Daily Fantasy Baseball News and Notes I First Pitch Podcast 4/22/26

The First Pitch Podcast delivers a comprehensive daily update on fantasy baseball news, injuries, transactions, and standout performances from April 21, 2026. Host Jake Crumpler covers key roster moves, including Taylor Trammell and Sonny Gray landing on the IL with groin and hamstring strains, respectively, and Rysel Iglesias placed on the 15-day IL due to shoulder inflammation—highlighting a concerning trend of struggling closers early in the season. The episode also details player returns, such as Juan Soto, Adley Rutschman, and Matthew Boyd, as well as promotions like Eduardo Rivera and Henry Rojas. Notable performances include Ellie De La Cruz’s two-homer, five-RBI outing and strong outings from Chase Burns, Chase Dolander, and Landon Rupp, with Dolander emerging as a potential fantasy standout due to elite stuff and high whiff rates. The bullpen breakdown reveals mixed results, with several closers struggling or losing roles, while vulture save opportunities are highlighted for Wednesday’s slate. Crumpler concludes with matchup previews, targeting Braves, Nationals, Padres, Rockies, and Mets hitters, and identifying streamers like Peter Lambert and Jansen Junk. Key takeaways include: 1) Monitor closers like Rysel Iglesias and Jeff Hoffman for potential fantasy drops; 2) Chase Dolander is a strong add in all leagues due to elite velocity and whiff rates; 3) Consider streaming Peter Lambert in Cleveland despite his new team; 4) Target left-handed hitters in Coors Field against Tomo Yuki Sugano; 5) Use vulture save scenarios to exploit bullpen instability. The episode maintains a positive, energetic tone, reflecting enthusiasm for the season’s early momentum and player development.