MLB News

Carlos Rodón • SP • Yankees

Carlos Rodon Throws 40-Pitch Bullpen on Wednesday

New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session on Wednesday, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. However, the next step has yet to be determined for Rodon as he completes his recovery from offseason surgery to remove a bone spur from his left elbow. The 33-year-old veteran southpaw also had a recent setback with his hamstring, but it wasn't a serious injury, and it hasn't really affected his elbow rehab too much. The next step for Rodon will be to go on a minor-league rehab assignment. It's unclear how many starts the Yankees want him to make on the farm before clearing him to rejoin the big-league starting rotation, but fantasy managers probably shouldn't expect him to debut in pinstripes until sometime in May. The three-time All-Star certainly has durability concerns, but he is coming off his best year with the Yanks in 2025, when he had a 3.09 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 203:73 K:BB in 195 1/3 innings over a career-high 33 starts. Rodon should not be available on the waiver wire in any fantasy leagues.

4 hours ago

Ben Rice • 1B • Yankees

Ben Rice Making a Start Against a Lefty

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice is batting fifth for the team on Thursday against the visiting Athletics and left-hander Jeffrey Springs, according to MLB.com. The Yankees said that Rice is going to face lefties more in 2026 after he broke out at the plate last year. The 27-year-old former 12th-rounder in 2021 out of Dartmouth College slashed .255/.337/.499 with an .836 OPS, 26 home runs, 65 RBI, and 74 runs scored in 138 games in 2025 in his first full season in the big leagues. In his first 10 games in 2026, Rice has gone 11-for-33 (.333) with three home runs, 11 RBI, and 11 runs scored. Rice currently leads the league in on-base percentage (.500), slugging (.727), and OPS (1.227) in 44 plate appearances. He hit .208 (22-for-106) with seven of his 26 home runs last year against lefties. Rice has never faced Springs in his career and should be faded in DFS against the southpaw.

4 hours ago

Gerrit Cole • SP • Yankees

Gerrit Cole to Face Hitters on Sunday

New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) is scheduled to face hitters in Hudson Valley on Sunday, manager Aaron Boone told Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Cole is going to start his minor-league rehab assignment this weekend after getting into a few spring training games last month and throwing live batting practice last Friday. The 35-year-old former Cy Young winner is recovering from Tommy John surgery that kept him out for all of last season. He threw 2 2/3 innings in Grapefruit League action and will be eased back into New York's starting rotation when he's activated from the injured list. Barring any setbacks, Cole probably won't make his 2026 season debut until mid- to late-May. Still, fantasy managers need to keep him stashed in an IL spot until then because of his ability to carry a rotation when healthy. Expectations should be tempered as he comes off TJ surgery, but Cole's upside is undeniable when he's in top form.

4 hours ago

Jimmy Herget • RP • Rockies

Jimmy Herget to Open for Rockies on Thursday in San Diego

Colorado Rockies right-hander Jimmy Herget is scheduled to serve as the team's opener for Thursday's series opener at Petco Park against the division-rival San Diego Padres, according to the team. Herget is likely to only pitch an inning or two on Thursday, so he won't be a recommended fantasy streamer in any format. Right-hander Chase Dollander figures to see the bulk of the innings in this one after Herget leaves the game. The 32-year-old Herget will hope to keep up the strong work early in the 2026 season, as he's allowed just an earned run on four hits while walking none and striking out six with a save in six innings out of the bullpen. Dollander, 24, comes into Thursday's contest with a 5.40 ERA and 1.44 WHIP with 11 punchouts and three walks in 8 1/3 frames over two relief appearances. Neither Herget nor Dollander will be popular streaming options for fantasy managers against a Padres team that is starting to swing the bats better.

4 hours ago

Jack Perkins • RP |

Jack Perkins • SP • Athletics

A's Recall Jack Perkins From Triple-A

The Athletics announced on Thursday that they recalled right-hander Jack Perkins from Triple-A Las Vegas and optioned right-hander Michael Kelly to Vegas in a corresponding move. Perkins made his big-league debut with the A's last year and had a 4.19 ERA (4.12 FIP) and 1.16 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 18 walks in 38 2/3 innings pitched over 12 appearances (four starts). At Vegas to begin the 2026 season, Perkins has been working as more of a long reliever and has allowed four runs with nine strikeouts and seven walks in 7 2/3 frames for the Aviators. He could operate as a swingman for the A's in the first month of the season, and with the A's recently sending Luis Morales to the minors, there's a chance Perkins will make an upcoming start for the team. But because the 26-year-old isn't really stretched out for a normal starter's workload, we wouldn't suggest streaming him anywhere if he's tabbed for a start with the A's in the near future.

