Sat Apr 27 | 12:06 | George Springer Resting Against Dodgers | George Springer | CF/RF | Astros | Free Agent |
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer and utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa are both out of the starting lineup on Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers. This will be Springer's first off day since April 19. The 34-year-old veteran has gone 7-for-28 with a home run since then to drop his season line to .228/.322/.356 with three home runs, five RBI, three stolen bases and 11 runs scored in 101 at-bats. With Springer sitting on Saturday, rookie Addison Barger will make just his third major-league start, playing in right field and batting ninth against Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow. Barger, the former sixth-round pick in 2018, has yet to get a hit in his first eight MLB at-bats and won't be a recommended DFS option in the nine-hole in a tough matchup. |
Source: Toronto Blue Jays | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 12:02 | Max Muncy, Gavin Lux Sitting Saturday | Max Muncy | 1B/3B/PH | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Gavin Lux | SS | Dodgers | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy, shortstop Gavin Lux and outfielder Josh Outman, who all hit left-handed, are out of Saturday's lineup against left-hander Yusei Kikuchi and the Toronto Blue Jays. Enrique Hernandez will play third and bat sixth, Miguel Rojas is at shortstop and hitting eighth, and rookie Andy Pages is in center field and will bat seventh for the Blue. Muncy is hitting a modest .258 (23-for-89) this year with five home runs and 18 RBI, but he's gone just 5-for-25 (.200) with one homer and 10 strikeouts against lefties. Lux has struggled in general, hitting .183 (13-for-71) and has yet to go deep. Outman's fantasy stock has really fallen as he's fallen into a platoon with Pages. Hernandez is the DFS play to consider with a .256 career average and 55 homers in 1,417 plate appearances against southpaws. He's also hitting .308 in 13 career at-bats against Kikuchi. |
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 09:19 | Mitch Haniger Belts A Grand Slam Friday | Mitch Haniger | CF/RF | Mariners | Free Agent |
Seattle Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger smacked a grand slam in Friday's 6-1 win over the Diamondbacks. It was his lone hit on the day, but it was a big one that broke the game open. It came after starter Zac Gallen left the game and with Mariners up just 2-1. It was the 33-year-old's fourth home run of the year and he's now up to 18 RBI, although the batting average sits at just .244. There was hope the veteran would return to some semblance of his 2021 form with a return to Seattle but it hasn't come to fruition to this point. The good thing is it's a long season and so far he's still healthy. Regardless, until he shows signs of a breakout he's probably only worth a roster spot in deeper leagues. |
Source: ESPN | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 08:08 | Will Smith Collects Four Hits, Drives In Three Friday | Will Smith | | | Free Agent |
| | | Will Smith | RP | Giants | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith went 4-for-5 in Friday's 12-2 victory over the Blue Jays, with two of his four hits going for extra bases, including a double and his second home run of the season. The 2023 All-Star also drove in three runs and scored three times. This was the second straight game Smith has recorded four hits, raising his season slash line to .376/.413/.527 and putting himself in position as the third-highest-scoring backstop for fantasy thus far. The Dodgers face Jays left-hander Yusei Kikuchi on Saturday night. Smith is hitting a scorching .520/.581/.680 against lefties so far this season and is 1-for-3 off Kikuchi in his career. |
Source: ESPN | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 01:08 | X-Rays Negative On Yandy Diaz's Hand | Yandy Díaz | 3B/DH | Indians | Free Agent |
X-rays came back negative on Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz's hand on Friday night after he was hit by a pitch on his hand in the eighth inning and forced to exit the game early against the Chicago White Sox. It doesn't mean that he won't miss the next few days, though, so fantasy managers will need to check back on Saturday to see if he's absent from the starting lineup. Before getting hit by a pitch, the 32-year-old went 1-for-2 with his fifth double of the season, two walks and a strikeout, and he's now hitting .241 on the year with a .618 OPS. Niko Goodrum replaced Diaz as a pinch-runner and then at first base to close out the game. If Diaz misses a few games or is forced to the injured list, Goodrum and Austin Shenton could split time at the cold corner in Tampa. |
