MLB News
Diamondbacks Working On Extension For Ketel Marte
Sources tell MLB insider Mike Rodriguez that the Arizona Diamondbacks and Dominican second baseman Ketel Marte are working on a long-term contract extension worth over $100 million. Marte is currently under contract through the 2028 campaign, but getting an extension done now could keep the 31-year-old veteran in the desert for the rest of his career by adding multiple years onto his current contract. He's coming off a career year in 2024 in which he hit .292/.372/.560 with 36 home runs and 95 RBI to make the All-Star team and win the National League Silver Slugger award at second base. In addition to his offensive exploits, he was great on defense at the keystone and finished third in NL MVP voting. Marte is off to a solid start in 2025, too, going 6-for-22 with two doubles in five games heading into Wednesday's contest in New York. He's a must-start in all fantasy leagues.
0 hour ago
Frankie Montas Playing Catch From 60 Feet
New York Mets right-hander Frankie Montas (lat) has resumed throwing and has played catch from 60 feet, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Montas has finally started a throwing program since he suffered a high-grade right-lat strain at the start of spring training in the middle of February. Because of the long layoff and the fact that he has to completely build up his arm, the 32-year-old veteran hurler should be expected to miss at least the first month of the season, and possibly more. He was better after being traded to the Brewers last year, but Montas was still very inconsistent overall in 2024 and finished with a 4.84 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 148 strikeouts and 66 walks in 150 2/3 innings over 30 starts with Milwaukee and Cincinnati. Especially since he hasn't shown a ton of strikeout upside in his career, Montas should be on the waiver wire in 12-team mixed fantasy leagues for the time being.
1 hour ago
Trea Turner Returns To Wednesday's Lineup
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner (back) is back at shortstop and is hitting leadoff on Wednesday against the visiting Colorado Rockies and left-hander Kyle Freeland at Citizens Bank Park. It will be only Turner's second start of the season while battling lower-back spasms, but he entered late in the game as a pinch-hitter on Monday and appears to be fine moving forward, so fantasy managers should be looking to get him back in their starting lineups. The 31-year-old three-time All-Star and former National League batting champion has gone 0-for-4 so far with a run scored, two walks and a strikeout in his six plate appearances. Although he's hit only .212 in 33 career at-bats against Freeland in his career, Turner does have a .763 OPS with two home runs and four RBI against the southpaw.
1 hour ago
Max Scherzer Hopes To Resume Throwing On Friday
After visiting with renowned hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham earlier this week and receiving a cortisone injection in each of his troublesome thumb ligaments, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer (thumb) is hoping to resume throwing on Friday. "He was actually pretty surprised, based on what it was, that structurally we were in a pretty good spot," Scherzer said. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer is on the injured list for the sixth time since September of 2023 and also had cortisone injections in his thumb last September and October and responded well. Including spring training, Scherzer hasn't thrown more than 62 pitches in a game, and he came out last Saturday in his first start after tossing 45 pitches. Since he's likely to need at least one minor-league rehab start before rejoining Toronto's rotation, it's unlikely that Scherzer will be ready to come off the IL when he's eligible on April 14.
1 hour ago
DL Hall Scheduled To Throw A Bullpen On April 15
As of Tuesday, Milwaukee Brewers left-hander DL Hall (lat) was building up for bullpen sessions in Arizona that are tentatively scheduled for April 15 and 18 before potentially moving to a live batting practice session on April 23, according to MLB.com. Hall is on the 60-day injured list due to a left-lat strain and won't be eligible to return before late May. The 26-year-old has been throwing on flat ground at the team's spring training complex as he works his way back from a lat injury that he suffered this spring. Hall started off the 2024 season in rough fashion before injuring his knee and going on the IL. When he returned, he was decent out of the bullpen with a 3.68 ERA in relief in his final eight appearances. Given his inconsistency and struggles with injuries, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Hall return to a relief role for Milwaukee when he makes his 2025 debut.
