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Lucas Erceg Extends Bounce-Back, Tallies Seventh Save
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Lucas Erceg worked around one walk and one hit on Tuesday, ultimately delivering a scoreless ninth inning and earning the save against the Athletics. He struck out one batter along the way and threw strikes at a 60.9% clip. Erceg has taken over as the Royals' primary closer after Carlos Estevez struggled and simultaneously landed on the injured list with a left foot contusion. Erceg hit a little rough patch in the middle of April, but otherwise, he's been quite effective. He has zero earned runs over his last four outings, and he has a total of seven saves across 13 games (12.1 innings) this year. He has both a strikeout and walk rate of 7.30 per nine, which is far from ideal. However, on a more promising note, he still hasn't allowed a homer, and he owns an encouraging 56.3% ground ball rate. Erceg remains an effective fantasy baseball option with a pretty firm grasp on the closer role in Kansas City.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Phillips Earns Save on Tuesday, the Temporary Closer in Miami
Miami Marlins reliever Tyler Phillips allowed one hit while earning the save during a scoreless ninth inning of work against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday. He threw 75% strikes and brought his season ERA down to 1.47. It was a much-needed bounce-back outing for the right-hander after he had blown a save the day prior. Despite the blown save, it's encouraging to see that the Marlins have used Phillips as their closer on back-to-back days. This suggests that he's in line for more save situations going forward, especially since he converted his save opportunity on Tuesday. He's a temporary waiver wire option in fantasy baseball leagues as he pitches in place of Pete Fairbanks (hand), the Marlins' primary closer who landed on the injured list Tuesday. Phillips has struggled with walks over a small sample size this year, but his 9.33 K/9 and 97 mph average fastball velocity suggest high upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J.T. Realmuto Trending Towards Return from Injured List on Saturday
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto (back) is "trending" towards returning from the 10-day injured list when first eligible on Saturday, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Realmuto has been sidelined since April 21 due to back spasms. Across 61 plate appearances before the injury, Realmuto hit .259/.344/.352 with one home run, four RBI, and five runs scored. While the 35-year-old no longer profiles as the same hitter he once was at his peak, Realmuto should still be a solid source of batting average from the catcher position for fantasy managers. He also profiles as a major upgrade behind the plate for the Phillies, who have gotten little from the catching tandem of Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs in Realmuto's absence.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
Raisel Iglesias Resumes Throwing, Could Return in Early May
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said that closer Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) has resumed throwing, per Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game. McAuley reports that the team expects Iglesias back "when first available off the IL, if not shortly thereafter." The veteran right-hander was placed on the 15-day injured list just over a week ago due to shoulder inflammation and is eligible to return to the Braves' active roster on May 5. Before getting injured, Iglesias was off to an excellent start with a 0.00 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, 11 strikeouts, and five saves across 8 2/3 innings pitched. In his absence, Braves right-hander Robert Suarez has stepped in as the team's closer. However, Iglesias should re-assume his usual role in the ninth inning for Atlanta upon his return to the big leagues.
Source: 92.9 The Game - Grant McAuley
Source: 92.9 The Game - Grant McAuley
Christian Yelich Ramping Up Activity, Estimated Return Remains Mid-to-Late May
Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter/outfielder Christian Yelich (groin) is "ramping up hitting and running," and his expected return remains mid-to-late May, per Brewers beat writer Sophia Minnaert. The 34-year-old Yelich has been on the injured list since mid-April due to a strained adductor. Across 56 plate appearances before getting injured, Yelich hit .314/.375/.451 with one home run, 10 RBI, 10 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Injuries are a persistent concern for Yelich, who managed to play 150 games in 2025 but appeared in just 73 contests in 2024. Still, when healthy, the veteran slugger remains a must-start fantasy bat with the potential to contribute in all five categories. With Yelich sidelined, infielder Tyler Black and catcher/first baseman Gary Sanchez could continue to see the majority of DH at-bats for Milwaukee.
