Francisco Alvarez a Priority Waiver Wire Target Amidst Hot Start to 2026
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is off to a strong start to the 2026 season, hitting .268/.379/.500 with four home runs, five RBI, and eight runs scored across his first 68 plate appearances. The 24-year-old has always logged strong batted-ball metrics, and he's currently posting an excellent 17.4% barrel rate. Perhaps most encouragingly, Alvarez has shown significant improvement in his plate skills early in the year. He's cut his strikeout rate to 17.6%, down from 26.4% in 2025. Health has been an issue for Alvarez in recent seasons, as he has not reached 400 plate appearances since 2023. However, if he can stay on the field, Alvarez could be on the verge of a breakout campaign. In leagues where he is not already rostered, Alvarez profiles as a high-upside catcher to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ron Harper Jr. Probable for Game 2
Boston Celtics guard/forward Ron Harper Jr. (ankle) is on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers, carrying a probable designation. The 26-year-old has injured his right ankle, but he is expected to be in the lineup on Tuesday night. That said, Harper Jr. saw only four minutes of garbage time in Boston's dominant 123-91 Game 1 victory, and it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't hit the court on Tuesday night, even if he's active. Payton Pritchard, Nikola Vucevic, and Baylor Scheierman will remain the primary contributors off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Austin Reaves to Remain Out Tuesday
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) will miss a seventh consecutive game on Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets. He continues to rehab a left oblique strain, and it still isn't clear when Reaves can return. On Monday, he was spotted at practice, taking part in light activities, so there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for Reaves. The Lakers have started the postseason without two key performers, as Luka Doncic (hamstring) hasn't been able to contribute either. With the star guards sidelined, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart combined for 42 points in Saturday's Game 1 victory. Additionally, LeBron James made sure to balance scoring with playmaking, recording a 19-point, 13-assist double-double.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Is Makai Lemon the Top Rookie Receiver in Fantasy Football?
University of Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon is viewed as one of the top prospects heading into Thursday's NFL Draft. Lemon excelled during his final season at school, catching 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also had a pair of rushing touchdowns. Lemon is currently in a tight race with Ohio State's Cornell Tate for the title of top receiver in the upcoming rookie class. Perhaps whichever receiver is selected first on Thursday will give his school a leg up in the competition to see which college is Wide Receiver University. USC certainly has a decent case to be made, as NFL stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Drake London, and Jordan Addison were all Trojans. Lemon has the potential to join that list, as there's no disputing his star upside. The young prospect should make an immediate impact in fantasy football. He ranks as the No. 3 prospect and No. 2 wide receiver in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rookie rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luka Doncic Still Out Tuesday
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will remain sidelined on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets. The six-time All-Star remains out indefinitely with a left hamstring strain. However, he took part in light activities during Monday's practice, a sign that Doncic is progressing in his recovery. With Austin Reaves (oblique) also out, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart have more responsibilities in the Lakers' backcourt. Kennard was fantastic in Saturday's series-opening 107-98 win with a game-high 27 points, nailing all five attempts from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Smart contributed in all areas of the game, finishing with 15 points, two rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
George Springer Ramping Up his Baseball Activities
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder/designated hitter George Springer (toe) did some more throwing on Monday and was also scheduled to hit, according to Hazel Mae of Sportsnet. Manager John Schneider said that Springer will do some "dynamic warmup and mobility stuff." Springer began hitting off a tee last Wednesday, which is pretty quick progress after he was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 12 with a fractured left big toe. The Blue Jays aren't planning on sending Springer on a minor-league rehab start, which means he's a candidate to return from the IL for the start of the team's homestand on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians. The 36-year-old four-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner had a resurgent season in 2025 for the Jays and helped them make a run to the World Series, but he was hitting just .185 (10-for-54) with two home runs, six RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base in a small sample size of 14 games played before fracturing his toe. Springer is still useful in fantasy when he's healthy as an everyday player for Toronto, with most of his playing time coming as the DH.
