Marlins' closer early this season. Through three relief appearances, he has a 0.00 ERA, -0.15 FIP, five strikeouts, one hit, zero walks, and two saves. He won't be up for a save opportunity on Sunday, but rather will be tasked with setting an early tone against the top half of the Yankees' lineup. Marlins fans will have to be patient, though, as the start of Sunday's game has been delayed due to rain. As it stands, Fairbanks ranks as the #13 reliever in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.

4 hours ago

George Klassen • SP • Angels

George Klassen Called Up to Start on Sunday

The Los Angeles Angels have selected the contract of right-handed pitching prospect George Klassen. He will be the Halos' starting pitcher on Sunday, making his MLB debut against the Seattle Mariners. Klassen was the Phillies' sixth-round pick in 2023, but he made his way to the Angels organization via trade in 2024. He posted an impressive 3.29 FIP and 11.05 K/9 at Double-A last year, but he did have an issue with walks. He was roughed up with a 7.94 FIP over 14 innings in spring training, but he posted a solid 4.2-inning start in Triple-A last week. He'll start for the Angels on Sunday after Ryan Johnson (illness) was scratched. Klassen throws an upper-90s fastball and puts effective break behind both his slider and cutter. It will be interesting to watch how his stuff plays against a star-studded Seattle lineup featuring Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh.

4 hours ago

Juan Soto • RF • Mets

Juan Soto Not in the Lineup on Sunday

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (right calf strain) remains absent from the lineup for Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Soto suffered the injury on Friday and has been sidelined throughout the weekend. He's not expected to land on the injured list, but there hasn't been an exact timetable for his return. Soto is one of the best hitters in baseball, so the Mets would love to get him back in the lineup, but they also won't rush him back before he's ready. Through eight games this year, the 27-year-old owns a .355/.412/.516 slash line with one home run, five RBI, and 165 wRC+. Jared Young has taken over as the Mets' left fielder in Soto's absence.

4 hours ago

Hunter Brown • SP • Astros

Hunter Brown Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Right-Shoulder Strain

The Houston Astros have placed right-handed pitcher Hunter Brown (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with a right-shoulder strain. According to Matt Kawahara of The Houston Chronicle, this transition is retroactive to April 2. In a corresponding move, the Astros promoted Christian Roa from Triple-A Sugar Land. Brown made his last outing on March 31 against the Boston Red Sox. In this start, the ace looked like his dominant self, logging six innings of one-run ball with just one hit and two walks. He struck out eight hitters. In his season debut, Brown tossed 4 2/3 innings with four hits, four walks, no runs, and nine punchouts. While Brown remains on the shelf, the Astros could turn to right-hander Spencer Arrighetti, who was unable to crack the team's Opening Day roster.

5 hours ago

Jesús Luzardo • SP • Phillies

Jesus Luzardo Dominates Rockies on Saturday

Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Jesus Luzardo was dominant on Saturday in his first win of the 2026 season against the Colorado Rockies, allowing just one earned run on five hits while walking none and striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings of work at Coors Field in Denver. It was a nice bounce-back outing early on for the 28-year-old southpaw, as he was greeted harshly in his season debut last week by the Texas Rangers, allowing six runs in six innings. Fantasy managers should have had Luzardo in their starting lineups on Saturday against the Rockies despite his rough opening start. In his dominant outing, he generated 23 swinging strikes. The former third-round pick by the Washington Nationals in 2016 is a high-upside strikeout arm on one of the best teams in baseball, giving him plenty of fantasy appeal in his third year in Philly. Fantasy managers will want to keep him active in his next scheduled outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

7 hours ago

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Byron Buxton Back in Sunday's Lineup

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (forearm) is back in Sunday's lineup against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander Nick Martinez, according to MLB.com. Buxton will serve as the designated hitter and will bat second for the Twins. The 32-year-old oft-injured veteran was removed from Friday's game against Tampa after being hit in the forearm by a pitch, and he was held from the lineup on Saturday as a precaution. Buxton thankfully avoided any structural damage in his arm and will return to action for the series finale. He will most likely return to outfield duties early next week. Fantasy managers may want to keep Buxton on their benches on Sunday, though, given his slow start at the plate in 2026. He's hitting just .154/.207/.269 with an RBI, one walk, and nine strikeouts in a small sample size of seven games. The good news is Buxton has a good history against Martinez, as he's hit .400 against him with two home runs and three RBI in 10 career at-bats.

