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Manny Machado Departs Early With Undisclosed Injury on Monday
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (undisclosed) left Monday's victory over the visiting Chicago Cubs at Petco Park early with an undisclosed injury after grounding out to end the sixth inning, according to 97.3 The Fan. It's unclear what exactly is bothering the 33-year-old veteran, but he was seen getting his calf massaged after exiting. The Padres will most likely send Machado for imaging, and we should have a better idea of his status before Game 2 of the series against the Cubs on Tuesday. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Machado to be in the lineup on Tuesday. Ty France shifted from first base to third base on Monday night, with Gavin Sheets entering the game to play first base. If Machado is forced to miss additional time, Miguel Andujar is another candidate with experience at third base who could see playing time at the hot corner. After a slow start in 2026 at the plate, Machado hit two home runs in Mexico City on Sunday and had doubled twice before leaving Monday's contest early. The former third overall pick is now hitting .232 (22-for-95) with four homers, 16 RBI, 18 runs, and a steal. Machado is a must-stash in all fantasy formats if he lands on the injured list. UPDATE: Manager Craig Stammen said Machado was pulled on Monday for precautionary reasons.
Source: 97.3 The Fan
Source: 97.3 The Fan
Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson
The Philadelphia Phillies fired manager Rob Thomson on Tuesday, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN. Don Mattingly, who has briefly served as the team's bench coach this year, will take over as the interim manager for the time being. Thomson gets the axe after the Phillies started the 2026 season with a 9-19 record, which is tied with the New York Mets for the worst record in baseball. The 62-year-old Thomson had been the team's manager since June 3 of 2022, when he took over for previous skipper Joe Girardi. He led the Phillies to their first World Series appearance since 2009 after being named the team's full-time manager, and he also helped the Phils to four straight playoff appearances and back-to-back National League East titles. In his tenure as the manager in Philadelphia, Thomson went 355-270. The 65-year-old Mattingly has previously managed for the Los Angeles Dodgers (five seasons) and Miami Marlins (seven seasons).
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
Yankees to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Elmer Rodriguez
The New York Yankees are promoting third-ranked pitching prospect Elmer Rodriguez to make his MLB debut on Wednesday against the Texas Rangers. Rodriguez was considered to break camp with the MLB roster, with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt all on the shelf. However, after a brief stint with the Triple-A, Rodriguez is set to make his MLB debut. This season, the No. 74-ranked prospect according to MLB.com has looked quite comfortable at the top level of the minor leagues, posting an elite 1.27 ERA with a 0.89 WHIP. During this 21 1/3 inning stint, Rodriguez has struck out 20 hitters while walking only seven batters. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status, as he may be given a few extra starts if he can hold his own in his debut. He should be viewed as a solid streaming option in all 12-team leagues facing the Rangers.
Source: MiLB Central
Source: MiLB Central
Pete Fairbanks Pulled on Monday With "Unusual Sensation" in his Thumb
Miami Marlins right-handed closer Pete Fairbanks (thumb) was pulled from his outing on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers with an "unusual sensation" in his right thumb, manager Clayton McCullough told Fish on First. The Marlins will evaluate Fairbanks further on Tuesday. "Just a lot of diminished sensation," Fairbanks said. "Felt like any movement of the wrist would exacerbate just loss of sensation in the index finger." The 32-year-old veteran entered the ninth inning with a two-run lead and looking for his sixth save of the season, but he ended up being saddled with his second loss after allowing three earned runs on one hit and three walks in just one-third of an inning. Fairbanks threw only nine of his 23 pitches for strikes. A nerve-related issue first surfaced with Fairbanks in April of 2024, which caused him to go on the injured list. Fantasy managers might want to brace for another trip to the IL for Fairbanks. If Fairbanks misses time, the Marlins could go to a closer-by-committee like they did last year. Tyler Phillips, Anthony Bender, Andrew Nardi, and Calvin Faucher would all be options for saves in Miami if they go with a committee approach.
