MLB News

Taj Bradley • SP • Twins

Taj Bradley Throws Successful Bullpen Session

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) threw a successful 20-pitch bullpen session on Friday. This is the first time that Bradley has taken the mound since going down with right pectoral inflammation on May 6. The expectation is that he'll throw another bullpen session at some point next week. After that, Bradley should progress to facing live hitters. It doesn't sound liike he's too far away from being activated from the Injured List. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Bradley, with him possibly being able to return by the end of May.

5 hours ago

Brandon Woodruff • SP • Brewers

Brandon Woodruff Feels Good After Bullpen Session

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff (shoulder) reportedly felt good after throwing a 25-pitch bullpen session on Thursday. Assuming nothing changes in the next few days, Woodruff will throw another bullpen session on Monday. Afterwards, he'll likely throw a simulated game before possibly rejoining the Brewers rotation. It's unclear if he'll require a minor league rehab assignment, but that'll likely depend on how he feels after these sessions. The right-hander hasn't pitched since late April due to right shoulder inflammation. There seems to be a good chance that Woodruff will be back in the mix for the Brewers before the end of May.

5 hours ago

Matthew Boyd • SP • Cubs

Matthew Boyd is Making Solid Progress

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd (knee) is reportedly feeling good physically and plans to throw off the mound on Saturday. If everything goes well, Boyd will throw a bullpen session sometime next week. This is great news considering Boyd underwent meniscus surgery on his left knee last week. The recovery timetable is about six weeks, so there's still more work to be done. It sounds like the veteran southpaw has a chance to beat that timetable, assuming everything continues to go well. There's a chance he is back in the Cubs rotation by mid-June. Boyd wasn't posting great numbers before the injury, but could be someone worth stashing in deep leagues.

6 hours ago

Blake Snell • SP • Dodgers

Blake Snell Heads to 15-Day Injured List

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell (elbow) was placed on the 15-day Injured List on Friday. Ugh, this sucks for fantasy managers who just got Snell back. The southpaw was scratched from his scheduled start on Friday, and now we see why that happened. Snell heads to the shelf due to loose bodies in his elbow, which is something that could sideline him for multiple months. In a corresponding move, reliever Charlie Barnes was recalled to take over the spot on the active roster. It's unclear at the moment what the Dodgers plan to do with the vacant spot going forward. Will Klein gets the nod as the opener on Friday, with the Dodgers going with a bullpen game. The Dodgers should announce a timetable for Snell soon, but fantasy managers should expect to be without Snell for at least a month or more.

6 hours ago

River Ryan • SP • Dodgers

River Ryan Could Join the Starting Rotation

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher River Ryan (hamstring) is making a rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday. Recently, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that there is a slim possibility that Ryan joins the starting rotation at some point. It's going to take some time as the Dodgers want to slowly build up Ryan. He hasn't pitched since suffering a hamstring injury on April 11. The plan is for Ryan to throw four innings during his outing on Friday. He'll likely continue to be built up from there, but could be an option for the Dodgers down the road. Fantasy managers in deep leagues that are looking for a stash option might want to consider adding Ryan.

6 hours ago

Roman Anthony • LF • Red Sox

Roman Anthony has Brace Removed, "in a Good Spot"

Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (wrist) said he's "in a good spot" after getting the brace/splint removed from his injured wrist and playing catch on Friday, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. However, Anthony's return from the 10-day injured list remains to be determined. It's the first time that Anthony has done any baseball activities since the Red Sox put him on the IL last week with a right-wrist sprain. It's good news for the 22-year-old former top prospect, but he could still have a ways to go before he's cleared to resume playing in games, and he'll almost certainly require a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the major-league roster. Anthony debuted in 2025 to much fanfare and looked the part of a top prospect, hitting .292 (75-for-257) with eight homers, 32 RBI, and four steals in 71 games before ending his season on the IL with an injury. He's now injured again and had gone 25-for-109 (.229) with a homer and five RBI in 30 contests this year before injuring his wrist. It's been a disappointing start to 2026 for Anthony, but he's a top-tier power/speed prospect and should remain stashed in all fantasy leagues. Masataka Yoshida will continue to benefit from more playing time in Beantown with Anthony out.

