MLB News
Carlos Estevez Feels Great After Cactus League Debut
Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (back) made his Cactus League debut on Friday against the Los Angles Angels and said he felt great afterwards. Estevez gave up an unearned run and two hits while throwing 12 of his 19 pitches for strikes in an inning of work. "I feel great," Est vez said. "Everything is going well with my body, and I'm in a good spot. The 32-year-old veteran was delayed getting into games after experiencing mild back tightness in the early portion of camp. After signing a two-year, $22.2 million deal with KC in the offseason, Estevez figures to be their primary choice for saves, although Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey could also be involved. As long as his back doesn't flare up on him Estevez is expected to be ready for Opening Day on March 27. Fantasy managers should consider him a No. 2 closer option heading into his first year with the Royals.
1 hour ago
Jon Gray Leaves Game Friday After Being Hit By Comebacker
Texas Rangers right-hander Jon Gray (arm, hand, wrist) left his Cactus League outing on Friday night against the San Diego Padres after being hit in the right arm/hand/wrist area by a comebacker. There hasn't been word on the exact nature of Gray's injury, so stay tuned for an update on Saturday morning. The 33-year-old veteran will most likely be undergoing X-rays and possibly even a CT scan to see if he has any broken bones after taking the line drive. The former first-rounder by the Colorado Rockies in 2013 out of the University of Oklahoma was originally mentioned as a possible reliever for the Rangers in 2025, but he has been stretched out as a starter this spring and should open the year in the rotation as long as the injury he suffered on Friday night isn't serious. Gray has been too inconsistent for our liking from a fantasy standpoint in Texas, and it wasn't a good sign that his strikeout rate dipped below 20% in 2024.
1 hour ago
Eli White Appears Likely To Open Season In Utility Role
Atlanta Braves outfielder Eli White appears to have the advantage over Luke Williams in the competition for one of the final position-player roster spots, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Justin Toscano. Both White and Williams are similar players, but the difference has come down to their performances in the Grapefruit League. White, 30, has gone 10-for-22 (.455) in 11 games, while Williams has only two hits in his 26 at-bats. Although he's unlikely to see much playing time, White's clearest path to some playing time early in the year could come in a corner-outfield spot with Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) opening on the injured list and with Jurickson Profar (wrist) a bit banged up in camp. Still, he's unlikely to see much time and barely moves the needle in NL-only fantasy leagues. In his five big-league seasons, White has a .266/.302/.568 slash line with 10 homers, 32 RBI and 20 steals in 171 games.
3 hours ago
Tommy Henry Optioned To Triple-A
The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned left-hander Tommy Henry to Triple-A Reno on Friday. The D-backs also sent infielder Grae Kessinger and outfielder Jorge Barrosa to Reno while reassigning right-handers Jeff Brigham and Juan Morillo, left-hander Jose Castillo, infielder Connor Kaiser and outfielder Cristian Pache to minor-league camp. It's not a big surprise that Henry lost out on the competition for one of the final starting rotation spots in camp after he gave up six earned runs in 7 1/3 innings of work in the Cactus League. The 27-year-old southpaw will begin the 2025 campaign at Reno as starting depth for the big-league roster registering a career-worst 7.04 ERA and 1.75 WHIP with 30 strikeouts and 18 walks in 38 1/3 innings over nine appearances (seven starts) in the big leagues last year. At best, Henry will be a short-term rotation stopgap if injuries arise for Arizona during the year.
3 hours ago
Blake Walston To Have Tommy John Surgery
Arizona Diamondbacks left-handed pitching prospect Blake Walston (elbow) will have Tommy John surgery, according to manager Torey Lovullo. Walston missed time last year at Triple-A Reno with a left-elbow injury and will now miss the entire 2025 season and likely the start of 2026 as well. The 23-year-old southpaw is listed as the team's No. 30 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. Walston is a 6-foot-5, 175-pounder who was taken in the first round (26th overall) by Arizona in 2019. He made his way up to the majors for the first time last year and appeared in seven games (two starts), posting a 4.42 ERA (6.17 FIP) and 1.42 WHIP with 18 strikeouts and 10 walks in 18 1/3 innings pitched. Walston doesn't miss many bats and doesn't have overpowering stuff, so he may eventually settle in as a matchup-based reliever for the Snakes out of the bullpen.
