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Mariners Promote Colt Emerson, Brendan Donovan To IL

Charlie Wright — Mon, 18 May 2026 03:59:10 +0000

The Mariners are adding top prospect Colt Emerson to the big-league squad, first reported by Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. The 20-year-old shortstop is among the highest-ranked young players in the sport. The team has officially announced the promotion. Brendan Donovan was placed on the 10-day IL with a groin strain as the corresponding move.

The Mariners released an updated lineup for Sunday Night Baseball against the Padres. Emerson is now batting ninth and playing third base instead of Leo Rivas. He’ll be the youngest Mariner to make his debut since 19-year-old Félix Hernández in 2005, according to the team.

Emerson fell short of an MLB gig out of Spring Training, despite a 111 wRC+ in 18 games. The 20-year-old has slashed .255/.347/.469 through 38 games at Triple-A this season. He’s popped seven home runs to go with 10 stolen bases.

Seattle inked Emerson to an eight-year, $95MM extension in late March. The price tag is a record figure for a player who has yet to appear in the majors. MLB Pipeline has Emerson ranked sixth among all prospects. FanGraphs has the infielder just outside the top 10.

The Mariners didn’t give Emerson an opportunity in the majors when shortstop J.P. Crawford was working through a shoulder injury early in the year. It would seem another injury to an infielder has opened the door for the youngster. Donovan had been out of the lineup since Friday. He’s been the club’s everyday third baseman when healthy. Emerson has played mostly shortstop with Tacoma, but he’s made five starts at the hot corner this season.

Donovan has dealt with groin issues since the offseason. He underwent sports hernia surgery before the 2026 campaign got underway. The infielder hit the IL in late April with a groin strain. After just seven games, Donovan is back on the injured list with the same injury. With Emerson taking over at third base, the versatile Donovan will move around to multiple spots when healthy, per Adam Jude of the Seattle Times. There’s no timetable for his return, but the club hopes he can get back to full strength in a few weeks, per Divish.

Seattle took Emerson with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 draft. He moved quickly through the lower levels of the minors. Emerson posted an impressive 129 wRC+ across three levels last year, capped off by a massive .364/.444/.727 line in a brief sample at Triple-A. He hasn’t been as dominant so far this season, particularly in terms of contact. Emerson has a career-high 27.2% strikeout rate over 169 plate appearances in the minors this year. The power and speed have been among the best he’s shown, though. Emerson’s 16 homers and 14 steals in 2025 were both career highs. He would’ve blown past those marks if he had stayed with Tacoma much longer.

Photo courtesy of Arianna Grainey, Imagn Images

Clay Holmes Likely To Avoid Surgery, Could Return In August

Charlie Wright — Mon, 18 May 2026 03:26:27 +0000

The Mets will be missing right-hander Clay Holmes for a significant chunk of the season, but he could return sometime after the All-Star break. The veteran starter fractured his right fibula on Friday against the Yankees. Holmes told reporters, including Chelsea Janes of SNY, that surgery hasn’t been ruled out, but doesn’t appear to be necessary.

Manager Carlos Mendoza was equally optimistic about the outlook for Holmes. “Yes, definitely we’ll see him this season,” Mendoza said, relayed by ESPN. The skipper added that Holmes is expected to need six to eight weeks to heal, plus an additional ramp-up period similar to Spring Training, which would be another month and a half or so. That schedule would get Holmes back into the Mets’ rotation sometime in August.

Holmes was struck by a 111 mph line drive off the bat of outfielder Spencer Jones in the fourth inning of the first game in the Subway Series. He somehow stayed in, wiggling out of a bases-loaded jam later in the frame. Holmes was removed after walking Jazz Chisholm Jr. with one out in the fifth inning.

The Holmes injury was the latest in a laundry list of health concerns for the Mets. The pitching staff is already missing right-hander Kodai Senga and reliever A.J. Minter. On the hitting side, shortstop Francisco Lindor, outfielder Luis Robert Jr., and first baseman Jorge Polanco remain out. Catcher Francisco Alvarez tore the meniscus in his right knee earlier this week.

The Mets dropped the first game against the Yankees, but rallied to win the next two, including a wild walk-off win on Sunday. Outfielder Tyrone Taylor blasted a two-out, three-run home run off closer David Bednar to send the game into extra innings. Rookie Carson Benge finished off the comeback by driving in the game-winning run in the 10th inning. The Mets went 5-1 this week, improving their record to 20-26. It’s been exactly a month since they’ve been this close to .500.

New York hasn’t come up with a Holmes replacement yet. The corresponding move when the righty hit the IL was the promotion of reliever Joey Gerber. Current bullpen pieces Tobias Myers and Sean Manaea are candidates to step into the rotation. Manaea has continued to struggle after spiraling down the stretch in 2025, but Myers has been solid. The club’s competitiveness might determine the long-term solution. If the Mets can move closer to contention, the front office might consider a trade to supplement the rotation while Holmes is recovering. If the team can’t get back into the Wild Card mix, the internal options will have to do.

Photo courtesy of Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images

Corey Seager To Visit Back Specialist

Charlie Wright — Mon, 18 May 2026 01:55:01 +0000

The Rangers are sending Corey Seager to see the club’s back specialist, per Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports. The shortstop was sidelined for all three games of a weekend series against the Astros. The team is still waiting on the results of an MRI.

Seager hasn’t suited up since Wednesday. He’d appeared in 42 of the Rangers’ 43 games before the back issue popped up. The 32-year-old is scuffling through his worst offensive campaign to date. He’s currently stuck in a 0-for-27 slump. Seager is slashing .179/.286/.353 across 182 plate appearances. His 80 wRC+ is his worst mark as a big leaguer by a significant margin.

It’s unclear how long Seager’s been dealing with the injury. His Statcast metrics certainly haven’t aligned with his lofty standards. Seager has a 45.4% hard-hit rate this year, which is still an above-average mark, but a couple of ticks below his career norm. It’s also well behind his recent work with Texas. Seager has posted a hard-hit rate above 50% in each of the past three campaigns. His barrel rate has remained steady this year, but his average exit velocity has slipped by nearly 2 mph compared to 2025.

Seager is also struggling to make contact like never before. He has a career-high 27.5% strikeout rate. It’s the first time he’s been above 20% since 2017 with the Dodgers. Seager’s 16.2% swinging-strike rate is easily a career worst. His 68.0% contact rate is the 12th-lowest mark among qualified hitters.

Texas signed Seager to a massive 10-year, $300MM deal heading into the 2022 season. He’s been incredibly productive with the club, including a second-place MVP finish in 2023. He also earned World Series MVP honors that year. Seager has a wRC+ of 138 or better in each of the past three campaigns.

Similar to his time in L.A., injuries remain the drawback with Seager. After playing in 151 games in 2022, he’s missed time with thumb, sports hernia, and hamstring issues the past few years. An appendectomy also cost Seager most of September last season. While it’s hard to hold that last one against him, the soft tissue injuries have been prevalent.

Ezequiel Duran has stepped in at shortstop this year with Seager out. The utilityman is off to a solid start at the plate. Duran is slashing .270/.339/.441 with three home runs and four steals. The versatile veteran has spent time at every infield spot except first base, plus both corner outfield positions. Duran has been a decent defender up the middle in his career. He’s posted +5 Outs Above Average across 525 2/3 innings at shortstop. Duran has -2 Defensive Runs Saved at the position, which would still be passable, at least temporarily.

A Seager injury would normally lead to a Sebastian Walcott mention, but the top prospect is set to miss most of the year after undergoing an internal brace procedure on his elbow. Cameron Cauley is a borderline top 10 prospect in the organization. He’s bounced around the diamond this year at Triple-A, with at least seven starts at four different positions, including shortstop. While the glove might be viable, Cauley has scuffled to an 82 wRC+ with Round Rock.

Photo courtesy of Jerome Miron, Imagn Images

Twins’ John Brebbia Expected To Trigger Opt-Out Clause

Charlie Wright — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:33:34 +0000

Right-hander John Brebbia is exercising the opt-out clause in his minor league deal with the Twins, reports Darren Wolfson of KSTP. Minnesota has until Wednesday to add Brebbia to the big-league club. If the team declines, the veteran reliever will head to free agency. Brebbia joins Triple-A St. Paul teammate Matt Bowman in triggering an opt-out on Sunday.

Brebbia was in camp with the Rockies, but was cut shortly before Opening Day. He latched on with the Twins a couple of days into the regular season. The 35-year-old righty split the 2025 campaign between the Tigers and Braves. He posted an identical 7.71 ERA with both teams. The well-traveled Brebbia has pitched for five MLB squads in his eight-year career.

