RADIO
Ben Rice Exits Sunday's Contest with Left Hand Contusion
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (hand) exited Sunday's contest against the Baltimore Orioles with a left hand contusion. According to Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network, Rice sustained this injury on a pickoff attempt while playing first base. His X-rays were negative, and the team currently views the young slugger as day-to-day. Managers should continue to pay close attention to his status ahead of their match against the Orioles on Monday and the start of their next series against the Rangers, which begins on Tuesday evening. Before exiting, Rice went 2-for-2 with a solo shot and a double. Overall, Rice has launched 12 long balls and is emerging as one of the top first basemen and catchers in fantasy. While he remains out, veteran Paul Goldschmidt should see most of the opportunities at first base.
Source: Meredith Marakovits
Source: Meredith Marakovits
Ronny Mauricio Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks With Broken Thumb
New York Mets infielder Ronny Mauricio (thumb) will get a CT scan on his broken thumb, and his tentative timeline is six to eight weeks, according to Laura Albanese of Newsday. Manager Carlos Mendoza said the situation at shortstop going forward will be fluid. Bo Bichette is making the start at the 6 on Sunday in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels and is batting leadoff against right-hander Jack Kochanowicz, while Brett Baty starts at third and bats cleanup. The Mets put Mauricio on the 10-day injured list on Sunday after fracturing his left thumb in Saturday's loss to the Angels when he dove back into first base. With All-Star Francisco Lindor (calf) already on the IL with a calf strain, the Mets have called up veteran infielder Vidal Brujan from the minors. In addition to Bichette, Brujan could make some starts at shortstop for the Mets, but he probably won't see enough regular playing time to be worth an add off the waiver wire in mixed fantasy leagues. Mauricio is drop-worthy for any managers who picked him up for infield depth when Lindor went on the shelf.
Source: Newsday - Laura Albanese
Source: Newsday - Laura Albanese
Nico Hoerner Recovers From Neck Injury, Returns to Sunday's Lineup
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (neck) returned to the team's starting lineup on Sunday for the series finale at Wrigley Field against the Arizona Diamondbacks and right-hander Merrill Kelly, according to MLB.com. Hoerner missed Saturday's game against Arizona after being pulled from Friday's game early with tightness on the left side of his neck. The injury obviously wasn't too serious, as the star second baseman is back in the lineup after missing just one game. When active, Hoerner has been a must-start in all traditional fantasy baseball lineups as Chicago's table-setter. The 28-year-old former 24th overall pick in 2018 out of Stanford has always been a high-end contact hitter, but he's doing more in 2026, as he entered Sunday's game with a .297/.374/.461 slash line, .835 OPS, four home runs, 26 RBI, 17 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in his 32 games played.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Yusei Kikuchi Placed on 15-Day Injured List Due to Shoulder Inflammation
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (shoulder) has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left shoulder inflammation, retroactive to April 30. Left-hander Tayler Saucedo will replace Kikuchi on the Angels' active roster. Kikuchi has gotten off to a rough start to the 2026 season, posting a 0-3 record with a 5.81 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts across 31 innings (seven starts). The 34-year-old's .352 opponent batting average on balls in play and 65.5% strand rate both point to some poor luck. Still, Kikuchi's 13.4% K-BB rate does not inspire much confidence, and it's possible that this shoulder issue may have been impacting his performance all season. With Kikuchi sidelined, right-hander George Klassen could be in line for a promotion from Triple-A to the Angels' starting rotation.