10 hours ago

Blake Snell • SP • Dodgers

Blake Snell Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons

The Los Angeles Dodgers are scratching left-hander Blake Snell (undisclosed) from his scheduled start in the series opener on Friday night against the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Angels, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. The Dodgers will roll with a bullpen game instead and will use right-hander Will Klein as the "opener." It's unclear why Snell is being scratched, but fantasy managers have to be concerned after the 33-year-old veteran southpaw just made his 2026 season debut due to left-shoulder issues, dating back to last year. In his season debut last weekend against the Atlanta Braves, the two-time Cy Young winner didn't look great, either, giving up five runs (four earned) on six hits while walking two and striking out five in just three innings of work. We'll consider him day-to-day for now and provide an update on his status once we know exactly why the Dodgers scratched him. Snell has been a high-risk, high-reward fantasy starter with high strikeout upside. He has dealt with shoulder problems since joining L.A. last season.

10 hours ago

Robby Snelling • SP • Marlins

Robby Snelling to be Re-Evaluated Next Week

Miami Marlins left-handed pitching prospect Robby Snelling (elbow) will go for further evaluation next week, manager Clayton McCullough told Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. After making his MLB debut last week, Snelling was placed on the 15-day injured list with a UCL sprain in his left elbow, and it's unclear exactly when he might be able to rejoin the Marlins' starting rotation. In his MLB debut on May 8 against the Washington Nationals, the highly-touted pitching prospect allowed three earned runs in five innings while walking four and striking out two to take the loss. Fantasy managers stashing him in dynasty and deeper fantasy leagues might want to prepare for an extended absence, and there's also the possibility that the 22-year-old needs surgery. Left-hander Braxton Garrett took Snelling's spot in the rotation in Miami, but he flopped in his season debut with five earned runs allowed and five walks in just 1 1/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.

10 hours ago

Ronald Acuña Jr. • RF • Braves

Ronald Acuna Jr. to Return Next Friday?

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is taking batting practice on the field with the team on Friday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Manager Walt Weiss said that Acuna likely won't be activated from the 10-day injured list until he can play the outfield. Bowman guesses that won't be until next Friday, May 22. Acuna has been recovering nicely from a Grade 1 left-hamstring strain that landed him on the IL earlier this month, but the Braves have been careful not to rush him back. It sounds as though fantasy managers will have to wait another week before the 28-year-old former MVP and five-time All-Star is back in the everyday lineup in Atlanta. Despite a lackluster start by his standards in 2026, Acuna should be rostered everywhere. He's currently hitting .252/.362/.378 with a .740 OPS, two home runs, nine RBI, seven stolen bases, and 17 runs scored. Acuna has elite five-category skills while at the same time being a high-risk commodity because of injuries.

11 hours ago

Ryan Helsley • RP • Orioles

Ryan Helsley Plays Catch, Feeling Much Better

Baltimore Orioles right-handed closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) played catch on Friday for the first time since landing on the 15-day injured list, and he is feeling much better, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Helsley landed on the shelf on May 1. It's good news that he's throwing, but he still has some boxes to check and will most likely need a short minor-league rehab assignment before he can rejoin the back end of Baltimore's bullpen. The 31-year-old former fifth-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015 out of Northeastern State University is a two-time All-Star who led the league with 49 saves in 2024. Helsley also had 21 saves for St. Louis last year before being traded to the New York Mets and falling apart in 22 appearances. He was bouncing back in Baltimore before his elbow injury, striking out 15 while picking up seven saves in his first 10 2/3 innings. Keep him stashed in all fantasy leagues, as he should immediately take over closing duties upon his return. In the meantime, Rico Garcia has proven to be an elite short-term source of saves for fantasy managers.

11 hours ago

Gleyber Torres • 2B • Tigers

Gleyber Torres "Trending Toward a Rehab Assignment"

Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (oblique) is "trending toward a rehab assignment," manager A.J. Hinch told Evan Woodbery of MLive.com. Torres' rehab assignment is likely to be brief, too, so he could be back for fantasy managers as early as next week. The 29-year-old Venezuelan infielder will return to everyday duties at the keystone in Motown when he finishes a brief rehab assignment. Before his oblique injury, he was slashing .259/.289/.328 with a .716 OPS, two home runs, 11 RBI, and 18 runs scored in 116 at-bats. Torres is eligible to come off the 10-day injured list on Friday, but he's not quite ready. Once he's back, Hao-Yu Lee will return to a utility role for the Tigers. Torres is rostered in only 54% of Yahoo leagues and isn't a big-time fantasy asset because of his minimal power and speed contributions. He's more attractive in leagues that count on-base percentage.