1 hour ago
Aaron Ashby Set To Throw Bullpen April 11
Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Aaron Ashby (oblique) is set to throw a bullpen on April 11. Ashby has been sidelined due to an oblique injury he suffered in early March. The southpaw was in contention to make the starting rotation, but this injury kept him out of the competition. However, if he is able to progress well, he could compete for a starting role when he returns to action. Last season, Ashby appeared in 14 games (two starts) and logged 28 1/3 innings of work with a 2.86 ERA and a strong 1.06 WHIP. He tallied 33 punchouts and held an 8.4 percent walk rate. Ashby also generated a stellar .203 xBA. The 26-year-old missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing shoulder surgery but has flashed high-strikeout upside when on the bump. He is worth monitoring in deeper formats as he could be worth deploying if he rejoins the starting rotation.
1 hour ago
Derek Hill Remains Out With Back Tightness
Miami Marlins outfielder Derek Hill (back) will remain out of the starting lineup on Wednesday due to back tightness. Hill was unable to suit up on Tuesday evening and will continue to sit out this evening. Fantasy managers should monitor his status leading up to their next contest on Friday evening in Atlanta. With Hill sitting out, the Marlins will give Javier Sanoja the starting nod in center field. Over the first five games of the regular season, Hill posted a .278/.381/.389 slash line with five total hits and a 2:8 BB:K. He swiped one bag and tallied two doubles. During the 2024 campaign, Hill spent time with Texas, San Francisco and Miami and held a .241/.271/.420 line across 53 contests. Sanoja has tallied just one hit through the first week of the season and should not be started in any DFS competitions facing Mets right-hander Clay Holmes.
2 hours ago
Jack Leiter Removed From Wednesday's Start With A Blister
Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Jack Leiter (hand) was removed early from his start on Wednesday due to a blister on his throwing hand. Kenndi Landry of MLB.com reported that his removal was precautionary. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it does not appear the Vanderbilt product will be in danger of missing his next start. Before exiting the contest, Leiter was enjoying the best start of his MLB career. The right-hander tossed five shutout innings against the Cincinnati Reds. He allowed just one hit and struck out six batters. In his first start of the campaign, the former No. 2 overall pick tossed five innings of one-run ball against the Boston Red Sox. After struggling during his first taste of the major leagues last summer, it appears Leiter has begun to turn the corner. He is scheduled to face the Chicago Cubs in his next start.
2 hours ago
Michael Soroka Listed As Sunday's Starter
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Michael Soroka (biceps) is listed as Sunday's starter when the Nationals face the Arizona Diamondbacks. Soroka exited Monday's contest early due to cramps in his biceps. According to Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com, the 27-year-old was able to play catch earlier on Wednesday, which is a good sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Before exiting his first outing of the campaign early, Soroka allowed five hits and four earned runs across five innings of work against the Toronto Blue Jays. Last season, the 27-year-old posted a 4.74 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP across 79 2/3 innings of work. He tallied 84 punchouts and held a high 12.7 percent walk rate. Fantasy managers should keep Soroka on their bench even if cleared for this matchup, as he will face a potent Arizona offense.
2 hours ago
Dodgers Acquire Esteury Ruiz
The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired outfielder Esteury Ruiz from the Athletics in exchange for right-handed pitcher Carlos Duran. Ruiz was recently designated for assignment by the Athletics. In 2023, Ruiz enjoyed an everyday role in Oakland as he posted a .254/.309/.345 slash line across 132 contests. While he did not make an impact with his bat, he was elite on the basepaths as he swiped 67 bases, which were the most in the American League. In 2024, Ruiz appeared in just 29 MLB contests and held a .200/.270/.382 line. The 26-year-old will report to Triple-A Oklahoma and attempt to work his way back to the major leagues. Duran has yet to reach the major leagues. In 2024, he spent time at Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A and held an overall 3.71 ERA with a 1.58 WHIP across 53 1/3 innings. Fantasy managers should expect Duran to see opportunities at Triple-A Las Vegas and could push to make his MLB debut later in the summer.
