MLB Player News

Walker’s offseason swing evaluation at Driveline revealed that his back hip was collapsing, causing him to drift forward and sap his power production last season. He said he’s feeling more optimistic after working through a series of drills designed to keep his hips back and allow him to drive the baseball again. It’s no secret the 23-year-old former top prospect hasn’t lived up to the astronomical hype yet, but the underlying metrics continue to tease big-time potential. His 92.3 mph average exit velocity and 78.1 mph bat speed last year graded out as elite-level tools — the kind you can’t fake. He’s made mechanical tweaks in previous offseasons, so it’s understandable if fantasy managers remain in wait-and-see mode. Still, the raw ingredients are here for a legitimate breakout if this latest adjustment finally unlocks his potential.

The veteran can refuse the assignment if he’d like. He allowed three runs in his only MLB appearance earlier this season. He has already been outrighted by the Braves once this year and seems likely to stick around as depth.

Garcia told reporters after Thursday’s game that he was feeling better and expected to play Friday, but that did not come to pass. We’ll keep our ears to the ground for any new Garcia news, but we’re regarding him as day-to-day for the moment. Nick Loftin is starting and leading off for the Royals against LHP Yusei Kikuchi.

Harris left Thursday’s game with a quad injury, but it doesn’t appear like it’s a serious issue at the moment. He’s good to go in leagues with day-to-day transactions, and with how Harris has played this year, fantasy managers relying on him have to be breathing a sigh of relief that this wasn’t anything more serious.

Byron Buxton will slide over to DH, giving Austin Martin a start in center field. Bell’s off to a fine .253/.347/.414 start for the Twins with three homers and 16 RBI. He’s started all but one game for the Twins so far this season.

Tyrone Taylor will play center field and bat eighth. The Mets have been careful with Robert, wanting him to get plenty of scheduled rest days. He’s slumped of late, lowering his overall line to .232/.330/.341 in his first 94 plate appearances, with two homers and two stolen bases.

Jeff Hoffman will attempt to iron out his issues in lower-leverage appearances. The Jays won’t say as such, but this probably makes Louis Varland the favorite for saves. Pitching well for the Jays at the moment are Varland (0.00 ERA in 13 innings pitched), Tyler Rogers (0.73 ERA in 12.1 innings pitched) and Braydon Fisher (2.08 ERA in 13 innings pitched) — saves will likely come out of that trio. But Varland is the easy pickup in fantasy leagues where he’s available.

Uceta had a setback last week while attempting to return from a shoulder impingement that has sidelined him all spring. He’ll remain out through at least May. This moves him off the 40-man roster and allows the Rays a spot to acquire Casey Legumina from the Mariners.

Cummings had a 3.29 ERA in 29 appearances (20 starts) last year between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham. He came over originally as the player to be named later in the Randy Arozarena trade. He heads back to Seattle as a 24-year-old with a 1.69 ERA in 5 1/3rd innings with Montgomery in 2026.

Legumina, holder of a career 5.83 ERA in 73 major league games, will head to the Rays laboratory and see if they can get him humming. He’s no threat to the top of the bullpen at the moment.

It’ll again be Masataka Yoshida batting third and DHing as Anthony continues to deal with a sore back. This is Anthony’s third straight day sitting with the injury. Red Sox beat reporters generally seem optimistic he’ll be back soon.