MLB News

Miguel Vargas • 3B • White Sox

Miguel Vargas is Worth a Look During Hot Streak

Chicago White Sox infielder Miguel Vargas has been putting together a nice stretch of play at the plate recently. Vargas is currently riding a six-game hitting streak heading into Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. During this stretch, Vargas is hitting over .400 with three home runs, five RBI, and seven walks. His overall numbers aren't pretty, but it seems like Vargas is finally turning a corner. The plate discipline is great to see with Vargas already having 19 walks on the season. Fantasy managers looking for help with walks or just need a batter right now should consider adding Vargas during his hot stretch.

6 hours ago

JR Ritchie • SP • Braves

JR Ritchie is Gaining Value After Excellent First Start

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher JR Ritchie looked fantastic on the mound during his first start on Thursday. The rookie right-hander tossed seven innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits, while striking out seven batters in the win. Afterwards, Braves manager Walt Weiss said Ritchie will remain with the big league club for now. Ritchie was sharp against the Nationals and is now looking like a solid waiver wire addition with the news that he's sticking around. It's worth noting that Spencer Strider (oblique) is supposed to rejoin the Braves within the next week. It's unclear if Ritchie will move to the bullpen or if the Braves will operate with a six-man rotation. Ritchie is worth a look in deep leagues at the minimum right now.

6 hours ago

Jacob Latz • RP • Rangers

Jacob Latz Earns Save on Saturday, Worth Stashing in Deep Leagues?

Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob Latz earned his first save of the season during Saturday's game against the Athletics. Latz was called upon with a one-run lead in the ninth inning. The southpaw tossed a scoreless inning, recording one strikeout and earning the save on 14 pitches. It was his first save of the season as the Rangers continue to operate with a committee approach. Latz has been solid with a 1.23 ERA, 0.48 WHIP, and a 13/3 K:BB ratio across 14.2 innings of work. Given his success, Latz will likely receive more opportunities to pitch in high-leverage spots, but the Rangers also have other options to pitch in the ninth. Latz could be worth a look in deep leagues, but isn't a full-time closer at the moment.

6 hours ago

Jordan Romano • RP • Angels

Jordan Romano Stumbles in Low-Leverage Spot, Time to Cut Ties?

Los Angeles Angels relief pitcher Jordan Romano posted a horrendous outing on the mound during Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Romano came into the game in a mop-up role and only made things worse. The right-hander gave up four earned runs on three hits with one walk across 0.2 innings of work. This disaster of an outing will put Romano at a 10.13 ERA on the year. Despite a few blow-up outings, Romano is likely still the favorite for saves in Los Angeles. Given his struggles, it probably won't take much for Romano to get yanked out of the role. Fantasy managers may want to start looking elsewhere for help.

6 hours ago

Shane McClanahan • SP • Rays

Shane McClanahan Turns in Best Start of the Season, Regaining High-End Value?

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan was sharp on the mound during Saturday's outing against the Minnesota Twins. The southpaw tossed five scoreless innings, allowing three hits, while striking out seven batters in the win. This was McClanahan's best outing of the season and hopefully a turning point for him. The Rays continue to ease him into things, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to work deep into games yet. He'll take a 3.91 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and a 25:13 K:BB ratio into his next start against the San Francisco Giants. The southpaw has allowed two earned runs or less in four of his first five starts of the season. It's going to take time for the southpaw to build up his stamina, but he could be an elite option once he's back to full speed.

6 hours ago

Joel Kuhnel • RP • Athletics

Joel Kuhnel Remains the Top Option for Saves for Athletics

Athletics reliever Joel Kuhnel was tagged with the loss in his last appearance after allowing one run on four hits across 2/3 of an inning in Thursday's loss to the Seattle Mariners. Despite suffering the loss on Thursday, Kuhnel remains the top option for saves for the Athletics. The 31-year-old owns a 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and three strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings in 2026. He has racked up three saves over his last five appearances, with his most recent save coming in Monday's win over the Mariners. Kuhnel appears to be the favorite in the ninth inning to close games over Mark Leiter Jr. and Hogan Harris. He is rostered in 26% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is ranked 55th in the latest RotoBaller waiver wire rankings for Week 4. Kuhnel is worth adding in leagues with 12 or more teams for fantasy managers searching for saves.

