MLB News

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor Remains on Schedule for Opening Day

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) is getting close to taking full batting practice on the field, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. In addition to doing defensive work in minor-league games, Lindor had a batting practice session with normal, two-handed swings inside the batting cage on Tuesday. DiComo writes that Lindor "remains right on schedule to be ready for Opening Day." The 32-year-old All-Star had surgery for a broken right hamate bone last month, but he's making good progress, and barring a setback, he'll be ready to go for fantasy managers at the end of this month when the games count. Lindor's hand injury might make him a bit more risky as a fantasy investment in upcoming drafts, but he's still easily a top-10 option at the shortstop position after posting his second 30-30 season in the last three years in 2025.

6 hours ago

José Berríos • SP • Blue Jays

Jose Berrios Dealing With Elbow Inflammation, Hopes to Make Next Start

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios (elbow) said that he feels good and called his recent elbow inflammation "strange" to hear about after his MRI exam, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Berrios is hoping to make his next start in the Grapefruit League. He was scratched from his Grapefruit League start on Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies due to right-elbow inflammation, but apparently, he's not too worried. Because of his elbow injury, the 31-year-old veteran wasn't able to pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. While it doesn't seem too serious right now, fantasy managers must remember that Berrios also had some similar elbow and biceps issues late last season. The former first-rounder has a lot of tread on his tires, having thrown 1,571 2/3 innings in his 10-year big-league career. With some injury issues this spring to boot, Berrios is not in RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitchers going into the 2026 season.

6 hours ago

Clay Holmes • SP • Mets

Clay Holmes to Rejoin Mets, Pitch on Friday

New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes will rejoin the Mets in what manager Carlos Mendoza said was a difficult decision for him. Holmes needs to stay built up and will pitch in a Grapefruit League game on Friday. Holmes got his arm built up well ahead of the other pitchers early in spring training this year because he knew he'd be pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He was ready for his opportunity, as he retired the first eight Great Britain hitters he faced, including a stretch of five straight strikeouts. The 32-year-old veteran finished his outing for USA by allowing just one baserunner and striking out six to earn the victory. Fantasy managers and the Mets are hoping Holmes can take another step forward as a full-time starter in 2026 after he went 12-8 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 129:66 K: BB in a career-high 165 2/3 innings over 33 outings (31 starts) last year in his first season with the Mets.

6 hours ago

Daniel Palencia • RP • Cubs

Daniel Palencia a Great Breakout Option at Closer

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia is one of the best closer options to grab once the elite options are off the board, since the 26-year-old is locked in as the team's primary closer and has lots of breakout potential. Palencia had 22 saves in 54 games last year and posted an impressive 2.91 ERA, 3.08 FIP, and 61 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings. He went just 1-6 but added six holds while converting 22 of his 25 save opportunities. Palencia should get the save opportunities for a team expected to be one of the best in the National League, and the 26-year-old could easily be a top-10 closer this season, making him a great value at his current ADP as around the 15th relief pitcher off the board.

8 hours ago

Francisco Lindor • SS • Mets

Francisco Lindor Is Scheduled to Play 4-5 Innings at Shortstop on Thursday

New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) will once again play four or five innings in the field at shortstop in a minor-league game in Port St. Lucie on Thursday. The All-Star shortstop is working his way back from surgery to repair a stress reaction in his left hamate bone. He is still working towards a return for Opening Day, but he has yet to take live at-bats and has not had an official return date set just yet. He has been extremely durable, logging over 150 games and at least 685 plate appearances in each of the last four seasons with 25+ homers and 15+ stolen bases each season. His recovery is progressing well, but he still has several steps before a full return to action.

8 hours ago

Grant Taylor • RP • White Sox

Is Grant Taylor Emerging As a High-End Option in Chicago?

Chicago White Sox pitcher Grant Taylor has looked excellent this spring and is a breakout candidate to watch. The 23-year-old has outstanding stuff and can dominate when at his best, but his role is still a little undefined. Last year, he worked 36 2/3 innings in the majors in 36 games, including two starts. He picked up six saves and 54 strikeouts while throwing 37 pitches at 100 mph or faster, including a blistering 102.2 mph on June 22. He posted a 4.91 ERA but a more impressive 1.42 FIP. He is expected to work out of the bullpen, possibly for multiple innings, and has stated his goal is to throw 100 innings this year. He logged a career-high 63 1/3 innings last year in the minors and majors combined. He is shaping up to be an elite relief arm with a very high strikeout ceiling, although his durability and uncertain role make him a little tricky to lock into a spot, since his value depends on how your league treats relief arms. His strikeout potential definitely makes him a great option to watch for dynasty leagues, since the goal is to move him back to the rotation later in his career.

