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Kaelen Culpepper Slumping, but Remains a Stash Consideration
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper fell into a 0-for-14 slump at Triple-A St. Paul last week, lowering his season-long slash line to .234/.327/.372 for the Saints. Still, a 21.5 percent strikeout rate is not cause for concern, and a better-than-average 11.2 percent walk rate has allowed him to continue to get on base. The former first-rounder has belted three home runs and stolen five bases through 23 games thus far, showing off the well-rounded skillset that produced a .289/.375/.469 slash line with 20 home runs and 25 steals a season ago between High-A and Double-A. Expect the talented 23-year-old to get back on track soon and make a push for a big league debut. With solid contact skills, decent power, and good speed, the Twins' second-ranked prospect makes for an intriguing stash option in deep leagues, though he's currently only eligible at SS on the Yahoo! platform.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Spencer Jones Cools at Triple-A, Still a Potential Stash Option for Power Upside
New York Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones has gone cold at the plate over the past week after a strong start to the Triple-A season. The 6-foot-7 slugger slashed .261/.381/.565 with five home runs over his first 20 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but has gone 1-for-17 (.059) with zero extra-base hits in the five games since. As it stands, the Yankees' sixth-ranked prospect is hitting just .221, and a 33.3 percent strikeout rate continues to plague him. On the bright side, the left-handed hitter is drawing walks at a 14.3 percent rate, which has buoyed a solid .352 on-base percentage, and he's used his sneaky speed for a big man to swipe five bases already. The former first-rounder will likely make his MLB debut this season, but he's not forcing the issue at the moment, and the team recently promoted Jasson Dominguez rather than Jones when Giancarlo Stanton hit the injured list. Still, with power like his, managers in deep leagues should continue to monitor Jones' momentum, as when he gets going again, the 24-year-old could quickly enter must-stash territory for his home run upside.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Spencer Strider Not Expected to Make Season Debut for Braves This Weekend
Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) will continue his minor-league rehab assignment this week and is not expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list for a start against the Colorado Rockies this weekend, as of Tuesday morning, according to Lindsay Crosby. Strider has made two rehab starts with Triple-A Gwinnett and one with High-A Rome and got up to 82 pitches in his third rehab start with Gwinnett on Sunday, but the Braves want him to make one more start in the minors before reinstating him from the IL for his 2026 season debut with Atlanta. It'll allow pitching prospect Didier Fuentes to remain in the Show for a bit longer, although it may come as more of a long reliever than a starter. Strider is close to fully stretched out and showed better velocity in his last rehab start, making him a more intriguing fantasy stash with hopes of rediscovering his pre-elbow-surgery form. Most managers in fantasy leagues are thinking the same thing, as he's rostered in 90% of leagues on Yahoo.
Source: Lindsay Crosby
Source: Lindsay Crosby
Braxton Ashcraft Expected to Start on Tuesday Against Cardinals
Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Braxton Ashcraft (personal) is expected to be activated from the bereavement list to start Tuesday's game against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park, according to DK Pittsburgh Sports' Jose Negron. Ashcraft ended up being pushed back one spot in the team's starting rotation after they placed him on the bereavement list on Saturday. The 26-year-old former second-rounder in 2018 has displayed solid command of the baseball so far in 2026 in his five starts, going 1-1 with a 2.43 ERA (2.42 FIP) and 1.01 WHIP with 32 strikeouts and nine walks in 29 2/3 innings pitched. The Cardinals' offense ranks 13th in baseball in OPS (.713), but Ashcraft, who could be pitching with a heavy heart, should be returned to starting fantasy lineups in most leagues. He went 4-4 with a 2.71 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, and 71:24 K:BB in 69 2/3 frames over 26 appearances (eight starts) as a rookie in Pittsburgh in 2025.
Source: DK Pittsburgh Sports - Jose Negron
Source: DK Pittsburgh Sports - Jose Negron
Sean Murphy to Stay on Minor-League Rehab Assignment
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hip) will continue rehabbing this week with High-A Rome as he works toward back-to-back nine-inning catching appearances before the Braves activate him from the 10-day injured list, according to Lindsay Crosby. The first-place Braves are in no rush to bring Murphy back to the big leagues just yet, especially since he's gone just 3-for-23 (.130) with no homers, two RBI, one walk, and seven strikeouts in eight rehab games played with Rome and Triple-A Gwinnett as he rehabs from offseason hip surgery. The Braves are also fine at the major-league level at the catching position with the combination of Drake Baldwin and Jonah Heim. Once Murphy is cleared to be reinstated from the IL, we'd expect him to find at-bats as the designated hitter primarily. Despite hitting 82 home runs in 541 games over the last five seasons with the Athletics and Braves, Murphy is only 1% rostered in Yahoo leagues at this time.
