MLB Player News

Walker continued his strong stretch of production to start the year with a 378-foot opposite-field home run that left the bat at 104.4 mph. He also had a 115.2 mph lineout during the game as well. Walker is just 23 years old and has flashed big upside before. He has also made a clear swing change this season, not only changing his stance in the box but also modifying his swing path and attack angle. It’s unclear if this will stick, but given how much upside Walker has, he’s worth adding in all league types.

Young was hit by a pitch during Thursday’s game. Fortunately, additional testing revealed no structural damage and the 26-year-old outfielder should be able to return to action in a day or two. Joey Wiemer will draw a start in his place in center field and will bat fifth for the Nationals against Giants’ right-hander Logan Webb on Friday night.

It’s the second straight game that the versatile 28-year-old has missed due to a sore hand. The good news is that he has yet to be placed on the injured list, meaning the Rockies still think it’s a day-to-day type of injury. Expect him to return to action at some point over the weekend.

The 23-year-old infielder will get his first chance to show what he can do at the Major League level with Zach McKinstry (hip) landing on the injured list on Friday. Lee will start at third base and bat eighth in his MLB debut against Red Sox’ left-hander Ranger Suarez on Friday evening in Boston. Lee was hitting just .194/.231/.278 with a homer and seven RBI in his first nine minor league contests to open the 2026 campaign.

McKinstry has been battling a few ailments that he sustained when diving headfirst into home plate on Wednesday, so he’ll sit down for a bit to fully heal up. Hao-Yu Lee was recalled from Triple-A Toledo in a corresponding move and will make his big league debut on Friday against the Red Sox.

Paredes has been struggling at the plate this season, hitting 208/.344/.283 with zero homers and six RBI in his first 64 plate appearances, so a day off to clear his head may do him some good. Taylor Trammell will draw a start in his place and play left field while Yordan Alvarez functions as the Astros’ designated hitter against Cardinals’ right-hander Kyle Leahy on Friday evening in Houston.

The 33-year-old slugger was held out of action on Wednesday after leaving Tuesday’s contest with soreness in his lower back. He’s feeling much better after an extended break with Thursday’s off-day though and is right back in there at first base and batting second against Casey Mize and the Tigers on Friday night.

It appears to be just a routine night off for the 27-year-old infielder. David Hamilton will start in his place and will bat ninth for the Brewers against Marlins’ right-hander Janson Junk.

The 29-year-old knuckleballer will rejoin the Padres to start on Friday night against the Angels. Waldron made three starts at Triple-A El Paso on his minor league rehab assignment, hurling 12 scoreless innings with a 0.67 WHIP and a 12/1 K/BB ratio. He’s worth a look as a streaming option in deeper mixed leagues for Friday’s matchup against the Halos.

The Padres needed to free up a spot on their active roster for the return of Matt Waldron on Friday and unfortunately for Jacob he drew the short straw this time around. The 27-year-old hurler made one appearance during his time with the Padres, firing two scoreless frames with a 3/1 K/BB ratio. He should get another opportunity with the Padres in relatively short order.

He still isn’t sure when he’ll return, but he has been running and going through drills without any issues over the past couple of days. He’s eligible to return from the injured list on Tuesday and there’s growing optimism that he could be ready then or shortly afterwards. Samuel Basallo and Maverick Handley will continue to handle the catching duties in his absence.