8 hours ago

Jorge Polanco • 2B • Mets

Jorge Polanco Expected to Play First Base "More Often Than Not"

New York Mets infielder Jorge Polanco has never played a professional inning at first base, but the plan is for Polanco to play first base "more often than not," according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Polanco could gain 1B eligibility in most leagues early in the season, which could make him a very valuable and versatile utility player. Last year, Polanco posted a .265/.326/.495 triple-slash with an .821 OPS, 26 home runs, 78 RBI, 64 runs scored, and six stolen bases for the Mariners. He will be hitting in the heart of a solid batting order this season, and has nice upside as his current ADP. He already has 2B and 3B eligibility in most formats, so adding 1B will allow more flexibility in roster constructions.

9 hours ago

Zack Wheeler • SP • Phillies

Zack Wheeler "Getting Close" to Live Batting Practice

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (shoulder) continues to build up towards his return and threw 36 pitches in two simulated innings on Tuesday in his fifth bullpen session. According to manager Rob Thomson, Wheeler is getting close to throwing live batting practice. There's still a chance that he could appear in a spring training or minor-league game before the end of spring training. Wheeler continues to work towards an April return, which could make him a top starting pitcher again this season. He remains an injury risk, but all signs so far have been positive that he'll be back in the Phillies' rotation sooner rather than later. He can be a fantasy ace when healthy, so keep a close eye on his recovery as it progresses.

9 hours ago

Spencer Torkelson • 1B • Tigers

Spencer Torkelson Dealing With Forearm Contusion

Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (forearm) was diagnosed with a right-forearm contusion after he was hit by a pitch during a simulated game in camp on Tuesday, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Torkelson exited with a trainer after he was hit by a fastball from reliever Burch Smith. "It was scary," manager A.J. Hinch said. "It's going to happen, whether it's a game or a practice game. From what I know, from afar, we've avoided anything major." The 26-year-old former first overall pick was held out of Wednesday's Grapefruit League contest against the Minnesota Twins as a precaution, but he could be back in action soon. Torkelson hit 31 home runs for the second time in the last three years in 2025, bouncing back from a 10-homer campaign in 2024. Strikeouts are always going to be part of Tork's game, but the high-end power upside is nice for corner-infield depth in fantasy baseball leagues.

Yesterday

Ryan Mountcastle • 1B • Orioles

Ryan Mountcastle Hit by Pitch on Hand, X-Rays Come Back Negative

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan Mountcastle (hand) was forced to leave Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pittsburgh Pirates early in the eighth inning after he was hit by a pitch on his right hand, according to Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun. Fortunately, X-rays on his right hand came back negative, according to the team. With an off day coming in spring training on Friday, Mountcastle could be back in the lineup on Friday, although it wouldn't be a surprise to see the O's give him a couple of days off. The 29-year-old right-handed slugger's fantasy stock is on the decline going into the 2026 season after he dealt with more injuries and disappointing play in 2025. Mountcastle slashed .250/.286/.367 with a career-worst .653 OPS, only seven home runs, 35 RBI, 34 runs, and three steals in 89 games played. With the addition of All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso, Mountcastle could be facing a drop in playing time, with a DH role his only clear path to at-bats.

Yesterday

Bryce Miller • SP • Mariners

Bryce Miller Shuts Down Bullpen Due to More Oblique Discomfort

Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryce Miller (oblique) cut short his first full-effort bullpen session in camp on Wednesday due to "discomfort in the area," having been told not to push through it if he felt anything, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. Miller is still cleared to play catch and will target another touch-and-feel bullpen session in the coming days. The 27-year-old has been dealing with left-oblique inflammation since late last month. The fact that he's still being bothered by it has put his availability for Opening Day in late March in question and dropped him on fantasy draft boards. Miller, a former fourth-rounder in 2021 out of Texas A&M, made two separate trips to the injured list last year due to right-elbow issues, and he was unable to recover. He had a career-worst 5.68 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 74 punchouts and 34 walks in 90 1/3 innings over his 18 starts. Injury concerns have dropped Miller to No. 78 in RotoBaller's fantasy starting pitcher rankings going into the 2026 season.

