MLB News
Michael Tonkin Will Open Season On IL
Phil Miller of the Minnesota Star Tribune notes that Minnesota Twins pitcher Michael Tonkin (shoulder) is set to begin the 2025 season on the injured list. The 35-year-old picked up what was labeled as a "slight" shoulder strain in his last outing on Feb. 28. Although he is progressing, it appears Tonkin won't make the team's Opening Day roster. The righty was solid in 2024 while spending time with the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and eventually, Minnesota -- pitching to a 3.63 ERA and 1.26 WHIP across 79.1 innings. Fantasy managers can expect him to slot back into his middle reliever role upon returning to health.
3 hours ago
Michel Otanez Shut Down From Throwing
Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports that Oakland Athletics pitcher Michel Otanez (shoulder impingement) has been shut down from throwing, and his status for Opening Day is in doubt. Otanez made his debut in 2024 and was solid, pitching to a 3.44 ERA with one win and one save across 34 innings. He struck out 55 batters and allowed a .214 average against him. It's unfortunate news for the hard-throwing righty, as he was set to work in a high-leverage role for the A's bullpen. Even though he has not been ruled out for the start of the season, it's hard to imagine him being ready with his shoulder injury coming so late in spring training. Otanez K'd batters at a 36.4% rate last season and underperformed his xBA (.150) and xERA (2.49) by at least 60 points.
4 hours ago
Brandon Marsh Exits Early Sunday
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (knee) left Sunday's contest against the Baltimore Orioles early after picking up a knee bruise. The good news is that he was removed from the game for precautionary reasons and is on record stating that if it were the regular season, he "most definitely" would have stayed in the game. The 27-year-old slipped on the warning track in the first inning, landing hard on his knee. He'd again land on the same knee in the third, making a catch in center field. While it isn't thought to be a significant issue, manager Rob Thomson noted that he won't play on Monday as previously scheduled. Fellow outfielder Max Kepler also left Sunday's outing early, and the Phillies are beginning to get thin at that position. Fortunately, both can be considered day-to-day.
4 hours ago
Royce Lewis Expected To Begin 2025 On IL
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (hamstring) is expected to begin the season on the injured list. Lewis pulled up early, trying to beat out a grounder during Sunday's spring training outing, and immediately exited the game. The 25-year-old is set for an MRI on Monday, but the team expects him to start the year on the IL. It's unfortunate news for him, as injuries plagued Lewis' season in 2024, with a quadriceps injury and adductor strain robbing him of a significant portion of the year. The former first-overall pick was solid pre-All-Star break last season (.292 average), but his play suffered after the adductor ailment. Expect teammates Willi Castro and Brooks Lee to fill in at third base during his absence.
4 hours ago
Bailey Falter Ready To Go For Monday
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (general soreness) is scheduled to take the mound for Monday's spring training contest. The left-hander was scratched ahead of his start on Thursday due to general soreness. The team gave Falter a few days to rest and that appears to have helped as the southpaw is ready to take the mound again. Falter was a decent option for the Pirates last season. He posted a 4.43 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 97/45 K/BB ratio across 28 starts with the Pirates.
6 hours ago
Yu Darvish Dealing With Fatigue
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish (fatigue) will have his scheduled bullpen session on Sunday pushed back for a day or two. That being said, Darvish won't take the mound for Tuesday's scheduled start. Right now, the Padres aren't too concerned and will just give Darvish some time to rest. The injury bug continues to hold back the right-hander who hasn't made 30 starts in a single season since 2022. It doesn't sound like the team is discussing placing Darvish on the injured list. For now, Darvish should be considered as day-to-day until the team re-evaluates the situation in a few days.
7 hours ago
Clarke Schmidt Won't Start On Monday
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) won't make his scheduled spring training start on Monday. The right-hander will have his start pushed back after Schmidt experienced shoulder soreness. It doesn't sound like the organization plans to do any testing. Instead, Schmidt will still throw on Monday, so they'll likely wait and see how he feels after that. The Yankees can't afford to lose another starting pitcher with Gerrit Cole (elbow) already done for the season. For now, Schmidt should be considered day-to-day, but shoulder problems are always a concern for pitchers.
7 hours ago
Mark Leiter Jr. Should Be Ready For Opening Day
New York Yankees relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. (back) is expected to be ready in time for Opening Day. The right-hander threw a bullpen session on Sunday. Leiter reportedly felt good as he continues to recover from a back issue that has slowed him down over the last week or so. The 34-year-old posted a 4.50 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and 86/22 K/BB ratio across 60 games with the Chicago Cubs and Yankees last season. The expectation is that Leiter will be used in a high-leverage role. However, Leiter will lack fantasy value in most leagues because he won't see regular save chances.