While Bowman is pitching well with the Saints, Brebbia is off to a difficult start. He’s posted a 6.20 ERA across 20 1/3 innings this season. The reliever has a solid 28.3% strikeout rate, but a double-digit walk rate. Free passes haven’t typically been an issue for Brebbia, though those numbers have ticked up in recent years.

The Twins don’t have any available slots on the 40-man roster, which makes a Brebbia promotion tricky. There’s a chance he lands back with the club on a new minor league deal if Minnesota declines to call him up.

Brebbia posted a few respectable seasons in the Cardinals’ bullpen after debuting in 2017. He then signed with the Giants and delivered more of the same. The veteran tested free agency at the end of 2023. Brebbia earned a decent $5.5MM commitment from the White Sox heading into 2024, but was released in August. He bounced to the Braves, then the Tigers, and finally back to Atlanta to finish up last season.

Photo courtesy of Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images

Sunday Night Waiver Wire & FAAB Chat

Jeff Zimmerman — Mon, 18 May 2026 00:20:41 +0000

A few rookie hitters, and not much else.

Source

Cubs Claim Christian Roa

Charlie Wright — Sun, 17 May 2026 23:07:28 +0000

The Cubs have claimed right-hander Christian Roa, the Orioles announced. Baltimore designated Roa for assignment on Friday after acquiring fellow righty Eduarniel Núñez in a trade with the Athletics.

The 27-year-old Roa is no stranger to the waiver wire. He broke camp with the Astros, but was sent down after the first series of the season. Roa was designated for assignment after a second brief stint with the club in April. It set off a series of transactions that saw him bounce to multiple organizations. Roa was claimed, then DFAed by the Twins and Orioles in the span of a few weeks. He’s now landed in Chicago.

Roa permitted five earned runs over 8 2/3 innings with Houston. He had more walks (7) than strikeouts (6) across seven appearances. Roa’s time as an Astro represents his longest MLB look so far. He tossed three innings for the Marlins in 2025, his only other stretch in the big leagues.

Cincinnati took Roa in the second round of the 2020 draft. The righty put up solid numbers in the minors, but also struggled with walks, especially at the higher levels of the minors. Roa delivered a 31.0% strikeout rate across Double-A and Triple-A in 2023. Those swing-and-miss numbers, particularly for a pitcher who was already 24 years old, could’ve led to a call-up, except they came with an ugly 16.6% walk rate. Roa worked mostly as a reliever for the first time in 2024. He scuffled to a 5.55 ERA with Louisville and was DFAed at the end of the season.

Miami took a shot on Roa off the waiver wire. He was excellent as a full-time reliever with Jacksonville, posting a 2.83 ERA with more than a strikeout per inning in 50 appearances. Roa trimmed the free passes to 11.4%, which was an improvement. He debuted with the Marlins in September. Roa walked three but only permitted one hit. He tested free agency at the end of the year, landing with Houston on a minor league deal.

Photo courtesy of Ron Chenoy, Imagn Images

Jose Altuve Placed On IL With Oblique Strain

Charlie Wright — Sun, 17 May 2026 22:15:38 +0000

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve is headed to the injured list with a Grade 2 oblique strain, the team announced. The veteran infielder homered off Jacob deGrom on Saturday, but was removed from the game in the ninth inning. The injury kept him out of the lineup on Sunday. The club has yet to announce a corresponding move.

The 36-year-old Altuve has been perfectly league average (100 wRC+) through 42 games. He got off to a torrid start, boasting an OPS over 1.000 after a dozen games, but has cooled from there. Altuve’s long ball yesterday snapped a 21-game drought without a home run. He’s slugged just .380 through 185 plate appearances.

Altuve has been remarkably healthy during his 16-year career. The veteran has topped 600 plate appearances in every season since the shortened 2020 campaign, outside of 2023. He fell short that year primarily because of a broken thumb suffered after being hit by a pitch in the World Baseball Classic.

After a foray into the outfield last year, Aluve has slotted back in as the club’s everyday second baseman. He’s continued a downward trend as a defender this year. Altuve has recorded -5 Defensive Runs Saved in 338 1/3 innings at the position. He ranks in the 11th percentile for Outs Above Average.

Houston came into the season with a glut of infielders, but injuries have quickly whittled down the depth. Jeremy Pena has been sidelined since mid-April with a hamstring strain. He missed a bit of time to begin the year after fracturing a finger in the WBC. The club lost Carlos Correa for the season after he suffered an ankle injury in early May.

Pena embarked on a rehab assignment earlier this week and could be nearing a comeback. The shortstop was in the clubhouse on Sunday and will travel with the team for a series in Minnesota, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. His return will help offset the loss of Altuve in the infield.

Braden Shewmake and Nick Allen have seen time at shortstop with Pena and Correa out. Both could be options at the keystone, along with Shay Whitcomb. Isaac Paredes has played a bit of second base this season, but he’s locked in at the hot corner with Correa gone. Brice Matthews would be a candidate to fill in for Altuve, particularly if Jake Meyers is back with the club.

Meyers is recovering from an oblique injury of his own. He could return on Monday, per McTaggart. Houston has thrown a slew of players in center field with Meyers sidelined. Matthews has earned the most plate appearances at the position, but Taylor Trammell, Joey Loperfido, Daniel Johnson, and Zach Cole have also seen time there. Getting Meyers’ glove back in center field would be a nice upgrade. Sliding Matthews to second base would allow for a longer look at the former first-round pick.

Photo courtesy of Erik Williams, Imagn Images

Starts and Sits - All Starting Pitcher Matchups for Fantasy Baseball (May 18 - May 24)

Nick Mariano — Sun, 17 May 2026 21:19:01 +0000

The weather is heating up, and so is the pressure to rise up the standings, so let us take you to the top with our updated starting pitcher starts/sits for fantasy baseball for the week ahead - Monday, May 18 through Sunday, May 24. This column provides readers with who is pitching, the opponent, and […]

Fantasy Baseball SP Roundup 5/16: McDonald’s Golden Arcs

Nick Pollack — Sun, 17 May 2026 21:15:53 +0000

Nick Pollack reviews every starting pitcher performance from Saturday.

The post Fantasy Baseball SP Roundup 5/16: McDonald’s Golden Arcs appeared first on Pitcher List.

Nick Mariano's Week 8 Waiver Wire Picks - Get 'Em While They're Hot (Premium Content)

Nick Mariano — Sun, 17 May 2026 21:09:30 +0000

All other Premium Tools can be accessed on the Premium Dashboard. We're into the second half of May, but the fantasy baseball season remains young. Don't be afraid to get more aggressive with those end-of-roster slots as we pursue fewer avenues to true breakouts after the opening month of play. Alongside the waiver wire, don't […]

Starting Pitcher Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups - Week 8 (May 18 - May 24)

Mike Carter — Sun, 17 May 2026 21:08:07 +0000

Welcome, everyone, to our starting pitcher fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups for Week 8 of the 2026 season (May 18 - May 24). In this weekly piece, we search for starting pitchers rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues. For deeper leagues, we try to find pitchers rostered in less than 30 percent […]

Mariners To Promote Colt Emerson

Charlie Wright — Sun, 17 May 2026 20:41:10 +0000

The Mariners are expected to bring up top prospect Colt Emerson to the big-league squad, reports Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. The 20-year-old shortstop is among the highest-ranked young players in the sport. Divish adds in a follow-up post that Emerson is expected to arrive at T-Mobile Park before a Sunday Night Baseball matchup against the Padres.

More to come…

Twins’ Matt Bowman Exercises Opt-Out Clause

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 19:54:30 +0000

Right-hander Matt Bowman has triggered an opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the Twins, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. Bowman can become a free agent if Minnesota doesn’t add him to the 26-man roster by Wednesday. Earlier this week, Darren Wolfson of KSTP and SKOR North reported on the opt-out clauses held by both Bowman and John Brebbia, and there isn’t yet any word on Brebbia’s decision.

This is the second time in two months that Bowman has used an opt-out clause, as he also opted out of his previous minors contract with Minnesota at the end of Spring Training. The Twins granted Bowman his release rather than a spot on the Opening Day roster, but Bowman returned to the organization on a new minor league deal shortly thereafter.

It is possible this scenario may repeat itself if the Twins again decide against selecting Bowman’s contract. Minnesota has a full 40-man roster, so the team would likely have to make multiple moves to accommodate Bowman on both the 26-man and 40-man rosters.

Working in Bowman’s favor this time around are a set of impressive Triple-A numbers — a 1.69 ERA, 28.1% strikeout rate, and 6.7% walk rate over 21 1/3 innings in St. Paul. The 34-year-old is obviously pitching against much younger and less experienced batters in the minors, and Bowman has a 5.46 ERA in 59 1/3 innings in the majors over the 2023-25 seasons. That said, an argument can be made that the Twins might as well give Bowman a look considering that Minnesota’s bullpen has been one of the least-effective units in baseball.

