Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Eric Orze was tasked with closing the door versus the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. The Twins didn't have many options with Kody Funderburk, Justin Topa, and Cole Sands all pitching in three of the last four days. Twins' manager Derek Shelton decided to lean on Orze, and it worked out great for him on Thursday. Orze tossed a scoreless ninth inning with one strikeout to earn his first save of the season. The 28-year-old holds a strong 1.59 ERA across his first five appearances this season. The Twins have used five different pitchers to record a save this season. Orze will likely be in the mix again, but it's going to be tough for fantasy managers to trust him as a reliable source of saves.

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Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen could make his return to the mound on Saturday, according to Marc Topkin. There was hope that Rasmussen could pitch on Friday, but it sounds like the earliest that he'll be back is on Saturday. The right-hander is currently on the paternity leave list, but should be activated in the near future. In the meantime, the Rays will turn to left-hander Steven Matz for the series opener against the New York Yankees on Friday. Fantasy managers should check back for an update, but it sounds like Rasmussen should be ready to go this weekend.

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Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mick Abel was able to bounce back in a big way against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday. The right-hander tossed six shutout innings, allowing four hits, three walks, and struck out six batters in the no-decision. He exited the game with a one-run lead, but the Twins' bullpen quickly blew that. Despite losing his first potential win, this was the best outing of the season for the young right-hander. Abel will carry a 6.08 ERA with a 13:10 K/BB ratio into his next start versus the Boston Red Sox. He's worth a look in at least mixed leagues ahead of that start.

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Athletics relief pitcher Hogan Harris was called upon to hold a one-run lead versus the New York Yankees on Thursday. A's manager Mark Kotsay decided to play the matchups with a trio of left-handed batters coming up for the Yankees. Harris retired all three batters to record his first save of the season. Harris only has five career saves, but he could be gaining more trust as a late-inning option. The A's have turned to three different pitchers to record saves for them this season. It looks like Harris could be another option for them if the opposing team has a heavy dose of left-handed batters.

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Athletics starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs looked untouchable on the mound during Thursday's outing against the New York Yankees. Springs made it through six innings without allowing a hit. Unfortunately for him, Ben Rice smacked a single in the seventh inning to ruin the no-hit bid. Springs would finish his day going seven shutout innings, allowing one hit, and striking out six batters. The southpaw now holds a 1.47 ERA with 15 strikeouts across 18.1 innings of work this season. His next scheduled outing is against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. Springs has looked strong against some tough lineups to begin the season. The 33-year-old is worth a look as a streaming option ahead of his next matchup.

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Toronto Blue Jays right-handed pitching prospect Trey Yesavage (shoulder) allowed four earned runs while walking one and striking out six in 2 2/3 innings on Thursday in his minor-league rehab start for Single-A Dunedin, according to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic. Yesavage threw 34 of his 52 pitches for strikes. All four of the runs he allowed came on a string of singles in the first inning. Most importantly, Yesavage's velocity held firm, and his command was solid. The Blue Jays should announce a plan for the next step in his rehab on Friday. In his first rehab start with Dunedin, the 22-year-old allowed an earned run while walking one and striking out three in 2 2/3 innings. Yesavage slightly increased his workload, so he'll most likely be asked to make another rehab start or two before the Jays clear him to rejoin the big-league rotation. The prized young arm will be a fixture in Toronto's rotation for years to come, but they are going to slow-play him back into the big leagues in 2026 after a quick rise to the majors last year and an extended workload going deep into the postseason. He needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues for his high-end upside.

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Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Sproat is no longer listed among the team's probable starters for this weekend's series against the Washington Nationals, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Right-hander Chad Patrick is scheduled to start on Friday, followed by lefty Kyle Harrison on Saturday, and veteran right-hander Brandon Woodruff on Sunday in the series finale. Sproat was originally scheduled to take the mound for his next start on Saturday. It's unclear exactly why Milwaukee will skip the 25-year-old, but it probably has something to do with his 14.85 ERA through 6 2/3 innings in his first two appearances (one start) with the team this year. In addition to allowing 11 runs, Sproat has walked as many as he's struck out (seven) in his first couple of games after being included in the offseason trade that sent starting pitcher Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets. If Sproat isn't injured, the Brewers might just be taking advantage of Thursday's off day to push him back and give him more time to make some adjustments before his next outing.

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The Miami Marlins are calling up first baseman Deyvison De Los Santos from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday, a source told Kevin Barral of Fish On First. The move comes with outfielder Griffin Conine (knee) likely to land on the 10-day injured list after injuring his left knee while diving for a ball in the outfield in Thursday's win over the Cincinnati Reds. It will be the second time that the 22-year-old is with the Marlins in 2026, as he went 1-for-2 with a double in a short stint with the Fish earlier in April. He will compete for at-bats in Miami between first base and designated hitter, but he's unlikely to play enough to generate any real interest from fantasy managers in mixed leagues. Raw power is De Los Santos' calling card, but his poor defensive play and issues making contact will need to improve for him to have a chance at more playing time down the road in the big leagues.

