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Kyle Hurt Earns Save Wednesday, Emerging as Deep-League Pickup?
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kyle Hurt picked up his first save of the season on Wednesday night against the Rockies. The 27-year-old righty came on in the ninth inning after Tanner Scott worked through the top of the order in the eighth. With a 4-1 lead, Hurt quickly retired the Rockies in order, getting back-to-back groundouts and then fanning Willi Castro to end the game. Hurt is 1-0 with an impressive 1.06 ERA and 2.36 FIP in his 17 innings this season, while racking up 20 strikeouts. He could be used more as a co-closer with the lefty Scott over the next several weeks while the Dodgers continue to wait for Edwin Diaz (elbow) to return from his long layoff. Hurt is a solid speculative add in deep leagues in case he gets more work, but in standard-sized leagues, he's hard to trust since the Dodgers will continue to rotate options at the end of games.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Enyel De Los Santos Sharp in Five-Out Save, Back on the Closer Radar?
Houston Astros relief pitcher Enyel De Los Santos closed out his team's one-run win over the Rangers on Wednesday in dominant fashion. De Los Santos came into the game with one out in the eighth inning and retired all five batters he faced, including strikeouts to end both the eighth and ninth innings. De Los Santos has 21 strikeouts in his 22 2/3 innings with a 3.57 ERA, 2.32 FIP, and 1.01 WHIP to go with his four saves on the year. It was his first save since April 22, but he could get more chances in the next few games before Josh Hader (biceps) joins the bullpen. Hader is nearing the end of his rehab and could be back as early as next week, but if you need short-term bullpen help, De Los Santos was impressive enough to be a short-term pickup until Hader returns.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tanner Scott Deployed in Eighth Inning, Remains in Closer Committee?
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Tanner Scott has four saves on the season and has been getting most of the save opportunities for his team lately. However, on Wednesday night, he came on in the eighth inning with his team holding a 3-1 lead. He faced the No. 9 hitter and then the top of the Rockies' batting order, giving up just one hit and picking up two strikeouts. He was replaced for the final frame by Kyle Hurt, who retired the side in order to earn his first save of the season. Scott still seems to be the preferred option, but manager Dave Roberts will deploy the 31-year-old lefty whenever the opposing team is bringing its top lefties to the plate. He may not get all the save situations, but his 1.19 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings indicate he can be effective whenever he enters the game. He isn't an elite fantasy option if you're just looking for saves, but he continues to be a critical contributor in the Dodgers' bullpen.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kyle Finnegan Emerging as Top Waiver-Wire Option for Saves in Detroit
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan could be set to step into a much larger role going forward, and his fantasy value would skyrocket if he takes over as the full-time closer in Detroit. Current closer Kenley Jansen (groin) got a visit from the trainer before Wednesday's outing but pitched through the issue, getting two quick outs before issuing a walk and leaving the game. The veteran closer will have further evaluation and possibly imaging to determine the severity of the issue and if he'll end up on the injured list. Finnegan had a career-high 38 saves in 2024 with the Nationals before being traded to Detroit at the Trade Deadline last year. The 34-year-old righty has a 1.75 ERA in his 25 2/3 innings in 25 appearances this season with just one save to go with his six holds. If Jansen lands on the injured list, Finnegan would likely be the next option to step up in Detroit's bullpen and could be a great source of saves for as long as Jansen is sidelined. Finnegan is worth an instant addition in deep leagues as a speculative pickup, and the situation is critical to monitor in standard-sized leagues as well, since Finnegan would be a top closer for as long as he has the full-time job.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Gerrit Cole Strikes Out 10, in Midseason Form in Just Second Start of 2026
New York Yankees veteran right-hander Gerrit Cole is quickly making up for lost time in 2026 after getting a late start to the season while recovering from right-elbow surgery last March. In just his second start for the Yankees this year on Wednesday night on the road against the Kansas City Royals, Cole threw 6 2/3 shutout innings while allowing four hits, walking none, and striking out a season-high 10 batters. The 35-year-old former American League Cy Young winner built on his impressive season debut on May 22 against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays, in which he threw six shutout innings with two hits allowed, three walks, and two strikeouts. Cole induced 15 whiffs in the contest, and his fastball sat around 97 mph. It's exactly what fantasy managers were hoping for when they stashed the former first overall pick to begin the 2026 season. He might just be getting started, too, as he has yet to exceed 80 pitches in his first two starts. Cole should have a longer leash going forward, and he'll be a must-start in all fantasy leagues for his third start, which is scheduled to come next week against the Cleveland Guardians.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ian Happ Breaks Out of Slump With Five-RBI Performance to Carry Cubs