Dodgers Acquire Eric Lauer

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 19:08:35 +0000

2:37PM: Both teams have officially announced the move, which is Lauer and cash considerations heading to Los Angeles in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Right-hander Brusdar Graterol was shifted from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL in order to create space for Lauer on the 40-man roster.

2:08PM: The Dodgers are acquiring left-hander Eric Lauer from the Blue Jays, The Athletic’s Katie Woo reports. The Blue Jays designated Lauer for assignment last week and there hadn’t been any word on Lauer’s status on the waiver wire. Woo’s initial report indicated that Lauer had signed with Los Angeles (and thus cleared waivers and was either released, or Lauer rejected an outright assignment in favor of free agency), but her updated report states that “the process is still being configured,” which could mean the Dodgers and Jays are working out some kind of minor trade.

The Dodgers will owe Lauer just the prorated portion of the MLB minimum salary, and that number will be subtracted from the approximately $3.2MM remaining on Lauer’s 2026 salary. The Blue Jays will otherwise cover the rest of that $3.2MM sum, unless some extra money is kicked in from the Dodgers as part of a trade.

Lauer posted solid numbers as a starter and swingman with the Padres and Brewers from 2018-22, but his career was at a crossroads after a rough 2023 campaign. The left-hander didn’t pitch in the big leagues at all in 2024, as he spent his time in the minors with the Astros and Pirates and also had a stint in the KBO League with the Kia Tigers. Toronto inked Lauer to a minor league contract in the 2024-25 offseason, and he ended up being one of the unsung heroes of the Jays’ run to the American League crown.

Initially called up as a long reliever and bulk pitcher, Lauer was moved into a full-fledged starting role by June before being shifted back into bullpen work in September and throughout the postseason. Lauer posted a 3.18 ERA, 23.9% strikeout rate, and 6.1% walk rate across 104 2/3 regular-season innings and then delivered a 3.12 ERA in 8 2/3 playoff frames.

Despite these solid numbers, the Jays still viewed Lauer as a swingman or depth option heading into 2026, as Toronto addressed the rotation by signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, and then reuniting with Max Scherzer. However, fate intervened again with a swath of injuries that quickly thinned the Blue Jays’ pitching depth, leaving Lauer again in a starting job.

This time, Lauer came back to earth. He posted a 6.69 ERA over 36 1/3 innings and eight outings this season, and his 16K% and 9.9BB% also went in the wrong direction from 2025. Lauer wasn’t entirely healthy himself as he battled through a bad case of the flu, but there also seemed to be some discord between the left-hander and the team over his usage. Lauer went public with his displeasure over first his lack of starting opportunities, and then the Jays’ decision to use an opener for some of Lauer’s outings.

Ironically, Lauer now finds himself on a team known for non-traditional pitcher deployment, so it wouldn’t be a shock if the Dodgers again use an opener if Lauer is lined up to face a team with several tough right-handed batters atop a lineup. That assumes Lauer will start at all, though that is probably the likeliest scenario given the team’s rotation needs.

Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are both on the injured list, leaving Los Angeles with two holes in its preferred six-man rotation model. Roki Sasaki‘s starting job is also less than stable given the right-hander’s shaky start to the 2026 campaign, though Sasaki might retain his rotation role just by dint of a lack of other options. Lauer could be inserted alongside Sasaski, Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Justin Wrobleski, and Emmet Sheehan. Down on the farm, River Ryan might be approaching readiness for a return to the majors as well, so the Dodgers again find themselves in the odd position of both technically having a rotation surplus, let also a shortage of arms.

2026 Fantasy Baseball Week 8 FAAB Insights: Who To Bid On And How Much

Aaron Wannemacher — Sun, 17 May 2026 19:00:37 +0000

Which players should you spend your FAAB budget on?

The post 2026 Fantasy Baseball Week 8 FAAB Insights: Who To Bid On And How Much appeared first on Pitcher List.

BWB 006 – Big Names, Bigger Worries?

Dave Funnell — Sun, 17 May 2026 19:00:01 +0000

BWB 006 - Big Names, Bigger Worries?

The post BWB 006 – Big Names, Bigger Worries? appeared first on Pitcher List.

AL West Notes: D’Arnaud, Smith, Clarke

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 18:42:29 +0000

Plantar fasciitis in his right foot sent Travis d’Arnaud to the Angels‘ 10-day injured list on May 7, and it will be some time yet before the catcher is back on the field. D’Arnaud is currently using a scooter to get around, and he told MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger that it will be at least two weeks before he can put any weight on his right foot. Between this recovery time, a ramp-up of baseball activities and a minor league rehab assignment, a mid-June return looks like the absolute best-case scenario for d’Arnaud’s return.

After signing a two-year, $12MM deal with Los Angeles in November 2024, d’Arnaud struggled to a .197/.255/.343 slash line over 231 plate appearances in the first year of the contract. He had a modest .614 OPS over his first 40 PA this season, so between the lack of production and now this extended IL stint, d’Arnaud’s time in Anaheim is looking like a bust for all sides. D’Arnaud’s absence is just one of many issues plaguing the woeful Angels, whose 16-30 record is the worst in the majors.

Dodgers Place Jack Dreyer On 15-Day Injured List

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 18:06:47 +0000

The Dodgers announced that left-hander Jack Dreyer has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to discomfort in his throwing shoulder. Southpaw Charlie Barnes was also optioned to Triple-A, as Los Angeles called up right-handers Paul Gervase and Chayce McDermott to fill the two open spots in their bullpen. No further roster maneuvers were required since Gervase and McDermott are already on the 40-man roster.

More to come…

Blake Snell To Undergo Surgery To Remove Loose Bodies In Elbow

AJ Eustace — Sun, 17 May 2026 18:00:25 +0000

TODAY: Dr. Neal ElAttrache will perform the surgery on Tuesday, and Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register writes that ElAttache may be able to use the “NanoNeedle” device, depending on the state of Snell’s elbow. The NanoNeedle is a relatively new device used for loose-body procedures that allows the elbow debris to be removed in a less invasive way, which theoretically could result in a shorter recovery timeline, even if that means Snell might miss closer to two months instead of three or more.

MAY 16: Snell is expected to undergo surgery, sources tell Maddie Lee. One source estimates that Snell might be able to return by late July or early August, though this projection is still very fluid.

MAY 15: The Dodgers are placing left-hander Blake Snell back on the injured list, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Lefty Charlie Barnes is being recalled in a corresponding move, according to Maddie Lee of the Los Angeles Times. Snell, whose placement is backdated to May 12th, reportedly has “loose bodies” in his throwing elbow.

Snell was only just activated from the injured list on May 9th, so this unfortunately makes for a quick return. He had missed the first month of the season with left shoulder fatigue. Snell then made two rehab starts at Single-A and one final start at Triple-A, in which he lasted four innings. The Dodgers somewhat surprisingly activated Snell despite previously wanting him to be stretched out to five innings in his rehab stint. In the end, Snell only made one start in the Majors before landing back on the injured list, and it didn’t go particularly well, with Snell allowing five runs (four earned) in three innings on the 9th against the Braves.

According to manager Dave Roberts, Snell felt something “in the back of” his left elbow during a game of catch yesterday (link via Ardaya). That led to the discovery of the loose bodies. Ardaya adds that there is no set plan right now as to whether Snell will require surgery. Notably, Snell underwent arthroscopic surgery in July 2019 to remove loose bodies from the same elbow, and he ended up missing six weeks. While this new injury isn’t a re-aggravation of Snell’s shoulder troubles, the mention of loose bodies in his elbow is equally troubling. A precise timeline will hopefully be known in the next few days, but the expectation is that Snell will return before the end of the season, according to Alden González of MLB.com and others.

The loss of Snell is a big hit to the Dodgers’ rotation. Tyler Glasnow went on the injured list a week ago with lower back spasms. The team had been using a six-man rotation to protect the health of their starters, particularly Shohei Ohtani, who is aiming for a full season as both a pitcher and a hitter for the first time since 2023. With Glasnow and Snell both out of the picture, the rotation is a five-man group consisting of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Ohtani, Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski, and Roki Sasaki. Sasaki has a 5.88 ERA through 33 2/3 innings and is the clear weak spot in the rotation. He might have been demoted if Snell simply took Glasnow’s spot, but with both injured, Sasaki’s spot appears safe for now.

