Fantasy Baseball News

Carlos Carrasco earned a win Thursday, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out five over 5.2 innings as the Guardians edged out the Red Sox 5-4.

Fantasy Impact: This performance brings his season ERA to a respectable 3.44 and his WHIP to 1.53, though his control issues continue to inflate his walk totals, impacting his WHIP and K/BB ratio, which sits at a less-than-ideal 1.33. Despite these struggles, Carrasco's ability to limit damage and secure wins has kept him relevant in fantasy circles, especially in leagues that value innings and strikeouts. However, fantasy managers should remain cautious, as his high WHIP and low K/BB ratio could lead to more volatile outings.

Ryan Pepiot delivered a strong performance allowing one run, three hits, three walks, and seven strikeouts in Thursday's 2-1 win against the Angels.

Fantasy Impact: He pitched six innings, allowing just one earned run on three hits and three walks while striking out seven. This outing marks a significant improvement for Pepiot, whose season ERA dropped to 4.37 and WHIP to 1.01. His ability to maintain a high strikeout rate (10.7 K/9) and a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.38) continues to make him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues, especially in categories that reward strikeouts and WHIP. Despite a somewhat elevated ERA, his low BABIP (.240) suggests some bad luck has been at play, indicating potential for even better performances ahead. Fantasy managers should consider Pepiot a viable starting option, particularly in matchups where strikeouts are heavily rewarded.

Ryne Nelson left his start early on Thursday against the Giants with an apparent arm injury. (Source: Nick Piecoro on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Nelson took a comebacker in the third inning off his arm. He was replaced by Logan Allen. Arizona should provide an update on Nelson at some point on Friday.

The Red Sox acquired Vladimir Gutierrez from the Brewers for cash considerations. (Source: Gabrielle Starr on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Gutierrex should provide Boston with some pitching depth in its organization. He was optioned to Triple-A Worcester.

The Red Sox transferred Trevor Story to the 60-day injured list. (Source: Gabrielle Starr on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The move was made to open up a roster spot for Vladimir Gutierrez. Story is out for the season.

Tyler Alexander will start on Friday against the Yankees. (Source: Marc Topkin on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Alexander has posted a 6.46 ERA across 15 1/3 innings over three appearances and one start so far this season for Tampa Bay.

Max Scherzer reportedly could return as soon as early May. (Source: Ken Rosenthal)

Fantasy Impact: Scherzer could begin a rehab assignment soon after he faces live hitters on Friday. It would be a quicker return than expected as he was originally expected to return closer to June. He should return next month barring any setbacks.

Luke Jackson will begin a minor league rehab assignment on Thursday with Single-A San Jose.

Fantasy Impact: Jackson was placed on the injured list after a relief appearance on Opening Day. He could be back in the Giants bullpen by the end of the week.

The Blue Jays placed Ricky Tiedemann on the minor league injured list. (Source: MILB.com)

Fantasy Impact: Tiedemann last pitched on April 11. It is unclear what the specific injury is.

The Athletics optioned Darell Hernaiz to Triple-A Las Vegas. (Source: Martin Gallegos on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Hernaiz will head back to the minors where he should see plenty of opportunities. He could be called up again if needed.

The Rangers signed Shaun Anderson to a minor league contract.

Fantasy Impact: Anderson figures to add depth in the organization for Texas. He spent part of last season in the KBO.

The Rangers signed Collin Wiles to a minor league contract.

Fantasy Impact: Wiles will add depth in the organization for Texas. He last appeared with Oakland in 2022.

Alex Cobb is reportedly dealing with mild shoulder irritation. (Source: Alex Pavlovic on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Cobb has already been sidelined with hip and elbow injuries, so he is now dealing with three different injuries. He remains without a timetable to return for the Giants.

Christian Encarnacion-Strand is considered day-to-day with an illness. (Source: MLB.com)

Fantasy Impact: Encarnacion-Strand was sidelined on Wednesday against the Mariners. He could be ready to return on Friday against the Angels.

Triston McKenzie is reportedly pitching through a torn ligament in his elbow. (Source: The Athletic)

Fantasy Impact: McKenzie has posted a 6.23 ERA across 13 innings so far this season. His velocity has been down across his three starts which has been the biggest concern for him moving forward. This appears to be something that will be an issue the rest of the season.

Patrick Wisdom was activated from the 10-day injured list. (Source: Chicago Cubs on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wisdom opened the season on the injured list due to a back strain. He should see some playing time at both first base and third base.

The Cubs optioned Hayden Wesneski to Triple-A Iowa. (Source: Chicago Cubs on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Wesneski will head back to the minors. He could be called back up later in the season.

The Cubs optioned Miles Mastrobuoni to Triple-A Iowa. (Source: Chicago Cubs on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Mastrobuoni was optioned with Patrick Wisdom activated from the IL as the corresponding move.

The MLB has suspended Aroldis Chapman for two games. (Source: MLB.com)

Fantasy Impact: Chapman was "suspended for his inappropriate actions in the bottom of the eighth inning of Monday night’s game against the Mets."

Cam Booser has been called up by the Red Sox. (Source: Ian Browne on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Booser is expected to join Boston for the series opener on Friday against the Pirates. He'll add some depth in the bullpen for the Red Sox.