Yainer Diaz to Start Rehab Assignment in First Week of June
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said on SportsTalk790 on Sunday that catcher Yainer Diaz (oblique) will start his minor-league rehab assignment in the first week of June, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. The Astros placed Diaz on the 10-day injured list back on May 5 with a strained left oblique, but he is close to starting a rehab assignment after recently starting a running and hitting progression. If everything goes well once the 27-year-old backstop resumes playing in games, it's possible he could be back before the middle of June as Houston's primary catcher. Until that happens, veteran Christian Vazquez will continue to see most of the action behind the plate for the Astros. Diaz offers above-average power for a catcher when he's healthy, as he has reached the 20-homer mark in two of his three full seasons in the big leagues with Houston. Through 26 games in 2026 before landing on the shelf with his oblique injury, Diaz was hitting .238/.255/.347 with two home runs, 14 RBI, and seven runs scored in 106 plate appearances.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Cole Ragans Delivers Strong Rehab Start, Moving Closer to Royals Rotation Return
Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) delivered a strong start in his first rehab outing for Triple-A Omaha on Saturday as he works back from an elbow injury. Ragans allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out three over a controlled outing that marked a positive step in his recovery process. The left-hander, a first-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, appears to be trending toward a return that could stabilize the Royals rotation. Ragans posted a breakout 2024 season with a 3.14 ERA over 32 starts and has shown the ability to miss bats at a high level when healthy. He has made only 21 starts across the past two seasons due to injuries, but remains expected to operate as a top-of-rotation arm once activated. Kansas City has not set a timeline for his next outing, but his rehab debut puts him firmly on track for a potential return soon.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Rikuu Nishida Set for White Sox Debut, Brings Elite Contact and Speed Profile
Chicago White Sox infielder Rikuu Nishida is set to receive the call up to the major league roster on Monday, as he closes in on an MLB debut. Nishida was selected 329th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft and has steadily climbed through the system with improved production at each level. He is hitting .323 with a .833 OPS in the minor leagues this season while showing strong bat-to-ball skills and consistent on-base ability. The 5-foot-6 infielder pairs that contact profile with elite speed, giving him value as both a table-setter and a potential defensive utility piece. The White Sox open a four-game series vs. the Minnesota Twins on Monday, which could provide his first major league opportunity.
Source: Scott Merkin
Source: Scott Merkin
Josh Hader Targeting Early June Return, Astros Await Bullpen Boost
Houston Astros left-hander Josh Hader (biceps) is expected to return during the first week of June, according to general manager Dana Brown, as the veteran reliever continues recovering from left biceps tendinitis. Hader was transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 17 and has already made six rehab appearances in the minor leagues. The 31-year-old has yet to pitch for Houston this season, but he remains one of baseball's premier late-inning arms. Hader converted 28 of 29 save opportunities in 2025 while posting a 2.05 ERA and 76 strikeouts across 52 ⅔ innings. Assuming his rehab continues without setbacks, Hader should reclaim the closer role quickly and provide a major lift for Houston's bullpen.
Source: Brian McTaggart
Source: Brian McTaggart
Jose Altuve Expected to Resume Swinging Soon, Astros Await Offensive Boost
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (oblique) is expected to resume swinging a bat within the next few days as he continues recovering from a left oblique injury. Altuve exited the May 16 game after experiencing discomfort in his side and has since traveled to Florida to continue his rehab process. Before landing on the injured list, the veteran infielder was slashing .245/.326/.380 with a .706 OPS after cooling off from a strong start to the season. The career .302 hitter remains one of baseball's most reliable contact bats, and his return would provide a major boost for a Houston lineup searching for more offensive consistency.
Source: Matt Kawahara
Source: Matt Kawahara
Tony Santillan Blows Third Save for Reds, Time to Cut Ties?
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Tony Santillan suffered another setback Saturday, blowing a save opportunity in an eventual extra-inning win vs. the Chicago Cubs. Santillan allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks, including a home run in the ninth inning. The 29-year-old has now blown three saves this season and continues to trend in the wrong direction after surrendering nine earned runs over his last seven appearances. Opposing hitters have consistently punished mistakes in the strike zone, and Santillan's 10.2 Barrel/PA rate is the highest mark of his career by a wide margin. The Reds may begin exploring alternative late-inning options if the struggles continue, making Santillan a risky fantasy investment for managers chasing saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Kirby Yates Earns Save for Angels, Worth Monitoring in Deeper Leagues?
Los Angeles Angels veteran reliever Kirby Yates picked up his first save of the season in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers. The right-hander delivered a clean ninth inning and struck out one batter while continuing his recent turnaround after an uneven start to the year. Yates now carries a 4.26 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP, but his recent appearances have looked far more encouraging than his early-season results. The 39-year-old could begin seeing more save opportunities as Angels closer Jordan Romano continues to struggle with a 10.13 ERA. Yates has extensive late-inning experience and may quickly become a fantasy option for managers searching for saves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Dylan Cease to Undergo an MRI on his Hamstring
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Dylan Cease (hamstring) was removed early during Sunday's outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cease was pulled from the contest after 4.2 innings due to a left hamstring issue. After the game, Jays' manager John Schneider confirmed that Cease will undergo an MRI on his left hamstring. Schneider mentioned that the early testing has come back positive, but the team wants further imaging to get the whole picture. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for the MRI results, as those will likely determine the next steps for Cease. For now, Cease is scheduled to take the ball against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday. Fantasy managers will need to check back to see if Cease is actually going to be able to make the start.
