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Jakob Junis Pitches in Eighth Inning, Remains in Strict Committee?
Texas Rangers reliever Jakob Junis allowed a hit across a scoreless inning, earning the hold in Saturday's 4-3 win over the Athletics. This was the Rangers' first save opportunity in over a week. He entered the game in the eighth inning in a high-leverage situation while the team turned to Jacob Latz for the save on Saturday. Junis hasn't had a save since April 12 but has racked up three saves and two holds in his last eight appearances. The Rangers are down a few relievers as the team recently placed reliever Robert Garcia (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with shoulder inflammation, while Chris Martin (bicep) was placed on the IL on April 15 with a bicep injury. Despite not getting the save on Saturday, Junis is the favorite to be the Rangers' primary closer over Latz and Cole Winn. Junis is rostered in 23% of Yahoo Fantasy leagues and is worth the waiver wire addition in leagues with 12 teams or more for managers searching for saves.
Source: MLB
Source: MLB
Geraldo Perdomo Day-to-Day with Left Ankle Sprain
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (ankle) was removed from Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres with a left ankle sprain. He injured his ankle while fielding a ground ball during the seventh inning. The 26-year-old went 0-for-3 with a strikeout before exiting. He is considered day-to-day with his next chance to return being on Sunday in the series finale against the Padres in Mexico City. Perdomo is slashing .250/.350/.393 with a home run and six stolen bases over 84 at-bats this season. Ildemaro Vargas would see an uptick in at-bats and would handle shortstop for the Diamondbacks if Perdomo misses any time. Vargas is off to a hot start this season, hitting .351 (26-for-74) with five home runs and 16 RBI over 19 games.
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
Zac Gallen Exits Saturday's Start Early with a Shoulder Contusion
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen (shoulder) was removed from Saturday's start against the San Diego Padres with a right shoulder contusion. He was hit by a comebacker in the shoulder during the third inning and initially stayed in the game. The Diamondbacks pulled Gallen at the end of the third inning after 49 pitches. He allowed one hit while striking out three over three scoreless innings before exiting. The 30-year-old is considered day-to-day and will undergo additional testing. Overall, he owns a 3.14 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts over 28 2/3 innings in 2026. Gallen is considered questionable to make his next start on Friday at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs.
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
Source: Arizona Diamondbacks
Red Sox Fire Manager Alex Cora and Other Coaches
The Boston Red Sox have fired manager Alex Cora, hitting coach Peter Fatse, bench coach Ramon Vazquez, third base coach Kyle Hudson, assistant hitting coach Dillon Lawson, and hitting strategy coach Joe Cronin on Saturday. Game planning and run prevention coach Jason Varitek has been reassigned to a new role within the organization. "Alex Cora led this organization to one of the greatest seasons in Red Sox history in 2018, and for that, and the many years that followed, he will always have our deepest gratitude," Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement Saturday. "He has had a lasting impact on this team and on this city. In a major shakeup, the Red Sox cleaned house and will look to turn things around after sitting at 11-17, last in the American League East. Cora ends up with a career 620-541 record with the Red Sox. Chad Tracy will be Boston's interim manager, replacing Cora, who has been with the organization from 2018 to 2019 and from 2021 to April 25, 2026.
Source: Ian Browne of MLB.com
Source: Ian Browne of MLB.com
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