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 00:57 | John Means Needs One More Rehab Start | John Means | RP | Orioles | Free Agent |
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (forearm) will make another minor-league rehab appearance on Sunday, and he should then join the big-league roster soon after. It's been a lengthy stint with Triple-A Norfolk for Means, who will make his sixth and final start before rejoining Baltimore's rotation to make his 2024 regular-season debut in Week 5 of fantasy baseball. He would appear set to get the ball sometime next weekend during a three-game set on the road with the Cincinnati Reds, which is a far less favorable environment for his first start off the injured list then if he were throwing at home against the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Veteran right-hander Albert Suarez has launched 11 1/3 scoreless frames with nine strikeouts in two starts for the O's and will now take the hill in Sunday's tasty matchup instead, making him a strong pickup to wrap up Week 4. |
Source: Jacob Calvin Meyer - The Baltimore Sun | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 00:54 | Frankie Montas Expected To Throw Off Mound This Weekend | Frankie Montas | RP | Athletics | Free Agent |
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas (forearm) is expected to throw off a mound this weekend, according to manager David Bell. Montas is progressing in his recovery from a right forearm contusion and is eligible to come off the 15-day injured list on May 7, but it's unknown if he'll need a brief rehab assignment before rejoining Cincy's rotation. The 31-year-old former ace carries an uninspiring 4.19 ERA (5.26 FIP), 1.44 WHIP, and 14:10 K:BB across 19 1/3 innings (five starts), and fantasy managers in shallow mixed leagues might be able to find stronger options as a stash. Veteran swingman Nick Martinez should receive at least two more starts for the Reds until Montas becomes available again, but he has just a 5.48 ERA and 1.39 WHIP with 17 punchouts in 23 frames (five appearances) and won't be a convincing streamer in Tuesday's scheduled road start against the San Diego Padres. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 00:47 | Justin Steele Throws 47 Pitches In Extended Spring Game | Justin Steele | SP | Cubs | Free Agent |
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (hamstring) threw 47 pitches in 2 1/3 innings in an extended spring game on Friday in Arizona. Steele will continue his rehab program there for now, but pitching coach Tommy Hottovy said on Thursday that the hurler should be able to start shifting into a five-day routine following his recent period of building up his workload. The 28-year-old star left-hander is recuperating from a strained left hamstring, and while it's unclear how long his rehab stint will last, Steele might be able to get back into Chicago's rotation in early May if all continues to go well in his recovery. Rookie right-hander Ben Brown has shown some promise with a 3.72 ERA (2.88 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, and 18:6 K:BB over 19 1/3 innings (six appearances) for the Cubs, and he'll be a decent streaming option for fantasy managers in Saturday's scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 00:31 | Jake Burger Completes Full Workout Friday | Jake Burger | 3B | White Sox | Free Agent |
Miami Marlins third baseman Jake Burger (oblique) completed a full on-field workout ahead of Friday's game versus the division-rival Washington Nationals, throwing across the diamond for the first time since suffering a strained left oblique. Burger still has to progress to batting practice on the machine, but it's encouraging to see he's improving in his recovery. The 28-year-old infielder was slashing .228/.281/.421 with three home runs, two doubles, 15 RBI, and eight runs scored over 64 plate appearances (16 games) before heading to the injured list, and he's tracking toward a minor-league rehab assignment in early May and a return to the Marlins sometime in the middle of May. In Burger's stead, Emmanuel Rivera has served as Miami's primary third baseman but isn't producing enough to warrant consideration for a roster spot in the vast majority of fantasy leagues. |
Source: Christina De Nicola - MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 00:14 | Paul Sewald Likely Needs Another Rehab Game | Paul Sewald | RP | Mets | Free Agent |