2 hours ago
Red Sox Sign Kristian Campbell To Eight-Year, $60 Million Extension
The Boston Red Sox have signed infield/outfield prospect Kristian Campbell to an eight-year, $60 million extension that includes two club options. Campbell is one of the top prospects in Boston and the entire sport and will now serve as a franchise player for the foreseeable future. Despite his slow start in spring training, the Georgia Tech product was able to make the Opening Day roster. Through his first five games in the majors, Campbell has tallied at least one hit in all but one and launched his first career long ball on March 29. During this stretch, he has scored four runs and added two doubles. Last season, the 22-year-old progressed through the Boston system at an impressive pace, starting the season at High-A and ending the campaign with Triple-A. Across 115 total games, Campbell posted a .330/.439/.558 slash line with 32 doubles and 20 home runs. Even though he has come up through the minor leagues as a second baseman, he has also begun to see time in the outfield. Fantasy managers should continue to view Campbell as a strong option in all formats, as he should have an everyday role in the starting nine throughout the season.
2 hours ago
Tobias Myers To Make First Rehab Start On Tuesday
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Tobias Myers (oblique) is tentatively scheduled for minor-league rehab starts with Triple-A Nashville on April 8, 13 and 18 before potentially rejoining the major-league starting rotation, according to MLB.com. Myers was placed on the 15-day injured list on March 24 with left-oblique discomfort and is tentatively expected to return in mid-April, barring any setbacks on his rehab assignment. The 26-year-old will face live hitters on Thursday before being officially cleared to make his first rehab start next Tuesday. Myers was unable to begin the 2025 regular season in Milwaukee's starting rotation, but he'll have a spot waiting for him when he's ready after going 9-6 with a 3.00 ERA (3.91 FIP), 1.17 WHIP and 127:36 K:BB in 138 innings in his first 27 big-league appearances (25 starts).
3 hours ago
Aaron Civale To Throw Off A Mound On Saturday
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Aaron Civale (hamstring), who was placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday with left-hamstring cramping, threw on Tuesday and is scheduled to throw bullpen sessions on Saturday, April 5, and Tuesday, April 8. Civale left his start on Sunday early against the New York Yankees after three innings, and an MRI exam confirmed a mild strain. The 29-year-old isn't dealing with a serious injury at all, but he'll still likely be required to make at least one minor-league rehab start before potentially returning to Milwaukee's starting rotation before the end of April. Civale doesn't move the needle all that much in fantasy due to a below-average strikeout rate, although he did look better with the Brewers at the end of last year and could be useful as back-end rotation depth in deeper fantasy formats.
3 hours ago
Christian Yelich Out Wednesday Against Lefty
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich will retreat to the bench on Wednesday for the series finale against the visiting Kansas City Royals at American Family Field with left-hander Cole Ragans on the mound. With Yelich getting a breather, Isaac Collins will serve as the designated hitter for Milwaukee and will hit third in the batting order. The 33-year-old Yelich has gotten off to a slow start in 2025 after undergoing offseason back surgery, going 2-for-16 in his first five games, but he did hit his first long ball of the year on Tuesday night. It's still early in the season and it was nice to see Yelich go yard on Tuesday, but the Brewers could continue to give him built-in off days, especially against left-handers, as they ease him in from his offseason back procedure. Collins, 27, has gone 3-for-6 in four games in the early going with two doubles and a run scored for the Brewers and is in a nice lineup spot on Wednesday.
4 hours ago
Bryan Reynolds Dealing With Triceps Soreness
Pittsburgh Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said that outfielder Bryan Reynolds (triceps) is experiencing right-triceps soreness, but he's in the starting lineup on Wednesday as the designated hitter and is batting second against the hosting Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander Ryan Pepiot at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Reynolds has been able to hit, but throwing has been an issue, which is why Tommy Pham is making the start in left field on Wednesday. The issue isn't too serious for the 30-year-old, as he's played in all seven games so far, but it explains why he's been the DH for the last three contests. He's gone 6-for-26 in the early going with a double, two RBI, one stolen base, two walks and eight strikeouts in 28 plate appearances. It's something to watch, but for now, fantasy managers should carry on as usual with Reynolds in their starting lineups.
