MLB News
A's Option Esteury Ruiz, J.T. Ginn To Triple-A
The Athletics optioned outfielder Esteury Ruiz, right-handers J.T. Ginn, Elvis Alvarado and Grant Holman and third baseman Darell Hernaiz to Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday. Ruiz, 26, led all of baseball with 67 stolen bases in his first year with the Athletics after being acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, but he struggled in 2024 and was optioned to the minors. Ruiz finished last year with a .200/.270/.382 slash line, a .652 OPS, two home runs, eight RBI and only five steals in just 29 games played in Oakland. He still has plenty of speed, but he's fallen way down the team's outfield depth chart and will have to work his way back to the big leagues in 2025. Ginn, 25, lost out on a starting rotation spot in camp by posting an ugly 7.62 ERA and 1.85 WHIP with 16 strikeouts and eight walks in five Cactus League appearances. He'll provide rotation depth in Vegas to open the year.
1 hour ago
Patrick Sandoval Steadily Progressing In His Rehab
The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey writes that Boston Red Sox left-hander Patrick Sandoval (elbow), who had a modified Tommy John surgery and internal-brace procedure a year ago, remains on track to return in the second half in 2025. Sandoval said he's steadily progressing in his rehab and is up to throwing from 90 feet and is doing three sets of 25 throws three times a week. He's set to increase his progression to four days a week in the next week or so as he builds up stamina toward bullpen sessions. The 28-year-old southpaw is still far from game action but is trending in the right direction after signing a two-year, $18.25 million deal with Boston over the winter. Because Sandoval won't pitch much in his first year in Beantown, he can pretty much be avoided in all single-year fantasy leagues to open the 2025 campaign.
1 hour ago
David Hamilton The Front-Runner For Second Base Job?
The Boston Red Sox have yet to make any decision on a starter at second base in camp, but The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey writes that it seems like David Hamilton has a strong case for the starting job. Although Alex Cora said it's still an open competition among Hamilton, Vaughn Grissom and prospect Kristian Campbell, the skipper has spoken highly of Hamilton, particularly on defense. The 27-year-old's glove plays, but he also stole 33 bases in 98 games in 2024 and had 70 steals in 119 games in 2022 at Double-A. Campbell was initially seen as the front-runner, but he's a work in progress on defense and has gone 5-for-33 at the plate with 13 strikeouts. Hamilton has hit .250 with three doubles and two homers in spring training. Grissom is 6-for-32 (.188) with two doubles in 12 games and hasn't separated himself like Hamilton. Fantasy managers in AL-only and deep-mixed leagues could target Hamilton for his speed.
1 hour ago
Sean Newcomb A Candidate For Rotation Spot
MLB.com's Ian Browne says not to rule out Boston Red Sox left-hander Sean Newcomb for an Opening Day starting rotation spot with Brayan Bello (shoulder), Lucas Giolito (hamstring) and Kutter Crawford (knee) all opening the regular season on the injured list. "He's been solid. The cutter has made a difference. Throwing strikes, that's the most important thing. This is a guy we've seen from the last few years against us. It always caught my attention. They've done a good job, the pitching department, adding the cutter, kind of like a strike stealer or avoiding barrels. And so far, so good. He's in the hunt. He's caught our eyes," manager Alex Cora said. The 31-year-old southpaw and former first-rounder in 2014 by the Los Angeles Angels has given up only one run in 9 2/3 spring innings and is competing with Quinn Priester and Richard Fitts for the final rotation spot out of camp. The fact Newcomb doesn't have minor-league options left could help his cause.
1 hour ago
Spencer Torkelson Could Play Regularly As DH
The Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold writes that first baseman Spencer Torkelson could see regular at-bats this year at designated hitter. The Tigers could be rotating players around early in the year in the outfield with both Parker Meadows (arm) and Matt Vierling (shoulder) injured, which could mean more looks for Torkelson at DH if Kerry Carpenter is needed more in the outfield. The former No. 1 overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State University hasn't lived up to his draft stock to this point, even after clubbing a career-high 31 long balls and driving in 94 runs in his second season in 2023. The 25-year-old right-handed slugger took a step back last year, though, posting a .669 OPS with only 10 home runs in 92 games played. However, he's hitting .286 (10-for-35) with four homers and nine RBI in 14 spring training games and could be a sneaky late-round flier for some power in deeper fantasy leagues.
1 hour ago
Joey Gallo Trying His Hand At Pitching
After asking for and being granted his release by the Chicago White Sox over the weekend, first baseman/outfielder/designated hitter Joey Gallo announced on X that he will now be transitioning to a pitcher. Gallo went just 2-for-20 with 11 strikeouts in nine Cactus League games for the White Sox before they cut him. The 31-year-old left-handed slugger was a former 39th overall pick by the Texas Rangers in 2012 and has 208 career home runs, but also 1,292 strikeouts in 3,403 career plate appearances over 10 big-league seasons. The two-time All-Star hit 40-plus home runs in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018 with the Rangers but had really tanked offensively in recent years, slashing just .161/.277/.336 with 10 home runs, 27 RBI and 102 K's in 76 games with the Washington Nationals in 2024. Gallo will be a long shot to resurface in the big leagues as a hurler.
