MLB Player News

Red Sox manager Alex Cora indicated late Thursday that Devers is likely to wind up requiring a few additional days off to address a lingering shoulder issue. It doesn’t sound like the fantasy stalwart will require a trip to the injured list, but Boston doesn’t want to take any chances with their franchise cornerstone. Fantasy managers should prepare for the possibility that he remains sidelined for at least a portion of the club’s upcoming three-game series against the Angels.

Rodriguez, who was signed to a five-year, $32 million contract over the winter, will be summoned after two strong appearances at Triple-A Buffalo in which he struck out 10 over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. It’s unclear if he’ll immediately replace Bowden Francis in the rotation or perhaps piggyback off him initially, but he’s certainly a more interesting option in fantasy leagues than Francis is. The 27-year-old Cuban hurler is worthy of a speculative roster spot, especially in deeper mixed leagues.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters late Thursday that X-rays came back negative on Gonzalez’s left wrist, which means he’ll likely avoid an extended absence. It’s unclear whether he’ll wind up requiring a trip to the injured list since Boston’s bench is already shorthanded with Rafael Devers nursing a lingering shoulder issue.

Cowser lifted Baltimore to a three-game sweep at Fenway Park with the first two homers of his career. The 24-year-old connected on an 85-mph cutter from Red Sox starter Garrett Whitlock, lifting an opposite-field homer into the Green Monster, in the fifth inning for his first career homer. He also added a three-run shot off reliever Isaiah Campbell in the 10th inning to ostensibly put the contest away. Cowser has been on fire over his last three games, racking up five hits and 10 RBI during that span. He should probably be playing everyday moving forward and warrants consideration for a roster spot in deeper mixed leagues.

Slaten has been simply magnificent this season as a Rule 5 pick, reeling off 7 2/3 consecutive scoreless frames with a 7/1 K/BB ratio across five relief appearances to open his career. The unheralded 26-year-old righty might be earning some higher leverage opportunities in the near future.

Rodriguez managed to weather some early turbulence, keeping the Red Sox off the scoreboard the rest of the way after surrendering two runs in the opening frame. He finished with five strikeouts and only issued a pair of walks. He’ll bring a strong 2.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 21/5 K/BB ratio across 18 innings (three starts) into a home matchup on Tuesday against the Twins.

Whitlock wasn’t at his sharpest in this one, and remained in following a brief visit from Boston’s training staff in the fifth inning after experiencing some apparent right knee discomfort, and still managed to grind out five frames. He finished with four strikeouts and also handed out two free passes. He’ll carry a microscopic 1.26 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 16/6/ K/BB ratio across 14 1/3 innings (three starts) into a home matchup on Tuesday against the Guardians.

Per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Bohm’s fourth-inning homer off Pirates rookie sensation Jared Jones snapped the Phillies’ streak of 91 consecutive plate appearances without an extra-base hit. It was Philadelphia’s lone run of the contest until a four-run explosion in the seventh inning, which included homers from Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott. It was also his first round-tripper of the season.

It’s refreshing to see Olivares getting an extended opportunity with Pittsburgh after getting consistently buried in Kansas City. He’s made some adjustments to quiet his setup to be in a better position when he starts his swing and it’s paid off so far. He’s batting .344 (11-for-32) with eight runs scored, three homers and seven RBI through nine games in his Pirates debut. There’s absolutely some deep-league appeal here for fantasy managers.

Suárez put together one of his strongest performances in recent memory, limiting Pittsburgh’s lineup to just four baserunners over six brilliant frames. He induced 12 swinging strikes and finished with a respectable 32 percent CSW on 97 pitches (62 strikes). He’ll bring a solid 2.65 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and 19/3 K/BB ratio across 17 innings (three starts) into a favorable home outing on Wednesday against the Rockies.