Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander is expecting left-hander Jeffrey Springs (elbow) to return around July or August this year, with right-hander Drew Rasmussen (elbow) returning sometime after that. Springs had Tommy John surgery in late April of last year, so when the 31-year-old does return, he'll most likely be on a strict innings limit to close out the season. He only made three starts in 2023 but was excellent, allowing only a run while striking out 24 in 16 innings. Rasmussen had an internal brace procedure on his elbow in July and probably won't pitch much in the second half in 2024 when he does return. The 28-year-old was solid with a 2.62 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 47 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings over eight starts last year before his injury, but fantasy managers are going to have to wait until 2025.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (elbow) will undergo season-ending Tommy John Surgery on Monday, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. It was initially believed the lefty had suffered a nerve issue. However, an MRI revealed he sustained "a significant tear" in his ulnar collateral ligament, meaning he'd need to go under the knife. The 31-year-old had a productive 2022 campaign and was given a four-year contract in January. But he's now expected to be out until mid-2024, which isn't a positive update for fantasy managers. Taj Bradley, who's sitting on a 2-0 record and a 2.61 ERA, is expected to remain in the starting rotation.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (elbow) was originally expected to miss roughly two months due to a nerve issue. Sadly, the left-hander received some unfortunate news on Tuesday. Springs is expected to require Tommy John surgery, which would end his 2023 campaign. It's a real shame as Springs was a legitimate breakout candidate. The team hasn't made an official announcement yet, but that should be coming soon. Right-hander Taj Bradley has been recalled from the minors to take Springs spot in the rotation. Now, Bradley will get a real chance to show what he can do at the big league level.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (elbow) is expected to miss at least two months of action, according to Marc Topkin. It sounds like the team is still gathering information, but they believe it's more serious than just a nerve issue. Fantasy managers should prepare for Springs to miss significant time because of this injury. Hopefully, it's not something that is going to require surgery. The Rays should give more information in the coming days.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (arm) exited Thursday's contest against the Boston Red Sox after just three innings of work due to an apparent arm injury. After the game, manager Kevin Cash said the team is hoping it's just ulnar nerve irritation, but they'll know more after some tests. According to Marc Topkin, an injured list stint is likely. Springs emerged as a front-of-the-rotation arm a year ago, pitching to a 2.46 ERA with 144 strikeouts and a 1.07 WHIP over 135.1 innings. This season, the lefty has exceeded those numbers, posting a 0.56 ERA, 43.6% strikeout rate, and 0.50 WHIP with two wins across three starts. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more information.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Jeffrey Springs left Thursday afternoon's start in the fourth inning with what appeared to be a hand or forearm issue. Springs departed after throwing a pitch to Red Sox designated hitter Justin Turner and could be seen squeezing his fist afterward. It's certainly a noteworthy concern if the issue is indeed forearm-related as Springs appears to be a superstar in the making. The left-hander went 13 innings without allowing an earned run in his first two starts of the season, striking out 19 against just four walks in 13 innings of work. He pitched three innings with five strikeouts Thursday afternoon but surrendered his first run of the season via a solo home run from Red Sox left fielder Rob Refsnyder.

The Tampa Bay Rays signed left-hander Jeffrey Springs to a four-year, $31 million contract extension on Wednesday. If the Rays pick up his 2027 option, Springs can make up to as much as $65.75 million while also earning his performance bonuses. The 30-year-old southpaw had a career-best 2.46 ERA (3.04 FIP), 1.07 WHIP and 26.2 percent strikeout rate in a career-high 135 1/3 innings covering 33 appearances (25 starts) in his second year with the Rays and fifth in the major leagues. Given the extension, it's clear the Rays plan to use Springs in their rotation in the coming seasons after he entered the 2022 campaign with just two big-league starts in four seasons. Even in the tough American League East, Springs will have some appeal in the later rounds of fantasy drafts as rotation depth.

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Jeffrey Springs tossed six quality innings on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians, allowing three hits, striking out five, and walking no one. He didn't get the win, though, as the Rays ended up losing 2-1. Springs is in the midst of his best season, as he owns a 2.45 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with nine wins and 141 strikeouts across 132.1 innings (24 starts). Despite playing for the Rays, the 30-year-old has thrown at least five innings in 11 of his last 12 starts. Springs has been a great fantasy asset for most of the season, and that shouldn't change the rest of the way.

