Cedric Mullins Sitting With Illness
Cedric Mullins (illness) is out of the team's lineup for their series finale against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday. The 30-year-old has reportedly been battling an illness over the last few days, though he did play all 18 innings across the team's doubleheader on Saturday, so it seems like just some extra rest for him. Mullins has been excellent this season, slashing .279/.421/.547 with six long balls, five doubles, and five steals. Perhaps even more impressive, he's raised his walk rate to a robust 17.1%. If it stands, that'd be the highest figure of his career by far. Dylan Carlson is covering center field, batting sixth for the O's in their series finale with the Tigers.Source: Roch Kubatko
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adley Rutschman Out With Hand Injury
Adley Rutschman (hand) will not be in the team's lineup on Sunday when they line up against the Detroit Tigers on the road. The switch-hitting backstop was apparently hit in the hand on Saturday during Baltimore's second game of the doubleheader, though he was not pulled from the contest. Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com reports that he'll be available off the bench for the series finale. Rutschman has been struggling at the dish over the last few weeks, tallying just five hits (one home run) over his previous 37 at-bats (.135). Per statcast, the former first-round pick is due for some positive regression, as his xBA of .276 is quite a ways off his actual .209. Gary Sanchez is behind the plate and batting fifth against Detroit to close out the series.Source: Roch Kubatko
Baltimore Orioles catcher Jordan Westburg Taking A Seat On Sunday
Jordan Westburg (hamstring) will be out of Sunday's lineup for the team's matchup against the Detroit Tigers. Per Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com, the 26-year-old has a sore hamstring that he felt yesterday. Fortunately, the injury does not sound too serious, as Kubatko also noted he'll be available off the bench if needed. Westburg collected four hits in nine at-bats on Saturday across the team's double-header, so he may just be getting an extra bit of rest. He recently broke out of a 0-for-26 slump, so hopefully he'll rejoin the team in a few days. Teammate Jackson Holliday is manning the keystone for the O's on Sunday, batting ninth.Source: Roch Kubatko
Baltimore Orioles infielder Michael Soroka Set For Second Rehab Start
Michael Soroka (biceps) is set for his second rehab start on Sunday with Double-A Harrisburg and is expected to go at least five innings. He landed on the injured list earlier this month with a biceps strain, but could rejoin the big-league squad soon if all goes well in his start for the Senators. The Calgary native tossed two innings in his first outing for Harrisburg, letting up two hits and two earned runs over two innings -- punching out three batters. Soroka has never been known for his ability to miss bats, relying on finesse to get batters out. However, he hasn't been a valuable fantasy asset in quite some time. He doesn't appeal much to fantasy managers outside of a potential streaming option in deeper formats.Source: Spencer Nusbaum
Washington Nationals pitcher Spencer Horwitz Batting Leadoff For Double-A Altoona
Spencer Horwitz (wrist) begins his rehab assignment on Sunday, batting leadoff for the Double-A Altoona Curve. The Radford alum has yet to suit up in 2025 as he battled back from wrist surgery that was performed to address "chronic issues." Horwitz hit well the last time we saw him in the big leagues, slashing .265/.357/.433 with 12 homers, 19 doubles, 40 RBI, and 46 runs scored across 328 at-bats. He consistently hit for a high average during his time in the minors and should boost fantasy managers in that department once his rehab program is complete. The 27-year-old has also displayed excellent plate discipline throughout his career.Source: Jon Mozes
Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Nolan Schanuel's Knee Is Feeling Better
Nolan Schanuel was removed from the game against the Minnesota Twins. It does not sound too serious, as he underwent further testing, and there is no structural damage. On Sunday, Schanuel also mentioned that he is feeling better. For the time being, he is considered day to day. J.D. Davis will fill in at first base for the Angels while Schanuel recovers. The Angels have an off day on Monday, so that should help give Schanuel an extra day off before they hit the road to Seattle to take on their division rival, the Mariners, in a two-game series.Source: Rhett Bollinger
After fouling a pitch off his knee on Saturday, Los Angeles' first baseman Victor Scott II Taking A Seat On Sunday