11 hours ago

Chase Dollander • SP • Rockies

Chase Dollander Goes on Injured List With Elbow Strain

The Colorado Rockies are placing right-hander Chase Dollander (elbow) on the 15-day injured list on Friday with a right-elbow strain, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The Rockies are making the move after they pulled Dollander from his outing on Thursday early against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to right-arm tightness. It's now confirmed that he is dealing with an elbow strain, which means he'll almost certainly be sidelined beyond two weeks. It's unfortunate for the 24-year-old former ninth overall pick out of Tennessee in 2023, especially since he had made strides from his first MLB campaign. Through his first 10 appearances (three starts) in 2026, Dollander was sporting a 3.89 ERA (4.18 FIP), 1.29 WHIP, and 47:18 K:BB in 44 innings while mostly working as a bulk reliever. In Dollander's absence, Tanner Gordon is the most likely candidate to take his spot in Colorado's starting rotation. Dollander isn't a must-hold in shallow mixed fantasy leagues while he recovers, as he's only rostered in a third of Yahoo leagues.

11 hours ago

Max Fried • SP • Yankees

Max Fried Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise

After undergoing an MRI exam and a CT scan on Thursday, New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried (elbow) will be placed on the 15-day injured list after initial findings showed a left-elbow bone bruise, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Repeat imaging will be taken again in a few weeks (or when asymptomatic) to further determine when Fried can resume throwing. We'll have a more specific timetable on his potential return at that time. The 32-year-old southpaw avoided any structural damage, but a quick return from the IL should not be expected, and depending on when he can resume throwing, Fried may be fighting an uphill battle to return before the All-Star break in mid-July. It's a big injury blow for the Yankees' pitching staff and for fantasy managers, as the three-time All-Star has been a must-start in all lineups. Until right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) can make his season debut, the Yankees may turn to pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez in the short term. Fried must be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues.

11 hours ago

Grayson Rodriguez • SP • Angels

Grayson Rodriguez to Make his Angels Debut on Sunday Against Dodgers

The Los Angeles Angels announced on Friday that right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (shoulder) will come off the 15-day injured list to make his debut with the team in Sunday's series finale against the crosstown-rival Los Angeles Dodgers. It will be a boost for the Halos' starting rotation, but fantasy managers in mixed leagues will probably want to take a wait-and-see approach with a pitcher who will be making his first appearance in the big leagues since 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles due to multiple arm-related injuries. Rodriguez was not ready for the start of the 2026 campaign due to right-shoulder inflammation that began back in spring training. In his two minor-league rehab starts, the former top pitching prospect allowed three earned runs while walking two and striking out 18 over 9 2/3 innings pitched. If healthy, G-Rod will be a staple in the Angels' starting rotation, but there are major concerns as to whether he can return to his pre-injury form as a high-end rotation arm. Rodriguez is currently rostered in 16% of Yahoo leagues. DFS managers should be looking to avoid him against the first-place Dodgers.

11 hours ago

Christian Yelich • LF • Brewers

Christian Yelich Still Bothered by Back, Injured List Stint Coming?

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder/designated hitter Christian Yelich (back) is out of the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener in Minnesota against the hosting Twins, according to MLB.com. Andrew Vaughn will serve as the team's DH and will bat sixth against Twins right-hander Joe Ryan at Target Field. Yelich returned on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres after a stint on the injured list with a groin injury, but he immediately reported some back stiffness after playing on Tuesday and could go right back on the IL after missing the last three games. Manager Pat Murphy said earlier this week that he isn't going to take any chances with the veteran left-handed hitter because of his history with back injuries -- he had a microdiscectomy on his back in 2024. Don't be surprised if Milwaukee makes a move to put Yelich back on the IL before Friday's game starts. Yelich is hitting .291 (16-for-55) in limited time so far in 2026 with just one homer. Fantasy managers have to be concerned that injuries will wreck his 14th year in the big leagues. UPDATE: The Brewers will wait another "couple of days" before deciding if they will put Yelich on the IL.

12 hours ago

Byron Buxton • CF • Twins

Byron Buxton Still Out on Friday With Hip Injury

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (hip) remains sidelined for Friday's series opener against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers at Target Field, according to MLB.com. Ryan Kreidler will make another start in center field for the Twins and will bat eighth against Brewers right-hander Coleman Crow. After hitting two home runs on Wednesday night, the Twins scratched Buxton from Thursday's series finale against the Miami Marlins due to hip-flexor soreness. It's bad timing for Buxton to be dealing with a physical ailment, as he has been a beast at the plate over his last 15 games, slashing .320/.382/.860 with eight home runs, 13 RBI, 12 runs scored, and even three stolen bases during that span. Fantasy managers can only hope it's a minor injury that won't land him on the injured list. For now, Buxton is being considered day-to-day. Check back to see if he's available to play in Game 2 of the series against Milwaukee on Saturday. The 32-year-old veteran and two-time All-Star is currently hitting .260 (44-for-169) on the year while providing plenty of power production with 15 homers, 23 RBI, and 33 runs scored.

