MLB News

Abner Uribe  • RP  •  Brewers

Abner Uribe "Going Slow" In Return To Action

According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Abner Uribe (knee) is "going slow" as he returns from the right knee surgery he underwent in June of 2024. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Uribe's status during spring training as he could be in danger of missing Opening Day if he faces a setback. Another Milwaukee high-leverage arm, Trevor Megill (undisclosed) has also been limited during the start of spring training. Before the injury, Uribe posted a 6.91 with a 1.88 WHIP across 14 1/3 innings. He also tallied three saves and added 14 punchouts. During the 2023 season, Uribe was very effective as he posted a 1.76 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP with 39 strikeouts across 30 2/3 innings of work. If Uribe were to miss time early in the season, Joel Payamps would see most of the setup duties behind ninth-inning arm Trevor Megill.
0 hour ago   
Robert Gasser  • SP  •  Brewers

Robert Gasser Placed On 60-Day IL, Targeting August Return

According to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Brewers pitching prospect Robert Gasser (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list. This transaction opened a roster spot for Tyler Alexander to officially sign with the Brewers. However, Rosiak noted that the sixth-ranked prospect in the Milwaukee system is targeting a late August or early September return. Gasser underwent Tommy John surgery last July but remains on track to return to the mound later in the season. The southpaw was able to make his first five MLB starts before the surgery. Across this brief 28-inning stint, Gasser held a 2.57 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP. The left-hander tallied just 16 punchouts but showed elite command with a near-perfect 0.9 percent walk rate. Gasser could be a candidate to rejoin the rotation in the back half of the season.
1 hour ago   
Mason Englert  • RP  •  Rays

Rays Acquire Mason Englert From Detroit

According to the team, the Tampa Bay Rays have acquired right-handed pitcher Mason Englert from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Drew Sommers. In a corresponding move, the Rays placed left-handed pitcher Nate Lavender (elbow) on the 60-day injured list to open a spot on the roster for Englert. Englert has spent his entire time in the MLB with the Tigers. Last summer, the 25-year-old posted a 5.40 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP across 21 2/3 innings. He struck out 16 batters but showed strong command with a 5.6 percent walk rate. However, he allowed hard contact at a high 47.9 percent hard-hit rate and barrels at a 14.1 percent rate. Fantasy managers should expect Englert to compete for a low-leverage spot in the Tampa Bay bullpen during spring training.
1 hour ago   
Jairo Iriarte  • SP  •  White Sox

Jairo Iriarte Working As A Starter During Spring Training

According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, White Sox pitching prospect Jairo Iriarte will work with the team as a starter during spring training. The seventh-ranked prospect in the system made his MLB debut last summer but was deployed exclusively out of the bullpen. During this short six-inning stint, the 23-year-old held a 1.50 ERA with a 1.83 WHIP. He tallied six punchouts and generated a solid 50.0 percent ground-ball rate. However, he also had a high 4.28 xERA, suggesting he may face some regression when he returns to the mound. During his time in the minor leagues, Iriarte spent most of his time in a starting rotation. Last season at Triple-A, Iriarte made 22 starts in 23 games and held a 3.71 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. He could contend for a spot in the Opening Day rotation if he performs well in spring training.
1 hour ago   
Trevor Megill  • RP  •  Brewers

Trevor Megill Delayed By Undisclosed Injury

According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Trevor Megill (undisclosed) has been "pushed back" by a minor health issue in a recent throwing session. However, manager Pat Murphy said Megill is "fine." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Megill's status during spring training in case he continues to face delays in his progression schedule. With Devin Williams now in the Bronx, Megill is slated to be the team's top closer. However, given this potential injury, he may carry some risk, especially if he continues to be limited during the spring. If Megill were to miss time, Abner Uribe and Joel Payamps would compete for the save opportunities. Last season, Megill tallied 21 saves across 46 1/3 innings. He posted a 2.72 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP. If Megill is healthy heading into Opening Day, he should provide a high floor for save totals during the 2025 season.
1 hour ago   
Alex Bregman  • 3B  •  Red Sox