1 hour ago
Josh Rojas Dealing With Hairline Fracture In His Big Toe
Chicago White Sox infielder Josh Rojas (toe) is dealing with a hairline fracture in his right big toe, according to manager Will Venable. MLB.com's Scott Merkin writes that it sounds like it's a pain-tolerance situation right now, and Rojas is dealing with some pain. The 30-year-old veteran suffered the injury in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Colorado Rockies. It sounds like he is going to try and play through the injury, so Rojas currently isn't being ruled out for Opening Day next Thursday. Before the injury, Rojas was the favorite to start at second base for the Pale Hose, but if he needs to start the year on the injured list, it could be some combination of prospect Chase Meidroth, Brooks Baldwin or Lenyn Sosa seeing playing time at second. Rojas' glove is better than his bat. He's a below-average hitter and runner, making him only useful for his versatility in AL-only leagues.
1 hour ago
Michael King Named Padres' Opening Day Starter
San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King will start on Opening Day on Thursday, March 27, against the visiting Atlanta Braves, according to manager Mike Shildt. King will get the nod over right-hander Dylan Cease to kick things off in 2025 after he finished the 2024 campaign in downright nasty form for the Friars. In his first year as a full-time starter in the big leagues in San Diego in 2024 after being involved in the blockbuster trade that sent outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, the 29-year-old went 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA (3.33 FIP), a 1.19 WHIP, a career-high 201 strikeouts and 63 walks in 173 2/3 innings over 31 regular-season outings (30 starts). King excelled after basically swapping his sweeper for a harder slider and finished as the No. 16 fantasy starting pitcher. It will be interesting to see how his body handles another full workload in 2025, but you should treat him as a strong No. 2 starter.
1 hour ago
Brice Turang Down 3-5 Days After Throwing Session Doesn't Go Well
MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports that Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Brice Turang (shoulder) tried to throw at camp on Monday, but it didn't go well. The good news is Turang's MRI exam didn't show any structural damage in his right shoulder, but he will be shut down for three to five days. McCalvy adds that the Brewers aren't worried about the 25-year-old missing Opening Day next Thursday, but they may revisit their middle-infield configuration after being very close to naming Turang as their starting shortstop. It now seems more likely that Turang will stay at second base and Joey Ortiz will move to the 6 to begin the year. Turang won the Platinum Gold Glove at the keystone last year, so this shouldn't be that big of an issue, but fantasy managers may be wondering if his shoulder injury will affect his swing at all. It's still possible that Turang is moved back to shortstop at some point, which would allow him to gain shortstop eligibility in fantasy.
2 hours ago
James McCann Signs Minor-League Deal With Braves
Free-agent catcher James McCann and the Atlanta Braves agreed to a minor-league deal on Monday, a source tells FanSided's Robert Murray. McCann will provide the Braves with additional catching depth to start the 2025 season with Sean Murphy (rib) starting the year on the injured list with a fractured rib on his left side. Catching prospect Drake Baldwin is expected to start behind the dish early on, with Chadwick Tromp backing him up. The 34-year-old McCann will most likely begin the season at Triple-A Gwinnett as the team's No. 3 option should anything happen to Baldwin or Tromp. The former second-rounder by the Detroit Tigers in 2011 out of the University of Arkansas is basically a backup at this point in his career after hitting .234/.279/.388 with eight home runs and 31 RBI in 233 trips to the plate over 65 games in 2024 with Baltimore. McCann hasn't played in over 100 games since 2021 with the Mets.
2 hours ago
Jesse Winker Exits Early On Monday
New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker (calf) was forced to exit early during Monday's spring training contest. The left-handed slugger was pulled out of the contest due to a minor calf issue. Mets' manager Carlos Mendoza said that Winker was removed for precautionary reasons. Fantasy managers should consider Winker as day-to-day. The expectation is that Winker will be fine in a few days and this shouldn't impact his status for Opening Day.
3 hours ago
Orelvis Martinez Removed Early On Monday
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez (hip) was forced to exit early during Monday's spring training contest. Martinez is considered day-to-day after getting hit by a pitch in the hip during his lone plate appearance. It sounds like he's only dealing with a bruised hip, so this isn't something that should sideline him for long. Martinez was already unlikely to make the Opening Day roster, but it shouldn't be long before he's playing everyday in Toronto. The 23-year-old has some legitimate power in his bat, so he could be an immediate impact player once he gets the chance to play everyday.
3 hours ago
Andrew Benintendi Takes Live Batting Practice
Chicago White Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi (hand) was able to take live batting practice on Monday. Benintendi is reportedly feeling good and things are progressing quicker than expected. The left-handed slugger suffered a non-displaced fracture on his right hand in late February. At the time, Benintendi was expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks of action. Now, Benintendi is pushing to be ready in time for Opening Day against the Los Angeles Angels. The organization is hopeful that Benintendi can get into the lineup as the designated hitter at some point this week.
