MLB News
Starling Marte, Jesse Winker Set To Platoon At Designated Hitter
According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, New York Mets outfielders Starling Marte and Jesse Winker are set to platoon at the designated hitter spot to open the season. Castillo noted that Marte could see occasional starts in right field. As a result, Marte will be on the short side of the platoon, given that he is the right-handed bat. Last season, the 36-year-old posted a .269/.327/.388 line with seven home runs and 16 stolen bases. However, when facing left-handed pitchers, Marte was quite effective as he posted a strong .310/.384/.460 line. Winker resigned with the Mets on a one-year contract earlier this offseason. Facing right-handers, Winker held a .258/.366/.422 slash line. As a result, both players will have limited values in fantasy, given that they will share playing time. However, both could be valuable in deeper NL-only formats, especially in daily lineup leagues.
8 hours ago
Robert Stephenson Hits 60-Day Injured List
According to Jeff Fletcher of the SoCal News Group, Los Angeles Angels right-handed pitcher Robert Stephenson (elbow) has been placed on the 60-day injured list. The 31-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery last May and is not expected to return to the mound until sometime in July. Stephenson was unable to pitch at all during the 2024 campaign. In 2023, Stephenson held a strong 3.10 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP across 52 1/3 innings. He tallied 77 punchouts and allowed walks at an 8.0 percent rate. That season, he generated a strong 2.73 xERA and a .180 xBA. By putting him on the 60-day injured list, the Angels were able to open a roster spot for relief pitcher Kenley Jansen, who the team officially signed earlier on Saturday. When Stephenson does return, fantasy managers should expect him to have a high-leverage role in the bullpen.
8 hours ago
Anthony Rendon Placed On 60-Day Injured List
According to Jeff Fletcher of the SoCal News Group, Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon (hip) was placed on the 60-day injured list. Rendon is slated to undergo hip surgery. He sustained this injury during his rehab sometime during the offseason. As a result, fantasy managers should expect him to be sidelined for a significant period. Earlier in the offseason, the Angels signed veteran third baseman Yoan Moncada to compete for Rendon for starting opportunities, but given his injury, Moncada could have an everyday role in the starting lineup. Rendon has failed to play in at least 60 games in each of his previous five seasons. Last summer, the 34-year-old held a .218/.307/.267 line with 10 doubles and no home runs across 57 games. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should consider targeting Moncada as a depth corner infielder, as he has a viable path to starting opportunities.
9 hours ago
Emiliano Teodo Dealing With Thumb Soreness
According to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, Texas Rangers pitching prospect Emiliano Teodo (thumb) is dealing with thumb soreness. Due to this injury, he left his bullpen early on Saturday, but his exit was deemed "precautionary." Landry noted the 24-year-old is labeled as day-to-day. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as a strong spring performance could earn him a spot on the Triple-A roster. Last summer, the No. 6 ranked prospect in the system logged 86 1/3 innings at the Double-A level and performed quite well as he held a 1.98 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 110 strikeouts but served up a hefty 50 free passes. However, this a strong improvement compared to the 4.52 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP he held across 61 2/3 innings at High-A. Teodo could contend for a big league debut later this summer if he carries this strong play into Triple-A.
9 hours ago
Shane McClanahan Named Opening Day Starter
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan has been named the Opening Day starter. Manager Kevin Cash noted it was a "pretty easy choice." McClanahan missed the entire 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery he underwent in August 2023. The southpaw made the All-Star game in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He enjoyed his best campaign in 2022, where he held a 2.54 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP across 166 1/3 innings. He tallied 194 punchouts and only served up 38 free passes. Then, in 2023, McClanahan posted a 3.29 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP across 115 innings of work. The left-hander is not expected to face any restrictions during spring training, but he may be given a slight innings limit during the regular season. Nonetheless, fantasy managers should draft McClanahan when looking for strikeout upside.
