MLB Player News

Boston’s front office has been trolling the free agent waters in search of a low-cost fallback option at the cold corner and designated hitter for a couple weeks and finally reeled in a capable veteran in Cron. The 34-year-old slugger dealt with back issues last year in Colorado before being shipped to the Angels. He’s a low-risk lottery ticket for the Red Sox and is unlikely to make a tangible impact for fantasy managers.

The Braves have provided a clarification that Acuña will not require a follow-up visit to Los Angeles and is expected to get into minor league rehab games at some point this month. It’s unclear when exactly the 27-year-old fantasy superstar will kick off a rehab assignment, but it sounds like there’s a chance he’s ready to return to Atlanta for his season debut by the end of May.

Counsell also mentioned veteran Chris Flexen as an option to take the ball in place of an injured Shota Imanaga. Horton has looked outstanding this season at Triple-A Iowa, compiling a sparkling microscopic 1.24 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 33/13 K/BB ratio across 29 innings (six starts). The 23-year-old top pitching prospect missed most of last year with a lat injury, but he hasn’t skipped a beat in his return. He would offer some immediate appeal for fantasy managers, which makes him a worthwhile stash candidate in deeper mixed leagues.

Peralta left Sunday’s start against the Cubs after six innings due to groin soreness and it sounds like he’s going to need some extra time before taking the ball again. The 28-year-old strikeout machine hasn’t undergone any imaging at this point to determine the severity of the issue, but that figures to be in the works. There should be some clarity on his status at some point later this week, but fantasy managers should expect his next start to be pushed back at least a couple days.

Shildt added that Merrill has joined the Padres at Yankee Stadium and will sit out Monday’s series opener as part of the final stage of his rehabilitation process. The 22-year-old franchise cornerstone went 2-for-6 with a walk in a pair of minor league rehab contests over the weekend for Double-A San Antonio. He’ll return to San Diego’s lineup on Tuesday following a one-month absence due to a right hamstring strain.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy told reporters they want to give Turang an extra day off as he continues to work his way back from last week’s illness that cost him a couple games. It doesn’t sound like a significant concern moving forward.

Brewers manager Pat Murphy told reporters MRI results on Frelick’s left knee were encouraging and that he expects him to avoid a trip to the injured list. It sounds like there’s a chance the versatile 25-year-old returns to Milwaukee’s lineup at some point later this week. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.

Martinez added that Gore is feeling much better after battling through muddy field conditions on Sunday afternoon against the Reds at a rain-soaked Great American Ball Park. It didn’t impact his performance as he recorded nine strikeouts and allowed just one run over five innings of work. He slipped at one point while delivering a fifth-inning pitch, but it doesn’t sound like he’s in jeopardy of missing his next start on Saturday against the Cardinals.

Hays hit the injured list last Friday with a mild left hamstring strain. It sounds like there’s a decent chance he’s back with Cincinnati later this week without needing a minor league rehab assignment. The 29-year-old outfielder has gotten off to a torrid start in his Reds debut, hitting .365/.431/.712 with five homers, 13 RBI and one steal through 13 games.

Braves manager Brian Snitker said Monday that Strider is progressing well in his recovery from a Grade 1 hamstring strain that put him on the shelf back on April 21. It’s unclear when he’ll resume throwing bullpen sessions again, which makes it challenging to forecast his potential return timeline. He’s still several weeks away from making it back to Atlanta, even if he makes rapid progress.

Acuña remains without a definitive return timetable for his season debut. The 27-year-old fantasy superstar will continue rehabbing in Florida until that follow-up visit takes place. Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters Monday he’s not sure when that re-evaluation in Los Angeles will take place. Fantasy managers will have to remain patient for now.