Tue Mar 18 | 20:39 | Rangers Place Jon Gray On 60-Day Injured List | Jon Gray | SP | Rockies | Free Agent |
The Texas Rangers placed right-hander Jon Gray (forearm) on the 60-day injured list on Tuesday with a right-forearm fracture to make room on the 40-man roster for left-hander Patrick Corbin, who was signed to a one-year major-league contract. Gray took a line drive off his forearm/wrist in his last Cactus League start against the San Diego Padres and unfortunately suffered a fractured arm, which will now keep him out until at least late May. With left-hander Cody Bradford (elbow) also set to open the 2025 regular season on the injured list, it's looking more and more like both right-handed pitching prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker will open the year in Texas' Opening Day starting rotation. When Gray recovers from his forearm fracture and is eligible to rejoin the team, there's a chance he's moved to a relief role, depending on the health and performance of the rest of the rotation. |
Source: Texas Rangers PR | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 19:43 | Jason Delay Optioned To Minors | Jason Delay | C | Pirates | Free Agent |
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jason Delay has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday. Delay was unable to make the big league roster after going 2-for-17 in 12 spring training contests. This isn't shocking news, but it does help limit down the catching competition in Pittsburgh. Joey Bart figures to have already made the roster as the primary catcher with Endy Rodriguez and Henry Davis still battling for the backup role. Bart is really the only one here with any fantasy value after putting together a breakout campaign with the Pirates last season. He hit .265/.337/.462 with 13 home runs and 45 RBI across 80 games last season. |
Source: Sports Illustrated | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 19:37 | Patrick Corbin Joining Rangers | Patrick Corbin | SP | Nationals | Free Agent |
The Texas Rangers have signed starting pitcher Patrick Corbin to a one-year deal on Tuesday. The veteran southpaw was brought in with Jon Gray (wrist) and Cody Bradford (elbow) likely both beginning the season on the injured list. The plan is for Corbin to join the organization in Arizona for the final few days of camp. At this point, Corbin isn't much more than an innings-eater pitcher, which is something the Rangers could use right now. The left-hander posted a 5.62 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and 139/54 K/BB ratio across 32 starts with the Washington Nationals last season. Corbin hasn't been a viable fantasy option in years and that's unlikely to change in Arlington. |
Source: Evan Grant | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 19:18 | Craig Kimbrel Signs With Braves | Craig Kimbrel | RP | Cubs | Free Agent |
The Atlanta Braves have signed relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. The future Hall-of-Famer is back with the Braves after spending the first five seasons of his career with the organization. Since then, Kimbrel has bounced around quite a bit, but currently sits fifth all-time in saves. He's coming off a rough year with the Baltimore Orioles last season. He registered a 5.33 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, with 23 saves in 57 appearances with the O's in 2024. Kimbrel figures to pitch in a high-leverage spot behind Raisel Iglesias in Atlanta. He should see the occasional save chances, but probably won't offer reliable fantasy value while Iglesias is healthy. |
Source: ESPN | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 18:25 | Aroldis Chapman Appears To Be In-House Favorite For Saves | Aroldis Chapman | RP | Yankees | Free Agent |
MassLive's Christ Cotillo and Sean McAdam write that Boston Red Sox veteran left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman appears to have become the in-house favorite to close out games in the ninth inning to begin the 2025 regular season. The quality of Chapman's stuff has stood out, despite the fact that veteran right-hander Liam Hendriks has corrected some of the command issues that plagued him early in spring training. Chapman isn't immune from command issues, either, but he's pitched much better than Hendriks this spring and is also a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion that has 335 career saves over 15 MLB seasons. This news will be favorable for Chapman's ADP in fantasy drafts before Opening Day next Thursday, but don't forget that he walked 39 hitters in 61 2/3 innings a year ago in Pittsburgh. Chapman will still be a shaky fantasy closer with a likely short leash if he struggles. |
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 18:00 | Yu Darvish Day-To-Day With Elbow Inflammation | Yu Darvish | SP | Cubs | Free Agent |
