MLB News
Robbie Ray Finishes Strong Spring
San Franciso Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray pitched five strong innings on Tuesday to pick up a win in the Giants' 6-4 victory over the Tigers. Ray has only been available for eight starts over the last two seasons but showed good potential in his seven starts last season, going 3-2 with a 4.70 ERA and 4.96 FIP but posting an impressive 12.6 K/9. The 2021 AL Cy Young winner has also looked sharp this spring, allowing just four earned runs in five starts for a 1.86 ERA. He racked up 23 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings, highlighted by an eight-strikeout performance against the Rangers. Ray has shown he can be good enough when healthy to be a mixed-league option coming into the season. He'll face the Reds on the road in a less-than-ideal matchup next week, but he's definitely someone to watch early in the season.
1 hour ago
Luke Jackson Earns The Save On Tuesday
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Luke Jackson closed out the team's 6-3 victory over the Royals on Tuesday night, earning a save with a perfect ninth inning. Chris Martin pitched the eighth inning in what could be a preview of how the Rangers will line up their bullpen to start the season. Both pitchers were very effective, retiring the side in order with two strikeouts each. Jackson allowed just two hits and one walk in six scoreless innings this spring, picking up nine strikeouts and making a strong case to be the team's closer to start the season.
2 hours ago
Graham Pauley Will Start At 3B On Tuesday
Miami Marlins third baseman Graham Pauley was optioned to Triple-A last week, but he'll start for the Marlins in Tuesday's spring training game against the Yankees. Pauley's outlook to start the year has changed with news that Connor Norby (oblique) will miss four weeks with an oblique strain. The Marlins acquired the 24-year-old left-handed hitter from the Padres as part of the Tanner Scott trade last July. In 113 minor-league games in 2024, Pauley hit .229 with 14 home runs and seven stolen bases to go with a .331 wOBA. He had a strong spring with a .269 batting average, two stolen bases, and a .309 wOBA. The team hasn't announced a roster move to coincide with Norby's expected trip to the injured list, but Pauley could be part of the solution at the hot corner to start the season, along with Eric Wagaman and Jonah Bride, who were already expected to make the roster.
2 hours ago
Connor Norby Will Miss About Four Weeks
Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby (oblique) was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left-oblique strain, according to manager Clayton McCullough, and will miss about four weeks. Norby hit a triple on Saturday and hurt himself on the swing, although an awkward slide into third base could have made the issue worse. Last season, Norby hit .236 with nine home runs and a .316 wOBA after arriving in Miami from the Orioles via trade. The 24-year-old was one of the Marlins' most promising bats coming into the year, but now the start of his season will be delayed until at least late April. Jonah Bride and Eric Wagaman could each get playing time at 3B while Norby recovers, and calling up prospect Graham Pauley could also be a solution after he was optioned last week.
2 hours ago
DJ Herz Placed On The Injured List
Nationals left-hander DJ Herz (elbow) will begin the season on the 15-day injured list with a UCL sprain. Herz was optioned to Triple-A Rochester last Friday after dealing with a "dead arm" this spring. He showed a high ceiling with a 10.7 K/9 in 88 2/3 innings with the Nats last year with a 4.16 ERA and 3.71 FIP. This spring, though, his velocity was down, and he managed just four strikeouts in 9 2/3 innings while walking nine and giving up nine runs. Hopefully, this injury explains his issues, and when he recovers, he'll be back to full strength. That could be a while, though, since he'll have to be shut down and then ramp back up. He still has long-term potential, but going on the IL moves any potential impact to later in the season.
2 hours ago
Pablo Reyes Could Make Opening Day Roster
New York Yankees infielder/outfielder Pablo Reyes is emerging as a favorite to make the Opening Day roster. According to Chris Kirschner, Reyes appears to be higher on the current depth chart than infielder Oswald Peraza. During spring training, Reyes has posted a strong .326/.434/.488 slash line with one double and two long balls. He has swiped two bags and held a strong 9:9 BB:K. Last summer, he appeared in 22 contests in the MLB, split between time with the Red Sox and Mets. Across this short stint, Reyes has held a .183/.234/.217 slash line with two doubles. Across 234 career MLB contests, Reyes has posted a modest .248/.309/.349 line with eight round-trippers and 13 swiped bags. Fantasy managers in deeper AL-only formats should monitor his progression as he could carve out a role on the MLB roster.
4 hours ago
Colby Thomas Returns To Action
Athletics outfield prospect Colby Thomas (knee) returned to Cactus League action this weekend. Last week, Thomas suffered a knee injury after being hit by a line drive. However, after sitting out for a few days, Thomas was cleared to return. The Mercer product was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but was previously assigned to minor-league camp. Through 16 games this spring, Thomas has posted a .182/.379/.364 slash line with a 5:6 BB:K and one stolen base. The former third-round selection is considered the No. 7-ranked prospect in the system on MLB.com. Last season, Thomas began the campaign at Double-A and eventually made his Triple-A debut. At the top level of the minor leagues, Thomas posted an impressive .272/.344/.559 slash line across 73 contests. If he continues this production at Triple-A, he should push for a relatively early 2025 MLB debut.
