Chase DeLauter Lanches Home Run No. 5, Emerging as Must-Start Player: Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter went 3-for-4 with a pair of singles and a two-run homer during Friday's win over the Chicago Cubs. He finished the game with three RBI, bringing his season total to eight. DeLauter has appeared in seven games this season, slashing .346/.370/.923 with a whopping five home runs and 266 wRC+. If there's been any hole in his game, it's plate discipline, as he owns a 3.7% walk rate and 25.9% strikeout rate so far. Still, those numbers are somewhat forgivable when you have a player like DeLauter, who is averaging a home run every 5.2 at-bats and is tied for the league lead in dingers. At this point, the 24-year-old rookie has cemented himself in must-start territory for fantasy baseball. As long as he continues to mash the baseball, he should find his way into your fantasy lineups. - as of Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:08:50
Jose Butto Underwent Procedure to Remove Blood Clot: San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Jose Butto (right arm fatigue) was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right arm after exiting Wednesday's game with discomfort, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports. He has been placed on the 15-day injured list, and he underwent a procedure to remove the blood clot on Friday. The 28-year-old right-hander has allowed five earned runs over two innings (three appearances) this season. He has surrendered two homers and four walks while striking out five batters. It's been an uncharacteristically poor start to the year for Butto, who was projected to be a setup candidate in the Giants' bullpen after posting a 3.70 FIP last season. He'll be eligible to return from the injured list as early as April 17. - as of Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:02:52
Brendan Donovan Exits Early with Leg Discomfort: Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan (leg) exited after landing awkwardly while trying to beat out a throw at first base in the seventh inning of Friday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Manager Dan Wilson told Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times that Donovan had discomfort "somewhere in his leg" and will be re-evaluated on Saturday. It's too early to tell whether the third baseman will be in the starting lineup for Saturday evening's contest against the Halos, but it sounds like there's at least a chance he needs some time off. That would be unfortunate news for the Mariners and Donovan, who is slashing .370/.485/.667 with two home runs, four RBI, a 12.1% walk rate, and 18.2% strikeout rate, and 237 wRC+ through eight games. If he's forced to miss any time, Leo Rivas could get into the lineup on a more consistent basis. - as of Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:57:29
Gavin Stone Begins Throwing Program: Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Gavin Stone (right shoulder inflammation) began his throwing program on Friday, according to the team's injury tracker on MLB.com. Now that Stone has resumed throwing, he essentially has a full spring training ramp-up ahead of him. The 27-year-old is working his way back from right shoulder surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 season. He last pitched in 2024, when he made 25 starts with a 3.97 xERA, 7.44 K/9, and 2.37 BB/9. Stone can be a fantasy option when healthy, but for now, he needs to ramp up and prove that he deserves a spot in the Dodgers' extremely crowded rotation. Given that Stone is on the 60-day injured list, he won't be eligible to return until May 21, at the earliest. - as of Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:51:31
Mets Concerned About Juan Soto's Calf Injury: New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) is scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the calf injury he suffered on Friday against the San Francisco Giants, according to John Harper of SNY. Manager Carlos Mendoza admitted that he was "concerned" about the 27-year-old's injury but would wait for the MRI results before divulging further. Soto has appeared in seven games this season, slashing .355/.412/.516 with one home run, five RBI, an 8.8% walk rate, a 17.6% strikeout rate, and 162 wRC+. He has been hitting out of the No. 2 spot, but if the injury is as serious as Mendoza feared, he could be sidelined for at least Saturday's contest against the Giants. If so, we could see more playing time for Carson Benge and Tyrone Taylor. - as of Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:28:33
Juan Soto Removed with Calf Tightness: New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Soto reached on base with a single in the first inning. However, the superstar slugger appeared to have tweaked his right calf while running the bases later that inning. The severity of the issue is unknown right now, but Soto will likely undergo further testing. For the moment, fantasy managers should consider Soto as day-to-day. Tyrone Taylor took over in left field on Friday and could be in line for a few starts, assuming Soto misses time. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:59:51
Emilio Pagan Tosses Clean Inning, Bounces-Back for Second Save: Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Emilio Pagan was tasked with shutting down the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of Friday's game. It has been a rocky start for Pagan, but he was able to bounce back nicely on Friday. The right-hander tossed a perfect final frame and recorded one strikeout on his way to earning his second save of the season. This was a strong bounce-back outing after Pagan allowed four earned runs during Wednesday's game. Fantasy managers should stick with him despite a slow start to the season. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:52:49