Although San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish (elbow) played catch in camp on Tuesday, manager Mike Shildt revealed that Darvish experienced elbow inflammation after his last Cactus League start. The Padres are calling Darvis day-to-day right now, but Shildt couldn't rule out the injury affecting the start of Darvish's 2025 season. The Padres attributed fatigue to the 38-year-old Japanese pitcher missing his scheduled spring start on Tuesday, but now we know he's dealing with an elbow issue that could land him on the injured list to begin the season. We wouldn't blame fantasy managers from wanting to avoid an aging pitcher dealing with an elbow issue that could put the start of his season in peril. If Darvish is not able to open the year in the Friars' starting rotation, either Stephen Kolek or Kyle Hart would be candidates to replace him. |
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Kevin Acee | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 17:31 | Blue Jays Hoping Max Scherzer Can Pitch In A Game This Weekend | Max Scherzer | SP | Nationals | Free Agent |
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that right-hander Max Scherzer (thumb) felt "probably a little bit better than I think I expected" on Tuesday, but that the veteran hurler is still very much day-to-day as the team manages his thumb issue. Toronto is holding out hope that Scherzer can pitch in a game this weekend. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer has been dealing with a right-thumb injury and is working with a hand specialist as he tries to prepare for the start of his first year with the Blue Jays. The three-time Cy Young winner, eight-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion can still be useful as rotation depth in fantasy leagues, but durability has become a big factor for him as he nears the end of his fantastic career. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 93 fantasy starter, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him open the year on the injured list. |
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 17:25 | Clarke Schmidt To Throw Live Batting Practice On Thursday | Clarke Schmidt | SP | Yankees | Free Agent |
The plan right now is for New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) to throw live batting practice in camp on Thursday, according to manager Aaron Boone. The skipper said on YES Network that Schmidt could be ready on Opening Day next Thursday, but that he "obviously wouldn't be built up" in terms of his pitch count. The Yankees will have to decide if they think it would be more beneficial for the 29-year-old to stay behind in Florida to build up his arm. Schmidt has been hoping to still make his 2025 debut on April 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but even if he does, he wouldn't be recommended in starting fantasy lineups in single-year or DFS formats. He also missed three months with a right-lat strain in 2024, but otherwise he took a big step forward in the Yankees' rotation. Schmidt is nothing more than a late-round flier in deep fantasy leagues, but he could end up being an excellent value pick if he's healthy. |
Source: New York Post - Greg Joyce | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 17:19 | Paul Goldschmidt Expected To Return Later This Week | Paul Goldschmidt | 1B | Cardinals | Free Agent |
The New York Yankees will give first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (back) as much time as he needs, but manager Aaron Boone expects him to return to a Grapefruit League game on Thursday or Friday. A sore back caused Goldschmidt to be pulled early from Monday's spring training game against the division-rival Toronto Blue Jays, but it appears it was just a precaution and that the 37-year-old veteran will be fine for Opening Day next Thursday as long as he doesn't have a setback with his back this weekend when he returns to game action. A back ailment with just over a week until Opening Day isn't what fantasy managers want to hear from an aging slugger that has shown signs of decline since winning the National League MVP award in 2022. The seven-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger winner had a career-high strikeout rate and career-low walk rate in 2024, although he could bounce back somewhat in the Bronx if he can stay healthy. |
Source: New York Post - Greg Joyce | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 17:07 | Grayson Rodriguez Throws Up To 75 Feet On Tuesday | Grayson Rodriguez | SP | Orioles | Free Agent |
Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (elbow) played catch from 75 feet on Tuesday as he started a throwing progression. Rodriguez was shut down in spring training due to right-elbow inflammation and will not be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, but it's good to see that the 25-year-old is throwing the ball around at the tail end of camp. Still, the Orioles are going to slow-play one of their best starting arms early in the season, which means he might not be ready to make his season debut until late April or even early May, depending on how he progresses. Based on how well Rodriguez pitched in 2024, he's still worth stashing in all fantasy formats, but prepared for the possibility that he misses the first month. The former 11th overall pick in 2018 was also shut down last August with a lat strain. |
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 17:01 | Gunnar Henderson Takes Batting Practice On Tuesday | Gunnar Henderson | SS | Orioles | Free Agent |
Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that shortstop Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) took batting practice in camp on Tuesday. While Henderson is still up in the air to be read for Opening Day next Thursday, it's a good sign that he's at least swinging and ramping up his baseball activities. However, the 23-year-old is running out of time to get into game action. Henderson is still deserving of being a first-round selection in upcoming fantasy drafts, but just be prepared for him potentially missing the early portion of the campaign. If he opens the year on the injured list, Jackson Holliday would likely slide over to shortstop, with Ramon Urias (hamstring) likely taking over at second base. Henderson won the American League Rookie of the Year in 2023 and was a first-time All-Star in 2024, slashing .281/.364/.529 with 37 home runs, 92 RBI, 21 steals and 118 runs scored in 159 games. He can do it all. |
Source: MLB.com - Jake Rill | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 14:58 | Yordan Alvarez Scratched With Sore Thumb, Expects To Play On Wednesday | Yordan Alvarez | DH | Astros | Free Agent |
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez (thumb) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to thumb soreness. Chandler Rome of The Athletic noted that he suffered this injury during Sunday's batting practice. However, manager Joe Espada expressed that Alvarez will likely return to the lineup on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears this injury is not very serious. Last season, Alvarez posted a stellar .308/.392/.567 slash line with 34 doubles and 35 home runs. He tallied 88 runs and 86 RBI. He generated an elite .411 xwOBA and a .595 xSLG, which placed him in the 99th percentile, respectively. The Astros have stated that Alvarez will likely see more time as a designated hitter throughout the season to keep him healthy. Given his elite power upside, fantasy managers should confidently target him as a high-end No. 1 outfielder. |
Source: Chandler Rome | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 14:50 | Masyn Winn Dealing With Wrist Soreness | Masyn Winn | SP | Cardinals | Free Agent |
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (wrist) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup due to wrist soreness. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the week in case this injury starts to linger. However, for now, fantasy managers should view him as day-to-day. Jose Barrero will take his spot in the starting nine. Winn is expected to be St. Louis' primary shortstop during the 2025 campaign. The 22-year-old logged a career-high 150 contests during the 2024 season. During this stretch, Winn held a .261/.314/.416 slash line with 32 doubles and 15 home runs. Winn swiped 11 bags but placed in the 87th percentile in sprint speed, which suggests he could see some positive regression in this output. He also generated a .256 xBA, which was above the average mark. Winn is an intriguing middle infield option in standard leagues, given his ability to contribute to all five standard categories. |
Source: Derrick Goold | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 14:43 | Brice Turang Will Be Milwaukee's Primary Second Baseman | Brice Turang | SS | Brewers | Free Agent |
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Brice Turang (shoulder) will open the season as their starting second baseman. Turang was in contention to shift to shortstop, but the team will opt to move Joey Ortiz to that position and keep Turang at the keystone. The 25-year-old is also batting shoulder soreness, but this injury is not viewed as "serious." Last season, Turang made 152 starts at the keystone. Across 155 total games last summer, Turang posted a .254/.316/.349 with seven home runs. Most of his fantasy value came from his speed as he swiped 50 bags, the third-most in the National League. Under the hood, Turang held a strong 17.0 percent strikeout rate but generated a low .297 xwOBA. Fantasy managers should view Turang as a low-end No. 1 second baseman and will carry most of his value in category formats as a speed specialist. |
Source: Adam McCalvy | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 14:33 | Joey Ortiz To Start The Season At Shortstop | Joey Ortiz | SS | Orioles | Free Agent |
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Joey Ortiz will start the season at shortstop. During camp, Ortiz began to take reps at shortstop to fill the void left by Willy Adames. There was speculation that Brice Turang could also move to this position, but Ortiz was able to earn the job. Last season, the 26-year-old spent the vast majority of his time at the hot corner. Across 142 contests, Ortiz held a .239/.329/.398 slash line with 25 doubles, six triples, and 11 home runs. He drew walks at an elite 11.0 percent rate but generated a low .305 xwOBA. However, Ortiz was graded as an elite defender as he placed in the 96th percentile in range, according to Statcast. He also swiped 11 bags and placed in the 85th percentile in sprint speed. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should view Ortiz as a reliable depth infielder, as he should have an everyday role in the lineup and will carry multi-positional eligibility. |
Source: Adam McCalvy | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 12:28 | Alex Cobb To Throw Another Bullpen On Wednesday | Alex Cobb | SP | Orioles | Free Agent |
