Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Jason Heyward (back) did more hitting/baserunning on Tuesday and will take live batting practice in San Diego this weekend. Heyward is getting closer to a minor-league rehab assignment, which could last between two and five games, according to manager Dave Roberts. The 34-year-old left-handed hitter also took batting practice on the field before last Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves and finally appears to be putting his back injury in the rearview mirror after originally landing on the injured list way back on April 3. Given how good rookie outfielder Andy Pages has looked since debuting in the big leagues, Heyward may struggle for regular playing time in LA's outfield when he returns from the injured list.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Alec Burleson made the most of his at-bats during Tuesday's game against the New York Mets. The left-handed slugger went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI in the loss. This marked the 10th straight game that Burleson has faced the right-handed pitcher. That being said, it appears the Cardinals are sticking with Burleson as strictly a platoon bat. He has been decent slashing .262/.303/.696 with three homers and 12 RBI this season. However, fantasy managers can probably find a better option given the Cards crowded outfield and Burleson only batting against right-handed pitching.

Washington Nationals right-hander Trevor Williams (4-0) allowed two hits while striking out eight across five scoreless innings in Tuesday's 3-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Williams picked up his fourth win of the season. The 32-year-old threw 77 pitches, landing 53 for strikes. He struck out a season-high eight batters and has not allowed a home run in his previous seven starts, helping the Nationals go over .500 for the first time since 2021. Williams owns a 1.96 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and a 30:12 K: BB across 36 2/3 innings in 2024. The veteran will look to continue his strong season and can be used as a streamer at his next start on Monday on the road against the Chicago White Sox.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez turned in his best start of the season in Tuesday's 10-1 win over the Blue Jays. Sanchez pitched seven innings, allowing one run on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts. The 27-year-old hasn't had the most exciting start to the season, but he is now 2-3 with a 3.22 ERA, an 8.42 K/9 rate, and a 3.72 BB/9 rate in seven starts and 36 1/3 IP. He will look to build on his success in his next scheduled start, which will be a decent matchup at a middling Mets lineup.

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jakob Junis (head, shoulder) was moved to the 60-day injured list on Monday, meaning he won't be eligible to come back until June 2 now, at the earliest. Junis' comeback from a right-shoulder injury in early April was interrupted when he was stretchered off the field on April 22 after being hit in the neck by a batting practice ball. He was alert and responsive when he was sent to a local hospital and was able to resume playing catch by April 26. It's a tough break for the 31-year-old veteran, who allowed just one earned run on three hits while walking one and striking out four in a four-inning no-decision in his lone start of the year on April 2 against the Minnesota Twins. When healthy, Junis should be a candidate to return to Milwaukee's starting rotation next month.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot (leg) is likely to go on the injured list, manager Kevin Cash says, but a CT scan was negative. Pepiot departed Sunday's series finale against the visiting New York Mets after taking a 107.5-mph comebacker off his left leg, which resulted in a contusion, and the Rays are preparing the take a cautious approach with the 26-year-old upstart right-hander. It doesn't sound like it'll be a long stint on the IL at the moment for Pepiot, who owns an excellent 3.68 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 41:11 K:BB through 36 2/3 innings (seven starts) as Tampa's ace this season. Look for Taj Bradley's (pectoral) next start to come in the major leagues to take Pepiot's spot in the rotation, with Bradley's 2024 regular-season debut likely arriving on Saturday at home against the division-rival New York Yankees.

Oakland Athletics right-hander Freddy Tarnok (hip) reported to the team's minor-league complex in Arizona on April 29. He was scheduled to throw a bullpen session on April 30 and a live batting practice session last Thursday. Tarnok was moved to the 60-day injured list on Friday and he doesn't have a current timetable to start a minor-league rehab assignment. The 25-year-old is recovering from right-hip inflammation that he first experienced in spring training and won't be able to return until at least late May. The A's aren't going to rush him along once he does start a rehab assignment on the farm. In just five appearances (one start) for the A's last year, Tarnok had a 4.91 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 11 walks and 14 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings. Tarnok has shown the ability to miss bats, but he's going to need to stay healthy to give himself a chance at a role.

Oakland Athletics left-hander Scott Alexander (rib) gave up a run on two hits while striking out one in an inning of work in his first minor-league rehab appearance for Single-A Stockton last Friday. Alexander said he felt good in his first rehab outing and was scheduled to make another appearance in San Jose on Tuesday, also with Stockton. If he comes out of that outing without a setback, Alexander will move his rehab assignment to Triple-A Las Vegas. Now that the 34-year-old veteran southpaw is pitching again for the first time in almost two months, he could be a candidate to return to Oakland's bullpen soon. Alexander hasn't pitched yet in 2024 with the A's and is unlikely to be of much use in any fantasy format once he's back in the big leagues.

In a flurry of roster moves by the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, right-hander Ian Gibaut (forearm) was transferred to the 60-day injured list. The Reds also optioned infielder/outfielder Nick Martini and outfielder Bubba Thompson to Triple-A Louisville and Double-A Chattanooga, respectively, and selected the contract of outfielder Conner Capel from Louisville. Gibaut is dealing with a lingering strained right forearm after he was initially shut down from throwing in late April. The 30-year-old now won't be eligible to come off the IL until late May, and even that seems optimistic with the way his recovery has gone this year. Gibaut was a key pitcher for the Reds in 2023, going 8-4 with a 3.33 ERA, a 1.28 WHIP, three saves and a career-high 69 strikeouts in 75 2/3 frames in 74 relief appearances.

