MLB News
Wilyer Abreu Launches Two Homers In Opener
Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu was probably the most unlikely of heroes during Thursday's season opener against the Texas Rangers. Abreu missed a majority of spring training due to an illness, but it doesn't look like that matters. Abreu went 3-for-3 with two home runs, including a go-ahead blast in the ninth inning during Thursday's victory. He collected four RBI along the way and two walks during the 5-2 win. Abreu wasn't a popular name on draft boards, but the 25-year-old does have the potential to knock out around 20-25 homers a season. He's also someone that is surprisingly quick and could steal some bases as well, so he should be on the radar for fantasy managers.
9 hours ago
Tyler O'Neill Homers In Sixth Straight Opening Day
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O'Neill probably wishes that everyday was Opening Day. On Thursday, O'Neill homered for a record sixth consecutive Opening Day. The right-handed slugger joined the O's this offseason and is already off to a bang. He went 3-for-3 at the plate with a three-run blast and two walks in the blowout win over the Toronto Blue Jays. The O's added O'Neill this offseason in hopes that he could be a reliable source of power in the middle of the lineup. So far, O'Neill is doing a great job after a 31-homer season in 2024. His power numbers alone make him worth rostering in most fantasy formats.
10 hours ago
Cedric Mullins Blasts Two Homers In Opener
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins came ready to play during Thursday's season opener against the Toronto Blue Jays. Mullins had an ugly spring with only a .136 batting average, but this performance shows that those camp numbers might not matter too much. Mullins went 3-for-5 with two home runs and five RBI during Thursday's blowout win. The left-handed slugger is looking to bounce back at the plate after slashing .234/.305/.405 with 18 homers and 54 RBI last season. After Thursday's game, Mullins is likely to become a popular waiver wire addition.
10 hours ago
MacKenzie Gore Records 13 Strikeouts
Washington Nationals starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore was fantastic on the mound during Thursday's season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. Gore recorded a career-high 13 strikeouts over six shutout innings in a no-decision. Gore only allowed one hit during his time on the mound as he looked nearly flawless out there. Sadly for Gore, the Nats bullpen was unable to hold the lead for him. Despite that, Gore puts his name in the history books with his franchise-record 13 punchouts. The 26-year-old will certainly be a popular waiver wire pickup after that performance. He'll look to keep it going next week against the Toronto Blue Jays.
10 hours ago
Nick Gonzales Homers, Leaves Early With Ankle Injury
Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales (ankle) went 1-for-3 with his first home run of the season, a run scored, two RBI and two strikeouts in the team's 5-4 loss to the Miami Marlins on Opening Day on Thursday, but he was also removed early due to recurrent left-ankle discomfort. Gonzales went deep for a two-run homer in the sixth inning and hobbled around the bases before being pulled. The 25-year-old will be examined by the team's medical staff before the Bucs provide an update on his status. Consider him day-to-day for now, but we'd be surprised if he's back in the starting lineup on Friday in Miami. Veteran Adam Frazier took over for Gonzales at the keystone on Thursday and walked in his only plate appearance. If Gonzales is forced to miss extended time with his ankle injury, Frazier would likely take over as the regular at second base in Pittsburgh.
11 hours ago
Mookie Betts Starting In Dodgers Home Opener
As expected, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) is starting at shortstop and is batting in his customary No. 2 spot for the team's home opener at Dodger Stadium against the Detroit Tigers and left-hander Tarik Skubal. Betts didn't play in the season-opening two-game series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19 in Tokyo, Japan, due to a pretty serious illness that caused him to lose almost 20 pounds. The 32-year-old former MVP was able to return to the team's exhibition game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, though, going 0-for-3. Betts should be locked into fantasy lineups in season-long leagues despite the fact that he's facing the reigning American League Cy Young winner, but those playing DFS will probably want to avoid Betts as he tries to regain his strength following a multi-week illness. Betts has never faced Skubal in his career.
13 hours ago
Kevin Ginkel Placed On 15-Day Injured List
The Arizona Diamondbacks placed right-handed reliever Kevin Ginkel (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to March 24) due to right-shoulder inflammation. This move was expected after Ginkel developed some shoulder inflammation late in spring training. The good news is that the 31-year-old veteran might come off the IL as soon as he's eligible to return in early April. To start the season, the D-backs will mix and match save chances with righty Justin Martinez and left-hander A.J. Puk. While Ginkel might not see many save opportunities in 2025 if both Martinez and Puk stay healthy, he should still be valuable in holds leagues as a high-leverage bullpen arm for the Snakes. Ginkel had one of his best seasons in 2024 and set career-highs in appearances (72), innings (70), strikeouts (77) and holds (18) out of Arizona's bullpen.
