RADIO
Louis Varland Emerging as Elite Closer Handcuff in Toronto?
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Louis Varland has been fantastic so far in the 2026 season, with a 0.00 ERA, 16 strikeouts, and 1.00 WHIP in 11 innings pitched. The Minnesota native, Varland, is currently being deployed as the team's high-leverage setup reliever, and with Jeff Hoffman already blowing three saves in five opportunities, Varland may be emerging as a top handcuff option if Hoffman continues to struggle. Blue Jays' manager, John Schneider, stated on Saturday after Hoffman blew the save in Arizona against the Diamondbacks that he (Hoffman) will continue to remain the team's closer following the game, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. In addition to the three blown save opportunities, Hoffman also owns a poor 7.71 ERA and 2.04 WHIP through 9 1/3 innings pitched. While Varland doesn't have a history of closing out games, evidenced by his zero saves in his career, he is right up there with Hoffman in terms of having the best stuff in the Blue Jays' bullpen, and in leagues where saves are hard to come by, Varland is someone to keep an eye on.
Source: Baseball Savant
Source: Baseball Savant
Twins Call Up Kendry Rojas to Make his MLB Debut
The Minnesota Twins, who just got swept at home over the weekend against the Cincinnati Reds, are calling up their No. 10-ranked prospect, Kendry Rojas, from Triple-A. Recent reports have suggested that the Twins have been using Rojas in a hybrid role, as both a reliever and a starting pitcher, as evidenced by his two appearances in 2026: one a start and the other a relief appearance. Last season in the minors, Rojas posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.55 WHIP over 69 innings, spread across 19 games and 18 starts. Thus far in 2026, he has not allowed a run in 7 1/3 innings pitched (two appearances and one start). The Twins' bullpen struggled mightily over the weekend, so if Rojas pitches well, he may have a shot at staying with the big league club. From a fantasy standpoint, Rojas should remain on the waiver wire, especially if he is used as a middle reliever.
Source: MLB Pipeline
Source: MLB Pipeline
Aidan Miller Nearing Batting Work
Philadelphia Phillies No. 1 prospect Aidan Miller (back) has resumed baseball activities and is expected to begin swinging a bat this week as he recovers from a lower back injury. Miller, the 27th overall pick in the 2023 draft, has yet to make his major league debut but remains one of the organization's top long-term pieces. The young shortstop owns an .817 OPS across his minor league career and has flashed advanced offensive upside. His recovery has moved slowly with limited updates, but Philadelphia will prioritize a full return. There is no official timetable for Miller's next game action.
Source: Todd Zolecki
Source: Todd Zolecki
Sean Murphy Advances Rehab Assignment; Braves Nearing Catching Upgrade
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hip) will start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday as he continues his rehab assignment for a right hip labral tear. Murphy previously appeared for High-A Rome and is moving closer to a return in the coming weeks if he avoids setbacks. The veteran opened the season on the 10-day injured list and is expected to reclaim regular catching duties once activated. This is Murphy's third season with Atlanta after arriving in a trade from the Athletics. His production dipped last year, as he slashed .199/.300/.409 with a .709 OPS in 94 games. However, a healthy return would give the Braves a needed boost behind the plate.
Source: Chad Bishop
Source: Chad Bishop
Patrick Sandoval Experiences Biceps Discomfort; Red Sox Return Timeline Slips
Boston Red Sox left-hander Patrick Sandoval (biceps) experienced discomfort after struggling in his second rehab start for Triple-A Worcester on Tuesday, creating another delay in his recovery. Sandoval was scheduled to pitch Sunday, but that outing has been postponed as he returns to Boston for further evaluation. The left-hander has been on the 15-day injured list retroactive to March 22 and has yet to make his debut with the Red Sox. With this new setback, he is expected to return no sooner than May, but that timeline may vary as he receives a full evaluation. Sandoval has not appeared in a major league game since 2024 after missing all of 2025 with an elbow injury. He owns a 4.01 career ERA across six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
Source: Chris Cotillo
Source: Chris Cotillo
Brent Rooker Resumes Baseball Activity; Athletics Await Key Power Bat
Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (oblique) has resumed light baseball activity as he works back from a right oblique strain and is expected to travel with the club for its upcoming road trip to Seattle on Monday. Rooker has been sidelined since April and is targeting a late May return if his recovery continues on schedule. The 31-year-old slugger opened the season slowly, slashing .146/.245/.293 in 12 games before landing on the injured list. Rooker remains one of the Athletics' most important power threats after producing 30 or more home runs in each of the last three seasons. His return should provide a needed boost to the top of the lineup.
Source: Martín Gallegos
Source: Martín Gallegos
Spencer Strider to Move Rehab Assignment to Triple-A
Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) is expected to make his second rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Gwinnett as he moves closer to a return in early May. Strider has yet to pitch this season while recovering from a left oblique strain, but his first outing was encouraging. He tossed 3 ⅓ scoreless innings for High-A Rome on Thursday and showed strong command throughout the appearance. The 2023 National League All-Star owns elite strikeout upside when healthy and could provide a major lift for Atlanta's rotation. Strider posted a 4.45 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 23 starts last season, but his fantasy upside remains high once activated.