Source: Sportsnet - Hazel Mae
Source: Sportsnet - Hazel Mae
Anthony Edwards Active on Monday Night
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (knee) will play on Monday against the Denver Nuggets. His status for the game was up in the air after the team initially listed Edwards as questionable on the injury report. The Timberwolves star is managing a right knee injury and was also questionable for the series opener. Eventually, Edwards shed the questionable tag and logged 38 minutes in an 116-105 loss. He filled the stat sheet with 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. However, Edwards finished just 7-for-19 from the field and missed seven of his nine three-point attempts. For the team to stay competitive in this matchup, Minnesota needs him to be more efficient.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mookie Betts Starts Swinging a Bat, Still has Boxes to Check in his Rehab
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that shortstop Mookie Betts (oblique) began swinging a bat over the weekend, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Betts is making progress, but he must progress to hitting off a tee and flips before he's cleared to take batting practice. The 33-year-old former MVP, eight-time All-Star, and seven-time Silver Slugger winner has been on the 10-day injured list since suffering a right-oblique strain in early April. He went just 5-for-28 (.179) with two home runs, seven RBI, and seven runs scored in eight games to kick off the year before getting injured. Betts isn't getting any younger, but when healthy, he's still a must-start in all fantasy baseball leagues in the best lineup in baseball. Fantasy managers will want to keep him stashed in an IL spot while he continues his rehab. In the meantime, veteran Miguel Rojas will continue to see most of the playing time at the 6 in Hollywood with Betts on the IL.
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Kevin Durant a Game-Time Decision on Tuesday
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (knee) will be a game-time decision on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The two-time Finals MVP missed Saturday's Game 1 in the series due to a bruised right knee. According to Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Durant participated in about half of Monday's practice. Houston has officially listed him as questionable for Tuesday's contest. On Saturday night, the Rockets struggled to score without Durant, losing 107-98. Josh Okogie and Tari Eason played more important roles in his absence. Eason was one of the team's top performers with 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and three steals off the bench.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ronald Acuna Jr. Day-to-Day After Being Hit on the Hand on Monday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hand) was pulled from Monday's game early against the Washington Nationals after being hit by a pitch on his left hand, the team announced. Thankfully, X-rays on Acuna came back negative, and he's considered day-to-day. Before leaving the eventual 9-4 win in D.C., Acuna was 0-for-1 at the plate with two hit-by-pitches, a run scored, and a strikeout. It doesn't sound like a serious injury for the All-Star right fielder, but fantasy managers will need to check back on Acuna's status on Tuesday to see if he's ready to participate in Game 2 of the series versus Washington. The 28-year-old former MVP, five-time All-Star, and three-time Silver Slugger winner came into Monday's series opener hitting .247/.350/.365 with a .715 OPS, a home run, five RBI, nine runs scored, and four stolen bases in 85 at-bats. His numbers don't jump off the page, but Acuna has five-category upside when he's fully healthy and is a must-start every day in traditional fantasy leagues when he's active.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Mick Abel's Injury Described as "Not Too Serious"
The Minnesota Twins placed young right-hander Mick Abel (elbow) on the 15-day injured list with right-elbow inflammation on Monday, but Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports that multiple sources described Abel's injury as "not too serious." Abel struck out 16 batters over 13 scoreless innings in his last two starts, and he had an appealing matchup on deck against the struggling New York Mets lineup on Tuesday. Kendry Rojas will now pitch the series opener in New York on Tuesday in place of Abel. Left-handed prospect Connor Prielipp will also be added to the Twins' taxi squad. The 24-year-old Abel has been an early-season waiver-wire target of late because of how well he's pitched in his last two starts, but he's still only rostered in 25% of Yahoo leagues currently. Barring a setback once Abel begins ramping up again, he could only miss a couple of turns through Minnesota's starting rotation. Those who picked Abel up should stick it out.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Colt Emerson's Wrist Injury Preventing him From Making MLB Debut
Seattle Mariners infield prospect Colt Emerson (wrist) has been dealing with a wrist issue at Triple-A Tacoma, which was a factor in the team's decision not to bring him up on Monday with infielder Brendan Donovan (groin) going on the 10-day injured list, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. "It just didn't feel like this was the right time for that," manager Dan Wilson said. The M's want Emerson to be 100% confident in his abilities and not dealing with any kind of injury when they eventually call him up to the big leagues, which should happen sooner rather than later in 2026. While Emerson, MLB's No. 7 overall prospect per MLB Pipeline, bides his time on the farm, Leo Rivas should handle the majority of starts at third base in Seattle in the short term with Donovan sidelined. Emerson, who is just 20 years old, is one of the top position-player stash options in fantasy baseball leagues. He's currently hitting .258/.361/.452 with two home runs, seven RBI, 10 runs scored, and six stolen bases in 18 games for Tacoma to begin the year.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Mariners Place Brendan Donovan on Injured List With Groin Strain
The Seattle Mariners announced on Monday that they placed infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan (groin) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to April 18) with a left-groin muscle strain and selected infielder Will Wilson's contract from Triple-A Tacoma in a corresponding move. The M's sent the 29-year-old to the IL after he missed the last two games with his groin injury. It remains to be seen if Donovan will be ready to return when he's eligible to be reinstated on April 28. In Donovan's absence, infielder Leo Rivas should see the majority of the playing time at the hot corner in Seattle. Fantasy managers will be hoping that Donovan's IL stint doesn't get in the way of his hot start at the plate. Following his first All-Star selection in 2025 in his final year in St. Louis, he is hitting .304 (17-for-56) with three home runs, three doubles, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and a steal in 18 games played. Donovan is good for runs scored and a stable average, but his modest power/speed numbers give him a low fantasy baseball ceiling.