5 hours ago

Bailey Falter • SP • Royals

Bailey Falter has Resumed Throwing

Kansas City Royals left-hander Bailey Falter (elbow) has been battling valgus extension overload (VEO) in his left elbow and is experiencing pain when extending. However, he resumed playing catch on Monday, according to MLB.com. Falter was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 3 with left-elbow inflammation, and he's expected to return in late April. Before his injury, Falter had been working as a reliever for the Royals, taking away what little fantasy value he had left. The 28-year-old southpaw allowed five earned runs on eight hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out four in 3 1/3 relief innings over two appearances for the Royals before landing on the IL. With a career 17.8% strikeout rate, Falter has very little fantasy upside in KC, and he should be ignored as long as he remains in a relief role when he's cleared to return to the majors.

5 hours ago

Kyle Stowers • LF • Marlins

Kyle Stowers Could Begin Rehab Assignment This Weekend

Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that outfielder Kyle Stowers (hamstring) is close to beginning a minor-league rehab assignment, and he could be playing in games on the farm as soon as this weekend, according to Craig Mish of Sports Grid. The 28-year-old was a Gold Glove finalist in left field last year in his breakout campaign with the Fish, but McCullough also said on Wednesday that the Marlins will consider using him at first base this year, and we could see him play the position on his rehab assignment. It could be a way to keep Stowers healthy the rest of the season after he suffered a hamstring strain in spring training that caused him to open the 2026 season on the 10-day injured list. Christopher Morel (oblique) is also on the IL, so Stowers could be an immediate option at first if he returns before Morel. Stowers, a first-time All-Star in 2025, hit 25 homers and drove in 73 in 117 games in Miami in 2025 and needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues while we wait for him to make his 2026 debut.

5 hours ago

Kevin McGonigle • SS • Tigers

Kevin McGonigle Taking a Seat Thursday

Detroit Tigers rookie infielder Kevin McGonigle is not in the team's starting lineup for Thursday's game in Minnesota against the division-rival Twins, according to MLB.com. It will be the first day off of the season for McGonigle, who has looked like a seasoned veteran in his first 12 games. McGonigle is hitting .292 (14-for-48) in the early going with five doubles, a triple, seven RBI, seven runs scored, a stolen base, six walks, and seven strikeouts in 54 plate appearances. Javier Baez will start at shortstop on Thursday and will hit seventh for the Tigers against Twins right-hander Mick Abel. McGonigle's power might be slower to develop than the rest of his skills now that he's in the big leagues, but his hot start and regular role make him attractive in all fantasy formats in his rookie campaign. Baez has never faced Abel in his career and will make for a low-upside DFS play near the bottom of Detroit's batting order.

5 hours ago

Addison Barger • 3B • Blue Jays

Blue Jays Hopeful Addison Barger Won't be Out Long

The Toronto Blue Jays are hopeful that outfielder/third baseman Addison Barger (ankle) will need the minimum of 10 days on the injured list after spraining his left ankle running out a ground ball in Chicago, according to MLB.com. Toronto placed Barger on the IL on Tuesday. The 26-year-old might benefit from a little time off early in the season, as he had gotten off to a very slow start at the plate before injuring his ankle. In eight games, he has just one hit (a double) in 23 plate appearances with two RBI, a run scored, three walks, and six strikeouts. Barger hit .243/.301/.454 with 21 home runs, 74 RBI, 61 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 135 regular-season games in 2025 in his first full season in the majors before becoming a postseason hero in the team's run to the World Series last fall. It's still very early in 2026, but Barger's fantasy stock is trending down after his slow start and then his ankle injury.

5 hours ago

George Soriano • RP • Cardinals

George Soriano an Option for Saves in St. Louis?

