MLB News

Ceddanne Rafaela • CF • Red Sox

Is Ceddanne Rafaela's Buy-Low Window Slowly Closing?

After combining for a .248/.284/.402 slash line, .686 OPS, 31 home runs, 138 RBI, 39 stolen bases, and 154 runs scored in 308 regular-season games over the last two years as a full-time player in Beantown, outfielder/second baseman Ceddanne Rafaela has been a disappointment through 38 games in 2026. Going into Tuesday's action this week, the 25-year-old is slashing .269/.336/.400, but with a career-high .736 OPS, three home runs, 16 RBI, 17 runs, and only two stolen bases across 143 plate appearances. Savvy fantasy managers should consider buying low on the Red Sox outfielder, even though he's currently in the 29th percentile in hard-hit rate and the 15th percentile in walk rate. So far in nine games in May, he's gone 10-for-35 (.286) at the plate with two home runs, six RBI, four runs scored, two stolen bases, two walks, and eight strikeouts. Rafaela is probably never going to be an asset in on-base percentage unless he cleans up his plate approach, but as an everyday player, he should offer enough power and speed to potentially threaten for a 20-20 campaign if he stays healthy.

10 hours ago

Andrés Giménez • SS • Blue Jays

Andres Gimenez has First Multi-Homer Game of his Career, Drives in Five

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Andres Gimenez was the team's offense on Monday night in their 8-5 loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays at the Rogers Centre. Gimenez went 2-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, five RBI, and two strikeouts out of the eight-hole in the batting order. It was the 27-year-old Venezuelan's first career multi-homer game in his seventh year in the big leagues, and he's now up to five long balls in 38 games to start the 2026 campaign. Gimenez is not known for his power from the left side of the plate. In fact, he's mostly known as a strong glove on the middle infield. In his six years in the big leagues, he has hit double-digit home runs only twice, and not since 2023 with the Cleveland Guardians. Gimenez had seven round-trippers in 101 regular-season games with Toronto in his first season with the team in 2025. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect more power from Gimenez moving forward, and he's currently rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues.

10 hours ago

Nathan Eovaldi • SP • Rangers

Nathan Eovaldi Considered Day-to-Day With Side Discomfort

Updating a previous report, Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (side) is considered day-to-day with left-side discomfort, which is good news, per Jeff Wilson of All City DLLS. Eovaldi was scratched from his scheduled start on Monday night versus the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks, and there's no word on when he will pitch next. However, it appears as if the Rangers avoided a big injury to one of their best starting arms. The 36-year-old veteran was sent for imaging after he first started feeling something in the morning. Eovaldi has a history with side/oblique issues, but for now, it looks like he could avoid a trip to the injured list. It's unclear right now when he might make his next start, so fantasy managers will want to check back on Tuesday for an update. Through his first eight starts in 2026 in his fourth year with the Rangers and 15th year in the big leagues, Eovaldi has gone 4-4 with a 4.15 ERA (4.69 FIP) and 1.17 WHIP with 47 strikeouts and 10 walks in 47 2/3 innings pitched.

11 hours ago

Chandler Simpson • LF • Rays

Chandler Simpson Leaves Early Monday With Leg Cramps

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that outfielder Chandler Simpson (leg) left Monday's win over the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays with a leg issue that they think "might just have been a cramp more than anything," according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Strength tests on Simpson's leg were good. He was likely going to be off on Tuesday with a left-hander on the mound for Toronto. "Then we'll go from there. But from all the reports, sounds really good," Cash said. Fantasy managers will want to check back on Wednesday to see if the speedy Simpson can return, but as of now, it looks like he has avoided a serious injury. Simpson had a big game for his fantasy managers out of the leadoff spot on Monday before leaving, too, going 3-for-5 at the plate with three runs scored and two stolen bases. The 25-year-old is now up to 14 swipes on the season. He has yet to homer through 149 big-league games, but Simpson is an elite speed threat for fantasy managers after he stole 44 bags in 109 games in his rookie campaign in 2025.

11 hours ago

Robbie Ray • SP • Giants

Is Now the Time to Sell High on Robbie Ray?

