MLB News
Max Scherzer To Start Grapefruit League Game On Saturday
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer (thumb) will start the team's Grapefruit League game on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling. Scherzer asked to make the two-hour road trip to Fort Myers because he wanted to face major-league hitters. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer has been dealing with a nagging right-thumb injury in spring training, but he looked good during a bullpen session on Thursday and is now ready to test his finger in game action and is looking to throw around 60-65 pitches against Minnesota. If Scherzer avoids a setback with his thumb, he should be ready for Opening Day next Thursday. While Scherzer was initially looking like a late-round value pitch as fantasy rotation depth, his thumb injury might have a lot of fantasy managers pumping the brakes.
1 hour ago
Starling Marte To Play Right Field On Friday
New York Mets outfielder/designated hitter Starling Marte (knee) is scheduled to play right field in a Grapefruit League game on Friday for the first time this spring, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. Marte is expected to be the Opening Day DH against a left-handed pitcher, but his ability to play the outfield is still important to him. Marte got a late start to spring action due to a bone bruise in his right knee, but he's now been cleared to start playing some defense. The 36-year-old Dominican veteran has gone 3-for-14 with a double and six strikeouts in five Grapefruit League games entering Friday's action. Most of Marte's plate appearances in his 14th year in the big leagues in 2025 should come at DH. At this point in his career, there's little fantasy upside because of his injury risk and the fact that he's unlikely to run much.
2 hours ago
George Kirby Playing Catch
The Seattle Times' Ryan Divish reports that Seattle Mariners right-hander George Kirby (shoulder) played catch in camp on Friday. Kirby was diagnosed with right-shoulder inflammation on March 7, and this is the first time he's thrown a ball since then. It's progress, but the 27-year-old will still open the 2025 regular season on the injured list. However, barring a setback now that he's throwing again, he may not miss much time and could make his season debut by mid-April. While Kirby should still be rostered in all fantasy leagues despite the fact he won't be ready for the start of the season, the injury certainly makes him a little less attractive in fantasy drafts this weekend for a pitcher that has had a below-average strikeout rate in his three major-league seasons. Stash him as a No. 3/4 fantasy starter to begin the year.
2 hours ago
Jose Fermin Makes Opening Day Roster
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Jose Fermin has made the team's Opening Day roster, sources told The Athletic's Katie Woo. Fermin will serve in a backup utility role and as a contact bat off the bench. The 25-year-old beat out Jose Barrero for one of the final spots on the team's Opening Day roster. The Dominican infielder has hit .282 (11-for-39) with a homer, five doubles, nine RBI and two runs scored in 17 Grapefruit League games. He's likely to see most of his playing time at second base in St. Louis, especially if Nolan Gorman's struggles from last year continue. Fermin tore up Triple-A pitching in 2024, but he struggled offensively in 45 games at the big-league level, slashing just .155/.241/.197 with no homers, four RBI, two steals and seven runs scored in 79 plate appearances. At best, he's a deep bench stash in NL-only leagues for his speed.
2 hours ago
Nolan Gorman Out Sick On Friday
St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman (illness) is out of the team's Grapefruit League lineup on Friday due to an illness, according to manager Oliver Marmol. Hopefully, Gorman will be feeling good enough in a day or two to get his final spring at-bats in before starting the regular season next Thursday. Heading into Friday's games, the 24-year-old infielder is hitting just .196 (9-for-46) with a homer, three doubles, two RBI, and 12 strikeouts in 16 Grapefruit League contests. Still, Gorman is fully expected to be the Cardinals' primary second baseman in 2025, at least on the strong side of a platoon against right-handed pitching. It was a rough 2024 campaign for Gorman, as he hit just .203/.271/.400 with 19 home runs, 50 RBI, six stolen bases and a 37.6% strikeout rate in 107 games. He was optioned to the minors in August and never returned to the big leagues. He still has power, but he's merely a middle-infield option in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.
2 hours ago
Clarke Schmidt Likely To Land On Injured List
New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) could actually be healthy to start the 2025 regular season, but the New York Post's Greg Joyce writes that it still appears likely that Schmidt will begin the year on the injured list by Opening Day next Thursday. Schmidt threw two innings of live batting practice in camp on Thursday and didn't have any setbacks after he was scratched from his scheduled Grapefruit League start on Monday due to right-shoulder fatigue. The 29-year-old is just not built up enough in terms of pitch count -- he threw only 32 pitches on Thursday -- in order to be part of the Opening Day starting rotation. The Yankees haven't made anything official yet, but the best bet is that Schmidt stays back in Florida to start the year to properly build up his pitch count to somewhere around the 70-80-pitch mark. As a result, both Carlos Carrasco and prospect Will Warren could open the year in the rotation.
2 hours ago
Paul Goldschmidt Plans To Return On Saturday
New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (back), who was previously expected to return to Grapefruit League action on Friday, said he now plans to return on Saturday. Goldschmidt's back is close to 100 percent, and he's not concerned about missing Opening Day next Thursday. As long as Goldy returns this weekend and doesn't have a setback with his back, fantasy managers with drafts early next week should feel comfortable taking him as a source of power as a corner infielder in mixed leagues. The 37-year-old former MVP is highly unlikely to return to the form he showed in St. Louis several seasons ago, but he could be in for a decent bounce-back campaign in the Bronx in 2025 if he can stay healthy. However, a back injury at the end of spring training and the fact that his strikeout and walk rates were both career-worst marks clearly show an aging slugger.
2 hours ago
Julio Rodriguez Returns From Illness On Friday
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (illness) is starting in center field and batting second in Friday's split-squad Cactus League game against the Cincinnati Reds. Rodriguez is back in spring training action after taking a couple days off this week due to an illness. After a down year by his standards in 2024, the 24-year-old outfielder is currently hitting just .229 with three home runs in 13 Cactus League games in Arizona. The two-time All-Star, former American League Rookie of the Year and two-time Silver Slugger winner had a career-low .734 OPS in 2024 but still managed 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 143 games played in his third year in the league. However, he posted only 68 RBI after driving in over 100 runs in 2023. A bounce-back year in 2025 is entirely possible for J-Rod, who is still a top-10 fantasy outfielder.
2 hours ago
Romy Gonzalez Feeling "Fine" After Taking Swings
Per Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, Boston Red Sox second baseman Romy Gonzalez (oblique) took swings on Thursday and felt "fine" afterward. The 28-year-old left Monday's split-squad game against the Atlanta Braves with a tight oblique, but it's excellent news that he could swing a bat just a few days later. According to Gonzalez, he expects to play again in a few days. The former eighteenth-round pick is unlikely to be selected in fantasy drafts over the next week, though his underlying 2024 metrics point to some sleeper appeal. Gonzalez's average exit velocity of 92.3 MPH a season ago would rank in the top 20 batters if he qualified, and his hard-hit rate jumped nearly ten points from 2023 to a robust 51%. The utility bat was particularly effective against lefties last season, sporting a .302/.362/.517 triple-slash across 130 plate appearances.
2 hours ago
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.
2 hours ago
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.
3 hours ago
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.
3 hours 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.
5 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.
5 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.
5 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.
5 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.
5 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.
5 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.
6 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.
6 hours ago
Max Scherzer
• SP
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Blue Jays
