Toronto Blue Jays DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is out of the starting lineup ahead of Wednesday's game against the Texas Rangers. This appears to be a rare rest day for Bichette who basically plays everyday. Bichette is in a bit of a slump as he's slashing .163/.217/.186 over his last 10 games. That being said, Bichette will take a seat and hopefully break out of his slump on Thursday. In his absence, Ernie Clement will cover shortstop and bat sixth versus right-hander Tyler Mahle. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly with Bichette heading to the bench.

Toronto Blue Jays right-handed reliever Erik Swanson (forearm), who has been sidelined since spring training with carpal-tunnel syndrome in his forearm, had a clean three-up, three-down inning in a minor-league rehab outing on Tuesday for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. The Toronto Sun's Rob Longley suggests that Swanson could be activated from the injured list and return to the big-league bullpen for the first time all year on Thursday for the start of a home series against the Athletics. The 31-year-old has allowed eight runs (six earned) on six hits while walking one and striking out four in six rehab outings with Buffalo, Single-A Dunedin and the rookie-level Florida Complex League. Swanson had an ERA over 5.00 in 45 appearances for the Jays last year, but he could bounce back as a solid late-inning setup man for Toronto if his forearm injury is in the rearview mirror.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jordan Romano picked up his seventh save in Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Atlanta Braves. The veteran was summoned in the ninth inning to protect a two-run lead and needed just 11 pitches (eight strikes) to retire the side. It was a nice rebound for him after yielding three hits and three earned runs in his last appearance against the Athletics. Romano's ERA sits at a ghastly 7.65, but he's been better in May than he was in April and boasts a much more palatable 3.47 xERA. Despite the bloated statistics, he's pitching at a higher level than in 2024 -- sporting significant decreases in average exit velocity (87.9 MPH) and hard-hit rate (35.8%). Furthermore, his strikeout percentage has climbed back up to his career norms (28.7%).

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho got a late start to the season and has only played 20 games, but he has looked determined to make up for the lost time by mashing multiple extra-base hits as fast as he can. He homered and doubled as part of his 3-for-5 performance on Monday night in Texas. His batting average is only .218, largely due to a .191 BABIP that should return closer to league average (around .300) as the season goes on. He has eight home runs, four doubles, and a triple in his 78 at-bats with only four singles. His .385 ISO and .341 wOBA are fueled by his 18.2% barrel rate and 45.5% hard-hit rate. If his non-extra base hits start finding more holes, his average should trend upwards, and his power production already makes him a nice play in the outfield if you are looking for help on the waiver wire.

New York Yankees pitcher Ryan Yarbrough turned in his best start of the season in Monday's 5-1 win over the Angels. Yarbrough pitched six innings, allowing one run on two hits (including a solo home run) and a walk with seven strikeouts. The 33-year-old started the season out of the bullpen but has made four consecutive starts and is 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and an 8.92 K/9 rate in 35 1/3 IP. Yarbrough has been a useful fantasy streamer at times throughout his career and has a great offense backing him. However, his next scheduled start will be much tougher at the Dodgers, so fantasy managers should sit him even if they are interested in picking him up.