MLB News
Edward Cabrera Could Miss His Next Start
There is a chance that Miami Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera (finger) will have his next turn skipped in spring training, according to manager Clayton McCullough. Cabrera was pulled from his Grapefruit League start on Thursday against the Houston Astros after only 12 pitches due to a blister on his right middle finger. The next step for the 26-year-old will be determined on Friday. If Cabrera's next start is skipped, he will almost certainly open the 2025 regular season on the injured list. In addition to another blister issue popping up, he hasn't pitched well in spring training, allowed 13 runs on 11 hits while walking four in just 4 2/3 innings. Cabrera has intriguing stuff on the mound, but injuries, inconsistency and a lack of control/command of his pitches has put him off the fantasy radar in most leagues.
2 hours ago
Tyler Stephenson To Open Year On Injured List With Low-Grade Oblique Strain
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (oblique) will be forced to open the 2025 regular season on the injured list after being diagnosed with a low-grade oblique strain. The Reds weren't too worried about Stephenson's injury when he initially was announced as dealing with a sore back, and although it shouldn't be a long-term injury, it will keep the 28-year-old from playing on Opening Day and in early April. He will now miss the rest of spring training and will hope that he doesn't suffer any setbacks when he eventually starts to ramp up baseball activities. It means that Jose Trevino will now open the year as Cincy's starting catcher, with Austin Wynns likely backing him up. After a bounce-back 2024 season in which the former first-rounder hit .258 with career-highs in homers (19) and RBI (66), Stephenson will now fall outside the top-10 fantasy catchers due to his oblique injury.
2 hours ago
Andres Chaparro Injured Taking Batting Practice
Washington Nationals first baseman/designated hitter Andres Chaparro (side) apparently injured his left side while taking batting practice on Friday before the team's Grapefruit League game against the division-rival Atlanta Braves. Chaparro left with a trainer while grabbing at his side. The 25-year-old has been in competition with Juan Yepez this spring for a roster spot and is having a great camp, batting .400 with a 1.008 OPS. Depending on the severity and specific nature of his injury, Chaparro could lose out on a roster spot and be forced to open the 2025 season on the injured list. Stay tuned for an update on his injury when the Nationals provide one. The Nats acquired the Venezuelan from the D-backs last year, and he hit .215 (26-for-121) with four homers and 15 RBI in his first 33 big-league games in 2024 in D.C.
2 hours ago
Jacob Amaya Back In White Sox's Lineup
Chicago White Sox infielder Jacob Amaya (hip) is starting at shortstop and batting ninth in Friday's Cactus League game against the Cincinnati Reds. After taking a few days to rest due to a hip injury that he suffered earlier in the week, Amaya is ready to return as he tries to win the shortstop job heading into Opening Day later this month. The 26-year-old is probably on the outside looking in right now alongside prospect Chase Meidroth and Brooks Baldwin. Amaya has just two hits in 16 at-bats during Cactus League play entering Friday, including eight punchouts in nine games. The former 11th-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 is going to have to do a lot in a short amount of time to change the White Sox's mind to open the regular season. He hit .176 with no homers and three RBI in 24 games with the White Sox and Houston Astros in 2024.
3 hours ago
Luis Rengifo Returns To The Lineup On Friday
Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo (hamstring) is back in the team's split-squad Cactus League lineup on Friday against the division-rival Athletics and is playing third base and batting leadoff. It's the first spring game for Rengifo in the month of March after dealing with hamstring tightness and being scratched from the lineup multiple times last week. The 28-year-old utility infielder has a few weeks to get ready for Opening Day, but if he has any more setbacks, he'll likely need to start the regular season on the injured list. If he's healthy by March 27, Rengifo should be in the Angels' lineup regularly between third base, shortstop and second base. He was initially eased into spring action after having wrist surgery last August. Rengifo's speed, contact abilities and positional versatility make him a late-round target as infield depth in fantasy leagues. UPDATE: Manager Ron Washington thinks Rengifo has enough time to get ready for Opening Day as long as he doesn't have any setbacks.