Source: Sophia Minnaert
Source: Sophia Minnaert
George Springer Could Be Activated from Injured List on Wednesday
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that outfielder/designated hitter George Springer (toe) could be activated from the 10-day injured list on Wednesday, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Springer has been on the IL for over two weeks due to a fractured left big toe. Across 62 plate appearances before getting injured, the 36-year-old hit .185/.290/.370 with two home runs, six RBI, four runs scored, and a stolen base. The veteran Springer had a monster campaign in 2025, hitting .309 with 32 home runs and 18 stolen bases across 586 plate appearances. While some degree of regression is likely for Springer, he still offers power and speed upside for fantasy managers and should be locked into an every-day role at the top of the Blue Jays lineup upon his return.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Javier Baez Carted Off on Tuesday With Apparent Lower-Leg Injury
Detroit Tigers utility man Javier Baez (lower leg) was carted off from his team's game against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night after an awkward slide into first base. While the extent of the injury is not yet known, Tigers beat writer Chris McCosky reports that Baez appeared to be unable to put any weight on his right leg/ankle. The 33-year-old was hitless in two at-bats before leaving the game against Atlanta. Across his first 86 plate appearances of 2026, Baez was hitting .256/.280/.397 with two home runs, six RBI, 10 runs scored, and a stolen base. With Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows (arm) currently on the 60-day injured list due to a broken radius bone, Baez has been seeing more time in center field in Detroit. If Baez is forced to miss time, top Tigers outfield prospect Max Clark could be the next man up in Detroit. UPDATE: Baez will undergo an MRI exam on his right ankle.
Source: Chris McCosky
Source: Chris McCosky
Casey Mize Exits Early on Tuesday Due to Groin Tightness
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (groin) was forced to exit early from his start on Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves due to groin tightness, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Before getting injured, Mize allowed three hits and two earned runs while walking one and striking out three across 2 1/3 innings of work. The 28-year-old has gotten off to a strong start to the 2026 season, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.90 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 35 strikeouts across 31 innings (six starts). The extent of Mize's injury is not yet clear, but a trip to the injured list appears to be a possibility. If Mize were to miss time, Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long could be the favorite to take his spot in the Detroit rotation.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold
Is Louis Varland Toronto's Clear No. 1 Closer?
Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Louis Varland picked up his fourth save of the year in the team's 3-0 shutout win over the visiting Boston Red Sox on Tuesday and is positioning himself as the team's primary closer after right-hander Jeff Hoffman was recently demoted from the closer's role due to his ongoing struggles. Varland, 28, struck out the side in his inning of work to close things out at the Rogers Centre on Tuesday. The former 15th-round pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2019 out of Concordia University in Minnesota came into Tuesday's action with a microscopic 0.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 23 strikeouts, and only four walks in his 15 innings of work out of the bullpen. So far, Varland has been a perfect 4-for-4 with his save opportunities. With Hoffman not guaranteed to reclaim the closer role if he begins to turn things around, Varland is absolutely worth a waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers in need of saves. He's only rostered in 53% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
George Lombard Jr. Being Promoted to Triple-A
New York Yankees infield prospect George Lombard Jr. is being promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, according to Jack Curry of YES Network. The Yankees have believed that Lombard is ready for the majors from a defensive standpoint, but they will now monitor how he progresses offensively at the highest minor-league level. Curry adds that the expectation is that Lombard will play some shortstop and third base at Triple-A. The 20-year-old former 26th overall pick in 2023 got the promotion to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after going 24-for-74 (.324) with four home runs, 10 RBI, 18 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 87 plate appearances over 19 games at Double-A Somerset to begin the 2026 season. Lombard has always been one of the youngest players at every level, and he still has plenty of time to mature and access more raw power from his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame. Per MLB Pipeline, Lombard is New York's top prospect. Unless Lombard just absolutely kills it at the plate in Triple-A, it's more likely that he'll make his major-league debut for the Yankees in 2027.
