MLB News

Spencer Strider • SP • Braves

Spencer Strider to Start Rehab Assignment on Thursday

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) will start his minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A Rome on Thursday, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Strider is scheduled to throw 45 to 50 pitches in his first rehab outing this week, and he'll be working with catcher Sean Murphy (hip), who is also on a rehab assignment of his own as he looks to get back to the big-league club for his 2026 season debut. The 27-year-old Strider suffered an oblique strain towards the end of spring training, which forced him to the 15-day injured list to begin the regular season. He will need another rehab start in the minors beyond Thursday's outing, but if he avoids any setbacks, he could rejoin Atlanta's starting rotation before the end of April. Strider was a first-time All-Star and was fourth in the National League Cy Young voting in 2023, when he led the league with 20 wins and 281 strikeouts in 32 starts. He pitched in only two games in 2024, though, before undergoing right-elbow surgery. Last year, Strider's strikeout rate dropped significantly, and he struggled with a fall-off in velocity as well. There are plenty of concerns about his ability to ever rediscover his pre-injury form, making him a risk/reward starting pitcher stash in fantasy.

5 hours ago

Jackson Chourio • CF • Brewers

Jackson Chourio's Estimated Return Pushed Back to Early May

The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Tuesday that outfielder Jackson Chourio's (hand) estimated return date has been pushed back to early May, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Curt Hogg. Chourio has yet to play in 2026 due to a fractured left hand that he suffered back in early March. The 22-year-old has been healing, but he still has yet to resume hitting, so he has plenty of boxes to check before he's activated from the 10-day injured list for his season debut. Chourio will need a likely lengthy minor-league rehab assignment as the last step before the Brewers clear him to return to the big leagues. Fantasy managers need to hang onto Chourio everywhere despite his slow recovery from a hand fracture. When he returns, the hope is that he doesn't lose any of his power from the right side of the plate. The Venezuelan outfielder is one of the top young power/speed threats in fantasy baseball after clubbing 42 home runs and stealing 43 bases in 279 games in his first two years in the big leagues.

5 hours ago

Christian Yelich • LF • Brewers

Christian Yelich Expected to Return in Mid-to-Late May

According to the Milwaukee Brewers, outfielder/designated hitter Christian Yelich's (groin) initial timeline to return from his groin injury is in mid-to-late May, according to Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The 34-year-old veteran and former MVP suffered a strained left groin on Sunday and is expected to be out anywhere from four to six weeks. It's a tough break for the Brewers and fantasy managers alike early in the 2026 season. In the meantime, veteran catcher Gary Sanchez will get more opportunities to serve as Milwaukee's primary DH going forward. Blake Perkins is another player who could benefit from more playing time with Yelich out for an extended period of time. Yelich needs to be stashed in all fantasy formats while he recovers. The former first-rounder in 2010 is a three-time All-Star, and he was hitting .314 (16-for-51) with a homer, 10 RBI, 10 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 15 games at the time of his injury over the weekend.

5 hours ago

Jackson Holliday • 2B • Orioles

Jackson Holliday to be Shut Down a Few Days With Wrist Soreness

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday (wrist) was recalled from his minor-league rehab assignment and has been shut down for a few days due to mild right-wrist soreness, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. This helps explain why the O's said earlier this week that they didn't expect him to return from the 10-day injured list this week to make his 2026 season debut. The 22-year-old former first overall pick originally had surgery on the same hand in mid-February after he was diagnosed with a broken hamate bone. Holliday has been slow to recover, and he was hitting just .167 with 12 strikeouts and three walks in 11 minor-league rehab games with Triple-A Norfolk before his recent setback. The good news is that Holliday's wrist injury isn't considered serious, so he could still make his season debut before the end of April. Fantasy managers need to continue stashing him in all formats. Jeremiah Jackson has been seeing most of the playing time at the keystone in Baltimore with Holliday sidelined, and he had a career day on Monday with two home runs and five RBI.

5 hours ago

Carlos Estévez • RP • Royals

Carlos Estevez Hoping to Start Rehab Assignment in the Next Five Days

Kansas City Royals general manager and president of baseball operations JJ Piccolo said that right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (foot) is hoping to start a minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha in the next five days, according to Cody Tapp of 96.5 The Fan. Estevez looked pretty bad early in the 2026 season and saw his velocity drop before he was hit in the left foot by a comebacker. The 33-year-old veteran was a second-time All-Star in 2025 and had a league-high 42 saves in 66 innings pitched, but he had allowed six earned runs with two walks and no strikeouts in just one-third of an inning in his only performance for KC this year before going on the 15-day injured list. The Royals probably aren't in any rush to put Estevez back in high-leverage situations in the back of their bullpen when he's completely healthy, especially since Lucas Erceg has gone a perfect 5-for-5 in save chances as the team's closer since Estevez went on the IL.

