

Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Andrew Kittredge (knee) will start a minor-league rehab assignment on Sunday at High-A Aberdeen. Kittredge is ready to pitch in minor-league games after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee back in spring training. Because of the long layoff, the Orioles probably will not be in any rush to bring the 35-year-old back off the injured list. However, barring a setback with his surgically-repaired knee, Kittredge should make his 2025 debut sometime in May. Felix Bautista is the club's unquestioned closer when healthy, but Kittredge figures to be a high-leverage, late-inning setup man for Baltimore when he returns. He was a first-time All-Star back with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021 and has 16 career saves in eight MLB seasons. Kittredge had a 2.80 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a save and 67 K's in 70 2/3 innings last year with St. Louis.


Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly (undisclosed) was unable to make it through his full start during Friday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The right-hander was pulled out of the contest ahead of the sixth inning. Kelly went to warm up for the inning, but reportedly experienced some cramping, so he exited with the trainer. Before that, Kelly was sharp as he allowed only one run across five innings of work. There should be another update on his status shortly. If he's fine, Kelly will make his next start against the New York Mets next week.


Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (knee) was removed early during Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers and was placed on a stretcher after a scary-looking injury. Casas appeared to have suffered a knee injury while trying to make it to first base. This looked like an ugly injury, and Casas couldn't even get off the field under his own power. The expectation is that the Red Sox will have Casas undergo further testing. However, fantasy managers should prepare for Casas to miss significant time because of this injury. Romy Gonzalez took over at first base and might see more time over there if Casas heads to the injured list, which seems likely based on how the injury looked on Friday night.


Miami Marlins infielder Otto Lopez (ankle) was removed early during Friday's game against the Athletics. Lopez was pulled out in the second inning due to right ankle discomfort. The severity of the injury is unknown, but Lopez will likely undergo further testing to determine the severity of the issue. Javier Sonaja took over at second base with Lopez exiting early. Sonaja could see increased playing time if Lopez does miss time. Fantasy managers should expect another update on Lopez soon, but for now consider him as day-to-day.


San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (forearm) was forced to exit early during Friday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 26-year-old was hit in the forearm by a pitch from Mitch Keller in the third inning. Tatis appeared to be obvious pain and was immediately removed from the game. The assumption is that Tatis will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. For now, Tatis should be considered day-to-day, but fantasy managers should get another update on his status soon. Oscar Gonzalez took over in right field with Tatis exiting early. Gonzalez could see more playing time in the future if Tatis is forced to miss time from this issue.