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray has been one of his team's lone bright spots early in the 2026 season, recording a 3-4 record with a 2.76 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across his first 45 2/3 innings (eight starts). With a 26.1% strikeout rate, the 34-year-old remains a reliable source of whiffs for fantasy managers. However, Ray could be a logical sell-high candidate. Ray's has both poor command (10% walk rate) and a tendency to allow the long ball (1.58 HR/9), which points to likely ERA regression. He also got off to a similarly strong start in 2025 before losing steam down the stretch, pitching to a 2.65 ERA in the first half of the season and a 5.54 ERA after the All-Star break. If there's a monster offer out there for Ray, fantasy managers should at least consider moving the 34-year-old while his value is at a relative high point.

11 hours ago

Kris Bubic • SP • Royals

Kris Bubic a Prime Sell-High Candidate Amidst Current Hot Streak?

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic is off to a strong start to the 2026 season, as he's posted a 3-1 record with a 3.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 46 1/3 innings (eight starts). Bubic has pitched particularly well of late, allowing just five earned runs while striking out 18 in 17 2/3 innings over his last three outings. However, Bubic's profile contains some red flags. For one, his 12.3% walk rate is unsustainably poor and points to likely WHIP regression. Additionally, Bubic missed the final two months of the 2025 season with a rotator cuff strain in his left shoulder. While he's managed to stay on the mound so far in 2026, his average fastball velocity is down to 92.1 miles per hour, and he's reached 100 innings in a season just once since 2022. Fantasy managers may be wise to consider selling high on Bubic in the midst of his current hot streak.

11 hours ago

Willy Adames • SS • Giants

Is Willy Adames' Slow Start to 2026 Cause for Major Concern?

San Francisco Giants shortstop Willy Adames is off to a brutal start to the 2026 season. Entering play on Tuesday, the 30-year-old was hitting .209/.242/.342 with three home runs, eight RBI, 14 runs scored, and one stolen base across 165 plate appearances. Adames has been one of the more consistent players in baseball in recent years, recording at least 30 homers and 87 RBI in three out of four seasons between 2022 and 2025. While there's still time for Adames to pull out of his current slump, the underlying numbers suggest that he may be suffering from more than just tough luck at the plate. Adames' 7.3% barrel rate is his lowest mark since his rookie season in 2018. He also owns just a 3.6% walk rate, significantly below the 11.7% mark he posted in 2025. Adames is in the second year of a seven-year contract with San Francisco, so he'll be given every opportunity to turn things around. Still, fantasy managers looking to buy low on Adames may want to proceed with caution.

12 hours ago

Drew Rasmussen • SP • Rays

Can Drew Rasmussen Continue his Hot Start Over the Course of a Full Season?

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen picked up his third win of the season on Monday, allowing three earned runs across six innings of work in his team's 8-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Rasmussen allowed four hits and a walk while striking out six. The 30-year-old is off to a strong start to the year, as he's pitched to a 3.16 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP with 43 strikeouts across 42 2/3 innings (eight starts). With a 4.1% walk rate, Rasmussen's command is arguably the best of any starting pitcher in baseball. However, fantasy managers may want to think about selling high on Rasmussen. While the 30-year-old reached 150 innings in 2025, he's already undergone two Tommy John surgeries and one internal brace procedure so far in his career. Given his extensive injury track record, cashing in on Rasmussen at a high point in his value could be the right move.

12 hours ago

Mike Trout • CF • Angels

Should Fantasy Managers Be Looking to Sell High on Mike Trout?

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout has looked like his vintage self early in the 2026 season, hitting .248/.414/.510 with 11 home runs, 23 RBI, 33 runs scored, and five stolen bases through his first 186 plate appearances. The 34-year-old owns a ridiculous 20.4% walk rate, and his 25.8% strikeout rate is a significant improvement from the 32% mark he posted in 2025. Trout's quality of contact is also elite, as his 23.2% barrel rate would be the best mark of his career over a full season. Despite all the encouraging indicators, fantasy managers still must consider selling high on Trout. While he's managed to stay healthy so far this year, Trout has topped 500 plate appearances in a season just once in 2019. Given how this decade has gone for Trout, his best stretch of 2026 may be already behind him. Trout's upside is high enough that holding him is defensible, but fantasy managers are also justified in moving him if they receive an offer that's too good to pass up.