Source: YES Network - Jack Curry
Source: YES Network - Jack Curry
Junior Caminero Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (jaw) was forced from Tuesday's game in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians with a right-jaw contusion after fouling a ball off the right side of his face, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The good news is that Caminero's injury isn't serious, and he's considered day-to-day. In his only at-bat before leaving, Caminero was 0-for-1 at the plate. Ben Williamson entered the game for the Rays to play second base, with Richie Palacios shifting over to the hot corner. It doesn't sound like Caminero will be forced to the injured list with this injury, but he could be held out of Wednesday's series finale against Cleveland as a precaution. Fantasy managers will want to check back then to see if he's back in the starting lineup for Tampa. The 22-year-old Dominican broke out in 2025 in his first full year in the big leagues, slashing .264/.311/.535 with 45 home runs, 110 RBI, and seven stolen bases in 154 games played. He is a must-start anytime he's in the Rays' lineup in traditional leagues. Coming into Tuesday's game, Caminero had gone 29-for-112 (.259) with eight homers and 15 RBI in his 28 games.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Justin Steele Won't Return Until After the All-Star Break
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that left-hander Justin Steele's (elbow) flexor strain in his left elbow will keep him out of the team's starting rotation until after the All-Star break in mid-July, according to Taylor McGregor of the Marquee Sports Network. The Cubs were originally hoping that Steele could return from the injured list in early June. Unfortunately, Steele had a setback during his rehab on Tuesday and will miss the entire first half of 2026. The 30-year-old southpaw is on the 60-day IL at the moment. Fantasy managers are obviously going to need to be patient with Steele this year. He's currently rostered in only 16% of Yahoo leagues, and fantasy managers in mixed leagues should now be considering whether to continue stashing him for the rest of the first half of the season. Steele was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and was solid again in 2024, but he only made four starts with the Cubbies last year before having UCL revision surgery in April.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Pete Fairbanks Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Miami Marlins right-handed closer Pete Fairbanks (thumb) is going on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday with nerve irritation, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. The Marlins are hoping that he'll be out for just 15 days. Fairbanks was ineffective in a save opportunity on Monday night in the loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers and was pulled from his outing early after losing feeling in his right hand. It's a similar issue to what he dealt with in April of 2024, when he landed on the IL with the Tampa Bay Rays. Back then, he ended up missing three weeks of action. Miami is hoping it won't be as long this time around, but fantasy managers need to plan for the worst. Fairbanks had five saves and a bloated 10.00 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in his first nine innings for Miami in 2026, but he also secured five saves and has 80 saves since the start of the 2023 campaign. With Fairbanks sidelined for at least the next two weeks, expect the Fish to use a closer-by-committee that could feature any of Anthony Bender, Andrew Nardi, Tyler Phillips, and Calvin Faucher.
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Manny Machado Out After Suffering Calf Cramping on Monday
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (calf) is not in the team's starting lineup on Tuesday for Game 2 of the series at Petco Park against the visiting Chicago Cubs, according to MLB.com. Jake Cronenworth is starting at the hot corner and will bat ninth for the Friars, with Fernando Tatis Jr. playing second base for a second straight day and batting out of the two-hole versus Cubs right-hander Edward Cabrera. Bryce Johnson is making the start for SD in right field with Tatis back on the dirt in the infield. The 33-year-old veteran was pulled from Monday's win over the Cubs early as a precaution due to calf cramping, and he's available off the bench on Tuesday. The Padres are giving the star third baseman an extra day of rest, but he's expected to be fine, and he could return as early as Wednesday's game against the Cubbies. Machado got off to a cold start offensively in 2026, but he hit two home runs on Sunday in Mexico City and had doubled twice on Monday night before leaving with his calf injury, perhaps signaling that he's on the verge of breaking out with April nearing an end. Check back on Wednesday to see if Machado is ready to play in the series finale against the Cubs.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Maikel Garcia Returning for Royals on Tuesday
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (elbow) is back at the hot corner and is hitting leadoff for Tuesday's game against the Athletics and right-hander Aaron Civale in Sacramento, according to MLB.com. It will be Garcia's first game back since missing three games with right-elbow cramps. However, the 26-year-old did come off the bench for two plate appearances in Sunday's contest. Now that he's back in action, fantasy managers will want to return him to their starting lineups. The Venezuelan third baseman is a fine DFS option for Tuesday's slate as well at hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park. After earning All-Star honors for the first time in 2025 in his fourth year in the majors, Garcia is off to a .263 (26-for-99) start at the plate this year with two home runs, 10 RBI, 15 runs scored, and two stolen bases in his 112 plate appearances across 26 games played. Garcia has hit .133 with a .266 OPS and one RBI in 15 career at-bats against Civale, but don't let that stop you from starting him in his return to the starting nine.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
