RADIO
Louis Varland Notches Save, Becoming Must-Have Option?
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Louis Varland was tasked with holding the lead in the ninth inning during Saturday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. This one nearly slipped away from Varland, but he was able to hold it down in the end. He allowed three hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck out two batters on his way to his second save of the season. This outing was the first time that Varland had allowed a run all season long. He's likely the favorite to record saves in Toronto, with Jeff Hoffman being pulled out of the role earlier this week. Fantasy managers who are searching for a source of saves should consider adding Varland right now.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Michael Harris II is Returning on Saturday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (quad) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Harris made an early exit from Thursday's game due to left quad tightness. He was originally penciled into the lineup on Friday, but was scratched due to the injury. He was able to come into the game as a pinch hitter and appears to be fully healthy now. Harris will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth against right-hander Zack Wheeler on Saturday. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly ahead of first pitch.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Will Smith is Sitting Out with Back Tightness
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith (back) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Chicago Cubs. At first, this seemed like a routine rest day, but it's a little more than that. Manager Dave Roberts said that Smith is getting the day off while dealing with back tightness. It doesn't sound like anything serious, but it wouldn't be shocking to see Smith sit out the rest of the weekend. Dalton Rushing will take over behind the plate and bat sixth versus right-hander Colin Rea. Rushing was already trending in the right direction, but this injury should give him even more fantasy value.
Source: Michael Huntley
Source: Michael Huntley
Giancarlo Stanton is Absent with Calf Injury
New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (calf) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Astros. Stanton is being held out of this game after exiting Friday's game due to right calf tightness. The Yankees are going to play it safe and rest Stanton here. It doesn't sound like he'll require a trip to the Injured List, so fantasy managers should consider him as day-to-day. Amed Rosario will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth versus right-hander Mike Burrows. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on Stanton ahead of Sunday's game.
Source: New York Yankees
Source: New York Yankees
Braxton Ashcraft is Placed on Bereavement List
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft (personal) was placed on the bereavement list on Saturday. The right-hander is currently away from the team while dealing with a personal matter. He was scheduled to start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. That won't happen with Ashcraft being forced to miss at least three games while on the bereavement list. In a corresponding move, reliever Cam Sanders has been recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis. It's unclear who is going to make the start in place of Ashcraft. It's possible that the Pirates go with a bullpen game, but more information should be known closer to that contest.
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Source: Pittsburgh Pirates
Maikel Garcia Remains Out on Saturday
Kansas City Royals infielder Maikel Garcia (elbow) remains out of the starting lineup ahead of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Garcia will miss his second straight game after suffering an elbow injury earlier in the week. The team is calling it right elbow soreness, so Garcia shouldn't require a stint on the Injured List. Nick Loftin will cover third base and bat eighth against right-hander Walbert Urena on Saturday. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of Sunday's contest for another update on Garcia.
Source: mlb.com
Source: mlb.com
Jake Burger Slumping, Buy-Low Window Opening for Third Baseman
Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger has cooled after a scorching March to open the season in which he hit .409 with a .727 slugging percentage. His season OPS has dropped to .670, but that early production showed the impact bat he can be when locked in at the plate. Burger is in his second season with Texas and still carries major rebound appeal, but he is carrying a 28.4 K% that has slowed his production. The 30-year-old has enough raw power to clear 30 home runs over a full season, making him a player worth tracking closely. If he cuts down the strikeouts and finds his rhythm again, another hot streak could follow soon. Fantasy managers should treat Burger as a strong buy-low waiver wire target.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Steven Kwan Scratched With Neck Stiffness
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (neck) will miss Saturday's game with neck stiffness. The 28-year-old was originally set to lead off for the club in their afternoon game at Toronto, but he was pulled from the lineup just hours before opening pitch. It is unclear how the injury happened, and any developments are important to monitor, but for now, he should be considered day-to-day with a stiff neck. Angel Martinez took over the leadoff spot in Kwan's place and will also play in center field for Cleveland.