12 hours ago

Jarren Duran • LF • Red Sox

Jarren Duran Shaking Off Slow Start to 2026

Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran's numbers through his first 150 plate appearances of 2026 are well below his career norms, as he's hitting .194/.253/.324 with four home runs, 18 RBI, 19 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. However, the 29-year-old is starting to show signs of a breakout. Across 42 plate appearances in May, Duran is hitting .256/.310/.513 with three homers and three stolen bases. Duran's underlying metrics also provide reason for hope as his .237 batting average on balls in play is nearly 100 points worse than his career mark of .333. While Duran's production so far this season has been tough to stomach for fantasy managers, there's every reason to believe he is working his way back to his usual level of production. He profiles as a prime buy-low candidate across all fantasy formats.

12 hours ago

Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo is Fine After Being Scratched With Knee Injury

Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said after the 3-2 win on Monday over the division-rival New York Yankees that catcher Samuel Basallo (knee) will be fine, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. The Orioles scratched the young backstop from the starting lineup on Monday as a precaution due to discomfort in his left knee. It sounds like he will avoid a stint on the injured list, and he could be back in the starting nine as soon as Game 2 of the series in Baltimore against the Yankees on Tuesday. Adley Rutschman got the start behind the plate on Monday and did the catching for right-hander Brandon Young. The left-handed-hitting Basallo has handled himself well so far in 2026 in his first full year in the majors, slashing .270/.333/.470 with an .803 OPS, five home runs, 15 RBI, and 14 runs scored in 33 games across 126 plate appearances. Despite the presence of Rutschman, Basallo is expected to continue catching enough to retain eligibility at the position for fantasy managers, which is a big deal. He's currently rostered in 35% of Yahoo leagues.

13 hours ago

Giancarlo Stanton • DH • Yankees

Giancarlo Stanton Could Ramp Up his Running This Week

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (calf) was getting tests done on Monday to check on his healing process. Depending on the results of the tests, Stanton could ramp up his running program this week, per Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. Boone added that the power-hitting DH has done some indoor running work already as he rehabs from a right-calf strain that landed him on the 10-day injured list. Once the 36-year-old veteran advances in his running program, he could be cleared to go on a minor-league rehab assignment. Until then, though, we won't have a clearer picture of when he might rejoin the major-league roster. With both Stanton and Jasson Dominguez (shoulder) on the IL, the Yankees finally called up left-handed power/speed prospect Spencer Jones. Stanton can still be an asset in fantasy baseball leagues for his power from the right side, but a lot of managers have run out of patience in having to deal with his durability issues. Stanton is currently rostered in only 34% of Yahoo leagues. He's hitting .256 (23-for-90) on the season with three homers, 14 RBI, eight runs, and a stolen base in 24 games.

13 hours ago

A.J. Ewing • LF • Mets

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing

The New York Mets plan to call up top prospect A.J. Ewing before Tuesday's game against the Detroit Tigers, league sources told Will Sammon of The Athletic. The Mets came into Monday's action with a 15-25 record, which is the worst in the National League, and they are desperate to do something to turn their season around. Per MLB Pipeline, Ewing is New York's No. 2 prospect, behind only right-hander Jonah Tong. In 12 games at Triple-A Syracuse, Ewing has hit .326. He started the year at Double-A Binghamton, where he had a 1.052 OPS while playing strong defense in center field. The 21-year-old left-handed hitter was a fourth-rounder in 2023. Ewing is ranked No. 98 on Keith Law's top-100 list. He's known for his speed and contact ability, and he's one of the top young prospects to stash in fantasy baseball leagues, especially now that he's heading to the Show this week. The Mets are hopeful that Ewing's plus defense, plus baserunning, and developing power will give them a jolt, and fantasy managers can say the same. He's currently rostered in just 3% of Yahoo leagues, but that number should jump in the next few days.

13 hours ago

Carlos Correa • SS • Astros

Carlos Correa Undergoes Season-Ending Ankle Surgery on Monday

The Houston Astros said that veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) underwent surgery on the peroneus brevis tendon in his left ankle on Monday, and he will miss the rest of the season, according to Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle. Correa suffered the freak ankle injury while taking batting practice last Tuesday before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he's expected to need around six to eight months to recover. Although shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) is on track to return from the injured list later this week, Correa's injury is one that the struggling Astros may never recover from in 2026. The 31-year-old veteran has a history of foot injuries, but this ankle injury is not related to the plantar fasciitis that he's dealt with in recent seasons. Before his season-ending injury, Correa was hitting .279 (34-for-122) with three home runs, 16 RBI, 22 runs scored, and a stolen base in 32 games played. Fantasy managers in single-year formats should have already dumped Correa to the waiver wire.