Victor Scott II is not in the starting lineup on Sunday as the Milwaukee Brewers send out veteran left-hander Jose Quintana in the series' finale. While Scott sits, Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, and Jordan Walker will occupy the three spots in the outfield. Scott has gone 9-for-33 with two walks, four stolen bases, six runs scored, and three RBI over his last 10 games and is now slashing .264/.323/.379 on the season. Scott remains a viable outfielder in deeper league formats. Next up for Scott and the Cardinals is a four-game series on the road in Cincinnati to take on the Reds.Source: St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder A.J. Minter Lands On The 15-Day IL
A.J. Minter has been placed on the 15-Day IL with a left lat strain. Minter was removed in the eighth inning of Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Nationals due to what was initially reported as left triceps tightness. After further evaluation, testing revealed a left lat strain, and the left-hander will now be shut down from throwing for the short term. The Mets selected Jose Urena's contract from Triple-A Syracuse in a corresponding move. Minter was second on the team in holds with seven on the season, and in the meantime, Danny Young and Huascar Brazoban are the most likely candidates to see an uptick in their relief work leading up to closer Edwin Diaz.Source: New York Mets
New York Mets relief pitcher Byron Buxton Not Starting On Sunday
Byron Buxton is sitting on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels with right-hander Jose Soriano toeing the rubber for the Angels. Buxton has been productive lately, with three home runs, six RBIs, and a stolen base in the last seven days. On the season, he is now slashing .237/.269/.505 with six home runs, 22 runs scored, and 15 RBI with six stolen bases. This figures to be a planned off day for Buxton, as the Twins go for the sweep on Sunday. Filling in for Buxton will be DaShawn Keirsey Jr. in left field, as Harrison Bader shifts over to center field. Next up for Buxton and the Twins will be a four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians on the road.Source: Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins outfielder Matt McLain Sitting On Sunday
Matt McLain will take a seat on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies, with right-hander Ryan Feltner starting for the Rockies. McLain has had a tough week, going 1-for-22 with 11 strikeouts. It was disappointing for fantasy managers to see McLain's production level this week, as the Reds had a smash spot for their hitters with a weekend series in Coors. This is an opportunity for McLain to reset after a tough week. In the meantime, Gavin Lux will play second base and Noelvi Marte will play third base, with Jeimer Candelario occupying the designated hitter spot in the lineup. Next up for the Reds is a seven-game home stand against the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals.Source: Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds' second baseman Luke Weaver In Line To Get The Bulk Of Save Opportunities Moving Forward
Luke Weaver will get most of the Yankees' save opportunities moving forward. Boone didn't rule out using Weaver earlier in games in a prominent spot and then leaning on other relievers in the ninth, though. This news broke shortly after Boone announced that Devin Williams has been removed from the closer role for now. Williams has been struggling mightily in 2025, with an 11.25 ERA in 10 appearances. On the other hand, Weaver has not allowed an earned run in 13 innings pitched. Weaver immediately gets a short-term fantasy boost in both points and category leagues. It's still unclear what the plan will be in a month or two, but for now, Weaver will be used in closing situations, or at the very least, the highest leverage opportunities. He is a must-add in all formats that value saves and relief pitching.Source: Max Goodman
According to New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, relief pitcher Wilyer Abreu Sitting Versus Southpaw
Wilyer Abreu (rest) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. This appears to be a rest day for Abreu who smacked a three-run home run during Saturday's contest. He has been off to an excellent start to the season, so this is a well-deserved rest day for Abreu. In his absence, Rob Refsnyder will cover right field and bat fifth versus left-hander Logan Allen. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly with Abreu on the bench.Source: mlb.com
Boston Red Sox outfielder Luis Gil Begins Throwing Program