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday, and the team will likely have him appear in another rehab game if all goes well there. There was some optimism that Sewald's next appearance would come for the major-league club, but it sounds like fantasy managers will have to wait a few more days before the hurler is reinstated from the 15-day injured list due to a strained left oblique. Look for the 33-year-old right-hander to re-enter Arizona's bullpen and reclaim his closing gig sometime during Week 5 of fantasy baseball, which begins on Monday with a three-game series versus the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Righty Kevin Ginkel owns a solid 3.48 ERA (2.85 FIP), 1.16 WHIP, and 11:2 K:BB with four saves through 10 1/3 innings, but fantasy managers should be trying to make other arrangements for saves before he reverts to a setup role upon Sewald's return. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 27 | 00:06 | Blake Snell Resumes Playing Catch Friday | Blake Snell | SP | Rays | Free Agent |
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Blake Snell (groin) resumed playing catch on flat ground on Friday, which is a good sign for a player who is dealing with a multi-week absence due to a strained left groin. Snell believes he can rejoin San Fran's rotation right around May 7, when he's first eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list. The 31-year-old reigning National League Cy Young Award winner has obviously been a massive fantasy bust with an 11.57 ERA, 1.97 WHIP, and 12:5 K:BB through 11 2/3 innings (three starts), but his elite strikeout upside when healthy means he can't be jettisoned to any waiver wires. In the interim, former second-round pick Sean Hjelle may be needed as a starter for the Giants and has a 5.79 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with two punchouts and one walk in 4 2/3 frames this year. He'd line up for a decent matchup with the Boston Red Sox at some point next week in this case. |
Source: Alex Pavlovic - NBC Sports Bay Area | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 26 | 23:32 | J.P. Crawford Not Expected To Return When Eligible | J.P. Crawford | SS | Phillies | Free Agent |
There is no timetable yet on Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (oblique), but general manager Justin Hollander said the team doesn't anticipate him being ready by the time he's eligible to be activated from the injured list. In a best-case scenario, it sounds like Crawford will be out at least two to three weeks with a Grade 1 right-oblique strain. The Mariners aren't going to rush the 29-year-old shortstop back with an injury that isn't easy to come back from, even if it's the least-severe variety. It's been a rough year so far for Crawford, as he's hit just .198 (17-for-86) with two home runs, nine RBI and 13 runs scored in his first 22 games. Until he's able to return, Dylan Moore should see most of the playing time at the 6 and will have elevated short-term fantasy value in deeper leagues. |
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 26 | 22:17 | Yandy Diaz Hit By Pitch, Leaves Game Early | Yandy Díaz | 3B/DH | Indians | Free Agent |
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (hand) was hit by a pitch in the eighth inning and was subsequently removed. Niko Goodrum pinch-ran for the 32-year-old after he was hit. Diaz took a 99 mph fastball from White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech to his hand as the Rays worked to dig themselves out of a 7-3 hole. Diaz had put together a decent day at the plate before exiting, going 1-2 with two walks. If Diaz is to miss any time, then the beneficiaries of his absence will be Austin Shenton and Goodrum. Shenton has slashed .143/.217/.238 on the season, and Goodrum has slashed .167/.286/.452. Neither option is great from a fantasy perspective, but Shenton has generally been the starter when Diaz gets rest. Prioritize Shenton if you're looking directly for a replacement from the Rays, but there are likely better options you can snag off the waiver wire. |
Source: Evan Closky | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 26 | 21:55 | Alex Cobb Still Feeling Soreness In Shoulder, Will See Doctor | Alex Cobb | SP | Orioles | Free Agent |
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Alex Cobb (hip, shoulder) has been held back from throwing activities the last few days as he's still experiencing soreness in his shoulder. He is scheduled to see Dr. Ken Akizuki Friday night. Cobb had been working his way back from a hip surgery he had in October and started to experience some setbacks after throwing a bullpen session a few weeks ago. The 36-year-old won't be eligible to come off the injured list until late May, but these setbacks may push his return further into June. This isn't the news the Giants wanted to hear after needing to put newly acquired Blake Snell on the 15-day injured list this week. Cobb will have a rotation spot available for him when he returns, but fantasy managers and Giants fans will need to exercise patience for a couple more months for that moment. |