3 hours ago
Brewers Reassign Jacob Misiorowski To Minor-League Camp
The Milwaukee Brewers reassigned right-handed pitching prospect Jacob Misiorowski to minor-league camp on Friday. The team also reassigned right-handers Deivi Garcia, Easton McGee and Vinny Nittoli, infielder Raynel Delgado and catcher Darrien Miller to minor-league camp and optioned outfielder Brewers Hicklen to Triple-A Nashville. Misiorowski is considered the team's No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and will begin the year in the minors after allowing eight earned runs on seven hits (one homer) while walking five and striking out nine in 7 2/3 innings over four Grapefruit League appearances (three starts). The 22-year-old throws hard and can generate plenty of strikeouts, but he's also wild and inconsistent. Misiorowski is expected to begin 2025 at Nashville as a starter, but if he can't improve his control, it's possible Milwaukee will shift him to a relief role as a potential late-inning, high-leverage arm.
4 hours ago
Erik Swanson Diagnosed With "Median Nerve Entrapment"
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Erik Swanson (forearm) has been diagnosed with a "median nerve entrapment" in his right forearm. His MRI exam showed no structural damage, but he received a cortisone injection and will back off from throwing for a couple of days. There's no timetable for when the 31-year-old veteran will be cleared to pitch in games again, but all things considered, it's positive news. He is fully expected to begin the regular season on the injured list, but perhaps Swanson will be able to make his 2025 debut at some point in April if he can resume throwing sooner than later. Swanson had a disappointing 5.03 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 37:14 K:BB in 39 1/3 relief innings in 2024 in his second year in Toronto and was even sent to the minors for a bit. He had a 2.60 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with eight saves in three prior seasons, though, so if he can get healthy, he could easily bounce back as a late-inning setup man for Toronto.
4 hours ago
Shane Baz Not Worried About Spring Training Results
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Shane Baz hasn't put up great numbers in his two Grapefruit League starts, but despite another rough showing on Thursday against the Washington Nationals in which he gave up four earned runs on five hits while walking none and striking out two in 4 1/3 innings, he was encouraged with his outing. "That was the best four-run game I've ever pitched," Baz told manager Kevin Cash. The 25-year-old was able to pitch into the fifth inning and showed improved control and command of his pitches. Overall, Baz has given up 10 earned runs with four walks and five strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings. It hasn't been pretty, but he continues to improve his control and command after missing all of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery. The arrow is pointing up, but the fact that Baz hasn't thrown more than 108 2/3 frames in a single season keeps his upside low entering 2025 as a back-end fantasy starter, at best.
4 hours ago
Mason Adams Exits With Elbow Injury
Chicago White Sox right-handed pitching prospect Mason Adams (elbow) exited Friday's spring training contest due to elbow discomfort. The team noted that he will undergo further testing on Saturday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status. Through seven 1/3 innings in camp, Adams has tallied eight punchouts with one walk. He has allowed seven hits and four earned runs. He was unlikely to make the Opening Day roster and, given this injury, will likely open the season in the minor leagues. Last summer, the former 13th-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft spent most of his season at Double-A before making his Triple-A debut. Across 103 1/3 innings at Double-A, Adams posted a 2.44 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP. Through his short 17-inning stint at Triple-A, Adams allowed 20 hits and 11 earned runs. If he begins to turn the corner at Triple-A, he could push for an MLB debut later in the 2025 season.