Source: Lindsay Crosby
Source: Lindsay Crosby
Jared Jones to Begin a Rehab Assignment on Wednesday
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said that right-hander Jared Jones (elbow) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Low-A Bradenton on Wednesday, according to Jason Mackey. Jones has finally been cleared to pitch in games as he continues his rehab from an internal-brace procedure on his right elbow last May. The 24-year-old former second-round pick in 2020 did not pitch at all last year for the Pirates and isn't eligible to return from the 60-day injured list until late May, so fantasy managers stashing him right now must remain patient. When healthy, though, Jones will have a starting rotation spot waiting for him in Pittsburgh after he had a 4.14 ERA (4.00 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP with 132 strikeouts and 39 walks in 121 2/3 innings in his first 22 major-league games in 2024 in his big-league debut with the Bucs. Right now, Jones is rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues. When Jones initially returns to the Bucs' rotation, expect plenty of workload restrictions after he missed all of the 2025 campaign.
Source: Jason Mackey
Source: Jason Mackey
Mets Prospect A.J. Ewing Promoted to Triple-A
The New York Mets promoted outfield prospect A.J. Ewing to Triple-A Syracuse this week, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Per MLB Pipeline, Ewing is the Mets' third-ranked prospect. Ewing got the call to Syracuse after going 22-for-63 (.349) with two home runs, six doubles, a triple, seven RBI, 12 stolen bases, and 16 runs scored in just 18 games at Double-A Binghamton. In 2025, the 21-year-old ranked fourth in the minor leagues with 70 stolen bases while also slashing .315/.401/.429 with an .830 OPS, three home runs, 55 RBI, and 87 runs scored in 124 games at three different minor-league levels. Not only can Ewing fly on the base paths, but he has raised his walk rate early this year. If Ewing continues to excel at Triple-A, the former fourth-round selection in 2023, we could see him up in the big leagues for the first time later this year. Long-term, Ewing could have a similar profile to Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, just in the outfield and with better speed.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Logan O'Hoppe Thinks he'll be Out a "Couple of Weeks"
Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe (wrist) said the fracture in his left wrist is small, and he thinks he'll only be out a "couple of weeks," according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. O'Hoppe doesn't think it's a long-term injury that he suffered on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals, when he took a foul ball off his wrist while catching. If the 26-year-old does only need a few weeks to recover, he could be back with the Angels by mid-May. For now, though, veteran Travis d'Arnaud will be the Halos' primary catcher, with Sebastian Rivero serving as his backup. O'Hoppe hit a combined 39 home runs in 2024 and 2025 for the Angels, but he was off to a slow start in 26 games this season, batting .205 (16-for-78) with just one long ball, eight RBI, nine runs scored, 11 walks, and 23 strikeouts across 93 plate appearances. His rough start and wrist fracture have tanked his fantasy value in the early going in 2026, and O'Hoppe is only rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Source: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger
Ranger Suarez Fans 10 in Second Win of Season Over Blue Jays
Boston Red Sox left-hander Ranger Suarez was dominant in his latest start on Monday in the series opener in Canada against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays. Suarez allowed just one hit in eight scoreless innings while walking one and striking out a season-high 10 to pick up his second win of the 2026 season. It was a nice bounce-back performance for the 30-year-old southpaw after he surrendered four runs in 4 2/3 innings his last time out against the division-rival New York Yankees. In his first year in Beantown, Suarez has been hit or miss so far, alternating excellent starts with clunkers. Overall, the Venezuelan hurler holds a 2-2 record with a 3.09 ERA (3.36 FIP), 0.94 WHIP, and 29:9 K:BB in 35 innings pitched across his six starts. Suarez has allowed four runs and gone fewer than five innings in three of his six starts, while tossing 22 scoreless innings in his other three starts. Fantasy managers will be hoping that he can put two straight strong starts together his next time out.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Zac Gallen Expected to Make his Next Start
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (shoulder) was feeling better over the weekend, according to manager Torey Lovullo, and the club is more encouraged that he will be able to make his next start, per Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Gallen was hit on his right (throwing) shoulder by a line drive on Saturday night in Mexico City in the opener of a two-game series against the San Diego Padres. He made it through three innings before being pulled early, allowing no runs on just one hit while walking none and striking out three. The 30-year-old's next scheduled outing will come this weekend against the hot-hitting Chicago Cubs. The former third-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016 out of North Carolina has looked good so far in 2026 despite a lack of strikeouts, posting a 3.14 ERA and 1.36 WHIP with 17 strikeouts and seven walks in 28 2/3 innings pitched over six starts. DFS managers will probably want to fade Gallen this weekend against the Cubs coming off his shoulder injury.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick Piecoro
Shohei Ohtani Will Only Pitch on Tuesday Against Marlins
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will only pitch on Tuesday in Game 2 of the series against the visiting Miami Marlins, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register. Ohtani will only be on five days of rest for this one, and the Dodgers-Marlins game has an earlier start time on Tuesday. It's the second time this year that the 31-year-old four-time MVP won't serve as the team's designated hitter on the day that he is scheduled to pitch. Ohtani seems immortal, but after all, he's still human, and the Dodgers like to get him some rest when they can. The five-time All-Star has hit .278 (30-for-108) at the plate so far in 28 games this year with six home runs, 13 RBI, 21 runs scored, and three steals. He's been even better on the mound, allowing just two runs (one earned) while walking six and fanning 25 in 24 innings over his four starts. Ohtani is a no-brainer must-start as a pitcher in all fantasy lineups on Tuesday in L.A. versus the Fish.
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
Source: The Orange County Register - Bill Plunkett
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
