
Athletics outfielder JJ Bleday went 1-for-4 with a two-run shot during Thursday's victory over the Chicago White Sox. Bleday would hit his second long ball of the campaign in the sixth inning off Chicago starter Davis Martin. His home run also scored Brent Rooker. Since posting a modest .167/.302/.194 slash line with a double and one RBI across the first 10 games of the campaign, Bleday has begun to turn the corner. Over his previous eight contests, the 27-year-old has posted a stellar .300/.353/.567 slash line with two doubles and two home runs. Under the hood, Bleday has shown a strong eye at the plate, drawing walks at a 13.0 percent rate and striking out at an 18.2 percent rate, which are both well above the average marks. Bleday remains a solid depth outfielder in all formats, given his everyday role.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (back) is not expected to return before the end of April, according to Jeff Kerr of CBS News. Manager Rob Thompson noted that the southpaw still needs "at least" more than one rehab outing to continue to build his pitch count. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression, but it appears the southpaw will not be in contention to return to action till at least May. So far, the 29-year-old has logged seven rehab innings (across two outings) and held a strong 1.29 with a 0.70 WHIP. He has posted a near-perfect 11:1 K:BB. When Suarez does eventually return to Philadelphia, he will likely push Taijuan Walker to the bullpen. Last summer, Suarez was effective when on the bump, holding a 3.46 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP.

Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher Jose Alvarado earned his fourth save of the campaign on Thursday afternoon during their victory over the San Francisco Giants. Alvarado entered the game in the ninth inning but ran into some trouble. After retiring Casey Schmitt via a lineout, he would allow a solo shot to Tyler Fitzgerald. He would then allow a single to outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. However, the southpaw was able to hold the lead to seal the victory. Through his first nine 1/3 innings of work this season, the 29-year-old has held a 2.89 ERA with a 1.39 WHIP. He has tallied 14 punchouts and generated an elite 2.15 xERA, which suggests he should see positive regression during the summer. Alvarado has emerged as the primary ninth-inning option in Philadelphia and remains a must-start option in all leagues.


Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher A.J. Puk earned his fourth save of the campaign on Thursday afternoon during their 6-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. The southpaw entered the contest in the final frame. Puk allowed a leadoff double to designated hitter Griffin Conine. However, he would then retire the next three batters he saw to shut the door. He would tally one punchout. Throughout the early part of the campaign, the Diamondbacks have provided both Puk and right-hander Justin Martinez with save opportunities. However, Puk appears to be the slight leader in the committee as he has earned four of the six saves. Across eight innings of work, Puk has struck out 12 batters and held a 3.38 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP. He remains a solid option in all standard formats as he should continue to see ample save opportunities on a competing Diamondbacks team.


Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Dennis Santana earned his second save of the season on Thursday afternoon during their victory over the Washington Nationals. Santana entered the game in the ninth inning and only needed to record two outs as Ryan Borucki started the inning. Santana retired both batters he faced. First, he got outfielder Dylan Crews to hit a ground out, and then proceeded to strike out infielder Luis Garcia Jr. With David Bednar being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis, Santana has emerged as the favorite for save opportunities in the Steel City. Through his first nine innings of the season, the 29-year-old right-hander has held a 2.00 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP. He has struck out five batters but has generated a high 5.54 xERA, which suggests he could face some regression. Despite his underwhelming metrics, he is a viable target for saves in deeper formats.
