Happy birthday, kid.

On the Agenda: 

1. Closer Chaos
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers
5. Six Picks

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Jazz, finally!

Expect Fernando Tatis Jr.’s first dinger of the season in Mexico City this weekend.

On the Agenda: 

1. Closer Chaos
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

Closer Chaos

Abner Uribe entered the bottom of the ninth in a tie game and served up the walkoff bomb to Spencer Torkelson.

Could it be Trevor Megill time in Milwaukee again, soon?

Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald entered Thursday’s tie game in the ninth and got hammered. He walked two batters and gave up a 3-run homer to Andrew Benintendi. Sewald has been lights-out in save opportunities. The lights are off when it’s not one:

Paul Sewald in tie games (3 G):
1.2 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 3 HR.

Paul Sewald in all other games (9 G):
8.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 11 K, 0 HR.

— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) April 23, 2026

White Sox closer Seranthony Domínguez stepped into the bottom of the ninth and protected their 4-1 lead with his fifth save.

Tanner Scott locked down his first save of the season in a 3-0 win over the rival Giants. Scott and fellow lefty Alex Vesia have manager Dave Roberts’ trust and will be the two relievers called upon for save chances. Vesia has yet to allow a run this season. He is an excellent relief pitcher but has running a bit hot (.111 BABIP, 100% LOB).

Quick Hits

Francisco Lindor‘s calf MRI did not supply Mets fans with the good news they were looking for. Lindor’s strain is considered worse than Juan Soto’s and it’s possible that Lindor will be out until after Memorial Day. I wonder if Juan will call and check in on Frankie from time to time.

Orioles righty Dean Kremer appeared to be on the precipice of a breakout season, rocking a 16:2 K:BB through his first two starts (11 innings). Unfortunately for those who acquired him over the weekend, Kremer was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right quadriceps strain. Lefty Brandon Young will be called up to start Friday’s contest.

The Marlins called up speedy outfielder Esteury Ruiz, who stole 67 bags in 497 plate appearances for the Athletics in 2023. Veteran short-side platoon outfielder Austin Slater was designated for assignment.

Various News and Notes

Gerrit Cole is getting closer and closer. He looked good in his rehab start, throwing 42-of-52 strikes with four punchouts and two runs allowed in 4.1 innings. Cole will continue to build up his pitch count throughout his minor league assignment, which could last another two to three weeks.

Pirates righty Bubba Chandler continues to struggle. Rangers outfielder Evan Carter had a two-run, inside-the-park home run and Corey Seager hit a three-run home run, bringing Chandler’s ERA up to 4.88.

Meanwhile, Oneil Cruz continues to prove the draft season haters (including me) wrong. Cruz hit his eighth homer of the season in the fifth off Jacob deGrom. Cruz should re-take the top spot on the FanGraphs Player Rater after Thursday’s stats are are processed overnight. Konnor Griffin’s average dipped to .182 after another 0-4 afternoon.

It’s never too late for a breakout! Jayson Werth, er, Brandon Marsh crushed two home runs on Thursday:

Marsh brought his average up to .300 and his slugging percentage to .500. Manager Rob Thomson has so far kept his promise of letting Marsh face more left-handed pitching — he’s been in the starting lineup in six of the last nine lefties the Phillies have faced. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been that effective against them: 3-17 with 7 Ks and no RBIs. Rookie Felix Reyes could eat into some of Marsh’s playing time.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in Yahoo)

Pitcher for Today: Max Scherzer vs. CLE

The Blue Jays are rare home underdogs as the Guardians come to town with a scorching Gavin Williams toeing the rubber on Sunday. We can’t confidently stream Scherzer like in years’ past, but on a slate with few sub-50% rostered options, a home tilt where the game’s projected run total is just 8.0 is certainly worth a shot.

Other Options: None, but be sure to stream hitters in the Miles Mikolas/Erick Fedde 페디 barnburner.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Kodai Senga vs. COL

It’s been a disastrous season for Senga so far (8.83 ERA), but it isn’t all on him. Senga has a 3.95 xERA, 4.04 SIERA, .413 BABIP and a 54.7% strand rate. His fastball velocity (96.3 mph) is up from last season (94.7) and he has 22 punchouts in 17.1 innings. A date with the Rockies in his home turf might be just what Senga needs.

Other Options: Walbert Urena at KC, Bryce Elder vs. PHI

Two (II) dingers for new dad, Michael Harris II

On the Agenda: 

1. Closer Chaos
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

Closer Chaos

The Giants’ ninth inning is slightly less murky now. Ryan Walker was called upon tonight to close out the game. It was his second save conversion in as many games.

With Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) on the IL, Robert Suarez assumes ninth inning duties for the Braves. Suarez locked down the save on Wednesday, his second of the season. Suarez was the Major League saves leader over the last two seasons. Iglesias’ MRI showed no structural damage. He should take his job back if he returns to full health, but there are no guarantees.

Before the week began, Joel Kuhnel had not allowed a run in six appearances and was quickly earning high leverage duties and save opportunities. He earned the save on Monday, but allowed his first earned run in a 6-4 victory over the Mariners. On Wednesday, Kuhnel entered the ninth inning in a tie game, but allowed four hits and the game-winning run. It’s quite possible that a much more talented righty in that bullpen by the name of Jack Perkins quickly earns ninth inning opportunities ahead of Kuhnel. Perkins earned his first save of the season on Tuesday. He worked as a reliever and starter last season, scoring four saves and starting four games.

Quick Hits

Guess who’s back! The Braves are expected to promote veteran righty Carlos Carrasco and employ him in long relief. Carrasco has a 1.71 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 18 strikeouts and five walks over four starts at Triple-A Gwinnett.

It’s an exciting few days for pitchers. Twins lefty prospect Connor Prielipp made his MLB debut on Wednesday and Braves pitcher JR Ritchie makes his today. Payton Tolle (BOS) and Christian Scott (NYM) have made starts in the big leagues before, but will be promoted to make their season debuts today. On Saturday, wily veteran Zack Wheeler will make his first start for the Phillies in 2026. Wheeler has made five rehab starts since March 28, posting a 5.14 ERA, 1.20 WHIP with a 19:2 K:BB over 20 innings.

The Mets finally ended their 12-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory over the Twins in Juan Soto’s triumphant return, but there was carnage. Francisco Lindor was removed from the contest with left calf tightness and will have an MRI today.

The Rangers placed snakebit outfielder Wyatt Langford (forearm) on the IL on Wednesday. Langford does not expect to be out longer than 10 days, but we’ve heard that before. Outfielder Alejandro Osuna was promoted.

The Diamondbacks expect to activate catcher Gabriel Moreno next week.

The Phillies placed catcher J.T. Realmuto on the IL due to back spasms. Thirty-two-year-old Garrett Stubbs was promoted and should split time behind the plate with Rafael Marchán.

Various News and Notes

José Soriano was masterful again, hurling five scoreless innings with four strikeouts and no walks allowed.

Soriano became the first pitcher since 1900 to allow one run or fewer across his first six starts of the season.

Max Fried had an incredible outing against the rival Red Sox (8 IP – 3 H – 0 ER – 2 BB – 9 K) to take his record to 3-1. It was the second time this season that he’s reached eight innings. He has thrown at least 90 pitches in every start except the season opener, 86 against the Giants.

The Giants shut the Dodgers down, winning 3-0. Neither starter allowed a run — Shohei Ohtani threw six innings and Tyler Mahle allowed just three hits in seven innings. It was a much-needed bounce back start for Mahle after allowing 8 ER in 4 IP to his former team, the Reds, last week.

Yordan Alvarez hit his league-leading 11th home run of the season.

Newcomer Peter Lambert dazzled in this contest, hurling six scoreless innings, with three hits, three walks and eight strikeouts. It was Lambert’s second start as a member of the Astros. Lambert owned a career ERA over 6.00 in four partial seasons with the Rockies before spending a season pitching in Japan last year. Lambert was a second-round draft pick of the Rockies in 2015. He’s been shoving his four-seam fastball at 95 mph, which is 2-3 ticks up from his days with the Rockies.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in Yahoo)

Pitcher for Today: Brandon Sproat at DET

There are only a few options under 50% on this transition day Thursday slate. Sproat had a rough start with the Brewers, but bounced back nicely against the Blue Jays in his last start, punching out six over 6.2 innings with one run allowed. This contest has a 7-run total (mostly because of Skubal) and could turn into a pitchers’ duel.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Kodai Senga vs. COL

It’s been a disastrous season for Senga so far (8.83 ERA), but it isn’t all on him. Senga has a 3.95 xERA, 4.04 SIERA, .413 BABIP and a 54.7% strand rate. His fastball velocity (96.3 mph) is up from last season (94.7) and he has 22 punchouts in 17.1 innings. A date with the Rockies in his home turf might be just what Senga needs.

Other Option: Walbert Urena at KC

Riley – 1, Wall – 0

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This was a cool moment over the weekend:

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Can’t stop this man!