3 hours ago
Nelson Velazquez Back In Spring Lineup On Friday
Kansas City Royals outfielder Nelson Velazquez (calf) is back in the Cactus League lineup on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels, playing right field and batting cleanup. Velazquez left the team's spring game early on Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners with a leg cramp, but he was feeling better on Thursday and is back in action to begin the weekend. The 26-year-old is looking to pick things up at the plate to close out spring training as he tries to win a backup outfield spot out of camp. Coming into Friday's game, he's gone just 2-for-16 in eight Cactus League contests. The Puerto Rican outfielder began last year as the team's designated hitter but didn't last long and was eventually sent to Triple-A Omaha. He hit just .200/.274/.366 with eight home runs, 27 RBI and 61 strikeouts in 64 games played in the big leagues. With not much of a glove and too many strikeouts, he could begin in the minors in 2025.
3 hours ago
Bobby Witt Jr. Feeling Better After Being Hit By Pitch
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (forearm) avoided a fracture when he was hit by a pitch in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Seattle Mariners and was feeling better on Thursday. Witt is dealing with a left-forearm contusion and will continue to be evaluated in the coming days. He will take it easy over the next few days in camp and increase his workload based on how he feels. If his forearm doesn't continue to get better, he'll go for more imaging. The 24-year-old said he initially lost feeling in his fingers, but he's feeling much better now and he should be good to go for Opening Day at the end of the month. The Royals will continue to monitor the contusion, but there's optimism that Witt won't miss any time and he'll get his final tune-ups before spring training ends. It's possible that Witt will be back in the Cactus League lineup on Saturday.
3 hours ago
Kyle Teel Showcasing Power In Spring Training
Chicago White Sox catching prospect Kyle Teel has been swinging a hot bat during spring training and is making a strong case to be on the Opening Day roster. Through 11 contests, Teel has posted a .333/.474/.800 slash line with one double, two home runs, and a 4:4 BB:K. He has added six RBI and scored four runs. Teel was shipped to Chicago in a package that sent starting pitching Garrett Crochet to Boston in the offseason. The former 13th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft is considered one of the top catching prospects in baseball. Last season, Teel opened his campaign with Double-A and held a .298/.390/.462 line with 20 doubles and 11 long balls. He then earned a taste of Triple-A where he posted a .255/.374/.343 line with three doubles and two long balls across 28 games. Even if he were to open the season at Triple-A, he would be a popular stash candidate, as he may need only another brief look at Triple-A.
5 hours ago
Jasson Dominguez Launches Second Spring Home Run
New York Yankees outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez went 1-for-3 with a two-run shot for his second long ball of spring training. He hit this home run off Detroit's top pitching prospect Jackson Jobe. Through 12 spring training contests, the switch-hitter has held a .229/.270/.400 line two stolen bases and a 2:10 BB:K. The top prospect is expected to be their everyday left fielder at the start of the season. He has only appeared in 26 contests in the major leagues throughout his career and has held a .437 SLG with six home runs during this stint. Last summer, Dominguez held an impressive .309/.368/.480 slash line with seven doubles and seven home runs. He swiped 15 bags and held a 16:36 BB:K. Dominguez is a high-upside outfielder to target as he could be poised for a breakout season with a full-time role in the Yankee lineup.
5 hours ago
Chase Dollander Tosses Four Shutout Frames On Thursday
Colorado Rockies starting pitching prospect Chase Dollander tossed four shutout frames during Thursday's spring training contest. He allowed just two hits, two walks, and struck out three batters. This is a much-needed bounce-back showing for Dollander as he allowed two hits and five earned runs across one 2/3 innings in his previous outing. The top prospect has a chance to make the Opening Day roster and Thursday's outing put him back in the running. Last summer, the Tennessee product made his professional debut and looked quite comfortable. He held a 2.83 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP across 70 innings at High-A. At Double-A, the former ninth-overall pick posted a 2.25 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP and 58 punchouts in 48 innings. If he does make the Opening Day roster, he is worth drafting in the final rounds of all drafts given his elite strikeouts upside he flashed in the minor leagues.
