RADIO
Joe Ryan Exits Early from Start on Sunday Due to Elbow Soreness
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (elbow) was forced to exit early from his start on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays due to elbow soreness, per Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Ryan faced just two batters before being removed from the game, recording a walk and a strikeout. While the exact nature of Ryan's injury is not yet clear, any elbow issue for a pitcher is obviously a major cause for concern. Entering play on Sunday, Ryan had posted a 2-3 record with a 3.76 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts across 38 1/3 innings (seven starts). Any absence for Ryan would be a significant blow for both fantasy managers and the Twins. Should Ryan miss time, Minnesota right-hander Zebby Matthews could be in line for a promotion from Triple-A to the big league rotation.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Betsy Helfand
Garrett Crochet Plays Catch on Sunday
Boston Red Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet (shoulder) played catch on Sunday for the first time after a brief no-throw period, according to Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. The early signs continue to be positive for Crochet, but the Red Sox continue to preach caution/patience with the All-Star hurler. The good news for Crochet started when an MRI exam on his left shoulder didn't show anything other than inflammation, although he couldn't avoid a trip to the 15-day injured list. The 26-year-old southpaw probably won't have an extended absence, although fantasy managers also shouldn't expect him to be ready to rejoin Boston's starting rotation when his 15 days are up on May 12. Shoulder issues could be the reason why the two-time All-Star hasn't looked quite like himself early in the 2026 season. Crochet is 3-3 with a 6.30 ERA (4.35 FIP) and 1.47 WHIP with 37 strikeouts and 11 walks in 30 innings over his six starts. Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett got the first shot to replace Crochet in the team's starting rotation, and he delivered with a win and just one earned run allowed with three K's in five innings on Friday against the Astros. Crochet should not be dropped in any leagues while he rebuilds strength in his left shoulder.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Cubs Reinstate Daniel Palencia From the Injured List on Sunday
The Chicago Cubs reinstated right-handed closer Daniel Palencia (lat) from the 15-day injured list and designated pitcher Yacksel Rios for assignment in a corresponding move on Sunday before their series finale against the D-backs, according to Taylor McGregor of the Marquee Sports Network. Palencia was initially expected to return for the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, but instead, the Cubs sent him on a short minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa. The 26-year-old Venezuelan hurler threw two-thirds of an inning with Iowa on Friday and is now back in Chicago's big-league bullpen. The Cubs could decide to ease Palencia back in after he recovered from a lat strain, but there's no question that he will be the team's primary closer now that he's healthy. Before his injury, Palencia had one save and five strikeouts in five shutout innings, and he had a career-high 22 saves for the team in 2025. Pick him up immediately if he's available in your fantasy league. He's rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Source: Marquee Sports Network - Taylor McGregor
Braves Place Ronald Acuna Jr. on Injured List With Strained Hamstring
The Atlanta Braves announced on Sunday that they placed star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list with a strained left hamstring. In a corresponding move, the team added outfielder Jose Azocar to the major-league roster. Acuna was pulled from Saturday's win over the Colorado Rockies early at Coors Field with left-hamstring tightness. The 28-year-old former MVP and five-time All-Star pulled up lame while running to first base and was removed from the game after manager Walt Weiss and a trainer came to check on him. It's unclear how long Acuna will be out, but regardless, it's a major blow to the Braves and for fantasy managers. In Acuna's absence, both Eli White and Mauricio Dubon could see more playing time in the outfield in Atlanta. Dubon is the more attractive fantasy option, but only in deeper leagues for the added playing time. Acuna heads to the IL with a .252/.362/.378 slash line, .740 OPS, two home runs, nine RBI, seven stolen bases, and 17 runs scored in 34 games. The numbers don't stand out, especially for Acuna's high standards, but the five-category contributor is an obvious must-stash while he recovers.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Nick Lodolo Expected to Make Season Debut on Friday
Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (finger) is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut on Friday at home at Great American Ballpark against the Houston Astros, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer. The 28-year-old southpaw convinced the Reds that he is ready to rejoin the big-league starting rotation after he gave up two earned runs while walking two and striking out six in 4 1/3 innings for Triple-A Louisville on Saturday in his third minor-league rehab start. Lodolo has been on the IL since Opening Day due to a recurring blister issue on his left index finger, but he looks to have put it behind him. The former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of TCU looked great in his three rehab starts, allowing just two earned runs while walking two and fanning 17 in 12 innings of work with Louisville, Single-A Dayton, and High-A Dayton. For his high-strikeout upside, Lodolo deserves to be rostered everywhere. He will be a more dicey fantasy play in his season debut on Friday against Houston, but he should be rostered in most fantasy leagues with his return on the horizon. Lodolo is rostered in 88% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon Wittenmyer
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Gordon Wittenmyer
Logan Henderson Recalled to Start on Sunday
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Logan Henderson was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Sunday and will start the team's series finale against the Washington Nationals, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Henderson will fill the team's starting rotation spot vacated by veteran right-hander Brandon Woodruff (shoulder), at least temporarily. The 24-year-old made a start during the team's doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals back on April 4 and struggled, allowing two earned runs on three hits while walking one and striking out three in just two innings of work. Henderson otherwise spent the first month of the 2026 campaign at Nashville, where he allowed only two earned runs on 12 hits while walking nine and striking out 26 in 17 2/3 frames over five outings (three starts). With Henderson potentially sticking in the Brewers' rotation for the foreseeable future if he handles himself well, he's worth consideration as a waiver-wire pickup for fantasy managers in need of starting arms. Henderson is only rostered in 17% of Yahoo leagues. In his five starts in his first taste of the majors in 2025, Henderson had a sparkling 1.78 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 33 K's and only eight walks in his five starts.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Connor Prielipp is Offering Deep League Value After Another Solid Outing
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Connor Prielipp has been a consistent option for the team over the last few weeks. Prielipp took the mound for his third start of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. He tossed five innings, allowing three earned runs on two hits while striking out four batters. The rookie southpaw owns a 3.86 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and a 15/5 K/BB ratio across three starts. He has held his opponents to under three earned runs in each of his first three starts. Prielipp could be worth a look in deep leagues for as long as he sticks on the big league roster.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Carlos Cortes is Quickly Gaining Traction
Athletics outfielder Carlos Cortes has quickly gained fantasy value with his red-hot start to the season. Over the last two weeks, Cortes is 20-for-40 at the plate with three home runs and seven RBI. During that span, Cortes was just shy of top-30 value, which is quite impressive. The only downside is that Cortes is likely going to continue being a platoon bat going forward. That means he'll basically only start against right-handed pitching. Despite that, Cortes is still worth rostering in at least deep leagues at the moment. He brings enough upside with the bat to outweigh the fact that he's strictly a platoon bat.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Noah Schultz is Gaining Value After Another Quality Outing
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Noah Schultz turned in another solid performance versus the San Diego Padres on Friday. The southpaw tossed six shutout innings, allowing two hits, three walks, and struck out two batters. Schultz has now allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his first four career starts. The command still needs improvement, but Schultz has pitched well overall during his first few big league starts. His next start is projected to come against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. Schultz has been consistent enough over his last three starts that he warrants a look as a streaming option.
Source: Baseball Reference
Source: Baseball Reference
Cal Raleigh Dealing with General Soreness, Required Imaging
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (soreness) was scratched ahead of Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals. The team has been vague about the injury and is calling it general soreness. Raleigh did need to undergo imaging, so this might be something that requires a stint on the Injured List. Mitch Garver drew the start behind the plate on Saturday. He figures to see the bulk of the playing time at catcher if Raleigh does miss time. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status.
