MLB News
Zac Gallen Solid On Thursday Against The Athletics
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zac Gallen had a respectable outing in Thursday's spring training matchup against the Athletics. He threw 4 innings, allowing five hits, two walks, two strikeouts, and one earned run. It was nothing flashy, but it was a good outing he can build off of, as Opening Day is less than a week away. Gallen has already been named the team's Opening Day starter for next Thursday, March 27, against the Chicago Cubs. Last season, Gallen saw a bit of a dip in production as his 3.47 ERA in 2023 rose to 3.65 in 2025. Gallen's strikeout rate also fell to a career-low 25.1%. Nonetheless, Gallen is a proven starter in the MLB. He should provide fantasy managers with a productive season, even with the D-backs bringing on Corbin Burnes during the off-season.
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Masyn Winn Returns To The Starting Lineup On Friday
St. Louis Cardinals young shortstop Masyn Winn (wrist) is back in the starting lineup Friday after he had missed the previous two games earlier in the week. He will be batting leadoff, where he expects to be at the start of the regular season. During the 2024 season, Winn had a phenomenal rookie campaign, as he held a .267/.314/.416 slash line with 15 home runs, 85 runs scored, 57 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in his first full season in the big leagues. Fantasy managers should be encouraged to see the young star back in the lineup today, as Opening Day is less than a week away. Hopefully, Winn can work off some of the early season struggles, as he is currently batting .098 in 45 plate appearances.
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CJ Alexander Optioned To Triple-A
The Athletics optioned third baseman CJ Alexander to Triple-A Las Vegas. Alexander was competing for a depth role in the infield but will instead begin his 2025 campaign in the minor leagues. Last summer, Alexander made his MLB debut and tallied one hit across four games with the Kansas City Royals. Through 20 games in spring training, the 28-year-old has held an underwhelming .194/.326/.278 slash line with a 7:9 BB:K. However, Alexander performed well at the Triple-A level last season, which suggests he could be in contention to return to the big leagues early in the season. Across 94 games, Alexander posted an impressive .302/.361/.559 slash line with 27 doubles and 19 round-trippers. Fantasy managers in deeper AL-only formats should monitor his development as he could carry value if he can take the next step in the major leagues.
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Taj Bradley Inconsistent In Thursday’s Start
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Taj Bradley was inconsistent in his spring training start yesterday against the Toronto Blue Jays. He went 5 innings, allowed nine hits, three earned runs, two walks, and only four strikeouts. It's not necessarily the start fantasy managers were looking for, as Opening Day is less than a week away. Bradley enters the 2025 season as the No. four or five starter for the Rays, and although he has shown a lot of upside in his first couple of seasons in the MLB, he has shown just enough clunkers, similar to his start on Thursday. Hopefully, he can showcase more consistency in 2025 to live up to his potential and help the Rays compete for an AL-East title.
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Janson Junk Could Earn Starting Role
Miami Marlins right-handed pitcher Janson Junk could earn a spot in the starting rotation, with Ryan Weathers (forearm) set to miss the start of the campaign. The 29-year-old has only logged 40 innings at the MLB level throughout his career. Across this stint, the right-hander has held a high 6.75 ERA with a 1.78 WHIP. He has tallied 34 punchouts and held an 8.3 percent walk rate. During spring training, Junk has logged 10 1/3 innings to the tune of a 5.23 ERA with a solid 1.06 WHIP. Junk has struck out 10 batters and served up four free passes. Across 276 1/3 career frames at the Triple-A level, the Seattle product has held a 4.23 ERA with a 1.32 WHIP. Fantasy managers should expect Junk to operate as the No. 5 option in the rotation and carry minimal fantasy value, given his weak control and low strikeout upside.
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Luke Williams Sent To Triple-A
The Atlanta Braves have sent outfielder Luke Williams to Triple-A. Williams cleared waivers and will begin his 2025 campaign with the Gwinnett Stripers. Last season, Williams appeared in 37 contests in Atlanta. During this stretch, Williams held a modest .196/.275/.261 slash line with three doubles and four RBI. He swiped three bags and held a 4:13 BB:K. However, across 55 contests at the Triple-A level, the 28-year-old performed quite well. He posted a solid .282/.344/.495 slash line with 19 doubles, nine home runs, and 18 stolen bases. This was a nice improvement compared to the .259/.353/.423 line he held at the Triple-A level during the 2023 campaign. Fantasy managers should expect the former third-round selection to operate as a depth outfielder in the Atlanta system in 2025.
