RADIO
Ryan Helsley Could Begin Throwing Later This Week
Baltimore Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) will be re-evaluated later this week to determine if he is ready to resume throwing, per Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Helsley was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday due to elbow discomfort, but an MRI on the elbow came back clean. The 31-year-old was off to a strong start to his first season in Baltimore before getting injured, pitching to a 2.53 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with 15 strikeouts and 7 saves across 10 2/3 innings. If Helsley continues to progress without any further setbacks, he may have a chance to return from the injured list as soon as he's eligible in mid-May. In his absence, Orioles right-hander Rico Garcia looks like the favorite to see save opportunities in Baltimore.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jacob Calvin Meyer
Walker Jenkins Diagnosed with Grade 2 AC Joint Sprain
Minnesota Twins outfield prospect Walker Jenkins (shoulder) has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder and will be re-evaluated in 10 days to further determine his return timeline, per Dan Hayes of The Athletic. Jenkins suffered the injury by colliding with the outfield wall while playing in a game with Triple-A St. Paul on Sunday. The 21-year-old is widely considered one of the best prospects in all of baseball and was hitting .256/.396/.389 with two home runs, nine RBI, 15 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 111 plate appearances at Triple-A before getting injured. While it's still possible that Jenkins will make his MLB debut in 2026, this injury will undoubtedly set him back. Fantasy managers should check back in 10 days once Jenkins is given a firmer return timeline.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Source: The Athletic - Dan Hayes
Grayson Rodriguez Throws 60 Pitches in Simulated Game
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (shoulder) has taken the next step in his rehab, as he threw 60 pitches in a four-inning simulated game on April 30. The 26-year-old is working his way back from shoulder inflammation that has prevented him from taking the MLB mound so far in 2026. The next step for Rodriguez is likely to go out on a minor league rehab assignment, which would potentially put him a few weeks away from making his return to the big leagues. Rodriguez is no stranger to injury troubles, as he missed the entire 2025 season with lat and elbow issues. However, he was a productive pitcher in 2024, recording a 3.86 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 130 strikeouts across 116 2/3 innings with the Baltimore Orioles. While health is obviously a major concern for Rodriguez, he remains a worthy upside bet off the waiver wire for deeper-league fantasy managers once activated by the Angels.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Addison Barger Could Rejoin Blue Jays as Soon as Wednesday
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that third baseman/outfielder Addison Barger (ankles) could make his return to the big leagues as soon as Wednesday, per Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Bannon reports that a return on Friday has been characterized as the "worst-case scenario" for Barger. The 26-year-old is currently on a rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin while he works his way back from injuries to both of his ankles. Barger got off to a rough start to his 2026 season before getting injured, hitting .053/.174/.105 with two RBI and a run scored in a small sample size of 23 plate appearances. However, he hit 21 home runs in 502 plate appearances for Toronto in 2025, and mashed right-handed pitching to a .788 OPS. Once healthy, Barger should see playing time in the corner outfield for the Blue Jays and could be worth adding off the waiver wire for fantasy managers.
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Source: The Athletic - Mitch Bannon
Eugenio Suarez Does Some Baseball Activities on Monday
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that third baseman Eugenio Suarez (oblique) was scheduled to take grounders on the field on Monday and flips in the cage, according to Charlie Goldsmith of FOX 19. Suarez will get an MRI exam in Cincinnati coming up. If the Reds like what they see from Suarez's MRI later this week, the 34-year-old veteran could be cleared to go on a minor-league rehab assignment. He's currently on the 10-day injured list with a left-oblique strain, and the Reds are bringing the right-handed slugger along slowly. The Venezuelan third baseman has had at least 30 home runs and 101 RBI in each of his last two seasons, and he tied his career-high with 49 long balls in 2025 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Seattle Mariners in 159 total games. Suarez swings and misses plenty, though, so he will not help your batting average. In 25 games in his return to Cincy this year, Suarez has hit .231 (21-for-91) with three home runs, 11 RBI, and 10 runs scored. Barring a setback, Suarez should return to the Reds by mid-May.
