Houston Astros outfielder Jake Meyers is out of the starting nine for the third-straight contest on Thursday evening. Meyers has been kept on the bench for the past three contests after starting three of the first four games of the campaign in center field. Instead, the Astros will give Mauricio Dubon the starting nod in center field. Through his first 10 at-bats of the campaign, Meyers has tallied two hits and added an RBI. He has struck out four times. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he is dealing with an injury. Last season, Meyers appeared in a career-high 148 contests in Houston and held a .219/.286/.360 slash line with 13 long balls and 11 stolen bases. Dubon is not worth targeting in DFS this afternoon, facing Joe Ryan, who allowed just one run in his first start of the campaign.

From RotoBaller

Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Luis Garcia (elbow) is dealing with inflammation in his right elbow. According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, Garcia will be shut down from throwing and will be reevaluated in four weeks. This is not a good sign for Garcia as he is working his way back from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in May 2023. Garcia was also dealing with elbow soreness earlier in camp. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, but this recent setback could push Garcia's timeline further back. As a result, the 28-year-old may not be an option until the second half of the campaign. In 2023, Garcia logged just 27 innings with a 4.00 ERA. During the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, Garcia logged a total of 312 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.60 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. While he remains out, Hayden Wesneski should continue to see starting opportunities.

From RotoBaller

The Athletics have activated third baseman Brett Harris (oblique) from the 10-day injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Las Vegas. Harris has been dealing with this minor injury throughout March but is now cleared to return to a full-time role with Las Vegas. Harris has already appeared in three rehab games at the level but will now officially be cleared from injury. Harris tallied one hit in each contest during these three rehab games and added two RBI. Last season, the Gonzaga product made his MLB debut and posted a .146/.276/.262 slash line with three doubles and three long balls across 36 contests. Harris drew walks at an elite 13.8 percent rate during this stint but generated a low .274 xwOBA. He should eventually push for a return to the big leagues later in the campaign.

From RotoBaller

Houston Astros catcher Yainer Diaz is not in the starting nine when the Astros travel to Minnesota to face the Twins on Thursday afternoon. Diaz has been behind the dish in each of the past three contests but will cede duties to Victor Caratini this afternoon. Caratini will bat in the six-hole. Over his past three contests, Diaz tallied just one hit across 11 at-bats and struck out twice through five total games. Diaz has tallied just two hits and held a 1:4 BB:K. Fantasy managers should expect Diaz to return to the starting nine on Saturday afternoon when they continue this three-game set against the Twins. Caratini has seen four at-bats and tallied one hit. He is best to leave out of your DFS lineup this afternoon facing Minnesota right-hander Joe Ryan, who allowed one run across five innings in his last start.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Royals outfielder Drew Waters went 4-for-5 at the plate and hit for the cycle during their victory over Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday. Waters led the Omaha offense in this contest as he tallied five RBI, which was highlighted by a three-run inside-the-park home run. Waters was competing for a depth role in the Kansas outfield during spring training but was unable to win a spot on the roster. This was a nice breakout outing for the 26-year-old as he did not tally a hit in each of his first two contests of the Triple-A regular season. Last summer, Waters appeared in just seven games for the Royals and tallied just three hits. Through 334 career games at Triple-A, Water has posted a solid .269/.352/.447 slash line. He is worth monitoring in AL-only formats as he could eventually earn a spot in the Kansas City outfield later in the season.

