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Phillies Place J.T. Realmuto on Injured List With Back Injury
The Philadelphia Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto (back) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a lower-back injury, league sources told Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Realmuto had missed two games before returning on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, the Phils are calling up Garett Stubbs from Triple-A Lehigh Valley, and he will split time behind the plate with Rafael Marchan. Despite dealing with back and foot injuries in the first couple of weeks of the 2026 season, Realmuto managed to hit .259/.344/.352 with a home run, four RBI, and five runs scored in his first 54 at-bats. It's more bad news for the Phillies, though, who have lost seven straight games to dig themselves a sizeable hole early on. It's only the third time in Realmuto's eight years with the Phillies that he has landed on the IL. Marchan has started the year 2-for-31 at the plate with a homer and seven strikeouts, while Stubbs hit .289/.413/.632 in 46 plate appearances at Triple-A before his call-up. Fantasy managers should be looking to avoid the catching situation in Philly with Realmuto sidelined. UPDATE: Realmuto was officially put on the IL with back spasms.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Freddy Peralta Underwhelming So Far, Can He Turn it Around?
New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta had a phenomenal 2025 campaign with the Brewers, but he's been unable to replicate that success so far this season in Queens. The right-hander owns a 4.05 ERA through five starts, and his K% is down 3.2 percent from last year to 25.0 percent. On the bright side, his WHIP of 1.09 is nearly identical to last season, and a 3.78 xFIP suggests maybe he's pitched better than what the results show. The 29-year-old gets a chance to right the ship his next time out, which is scheduled for this Friday at home against the Rockies, a team that has the fifth-worst runs-per-game average (3.83) and strikes out the second-most in baseball (9.54 K/game). Fantasy managers should remain patient with the two-time All-Star.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Colby Thomas Recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas
Athletics outfielder Colby Thomas was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday, with Denzel Clarke (foot) heading to the injured list. The former third-round draft pick has been hitting well for the Aviators, slashing .309/.397/.574 with five home runs through 17 games. The right-handed slugger has also shown modest year-over-year improvements in strikeout (24.4 percent) and walk rate (10.3 percent) in the early going, both of which he struggled with in his first go-round in the majors last season (37.1 percent K%, 5.3 percent BB%). The 25-year-old has big power, hitting 31 home runs in 2024 and another 24 in 2025 between Triple-A and with the Athletics. Thomas is worth a look for his home run potential in deeper leagues, although he'll need to get regular at-bats to make it worthwhile, so keep an eye on how the A's deploy him; he is not in the lineup for Wednesday's day game in Seattle.
Source: Martin Gallegos
Source: Martin Gallegos
David Peterson Staying in the Bullpen This Week
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said that left-hander David Peterson will stay in the bullpen for the next turn through the starting rotation after the team recalls right-hander Christian Scott to make the start on Thursday, according to SNY. Peterson tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday as a bulk reliever, but overall, he's sporting a 5.40 ERA and 1.67 WHIP with 22 strikeouts and 10 walks in 23 1/3 frames over his five appearances (four starts) early in 2026. The 30-year-old southpaw was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he went 9-6 with a 4.22 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, and 150:65 K:BB in 30 starts (168 2/3 innings). But if Scott pitches well in New York after his call-up, Peterson could easily shift to more of a full-time, long-relief role out of the Mets' bullpen. He is only rostered in 16% of Yahoo leagues and probably isn't worth holding in shallow-mixed fantasy leagues at this point.
Source: SNY Mets
Source: SNY Mets
Lucas Giolito Signs With Padres, Worth a Waiver-Wire Pickup?
Free-agent right-hander Lucas Giolito is signing with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday on a $3 million prorated deal, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2027 season with a decent-sized buyout. The move makes sense for the Padres, who are looking for some more length for their starting rotation with right-hander Nick Pivetta (elbow) potentially set to miss multiple months. The landing spot for the 31-year-old veteran isn't a bad one, and he could quickly become worth a look in mixed fantasy leagues. He missed all of the 2024 campaign due to injury, but he managed to go 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA (4.17 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP with 121 strikeouts and 56 walks in 145 innings across 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox in 2025. Giolito, who said he has been throwing up to 75 pitches on his own, is scheduled to report to Single-A Lake Elsinore. The goal will be for the Friars to get Giolito up to speed to join their starting rotation, potentially as early as a week or two.
