MLB News
Brooks Lee, Edouard Julien Both Expected To See Time At Second
Minnesota Twins second basemen Brooks Lee and Edouard Julien are the favorites to make the team out of camp and share duties manning second base for Minnesota. The Twins also have super-utility man Willi Castro, who can play the position as well, but would likely see time all over the field after playing five different positions last season for the Twins. Lee made his MLB debut in 2024 with mixed results but is showing well this spring and comes with 2B, 3B, and SS eligibility on Yahoo, while Julien draws lots of walks and hit as many as 16 homers back in 2023. Neither one makes for a great fantasy option at the moment, though, unless one secures the position for themselves.
6 hours ago
Isiah Kiner-Falefa Expected To Man Shortstop For Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa is expected to be the primary option at the position come Opening Day. Oneil Cruz has been moved to center field, so the position is now Kiner-Falefa's, and the Bucs also have Jared Triolo on hand, who can play there if needed. Kiner-Falefa is probably a better real-life ball player than a fantasy asset, though, carrying a career .262/.313/.351 slash line with no more than eight home runs in any one particular season and stolen base totals dropping from a high of 22 SB in 2022 to 11 in 2024. The 29-year-old is also projected to hit at the bottom of the Pirates' batting order, which doesn't add any appeal, however, there is some intrigue regarding his positional eligibility as the right-handed hitter is eligible on Yahoo at 2B, 3B, and SS.
6 hours ago
Dedniel Nunez Faces Live Hitters, Still Has A Shot At Opening Day
New New York Mets relief pitcher Dedniel Nunez (forearm) faced live hitters in camp on Monday for the first time this spring. The 28-year-old missed most of the second half of last season with a strained right flexor tendon but had been superb before the injury. Combined with already having had Tommy John surgery in his career, the Mets are taking it slow with Nunez, but they still feel there's a chance he's ready for Opening Day. Last season, the righty posted a 2.31 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and an elite 29.6 percent K-BB% in 35 innings of work. Fantasy managers in need of strikeouts and an ERA-lowering arm could give the Dominican some consideration when he's confirmed to be ready, but with Edwin Diaz locked in for now as the Mets' closer, there isn't much fantasy value here in most leagues.
7 hours ago
Mitch Garver Homers, Leaves Game After Hit-By-Pitch
Seattle Mariners designated hitter Mitch Garver blasted a two-run home run in Monday's 7-5 Cactus League loss to the Brewers, then exited the contest after being hit by a pitch in the wrist area in his next at-bat. The Mariners are still awaiting the results of X-rays but are obviously hoping for the best outcome as Garver had been having a productive spring and was expected to backup Cal Raleigh at catcher when he wasn't in the lineup as the team's designated hitter. The 34-year-old was hitting .444 (8-for-19) with three home runs, six RBI, and six runs scored in eight games so far this spring. The veteran still has some pop in his bat, as evidenced by the 15 home runs he hit in 114 games last season, but he also saw the strikeout rate soar to a career-worst of 30.9 percent (excluding 2020), 7.1 percent higher than the previous season. The former Silver Slugger award winner may be worthy of a roster spot in AL-only leagues given his power potential and eligibility at catcher, so interested managers will want to see what comes of the X-rays.
7 hours ago
Jacob Amaya Exits With Hip Tightness On Monday
Chicago White Sox shortstop Jacob Amaya left Monday's 10-3 Cactus League loss to the Athletics after experiencing left hip tightness. The injury doesn't sound serious, so consider the 26-year-old day-to-day for now. The former 11th-round draft pick has been battling the Sox's fourth-overall prospect Colson Montgomery to be the team's Opening Day shortstop, although it appeared Montgomery had the inside track even before the injury. Amaya was 2-for-15 (.133) through eight spring appearances with a 2:7 BB:K. The right-handed hitter spent most of last season with Houston's Triple-A affiliate, but does have a little major league experience. In 28 career games, he's slashed .182/.222/.195 with no home runs and two stolen bases. Without a secure role, there's no fantasy interest tied to Amaya at this point.
8 hours ago
Derek Law Intent On Breaking Nats' Workload Record
In 2025, Washington Nationals relief pitcher Derek Law has his sights set on breaking the team's innings pitched record for a reliever. As such, the 34-year-old is just starting to ramp up, throwing to live batters for the first time this spring despite being fully healthy. The intent is to not put any unnecessary stress on his arm before the season begins, especially after throwing 90 innings in 2024, the second-most for a relief pitcher in all of baseball last season. To beat the record, the righty will have to surpass 93 innings pitched to pass the current record-holder, Saul Rivera. The veteran posted a good 2.60 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP on the way to setting a career high in holds with 17, but isn't known for having strikeout stuff like many relievers of today, logging a 7.6 K/9 and a 14.2 percent K-BB%. With that being the case, Law is really only worthy of a roster spot in leagues that reward holds or NL-only formats.