Source: Mariners PR
Source: Mariners PR
Dodgers Not Naming Primary Closer With Edwin Diaz Injured
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed star closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) on the 15-day injured list on Monday, and he's expected to miss around three months after he has surgery on his right elbow to remove loose bodies. Manager Dave Roberts declined to name a set closer in Diaz's absence, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. It helps explain why the 32-year-old All-Star's velocity has been down early in his first year in L.A. Diaz appeared in Sunday's loss to the Rockies for the first time since April 10, and he allowed three earned runs without even recording an out. After complaining of right-elbow issues after the game, the Dodgers sent him for an MRI exam, which revealed the loose bodies in his arm. Fantasy managers need to keep Diaz stashed everywhere for a second-half run. In the meantime, left-hander Tanner Scott is likely to get the first crack at save chances for the Dodgers, despite his rough 2025 campaign. In addition to Scott, lefty Alex Vesia and righty Blake Treinen could mix in to form a closer-by-committee situation.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Source: The Athletic - Fabian Ardaya
Is Fernando Mendoza an Undisputed First-Round Pick in Rookie Drafts?
Indiana quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza is the consensus No. 1 pick in Thursday's NFL Draft, but there's a little less certainty about his first-round status in rookie fantasy football drafts. Given that rookie drafts (and non-superflex fantasy leagues as a whole) place less relative value on the quarterback position than NFL teams, other names are in the mix for managers to select ahead of Mendoza. For example, running back Jeremiyah Love is the projected No. 1 pick in rookie fantasy drafts, followed by a slew of receivers. Mendoza is the top quarterback in RotoBaller's rookie rankings, but he's all the way down at No. 9 overall. At that point, he's a pretty safe bet to be a first-rounder in rookie drafts, but he's not a lock. If non-quarterback-needy managers are picking near the end of the first round, they could opt for a different position and let Mendoza fall to the early second. He'd be a bargain there, offering managers a mix of rushing and passing upside. Outside of a little concern about the weapons around him in Vegas, Mendoza has a very encouraging fantasy outlook.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Omar Cooper Jr. a Top-Five Rookie Receiver in Fantasy Football?
Indiana wide receiver prospect Omar Cooper Jr. could hear his name called in the first round of Thursday's NFL Draft. The national champion has been climbing up draft boards, and not only is he an intriguing selection for NFL teams, but he should continue to generate plenty of buzz among fantasy managers, too. During his final season at Indiana, Cooper caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza's favorite target during the Hoosiers' championship run. Now, Cooper projects as a top-six rookie in 2026 fantasy football drafts. He ranks as the overall WR5 among the rookie class, and the only non-receiver ahead of him in the rankings is running back Jeremiyah Love. The landing spot could shift Cooper's value a little, but for now, he's a very appealing option in the front half of 2026 rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joel Embiid is Officially Ruled Out for Game 2
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) has been officially ruled out for Tuesday's Game 2 against the Boston Celtics. As expected, Embiid will remain sidelined after undergoing an appendectomy on April 10. The big man was able to begin a strength and conditioning program on Monday. It remains unclear if Embiid will be available to play at all during this series. The absence of Embiid should mean larger roles for Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. Neither player did much on the stat sheet during Game 1, and remain shaky DFS options for Game 2.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Sonny Gray Heading to the Injured List With Hamstring Injury
The plan is for the Boston Red Sox to place right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list, according to 7 News' Ari Alexander. The Red Sox are expected to call up left-hander Tyler Samaniego from Triple-A Worcester in a corresponding move. Samaniego will give the team some extra bullpen depth before Gray's next turn in the starting rotation comes up. Left-hander Payton Tolle could be the guy that the BoSox choose to have replace Gray in the starting rotation, and fantasy managers in need of pitching depth might want to pick Tolle up now off the waiver wire. Tolle is currently rostered in just 10% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available. Gray, 36, suffered a right-hamstring injury in his abbreviated outing on Monday against the Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park and will now miss at least a few turns in the rotation. With a potential short stay on the IL, Gray should be retained in most fantasy baseball leagues while he heals up.
