MLB Player News

The 27-year-old has done a nice job in his limited action off the bench this postseason, going 3-for-4 (.750) with a run scored. To make room for Smith in the Diamondbacks’ lineup, Tommy Pham will get the night off. Friday night’s hero — Alek Thomas — is also in the lineup for the Snakes. Here’s how they’ll attack Zack Wheeler on Saturday night: Corbin Carroll (RF), Ketel Marte (2B), Gabriel Moreno (C), Christian Walker (1B), Pavin Smith (DH), Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (LF), Alek Thomas (CF), Evan Longoria (3B) and Geraldo Perdomo (SS).

Springer is set to run the bases and hit again prior to Tuesday’s game at the Rogers Centre before Toronto makes a final decision on his status. The 36-year-old veteran outfielder, who is skipping a minor league rehab assignment, has been out since mid-April recovering from a fractured toe.

Atlanta hasn’t finalized their pitching plan for the remainder of the week, but Strider will be part of it, most likely on Sunday in place of journeyman Martín Pérez, after missing the opening five weeks of the season recovering from an oblique strain. The 27-year-old former fantasy ace shouldn’t have any workload restrictions after throwing 82 pitches during his final rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett over the weekend. It’s a challenging spot having to contend with Coors Field’s high-octane offensive environment right out of the gate, but Strider is probably going to be worth the risk for managers in deeper fantasy leagues that have been stashing him this long.

Ritchie will lock horns with two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal at Truist Park in his second big-league outing. The 22-year-old top pitching prospect was outstanding in his major-league debut, striking out seven while allowing two runs over seven innings against the Nationals last Thursday. Another strong performance would virtually ensure that he remains in Atlanta’s rotation for at least a couple additional terms. He’s worthy of a speculative roster spot in all fantasy formats.

Not good. Mendoza added that they’re hoping Soto, who is in Tuesday’s lineup at DH, will be ready to return to the outfield in the next couple days. The 27-year-old generational has gone (3-for-15) with zero extra-base hits and six walks in five games since returning from the injured list last week. It doesn’t sound like a massive concern, but it’s a developing situation that fantasy managers should be closely monitoring.

Hard-hitting rookie Jose Fernandez takes over at shortstop again with Perdomo missing his second consecutive contest after suffering a left ankle sprain during Saturday’s showdown against the Padres in Mexico City. The 26-year-old franchise cornerstone doesn’t appear ticketed for the injured list, but that could always change. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day.

Del Castillo is back at DH on Tuesday night after suffering a dislocated left finger during Sunday’s contest against the Padres in Mexico City. The 26-year-old’s playing time figures to take a hit once Gabriel Moreno (oblique) is ready to return from the injured list later this week.

Orioles skipper Craig Albernaz told reporters Holliday remains shut down from hitting, but is participating in some baseball activities, after leaving a minor league rehab contest with hand discomfort last week. The 22-year-old underwent surgery to repair a hamate fracture back in spring training. It doesn’t sound like he’s close to getting back in minor league games since the Orioles can’t really afford to take any chances with his long-term health.

Mendoza added that Robert, who is out of the lineup for Tuesday’s contest, isn’t scheduled to undergo imaging, but they may be forced to reconsider if he doesn’t show signs of improvement later this week. A lingering back issue would provide a logical explanation for his recent struggles as he’s hitting .164 (9-for-55) with one homer and 12 strikeouts over his last 15 games. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day heading into the final two games of a four-game set against the Nationals.

Cruz returns to the leadoff spot after being a late scratch from Monday’s series opener due to illness. The 27-year-old center fielder has gotten off to a phenomenal start at the plate this season, slashing .259/.320/.518 with 19 runs scored, eight homers, 24 RBI and 10 steals through 27 games.

Fans of the Sounds will get a chance to see both Vaughn and Jackson Chourio (hand) in the lineup beginning Wednesday. Both will likely need a handful of games before being ready to return, but two of the more important hitters in the Milwaukee lineup have a chance to be back with the Brewers relatively early in May.