MLB Player News

Arenado takes a seat for the first time this season following four consecutive starts with prospect Jose Fernandez set to make his major-league debut at Chase Field. The 34-year-old defensive wizard has gotten off to a frigid 2-for-16 start in his Diamondbacks debut.

Walcott is roughly two months removed from an internal brace procedure on his right elbow and isn’t expected to be ready to return to game action until at least mid-July. The 20-year-old shortstop remains one of the top fantasy prospects in the game but he’s highly unlikely to reach the majors until 2027.

Leon is back with Philadelphia on a new deal after being removed from their 40-man roster earlier this week to make room for hot-hitting rookie Felix Reyes. The 27-year-old former prospect was claimed off waivers from the Astros last November. He’s yet to appear in the big leagues this season.

Triple-A Worcester manager Chad Tracy told reporters there’s “a pretty good likelihood” that Tolle pitches for the Red Sox later this week. The 23-year-old southpaw, who holds a strong 3.00 ERA and 19/4 K/BB ratio across 15 innings over three starts in the minors this season, figures to get the ball this weekend against the division-rival Orioles with Sonny Gray (hamstring) staring at a multi-week absence. His strikeout upside alone makes Tolle worthy of a fantasy roster spot in all leagues until further notice.

It’s a tough break for the rookie backstop after hitting the shelf prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the Dodgers. The 24-year-old was off to a hot start, hitting .478 (11-for-23) with three extra-base hits and five RBI in 11 games. It’ll be Eric Haase coming up to handle the backup catching duties in his absence behind starter Patrick Bailey.

The Dodgers will have to find creative ways to get Rushing’s bat in their lineup on a consistent basis since he’s hitting .444 (12-for-27) with seven homers in eight games this season. The 25-year-old former top prospect launched two homers on Monday against the Rockies and will get a chance to face Giants starter Landen Roupp with Will Smith getting some extra rest from handling the catching duties.

It’s an extremely rare day off for Pages with Alex Call taking over in center field. The 25-year-old fantasy standout has been an extremely impactful fantasy contributor this season, slashing .370/.416/.605 with five homers, 21 RBI and four steals in 22 games. He leads the majors in both hits (30) and RBI during that span.

Cortes receives another opportunity in the heart of the Athletics’ lineup after going 4-for-5 with his second homer of the season during Monday’s series opener. The unheralded 28-year-old has gotten off to a strong start and has seen more playing time than originally anticipated due to Brent Rooker’s oblique injury.

This explains why Lowe was absent from the lineup for the second straight contest despite righty Kumar Rocker taking the ball for the Rangers on Tuesday night at Globe Life Field. The 31-year-old slugging second baseman will likely receive some extra time off this week, but it doesn’t sound like a potential injured list situation based on comments from Pirates skipper Don Kelly. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. Nick Gonzales is at second base in his place on Tuesday evening.

Boyd returns to Chicago’s rotation mix after missing just over two weeks with a left biceps strain. The 35-year-old lefty might have some limitations from a pitch count standpoint after throwing 64 pitches in a rehab start last Thursday for Triple-A Iowa. It’s a strong matchup right out of the chute with the Phillies struggling offensively to open the year.

Haase returns to the majors with rookie backstop Daniel Susac hitting the shelf with an elbow issue. The well-traveled 33-year-old will handle the backup catching duties behind starter Patrick Bailey.