MLB Player News

Yamamoto regularly pitched deep into games in Japan, but this is the first time he’s gone longer than six innings in the U.S. He struck out five and walked none in the 97-pitch outing. He’s won four straight decisions since the lousy outing in Korea, and his season ERA is down to 2.79. He’d be at 1.76 with a 45/7 K/BB if his first start was thrown out.

The Astros optioned Abreau to extended spring training at the end of April with the infielder hitting just .099 with one extra-base hit over 22 games with Houston. He likely would split time with Jon Singleton at the first base position, but while Abreu has had success at the highest level — success is an understatement, obviously — it’d be a mistake to believe Abreu can be a fantasy contributor based on what he’s showed over the last couple of years.

Suárez gets a day off with Blaze Alexander starting at third base. So far in May, Suárez has hit just .154 while striking out in 17 of 54 at-bats.

Steer has struggled mightily as of late, and the 26-year-old will get a day to think about things against Landon Knack and the Dodgers. Santiago Espinal is starting at third base with Jeimer Candelario moving across the diamond to first.

Smith gets his usual Sunday day off. Austin Barnes will handle catching while Smith rests and hit ninth against Cincinnati.

Brogdon is now off the 40-man roster and it clears room for Anthony Banda. The right-hander has no timetable for a return at this point, but won’t be eligible to come off the injured list now until the middle of June.

Feyereisen is off the roster to make room for Anthony Banda with Banda getting promoted in the corresponding transaction. It’s likely Feyereisen will be back as a relief option during the summer months.

Vanasco will head down with Landon Knack coming up from Triple-A to make a start against the Reds. The 25-year-old will likely be up-and-down for the Dodgers as long as he’s a member of the organization.

Knack is up to make a start against the Reds on Sunday. The right-hander will likely be sent down after the contest, but he does offer a smidgen of fantasy upside for those looking for a streamer.

Banda, 30, was acquired Friday in a trade with the Guardians. The left-hander has pitched well in the minors with a 2.12 ERA and 25/6 K/BB over 17 innings, but he isn’t likely to have a role that provides fantasy relevance.

García Jr. is back on the field after suffering a right heel injury against the White Sox. The 24-year-old should be able to return to the field in the coming days, but for now it’s nice to see him back in the lineup after missing consecutive contests.