7 hours ago
David Bednar Not Officially Named Closer
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar is expected to be the primary closing option for the team heading into the regular season. However, Pirates' manager Derek Shelton has made it clear that there isn't an official closer right now. The assumption is that Bednar will get the first crack at saves considering he's a two-time All-Star in that role. However, he struggled last season with a 5.77 ERA across 62 appearances. It hasn't gone any better for him in spring training with a 14.40 ERA across five outings. The right-hander could quickly be removed from high leverage spots if he continues to struggle early in the season. The team will likely use a committee approach if Bednar struggles, so there's no clear fantasy option right now.
7 hours ago
Yoan Moncada Could Land On Injured List
Los Angeles Angels third baseman Yoan Moncada (thumb) could begin the regular season on the injured list. Moncada was scratched ahead of Friday's game due to a sore thumb. At first glance, the Angels thought it was a day-to-day issue, but it appears to be more serious than that. The Angels haven't given a timetable for Moncada, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him sidelined to begin the season. The injury to Moncada probably means Tim Anderson gets more time at second base with Luis Rengifo likely sliding over to third base.
7 hours ago
Mason Adams Diagnosed With Flexor Strain
Chicago White Sox right-handed pitching prospect Mason Adams (shoulder) was diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right elbow. He does not have a definite timetable. Adams exited Saturday's spring training contest due to discomfort in his elbow. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but given this report, he will likely be sidelined for at least a few weeks. Adams was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will now most likely begin the season in the minor leagues. Last summer, Adams began his campaign with Double-A and held a strong 2.44 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP across 103 1/3 innings. During this stint, he tallied 101 punchouts with 19 walks. He was then promoted to Triple-A, where he allowed 11 earned runs across 17 innings of work. When he returns to the bump, he should compete for an MLB debut later in the season.
9 hours ago
White Sox Release Joey Gallo
The Chicago White Sox released outfielder Joey Gallo. The White Sox signed Gallo to a minor-league contract earlier in the winter. During spring training, he went 2-for-20 at the plate. Last season, Gallo spent the campaign in Washington. Across 76 MLB contests, Gallo held a .161/.277/.336 slash line with nine doubles and 10 home runs. He drew walks at an impressive 12.3 percent rate but struck out at a high 39.2 percent rate. Gallo also generated a low .285 xwOBA with a .173 xBA. During the 2023 campaign, the 31-year-old logged 111 starts with the Minnesota Twins and posted a .177/.301/.440 line with 21 home runs. If Gallo does find a new club before Opening Day, he should not be targeted in any formats given his lack of consistency in the major leagues.
9 hours ago
Sean Burke Named Opening Day Starter
Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher Sean Burke will get the starting nod on Opening Day against the Los Angeles Angels. The 25-year-old made his MLB debut late in the 2024 campaign and has already moved to the top of the rotation. During his brief 19-inning taste of the majors, Burke posted a 1.42 ERA with a strong 1.00 WHIP. He tallied 22 punchouts and held a modest 9.2 percent walk rate. He also generated a high 40.4 percent hard-hit rate with an 8.5 percent barrel rate, which suggests he may face some regression during the 2025 campaign. At the Triple-A level, the 25-year-old held a 4.61 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP across 64 1/3 innings. Across this stint, the Maryland product tallied 86 strikeouts and served up 36 walks. He should be viewed as a high-risk play in DFS and should only be started in deeper AL-only formats.
9 hours ago
Jung Hoo Lee Expected To Remain Sidelined For A Few Days
San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee (back) is expected to remain sidelined for a few more days. Lee was scratched on Saturday due to back soreness. It appears that this injury is still bothering him and the team will opt to exercise caution during the final weeks of spring training. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Lee made his MLB debut last season but it was cut short as he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury after 37 contests. During this brief stint, Lee held a .262/.310/.331 line. He generated a strong .278 xBA, which suggests that he could see some positive regression during the 2025 campaign. When healthy, Lee is expected to have an everyday spot in the starting nine and is a viable late-round option when looking to boost your batting average production.
