Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (oblique), who hasn't played since injuring his oblique on Opening Day, looks to be close to making a return to the big leagues. Murphy went 2-for-6 with the second home run on his minor-league rehab assignment, a double, two RBI, a run scored and two strikeouts for Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday while serving as the designated hitter. It's a great sign for the 29-year-old backstop, although Atlanta will probably want to see him catch a game in the minors before reinstating him from the injured list. Either way, fantasy managers should be happy to know that Murphy's return to the big leagues is right around the corner. He's a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's healthy, but be aware that the Braves will likely ease him back into catching duties. Veteran Travis d'Arnaud is inevitably going to lose playing time when Murphy is back.

Washington Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas (knee) is getting ready to return and could be reinstated from the injured list as early as Friday night's series opener against the visiting Seattle Mariners. The Nationals have managed just a .503 OPS in 22 games since Thomas sprained the MCL in his left knee a month ago, so they will certainly welcome his return. In the course of his career in D.C., Thomas has a .747 OPS. He spent the last three days on a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg, where he went 2-for-9 with a double, walk, two strikeouts and a stolen base. Most importantly, he played a full nine innings on Thursday night. If Thomas doesn't return to the big-league lineup on Friday, it will likely come later this weekend or early next week. The 28-year-old will be an everyday hitter near the top of the lineup when he returns, and he shouldn't be floating around any waiver wires in fantasy.

With Washington Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas' (knee) return on the horizon, both outfielder Victor Robles and first baseman/designated hitter Joey Meneses are in danger of losing their roster spot. Robles, 27, looked good in spring training, only to get hurt less than a week into the regular season. He hasn't played much since rejoining the team and has gone just 2-for-23 with five walks and nine strikeouts. Robles has been in a decline since 2019 and the Nats may finally give up on him and designated him for assignment (since he's out of minor-league options). The other option would be to send Meneses to the minors. Meneses did homer on Wednesday, but he's slashing just .234/.299/.299 while hitting in the heart of Washington's batting order.

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette may finally be showing signs of breaking out of his early season funk at the plate for the Blue Jays. In the team's 9-1 victory over the Tigers in Detroit on Thursday, he went 3-for-5 with three singles, an RBI and a run scored to raise his season average to .243 (43-for-177) with three home runs, 20 RBI, four stolen bases and 16 runs scored in 46 games played. He's now hitting .290 (20-for-69) with two homers, nine RBI and a stolen base in 18 games in the month of May. Since May 13, he's gone 14-for-34 (.412) with a homer, four doubles, seven RBI and a steal in 37 plate appearances. The 26-year-old two-time All-Star was dropped from the top of the batting order amid his struggles, but that could change if he continues to swing the bat well. His fantasy managers will be hoping he can keep it up to conclude the weekend series in Motown.

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle was a hitting machine in the team's 8-6 win over the Chicago White Sox on the road on Thursday evening. Mountcastle finished the contest by going 4-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. The 27-year-old is now hitting a strong .272/.309/.462 with six home runs, 18 RBI and 25 runs scored in 169 at-bats this year. He hasn't been quite as good in the month of May with a .243 average (17-for-70) with no walks and 17 strikeouts, though, and he hasn't driven in a run for the Orioles since May 8. Fantasy managers shouldn't be extremely worried after a four-hit game, especially since Mountcastle has been able to stay healthy so far. The RBI should return in such a strong Baltimore lineup. Mountcastle is currently squaring the ball up on 19.9% of his swings, which ranks 187th in MLB.