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Athletics left-hander J.T. Ginn will make the start in Friday's series opener against the New York Mets, according to MLB.com's Martin Gallegos. Ginn will be the first man up to take over Luis Morales' spot in the team's starting rotation. The 26-year-old former second-rounder by the Mets in 2020 out of Mississippi State has made three relief appearances for the A's so far in 2026 and has allowed four earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out four in seven innings of work. In his three MLB seasons, Ginn has recorded a 4.87 ERA (4.46 FIP), 1.34 WHIP, and 132:42 K:BB in 131 1/3 innings over 34 appearances (22 starts). He's been worse as a starter, posting a 5.04 ERA with a 1.40 WHIP and 105 strikeouts in 105 1/3 innings pitched. Against the Mets to kick off the weekend, fantasy managers should be looking to avoid Ginn as a deep-league or DFS streamer.

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Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker (side) will undergo further testing on Friday morning after being pulled early from Thursday's 1-0 win in the Bronx over the New York Yankees, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Rooker said he's feeling "alright" with some tightness and soreness in his right side after taking an aggressive swing in the first inning. If it's an oblique injury for the 31-year-old veteran, he will almost certainly require a trip to the 10-day injured list, and he could end up missing several weeks. Rooker entered Thursday's game hitting just .150 (6-for-40) with two home runs, eight RBI, four runs scored, and two stolen bases in his first 11 games of 2026, and he went 0-for-1 in his only plate appearance on Thursday before being pulled. If Rooker lands on the IL, he will be a must-stash player due to his high-end power upside at one of the most hitter-friendly home ballparks in Sacramento. Carlos Cortes figures to be the biggest beneficiary on the A's in terms of playing time if Rooker requires a stint on the IL.

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Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows (head) was carted off the field in the eighth inning at Target Field on Thursday after a scary collision in the outfield with left fielder Riley Greene, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Meadows was sitting up and was alert as he was being carted off, but he'll surely be put through the league's concussion protocol and could end up landing on the seven-day concussion injured list. The 26-year-old came into Thursday's game hitting .273 (9-for-33) with two RBI, three runs scored, and three stolen bases in his first 11 games, and he went 0-for-3 with a strikeout on Thursday before being pulled from the game. Matt Vierling could see the biggest playing time bump in Detroit if Meadows is forced to the IL. At the very least, we wouldn't expect Meadows to be back in the starting lineup in Friday's series opener at Comerica Park against the visiting Miami Marlins.

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Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (foot) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. After an abysmal start to the 2026 season, the Royals placed Estevez on the 15-day injured list last Wednesday with a left-foot contusion that he suffered when he was struck by a comebacker. The 33-year-old veteran Dominican hurler was showing decreased velocity this spring, and it continued into the start of the regular season. In just one-third of an inning pitched in his only outing of the year before going on the shelf, Estevez allowed six earned runs on four hits (one grand slam) while walking two and striking out none. The two-time All-Star had a league-high 42 saves in his first year in KC in 2025, but there were underlying signs that his stuff was in decline. Lucas Erceg has stepped up as the Royals' closer, and he may not relinquish the title, even when Estevez is cleared to return from the IL.

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New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (calf), who is on the 10-day injured list with a right-calf strain, has been swinging a bat indoors and playing catch, but he's not close to starting a running program, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Soto will continue to take part in light baseball activities when he heals. It's not a very serious calf injury, but the All-Star outfielder won't be back immediately when he's eligible to return from the 10-day IL. The four-time All-Star and six-time Silver Slugger winner is an absolute must-stash in all fantasy leagues as a five-category contributor. Soto was off to a strong start before his injury, too, going 11-for-31 (.355) at the plate with a homer, two doubles, five RBI, three runs scored, three walks, and six strikeouts in eight games played. Mark Vientos should continue to see his playing time rise as long as Soto remains on the shelf.

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New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco (Achilles) is getting the day off in Thursday's series finale against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks after his Achilles didn't feel great after playing on Wednesday, according to Abbey Mastracco of the New York Daily News. Manager Carlos Mendoza said that at some point, the Mets might have to put Polanco on the injured list, but for now, the situation remains "fluid." It's a recurring Achilles tendon issue for the veteran infielder, which is bad news for the Mets, considering his lengthy history of lower-body injuries. The 32-year-old Dominican's production on the field could be affected by his Achilles, too, as he's gone just 8-for-40 (.200) with no homers, one RBI, two runs, five walks, and six strikeouts in his first 10 games with the Mets in 2026. With outfielder Juan Soto (calf) on the 10-day injured list, both Mark Vientos and Brett Baty are seeing more consistent playing time in Queens.

