Washington Nationals outfield prospect Robert Hassell III has caught fire at Triple-A Rochester since the calendarturned to May, going 13-for-23 (.565) over his last six games, including a double and two home runs. Notably, the 23-year-old has also struck out just one time so far in May over 24 plate appearances (4.2 percent) compared to a 24.1 percent strikeout rate prior to May. The recent hot stretch has raised the left-handed hitter's season slash line to .301/.348/.390 with two home runs and seven stolen bases. The 35th-ranked prospect in all of baseball after the 2023 season has faded from the top 100, but as an eighth-overall draft pick, the 6-foot-1 slugger could be startingto finally live up to expectations. The Nats do not havea need for his bat in the majors at the moment, but he is expected to debut this season. If Hassell were to get the call, though, he'd likely only be rosterable in NL-only leagues until he proves himself.

Updating a previous report, San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt said that the team is hopeful it was just a right-forearm cramp that led to right-hander Dylan Cease's (forearm) early exit from his start on Wednesday night in the Bronx against the New York Yankees. Shildt said the Padres weren't taking any chances with Cease, who appeared to be lobbying to stay in the contest. In the eventual 4-3 extra-innings loss, the 29-year-old looked the best he has all year in a no-decision, allowing just an earned run on a solo homer by former Cody Bellinger while walking two and striking out a season-high nine in 6 2/3 innings. The only hit he allowed didn't come until the seventh inning, right before he was pulled. Cease's injury doesn't appear to be too serious, but it doesn't mean he won't be in danger of missing his next start. Stay tuned for more details before Friday's series opener against the division-rival Colorado Rockies.UPDATE: Cease said he plans to make his next start, and manager Mike Shildt said he passed post-game tests from the training staff.

Colorado Rockies third base/outfield prospect Charlie Condon (wrist) began a rehab assignment on Monday, May 5, with the team's Arizona Complex League affiliate. The third-overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft had been out of action with a fracture in his left wrist, with Monday being his first game of the season. The 22-year-old came out of the gates swinging, going 2-for-2 with a walk, a double, two RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base, but has gone 0-for-6 in the two games since with four strikeouts. Surely some rust needs knocked off, but once ready, the 6-foot-6 slugger will likely be assigned to High-A Spokane, which is where he finished last season. With a strong showing this year, there's a chance he could make the big leagues at some point next season, and dynasty managers should be keeping tabs as he brings prodigious power potential.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced that second baseman Andres Gimenez (quadriceps) was pulled from Wednesday night's game early in Anaheim against the Los Angeles Angels with right-quadriceps tightness. Before hitting the showers early, Gimenez went 1-for-3 at the plate with a single and a run scored. Ernie Clement shifted from third base to second base, with Addison Barger entering the contest to play the hot corner for Toronto. The Blue Jays said that the 26-year-old Gimenez's exit was precautionary, so we're going to consider him day-to-day for now. It remains to be seen if he'll be back for Thursday's series finale against the Halos. If he's forced to miss extended time, Clement would likely play regularly at the keystone. Gimenez has gotten off to a slot start in his first year in Toronto, as he came into Wednesday's action hitting just .192 (24-for-125) with three homers, 10 RBI and nine steals.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (hamstring) threw a bullpen session before Wednesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. This was Strider's first bullpen session since a strained right hamstring landed him on the 15-day injured list late last month after making his first start of the 2025 season. The 26-year-old didn't make his season debut until April 16 against the Toronto Blue Jays after finishing up his rehab for an internal-brace procedure he had on his right elbow last April. Hopefully, he'll be ready to return to Atlanta's starting rotation after one or two minor-league rehab starts. Barring a setback, there's no reason why Strider should be back by at least late May. If he can return to his pre-injury form, Strider has the potential to be a fantasy ace after striking out a league-high 281 hitters in 2023.