13 hours ago

Jeremy Peña • SS • Astros

Jeremy Pena Expected to Start a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) did full baseball drills on Monday and is expected to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Tuesday, likely at Double-A Corpus Christi, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Pena will be back in action in the minors this week as he recovers from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for more than a month, but barring a setback, the 28-year-old could be back in the big-league starting lineup by the end of the week. It's great news for a struggling Houston squad that already lost veteran infielder Carlos Correa (ankle) for the rest of the 2026 season. With Correa and Pena out of late, the Astros have been running a platoon at the 6 with Braden Shewmake and Nick Allen. When he's reinstated, Pena will be the Astros' everyday starter at shortstop, and he'll have value in most fantasy leagues after being named a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he hit .304/.363/.477 with an .840 OPS, 17 homers, 62 RBI, 20 steals, and 68 runs in 125 games played. Pena went 11-for-43 (.256) with five runs and a stolen base in 10 games earlier this year before landing on the IL. He's rostered in 80% of Yahoo leagues right now.

13 hours ago

Bryce Eldridge • 1B • Giants

Bryce Eldridge to be Involved Every Day

San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello said that the plan is to find a pinch-hit opportunity every day that first base prospect Bryce Eldridge doesn't start, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. The Giants will mix him in at first base and designated hitter, too. The team believes that late-game appearances will be good for Eldridge's development, and the bench needs his power. The 21-year-old rookie is starting on the bench for a second straight game in Monday's series opener against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers, but we should see the former 16th overall pick in 2023 at some point later in the game as a power bat off the bench. Since being called up recently, Eldridge has just two hits in 16 plate appearances with a solo homer, two walks, and five strikeouts in five games played. He's rostered in only 12% of Yahoo leagues right now, but Eldridge is a fine young player to stash in deeper leagues for his left-handed power stroke, and his playing time should only increase as the year goes on, especially if the Giants trade away some of their big contracts by the deadline this summer.

13 hours ago

Mookie Betts • SS • Dodgers

Mookie Betts is Officially Back on Monday

Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (oblique) was activated from the 10-day injured list ahead of Monday's game against the San Francisco Giants. As expected, Betts is back after a five-week absence due to a strained oblique. Before going down, Betts was struggling with only five hits during his first eight games of the season. He could need a few games to shake off the rust, but fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about him long-term. He'll cover shortstop and bat second against right-hander Trevor McDonald on Monday. Fantasy managers should double-check their lineups and make sure Betts is in there ahead of the first pitch.

16 hours ago

Harrison Bader • CF • Giants

Harrison Bader Activated, Playing on Monday

San Francisco Giants outfielder Harrison Bader (hamstring) has been activated from the 10-day injured list on Monday. Bader is back in the mix after missing nearly a month of action due to a strained hamstring. Before the stint on the shelf, Bader was struggling with only six hits in his first 52 at-bats of the season. Bader will take over in center field and bat eighth versus right-hander Roki Sasaki on Monday. Bader could offer some help to fantasy managers in deep leagues that need a bat. He figures to play every day out in center field for the Giants going forward.

16 hours ago

Samuel Basallo • C • Orioles

Samuel Basallo is Scratched with Knee Discomfort

Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (knee) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Monday's game against the New York Yankees. Basallo is dealing with some left knee discomfort after a collision at home plate during the seventh inning of Sunday's game. The expectation is that he'll undergo further testing to determine the severity of the issue. For now, fantasy managers should consider Basallo as day-to-day. Basallo has been crushing the ball lately, so hopefully he won't be forced to miss much time. Coby Mayo will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth against left-hander Ryan Weathers on Monday.

16 hours ago

Jakob Junis • RP • Rangers

Jakob Junis to Function as Opener on Monday

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jakob Junis will function as the opener for Monday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Junis will be asked to make an emergency start with Nathan Eovaldi (side) being a late scratch on Monday. Junis has made over 100 career starts, but has been exclusively a reliever since the 2025 season. He figures to only work a few innings before handing it over for a bullpen game. Cal Quantrill could end up pitching the bulk of the innings on Monday. Junis won't be a reliable streaming option given the fact that he isn't going to pitch deep into this game.

16 hours ago

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