MLB News
Scott Kingery Designated For Assignment
The Los Angeles Angels have designated infielder Scott Kingery for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for left-handed pitcher Angel Perdomo, who they acquired from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash considerations. Kingery was competing for a role in the middle infield but will instead begin his season in the minor leagues unless he is claimed on waivers. The 30-year-old has spent his entire MLB career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Across 325 MLB games, Kingery has posted a .229/.280/.387 slash line with 30 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He enjoyed his best campaign in 2019 when he posted a .258/.315/.474 line across 126 games. Fantasy managers should expect Kingery to return to the majors later in the summer when the Angels need additional depth in their infield. However, he will not carry any fantasy value.
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Jackson Holliday Showing Consistency In Grapefruit League
Baltimore Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday has posted a strong .314/.385/.486 line through 12 contests in the Grapefruit League. His 11 total hits are the fourth-most by an Oriole in camp. This is a great sign for Holliday, as the former top prospect struggled to adjust to the major leagues last season. The 21-year-old posted an underwhelming .189/.235/.311 line across his first 60 MLB contests. During this stretch, Holliday hit just four doubles with five home runs. He generated a strong 45.1 percent hard-hit rate but held a high 33.2 percent strikeout rate. Through 91 contests at the Triple-A level, the former No. 1 overall pick posted a .270/.423/.460 slash line with 29 doubles and 12 long balls. Fantasy managers should expect Holliday to break camp as the starting second baseman in Baltimore.
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Kyle Manzardo Performing Well In Spring Training
Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo has been performing very well in spring training. Through 14 contests, Manzardo has posted an impressive .368/.415/.658 slash line with two doubles and three home runs. He has held a 2:10 BB:K and added seven RBI. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut last summer but posted a modest .234/.282/.421 line across 53 contests. He only went deep five times during this stretch and added 12 doubles. The Guardians typically deployed Manzardo on the strong side of a platoon. Earlier in the campaign, Manzardo held a .267/.393/.548 line with 20 doubles and 20 home runs through 83 contests at the Triple-A level. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but given his play in camp, he will likely open the season as the primary designated hitter against right-handed bats. Fantasy managers looking for a late-round power target should take a flier on Manzardo as he could eventually earn a full-time if he continues to develop.
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Ben Rice Showing Power In Camp
New York Yankees first baseman/catcher Ben Rice has been showcasing his power during camp. Through 14 contests in the Grapefruit League, the former 12th-round selection has gone deep four times and held a .279/.340/.558 slash line. He has tallied eight RBI and held a 4:13 BB:K ratio. The 26-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and held a .171/.246/.349 slash line with six doubles and seven home runs. Across 30 contests at the Triple-A level, Rice has posted an impressive .294/.428/.661 line with four doubles and 12 long balls. Given his strong play in camp, Rice will likely make the Opening Day roster. While he will likely see most of his time at first base or behind the plate, the injury to Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) could open up the DH spot for Rice. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development, as he could be worth drafting in deeper formats if he continues to hit for power.
1 hour ago
Keegan Thompson Designated For Assignment
The Chicago Cubs have designated right-handed pitcher Keegan Thompson for assignment. This transaction opened a spot on the roster for top prospect Matt Shaw, who got the starting nod at the hot corner during their regular season opener. If the 30-year-old is not claimed on waivers, he will open the season at the Triple-A level. Last summer, Thompson logged 30 1/3 innings in the major leagues and posted a 2.67 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. He tallied 36 strikeouts but held a high 14.2 percent walk rate. During the 2023 campaign, Thompson posted a high 4.71 ERA with a 1.36 WHIP across 28 2/3 innings of work. Through 74 1/3 career innings at Triple-A, the former third-round selection has held a 4.48 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP. Thompson could return to the majors later in the season if the Cubs need additional depth in their bullpen.
1 hour ago
Michael McGreevy Could Make Starting Rotation
St. Louis Cardinals starting pitching prospect Michael McGreevy could make the starting rotation if the Cardinals opt to use a six-man rotation. John Denton of MLB.com noted that the young right-hander could operate as a starter and swingman. The 24-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and performed quite well. Through 23 innings, McGreevy posted a 1.96 ERA with a strong 0.78 WHIP. During spring training, McGreevy has allowed just two runs across 11 2/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, as he is competing for a spot in the rotation. If he were to continue to perform well in camp, he could even become the No. 5 starter. Andre Pallante and Steven Matz are expected to be the No. 4 and No. 5 starters in the rotation. If McGreevy breaks camp as a starter, he does carry intriguing late-round value, given his success this spring.
