MLB News
Freddie Freeman Feeling Better, Remains Out Of The Lineup Wednesday
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (rib, ankle) is not in the lineup for Game 2 of the Tokyo, Japan series against the Chicago Cubs. Freeman was a late scratch on Tuesday due to rib discomfort and will miss his second straight game. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Freeman feels much better than he did on Tuesday, but the Dodgers are being cautious with their star first baseman early on. The 35-year-old had rib discomfort on Tuesday in the same spot he tore rib cartilage during the postseason. Freeman remains day-to-day, but the Dodgers are optimistic he will return to the lineup on March 27 against the Detroit Tigers. Kike Hernandez will handle first base duties and is batting sixth in Wednesday's contest versus the Cubs.
1 hour ago
Matt Sauer's Contract Selected By The Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected the contract of pitching prospect Matt Sauer on Tuesday. Justin Wrobleski was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City and Clayton Kershaw (toe) was transferred to the 60-day IL in order to free up the roster space needed. Sauer was a second-round draft pick in 2017 and made his MLB debut last season with the Royals, posting a 7.71 ERA, 2.08 WHIP, and an 11:9 BB:K in 16 1/3 IP. The results over the course of his minor league career have been better, with a 4.37 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 15.8 percent K-BB% in 414 IP. Although the righty gave up seven earned runs so far this spring in just seven-and-two-thirds innings, the command has improved with a 1:8 BB:K. The 6-foot-4 hurler will likely serve as a low-leverage reliever and the leash may be short, so for now, he's off the fantasy radar.
6 hours ago
Matt Olson Having Slow Offensive Spring
Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson has not had the best spring offensively to this point. The 30-year-old owns a .212/.297/.394 slash line with two home runs in 13 games and 37 Grapefruit League appearances. Olson started the 2024 season sluggishly but ended the season with a respectable .247/.333/.457 slash line, 29 HR, 78 runs scored, and 98 RBI in 685 plate appearances. Olson has hit for a high batting average at times in his career, but his career average sits at .254. The more important thing for 2025 will be to see if he can regain his elite power swing. While he still impacted the ball hard in 2024 with a 91.5-MPH average exit velocity, that value came in as his lowest since 2016. Olson is currently being drafted as the fourth first baseman in fantasy drafts and should be expected to provide great counting stats outside of stolen bases, especially assuming some hard-hit regression toward his career average.
6 hours ago
Corbin Burnes Having Strong Spring With New Team
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Corbin Burnes is fitting right in with his new team this spring. The 30-year-old has pitched 13 1/3 innings in Cactus League play and has compiled a 1.35 ERA, a 0.98 WHIP, and a 32.7% strikeout rate. While spring sample sizes may not mean much and veterans like Burnes may use their spring outings to work on aspects of their game regardless of outcome, these numbers are never-the-less encouraging. Burnes' strikeout numbers are particularly encouraging for fantasy managers, as his strikeout rate has steadily declined from 2021 on. He was still a high-end fantasy pitcher last season, going 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and a 23.1% strikeout rate in 32 starts and 194 1/3 IP. He offers a high innings floor and strong ERA and WHIP, but a strikeout boost closer to his 28.8% career mark could tip the fantasy scales even more in his favor.
6 hours ago
Kyle Tucker Goes Hitless In Monday Tokyo Series Opener
Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker did not have his first regular-season game with his new team go as planned. Batting third, the 28-year-old went 0-for-4 in the Tokyo Series Game 1 4-1 loss to the Dodgers. Tucker's poor start with the Cubs started before Monday, as he was slashing just .043/.233/.174 in 30 spring plate appearances. Fantasy managers should not put too much emphasis on numbers from such a small sample size, particularly for players with Tucker's track record. He has proven to be a five-category, first-round caliber player throughout his career. Despite missing a good chunk of the 2024 season with a shin injury, Tucker slashed .289/.408/.585 with 23 home runs, 56 runs scored, 49 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 339 plate appearances. Fantasy managers still to draft should not shy away from Tucker as a top-tier fantasy pick.
6 hours ago
Chase Dollander Strikes Out Seven In Latest Cactus League Start
Colorado Rockies starting pitching prospect Chase Dollander threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Giants. The righty allowed two hits and two walks while striking out seven batters. It marks two consecutive outings without giving up a run for the Rockies' No. 1 prospect, although it hasn't all been pretty this spring. Overall, the former first-rounder has allowed nine earned runs on 11 hits and nine walks to go with 18 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings. The 6-foot-2 hurler still has a chance to earn a rotation spot, but with no experience at Triple-A and some room left to improve, starting the season in Albuquerque may be the smarter long-term move for Colorado. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation, as Dollander could be a viable asset in deeper and NL-only leagues if he were to make the Opening Day roster.