4 hours ago
Luinder Avila Strikes Out 11 In Second Triple-A Start
Kansas City Royals right-handed pitching prospect Luinder Avila tossed 5 2/3 innings in his season debut on Tuesday evening. Avila tallied an impressive 11 punchouts while allowing just one hit, one run, and a free pass. This was an impressive season debut for Avila, who made only one previous Triple-A start in his career. Avila received a start with Triple-A Omaha at the end of the 2024 campaign and allowed five earned runs across 4 1/3 innings. This was a significant step in the right direction for the 23-year-old. He spent most of the 2024 campaign with Double-A Northwest Arkansas and posted a 3.81 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP across 82 2/3 innings of work. Across this stint, he held a 43:82 BB:K. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his progression at Triple-A, as he could push for his MLB debut in the second half.
4 hours ago
Alexis Diaz To Begin Rehab Assignment This Weekend
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that right-handed reliever Alexis Diaz (hamstring) will begin his minor-league rehab assignment and pitch for High-A Dayton on Friday and again on Sunday. Diaz is eligible to come off the 15-day injured list on April 8, but whether that actually happens will likely depend on how his hamstring feels this weekend and how he looks on the mound after struggling in spring training before straining his left hamstring. The 28-year-old's mechanics were all out of whack in camp, but if he can get his control/command back under control, he's still Cincy's best option for saves in 2025. However, that doesn't mean he'll be closing games right away for the Reds when he comes off the IL. Diaz should be stashed in all fantasy formats, but his leash will be short if he falters for Francona. Emilio Pagan is the team's top closing option in the meantime.
4 hours ago
Andrew Abbott To Make Another Rehab Start On Sunday
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that left-hander Andrew Abbott (shoulder) will make another minor-league rehab start on Sunday. Abbott made his first rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday and gave up two runs in his 5 2/3 innings of work while also allowing two home runs, walking two and striking out four. The 25-year-old southpaw got up to 85 pitches and should be ready to make his 2025 debut with the Reds if he can get through his rehab start on Sunday without suffering any setbacks to his left shoulder. When Abbott is cleared to return to the Reds' starting rotation, Carson Spiers is expected to be the odd-man out. Abbott, a former second-rounder, will be a rotation regular for Cincy if healthy, but it was disappointing to see his strikeout rate drop under 20 percent in his sophomore season in 2024. A low strikeout rate and the fact he's a fly-ball pitcher in a hitter-friendly home park makes him pretty volatile in fantasy.
4 hours ago
James Triantos Productive At The Start Of Triple-A Regular Season
Chicago Cubs infield prospect James Triantos has held a strong .364 AVG and .417 OBP through the first three contests of the Iowa Cubs season. Triantos has also been busy on the basepaths, swiping three bags. However, he has yet to tally a hit for extra bases. Triantos is considered the No. 5 prospect in a deep Cubs system. MLB Pipeline has Triantos currently as the No. 72-best prospect in the sport. Last season, the former second-round selection spent most of his time at Double-A before receiving a brief taste of Triple-A. Through 89 games with Double-A Tennessee, Triantos posted a stellar .300/.345/.437 slash line with 18 doubles, seven home runs, and an eye-catching 38 stolen bases. During his first 26 games at Triple-A, Triantos held a similar .302/.351/.384 line with nine stolen bases. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Triantos' power production, as that is the one skill that has yet to translate to the top level of the minor leagues.
4 hours ago
Christian Encarnacion-Strand Back In Reds Lineup
Cincinnati Reds corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand (hand) is starting at first base and batting sixth on Wednesday against the visiting Texas Rangers and right-hander Jack Leiter at Great American Ball Park. Encarnacion-Strand was hit by a pitch on his right hand in Monday's game against Texas and didn't play on Tuesday. However, the 25-year-old is back in there for the series finale and will face a young hurler who looked much better in his first start of the 2025 season after struggling in his rookie year in 2024. He has never faced Leiter and will come into Wednesday's game carrying a .286 (4-for-14) early-season batting average with a home run, double, RBI, two runs scored, one walk and four strikeouts in his first four games of the year. Power is CES's primary calling card, and he should play regularly for Cincy as long as he's healthy.
4 hours ago
Ketel Marte
• 2B
•
Diamondbacks