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Freddie Freeman A Late Scratch Against The Cubs On Tuesday
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (ankle, rib) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the Tokyo, Japan series. Freeman was initially in the starting lineup at the three-hole but was scratched a half-hour before game time. He had surgery to remove loose bodies from his right ankle last December. The 35-year-old appeared to be ready for Opening Day after hitting .280 (7-for-25) with three home runs, six RBI, and three runs in spring training. For DFS purposes, fantasy managers need to remove Freeman from their lineup. His next chance to return will be Game 2 of the Tokyo Series against the Cubs on Wednesday. Kike Hernandez shifts from left field to first base while Michael Conforto enters the lineup as the Dodgers starting left fielder. Conforto hit .269 (7-for-26) with a home run and three RBI this spring. Update: Freeman was scratched from Tuesday's game versus the Cubs with left rib discomfort and is considered day-to-day.
3 hours ago
Roki Sasaki Officially Added To 40-Man Roster
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Roki Sasaki was officially added to the 40-man roster on Monday ahead of the team's Tokyo Series set to run March 18-19. This was expected all along, but the move was more of a formality. Baseball's No.1-ranked prospect tossed seven innings of scoreless ball in Cactus League action, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out seven batters. He's expected to start Game 2 in Japan against the Cubs, and we'll get our first chance to see him in a regular season game, but even if he pitches well, don't expect him to go deep into the contest. Looking ahead, the 23-year-old should be a solid source of wins, ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts for fantasy this season, but some caution is warranted as he very well could face workload restrictions throughout the year.
8 hours ago
Jacob Wilson Belts Two Home Runs, Collects Five RBI On Monday
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson popped a pair of home runs in a 2-for-3 day at the plate in Monday's 7-6 Cactus League win over the Mariners. They were the 22-year-old's third and fourth home runs of the spring, and the five RBI he collected brings the total to 12 through 15 games. The former 2023 first-round draft pick made quick work of the minors, ascending all the way to the majors by the second half of 2024, although a hamstring injury in his debut limited the right-handed hitter to just 14 games in the big leagues. Still, he rarely struck out in the minors, posting a measly 7.7 percent K%, then continued to hold his own in the majors, logging just a 9.7 percent K% in 92 at-bats. Set to be the Athletics' Opening Day shortstop, he should be in for a solidly productive season. With an NFBC ADP of 365, the Athletics' No. 1-ranked prospect can be had at the end of most drafts, and although his main contribution for fantasy might be batting average, perhaps the newfound power stroke can add a few more home runs and RBI than expected.
8 hours ago
Javier Assad Officially Placed On 15-Day Injured List
The Chicago Cubs officially placed right-hander Javier Assad (oblique) on the 15-day injured list on Monday before their season-opening, two-game series in Tokyo, Japan, against the Los Angeles Dodgers this week. In additional moves, the Cubs optioned right-hander Daniel Palencia to Triple-A Iowa and designated right-hander Keegan Thompson for assignment. Assad suffered a mild left-oblique strain early in spring training and didn't have enough time to get ready for the Tokyo Series, but he could be ready in early April if he can avoid any setbacks as he gets ramped back up. However, by that time, the Cubs could just use him as a long reliever out of the bullpen. The 27-year-old went 7-6 with a 3.73 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 124 strikeouts in 147 innings over 29 starts in 2024 in his first full year as a starter. Assad could take another step forward in 2025, but his lack of strikeout upside doesn't make him very attractive in mixed fantasy leagues.
8 hours ago
Daylen Lile Highlights Trio Of Reassignments For Nationals
Washington Nationals outfield prospect Daylen Lile was reassigned to minor league camp on Monday, along with infield prospects Cayden Wallace and Yohandy Morales. Lile is the highest-ranked prospect of the bunch, coming in as the Nats' No. 10 prospect, followed by Wallace at No. 11, and Morales at No. 13. None of them did much of note with the bat this spring, although none have gotten a taste of Triple-A pitching yet during their time in the minors. Each has an expected ETA of 2026 per MLB.com's Top 30 Prospects list for the Nationals, and we'll want to see them perform well this season at the highest level of the minors before we start considering them for fantasy.
9 hours ago
Matt Shaw Added To Major-League Roster
Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw was officially added to the Cubs' 40-man roster and 26-man roster prior to the club's first game in Tokyo, Japan. This doesn't come as a shock, as the team announced last week that he would be making the Opening Day roster. Shaw is one of the game's top prospects, as he slashed .284/.379/.488 with 21 home runs and 31 steals in 121 games between Double-A and Triple-A in 2024. He also showed off excellent plate discipline with an 11.9% walk rate and 18.2% strikeout rate. His profile looks very nice for fantasy, as he has 20/20 upside if everything breaks right for him in his rookie year.
9 hours ago
Randal Grichuk Leaves Game With Ankle Soreness
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Randall Grichuk (ankle) exited Monday's game with left-ankle soreness. Luckily, nothing is alarming and it's just something to monitor, according to manager Torey Lovullo. Grichuk is set to get part-time playing time in the outfield and as the designated hitter as part of a part-time platoon in 2025. He was productive in his role last season, slashing .291/.348/.528 with 12 home runs, 46 RBI, and 40 runs in 279 plate appearances. He did his job as a platoon man, as he delivered a .914 OPS against lefties and also put up a respectable .802 OPS against righties. He's likely to be left to that same limited role this season, barring injuries to his teammates.
9 hours ago
Clayton Kershaw, Tony Gonsolin, Michael Kopech Placed On 15-Day Injured List
Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers Clayton Kershaw (toe), Tony Gonsolin (back), and Michael Kopech (shoulder) were all placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday night. These were part of a flourish of roster moves the Dodgers made prior to their opening game in Tokyo, Japan. None of these moves came as a surprise, as these injuries have been known for a while. Kershaw is expected to require an extended absence as he recovers from toe surgery, but Gonsolin and Kopech figure to be in the mix much sooner. Kopech is an arm the Dodgers will definitely be eager to get back after he posted a 1.13 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 24 innings after being dealt to them last season from the Chicago White Sox.
9 hours ago
Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero Reassigned To Minor-League Camp
Chicago White Sox catching prospect Kyle Teel has been reassigned to minor-league camp, along with a host of other players, including fellow catching prospect Edgar Quero. Teel is ranked as the team's No. 2 prospect (MLB No. 32), while Quero comes in at No. 6 (MLB No. 65). That will leave Korey Lee and Matt Thaiss to handle duties for the big-league club, neither of which has had a wRC+ better than 86 to this point in their major-league careers. Teel was a 2023 first-round draft pick, formerly of the Red Sox organization, who hit well until his short stint at Triple-A in 2024 (.255). But he was still able to log a .374 on-base percentage due to his strong 16.3 percent walk rate and showed well this spring, going 5-for-20 with a pair of home runs and a 4:4 BB:K. Quero fared a bit better in '24, slashing .295/.382/.463 during his time at Triple-A, but didn't do much with the bat this spring. Both have an ETA of 2025, according to MLB.com's top-100 prospect list, so we'll see who gets the call first. Whoever it is could make for an intriguing waiver-wire pickup if they earn immediate playing time, especially in deeper leagues.
9 hours ago
Angel Perdomo Traded To The Angels
Relief pitcher Angel Perdomo was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. He has looked good this spring and figures to slot into a spot in the Angels' bullpen. The lefty missed all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery but was productive in 2023. He posted a 3.72 ERA and 1.10 WHIP with 44 strikeouts in 29 innings. Although it was a smaller sample, his 37.6% strikeout rate, 2.75 xERA, and .183 xBA all graded out as elite. He should serve as a solid middle reliever behind the Angels' high-leverage arms of Kenley Jansen, Ben Joyce, and Brock Burke.
10 hours ago
Spencer Strider Shines In First Spring Training Start
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (elbow) made his long-awaited spring debut on Monday, tossing 2 2/3 perfect innings while striking out six. Although the competition he faced wasn't the toughest, it was encouraging to see his pitches at work following the injury. His fastball topped out at 98 mph and his breaking balls looked as dominant as ever. He only made it two starts into 2024 before requiring a season-ending internal brace procedure on his UCL. In 2023, he posed a 3.86 ERA and 1.09 WHIP while striking out a whopping 281 batters in 186 2/3 innings. His 3.09 xERA and .205 xBA also both ranked in the top-10 percent of the league. Strider could very easily be one of the best pitchers in the sport once again in 2025, which would make him one of the best values on draft day. Expect his ADP to continue to rise as he makes more spring appearances.
10 hours ago
Noah Murdock Earns Opening Day Roster Spot
Athletics right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock was notified on Monday by manager Mark Kotsay that he made the team's Opening Day roster. The 2019 draft pick earned the spot based on his performance this spring according to Kotsay. The 6-foot-8 hurler allowed three earned runs on two hits and a 5:7 BB:K in seven-and-two-thirds innings of relief. The tall righty owns a solid 23.4 percent K% and 9.45 K/9 during his minor league career but also carries a high 13.3 percent BB%. Still, the A's could have been impressed by his extreme ground ball rate, posting a 59.7 percent rate between Double-A and Triple-A last season, then registering a 75.0 percent GB% this spring. The 26-year-old will make his MLB debut once the season begins and is expected to fill a low-leverage role that won't be conducive to fantasy productivity. As such, Murdock will be off the fantasy radar until that changes.
10 hours ago
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.
11 hours 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.
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