Source: Ryan Divish
Source: Ryan Divish
Ronny Mauricio is Placed on 10-Day Injured List
New York Mets shortstop Ronny Mauricio (thumb) will be placed on the 10-day Injured List after suffering a fractured left thumb during Saturday's game. He suffered the injury while diving into first base on an infield hit. This is a tough break for the Mets, who are already without Francisco Lindor (calf) right now. The expectation is that Bo Bichette will slide over to shortstop, and Brett Baty will take over at the hot corner. The Mets haven't given a timetable on Mauricio, but he wasn't much of a fantasy option anyway. Baty could see an uptick in value with him likely getting everyday at-bats now.
Source: Anthony DiComo
Source: Anthony DiComo
Arjun Nimmala Promoted to Double-A
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop prospect Arjun Nimmala has been promoted to Double-A New Hampshire, according to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. He had been hitting the ball quite well at High-A so far this season, slashing .241/.360/.482 with four home runs, 19 RBI, and 133 wRC+ as a member of the Vancouver Canadiens. A first-round pick back in 2023, Nimmala has a power-oriented swing but still makes enough contact to avoid being a major strikeout liability. Defensively, he plays well enough to project as a future everyday shortstop in the major leagues. His MLB debut is still a while away, but being promoted to Double-A is certainly a step in the right direction. Nimmala ranks #22 among shortstop prospects in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: Jonathan Mayo
Source: Jonathan Mayo
Gleyber Torres Exits Due to Left Side Tightness
Detroit Tigers second baseman Gleyber Torres (side) exited after the third inning of Saturday's game against the Texas Rangers. He was diagnosed with left side tightness, and he will undergo further evaluation. Torres' final at-bat came in the second inning, but he played the entire third inning on defense before being lifted for Hao-Yu Lee. At the time of his departure, the veteran infielder had gone 2-for-2 with a pair of singles and an RBI. In total this season, he's slashing .259/.389/.328 with two homers, two doubles, and 11 RBI. The power isn't very prominent, but he's been an on-base machine with more walks (17.4% walk rate) than strikeouts (15.3% strikeout rate). Torres currently ranks #19 among second basemen in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
Source: Chris McCosky
Source: Chris McCosky
Cal Raleigh Scratched From Lineup, No Reason Given
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (undisclosed) was scratched from the starting lineup prior to the first pitch of Saturday's game against the Kansas City Royals. Raleigh had been slated to bat second, and he was replaced by catcher Mitch Garver, who hit eighth. The Mariners didn't provide a reason for Raleigh's absence, but it could be injury-related. After all, the team promoted catcher Jhonny Pereda on Saturday. With Garver already on the roster, it seems unlikely that the Mariners would need Pereda on the 26-man roster if Raleigh were healthy enough to play. Fans and fantasy managers will hope to receive additional updates from the team on Saturday night or Sunday morning. It's been a rough start to the year for last year's AL MVP runner-up. He has seven homers through 33 games, but he's slashing just .186/.272/.380 with 86 wRC+ and a 29.3% strikeout rate. For now, the 29-year-old still ranks #1 among catchers in RotoBaller's latest 2026 fantasy baseball rankings.
Source: Seattle Mariners
Source: Seattle Mariners
Jackson Chourio Removed for Precautionary Reasons
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio (hand, foot) exited during the third inning of Saturday's rehab assignment at the Triple-A level. Chourio is working his way back from a hairline fracture in his left hand, so fans and fantasy managers held their breath after he fouled a ball off his foot and left the game. Fortunately, the Brewers announced that Chourio was lifted from the game for precautionary reasons. It doesn't sound like the foot injury is serious, and it shouldn't create any setbacks or delays in his recovery from the hand injury. Chourio has spent more than a month on the injured list, and while he's eligible to remain on rehab assignment until late May, it seems likely that he'll return sooner than that point. He hasn't played in the majors since last season, when he slashed .270/.308/.463 with 21 homers, 21 steals, and 111 wRC+. Despite the injury, he currently ranks #10 among outfielders in RotoBaller's latest fantasy baseball rankings for 2026.
Source: Curt Hogg
Source: Curt Hogg