4 hours ago
Nick Kurtz Goes Deep In Return
Athletics first base prospect Nick Kurtz (hand) went deep in his return to action on Sunday against the Chicago Cubs. Kurtz exited a spring training contest last week after being hit by a pitch. However, when he returned on Sunday, he launched a solo shot. The Wake Forest product was selected as the fourth overall pick in last year's MLB Draft. Kurtz is considered one of the top prospects in the Athletics' system. After being drafted last season, Kurtz began his professional career at Single-A. Across seven games, Kurtz posted a .400/.571/.960 line with two doubles and four round-trippers. He then moved up to Double-A, where he held a .308/.400/.385 line across five contests. Fantasy managers should expect Kurtz to open the season with Double-A Midland and could push for a late-season MLB debut if he continues to produce at this rate.
4 hours ago
Andrew Painter Progressing Well, Could Pitch In Extended Spring Games
Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Andrew Painter (elbow) is progressing well and could pitch in extended spring games in the coming weeks. Painter has been sidelined for nearly the past two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery in July of 2023. Painter has not been pitching during spring training but did participate in the Arizona Fall League. In the AFL, the former 13th overall pick posted a 2.30 ERA with a 0.89 WHIP across 15 2/3 innings. He tallied 18 punchouts and only served up four walks. Earlier in the offseason, the Phillies said they would closely monitor Painter's workload during the start of the season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression in the minor leagues, as he could push to make his MLB debut sometime in the second half. In 2022, he spent time with Single-A, High-A, and Double-A and held a cumulative 1.56 ERA and 0.89 WHIP with 155 punchouts across 103 2/3 innings.
4 hours ago
Jeferson Quero Returning To Minor-League Games
Milwaukee Brewers catching prospect Jeferson Quero (shoulder) played in a minor-league contest with Double-A Biloxi on Monday evening, serving as the designated hitter. Quero was unable to play in any Cactus League games after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in 2024. He was only able to appear in one contest last season before being sidelined. During spring training, the team eased his workload, but it appears the backstop could be ready for the start of the 2025 MiLB regular season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he will likely remain the designated hitter for the foreseeable future until he returns behind the plate. In 2023, Quero spent his entire season at Double-A and posted a .262/.399/.440 slash line with 12 doubles and 16 home runs. If he can perform well at Triple-A this season, he could contend for an MLB debut during the second half of the campaign.
4 hours ago
Joey Cantillo Starting Season In Bullpen
Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect Joey Cantillo will open the season in the bullpen. Cantillo was competing for a spot in the rotation but will instead begin his 2025 season pitching out of the bullpen. During spring training, Cantillo held a high 7.82 ERA with a 1.89 WHIP across 12 2/3 innings of work. During this stint, he tallied 18 punchouts but served up nine free passes. Last summer, Cantillo made his MLB debut, appeared in nine games, and started eight of them. Across 38 2/3 innings, the southpaw held a 4.89 ERA with a 1.29 WHIP. He posted a 15:44 BB:K while generating a strong .224 xBA. At the Triple-A level last season, Cantillo posted a 3.29 ERA with a 1.54 WHIP. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression in the bullpen as he could return to the rotation if he performs well.
4 hours ago
Kyle Stowers Makes Opening Day Roster
Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers has made the team's Opening Day roster, reports Isaac Azout. Whether he has won the starting left-field job is yet to be known, but he should at least see some playing time as part of a platoon. He hasn't exactly shown out during Spring Training, batting just .162 with a 34.7% strikeout rate. After being traded to the Marlins at the trade deadline in 2024, he slashed .186/.282/.295 with two home runs in 50 games. He did show some positive signs in 2024, like a 51.3% hard-hit rate, but he clearly has some work to do before he becomes a relevant player for fantasy.
11 hours ago
Alec Marsh, Kyle Wright, James McArthur Placed On 15-Day Injured List
Kansas City Royals pitchers Alec Marsh (shoulder), Kyle Wright (shoulder/hamstring), and James McArthur (elbow) were all officially placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday. None of these come as a surprise, with all three of them battling injuries this spring. Marsh is dealing with the most minor injury of the three, with a delay in his build-up due to tightness in his shoulder. Wright has progressed to throwing bullpens but is recovering from both an offseason shoulder surgery and a hamstring strain. McArthur is likely to miss the most time, as he is still recovering from an offseason elbow surgery and hasn't begun throwing yet.
11 hours ago
Ryan Gusto Earns Opening Day Roster Spot In Bullpen
Houston Astros pitching prospect Ryan Gusto has made the team's Opening Day roster, according to manager Joe Espada. The 6-foot-4 hurler spent all of 2024 at Triple-A, posting a 3.70 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and a 14.1 percent K-BB% over 148 1/3 innings of work. The righty showed well enough this spring, too, allowing one earned run on three hits and seven walks while striking out eight in 7 2/3 innings. The former 11th-round draft pick has worked as both a starter and a reliever but is slated to begin the 2025 campaign as a reliever for the Astros. Whenever the 26-year-old pitches, it will be his major-league debut, but he need not be rostered in most fantasy leagues other than deep AL-only formats.
