RADIO
Taj Bradley Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
The Minnesota Twins have placed starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) on the 15-day injured list because of right-pectoral inflammation. The right-handed hurler has had a fantastic start to the 2026 season, posting a 2.82 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, all while striking out 52 batters in just 47 innings pitched. He looked dominant in his last start last weekend, but he has since developed an injury that will require time off. He was set to start on Sunday in Cleveland, but now the team will be searching for answers. It is also unclear if he will be ready to return when first eligible, giving the Twins quite a hole to fill in their rotation long term.
Source: Dan Hayes
Source: Dan Hayes
Kyle Bradish has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Kyle Bradish took his fifth loss of the season on Friday night against the visiting Athletics at Camden Yards, but it was a bounce-back performance nonetheless after he allowed a season-high five earned runs in four innings his last time out on May 2 against the New York Yankees. In the 4-3 loss to the A's on Friday, Bradish gave up three earned runs on five hits while walking one and striking out a season-high 10 batters. He threw 60 of his 96 total pitches for strikes and delivered his second quality start of the season despite taking his league-leading fifth loss. The 29-year-old is now 1-5 on the year with a 4.83 ERA (4.21 FIP), a 1.66 WHIP, 45 strikeouts, and 22 walks in 41 innings pitched for the O's. Fantasy managers will be hoping that this is the start of a turnaround for Bradish, but it won't get easier, as he's set for a rematch against the first-place Yankees next week. The Yankees hold the second-best OPS in baseball at .794, behind only the Dodgers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Roki Sasaki Pushed Back to Monday Versus Giants
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki, who was originally scheduled to start on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves, will have his next start pushed back to Monday's series opener against the division-rival San Francisco Giants, according to Jack Harris of The California Post. Lefty Blake Snell (shoulder) will be reinstated from the 15-day injured list to make his season debut on Saturday against Atlanta. If not for Tyler Glasnow (back) landing on the IL on Friday, the 24-year-old Sasaki would be at risk of being bumped from the starting rotation entirely. The Japanese hurler continues to struggle with control and consistency in his second MLB season, going 1-3 with a 5.97 ERA (6.83 FIP), a 1.67 WHIP, and 26:15 K:BB in 28 2/3 innings pitched across his six starts for the Blue in 2026. He will now be on eight days of rest against SF. Despite being unreliable so far in fantasy, Sasaki did go a season-high six innings his last time out against the Cardinals, and he'll be facing a Giants team that is dead-last in OPS (.637).
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Source: The California Post - Jack Harris
Casey Mize Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (groin) threw a bullpen session on Friday, but he will need to face hitters in a simulated game or go on a minor-league rehab assignment before he rejoins the Tigers' starting rotation, per MLB.com. Mize has been on the 15-day injured list since April 29 due to a mild right-groin strain, and he's not expected to come off the IL until mid-May. The 29-year-old is getting close, but he still has a few boxes left to check. He should have a rotation spot waiting for him in Detroit when he's ready after going 2-2 with a 2.90 ERA (2.87 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 35 strikeouts and 11 walks in 31 innings over his first six starts of the 2026 campaign. Mize was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his fifth year in the majors after the Tigers took him first overall in the 2018 draft out of Auburn. The Tigers could really use Mize back sooner rather than later, with ace Tarik Skubal (elbow) out at least a month or two. Mize's lack of strikeout upside caps his fantasy value, but he can still be a useful back-end rotation arm in the right matchups. He's currently rostered in 42% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Logan Webb on Track to Start Against Dodgers on Monday
San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb (knee) is on track to make his next start on Monday versus the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers, according to MLB.com. The Giants announced that Webb dealt with some left-knee soreness during his last start on Tuesday against the San Diego Padres, when he allowed a season-high six earned runs on seven hits while walking none and striking out four in four innings for his fourth loss of the year. Webb threw only 62 pitches in that outing. The 29-year-old two-time All-Star might be on track to make his next start to kick off a new week, but fantasy managers should be considering benching him coming off a knee injury against one of the best offenses in baseball. Webb is currently sporting an ERA over 5.00 with a 3.59 FIP, 1.39 WHIP, 42 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 48 innings over his first eight starts of the 2026 campaign.