Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Griffin Jax got pummeled by the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday, allowing three hits and five runs (three earned) without recording an out in his team's 8-2 defeat. Jax is off to a brutal start to 2026, as he's allowed five earned runs while recording just one strikeout across two innings of work in three appearances. With fellow Rays reliever Edwin Uceta (shoulder) on the injured list, Jax looked like the favorite to see the majority of the ninth-inning work in Tampa Bay. However, the 31-year-old has already blown two saves, and his overall ineffectiveness is clearly a concern for fantasy managers. With Jax struggling, Rays relievers Garrett Cleavinger and Bryan Baker could be worth targeting on the waiver wire and rostering until Uceta returns.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu recorded his first save of 2026 on Wednesday, allowing a solo home run but also striking out three in the ninth inning of his team's 6-4 win over the Boston Red Sox. With star Astros reliever Josh Hader (biceps) currently on the injured list, Abreu has opened the year as Houston's primary closer. However, the 28-year-old has not been sharp to start the season, allowing four walks and five earned runs across 2 1/3 innings (three appearances). Before 2026, Abreu had established himself as one of the best high-leverage arms in baseball, recording a 2.28 ERA with a 35.5% strikeout rate across 71 innings in 2025. Even amidst his struggles in a small sample size this season, he's still recorded six strikeouts. Abreu should be able to hold down the closer role in Houston while Hader is injured, but the Astros could be forced to go in a different direction if Abreu continues to falter.

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter (foot) is not in the lineup for his team's matchup on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 24-year-old exited Tuesday's contest early after fouling a ball off his left foot. Initial X-rays on the injury came back negative, so DeLauter will hopefully avoid missing serious time. However, DeLauter has already broken that same left foot twice before, and he has an extensive track record of injuries throughout his professional career. The top prospect is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season, collecting four home runs in his first 23 plate appearances. If DeLauter does end up missing any significant time, Guardians' utility man Daniel Schneeman could be his primary replacement in right field.

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Quinn Priester (wrist) has been cleared to face live hitters, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Priester opened the regular season on the injured list due to symptoms related to thoracic outlet syndrome, but is slated to make the next major step in his progression. Fantasy managers should monitor his status in this live session, as he could be nearing the start of a potential rehab stint. However, he likely still has several steps to clear in his recovery, as he was unable to take the mound at all during spring training. Last season, Priester looked quite comfortable pitching for the Brewers, logging a career-high 157 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.32 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, with a 132:50 K:BB. When active, the former 18th overall pick would carry intriguing SP4/SP5 upside in standard 12-team formats. His return would likely push Brandon Sproat to a long relief role or to Triple-A.