The Dodgers have a few options to replace Snell, but they each come with risks. River Ryan was just activated at Triple-A after missing a month with a hamstring injury. He is only “a slim possibility” to eventually join the big league rotation, according to Roberts (via Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register). Left-hander Jackson Ferris is the club’s No. 8 prospect according to MLB.com. He’s only made six starts at Triple-A with a 7.43 ERA, so he’d be over-exposed in the Majors. Among non-prospects, Barnes might be the fallback option. FanGraphs has him as the long man in the Dodgers’ bullpen for now, but Barnes has been a starter for nearly all of his career in MLB and the Korea Baseball Organization. He could take a few turns through the rotation as a temporary stopgap, which would preserve the Dodgers’ six-man rotation.

Photo courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images

Padres Promote Lucas Giolito

Steve Adams — Sun, 17 May 2026 17:35:06 +0000

TODAY: Giolito has been officially called up from Double-A San Antonio to start today’s game with the Mariners. Right-hander Alek Jacob was optioned to Triple-A in the corresponding move.

MAY 13: A Padres team that’s been piecing together its rotation over the course of the season thus far is on the verge of getting some much-needed starting pitching help. Lucas Giolito is expected to make his team debut this weekend, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

The 31-year-old Giolito went unsigned all winter and eventually inked a one-year deal with the Friars last month. It contains just a $3MM base salary but an additional $5MM worth of incentives. Giolito has made four minor league starts as he ramps up after missing spring training. The results have been a bit shaky overall, though some early rust is to be expected. He’s tossed 17 innings with a 4.76 ERA, 19.5% strikeout rate and 7.8% walk rate. Giolito’s most recent start was his best; he went six innings and allowed one run on three hits and no walks against the Athletics’ Double-A affiliate.

While Giolito’s debut is a welcome boost to the San Diego staff, it’ll also force the Padres into a decision. The Friars’ pitching staff lacks flexibility in the way of optionable arms. None of the five starters currently on the roster can be optioned. Moving a starter to the ‘pen isn’t all that easy, either. The only San Diego relievers with minor league options are Mason Miller (spoiler: he’s not going anywhere), Jeremiah Estrada and Bradgley Rodriguez. Estrada missed some time with an elbow injury but has a 3.97 ERA in 11 1/3 innings since being activated. He’s also been one of the team’s top relievers dating back to 2024. Rodriguez has a sparkling 1.74 ERA in 20 2/3 frames.

The likeliest scenario would see righty Matt Waldron bumped from the roster. The 29-year-old knuckleballer opened the season on the injured list and has been hit hard since his return. In five appearances (three starts) he’s pitched 21 1/3 innings and been tagged for 22 runs (9.28 ERA) on 32 hits and seven walks. He’s set down 18 of his 103 opponents (17.5%) on strikes. Waldron has a better track record, having pitched 188 innings with a below-average but far more palatable 4.79 ERA in 2023-24.

Manager Craig Stammen called it “early” to talk about a potential DFA of Waldron when asked by Acee. Waldron himself seemed to acknowledge the writing on the wall, however, telling the Union-Tribune: “Safe to say my ERA and my numbers aren’t too attractive right now. And I have no options, so I mean, yeah, that’s where I’ll leave it. I’m smart enough (to know).”

The Padres would surely prefer to preserve as much depth as possible, and Waldron looked to be getting on track in his two starts prior to last night’s six-run, 2 2/3-inning clunker. Between his April 29 and May 5 starts, he pitched 10 innings and held the Cubs and Giants to a combined four runs on eight hits and a walk with eight punchouts.

That said, the Padres aren’t going to jettison Griffin Canning after two starts. Walker Buehler‘s 5.20 ERA isn’t pretty, but his rate stats are solid enough to give him a more appealing 3.64 FIP and 4.05 SIERA. Michael King and breakout righty Randy Vásquez are clearly locked into spots. Relievers Yuki Matsui, Wandy Peralta and Ron Marinaccio can’t be optioned but have all pitched well. It’s always possible an injury arises that kicks the decision down the road a bit, but as things stand, Waldron looks like the odd man out.

Hitters to Start and Avoid in Fantasy Baseball in Week 8 (5/18-5/24)

Ben Palmer — Sun, 17 May 2026 17:30:31 +0000

The hitters you should start and avoid this week.

The post Hitters to Start and Avoid in Fantasy Baseball in Week 8 (5/18-5/24) appeared first on Pitcher List.

Angels Reinstate Grayson Rodriguez From 10-Day Injured List

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 17:25:57 +0000

MAY 17: The Angels officially activated Rodriguez, and optioned right-hander Alek Manoah to Triple-A in the corresponding move.

MAY 16: The Angels announced Grayson Rodriguez as their scheduled starter for Sunday’s game with the Dodgers, meaning that Anaheim will officially activate the right-hander from the 15-day injured list tomorrow. A bout of shoulder inflammation and “dead arm” soreness during Spring Training resulted in Rodriguez opening the season on the IL, and delaying both his 2026 debut and his Angels debut.

Beyond those milestones, tomorrow will also mark Rodriguez’s first appearance in a Major League game since July 31, 2024. Rodriguez had a 3.86 ERA, 26.5% strikeout rate, and 7.3% walk rate over 116 2/3 innings for the Orioles that season (his second MLB campaign) before discomfort in his right lat/teres area brought his year to an early end. He then didn’t pitch a single inning in the majors or minors in 2025 due to a lat strain and multiple instances of elbow soreness, with the final result being an elbow debridement surgery last August.

Injuries notwithstanding, it was still surprising when the Orioles traded Rodriguez to the Angels last November in a one-for-one swap for Taylor Ward. While Ward has been a valuable bat for Baltimore, he is a free agent this winter, whereas Rodriguez is a former top prospect who is controlled through 2029. There’s plenty of upside for the Halos if Rodriguez can get healthy, though it obviously isn’t a great sign that his tenure in Orange County immediately began with an IL stint.

Yusei Kikuchi is still sidelined at least through May due to shoulder inflammation, but with Rodriguez now approaching his return, the Angels’ rotation is a step closer to its first-choice state. Jose Soriano is enjoying a fantastic season, and Rodriguez will join Reid Detmers, Walbert Urena, and Jack Kochanowicz as the rest of the starting five.

The outlook isn’t quite as good for another Angels pitcher attempting to return after a long layoff. According to MLB.com’s Rhett Bollinger, Ben Joyce‘s rehab assignment has been slowed due to some discomfort in his surgically-repaired right shoulder. An MRI came back clean, however, so it doesn’t appear as if Joyce is dealing with anything but normal soreness.

“We got a little flare-up….It’s just part of the process after a shoulder surgery,” Joyce said. “Just kind of has ups and downs. But we were pretty positive about the results. Nothing structurally wrong, it’s just working through a little soreness right now.”

It was almost exactly a year ago that Joyce underwent the shoulder procedure that ended his 2025 campaign after five appearances. Joyce began this season on the 15-day IL but will probably be moved to the 60-day IL the next time Los Angeles needs a 40-man roster spot, as he is already approaching 60 days on the sidelines.

Starting Pitcher Streamer Ranks Fantasy Baseball: 5/17 & 5/18 & 5/19

Nick Pollack — Sun, 17 May 2026 17:14:22 +0000

Best SP streamers and rankings for today & tomorrow & day after.

The post Starting Pitcher Streamer Ranks Fantasy Baseball: 5/17 & 5/18 & 5/19 appeared first on Pitcher List.

Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Roundup: 5/16

Rick Graham — Sun, 17 May 2026 17:01:38 +0000

A Review of Key Bullpen and Reliever Usage from Yesterday's Games

The post Fantasy Baseball Relief Pitcher Roundup: 5/16 appeared first on Pitcher List.

The Stash List Week 8: Top 10 Hitting Prospects to Stash in 2026

Theo Tollefson — Sun, 17 May 2026 17:00:34 +0000

Week eight of hitters to stash in MiLB

The post The Stash List Week 8: Top 10 Hitting Prospects to Stash in 2026 appeared first on Pitcher List.

Pirates Place Ryan O’Hearn On 10-Day Injured List

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 16:11:26 +0000

The Pirates announced that first baseman/right fielder Ryan O’Hearn has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right quad strain. Outfielder Jake Mangum was activated from the 10-day IL in the corresponding move, and Mangum will take O’Hearn’s spot on the 26-man roster.

O’Hearn’s injury occurred in yesterday’s 6-0 Pirates loss to the Phillies. While playing first base in the top of the second inning, O’Hearn made a bit of an awkward move to avoid batter Alec Bohm on the baseline while chasing a pop-up in foul territory. O’Hearn completed the play, but then “every time I tried to do more than a walk or a slow jog, it just felt like my leg was grabbing on me,” as he told Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and other reporters. Jared Triolo replaced O’Hearn at first base prior to the top of the fourth inning.

