MLB Player News

Crow-Armstrong’s second half slump last year was quite a bit more about his average and lack of power, but the steals suffered, too, as much trouble as he had reaching base; he swiped six bags in his final 54 games after totaling 29 in his first 103. Ideally, he’ll contribute in all three areas this year, but the safest bet is that he’ll be a strong asset in terms of steals; he’s just too good on the basepaths not to push the envelope.

Rengifo gets the nod over speedster David Hamilton to face Rays lefty Shane McClanahan in his long-awaited return to the majors. The 29-year-old utility specialist figures to continue playing regularly against left-handed starters and getting a chance near the top of Milwaukee’s formidable lineup gives him some fantasy appeal in leagues that offer daily lineup changes.

Fraley returns to right field and will bat cleanup following a two-game hiatus due to shoulder soreness. The 30-year-old platoon specialist is a perfect fit for how the Rays like to construct their rosters, but he’s an afterthought for fantasy purposes outside of AL-only formats.

It’ll be Masataka Yoshida getting a chance at DH in his place. Caleb Durbin is also on the bench with Andruw Monasterio at the hot corner. It qualifies as a mild surprise to see Duran on the bench with Astros ace Hunter Brown on the hill. The 29-year-old outfielder is off to a frosty start at the plate, hitting .154 (2-for-13) with zero extra-base hits and two steals through four games.

Ponce is headed to the injured list with Lazaro Estrada coming up to take his roster spot. Schneider added that Ponce is facing an extended absence, but the club remains hopeful he’ll pitch again this season and will await additional medical opinions before determining next steps. The 31-year-old journeyman left his Blue Jays debut on Monday night with right knee discomfort. His prolonged absence puts additional strain on Toronto’s rotation which is already without Trey Yesavage (shoulder), Shane Bieber (elbow) and José Berríos (elbow).

Candelario, who spent parts of three seasons with the Cubs earlier in his career, draws his first start of the year with Yoán Moncada on the bench following a mental mistake at the hot corner during Monday’s series-opening loss. The 32-year-old veteran made Los Angeles’ season-opening roster in a bench role as a non-roster invitee in spring training. He can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats for the moment but it’s worth noting that he’ll get chances at a couple different spots with the Angels.

Peña is back at shortstop and leading off with Brayan Bello getting the ball for Boston after sitting out Monday’s series opener. The 28-year-old power/speed combo threat has started exactly half of Houston’s six games to open the season as he continues to work his way back from a fractured finger.

Kurtz moves to the heart of the order with Braves lefty José Suarez taking the hill on Tuesday night at Truist Park after batting leadoff in four consecutive games to open the season. It’ll be Jacob Wilson taking over atop the lineup with Shea Langeliers dropped to the fifth spot. It remains to be seen whether this is a one-off matchup-related decision or a more permanent change. The 23-year-old reigning AL Rookie of the Year has gotten off to an ice-cold start this season, hitting .077 (1-for-13) with eight strikeouts through four games. We’re not concerned in the slightest considering how microscopic of a sample size we’re dissecting here. It’s only a matter of time before Kurtz gets going.

Basallo, who is 2-for-10 with four strikeouts this season, returns to face Rangers ace Jacob deGrom after getting a break during Monday’s series opener. Coby Mayo gets his first day off with Blaze Alexander handling the hot corner and Jeremiah Jackson at the keystone.

Stott is back in there for the Phillies after sitting out back-to-back contests with left-handed starters on the bump. The 28-year-old second baseman figures to continue sitting against southpaws with Edmundo Sosa getting those early-season opportunities.

Marte has started just three times in five contests to open the season, which is a bit perplexing considering how he finished last year as one of Cincinnati’s core offensive contributors. It’s notable that he’s in the lineup to face Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler in this one. The 24-year-old former top prospect will continue splitting time with Will Benson, who is in left field on Tuesday night with Spencer Steer on the bench. The emergence of Sal Stewart and return of Eugenio Suárez has created a logjam for the Reds with Marte drawing the short straw for now.