9 hours ago
Paul Skenes Experimenting With Cutter And Running Two-Seamer
According to Kevin Gorman of the Tribune-Review Sports, Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes is experimenting with a cutter and a running two-seamer. Pirates pitching coach Oscar Marin noted that these experiments will improve Skenes' pitching efficiency. Marin noted that the reigning NL Rookie of the Year has emphasized getting into favorable counts and adding more pitches to his repertoire will only improve his chances of doing so. Last summer, the former top pick of the 2023 MLB Draft held a stellar 1.96 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP across his first 133 big league frames. He tallied strikeouts at an incredible 33.1 percent rate and generated ground balls at a strong 52.3 percent rate. Skenes relied heavily on his four-seamer and sinker during his rookie season, but additional pitches could only improve his efficiency on the mound. He is viewed as one of the top pitchers in all formats and is a consensus first-round selection.
13 hours ago
Shohei Ohtani Throws First Bullpen
According to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter/starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (elbow, shoulder) threw his first bullpen of the spring on Saturday. Ohtani tossed 14 pitches and only threw four- and two-seamers. His velocity reached 92-94 mph. Manager Dave Roberts noted that this was a "great" first bullpen. Ohtani was unable to pitch during the 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September of 2023. However, this did not inhibit his performance in the batter's box, as he established the 50/50 club with a stellar .310/.391/.646 slash line. He generated an elite .442 xwOBA, .314 xBA, and a .660 xSLG. Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that the 30-year-old was hoping to return to the bump sometime in May. During the first month of the season, fantasy managers should expect Ohtani to continue to serve as the designated hitter. He's viewed as the top pick in all formats as a hitter.
13 hours ago
Dodgers Sign Eddie Rosario To Minor-League Deal
According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, the Los Angeles Dodgers have signed outfielder Eddie Rosario to a minor-league contract. Rosario spent time with the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves during the 2024 campaign. However, he had the worst season of his 10-year MLB career as he held a .175/.215/.36 slash line. He hit just 10 home runs and swiped nine bags across 91 contests. He drew walks at a poor 5.0 percent rate and struck out at a high 24.1 percent rate. This was a sharp drop from the .255/.305/.450 line and 21 long balls he hit during the 2023 campaign. Given the depth on the Dodgers roster, fantasy managers should expect Rosario to open the campaign at the Triple-A level. If he does bounce back in spring training, he could compete for playing time alongside Andy Pages and James Outman.
13 hours ago
Tomoyuki Sugano Reports To Camp
According to the team, Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano has reported to camp. The Orioles signed him to a one-year contract with $13 million earlier in the offseason. Sugano arrived late to camp due to visa issues. Fantasy managers should expect the 35-year-old to throw his first bullpen session sometime next week, and he is currently slated to open the season in the starting rotation. The right-hander was dominant in the Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League. Last season, he logged 156 2/3 innings with a sharp 1.67 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. He showed elite command with a 16:111 BB:K ratio. Fantasy managers should not target Sugano when looking for strikeouts, as his fastball does not reach the upper 90s. However, he could provide strong ratios, given his elite command. He is worth a look in deeper formats, as he should spend most of the campaign in the starting rotation.
13 hours ago
Chayce McDermott Suffers Lat Strain, Briefly Shut Down
According to Jacob Calvin Meyer of the Baltimore Sun, Orioles starting pitching prospect Chayce McDermott (lat) sustained a mild lat/teres strain and is being briefly shut down. Meyer noted that McDermott will begin a throwing program in 10-14 days. Given this setback, McDermott will face an uphill battle to have a chance to make the Opening Day roster. Last season, McDermott was given one start in the major leagues. Across his first four MLB frames, the No. 5 ranked prospect in the system allowed three earned runs. He spent the majority of the campaign with Triple-A Norfolk, where he logged 100 innings to the tune of a 3.78 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. He tallied 144 punchouts and served up 60 free passes. Fantasy managers should expect the Ball State product to open the season the season with Triple-A but will likely be given a call to the majors later in the summer.
