Sat Apr 19 | 14:21 | Gabriel Arias, Lane Thomas Sitting On Saturday | Gabriel Arias | 3B | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Lane Thomas | CF | Cardinals | Free Agent |
Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias and outfielder Lane Thomas are not in the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon when they continue a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Arias has been in the starting nine in each of the last seven contests. During this stretch, he has posted a stellar .385/.429/.769 slash line with three long balls and eight RBI. Thomas has been in a bit of a slump. Over his last eight contests, the 29-year-old held a .154/.179/.192 slash line with just one extra-base hit. Fantasy managers should expect Arias and Thomas to both rejoin the starting lineup on Sunday. As a result, Brayan Rocchio and Angel Martinez will enter the starting nine and cover shortstop and center field, respectively. Neither player is worth targeting in DFS facing Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 19 | 12:32 | John Brebbia Placed On 15-Day Injured List | John Brebbia | RP | Giants | Free Agent |
Detroit Tigers right-handed pitcher John Brebbia (triceps) was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a right triceps strain. In a corresponding move, the Tigers promoted left-handed pitcher Bailey Horn from Triple-A Toledo. Brebbia has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign. Pitching out of the bullpen, the right-hander has logged nine innings to the tune of a 1.00 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP. He has held a 9:5 K:BB and allowed just three total hits. The Tigers have typically deployed Brebbia in the eighth and ninth innings in high-leverage situations. With Brebbia sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Tommy Kahnle to continue to operate as the go-to option for saves while Will Vest and Tyler Holton operate as the setup options. |
Source: Detroit Tigers | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 19 | 08:30 | Jake Cronenworth Targeting Earlier Return | Jake Cronenworth | SS | Padres | Free Agent |
San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth (ribs) is progressing well in his recovery and is optimistic that he could return to action earlier than expected. The infielder was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 11 due to a rib fracture. His initial timeline suggested he would miss at least 4-to-6 weeks. However, the infielder has begun taking groundballs and dry swings, which could open the door for an earlier return. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his progression as he slowly increases his workload. Before the injury, Cronenworth held a .257/.409/.486 slash line with two doubles and two home runs across 12 contests. He drew walks at an elite 18.2 percent rate. While the 31-year-old remains out, Jose Iglesias should see most of the work at the keystone. |
Source: Kevin Acee | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 19 | 07:47 | Brock Stewart Expected To Return On Sunday | Brock Stewart | SP | Cubs | Free Agent |
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Brock Stewart (hamstring) is expected to return to action on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. Stewart has been on the 15-day injured list through the early part of the campaign with a hamstring injury. He suffered this injury during a spring training contest in March. Stewart has made two rehab outings with Low-A for Myers and is on the verge of returning to the major leagues. In his rehab appearances, Stewart tossed one 2/3 shutout innings while striking out five batters. Last summer, Stewart struggled in Minnesota, posting a 5.17 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP across 15 2/3 innings of work. However, in 2023, the right-hander was a dominant high-leverage arm as he held a near-perfect 0.65 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP. He could be a viable source for holds if he is given high-leverage opportunities. |
Source: Phil Miller | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 19 | 01:27 | Tyler Anderson Keeps Hot Streak Rolling Friday | Tyler Anderson | SP | Giants | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Anderson tossed six shutout frames on Friday, earning his second win of the season in a 2-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants. Anderson held the Giants to just three hits and two walks while striking out six. The lefty has rolled off two consecutive scoreless outings and has allowed four total hits over his last three starts (16 IP). While that is unlikely to continue, it might be worth riding the wave while Anderson is hot. He has had stretches like this one in the past, and he can certainly be helpful when he's pitching like this. Just know that it could all come crashing down at any time. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 19 | 01:20 | Logan Webb Fans 12 In Tough-Luck Loss | Logan Webb | SP | Giants | Free Agent |
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb was brilliant in defeat on Friday, allowing one run over six innings in a tough 2-0 loss against the Los Angeles Angels. Webb struck out 12 while allowing just four hits and walking none in this one. His changeup was electric in this one, generating 11 whiffs on 14 swings. The 28-year-old has been excellent this season, pitching to a 2.40 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 38 strikeouts in 30 IP. While his numbers will likely regress a bit, it looks like Webb will once again be a stable rotation piece in fantasy that provides good ratios and strikeouts. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Apr 19 | 00:48 | Trevor Story Mashes Pair Of Three-Run Homers | Trevor Story | SS | Rockies | Free Agent |
Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story had a monster day at the dish on Friday, going 3-for-4 with a pair of homers, three runs scored, and six RBI. He started his day with a three-run bomb in the first inning, and then put a capper on it with another three-run shot in the seventh. Don't look now, but Story has a very impressive .321 AVG and .876 OPS to go along with 10 runs, five homers, 14 RBI, and six swipes. Fantasy managers have gotten all they could ask for and more from the late-round pick, and if he can stay healthy he should be a steal this season. He should be owned and started in all leagues at this point. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 21:55 | Zack Wheeler Records 13 Strikeouts | Zack Wheeler | SP | Phillies | Free Agent |
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler was excellent on the mound during Friday's game against the Miami Marlins. Wheeler gave up a two-run home run to Eric Wagaman, but was basically untouchable outside of that. He tossed seven innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, and recording 13 strikeouts in the win. Wheeler hasn't been like himself lately, but hopefully this outing will help him get back on track. He'll take a 3.73 ERA with 41 strikeouts into his next start against the New York Mets. Fantasy managers have been given a few bad starts from Wheeler, but he remains a must-start in fantasy formats. |
Source: mlb.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 18:35 | Eugenio Suarez Hits Grand Slam In Friday Afternoon's Loss | Eugenio Suárez | 3B | Reds | Free Agent |
Arizona Diamondbacks' third baseman Eugenio Suarez hit a grand slam on Friday afternoon in the DBack's 13-11 loss to the Chicago Cubs. The grand slam was his sixth home run on the season and he's now hitting for a .709 OPS. The HR was much needed for the 33-year-old, who hadn't hit one in over two weeks. Fantasy managers will be glad to see the power is still there but his .153 batting average may make them feel like his production is either boom or bust, making him tougher to trust if he doesn't become more consistent. He'll look to keep improving on Saturday against scheduled Cubs' starter Ben Brown. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 18:28 | Ian Happ Hits Grand Slam In Massive Day At The Plate | Ian Happ | CF | Cubs | Free Agent |
Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ hit a grand slam en route to a massive day at the plate in the Cubs' 13-11 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Happ went three-for-five at the plate with four RBI and two runs. He's now hitting for a .691 OPS on the season. The 30-year-old's big day was much needed as he's performed below his norms to start this season, coming in with a .631 OPS, well below the .782 OPS he posted in 2024. He'll have a tough test keeping this up on Saturday against Arizona's scheduled starter Zac Gallen. Happ is just 3-16 in his career against Gallen. Fantasy managers will still want him in their starting lineups but DFS managers may be able to find better options to plug into their lineups. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 18:22 | Jazz Chisholm Jr. Suspended For One Game, Will Appeal And Is Playing Friday | Jazz Chisholm Jr. | SS | Marlins | Free Agent |
New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. was suspended by the league for one game on Friday for his outburst after being rang up on a called third strike. Chisholm is appealing the suspension and will be batting fifth in the Yankees' lineup. The 27-year-old is providing decent value at the plate this season, hitting for a 105 OPS+. Though a decent number, it's lower than the 130 OPS+ he posted last season and part of that issue is his K%, which has risen above 30% in 2025. Fantasy managers shouldn't worry too much, though, as long as he continues to deliver with the long ball as his six HR rank second on the Yankees behind only Aaron Judge. If he does indeed have to serve his suspension, it shouldn't have any effect on his production as it will essentially be viewed as a day off. |
Source: Bryan Hoch | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 18:08 | Carson Kelly Crushes Two Homers In Crazy Cubs Win | Carson Kelly | C | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly hit two home runs while collecting five RBI in Chicago's 13-11 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday afternoon. The first was a two-run shot off DBacks' starter Corbin Burnes to put the Cubs up 2-0. The second was a three-run shot off Bryce Jarvis that started a six-run eighth inning for Chicago. The 30-year-old now has six HR on the season after his monster game against his former team. His 1.675 OPS may start to earn him more playing time, potentially taking away from Miguel Amaya who's having a strong start to the season as well. Kelly's next chance to do more damage will be Saturday against scheduled DBacks starter Merrill Kelly. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 14:41 | Brooks Raley Throws Bullpen, Drawing Interest From Several Teams | Brooks Raley | RP | Reds | Free Agent |
Relief pitcher Brooks Raley threw a bullpen session with at least a "dozen" teams in attendance, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. Raley logged just seven innings of work with the New York Mets before undergoing Tommy John surgery. However, it appears the southpaw is making significant progress in his recovery and could find himself on a major league team in the coming weeks. Given the timing of his surgery, he will likely not be cleared for the major leagues until after the All-Star break. In 2023, the 36-year-old logged 54 2/3 innings to the tune of a strong 2.80 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. He tallied 61 punchouts. Fantasy managers should monitor Raley's status as he will likely have a high-leverage role when he finds a suitor and will hold value in leagues that reward holds. |
Source: Will Sammon | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 12:48 | Devin Williams Closes Door On Rays | Devin Williams | RP | Brewers | Free Agent |