The Tampa Bay Rays placed left-hander Jeffrey Springs on the family medical emergency list on Thursday, which explains why he won't make the start against the Toronto Blue Jays as originally scheduled. Ryan Yarbrough has been called up from the minors as the likely bulk pitcher for Thursday's game, while Matt Wisler is listed as the opener for Tampa. Springs will be forced to miss three to seven days, but he could be an option to return as a starter for the Rays next week. Yarbrough has struggled in his time in the big leagues this year, going 0-3 with a 5.65 ERA and 1.53 WHIP while walking 10 and striking out 20 in 28 2/3 innings over seven appearances (six starts), so he won't be a recommended fantasy streamer.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Jeffrey Springs (knee) looks to be heading to the 10-day injured list after exiting Saturday's game early, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Springs was diagnosed with a right knee sprain, as manager Kevin Cash said it was "highly likely" that he will be heading to the injured list, although the team is hopeful that it will not be a serious injury. He's been a good option in SV/HLD formats this year, posting two saves and nine holds while going 5-1 with a 3.45 ERA, 1.060 WHIP and 35.2 percent strikeout rate over 44 1/3 innings of work. Managers who have him rostered should stash him on the IL for now, but with how close it's getting to the end of the season we may not see him back in time to make an impact in fantasy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alcides Escobar homered in the eighth inning and hit a winning single in the ninth Sunday as the Washington Nationals wrapped up a disturbing weekend with an 8-7 win over the San Diego Padres. A day after the game was suspended in the sixth inning because of a shooting outside Nationals Park, the Padres completed a 10-4 victory. Washington then came back to end a six-game losing streak. Tres Barrera singled off Mark Melancon (2-2) with one out in the ninth and, after failing on a bunt attempt, Victor Robles was hit by pitch. Escobar hit a flyball that center fielder Trent Grisham couldn’t corral and Barrera scored. Brad Hand (5-2) earned the victory. Juan Soto joined Josh Harrison with three hits and added a two-run homer. Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer and Jackson Profar homered for the Padres. Nationals ace Max Scherzer allowed four runs on four hits in seven innings. He struck out eight. In the completion of Saturday's suspended game, Fernando Tatis Jr. had his third four-hit... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Alcides Escobar homered in the eighth inning and hit a winning single in the ninth Sunday as the Washington Nationals wrapped up a disturbing weekend with an 8-7 win over the San Diego Padres. A day after the game was suspended in the sixth inning because of a shooting outside Nationals Park, the Padres completed a 10-4 victory. Washington then came back to end a six-game losing streak. Tres Barrera singled off Mark Melancon (2-2) with one out in the ninth and, after failing on a bunt attempt, Victor Robles was hit by pitch. Escobar hit a flyball that center fielder Trent Grisham couldn’t corral and Barrera scored. Brad Hand (5-2) earned the victory. Juan Soto joined Josh Harrison with three hits and added a two-run homer. Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer and Jackson Profar homered for the Padres. Nationals ace Max Scherzer allowed four runs on four hits in seven innings. He struck out eight. In the completion of Saturday's suspended game, Fernando Tatis Jr. had his third four-hit... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Nestor Cortes and three relievers combined for a three-hitter and Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu each drove in two runs to lead the New York Yankees over the Houston Astros 4-0 on Friday night. Making a spot start, Cortes permitted two hits in 4 2/3 innings, striking out two and walking two and lowering his ERA to 1.05. Lucas Luetge (3-1) pitched 1 1/3 hitless innings for the win. Chad Green gave up one hit in two innings and Jonathan Loaisiga threw a perfect ninth. It was New York’s first visit to Houston since Game 6 of the 2019 AL Championship Series. The Astros advanced to the World Series with a 6-4 win in that game on a two-run homer by Jose Altuve with two outs in the ninth. The Astros are commemorating the event by giving away replica 2019 AL champions trophies on Friday night, 2019 AL champions replica rings on Saturday and Altuve jerseys for the finale on Sunday. GIANTS 5, NATIONALS 3 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Curt Casali hit a two-run homer while filling in for injured... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Nestor Cortes and three relievers combined for a three-hitter and Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu each drove in two runs to lead the New York Yankees over the Houston Astros 4-0 on Friday night. Making a spot start, Cortes permitted two hits in 4 2/3 innings, striking out two and walking two and lowering his ERA to 1.05. Lucas Luetge (3-1) pitched 1 1/3 hitless innings for the win. Chad Green gave up one hit in two innings and Jonathan Loaisiga threw a perfect ninth. It was New York’s first visit to Houston since Game 6 of the 2019 AL Championship Series. The Astros advanced to the World Series with a 6-4 win in that game on a two-run homer by Jose Altuve with two outs in the ninth. The Astros are commemorating the event by giving away replica 2019 AL champions trophies on Friday night, 2019 AL champions replica rings on Saturday and Altuve jerseys for the finale on Sunday. GIANTS 5, NATIONALS 3 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Curt Casali hit a two-run homer while filling in for injured... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Nestor Cortes and three relievers combined for a three-hitter and Brett Gardner and DJ LeMahieu each drove in two runs to lead the New York Yankees over the Houston Astros 4-0 on Friday night. Making a spot start, Cortes permitted two hits in 4 2/3 innings, striking out two and walking two and lowering his ERA to 1.05. Lucas Luetge (3-1) pitched 1 1/3 hitless innings for the win. Chad Green gave up one hit in two innings and Jonathan Loaisiga threw a perfect ninth. It was New York’s first visit to Houston since Game 6 of the 2019 AL Championship Series. The Astros advanced to the World Series with a 6-4 win in that game on a two-run homer by Jose Altuve with two outs in the ninth. The Astros are commemorating the event by giving away replica 2019 AL champions trophies on Friday night, 2019 AL champions replica rings on Saturday and Altuve jerseys for the finale on Sunday. CUBS 10, CARDINALS 5 CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks won his ninth straight decision, Patrick Wisdom hit... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks won his ninth straight decision, Patrick Wisdom hit a two-run homer and Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-5 on Friday afternoon. Kris Bryant drove in three runs with a pinch-hit double to start Chicago’s five-run burst in the seventh inning before Wisdom went deep against his former team. Joc Pederson doubled twice, including a three-run hit in the first. Chicago won for the second time in three games following an 11-game losing streak. Bryant didn’t start for a second straight game because of a strained right hamstring, but hit the first pitch he saw from Junior Fernández to the wall in left filed with the bases loaded. The All-Star came home when Wisdom connected for his 12th homer to make it 9-2. Hendricks (11-4) allowed two runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings while walking one and hitting a batter. INDIANS 2, ROYALS 1 CLEVELAND (AP) — Bobby Bradley homered leading off the ninth inning as Cleveland overcame some brutal baserunning that led to... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Hendricks won his ninth straight decision, Patrick Wisdom hit a two-run homer and Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-5 on Friday afternoon. Kris Bryant drove in three runs with a pinch-hit double to start Chicago’s five-run burst in the seventh inning before Wisdom went deep against his former team. Joc Pederson doubled twice, including a three-run hit in the first. Chicago won for the second time in three games following an 11-game losing streak. Bryant didn’t start for a second straight game because of a strained right hamstring, but hit the first pitch he saw from Junior Fernández to the wall in left filed with the bases loaded. The All-Star came home when Wisdom connected for his 12th homer to make it 9-2. Hendricks (11-4) allowed two runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings while walking one and hitting a batter. INDIANS 2, ROYALS 1 CLEVELAND (AP) — Bobby Bradley homered leading off the ninth inning as Cleveland overcame some brutal baserunning that led to... [More]