Source: Chad Bishop
Source: Chad Bishop
Corbin Carroll Expected Back Tuesday; Injury Concern Appears Minor
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said outfielder Corbin Carroll (back) will start in right field on Tuesday after leaving Sunday's game vs. the Blue Jays with back tightness. Carroll went 0-for-2 with a strikeout before exiting in the fourth inning, with Jorge Barrosa taking over in right field. The quick return suggests Arizona avoided a more serious issue with one of its top stars. Carroll has been excellent early this season, slashing .309/.400/.618 through 19 games. The Diamondbacks are off Monday before opening a three-game series against the White Sox on Tuesday.
Source: Alex D’Agostino
Source: Alex D’Agostino
Didier Fuentes Could Join Braves Next Week
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Didier Fuentes had his start with Triple-A Gwinnett skipped on Sunday. The Braves are in the midst of a stretch of 10 games in 10 days. With that being said, Fuentes could be needed to make a spot start or help out as a long relief option in the bullpen. The 20-year-old has already made one appearance for the Braves this season out of the bullpen. He has looked outstanding as a full-time starter in Triple-A so far this season. If he does get the call to start next week, Fuentes could be an interesting streaming option. He won't be an ideal long-term option with Spencer Strider (oblique) working his way back soon. Fantasy managers should stay tuned to see if Fuentes is asked to join the big league club this week.
Source: Mark Bowman
Source: Mark Bowman
Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier Could Return in Late May
Houston Astros starting pitchers Hunter Brown (shoulder) and Cristian Javier (shoulder) aren't expected to be back in the mix until late May or early June. Astros general manager Dana Brown told reporters the expected timetable on Sunday, but is hopeful that both pitchers can be back sooner than expected. Both right-handers suffered Grade 2 right shoulder strains within a week of each other. Given the extent of the injury, both pitchers are looking at lengthy buildups. They'll likely need to ramp up throwing sessions before going on multiple rehab starts. Fantasy managers won't have either pitcher back in the mix for at least another month or so. Brown is worth holding through the injury, while Javier can be dropped for a healthy arm.
Source: Brian McTaggart
Source: Brian McTaggart
Juan Soto is on Track to Return Next Homestand
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf) is reportedly on track to return to the lineup for the upcoming homestand. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed this news on Sunday, saying that Soto should be back for the homestand starting April 21-30. The plan is for Soto to undergo an MRI to confirm his right calf strain is fully healed. If all goes well, Soto could be activated as early as Tuesday's game for the beginning of the homestand. The superstar slugger has been out for the last two-plus weeks due to a calf strain. His return to the lineup will be a welcoming sight to this Mets team that dropped its 11th straight game on Sunday.
Source: Laura Albanese
Source: Laura Albanese
Corbin Carroll Exits Sunday's Game with Back Tightness
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (back) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Carroll didn't look right after striking out in the bottom of the third inning. He was later replaced by Jorge Barrosa to open the fifth inning. The D-Backs are saying that Carroll was pulled due to lower back tightness. He was hitless in two plate appearances before being taken out of the contest. Fantasy managers should consider Carroll as day-to-day until the team gives more information on his status. This shouldn't be something that lands Carroll on the Injured List. If he misses any time, Barrosa will likely see some extra playing time.
Source: Nick Piecoro
Source: Nick Piecoro
Zack Wheeler Makes Second Rehab Start on Sunday
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (shoulder) took the mound for his second rehab start with Double-A Reading on Sunday. Wheeler didn't have the same success as he did during his first rehab start on Tuesday. On Sunday, Wheeler went four innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits while striking out four batters. The overall results don't matter much, as it's about building up Wheeler's stamina. The expectation is that Wheeler will make at least one more rehab start before rejoining the Phillies rotation. If everything goes well, Wheeler could return for next weekend's series against the Atlanta Braves.
Source: milb.com
Source: milb.com
JT Realmuto is Absent on Sunday
Philadelphia Phillies catcher JT Realmuto (back) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. Realmuto was removed from Saturday's game in the sixth inning due to lower back tightness. The Phillies are going to play it safe and give him the night off on Sunday. Fantasy managers should consider Realmuto as day-to-day until the team gives another update on his status. Rafael Marchan will draw the start behind the plate and bat eighth versus right-hander Grant Holmes on Sunday. Fantasy managers should check back for another update ahead of Monday's game versus the Chicago Cubs.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Willi Castro Returns on Sunday to Play Shortstop
Colorado Rockies infielder Willi Castro (hand) is back in the starting lineup for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Roki Sasaki at Coors Field, according to MLB.com. Castro is starting at shortstop and will hit seventh with regular shortstop Ezequiel Tovar getting the day off. Edouard Julien is at second base and is batting leadoff for Colorado. Castro is returning to the starting nine for the first time since suffering a right-hand contusion when he was hit by a pitch on Wednesday. The 28-year-old switch-hitting Puerto Rican outfielder had mostly been playing at second in his first year with the Rockies to begin the 2026 season, but he might be relegated to more of a bench role soon if he doesn't pick things up offensively. Going into Sunday's clash with L.A., Castro has gone just 12-for-56 (.214) with a homer, eight RBI, eight runs scored, and a stolen base. He has never faced Sasaki in his MLB career.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