5 hours ago
Will Klein Optioned To Triple-A Tacoma
The Seattle Mariners have optioned right-handed pitcher Will Klein to Triple-A Tacoma earlier on Friday. The Mariners acquired Klein from the Athletics earlier in the winter. During spring training, Klein has logged five innings and tallied eight strikeouts with three walks. He has allowed five hits with two earned runs. Last summer, the 25-year-old made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Royals before being shipped to Oakland. Across 7 1/3 total frames, he allowed nine earned runs while holding a 6:7 BB:K. At the Triple-A level, the Eastern Illinois product logged 43 innings of relief and posted a 3.77 ERA with a 1.46 WHIP. He tallied nine saves but held an underwhelming 32:43 BB:K. When he returns to the big leagues, fantasy managers should expect him to earn a low-leverage role in the Seattle bullpen, which will not make him viable in any fantasy format.
6 hours ago
Jared Shuster Optioned To Triple-A
The Chicago White Sox have optioned left-handed pitcher Jared Shuster to Triple-A Charlotte. Shuster was competing for a spot on the major-league roster but will instead begin his campaign in the minor leagues. Through seven innings at spring training, Shuster has allowed 15 hits and nine earned runs. He tallied eight punchouts and served up one free pass. Last summer, the southpaw logged a career-high 73 2/3 innings in the major leagues. Across this stint, he held a 4.30 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP. He tallied strikeouts at a low 17.4 percent rate and served up walks at a high 10.3 percent rate. He also generated a 4.71 xERA, placing him in the 19th percentile among qualified pitchers. When he does return to the major leagues, he will only carry value in AL-only formats given his lack of proven success.
6 hours ago
Jose Butto Dealing With Groin Injury
According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, New York Mets right-handed pitcher Jose Butto (groin) is dealing with a minor groin injury. Butto has been unable to pitch in Grapefruit League games over the past week. However, he did throw a bullpen session earlier on Friday, which is a positive sign. DiComo noted that the team does not view this as a major injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but it appears he will not be in danger of missing Opening Day. Last season in Queens, Butto logged 74 innings with a 2.55 ERA and a strong 1.07 WHIP. He tallied 79 strikeouts and held a high 12.3 percent walk rate. He was deployed primarily out of the bullpen but did make seven starts. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Butto to have a similar role in 2025.
6 hours ago
Wenceel Perez Receives Injection, Expected To Be Ready For Opening Day
Detroit Tigers outfielder Wenceel Perez (back) received a cortisone injection in his back. However, the team expressed optimism and expect the 25-year-old to be ready for Opening Day. Perez has been dealing with lower-back tightness over the past two weeks. Fantasy managers should monitor his status but it appears the injury is not overly serious, given Detroit's optimism. While Perez remains sidelined for the time being, Riley Greene should continue to see opportunities in center field. However, once Perez is cleared for action, he will likely have a starting role in the everyday lineup as Parker Meadows (arm) and Matt Vierling (shoulder) are both expected to miss Opening Day. Last summer, Perez made his MLB debut and held a .242/.300/.383 line with nine home runs and nine stolen bases across 112 contests. He will have short-term value in deeper formats while he holds a spot in the starting nine.
6 hours ago
Jose Trevino Exits Early On Friday
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (hand) exited Friday's spring training contest early after a foul tip hit him on his hand. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team has yet to provide information on the severity of the injury. This is also not a good sign as top catcher Tyler Stephenson (oblique) is set to begin the season on the injured list. The Reds acquired Trevino earlier in the offseason in a trade from the Yankees in exchange for Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson. Last season in the Bronx, the 32-year-old backstop posted a .215/.288/.354 line with five doubles and eight long balls. He showed a strong eye at the plate, holding a 17.5 percent strikeout rate. If Trevino were to miss time, fantasy managers should expect Austin Wynns to operate as the No. 1 backstop.
6 hours ago
Jake Cronenworth Not Expected To Play First Base
San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt said he doesn't foresee second baseman Jake Cronenworth playing first base this year. "I don't see it on the radar at the moment," Shildt said. Cronenworth enters the 2025 season with eligibility at both second and first base after splitting time at the two positions in 2024. Losing Ha-Seong Kim in free agency means that Xander Bogaerts will be at shortstop full time and Cronenworth will be at the keystone full time. At first base, Luis Arraez is expected to handle most of the playing time. The 31-year-old left-handed-hitting Cronenworth batted .241/.324/.390 with 17 home runs, 83 RBI, five steals and 72 runs in 653 plate appearances last year. He makes plenty of contact but only has middling power. Given the fact that he rarely runs, Cronenworth settles in as useful middle infield depth to target late in fantasy drafts.