3 hours ago
Alek Manoah Placed On 60-Day Injured List
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Alek Manoah (elbow) has been placed on the 60-day injured list on Monday. This is unsurprising as Manoah continues working his way back from Tommy John surgery. The organization is hopeful that Manoah can be an option for them in the second half of the season. Manoah was horrendous in 2023 and only made five starts with the Blue Jays last season. This move opens up a spot on the 40-man roster for left-hander Richard Lovelady. The southpaw posted a 4.46 ERA, and 1.31 WHIP across 34 1/3 innings with the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs last season. He has a good chance of making the team as a middle reliever to start the season.
3 hours ago
Kristian Campbell Still Competing For Second Base Gig
Boston Red Sox infielder Kristian Campbell is reportedly still competing for the starting second base job, according to manager Alex Cora. The 22-year-old seemed like the favorite to secure the job at the beginning of camp, but the Red Sox are going to make him earn it. If he gets the starting gig, David Hamilton would likely slide into a utility role and Vaughn Grissom would probably end up in Triple-A. Campbell has the speed and potential with the bat to be an immediate impact player which could be as early as Opening Day.
3 hours ago
Brett Baty, Luisangel Acuna Could Platoon At Second Base
It sounds like New York Mets infielders Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna will both make the Opening Day roster out of camp and platoon at second base until Jeff McNeil (oblique) is able to return. Given his experience and the fact that he hits from the left side, Baty figures to open the year on the strong side of a platoon at the keystone in Queens with Acuna. The 25-year-old has deserved playing time to open the season, as he's currently hitting .343 (12-for-35) with two home runs and three doubles in Grapefruit League action. The former 12th overall pick in 2019 has yet to find much success at the big-league level in three seasons, though, hitting .215/.282/.325 with 15 homers and 55 RBI in 169 games. Acuna, 23, has hit just .226 in spring training, although he did go 12-for-39 (.308) with three homers and six RBI in his first 14 big-league games in 2024.
4 hours ago
Spencer Steer To Resume Throwing On Tuesday, Could Be Ready For Opening Day
Cincinnati Reds infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) will resume throwing in camp on Tuesday, and the Reds are still holding out hope that he can avoid a stint on the injured list to start the 2025 regular season, per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. However, it's probably going to be a close call, as Steer hasn't played in a spring training game since February as he works his way back from a cortisone shot for his balky shoulder. The 27-year-old, who played through a shoulder strain in 2024, has been swinging a bat in drills for the last week, and MRI exams haven't shown any structural damage. If Steer is forced to open the season on the IL, Jeimer Candelario would likely open the year at third base, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand being the primary first baseman across the diamond. Steer has only had seven plate appearances in Cactus League games, so don't rule out a slow start for him at the plate.
4 hours ago
Alexis Diaz To Pitch In Minor-League Game On Tuesday
The Cincinnati Reds will have right-handed reliever Alexis Diaz pitch in a minor-league game in camp on Tuesday after another rough outing in the Cactus League on Saturday in which he gave up five runs on three hits while walking three in just one-third of an inning. The 28-year-old dealt with a hamstring injury early in camp and also developed a cut on his right thumb during his outing on Saturday. The Reds are hoping that he'll be able to iron out his issues before Opening Day arrives next Thursday, but fantasy managers can't be so certain. Diaz was expected to be Cincy's primary closer entering the 2025 season, but his struggles this spring could open the door for the likes of Emilio Pagan, Taylor Rogers, Tony Santillan and Scott Barlow in the ninth inning. Diaz has become a shaky No. 2 fantasy closer for those that have yet to draft.
4 hours ago
Tobias Myers To Start The Year On Injured List
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Tobias Myers (oblique) will start the year on the injured list with a left-oblique strain, but the team thinks they can get his injury under control fairly quickly. Manager Pat Murphy said that Myers' injury was "better than we were expecting" and that a return in April "could be in play." It's a best-case scenario for the 26-year-old, who went 9-6 with a 3.00 ERA (3.91 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, 127 strikeouts and 36 walks in 138 innings over his first 27 major-league appearances (25 starts) for the Brew Crew last year. With Myers set to open the season on the shelf, Tyler Alexander is expected to open the year in the Brewers' starting rotation. While Myers was a bright spot for Milwaukee's rotation last year, he's due some regression in 2025 and has a lowered fantasy floor and ceiling due to his below-average strikeout rate. He's currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 92 fantasy starting pitcher.
4 hours ago
Max Kepler Dealing With Back Injury
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki reports that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Max Kepler (back) is dealing with a bruised lower back and doesn't currently have a timetable for a return. Kepler collided with the outfield wall in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Baltimore Orioles and had to leave the game. The 32-year-old veteran wasn't in the lineup on Monday and will apparently miss a bit more time at the tail end of camp. With Opening Day coming next Thursday, March 27, against the division-rival Washington Nationals, it's entirely possible that he'll have to open his first year in Philly on the injured list. When healthy, Kepler should be on the strong side of a platoon in left field, but he may need to pick it up offensively in order to keep that role. The injury-prone outfielder played in only 105 games in his final season with the Twins and hit .253 with eight home runs and 42 RBI.
5 hours ago
Esteury Ruiz
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Athletics
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