MLB News
Kaleb Ort, Forrest Whitley Not Expected To Be Ready For Opening Day
The Athletic's Matt Kawahara reports that Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown does not think pitchers Forrest Whitley (knee) and Kaleb Ort (oblique) will be ready to go for the start of the season. However, Brown did note that both relievers could return "inside the month of April." The oft-injured Whitley sustained a bruised knee during his last spring training appearance, and although it appears minor, he's still working through it. While his major-league experience is capped at three innings, the 27-year-old was excellent to close out the 2024 season for Triple-A Sugar Land. On the other hand, Ort picked up an oblique injury early in camp and is behind in his build-up. The 33-year-old was superb for the Stros a season ago with a 2.55 ERA in 24.2 innings, though he compiled a 6.26 ERA or higher over the prior two seasons. They'll boost Houston's bullpen when both are healthy, and it appears their stays on the IL won't be for long.
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Christian Walker To Be Ready For Opening Day
Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports that Houston Astros first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) is on track to be ready for Opening Day. Walker has been sidelined since early March with left oblique soreness and has been relegated to hitting in the cages. However, he's set to get at-bats in minor-league games this weekend and will hang back to get some more while the team returns to Houston. It's good news for the veteran, as Houston will look for him to supplement some of the production lost by the departures of third baseman Alex Bregman (Red Sox) and outfielder Kyle Tucker (Cubs). The power-hitting righty saw his home run total drop a bit in 2024, though he played in 130 games instead of the 157+ he appeared in over the prior two seasons. He's often off the boards inside the top 75 in fantasy drafts.
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Mark Shapiro Optimistic On Extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports that Toronto Blue Jays CEO Mark Shapiro believes the team will reach an agreement with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on an extension. "We have such a clear alignment on the desired outcome," said Shapiro. "Vlad wants to play his whole career as a Toronto Blue Jay. We want him to end his career in a Blue Jays uniform...That's a pretty good place to start." When negotiations were last reported, Vladdy Jr. and the Jays were roughly $50 million apart, as the star slugger is looking for a contract similar to that of New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto. Guerrero Jr. hit a career-high .323 last season and has not played in fewer than 156 games since the start of 2021. Whether both parties will strike a deal remains to be seen. Regardless, the 26-year-old is RotoBaller's top option at first base and should be one of the more productive bats overall in 2025.
1 hour ago
Kodai Senga Strikes Out Six In Thursday's Outing
New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga struck out six batters during his start on Thursday against the Washington Nationals. During his start, he threw 3 2/3 innings, did not allow a hit, walked two batters, and allowed up one unearned run. This was an encouraging outing for the 32-year-old starter, as, during the 2024 season, he was limited to just four appearances due to a shoulder and a calf injury and only had one appearance in the regular season. The Mets and fantasy managers hope he can stay healthy this year because he has showcased ace potential stuff when healthy. Entering the 2025 season, he is expected to open at the top of the Mets rotation.
3 hours ago
Phillies Option Garrett Stubbs To Triple-A
The Philadelphia Phillies have optioned catcher Garrett Stubbs to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. As a result, Rafael Marchan will open the 2025 campaign as the No. 2 backstop behind J.T. Realmuto. During spring training, Stubbs has held a solid .286/.423/.381 line with a 3:4 BB:K. However, he fell short in the competition and will open the season at the top level of the minor leagues. Last summer, Stubbs was the primary No. 2 backstop behind Realmuto. Across a career-high 56 MLB contests, Stubbs posted a .207/.296/.262 slash line with four doubles and one home run. He placed in the 92nd percentile in pop time but generated a low .246 xwOBA. Fantasy managers in deeper NL-only formats should consider targeting Marchan as a low-end No. 2 option, as he would likely see the majority of opportunities if Realmuto were to miss time.
3 hours ago
Lyon Richardson Sent To Triple-A
The Cincinnati Reds have optioned right-handed pitcher Lyon Richardson to Triple-A Louisville. Richardson held a solid 2.00 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP across nine innings of work in camp but will begin his campaign at the top level of the minor leagues. Last summer, Richardson logged just 2/3 of an inning in the major leagues. In 2023, Richardson made his MLB debut and held an 8.64 ERA with a 1.92 WHIP across 16 2/3 innings of work. Last season, Richardson spent most of his time at the Triple-A level and held a modest 4.67 ERA with a 1.52 WHIP across 98 1/3 innings. He tallied 93 punchouts but showed weak command of his pitches as he served up 59 free passes. With Richardson starting the season at Triple-A, Carson Spiers will open the campaign in the starting rotation. Richardson may find his way back to the majors this season, but he may have to shift to the bullpen.
3 hours ago
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.
3 hours ago
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.
3 hours ago
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.
3 hours ago
Taj Bradley Inconsistent In Thursday’s Start
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Taj Bradley was inconsistent in his spring training start on Thursday against the Toronto Blue Jays. He went 5 innings and 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. 4/5 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.
3 hours ago
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.
3 hours ago
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.
3 hours ago
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.
4 hours 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.
12 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.
12 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.
13 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.
13 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.
14 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.
17 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.
17 hours ago
Forrest Whitley
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Astros
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