8 hours ago
Brandon Nimmo Resumes Baseball Activities
New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo (knee) resumed baseball activities on Monday, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. The manager noted that Nimmo could return to action "pretty soon." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but it appears Nimmo is nearing a return to the Grapefruit League. The 31-year-old has dealt with soreness in his knee which has kept him sidelined for the time being. Nimmo has also had a lingering plantar fasciitis issue in his left foot. Last season, Nimmo held a .224/.327/.399 slash line with 23 home runs and 15 stolen bases. He generated a strong .335 xwOBA and drew walks at a high 11.6 percent rate. When he is cleared to return, fantasy managers should expect Nimmo to bat behind Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor, which should provide him with elite RBI opportunities.
12 hours ago
CJ Alexander Departs Monday's Contest With Injury
Athletics third baseman CJ Alexander (undisclosed) exited Monday's contest early with an injury. Alexander was able to walk off the field but needed assistance. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team should provide an update on his injury. The 28-year-old made his MLB debut last summer with the Kansas City Royals. Across four contests, Alexander tallied just one hit and struck out three times. He spent most of his season at the Triple-A level where he held a strong .302/.361/.559 slash line with the Omaha Storm Chasers and the Las Vegas Aviators. He tallied 27 doubles and added 19 long balls. When he returns to action, he could compete to earn a depth role in the majors given his success at the Triple-A level.
12 hours ago
Jorge Mateo Progressing, Not Close To Playing In Games
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jorge Mateo (elbow) has been progressing through his recovery plan but is still a "ways away" from returning to game action. Mateo went through a full workout on Monday. He took groundballs and was swinging a bat in the cage. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be approaching a return to the lineup if he does not face any setbacks. Mateo is recovering from UCL reconstruction surgery on his left elbow. Last season, the 29-year-old appeared in just 68 contests for Baltimore and held a .229/.267/.401 slash line. He tallied 14 doubles, five home runs, and swiped 13 bags. During the 2023 season, Mateo swiped 32 bags and held a .217/.267/.340 line. When healthy, he will likely be deployed as a depth option in the Baltimore infield.
12 hours ago
George Lombard Jr. Sent To Minor-League Camp
The New York Yankees have assigned shortstop prospect George Lombard Jr. to minor-league camp. Lombard has enjoyed a productive spring training with the major-league roster as he went deep twice across 22 at-bats. The 19-year-old has only seen time in the lower levels of the minor leagues but could push for an early-season Double-A debut given his success during camp. Last summer, the former 26th overall selection spent most of his time at Single-A where he held a .232/.344/.348 slash line with 17 doubles, five home runs, and 30 stolen bases. He then earned a 29-game taste of High-A where he posted a .226/.321/.296 slash line. He tallied just eight doubles with nine stolen bases with High-A, but did not hit a home run. If he were to carry this power production into the start of the regular season, he could see a significant look at Double-A later in the 2025 campaign.
12 hours ago
Gunnar Henderson "Progressing Well"
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (side) is "progressing well" but remains without a definite timetable. Manager Brandon Hyde noted that he is still unsure when he will return to game action. Henderson sustained this injury last Thursday and could be in danger of missing Opening Day. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will likely be cautious as he increases his activity. Last season, the former top prospect enjoyed the best season of his career as he went deep 37 times and held a strong .281/.364/.529 slash line. He added 21 swiped bags and drew walks at a strong 10.8 percent rate. He generated an elite .374 xwOBA and a 53.9 percent hard-hit rate, placing him in the 94th and 97th percentile, respectively. If Henderson were to miss time early in the season, Jackson Holliday would shift to shortstop, which would open the keystone for Ramon Urias.
12 hours ago
Gerrit Cole To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) is set to undergo Tommy John surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn right ulnar collateral ligament. He will miss the entire 2025 season. The 34-year-old underwent testing on his right elbow over the weekend. He went for a second opinion earlier on Monday. In addition to missing the entire 2025 campaign, the 34-year-old could also be in danger of missing a significant portion of the 2026 season as well. Last season, Cole missed time due to elbow inflammation but was able to log 95 innings with a 3.41 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. He tallied 99 punchouts and held a 7.4 percent walk rate. He generated a modest 3.61 xERA with a .226 xBA. In addition to Cole, right-handed pitcher Luis Gil (lat) is set to miss at least three months of action. This will open the door for Marcus Stroman to have a permanent spot in the rotation and potentially prospect Will Warren to open the season as the No. 5 option.
12 hours ago
Trevor Rogers Still Playing Catch On Flat Ground
Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun reports that starting pitcher Trevor Rogers (knee) is still limited to flat-ground work but hopes to be throwing off a mound by the end of camp. The former first-round pick suffered a knee subluxation back in January but has fortunately continued throwing despite the injury. Meyer notes that the lefty's ramp-up could be quicker since he's been playing catch all spring, and his arm is in a good spot. Still, he'll have to get his knee right before he can toe the rubber again. Rogers pitched poorly last season as a member of the Miami Marlins and was even worse once being shipped to Baltimore in July -- registering a 7.11 ERA and an 0-2 record in 19 innings pitched with the club. Cumulatively, he was 2-11 with a 1.58 WHIP and 4.92 ERA in 25 starts.