Source: Los Angeles Angels
Source: Los Angeles Angels
Ronald Acuna Jr. Diagnosed With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (hamstring) is dealing with a Grade 1 left-hamstring strain, manager Walt Weiss told Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. While it's great news that Acuna's strain is minor, Bishop cautions that his injury could linger, and Acuna coming off the 10-day injured list when he's eligible will be a best-case scenario. Acuna strained his hamstring running to first base in Saturday's win over the Colorado Rockies in Denver, and he'll now be forced to miss at least the next week and a half. All things considered, it's about the best possible news that fantasy managers could have hoped for with Acuna, who has suffered ACL tears in both of his knees in past seasons. There's no current timetable for the perennial All-Star's return to Atlanta, he'll be a must-stash in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues. In the meantime, both Mauricio Dubon and Eli White should see more playing time in the Braves' outfield.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Chad Bishop
Brice Turang Under the Weather on Sunday
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (illness) was scratched from Sunday's lineup against the hosting Washington Nationals due to an illness, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Infielder David Hamilton will slide over from third base to second base, while Luis Rengifo entered the lineup at third base and is leading off against Nationals left-hander PJ Poulin. Fantasy managers will need to check back on Monday to see if Turang is feeling good enough to return to the starting lineup for Monday's series opener on the road against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals. The 26-year-old former 21st overall pick in 2018 remains a must-start in traditional fantasy lineups when he's active, as he's hit .291 (32-for-110) so far in 2026 with four home runs, 20 RBI, 27 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 30 games played. Turang is currently riding a modest five-game hitting streak, in which he's gone 8-for-17 with three doubles, two RBI, and seven runs scored in 23 plate appearances.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Vidal Brujan Recalled by Mets
Veteran infielder Vidal Brujan has been called up by the New York Mets, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Brujan is replacing infielder Ronny Mauricio (thumb) on the Mets roster, with Mauricio headed to the injured list due to a broken left thumb. Across 94 plate appearances split between the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and Atlanta Braves in 2025, Brujan hit .253/.305/.310 with zero home runs, eight RBI, 14 runs scored, and two stolen bases. He's put together a similarly anemic line across 92 Triple-A plate appearances so far this season, hitting .241/.304/.313 with one home run, seven RBI, 11 runs scored, and five stolen bases. Brujan could be in line for some playing time on the left side of the infield in New York with both Mauricio and Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf) on the injured list. Still, he should be avoided by fantasy managers in all but the deepest of leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Cal Raleigh Considered Day-to-Day With Soreness in his Side
Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson said that catcher Cal Raleigh (side) is considered day-to-day while he battles soreness in his side, per Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Kramer also reports that Raleigh is planning to go through pre-game drills on Sunday after he was scratched from the Mariners' lineup on Saturday. Coming off his 60-homer campaign in 2025, Raleigh is off to a bit of a slow start in 2026. Across 147 plate appearances, the 29-year-old is hitting .182/.272/.380 with seven home runs, 18 RBI, 13 runs scored, and two stolen bases. Raleigh's hard-hit rate is down from 49.6% to 30.7%, while his strikeout rate has risen from 26.7% to 29.3%. Still, the switch-hitting catcher owns an above-average 13.6% barrel rate and remains one of the most dangerous power hitters in baseball. It appears that Raleigh has a chance to avoid the injured list, although more information may be available later today. Mitch Garver started behind the plate and batted eighth in Raleigh's absence on Saturday.
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
Source: MLB.com - Daniel Kramer
X-Rays Negative on Jackson Chourio's Ankle/Foot
X-rays came back negative on Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio's ankle/foot on Saturday night after he fouled a ball off himself during a minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Nashville, according to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It's now unclear if Chourio will be reinstated from the 10-day injured list to make his 2026 season debut early next week against the St. Louis Cardinals. Even if Chourio doesn't return during the series against the Cardinals, he shouldn't be far off from returning to the Brewers' big-league roster after having surgery to fix a broken hamate bone in his hand before the start of the regular season. The 22-year-old remains a must-stash in all fantasy baseball leagues for his multi-category potential and high-end power/speed upside. The Brewers should have another health update on Chourio on Monday. In his first two years in the majors, Chourio has produced plenty for fantasy managers, slashing .272/.317/.463 with a .781 OPS, 42 home runs, 157 RBI, and 43 stolen bases in 279 games across 1,162 plate appearances.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Todd Rosiak
Carter Jensen Emerging as a Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 111 plate appearances so far in 2026, Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen is hitting .235/.315/.439 with six home runs, 16 RBI, and 13 runs scored. The 22-year-old's elevated 29.7% strikeout rate is a red flag in his profile, limiting his batting average upside. However, Jensen's 12.1% barrel rate and 45.5% hard-hit rate are indicators of intriguing power potential. Jensen has also established himself as an everyday staple in the Kansas City lineup, rotating between catcher and designated hitter duties with veteran Royals backstop Salvador Perez. For fantasy managers looking for power off the waiver wire, Jensen is a logical target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Jones a Prime Injury Stash Candidate Off the Waiver Wire
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (elbow) has not pitched in an MLB game since September 2024 due to an elbow injury. However, the 24-year-old began a rehab assignment with Single-A Bradenton on Wednesday, throwing three perfect innings with five strikeouts. Given how long Jones has been out, he'll likely need an extended run of rehab outings before he's ready to return to the big leagues. Still, Jones could be on track to make his 2026 debut before the end of May. Across 121 2/3 innings (22 starts) in 2024, Jones posted a 6-8 record with a 4.14 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts. Jones offers significant strikeout upside once healthy, so fantasy managers may want to consider stashing him off the waiver wire ahead of his eventual return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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