From RotoBaller

New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (forearm) underwent X-rays, which thankfully came back negative, after taking a line 115.5 mph line drive off his right forearm off the bat of second baseman Ketel Marte in Wednesday's loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Bronx. Despite that and the fact that the 32-year-old's fastball velocity was noticeably down on a cold night at Yankee Stadium, Rodon was able to retire the last 10 batters he faced. He ultimately allowed four earned runs on three hits while walking four and striking out five over six innings on 96 pitches. Rodon didn't look nearly as dominant as he did on Opening Day last Thursday against the Brewers when he struck out seven and gave up just one run in 5 1/3 innings, but the biggest takeaway from Wednesday is that he should be fine physically going into his third start of 2025.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Mariners catching prospect Harry Ford had a productive evening at the plate on Wednesday as he went 1-for-2 with two walks. He tallied an RBI single in the second frame, crossed home plate three times, and even swiped a bag. Throughout his first three contests at the top level of the minor leagues, the 22-year-old backstop has held a .333/.538/.333 line. He has tallied at least one hit in each contest and has held a strong 4:1 BB:K. Last season, Ford had some growing pains at Double-A as he posted a modest .249/.377/.367 slash line across 116 contests. He tallied 26 doubles, seven long balls, and swiped 35 bags. This was a sharp decline from the .257/.410/.430 line he held during the 2023 season at High-A. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Ford's progression as he could be in the mix for a second-half MLB debut if he continues to produce with the Tacoma Rainiers.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Twins third baseman Jose Miranda is on the bench for the second straight day on Thursday against the visiting Houston Astros at Target Field. Willi Castro is making the start at the hot corner and will hit sixth versus Astros right-hander Hunter Brown. Miranda has an opportunity for regular playing time at third base early on in 2025 due to Royce Lewis' (hamstring) latest injury, but so far he hasn't taken advantage by going 3-for-18 with two RBI, a run scored, no walks and six strikeouts in his first five games played. The 26-year-old Puerto Rican infielder may need to pick it up at the plate soon in order to keep Castro from spelling him more often at third. Castro, who also hails from Puerto Rico, is 5-for-20 early on with a homer and three RBI. He's faced Brown eight times in his MLB career and is hitting .625 against him with one RBI.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Twins catcher Christian Vazquez will retreat to the bench for Thursday's contest against the visiting Houston Astros at Target Field. Ryan Jeffers will do the catching for right-hander Joe Ryan and will bat eighth against right-hander Hunter Brown. Vazquez and Jeffers continue to alternate playing time behind the dish for the Twins early on in 2025, which makes the 34-year-old veteran unattractive to fantasy managers outside of two-catcher or AL-only leagues. The Puerto Rican backstop has played in three games so far and is hitless in his 10 plate appearances with no walks and a strikeout. Meanwhile, Jeffers has gone 4-for-15 with an RBI, run scored, two walks and two strikeouts in four games. Jeffers offers slightly more offensive upside, but neither catcher should excite fantasy managers all that much. Jeffers has two hits in 10 career at-bats versus Brown.

From RotoBaller

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora described right-handers Brayan Bello (shoulder) and Lucas Giolito (hamstring) as "not close" to coming off the injured list to rejoin the team's starting rotation given their need to have a spring training-like buildup. It sounds like both pitchers will need at least a couple more minor-league rehab starts. In their first rehab starts with Triple-A Worcester this week, Bello reached 47 pitches and Giolito reached 51 pitches. Bello is scheduled to make a second start with the WooSox on Sunday, with Giolito likely to return to the mound on Monday or Tuesday. Both pitchers came down with their respective injuries in spring training, but barring a setback on their rehab assignments, they could rejoin Boston's rotation by late April. In the meantime, Richard Fitts and Sean Newcomb will hold down the fort at the back end of the rotation in Boston.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) threw his second bullpen session Camden Yards on Wednesday before the team's game against the visiting division-rival Boston Red Sox, according to MLB.com's Jake Rill. Rodriguez continues to build his arm back up after he was shut down during spring training with right-elbow inflammation. The 25-year-old hasn't had any setbacks since resuming a throwing program, but because of the fact that he's yet to face live hitters at all, it might make sense for fantasy managers to expect his 2025 debut to come in late April or early May. Rodriguez will need to eventually go on a minor-league rehab assignment, but when he's ready to return, he'll be reinserted as Baltimore's ace at the top of the rotation. Left-hander Cade Povich will likely be the odd-man out of the rotation when Rodriguez returns.