Alex Bregman Expected To Play Second Base

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, newly acquired third baseman Alex Bregman is expected to play second base with the Boston Red Sox. On Wednesday evening, the Boston Red Sox signed the two-time World Series champion to a three-year $120 million contract. While Bregman has played at the hot corner throughout his career, sources indicate he will transition to the keystone. As a result, this will keep Rafael Devers at third base and Triston Casas at first. However, second baseman David Hamilton will likely shift to a reserve role. In addition, top second base prospect Kristian Campbell was in the running to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster but now could open the season at Triple-A to further his development. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the Boston depth chart throughout spring training. Bregman would become a valuable fantasy asset if he gains second base eligibility batting in the top half of a strong lineup and in a favorable park for right-handed pull hitters.
1 hour ago   
Alex Bregman  • 3B  •  Red Sox

Alex Bregman Signs Three-Year Deal With Boston

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman is signing a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. The contract includes opt-outs after each season. Bregman was viewed as the clear top bat remaining on the open market. Throughout the offseason, the former two-time World Series champion had several suitors, including the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros. Bregman spent his entire nine-year MLB career with the Houston Astros. Last season, the 30-year-old posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. He generated a solid .257 xBA. The former second overall pick has always shown an elite eye at the plate throughout his career. Last summer, he posted a stellar 13.6 percent strikeout rate, which gives him a significant boost in points leagues. With Boston, Fantasy managers should expect Bregman to have an everyday role at the hot corner, which will likely shift Rafael Devers to either first base or the designated hitter spot. If Devers were to move to first base, Triston Casas would be penciled in as the everyday DH. Bregman should still be viewed as a solid low-end starting third baseman in all formats, as he should see plenty of RBI opportunities while batting in the top half of the Boston lineup.
11 hours ago   
Nick Pivetta  • SP  •  Padres

Nick Pivetta Signs Four-Year Deal With Padres

Free-agent right-hander Nick Pivetta and the San Diego Padres agreed to a four-year, $55 million deal on Wednesday that includes a pair of opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons and is pending a physical, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Pivetta will now join a starting rotation in San Diego that includes right-handers Dylan Cease, Michael King and Yu Darvish. The 31-year-old Canadian hurler went 6-12 last year with Boston with a 4.14 ERA (4.07 FIP), 1.13 WHIP and 172:36 K:BB in 145 2/3 innings over 27 outings (26 starts). He's known for peppering the strike zone (career 8.6% walk rate) and has had an above average strikeout rate the last two years at 30% while being a swing man in Boston in 2023. Pivetta is not overpowering by any means with a career 41.3% hard-hit rate, but the move to Petco Park should be good news for his fantasy profile as a No. 5 or 6 fantasy starting pitcher.
11 hours ago   
Daniel Vogelbach  • DH

Daniel Vogelbach Hired By Pirates As Special Hitting Assistant

Former first baseman/designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach has been hired by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a special assistant to the hitting department for the 2025 season. Vogelbach will begin his post-playing career after playing in 31 games for the Toronto Blue Jays last year and hitting just .186/.278/.300 with a .578 OPS, one home run and eight RBI in 79 plate appearances. The 32-year-old left-handed slugger began the 2022 campaign with the Pirates and hit .228 (54-for-237) with 12 home runs and 34 RBI in 75 games played. Vogelbach was originally a second-round selection by the Chicago Cubs in 2011. He broke into the big leagues with the Seattle Mariners in 2016 and was named to his only All-Star team in his final full season with Seattle in 2019. Over the course of nine MLB seasons, Vogelbach hit .219/.340/.405 with 81 home runs and 246 RBI in 602 games played for five different organizations.
13 hours ago   
Joe La Sorsa  • RP  •  Reds

Joe La Sorsa To Report To Camp In A Few Days

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Joe La Sorsa (illness) is recovering from an illness and is expected to report to spring training in a few days, according to The Athletic's C. Trent Rosecrans. In addition, right-hander Albert Abreu has yet to secure his visa but is expected to report to camp by next week. Both La Sorsa and Abreu are non-roster invites to spring training this year. The Reds also announced the signing of right-hander Josh Staumont to a minor-league deal this week that includes an invitation to major-league camp. La Sorsa, 26, was released by the Washington Nationals this offseason but quickly latched on with the Reds and will attempt to win a roster spot out of spring training. In 16 relief appearances for the Nats in 2024, he sported a 4.58 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and five walks in 17 2/3 innings. La Sorsa will likely begin the 2025 season in the minors.
13 hours ago   
John Brebbia  • RP  •  Tigers

