

Outfield prospect Addison Barger is joining the Toronto Blue Jays in Kansas City on Wednesday and is expected to be active, according to a source. Barger offers left-handed power and the ability to play the corner-outfield spots as well as third base. It's notable after outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (hip) left Tuesday night's game with hip-flexor discomfort. The team's No. 6 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, was hitting .314 (22-for-70) with three home runs, 21 RBI and 17 runs scored in 19 games for Triple-A Buffalo before getting his first big-league call-up. The 24-year-old former sixth-round pick in 2018 could see decent playing time in the short term in Toronto's outfield if Kiermaier hits the injured list, making him worth a pickup in deeper fantasy leagues for his 30-homer potential from the left side.


Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams (elbow) felt the same right-elbow discomfort after his latest start in Arizona as he did this spring. He will receive an injection and will be shut down for seven days as a result. The Guardians are hoping Williams can then resume throwing and won't be set back too far. It's obviously bad news, and there remains no timetable for a potential return for the 24-year-old. Williams started last year at Double-A Akron before making it all the way to Cleveland's starting rotation in his rookie campaign, where he impressed by going 3-5 with a 3.29 ERA (4.05 FIP) and 1.26 WHIP with 37 walks and 81 strikeouts in 82 innings over 16 starts. It's becoming more of an uphill battle for Williams to return to the Guardians in the first half of 2024.


As long as New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez (back) comes out of his final minor-league rehab game with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday without a setback, the team expects him to be their starting DH on Friday night against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. Martinez signed with the Mets late in spring training but didn't join the big-league club for Opening Day because he needed to get his timing down first. A back issue has delayed his arrival to the big leagues in New York, but it sounds like his 2024 debut is right around the corner on Friday. Injuries are probably going to continue to be an issue, but if Martinez is available in your fantasy league, he's worth a pickup if you're in need of a power boost. The 36-year-old six-time All-Star hit .271/.321/.572 with an .893 OPS, 33 home runs and 103 RBI in 113 games with the Dodgers in 2023.


The Washington Nationals officially placed outfielder Lane Thomas (knee) on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a left-MCL sprain and recalled infielder Trey Lipscomb from Triple-A Rochester in a corresponding move, according to president of baseball operations and general manager Mike Rizzo. The 28-year-old Thomas hit just .184 with two home runs, 10 RBI, eight walks, 11 stolen bases and six runs scored in 22 games before injuring his knee on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. While he hasn't hit well in the early going, he ranks third in the league with his 11 thefts. If the Nats move Nick Senzel to the outfield, Lipscomb should see regular starts again at the hot corner in D.C. Thomas is probably going to miss more than 10 days, but he deserves to be stashed in all fantasy leagues after clubbing 28 home runs and stealing 20 bases in 2023.


San Francisco Giants manager Bob Melvin classified left-hander Blake Snell's groin strain as moderate, and he could stay on the injured list beyond the 15 days, but that's to be determined right now. Snell felt the groin strain while throwing a bullpen session the other day and shut himself down briefly, but he didn't feel good when he tried throwing again. He was scheduled to make his next start on Wednesday against the New York Mets. In a bullpen game against the Mets on Wednesday, Ryan Walker will serve as the opener. The 31-year-old Snell is not only hurt now but is 0-3 with a rough 11.57 ERA and 1.97 WHIP with 12 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings in his first three starts with the Gigantes. Fantasy managers must stash the two-time Cy Young winner in an IL spot in all leagues and hope that he'll be better when he returns to full health.