7 hours ago

Brendan Donovan • 2B • Mariners

Brendan Donovan Considered Day-to-Day With Groin Injury

Seattle Mariners infielder Brendan Donovan (groin) is dealing with some soreness in his groin area and underwent imaging on Saturday, according to Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times. The Mariners hope to have a better idea on his situation when the medical staff examines the results of his tests. For now, he's being considered day-to-day after leaving Friday's game early against the Los Angeles Angels. The 29-year-old did not play in Saturday's game against the Angels and will most likely be held out of the series finale on Sunday, too, but this doesn't appear to be a serious injury for the Mariners' new infielder. In his first eight games with Seattle this year, Donovan has gone 10-for-27 (.370) with two home runs, two doubles, four RBI, four runs scored, a stolen base, four walks, and six strikeouts in 33 plate appearances. Donovan doesn't have a ton of power for fantasy managers, but he can be useful in points leagues as a counting-stat aggregator as an everyday player in the Mariners' strong lineup.

7 hours ago

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts Heading to the Injured List With Oblique Strain

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that shortstop Mookie Betts's (oblique) MRI exam showed a right-oblique strain after he was pulled from Saturday's game early against the Washington Nationals, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Roberts thinks the injury occurred on a check swing during his at-bat on Saturday. Betts will go on the 10-day injured list, and infielder Hyeseong Kim will replace him on the active MLB roster. It's unclear when the 33-year-old former MVP will be able to return from the Dodgers, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be back at the end of his 10-day IL stint. Oblique injuries can be tricky to recover from and often take around a month. With Betts out, veteran Miguel Rojas is expected to see most of the playing time at the 6, although he offers very little fantasy baseball appeal offensively. Betts has gotten off to another slow start in 2026 in his first eight games, batting .179 (5-for-28), although he does have two home runs and seven RBI in 32 plate appearances.

7 hours ago

Cade Horton • SP • Cubs

Cubs Place Cade Horton on 15-Day Injured List With Forearm Strain

The Chicago Cubs placed right-hander Cade Horton (forearm) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 4) with a right-forearm strain on Sunday, according to Taylor McGregor of Watch Marquee Sports. In a corresponding move, the team recalled left-hander Riley Martin from Triple-A Iowa. Horton suffered a forearm strain in his outing on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians. It's unclear if the 24-year-old will be ready to return from the IL when he's eligible on April 19. It's a tough break for the former seventh overall pick in 2022 out of Oklahoma early on in 2026. In his two starts before his arm injury, Horton had allowed two earned runs on four hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out four in 7 1/3 innings pitched. Hopefully, he'll be back in Chicago's starting rotation before the end of April. In the meantime, either Colin Rea or Javier Assad will take Horton's spot in the Cubbies' rotation.

7 hours ago

Emerson Hancock • SP • Mariners

Emerson Hancock is Becoming a Must-Have Pitcher

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock was excellent once again on the mound during Friday's outing against the Los Angeles Angels. Hancock tossed six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts in his season debut. He carried over that success into Friday's outing versus the Angels. Hancock tossed 6.2 innings, allowing one run while striking out six in the loss. It has been an outstanding beginning to the season for Hancock. The right-hander is only in the rotation because Bryce Miller (oblique) is currently on the 15-day Injured List. It's going to be difficult for the Mariners to pull Hancock out of the rotation with the way he's pitching right now. He's lined up to pitch against the Houston Astros on Friday. Hancock should be rostered in most 12-team formats ahead of that matchup.

9 hours ago

Edwin Uceta • RP • Rays

Edwin Uceta Could be a Candidate for Saves

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Edwin Uceta (shoulder) was able to throw a live batting practice session on Friday. The right-hander is currently working his way back from right shoulder soreness. He's expected to throw again on Tuesday before hopefully starting a minor league rehab assignment. Once he's healthy, Uceta could immediately slide into the closer role for the Rays. Griffin Jax has already blown two saves and could be on a short leash if he continues to struggle. Uceta could be worth stashing for fantasy managers searching for saves. The hope is that Uceta will be able to make his season debut in late April.

9 hours ago

Paul Sewald • RP • Diamondbacks

Paul Sewald is Favorite for Saves in Arizona

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald notched his third save of the season versus the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. Sewald needed 21 pitches to work a scoreless ninth, which included two strikeouts. The veteran right-hander is now 3-for-3 in save situations with four scoreless innings over five total appearances. It seems likely that the D-Backs stick with Sewald as the closer going forward. The 35-year-old is an experienced option with 89 career saves and appears to be the most trustworthy option at the moment. Fantasy managers in need of saves or a reliever should consider adding Sewald.

9 hours ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler to Make Two More Rehab Starts

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (shoulder) is slated to make two more minor-league rehab starts, according to Phillies manager Rob Thompson. The plan is for Wheeler to start on Wednesday with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and make another start after that. The veteran right-hander is currently working his way back from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. He was hit around for five runs during his second rehab start on Friday. The overall results don't matter as much as Wheeler building up his stamina. Barring any setbacks, Wheeler should be able to rejoin the Phillies rotation in late April. Fantasy managers better make sure to stash Wheeler on their IL if he's available in your league.