17 hours ago

Jakob Junis • RP • Rangers

Jakob Junis Pitches in Eighth Inning, Remains in Strict Committee?

Texas Rangers reliever Jakob Junis allowed a hit across a scoreless inning, earning the hold in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Athletics. This was the Rangers' first save opportunity in over a week. He entered the game in the eighth inning in a high-leverage situation while the team turned to Jacob Latz for the save on Saturday. Junis hasn't had a save since April 12 but has racked up three saves and two holds in his last eight appearances. The Rangers are down a few relievers as the team recently placed reliever Robert Garcia (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with shoulder inflammation, while Chris Martin (bicep) was placed on the IL on April 15 with a bicep injury. Despite not getting the save on Saturday, Junis is the favorite to be the Rangers' primary closer over Latz and Cole Winn. Junis is rostered in 23% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is worth the waiver wire addition in leagues with 12 teams or more for managers searching for saves.

17 hours ago

Geraldo Perdomo • SS • Diamondbacks

Geraldo Perdomo Day-to-Day With Left-Ankle Sprain

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (ankle) was removed from Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres with a left ankle sprain. He injured his ankle while fielding a ground ball during the seventh inning. The 26-year-old went 0-for-3 with a strikeout before exiting. He is considered day-to-day with his next chance to return being on Sunday in the series finale against the Padres in Mexico City. Perdomo is slashing .250/.350/.393 with a home run and six stolen bases over 84 at-bats this season. Ildemaro Vargas would see an uptick in at-bats and would handle shortstop for the Diamondbacks if Perdomo misses any time. Vargas is off to a hot start this season, hitting .351 (26-for-74) with five home runs and 16 RBI over 19 games.

18 hours ago

Zac Gallen • SP • Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen Exits Saturday's Start Early with a Shoulder Contusion

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (shoulder) was removed from Saturday's start against the San Diego Padres with a right shoulder contusion. He was hit by a comebacker in the shoulder during the third inning and initially stayed in the game. The Diamondbacks pulled Gallen at the end of the third inning after 49 pitches. He allowed one hit while striking out three over three scoreless innings before exiting. The 30-year-old is considered day-to-day and will undergo additional testing. Overall, he owns a 3.14 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts over 28 2/3 innings in 2026. Gallen is considered questionable to make his next start on Friday at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs.

18 hours ago

Louis Varland • RP • Blue Jays

Louis Varland Notches Save, Becoming Must-Have Reliever?

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Louis Varland was tasked with holding the lead in the ninth inning during Saturday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. This one nearly slipped away from Varland, but he was able to hold it down in the end. He allowed three hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck out two batters on his way to his second save of the season. This outing was the first time that Varland had allowed a run all season long. He's likely the favorite to record saves in Toronto, with Jeff Hoffman being pulled out of the role earlier this week. Fantasy managers who are searching for a source of saves should consider adding Varland right now.

21 hours ago

Michael Harris II • CF • Braves

Michael Harris II is Returning on Saturday

Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (quad) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Harris made an early exit from Thursday's game due to left quad tightness. He was originally penciled into the lineup on Friday, but was scratched due to the injury. He was able to come into the game as a pinch hitter and appears to be fully healthy now. Harris will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth against right-hander Zack Wheeler on Saturday. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly ahead of first pitch.

21 hours ago

Will Smith • C • Dodgers

Will Smith is Sitting Out with Back Tightness

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (back) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs. At first, this seemed like a routine rest day, but it's a little more than that. Manager Dave Roberts said that Smith is getting the day off while dealing with back tightness. It doesn't sound like anything serious, but it wouldn't be shocking to see Smith sit out the rest of the weekend. Dalton Rushing will take over behind the plate and bat sixth versus right-hander Colin Rea. Rushing was already trending in the right direction, but this injury should give him even more fantasy value.

21 hours ago

Giancarlo Stanton • DH • Yankees

Giancarlo Stanton is Absent with Calf Injury

New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (calf) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Astros. Stanton is being held out of this game after exiting Friday's game due to right calf tightness. The Yankees are going to play it safe and rest Stanton here. It doesn't sound like he'll require a trip to the Injured List, so fantasy managers should consider him as day-to-day. Amed Rosario will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth versus right-hander Mike Burrows. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on Stanton ahead of Sunday's game.

