MLB Player News

Jiménez already missed all of last season following knee surgery, and he needed a cleanup procedure in November. He was very good when last seen, amassing a 2.62 ERA over 68 2/3 innings as a setup man in 2024, but it’s unclear what he’ll have to offer this season as he enters the final year of a three-year, $26 million pact.

Ritchie will lock horns with two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal at Truist Park in his second big-league outing. The 22-year-old top pitching prospect was outstanding in his major-league debut, striking out seven while allowing two runs over seven innings against the Nationals last Thursday. Another strong performance would virtually ensure that he remains in Atlanta’s rotation for at least a couple additional terms. He’s worthy of a speculative roster spot in all fantasy formats.

Not good. Mendoza added that they’re hoping Soto, who is in Tuesday’s lineup at DH, will be ready to return to the outfield in the next couple days. The 27-year-old generational has gone (3-for-15) with zero extra-base hits and six walks in five games since returning from the injured list last week. It doesn’t sound like a massive concern, but it’s a developing situation that fantasy managers should be closely monitoring.

Hard-hitting rookie Jose Fernandez takes over at shortstop again with Perdomo missing his second consecutive contest after suffering a left ankle sprain during Saturday’s showdown against the Padres in Mexico City. The 26-year-old franchise cornerstone doesn’t appear ticketed for the injured list, but that could always change. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day.

Del Castillo is back at DH on Tuesday night after suffering a dislocated left finger during Sunday’s contest against the Padres in Mexico City. The 26-year-old’s playing time figures to take a hit once Gabriel Moreno (oblique) is ready to return from the injured list later this week.

Orioles skipper Craig Albernaz told reporters Holliday remains shut down from hitting, but is participating in some baseball activities, after leaving a minor league rehab contest with hand discomfort last week. The 22-year-old underwent surgery to repair a hamate fracture back in spring training. It doesn’t sound like he’s close to getting back in minor league games since the Orioles can’t really afford to take any chances with his long-term health.

Mendoza added that Robert, who is out of the lineup for Tuesday’s contest, isn’t scheduled to undergo imaging, but they may be forced to reconsider if he doesn’t show signs of improvement later this week. A lingering back issue would provide a logical explanation for his recent struggles as he’s hitting .164 (9-for-55) with one homer and 12 strikeouts over his last 15 games. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day heading into the final two games of a four-game set against the Nationals.

Cruz returns to the leadoff spot after being a late scratch from Monday’s series opener due to illness. The 27-year-old center fielder has gotten off to a phenomenal start at the plate this season, slashing .259/.320/.518 with 19 runs scored, eight homers, 24 RBI and 10 steals through 27 games.

Fans of the Sounds will get a chance to see both Vaughn and Jackson Chourio (hand) in the lineup beginning Wednesday. Both will likely need a handful of games before being ready to return, but two of the more important hitters in the Milwaukee lineup have a chance to be back with the Brewers relatively early in May.

As expected, Stanton hits the injured list after suffering the “mild” strain during Friday’s game against the Astros. It’s feasible this could be a short stint on the list for the 36-year-old slugger, and it’s possible — although far from a guarantee — that he’s back in the New York lineup by the early portion of May.

Chourio will likely play a handful of games with the Sounds. The 22-year-old has a great chance to get back into the lineup early next week, and his power/speed combination will be a welcome return for both the Brew Crew and fantasy managers.