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman
Orioles Put Ryan Helsley on Bereavement List on Wednesday
The Baltimore Orioles announced on Wednesday that they placed right-handed closer Ryan Helsley on the bereavement/family medical emergency list and recalled right-hander Jose Espada from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move. Helsley could be away from Baltimore for three to seven days. It's unclear what direction the O's will go in the ninth inning while Helsley is away, but Yennier Cano and Rico Garcia figure to be the two most likely options to receive save chances in the short term in Baltimore. The 31-year-old Helsley had 21 saves with the St. Louis last year before falling apart in New York in the second half after being acquired by the Mets in a trade. So far in 2026 with the Orioles, Helsley has bounced back as their closer, posting a 2.79 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 15:7 K:BB while converting all six of his saves. Most fantasy managers can avoid Baltimore's bullpen in the short term until Helsley returns.
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Source: Baltimore Orioles
Quinn Priester Nearing a Return, Starting Rehab Assignment
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (hand) is starting a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on Wednesday, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. Priester has yet to make his 2026 season debut due to symptoms in his right wrist from thoracic outlet syndrome. He will most likely need at least several rehab starts on the farm before the Brewers clear him to come off the 15-day injured list, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to join Milwaukee's starting rotation until at least early May. Once Priester is ready to make his season debut, right-hander Brandon Sproat figures to be the odd man out in the rotation. Priester is currently being stashed in an IL spot in 25% of Yahoo leagues after the 25-year-old went 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 132:50 K:BB in 157 1/3 innings across 29 outings (24 starts) in 2025 in his first year with the Brew Crew. Last year was the first time that Priester had thrown over 50 innings in his third MLB season.
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Source: MLB.com - Adam McCalvy
Gabriel Moreno Expected to Return Next Tuesday
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (oblique), who has not played since April 10 against the Philadelphia Phillies due to a left-oblique strain that landed him on the 10-day injured list, is expected to return for the series against the Milwaukee Brewers that starts next Tuesday, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Moreno could go on a short minor-league rehab assignment later this week/weekend before being reinstated early next week. Until then, the D-backs will continue to roll with James McCann and Adrian Del Castillo behind the plate. Fantasy managers are losing patience with the 26-year-old Moreno because of his frequent injuries, and he's currently rostered in just 11% of Yahoo leagues. Before his oblique strain, the Venezuelan backstop was hitting a strong .275 (11-for-40) but with no home runs, five RBI, and six runs scored in just 13 games played. Moreno has never hit more than nine home runs in his four MLB seasons.
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Riley O'Brien Extends Dominant Start, Earns Seventh Save
St. Louis Cardinals right-handed closer Riley O'Brien has been as dominant as they come among relief pitchers early in the 2026 season. O'Brien had another scoreless appearance while giving up one hit and striking out one to earn his seventh save of the year on Tuesday in the team's 5-3 win over the hosting Miami Marlins. The 31-year-old veteran has yet to allow an earned run in his 13 1/3 innings of work so far with no walks and 15 strikeouts. He hit 100 mph three times out of his 17 pitches on Tuesday and has converted seven of his eight save chances for the Cardinals. In addition to his seven saves, O'Brien has picked up three wins and two holds, giving his fantasy managers plenty to be happy about. It's clear that O'Brien has taken hold of the team's closer gig in the ninth inning, and he should have a pretty long leash. He's only rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues currently, but that number should rise if he continues to be dominant in the ninth.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Munetaka Murakami Extends Power Surge by Hitting Ninth Homer
Chicago White Sox third baseman Munetaka Murakami's power has certainly translated to the big leagues in his first year in Chicago. The 26-year-old Japanese native had another big game in Tuesday's 11-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, going 3-for-5 with his ninth home run of the year, two runs scored, and a walk out of the two-hole in the batting order. Murakami has now gone deep in four straight games, and he's tied for second in baseball in home runs in the early going. If he can continue at a similar power pace, Murakami will end up being a steal for fantasy managers in 2026. However, he's also striking out at a rate over 30% and is hitting just .234 (18-for-77) with 17 RBI, 18 runs scored, 21 walks, and 31 strikeouts in 99 plate appearances across 23 games played. The good news is that Murakami is drawing plenty of walks -- he's tied for third-most in the league in that category. Obviously, fantasy managers will want to keep running him out there. Murakami is rostered in 91% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sam Antonacci Hits Inside-the-Park Homer, Worthy of Waiver-Wire Pickup?