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ronald Acuna Jr. Optimistic About Returning Next Wednesday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) seems optimistic about coming off the 10-day injured list when he's eligible next Wednesday, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. When asked about it, manager Walt Weiss said Acuna still has some boxes to check. However, the fact that he was doing some agility work before Friday's series opener in L.A. against the Dodgers indicates that his stay on the IL shouldn't be too long. Acuna suffered a Grade 1 left-hamstring strain last Saturday and was put on the IL, but fantasy managers may not be without him for long. The 28-year-old probably will not be back in Atlanta's lineup next Wednesday, but a return at the end of next week is possible if he continues to progress at his current pace. Even though the Venezuelan outfielder's numbers don't stand out early in 2026, he remains an elite five-category contributor when healthy. Acuna currently owns a .252/.362/.378 slash line with a .740 OPS, two homers, nine RBI, 17 runs scored, and seven steals in 34 games in 2026.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Andrew Vaughn Emerging as Sneaky Waiver-Wire Option
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn joined the team in a midseason trade last year and had a monster second half, making him a nice waiver wire addition. He's looking to run it back this season and is back with the team after missing over a month with a fractured hamate bone suffered on Opening Day. Vaughn went 0-for-4 in his first game back but went 2-for-4 with a homer on Wednesday and 1-for-3 with a double, a walk, and two runs scored on Friday against the Yankees. He's hitting .267 with a .389 wOBA in his extremely small sample size this year, and after joining the Brewers just after July 4 last year, he hit .308 with a .373 wOBA and nine homers in 64 games. Especially in leagues that reward high batting average and run production, Vaughn should have value for as long as he's a regular, everyday part of the Brew Crew's lineup. He is worth adding in all standard 12-team leagues if needing a boost in your corner infield position.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rockies Turn to Juan Mejia for Second Save, Seeing Value Increase in Deep Leagues
Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Juan Mejia earned his second save of the season on Friday night in Philadelphia, closing out the Phillies in the 11th inning after his team scored two runs in the top of the inning. Mejia allowed one hit and had one strikeout, fanning Kyle Schwarber and getting Bryce Harper to ground out to second to end the game. Mejia has a 4.66 ERA in his 16 games this season, racking up 25 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings. He has allowed zero runs in five of his last six appearances and remains the team's primary setup option in front of usual closer Victor Vodnik. Vodnik pitched two shutout innings in the ninth and 10th frames to earn the win on Friday, and he'll likely remain the team's primary closer. However, Mejia has been effective enough to be a deep-league sleeper and would potentially be the next arm up if Vodnik is unavailable.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tony Santillan Sees Closer Value Drop After Four-Run Outing
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Tony Santillan was expected to be one of the team's top options to fill in for injured closer Emilio Pagan (hamstring), but he has not helped his case in his recent outings. On Friday, he worked in a non-save situation against the Astros and failed to record an out while giving up four runs on four hits, including two home runs. He only threw 13 pitches before exiting after back-to-back homers by Zach Cole and Christian Vazquez. Santillan blew a save opportunity on Tuesday as well, giving up a home run to Michael Busch in the ninth. His ERA has ballooned to 5.17 on the season, and he has allowed five homers in his last five innings with a 16.20 ERA over that span. With Santillan struggling, Graham Ashcraft will probably get the next chance to close out a game with a save, although he blew his last opportunity as well. Both Santillan and Ashcraft project to split save opportunities in the short term, making both relievers best left for 12+ team leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Is Robby Snelling Still a Top Pickup After Shaky MLB Debut?
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Robby Snelling took the loss in his first MLB start on Friday against the Nationals. He worked five innings and gave up three runs on five hits and four walks while throwing 86 pitches. After starting the game with an impressive strikeout of James Wood, he gave up all three runs in the first inning, including a two-run blast from Jacob Young. Snelling settled in and didn't give up a run in the next four frames, but he also didn't have any strikeouts during those innings. The 22-year-old lefty had a sparkling 1.86 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 29 innings at Triple-A, and he still brings a high ceiling and excellent strikeout potential for as long as he stays in the starting rotation. His next turn lines up to be Thursday in Minnesota, and he remains a great option going forward, even though the results weren't ideal in his debut.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Spencer Jones Emerging as Top Power Option on Waiver Wire?
