Triston Casas Suffers Setback During Rehab: Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (knee) has encountered a setback in his recovery from a ruptured left patellar tendon that he suffered back in 2025. The former first-rounder is now dealing with sore ribs, per manager Alex Cora. At least the setback is not related to his knee, but Cora stated that they need to "shut it down for a while... we have to slow it down." Casas was placed on the 10-day injured list to begin the season, and a mid-to-late-May return to the majors was the original estimate, however, a return closer to midseason seems more realistic at this point. The team acquired Willson Contreras in the offseason to man first, but he is just 2-for-17 (.118) to begin the season, and if he doesn't pick it up at the plate, there could be a real competition for playing time whenever Casas returns. The 6-foot-4 left-handed slugger has legit power, belting 40 home runs over his last 224 games (~29 home runs per 162 games), but will be waiver wire fodder until he is getting regular at-bats. - as of Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:41:39
Tyler Freeman Reinstated From 10-Day Injured List: The Colorado Rockies announced that utilityman Tyler Freeman (back) will be reinstated from the 10-day injured list, effective April 1. Backup catcher Braxton Fulford is being optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque in a corresponding move. Freeman started the 2026 season on the IL due to back inflammation, which limited him to just eight games in spring training. With a profile that emphasizes contact ability and speed, Freeman hit just two home runs in 110 games in 2025, but finished with a batting average of .281, 50 runs scored, and 18 stolen bases. The right-handed batter's career-long numbers favored a reverse split, but last season he showed vast improvements against southpaws, and he hit .291 against lefties. The Rockies used Freeman mainly at second base and right field last season, but the 26-year-old also has experience at third base and center field from his three seasons with the Guardians. He should be a regular when the Rockies face left-handed starters, and his versatility in the field will allow him to pick up an occasional start in between. - as of Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:37:31
Bubba Chandler Struggles to Command Pitches in Season Debut: Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitching prospect Bubba Chandler struggled to command his pitches in his season debut on Tuesday evening. Facing the Cincinnati Reds, Chandler tossed 4 1/3 innings with one run (unearned), no hits, and six punchouts. However, he allowed a hefty six free passes, which has limited his effectiveness. While he was able to keep runs and hits off the board, his command remains a serious issue. Last season, Chandler allowed 53 free passes over just 100 innings at the Triple-A level. While he struck out 121 hitters in this stint, his weak command significantly hindered his upside. While he carried a near-perfect 3.2% BB% over his first stint in the majors in 2025 (31 1/3 innings), seeing him command stumble again is not a good sign. While the high-end strikeout upside is still elite, he remains a difficult pitcher to trust on a weekly basis. He will look to bounce back facing the San Diego Padres next week. - as of Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:17:32
Andrew Painter Strikes Out Eight, Allows One Run in Strong MLB Debut: Philadelphia Phillies top pitching prospect Andrew Painter was sharp in his MLB debut on Tuesday evening. Facing the Washington Nationals, Painter logged 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball with just four hits and one free pass. He struck out eight batters en route to picking up the victory as well. Painter endured some serious growing pains working his way back from injury last season, but he appears to have taken a massive step forward in the majors. In 2025, Painter spent 106 2/3 innings with Triple-A Lehigh Valley but carried a modest 5.40 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and a 111:46 K:BB. In spring training, the former 13th overall pick showed some signs of progress, holding a 2.31 ERA over 11 2/3 innings. Given his impressive debut, Painter should be viewed as a primary target on the waiver wire ahead of his next outing, against the San Francisco Giants. - as of Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:07:33