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold believes that St. Louis Cardinals right-handed reliever George Soriano could be considered for high-leverage work at the back of the team's bullpen going forward. Soriano set down all six batters he faced (three strikeouts) in the last two innings on Tuesday to earn his first win over the Washington Nationals in the team's extra-inning victory. The 27-year-old Dominican is in his first year with the Cardinals after posting a 5.95 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, three saves, 117 strikeouts, and 55 walks in 118 innings pitched for the Miami Marlins in his first three major-league seasons. Riley O'Brien is locked in as St. Louis' closer, but don't be surprised if Soriano starts seeing more high-leverage setup work for the Red Birds alongside JoJo Romero and Ryne Stanek. Soriano has allowed two earned runs while walking three and striking out three so far in his six innings of work out of the bullpen in St. Louis. He's a name to monitor in holds leagues.

5 hours ago

Aidan Miller • 3B • Phillies

Aidan Miller Swinging a Bat, Still No Timetable for a Return

Philadelphia Phillies infield prospect Aidan Miller (back), who is on the seven-day injured list at Triple-A Lehigh Valley to begin the year, has started to swing a bat, but there remains no timetable for his return, per MLB.com. Miller, who is the Phillies' top prospect and No. 21 overall in baseball per MLB Pipeline, is dealing with a sore lower back. The Phillies are going to play it safe with the 21-year-old shortstop. The former 27th overall pick in 2023 hit .259/.382/.427 with an .810 OPS, 13 home runs, 41 RBI, 74 runs scored, and 52 stolen bases in 108 games played for Double-A Reading in 2025. Once Miller gets healthy, he'll have a shot to eventually replace Alec Bohm at the hot corner in the major leagues, and he offers fantasy managers a more intriguing power/speed profile. He's a quality defensive shortstop prospect, but he's blocked at the major-league level by Trea Turner. Miller is a must-stash in dynasty/keeper leagues in 2026 while he rehabs his back injury.

5 hours ago

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider Could Start Rehab Assignment Soon

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday, and the next step for him will be live batting practice before going out on a minor-league rehab assignment, according to MLB.com. Strider landed on the 15-day injured list to begin the 2026 regular season due to a left-oblique strain, but he's expected to make his season debut for the Braves before the end of April, barring a setback once he goes on a rehab assignment. The 27-year-old had built up to 61 pitches in spring training last month before injuring his oblique, so he might only need one or two rehab starts before he's cleared to rejoin Atlanta's starting rotation. Strider was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and led the league with 20 wins, but he pitched in only two games last year and ended up having an internal-brace procedure. He's worth stashing in all fantasy leagues while he makes his way back, but decreased velocity this spring has many people skeptical that Strider can regain his pre-injury form.

6 hours ago

Nick Lodolo • SP • Reds

Nick Lodolo to Throw Bullpen Session on Thursday

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) will throw a bullpen session on Thursday, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Manager Terry Francona said how aggressive Lodolo gets will be determined by how he's feeling. Lodolo began the 2026 regular season on the 15-day injured list due to another blister issue, and he was forced from his minor-league rehab start last week with a setback of the blister on his left index finger. If the talented southpaw can cut it loose on Thursday, he could be cleared to make another rehab start in the minors. The 28-year-old alumnus of TCU doesn't have a firm timetable to return, but if his bullpen session goes well, he could make his season debut in Cincy's starting rotation before the end of April. Regardless of how long it takes Lodolo to get back to the big leagues, he should be stashed in an IL spot in fantasy leagues for his high-end strikeout upside. In four big-league seasons, Lodolo has struck out 26.2% of the batters he's faced.

6 hours ago

Pete Fairbanks • RP • Marlins

Pete Fairbanks Reinstated From Paternity List

The Miami Marlins announced on Thursday that they have reinstated right-handed reliever Pete Fairbanks from the paternity list and have optioned right-hander Ryan Gusto to Triple-A Jacksonville in a corresponding move. Fairbanks has been away from the team since Monday for the birth of his child, but he's back now and should immediately return to closing duties for the Fish. With Fairbanks away this week, Anthony Bender picked up a save on Sunday, and Michael Petersen notched a save on Wednesday. Fairbanks has allowed three earned runs on four hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out six in his first four innings in 2026 in his first season in South Beach, but he also has two saves in his four appearances. Fantasy managers will want to lock him back into their starting lineups now that he's off the paternity list. If Fairbanks stays healthy, he's a candidate to reach 30 saves for the first time in his career.