New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones made his long-awaited MLB debut on Friday night, and if you are looking for some power potential on the waiver wire, he has a lot of upside to offer. Jones went 0-for-2 with a walk and two strikeouts in his debut, but facing flame-throwing Jacob Misiorowski is a tough ask for any rookie. The 24-year-old lefty still has plenty of upside to consider moving forward, though, after he crushed 11 homers in his 33 games in Triple-A this season and hit 35 homers in 116 games in the minors last year. Jones has had an extremely high strikeout rate throughout his career and has been a "two-outcome" option throughout his climb through the minors. If he gets regular playing time, he will likely be able to produce power in the majors as well, although he will also likely hurt your batting average or other categories that reward contact over pure power. With Jasson Dominguez (shoulder) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) both on the shelf, Jones should see near everyday at-bats in the short term.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Hogan Harris Secures One-Out Save for Athletics, Worth Adding in Deeper Leagues?
Athletics relief pitcher Hogan Harris came on in the ninth inning of his team's one-run win over the Orioles on Friday night. He didn't start the inning, but he did get the final out to earn his second save of the year. Jack Perkins actually got the call to start the final frame but gave up a run on a walk and a single, with Harris coming in with a runner on first and two outs. Harris walked Leody Taveras but then fanned Jeremiah Jackson to end the threat and secure the victory. Perkins, Harris, and Joel Kuhnel continue to share work at the end of the game, and all three pitched on Friday. Harris has been the best of the trio lately, with Perkins blowing a save on Wednesday and struggling again on Friday. In deeper leagues, Harris has enough value and potential to take over the role to be a strong stash candidate if you are desperately seeking saves.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jacob Misiorowski Steals the Show Against Yankees, Fans 11
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski didn't show any signs of being hindered by his hamstring after being pulled early from his last start in the team's 6-0 shutout win over the visiting New York Yankees on Friday night. Misiorowski showed why he's one of the most dominant young arms in baseball with six shutout innings to earn his third victory of the year while dropping his season ERA to 2.45. The Miz allowed just two hits, walked two, and tied a season high with 11 strikeouts. The 24-year-old hard-throwing right-hander was bringing the cheese, nearly hitting 104 mph on the radar gun with his fastball in the first inning at American Family Field. Forty-one of Misiorowski's 95 pitches on the night registered in triple digits, making it look easy against one of the best offenses in the league. After the dominant performance, he now holds a 2.45 ERA with 70 strikeouts and 17 walks in his 44 innings pitched across eight starts. Misiorowski has quickly become a must-start fantasy ace in his first full year in the bigs.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dylan Cease Continues Strong First Year in Toronto With Dominant Outing
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease was dominant again in his outing on Friday night against the visiting Los Angeles Angels in the team's 2-0 shutout win. Cease threw seven shutout frames while allowing five hits, walking none, and striking out 10 to earn his third victory of the year in his first year with the Blue Jays. He also lowered his ERA on the year to 2.58. It was the second straight start in which Cease went seven innings, and he induced 19 swings and misses on his 97 pitches. The 30-year-old veteran only allowed one extra-base hit on the evening at the Rogers Centre as he made easy work of the struggling Halos. Cease has been an excellent pickup for Toronto so far in 2026, as he entered Friday's outing with a 2-1 record, 3.05 ERA (2.12 FIP), and 1.33 WHIP with 56 strikeouts and 18 walks in 38 1/3 innings pitched. He has recorded three double-digit strikeout performances in his eight starts so far in 2026. Cease will have a big challenge on his hand in his next outing next week versus the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays, but he's been a must-start for fantasy managers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Justin Verlander to Throw Live Batting Practice on Saturday
Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander (hip) will throw a live batting practice session on Saturday, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. It will be Verlander's first time facing hitters since landing on the 15-day injured list in early April with left-hip inflammation. It's a positive step for the 43-year-old veteran, but there's still no specific timetable for his return, and we wouldn't be surprised if he's not back with the Tigers until the calendar flips to May. In his lone start in his return to Motown in 2026 against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 30, Verlander struggled, allowing five earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out only one in 3 2/3 innings. Durability is a major question for the future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young winner as he nears the end of his outstanding career, although he did make 29 starts with the San Francisco Giants a year ago. In addition to injury issues, Verlander is no longer the dominant strikeout artist he once was, and he's only rostered in 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
Source: The Athletic - Cody Stavenhagen