An MRI was arranged for O’Hearn yesterday, and the tests revealed a strain serious enough to require an immediate placement on the IL. The Pirates don’t play on Monday, so while the team could perhaps have given O’Hearn a couple of days to rest before making a decision, the club has opted to start the clock on the IL stint right away.

The injury is a tough setback for both O’Hearn and the Pirates as a whole, as the veteran has been tremendous in his first season in Pittsburgh. O’Hearn signed a two-year free agent contract worth $29MM in guaranteed money, and he has thus far more than lived up to his end of the deal by hitting .289/.368/.459 with seven home runs in 182 plate appearances. O’Hearn has a 132 wRC+, which would be a career best for the 32-year-old if he managed to keep it up over the full season.

O’Hearn has primarily played right field for the Buccos, though he has often been shifted over to first base late in games. Now that Mangum is back from a minimal 10-day IL stint due to a hamstring strain, he should help fill the void in right field. Triolo, Nick Yorke, and Billy Cook could all get some time in right field while O’Hearn is out, with that same trio also candidates for part-time first base duty. Down at Triple-A, Jhostynxon Garcia is still waiting on his first MLB call-up since joining the Pirates last winter, but “the Password” hasn’t been hitting well.

Cubs Select Ty Blach

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 16:02:40 +0000

The Cubs have selected the contract of left-hander Ty Blach from Triple-A Iowa. In the corresponding moves for the 26-man and 40-man rosters, right-hander Javier Assad was optioned to Triple-A, and right-hander Hunter Harvey was shifted from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL.

More to come…

Tigers Activate Will Vest, Place Ty Madden On 15-Day IL

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:48:24 +0000

The Tigers announced that right-hander Will Vest has been activated from the 15-day injured list. Vest will take the spot of Ty Madden, who is headed to the 15-day IL himself due to a right forearm contusion. Madden’s placement is retroactive to May 16.

Detroit manager A.J. Hinch hinted yesterday that Vest would likely be returning today, and the reliever is now officially back after missing about three weeks due to forearm inflammation. Tests didn’t reveal any structural problems with Vest’s forearm, so the right-hander was able to proceed normally once the soreness subsided.

Vest has been a reliable arm out of the Tigers’ bullpen for the previous three seasons, and his overall solid secondary numbers indicate that his ungainly 6.17 ERA over 11 2/3 innings in 2026 can mostly be chalked up to bad fortune. Vest’s 11.5% walk rate is much higher than usual, but his 25% strikeout rate is in line with career norms and his 3.23 SIERA is almost three runs lower than his actual ERA. The righty’s ability to generate grounders has risen considerably over the last couple of years, as Vest went from a 48.5% grounder rate in 2024 to 58.2% in 2025 and then up to 66.7% in the early going of the 2026 campaign.

Just as Vest returns, however, the injury-riddled Tigers’ pitching staff loses another arm in Madden, who was hit in the forearm by a Yohendrick Pinango line drive during Friday’s game. Hinch told Chris McCosky of the Detroit News and other reporters that Madden’s IL placement was more due to a roster and scheduling crunch than any concern over a longer-term injury.

Since Madden “can’t make his next start or even the bulk role” on Wednesday, Hinch said, the decision was made to put the righty on what the skipper feels will be a minimal 15-day absence. “We gave ourselves as much time as we could. But with Will coming back, it became a decision point,” Hinch said.

Madden missed all of 2025 recovering from a rotator cuff strain, but he has looked sharp in his return to action this season. The right-hander has a 2.38 ERA, 27.9K%, and 4.7BB% across 11 1/3 innings, working as a bulk pitcher behind an opener in his three outings.

Brewers Promote Robert Gasser, Designate Peter Strzelecki

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 15:09:20 +0000

The Brewers announced that left-hander Robert Gasser has been called up from Triple-A, and will start today’s game against the Twins. Gasser was already on Milwaukee’s 40-man roster, but to create a 26-man spot, the Brewers designated right-hander Peter Strzelecki for assignment.

Strzelecki signed a minor league contract with the Brew Crew this past winter, and has a 4.12 ERA, 47.3% grounder rate, 24.7K%, and 4.9BB% over 19 2/3 innings for Triple-A Nashville. This work earned him a selection to the Brewers’ roster just yesterday, but he was only up for a cup of coffee before being DFA’ed. Since Strzelecki wasn’t used in Saturday’s game, his last official MLB appearance remains August 12, 2024, when the right-hander pitched for the Guardians.

A veteran of 77 games and 83 2/3 big league innings with the Brewers, Diamondbacks, and Guardians from 2022-24, Strzelecki spent 2025 in the minors with the Pirates and Rays before returning to the Brewers (his original team) this winter. If he clears waivers and is outrighted, Strzelecki can refuse that assignment in favor of free agency since he has a past outright in his career.

Coleman Crow was called up from Triple-A to make a spot start in Friday’s game, and now Gasser will also make his 2026 debut in a spot appearance today. The Brewers have been digging into their depth chart for some rotation help with Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester both on the IL, and even with these injury concerns, Milwaukee has just kept on winning due to its excellent pitching development system.

Gasser was a second-round pick in the 2021 draft, and he drew some top-100 prospect attention prior to his big league debut in 2024. His 2.67 ERA over 33 2/3 innings is impressive, though his secondary metrics over his brief MLB career have left a lot to be desired. Gasser missed most of the 2024-25 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery, so his chief goal for 2026 may simply be to log some innings and rebuild his arm back up to the point that he can resume a full starter’s workload by 2027.

Reds Announce Five Roster Moves

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 14:54:28 +0000

The Reds made five moves prior to today’s game with the Guardians, including the placement of catcher Jose Trevino on the 10-day injured list. Trevino is dealing with a left hamstring injury, and he’ll be replaced on the active roster by catcher P.J. Higgins, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Louisville. To create room for Higgins on the 40-man roster, Cincinnati designated outfielder Rece Hinds for assignment. In two other moves to get a fresh arm into the bullpen, the Reds called up right-hander Jose Franco from Triple-A, and optioned righty Luis Mey.

This is already the second IL stint of the year for Trevino, who missed about three weeks in April due to a thoracic spine sprain. Trevino hasn’t contributed much when he has been able to play, delivering only a .143/.172/.179 slash line over 30 plate appearances. Though Trevino is far better known for his strong defense than his subpar hitting over his career, the combined lack of production from Trevino, Higgins, and starter Tyler Stephenson have resulted in a -0.1 bWAR from the Reds’ catching position this season.

Higgins had his minor league contract selected to the 26-man roster when Trevino was first sidelined in April, and Higgins posted a .450 OPS over 12 plate appearances while appearing in five games. Upon Trevino’s return, the Reds designated Higgins for assignment and then outrighted him to Triple-A, with Higgins opting to stay in the organization rather than reject the outright in favor of free agency.

That decision has now rather quickly led to another stint in the majors for Higgins, even if he’ll likely be DFA’ed against once Trevino is healthy. Higgins has signed minor league deals with the Reds in each of the last three offseasons, and his five games in April marked his first taste of MLB action since 2022, when he appeared in 74 games with the Cubs.

A second-round pick for the Reds in the 2019 draft, Hinds hit .261/.333/.717 with five homers in 51 plate appearances after making his MLB debut in 2024. Those early fireworks didn’t carry over, however, as Hinds hit only .118/.150/.250 over 80 PA (with 39 strikeouts) during the 2025-26 seasons.

The near-total lack of production at the big league level has now made Hinds expendable in Cincinnati’s view, though manager Terry Francona is still a supporter. “Maybe for his sake, I really hope he gets an opportunity he didn’t get here,” Francona told Charlie Goldsmith and other reporters today. “I love the kid. There are obviously tools there. Sometimes, things have a way of working out for guys.”

To Francona’s point about Hinds’ tools, Hinds has been crushing Triple-A pitching for the last two seasons, he has elite speed, and he has the ability to play all three outfield positions. Though Hinds’ Triple-A strikeout rate is still at 27.9%, he has greatly increased his walk total in Louisville. It seems quite possible that another team might be intrigued enough to claim Hinds off the waiver wire, but if he does clear waivers, he doesn’t have the ability to reject an outright assignment to Triple-A.

Daily Fantasy Baseball News and Notes | First Pitch 5/17/26

Carson Picard — Sun, 17 May 2026 14:49:39 +0000

Everything you need to know to win your fantasy baseball league, daily

The post Daily Fantasy Baseball News and Notes | First Pitch 5/17/26 appeared first on Pitcher List.

Blue Jays Place Tommy Nance On 15-Day IL, Recall Adam Macko

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 14:49:05 +0000

The Blue Jays announced that right-hander Tommy Nance has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to discomfort in his right forearm. Left-hander Adam Macko was called up from Triple-A in the corresponding 26-man roster move, and Macko is already on Toronto’s 40-man roster.

