The New York Yankees claimed outfielder Bryan De La Cruz off waivers from the Atlanta Braves on Thursday and optioned him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. To make room for De La Cruz on the 40-man roster, the Yankees moved outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) to the 60-day injured list. De La Cruz began the 2025 season with Atlanta and went 9-for-47 (.191) with a double, one stolen base, one run, three walks and 18 strikeouts in 16 games for the Braves. The 28-year-old Dominican will now head to the American League East and will serve as minor-league outfield depth for the Yankees to start. If De La Cruz makes it back to the big leagues in the Bronx, he'll most likely be operating in a reserve outfield role off the bench.

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Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto will start Thursday's contest against the division-rival Washington Nationals on the bench. Rafael Marchan will do the catching for right-hander Taijuan Walker and will hit ninth against Nationals right-hander Brad Lord. Realmuto will get a day to rest after going 6-for-20 with a homer, double and RBI in 21 plate appearances over the last week in five games. Although the three-time All-Star catcher does have four stolen bases already, he's been a bit of a disappointment for fantasy managers otherwise, slashing .237/.308/.361 with a .669 OPS, only two home runs, eight RBI and nine runs scored in the first month of the 2025 season. Marchan will be a DFS sleeper to avoid at the catching position in the nine hole against a pitcher he's never faced. He has two hits in his 16 at-bats as the backup catcher.

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The New York Yankees transferred outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Thursday to make room for outfielder Bryan De La Cruz on the 40-man roster after he was claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. It's merely a procedural move and won't really change Stanton's timetable to make his 2025 debut. The 35-year-old veteran power hitter is dealing with tennis elbow in both of his arms and still doesn't have a specific timeline for his potential return to the big-league roster. The good news is that he recently started taking batting practice, but Stanton has yet to be cleared for a minor-league rehab assignment, meaning we probably won't see him until at least June. In the meantime, the left-handed-hitting Ben Rice will continue to benefit as the Yankees' primary DH.

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Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (groin) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday afternoon, and as long as that goes well, he could be ready to return to KC's starting rotation on Monday at home against the division-rival Chicago White Sox. Ragans has avoided being placed on the injured list, but a mild left-groin strain caused him to be skipped from his last start in the rotation on Wednesday versus the Tampa Bay Rays. Pitching prospect Noah Cameron looked good in his MLB debut in a spot start on Wednesday, but he was already sent back to Triple-A Omaha, so it appears that the 27-year-old Ragans will be ready to go for Monday's series opener against the White Sox. He has a disappointing 4.40 ERA through his first six starts but has also contributed 46 strikeouts in 30 2/3 frames. If Ragans is good to go on Monday, fantasy managers will want to start him in all formats.

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Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (hip) was forced to leave Thursday's game early against the Tampa Bay Rays due to left-hip soreness, according to the team. Before leaving, Perez went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double and an RBI. He was replaced at designated hitter by Cavan Biggio. Perez will most certainly go for more testing, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to be active for Friday's series opener in Baltimore against the Orioles. If the Venezuelan backstop's injury causes him to go on the injured list and miss extended time, Freddy Fermin would see more starts behind the dish for the Royals. Perez has been pretty quiet offensively in the first month of the 2025 season, as he entered Thursday's series finale in Tampa with a .235/.279/.374 slash line with only two home runs, 15 RBI and eight runs scored in 30 games.

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Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga (leg) is feeling "good" after suffering from leg cramps in his outing on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to manager Craig Counsell. Imanaga will have a "normal day" on Thursday with a focus on more hydration. The Cubs are hopeful it's a "one-time thing," says Counsell. The 31-year-old Japanese southpaw still threw five shutout innings with six hits, one walk and three strikeouts to pick up his third win of the season on Tuesday at PNC Park. Fantasy managers should expect Imanaga to make his next scheduled start this Sunday at American Family Field against the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers. Despite an injury scare on Tuesday, Imanaga should be left in starting lineups this weekend in a tough matchup. He's now 3-1 with a 2.77 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 30 strikeouts in his 39 innings over seven starts in 2025.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Thursday that they placed right-handed reliever Justin Martinez (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list with right-shoulder inflammation and selected the contract of left-hander Jose Castillo from Triple-A Reno in a corresponding move. The D-backs also moved left-hander A.J. Puk (elbow) to the 60-day IL. Martinez downplayed his recent drop in velocity, but Arizona was concerned enough after the 23-year-old gave up three earned runs on two hits (one homer) while walking four and striking out none in just one inning in his last two appearances after not allowing a single run with 11 K's and two walks in his first 10 innings in 2025. Hopefully, Martinez will have a minimum stay on the IL. But with both Martinez and Puk now on the shelf, Ryan Thompson, Shelby Miller, Jalen Beeks and Kevin Ginkel could all be part of a closer committee. Thompson picked up the save on Wednesday.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks transferred left-handed reliever A.J. Puk (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list on Thursday, according to the team. Puk is on the shelf with a left-elbow flexor strain, although he won't need to go under the knife. Still, the 30-year-old southpaw is facing an extended absence, and Arizona's bullpen could be in trouble with right-hander Justin Martinez (shoulder) landing on the IL on Thursday. Fantasy managers may want to expect a closer-by-committee setup in the desert now with sav options including Ryan Thompson (he picked up the save on Wednesday, Shelby Miller and Kevin Ginkel. Puk will surely be in the mix for save chances again when he's fully healthy, but that might not be until sometime in June. He had a 3.38 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, four saves and 12 strikeouts in eight innings before his injury.