Luis Gil (lat) has started his throwing program on Sunday. This is a good step forward for Gil who is working his way back from a high-level lat strain that he suffered during spring training. The right-hander is going to need to build up his stamina before he begins a minor league rehab assignment. That being said, Gil still appears to be at least a month or so away from returning to the Yankees rotation. Fantasy managers might have to wait until around June before getting anything from Gil.Source: Meredith Marakovits
New York Yankees starting pitcher Nolan Schanuel Absent On Sunday
Nolan Schanuel (knee) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Twins. This comes as little surprise after Schanuel was removed from Saturday's game after fouling a ball off his knee. The team hasn't placed him on the injured list, but the Angels are likely waiting to do anything until the testing comes back. For now, fantasy managers should consider Schanuel as day-to-day. J.D. Davis will take over at first base and bat seventh versus right-hander Joe Ryan on Sunday. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on Schanuel.Source: mlb.com
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Devin Williams Removed From Closer Role
Devin Williams has been removed from the closer role for now, according to manager Aaron Boone. This news comes a few days after Williams blew a three-run lead to the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday. The Yankees had to make this move given nothing is going right for Williams right now. He holds a 11.25 ERA, allowing 12 hits, 10 earned runs, and has walked seven batters in 10 games. It's best for the Yankees to pull him from the closer role and give him low-leverage situations to build up his confidence. The Yankees haven't named another closer, but the assumption is that Luke Weaver will be the favorite right now. Fantasy managers looking for bullpen help might want to snag Weaver before it's too late. As for Williams, fantasy managers should hold him for now as he'll hopefully return to the closer role after getting back on track.Source: Michael Kay
New York Yankees relief pitcher Jeff McNeil Sitting Out Versus Southpaw
Jeff McNeil (rest) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. McNeil recently returned from the injured list on Friday and went 2-for-7 during the first two games of this series. However, McNeil will take a seat here with left-hander Mitchell Parker on the mound for the Nats. Luisangel Acuna will take over at second base and bat eighth versus Parker in this one. Acuna is more of a deep league option right now and isn't an ideal streaming option against Parker who has been strong to start the year.Source: mlb.com
New York Mets infielder Francisco Alvarez Resting On Sunday
Francisco Alvarez is on the bench ahead of Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. Alvarez started the first two games of this series after being activated off the injured list on Friday. In those two games, Alvarez has gone 2-for-8 with a home run and two RBI. His power ability alone makes Alvarez worth a look in 12-team formats. It's not always easy to find a productive option at catcher, but Alvarez has plenty of potential with the bat. On Sunday, Luis Torrens will cover behind the plate and bat seventh against left-hander Mitchell Parker.Source: mlb.com
New York Mets catcher Colt Keith Takes A Seat On Sunday
Colt Keith is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles. Keith has been in a slump lately with just three hits in his last 10 games. That being said, Keith finds himself on the bench for the fourth time in the last five games. The Tigers were hopeful for big things from Keith heading into the season. He figured to operate as the primary option at first base, but Spencer Torkelson is playing much better than Keith right now. Keith has solid potential, but is probably only worth holding in deep leagues or AL-only formats right now. Torkelson will cover first base and bat fifth versus right-hander Dean Kremer on Sunday.Source: mlb.com
Detroit Tigers infielder Cade Smith Earns Third Save
Cade Smith was called upon in the ninth inning of the first game of Saturday's doubleheader with the Boston Red Sox. Fellow relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (shoulder) has been banged up and struggled in the early part of the season. That being said, Smith has been given more chances in the ninth inning lately. On Saturday, Smith tossed a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit, one walk, and struck out a batter to earn his third save of the season. Smith figures to remain in the mix for saves throughout the season, so fantasy managers should keep an eye on him.Source: MLB.com
Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Will Vest Collects Third Save
Will Vest was called upon in the eighth inning to hold a one-run lead against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday. The right-hander struck out two batters over 1.1 scoreless innings to record his third save of the season. Vest has tossed an impressive 11 straight scoreless innings as he's looking like the best option in the Tigers bullpen right now. He holds a 0.75 ERA, 0.58 WHIP, and 14/4 K/BB ratio across 12 innings this season. Vest is worth snagging in fantasy formats where saves matter as he appears to be the top closer option right now.Source: mlb.com
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Emilio Pagan Notches Seventh Save On Saturday
Emilio Pagan picked up his seventh save of the season on Saturday, securing the 6-4 victory over the Rockies. The righty struck out the first two batters he faced before allowing a walk and a double that would result in one run scored, but would get the final batter to strike out as well to end the game. The 33-year-old has filled in admirably as the Reds' closer this season, with Saturday being just the third time in 14 games that he's allowed a run to score, producing a 2.70 ERA, 0.53 WHIP, and a 2:14 BB:K (25.5 percent K-BB%). Alexis Diaz pitched the eighth inning, so Pagan should be the closer so long as he remains effective.Source: ESPN
Cincinnati Reds closer Yusei Kikuchi Highly Ineffective In Early Exit On Saturday
Yusei Kikuchi imploded in Saturday's game against the Twins after he allowed 13 base runners to reach (nine hits, four walks) in only two innings, resulting in four earned runs, and Minnesota would go on to win 5-1. Just over half of the lefty's 66 pitches were thrown for strikes, and he was unable to record even one strikeout in the contest. The performance comes on the heels of two good efforts over his previous couple of starts, but so far, this season is not looking anything like 2024. Last year, the southpaw posted a 4.05, 1.20 WHIP, 12.8 percent swinging-strike rate, and a 22.0 percent K-BB%; however, this year has produced a 4.31 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 8.5 percent swinging-strike rate, and a 7.1 percent K-BB%. Those stats don't typically generate fantasy-worthy numbers, so managers may have to carefully choose which spots in which to deploy the veteran.Source: ESPN
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jonathan Cannon Strikes Out Five In Win
Jonathan Cannon earned the win in Saturday's 10-3 victory over the Athletics, allowing three earned runs in seven-and-two-thirds innings on six hits and two walks while striking out five. It was Cannon's first win of the season, now the owner of a 1-3 record, 4.50 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and a 7.0 percent K-BB%. The 24-year-old has a career ERA of 4.49, a WHIP of 1.35, and a 6.79 K/9. That, combined with pitching for the White Sox, means wins may come few and far between for the righty, and good performances like Saturday's will be hard to forecast (the A's were heavy favorites in this one), so Cannon isn't an appealing streamer or DFS option despite Saturday's effort.Source: ESPN
Ben Williamson Drives In Four In Two-Hit Game
Ben Williamson went 2-for-4 with a double, four RBI, and a run scored in Saturday's 14-0 win over the Marlins. The former second-round draft pick has hit safely in nine of the first 11 games of his career, now with a five-game hit streak and a stretch of seven games in which he's scored at least one run. The right-handed hitter owns a .310/.356/.429 slash line and doesn't appear to be overmatched yet, striking out at a batter-than-league-average rate of 17.8 percent thus far. The 24-year-old never displayed much home run power in the minors but showed some speed, swiping 19 bags at Triple-A in 2024, although he's yet to run in the majors. Fantasy managers in AL-only and deeper leagues could look to Williamson for production at the hot corner, and he's still available in nearly all leagues.Source: ESPN
Seattle Mariners third baseman Luis Robert Jr. Homers, Swipes A Bag On Saturday
Luis Robert Jr. went 1-for-4 with a walk, a solo home run, three runs scored, and a stolen base in Saturday's 10-3 win over the Athletics. The home run was his third of the season, and he's now up to eight steals, but it has been another disappointing season so far for the former All-Star. The 6-foot-2 slugger has had one multi-hit performance in 2025, and it came way back in March, currently slashing .148/.269/.273 with a 33.0 percent strikeout rate, .250 wOBA, and 59 wRC+. With his offensive potential, fantasy managers probably need to exercise patience in hopes he eventually turns it around, but leaving him on the bench for now could be a wise move. Source: ESPN