It's been rough sledding of late for Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ, but he was able to turn things around at the plate on Wednesday in the 10-4 win over the hosting Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Happ went 2-for-6 at the plate with a home run and a season-high five RBI to boost his season average to .215 and his OPS to .782. It was the 31-year-old veteran's third career game with at least five RBI, and it also snapped a nine-game homerless drought. Happ came into Wednesday's contest in Pittsburgh hitting .122 (6-for-49) with a homer, two doubles, three RBI, four runs, nine walks, and 26 strikeouts in his last 14 games since May 9, which included just two multi-hit games. Fantasy managers are hoping that Wednesday's turnaround will be the start of more consistent production from Happ and the Cubs, who snapped a 10-game losing streak in the win over the Bucs. Happ now has a .346 on-base percentage, .436 slugging percentage, 11 homers, 26 RBI, 36 runs scored, and two steals across 52 games in his 10th year in the big leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dustin May Flirts With No-Hitter, Strikes Out Nine in Loss to Brewers
In a cruel twist of fate on Wednesday against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers on the road, St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Dustin May took a no-hitter into the eighth inning, but he and the Cards ultimately fell by a score of 2-1 on the road. May was outstanding, allowing two runs (one earned) on just two hits while walking none and striking out a season-high nine batters in seven innings pitched. Despite the valiant effort, the 28-year-old took his sixth loss of the season. Garrett Mitchell broke up the no-no in the bottom of the eighth inning to lead off the frame with a double to left-center field, and then he allowed a bunt single to Luis Rengifo. Both runners came around to score, and that's all it took. May has pitched much better over his last 53 2/3 innings, posting a 3.02 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 44:14 K:BB, but he hasn't won in his last six outings. His strong showing on Wednesday lowered his season ERA to 4.57. May is only rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues, but after his near no-hitter, and with an upcoming matchup against the Texas Rangers, that number should be on the rise.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yordan Alvarez Continues Homer Barrage With Two More Long Balls on Wednesday
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez is having a year. The 28-year-old left-handed Cuban slugger went 3-for-4 at the plate on Wednesday night in the team's 4-3 victory over the hosting Texas Rangers with two home runs, a walk, and a strikeout to raise his season batting average to .312 and his OPS to 1.085. It was the second straight night that Alvarez hit two home runs, and he has now hit five home runs in the last three games. He now has 20 homers on the season in 56 games. Alvarez has slashed a modest .250/.366/.560 in May, but it has come with eight round-trippers, which is the second-most of any player in the month. It's safe to say that the back injury that kept Alvarez out of Sunday's game is quickly a thing of the past. The three-time All-Star only played in 48 games in 2025 due to injuries, but he has bounced back rather nicely so far in 2026 as one of the best all-around hitters in the game. Alvarez obviously is a must-start in all fantasy lineups anytime he's active.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Cristopher Sanchez Makes History With Seven More Shutout Innings Against Padres
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez continued his dominant ways in Wednesday's series finale at Petco Park against the San Diego Padres in the team's 3-0 and made Phillies history by passing Grover Alexander for the longest scoreless-innings streak (44 2/3 innings). Sanchez was electric yet again against the feeble Padres offense, tossing seven shutout innings with six hits allowed, no walks, and nine strikeouts to lower his season ERA to league-best 1.47. The 29-year-old southpaw induced 18 swings and misses on the day and threw 67 of his 100 pitches for strikes. If he keeps going at this pace, Sanchez will most likely be the unanimous National League Cy Young winner in 2026. Along with his league-best 1.47 ERA, Sanchez is also carrying a 1.12 WHIP with 95 strikeouts and 16 walks in his 79 1/3 innings pitched across 12 starts. The Dominican hurler will end an amazing month of May in which he didn't allow a single run while walking just three and striking out 45 in 39 innings pitched over his five starts. Now that is dominance.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Teoscar Hernandez Lifted From Wednesday's Game Early With Hamstring Strain
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) was lifted from Wednesday's contest early against the division-rival Colorado Rockies with a left-hamstring strain. Hernandez grounded out in his only at-bat before being pulled and was seen grabbing at his hamstring while running to first base in the second inning. While we'll wait for an update on the severity of his injury, it's possible that the Dodgers could lose both Enrique Hernandez (oblique) and Teoscar Hernandez (hamstring) to the injured list on back-to-back days. Hyeseong Kim replaced Hernandez in left field on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, but Alex Call might be the biggest beneficiary of playing time in the Dodgers' outfield if Hernandez is forced to the IL with this injury. For his run production in a stacked Dodgers' lineup, the 33-year-old Dominican will need to be stashed in all fantasy leagues if he's placed on the IL. Hernandez came into Wednesday's tilt against the Rockies slashing .278/.350/.439 with a .789 OPS, seven homers, 31 RBI, 30 runs scored, and two steals across his 180 at-bats for the Blue.