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The Texas Rangers have placed catcher Kyle Higashioka (ribs) on the 10-day injured list on Thursday with a mild left-intercostal strain. Higashioka was held out of action on Wednesday due to a reported hamstring injury, but it appears the backstop also has an upper-body injury as well. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his status while he remains sidelined. Before his injury, Higashioka was splitting catching duties with Jonah Heim. Across 17 games this season, Higashioka posted a .254/.279/.390 slash line with five doubles and one home run. Under the hood, he generated a modest .310 xwOBA but only struck out at a 16.4 percent rate. While he remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Heim to see the vast majority of opportunities behind the dish.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Athletics infielder Miguel Andujar will make the start at third base and bat fifth in Thursday's series finale against the division-rival Texas Rangers and right-hander Tyler Mahle. This will be Andujar's first start at third base in the big leagues since 2021 with the New York Yankees. The 30-year-old veteran probably won't see enough time at the hot corner to gain eligibility there in fantasy, but the A's have the option to play him there occasionally with Tyler Soderstrom moving to left field once in a while. Andujar is hitting a strong .316 (25-for-79) through his first 22 games with two home runs, 10 RBI and nine runs scored. The Dominican utility man has gone 10-for-23 with a homer, double and triple in six games in the last 14 days. He has never faced Mahle in his career.

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Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers is getting the day off on Thursday in the series finale against the division-rival Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Jhonny Pereda will do the catching for left-hander Jeffrey Springs and will hit ninth against Rangers right-hander Tyler Mahle. Langeliers will get a normal day of rest after catching each of the last four games. The 27-year-old right-handed power bat has hit .243 (25-for-103) with six home runs, 14 RBI, 14 runs scored and a stolen base in his first 27 games of 2025. After a stretch of three straight hitless appearances, Langeliers is currently carrying a three-game hitting streak. He's gone 5-for-23 with a homer, two RBI, a walk and six strikeouts in his last six games going into Thursday. Pereda will be a DFS sleeper to ignore against a pitcher that has looked great in the early going in 2025. Pereda has gone 4-for-17 on the season with no homers and one RBI.

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Athletics infield prospect Max Muncy extended his current hitting streak at Triple-A to six games on Wednesday. In this contest, Muncy went 4-for-5 with a double. Across his first six games at the Triple-A, Muncy has posted an impressive .414/.400/.655 slash line with four doubles and one round-tripper. Muncy was able to break camp with the MLB roster, with Zack Gelof missing time. However, through his first 21 games in the MLB, Muncy posted an underwhelming .176/.211/.279 slash line with just one home run. During this stretch, he generated a low .248 xwOBA with a low 25.5 percent hard-hit rate. Fantasy managers should expect the No. 6-ranked prospect in the system to return to the big leagues later this summer, especially if he continues this steady production. For now, he is worth stashing in deeper AL-only formats.

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Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (illness) is back at second base and batting in his customary leadoff spot for Thursday's series finale against the hosting Chicago White Sox and right-hander Sean Burke. Turang was scratched from the lineup on Wednesday due to an illness, but he's feeling better a day later and should be returned to all starting lineups in fantasy. The 25-year-old former first-rounder has been one of the most productive second baseman through the first month of the 2025 season, as he enters Thursday's contest in Chicago with a .317/.368/.408 slash line, a .777 OPS, three home runs, 15 RBI, 28 runs scored and eight stolen bases for the Brew Crew in 120 at-bats. In his last seven games, Turang has gone 10-for-29 with a double and four RBI. He has never faced Burke in his MLB career.

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Miami Marlins infield prospect Deyvison De Los Santos went 2-for-4 with a home run during Wednesday's contest against Triple-A Durham. This was De Los Santos' second home run over his last three games and second multi-hit game during this stretch. Over his last 13 games, De Los Santos has posted a .327/.375/.577 slash line with two doubles, one triple, three home runs, and one stolen base. However, prior to this stretch, the infielder held a modest .245/.321/.286 line with just two doubles over his first 14 games of the Triple-A campaign. Last summer, the 21-year-old flashed elite power upside at the Triple-A level and appears to be turning the corner after his slow start. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his progression as he should be in the mix to make his MLB debut in the coming weeks.

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Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich is getting the day off for Thursday's series finale in Chicago against the hosting White Sox. Catcher William Contreras will get a day off his feet and serve as the designated hitter while batting cleanup, and Eric Haase will do the catching and hit ninth against White Sox right-hander Sean Burke. Coming off offseason back surgery, Yelich has struggled at the plate so far in 2025, batting .220/.333/.385 but he does have five home runs, 23 RBI, 14 runs scored and six stolen bases in his 109 at-bats. He's gone hitless in his last two outings and has six hits in his last 29 plate appearances with four RBI, a steal and a run scored in his last six games. While Yelich's average is down compared to what we've come to expect of him, he's still producing. Expect him back in action for Friday's series opener versus the division-rival Chicago Cubs.

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