Source: 7 News - Ari Alexander
Source: 7 News - Ari Alexander
Victor Wembanyama Wins Defensive Player of the Year
San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year on Monday. The 22-year-old becomes the first unanimous selection in league history. A well-deserved award after Wembanyama averaged a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game with 1.0 steals across 64 games. He's also the first player to win it in San Antonio since Kawhi Leonard in 2016. Wembanyama became the youngest player to win the award since its creation in 1983. The 7'4 foot superstar is going to be a threat to win this award every year and possibly MVPs in the near future.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Puka Nacua Present for Rams First Day of Offseason Program
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was present for the first day of the team's offseason program on Monday, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Nacua led the NFL in catches (129) and receiving yards per game (107.2) in 16 regular-season contests while also posting a career-high 1,715 yards and career-high 10 touchdowns in just his third year in the NFL. The 24-year-old has been in the headlines this offseason for the wrong reasons, though, and he recently checked into a rehab facility last month. A civil lawsuit was also filed against Nacua in March, which stems from an incident on New Year's Eve in 2025. Nacua isn't expected to be in any danger of receiving a suspension from the league, so he'll be in play as the first receiver off the board in fantasy drafts this fall. He even beat out Seattle's Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the title of WR1 overall in fantasy points in 2026.
Source: Los Angeles Times - Gary Klein
Source: Los Angeles Times - Gary Klein
Odell Beckham Jr. Works Out for Giants on Monday
Former New York Giants star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. worked out for his old team, the Giants, on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Rapoport writes that a "reunion seems possible." A lot has changed in New York since OBJ last played with the G-Men in 2018, but the three-time Pro Bowler does have experience playing for new Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who coached OBJ in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens. New York took Beckham with the 12th overall pick in 2014 out of LSU, and he had four 1,000-yard seasons with the team in his five years with the organization. Since OBJ's last 1,000-yard campaign in 2019 with the Browns, he's fallen off a cliff in terms of production, and he'll likely be a long shot for any kind of stable fantasy relevance in 2026 if he returns to the Big Apple. He had just nine catches for 55 yards and no touchdowns in nine games for the Dolphins in 2024 and a 35-565-3 line in 14 games (six starts) with Harbaugh in Baltimore in 2023.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
OG Anunoby is Available to Play for Monday's Game 2
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (ankle) is available to play ahead of Monday's Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks. As expected, Anunoby is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. He has been dealing with an ankle issue, but it's not serious enough to keep him out of action in this important playoff game. He should take on his usual role in the rotation during Monday's game. He finished with 18 points and eight rebounds across 38 minutes of action during Saturday's win. He's looking like a decent DFS option after nearly posting a double-double on Saturday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Onyeka Okongwu is Cleared to Play During Game 2 on Monday
Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu (knee) is available to play ahead of Monday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. Okongwu has been dealing with right knee inflammation, but it won't be serious enough to hold him out of this game. He finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists across 37 minutes during Saturday's loss. There's a chance that Okongwu sees a lighter workload due to the ongoing knee problem. If that does happen, Mouhamed Gueye and Tony Bradley would likely take on larger roles. Neither of the two big man are worth a look as DFS options with Okongwu healthy on Monday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Cowboys Make Brandon Aubrey the Highest-Paid Kicker in the League
The Dallas Cowboys made kicker Brandon Aubrey the league's highest-paid kicker on Monday by giving him a four-year, $28 million deal, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed and was negotiated by agents Todd France and AJ Stevens of Athletes First. Aubrey becomes the first kicker in NFL history to average $7 million annually. He finished the 2025 campaign as the No. 3 fantasy kicker by making 36 of his 42 field-goal attempts (85.7%) and 47 of his 48 extra-point tries in 17 games played. The 31-year-old veteran has been a Pro Bowler for Dallas in each of his first three years in the league, and he now has an 88.2% success rate on field goals in 51 regular-season games. In a Dallas offense that should be among the highest-scoring in the league again in 2026, Aubrey qualifies as a high-end fantasy kicker target yet again. The fact that the Cowboys play half their games in a dome makes Aubrey even more attractive at the position.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Immanuel Quickley is Ruled Out for Game 2
Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Quickley is set to miss his second straight playoff game while he recovers from a hamstring injury. Jamal Shead started in his place during Saturday's series opener. Shead finished with 17 points and two assists across 26 minutes of action in the loss. He figures to play a similar role against on Monday. Ja'Kobe Walter could also see more playing time, but isn't an ideal DFS option. Brandon Ingram will be asked to do more offensively with Quickley on the sideline.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ryan Pepiot's Hip Feels "Unstable" While Playing Catch