Nance threw an inning of relief work in the Jays’ 2-1 win over the Tigers yesterday, so it would seem as if his injury only surfaced in the aftermath of that outing. That said, Macko was part of the Blue Jays’ taxi squad yesterday, and manager John Schneider hinted that Macko could be officially added to the roster depending on the state of some unnamed relievers who were less than 100 percent. It could be that Nance was one of those pitchers, though teams generally proceed with caution with any sort of forearm-related issues.

Over 21 innings this season, Nance has a 3.86 ERA and a significantly better 2.81 SIERA, as his real-world ERA hasn’t reflected his 29.4% strikeout rate and 9.4% walk rate. Now in his third season with Toronto, Nance has a 3.13 ERA, 25K%, and 7.9BB% over 74 2/3 bullpen frames, with this solid production earning him a few looks in higher-leverage roles.

Nance now becomes the eighth pitcher on the Blue Jays’ injured list, though the rotation has been hit harder than the pen as the Jays continue to try and get through this swarm of health issues. Losing Nance is another blow to the relief corps, but it now opens the door for Macko to get his first taste of Major League action.

The 25-year-old southpaw was a seventh-round pick for the Mariners in the 2019 draft, and he came to Toronto along with Erik Swanson in the November 2022 trade that sent Teoscar Hernandez to Seattle. MLB Pipeline ranks Macko as the 21st-best prospect in the Blue Jays’ farm system, while Baseball America has him 25th.

A starter for most of his minor league career, Macko got some looks at a multi-inning reliever in 2025 and he has pitched exclusively out of the pen at Triple-A Buffalo this year. The door may not be entirely closed on Macko’s future as a starter, but working as a long reliever or bulk pitcher may be a nod to Macko’s injury history, which includes a meniscus surgery last year. Macko has a four-pitch arsenal that lacks a true plus pitch, with Pipeline and BA differing on whether his curveball or his slider is his best offering.

FAAB & Waiver Wire Report (Week 8)

Jeff Zimmerman — Sun, 17 May 2026 14:15:13 +0000

It's catcher week.

Source

Relief Pitcher Streamer Rankings Fantasy Baseball: 5/17

Rick Graham — Sun, 17 May 2026 14:04:54 +0000

The Best Reliever Streamers for Today with Updated Bullpen Usage Charts

The post Relief Pitcher Streamer Rankings Fantasy Baseball: 5/17 appeared first on Pitcher List.

Schmitt Homers Twice in Rivalry Win – Fantasy Hitting Recap 5/16/26

Kevin O'Brien — Sun, 17 May 2026 14:00:21 +0000

Breaking down notable hitting performances from yesterday’s games.

The post Schmitt Homers Twice in Rivalry Win – Fantasy Hitting Recap 5/16/26 appeared first on Pitcher List.

Red Sox Place Trevor Story On 10-Day Injured List

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 13:49:36 +0000

TODAY: Story told the Boston Globe’s Tim Healey and other reporters that he has been dealing with lower-body discomfort since partway through Spring Training, and “it just kind of got to the point where we’ve got to call timeout here. Obviously, I haven’t been able to really move like myself.” Story is meeting with doctors to discuss his next step, and surgery is a consideration, which would keep him out for roughly 6-10 weeks.

MAY 16, 2:50PM: The Sox officially promoted Sogard and placed Story on the 10-day IL, with Story’s injury termed as a sports hernia. The placement is retroactive to May 15.

11:55AM: The Red Sox are placing Trevor Story on the 10-day injured list prior to tonight’s game with the Braves, MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith reports. Infielder Nick Sogard will be called up to replace Story on the active roster, as Tommy Cassell of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette first reported earlier today.

As noted by Smith and Chris Cotillo, Story has been dealing with a groin problem for a few weeks, dating back to Boston’s April 24-26 series with the Orioles. Story was given a few off-days in the interim to see if some added rest could fix the problem, but the decision has been made to give the veteran at least 10 days to fully recover.

It’s probably a wise move given Story’s long injury history, and because this IL stint might serve as an unofficial reset to what has been a rough season for the 33-year-old. Story is hitting only .206/.244/.303 over his first 176 plate appearances, translating to a brutal 47 wRC+. Between the lack of offense and subpar metrics (-1 Defensive Runs Saved, -2 Outs Above Average) regarding his work at shortstop, Story has been playing at below replacement level, with -0.4 fWAR to show for his 41 games.

Story had a .585 OPS over his first 232 PA in 2025 and then an .827 OPS in his final 422 PA, so it is certainly possible he can again rebound from another slow start. The Red Sox certainly hope Story can more to offer since he is only in the fifth guaranteed year of a six-year, $140MM free agent deal that has yet to deliver much in the way of results.

Andruw Monasterio, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, or Sogard (who is getting his first taste of MLB action this season) could all see some time at shortstop in Story’s absence. The Red Sox could also possibly move Marcelo Mayer from second base over to his original shortstop position, though Mayer has yet to play anywhere but the keystone this season.

MLB News & Moments: Mets Take Game Two of Subway Series

Josh Shaw — Sun, 17 May 2026 13:30:54 +0000

Rivalry Weekend! Kind of!

The post MLB News & Moments: Mets Take Game Two of Subway Series appeared first on Pitcher List.

Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds: 5/17

Griffey Geiss — Sun, 17 May 2026 13:00:54 +0000

Scoop up these players off your waiver wire.

The post Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds: 5/17 appeared first on Pitcher List.

Rays Place Jake Fraley On 10-Day IL, Recall Carson Williams

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 12:50:49 +0000

The Rays announced a trio of moves this morning, including the news that outfielder Jake Fraley has been placed (retroactive to May 16) on the 10-day injured list due to a hernia. Shortstop Carson Williams was called up from Triple-A to take Fraley’s spot on the 26-man roster. Tampa Bay also noted that right-hander Aaron Brooks has been outrighted to Triple-A after clearing waivers.

More to come…

The Opener: Sanchez, O’Hearn, Murakami

Mark Polishuk — Sun, 17 May 2026 12:44:56 +0000

Happy birthday to Brayan Bello, as the Red Sox right-hander turns 27 years old today. His gift? A start against the Braves, who have the best record in baseball (31-15) and one of the league’s top offenses.

1. Sanchez is spotless

Cristopher Sanchez recorded a career-best 13 strikeouts while allowing only six hits (and zero walks) over the full nine innings in the Phillies’ 6-0 win over the Pirates on Saturday. The complete-game gem dropped Sanchez’s ERA down to 1.82 over 10 starts and 64 1/3 innings this season, and the southpaw also has a scoreless-inning streak of 29 2/3 frames. More excellent pitching could be on tap as the Phillies and Pirates conclude their series today, as Zack Wheeler is set to face off against Paul Skenes.

2. O’Hearn undergoes MRI

If the shutout loss wasn’t a bad enough outcome for the Pirates, Ryan O’Hearn also left the game after three innings due to what was described as right quad discomfort. O’Hearn underwent an MRI and more should be known about his status today. Signed to a two-year, $29MM free agent deal last offseason, O’Hearn has been a huge part of the resurgent Pittsburgh lineup, hitting .289/.368/.459 with seven homers over 182 plate appearances while chipping in at both first base and in right field.

3. Murakami’s two-homer game

Just when it seemed like Munetaka Murakami might be coming back to earth, the White Sox slugger went yard twice in yesterday’s 8-3 win over the Cubs. Murakami’s first multi-homer game as a big leaguer ended a six-game homer “drought,” and he is now up to 17 home runs and a .236/.376/.567 slash line over 194 PA. He’ll look to keep it going today when the White Sox try to win the series with their crosstown rivals, and Erick Fedde will get the start for the Pale Hose against the Wrigleyville Nine’s Colin Rea.

Roto Riteup: May 17, 2026

Chad Young — Sun, 17 May 2026 11:30:05 +0000

Cristopher Sánchez, take a bow.

Source

Starts and Sits - All Starting Pitcher Matchups for Fantasy Baseball (May 11 - May 17)

Nick Mariano — Sun, 17 May 2026 11:17:50 +0000

Let's put those April showers fully behind us and take May by storm with our updated starting pitcher starts/sits for fantasy baseball for the week ahead - Monday, May 11 through Sunday, May 17. This column provides readers with who is pitching, the opponent, and a confidence/startability score based on an array of proven and […]

The Sleeper and the Bust Episode: 1508 – 2-Start Pitchers for Week 8

Justin Mason — Sun, 17 May 2026 05:24:51 +0000

Justin Mason and Paul Sporer discuss 2-Start pitchers for Week 8!

Source

OTW 254 – FAAB #9; May 17, 2026

Adam Howe — Sun, 17 May 2026 05:00:28 +0000

Adam & Kevin preview the 9th FAAB run of 2026

The post OTW 254 – FAAB #9; May 17, 2026 appeared first on Pitcher List.