13 hours ago
Sean Newcomb Likely To Be Fifth Starter
After the Boston Red Sox optioned right-hander Quinn Priester to Triple-A Worcester on Sunday, it's likely that left-hander Sean Newcomb will open the year as the team's fifth starter, and he was officially added to the Opening Day roster on Thursday before their game against the Texas Rangers. Newcomb earned the spot, posting a 0.63 ERA with 13 strikeouts in five Grapefruit League appearances (four starts). Injuries to Brayan Bello (shoulder), Kutter Crawford (knee) and Lucas Giolito (hamstring) have given the 31-year-old southpaw an opportunity to open the 2025 campaign. However, depending on how he fares on the mound, Newcomb could only be in line to stick in Boston's rotation for the first couple of turns in the first month of the season. His season debut will come on Monday in Baltimore against the division-rival Orioles, where he should be avoided in fantasy.
14 hours ago
Alex Cobb Goes On 15-Day Injured List To Begin The Season
The Detroit Tigers placed right-hander Alex Cobb (hip) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to March 24) due to right-hip inflammation. The oft-injured 37-year-old veteran didn't pitch at all in spring training due to his hip injury, which means he'll probably miss at least the first month of the regular season. However, the good news is that he resumed throwing last week in camp. It remains to be seen if Cobb will even have a starting-rotation spot waiting for him whenever he's finally cleared to come off the IL. Remember, Cobb was only able to make three regular-season starts for the Cleveland Guardians last year due to hip, finger and shoulder injuries. Durability at this stage of his career is a serious question mark, so Cobb might be better served as a long reliever/swing man for Detroit. In addition to injury concerns, Cobb has very little fantasy upside with a below-average strikeout rate.
14 hours ago
Lance McCullers Jr. To Make Rehab Start On Sunday
Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) will make his next minor-league rehab start this Sunday at Triple-A Sugar Land. It will be McCullers' first regular-season start since the 2022 World Series. It's unclear exactly when the 31-year-old veteran will be cleared to rejoin Houston's big-league rotation, but they certainly won't be rushing him based on how much time he's missed over the last few seasons because of arm injuries. McCullers has now recovered from two similar injuries on the flexor tendon in his right forearm, and there's certainly no guarantee he'll suddenly return to his pre-injury form, when he was once a dependable piece of the Astros' starting rotation. At best, he'll be a flier in deep-mixed and AL-only leagues when he returns. In his last full season in 2021, McCullers had a 3.16 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 185 K's and 76 walks in 162 1/3 innings pitched.
14 hours ago
Ranger Suarez To Throw A Bullpen On Saturday
Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suarez (back) stayed back in Clearwater, Fla., to start the regular season but is scheduled to get back on the mound for a 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday. The Phillies officially placed Suarez on the 15-day injured list on Thursday to start the year due to lower-back stiffness that he started dealing with in mid-March. The 29-year-old southpaw could be able to make his 2025 season debut in late April as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks on an eventual minor-league rehab start. Until then, veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker will occupy a rotation spot in Philadelphia, although he's really only worth using in fantasy lineups in NL-only leagues after an awful 2024 season. When Suarez does return, fantasy managers shouldn't expect another repeat of his strong opening couple months from a year ago.
14 hours ago
Michael Conforto Out Against Lefty On Opening Day
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Michael Conforto is out of the starting lineup on Thursday for the team's home opener at Dodger Stadium against the visiting Detroit Tigers with left-hander Tarik Skubal on the mound. Andy Pages will instead make the start in left field and will bat ninth versus the reigning American League Cy Young winner. Conforto will most likely find himself on the bench against tough southpaws in his first year in LA. In the team's two-game series in Tokyo, Japan, against the Chicago Cubs on March 18 and 19, Conforto went 2-for-7 with a double, a walk and two strikeouts. In his career, the 32-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has hit .232/.313/.391 with a .705 OPS against lefties, as opposed to a .257/.359/.479 slash line with an .839 OPS against right-handers. With Pages in left field, veteran infielder Miguel Rojas is starting at second and batting eighth for the Blue on Thursday in L.A.
14 hours ago
Jared Jones Officially Placed On 15-Day Injured List
The Pittsburgh Pirates officially placed right-hander Jared Jones (elbow) on the 15-day injured list on Thursday with a right-elbow UCL sprain. For now, Jones will attempt to rest and rehab his UCL injury, but it doesn't mean he won't eventually need to go under the knife, which would officially end his 2025 season. In a best-case scenario, rest and rehab does the trick, but even then, the 23-year-old hurler probably wouldn't be in play to make his season debut for the Pirates until around June. The Bucs will shut him down from throwing for six weeks before he attempts to restart a throwing program and build his arm up. Expect Jones to be transferred to the 60-day IL eventually. With Jones sidelined, Carmen Mlodzinski won the fifth rotation spot in Pittsburgh, but it could only be a matter of time before pitching prospects Bubba Chandler and/or Thomas Harrington force their way into the big-league rotation.
