Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kumar Rocker (shoulder) is expected to throw a bullpen session next week. The 25-year-old hit the 15-day injured list due to a right shoulder impingement. However, it appears the top prospect is already progressing well during the first stages of his recovery plan. Through his first 20 innings of work this season, Rocker has posted an 8.10 ERA with a 1.75 WHIP. During this stint, he has struck out 16 batters and served up five walks. He has allowed five or more runs in two of his starts this season. Under the hood, the No. 42-ranked prospect in the sport has placed in the 11th percentile in xERA and the fifth percentile in xBA. While he remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Patrick Corbin to continue to see opportunities in the rotation.

The Houston Astros have optioned right-handed pitching prospect A.J. Blubaugh to Triple-A Sugar Land. Blubaugh was promoted to the majors to make a spot start on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. In this outing, Blubaugh logged four innings of seven-run ball. However, only two of those runs were earned. He also allowed five hits and posted a strong 6:1 K:BB. Blubaugh was given the call to take Hayden Wesneski's spot. However, given this transaction, Wesneski should be in line to return to action next week. Earlier in the season, Blubaugh logged 21 innings to the tune of a 3.86 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. During this stint, he struck out 28 batters and served up just 10 walks. Fantasy managers should not consider stashing Blubaugh in any formats, as he may not return to the majors until he is needed as an injury replacement.

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager (hamstring) is targeting a return from the injured list on Saturday. Seager has been on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring injury but is expected to be activated after the minimum 10 days. Fantasy managers should monitor his status over the next few days in case he faces a setback. Before his injury, the 31-year-old was enjoying a solid start to the campaign, as he posted a .286/.345/.468 slash line with four home runs. Under the hood, Seager has generated an elite .416 xwOBA, .312 xBA, and a .621 xSLG, which are all well above the average marks. When Seager is cleared to return, he should be viewed as a high-end No. 1 shortstop. While he remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Josh Smith to continue to see most of the opportunities at shortstop.

Miami Marlins catcher Nick Fortes (oblique) is set to join Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday and begin his rehab assignment. The 28-year-old has been held out of action due to a Grade 1 hamstring since the start of April. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his progression during his rehab assignment, as Fortes may need a few games to increase his workload before returning to the major league roster. Before his injury, Fortes was enjoying a strong start to the campaign as he held a .300/.333/.500 slash line with two doubles, one triple, and three RBI. The Ole Miss product has generated an impressive .365 xwOBA and a 62.5 percent hard-hit rate, which are both well above the average marks. However, Fortes may not be given a full-time role in the big leagues when he returns, as prospect Agustin Ramirez has taken control over the starting catching duties.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jon Gray (wrist) is expected to begin light throwing next week. The right-handed pitcher received good news on his most recent X-ray and has been cleared to begin the first stages of his progression. Gray was placed on the 60-day injured list in March due to a fractured wrist. While Gray still has a long recovery ahead of him, it is a good sign to see him begin his throwing program. Last season, the 33-year-old posted a 4.47 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP across 102 2/3 innings of work. He generated a 4.65 xERA with a high .276 xBA. However, he did show a strong command of his pitches, serving up walks at an excellent 6.4 percent rate. Given his current status, fantasy managers should not expect Gray to return to action until the second half of the campaign.