Astros Notes: Altuve, Brown, Hader

AJ Eustace — Sun, 17 May 2026 04:14:05 +0000

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve left tonight’s game against the Rangers with an apparent left side injury. Facing Cal Quantrill in the bottom of the eighth inning, Altuve grounded a ball to the left side but did not run to first, instead grabbing his left side and walking toward the dugout. The result was an easy double play. Altuve was later seen walking out of the dugout with the team’s trainer. Nick Allen replaced him at the keystone in the ninth inning.

Manager Joe Espada told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com and others that Altuve will undergo imaging tomorrow. It’s too early to say whether he’ll need time on the injured list, though it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a cautionary IL placement given Altuve’s age. He is now 36 and in his 16th season in the Majors. Altuve previously went on the IL in August 2023 with left oblique discomfort, missing three weeks. His two other left side-related IL placements were in April 2022 and May 2019. Both were for left hamstring strains.

Although he’s still a veteran leader for the Astros, Altuve is no longer the hitter he was at his peak. By wRC+, he was at least 24% better than the average hitter in every season from 2014-24, with the exception of the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Altuve slipped to a 113 wRC+ in 2025, which was still above average, just no longer All Star-worthy. The early returns in 2026 have been worse, with Altuve’s .245/.328/.365 line now being 3% below average.

That hardly makes him a bad player, but it does make him one of the weaker hitters in an otherwise strong offense. Yordan Alvarez is dominating with 14 home runs and a 190 wRC+. Christian Walker is having a resurgence after a poor introduction to Houston in 2025. Isaac Paredes is hitting well, and so was Carlos Correa before he underwent season-ending ankle surgery. In contrast, Altuve is the sole veteran of the group who is below league average at the plate.

Whether or not he needs to miss time, a healthy and productive Altuve will be crucial to the team’s performance this year. The Astros are at 19-28 including tonight’s victory, which leaves them in fourth place in the NL West. The biggest culprit for their poor start has been a slew of pitching injuries, with ace Hunter Brown, Christian Javier, and closer Josh Hader all currently on the shelf. Offseason signee Tatsuya Imai also missed time with right arm fatigue, and while he’s healthy now, he has a 9.24 ERA in four starts.

Returning to respectability will require the offense to remain a strength and the pitchers’ health and performance to improve dramatically. Fortunately, the starting rotation may be closer to getting a key reinforcement. Espada said that Brown is set to throw a final live batting practice on Tuesday (link via McTaggart). Assuming no issues there, he will begin a rehab assignment soon after.

Brown made two starts before landing on the IL on April 5th with a right shoulder strain. He was projected for a 5-7 week rehab period as of April 19th, and he was formally transferred to the 60-day IL on May 9th. That makes Brown eligible to return in early June, perhaps during the June 5-7 home series against the Athletics. He’d be in line for at least three rehab starts if Houston wants to bring him back as soon as possible, though they do have up to 30 days for Brown’s rehab assignment. Whatever the case, the Astros’ rotation will massively benefit from Brown’s return if he continues his performance from last year, when he had a 2.43 ERA and finished third in AL Cy Young voting.

As for Hader, he will need five more rehab appearances according to McTaggart. Hader started the year on the IL with left biceps tendinitis, transferring to the 60-day IL in mid-April. In 52 2/3 innings last year, he was his usual excellent self. Hader posted a 2.05 ERA and a 29.1% strikeout to walk differential that ranked fifth among qualified relievers. As with Brown, Hader is expected to return in early June according to the team’s injury report on MLB.com. That will go a long way toward boosting the Astros’ bullpen, whose 5.81 ERA is dead last in the Majors.

Photo courtesy of Erik Williams, Imagn Images

Giants Place Heliot Ramos On 10-Day Injured List

AJ Eustace — Sun, 17 May 2026 02:44:22 +0000

9:44 PM: Vitello said that Ramos will miss a minimum of two weeks, but more likely a “handful of weeks,” according to Justice de los Santos.

5:44 PM: The Giants are placing outfielder Heliot Ramos on the 10-day injured list, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Per Justice de los Santos of The Mercury News, Ramos has a right quad strain. The team is also activating Erik Miller from his rehab assignment, optioning Tristan Beck to Triple-A, and recalling Will Brennan.

Ramos suffered the injury in the fifth inning of yesterday’s 5-2 loss to the Athletics. He attempted a sliding catch on a line drive from Jeff McNeil and came up short, with McNeil reaching on a single. Ramos looked uncomfortable in his at-bat in the sixth, striking out swinging before leaving the game with a trainer. Casey Schmitt replaced Ramos in left field.

Ramos underwent an MRI today, and evidently the quad strain was severe enough to warrant a trip to the injured list. It’s only the second time Ramos has been on the IL in his career. The first was in 2023, when he missed two months with a right oblique strain. As for his current injury, Ramos can expect to miss a couple of weeks for a mild quad strain, or several months if it’s severe. The precise timeline should be known in the coming days as the team reviews the test results.

In the meantime, the Giants will be without their everyday left fielder and a slightly above-average bat. Ramos broke out with a 120 wRC+ in 121 games in 2024. He declined to a 106 wRC+ last year, though he still hit 21 home runs and was still plenty productive. Ramos was out to a similar start this year, with a .267/.307/.424 line in his first 176 plate appearances. That amounts to a 105 wRC+, indicating Ramos is 5% better than average at the plate. Even accounting for his poor defense (-9 Outs Above Average in left field last year), Ramos is a serviceable all-around player for the Giants.

The team has a few options for left field in Ramos’ absence. Drew Gilbert was a first-round draft pick by the Astros four years ago, but he has a 70 wRC+ through his first 189 career plate appearances. Utilityman Jesus Rodriguez hit well at Triple-A last year, though he’s a catcher by trade and only has 41 innings of outfield experience at Triple-A (and only nine innings in the Majors). Brennan is now up from Triple-A, but he’s only taken 22 big league plate appearances since the start of 2025, so he won’t be trusted with regular at-bats.

It’s telling that the Giants turned to Schmitt in left after taking Ramos out of the game. It was reported a week ago that the club was considering using Schmitt in the outfield to keep his bat in the lineup. Schmitt has a team-leading 129 wRC+ at the moment, so the struggling Giants are playing it smart by exploring all options for him. Statcast has Schmitt’s arm strength and sprint speed as above-average, so his athleticism and current offensive prowess make him an appealing option compared to Gilbert, Rodriguez, and Brennan. Indeed, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports confirms that Schmitt will be part of the left field mix, based on comments from manager Tony Vitello.

Meanwhile, Miller returns from a minimum stint on the IL with a lower back strain. The 6’5″ lefty has thrown 108 2/3 innings as a reliever and opener since debuting in 2024. Miller has a 3.15 ERA in that time, with a solid 27.4% strikeout rate but also a 13.9% walk rate that’s worse than average. In light of those metrics, Miller thrives by leveraging a high-90s sinker to generate groundballs 50.2% of the time, which is well above league average.

Miller’s return will be a boon to the Giants’ bullpen. In his place, Beck will go back to Triple-A five days after being recalled. The right-hander showed impressive control in 56 2/3 innings last year but had a middling 4.61 ERA. Beck only made two appearances during this latest stint in the Majors, allowing two hits in three scoreless innings and striking out one. He’ll serve as depth at Triple-A and is likely to be called up again at some point.

Photo courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez, Imagn Images

Phillies Sign Lou Trivino To Minor League Contract

AJ Eustace — Sun, 17 May 2026 02:39:29 +0000

The Phillies have signed reliever Lou Trivino to a minor league contract, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. The deal comes four days after Trivino elected free agency following his designation for assignment by the Orioles. Trivino is a client of Pro Edge Sports Management.

Trivino, 34, signed a different minor league pact with the Phillies in February. He got an invite to big league spring training in that deal but ultimately started the year at Triple-A. To his credit, Trivino had a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings there, along with solid strikeout, walk, and groundball metrics. The Phillies did not promote him to the Majors, so Trivino opted out of his deal on May 1st. He signed a major league pact with Baltimore on May 4th and only made two appearances, allowing six earned runs in half as many innings. Trivino was designated for assignment on May 10th.

This current minor league deal is Trivino’s third with the Phillies. The first and most impactful one was last August, which followed Trivino’s release from the Dodgers. Trivino held his own over 10 appearances with Philadelphia from August 27th onward. He allowed just two earned runs in nine innings in that sample.