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Source: FOX 19 - Charlie Goldsmith
Brendan Donovan to Start a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
Seattle Mariners infielder Brendan Donovan (groin) isn't expected to be activated on the team's six-game homestand, but he will take part in a two-game minor-league rehab assignment at Double-A Arkansas, beginning on Tuesday, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. If that goes well, Donovan will be activated on Friday, May 8, in Chicago to face the White Sox. He went through an extensive pre-game workout that included agility, fielding, and hitting drills last Friday. Donovan suggested that his groin issue will need to be monitored long-term, and it's likely related to the sports-hernia surgery he had last October. The 29-year-old German native didn't exactly look limited offensively in his first 56 at-bats with the Mariners before landing on the 10-day injured list, as he was hitting .304 (17-for-56) with three homers, eight RBI, seven runs scored, and a stolen base in 18 games played. Donovan doesn't provide much power or speed, but he's useful for his elite contact skills and counting stats in a strong Mariners lineup when he's healthy.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Sonny Gray "Still Checking Some Boxes"
The Boston Red Sox's scheduled starter for Wednesday's game against the Detroit Tigers is still to be determined, but right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) is "still checking some boxes," interim manager Chad Tracy said. Gray is eligible to be reinstated from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday. He threw a three-inning live batting practice session on Friday and came out of it feeling good, but he had another bullpen scheduled for Monday. "See how he comes out of that (bullpen) physically," Tracy said, "and then we'll make our decision on that day when it gets closer." Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett could make another start for the BoSox on Wednesday in the series finale against the Tigers if the Red Sox want to wait a little longer to activate Gray. The 36-year-old veteran will have a rotation spot waiting for him when he's ready, though, and he can still be a useful back-end fantasy starter in the right matchups despite a less-than-stellar strikeout rate at this point in his career. Through his first five starts in 2026, Gray is 2-1 with a 4.30 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched. He's currently rostered in 88% of Yahoo leagues despite being on the IL.
Source: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey
Source: The Athletic - Jen McCaffrey
Carlos Estevez Expected to Begin a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday
The Kansas City Royals are anticipating right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (foot) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday. Estevez only made one appearance for the Royals before being hit in the foot by a comebacker and going on the 15-day injured list with a left-foot contusion, but he's nearing a return to the big-league bullpen and could be back with the club this week. The 33-year-old veteran had a league-high 42 saves and was an All-Star for the second time in his career in 2025 in his first year with the Royals, but his velocity was noticeably down during spring training, and he was lit up for six earned runs on four hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out none in one-third of an inning in his only appearance so far this year before going on the IL. Lucas Erceg has been up and down as the Royals' fill-in closer with Estevez on the shelf, so the veteran reliever may regain closer duties upon his return from the IL. Fantasy managers searching for saves could take a flier on Estevez in hopes that he can regain some velocity and turn things around in 2026. He's only rostered in 64% of Yahoo leagues currently.
Source: Kansas City Royals
Source: Kansas City Royals
Gerrit Cole to Make his Fourth Rehab Start on Tuesday
New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) is scheduled to make his fourth minor-league rehab start on Tuesday, May 5, for High-A Hudson Valley, according to MLB.com. Cole made his third rehab start on April 29, going 5 2/3 innings while throwing 60 pitches and sitting at 93-96 mph with his fastball. Overall in his three rehab starts, the 35-year-old former American League Cy Young winner has a bloated 5.02 ERA and 0.84 WHIP with 10 strikeouts and only one walk in 14 1/3 innings pitched. Cole has been hurt by the long ball (four homers allowed) while on the farm, but otherwise, he's looked good and has slowly built up his pitch count as he looks to return to the Yankees' starting rotation. He's recovering from Tommy John surgery that kept him out for the entire 2025 campaign. There's a chance that Cole's rehab outing on Tuesday could be his last before he's reinstated from the 15-day injured list. The former first overall pick will be eased back into New York's rotation after his long layoff, but he's worth stashing in all fantasy leagues to see if he can return to ace form for the second half of the season. Right now, he's only rostered in 84% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yainer Diaz Scratched From Monday's Lineup With Abdominal Injury
Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz (abdomen) was scratched from the lineup for Monday's series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers with a left-abdominal injury, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Christian Vazquez entered the lineup in place of Diaz to catch left-hander Steven Okert, and he was put in the nine-hole in the batting order. Diaz's status is now worth watching going into Game 2 of the series in Houston against the Dodgers on Tuesday. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. The 27-year-old Dominican backstop is the Astros' primary catcher, and he entered Monday's action hitting .248 (25-for-101) with two home runs, five doubles, 14 RBI, and seven runs scored across his first 26 games of 2026. He's gone hitless in his last two games, but since April 19, Diaz has gone 14-for-42 (.333) with a homer, four doubles, five RBI, and three runs scored in a span of 11 games played. Vazquez would become Houston's go-to catcher if Diaz's abdominal injury is serious enough to land him on the injured list. Diaz is rostered in 56% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Source: MLB.com - Brian McTaggart
Roman Anthony Pulled Early on Monday After Tweaking his Wrist
Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (wrist) was forced from Monday's series opener against the Detroit Tigers early after tweaking his wrist in his first at-bat on a swing, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. Masataka Yoshida replaced Anthony in left field. The 21-year-old Anthony should be considered day-to-day for now, but fantasy managers will want to check back for an update on his status after Boston's game against Detroit. So far in 2026, Anthony has been a disappointment for fantasy managers, as he entered Monday's contest with the Tigers with a .231/.357/.324 slash line, .681 OPS, only one home run, five RBI, 12 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 29 games across 129 plate appearances. He was one of the top prospects in all of baseball in 2025 before getting called up for his major-league debut. Before an injury ended his season early in September, Anthony was living up to expectations with a .292/.396/.463 slash line, eight home runs, 32 RBI, and four steals in his first 71 big-league games. UPDATE: X-rays on Anthony's right wrist came back negative, but he will fly to Boston on Tuesday to visit with a hand specialist.
