MLB Player News

Well, that’s a brutal blow on Opening Day. Chourio apparently suffered the injury in the World Baseball Classic, but the X-rays didn’t show a clear fracture. However, he aggravated the injury on a check swing this week, and that’s when further imaging revealed a hairline fracture. The Brewers claim he will be out anywhere between two and four weeks, but considering how important he is to the team and that the season is just starting, we would expect him to be out closer to a month. Blake Perkins was called up to take his spot on the roster, but Jake Bauers, who is fresh off a tremendous spring, could get the first look in the starting lineup.

The Royals desperately needed to add a fresh arm to their bullpen mix on Sunday and Black makes perfect sense as he has worked as a starter in the past and can give them multiple innings. He posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 6/5 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings in his first seven appearances at Triple-A Omaha. He can continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes.

The 27-year-old hurler got into one game during his time with the Royals, giving up six runs on four hits and five walks over four innings, leading to an unsightly 13.50 ERA and 2.25 WHIP. He’ll attempt to work through his command issues at the minor league level. Mason Black was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move on Sunday.

With Carter Jensen and Salvador Perez seeing regular action as the Royals’ designated hitter, it makes sense for them to carry a third backstop. The 35-year-old was off to a very slow start offensively at the Triple-A level, slashing .219/.286/.250 with zero homers, one RBI and an 8/1 K/BB ratio in 35 plate appearances. His days of fantasy relevancy are in the rearview mirror.

Tolbert had been a luxury option on the Royals’ bench, serving almost exclusively as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement. He had just five plate appearances in seven games with the Royals, going 1-for-5 (.200) with a run scored and a stolen base. He’ll return to an everyday role at the Triple-A level for the time being.

Nothing has changed in the prognosis for the 29-year-old right-hander, who is still in the process of recovering from off-season elbow surgery, this was done as a procedural move to clear a spot on the Royals’ 40-man roster for the addition of Elias Diaz on Sunday. McArthur won’t be eligible to return until the end of May.

As expected, Stowers will make his 2026 season debut on Sunday against the Brewers. The 28-year-old slugger has been shelved since the end of spring training due to a hamstring strain. He went 3-for-17 (.176) over five games on a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Jacksonville. He should be rostered in all formats and fantasy managers shouldn’t hesitate to get him into lineups as soon as possible.

As is often the case, the 24-year-old outfielder will find himself on the bench with an opposing left-hander on the mound. David Fry will start in his place in right field and bat fifth against Trevor Rogers and the Orioles on Sunday.

The 34-year-old slugger served his time from brawling with Braves’ right-hander Reynaldo López last week. He returns to a .231/.342/.508 slash line with five homers and 18 RBI in 79 plate appearances through his first 18 ballgames. Fantasy managers have to be thrilled with the power production that he has provided to start the season.

The 26-year-old southpaw will add some length to a Nationals’ bullpen that has been taxed lately. Alvarez was terrific in five starts for the Nats in 2025, posting a 2.31 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and a 20/10 K/BB ratio over 23 1/3 innings of work.

The 29-year-old isn’t eligible to return from the injured list until the end of May. Red Sox’ skipper Alex Cora told reporters on Saturday that Gonzalez has been going through his progression and that he feels good. If he doesn’t at least begin baseball activities soon, he may have trouble being ready to return when first eligible.