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Jonatan Clase Optioned To Triple-A Buffalo
The Toronto Blue Jays have optioned outfielder Jonatan Clase to Triple-A Buffalo. Clase was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will continue his development at the top level of the minor leagues. Last season, the Blue Jays acquired Clase at the trade deadline from Seattle in exchange for relief pitcher Yimi Garcia. Clase made his MLB debut last season and appeared in 26 contests. During this short stint, Clase held a .246/.303/.328 slash line with three swiped bags. He generated a low .169 xBA with a .217 xwOBA. However, he flashed elite speed as he placed in the 99th percentile in sprint speed. At the Triple-A level, Clase held a .263/.344/.439 slash line with 21 doubles and 12 long balls. Across this stint, Clase swiped an impressive 38 bags. He is worth monitoring in deeper category leagues, as he could be a viable speed target when he returns to Toronto.
1 hour ago
Blake Dunn Securing Fifth Outfield Spot For Reds
Cincinnati Reds outfield prospect Blake Dunn went 2-for-2 in Thursday's 11-8 Cactus League loss to the Royals, showcasing his speed by lacing a triple and his power by belting a home run, collecting two RBI in the process. It brings his spring batting average to .317 with two home runs and eight RBI in 41 at-bats. Dunn is currently projected to be the fifth outfielder for the Reds, who made his MLB debut last season. The right-handed hitter struggled to a .154 AVG (4-for-26) with 11 strikeouts (37.9 percent) during his limited action. Despite those results, the 26-year-old has shown he's got some pop in his bat, belting as many as 23 home runs between High-A and Double-A in 2023 and stealing 54 bases that season. He hit seven home runs at Triple-A in 2024 and a 10.7 percent walk rate helped him get on base to steal 21 bags. Without a starting job, though, the 5-foot-10 slugger isn't an option for fantasy outside of deep NL-only leagues.
9 hours ago
Will Warren Surrenders Four Earned Runs On Thursday
New York Yankees starting pitcher prospect Will Warren stumbled for the second consecutive spring start, allowing four earned runs on seven hits (including two home runs) and two walks while striking out three in Thursday's 9-7 Grapefruit League win over the Orioles. The good news, however, was that the righty was able to throw 74 pitches, potentially getting him closer to locking down a rotation spot for New York. The Yankees will already be without Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil to begin the season, but now Clarke Schmidt looks like he won't be ready either, which would all but guarantee Warren's role. Although the 25-year-old got hit around his last two starts, he looked impressive over his first three and still boasts a 5:19 BB:K over his 19 1/3 Grapefruit League innings. The Yankees' second-ranked pitching prospect would be worthy of a roster spot in deeper leagues given his strong strikeout stuff and potential to rack up wins with that offensive backing.
9 hours ago
Kumar Rocker Bounces Back With Eight-Strikeout Performance
Texas Rangers pitching prospect Kumar Rocker tossed 4 2/3 innings on Thursday, allowing two earned runs on three hits and two walks while striking out eight in the 7-4 Cactus League loss to the Rockies. It was a step in the right direction after the 6-foot-5 hurler had given up 11 earned runs in 4 2/3 innings pitched while striking out just four batters over his first three starts. The former first-rounder threw 47 of 76 pitches for strikes and also recorded 12 whiffs and averaged 97.2 mph on his four-seamer. The final rotation spot is a competition between Rocker and Jack Leiter. While Thursday's start helps Rocker's case, Leiter likely has the inside track with a better performance this spring and more MLB experience. Both are worthy of a roster spot in deeper fantasy leagues when they are in the rotation, but that might be later this year for one of them.
10 hours ago
Shane Smith Earns Spot On Opening Day Roster
White Sox pitching prospect Shane Smith has made the team's Opening Day roster after four spring starts in which he allowed four earned runs on five hits and four walks while striking out 11 in 10 2/3 innings pitched. Chicago selected the righty in December's Rule 5 Draft from the Brewers' organization, so he'll need to stick with the White Sox all season or he'll be returned to the Brewers. The 6-foot-3 hurler worked as both a starter and reliever last season at Double-A but exclusively as a reliever at Triple-A, posting a 3.05 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a strong 22.0 percent K-BB% over a total of 94 1/3 IP. He and Bryse Wilson were competing for the final rotation spot and it isn't clear which one will earn the job, but both can work as either a starter or reliever. If it is Smith who earns the job, he could be worthy of a roster spot in deeper leagues with his strikeout ability, although don't expect too many wins given his environment.
10 hours ago
Jake Bloss Optioned To Triple-A On Thursday
The Toronto Blue Jays optioned starting pitcher prospect Jake Bloss to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday. Bloss' name had been mentioned as a possible candidate to fill the fifth rotation spot in the event that Max Scherzer (thumb) would not be ready for Opening Day, but it looks like Yariel Rodriguez would have the inside track for the job at this point, if needed at all. Scherzer's bullpen session went well on Thursday, so perhaps this move is an indication that they expect the veteran to be ready. Either way, Bloss will need to bide his time in Triple-A until the Jays need another arm. Left-handed pitcher Josh Walker was also optioned to Buffalo.