Yesterday

Zac Gallen • SP • Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen Named Arizona's Opening Day Starter

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Wednesday that right-hander Zac Gallen will make his fourth career Opening Day start on the road against the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers on March 26. Gallen is the obvious choice for the D-backs after re-signing this offseason, especially with Merrill Kelly (back) dealing with an injury in spring training. The 30-year-old veteran won't be a popular DFS play on Opening Day against the best lineup in baseball, but he could make for a nice value pick later in fantasy baseball drafts as he looks to bounce back from a career-worst 4.83 ERA (4.50 FIP) that he had in 33 starts (192 innings) last year in Arizona in his seventh year in the league. Gallen has looked sharp in his first two Cactus League starts this year, tossing four shutout innings while walking none and striking out five.

Yesterday

Kyle Teel • C • White Sox

Kyle Teel Could Miss 4-6 Weeks With Hamstring Strain

Chicago White Sox catcher Kyle Teel (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a right-hamstring strain and could end up missing four to six weeks, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Officially, Teel has a Grade 2 hamstring strain that he suffered while running out a double in Team Italy's upset win over the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday. The 24-year-old left-handed-hitting catcher will drop out of the WBC and will most likely start the 2026 regular season on the injured list as a result. It will mean more catching duties for Edgar Quero to begin the year for the White Sox. Teel's injury should also free up more playing time at designated hitter for Lenyn Sosa. When he's past his hamstring injury, Teel should be in Chicago's lineup regularly after hitting .273/.375/.411 with a .786 OPS, eight homers, and 35 RBI in his first 78 major-league games in 2025. His injury shouldn't change the fact that he's a high-end No. 2 catcher target in fantasy drafts with upside for more going into his first full MLB season.

Yesterday

Quinn Priester • SP • Brewers

Quinn Priester Visiting With Specialist on Thursday

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Quinn Priester (wrist) will visit with a specialist in Dallas on Thursday as he seeks answers about the lingering soreness in his right wrist, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. Priester hasn't pitched in a Cactus League game this spring because of the injury, but he has been throwing to keep his arm in shape. It's an injury that the 25-year-old also dealt with late last season. At this point, it's unlikely that Priester will be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season later this month, and a timetable for when he might make his season debut probably won't be known until after he sees a specialist. The former first-rounder by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019 had a league-best .813 win-loss percentage in his first year in Milwaukee, going 13-3 with a 3.32 ERA (4.01 FIP) and 1.24 WHIP with a career-best 132 K's and 50 walks in 157 1/3 innings over his 29 outings (24 starts).

Yesterday

Griffin Jax • RP • Rays

Griffin Jax the Favorite for Early Saves in Tampa Bay?

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Griffin Jax could be the early favorite for the closer role in Tampa Bay once the regular season gets underway. The right-hander was superb for the Twins from 2022 through 2024, but despite an elite 36.4 percent strikeout rate (29.8 percent K-BB%) in 50 appearances for Minnesota in 2025, the 6-foot-2 hurler recorded a 4.50 ERA through the end of July and was shipped to Tampa, where he posted a 3.60 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, while maintaining a strong 31.8 percent strikeout rate. All in all, the former third-round draft pick finished the season with 99 strikeouts in just 66 innings pitched between Minnesota and Tampa Bay, registering 98th percentile or better strikeout, whiff, and chase rates. With Edwin Uceta (shoulder) expected to begin the season on the injured list, Jax's only real competition for the role might come from Garrett Cleavinger, who was fantastic in 2025 as well, but who is a left-hander and may be deployed more opportunistically. Manager Kevin Cash has not committed to any particular reliever just yet, and may end up going for a closer-by-committee approach, but Jax has the prototypical stuff to grab hold of the role and keep it for the entire season, making him an attractive target who is currently being drafted after the likes of Dennis Santana and Ryan Walker.