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Source: Los Angeles Dodgers
Jose Altuve Healing at "Incredible Pace," May Avoid Rehab Assignment
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada intimated that the team is exploring the possibility of simulating some at-bats in West Palm Beach, Florida, in lieu of a minor-league rehab assignment for second baseman Jose Altuve (oblique), who is healing at an "incredible" pace, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Altuve ran the bases, took ground balls, and is swinging at 75-80% effort as he continues to recover from a Grade 2 left-oblique strain. It's still unclear when the 36-year-old veteran might be ready to come off the 10-day injured list, but it's obviously good news, and Altuve could rejoin the Astros' lineup by mid-June. Until Altuve returns to the big-league roster, Brice Matthews and Braden Shewmake figure to continue splitting time at the keystone in Houston. Altuve, a former MVP and nine-time All-Star, is starting to show signs of decline in 2025 in his 16th year in the league, as he was hitting just .245/.326/.380 with a .706 OPS, four home runs, 12 RBI, 27 runs scored, and a single stolen base in 42 games across 185 plate appearances before his oblique strain.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Josh Hader Set to Return to the Astros Following Final Rehab Outing on Thursday
Houston Astros closer Josh Hader (biceps) is set to make his final rehab appearances with Triple-A Sugar Land on Wednesday and Thursday before returning to the big leagues, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Hader is currently on the 60-day injured list and has yet to pitch for Houston in 2026 as he works his way back from left biceps tendinitis. However, Hader has dominated in the minor leagues during his rehab outing, entering Wednesday with a 1.29 ERA and 11 strikeouts across seven innings pitched. The veteran left-hander was one of the best closers in baseball in 2025, recording 28 saves in 29 chances and striking out 36.9% of the batters he faced. Upon his return, Hader profiles as a must-start fantasy closer across all league formats.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Ezequiel Duran Exits Early on Wednesday Due to Illness
Texas Rangers utility man Ezequiel Duran (illness) exited early from his team's game against the Houston Astros on Wednesday due to an illness, per Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. Duran was hitless in two plate appearances before leaving the game. The 27-year-old has been a valuable stopgap piece for the Rangers so far this season, hitting .279/.333/.456 with four home runs, 26 RBI, 22 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 163 plate appearances. Duran is capable of lining up all over the field, but he's seen regular playing time at shortstop in recent weeks, with Rangers starting shortstop Corey Seager currently on the 10-day injured list due to a back injury. It does not seem as though Duran is in line for an extended absence. However, should he miss time, infielder/outfielder Michael Helman could be the next man up at shortstop for Texas.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi Landry
Casey Mize Exits Start on Wednesday Due to Groin Tightness
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (groin) was forced to exit early from his start on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels due to groin tightness. The 29-year-old recorded six strikeouts while allowing just three baserunners across four scoreless innings before getting pulled. Mize has been excellent so far this season when healthy, recording a 2-3 record with a 2.27 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts across 47 2/3 innings (nine starts). However, he already hit the injured list once in early May due to an adductor strain and could now be headed for a second stint on the IL. Should Mize be forced to miss time, Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long could be in line for a promotion from Triple-A to rejoin the big-league rotation.
Source: Detroit Tigers
Source: Detroit Tigers
Kenley Jansen Exits Relief Appearance on Wednesday With Groin Injury
Detroit Tigers closer Kenley Jansen (groin) exited early from his relief appearance on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels due to a right-groin injury, per Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. Jansen recorded two outs and walked a batter in the ninth inning before being pulled from the game. The 38-year-old has been shaky in his first season with Detroit, converting just seven out of 11 save chances while pitching to a 4.80 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across 15 innings. The seriousness of Jansen's injury is not yet clear, but this is the second time in 2026 that the veteran right-hander has battled groin discomfort. If Jansen ends up missing time, Kyle Finnegan could be in line to assume the ninth-inning role for the Tigers.
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