21 hours ago

Braxton Ashcraft • SP • Pirates

Braxton Ashcraft is Placed on Bereavement List

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft (personal) was placed on the bereavement list on Saturday. The right-hander is currently away from the team while dealing with a personal matter. He was scheduled to start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. That won't happen with Ashcraft being forced to miss at least three games while on the bereavement list. In a corresponding move, reliever Cam Sanders has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. It's unclear who is going to make the start in place of Ashcraft. It's possible that the Pirates go with a bullpen game, but more information should be known closer to that contest.

21 hours ago

Maikel Garcia • 3B • Royals

Maikel Garcia Remains Out on Saturday

Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia (elbow) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Garcia will miss his second straight game after suffering an elbow injury earlier in the week. The team is calling it right elbow soreness, so Garcia shouldn't require a stint on the Injured List. Nick Loftin will cover third base and bat eighth against right-hander Walbert Urena on Saturday. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of Sunday's contest for another update on Garcia.

21 hours ago

Jake Burger • 1B • Rangers

Jake Burger Slumping, Buy-Low Window Opening for Third Baseman

Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has cooled after a scorching March to open the season in which he hit .409 with a .727 slugging percentage. His season OPS has dropped to .670, but that early production showed the impact bat he can be when locked in at the plate. Burger is in his second season with Texas and still carries major rebound appeal, but he is carrying a 28.4 K% that has slowed his production. The 30-year-old has enough raw power to clear 30 home runs over a full season, making him a player worth tracking closely. If he cuts down the strikeouts and finds his rhythm again, another hot streak could follow soon. Fantasy managers should treat Burger as a strong buy-low waiver wire target.

Yesterday

Steven Kwan • LF • Guardians

Steven Kwan Scratched With Neck Stiffness

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (neck) will miss Saturday's game with neck stiffness. The 28-year-old was originally set to lead off for the club in their afternoon game at Toronto, but he was pulled from the lineup just hours before opening pitch. It is unclear how the injury happened, and any developments are important to monitor, but for now, he should be considered day-to-day with a stiff neck. Angel Martinez took over the leadoff spot in Kwan's place and will also play in center field for Cleveland.

Yesterday

Reid Detmers • SP • Angels

Reid Detmers Building Momentum, Waiver-Wire Interest Rising

Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers has looked sharper after a rough start, posting a 3.75 ERA across four April starts. Detmers has completed six innings in three of his last four outings and is beginning to show the consistency the Angels need from their rotation. The 26-year-old is in his sixth MLB season and has moved back into a starting role after working out of the bullpen in 2025. He posted a 3.96 ERA in 61 appearances last season and appears more comfortable with each turn through the rotation. If this trend continues, Detmers could become one of the stronger waiver wire pitching targets as the season progresses.

Yesterday

Nathan Lukes • RF • Blue Jays

Nathan Lukes Heads to the Injured List

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Nathan Lukes (hamstring) was placed on the 10-Day Injured List on Saturday with a left hamstring strain. The 31-year-old injured himself while stretching out a double in Friday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, resulting in him exiting early from the contest. He underwent an MRI, and the strain was revealed, meaning he will miss at least the next ten days of action. It's an unfortunate development, as he has recorded eleven hits over his last seven games, all while driving in six runs. This could open the door for Myles Straw to get more playing time, though he should only be an option in the deepest of leagues.

Yesterday

Josh Jung • 3B • Rangers

Josh Jung Red-Hot in April, Quickly Becoming a Must-Add Off Waiver Wire

Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung has been red hot in April, slashing .379/.440/.652 for the month and raising his season OPS to .877. Now in his fifth MLB season, Jung appears to be taking another offensive step after previously showing flashes of impact upside. The 28-year-old has recorded four multi-hit games over his last eight contests while adding three home runs during that stretch. His strong contact quality and growing consistency have helped solidify his everyday role at third base for Texas. If this surge continues, Josh Jung should remain one of the top priority waiver wire additions as fantasy managers look for infield production entering May.

Yesterday

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