9 hours ago
Max Kepler Exits Early On Sunday After Collision
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Max Kepler (undisclosed) exited Sunday's contest after colliding with the left field wall. He was replaced by Christian Arroyo. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will likely provide an update after the contest. However, he was able to exit the game on his own power, which is a positive sign. Earlier in the winter, the Phillies signed Kepler to a one-year deal worth $10 million. When healthy, he will likely be on the strong side of a platoon in left field alongside Brandon Marsh. Last season, Kepler posted a .253/.302/.380 slash line with 21 doubles and eight home runs. He generated a modest .247 xBA with a .381 xSLG. If Kepler were to miss time early in the season, Marsh would likely have a full-time role in left field.
9 hours ago
Eiberson Castellano Could Win Bullpen Job
Minnesota Twins pitching prospect Eiberson Castellano could earn a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Given the numerous injuries to Minnesota's bullpen, including Brock Stewart (knee), Justin Topa (shoulder) and Michael Tonkin (shoulder), Castellano could be a favorite to begin the season in the major leagues. Last season, the 23-year-old began the season by making his High-A debut and he was able to finish the campaign with Double-A. Across 63 1/3 innings at High-A, Castellano held a 4.12 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP. He tallied 86 punchouts and served up 20 walks. At Double-A, Castellano logged 40 1/3 innings to the tune of a 3.79 ERA and a strong 0.99 WHIP. At this level, the No. 13 ranked prospect in the system only served up nine free passes and tallied 50 punchouts. If he were to make the Opening Day roster, he will likely have a middle-relief role in the bullpen.
9 hours ago
Rockies Name Kyle Freeland Their Starter For Opening Day
Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black announced on Sunday that left-hander Kyle Freeland will start on Opening Day on March 28 against the Tampa Bay Rays on the road. It will be Freeland's fourth career Opening Day nod for the Rockies. While Freeland should go ignored in most mixed fantasy leagues in 2025, he could be worth a look as a cheap DFS play in his first start of 2025 against Tampa. The 31-year-old veteran southpaw only made 21 starts (113 1/3 innings) in 2024 due to injuries and had a second straight season with an ERA above 5.00 while also posting a 1.41 WHIP with 85 strikeouts and 26 walks. He can have the occasional solid performance, but Freeland has mostly been inconsistent in his time in Colorado and has given fantasy managers headaches in deeper leagues with his lack of command. He has a career 4.48 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with a below-average 17.2 percent strikeout rate.
9 hours ago
Royce Lewis Exits Early On Sunday
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (leg) exited Sunday's contest with an apparent leg injury. The infielder sustained this injury while running to first base. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status as the team will likely provide an update after the game. This is not a good sign as Lewis has had his fair share of injuries and could be in danger of missing time early in the 2025 campaign. Last season, the former first overall pick appeared in just 82 games and held a .233/.295/.452 slash line with 16 doubles and 16 home runs. He generated a strong 11.2 percent barrel rate with a 73.3 mph bat speed. However, he drew walks at a modest 8.6 percent rate and struck out at a high 22.8 percent rate. If Lewis were to miss time, fantasy managers should expect Willi Castro or Brooks Lee to see opportunities at the hot corner.
10 hours ago
Ramon Urias Expected To Return On Thursday
Baltimore Orioles infielder Ramon Urias (hamstring) is expected to return to the Grapefruit League lineup on Thursday against the division-rival New York Yankees after an off day on Wednesday, according to manager Brandon Hyde. The 30-year-old veteran has been dealing with some minor hamstring soreness of late but should be ready to go later in the week. If shortstop Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) is forced to open the year on the injured list, Urias would likely start at second base for the Orioles, with young infielder Jackson Holliday likely shifting to the 6. If all of Baltimore's infielders are healthy, Urias profiles as a bench player in 2025 who can fill in at second or third base when needed. The Mexican infielder hit .254/.322/.423 with 11 home runs, 37 RBI and 39 runs scored in 100 games in his fifth year with the team in 2024. Given his lack of playing time, Urias is only an option in AL-only leagues.
10 hours ago
Emmanuel Rivera Dealing With Sore Shoulder
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Emmanuel Rivera (shoulder) is dealing with a sore left shoulder at camp, according to MASN's Roch Kubatko. Rivera first felt his shoulder while swinging a bat in Dunedin on Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays and will need a couple more days to recover, according to manager Brandon Hyde. It's not a serious injury for the 28-year-old, so it would be a surprise if he's not ready to go by Opening Day on March 27. When healthy, Rivera will merely be a backup option for the Orioles behind Jordan Westburg at third base and Ryan Mountcastle at first base in 2025. The Miami Marlins designated him for assignment last year after a rough season in which he hit .214/.294/.269. He was eventually claimed by the O's and hit .313 with four homers and 14 RBI in just 27 games to close out the year.
10 hours ago
Michael Tonkin
• RP
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Twins
