Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM on Friday that outfielder/designated hitter George Springer (toe) could return from the 10-day injured list in a "day or two." Springer won't rejoin Toronto's starting lineup for the series opener on Friday against the Cleveland Guardians, but he could be back before the series finale on Sunday. The 36-year-old veteran has been sidelined since fracturing his toe on April 11, but he's made good progress since then and is expected to return to the big-league roster without requiring a minor-league rehab assignment. Fantasy managers can't realistically expect Springer to be as good as he was in 2025 in a resurgent season in which he hit .309/.399/.560 with a .959 OPS, 32 home runs, 84 RBI, and 18 stolen bases in 140 regular-season games, but he should still be rostered in all fantasy leagues for his power/speed contributions in a hitter-friendly home environment at Rogers Centre. Before fracturing his toe, Springer was struggling offensively, going 10-for-54 (.185) with two homers, six RBI, four runs, and a stolen base in 14 games played.

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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that first baseman Freddie Freeman will hit second and outfielder Kyle Tucker will bat cleanup going forward, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Roberts made the change on Thursday to shake things up after the team lost the first two games of the series to the division-rival San Francisco Giants. "It's more of just trying to give Kyle a different look," Roberts said. Woo writes that Tucker's lack of production early on in his Dodgers tenure is a "small concern." The left-handed slugger is slashing .245/.327/.372 over 24 games with the Blue with only three home runs. "I think it's more just me trying to find my swing, and trying to find the consistency in it more than anything," Tucker said. The Dodgers are hoping the move down the order will help Tucker be more consistent at the plate after Roberts noticed his chase and swing rates had gone up recently. If the move to cleanup makes Tucker more consistent, his fantasy managers will be all for it.

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Fantasy managers speculating and scrounging for saves early in the 2026 season might want to consider taking a look at Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Kirby Yates (knee), even though he's still on the 15-day injured list. Yates' numbers during his minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Salt Lake haven't been pretty, but he's nearing a return and could make his 2026 debut with the Angels before the calendar flips to May next week. In his two innings pitched on the farm, Yates has allowed four runs (three earned) while walking one and striking out three. Right-handed reliever Ben Joyce (shoulder) remains on the IL, and right-hander Robert Stephenson (elbow) is done for the year. Righty Jordan Romano has been the Halos' closer in the first month of the season, but Yates, who has 98 career MLB saves in his 11 years in the big leagues, could quickly become an option for saves with the Angels when he rejoins the big-league roster. He's currently rostered in just 13% of Yahoo leagues.

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Chicago Cubs left-handed relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar (leg) exited Thursday's contest early with an apparent left leg injury after blowing a save opportunity. With the team's primary closer, Daniel Palencia (oblique), already on the injured list, the Cubs turned to Thielbar to lock down the ninth inning on Thursday afternoon. After serving up a solo shot to Adolis Garcia, Thielbar appeared to have suffered a leg injury and was taken out of the contest. In his previous appearance on April 21, Thielbar locked down the final frame against the Phillies, suggesting he was set to be the primary ninth-inning option while Palencia was injured. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as the team may provide an update ahead of Friday's contest. For the time being, Ben Brown could be a name to stash in deeper leagues as he could claim the ninth-inning role in the short term.

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New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (calf) is in serious danger of having an extended stint on the injured list. The Mets officially placed Lindor on the 10-day injured list on Thursday, but reports suggest he could be on the shelf for an extended period. Per Joel Sherman of The New York Post, the Mets fear Lindor's calf strain is far worse than Juan Soto's and could be "going to be down a while," per manager Carlos Mendoza. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears the star infielder could be on the shelf for an extended period of time. Lindor was off to a slow start in the 2026 campaign, posting a .226/.314/.355 line over his 24 contests. However, before going down, Lindor held a much higher .360 AVG and hit both of his home runs over his last seven games. While sidelined, Ronny Mauricio should be given ample opportunities to carve out a role in the Mets lineup.