Source: MLB.com - Ian Browne
Source: MLB.com - Ian Browne
Braves Reinstate Sean Murphy From Injured List on Monday
The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they reinstated catcher Sean Murphy (hip) from the 10-day injured list and designated catcher Jonah Heim for assignment in a corresponding move. Murphy is making his 2026 season debut in Monday's series opener against the hosting Seattle Mariners and right-hander Logan Gilbert, doing the catching for rookie right-hander JR Ritchie and batting seventh in the order. The 31-year-old veteran backstop should be rostered in more than the 1% of Yahoo leagues he's currently rostered in, as he should play regularly for Atlanta between catcher and designated hitter. He went just 8-for-43 (.186) with no home runs, four RBI, four walks, and 12 strikeouts during his 13-game minor-league rehab assignment, so fantasy managers might want to temper expectations for Murphy early on. Murphy is still worth taking a chance on in hopes he can rediscover his power stroke after having offseason hip surgery. He had 82 total home runs in his last five seasons.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Michael Harris II Missing Second Straight Game on Monday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (quadriceps) is missing a second straight game on Monday in the series opener in Seattle against the Mariners, according to MLB.com. Harris missed a couple of games late last week with a left-quadriceps injury before returning to Saturday's contest against the Colorado Rockies as the designated hitter. Apparently, he's had a setback, though, as he's now sitting for a second straight game to begin the new week. Mauricio Dubon will start in center field for Atlanta and will hit cleanup for the Braves on Monday against Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert. Consider Harris day-to-day for now, but if he doesn't improve soon, he could land on the 10-day injured list to allow his quad injury to fully heal. Fantasy managers are just hoping the quad injury doesn't interrupt Harris' hot hitting at the plate. Through 32 games in 2026, he's slashing .321/.354/.557 with a .911 OPS, seven home runs, 22 RBI, 13 runs scored, and two stolen bases across 113 plate appearances. Harris had his first 20-20 campaign in 2025 and has had exactly 20 stolen bases in three of his four seasons in the big leagues. UPDATE: Harris is being considered day-to-day.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jhoan Duran to Come Off the Injured List on Tuesday
Philadelphia Phillies right-handed closer Jhoan Duran (oblique), who has been out since April 11 with a strained muscle in his left side, will come off the 15-day injured list on Tuesday "unless something weird happens," interim manager Don Mattingly told Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Phillies will clear Duran to rejoin the back end of their big-league bullpen early this week after he looked good during a bullpen session over the weekend. Fantasy managers need to keep in mind that Duran will be skipping a minor-league rehab assignment, but they should still put him back into their starting lineups for Tuesday's series opener at home against the Athletics. Duran is one of the better closers in the league, and he was sporting a 1.35 ERA with eight strikeouts, no walks, and five saves for the Phillies in 6 2/3 innings before landing on the IL. Right-hander Brad Keller, who served as Philly's fill-in closer with Duran sidelined, will revert to a high-leverage setup role now that Duran is returning.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Jeremy Pena Could Start Rehab Assignment This Weekend
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (hamstring) could start a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Pena appears close to rejoining the Astros after being shut down in the middle of April with a Grade 1 right-hamstring strain. It's been an injury-plagued 2026 season for Pena so far, as he recovered from a fractured finger just in time for Opening Day in late March. The 28-year-old Dominican shortstop will return to starting duties at the 6 for Houston when he's activated, making him worth stashing everywhere. He's currently rostered in 81% of Yahoo fantasy baseball leagues. In 43 at-bats before tweaking his hamstring, Pena had 11 hits (no homers), no RBI, five runs scored, and an RBI. When he returns, veteran Carlos Correa is expected to shift back to the hot corner, which will make regular playing time harder to come by for Isaac Paredes. Pena was a first-time All-Star in 2025, slashing .304/.363/.477 with an .840 OPS, 17 homers, 62 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and 68 runs scored in 125 games.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