Altogether, Trivino had a 3.97 ERA in 47 2/3 innings between the Giants, Dodgers, and Phillies last year. His 17.9% strikeout rate was low, and Trivino’s 5.10 expected ERA suggested he was lucky to achieve that performance. Still, having not appeared in the Majors from 2023-24 due to Tommy John surgery, it was an accomplishment for Trivino to simply stay healthy for a full season.

There is little harm in the Phillies stashing Trivino in Triple-A as depth. The team’s bullpen has a solid 3.85 ERA and 2.5 fWAR, the latter metric ranking second in the Majors behind the Padres. Jhoan Duran is among the most dominant closers in the game. Brad Keller has a 3.86 ERA and an above-average 21.8% strikeout to walk differential. José Alvarado and Tanner Banks have high ERAs right now, but they’re do for positive regression. Opponents are batting over .460 on balls in play on both of them, which obviously won’t hold over time.

Each member of the back end of the bullpen is strong in terms of talent, peripherals, or both. The low-leverage arms aren’t too bad either. Out of Orion Kerkering, Tim Mayza, Chase Shugart, and Jonathan Bowlan, Mayza is the only one with a negative fWAR right now. The other three have been plenty serviceable. With the bullpen being a team strength and the rotation led by Cristopher Sánchez also performing well, the 23-23 Phillies may be less inclined to mess with their pitching than they are to improve their offense, which has a below-average 94 wRC+. As was the case with his second Phillies deal, Trivino will bide his time in Triple-A until the bullpen needs a fresh arm, be it from overuse or injury.

Photo courtesy of Sam Navarro, Imagn Images

Braves Sign Austin Gomber To Minor League Deal

AJ Eustace — Sun, 17 May 2026 01:16:57 +0000

The Braves have signed left-hander Austin Gomber to a minor league deal, according to his transactions tracker at MLB.com. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News previously reported that the Rangers released Gomber from their own minor league pact. Gomber is a client of THE·TEAM agency.

Gomber, 32, joined the Rangers organization in a non-roster deal in January. He was a candidate to be their fifth starter, though Gomber was sent to Triple-A when the job ultimately went to Kumar Rocker. Gomber’s results at Triple-A haven’t been pretty. In 33 2/3 innings over nine appearances (eight starts), Gomber had a 7.75 ERA while allowing 41 hits and 14 unintentional walks.

That follows a 2025 season defined by injuries and underperformance. Gomber started the year on the injured list with left shoulder soreness and did not return to the Rockies until June 15th. He made 12 starts in the following two months, but the results were a far cry from Gomber’s previous back-of-the-rotation work. In 57 2/3 innings, Gomber had a 7.49 ERA and just a 12.5% strikeout rate.

Although his control was typically excellent, Gomber allowed a staggering 16 home runs in that time, or 2.50 HR/9. That mark was unacceptable even for Coors Field. Gomber was released by the Rockies on August 22nd. He quickly signed a minor league pact with the Cubs, but he did not make it back to the Majors by the end of the year. Gomber elected minor league free agency in November.

That said, Gomber is only two seasons removed from being a serviceable starter. He threw 165 innings over 30 starts for the Rockies in 2024, with an impressive 5.5% walk rate and a 4.75 ERA. The latter figure seems uninspiring on the surface, but it’s roughly league average when adjusting for Coors Field. FanGraphs valued Gomber at 1.3 WAR that year – perfectly fine for a No. 5 starter.

Even though that performance is two years old now, there’s no harm in the Braves taking a flier on Gomber. Atlanta’s rotation leads the Majors with a 2.93 ERA through 45 games, and their 23.6% strikeout rate is tied for eighth with the Pirates. Chris Sale and Bryce Elder have ERAs under 2.00. Spencer Strider returned from the injured list on May 3rd and has done well in three starts (aside from walk issues). Grant Holmes is a fine as a No. 4 starter. JR Ritchie is 22 and only just debuted, so he’ll continue to get chances in the back of the rotation.

Spring injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep depleted the group’s depth somewhat, but Martin Perez is on hand as a long reliever and has made five starts of at least five innings this year. With Perez as the main depth option for now, Gomber can try to re-establish himself at Triple-A and stay ready for a callup if somebody else gets injured.

Photo courtesy of Arianna Grainey, Imagn Images

Angels Select Jose Siri, Transfer Ben Joyce To 60-Day IL

AJ Eustace — Sat, 16 May 2026 21:23:28 +0000

The Angels are selecting the contract of outfielder Jose Siri, per a team announcement. Reliever Ben Joyce is being transferred to the 60-day injured list to clear space on the 40-man roster. Outfielder Bryce Teodosio has been optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake in a corresponding active roster move.

Siri joined the Halos on a minor league pact in February. He was invited to big league Spring Training but ended up starting the year at Triple-A. That was hardly surprising, as Siri missed most of 2025 with a left tibia fracture and only played in 16 games for the Mets. New York designated Siri for assignment in September, and he later elected minor league free agency rather than accept an outright assignment.

Now back in the Majors, Siri will take the role of Teodosio as a backup outfielder. Jo Adell has a hold on the right field job, and obviously Mike Trout isn’t going anywhere in center. Josh Lowe is struggling badly as the everyday option in left. Through his first 117 plate appearances, Lowe is batting a measly .167/.216/.287 with a 37 wRC+. It’s possible he and Siri could split time, though the Angels won’t give up on Lowe entirely. They only just acquired him in a three-team trade January, and Lowe was an average hitter as recently as 2024.

In contrast, Siri’s recent track record is more suspect. He was a 106 wRC+ bat in 2023 with the Rays and hit 25 homers that year. However, he also struck out in 35.7% of his plate appearances and got on base at a .267 clip that was far below average. Siri needed to maintain that power and get on base more to remain valuable, but the exact opposite happened in 2024. Siri batted just .187/.255/.366 in 448 plate appearances that year, amounting to just a 78 wRC+.

More to come.

Royals Place Matt Strahm On 15-Day Injured List

AJ Eustace — Sat, 16 May 2026 21:14:01 +0000

The Royals have placed reliever Matt Strahm on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation, MLB.com’s Jeff Jones reports. Bailey Falter (left elbow inflammation) was reinstated from the IL in Strahm’s place.

Strahm has dealt with right knee inflammation in the past. The first occurrence was in September 2020, and in that case, Strahm missed only 12 days. The second case was about a year later, and again, Strahm missed only two weeks. He went on the IL twice in 2022, but not for knee injuries. Strahm was fully healthy from 2023 onward, so between that and his minimal absences for knee inflammation in the past, the Royals can expect him to be back in short order.

Kansas City acquired Strahm from the Phillies in December in a one-for-one swap for Jonathan Bowlan. Strahm was coming off an excellent 2.30 ERA in 125 relief innings from 2024-25 and a recent All-Star nomination in 2024. His acquisition added an experienced lefty to the Royals’ bullpen at an affordable $4.5MM salary for 2026.

Strahm has been serviceable for the Royals, though he’s taken a step back from last year’s 2.74 ERA with the Phillies. In 16 1/3 innings over 17 appearances, Strahm has a 3.86 ERA. His 23.9% strikeout rate and 9.9% walk rate are both worse than last year, albeit to league average. More concerningly, Strahm’s velocity is down across the board. His four-seamer, which he uses 36.3% of the time, is down from 92.2 to 91.1 MPH, which Statcast has in just the seventh percentile.

Meanwhile, Strahm’s 4.88 FIP is a full run higher than his ERA, suggesting he’s been fortunate to perform as he has. The downturn could be a mix of age-related decline (Strahm is now 34) and the knee injury. Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters today that Strahm has “been pitching through it all year” and that the inflammation flared up in the ninth inning of yesterday’s game. In any case, the club is hoping the knee inflammation is a minor issue and that Strahm can return with a minimal absence.

The Royals’ bullpen has been a Bottom-5 unit in the Majors in 2026. On the whole, the group has a 4.50 ERA and similar expected numbers in 154 innings, along with a 13.4% walk rate that tops only the Reds’ bullpen. Daniel Lynch IV has a standout 1.96 ERA, although he’s due for regression with just a .205 opposing average on balls in play. Closer Lucas Erceg has a 3.44 ERA but a troubling 15.8% walk rate. Nick Mears, John Schreiber, and Alex Lange have walk rates of 12.3% or higher and expected ERAs over 5.30.

The return of Falter probably won’t move the needle much. The 29-year-old lefty has been a starter since debuting in 2021 with the Phillies. His work from 2024-25 consists of 267 2/3 innings over 54 appearances (52 starts). Falter had a 4.44 ERA in that time, not striking out many hitters but posting better-than-average walk rates. Like Strahm, Falter has low-90s four-seam velocity, though there’s a chance it could play up in a relief role. At the very least, Falter will fill Strahm’s role as a lefty in middle relief until the latter returns from the IL.

Photo courtesy of Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images