5 hours ago
Drake Baldwin Fine After Allergic Reaction
Atlanta Braves catching prospect Drake Baldwin (illness) is feeling better on Friday after suffering an allergic reaction earlier in the week. The backstop was scratched from Wednesday's lineup due to the reaction. Baldwin is projected to be the team's Opening Day starter with Sean Murphy (ribs) sidelined. Through 10 games in camp, Baldwin and held a .368/.520/.474 slash line with two doubles and a 6:1 BB:K. Last season, the 23-year-old opened the campaign at the Double-A level and held a .244/.313/.337 line with six doubles and four home runs. However, over his final 72 contests at the Triple-A level, the former third-round selection held a strong .298/.407/.484 line with 13 doubles and 12 home runs. If he continues to perform well in camp, he is worth a look in the final rounds of drafts as he has a clear path to playing time in one of the top lineups in the sport.
5 hours ago
Cade Povich Allows Five Runs On Thursday
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Cade Povich allowed eight hits and five earned runs across 4 2/3 innings of work on Thursday. Povich was cruising through his first four innings, allowing just one run with three hits. However, in the fifth inning, the southpaw stumbled and served up four runs and five hits, including a home run to Toronto outfielder Daulton Varsho. With Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) expected to miss the start of the season, the 24-year-old is competing for the open spot in the rotation. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression during camp, as he has flashed solid upside at times. However, his rough finish to this start could put him on the outside of the 40-man roster. Through 9 2/3 innings in camp, Povich has held a 4.66 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. He held a 5.20 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP across 79 2/3 innings in the majors last season. If he were to make the starting rotation, he could have value in deeper AL-only formats.
5 hours ago
Max Scherzer Throws Successful Session On Friday
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (thumb) threw a successful session on Friday morning. According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, the right-hander "let it rip" and did not appear to face any setbacks. The team is expected to provide an update in the coming days. The 40-year-old has been dealing with soreness in his thumb. However, seeing him throw at full strength suggests he will likely not be in danger of missing Opening Day. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he looks to increase his workload. Earlier in the offseason, Scherzer inked a one-year deal worth $15.5 million with the Blue Jays. Before this injury, Scherzer had allowed just two runs while tallying 14 punchouts across nine frames. When healthy, he should have a permanent spot in the rotation.
6 hours ago
Riley Greene Expected To See Time In Center Field
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene could see more opportunities in center field at the start of the season. Last season, Greene made most of his starts in left field but did occasionally get the nod in center. However, due to the numerous injuries in the Detroit outfield, Greene may shift to a permanent role in center field. Parker Meadows (arm) is in danger of missing Opening Day and Matt Vierling (shoulder) and Wenceel Perez (back) are currently sidelined. Across a career-high 137 contests last summer, Greene posted a .262/.348/.479 slash line with 27 doubles and 24 long balls. He generated an elite .353 xwOBA and a .477 xSLG. He drew walks at a solid 11.0 percent rate and generated hard hits at a 47.1 percent rate. If the 24-year-old were to shift to center field, he could be in line to see a career-high in plate appearances, especially if Detroit does not have many proven healthy options behind him on the roster.
6 hours ago
Noah Murdock Could Make Opening Day Roster
Athletics right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock is a favorite to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. Murdock has performed well during spring training, which has given him a good opportunity to break camp. Across six 2/3 innings, Murdock has held a strong 0.90 WHIP with six punchouts. He has allowed just two hits with three earned runs. Martin Gallegos of MLB.com noted that he will likely earn a spot in the bullpen. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress during camp but it appears he is set to make his MLB debut. Last summer, Murdock made his Triple-A debut and tossed 38 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.76 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. He held a 26:46 BB:K and did not allow a home run. If he makes the Opening Day roster, he will likely open the season in a low-leverage role and carry minimal fantasy value.