6 hours ago

Bobby Witt Jr. • SS • Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. Working Through a Power Outage

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is off to a slow start to the season by his lofty standards from the last few seasons. After hitting 20+ homers in each of his first four seasons with a career .357 wOBA, Witt has no homers and just a .298 wOBA in his first 12 games this season. He's hitting a decent .273 but only has one extra-base hit. When he has reached base, he's been very aggressive and is a perfect 7-for-7 in stolen base attempts. His power shortage is concerning, although his hard-hit rate is actually up to 60%, and his average exit velocity is up to 95.2 miles per hour. He's hitting the ball well, but so far, he's not getting the results we've come to expect from the superstar over the last few seasons. If you invested an early pick or a big auction number in Witt, wait for him to come around if possible. He makes a good buy-low candidate if his manager in your league is ready to hit the panic button early in the season.

8 hours ago

James Wood • LF • Nationals

James Wood Off To a Hot Start Through 12 Games

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood has connected on four homers in his first dozen games this season, and he's hitting the ball well despite a .216 batting average. He has cut down on his strikeout rate a bit from last season and has an improved .294 ISO and .370 wOBA. Wood has a 54.5% hard-hit rate and an impressive 21.2% barrel rate so far this year, and his low batting average seems to be mostly bad BABIP luck (.241). Wood has 11 runs scored and 10 RBI in his first 12 games and should continue to be at the heart of the Nationals' run production. The hulking 23-year-old still has room for improvement and continues to deliver strong power and run production numbers. He continues to be a top outfield option in all fantasy formats.

8 hours ago

Carson Benge • CF • Mets

With Carson Benge Slumping, Is It Time To Move On?

New York Mets outfielder Carson Benge homered on Opening Day but has had a hard time since then. In his first 11 games of the season, Benge is only 4-for-37 (.108) with three singles to go with that home run. He has contributed four stolen bases, but he has also struck out 12 times for a 28.6% K%. He hasn't had a barrel since that Opening Day dinger, and his hard-hit rate is only 44%. Benge still has speed and plenty of long-term potential, so if you can hold him in deep leagues, I still like his potential to turn things around later in the year. However, in shallow leagues with plenty of strong pickups available on the waiver wire, it may be time to move on from Benge and look to pick him back up later if he gets going.

8 hours ago

Brenton Doyle • CF • Rockies

Is Brenton Doyle a Drop Candidate?

Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle has gotten off to a very slow start to the 2026 season. The 27-year-old righty is hitting just .139 (5-for-36) through his first 12 games with no home runs, one double, and 15 strikeouts. His 38.5% K% is up over ten percentage points from last season, and his hard-hit rate has slipped to 42.9% with a 0.0% barrel rate. Doyle does have two stolen bases, but he is not putting the ball in play enough to take full advantage of his speed. With his home games at Coors Field, Doyle will always have the potential to go on a hot streak and be fantasy relevant for a stretch. Still, given his current struggles, he's definitely droppable for now in shallow leagues where waiver-wire options are starting the season in much better form.

8 hours ago

Elly De La Cruz • SS • Reds

Elly De La Cruz Remains a Strong Dual-Threat Producer

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz is coming off back-to-back seasons with 20+ homers and 30+ stolen bases, and he is well on his way to another big season of both power and speed. Through 12 games, he has three homers and three stolen bases, which puts him on pace for over 40 homers and 40 stolen bases. While he may not quite reach those numbers, he remains an elite option at shortstop with those big contributions, even though his .234 batting average leaves lots of room for improvement. His hard-hit rate is up this season, though, so his low average seems mostly due to bad BABIP luck. If his average rises, he'll have even more chances to run and rack up more stolen bases as the season goes on. If he stays healthy, De La Cruz seems on track for another huge season.

8 hours ago

Garrett Crochet • SP • Red Sox

Garrett Crochet Living Up to the Hype This Season

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Crochet was one of the first pitchers off the board in most fantasy baseball drafts, and so far this season, he has looked every bit the ace managers were hoping for. In his three starts, Crochet is 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA, 2.60 FIP, and 22 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings. He started the year with six shutout innings in a win over the Reds, got touched up a bit in Houston, but then settled back in to help the Red Sox beat the Brew Crew on Thursday with 6 1/3 strong innings. He has at least seven strikeouts in each start, and is performing like a top-of-the-rotation arm through his first three starts. He'll face the Twins on Monday in Minnesota and would seem to be lined up for a two-start week next week. He's one of the most reliable starting pitchers available and can continue to anchor your rotation in fantasy baseball.

9 hours ago

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