13 hours ago
Royals Cut Noah Cameron, Among Others
Per the team, the Kansas City Royals have assigned LHP Noah Cameron, RHP Eric Cerantola, and outfielder Tyler Gentry to minor league camp and optioned to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers. The Royals have also assigned RHP Anthony Simonelli, RHP Junior Fernandez, and catcher Kyle Hayes to minor league camp. Kansas City is trimming down the roster, and at 52 players in Major League camp, there are still some cuts to make before opening day. Cameron, 25, pitched to a 3.60 ERA across ten innings of work in spring training. He has done well on the bump throughout his minor league career -- registering a sub-3.00 ERA (2.32) as recently as last season with Omaha. While he won't be on the opening-day roster, Cameron has a good chance of making his way to the big leagues at some point in 2025.
13 hours ago
Osleivis Basabe Optioned By San Francisco
The San Francisco Giants have optioned shortstop Osleivis Basabe (shoulder) to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. The 24-year-old was looking for his first stint in the big leagues since his brief time with the Tampa Bay Rays back in 2023, but he'll begin the 2025 season in the minors. Basabe was given a spot on the 40-man roster in February but sustained a shoulder strain late in the month, limiting him to just ten spring training at-bats. The former Tampa Bay Ray floundered in Triple-A last season with a .248 average and hit .251 during international play. However, if he fully recovers, he has a good shot at an everyday role with Sacramento.
14 hours ago
Tom Murphy Still Battling Back Issue
San Francisco Giants catcher Tom Murphy (back) will receive a second epidural injection for his ailing back this week, and is strictly relegated to rehabilitation over the next few weeks. Justice delos Santos of The Mercury News reports. Murphy, 33, has yet to appear in any Cactus League action due to a mid-back disk herniation he suffered during the first week of pitcher and catcher workouts. Sadly, it does not appear to have improved, and he seems all but ruled out for opening day at this time. If so, teammate Sam Huff could begin the season as the team's backup backstop. Huff has hit .286 in 14 Cactus League at-bats.
14 hours ago
Wade Meckler Dealing With Neck Strain
San Francisco Giants outfielder Wade Meckler (neck, concussion) has been diagnosed with a mild neck strain and a concussion, per the team. The news comes after he was re-evaluated by team doctors earlier on Monday. The 25-year-old picked up the injuries over the weekend, exiting San Francisco's Cactus League contest with the Chicago Cubs in the first inning. Meckler will sit out for the next seven days. It's unfortunate news for him, as he was vying for a reserve spot in the Giants' outfield. In 19 spring training at-bats, the lefty has five hits (.263) -- all singles -- and notched one theft, one RBI, and one run scored.
14 hours ago
A's Reassign Dylan Floro To Minor-League Camp
The Athletics reassigned right-hander Dylan Floro to minor-league camp on Monday. In other moves, the A's also optioned right-handers Ryan Cusick and Gunnar Hogland and outfielder Denzel Clarke to Triple-A Las Vegas. Right-handers Jason Alexander, Tanner Dodson and Jack Perkins, left-hander Ben Bowden, catcher Kyle McCann, infielder Nick Kurtz and outfielders Henry Bolte, Carlos Cortes and Colby Thomas were also reassigned to minor-league camp. The 34-year-old Floro agreed to a minor-league pact with the A's late last month, which made it difficult for him to make a serious run for an Opening Day bullpen spot. However, Floro has plenty of experience and made 66 big-league appearances with the Nationals and Diamondbacks last year. There's a good chance he'll be back in the majors at some point in 2025, but he won't have much fantasy appeal, if any at all.
15 hours ago
Luis Rengifo Takes Part In On-Field Drills
Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo (hamstring) participated in on-field drills at camp on Monday and still has a chance to be ready for Opening Day later this month despite being scratched for a second time in a week on Sunday due to a tight hamstring. Manager Ron Washington said the team hasn't made a decision on who will start at shortstop or second base yet to begin the 2025 regular season. On Sunday, Washington said the Angels would back off Rengifo so that he can get past his hamstring issue, which puts his availability for Opening Day in question. Starting shortstop Zach Neto (shoulder) will start the year on the injured list, so the Angels' infield options are thinning quickly. Veteran Kevin Newman is the favorite to start at the 6, while infield prospect Christian Moore is looking increasingly likely to make the Opening Day roster, especially if Rengifo isn't ready.
15 hours ago
Riley Adams Back In Action On Monday
Washington Nationals catcher Riley Adams (wrist) is back in the Grapefruit League lineup on Monday against the division-rival Miami Marlins, doing the catching and batting eighth. Adams was hit by a pitch recently in spring training, which resulted in a sore wrist and caused him to sit out for a few days, but he's back in there now and is ready to go. The 28-year-old will continue to compete in camp with Drew Millas to be the backup to Keibert Ruiz to open the 2025 regular season. After an encouraging 2023 campaign in which he had an .807 OPS in 158 plate appearances as a backup catcher, Adams had a .629 OPS with two home runs and eight RBI in only 41 games for the Nats last year while also spending more time in the minor leagues. Adams probably has the edge over Millas because he doesn't have minor-league options remaining, but he doesn't have much upside as a backup in D.C. because of the fact that he doesn't bring much to the table with his glove.
16 hours ago
Edouard Julien
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Twins
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