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Joel Kuhnel • RP • Athletics

Joel Kuhnel Settling in as the Primary Closer for the Athletics

Athletics right-hander Joel Kuhnel has been excellent in the early portion of the 2026 season, as he's yet to allow an earned run or a walk and has given up just one hit over his first five appearances (4 2/3 innings) of the year. The 31-year-old right-hander appears to have settled into his team's primary closer role, as he's logged saves in three out of his last four outings. Kuhnel's rise to the ninth-inning role comes as a bit of a surprise, as he had recorded just one save across 93 2/3 career MLB innings entering 2026. Kuhnel also owns a career strikeout rate of 18.7%, so he does not possess the swing-and-miss stuff of a prototypical closer. Still, he's been effective in the role so far this season, and as such is worth targeting on the waiver wire.

Yesterday

Max Muncy • 3B • Dodgers |

Max Muncy • 3B • Athletics

Max Muncy Hitting the Ball Hard, Worth a Waiver Add?

Athletics third baseman Max Muncy has cooled over his last four games, going 1-for-10 (.100) with zero extra-base hits over that stretch. However, that was preceded by an eight-game hit streak in which he went 14-for-34 (.412) with three doubles, a triple, and one home run. This is the type of inconsistency you will see from a player who is striking out at a 38.0 percent clip, yet overall, the former first-round draft pick owns a solid .288/.338/.485 slash line on the year (18 games) with a .365 wOBA and 130 wRC+. The right-handed hitter's batting average may ultimately suffer in the long run, but for managers looking for power, Muncy owns a 97th percentile average exit velocity (95.3 mph) and possesses the highest hard-hit rate in all of baseball (69.2 percent) to go along with a solid 12.8 percent barrel rate, so the extra-base hits should keep on coming. The 23-year-old is eligible at 2B, 3B, and SS on Yahoo!, adding to his fantasy appeal, and can still be had in nearly half of leagues.

Yesterday

Gage Jump • SP • Athletics

Gage Jump Enjoying Hot Start with Triple-A

Athletics left-handed pitching prospect Gage Jump is enjoying an impressive start to the Triple-A regular season. Through his first three outings (10 1/3 innings), Jump has struck out 16 hitters while holding a 2.61 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. In his most recent outing on April 15, Jump racked up a season-high eight punchouts over a short 4 1/3 inning stint. While the Athletics have slowly increased Jump's workload in the early going, he will need to continue this trajectory to compete for an eventual MLB promotion. During the 2025 campaign, the former 73rd overall selection spent most of his time with Double-A, where he held his own, posting a 3.64 ERA, 1.20 WIHP, and an 86:29 K:BB over 81 2/3 innings. Given that the Athletics lack much depth in their rotation, Jump should be in the mix to debut later in the second half.

2 days ago

Joel Kuhnel • RP • Athletics

Joel Kuhnel Sharp En Route to Third Save, Settling in as Priority Waiver-Wire Target

Athletics relief pitcher Joel Kuhnel got a four-out save on Wednesday night, picking up two strikeouts and retiring all four Rangers he faced to secure his third save of the year. The 31-year-old righty has given up just one hit and no runs in 4 2/3 innings this season and is a very solid option at the end of the game for the A's. With such a strong start to the year, he's a great addition from the waiver wire if you are searching for saves, even though there's no apparent reason the journeyman has been so effective after joining the team on a minor-league contract. He has been so effective, though, that he's a great grab for as long as he keeps the closer role for the Athletics.

3 days 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.