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Francisco Mejía hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a seven-run burst in the 11th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays won their 11th straight game, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays 14-8 on Monday. Tampa Bay moved within one win of the team record for consecutive victories. In 2004, playing as the Devil Rays, they won 12 in a row under manager Lou Piniella. After both teams scored twice in the 10th to make it 7-all, the Rays broke loose. Mejía’s hit came off Joel Payamps (0-2) with the bases loaded. Randy Arozarena doubled home a run, Austin Meadows had an RBI grounder, Manuel Margot knocked in two with a triple and Mike Brosseau added an RBI single against Tim Mayza. Joey Wendle hit a grand slam as Tampa Bay took a 5-0 lead in the first. The Rays wound up with a four-game sweep and took over sole possession of first place in the AL East. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit two of Toronto’s five home runs. The Blue Jays lost their sixth in a row. Tampa Bay scored twice in the 10th,... [More]

DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — Francisco Mejía hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a seven-run burst in the 11th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays won their 11th straight game, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays 14-8 on Monday. Tampa Bay moved within one win of the team record for consecutive victories. In 2004, playing as the Devil Rays, they won 12 in a row under manager Lou Piniella. After both teams scored twice in the 10th to make it 7-all, the Rays broke loose. Mejía’s hit came off Joel Payamps (0-2) with the bases loaded. Randy Arozarena doubled home a run, Austin Meadows had an RBI grounder, Manuel Margot knocked in two with a triple and Mike Brosseau added an RBI single against Tim Mayza. Joey Wendle hit a grand slam as Tampa Bay took a 5-0 lead in the first. The Rays wound up with a four-game sweep and took over sole possession of first place in the AL East. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit two of Toronto’s five home runs. The Blue Jays lost their sixth in a row. Tampa Bay scored twice in the 10th,... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Matt Harvey was greeted warmly by Mets fans in his return to Citi Field and harshly by New York’s hitters as the Mets beat the Baltimore Orioles 7-1 Wednesday. Harvey pitched against his former team for the first time and allowed Kevin Pillar’s two-run triple in a three-run second inning that carried the Mets to their seventh straight win. Wearing orange and black instead of blue and orange, Harvey (3-3) gave up a season-high seven runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, and his ERA rose from 3.60 to 4.81 as the last-place Orioles lost for the fifth time in six games. Taijuan Walker (3-1) lowered his ERA to 2.20, allowing one run and four hits over seven innings as part of a five-hitter. Dominic Smith had three hits and two RBIs for the NL East-leading Mets, who completed a two-game sweep that finished a 5-0 homestand. New York is on its longest hot streak since winning eight straight from Aug. 3-10, 2019. YANKEES 1, RAYS 0 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Gerrit Cole struck out... [More]