MLB News
Carlos Estevez Scheduled To Make Spring Debut On Friday
Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (back) threw a live batting practice session in camp on Tuesday, and manager Matt Quatraro said it went "really well." As a result, Estevez is scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Friday against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels. The 32-year-old veteran has been battling lower-back tightness in spring training but appears to have put it past him as he tries to get ready for Opening Day in his first year with the Royals. He is running out of time to ramp up with only two weeks until the start of the 2025 regular season, but as long as Estevez doesn't have a setback with his back as he gets into games, he should be able to avoid starting the year on the injured list. Because of his (82 career saves in eight MLB seasons) and his strong year in 2024, he should be the favorite to close for the Royals, although Lucas Erceg could have something to say about that.
0 hour ago
Sam Long Returns To Action On Wednesday
Kansas City Royals left-hander Sam Long (hand) returned to Cactus League action on Wednesday versus the Seattle Mariners and threw a scoreless inning while giving up one hit, walking none and striking out none. It was Long's third outing of spring training but his first since he was hit by a line drive on his left hand on March 3. The 29-year-old southpaw thankfully avoided a break in his hand and will be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, although he's not guaranteed a spot in the Opening Day bullpen out of camp. The former 18th-round selection by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016 out of California State University of Sacramento has four years of major-league experience and posted a career-low 3.16 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, one save, a career-high 44 strikeouts and 17 walks in 42 2/3 relief innings for KC in 2024.
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Heliot Ramos Likely To Hit Leadoff Against Lefties
It appears likely that San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos will be the team's leadoff hitter this year against left-handed pitchers, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Shayna Rubin. That was the case for Ramos on Tuesday in the Cactus League game against Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs. In his 123 at-bats versus southpaws last year, Ramos was dialed in with a .370/.439/.750 slash line and 10 home runs, so it makes sense on paper. The 25-year-old has hit a modest .231 (3-for-13) with no homers, one double and two steals in five spring training games, but fantasy managers should take those numbers with a grain of salt. Ramos will be San Fran's starting left fielder in 2025 and will see a boost in fantasy value with his move to the top of the order against lefties. His 20-homer power makes him worth of outfield depth in standard 12-team fantasy leagues.
1 hour ago
Jackson Rutledge Moving To The Bullpen
MASN's Mark Zuckerman reports that the Washington Nationals are moving 2019 first-rounder Jackson Rutledge to the bullpen, according to manager Dave Martinez. The Nationals currently have plenty of starting-pitching depth entering the 2025 season, so this will be the 25-year-old right-hander's best shot at making the Opening Day roster. The Washington Post's Andrew Golden specifically notes that Martinez said Rutledge will serve in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen. The Nationals think the young pitcher will be more effective in his new role and will gain velocity in shorter stints. In addition to Rutledge, Cole Henry has also been moved to the 'pen this spring. Rutledge had a walk rate over 13% with a rough 6.40 ERA at Triple-A Rochester last year and also has a 5.72 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 28 1/3 innings over seven outings (five starts) the last two years in the big leagues.
1 hour ago
Amed Rosario Dealing With Minor Knee Injury
Washington Nationals infielder Amed Rosario (knee) was scratched from Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Houston Astros due to a knee injury. However, Rosario told manager Dave Martinez that he could have played if it was a regular season game. The 29-year-old was just being cautious with two weeks until Opening Day. Cayden Wallace took over for the veteran infielder at second base on Wednesday and hit eighth in the lineup. Since it's a minor injury, Rosario could return as soon as Thursday for the spring game against the Tampa Bay Rays, one of his former teams. He signed a one-year deal with the Nats back in January and is expected to fill a utility infield role for Washington, which will leave him minimal fantasy value in NL-only leagues with basically zero upside. The Dominican infielder played for three teams last year and hit .280 in 103 games, but it came with just three home runs.
1 hour ago
CJ Abrams Pulled On Wednesday But Expected To Return Thursday
Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (quadriceps) was pulled from Wednesday's Grapefruit League game early against the Houston Astros after both of his quadriceps muscles tightened up on him during his first-inning triple. "He should be OK," manager Dave Martinez said. The 24-year-old is scheduled to be on the trip to Port Charlotte for Thursday's spring game against the Tampa Bay Rays, so it's obviously not a big concern. After tripling in the first inning, Abrams has now gone 9-for-30 in Grapefruit League play with a home run in 10 contests. He was a first-time All-Star in his second full season in D.C. in 2024 but had a lapse in judgment late in the year when he stayed out past curfew, which resulted in a trip back to the minors as punishment. Abrams was unable to sustain a solid first half and also continued to chase too many pitches, but there's no denying his power/speed upside as a top-10 fantasy SS.
1 hour ago
X-Rays Come Back Negative On Bobby Witt Jr.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (forearm) suffered a left forearm contusion and the X-rays came back negative. Witt was removed from Wednesday's spring training contest after being hit by a pitch. His manager Matt Quatraro noted that the star infield initially lost feeling in his fingers after being struck by the pitch. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but it appears he has avoided a significant injury. Anne Rogers of MLB.com noted that the 24-year-old will continue to be evaluated. Last summer, Witt enjoyed a career-season as he went deep 32 times and swiped 30 bags. He posted a stellar .332/.389/.588 line. He placed in the 99th percentile in xBA and xSLg and 98th percentile in xwOBA. Witt also generated a strong 14.3 percent barrel rate and placed in the 100th percentile in sprint speed. The infielder is viewed as a top pick in all formats given his elite contact, power, and speed.