9 hours ago

Owen Caissie • RF • Marlins

Owen Caissie is Gaining Traction with Hot Start

Miami Marlins outfielder Owen Caissie is off to a hot start to begin his Marlins career. The 23-year-old was traded to Miami this offseason in a deal that sent Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs. Through eight games with his new team, Caissie is slashing .320/.357/.640 with two home runs and nine RBI. That includes a walk-off home run in his third game with the team. The future is bright for the former second-round pick, and he's expected to see regular playing time in Miami. He's quickly becoming a hot pickup in fantasy leagues given his red-hot start to the season. He should cool down at some point, but Caissie is worth rostering in most 12-team formats right now.

9 hours ago

Lucas Erceg • RP • Royals

Lucas Erceg Emerging as a Must-Add Off the Waiver Wire for Saves?

Kansas City Royals reliever Lucas Erceg has converted both save opportunities while posting a 1.13 WHIP and one strikeout across 2 2/3 scoreless innings in 2026. The Royals placed closer Carlos Estevez (foot) on the 15-day injured list with a foot contusion. Estevez had velocity concerns heading into the year and was lit up for six earned runs in only one appearance this season. With Estevez on the injured list, Erceg has locked down Kansas City's closer role and becomes a must-add off the waiver wire for fantasy managers searching for saves. The 30-year-old was terrific last season, owning a 2.64 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 48:18 K :BB with two saves and 23 holds over 61 1/3 innings for the Royals last season. Erceg is rostered in 51% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is currently third on RotoBaller's Week 2 waiver wire rankings.

20 hours ago

Colt Emerson • SS • Mariners

Colt Emerson Leaves Early After Fouling Ball Off Foot

Seattle Mariners top shortstop prospect Colt Emerson (foot) exited Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader at Triple-A Tacoma after fouling a ball off his right foot. He stayed in the game initially, but was replaced in the next half inning. Emerson will go under further evaluation to determine the extent of the injury and is considered day-to-day for now. The 20-year-old signed an eight-year, $95 million extension with the Mariners on Tuesday and is expected to be promoted to the big leagues soon. However, if he misses any significant time, the injury could delay his call-up to the show. Despite Emerson signing a long-term extension, J.P. Crawford will remain Seattle's starting shortstop for the time being. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Emerson due to his high upside and above-average power.

20 hours ago

Sal Frelick • RF • Brewers

Sal Frelick Exits Saturday's Game Early With Left-Side Tightness

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick (side) exited Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals with left side tightness. He went 1-for-2 with a strikeout before exiting the fourth inning. The 25-year-old went 2-for-5 with a walk, a strikeout, and a run in both games of Saturday's doubleheader. He is considered day-to-day for now and will undergo further testing to determine the severity of his injury. Frelick is off to a slow start, slashing just .192/.344/.346 with a home run and two RBI across eight games. Brandon Lockridge replaced Frelick on Saturday and would see an increase in playing time with Frelick sidelined. Lockridge is a speculative add in deep leagues after hitting .400 (6-for-15) with a double over five games in 2026.

21 hours ago

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts Considered Day-to-Day, Heading for an MRI on Saturday

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (back) will undergo an MRI on his back on Saturday and is considered day-to-day for now. Betts exited Saturday's game early against the Washington Nationals in the first inning with lower back pain and will undergo further evaluation to determine the severity of the injury. The 33-year-old walked and scored a run before leaving Saturday's contest. "Betts felt his back tighten up while running the bases in the first inning," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. Roberts described Betts' injury as "more moderate than serious," but does not expect Betts to play the next couple of days. He is off to somewhat of a slow start this season, slashing .179/.281/.429 with two home runs, seven RBI, and seven runs over eight games. Miguel Rojas should see an increase in at-bats with Betts out and is worth using as a streamer in deep leagues for fantasy managers searching for an injury replacement.

21 hours ago

Juan Soto • RF • Mets

Juan Soto Day-to-Day With Minor Groin Strain, No Decision on IL Yet

New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (groin) had an MRI on Saturday, which revealed a minor groin strain. Soto is considered day-to-day, and no decision has been made yet on whether he will be placed on the injured list. "We're going to see how I wake up the next couple of days and take it from there," said Soto. The 27-year-old exited Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants early in the first inning with calf tightness. He was off to a hot start this season, slashing .355/.412/.516 with a home run, five RBI, and three runs over eight games. According to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, Soto will be further evaluated on Tuesday when the Mets return to Citi Field; an IL decision is still on the table. Tyrone Taylor, Carson Benge, and Brett Baty should see an uptick in at-bats with Soto sidelined.

21 hours ago

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