5 hours ago

Xavier Isaac • 1B • Rays

Xavier Isaac a Big-Time Power Bat to Keep an Eye on in 2026

Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Xavier Isaac belted his first home run of the 2026 campaign this past Sunday for Double-A Montgomery, and also legged out a triple in the 2-for-5 effort. The Rays' 13th-ranked prospect was just 1-for-12 (.083) heading into the contest. Just being on the baseball field at all has been an accomplishment in itself after the 6-foot-3 slugger's 2025 season was cut short in July after he required surgery to remove a brain tumor. The 22-year-old is now fully recovered, and hopefully Sunday's performance is the beginning of a hot stretch. The left-handed hitter will need to get the strikeouts under control if he's going to get to Triple-A, though, as he currently owns a 45.8 percent strikeout rate thus far (27.8 career K%). Isaac has big-time raw power that would make him an intriguing fantasy asset should he get the call to the majors, but a 2027 debut is looking more likely at this time.

6 hours ago

Braden Montgomery • RF • White Sox

Braden Montgomery Heating Up After Two-Homer Game

Chicago White Sox outfield prospect Braden Montgomery belted a pair of home runs on Sunday at Double-A Birmingham, breaking a 3-for-26 (.115) slump. Chicago's top-ranked prospect hit a home run in his first game of the season, but went into a seven-game slump immediately after, and hopefully Sunday's two-home run effort is a sign he's about to break out of that funk. Despite the poor hitting results, the switch-hitter has been getting on base with a strong 18.6 percent walk rate thus far, a trait he displayed throughout 2025. The former first-round draft pick climbed from Single-A to Double-A in 2025, hitting well at each stop and producing a .270/.360/.444 slash line with 12 home runs, 14 steals, and an 11.0 percent walk rate in 121 games overall. The 22-year-old could see a late-season call-up, but before that, he'll need to keep hitting and earn a promotion to Triple-A, so, for now, he is not a stash candidate in redraft leagues.

6 hours ago

Leo De Vries • SS • Athletics

Leo De Vries Riding Six-Game Hit Streak, Triple-A Around the Corner?

Athletics shortstop prospect Leo De Vries is looking quite comfortable at Double-A Midland to start 2026, currently riding a six-game hit streak, with two three-hit performances in his last two contests. It's pushed his season-long slash line to .333/.429/.528 with two home runs, two steals, and a strong 6:8 BB:K. The switch-hitter was the headliner in the trade package that brought Mason Miller to San Diego in 2025, and he hit markedly better once he joined the A's organization, slashing .276/.351/.538 with seven home runs in 36 games between the Athletics' High-A and Double-A affiliates. Already MLB's No. 4 overall prospect, he should be in the top two once Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle graduate, and should see time at Triple-A in short order if he continues to hit like this. Despite being just 19 years old, the switch-hitter has a good shot to make his MLB debut this year and as one of the most talented prospects in the game with above-average hit, power, and run tools, the Dominican should also be an impactful fantasy asset that should be stashed away in redraft leagues once his debut date becomes clearer.

6 hours ago

Franklin Arias • SS

Franklin Arias Off to a Hot Start, the Next Big-Name Boston Prospect to Debut?

Boston Red Sox infield prospect Franklin Arias is off to a scorching start at Double-A Portland, producing four multi-hit performances in his first six games, going 10-for-17 (.588) with two doubles and a 2:2 BB:K. He has even been hit by a pitch twice, giving him a remarkable .636 on-base percentage. Boston's second-ranked prospect earned two promotions last year, finishing the season with a 10-game stint at Double-A, and tallying a .278/.335/.388 slash line overall with eight home runs, 12 steals, and a low 10.1 percent strikeout rate in 116 games. The 20-year-old is a hit-over-power prospect and doesn't have a ton of speed, but could grow into a 15-ish home run player and can be an opportunistic base-stealer who should see time at Triple-A in the coming months. The right-handed slugger's ability to put the bat on the ball could earn him a big league debut late in the season, especially on his current trajectory, and could be worthy of consideration for a roster spot in deeper leagues whenever he gets that call.

7 hours ago

Kade Anderson • SP • Mariners

Kade Anderson Off to Near-Perfect Start to Professional Career

Seattle Mariners pitching prospect Kade Anderson has hit the ground running at Double-A Arkansas in 2026, having yet to allow a run in two starts thus far, yielding five hits and three walks while striking out 17 batters in nine innings pitched. The 21-year-old did not pitch professionally in 2025 after being drafted, but this type of dominance is certainly what the Mariners were envisioning when they selected him third overall in last year's Draft. Because of his age and experience in college, the southpaw could ascend the Seattle system quickly, and while he's not a must-stash in redraft leagues yet, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his progress, as once he gets to Triple-A later this year, he'll be one call away from the majors; he'd then be a top stash candidate for managers looking for pitching help.