2 hours ago
David Fry Cleared To Take Dry Swings
Cleveland Guardians catcher David Fry (elbow) has been cleared to take dry swings. The 29-year-old is recovering from UCL surgery. Fry was recently placed on the 60-day injured list which will keep him sidelined through at least May 26. However, seeing him begin to take swings, could suggest he may be able to see time as a designated hitter sooner than expected. He will be unable to take the field defensively this season. Last summer, Fry enjoyed a breakout season as he logged a career-high 122 games with a .263/.356/.448 line. He went deep 14 times and added 18 doubles. He generated a solid .326 xwOBA and drew walks at an above-average 10.7 percent rate. When he is cleared to return to the lineup, he will be deployed exclusively as a designated hitter, which will limit his playing opportunities. He will compete for starts alongside prospect Kyle Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel.
2 hours ago
Connor Wong Scratched With Illness
Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong (illness) was scratched from Wednesday's contest due to an illness. Several Boston players have dealt with an illness during camp. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but Wong will likely be held out of the lineup for a few days. His spring debut was delayed due to a shoulder injury. The 28-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024 as he posted a strong .280/.333/.425 slash line with 13 home runs and eight stolen bases. However, he generated a modest .231 xBA with a .355 xSLG, which suggests that he may face some regression during the 2025 season. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Wong to be the primary backstop in Boston. While he is sidelined, Blake Sabol, Seby Zavala and Carlos Narvaez will compete for opportunities.
3 hours ago
Bobby Witt Jr. Going For X-Rays
According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, Kansas City Royals infielder Bobby Witt Jr. (hand) will undergo x-rays. Witt was hit by a pitch during Wednesday's spring training contest. Manager Matt Quatraro noted that the superstar infielder initially "lost feeling in his fingers" but eventually came back. Fantasy managers should continue closely monitoring his status as the team should provide an update after the testing. The 24-year-old is viewed as a top pick in all formats. Last season, the former second overall selection in the 2019 MLB Draft posted a career-high .332/.389/.588 slash line with 32 home runs and 31 stolen bases. He generated an elite .407 xwOBA, .315 xBA, and a .577 xSLG. He also placed in the 100th percentile in sprint speed. If Witt were to miss time, Maikel Garcia would likely be deployed as the starting shortstop, which opens up the hot corner for Cavan Biggio or Nick Loftin.
3 hours ago
Erik Sabrowski Begins Throwing From 60 Feet
Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect Erik Sabrowski (elbow) began throwing from 60 feet on Wednesday. Earlier in the week, the southpaw received an injection to reduce inflammation in his elbow. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team has not provided a definite timetable on his recovery process. However, seeing him already throwing is a positive sign. Last season, the 27-year-old made his MLB debut. He tossed 12 2/3 shutout frames while tallying 19 punchouts and holding a stellar 0.79 WHIP. Earlier in the season, Sabrowski held a 3.51 ERA with a 1.56 WHIP across 48 2/3 innings of relief across Double and Triple-A. At the top level of the minor leagues, the former 14th round selection held a high 4.38 ERA. Given this injury, he will likely open the season at the Triple-A level and push for an early-season return to the majors.
3 hours ago
Andrew Walters Throws Live Batting Practice
Cleveland Guardians pitching prospect Andrew Walters (shoulder) threw live batting practice on Wednesday. Walters has been dealing with shoulder soreness throughout camp. However, seeing him return to the bump to face live hitters is a positive sign and could provide him an opportunity to be cleared for Opening Day. Last season, Walters made his MLB debut. The right-hander tossed eight 2/3 shutout innings. He tallied six punchouts and generated a stellar .174 xBA. He was dominant in the minor league as well. He began the season at Double-A where he posted a 1,35 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP across 20 innings of work. He posted a 2.97 ERA at Triple-A with a 1.22 WHIP and 41 punchouts across 30 1/3 innings of work. If he were to return to spring training games, he will likely continue to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
3 hours ago
Nelson Velazquez Exits Early On Wednesday
Kansas City Royals outfielder Nelson Velazquez (undisclosed) was removed early during Wednesday's spring training contest. The outfielder was removed from the contest after going to a ball near the right field wall. Fantasy managers should monitor his status as the team may opt to keep him sidelined for a few days regardless of the extent of the injury. The 26-year-old is currently competing for a depth spot on the major league roster. Last season, Velazquez appeared in 64 games for the Royals. Across this stint, he went deep eight times and held a .200/.274/.366 slash line. He generated a modest 8.8 percent barrel rate and a 38.1 percent hard-hit rate. However, he held a hefty 26.5 percent strikeout rate. If he were to miss time, this could open the door for Joey Wiemer to have a spot on the Opening Day roster as a depth outfielder.