Source: Maria Guardado | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 26 | 21:44 | Thairo Estrada Out Of Lineup On Friday | Thairo Estrada | 2B | Yankees | Free Agent |
San Francisco Giants second baseman Thairo Estrada (hamstring) is not in the Giants' lineup for their Friday night tilt against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Estrada was removed from Wednesday's game against the Mets after dealing with hamstring tightness. As of now, Estrada is considered day-to-day. The 28-year-old is slashing .232/.253/.400 on the year so his impact to the Giants and fantasy managers' lineups may be fairly negligible. Tyler Fitzgerald is getting the start in his place and will bat eighth. Should Estrada return this weekend he would see Martin Perez on Saturday and Pirates rookie Jared Jones on Sunday. |
Source: Maria Guardado | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 26 | 19:52 | Chad Green To Rehab For 3-7 More Days | Chad Green | RP | Yankees | Free Agent |
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Chad Green (shoulder) is rehabbing for three to seven more days, at which point the team is hopeful that he can resume throwing. Green is recovering from a teres major strain in his right shoulder after landing on the injured list. The 32-year-old veteran hurler is probably at least several weeks away from being able to return to Toronto's bullpen. Green opened the 2024 season with increased fantasy importance because of injuries to both Jordan Romano and Erik Swanson. He took advantage of the short-term opportunity for save chances in Toronto, recording two saves with a 2.35 ERA and 1.04 WHIP while walking two and striking out seven in 7 2/3 frames. When Green returns from the IL, he'll return to a late-inning setup role in front of Romano. |
Source: The Athletic - Kaitlyn McGrath | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 26 | 19:10 | Anthony Rendon Dealing With Partial Hamstring Tear | Anthony Rendon | 3B | Nationals | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon (hamstring) said he has a high-grade partial tear of his left hamstring and doesn't have a timetable to return. The Angels placed Rendon on the 10-day injured list on Sunday, but the 33-year-old is certainly going to be out for an extended amount of time. Ever since signing a seven-year deal with the Halos, Rendon has mostly been in the trainer's room and has been one of the biggest disappointments in baseball after recording a league-high 126 RBI and a career-high 34 home runs in his final year with the Nationals in 2019. Before the injury, he was hitting .267 (20-for-75) with no homers, three RBI and three steals. We wouldn't blame you for dumping Rendon to the waiver wire at this point. Miguel Sano has been playing third since Rendon went down, but Brandon Drury could also see time there moving forward. |
Source: Orange County Register - Jeff Fletcher | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 26 | 19:02 | Giancarlo Stanton Absent On Friday | Giancarlo Stanton | DH/LF/RF | Yankees | Free Agent |
New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (rest) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. This appears to be a routine rest day for the veteran slugger. Stanton has started in five straight games, so the team has decided to give the 34-year-old the night off. In the meantime, Aaron Judge will serve as the designated hitter while Trent Grisham will cover center field versus right-hander Colin Rea. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 26 | 18:50 | Seth Lugo Has Excellent Outing Friday | Seth Lugo | RP/SP | Mets | Free Agent |
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo continued his stellar work on the mound during Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers. The right-hander threw seven shutout innings while striking out nine batters in the win. Lugo only gave up three singles during this game and a pair of walks. He holds a 1.66 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, and a 23/9 K/BB ratio across six starts. He'll look to continue his strong campaign against the Toronto Blue Jays next week. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 26 | 18:34 | Manny Machado Returning On Friday | Manny Machado | 3B/SS | Orioles | Free Agent |
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado has been activated off the paternity leave list on Friday. That is great news after Machado missed a few games earlier in the week due to a personal matter. He's batting fourth and covering third base during Friday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. In a corresponding move, infielder Matthew Batten has been optioned to the minors. Fantasy managers should make sure to get Machado back in their lineups. |
Source: San Diego Padres | RotoBaller.com |