4 days ago

Brent Rooker • RF • Athletics

Still No Timetable for Brent Rooker's Return

Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (oblique) is not doing baseball activities at this time, and there's still no timetable for his return, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. The A's placed Rooker on the 10-day injured list on Friday with a right-oblique strain that he suffered in Thursday's win over the New York Yankees. The 31-year-old almost certainly won't be ready to come back when he's eligible to be activated from the IL on April 20, since he hasn't even resumed baseball activities. Oblique injuries can take a month-plus to recover from, especially in the case of a violent swinger like Rooker. Carlos Cortes is receiving another start as the team's designated hitter in Monday's game at home against the division-rival Texas Rangers and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. Rooker was hitting just .146 (6-for-41) at the time of his injury late last week, but he also had a couple of home runs and eight RBI, and the former first-rounder has had 30-plus homers in each of the last three seasons. Fantasy managers should not be cutting him.

5 days ago

Jacob Wilson • SS • Athletics

Jacob Wilson Gets First Day Off This Season

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the New York Mets. Darell Hernaiz will start in his absence, batting eighth and playing shortstop. This is the first time Wilson has missed a game this season. Presumably, he's just getting the day off, so managers shouldn't be concerned about any sort of injury. The 24-year-old is off to a subpar season at the plate, slashing .250/.250/.300 with zero home runs, zero steals, zero walks, nine strikeouts, and a career-low 53 wRC+. He is also hitless over his last two games, going 0-for-9 with four strikeouts during that span. Perhaps a trip to the bench will be the exact reset that Wilson needs to get out of his slump. He ranks #21 among shortstops in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings.

7 days ago

Jeffrey Springs • SP • Athletics

Jeffrey Springs is Gaining Value After Two Excellent Starts

Athletics starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs is becoming a popular waiver wire pickup after back-to-back strong outings on the mound. Most recently, Springs tossed seven shutout innings, allowing one hit with seven strikeouts during Thursday's win over the New York Yankees. The southpaw is posting a 1.47 ERA with 15 strikeouts across three starts this season. That's impressive considering he faced the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, and Yankees, which are all capable of doing damage with the bats. Springs will now head into a matchup against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. He has pitched well enough early in the season to warrant a look in 12-team formats ahead of Tuesday's matchup.

7 days ago

Tyler Soderstrom • LF • Athletics

Tyler Soderstrom Slugs Two Home Runs in Win Over Mets

Athletics first baseman/outfielder Tyler Soderstrom led the A's offensive charge in Saturday's 11-6 win over the New York Mets at Citi Field. Soderstrom was seeing the ball well at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI on the day. His first home run was a two-run shot off right-handed starter Kodai Senga in the third inning, and his second long ball on the day was a three-run homer against right-handed reliever Luke Weaver in the eighth inning. The homers were Soderstrom's first two of the 2026 season. The 24-year-old left-handed slugger came into Saturday's contest in Queens with a .200 average (10-for-50) with eight RBI, five runs scored, and a stolen base in his first 13 games played, so fantasy managers were surely happy to see him break out of his early-season funk. Plenty of power should be coming for Soderstrom, who broke out in 2025 with 25 homers and 93 RBI in 624 plate appearances in his first full major-league season.

7 days ago

Lawrence Butler • RF • Athletics

Lawrence Butler Leading Off Again on Saturday

Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler will start in right field and bat out of the leadoff spot for the second straight game on Saturday at Citi Field against the New York Mets and right-hander Kodai Senga, per MLB.com. The A's are looking for some kind of consistency from the top of the batting order early on in 2026. The 25-year-old Butler hasn't done much at the plate in his first 12 games of the season, going 7-for-37 (.189) with a homer, four RBI, five runs scored, a stolen base, five walks, and 10 strikeouts in 42 plate appearances. If he can get going, though, manager Mark Kotsay could leave him at leadoff going forward, at least against right-handed pitchers. Lawrence has at least 20 homers in each of the last two seasons for the A's and fantasy managers, and he also produced his first 20-20 season in 2025 in his second full season in the majors. If Butler can stay healthy (he dealt with injuries to both of his knees last year), he'll be an intriguing power/speed asset, especially if he hits near the top of the A's batting order. Butler is hitting .667 against Senga in just three career at-bats.

