Jose Altuve Tallies Four Hits, Two Homers in Big Night: Houston Astros veteran second baseman Jose Altuve can still hit. The 35-year-old nine-time All-Star, former MVP, and three-time batting champion had a big night as the team's leadoff hitter in the 8-1 win over the Boston Red Sox, going 4-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, four runs scored, and a walk to boost his early-season batting average to .412 and his OPS to 1.389. Both of Altuve's home runs in the first game of the series at Daikin Park came off right-hander Johan Oviedo. It was Altuve's 15th career multi-homer game. Father Time remains undefeated, and Altuve is no spring chicken anymore, but Monday night's performance is a reminder that he still has plenty of fantasy value as a starting second baseman in mixed fantasy leagues. If Altuve can remain healthy, we wouldn't rule out his chances of posting another 20-20 season in his 17th year in the big leagues. - as of Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:18:48
Miguel Vargas Hits Grand Slam, Drives in Six in Win Over Miami: Chicago White Sox infielder Miguel Vargas took care of business on Monday to help the team beat the Miami Marlins 9-4 in the opening game of a series at LoanDepot Park, going 2-for-4 with a grand slam, two runs scored, and a career-high six RBI. Vargas was playing first base in this one while batting out of the leadoff spot. His grand slam came in the fourth inning off right-hander Chris Paddack. The home run was his first of 2026, and his six RBI were also his first runs batted in of the season. In his first full season with the White Sox in 2025, Vargas hit .234/.316/.401 with a .717 OPS, 16 home runs, 60 RBI, 80 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 569 plate appearances over 138 games played. In deep-mixed leagues as corner-infield depth, Vargas is a fine power bat as an everyday player who has eligibility at both first and third base for the Pale Hose. Vargas' six-RBI game will surely draw attention to him in deeper leagues where he's available. - as of Mon, 30 Mar 2026 22:34:47
Carlos Rodon Throws Live Batting Practice: New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) threw 50 pitches in a live batting practice session on Sunday, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. Rodon was forced to start the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list after having surgery in the offseason to remove a bone spur from his left elbow. However, he's already throwing off a mound against hitters, which means he might not be far off from a minor-league rehab assignment. If Rodon doesn't encounter any setbacks as he continues to ramp up, he could make his season debut for the Yankees in April. The three-time All-Star really struggled in his first year in the Bronx in 2023, but he's been much better the last two years, going 34-18 with a 3.50 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 398 strikeouts, and 130 walks in 370 1/3 innings over 65 starts in pinstripes. Rodon absolutely should be rostered in all fantasy leagues while he recovers, given his high-end upside for one of the best teams in baseball. - as of Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:06:33
Diamondbacks Place Pavin Smith on 10-Day Injured List With Elbow Inflammation: The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Monday that they placed infielder Pavin Smith (elbow) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to March 29) with left-elbow inflammation and recalled infielder Jose Fernandez from Triple-A Reno in a corresponding move. Veteran Carlos Santana is starting at first base on Monday against the visiting Detroit Tigers and right-hander Justin Verlander, and he should see most of the playing time there with Smith on the injured list. Meanwhile, Ildemaro Vargas is the designated hitter and will bat eighth on Monday. Expect the Snakes to rotate at DH among Vargas, Tim Tawa, Fernandez, and Jorge Barrosa with Smith on the shelf for at least 10 days. Smith isn't dealing with any structural damage in his elbow, but it's something that has been bothering him since spring training. It's unclear if he'll return when eligible on April 8. In his two games played in the opening series against the Dodgers, Smith went 1-for-6 with an RBI, run scored, two walks, and two strikeouts at the plate. - as of Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:24:50
Jorge Polanco Dealing With Achilles Issue, to DH for Now: New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco (Achilles) is dealing with a bit of an Achilles issue, manager Carlos Mendoza told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The Mets are being cautious with him, but he'll stay in the lineup on Monday and serve as the designated hitter while batting cleanup for the Mets on Monday against the hosting St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Kyle Leahy. Until Polanco can return to defensive duties at first base, expect Brett Baty and Jared Young to split playing time at the position. Both Young and Baty (starting in right field) are in the starting lineup against the Cardinals in the series opener. The 32-year-old veteran has a history of lower-body injuries, so it's not a great sign for his fantasy managers that he's already dealing with something in the first week of the regular season. Through his three games in 2026 with the Mets, Polanco has gone 1-for-10 with an RBI, two runs, five walks, and two strikeouts. - as of Mon, 30 Mar 2026 19:01:31