On the Agenda:

1. Closer Chaos
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

Closer Chaos

Is this the worst start to the season for closers ever? The chaos continues:

• Lucas Erceg (Royals) – first blown save; ERA is up to 6.14
• Clayton Beeter (Nationals) – second blown save; got the win; Orlando Ribalta earned his first career save
• Dennis Santana (Pirates) – took the loss in the 10th
• Ryan Walker (Giants) – entered the game after the starter (7th inning); Keaton Winn pitched the 8th, Erik Miller got the save
• Seranthony Domínguez (White Sox) – blew his second save of the year and took the loss
• Trevor Megill (Brewers) – pitched a clean inning, but it was the eighth (2 Ks); Angel Zerpa notched the save; Abner Uribe was unavailable
• Jakob Junis (Rangers) – came on in the 7th and got two outs; came back in the 8th, gave up a single, a double, and IBB to load the bases; was pulled for Jacob Latz, who gave up a bases-clearing double, hanging Junis with 3 ER

Meanwhile, Mason Miller struck out the side again and his extended his scoreless streak to 30.2 innings:

Miller has 23 punchouts in 9.1 innings — a 76.7% strikeout rate.

Various News and Notes

Cleveland Guardians rookie pitcher Parker Messick took a no-hit bid into the ninth inning, serving up a single to Orioles outfielder Leody Taveras.

Messick set a career high in strikeouts (eight) and boasts a 1.05 ERA and 0.78 WHIP through his first four starts.

San Francisco Giants righty Landen Roupp dominated the Reds on Thursday. He allowed just one hit and two walks over six scoreless innings. His ratios are down to a sparkling 2.38 and 0.97. Another late-round gem…at least, so far.

Braves veterans Sean Murphy and Spencer Strider both started their rehab assignments in High-A on Thursday. Strider threw 50 pitches (27 strikes) over 3.1 innings. He struck out three and allowed two walks and one hit. Most importantly, his fastball velocity sat between 95 and 97 mph, which is exactly what we want to see. Strider will continue to build up his pitch count, make another couple of starts in the Minors, and return to the Braves in early May, barring a setback.

Angels manager Kurt Suzuki mentioned Chase Silseth as a candidate for save opportunities if Jordan Romano is removed from the role. Silseth has 6:4 K:BB in 6.1 innings. Meanwhile, Kirby Yates (knee) should be starting a rehab assignment soon.

Streaming Pitchers

Pitchers for Today: Michael Soroka (RH, ARZ, 60% on Yahoo!)

Cheating on the %-rostered a bit since there aren’t many viable streaming options. The Diamondbacks will be home favorites and Soroka has pitched well so far.

Other Options: Zack Littell (RH, WSH, 7%)

Littell is a plus control and location guy, but this is more so a bet against the Giants.

Pitchers for Tomorrow: Lance McCullers Jr. (RH, HOU, 22% Y!, down 2% in the last 24 hours)

The Astros pushed their rotation back by a day and McCullers will now start against the Cardinals on Saturday. He threw a gem in his only home start (1 ER, 9 K in 7 IP), but was knocked around in his road starts.

Other Options: Cade Cavalli (RH, WSH, 10%)

Cavalli has been shaky this season (8 ER, 12 BB in 15.2 IP). We don’t have much in terms of streaming options on a slate filled with aces. Let’s pick on the Giants, the lowest-scoring team in the Majors, in hopes of a Cavalli bounce-back start.

Sorry, Julio. It’s not the second half of the season yet!

On the Agenda:

1. Closer Chaos
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

Closer Chaos

It was a rough one. We might be here awhile.

Andrés Muñoz entered the game with a 6-2 lead in the bottom of the ninth (non-save situation) and got hammered for five earned runs on four hits and a walk. His ERA ballooned from 3.00 to 9.45 and he’s up to free passes in 6.2 innings. It was his first appearance since last Saturday. The outing won’t cost Muñoz his job, but we’re certainly all #onwatch. Matt Brash is likely next in line, should it come to that. He’s currently the only Mariners reliever who has yet to allow a run.

The Mets’ woes continue as they’ve lost eight straight and are one loss away from their longest losing streak in 22 years. Closer Devin Williams entered the game in the eighth down 3-1 and fell apart at the seams…literally. The destruction culminated in a Dalton Rushing grand slam:

FIRST CAREER GRAND SLAM FOR DALTON RUSHING 🔥

LA breaks open the scoring in the 8th inning! pic.twitter.com/6r4zqvvP2o

— ESPN (@espn) April 16, 2026

Williams won’t lose his job for this. These were his first runs allowed as a Met and Luke Weaver has been much worse (6 ER in 6.2 IP: an 8.10 ERA).

Remember when I made fun of A’s reliever Joel Kuhnel on Monday? Well, life comes at us fast and the roto gods humble us quickly. He picked up his third save of the season and looked good doing it.

Kuhnel entered the contest with two outs in the eighth after Mark Leiter Jr. served up a three-run, pinch-hit bomb to Jake Burger, got the final out and pitched a clean ninth. Lefty Hogan Harris came on in the fifth inning after starter J.T. Ginn and was credited for the win. Kuhnel looks like the guy right now.