6 hours ago
Jake Bloss A Candidate For Blue Jays' Fifth Starter Role
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher prospect Jake Bloss may be an option to fill the fifth rotation spot that could be made available by the absence of veteran Max Scherzer (thumb) if his thumb issue lingers or turns out to be worse than initially thought. Bloss has made four appearances this spring, albeit without stellar results. The former third-rounder's latest appearance was his best yet, tossing three innings of shutout ball, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out five batters. The Jays' sixth-ranked prospect had success in the Astros' organization, pitching to a 1.91 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and a 16.3 percent K-BB% over 19 starts (84 2/3 IP), but hasn't fared so well in his three starts in the majors or with Jays' Triple-A affiliate (6.91 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, 7.6 percent K-BB%). The 6-foot-3 hurler would be under consideration for the role of fifth starter along with Yariel Rodriguez who made 21 starts for Toronto last season but who also hasn't shown well this spring.
6 hours ago
Lance McCullers Jr. Tosses Scoreless Inning In Tuesday Grapefruit League Debut
Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) had a successful Grapefruit League debut in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Nationals. McCullers Jr. threw 13 pitches in a scoreless inning, hitting one batter while mainly featuring a four-seam fastball and a changeup. This was the 31-year-old's first game action since Game 3 of the 2022 World Series and he has been recovering from flexor tendon surgery since. Manager Joe Espada said that McCullers Jr. wanted to go out to pitch a second inning and that he was pleased with his performance. McCullers Jr. has been a useful fantasy option throughout his career, but he still has a long way to go before proving that he can be a reliable option again for the Astros and fantasy managers.
6 hours ago
Clayton Kershaw Transferred To 60-Day Injured List Tuesday
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (toe) was transferred from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Tuesday, per the Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. The 37-year-old veteran was placed on the 15-day IL Monday as he recovers from toe surgery, which was expected to need a lengthier timeline. Kershaw's skills when on the mound are still relevant for fantasy, but the back of his career has been plagued with injuries, and he managed just 30 innings pitched in 2024. The Dodgers have one of baseball's deepest rosters, so they do not need to rush Kershaw back. At this point in his career, the former fantasy ace can likely be left in the player pool of shallower drafts and could be a potential IL stash in very deep leagues.
6 hours ago
Cade Povich Strikes Out Six In Five Hitless Innings On Tuesday
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Cade Povich tossed five hitless innings in Tuesday's 8-2 Grapefruit League victory over the Blue Jays. The lefty walked three batters and struck out six in the outing. It was a much-needed statement performance from the southpaw whose chances to make the rotation to begin the season improved with Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) expected to miss the first month. In all, Povich has allowed five earned runs over a total of 14 2/3 spring innings, allowing four walks and 15 strikeouts. The 6-foot-3 hurler had a bumpy start to his major league career in 2024, posting a 6.58 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, and a 4.5 percent K-BB% over the first 11 starts, but recorded a 2.60 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and a 22.4 percent K-BB% over the final five starts. As a former third-round pick and highly rated prospect, Povich is worth a look in deeper and AL-only leagues for fantasy if it's confirmed he'll earn a rotation spot.
7 hours ago
Rangers Place Jon Gray On 60-Day Injured List
The Texas Rangers placed right-hander Jon Gray (forearm) on the 60-day injured list on Tuesday with a right-forearm fracture to make room on the 40-man roster for left-hander Patrick Corbin, who was signed to a one-year major-league contract. Gray took a line drive off his forearm/wrist in his last Cactus League start against the San Diego Padres and unfortunately suffered a fractured arm, which will now keep him out until at least late May. With left-hander Cody Bradford (elbow) also set to open the 2025 regular season on the injured list, it's looking more and more like both right-handed pitching prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker will open the year in Texas' Opening Day starting rotation. When Gray recovers from his forearm fracture and is eligible to rejoin the team, there's a chance he's moved to a relief role, depending on the health and performance of the rest of the rotation.
10 hours ago
Zach Dezenzo Exits Early On Tuesday
Houston Astros corner infielder Zach Dezenzo (head) was forced to exit early during Tuesday's spring training contest against the Washington Nationals. Dezenzo was hit in the head by a ground ball, but was able to leave the field under his own power. It's worth noting that the 24-year-old appeared to be dealing with a jaw issue while exiting the field. The expectation is that the Astros will have Dezenzo undergo imaging to determine the severity of the issue. Dezenzo was poised to take on a bigger role in Houston this season, so hopefully it's only a minor issue.
11 hours ago
Jason Delay Optioned To Minors
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Delay has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. Delay was unable to make the big league roster after going 2-for-17 in 12 spring training contests. This isn't shocking news, but it does help limit down the catching competition in Pittsburgh. Joey Bart figures to have already made the roster as the primary catcher with Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis still battling for the backup role. Bart is really the only one here with any fantasy value after putting together a breakout campaign with the Pirates last season. He hit .265/.337/.462 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI across 80 games last season.
11 hours ago
Patrick Corbin Joining Rangers
The Texas Rangers have signed starting pitcher Patrick Corbin to a one-year deal on Tuesday. The veteran southpaw was brought in with Jon Gray (wrist) and Cody Bradford (elbow) likely both beginning the season on the injured list. The plan is for Corbin to join the organization in Arizona for the final few days of camp. At this point, Corbin isn't much more than an innings-eater pitcher, which is something the Rangers could use right now. The left-hander posted a 5.62 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and 139/54 K/BB ratio across 32 starts with the Washington Nationals last season. Corbin hasn't been a viable fantasy option in years and that's unlikely to change in Arlington.
