MLB Player News

Painter is the major headliner here for fantasy purposes as he should enter spring training with a legitimate chance to make Philadelphia’s rotation. The 22-year-old is no longer the consensus top pitching prospect in baseball after a disappointing campaign last year at the Triple-A level, but he still has the raw stuff required to evolve into a top-of-the-rotation arm. There’s clearly some prospect fatigue going on with Painter which makes him an interesting buy-low candidate in dynasty formats.

The Jays continue to ease Springer back into action after dealing with a fractured left big toe. If you’re going to have to take an occasional breather, doing so against tough Angels’ right-hander Jose Soriano isn’t the worst idea in the world. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will serve as the club’s designated hitter in his stead while Lenyn Sosa draws a start at first base and will bat seventh for the Jays.

Harper was lifted from Saturday’s game in the first inning due to a migraine, but he’s feeling much improved and ready to get right back out there. The 33-year-old slugger will start at first base and bat third against Rockies’ right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano on Sunday afternoon in Philadelphia.

Bailey was acquired in a stunning deal from the Giants on Sunday. While he isn’t much with the bat, the 26-year-old is widely regarded as one of the top defensive catchers in baseball and he should have an immediate impact on the Guardians’ pitching staff.

Lowe has been swinging a hot bat for the Reds, slashing .273/.333/.636 with six homers and 11 RBI over 60 plate appearances in his last 16 games. He’ll get a breather in this one though. Sal Stewart will serve as the team’s designated hitter while Spencer Steer covers first base and Ke’Bryan Hayes draws a start at the hot corner.

It looks like a routine day off for the 25-year-old infielder. Norby has had a rough time overall at the dish this season, slashing .233/.343/.379 with three homers, 12 RBI and four swipes through his first 137 plate appearances. Christopher Morel will serve as the Marlins’ designated hitter and will bat sixth against Cade Cavalli and the Nationals on Sunday afternoon in Miami.

Espada, 29, has allowed two hits over one scoreless frame in his only appearance with the Orioles this season. He’ll add a fresh arm to the club’s middle relief corps for Sunday’s series finale against the Athletics.

The 34-year-old hurler was just signed to a one-year deal on Monday, but he’ll head right back to waivers after registering an 18.00 ERA and 3.00 WHIP across three innings in his two appearances with the club. Jose Espada was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move to take his place in the O’s bullpen. Once again, it’s possible that Trivino attracts some interest on waivers.

With Carlos Rodón returning from the injured list on Sunday, the Yankees needed to clear a spot on their active roster and as the last man in the bullpen Castro was an easy target. The 27-year-old hurler allowed one run on two hits while striking out a pair over two innings in his lone appearance with the Yankees. He should get another opportunity with the big league club over the summer.

The 33-year-old southpaw has finished up his rehab from offseason elbow surgery and is ready to make his highly anticipated season debut on Sunday against the Brewers. Rodón did surrender six runs in his final minor league rehab start, so fantasy managers may want to see him shake off the rust first before throwing him right back into lineups. He should wind up being a nice impact addition for those that were patient and held him since the start of the season.

Harper was pulled from Saturday’s contest in the first inning due to the sudden onset of a migraine. It sounds like it’s just an isolated issue though and Phillies’ skipper Don Mattingly expects Harper to be in the lineup for Sunday’s series finale against the Rockies.