11 hours ago
Eli Morgan Sent To Triple-A
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Eli Morgan has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. The right-hander was part of the team that traveled for the Tokyo series. Morgan tossed 1.1 scoreless innings during the first game of that series. However, it doesn't appear that Morgan is going to be part of the bullpen for the domestic Opening Day next week. This is a bit of a surprising move given Morgan is coming off his best season in 2024. He posted a 1.93 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 34/11 K/BB ratio across 32 appearances with the Cleveland Guardians last season. He figures to pitch in Chicago at some point this summer, but is unlikely to have fantasy value as a middle reliever.
14 hours ago
Jordan Wicks Optioned To Minors
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jordan Wicks has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. The left-hander was included on the roster that traveled for the Tokyo series. However, Wicks doesn't appear to have made the domestic Opening Day roster. Wicks showed flashes of potential last season, but finished with a 5.48 ERA and 1.63 WHIP across 11 games (10 starts) with the Cubs last season. He figures to be one of the first pitchers recalled if the Cubs need a starter at some point this season. Wicks being optioned means Colin Rea should be locked into the fifth starter role in Chicago.
14 hours ago
Cade Cavalli To Face Live Hitters
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli (elbow) is scheduled to face live hitters on Thursday. This marks the first time that Cavalli has faced batters this spring. The 26-year-old continues to work his way back from Tommy John surgery he had two seasons ago. The right-hander is likely to begin the season on the injured list while he continues to rehab his elbow. After that, Cavalli is likely to ramp up activities in the minors before possibly joining the Nats rotation.
14 hours ago
Jorge Lopez To Throw On Friday
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Jorge Lopez (hip) is set to return to the mound during Friday's spring training contest against the Miami Marlins. Lopez has been sidelined for about 10 days due to a lingering left hip issue. He appears to be over the issue, so he shouldn't require a stint on the injured list. Barring any setbacks, Lopez should serve as the primary setup option in Washington behind Kyle Finnegan. That being said, Lopez probably won't have fantasy value right away in Washington, but is someone to keep an eye on in case Finnegan gets injured, traded, or regresses and gets pulled from the role.
14 hours ago
Orelvis Martinez Headed To Triple-A
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez has been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday. Martinez missed a few games after getting hit by a pitch in the hip earlier in the week. He has since returned to action, but didn't make the big league club. Martinez did everything right this spring with a .320/.393/.480 slash line across 28 plate appearances. The Jays want Martinez to get everyday at-bats in the minors until they have a full-time role for him in Toronto. Dynasty managers should continue to hold Martinez as he should make a big impact once he's ready to play in Toronto.
14 hours ago
Dillon Tate Optioned To Minors
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Dillon Tate has been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. This isn't shocking considering Tate didn't sign with the Jays until March 10. The right-hander hasn't pitched yet this spring, so he'll build up in the minors. Tate was a fairly reliable bullpen arm for the Baltimore Orioles for the past few seasons. In 2024, Tate registered a 4.66 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 27/12 K/BB ratio across 33 appearances. He figures to pitch in high leverage spots once he's ready to pitch in the big leagues.
15 hours ago
Gavin Sheets Added To 40-Man Roster
The San Diego Padres announced on Thursday that they selected the contract of infielder/outfielder Gavin Sheets to their 40-man roster and placed right-hander Joe Musgrove (elbow) on the 60-day injured list in a corresponding move. Because of Sheets' strong showing in Cactus League action -- he's hitting .311/.367/.756 with six home runs and 12 RBI in 19 games -- he appears likely to open the 2025 campaign on the big-league roster as an extra bat for the Friars. The 28-year-old left-handed slugger shouldn't be ignored in NL-only leagues, as he could be put in the strong side of a platoon at designated hitter against right-handed pitching to start the year. Sheets, a former second-rounder in 2017 by the Chicago White Sox out of Wake Forest, has had double-digit home runs in all four of his big-league seasons.
16 hours ago
Ranger Suarez To Play Catch On Friday
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that left-hander Ranger Suarez (back) "felt a lot better today" and will play catch in camp on Friday. Suarez had tests done on his ailing back this week, but the 29-year-old southpaw has been cleared to resume playing catch on Friday and will hopefully be able to avoid being placed on the injured list to start the 2025 regular season. It's something to watch early on in the season after Suarez dealt with back issues last year as well. Suarez was one of the best pitchers in baseball early on in 2024, but things fell apart for him and he finished with a 6.17 ERA in his final 12 starts before and after his back injury. While his back injury this spring may not be as bad as what he dealt with last year, it should make fantasy managers hesitant. Even if his back injury doesn't affect him at all, we wouldn't bank on Suarez being as good as he was early on in 2024.
17 hours ago
Zac Gallen
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Diamondbacks