11 hours ago
Slade Cecconi To Open Season On Injured List
Cleveland Guardians pitcher Slade Cecconi (oblique) will open the regular season on the injured list. The right-hander is working his way back from a mild oblique strain and won't be ready within the next week or so. The good news is, Cecconi is still throwing, but will still need more time to get ready for game action. Cecconi was part of the trade that sent Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this offseason. He has pitched as both a reliever and starter throughout his career, but was stretching out to be in the rotation for Cleveland. Last season, Cecconi registered an ugly 6.66 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 64/17 K/BB ratio across 20 games (13 starts) with the D-Backs. The organization should give a better timetable on Cecconi within the next week or two.
11 hours ago
Craig Kimbrel Signs With Braves
The Atlanta Braves have signed relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. The future Hall-of-Famer is back with the Braves after spending the first five seasons of his career with the organization. Since then, Kimbrel has bounced around quite a bit, but currently sits fifth all-time in saves. He's coming off a rough year with the Baltimore Orioles last season. He registered a 5.33 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, with 23 saves in 57 appearances with the O's in 2024. Kimbrel figures to pitch in a high-leverage spot behind Raisel Iglesias in Atlanta. He should see the occasional save chances, but probably won't offer reliable fantasy value while Iglesias is healthy.
11 hours ago
Romy Gonzalez Undergoing MRI On His Oblique
Boston Red Sox utility man Romy Gonzalez (oblique) is undergoing an MRI exam on Tuesday after leaving the team's spit-squad game against the Atlanta Braves on Monday with a tight oblique, according to manager Alex Cora. The level of concern is low, but the team is proceeding cautiously with only nine days before Opening Day next week. If the 28-year-old is healthy, MassLive's Chris Cotillo writes that Gonzalez is nearly certain to make the Opening Day roster because he is the top backup behind Triston Casas at first base. He projects as Boston's top super-utility option after playing seven different positions in 2024. But if Gonzalez opens the year on the injured list, Nick Sogard or Abraham Toro could break camp with the BoSox. When healthy, most of Gonzalez's playing time will come against lefties after he hit .266/.306/.417 with six home runs, 29 RBI and 11 steals in 199 at-bats a year ago.
12 hours ago
Richard Fitts A Virtual Lock For Opening Day Rotation Spot
Boston Red Sox right-hander Richard Fitts is virtually a lock to be the team's No. 4 starter to begin the 2025 season with Bryan Bello (shoulder), Kutter Crawford (knee) and Lucas Giolito (hamstring) all set to open the year on the injured list, according to MassLive's Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam. Quinn Priester and Cooper Criswell are the primary candidates competing for the fifth and final rotation spot, although Sean Newcomb and Michael Fulmer also haven't been ruled out. Newcomb and Fulmer don't have opt-out clauses in their minor-league deals, which makes them more likely to start at Triple-A Worcester. The 25-year-old Fitts has definitely earned it by posting just a 0.84 ERA with 13 strikeouts and four walks in 10 2/3 Grapefruit League innings. Fitts didn't show much strikeout stuff in his four-start stint for Boston, but he also had a 1.74 ERA. He's worth a flier in AL-only leagues.
12 hours ago
Aroldis Chapman Appears To Be In-House Favorite For Saves
MassLive's Christ Cotillo and Sean McAdam write that Boston Red Sox veteran left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman appears to have become the in-house favorite to close out games in the ninth inning to begin the 2025 regular season. The quality of Chapman's stuff has stood out, despite the fact that veteran right-hander Liam Hendriks has corrected some of the command issues that plagued him early in spring training. Chapman isn't immune from command issues, either, but he's pitched much better than Hendriks this spring and is also a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion that has 335 career saves over 15 MLB seasons. This news will be favorable for Chapman's ADP in fantasy drafts before Opening Day next Thursday, but don't forget that he walked 39 hitters in 61 2/3 innings a year ago in Pittsburgh. Chapman will still be a shaky fantasy closer with a likely short leash if he struggles.
12 hours ago
Kristian Campbell The Favorite For Second Base Job?
Despite a report on Monday suggesting that Boston Red Sox infielder David Hamilton might be the front-runner to win the starting job at second base, MassLive's Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam write that prospect Kristian Campbell remains squarely in the mix to win the job and appears to be the favorite (in the mind of team decision-makers) despite struggling at the plate so far in spring training. In addition to Hamilton and Campbell, Vaughn Grissom is also competing at the keystone. Campbell, who is ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in MLB by Baseball America, helped his case by making several diving grabs on defense in Monday's Grapefruit League win over the Orioles while also going 1-for-3 with a double and a walk. While Campbell has the much higher fantasy ceiling than Hamilton, he could probably benefit from more minor-league seasoning after going 6-for-36 (.167) at the plate with a .286 OBP in 15 spring games.
12 hours ago
Freddie Freeman
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Dodgers