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Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jhoan Duran (oblique) is not expected to miss much time on the 15-day injured list. According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Phillies have expressed minimal concern about the long-term severity of the injury and that he would be "surprised" if the elite closer missed more than a month of action. Duran officially hit the injured list earlier this week with a left oblique strain, which has paved the way for right-hander Brad Keller to take on ninth-inning duties. Before the injury, Duran was enjoying a strong start to his 2026 campaign, tossing 6 2/3 innings to the tune of a 1.35 ERA nd a 0.75 WHIP. He has struck out eight hitters and tallied five saves while taking just one loss. When active, Duran holds elite RP1 upside, pitching for a competing Phillies team. In the meantime, Keller holds solid mid-end RP2 upside and should see the majority of the save opportunities.

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Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Blake Snell (shoulder) showed some rust in his first rehab outing. On April 22, the southpaw took the ball for Low-A Ontario and tossed one inning with three hits and two runs (one earned). He walked one batter and did not tally any strikeouts. Snell has been on the shelf for nearly all of camp due to left shoulder fatigue. Per reports by Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Dodgers are looking for Snell to pitch at least five innings deep into a rehab outing (or throw 75 pitches) before opting to activate him off the injured list. Last season, Snell logged just 61 1/3 innings for the Dodgers but was highly effective for fantasy, holding a 2.35 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. While injuries have limited him throughout his career, when on the mound, Snell carries high-end upside in all formats. Despite his potent workload concerns, Snell remains a must-stash option in all formats ahead of his eventual return. If he can continue to increase his workload, he could return to action in the coming weeks.

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Los Angeles Angels outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler is never going to be an asset in the batting average department for fantasy managers, but the 6-foot-3, 235-pound Cuban slugger can definitely help in the power department if you need it. The 34-year-old veteran right-handed hitter is available in under 50% of Yahoo leagues at the moment, too. In his second year in Anaheim, Soler is hitting .215/.326/.443 with a .769 OPS, five home runs, 19 RBI, and 13 runs scored in 95 plate appearances across 22 games played. He's gone hitless in his last two games and has gone 5-for-22 with a homer, double, and three RBI in his last six games played, dating back to April 13, before he began serving a four-game suspension for a brawl with Braves pitcher Reynaldo Lopez. In the early portion of the season, Soler is unsurprisingly in the sixth percentile in strikeout rate, but he's in the 51st percentile in expected slugging percentage and in the 60th percentile in hard-hit rate. If Soler can stay healthy all year, he's a candidate to approach the 30-homer mark because of his raw power from the right side.

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Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider (oblique) looked like his dominant self in his most recent rehab outing and appears to be quickly approaching his eventual 2026 season debut. In this outing for Triple-A Gwinnett, the right-hander racked up eight strikeouts over 4 1/3 shutout frames. He surrendered just one hit and walked only one batter. However, the most important note is that Strider's four-seamer reached 98.1 mph. During spring training and the early stages of his rehab, Strider struggled to regain his high-end velocity. If Stider can maintain this current velocity, he could be in line for far more success than he enjoyed last season. In 2025, Strider struggled for Atlanta, posting a 4.45 ERA with just 131 punchouts over 125 1/3 innings. While there is risk in his profile given his extensive injury history, if his velocity remains stable, Strider could deliver immense returns for those who have stashed him.

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New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole turned in another solid showing in his second rehab outing and is slowly working his way back to the major leagues. Cole has been on the shelf since the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery with an internal brace procedure in March of 2025. While he was able to pitch in spring training, the Yankees had him open the 2026 campaign on the 15-day injured list to provide him ample time to get back to full strength. Cole began his rehab assignment with High-A on April 17 and logged 4 1/3 innings of three-run ball with three punchouts. However, in his most recent outing, Cole pitched for Double-A and threw 42 of his 52 pitches for strikes while allowing two runs over 4 2/3 innings. While the Yankees will continue to slowly increase his workload, seeing Cole find the zone effectively is a great sign. He remains a priority stash option in all 12-team leagues and remains on track to debut later in May.