Yesterday

Logan Henderson • SP • Brewers

Logan Henderson Scheduled to Throw Off Mound on Thursday

Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Logan Henderson (elbow) is scheduled to "throw a mound session" on Thursday. The right-hander experienced mild elbow soreness last week and hasn't pitched in a Cactus League game since March 4. Assuming Thursday's session goes well, the 24-year-old is expected to return to game progression on Sunday, which should still put him on track to be ready for Opening Day. The Brewers' seventh-ranked prospect debuted last season and showed well in his limited sample, recording a 1.78 ERA (3.20 SIERA), 0.99 WHIP, and a 25.3 percent K-BB% in five starts (25 1/3 innings pitched), but isn't necessarily a lock to begin the year with the club. If he doesn't suffer any setbacks and can break camp in the rotation, the 6-foot hurler could be a real value pick based on his ADP, which is well after pick 200.

Yesterday

Kyle Bradish • SP • Orioles

Kyle Bradish Throws Five Scoreless on Wednesday, Sees Uptick in Velocity

Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish made his third Grapefruit League start on Wednesday, tossing five scoreless innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two in the outing. Although fewer than one strikeout per inning is not what we've grown accustomed to from the right-hander, his stuff was clearly working, and notably, the velocity on his fastball topped out at 97.5 mph; the 6-foot-3 hurler's high in his first two Grapefruit League outings was 95.9 mph. It should only reinforce that the 29-year-old appears to be fully recovered from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in 2024. The New Mexico State product looked sharp in his return to the mound last August, pitching to a 2.53 ERA (2.63 SIERA) and 1.03 WHIP while recording an elite 29.4 percent K-BB% in six starts. It has pushed his price tag up in fantasy drafts, going as the 27th pitcher off the board since the beginning of March, but he may still return value if he can continue to pitch at such a high level.

Yesterday

Bryan Abreu • RP • Astros

Bryan Abreu Ticketed for Ninth-Inning Role in Houston

Houston Astros reliever Bryan Abreu appears to be in a position to take over as the team's closer to begin the year. Houston's regular closer, Josh Hader (biceps), threw his first bullpen session of the spring on Tuesday, but manager Joe Espada has already ruled the veteran out for Opening Day. Abreu has been both durable and effective for the Astros over the last four years, recording a 2.30 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and a 23.9 percent K-BB% during that span. Hader is not expected to miss too much time, so Abreu's hold on the closer role should only be temporary, but given Hader's lengthy injury history and Abreu's ability to perform, there could be opportunities for additional save chances throughout the year. Bump Abreu up draft boards slightly, as the early-season save chances added to his ability to lower ratios while providing plenty of strikeouts should only bolster the 28-year-old's fantasy relevance.

Yesterday

Trey Yesavage • SP • Blue Jays

Trey Yesavage Tosses 35 Pitches in Simulated Game on Wednesday

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Trey Yesavage faced some of the Jays' minor leaguers on Wednesday, totaling 35 pitches in the two-inning simulation. The right-hander is slowly being brought up to speed this spring as a result of throwing 139 2/3 professional innings last season, way more than he accumulated in any season during his time in college at East Carolina, although it's unclear what is next in his progression. The 6-foot-4 hurler was a key piece in the Jays' run to the World Series last year and struck out 55 batters in just 41 2/3 innings pitched, but as good as he looked, the team is going to try to ensure that they don't pile too many innings on the youngster's arm. Unfortunately for fantasy, that will likely limit the former first-rounder's ceiling in 2026, making him more of a No. 3 fantasy rotation piece. Still, the 22-year-old appears to be fairly valued in drafts, going right around his RotoBaller rank of 158 overall.

Yesterday

Brandon Lowe • 2B • Pirates

Brandon Lowe Scratched on Wednesday Due to Lower-Body Tightness

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (lower body) was removed from the team's lineup for its Spring Training game on Wednesday due to lower body tightness, per DK Pittsburgh Sports. Lowe was originally scheduled to bat second and play second base against the Baltimore Orioles, but is now expected to go through a normal practice session at the team's Spring Training facility. Injuries have been a persistent issue throughout Lowe's time in the big leagues, as he's cracked 600 plate appearances just once in eight MLB seasons. Pittsburgh may be simply being overly cautious with the veteran infielder, as the Pirates traded for Lowe this past offseason and he projects as a key hitter in the middle of the team's lineup. Across 553 plate appearances with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025, Lowe hit .256 with 31 home runs, 83 RBI, 79 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Still, any injury situation for Lowe warrants attention from fantasy managers.

Yesterday

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