Source: Tim Stebbins
Source: Tim Stebbins
Reid Detmers Building Momentum, Waiver-Wire Interest Rising
Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers has looked sharper after a rough start, posting a 3.75 ERA across four April starts. Detmers has completed six innings in three of his last four outings and is beginning to show the consistency the Angels need from their rotation. The 26-year-old is in his sixth MLB season and has moved back into a starting role after working out of the bullpen in 2025. He posted a 3.96 ERA in 61 appearances last season and appears more comfortable with each turn through the rotation. If this trend continues, Detmers could become one of the stronger waiver wire pitching targets as the season progresses.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Nathan Lukes Heads to the Injured List
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Nathan Lukes (hamstring) was placed on the 10-Day Injured List on Saturday with a left hamstring strain. The 31-year-old injured himself while stretching out a double in Friday's game against the Cleveland Guardians, resulting in him exiting early from the contest. He underwent an MRI, and the strain was revealed, meaning he will miss at least the next ten days of action. It's an unfortunate development, as he has recorded eleven hits over his last seven games, all while driving in six runs. This could open the door for Myles Straw to get more playing time, though he should only be an option in the deepest of leagues.
Source: Hazel Mae
Source: Hazel Mae
Josh Jung Red-Hot in April, Quickly Becoming a Must-Add Off Waiver Wire
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung has been red hot in April, slashing .379/.440/.652 for the month and raising his season OPS to .877. Now in his fifth MLB season, Jung appears to be taking another offensive step after previously showing flashes of impact upside. The 28-year-old has recorded four multi-hit games over his last eight contests while adding three home runs during that stretch. His strong contact quality and growing consistency have helped solidify his everyday role at third base for Texas. If this surge continues, Josh Jung should remain one of the top priority waiver wire additions as fantasy managers look for infield production entering May.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Noah Schultz Bounces Back, Emerging as Waiver-Wire Upside Add
Chicago White Sox left-hander Noah Schultz delivered an impressive rebound outing last Sunday, allowing one run on one hit across five innings while striking out six to earn his first MLB win. The strong performance lowered his ERA to 3.86, and he now has 10 strikeouts in 9.1 innings through two starts. Schultz, a first-round pick in the 2022 draft, carries significant upside with his 6-foot-9 frame and power arsenal. He has used his five-pitch mix effectively, highlighted by a fastball that averages over 96 mph. If Noah Schultz can limit walks and sharpen his consistency, he has the talent to grow into a meaningful long-term rotation piece for Chicago.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Trey Yesavage Returning From Injured List on Tuesday
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed starting pitcher Trey Yesavage (shoulder) will make his 2026 season debut on Tuesday, when he will be activated from the 15-day injured list to face the Boston Red Sox. It was announced that the 22-year-old right-hander will also start on Tuesday, giving the Blue Jays some much-needed help in their already depleted rotation. The move will push Eric Lauer back into the bullpen, and also change when both Patrick Corbin (Sunday) and Dylan Cease (Monday) will make their next starts. The highly touted pitcher will look to build on last season's success, where he was able to throw 14.0 efficient innings in the regular season and an additional 25.2 innings in the playoffs. In total, he tossed 41.2 innings and struck out 55 batters, all while compiling a 3.46 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. He should be activated and started in all fantasy leagues next week
Source: Shi Davidi
Source: Shi Davidi
Luke Weaver Seeing Fantasy Value Soar as Elite Closer Handcuff
New York Mets right-hander Luke Weaver is expected to see a significant rise in opportunities as the club searches for stability in late-game situations. Newly acquired closer Devin Williams has struggled to a 10.29 ERA, while key bullpen arm A.J. Minter is on the injured list. That opens the door for Weaver to handle more leverage work. He has been sharper lately, turning in three straight scoreless appearances after an uneven start. Acquired from the Yankees during the 2026 offseason, Weaver was not expected to compete for saves but has the experience to fill that role. He owns a 5.40 ERA in 10 games with two holds, and has emerged as a strong waiver wire handcuff target.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Sonny Gray Remains on Track to Return When First Eligible
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Sonny Gray (hamstring) remains on track to return to the team's starting rotation when he is first eligible to do so on May 6. The 36-year-old veteran has resumed playing catch before games this past week after an MRI revealed nothing other than a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He has since joined the team for their road trip and is currently with them in Baltimore. Manager Alex Cora believes that he may not need to go on a rehab assignment barring any setbacks, which includes a scheduled bullpen session this Monday in Toronto. The right-hander has started the season with a 4.30 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, and has registered two wins over his first five games started.
Source: Chris Cotillo
Source: Chris Cotillo