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Houston Astros outfielder Cam Smith started the month of April on fire at the plate, going 15-for-47 (.319) with two home runs, four doubles, nine RBI, seven runs scored, and two stolen bases in 51 plate appearances across 13 games for the Astros to put himself firmly on the map as a waiver-wire pickup in fantasy baseball leagues. The 23-year-old former 14th overall pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2024 out of Florida State has gone 2-for-22 (.091) with no homers, one RBI, three runs scored, a steal, three walks, and seven strikeouts in seven games since, though. Smith is slashing .239/.324/.398 with a .721 OPS, three home runs, five doubles, 11 RBI, 15 runs scored, and four stolen bases in his first 26 games of 2026. In 134 contests in his rookie campaign, Smith hit .236 (104-for-441) with nine homers, 51 RBI, and eight stolen bases. Smith has cooled off recently, but he's still a young, intriguing power/speed asset that could do damage in stretches. He's currently rostered in just under 50% of Yahoo leagues.

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Despite his struggles with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, left-handed reliever Tanner Scott has become a must-add reliever off the waiver wire with right-hander Edwin Diaz (elbow) facing a potential three-month absence. In the team's 3-0 shutout win over the division-rival San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Thursday, Scott picked up his first save of the season, pitching a clean ninth inning with no hits allowed, no walks, and no strikeouts. The Dodgers could employ a committee approach to the ninth inning with Scott, Alex Vesia, and Blake Treinen, but Scott got the first shot on Thursday and delivered. The 31-year-old southpaw and former All-Star in 2024 has been great so far in 2026, allowing just an earned run with a walk and nine strikeouts in his 10 2/3 relief innings. He's currently rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues, so if you need saves and he's out there, you should be grabbing Scott immediately.

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Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler had his worst outing of the year on Thursday in Texas in a 6-1 loss to the Rangers at Globe Life Field. Chandler picked up his second loss of the season by allowing six earned runs on seven hits (two homers) while walking three and striking out four in just four innings of work. The big blow against the young 23-year-old hurler was a three-run homer by shortstop Corey Seager. In his first five starts of his first full season in the big leagues with the Pirates, Chandler is sporting a 1-2 record, 4.88 ERA (5.69 FIP), 1.50 WHIP, and 21:16 K:BB in 24 innings pitched. His 16 walks currently lead the league, and Chandler must improve his control on the mound if he wants to reach his ceiling in the big leagues. His next scheduled matchup is set for next week against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals, who currently rank 21st in baseball with a .695 OPS.

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Colorado Rockies right-handed reliever Victor Vodnik was blown up by the San Diego Padres on Thursday at Coors Field in the ninth inning in an eventual 10-8 loss in the series finale. Vodnik had a rough day at the office, allowing five earned runs on four hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out two in two-thirds of an inning for his second loss of the season and his second blown save for the Rockies. After the rough outing, the 26-year-old former 14th-rounder by the Atlanta Braves in 2018 has an 0-2 record, 7.59 ERA (6.05 FIP), 2.16 WHIP, three saves, eight strikeouts, and six walks in 10 2/3 relief innings in 2026. He entered the contest in the ninth inning on Thursday with a three-run lead, but that cushion wasn't enough for Vodnik on this day. Fantasy managers were reminded that Vodnik is a high-risk option for saves on a bad team, and his struggles this year could lead to more save chances for both Seth Halvorsen and Jaden Hill in the near future. He's rostered in just 9% of Yahoo leagues at the moment.

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New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) had some mixed results on Thursday in his second minor-league rehab start for High-A Hudson Valley, allowing two earned runs on five hits (one homer) while walking none and striking out four in 4 1/3 innings of work. Cole threw 42 of his 52 pitches on the night for strikes. The 35-year-old former Cy Young winner wasn't all that efficient in this one, but the primary takeaway is that he increased his pitch count and remains healthy as he rehabs from right-elbow surgery last March that caused him to miss the entire 2025 campaign. Cole will likely need at least several more rehab starts in the minors before the Yankees consider having him rejoin the big-league starting rotation at some point in May. The former first overall pick in 2011 out of UCLA will be a wild card in 2026 once he returns, but he's worth stashing everywhere in case he rebounds quickly to his ace form for the Yankees. Cole is rostered in 84% of Yahoo leagues. If he's available in your league, scoop him up now.