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Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (hip) is out of the starting lineup against the New York Mets in the series finale on Thursday because he's dealing with what he says is a minor hip injury that he felt during his triple on Wednesday, according to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. Carroll doesn't think the injury is serious and doesn't expect to miss much time. We'll consider him day-to-day for now and check back on his status on Friday to see if he can play against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. With Carroll out on Thursday, Jorge Barrosa is starting in right field for the Snakes and is batting ninth against Mets right-hander Nolan McLean. Carroll's hip injury is worth watching, and hopefully, for his fantasy managers' sake, it doesn't affect him on the basepaths. The former National League Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star is off to a strong start in 2026, hitting .333/.408/.690 with two homers, 11 RBI, nine runs scored, and a steal in 42 at-bats.

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Miami Marlins outfielder Griffin Conine (knee) will likely be placed on the 10-day injured list after injuring his left knee in Thursday's win over the Cincinnati Reds, according to Daniel Alvarez-Montes of El Extra Base. The Marlins are calling up first baseman Deyvison De Los Santos from Triple-A Jacksonville to replace Conine on the active roster. Conine came up lame on Thursday while diving for a ball in left field and limped off the field with a trainer. The severity of his knee injury is unknown, but it looks like he'll at least miss the next 10 days. The 28-year-old former second-round pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018 out of Duke came into Thursday's action hitting .300 (6-for-20) with two home runs, four RBI, six runs scored, and two stolen bases, and he went hitless in two at-bats before departing the game. Heriberto Hernandez replaced Conine in left on Thursday and could see more playing time in the outfield with Conine on the IL.

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Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll is taking the day off on Thursday in the series finale at Citi Field against the hosting New York Mets, according to MLB.com. Jorge Barrosa will make the start in right field for the Snakes and will hit ninth against Mets right-hander Nolan McLean. Carroll will take a seat after a strong start to the 2026 season, as he has gone 14-for-42 (.333) with two home runs, three doubles, a league-leading three triples, 11 RBI, nine runs scored, a steal, six walks, and 10 strikeouts in 49 plate appearances over 12 games played. Because of his ability to contribute in all fantasy categories at a high level, Carroll is one of the most valuable players in the game. He should be back in action on Friday for the team's series opener in Philadelphia against the Phillies. Barrosa has gone 4-for-19 (.211) with four doubles and two RBI in his first six games of the year. He'll be a poor DFS option on Thursday out of the nine-hole for Arizona.

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Milwaukee Brewers third base prospect Andrew Fischer belted his first home run of the season (a grand slam) at High-A Wisconsin on Wednesday, finishing 2-for-4 with a walk, four RBI, and two runs scored; he was also caught stealing once. The Brewers' first-round pick from the 2025 Draft is now 5-for-13 (.385) on the young season, with three walks and a hit-by-pitch helping him to a robust .529 OBP. The Brewers' sixth-ranked prospect hit well at that level in 19 games last season, too, slashing .311/.402/.446 with a home run and eight steals. The left-handed slugger could see a quick hook to Double-A Biloxi and could see some time at Triple-A before the season is over. Although he is unlikely to see the majors in 2026, with a solid hit tool and above-average power, the 21-year-old could be fantasy-relevant in redraft leagues in 2027.

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Colorado Rockies corner infielder/outfielder prospect Charlie Condon went 3-for-6 in his second game back at Triple-A Albuquerque after having a cyst removed, smacking his third home run of the season, and crossing the plate three times. Perhaps just as notable is that it was the first time this season that the right-handed hitter did not strike out in a game. The Rockies' second-ranked prospect is now 10-for-28 (.357) through seven games, and although the strikeouts remain on the high side (27.3 percent), he's hitting well and continuing to draw walks at an above-average rate (12.1 percent). If that trend continues, the former third-overall draft pick should get his call to the majors sooner rather than later. The 6-foot-5 slugger's power will be an asset at Coors Field, and managers looking for some home run and RBI production should consider stashing the 22-year-old in advance of a future call-up.

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Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso is off to a slow start in his first year with the club, hitting .188/.264/.292 with one home run, three RBI, and four runs scored through his first 53 plate appearances of 2026. The 31-year-old is striking out in a career-worst 28.3% of his plate appearances, and his 9.1% barrel rate is less than half of the 18.9% barrel rate he posted in 2025 as a member of the New York Mets. Still, Alonso has a long track record of being one of the best power hitters in baseball. Dating back to 2021, he's recorded five consecutive seasons with at least 34 home runs and 88 RBI. After signing a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles in free agency, Alonso could simply be pressing in an effort to ingratiate himself with a new fanbase. Fantasy managers should afford him a much larger sample size of plate appearances before hitting the panic button.

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