Apr 11

Brent Rooker • RF • Athletics

A's Place Brent Rooker on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain

The Athletics officially placed outfielder Brent Rooker (oblique) on the 10-day injured list on Friday with an oblique strain, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Second baseman Zack Gelof has been recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move. Rooker suffered the oblique injury during a swing in Friday's win over the New York Yankees. Oblique injuries can be tricky, so we'd expect the right-handed slugger to be out well beyond the 10 days. In the meantime, Carlos Cortes will have an opportunity for decent playing time as the team's designated hitter. Rooker, a two-time All-Star, has two home runs and eight RBI in his first 12 games in 2026, but he's also gone just 6-for-41 (.146) with six walks and 17 strikeouts in 49 plate appearances. He'll be eligible to come off the 10-day IL on April 20, but we wouldn't expect to see Rooker again in the big leagues until sometime in May. Keep him stashed for his power stroke in all fantasy leagues.

Apr 10

Brent Rooker • RF • Athletics

Brent Rooker Not Playing on Friday

Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (side) is not in the team's starting lineup for Friday's series opener in Queens against the New York Mets, according to MLB.com. With Rooker sidelined due to a sore side, Carlos Cortes will serve as the designated hitter and bat eighth against Mets right-hander Clay Holmes. Rooker tweaked his side/flank on a swing in Thursday's 1-0 win over the New York Yankees in the Bronx. The severity of the injury isn't really known, but fantasy managers should not be surprised if the power-hitting Rooker is forced to the 10-day injured list. The 31-year-old veteran has slugged at least 30 home runs in each of the last three seasons, but a lengthy stay on the IL with his side injury could make it difficult to reach that mark for a fourth straight season in 2026. Rooker has hit just .146 (6-for-41) with two home runs, eight RBI, four runs scored, and two stolen bases in 12 games before his injury on Thursday. We'll alert you if Rooker lands on the IL.

Apr 10

Max Muncy • 3B • Dodgers |

Max Muncy • 3B • Athletics

Max Muncy Extends Hit Streak to Six Games, Can He Keep it Up?

Athletics infielder Max Muncy is on a roll in the early going of the 2026 season. The former first-rounder is riding a six-game hit streak and has hit safely in 10 of the 12 games he's played, producing a .319.333/.574 slash line, with seven extra-base hits (two home runs), five RBI, 11 runs scored, and one steal. It all adds up to a .400 wOBA and 161 wRC+. While all that is good, it's worth noting that he's striking out at a high rate of 33.3 percent and has drawn just one walk all season. Nevertheless, he's swinging a hot bat and is a worthy waiver wire consideration. The 23-year-old is available in about half of Yahoo! leagues and is eligible at 2B, 3B, and SS, adding to his fantasy appeal.

Apr 10

Hogan Harris • RP • Athletics

Hogan Harris Secures First Save, Adds to Bullpen Committee

Athletics relief pitcher Hogan Harris was called upon to hold a one-run lead versus the New York Yankees on Thursday. A's manager Mark Kotsay decided to play the matchups with a trio of left-handed batters coming up for the Yankees. Harris retired all three batters to record his first save of the season. Harris only has five career saves, but he could be gaining more trust as a late-inning option. The A's have turned to three different pitchers to record saves for them this season. It looks like Harris could be another option for them if the opposing team has a heavy dose of left-handed batters.

Apr 9

Jeffrey Springs • SP • Athletics

Jeffrey Springs Flirts With No-Hitter, Worth a Waiver-Wire Pickup?

Athletics starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs looked untouchable on the mound during Thursday's outing against the New York Yankees. Springs made it through six innings without allowing a hit. Unfortunately for him, Ben Rice smacked a single in the seventh inning to ruin the no-hit bid. Springs would finish his day going seven shutout innings, allowing one hit, and striking out six batters. The southpaw now holds a 1.47 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 18.1 innings of work this season. His next scheduled outing is against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. Springs has looked strong against some tough lineups to begin the season. The 33-year-old is worth a look as a streaming option ahead of his next matchup.