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The Baltimore Orioles placed right-hander Dean Kremer (quadriceps) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 20) on Thursday with a right-quadriceps strain and recalled right-hander Brandon Young from Triple-A Norfolk in a corresponding move, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Young is scheduled to start the series opener on Friday against the division-rival Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards. For the time being, it will be Young taking Kremer's starting rotation spot, and not left-hander Cade Povich. At a minimum, the 30-year-old Kremer will miss two turns through Baltimore's rotation. He had made it through just two starts this year before dealing with a quad strain, going 0-1 with a 4.09 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with 16 strikeouts in his 11 innings of work. Kremer has a 37.2% strikeout rate so far in two starts, but his 20.6% career strikeout rate leaves a lot to be desired in terms of fantasy. He's not a must-stash in deeper leagues and is currently rostered in just 12% of Yahoo leagues.

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Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh was at his best on Thursday, but it wasn't enough in the team's 8-7, 10-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Marsh went 3-for-4 at the plate with two home runs, three RBI, a walk, and a strikeout to raise his season average to an even .300 and his OPS to .829. The left-handed-hitting outfielder's first homer of the day came off right-handed starter Edward Cabrera in the second inning. Marsh, who is rostered in only 9% of Yahoo leagues at the moment, might be worth a look off the waiver wire soon if he continues to swing the bat well. In his last nine games played, he's gone 12-for-32 (.375). Marsh now has four home runs on the 2026 season in 22 games and has added a .300/.329/.500 slash line, 14 RBI, 10 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 85 plate appearances.

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Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony (back) said that he felt tightness in his upper back around the scapula/neck area after his line drive in Tuesday's game against the New York Yankees. However, Anthony also said he's feeling much better and is hoping to play in Friday's contest in Baltimore against the division-rival Orioles. He will see how he feels on Friday morning. The young left-handed-hitting outfielder is currently day-to-day and has missed Boston's last two games, but fantasy managers will want to check back later on Friday to see if he's in the starting nine for the BoSox for the series opener at Camden Yards. The 21-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 has hit just .225 (18-for-80) in his first 22 games in 2026 while adding a homer, four RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases in 97 plate appearances. Fantasy managers shouldn't be panicking just yet, and if Anthony is back in action on Friday, you should return him to starting lineups.

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Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom proved on Thursday in the 6-1 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates that he can still be dominant on the mound. deGrom earned his second win of the 2026 season by allowing just one earned run on a solo homer while allowing five hits, walking one, and striking out a season-high 10 in 5 2/3 innings of work. The only run that came against the 37-year-old veteran was an Oneil Cruz homer in the fifth inning. The two-time Cy Young winner and five-time All-Star is fully healthy and has been on point in his first five starts of the season. After Thursday's strong performance against the Bucs, deGrom is sporting a 2-0 record, 2.13 ERA (3.26 FIP), and 1.07 WHIP with 35 strikeouts and only seven walks in 25 1/3 innings pitched. Fantasy managers would have liked to have seen deGrom get one more out for a quality start, but they can't really complain with the way he's started his 13th year in the big leagues. Even though the Rangers continue to play it safe with his workload early on, he's a must-start in fantasy.

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Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Jett Williams is quickly climbing the stash rankings ahead of Week 5 of the fantasy baseball season. The Brewers acquired Williams this offseason in the deal that sent right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta to the New York Mets. While Williams was unable to crack the Opening Day roster, he could be in the mix for an early promotion, given Milwaukee's current production in the infield. Through his first nine games of the Triple-A season, Williams got off to a slow start, posting a low .440 OPS with five hits (all going for singles). However, since then (12 games), Williams has posted a much higher .730 OPS with three extra-base hits, including his first home run of the young season. In the majors, starting third baseman David Hamilton has held a .226 AVG while shortstop Joey Ortiz has posted an even lower .185 AVG. Williams may need to show further development, but there is not much competition standing in his way for a promotion. His speed upside (five SBs in 21 games) makes him a top target in deeper category leagues.

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