MLB Player News

Perez didn't factor into the decision while working three innings in relief in Wednesday's 8-6 win over Washington. He struck out four and allowed two earned runs on three hits (two home runs) and no walks.

Perez had been lined up to start Thursday's series finale in Washington, but he ended up being pressed into duty in bulk relief after starter Didier Fuentes labored through three innings. The three-inning outing was the shortest appearance of the season for Perez, who still owns an excellent 2.70 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB over his first 23.1 frames. While Atlanta could move Perez back into the rotation for their three-game set with Detroit at the beginning of next week, he likely wouldn't be in line for more than one start since Spencer Strider (oblique) appears likely to return from the injured list for next weekend's series in Colorado.

Littell (0-3) took the loss Wednesday against Atlanta, allowing eight runs (six earned) on seven hits (four home runs) and two walks in six innings. He struck out one.

After serving up the second-most homers in the major leagues a year ago, Littell is being plagued by the long ball once again in 2026. The right-hander tied his career worst in homers allowed Wednesday, and he's now been tagged for multiple big flies in all but one of his first five starts of the year en route to giving up an MLB-high 11 round-trippers so far. Though the Mets rank near the bottom of the majors in homers (17) through their first 24 games, Littell still won't be a recommended fantasy option when he takes a 7.56 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB through 25 frames into his next scheduled start in Queens.

Mize (2-1) earned the win Wednesday against the Brewers, allowing one run on three hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out seven.

Mize was outstanding Wednesday, scattering three singles over six strong frames. Not only is the right-hander already up to three quality starts in 2026, but he's also worked at least 5.2 innings while giving up one or no runs in four of his five outings to begin the season. Mize is pushing his way into must-roster fantasy territory, producing an impressive 2.51 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB over 28.2 frames, but he does have a tough test in Atlanta on tap for his next start.

Atlanta is expected to select Carrasco's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday, Barrett Sallee of 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

Carrasco has made four starts at Triple-A Gwinnett this year and owns a 1.71 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 18:5 K:BB through 21 innings. He's now set to make his return to the big leagues but will likely operate in a long-relief role, as Atlanta will have an opening in its bullpen once Dylan Dodd (back) is officially placed on the injured list.

Atlanta will place Dodd on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a back strain, Barrett Sallee of 680 The Fan Atlanta reports.

Dodd was summoned from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday and gave up an earned run in his appearance against Washington, but he seems to have come away from his outing with a back issue. He'll spend at least a couple of weeks on the injured list as a result, and Carlos Carrasco will come up from Triple-A to round out Atlanta's bullpen.

Atlanta will select Ritchie's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Thursday's game against the Nationals, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Considered to be one of the best pitching prospects in Atlanta's farm system, Ritchie has posted a 0.99 ERA and 1.03 WHIP alongside a 28:13 K:BB through 27.1 innings (five starts) at Gwinnett this season. He's now earned the right to make a start with Atlanta and will take on a Nationals offense that ranks second in MLB with 142 runs scored through 25 games. The 22-year-old's time in the majors is likely to be brief, as Spencer Strider (oblique) is nearing the end of his rehab assignment and could return from the injured list next week. However, an impressive outing Thursday could buy Ritchie another start in the big leagues.

Gilbert did not factor into the decision Wednesday against the A's, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over four innings. He struck out three.

While Gilbert was ultimately able to limit the damage after giving up two runs in the first inning, the right-hander needed 89 pitches to record just 12 outs, as he failed to complete five frames for the first time this year. Through six starts this season, Gilbert sports a 4.36 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP and 35:7 K:BB across 33 innings. He'll look to turn things around in his next outing, tentatively lined up for next week in Minnesota.

Manoah (finger) tossed four simulated innings to hitters Tuesday and is nearing a minor-league rehab assignment, per MLB.com.

Manoah's right middle fingernail fell off after a spring start in mid-March, and he began throwing bullpens in early April. He's since progressed to facing hitters and could kick off a rehab stint within the next week. Manoah struggled mightily during the Cactus League slate, so he may need to pitch well during his rehab assignment to get a chance to start with the big-league club in the near future.

Civale didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against the Mariners, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk across 5.1 innings. He struck out five.

After allowing just three runs across his first three starts (15.2 innings) this season, Civale has now given up eight runs over 10 frames in his last two outings. His ERA now sits at 3.86 with a 1.32 WHIP and 21:7 K:BB across 26 innings. The 30-year-old Civale will look to recapture his early season success in his next start, tentatively scheduled to come at home against the Royals.

Johnson (hamstring/illness) has resumed playing catch and is close to throwing a bullpen session, per MLB.com.

Johnson landed on the 15-day injured list April 6 due to a viral infection. He then made a start in extended spring training April 13 but was removed due to a hamstring injury after throwing just two pitches. Johnson seems to be doing better, and resuming throwing bullpens will be a significant step toward a return to game action. He could be ready to be activated off the IL in late April or early May.