3 hours ago
Lance McCullers Jr. Could Pitch Next Week
Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports that Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) could pitch in a Grapefruit League game as early as next week. The 31-year-old last pitched in big-league action during Game 3 of the 2022 World Series and has just 47.2 regular-season innings of work since the end of 2021. McCullers Jr. underwent surgery in June of 2023 to repair a flexor tendon and had a setback during his rehab in 2024, keeping him out for the entirety of both seasons. It's excellent news for the veteran and a significant step in the right direction. "Yeah, it's exciting, but one day at a time," said McCullers Jr. The lefty is currently just inside the top 400 in ADP regarding fantasy drafts, but that could change over the next few weeks if he pitches well in Grapefruit League action.
4 hours ago
Parker Meadows Progressing But Still Not Throwing
Detroit Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows (arm) is reportedly progressing with a nerve issue in his arm, though he has not yet begun throwing. Meadows has been shut down from baseball activities for nearly three weeks after suffering numbness in his forearm. However, he's been able to complete non-throwing defensive drills and some one-handed swings during his rehab. "Still a little numb on the forearm," Meadows said Wednesday morning. "Might be something I have to fight through because the strength is still there." The 25-year-old still has a shot to be ready for Opening Day and will slot in as the team's center fielder when healthy. He's currently going off the boards outside the top 200 in fantasy drafts.
4 hours ago
Bobby Witt Jr. Exits Wednesday's Game Early
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (hand, wrist) was forced from Wednesday's Cactus League outing against the Seattle Mariners after being hit by a pitch in his hand/wrist area. Anne Rogers of MLB.com reported the news. The severity of the injury is currently unknown, but the former first-round pick is set to undergo further evaluation. This isn't ideal, as the 24-year-old superstar is a consensus top-three pick in fantasy drafts and a candidate to go first overall in some formats. It's possible that the Royals pulled him out of precaution, but any injury to the hand/wrist area is unfavorable. Any missed time by Witt Jr. would be a blow to the team and, depending on the duration could drop him down in fantasy drafts. We'll likely learn more over the next 24 hours. Sit tight.
4 hours ago
Andrew Kittredge Optimistic About June Return
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Andrew Kittredge's (knee) initial timetable to return is set between June and the All-Star break. However, the righty is "optimistic" it will be on the earlier side. Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reported the news. Kittredge underwent arthroscopic knee surgery over the weekend to address the cartilage in his left knee. The 34-year-old noted that his knee began ailing him during live bullpen sessions, and doctors thought it'd be better to deal with it now than later. In 2024, the veteran was excellent, pitching to the tune of a 2.80 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 37 holds over 70.2 innings for the St. Louis Cardinals. Fortunately, there's a set timetable for Kittredge's return. However, it will still be some time before he aids Baltimore's bullpen.
5 hours ago
Kendall Graveman May Not Be Ready For Opening Day
According to manager Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Kendall Graveman (back) is still fighting a back injury and may not be ready for opening day. Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reported the news. The 34-year-old faced live hitters on Tuesday and experienced more back tightness, jeopardizing his availability for the start of the season. Graveman has been working his way back to health after missing the entirety of the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery he underwent in the offseason. The news is not ideal, as Arizona signed the veteran on a one-year deal just a month ago to bolster their bullpen. Fortunately, the righty's imaging came back clean last week. Still, it's unclear when he'll be ready to go for the 2025 season
5 hours ago
Jurickson Profar "Very Confident" He'll Be Ready For Opening Day
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar (wrist) will undergo treatment and limit his on-field activities to standing in the box to track live pitches over the next few days in camp. Profar could be cleared to swing within the next few days, though. When asked about whether he'll be ready for Opening Day, he smiled and said, "very confident," MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports. While most fantasy managers are probably expecting the 32-year-old to take a step back after a career year in 2024 with the San Diego Padres that led to some MVP votes, he's still worth targeting as a No. 3/4 fantasy outfielder in upcoming drafts as long as he doesn't have any setbacks with his wrist once he resumes swinging. Profar doesn't have elite power or speed, but he makes plenty of contact, has great plate discipline and is guaranteed regular playing time in a strong Braves lineup.
6 hours ago
Drake Baldwin Scratched Due To Allergic Reaction
The Atlanta Braves announced on Wednesday that catching prospect Drake Baldwin (illness) was scratched from the Grapefruit League game against the Baltimore Orioles as a precaution due to an allergic reaction. Veteran Sandy Leon took over the catching duties for Atlanta. Baldwin, who is ranked as the team's top prospect by MLB Pipeline, should be find in a day or two. With starter Sean Murphy (ribs) set to open the year on the injured list, the 23-year-old Baldwin is fully expected to open the 2025 season as Atlanta's primary catcher. If he handles himself well, Baldwin should remain with the Braves the rest of the year as the No. 2 behind Murphy. MLB Pipeline has Baldwin ranked as the No. 7 catching prospect in all of baseball. The former third-rounder hit .298 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI in 72 games at Triple-A in 2024 and has intriguing upside as a No. 1 fantasy catcher down the road.
7 hours ago
Carlos Estévez
• RP
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Royals