New York Yankees reliever Devin Williams pitched a clean inning on Thursday to earn a save in his team's 6-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. The 30-year-old did not allow a hit or free pass and struck out none. It's Williams' fourth save of the season, as he's now down to an inflated 5.14 ERA and 1.86 WHIP with eight strikeouts in seven innings pitched. Though he's been a little shaky this season, the former second-round pick has pitched three straight hitless innings -- collecting three saves over the Yankees' prior four outings. It's mildly concerning that his strikeout rate has dropped nearly 20 points from a season ago, while his walk rate is elevated. However, Williams hasn't compiled an ERA higher than 2.50 since 2021, so he's likely to turn it around soon. |
Source: ESPN | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 09:13 | Dennis Santana Locks Down Second Save | Dennis Santana | RP | Dodgers | Free Agent |
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Dennis Santana earned his second save of the season on Thursday afternoon during their victory over the Washington Nationals. Santana entered the game in the ninth inning and only needed to record two outs as Ryan Borucki started the inning. Santana retired both batters he faced. First, he got outfielder Dylan Crews to hit a ground out, and then proceeded to strike out infielder Luis Garcia Jr. With David Bednar being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, Santana has emerged as the favorite for save opportunities in the Steel City. Through his first nine innings of the season, the 29-year-old right-hander has held a 2.00 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP. He has struck out five batters but has generated a high 5.54 xERA, which suggests he could face some regression. Despite his underwhelming metrics, he is a viable target for saves in deeper formats. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 08:42 | Ranger Suarez Not Expected To Return In April | Ranger Suárez | RP | Phillies | Free Agent |
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (back) is not expected to return before the end of April, according to Jeff Kerr of CBS News. Manager Rob Thompson noted that the southpaw still needs "at least" more than one rehab outing to continue to build his pitch count. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression, but it appears the southpaw will not be in contention to return to action till at least May. So far, the 29-year-old has logged seven rehab innings (across two outings) and held a strong 1.29 with a 0.70 WHIP. He has posted a near-perfect 11:1 K:BB. When Suarez does eventually return to Philadelphia, he will likely push Taijuan Walker to the bullpen. Last summer, Suarez was effective when on the bump, holding a 3.46 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP. |
Source: Jeff Kerr | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 07:02 | Tommy Kahnle Picks Up Save Thursday | Tommy Kahnle | RP | Dodgers | Free Agent |
Detroit Tigers right-hander Tommy Kahnle picked up the save in a 6-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. Kahnle tossed two scoreless innings while not allowing a baserunner and failing to record a strikeout to preserve the win. The veteran reliever has been productive at the back of the Detroit bullpen this season, converting all three of his save chances while posting a 1.29 ERA, 0.43 WHIP, and five strikeouts over seven innings of work. The Tigers opened the season with a ninth-inning committee, but it appears that Kahnle has emerged as the favorite for the ninth-inning role moving forward. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Apr 18 | 06:39 | Pavin Smith Doubles, Homers In Win On Thursday | Pavin Smith | 1B | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Pavin Smith had a productive game in a 6-4 win over the Miami Marlins on Thursday. Smith went 2-for-3 with a double, a homer, two walks, a stolen base, and two RBI in the win. The veteran hit his third homer of the season in the first inning, a solo shot that gave the Diamondbacks a 2-0 lead in the early going. Smith is swinging a hot bat, hitting .404 with three homers, 10 runs, seven RBI, and one steal across 47 at-bats. He is worth a spot in starting lineups in fantasy while he is hot at the plate. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Apr 17 | 23:34 | Edwin Diaz Secures Fourth Save | Edwin Díaz | RP | Mets | Free Agent |
New York Mets relief pitcher Edwin Diaz picked up his fourth save of the season on Thursday in a 4-1 win over the Cardinals. He struck out two and walked one in a scoreless ninth inning. It was his second straight scoreless outing since he gave up five combined runs in appearances on April 9 and April 11. His ERA still sits at an ugly 5.87 from those two outings and his six walks in 7 innings is less than ideal, but he remains one of the best closers for fantasy. He pitches on one of the best teams in baseball and remains elite at striking guys out, having 11 strikeouts so far in 2025. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Apr 17 | 21:42 | Cristopher Sanchez Dominates In Win | Cristopher Sánchez | RP | Phillies | Free Agent |
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez had his swing-and-miss stuff going during Thursday's game against the San Francisco Giants. The southpaw gave up a run in the first inning, but he settled down nicely after that. Sanchez finished the day tossing seven innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits while striking out 12 batters in the win. Sanchez has an impressive 2.96 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and a 31/6 K/BB ratio across four starts this season. The 12 strikeouts is a career-high for Sanchez who isn't really known as a strikeout pitcher. His next start will come against the New York Mets next week. Sanchez should be rostered and started in basically all fantasy formats right now. |
Source: mlb.com | RotoBaller.com |