MLB Player News

According to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon, Johnson will make $5.5 million in 2026 and then get a $1 million buyout of his $8 million mutual option. Well, he didn’t actually say that, but that’s how it always works out. Johnson’s 3.05 ERA last season was his best mark in his five relatively full major league campaigns, but his strikeout rate fell for a second straight year; he came in at 32% from 2020-23, 28% in 2024 and 25% last year. He’s also a pretty big flyball pitcher while throwing his curve about 70% of the time, and GABP doesn’t seem like a great park for him. He figures to join Tony Santillan in a setup role in front of Emilio Pagán.

That’s not great news. Matz looked good on Sunday, allowing one run in six innings to lower his ERA to 3.86 and his WHIP to 1.10. Obviously, he did not respond well after the start, so we’ll have to wait and see how long he will be sidelined for. The Rays are in the process of stretching out Griffin Jax and Mason Englert (forearm) as starters, and Joe Boyle (elbow) is on the injured list, so they may have to turn to Joe Rock or Ian Seymour to take at least one start in Matz’s place.

Yelich has been sidelined since the middle of April with a groin strain, and the initial timeframe for his return was mid to late May. If his baserunning goes well next week, that timeframe still seems very much in play. With Jackson Chourio (hand) and Andrew Vaughn (hamate) both back off the injured list, this Brewers lineup could be getting healthy for the summer.

Well, that’s not the best news. Just one day ago, the Brewers reported that Woodruff would start his throwing program next week. He still might, provided that Dr. Keith Meister signs off on it, but having to go see a renowned specialist for a hands-on assessment is not the most encouraging news.

Worst-case scenario outcome for the 26-year-old, who experienced forearm tightness last week. He will have surgery next Monday and will be out until early Summer 2027.

Carrasco threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen for the Braves this season, striking out two and striking out nobody. However, Atlanta needed room on the active roster for Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) to come off the injured list, so Carrasco was let go.

Iglesias landed on the injured list on April 21st, so he hasn’t been sidelined for too long. He will return to his late-inning role in the Braves’ bullpen. Given that Igleasias is dealing with a shoulder issue, we wouldn’t go ahead and drop Robert Suarez right away. It makes sense to see how Iglesias looks for a performance or two before moving on from Suarez in fantasy leagues.

Merryeather has been sidelined since spring training with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. The 34-year-old was a strong reliever for the Cubs in 2023 but has failed to meet that mark since then. The Twins do have a need in the back of their bullpen, so his name could enter the mix if he pitches well on his rehab assignment.

The game will now take place at 3:10 pm ET on Thursday. Additionally, Wednesday’s game has been pushed back to 9:20 pm ET to avoid inclement weather.

Devenski also received an undisclosed fine. Unless he appeals the suspension, it will begin tonight against the Diamondbacks.

Kelly will have to miss tonight’s game and then will be back to manage the team on Wednesday. Nothing should change from a fantasy baseball standpoint, except maybe how long the interim manager decides to leave Bubba Chandler in the game if he struggles with his command.