15 hours ago
Giancarlo Stanton Swinging A Bat
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that outfielder/designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (calf, elbows) has been swinging a bat, and the Yankees have been encouraged by what they've seen. "We've still got a ways to go," Boone said. Stanton missed all of spring training due to severe tennis elbow in both of his arms, and he also picked up a calf injury in early March. While it's good news that the 35-year-old slugger is at least doing some baseball activities, there's still no timetable for his return, and the possibility of him missing the entire 2025 season still exists. Fantasy managers would have been wise to avoid the oft-injured power hitter in fantasy drafts this spring. Stanton's absence has opened the door for regular playing time for the left-handed-hitting Ben Rice, who is serving as the team's DH on Opening Day on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
15 hours ago
Danny Jansen Should Be Able To Play On Friday
Tampa Bay Rays catcher Danny Jansen (rib) appears to be ready to play on Opening Day on Friday against the Colorado Rockies after testing out his injured rib muscle while catching and hitting in a simulated game on Wednesday, according to Bally Sports' Ryan Bass. Jansen didn't have any limitations in Wednesday's sim game, clearing the way for him to be active on Friday. The 29-year-old backstop will open the 2025 campaign as Tampa's starting catcher after hitting a combined .205/.309/.349 with a .658 OPS, nine home runs and 24 RBI in 92 games with the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox in 2024. Jansen has decent pop for a catcher, but durability is an issue, as he's played in more than 100 games just once in his seven MLB seasons, and not since 2019. Expect the Rays to rest him regularly with Ben Rortvedt.
15 hours ago
Sonny Gray Making Opening Day Start Against Twins
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (illness) is making the Opening Day start on Thursday against the visiting Minnesota Twins at Busch Stadium. Gray dealt with flu-like symptoms at the end of spring training that sapped him of his strength, so there was some concern that the Cardinals might push his first start of the season back. That won't be the case, although fantasy managers should be very hesitant to throw him into their starting lineups right away after he showed diminished velocity and was hit around in Grapefruit League action. The 35-year-old veteran allowed 20 earned runs on 23 hits (eight homers allowed) while walking six and striking out 17 in 14 1/3 innings over his four starts. At least in DFS lineups, the safe play would be to avoid Gray as he works to get his strength back following a bout with the flu recently.
16 hours ago
Yoan Moncada Not Playing On Opening Day
Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada (thumb) is on the team's Opening Day roster but is not in the starting lineup on Thursday versus the Chicago White Sox and right-hander Sean Burke at Rate Field. Instead, Luis Rengifo will start at third base and bat sixth for the Halos. Moncada dealt with a right-thumb injury at the end of training camp and isn't quite ready to make his regular-season debut with the Angels, but he could be back in the lineup on Saturday in Chicago after a scheduled day off on Friday. When the former White Sox third baseman is healthy, he should see regular playing time at the hot corner, with Rengifo shifting over to second base. The 29-year-old Cuban hit just .190 (4-for-21) with a double, home run and two RBI in 10 spring training games, though, after playing in just 12 games in 2024 in Chicago due to injury.
16 hours ago
Brendan Rodgers Gets The Nod At Second Base For Houston
Houston Astros infielder Brendan Rodgers is making the start at second base and is batting eighth on Opening Day on Thursday against the New York Mets and right-hander Clay Holmes at Daikin Park in Houston. Rodgers will make the first start at the keystone for the 'Stros in 2025, but Mauricio Dubon is expected to see most of the playing time at the position for the team this year. The 28-year-old Rodgers hit just .233 (10-for-43) with five doubles, eight RBI and four runs scored in 44 plate appearances over 15 Grapefruit League games this spring and should mainly operate as a utility infielder in his first year in Houston. He has four career at-bats against Holmes and has not recorded a hit. Not only has Rodgers struggled to stay healthy in his career, but he has never hit very well away from hitter-friendly Coors Field, which will pose a problem now that he's no longer playing for the Rockies.
16 hours ago
Christian Walker Starting For Astros On Opening Day
As expected, Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) is at first base and is batting cleanup in his debut with the team on Opening Day on Thursday against the visiting New York Mets and right-hander Clay Holmes at Daikin Park in Houston. The Astros shut Walker down in spring training on March 2 with left-oblique soreness, and he didn't make another appearance in Grapefruit League action. However, Walker was able to get at-bats in a minor-league setting last weekend and was deemed ready to go for Opening Day. The 33-year-old right-handed power hitter went 4-for-8 with three doubles in the four Grapefruit League contests he appeared in, and he should be a stable power bat for fantasy managers in the middle of Houston's lineup in his first year with the team in 2025 as long as he stays healthy. Walker has faced Holmes just twice in his career and has a solo homer against him.
16 hours ago
Kristian Campbell Hitting In Six-Hole In MLB Debut
Boston Red Sox second base prospect Kristian Campbell is starting at the keystone and is batting sixth in his major-league debut on Opening Day on Thursday against the Texas Rangers and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi at Globe Life Field. Campbell did just enough in spring training to edge out David Hamilton for the starting duties at the keystone in Boston to begin the 2025 regular season. Last year's minor-league breakout player hit just .167 (8-for-48) with two doubles, a homer, two RBI, eight runs and 18 strikeouts in 59 plate appearances in 20 Grapefruit League games this spring, but he showed enough on defense to convince manager Alex Cora to carry him on the big-league roster to begin the year. It may take the 22-year-old a while for his power to show at the major-league level, but otherwise he should be a middle infielder with upside for those in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.
16 hours ago
Wilyer Abreu
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Red Sox