12 hours ago

Casey Mize • SP • Tigers

Casey Mize to Return From Injured List and Start on Saturday

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said that right-hander Casey Mize (groin) will come off the 15-day injured list to start on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. Mize will return from a strained right groin that put him on the IL on April 28, and he will return this weekend without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. It will make him a riskier option in starting fantasy lineups on Saturday, but he has a career-high 27.3% strikeout rate so far in 2026 and will be facing a Blue Jays offense that currently ranks 23rd in baseball with a .686 OPS. The 29-year-old former first overall pick by Detroit out of Auburn in 2018 was a first-time All-Star in 2025 and has a career-best 2.90 ERA through his first six starts this year while also posting a 1.19 WHIP, 35 strikeouts, and 11 walks over 31 innings pitched. While Mize doesn't have an excellent track record for missing bats regularly, he's trending up in fantasy in his sixth year in the big leagues and deserves a look off the waiver wire for rotation depth now that he's healthy again.

12 hours ago

Aaron Ashby • RP • Brewers

Despite Lack of Saves, Aaron Ashby is a Reliable High-Leverage Bullpen Arm

Milwaukee Brewers left-handed reliever Aaron Ashby isn't a sexy bullpen arm because he's not in line for saves in Milwaukee, but he still has plenty of fantasy baseball value. Going into the weekend in Week 8 of the fantasy season, Ashby has a league-high seven wins in relief while holding a strong 2.00 ERA (2.07 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with an impressive 43 strikeouts and 15 walks in 27 innings out of the bullpen for the Brew Crew in 2026. The hard-throwing southpaw sits in the 99th percentile in strikeout rate, behind only Mason Miller and Erik Sabrowski, the 98th percentile in whiff rate, and the 74th percentile among pitchers in chase rate. Once a promising starting pitching prospect for the Brewers, Ashby was moved to a bullpen role because of his inability to stay healthy, and he has thrived ever since. Last year in 66 2/3 innings, Ashby had a 2.16 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, a career-high three saves, and a 76:24 K:BB. While he has zero saves so far this year, Ashby is proving himself as one of the better high-leverage bullpen arms in baseball, and he's rostered in only 37% of Yahoo leagues.

13 hours ago

Eugenio Suárez • 3B • Reds

Eugenio Suarez Taking On-Field Batting Practice on Friday

Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez (oblique) is taking batting practice on the field on Friday for the first time since going on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique injury late last month, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Suarez's MRI exam, which was scheduled for Thursday, apparently gave the Reds some good news, so he has advanced in his baseball activities entering the weekend. Still, the Reds are slow-playing the right-handed power hitter, and Suarez will likely need to go on at least a short minor-league rehab assignment before he returns to action in the majors. Barring a setback with his oblique now that he's swinging full speed, Suarez should be back well in advance of the start of June. When Suarez is back in Cincy in the everyday lineup, it could be bad news for both Nathaniel Lowe and Ke'Bryan Hayes. The 34-year-old Suarez won't be an asset in fantasy in the average department, but he still has enough thump left in his lumber to be worth holding for his power production, especially at hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark. If you need power and Suarez was dropped, scoop him up now. He's currently rostered in 88% of Yahoo leagues.

13 hours ago

Spencer Jones • CF • Yankees

Spencer Jones Worth Holding After Slow Start?

New York Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones was a popular waiver-wire pickup upon his long-awaited MLB debut on May 8, but he has gotten off to a slow start with the Yankees in the big leagues and is currently rostered in just 19% of Yahoo leagues. In his first 15 plate appearances over his first five MLB games, the team's No. 6 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has one hit, one RBI, three walks, and six strikeouts for a .083/.267/.083 slash line. The sample size is obviously extremely small, but it hasn't been an ideal start for the hulking 6-foot-7, 240-pound 25-year-old outfielder in the Bronx. The good news is that it's early, and it will be some time before both Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Jasson Dominguez (shoulder) are ready to return from their injured-list stints, so Jones will have more of a runway to turn things around. But if he doesn't, he'll almost certainly be sent back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to work on his approach at the plate. While Jones has elite power potential from the left side of the plate, he has struck out over 30% of the time in the minors, and he currently has a 40% strikeout rate with the Yanks.

13 hours ago

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