13 hours ago
Shawn Dubin Dealing With Shoulder Injury
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Shawn Dubin (shoulder) is dealing with a shoulder injury. Rome noted that his shoulder "didn't feel right" after playing catch. Manager Joe Espada said that Dubin is currently shut down from throwing. Fantasy managers should continue to keep an eye on his status as his current timetable is unknown. Last season, the 29-year-old held a 4.17 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP across 45 1/3 innings of work. He struck out 49 batters but showed weak command as he served up free passes at a high 12.6 percent rate. Dubin was typically deployed out of the bullpen but did make two starts last season. Fantasy managers should expect the Georgetown College product to operate primarily out of the bullpen during the 2025 campaign.
13 hours ago
Shinnosuke Ogasawara Sharp In First Bullpen
According to Jessica Camerato of MLB.com, Washington Nationals left-handed pitcher Shinnosuke Ogasawara performed very well in his first major league bullpen. Nationals pitching coach Jim Hickey noted that he was not only impressed that Ogasawara threw despite arriving to camp late at night but was also pleased with his performance. Hickey credited the shapes of pitches and his overall repertoire. After spending nine seasons with the Chunichi Dragons in Japan, Ogasawara signed a two-year contract with the Nationals earlier in the offseason. While Ogasawara is not a hard thrower, he is able to mix several different pitches in his arsenal. Ogasawara showed off his curveball and mixed in a fastball and changeup. Fantasy managers should expect the 27-year-old to compete for a spot in the starting rotation.
13 hours ago
Matt Brash Scheduled To Throw Bullpen On Saturday
According to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, Mariners relief pitcher Matt Brash (elbow) is scheduled to throw a bullpen on Saturday. Brash has not returned to the mound since undergoing an internal brace procedure last May. He was unable to pitch at all during the 2024 campaign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 26-year-old's status as he is not expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. During the 2023 campaign, Brash tallied 25 holds, operating as the setup man for Andres Munoz. Across 70 2/3 innings, the hard-throwing right-hander posted a 3.06 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 107 punchouts (34.7 percent strikeout rate) and generated a stellar 4.8 percent barrel rate. When Brash returns, he should be viewed as a top option in holds leagues as he will likely return to his eighth-inning high-leverage role.
14 hours ago
Chris Martin Dealing With The Flu
According to Jeff Wilson of DLLS Sports, Texas Rangers pitcher Chris Martin (illness) is dealing with the flu but has been able to play catch. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he is unable to pitch in the early spring training games. Last season, the 38-year-old logged 44 1/3 innings with the Boston Red Sox. Across this stint, Martin posted a 3.45 ERA with a 1.13 WHIP. He held a strong 27.8 percent strikeout rate and showed elite command of his pitches with a 1.7 percent walk rate. He also generated an excellent 4.1 percent barrel rate, which was well above the average mark. The 38-year-old has a strong chance to open the season as the primary closer in Texas as they were unable to resign Kirby Yates, who had ninth-inning duties last summer. Robert Garcia, Jacob Webb, and potentially starting pitcher Jon Gray could also be deployed in high-leverage situations.
14 hours ago
Tyler Mahle A Full-Go For Spring Training
According to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com, Texas Rangers starting pitcher Tyler Mahle enters spring training with a "clean bill of health" and will have "no restrictions." Mahle missed most of the 2024 season due to removing from Tommy John surgery. He returned to the bump in August but was only able to make three starts before being shut down with shoulder tightness. However, seeing him enter spring training without any restrictions is a great sign for his status. Mahle enjoyed a career season during the 2021 campaign with the Cincinnati Reds as he posted a 3.75 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP across 180 frames. He struck out 210 batters and served up just 64 free passes during that season. Fantasy managers should expect the 30-year-old to slot in the starting rotation. If he performs well in spring training, he could be worth a look later in drafts in deeper formats, given the strikeout upside he flashed earlier in his career.