Chicago White Sox outfielder Garrett Mitchell Headed To IL With Oblique Strain
Garrett Mitchell was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique. Mitchell exited Friday's contest early due to oblique tightness, and Saturday's MRI confirmed the strain. The 26-year-old could use the time on the IL to reset, as he was off to a very slow start at the plate, slashing .206/.286/.294 with no home runs, a .264 wOBA, and a 65 wRC+ over 25 games. The former first-round pick has battled various injuries already in his short major league career, and has yet to log more than 69 games in a season, so hopefully this won't keep him out longer than expected, and maybe he can get back on track offensively. Daz Cameron was recalled from Triple-A Nashville to take his place, but hasn't offered much in the way of fantasy production during his previous stints in the majors, so is probably best left to the waiver wire for now.Source: Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Chase Elliott Is One OF The Top Overall DFS Picks Of The Week
Source: DriverAverages.com
Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports will start 30th after qualifying for Sunday's Jack Link's 500. This marks the lowest-ever Cup Series starting position for the No. 9 Chevrolet driver at the Alabama track. In 18 Cup starts in his career at Talladega, Elliott has 13 top-20 finishes, with eight inside the top 10, and two wins. Through nine races so far this year, Elliott has five top-10 finishes, an average finish of 11.6, and remains the only driver to place in the top 20 in all Cup events. Elliott has incredible upside from his starting position, and with Talladega being one of his more favorable tracks historically, he should be one of the first drivers to consider rostering in all formats this week.Could Joey Logano Finish A Race With A Top Finish At Talladega?
Source: DriverAverages.com
Team Penske's Joey Logano will start third for the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. This marks the fifth consecutive race where Logano has a top-10 starting position at the site. In 32 starts at Talladega, Logano has three wins, 11 top-10 finishes, and 509 laps led, which is the most of all active drivers in the field. With nine races completed so far this season, Logano has one top-10 finish, despite leading multiple laps in five different events. Logano will likely find his way to the front at some point and lead laps based on his overall speed in the past at drafting tracks. However, Joey has yet to finish inside the top 10 with the Next-Gen car at Talladega. DFS players should only consider rostering Logano for tournament games, but even then, he is a massive Place Differential risk and should not be rostered due to his finishing history at Talladega.DFS Players Should Like Bubba Wallace For Talladega This Week
Source: DriverAverages.com
Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing obtained a starting position of 20th for Sunday's race at Talladega Superspeedway. This will be the third time since 2022 that Wallace will start a race 20th or lower at the Alabama track. In 14 starts at Talladega in his Cup career, Wallace has eight top-20 finishes, including a win in 2021, and a top-10 in his last appearance at the site in October 2024. Through nine races so far this season, Wallace has five top-20 finishes and an average finish of 17.9. Bubba has solid upside based on his starting position, and he is typically very fast at drafting-based tracks. DFS players should utilize the No. 23 Toyota driver in all DFS formats, as he is a quality driver capable of placing in the top 10.Should DFS Players Roster Christopher Bell At Talladega?
Source: DriverAverages.com
Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing will start 11th for Sunday's Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. It will be the eighth time in his Cup career that he will start inside the top 15 at Talladega. In 10 previous starts at the Alabama track, Bell has three top-10 finishes, including his last appearance during the October 2024 Cup event, where he went on to place sixth. So far, after nine races this season, Bell has three wins, including Atlanta, another drafting-based track like Talladega, six top-10 finishes, and an average finish of 9.8. Bell's upside is lower compared to most drivers this week due to his starting position, but he is a solid performer at drafting tracks overall in his Cup career. As a result, Bell is worth consideration for tournament lineups only, especially due to his equipment, which is capable of placing in the top 10.