From RotoBaller

Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong will take a seat for Thursday's series finale against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. Carlos Narvaez will do the catching for right-hander Tanner Houck and will hit eighth in the batting order versus veteran right-hander Charlie Morton. Wong could use the day off, as the 28-year-old has just one hit in his first 21 plate appearances over six games in 2025 with a steal, two walks and six punchouts. This will be only Narvaez's second game of the early season and just his eighth total game in the majors after debuting with the New York Yankees in 2024. He's gone 1-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and a strikeout so far this year and should be avoided in DFS formats on Thursday. Narvaez has never faced Morton.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that shortstop Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) is probable to be activated from the 10-day injured list on Friday to make his season debut against the Royals in Kansas City. Henderson played in his final minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Norfolk on Wednesday and was scheduled for a rest day on Thursday. Henderson is not in the team's lineup on Thursday for their series finale against the division-rival Boston Red Sox, with Jackson Holliday manning the 6 and batting seventh. The 23-year-old hasn't had any kind of setback, but with an early start time on Thursday against Boston, the O's want to give him a full day of rest. Fantasy managers should expect Henderson back at shortstop and in the leadoff spot for Baltimore on Friday against veteran right-hander Seth Lugo and the Royals.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle will receive a day of rest in Thursday's series finale against the visiting division-rival Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards. The left-handed-hitting Ryan O'Hearn will start at first base and bat cleanup for the O's versus right-hander Tanner Houck. Mountcastle has started five of the team's first seven games in the early going and has gone 5-for-20 at the plate with a double, RBI, three runs scored, one walk and four strikeouts in 21 plate appearances. O'Hearn is much better against right-handed pitchers and is swinging a hot bat early on, going 6-for-15 with two doubles and two runs scored in four games played. He's worth taking a serious look at for DFS contests on a small Thursday slate against Houck, who he's hit .375 against with a solo home run in eight career at-bats.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher A.J. Puk had a wild ride in the ninth inning against the Yankees on Wednesday night, but he managed to close out the team's second straight win in the Bronx. Puk entered the ninth inning with nobody out after Ryan Thompson allowed singles to Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge. Puk got Jazz Chisholm Jr. to fly out to RF but then allowed the inherited runners to score on a three-run blast off the bat of Anthony Volpe. The home run made the score 4-3 but Puk was able to retire Austin Wells and strike out Jasson Dominguez to secure the win and earn his second save. He is the only member of the Diamondbacks bullpen with a save this season and seems to be in the primary closer role ahead of Justin Martinez at least for now.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco Giants outfielder Luis Matos was a key contributor to the team's 6-3 win on Wednesday in Houston. He went 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk, and a strikeout. His homer was a solo shot to lead off the second inning against Framber Valdez, who struggled in his second start of the season and gave up five runs in five innings. Matos's big day improved his numbers on the season to 4-for-10 (.400) with a .528 wOBA in just three games. The 23-year-old is in the mix for playing time in the Giants' outfield but not currently locked in to an everyday role. More performances like this could earn him playing time, though, and he showed some power potential last season with 14 homers and a .340 wOBA in Triple-A.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Camilo Doval earned his second save of the season on Wednesday in Houston. He closed out the Giants' 6-3 win with a perfect ninth inning that required only 10 pitches. The 27-year-old righty has yet to allow a baserunner in his three appearances this season and has two saves, matching Ryan Walker for the team lead. Walker is typically the primary closer but has been unavailable the last two games due to back pain, and Doval has stepped in effectively. When Walker is available, he is expected to resume his role at the back end of the bullpen, but Doval has been very effective and is a strong backup option for the Giants. It looks like he would be the next man up if Walker ends up needing a trip to the injured list. The Giants are off on Thursday before opening a six-game homestand against the Mariners and Reds.

From RotoBaller

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Jeff Hoffman gave up a run to the Nationals on Wednesday afternoon, but he still closed Toronto's 4-2 victory with his third save of the season. The 32-year-old righty entered the game in the ninth with a 4-1 lead and got the first two outs in quick succession before running into a little bit of trouble. He gave up a single, a double, and another single before his catcher Tyler Heineman threw out pinch-runner Jacob Young trying to steal second base to end the game. It was the first run allowed by Hoffman in his four games this season, and he is a perfect 3-for-3 in save opportunities. He will remain the team's primary closer as they head on a 10-game road trip to New York, Boston, and Baltimore starting on Friday.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz earned his third save of the season and helped the Mariners avoid a sweep at the hands of the visiting Tigers. It wasn't as stress-free as Munoz, the Mariners, or his fantasy owners would have liked it to be, but he ultimately got the job done. He entered the 3-2 game to start the ninth inning and walked the first two batters he faced. After a strikeout, he gave up a single to load the bases with one out. However, he bounced back and retired Javier Baez on a fielder's choice that got the out at the plate and then struck out Zack McKinstry on three straight pitches to put the game in the books. Munoz has picked up three saves in three games while working three innings. He does have three walks but has also picked up five strikeouts. He and the Mariners have Thursday off before a three-game set in San Francisco against the Giants over the weekend.

From RotoBaller

Texas Rangers relief pitcher Luke Jackson closed the door on the Reds on Wednesday afternoon in Cincinnati. Jackson entered a 1-0 game at the start of the ninth inning and gave up a single to TJ Friedl. With the tying run on base, he struck out Matt McLain and got Elly De La Cruz to ground out to 2B to close out the victory, as the Rangers improved to 5-2 on the season. Jackson has now made four appearances this season and has bounced back nicely after taking the loss on Opening Day. He has closed out all three of his save opportunities and remains the team's primary closer, although Chris Martin is also a secondary option with a save and two holds in his 4 1/3 scoreless innings in the early part of the season.

From RotoBaller