Source: Fish on First
Source: Fish on First
Didier Fuentes Rejoining the Braves
The Atlanta Braves announced on Tuesday that they are recalling right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes from the minors and placing left-hander Dylan Lee on the paternity list in a corresponding move. Fuentes is one of the brighter young pitching prospects in the game and is Atlanta's No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, but he will most likely only work out of the bullpen for a few days in the big leagues with Lee on paternity leave. The 22-year-old 6-foot-2, 185-pounder out of Colombia was greeted harshly in the big leagues, allowing five earned runs on nine hits while walking two and striking out 11 in seven innings in a start and relief appearance for the Braves in his first two MLB outings. Fuentes has been much stronger at Triple-A Gwinnett, though, posting a 2.16 ERA with 20 strikeouts and six walks in 16 2/3 innings pitched. Fuentes might find himself back on the farm by the weekend, but he's still one of the better deep-league pitching stashes for his strikeout upside in 2026.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Angel Martinez Stepping Up as a Top Waiver-Wire Addition
Cleveland Guardians second baseman/outfielder Angel Martinez offers both power and speed potential as he continues to earn playing time in the Cleveland lineup. He's hit near the top of the order lately, giving him even more run production upside, and he has hit .318 (21-for-66) over his last 18 games with four doubles, five homers, four stolen bases, and a .398 wOBA. Martinez remains ultra-aggressive at the plate and did not draw a single walk in those 18 games, with just three walks all year to go with his 18 strikeouts. While he remains aggressive in his approach, he has still managed to make good contact in those 18 games, with a 45.3% hard-hit rate and 13.2% barrel rate. If he continues hitting near the top of the order, he has intriguing potential with five homers and five stolen bases in his first 27 games. The 24-year-old switch-hitter has only played the outfield this season, but still has infield eligibility in some formats, making him an even easier option to slide around your roster to fill in holes. As long as he keeps hitting near the top of the order and providing big-play production, he's definitely worth a look in standard-sized leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Scott Still Worth Stashing from the Waiver Wire?
New York Mets starting pitcher Christian Scott had a brutal season debut last Thursday and was optioned back to Triple-A Syracuse last Friday. The 26-year-old righty still has a high ceiling, though, and his potential is high enough to keep him on the radar in deep leagues or leagues that make it easy to stash players in the minors. He issued five walks and hit a batter while lasting just 1 1/3 innings in his start against the Twins, exiting with a 6.75 ERA and 15.13 FIP in his only MLB outing of the year. He was 0-2 in his three minor-league starts with a 5.27 ERA, but he continues to showcase strikeout upside with 17 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings. He has good stuff but his control still needs to be refined. Scott has a high ceiling and could be worth stashing, but the former top prospect is best left for deep leagues until he gets another chance to contribute.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tanner Scott Deployed in Seventh Inning, Remains in Strict Committee for Saves?
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Tanner Scott pitched a strong seventh inning for his team against the Marlins on Monday, needing 17 pitches to navigate the inning with one walk and three punchouts. Scott came into a game the Dodgers were trailing 4-2 at the time and kept the Marlins off the board before L.A. rallied for three runs to win in the ninth. With Edwin Díaz (elbow) out until the second half of the season, the Dodgers' bullpen will be a very important one for fantasy managers to watch since save opportunities should be available. Scott is part of the closer-by-committee approach that manager Dave Roberts will use, but he could also be used earlier in the game, as he was on Monday, depending on how the game script unfolds. It was actually Jake Eder who pitched the ninth and got the win on Monday. Scott remains one of the Dodgers' options for the end of the game, but don't count on him to be the only source of saves on the team.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mason Miller Allows Three Hits, Two Runs on Monday
San Diego Padres relief pitcher Mason Miller started the season with sheer dominance over his first 13 games, allowing just three hits and picking up 27 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings. On Monday, though, the 27-year-old closer looked human, giving up two earned runs on three hits with a wild pitch on Monday night against the Cubs. It was a non-save situation since he entered with a four-run lead, so it doesn't count as a blown save. The Padres still secured the 9-7 win, and Miller will still be an elite closer option going forward. This outing just serves as a reminder that he really is human, and keeping a 0.00 ERA for the entire season isn't realistic. He's sure to get the next save chance for the Padres, and this is not a cause for concern at this point for his fantasy managers. It is noteworthy, though, since it's the first time he's been touched at all this year.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Alex Vesia Pitches in Sixth Inning on Monday, Cause for Concern?
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Alex Vesia pitched a scoreless inning and struck out the side on Monday night against the Marlins, but fantasy managers should take note that he made his appearance in the sixth inning. Manager Dave Roberts has said he'll go with a closer-by-committee approach while Edwin Díaz (elbow) is out until the second half, and while Vesia is part of that committee, it doesn't look like he'll be one of the primary closer options. The 30-year-old lefty has given up just two runs in 10 1/3 innings in 12 games this season while racking up 14 strikeouts. If a team has lefties due up at the end of a game, he could get a look in that matchup, but he'll be hard to count on for saves if Roberts follows Monday's pattern. He has been effective enough to be worth holding in deep leagues, but if all you are looking for is saves, he isn't a must-own option in standard leagues at this point.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Munetaka Murakami Launches 12th Home Run, a Lineup Lock Going Forward?
Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami went 2-for-4 with three RBI and his 12th homer of the season on Monday night in his team's rain-delayed win over the Angels. The White Sox exploded for seven runs in the seventh inning of their 8-7 win, and Murakami delivered one of the big blows, smashing a three-run homer to give his team the lead. The 26-year-old from Japan has quickly established himself as one of the biggest early-season fantasy baseball breakouts, hitting .243 with a .407 wOBA in his 29 games, with 12 homers, 23 RBI, and a 61.9% hard-hit rate. Murakami has the sixth-highest barrel rate per batted ball event and the sixth-highest hard-hit rate in the majors this season, and he hit his homer on Monday night against veteran lefty Drew Pomeranz. Four of his 12 homers have come off southpaws, so he is a great power option to keep in your lineup regardless of matchup going forward.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Anthony Volpe Might Not Return This Week
The New York Yankees have not decided if shortstop Anthony Volpe (shoulder) will be with the big-league club this weekend when they play the division-rival Baltimore Orioles in the Bronx, according to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Volpe is currently continuing his minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset. A report earlier on Monday suggested that Volpe could be reinstated from the 10-day injured list on either Wednesday or Thursday. Fantasy managers might have to wait a bit longer on the 24-year-old, who is recovering from offseason surgery to fix a torn labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder. Volpe is currently rostered in only 9% of Yahoo leagues, but that number should be on the rise over the coming week with his return on the horizon. When activated, Volpe will be New York's primary starter at the 6, relegating Jose Caballero to more of a utility role in the Big Apple. Volpe, a former first-rounder, has 52 home runs, 192 RBI, and 70 steals in his three MLB seasons, but he's also hitting just .222 in 1,886 plate appearances.
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Source: The Athletic - Chris Kirschner
Carlos Rodon to Make his Next Rehab Start on Thursday
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said on Monday that left-hander Carlos Rodon (elbow) will make his next minor-league rehab start on Thursday at Double-A Somerset, according to Erik Boland of Newsday. In his first rehab outing with High-A Hudson Valley on Friday, the 33-year-old veteran southpaw threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings with one hit allowed, one walk, and four strikeouts. Rodon has yet to make his 2026 season debut after having surgery last October to remove loose bodies in his left elbow, but he's on the verge of rejoining the Yankees' starting rotation in early April, barring a setback. Look for Rodon to up his pitch count in Thursday's outing on the farm. He might only need one or two more rehab starts before coming off the 15-day injured list. The former third overall pick in 2014 by the White South out of North Carolina State is definitely deserving of being stashed in all fantasy leagues with his season debut getting closer. He's currently rostered in 86% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Newsday - Erik Boland
Source: Newsday - Erik Boland
Giancarlo Stanton Heading to Injured List With Calf Strain
New York Yankees outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (calf) has been diagnosed with a low-grade calf strain and will land on the 10-day injured list, according to Erik Boland of Newsday. It's an injury that Stanton suffered last Friday night in the team's series opener against the Houston Astros, and he has not played since. The good news is that Stanton's calf injury is more of a minor injury, so he could have a chance at returning from the IL when he's eligible. In the meantime, outfielder Jasson Dominguez should see regular at-bats as the team's DH, at least against right-handed pitching. Randal Grichuk and Amed Rosario are also candidates to see some plate appearances in the short term against lefties at DH. The 36-year-old Stanton is still a solid source of power for fantasy managers, but IL stints are part of the package. Hopefully, his stay on the IL will be short. In his first 90 at-bats of 2026 before his calf injury, Stanton has hit .256 with three long balls, 14 RBI, eight runs scored, and a stolen base. Stanton should be stashed in an IL spot everywhere that he's rostered.
Source: Newsday - Erik Boland
Source: Newsday - Erik Boland
Sam Antonacci Starting to Heat Up, Emerging as a Waiver-Wire Target
After getting called up to the big leagues on April 15, Chicago White Sox outfielder Sam Antonacci recorded just one hit over his first 19 plate appearances. However, the 23-year-old has started to heat up of late, as he's six for his last 18 and now owns a slash line of .233/.351/.433 with one home run, four RBI, and three runs scored across 37 plate appearances. While Antonacci does not profile as a power bat, he's struck out just twice in the big leagues. He also should eventually emerge as a high-end speed threat, as he swiped 48 bags across 116 minor league games in 2025. Antonacci's slow start and unorthodox profile at the plate may lead to him being overlooked in most fantasy formats, but he could be a valuable waiver wire pickup for deeper-league managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