New York Mets right-hander Tylor Megill (shoulder) threw four scoreless innings in a minor-league rehab start on Tuesday for Triple-A Syracuse with seven strikeouts and just one walk. Manager Carlos Mendoza said on Monday that it was possible this would be Megill's last rehab start. If so, the Mets will have to decide if Megill jumps back into the starting rotation or stays at Syracuse. If the Mets don't move to a six-man rotation when the 28-year-old is activated from the injured list, rookie Christian Scott could be the odd man out and sent back to Syracuse if the Mets are intent on returning Megill to their rotation. In his one start before his injury, Megill gave up just one earned run in four innings against the Brewers on March 31 while walking three and striking out four. He'll be an option in NL-only leagues if he rejoins New York's rotation.

The Atlanta Braves placed left-hander Tyler Matzek (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 5) with left-elbow inflammation on Tuesday and recalled left-hander Ray Kerr from the minors in a corresponding move. It's not a good sign for a pitcher that missed all of last season following Tommy John surgery. In addition to his injury, the 33-year-old veteran reliever has not been good so far in 2024, allowing 11 earned runs on 16 hits (three home runs) while walking three and striking out 10 in 10 innings out of Atlanta's bullpen. Given the fact that he missed all of last year due to injury, it seems likely that Matzek won't be able to return to the Braves' bullpen when he's eligible to come off the 15-day IL.

The Colorado Rockies announced on Monday that they reinstated right-hander Justin Lawrence from the paternity list and optioned right-hander Angel Chivilli to Double-A Hartford in a corresponding move. Lawrence was away from the club over the weekend during their series in Pittsburgh against the Pirates, but he'll be available out of the bullpen for the start of a new series on Tuesday against the San Francisco Giants. The 29-year-old leads the Rockies with two saves so far this year but also has a 6.00 ERA (2.49 FIP) and 1.50 WHIP with five walks and 13 strikeouts in 12 innings. Lawrence should return to primary closing duties in Colorado but should only be attractive to fantasy managers in deeper leagues that are desperate for saves. Jalen Beeks picked up the team's last save on Friday with Lawrence away from the team.

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Chris Devenski (knee) is playing catch and will progress based on how he feels, according to manager Kevin Cash. The skipper said on Friday that Devenski could throw a bullpen session soon "if the knee calms down." Devenski was placed on the injured list on April 29 (retroactive to April 26) with right-knee tendinitis. He said he was optimistic that he wouldn't miss much time despite an MRI exam on April 30 showing "pretty strong patella tendinitis," according to Cash. The 33-year-old will be eligible to return on May 11, but it remains to be seen if that will actually happen. Before the injury, Devenski hadn't pitched well, posting a 7.71 ERA and 1.79 WHIP with six walks and 11 strikeouts in 14 relief innings for the Rays.

Oakland Athletics outfielder Esteury Ruiz (wrist) is back in the starting lineup ahead of Monday's game against the Texas Rangers. Ruiz was forced to exit early during Saturday's game due to a wrist issue. The young outfielder went for an MRI on Monday, which didn't reveal any significant damage. That being said, Ruiz will bat leadoff and cover left field during Monday's game. The speedster has been solid during his time in Oakland this season, so fantasy managers should make sure to get him back in their lineups.

New York Mets outfielder Harrison Bader (rest) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Fantasy managers don't need to worry as this appears to be a routine rest day for Bader. In his absence, Jeff McNeil is in left field with Starling Marte in center, and Joey Wendle starting at second base on Monday. Fantasy managers should adjust their lineups accordingly.

Oakland Athletics outfielder Esteury Ruiz (wrist) is going for an MRI exam on Monday on his left wrist after the way he landed on a diving catch in the outfield in Saturday's game against the Miami Marlins. Manager Mark Kotsay wouldn't say if Ruiz was unavailable for the series finale against Miami on Sunday. The 25-year-old never ended up appearing in Sunday's 12-3 loss, and there's a good chance he won't be available for the series opener on Monday against the division-rival Texas Rangers, either. How much additional time the speedster will miss will depend on the results of his MRI. Since being sent down to the minors early in the year, Ruiz has returned to hit just .229 (8-for-35) with two home runs, six RBI and three stolen bases in 15 games. As long as he's playing regularly for Oakland, he's valuable in fantasy for his wheels.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad continued his strong campaign during Sunday's start against the Milwaukee Brewers. The right-hander allowed only four hits over six scoreless innings during Sunday's win. The 26-year-old struck out four hitters while walking three batters during this outing. The Brewers got a few baserunners, but could never do anything with them. Assad has done a great job of limiting the damage throughout this season. He'll carry a 1.66 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 31/12 K/BB ratio into his next start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Daniel Hudson is expected to see a larger role in the bullpen going forward. The team was forced to place closer Evan Phillips (hamstring) on the injured list prior to Sunday's game. He's expected to miss at least two weeks of action, which should open up a role for Hudson in high leverage spots. Blake Treinen is also an option for the ninth inning, so possibly they split up the role. Fantasy managers might have to wait and see what Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts does with his bullpen.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot (leg) was forced to leave Sunday's game against the New York Mets after taking a 107 mph ball off of his leg, but thankfully, his X-rays came back negative. He is now considered day-to-day and may be able to make his next start. The 26-year-old owns a 3.68 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 41:11 K:BB through seven appearances. Pepiot should remain on fantasy rosters, as it looks like he avoided any significant injury.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot left Sunday's game against the New York Mets early after taking a 107 mph hit ball to his left leg. The extent of his injury is still not known, but he was able to walk off the mound on his own. Pepiot was replaced by Manuel Rodriguez. The 26-year-old was off to a strong start to the season with a 3.12 ERA and stellar 0.87 WHIP across 34 innings with 38 strikeouts. Taj Bradley is a candidate to replace Pepiot in the rotation, as he is on the verge of completing his rehab assignment. Pepiot should remain stashed on your roster for the time being.