MLB Player News

Howard showed up at Phillies’ camp Thursday without a walking boot and has already taken some ground balls from a stool. It’s doubtful he’ll begin hitting within the next few days, but he’s moving in the right direction. Still, a return in the early part of May would be the best-case scenario. Ty Wigginton, Jim Thome and John Mayberry Jr. figure to fill in at first base for now.

Antonacci finds himself in the leadoff spot for the first time since being called up back on April 15. The 23-year-old rookie’s contact-oriented approach seems tailor-made for a top-of-the-order role moving forward. He’s slashing an impressive .255/.361/.431 with one homer and nearly as many walks (five) as strikeouts (six) through 17 games. The move to the top of the order behind Chicago’s biggest run-producing threats is a significant lift to his fantasy appeal.

Salazar returns to the big leagues as emergency catching depth for the Astros behind Christian Vázquez after starter Yainer Diaz was scratched from Monday’s lineup with an abdominal injury. The 30-year-old backstop has appeared in 36 games at the highest level dating back to 2023.

Whitcomb draws the short straw with Houston needing to bring up César Salazar as an emergency catcher with Yainer Diaz dealing with an abdominal injury.

It’s a bit unclear whether Diaz will require a trip to the injured list, but the fact that the Astros have brought up César Salazar from the minors seems to indicate that he’s not going to be available off the bench, even in an emergency. There should be an update on his status following the contest. It’ll be Christian Vázquez handling the catching duties in his absence.

Anthony left the contest after an awkward swing in his first at-bat, appearing to be in clear discomfort. The 21-year-old will undergo imaging to determine whether there’s any structural damage. The primary concern is a potential hamate fracture given the location in the wrist area and the non-contact nature of the injury. There should be greater clarity on his status ahead of Tuesday’s contest.

It’s official. Eldridge is at DH and hitting seventh in his season debut against the division-rival Padres on Monday night at Oracle Park. The power-hitting 21-year-old top prospect struggled in his first taste of the big leagues last year, but he’s one of the most intriguing potential middle-of-the-order impact hitters to come through the minors in a few years. He’ll need to prove he can make enough contact and get to his immense raw power frequently enough to matter for fantasy purposes. He’s more of a deep-league lottery ticket at the moment, but he’s the type of elite talent that could make a leap very quickly if everything comes together for him.

McDonald draws the starting assignment for Monday’s series opener against the division-rival Padres in his season debut after posting a lackluster 5.40 ERA and 15/9 K/BB ratio across 15 innings at Triple-A Sacramento this season. The 25-year-old righty has made four appearances for the Giants over the last three years. He’s not a recommended fantasy option.

Rodriguez will get his first look in the majors after spending time at a couple different positions at Triple-A this season. The 24-year-old backstop came over from the Yankees in the Camilo Doval trade last year and profiles as a versatile bench option for San Francisco.

Miller hits the shelf after recording a pair of saves to go along with a strong 3.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 17/6 K/BB ratio across 11 1/3 innings this season. The 28-year-old southpaw doesn’t figure to miss a ton of time, but back issues can be complicated, and often recurring, matters to deal with.

Brennan gets caught up in a roster crunch as San Francisco brings up top prospect Bryce Eldridge and a couple other players from Triple-A Sacramento. The 28-year-old outfielder has gone hitless in nine at-bats for the Giants this season.