7 hours ago

Christian Yelich • LF • Brewers

Christian Yelich Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Groin Strain

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder/designated hitter Christian Yelich (groin) has been placed on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday due to a left-groin strain, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. In a corresponding move, the Brewers called up infielder/outfielder Greg Jones from the minors. The 34-year-old veteran was removed from Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals early due to what was initially called left-hamstring tightness. The Brewers weren't expecting good news going into this week on the former MVP, and now he'll miss at least the next 10 days. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Yelich's stay on the IL is short, but given his lengthy injury history and reputation as a slow healer, we wouldn't be surprised if the Brewers don't rush him back. Yelich needs to be held in all fantasy formats while he recovers. He is hitting .314 (16-for-51) in a small sample size of 15 games with a homer, 10 RBI, and three steals. Outfielder Blake Perkins could be the biggest beneficiary of playing time at DH for the Brew Crew going forward with Yelich out.

9 hours ago

Jared Jones • 1B • Pirates

Pirates Eying Late-May, Early-June Return for Jared Jones

Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly said the team is looking at the end of May or the beginning of June for right-hander Jared Jones' (elbow) potential return this year. Jones was in the Pirates' clubhouse on Monday and is scheduled to throw a bullpen at PNC Park on Tuesday. General manager Ben Cherington said that Jones used all of his pitches in his most recent bullpen session on April 6, so the 24-year-old is definitely making progress from UCL surgery. Jones opened the 2026 campaign on the 60-day injured list, which means he's not eligible to make his season debut until late May. He has been throwing off a mound for two months now, so Jones should be close to being cleared to go on a minor-league rehab assignment. The former second-rounder in 2020 had a 4.14 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 132 K's and 39 walks in 121 2/3 innings over 22 starts in his rookie year in 2024, but he missed all of last season due to his elbow injury. There's a lot to like about his long-term fantasy profile in Pittsburgh, even if the Bucs plan to ease him in when he returns this year.

9 hours ago

Brandon Pfaadt • SP • Diamondbacks

Brandon Pfaadt Moving to the Bullpen

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said on Monday that right-hander Brandon Pfaadt will move to the bullpen to make room for the return of veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly (back), who will come off the 15-day injured list to make his first start of the year on Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles, according to Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic. Pfaadt is the odd man out of Arizona's starting rotation for the time being with Kelly returning. The 27-year-old former fifth-round pick in 2020 out of Bellarmine University has really struggled to open his fourth year in the big leagues, going 0-1 with a 5.94 ERA (5.47 FIP) and 1.38 WHIP with 11 strikeouts and six walks in 16 2/3 innings over his three starts for the Snakes. Pfaadt will almost certainly return to the D-backs' starting rotation at some point in 2026, but obviously, this news really hurts his fantasy value in all formats.

9 hours ago

Ben Rice • 1B • Yankees

Ben Rice to Continue to Lose Playing Time Against Lefties?

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone told Talkin' Yanks that first baseman Paul Goldschmidt will start over Ben Rice again on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels and left-hander Reid Detmers. Rice also started on the bench in Monday's series-opening win over the Angels with left-hander Yusei Kikuchi on the mound. Tuesday will be the fourth time in five games that the 27-year-old Rice has started on the bench this year with a lefty starting pitcher on the mound, despite the Yankees telling us that Rice would have more exposure to southpaws in 2026. It's especially frustrating for Rice's fantasy managers, as he's hitting a strong .362 (17-for-47) with four home runs, 12 RBI, 15 runs scored, and a stolen base in his first 15 games this year. The 38-year-old Goldy has been in decline offensively for several years, but he still can handle lefties pretty well. He hit .336 (50-for-149) against them in 2025 with seven of his 10 home runs coming against southpaws.

9 hours ago

Jeremiah Jackson • 2B • Orioles

Jeremiah Jackson has Career Day on Monday

Baltimore Orioles infielder Jeremiah Jackson had a career day at the plate in Baltimore's 9-7 comeback win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. Jackson went 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI out of the eight-hole. It was Jackson's first multi-homer performance of his career, and also the first time he's had five RBI in a contest. The 26-year-old is certainly taking advantage of the increased playing time at the keystone for the O's to begin the 2026 regular season with regular second baseman Jackson Holliday (hand) still recovering from a broken hamate bone in his hand that he suffered in spring training. Holliday isn't expected to come off the 10-day injured list this week, either, so Jackson will get a little more run as a regular for Baltimore. In his first 14 games this year, Jackson is hitting .318 (14-for-44) with three home runs, 11 RBI, and four runs scored.