6 hours ago
Luke Raley Could See Time Against Left-Handed Pitching
Seattle Mariners first baseman/outfielder Luke Raley could see time against left-handed pitching. Last season, the 30-year-old deployed exclusively on the strong side of a platoon. However, manager Dan Wilson suggested that he first base may not be a "strict" platoon in 2025. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in spring training as it could provide clarity on his potential for increased playing time. Last season, Raley held a .243/.320/.463 line with 22 home runs and 11 stolen bases, facing exclusively right-handed pitching. He generated a strong 11.0 percent barrel rate and held a 90.1 mph average exit velocity. Donovan Solano would likely face left-handed pitching if Raley were to revert to a strict platoon. Raley is worth a late-round target especially in deeper formats as he could enjoy a career-season with increased at-bats.
7 hours ago
Donovan Solano Could See Time As Designated Hitter
According to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, Mariners infielder Donovan Solano could see time as a designated hitter and occasionally at the hot corner during the 2025 season. The Mariners signed Solano in the winter to a one-year $3.5 million contract. He was expected to be used primarily at first base on the short side of a platoon with Luke Raley. However, given his strong play last season, the Mariners may look to keep his bat in the lineup more often. If he were to see time at DH, this could limit Mitch Garver's or Mitch Haniger's opportunities. If he were to shift to the hot corner, this could push Jorge Polanco down the depth chart. Last season in San Diego, the 37-year-old posted a .286/.343/.417 slash line with eight home runs and two stolen bases. For now, he should only be targeted in deeper formats, but could find value in standard leagues if he were to earn an everyday spot in the starting nine.
7 hours ago
George Kirby Receives Injection
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher George Kirby (shoulder) received a biologics injection in his right shoulder on Thursday afternoon. The team hopes this injection will help Kirby return to strengthening activities in three to four days. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status. Even though he is expected to open the season on the injured list, he may not face an extended absence. Last summer, the 27-year-old logged a career-high 191 innings and held a 3.53 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP. He tallied 179 punchouts and posted a stellar 3.0 percent walk rate. He generated an above-average 3.44 xERA which suggests he could see some positive regression during the 2025 season. While he is sidelined during the start of the campaign, Emerson Hancock will likely join the starting rotation.
7 hours ago
Yordan Alvarez To See Most Time As Designated Hitter
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez is expected to see most of his starts during the 2025 season as a designated hitter. Manager Joe Espada expressed that they need to keep him healthy. The skipper also noted "Things are going to have to be really awful for me to be running him out there that many games," about him potentially starting more than 50 games in the outfield. Last season, Alvarez made 53 of his 147 starts in left field. However, it appears the coaching staff will ensure that number decreases in the 2025 campaign. As a result, this will open up more starts for Chas McCormick, Mauricio Dubon, Zach Dezenzo, and even top prospect Cam Smith. Last season, Alvarez was dominant in the batter's box as he posted a strong .308/.392/.567 line with 35 long balls. He should be viewed as a late first-round target in all fantasy formats.
7 hours ago
Jack Kochanowicz Making Case For Fifth Rotation Spot
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz is making his case for the fifth rotation spot for the team, now with a 1.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and a 1:6 BB:K through nine Cactus League innings. The 6-foot-7 righty made his MLB debut last season, posting a 3.99 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 11 starts, but the strikeouts lagged (9.4 percent). With a SIERA of 4.56 after 2024 was over and the lack of strikeouts that was a trend even in the minors as well (19.0 percent K% in 66 stars), it's hard to envision things getting drastically better for the 24-year-old in 2025. Nevertheless, the former third-round draft pick could have some value in AL-only leagues were he to win the job out of camp, so monitor this situation for any developments if you play in that format.
14 hours ago
Edward Cabrera
• SP
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Marlins