Tigers Sign John Brebbia To One-Year Deal

The Detroit Tigers announced on Wednesday that they signed free-agent right-hander John Brebbia to a one-year, $2.25 million deal for the 2025 season that includes a club option for 2026 worth $4 million. Brebbia will head back to the American League Central after starting the 2024 campaign with the Chicago White Sox. The 34-year-old veteran reliever also appeared in five games out of the bullpen with the Atlanta Braves. Overall, he was 0-6 with a 5.86 ERA (4.52 FIP), a 1.35 WHIP, two saves, 67 strikeouts and 19 walks in 55 1/3 innings over 59 relief appearances. Other than his 2021 season with the San Francisco Giants, last year was one of Brebbia's worst in his seven years in the big leagues. With the Tigers, he's likely to hold a middle-relief role and shouldn't be on anyone's fantasy radar.
13 hours ago   
Cade Cavalli  • SP  •  Nationals

Cade Cavalli Deemed Healthy To Start Spring Training

According to Andrew Golden of the Washington Post, Nationals right-handed pitcher Cade Cavalli (elbow) is "healthy" entering spring training. However, manager Dave Martinez noted that the team will manage his workload and want him to be available for the entire season when he does return to the mound. Cavalli underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2023 campaign but was only limited to just five 2/3 innings in the minor leagues last season after dealing with dead-arm from his recovery process. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status throughout the spring but should expect him to be put on a strict innings limit. Given the extent of the time he has missed, he will likely open the season in the minor leagues as he continues to build up his workload. He last appeared in the majors during the 2022 season, where he made just one start. The 26-year-old could be worth a look in deeper NL-only formats when he returns to the majors but should not be targeted in any drafts given his uncertain timetable.
13 hours ago   
Alexander Canario  • LF  •  Cubs

Alexander Canario Seeing Time At First Base

According to Maddie Lee of the Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Cubs outfielder Alexander Canario saw time at first base on Tuesday. The team is exploring several options to serve as the backup behind Michael Busch. Infielders Jon Berti and Vidal Brujan are also expected to see time at first base during the spring. Canario has been exclusively deployed in the outfield throughout his professional career but could have another route to making the Opening Day roster. Currently, the Chicago outfield is quite crowded at the major league level and has several options in the system, including Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcantara. Over the past two seasons, Canario logged only 21 games in the majors but has performed well, holding a .286/.333/.524 line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Canario's status during spring training as he could carve out a permanent role on the depth chart.
14 hours ago   
Stephen Kolek  • RP  •  Padres

Stephen Kolek Will Be Stretched Out During The Spring

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, San Diego Padres right-handed pitcher Stephen Kolek will be stretched out during spring training to potentially see time as a starting pitcher. Kolek made his major-league debut last season in San Diego and was deployed exclusively out of the bullpen. Across his first 46 2/3 innings in the majors, the 27-year-old posted a 5.21 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP. While he showed strong command with a 5.7 percent walk rate, he was unable to generate many strikeouts and posted a low 18.5 percent strikeout rate. He also generated a strong 56.4 percent ground-ball rate but allowed hard contact at a hefty 41.0 percent rate. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress during spring training, as he could contend for a spot in the back of the rotation if he performs well.
14 hours ago   
Bryan Hoeing  • RP  •  Padres

Bryan Hoeing Will Be Deployed Out Of The Bullpen

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, San Diego Padres right-handed pitcher Bryan Hoeing will begin the season pitching out of the bullpen. Last season, Hoeing spent time with the Marlins and the Padres. He was given two starts with Miami but was deployed exclusively out of the bullpen in San Diego. Across 53 2/3 innings of work, the 28-year-old held a solid 2.18 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Through 23 2/3 innings of relief in San Diego, Hoeing was very effective as he posted a 1.52 ERA with a 0.80 WHIP. During this stint, he struck out 18 batters and only served up five free passes. He was typically deployed in the sixth and seventh innings and was able to tally two holds. However, he did generate a high 5.07 xERA, suggesting he may face some regression during the 2025 season. Fantasy managers should expect Hoeing to continue to operate as a middle relief option and is not expected to see any save opportunities.
14 hours ago   
Jeferson Quero  • C  •  Brewers

