Los Angeles Angels outfielder Kevin Pillar went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base in Saturday's 9-3 win over the Royals. It was the 35-year-old's second three-hit game in his last four, so perhaps things are looking up for the veteran in what has been an otherwise forgetful beginning to the season. Through May 5, Pillar was batting .161 but this four-game stretch has raised his season average to .261 as he's logged just 12 starts in 2024 and has come in as a pinch-hitter, pinch-runner, or defensive replacement 12 times. The recent outburst is nice to see for Pillar, but you're still staying away for fantasy unless he can get more regular at-bats.
The Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a one-year contract with outfielder Kevin Pillar. With Mike Trout (knee) headed for surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, the Halos make a move to supply their outfield with some depth and a veteran presence. Pillar appeared in 17 games for the Chicago White Sox in the 2024 regular season before getting designated for assignment, slashing just .160/.290/.360 with one home run, four RBI, and two stolen bases across 32 plate appearances. The lefty-hitting Mickey Moniak is primed for a near-everyday role in center field on the strong side of a platoon with Trout sidelined, leaving Pillar to battle with fellow veteran Aaron Hicks for at-bats in Anaheim's outfield. The 35-year-old former Toronto Blue Jay isn't likely to make a big impact from a fantasy perspective, however, so Pillar can be left on waiver wires for now.
The Chicago White Sox released infielder Mike Moustakas and outfielder Kevin Pillar on Friday. Moustakas was released after slashing a weak .195/.283/.317 with a home run and two RBI in 41 Cactus League at-bats for Chicago after signing a minor-league deal with the team on Feb. 14. The 35-year-old left-handed-hitting veteran is nearing the end of his career. The three-time All-Star hit .247/.293/.392 with 12 home runs and 48 RBI in 112 games with the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels in his 13th big-league campaign. Pillar, who is also 35, went 11-for-44 in the Cactus League with five RBI. He hit .228/.248/.416 with nine home runs, 32 RBI and four steals in 81 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2023. Moustakas and Pillar will be looking to latch on with another team in reserve roles with the season starting next week.
The Chicago White Sox signed free-agent outfielder Kevin Pillar to a minor-league deal on Friday, according to a source. Pillar will make $3 million if he's on the major-league roster. The 35-year-old veteran hit .228/.248/.416 with nine home runs in 208 plate appearances for the Atlanta Braves in 2023. He's no longer the plus-plus defensive center fielder he once was, but he still rated well defensive in the corner outfield spots last year. The rebuilding White Sox may offer more playing time for Pillar, but at best, he'll likely be in some sort of platoon in right field with Oscar Colas. Pillar can be ignored in mixed fantasy leagues in 2024. He has only reached the 20-steal and 20-homer marks once in his 11-year big-league career.
Kevin Pillar Getting The Start Versus Lefty Monday
Atlanta Braves outfielder Kevin Pillar is in the starting lineup Monday versus the Colorado Rockies and left-hander Austin Gomber. Starts have been few and far between for the veteran as part of a loaded Braves offense while he has largely struggled against left-handed pitching this season. He's provided power against lefties with four homers, five doubles, and a .205 isolated power across 86 plate appearances versus southpaws this season but his .702 OPS, 2.3% BB%, and 81 wRC+ off lefties all leave plenty to be desired. Nonetheless, he will get the start in left field and hit eighth versus Gomber in the hitter-friendly Coors Field Monday in Colorado.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Kevin Pillar stole his first base of the season in Thursday's 5-4 loss to the visiting Miami Marlins. Pillar finished the day 1-for-2 with an RBI, a run scored and a walk as well. The 34-year-old's work on the defense should continue to earn him playing time in Atlanta, but it will be harder to come by now that Michael Harris II (back) has returned from the injured list. When Pillar does play, he'll likely remain near the bottom of the team's lineup, limiting his fantasy upside in DFS. Over his first 14 games and 47 plate appearances this season, Pillar is hitting .227 (10-for-44) with two doubles, a homer, five RBI, one stolen base and just four runs scored.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Kevin Pillar is not in the starting lineup for the first game of a series against the Miami Marlins on Monday. Pillar has seen everyday playing time in the last week, even against right-handed pitching, but he'll take a seat in this one. Eddie Rosario will get the start in left field and will hit fifth, while Marcell Ozuna is serving as the designated hitter and is batting seventh against Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera. Pillar has seen more playing time for the Braves due to Ozuna's struggles at the plate, but the 34-year-old veteran outfielder hasn't done much better himself, hitting .211 (8-for-38) with a double, home run, three RBI and three runs scored over 40 plate appearances in 12 games.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kevin Pillar (shoulder) was expected to miss the rest of the season. However, the veteran outfielder will begin hitting progression in the next few days. Pillar has been sidelined since early June due to a fractured left shoulder. The hope is that Pillar can begin playing in minor league games within the next three or four weeks. There seems to be a chance of Pillar returning to the Dodgers lineup before the end of the regular season. Despite that, it's unlikely that Pillar offers much upside in terms of fantasy baseball. He'll be a nice addition as depth for the Dodgers playoff run, but fantasy managers can ignore him until further notice.
Kevin Pillar Goes On Injured List With Shoulder Fracture
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed outfielder Kevin Pillar (shoulder) on the injured list on Thursday with a left shoulder fracture and recalled infielder/outfielder Zach McKinstry from the minors in a corresponding move. Pillar left the game early on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Manager Dave Roberts said that surgery is a possibility for the 33-year-old veteran, so he should miss extended time. Pillar has only a double in 12 at-bats at the major league level for the Dodgers this year. McKinstry might be worth a pickup in NL-only leagues for depth purposes. The 27-year-old was hitting an excellent .338/.424/.464 with an .887 OPS, two home runs and 19 RBI in 38 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City before his call-up.
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Kevin Pillar is unlikely to make the Opening Day roster. Manager Dave Roberts mentioned that he plans to carry 16 pitchers going into the season. That means, the Dodgers will only have 12 position players on their roster. The last roster spot is expected to go to Edwin Rios. That being said, Pillar and Jake Lamb are likely to head to Triple-A to begin the year. Pillar has struggled during his time in spring training, but should see time in Los Angeles at some point this season.
