MLB Player News

Forst noted that a move back to the starting rotation can’t be ruled out at some point, but as of now they’re looking at a bullpen role for him — and possibly as their closer. The flame-throwing 25-year-old registered a 3.78 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 38/16 K/BB ratio over 33 1/3 innings in his first taste of big league action last season. If he does indeed open the season as the A’s closer, his fantasy draft stock will soar, but it certainly diminishes his long-term fantasy outlook.

Lux is dealing with a new shoulder issue and will undergo imaging to determine the extent of the ailment. He suffered a leg injury while working his way back from a shoulder impingement last month while playing in a rehab contest at Triple-A Durham. He’s been snake-bitten by the injury bug this season and has yet to make his Tampa Bay debut. There is no timetable for his return.

It’s not hyperbolic to suggest that Bolte has been one of the hottest hitters in the entire minors this season, slashing an absurd .348/.418/.658 with 12 homers and 17 steals across 37 games in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. The 22-year-old offers an interesting blend of power and speed, and has made some noticeable strides in the contact department, while also adding some additional hard contact this season. His biggest obstacle to immediate fantasy relevance is how the Athletics get his bat into the lineup as he figures to platoon with Carlos Cortes in left field for now. He’s talented enough to warrant a speculative roster spot in all fantasy formats, but managers should keep expectations in check as he adjusts to everyday life in the big leagues.

Stefanic returns to the big leagues with Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson landing on the shelf with a shoulder injury. The well-traveled 30-year-old figures to occupy a bench role and can be safely ignored for fantasy purposes. He’s hit .227/.314/.267 with zero homers and 14 RBI in 99 games in the majors since 2022.

According to the Athletics training staff, Wilson will begin a rehabilitation program to strengthen and stabilize his shoulder before he’s cleared to resume baseball activities. There is no timetable for his return and fantasy managers should anticipate a lengthy absence. The 24-year-old contact-oriented shortstop was hitting .292/.311/.398 with three homers, 19 RBI and two steals in 39 games prior to suffering the injury during Sunday’s game against the Orioles. It’ll likely be Darrell Hernaiz taking over at shortstop in his place.

Harris returns to the minors after going 0-for-4 across five games with the Athletics since April 28. He’s merely a reserve infielder at this stage of his development.

Núñez has been removed from the Athletics 40-man roster to make room for Michael Stefanic and Henry Bolte to come up from the minors. The hard-throwing 26-year-old posted a bloated 7.11 ERA across 12 2/3 innings last year between the Athletics and Padres. He’ll likely attract some interest on waivers given his talent.

Wynns has been cut loose after passing through waivers unclaimed. The Athletics are going to roll with Shea Langeliers and Jonah Heim as their catching tandem moving forward.

Murphy hit the injured list prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the Cubs with a fractured left middle finger. The 31-year-old, who missed nearly six weeks to open the year recovering from offseason hip surgery, will likely be sidelined until after the All-Star break in mid-July. It’ll be journeyman Sandy León taking his roster spot as Drake Baldwin’s primary caddy during his absence.

Mendoza added that Robert will be evaluated by specialists and remains without a definitive return timetable. The 28-year-old center fielder hit the shelf with a herniated disc in his back on April 30. It’ll be rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing playing regularly alongside generational talent Juan Soto in New York’s outfield for the foreseeable future. It’s a considerable lift to Ewing’s immediate fantasy outlook since it appears he’s been brought to the majors to play everyday. He offers enough batting average and stolen base appeal to be an impactful contributor in deeper mixed leagues.

No surprise here with lefty Patrick Corbin taking the ball for Toronto in this one. Simpson told reporters he’s feeling better and could potentially be available off the bench after departing the late stages of Monday’s one-sided affair with left leg cramping. He’ll be reevaluated prior to Wednesday’s series finale. It doesn’t sound like a serious concern. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day.