MLB Player News

Finch, a 2003 second-round pick, managed a 3.65 ERA in his first season in Double-A, yet still took a step backwards as a prospect. That’s because he had just an 83/69 K/BB ratio in 145 2/3 innings. His fastball-slider combination might allow him to make it as a middle reliever someday, but even though he has options remaining, no team felt he was worthy of a 40-man roster spot.

We’re wishing Helsley and his family the best. It’s unclear how long the Orioles will be without their closer, but he will certainly miss Wednesday’s game. Rico Garcia has also pitched in each of the last two games, so it might be Yennier Cano who gets called on if there is a save opportunity on Wednesday.

With Denzel Clarke (foot) landing on the IL, it will be Thomas who takes his place on the active roster. Thomas is hitting .309/.397/.574 in 78 plate appearances at Triple-A with five home runs and 19 RBI. The Athletics have only wanted to play him against left-handed pitching previously, but maybe he gets a shot at a bigger role this time.

Clarke has really struggled offensively to start the season, slashing .170/.228/.189 with a 40 percent strikeout rate. He plays elite defense in center field, but you have to wonder how long the Athletics will keep putting his bat in the lineup.

This had been rumored for a few days and is now official. Giolito claims that he is built up to 75 pitches, but he also ended last season on the injured list with flexor irritation, so we’ll need to see him throw on the mound before we get a true sense of how he looks. The Padres optioned him to High-A Lake Elsinore, but Giolito needs to be on the MLB roster in 25 days, which would be May 17th. He would figure to take Matt Waldron’s spot in the rotation by that time.

Priester was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome in spring training but was advised that he did not need surgery. He has been facing live hitters and will now begin what should be a lengthy rehab assignment. Even if Priester feels good and no longer has symptoms, we would expect him to make at least three starts in Triple-A since he never even got into a game during spring training.

The Rays are giving Fraley a day off today ahead of the team’s full day on Thursday in the hopes that two days off will allow him to be back in the lineup on Friday and avoid a trip to the injured list. The Rays are facing a left-hander on Wednesday anyway, so this works in their favor. Ryan Vilade will play right field and bat fourth with Jonny DeLuca in centerfield, batting fifth

Kreidler was 3-for-14 with two home runs in his five games with the Twins. With Royce Lewis back in the lineup, the Twins don’t need Kreidler up for now. He’ll be back at some point.

It will, in fact, be Prielipp that gets the call to start on Wednesday against the Mets in Mick Abel’s spot. The Twins have said that Abel’s elbow injury is “not serious,” but elbow inflammation for a pitcher should always be taken seriously. Prielipp was the Twins’ 2025 Minor League Pitcher of the Year and has added a curveball this season to give him a true five-pitch mix. He may be more of a deeper-league option for fantasy, but it could be worth adding him and stashing him on your bench as you watch his first outing.

The 25-year-old is slashing .238/.346/.444 in 19 games at Triple-A with one home run, a 31/12 K/BB ratio, and 16 steals. The strikeout rate is certainly too high, but Melton is getting on base a lot and taking plenty of extra bases when he does. The Rays have a crowded outfield, but Jake Fraley did leave Tuesday’s game with an injury, so there may be an opening coming. At least we know the Astros would like to have Melton as an option right now.

Báez now has four home runs, three steals, and 12 RBI in 19 games at Triple-A, so the fantasy upside is clear. However, he’s also slashing .225/.329/.451 with a 24/7 K/BB ratio in 71 at-bats. The raw tools are tantalizing, but the contact will need to improve before the Cardinals decide to call the 22-year-old up to the big leagues.