Fantasy Baseball Prospect Report
Player News
Ozzie Albies is leading off on Monday against the Blue Jays.
Albies gets the nod atop Atlanta’s lineup to face Toronto lefty starter Easton Lucas with Michael Harris II bumped down to the sixth spot. The 28-year-old second baseman has seemingly overcame an early-season slump at the plate with two homers and a pair of stolen bases over his last seven contests.
Alec Burleson is not in the lineup for Monday’s series opener against the Astros.
Burleson has gone 5-for-23 over his last seven games and has yet to connect for a home run through 15 contests. There’s no reason for long-term concern here, but the Cardinals are seemingly going to give Luken Baker some additional opportunities at DH against left-handers, which includes on Monday night against Astros southpaw Framber Valdez.
Daulton Varsho (shoulder) is expected to kick off a minor league rehab assignment later this week.
He’ll take a brief pause in the middle of the week to be with his wife for the birth of baby Varsho, but is expected to be ready to head out on a minor league rehab assignment immediately afterwards. He was cleared to play in an extended spring training on Monday without any throwing limitations and will take live batting practice on Tuesday. There’s a chance he’s ready to make his season debut in a couple weeks before the end of April.
Brendan Rodgers (hip) remains absent from the lineup for Monday’s contest against the Cardinals.
Mauricio Dubón will handle second base during Monday’s series opener against the Cardinals with Rodgers missing his fourth consecutive game with left hip soreness. There’s no indication he’ll require a trip to the injured list, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.
Luis Gil (lat) is expected to resume a throwing program this week.
Gil will begin playing catch either Wednesday or Thursday and is still a couple weeks away from progressing to bullpen sessions. The 26-year-old righty is expected to be ready to return from a high-grade lat strain that he suffered back in late February at some point in late May or early June, barring any setbacks.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson told reporters on Monday that Brandon Marsh will be out of the lineup for the next three games to clear his mind.
It’s a much-needed mental reset for Marsh, who has gone hitless in his last 26 at-bats. The 27-year-old is batting .108 (4-for-37) with one homer through 14 games. Hopefully the extra time off results in a fresh start. It’ll be Johan Rojas getting some extra playing time over the next couple days.