Gregory Soto Earns Save, Claiming Full-Time Closer Role?: Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Gregory Soto was called upon to close the door against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. Soto was tasked with holding a two-run lead versus the tough Orioles offense. The southpaw gave up a home run to Gunnar Henderson, but was able to limit the damage. The solo homer was his only hit allowed as Soto was able to record three strikeouts and earn his first save of the season. It's a small sample size, but it looks like Soto could be the favorite for saves in Pittsburgh. He has recorded 11 strikeouts across 5.2 innings of work this season. Dennis Santana was used during the eighth inning on Friday and figures to be in the mix for saves as well. This might end up being a headache for fantasy managers, but Soto appears to be a possible source for saves right now. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:43:58
Casey Schmitt Gets Scratched with Back Tightness: San Francisco Giants infielder Casey Schmitt (back) has been scratched from the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the New York Mets. Schmitt has been pulled from the lineup due to back tightness. This doesn't seem like something that will sideline him long, so fantasy managers should consider Schmitt as day-to-day. Jerar Encarnacion will take over at first base and bat ninth in place of Schmitt on Friday. Fantasy managers should check back on Saturday for another update, but Schmitt isn't someone who needs to be rostered in most fantasy formats at the moment. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:32:47
Jorge Polanco Suffers Setback with Achilles Injury: New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco (Achilles) reportedly suffered a setback in his recovery from his left Achilles tendinitis. With that being said, Polanco is being held out of the starting lineup ahead of Friday's game against the San Francisco Giants. The veteran slugger has been serving as the designated hitter while battling through this issue. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Mets place Polanco on the Injured List, so he can get fully healthy. Mark Vientos has been logging in extra at-bats with Polanco missing time due to this injury. It hasn't helped too much, considering Vientos only has three hits coming into Friday's game. Vientos remains a mixed league option even with an expanded role. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:23:57
Gerrit Cole Throws Live Batting Practice: New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) continues to make progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The veteran right-hander was able to make two starts during Spring Training. Since then, Cole has thrown a live batting practice session on April 1. The plan is for Cole to continue ramping up his activities before eventually beginning a minor league rehab assignment. The Yankees are hopeful that Cole will be ready to pitch for the big league team by the end of May. The six-time All-Star hasn't pitched since the 2024 campaign, but is one of the best in the game when he's healthy. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:13:39
Byron Buxton is Day-to-Day with Forearm Contusion: Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (forearm) was forced to make an early exit from Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Buxton was pulled out of the game after taking a fastball to the right forearm in the seventh inning. Luckily, the X-rays were negative, so Buxton is considered day-to-day with a forearm contusion. Before exiting the game, Buxton went 0-for-3 at the plate. James Outman replaced him on Friday and is considered the favorite to replace Buxton if he misses more time. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:05:52
Masyn Winn Leaves Early on Friday With Hip Tightness: St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (hip) left Friday's game early against the Detroit Tigers due to left-hip tightness, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News. Winn said that he injured his hip initially while taking batting practice on Tuesday, and he was eventually lifted for a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning on Friday. The 24-year-old is day-to-day for now and isn't expected to play in Saturday's game, although he could be back for the series finale against the Tigers on Sunday. Before departing on Friday, Winn went 1-for-3 out of the leadoff spot for St. Louis in the eventual 4-0 loss. The Cardinals may slide infield prospect JJ Wetherholt over to the 6 on Saturday while Winn recovers from his hip injury. Now injured, Winn has been quiet in the early going so far in 2026, going 4-for-25 (.160) with two doubles, an RBI, two runs scored, two walks, and five strikeouts in six games played. Hopefully, his hip injury isn't all that serious, and he just misses one game this weekend. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:21:39
Byron Buxton Leaves on Friday After Being Hit by a Pitch: Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (forearm) was forced from Friday's game early against the Tampa Bay Rays after he was hit by a pitch on the forearm in the seventh inning, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Buxton immediately walked off the field. Hayes speculates that the injury was to Buxton's forearm or elbow, but it also could have been to his ribs. We'll have more information on the specific injury and the severity when the details emerge, but for now, fantasy managers should expect Buxton to be day-to-day. The 32-year-old oft-injured veteran will likely undergo X-rays to rule out any fractures or breaks after he took a 91.6 mph fastball off his body. If Buxton is forced to miss any time, James Outman would likely be the beneficiary of more playing time in center field in Minnesota. Buxton entered Friday's game with only four hits in his 23 at-bats (.174) with an RBI and two runs scored in his first six games. The two-time All-Star was hitless with a strikeout in his three at-bats on Friday before getting hurt. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:50:46