12 hours ago
Luke Jackson In The Mix For Saves
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Luke Jackson could be in the mix for saves in 2025. Manager Bruce Bochy said things will be "pretty close" to how he used the bullpen in Monday's 6-3 win over the Royals, where Robert Garcia pitched the 7th, Chris Martin pitched the 8th, and Jackson picked up the save in the 9th. This news comes as a surprise, with the job being primarily considered as a two-way competition between Garcia and Martin up until this point. Bochy did clarify that the roles aren't defined, so it's still likely that all three see save chances at some point. Jackson split 2024 between the Giants and Braves, where he posted a 5.09 ERA and 1.47 WHIP with 59 strikeouts and 26 walks in 53 innings. It's unlikely he will become a dominant reliever in 2025, but this bullpen situation is definitely one to monitor.
12 hours ago
Isaac Paredes To Bat Second And Yordan Alvarez To Bat Third
Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes is set to bat in the two-hole entering the season, with outfielder Yordan Alvarez batting third, according to manager Joe Espada. Paredes will be looking to take advantage of the Crawford Boxes in short left field of Daikin Park and perform like the player he was in 2023 when he slashed .250/.352/.488 with 31 home runs for the Rays. He should see plenty of pitches to hit while batting in front of Alvarez, who has proven himself to be one of the best hitters in the league. He is coming off of a 2024 season where he slashed .308/.392/.567 with 35 home runs, 86 RBI, and 88 runs in 147 games.
12 hours ago
Cam Smith Hits Two-Run Triple In Monday's Exhibition Contest
Houston Astros outfield prospect Cam Smith started in right field for the Astros' exhibition game on Monday against their Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, and went 1-for-3 with a two-run triple and a run scored. It was the 22-year-old's first game at Houston's home field now that the team has wrapped up Grapefruit League play, and he continued his push for an Opening Day roster spot. The 2024 first-round draft pick was fired up after the triple and manager Joe Espada was quoted as saying, "We love that, the guys really enjoy the energy and the passion. We need some of that." If the youngster can secure a spot, which seems very likely at this point, he'd be worthy of consideration for a bench spot in deep-mixed fantasy leagues.
12 hours ago
Josh Jung Leaves Game With Neck Stiffness
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung left Monday's game after two at-bats due to neck stiffness. He wanted to stay in the game according to manager Bruce Bochy, so the injury isn't expected to be serious. Jung will be looking to take a step forward in 2025 after slashing .264/.298/.421 with seven home runs, 16 RBI, and 19 runs in 46 games in a 2024 season that was derailed by a broken wrist. He showed immense power potential in 2023 when he launched 23 homers in 122 games while posting a .482 xSLG and 47.4% hard-hit rate. Still only 27 years old, he makes for a solid upside play late in fantasy drafts.
12 hours ago
Mickey Gasper Earns Opening Day Roster Spot
Minnesota Twins second base prospect Mickey Gasper was informed that he made the club's Opening Day roster. Gasper made a good impression in Grapefruit League play, going 12-for-39 (.308) with two home runs, a stolen base, and an 8:5 BB:K. Not only that, the 29-year-old is versatile, manning first base, second base, and catcher this spring for the Twins, plus he's a switch-hitter. The 2018 MLB draft pick finally made his long-awaited MLB debut last season for Boston, although he was unable to muster a hit in his 18 at-bats, so hopefully he can get that out of the way early this year. He owns a career .275/.392/.449 slash line in the minors, with a .174 ISO, .383 wOBA, and 136 wRC+. A career walk rate of 13.9 percent should translate and a 15.8 percent career strikeout rate is promising as well, however, it remains to be seen if a utility role will provide him with enough at-bats to make him fantasy-relevant, especially with super-utility player Willi Castro also still with the team.
12 hours ago
Kyle Hart Earns No. 5 Rotation Spot For Padres
San Diego Padres left-hander Kyle Hart will open the year as the team's No. 5 starting pitcher, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee. Hart opened spring training with the Friars competing with right-handers Randy Vasquez and Stephen Kolek for the fifth rotation spot, but an extra spot opened up with Yu Darvish (elbow) opening the year on the injured list. Kolek was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Monday. The 32-year-old southpaw is making his return to the big leagues for the first time since 2020, when he made three starts for the Red Sox. He had a 2.69 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 28.8% strikeout rate an 6.0% walk rate in the Korean league in 2024 but will now be facing much better competition. Hart will have to pitch much better than he did in two spring starts (eight earned runs allowed in 7 2/3 innings) to stick around at the back end of SD's starting rotation. He's a stash candidate in NL-only formats for now.
13 hours ago
Robbie Ray
• SP
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Giants