14 hours ago
Andy Ibanez An Option At Third Base
According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, Detroit Tigers infielder Andy Ibanez is a potential option to see time at third base. The Tigers were very interested in signing third baseman Alex Bregman but were unable to close the deal. However, the team will now shift their focus to internal options to cover the hot corner. President of baseball operations Scott Harris said the team has several options, including Jace Jung, Matt Vierling, and Ibanez. Harris noted that Ibanez is a "lefty killer" who plays "really good defense" at the position. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Ibanez's status during spring training, as he could find a role on the short side of a platoon at the hot corner. Facing southpaws last season, Ibanez held a .292/.357/.445 slash line with four home runs and seven doubles. If he performs well in spring training, he could be worth a look in AL-only formats.
14 hours ago
Riley Greene Hopes To Improve Availability
According to Jason Beck of MLB.com, Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene emphasized improving his diet and exercise plan during the offseason to increase his playing time in the upcoming season. Last season, Greene was able to play in a career-high 137 contests, but he has his eye on an even more significant workload in 2025. This was his first season surpassing the 100-game mark. The 24-year-old's new offseason plan hopefully ensures his body is able to handle a full 162-game season. Last summer, Greene held a .262/.348/.479 slash line and tallied a career-best 24 long balls. Under the hood, he generated a strong .353 xwOBA and a .477 xSLG, which placed him in the 88th and 89th percentile, respectively. He also showed a strong eye at the plate and drew walks at an 11.0 percent rate. Fantasy managers should expect Greene to see most of his time in left field with occasional starts as the designated hitter.
14 hours ago
Kutter Crawford Not Ruling Out Knee Surgery
According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Kutter Crawford (knee) is dealing with knee soreness. Crawford noted that he first injured this knee during his third start of last season but was able to play through it. However, this was a reason why his velocity dipped at times. His knee has improved over the winter, but he recently faced a setback. McCaffrey noted that he has not ruled out surgery but is working on strengthening his knee first. Last season, the 28-year-old posted a 4.36 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP across 183 2/3 innings. He struck out 175 batters and held a strong 6.8 percent walk rate. If Crawford can overcome this setback, fantasy managers should expect him to slot in the starting rotation.
14 hours ago
Cubs Unlikely To Extend Kyle Tucker
According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Chicago Cubs are unlikely to extend outfielder Kyle Tucker. Mooney noted that even though the Cubs were unsuccessful in their pursuit of third baseman Alex Bregman, the team's next moves are expected to be "very modest." In addition, the team is aware that Tucker will likely explore his options at the end of the season when he reaches the open market. Earlier in the offseason, the Cubs acquired the superstar in exchange for third baseman Cam Smith, infielder Isaac Paredes and right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski. However, the Cubs are likely to be very interested in resigned Tucker at the end of the season, especially if they make a deep postseason run. Even though he was limited by a shin contusion last season, Tucker was very productive across 78 games as he held a .289/.408/.585 line. He should be viewed as a consensus first-round selection in all formats this season, as he carries five-category upside and an elite eye at the plate.
15 hours ago
Tylor Megill Works On Improving His Curveball
New York Mets right-hander Tylor Megill added a two-seam sinker last year to keep hitters from consistently looking away for his four-seam fastball and slider. It was a big reason why he was nails down the stretch last year for the Mets, when he posted a 2.32 ERA in six late-season starts (all wins). This offseason, Megill worked to improve his curveball to make it tighter and more of a weapon in two-strike counts. Eventually, it could replace his sweeper, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon and Tim Britton. The 29-year-old used his cutter 14.3% of the time last year, but he doesn't plan to throw it as much in 2025. "Use my strengths. My fastball is my strength," Megill said. "The fastball statistically, I should have used it a lot more." Because he has minor-league options left, Megill might be fighting an uphill battle for a rotation spot out of spring training.
16 hours ago
Starling Marte
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