MLB Player News

Knobler notes that Diamondbacks third base coach Matt Williams is “still considered the leading candidate” to take over for Johnson, but it’s “no longer a given” that they will look outside the organization. Knorr managed for six years in the Nationals’ minor league system and was Johnson’s bench coach for the past two seasons.

Wheeler makes his return to Philadelphia’s rotation after undergoing surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome last August. The 35-year-old former fantasy ace’s velocity has been down consistently during a handful of recent minor league rehab outings, which makes it challenging to forecast how he’ll fare from a fantasy perspective. It’s impossible to dismiss Wheeler entirely based on his lengthy track record of success, but a wait-and-see approach seems like the best idea given his extended layoff and how he’s looked in minor league games recently.

Verlander remains without a definitive return timetable after hitting the injured list earlier this month with hip inflammation. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told reporters last week that the 43-year-old veteran would need a minor league rehab start before rejoining Detroit’s rotation.

Hoppe will get his first taste of the majors after reeling off eight scoreless innings with a 12/3 K/BB ratio over eight appearances for Triple-A Tacoma this season. The 27-year-old came over from the Red Sox in an offseason trade. He’ll operate in middle relief out of Seattle’s bullpen for now.

Legumina has been booted from Seattle’s relief mix after posting a pedestrian 4.63 ERA and 9/3 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings across eight appearances this season. The 28-year-old should attract some interest on waivers as quality middle relief depth. He’s made 73 career appearances in the majors between the Mariners and Reds since 2023.

Rodón will need a couple rehab outings to build up his pitch count and stamina, but he appears on track to make it back to New York’s rotation at some point in May. The 33-year-old underwent offseason elbow surgery after finishing last year with a strong 3.09 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 203/73 K/BB ratio over a career-high 195 1/3 innings.

Cole looked extremely sharp in his rehab debut last Friday, throwing 44 pitches over 4 1/3 innings for Double-A Somerset. It’s notable that he’ll make his second rehab outing in another lower minors ballpark without any public Statcast data. The 35-year-old’s velocity was fine in spring training, but all reports are that it was down slightly in the longer outing. It’s a variable to monitor as he continues to make his way towards rejoining New York’s rotation sometime next month.

It’s an encouraging update after Atlanta’s closer hit the injured list earlier on Tuesday with shoulder inflammation. It appears that Iglesias isn’t dealing with any structural issues that would’ve require a lengthy absence and possibly even surgery. The Braves are optimistic he’ll be cleared to resume throwing once the swelling subsides and there should be a clear return timetable once he resumes facing hitters. It’ll be hard-throwing veteran Robert Suarez handling the closing duties in his absence. He should be rostered in all fantasy formats until Iglesias returns.

Samuel Basallo heads to the bench with Rutschman back for his first game since April 10 after missing just over one week with an ankle injury. The 28-year-old backstop was hitting .294.385/.471 with three RBI in 10 games prior to hitting the shelf.

Ballesteros takes a seat against Phillies lefty Jesús Luzardo with Alex Bregman getting a break from the field at DH and Matt Shaw entering the lineup at third base for his first start since April 15. The 22-year-old former top prospect is hitting a robust .378 (17-for-45) with three homers and 10 RBI in 19 games this season. He’s a potent offensive threat, but his lack of defensive versatility is going to leave him the odd-man out occasionally when the Cubs have to mix up their lineup.

Wallner is back patrolling right field and batting seventh following a brief one-game absence due to a lingering rib issue. It doesn’t appear to be a significant concern. The 28-year-old slugger has three homers in 20 games this season.