Roto Riteup: April 23, 2026

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