Chicago White Sox rookie outfielder Sam Antonacci hit his first career home run on Tuesday in the team's 11-5 blowout win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, but it wasn't a traditional home run. Antonacci went 2-for-5 at the plate with an inside-the-park homer, a triple, and three RBI in just his sixth major-league game. It was nice to see the 23-year-old speedster have a good game, as he had struggled at the plate in his first five games with the White Sox. Antonacci, who is considered the team's No. 9 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is now hitting .190 (4-for-21) with three RBI, two runs scored, two walks, and a strikeout in his first six games in the big leagues. There's not going to be a lot of extra-base power from Antonacci in his first year in the majors, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues may want to consider him if they need speed. Antonacci is only rostered right now in 6% of Yahoo leagues, so he's widely available.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nico Hoerner Hits Fourth Homer, Emerging as Stable Power Contributor?
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is showing more signs of power early on this year and hit his fourth long ball on Tuesday in the team's 7-4 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Hoerner finished the game 2-for-5 at the plate with two runs scored out of the leadoff spot for Chicago. The 28-year-old has gone deep three times in the last six games and is on pace to smash his previous career-high of 10 home runs in a season. The 28-year-old is already an excellent source of batting average because of his elite contact skills, but if he adds more power to his game in 2026, he could take a step forward for fantasy managers. Hoerner is also useful for his speed on the basepaths, as he's had at least 20 stolen bases since becoming a full-time starter for the Cubbies in 2022. He's among the league's best hitters early on, slashing .326/.402/.533 with a .934 OPS, four homers, 22 RBI, seven steals, and 15 runs scored in 92 at-bats. Out of Chicago's leadoff spot, Hoerner has even more fantasy upside.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chase Dollander Shines on Tuesday, Worth Adding in Deeper Leagues?
Colorado Rockies right-hander Chase Dollander should be attracting some interest on the waiver wire in deeper fantasy baseball leagues after yet another strong showing on Tuesday night in a bulk-relief role in a 1-0 loss to the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Dollander took the loss but was extremely sharp, allowing just one earned run on three hits while walking one and striking out nine in six innings of work. The 24-year-old former ninth overall pick in 2023 out of Tennessee now sports a nice 2.88 ERA (3.34 FIP) and 1.00 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and only seven walks in 25 innings pitched across his six appearances in 2026 in just his second year in the big leagues. All six of Dollander's outings have come out of the bullpen as the bulk reliever. Since allowing three home runs in his first outing of the year, he's posted a 1.71 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with 27 K's and five walks in 21 innings. At the very least, fantasy managers will want to consider Dollander a great matchup-based streamer for his next scheduled outing this weekend against the struggling Mets offense.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Ryan Walker Converts Second Save, Gradually Emerging as Primary Option?
San Francisco Giants right-handed reliever Ryan Walker converted his second save of the year in the team's 3-1 win on Tuesday night over the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park, and he could be becoming the team's primary option for saves. Walker threw a scoreless ninth inning with no hits allowed, no walks, and two strikeouts. The 30-year-old veteran threw 10 of his 15 pitches for strikes and didn't face any resistance from L.A., retiring the side to preserve San Fran's two-run lead. It was his first save since March 30, but he still appears to be the team's preferred choice for saves. No other reliever on the Giants has more than one save, although lefty Erik Miller picked up the previous save opportunity last Thursday. Walker has allowed four earned runs on nine hits (one homer) while walking five and striking out 12 in his 10 innings of work so far in 2026 in his fourth year in the majors. Fantasy managers searching for saves might want to look his way off the waiver wire. Walker is rostered in just 60% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Lucas Giolito Close to Signing With Padres?
MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo reports that he has heard from some people in the industry who think that free-agent right-hander Lucas Giolito and the San Diego Padres is "an inevitable marriage that could take shape soon." Giolito has been holding out early in the 2026 season for a deal to his liking, but something could be finalized soon. The 31-year-old veteran would make sense for a Padres team looking for additional starting-pitching depth with right-hander Nick Pivetta (elbow) looking at a multi-month absence. Giolito, a former first-rounder by the Washington Nationals back in 2012, didn't play at all in 2024 due to injury and then went 10-4 with a 3.41 ERA (4.17 FIP), 1.29 WHIP, and 121:56 K:BB in 145 innings over 26 starts for the Boston Red Sox last year. It's unclear how long it will be before Giolito is ready to pitch in the big leagues, but he recently said he's been throwing around 75 pitches to stay in shape. Landing in San Diego would make Giolito attractive in mixed fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in only 3% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo
