MLB News
Jared Jones Dealing With Elbow Discomfort
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jared Jones (elbow) experienced elbow discomfort after his most recent bullpen session and will miss his final spring training start. Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reported the news. Jones pitched well in his 2024 debut, compiling a 4.14 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a 26.2% strikeout rate in 121.2 innings (22 starts). The 23-year-old has been a popular breakout pick for the 2025 season. While it's possible the Pirates are being cautious with their young arm, elbow discomfort isn't what you want to hear. He likely won't throw for a bit and will be re-evaluated in a few days. Fantasy managers will want to continue monitoring the hard-throwing righty over the next week, as he's currently being selected inside the top 150 of drafts.
3 hours ago
Nick Mears To Start The Year On Injured List
Per Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Nick Mears (illness) is set to begin the season on the injured list. Mears reportedly lost ten pounds due to a severe stomach illness he picked up last week and will require some building-up before he is game-ready. Fortunately, he returned to the mound on Monday, but will still need a series of bullpen sessions and sim games to get back up to speed. The 28-year-old spent time with the Brewers and Rockies last season, striking out nearly a third of the batters he faced (29.3%) while dropping his walk percentage into single digits for the first time in his career (9.4%). Though Mears' ERA stood at a bloated 5.93, he severely underperformed his xERA of 3.31, which was more in line with his 2023 production -- albeit in far fewer innings. Fantasy managers can expect him back around the time he's eligible to return in mid-April.
3 hours ago
Luis Garcia To Throw Live BP Thursday
Brian McTaggart of MLB.com notes that Houston Astros starting pitcher Luis Garcia (elbow) is set to throw a live batting practice session on Thursday. The 28-year-old hasn't pitched since May 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. It's been a long road to recovery for him, as he suffered multiple setbacks last season during his rehab. The Astros have played it slow with Garcia, but he reportedly looked sharp in a bullpen session a few weeks ago and could be turning a corner in his recovery. His next steps will be determined depending on how Thursday's session goes. While the timeline for his return is unclear, he could rejoin the team in a few months after being stretched out. Garcia racked up a 27% strikeout rate over six starts (27 innings) in 2023 before being shut down. He's little more than a late-round flyer in fantasy drafts for the time being.
3 hours ago
Jose Urquidy Cleared To Play Catch From 105 Feet
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Jose Urquidy (elbow) has been cleared to play catch from 105 feet this week and will do so three times. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reported the news. The 29-year-old is recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in June of last year. It's a step in the right direction for Urquidy, but he still has a long way to go before toeing the rubber again and is projected to return to the field sometime in the second half of the season. The last time we saw the veteran pitch was in late September of 2023, a season in which he sported a 5.29 ERA and 1.43 WHIP across 63 innings of work. The former Houston Astro could be a boost to fantasy managers later this summer for those who choose to stash him. Still, there's no guarantee he will return to a starting role in 2025.
4 hours ago
Chase Silseth Optioned To Triple-A
The Los Angeles Angels have optioned right-handed pitcher Chase Silseth to Triple-A Salt Lake. Silseth was competing for a spot in the rotation but fell short. Last season, the right-hander logged just eight innings in the majors before needing elbow surgery. In 2023, Silseth logged a career-high 52 1/3 innings in the major leagues and held a 3.96 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP. He tallied 56 strikeouts but served up a hefty 24 free passes. Across 74 career innings at the Triple-A level, the Arizona product has posted a 4.26 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP. Silseth has tallied just 65 strikeouts while showing weak control as he served up 38 free passes. Fantasy managers should expect Silseth to be in the mix to return to the majors later in the summer. As a result, Jack Kochanowicz, Reid Detmers, and Sam Bachman will likely be the favorites to land the final spot in the rotation.
4 hours ago
George Kirby Progressing From Shoulder Inflammation
Per Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Seattle Mariners' starting pitcher, George Kirby (shoulder), hopes to resume throwing in a few days. Kirby was shut down by the team earlier this month after experiencing shoulder inflammation that stemmed from his second spring training outing. While he has yet to begin playing catch, he's reportedly continued his lower body and core conditioning while resuming arm-strengthening exercises. It's a critical step for the 27-year-old as he attempts to work his way back to the mound. "I'm hoping to get back up there by the middle of April," said the former first-round pick. Kirby was superb in 2024, authoring one of the lowest walk rates in the league (3.0%). Fortunately, it appears he won't miss too much time. The righty is still going off the boards inside the top 100 of fantasy drafts and, more often, inside the top 75.
4 hours ago
Travis Blankenhorn Signs Minor-League Deal With Halos
The Los Angeles Angels have signed Travis Blankenhorn to a minor-league contract. Last summer, Blankenhorn spent 13 games in the major leagues with Washington. Across this small stint, Blankenhorn held a .129/.156/.161 slash line. In 106 games at Triple-A, Blankenhorn posted a .238/.322/.499 slash line with 22 doubles and 26 home runs. He held a 41:118 BB:K and swiped two bags. Across 49 career MLB contests, Blankenhorn has tallied just 14 hits, with only six of them going for extra bases. Fantasy managers should expect the 28-year-old to operate in a depth role at the Triple-A level. He could return to the majors when the Angels need additional outfield depth. However, given his lack of consistent success in the majors, he is not worth targeting any format.
4 hours ago
Zach Dezenzo Suffers TMJ Sprain
Houston Astros infield prospect Zach Dezenzo (face) suffered a TMJ sprain during Tuesday's spring training contest. Dezenzo was hit by a ground ball on the right side of his face. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com noted that this injury is not expected to be serious, but he will undergo another exam. The 24-year-old has been swinging a hot bat throughout camp, holding a .378/.410/.622 slash line with two long balls and three doubles. The Ohio State product made his MLB debut last summer and posted a .242/.277/.371 slash line with two doubles and two home runs across 19 contests. In 25 games at Triple-A last season, Dezenzo posted an impressive .333/.425/.573 slash line with eight doubles and five home runs. If he were to make the Opening Day roster, he could have value in deeper AL-only formats as a depth infielder.
4 hours ago
Dodgers Option Justin Wrobleski To Triple-A
The Los Angeles Dodgers have optioned left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski to Triple-A. In a corresponding move, the Dodgers selected Matt Sauer's contract. Wrobleski enjoyed an impressive spring training as he posted a 1.93 ERA with a stellar 0.75 WHIP across nine 1/3 innings of work. He tallied nine punchouts while serving up just one free pass. The Oklahoma State product made his MLB debut last season and held a 5.70 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP across his first 36 1/3 MLB frames. Fantasy managers should expect Wrobleski to be in the mix to return to the major leagues later in the summer. At Triple-A, the southpaw has held a 5.46 ERA with a 1.86 WHIP across 28 innings. At Double-A, he held a solid 3.06 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor his development, as he will likely be promoted as a starting pitcher when he returns to Los Angeles.
4 hours ago
Nick Yorke Could Make Opening Day Roster
Pittsburgh Pirates first base prospect Nick Yorke could make the Opening Day roster. Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette noted that with Darick Hall and Matt Gorski being assigned to minor-league camp, Yorke could have a path to making the roster. He also noted that infield prospect Billy Cook could also be in the mix as well. In spring training, Yorke has held a .233/.342/.300 slash line with a 6:10 BB:K. Last summer, Yorke made his MLB debut and tallied eight hits (with two home runs) across his first 11 MLB contests. In the minor leagues, he spent time at the Double and Triple-A level. In 78 games at Triple-A, Yorke posted an impressive .333/.420/.498 slash line with 25 doubles and eight round-trippers. If he were to make the roster, he would likely serve as a depth option in the infield and only be worth rostering in NL-only formats.
4 hours ago
Thomas Harrington Allows One Run On Tuesday
Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitching prospect Thomas Harrington tossed 3 2/3 innings of one-run ball during his start on Tuesday. Harrington's lone blemish came off a solo shot by Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. Harrington tallied three punchouts and allowed just one free pass. Through 6 2/3 innings this spring, Harrington has held a 2.70 ERA with a strong 0.90 WHIP. Across this stint, he has tallied five strikeouts while serving up three walks. The Campbell University product is still on the major-league roster and is competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Last summer, Harrington made his Triple-A debut and posted a 3.33 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP across 46 frames. He tallied 38 strikeouts while allowing just eight free passes. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his status, as he could make the Opening Day roster.
4 hours ago
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.
6 hours 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.
11 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.
11 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.
11 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.
12 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.
12 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.
12 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.
12 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.
12 hours ago
Jared Jones
• SP
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Pirates