Jeferson Quero Expected To Play During Spring Training

According to Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Brewers catching prospect Jeferson Quero (shoulder) is expected to play during spring training "at some point." Rosiak noted that backstop said he is physically at "75-80 percent" right now. The 22-year-old underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder last April. He was only able to appear in one game before undergoing the season-ending surgery. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should continue to monitor his status as he is considered the top prospect in the Milwaukee system on MLB Pipeline and the No. 35 best in the sport. During the 2023 campaign, the backstop logged 90 games at the Double-A level and posted a .262/.339/.440 slash line with 12 doubles, 16 home runs, and a 38:65 BB:K ratio. He will likely open the season at the Triple-A level but could push for a debut later in the summer if he performs well.
14 hours ago   
Ben Rice  • 1B  •  Yankees

Ben Rice Seeing Work Behind The Plate

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice worked out with the catching group on Wednesday. Hoch noted that the coaching staff said Rice is in the "backup catcher mix." Rice spent most of his minor league career as a catcher but primarily played first base when he made his MLB debut last summer. Across 50 MLB games, Rice logged 49 of those games at first base. Across his first taste of the majors, the 25-year-old posted a .171/.264/.349 slash line with seven home runs. Under the hood, he generated a strong .459 xSLG with a strong 11.2 percent walk rate. However, he struck out at a hefty 27.0 percent rate. At Triple-A, Rice performed very well as he held a .294/.428/.661 slash line with 12 long balls across 30 games. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Rice's status during spring training as he could become the No. 2 backstop behind Austin Wells.
14 hours ago   
Bryan Ramos  • 3B  •  White Sox

Bryan Ramos Has A Sore Elbow

Chicago White Sox third baseman Bryan Ramos (elbow) isn't worried about the sore right elbow that he's dealing with at the start of spring training. Ramos said he feels it more when he's throwing than when he's swinging a bat. The 22-year-old Cuban infielder might be limited to designated-hitter duties early in Cactus League games if his elbow is still bothering him then, but this doesn't sound like an injury that will put him in jeopardy of missing Opening Day in late March. In his big-league debut for the Pale Hose in 2024, Ramos hit only .202 (20-for-99) with three homers, 11 RBI, 13 runs scored and 22 strikeouts in 108 plate appearances over 32 games played. Ramos was more impressive in his second stint in the majors in September. With Josh Rojas and Miguel Vargas ahead of him on the third base depth chart, expect Ramos to open 2025 at Triple-A Charlotte.
15 hours ago   
JT Brubaker  • SP  •  Yankees

JT Brubaker Throws Live BP Session

New York Yankees right-hander JT Brubaker (oblique) was scheduled to throw a live batting practice session at camp on Wednesday. Brubaker had Tommy John surgery in April of 2023 and has not pitched in a big-league game since 2022 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, when he went 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA (3.92 FIP), 1.46 WHIP, a career-high 147 strikeouts and 54 walks in 144 innings over 28 starts. The 31-year-old isn't facing any restrictions in spring training this year with the Yankees after suffering an oblique strain while rehabbing in July of last year. Sixty-one of Brubaker's 63 appearances in his three big-league seasons with Pittsburgh came in a starting role, but he's most likely to occupy a long-relief role in the Bronx if he's on the big-league roster in 2025. The fact that he's out of minor-league options helps his chances of earning an Opening Day roster spot, but fantasy managers can ignore him almost everywhere.
15 hours ago   
Andrew Nardi  • RP  •  Marlins

Andrew Nardi Dealing With Lower-Back Inflammation

Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said that left-handed relief pitcher Andrew Nardi (back) is dealing with lower-back inflammation. As a result, Nardi will be behind the other pitchers at spring training. The 26-year-old southpaw missed the final five-plus weeks of last season due to an elbow injury as well, but hopefully his new back isn't serious enough to land him on the injured list to begin the 2025 regular season. Nardi had an ugly 5.07 ERA in 59 relief outings (49 2/3 innings) for the Fish last year, but hi 3.33 FIP, 70 strikeouts and only 18 walks show that he should be able to bounce back in 2025 in a high-leverage relief role if he can stay healthy. He also had an above-average 33.3 percent strikeout rate and 15 holds in 2024. It's unclear if Nardi will eventually be in the mix for saves, but at the very least, he should have fantasy appeal in holds leagues.
15 hours ago   
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