Apr 9

J.T. Ginn • SP • Athletics

J.T. Ginn to Start for A's on Friday

Athletics left-hander J.T. Ginn will make the start in Friday's series opener against the New York Mets, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. Ginn will be the first man up to take over Luis Morales' spot in the team's starting rotation. The 26-year-old former second-rounder by the Mets in 2020 out of Mississippi State has made three relief appearances for the A's so far in 2026 and has allowed four earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out four in seven innings of work. In his three MLB seasons, Ginn has recorded a 4.87 ERA (4.46 FIP), 1.34 WHIP, and 132:42 K:BB in 131 1/3 innings over 34 appearances (22 starts). He's been worse as a starter, posting a 5.04 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP and 105 strikeouts in 105 1/3 innings pitched. Against the Mets to kick off the weekend, fantasy managers should be looking to avoid Ginn as a deep-league or DFS streamer.

Apr 9

Brent Rooker • RF • Athletics

Brent Rooker to Undergo Imaging on Sore Side on Friday

Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (side) will undergo further testing on Friday morning after being pulled early from Thursday's 1-0 win in the Bronx over the New York Yankees, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Rooker said he's feeling "alright" with some tightness and soreness in his right side after taking an aggressive swing in the first inning. If it's an oblique injury for the 31-year-old veteran, he will almost certainly require a trip to the 10-day injured list, and he could end up missing several weeks. Rooker entered Thursday's game hitting just .150 (6-for-40) with two home runs, eight RBI, four runs scored, and two stolen bases in his first 11 games of 2026, and he went 0-for-1 in his only plate appearance on Thursday before being pulled. If Rooker lands on the IL, he will be a must-stash player due to his high-end power upside at one of the most hitter-friendly home ballparks in Sacramento. Carlos Cortes figures to be the biggest beneficiary on the A's in terms of playing time if Rooker requires a stint on the IL.

Apr 9

Brent Rooker • RF • Athletics

Brent Rooker Exits Early on Thursday Due to Apparent Injury

Athletics designated hitter/outfielder Brent Rooker (side) was forced to exit his team's Thursday matchup against the New York Yankees in the first inning after pulling up gingerly during a swing. While it's not yet entirely clear what Rooker's exact injury is, he was holding his side/oblique area as he went down the stairs of the Athletics dugout. Entering play on Thursday, Rooker was hitting .150/.250/.300 with two home runs, eight RBI, four runs scored, and two stolen bases across his first 48 plate appearances of 2026. The 31-year-old has established himself as one of the better right-handed power hitters in baseball in recent years, slugging 99 home runs over the past three seasons combined. Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler entered the game for Rooker on Thursday, and right-handed hitting utility man Andy Ibanez could be in line for more playing time if Rooker is sidelined for an extended stretch.

Apr 9

Shea Langeliers • C • Athletics

Shea Langeliers Getting a Day Off in the Bronx

Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers is not in the team's starting lineup in the Bronx on Thursday against the New York Yankees, according to MLB.com. Austin Wynns will do the catching for left-hander Jeffrey Springs and will bat seventh against Yankees left-hander Ryan Weathers. Langeliers has been among the hottest hitters in baseball in the first couple of weeks of the season, as he enters play on Thursday with a .289/.333/.644 slash line, .978 OPS, five home runs, eight RBI, and seven runs scored in 45 at-bats. The 28-year-old backstop is tied for the major-league lead with his five home runs. Langeliers has had at least 22 home runs in each of the last three seasons, culminating in a career-high 31 long balls in 123 games in 2025. He has elite power at the weak catching position, making him a high-end starting fantasy backstop in a hitter-friendly home environment in Sacramento. Wynns has appeared in only three games this year and is 1-for-6 at the plate.

Apr 9

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.

Apr 9

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