Enyel De Los Santos has scored saves in back-to-back games and might be in the mix for more opportunities. The 30-year-old is on his eighth Major League team in eight seasons and owns a career 4.39 ERA. Bryan Abreu earned a hold in Wednesday’s game, walking one batter and punching out two. Abreu brought his ERA down to 12.79.

With Trevor Megill having the night off after a rough day on Tuesday (3 ER), Abner Uribe was called upon in the ninth to secure a 2-1 victory over the reeling Blue Jays, and he delivered. Despite manager Pat Murphy coming to Megill’s defense when Brewers fans booed him on Tuesday, Megill is officially #onwatch.

I’d like to think this is a safe space, but since there’s a comments section and some of you may have picked this guy off waivers two weeks ago, I won’t bring him up, but can tell you his name rhymes with Gordon Soprano. Let’s hope he travels with the team and doesn’t accept an offer to ride the scenic route home through the Nevada desert.

Quick Hits

Angels outfielder Jorge Soler had his suspension dropped to four games and he began serving it on Wednesday. He should be back in the starting lineup on Sunday when the Angels face Michael King and the Padres.

Players placed on the injured list on Wednesday: Jared Young (1B, NYM), Kyle Freeland (SP, COL, should help his ERA), Chris Martin (RP, TEX) and San Francisco Giants outfielder Harrison Bader, who was slashing .115/.145/.192 through 15 games. Fellow outfielder Jared Oliva also went on the IL. The Giants called up Will Brennan (a right-handed hitter who should start against LHPs only) and local fan favorite, Drew Gilbert.

Various News and Notes

A warm welcome to White Sox’ new infielder/outfielder, Sam Antonacci, who made his Major League debut on Wednesday! He batted fifth, started at second base, and singled in his first career at-bat.

You might remember the 23-year-old from the WBC as the only hitter from Team Italy you didn’t recognize, but were 100% certain was Italian. Samuel Joseph Antonacci batted .291 with 48 swipes between High-A and Double-A last season. He also has the Pope’s blessing.

The Shota Imanaga vs. Jesús Luzardo battle in the Cubs-Phillies tilt was supposed to must-watch television. Unfortunately, Phillies fans and those of us rostering Luzardo had to turn the tube off. Luzardo got bombarded for eight earned runs and 12 hits in 5.1 innings, ballooning his already-high ERA up to 7.94. Luzardo served up six earnies in his first start then bounced back in Coors for 6.2 scoreless innings and 11 strikeouts. Remember, last season, he gave up 20 runs in back-to-back starts, but allowed two runs or less in 50% (16-of-32) of his starts. This is just how he rolls…it’s a roller coaster! We can’t drop him, so we just have to keep riding.

Meanwhile, Imanaga twirled a masterful gem (6 IP – 3 H – 1 ER – 1 BB – 11 K). In his previous start, Imanaga hurled six shutout innings and punched out nine Pirates.

Just when history and trends tell us that Reds rookie Sal Stewart is due to cool off, he takes it up yet another notch! Stewart hit three-run dingers in consecutive at-bats on Wednesday — both off former Reds pitcher Tyler Mahle, who was making his first start in Cincinnati in another uniform.

The kid teammates call “Salert” leads all rookies with seven home runs.

Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole’s rehabs are going well and Cole is ready to begin a rehab assignment in the Minors.

Cole and Rodon have been eating well in during their rehab stints 👀🤌 pic.twitter.com/2FHonkvZWz

— Baseball Bros (@BaseballBros) April 15, 2026

No jokes to be made here since this must have been made by AI and BaseballBros definitely broke a bro code here.

Streaming Pitchers

Pitcher for Today: Steven Matz (LH, TB, 24% rostered on Yahoo!)

Matz didn’t fare well against his former team (the Cardinals) in his season opener (4 ER in 5 IP), but was sharp in the two starts that followed (11 IP – 4 H – 3 ER – 4 BB – 15 K). His Rays are road favorites and the White Sox have struggled against southpaws this season (28.7% strikeout rate, 82 wRC+).

Other Options: Landen Roupp (RH, SF, 21% Y!) — He has pitched well this season, but the Reds offense is scary, so this actually a scary recommendation.

Pitchers for Tomorrow: Lance McCullers Jr. (RH, HOU, 24% Y!) — Pitched a gem in his only home start (1 ER, 9 K in 7 IP) and he’s back home to face a Cardinals offense that can be dominated if Jordan Walker gets the day off.

Other Options: Zack Littell (RH, WSH, 7%) — He’s a plus control and location guy, but this is more so a bet against the Giants.

We may just need a Denzel Clarke section for the Roto Riteup:

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NO SOUP FOR YOU!

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Lower wall? No Problem!
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