MLB News

Colorado Rockies prospects Adael Amador and Drew Romo were both optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on Wednesday. Amador was having a nice spring, going 8-for-27 (.296) with nine RBI, five runs scored, and an 8:5 BB:K. The switch-hitter is Colorado's seventh-ranked prospect and offers a blend of power and speed. Last season at Double-A, he hit 14 home runs and stole 35 bases in 100 games. Romo got off to a cold start this spring, going 2-for-17 (.118) along with a 1:4 BB:K. The Rockies' 11th-ranked prospect will head back to Triple-A, where he hit .297 with 14 home runs last season. Both had a taste of the majors in 2024, albeit with little success, but Amador offers the better fantasy profile of the two and is likelier to get back to the big leagues sooner, maybe even before summer.

Colorado Rockies catcher/utility player Hunter Goodman had reportedly pulled ahead of Drew Romo for the backup catcher role with his performance this spring, and that became more apparent on Wednesday when Romo was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. Goodman is 7-for-19 (.368) this spring, and, although he doesn't have a home run yet, he has a 4:3 BB:K. That's a good sign, seeing as he posted an 8:64 BB:K during his 70 games with the big league club last season. The former fourth-round draft pick has big-time power, with 80 home runs in 1114 minor league at-bats, even blasting 13 last season for the Rockies on the back of a 12.8 percent barrel rate. The right-handed slugger will backup 35-year-old Jacob Stallings, but the veteran has logged no more than 89 games in the last two campaigns, so Goodman should have a decent role that would only grow if Stallings were to get hurt. With the power he can provide, Goodman could be worthy of a roster spot in two-catcher leagues and all leagues if he were thrust into a full-time role. The 25-year-old is also eligible at both C and OF on Yahoo, although he'll focus on catching in 2025 despite playing five different positions in 2024.

On Wednesday, the Seattle Mariners' top two prospects, infielder Colt Emerson (MLB No. 20) and outfielder Lazaro Montes (MLB No. 42), were reassigned to minor-league camp. Emerson was Seattle's first-round pick in 2023 is a .290 hitter thus far in his MiLB career, and carries an elite OBP of .419 with his ability to get on base via the walk. The 19-year-old boasts a 14.9 percent walk rate over 450 plate appearances, finishing 2024 at High-A. True to form, he posted a 4:3 BB:K in Cactus League action even though he managed to hit only .118 (2-for-17). Montes has big-time power, belting 21 home runs last season as a 19-year-old across Single-A and High-A, but he too has a good eye, recording a 15.7 percent walk rate thus far over 1067 PA. The Cuban hit .385 (5-for-13) this spring, including a pair of home runs, but will head back to the minors to test his mettle against pitchers at the upper levels. Both could be solid fantasy contributors in 2026, so dynasty and redraft managers alike should be familiar with them.

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Matt Brash threw a live batting practice session on Wednesday, the first time he's done so since having an internal brace procedure on his elbow last May. The hitters were instructed not to swing in this particular session, but Brash was pleased with how it went, with the fastball sitting mostly in the mid-90s and the breaking stuff showing good spin. The next step will probably be to throw a real batting practice session with hitters trying to make contact, but the righty is not expected to be ready by Opening Day, rather, it will be closer to the May-June timeframe. Brash last pitched in the majors in 2023, recording a 3.06 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts over 70 2/3 innings pitched while logging four saves and 24 holds. Redraft managers who may be in need of strikeouts will want to monitor his return, although some command issues yield a high WHIP; otherwise, he'd be valuable in AL-only leagues and those that reward for holds.

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop prospect J.J. Wetherholt was reassigned to minor-league camp on Wednesday. The Cardinals' 2024 first-round draft pick earned a roster invite this spring but will need more seasoning before returning to the big leagues. The left-handed hitter played just 29 games at Single-A last season but showed well with a .295/.405/.400 slash line over 126 plate appearances, while walking more than he struck out (16:15 BB:K). The 22-year-old was 2-for-20 in Grapefruit League play, which included a home run, plus he added three stolen bases. The keen eye was on full display as well, posting a 6:5 BB:K. If he plays well this summer, then perhaps there's an outside shot we'll see him in St. Louis by season's end, however, a 2026 debut is more likely.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker (knee) made progress in his return from left knee inflammation, according to manager Oli Marmol. The 22-year-old worked on baserunning movement and did some work in the batting cage. A return to spring games should be around the corner if all goes to plan, and the expectation remains that he'll be ready for Opening Day. The 6-foot-6 slugger is hoping to start 2025 better than he did in 2024 when he slashed .155/.239/.259 before getting sent back to Triple-A by the end of April. The former first-rounder has worked on his swing in the offseason in hopes of a turnaround, so hopefully this injury doesn't set him back too far. The right-handed hitter is penciled in as the team's right fielder, and if he can get back to the 22.4 percent K% he posted in 2023, then a much-improved batting average, along with double-digit home runs and steals could be in the cards. Going at the end of drafts, he could be a value if he can stick with the big league club for the entire year.

Houston Astros outfielder Pedro Leon (knee) played catch and hit in the batting cages in camp on Wednesday. Leon is finally resuming baseball activities at spring training after he was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left MCL strain early in camp. Because of all the time he's missed in spring training, the 26-year-old will not be ready for Opening Day and will most likely start the 2025 season at Triple-A Sugar Land. The Cuban outfielder made his major-league debut with the Astros in 2024 but only appeared in seven games, going 2-for-20 (.100) with two stolen bases, 10 strikeouts and two runs scored in 21 plate appearances. Per MLB Pipeline, he's Houston's No. 22 prospect. The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder can really swing the bat and has some raw pop despite his size, but he could really stand to improve his plate discipline if he wants to have an everyday role once he's in the big leagues for good.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.