Detroit Tigers right-hander Alex Cobb (hip) threw his first bullpen session in camp on Saturday and is scheduled to throw his second bullpen on Wednesday. Cobb was shut down early in spring training after he was diagnosed with right-hip inflammation, but the 37-year-old veteran is ramping back up as he attempts to rejoin the team's starting rotation. Opening Day is next Thursday in L.A. against the World Series-champion Los Angeles Dodgers, though, so Cobb will open the regular season on the injured list and isn't expected to make his 2025 debut until late April or early May. While Cobb will be given a rotation spot in Detroit when he's ready, he's not much of a fantasy asset and has only made 30 starts in a season once. He made just three starts in 2024 due to hip, finger and shoulder injuries and just hasn't been very durable. |
Source: Detroit Free Press - Evan Petzold | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 12:16 | Clarke Schmidt Could Start On Wednesday | Clarke Schmidt | SP | Yankees | Free Agent |
New York Yankees right-hander Clarke Schmidt (shoulder) said he feels good a day after throwing a 24-pitch bullpen session in camp. Although nothing has been announced, Schmidt could return to the mound and start Wednesday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Philadelphia Phillies. Schmidt noted on Tuesday that he wouldn't be throwing bullpens if he was dealing with a serious injury, and he still is hoping he'll be allowed to make his 2025 debut on April 3 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 29-year-old is firmly cemented in the Yankees' starting rotation (if healthy), although he probably isn't going to be a smart DFS play in his first start of the year if he gets the green light to face Arizona. Schmidt has the stuff to build on what was a strong 2024 campaign that was interrupted by a three-month stint on the injured list due to a right-lat strain. |
Source: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 12:13 | Mookie Betts Sent Back To L.A. | Mookie Betts | RF | Dodgers | Free Agent |
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that shortstop Mookie Betts (illness) flew back to Los Angeles on Tuesday. Betts came down with an illness just before the team departed to Tokyo, Japan, last week for a few exhibition games last weekend and their season-opening, two-game series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19. The 32-year-old veteran was fatigued during workouts, didn't play in either exhibition game and was ruled out for the series against the Cubs as well due to flu-like symptoms. Betts will now rest up in hopes that he'll be feeling good enough to play for the Dodgers' home opener on Thursday, March 27, against the Detroit Tigers. When healthy, Betts will serve as L.A.'s starting shortstop in 2025 while hitting second in the batting order behind superstar Shohei Ohtani. Miguel Rojas started at the 6 and hit eighth, going 1-for-4 with a strikeout in the 4-1 win over the Cubs on Tuesday. |
Source: 570 LA Sports - David Vassegh | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 12:07 | Edward Cabrera Will Start On The Injured List | Edward Cabrera | SP | Marlins | Free Agent |
Miami Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera (finger) will start the 2025 season on the injured list due to a blister issue on his right middle finger, according to MLB.com's Christina De Nicola. Cabrera was forced to leave his Grapefruit League start last Thursday with the blister issue, which has been a recurring theme for him, and now he won't be ready for the start of the regular season next week. The good news is that the 26-year-old played catch on Monday, so hopefully it will be a minimum IL stay for Cabrera. In the meantime, Connor Gillispie could have the upper hand on replacing Cabrera in Miami's Opening Day rotation based on how good he's looked in spring training. Cabrera has the stuff to be intriguing in fantasy leagues, but injuries and lack of command/control of his pitches makes him avoidable in shallow-mixed leagues, especially now that he's hurt yet again. |
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 18 | 12:04 | Max Kepler Back In Tuesday's Spring Lineup | Max Kepler | CF/RF | Twins | Free Agent |
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Max Kepler (back) is starting in left field and batting third in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber. Kepler was removed from Sunday's spring training game due to a back injury after he crashed into the outfield wall, but he'll only end up missing one day. It means that the 32-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder will be ready to go for Opening Day next Thursday, March 27, versus the division-rival Washington Nationals on the road in D.C. In theory, Kepler should be more attractive as a depth outfielder in deep-mixed fantasy leagues in 2025 with the move to a more potent lineup in Philly, and he'll enter the season as the club's primary left fielder on the strong side of a platoon against right-handed pitchers. However, the German native is an injury risk and has played in over 150 games just once in 10 big-league seasons. |
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber | RotoBaller.com |