Grant Taylor to Serve as Opener on Saturday: Chicago White Sox right-hander Grant Taylor will serve as the team's opener on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays, according to MLB.com's Scott Merkin. Anthony Kay will pitch the bulk of the innings for the Pale Hose on Saturday against Toronto. The 23-year-old Taylor also served as Chicago's opener last Friday, and he's allowed one earned run with two walks and four strikeouts in his two innings of work in relief so far this year in his second big-league season. Taylor went 2-4 last year with a 4.91 ERA (1.42 FIP), 1.42 WHIP, six saves, 54 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 36 2/3 innings over 36 appearances (two starts). This will be Taylor's first "start" of 2026, but he won't be useful in DFS because he's likely to only pitch an inning against Toronto. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:33:33
Diamondbacks to Keep Ryan Waldschmidt at Triple-A Despite Open Starting Role: The Arizona Diamondbacks are not calling up outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt yet for a few reasons, explains Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. The first big reason is that the team expects outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee) back for the first time this year after recovering from a torn ACL late last season, so they would have to add Waldschmidt to an already crowded 40-man roster. Then, in another few weeks, Waldschmidt would be chewing up a roster spot in the minors without a path to regular at-bats at the major-league level. The bottom line is that Arizona just isn't ready to have Waldschmidt in the big leagues. Fantasy managers in dynasty/keeper leagues were hoping that Jordan Lawlar's fractured wrist would prompt the team to let the 23-year-old make his MLB debut. He hit .302 with a homer and six RBI in 14 Cactus League games in spring training and has gone 5-for-22 (.227) with seven RBI in his first six games at Triple-A Reno. Waldschmidt is one of the best prospect outfield stashes in deeper fantasy leagues early on in 2026. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:28:51
Cade Horton Headed for Injured List Stint: Chicago Cubs right-hander Cade Horton (forearm) will go on the 15-day injured list, but he said he's optimistic that it's not a serious injury, according to Taylor McGregor of Watch Marquee Sports. Horton was forced from his start on Friday early against the Cleveland Guardians due to right-forearm discomfort. That's usually a bad sign for pitchers, but Horton may only need a minimum stint on the IL. Before exiting, the 24-year-old's velocity was down about two MPH from his typical readings over one-plus scoreless innings. Horton picked up his first win of the season in his 2026 debut last week against the Washington Nationals, when he allowed two earned runs with a walk and four strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings of work. The former seventh overall pick in 2022 out of Oklahoma should be stashed in all fantasy leagues, especially since Horton might only end up missing a couple of starts.UPDATE: Horton will undergo tests on his right forearm this weekend. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:21:57
Blue Jays Add Patrick Corbin on One-Year Deal: The Toronto Blue Jays announced on Friday that they signed free-agent left-hander Patrick Corbin to an undisclosed one-year deal. The team then optioned Corbin to Single-A Dunedin. Corbin, 36, will give the Jays some experienced starting pitching depth as they try to weather the rash of injuries that have hit their starting staff early on in 2026. Right now, Shane Bieber (elbow), Jose Berrios (elbow), Trey Yesavage (shoulder), and Cody Ponce (knee) are all on the shelf. Corbin will bide his time in the minors and get stretched out, but there's still no guarantee he'll make it into Toronto's rotation this year. Corbin went 7-11 in 155 1/3 innings over 31 outings (30 starts) with the Texas Rangers in 2025 and held a 4.40 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 131:51 K:BB in his 13th big-league season. He hasn't had an ERA under 4.00 since 2019 with the Washington Nationals, so it's unlikely he'll suddenly become an asset in Toronto in hitter-friendly Rogers Centre if he gets a shot to start. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:15:58
Brewers Add Cooper Pratt to 40-Man Roster: The Milwaukee Brewers announced on Friday that they added infield prospect Cooper Pratt to the 40-man roster and optioned him to Triple-A Nashville. In a corresponding move, outfielder Steward Berroa was designated for assignment. The move comes after the Brewers signed the 21-year-old shortstop to an eight-year, $50 million contract extension before Pratt has even stepped foot on a major-league field. Per MLB.com, Pratt is Milwaukee's fourth-ranked prospect. He's getting his first taste of Triple-A to start the 2026 season, and he has gone 4-for-15 (.267) in the early going with an RBI and a stolen base in three games at Nashville. Last year in 120 games at Double-A Biloxi, Pratt slashed .238/.343/.348 with eight home runs, 62 RBI, 71 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases in 524 plate appearances. His glove is already major-league ready, and so is his speed, but the Brewers probably would like to see more development offensively before they officially call him up to the big leagues. Still, if he tears Triple-A up in the first half of the season, Pratt could be a big-leaguer later this year. - as of Fri, 03 Apr 2026 19:09:56