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said on Monday that right-hander Ryan Pepiot (hip) had a bad day on Monday, as his right hip felt "unstable" while he played catch, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays moved Pepiot to the 60-day injured list last week after he suffered a setback with his right-hip injury, and things continue to go poorly for him despite receiving an injection. Since he's on the 60-day IL, the 28-year-old will not be eligible to return to the major-league roster until late May, and fantasy managers should be preparing for the possibility that it could be longer than that until he's reinstated. When healthy, Pepiot is one of the team's aces, and he's currently rostered in 79% of Yahoo leagues. Right-hander Jesse Scholtens has appeared in bulk relief for the Rays in his first two outings in 2026, but he'll be making his first start on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds, and he could stick in Tampa's rotation with Pepiot out if he continues to pitch well.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Edwin Diaz Expected to Miss Around Three Months
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) will have surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, a source told Alden Gonzalez of ESPN. Diaz is expected to miss in the neighborhood of three months. The Dodgers officially placed the 32-year-old veteran on the 15-day injured list on Monday after Diaz appeared on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies for the first time since April 10. He proceeded to allow three runs and a walk without recording an out while also seeing his velocity dip again. Now we know why. Barring a setback after he goes under the knife, Diaz won't return to the Dodgers' bullpen until late June or early July. Despite the injury, the All-Star closer should be stashed in all fantasy baseball leagues while he recovers. In the meantime, lefties Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia and righty Blake Treinen could all mix and match for save opportunities in L.A. Although Scott struggled for the team in 2025, he had a career-high 23 saves and has locked down 78 games in his nine-plus-year career.
Source: ESPN.com - Aldez Gonzalez
Source: ESPN.com - Aldez Gonzalez
Injury in Dodgers Bullpen Makes Tanner Scott Waiver-Wire-Worthy
Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed reliever Tanner Scott should at least be part of a closer-by-committee approach for the team moving forward now that right-handed closer Edwin Diaz (elbow) is expected to miss at least three months while needing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. In addition to Scott, fellow lefty Alex Vesia and righty Blake Treinen could be used in save situations for the foreseeable future by manager Dave Roberts. The 31-year-old Scott was an All-Star for the first time in his career in 2024 with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, but that was followed by a rough 2025 campaign in his first year with the Blue. Scott did have a career-high 23 saves last year, but he also struggled to a 1-4 record, 4.74 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 60:18 K:BB in 57 innings pitched over 61 appearances. He has turned things around so far in 2026, allowing just an earned run with no walks and eight punchouts in 8 2/3 frames. Now that Scott is back in a position to pick up saves, his ownership in fantasy leagues should increase. Scott is currently only rostered in 19% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Tim Mayza Could See Save Opportunities in Philadelphia
MLB Network's Jon Morosi mentions that Philadelphia Phillies left-handed reliever Tim Mayza has been excellent so far this year when discussing the direction that the team might go at the back end of the bullpen with star closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) expected to be out two to three weeks with an oblique injury. Right-hander Brad Keller is "probably" going to be the guy that gets the next save chance in Philly, but Mayza, Jose Alvarado, and Orion Kerkering could end up forming some sort of committee for manager Rob Thomson. Mayza could get the nod if it's a lefty-heavy inning for the opponent in the ninth inning. The 34-year-old veteran only has four saves in his big-league career in eight-plus seasons, but he currently has a 3.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts and four walks in 12 relief innings pitched in 2026. In deeper fantasy leagues where managers are desperate for saves, they may want to consider a waiver-wire pickup of Mayza in the short term.
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Edwin Uceta Shut Down for 2-3 Weeks; Is he Still Stash-Worthy?
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that right-handed reliever Edwin Uceta (shoulder) has a right-shoulder strain, which is a new injury from the discomfort that initially landed him on the 15-day injured list to begin the 2026 regular season, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Uceta will be shut down from throwing for two to three weeks and will then have to build back up, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to make his season debut for the Rays for a while. It's a tough break for those who have been stashing the 28-year-old in fantasy leagues in hopes that he'll become the team's primary closer when he's fully healthy. In a best-case scenario, Uceta may not rejoin Tampa's bullpen until mid-to-late May. He's still worth holding onto in fantasy leagues, though, if you have an available IL spot. Uceta has been pretty solid for the Rays the last two seasons and was one of only five relievers in 2025 to have over 100 strikeouts. Until further notice, Bryan Baker is the reliever to roster for saves in Tampa.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
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