10 hours ago

Jake Burger • 1B • Rangers

Jake Burger Goes Yard Twice in Win Over A's

Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger was seeing the ball well in Monday night's 8-1 win over the division-rival Athletics in Sacramento, going 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, four RBI, a walk, and a strikeout. Burger got the party started in the first inning with a three-run tater off of right-handed starter Luis Severino, and the Rangers never looked back. He got Severino again for a solo job in the eighth inning. The home runs were the 30-year-old's first since he homered in back-to-back games to begin the 2026 regular season. Burger is known as a streaky hitter, so fantasy managers will want to ride his power bat until he cools off. After his big power performance on Monday night, the former first-rounder by the Chicago White Sox in 2017 out of Missouri State is hitting .246 (16-for-65) with four home runs, 11 RBI, and seven runs scored in 16 games played.

10 hours ago

Mike Trout • CF • Angels

Mike Trout's Two Homers, Five RBI Not Enough at Yankee Stadium

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout did all he could for the team in Monday night's series opener against the New York Yankees, but it wasn't enough in the wild 11-10 loss. Trout went 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs, five RBI, and three runs scored. The 34-year-old future Hall of Famer did all of his damage late in the game, first hitting a three-run long ball in the sixth inning. The home runs were Trout's first since he went deep in each of the first two games of the 2026 season. It was the 31st multi-homer game of Trout's illustrious career. The three-time MVP and 11-time All-Star got off to a hot start this year before going into a little lull, but hopefully, Trout will get going again after Monday's strong performance. Overall, he's hitting .224 (13-for-58) with four home runs, 12 RBI, 16 runs scored, and two stolen bases in a small sample size of 16 games. Trout has had trouble staying on the field in recent years due to various injuries, and he probably can't be relied on for a high average anymore. But if he stays healthy, he'll be a steal in fantasy for his power and run production.

10 hours ago

Trent Grisham • CF • Yankees

Trent Grisham Comes Off the Bench to Hit Two Homers

New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham didn't make the start in Monday's series opener against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium with left-hander Yusei Kikuchi on the mound, but he entered the game off the bench and still managed to do a ton of damage at the plate. Grisham finished the contest 2-for-3 with two home runs and five RBI in a close, 11-10 win. The 29-year-old left-handed hitter hit a three-run home run in his first plate appearance in the fifth inning off Shaun Anderson, and then he hit a clutch two-run long ball in the ninth inning off closer Jordan Romano with the Yankees trailing by two runs. It was nice to see Grisham come alive at the plate on Monday night after a very quiet start to his 2026 season offensively. Even after his two-homer performance against the Halos, Grisham is still hitting only .167 (8-for-48) with 13 walks and 10 strikeouts in 61 plate appearances in his first 16 games of the year. Fantasy managers will be hoping that his big game on Monday will get him going at the plate.

10 hours ago

Aaron Judge • RF • Yankees

Aaron Judge Homers Twice on Monday in Win Over Angels

The ball was flying out of Yankee Stadium on Monday night in the New York Yankees' 11-10 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Angels. Superstar outfielder Aaron Judge unsurprisingly took advantage, going 2-for-5 with two home runs, three RBI, and a strikeout. Judge's first homer came in the bottom of the first inning, when he took left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi deep. It was the 37-year-old's 47th multi-homer game of his career and his first this season. The 33-year-old three-time MVP and seven-time All-Star has 50-plus home runs in each of the last two seasons and is already leading baseball with six home runs in his first 16 games of the 2026 campaign. In addition to his six homers, Judge is slashing .233/.333/.550 with an .883 OPS, 12 RBI, 14 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 70 plate appearances. Judge is a beast at the plate and remains one of the top fantasy baseball assets in the game. Monday night's performance reminded us of that.

10 hours ago

Colt Emerson • SS • Mariners

Colt Emerson as "Close as They Come" to MLB Debut

When asked how far away Seattle Mariners infield prospect Colt Emerson is from the big leagues on MLB Now on Monday, president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said, "he's as close as they come." Emerson, 20, suffered a foot injury over the weekend at Triple-A Tacoma, but he's already back in action and is knocking on the door to join the big-league roster for the very first time early in the 2026 season. The former 22nd overall pick in 2023 has gone 13-for-49 (.265) with a home run, five RBI, five runs scored, two stolen bases, two walks, and 17 strikeouts in 13 games at Tacoma to begin the year. It's unclear what the Mariners intend to do with current shortstop J.P. Crawford, but his playing time could be in jeopardy by the summer if Emerson is up in the big leagues by then. Emerson is considered Seattle's top prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and he's also considered the No. 7 overall shortstop prospect in all of baseball. Fantasy managers in deep-mixed leagues should consider adding him off the waiver wire now.

10 hours ago

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