MLB Player News

This simply comes down to the fact that Williams has no options remaining and would need to be subject to waivers if the Braves don’t want to carry him on the roster. While they might decide to take that risk, Williams can play almost every position on the field, which makes him an incredibly valuable bench option to have. That could mean bad news for the hopes of players like Christian Cairo, Eddy Alvarez, and Nacho Alvarez Jr. to make the team out of camp.

Hart returns to San Diego’s bullpen mix with All-Star closer Mason Miller away from the club on bereavement leave. The 33-year-old lefty has posted a lackluster 5.40 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 10/6 K/BB ratio across 16 2/3 innings over 12 appearances for the Padres this season.

Miller, who picked up an impressive four-out save against the Orioles on Sunday, will be away from the club on bereavement leave for the next few days. He’s converted 19 saves with a microscopic 0.90 ERA and 59/12 K/BB ratio across 30 innings this season. His absence will result in either Jason Adam or Adrian Morejon handling any save chances for the Padres. The other dark horse name to watch is hard-throwing rookie Bradgley Rodriguez, who has been an unexpected revelation this season. Fantasy managers should anticipate Miller returning later this week.

Johnson unsurprisingly passed through waivers unclaimed after being jettisoned from San Diego’s active roster last Friday. He’ll likely elect free agency. The 30-year-old speedster makes sense in a reserve role, but he’s more of a defensive specialist and pinch-running threat on a contender. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him wind up with a playoff team as a bench option.

Murray provides Houston with a fresh bullpen arm for Monday’s series opener against the Tigers. The 29-year-old has posted an underwhelming 7.15 ERA across 11 1/3 innings at the highest level this season.

Santa helped Houston throw a combined no-hitter against the division-rival Rangers last month during his major-league debut and has forged a respectable 0.71 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 8/5 K/BB ratio across 12 2/3 innings. The 23-year-old rookie still has minor-league options left, which is why he’s been shipped to the minors to enable the club to bring up a fresh arm.

Baldwin returns to Atlanta’s lineup for Tuesday’s series opener against the Giants following a one-month absence recovering from an oblique strain. The 25-year-old rising star had been the most impactful catcher in fantasy before landing on the injured list last month, slashing .303/.389/.543 with 13 homers and 38 RBI through 48 games.

Wynns loses his spot on Atlanta’s roster with starting catcher Drake Baldwin back from the injured list. The 35-year-old journeyman went 4-for-53 across 20 games for the Braves after being brought up earlier this month.

Spence draws the starting assignment for Monday’s series opener against the Nationals after spending nearly two months in the minors. The 28-year-old was hit hard in a handful of early-season appearances for Kansas City. He’s unlikely to work too deep into this contest and is not a recommended fantasy option.

Short strengthens New York’s bench depth by adding some defensive versatility as a backup infielder. The well-traveled 31-year-old was cut loose by Detroit last week after hitting .167 with zero homers in 23 games this season.

Myers takes the ball for Monday’s series opener against the Reds in Cincinnati in place of an injured Christian Scott (hip). The 27-year-old has spent the last two weeks stretching out as a traditional starter in the minors after posting a pedestrian 4.05 ERA and 26/7 K/BB ratio across 33 1/3 innings earlier this season. He’s not a recommended streaming option for fantasy managers, especially in a tough ballpark on the road.