6 hours ago
Lance McCullers Jr. To Make Grapefruit League Debut On Tuesday
Houston Astros right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) will make his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday against the Washington Nationals, according to manager Joe Espada. McCullers has been cleared to pitch in his first game of the spring after looking good recently in a live batting practice session in which he touched 94 mph on the radar gun. The 31-year-old veteran last pitched in a game for the Astros in the World Series back in October of 2022, so it's been a while. He's making good progress this spring, but fantasy managers know by now not to get their hopes up. McCullers will have a rotation spot waiting for him during the regular season as long as he doesn't have any setbacks, but he will begin the year on the injured list. McCullers proved before that he's fantasy relevant in all leagues when he's healthy, but his lengthy injury history and innings limit this year will limit his upside in 2025.
7 hours ago
Giancarlo Stanton Dealing With Minor Calf Injury
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (calf, elbows) is dealing with a "fairly minor" calf injury on top of the tennis elbow he's dealing with in both of his arms. Stanton is back in camp after a third round of platelet-rich plasma injections in his arms, but the Yankees still don't have any kind of timetable on the right-handed slugger. The 35-year-old has already been ruled out for Opening Day on March 27, and it's anyone's guess as to when he might be able to make his 2025 debut. His tennis elbow is being described as a severe issue. While Stanton offers elite power for fantasy managers when he's healthy, the potential for a lengthy absence this year overshadows any kind of benefit he might offer statistically. Let someone else in your draft take on the headache and uncertainty.
7 hours ago
Jacob deGrom Throws In Minor-League Game On Friday
Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom (illness) tossed three innings in a minor-league game on Friday after he was scratched from his scheduled Cactus League start on Thursday due to a stomach bug that is going around the clubhouse. deGrom should be able to make another spring outing soon and he will be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, although the Rangers plan to ease him in at the back end of their starting rotation. The 36-year-old two-time Cy Young winner and four-time All-Star made only three starts in 2024 while coming back from Tommy John surgery. When considering the fact that he only made six stars for Texas in 2023, it makes complete sense for the Rangers to slow-play deGrom so that he can make it through the year healthy. deGrom is an extreme risk/reward in fantasy, but if he can stay healthy, he has league-winning ace upside.
7 hours ago
Wilyer Abreu To Make Spring Debut On Saturday, Could Be Ready For Opening Day
Boston Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu (illness) will make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday against the Atlanta Braves after gaining clearance from recent tests. Manager Alex Cora now thinks it's possible for Abreu to be ready for Opening Day in late March, which is a change from a week ago when the team was uncertain if he'd be ready. A gastrointestinal virus hit the 25-year-old particularly hard in camp and has prevented him from playing in any spring games until this point. However, he's feeling good enough to play this weekend and will have a few weeks to get up to speed before Opening Day. Boston could still ease Abreu into action when real games kick off as he gets his conditioning to where it needs to be. When fully healthy, Abreu is expected to see most of the time as the team's starting right fielder in 2025.
7 hours ago
Grayson Rodriguez Should Begin Throwing Progression Next Week
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) won't need more imaging done on his elbow before he's cleared to throw again, according to manager Brandon Hyde. Rodriguez's throwing progression, which will be a "restart," is expected to begin early next week. "So it's going to take a while," Hyde said. The Baltimore Sun's Jacob Calvin Meyer writes that the Orioles haven't put a timetable on Rodriguez's return, but it's going to be longer than a month. Fantasy managers should expect the 25-year-old to miss at least the first month of the season, barring any setbacks with his right elbow once he starts ramping up. He is dealing with elbow inflammation and was given a cortisone injection in camp. It's a tough break for a pitcher that was on his way to breaking out last year, too, before a lat strain in August ended his season early. Rodriguez's new elbow injury has dropped him all the way to No. 72 in RotoBaller's pitching rankings.
7 hours ago
Carlos Estévez
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Royals