Source: Mitch Bannon
Source: Mitch Bannon
Logan Webb Should Return This Week
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (knee) is reportedly extremely close to making his return to the mound. Giants manager Tony Vitello said on Sunday that Webb is a "good option" to return from the 15-day Injured List during the team's upcoming three-game homestand. It sounds like Webb is feeling physically ready to return after making a rehab start with Triple-A Sacramento on Friday. The Giants will likely wait and see how Webb feels after a bullpen session before they make a final decision. Fantasy managers should check back on Monday for another update on his status. Trevor McDonald is likely going to be the odd man out once Webb is cleared to return to the mound.
Source: Justice De Los Santos
Source: Justice De Los Santos
Corey Seager to Miss Another Week
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (back) isn't scheduled to be re-evaluated for "probably" another week, according to Shawn McFarland. Seager was slated to face live pitching on Sunday, but that session was delayed due to his lack of progress in his recovery from his back injury. The Rangers were hopeful that Seager could return for the upcoming homestand that begins on Monday. That isn't going to happen, so fantasy managers are likely going to be without Seager for at least another week. The organization should continue to give updates on his status. The left-handed slugger hasn't suited up for a game since May 13 due to a back injury. Ezequiel Duran should continue to fill in until Seager is ready to play again.
Source: Shawn McFarland
Source: Shawn McFarland
Luis Castillo Set to Start on Monday
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Luis Castillo is set to make the start during Monday's game against the Athletics. Mariners manager Dan Wilson confirmed that Castillo will start and Bryce Miller will work behind him in a piggyback role. The Mariners tried this strategy on Tuesday, but Miller started, and Castillo worked the final few innings. Castillo tossed 2.1 innings, allowing two earned runs in the first relief appearance of his big league career. The Mariners will reverse the order in which they pitch together and hope for better results from Castillo. The veteran right-hander holds a 6.41 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, so fantasy managers shouldn't put much faith in him right now. Miller will likely pitch the bulk of the innings, so Castillo won't be a recommended fantasy option.
Source: Ryan Divish
Source: Ryan Divish
Connor Norby Exits After Getting Hit by a Pitch
Miami Marlins first baseman Connor Norby (elbow) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's game against the New York Mets. Norby was hit by a pitch on his left elbow during the fourth inning of Sunday's contest. He took his base and played another inning before exiting the contest due to left elbow discomfort. Before leaving, Norby was 0-for-1 at the plate with his lone time reaching base being a hit by pitch. The expectation is that the organization will have Norby undergo further testing. It wouldn't be shocking to see Norby miss a game or two from this issue. Graham Pauley replaced him at first base and could see increased playing time going forward.
Source: Jordan McPherson
Source: Jordan McPherson
Jose Quintana Exits with Elbow Discomfort
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jose Quintana (elbow) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Quintana only made it into the second inning before exiting due to left elbow discomfort. The veteran southpaw was crushed for six earned runs on six hits before leaving. The expectation is that Quintana will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Ryan Feltner (elbow) is nearing a return from the Injured List and could take his spot in the rotation if Quintana heads to the shelf. The veteran southpaw can be left on the waiver wire in most fantasy formats. UPDATE: Quintana will head back to Denver to undergo an MRI exam on his left elbow.
Source: Thomas Harding
Source: Thomas Harding
Bryce Miller Demoted to Bullpen Role for Monday's Game
Seattle Mariners right-hander Luis Castillo is set to start Monday's game against the Athletics. Bryce Miller will come out of the bullpen and follow in the piggyback role. Castillo has struggled this season, posting a 6.41 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 46 1/3 innings. The 33-year-old struggled in his only relief appearance, taking the loss, while allowing two runs on a hit, two walks, and a HBP while striking out four over 2 1/3 innings against the Chicago White Sox. It's unclear how many innings Castillo will throw on Monday, but Miller has pitched well since returning from the injured list on May 13. The 27-year-old owns a 1.64 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, a 22.7K%, and a 4.5 BB% through 11 innings. Even though Miller is coming out of the bullpen, he's still worth holding onto in deep league formats, but can likely be dropped in 10-12-team leagues until he solidifies a spot in Seattle's rotation.
Source: Ryan Divish
Source: Ryan Divish
Dylan Cease Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Dylan Cease (hamstring) was removed from Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with mild left-hamstring discomfort. After a few visits from the trainers, Cease was pulled from the game during the fifth inning. He allowed two earned runs on four hits and one walk while striking out eight across 4 2/3 innings before exiting. The 30-year-old will likely undergo additional tests to determine the severity of his hamstring issue. He owns a 3.05 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and a 92:26 K:BB across 62 innings so far this season. Cease is tentatively scheduled to face the Orioles at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation as the Blue Jays continue to provide updates on his status.
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
Source: Toronto Blue Jays
RADIO



