Luis L. Ortiz the Subject of Gambling Investigation

Updating a previous story, Cleveland Guardians right-hander Luis L. Ortiz is being investigated by the league after a betting-integrity firm flagged a pair of his pitches that had received unusual gambling activity, according to sources. Major League Baseball has placed Ortiz on "non-disciplinary paid leave" through July 17, which is the end of the All-Star […]

Ezequiel Tovar Running the Bases, Closing in on Rehab Assignment

Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (oblique) is running the bases at Coors Field before Thursday's series finale against the visiting Houston Astros, and interim manager Warren Schaeffer said that the team is close to sending Tovar on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 23-year-old has already been taking swings off a tee, so if he doesn't […]

Rockies Recall Zach Agnos on Thursday

The Colorado Rockies announced on Thursday that they recalled rookie right-handed reliever Zach Agnos from Triple-A Albuquerque and optioned right-hander Angel Chivilli to Albuquerque in a corresponding move. Although it's hard to bank on anything from the back end of the worst team in baseball's bullpen, the return of Agnos is notable for fantasy managers […]

Chas McCormick to Begin Rehab Assignment on Friday

Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick (oblique) is scheduled to travel to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday and start a minor-league rehab assignment on Friday, according to manager Joe Espada. As long as McCormick doesn't suffer a setback with his oblique, he could be activated from the 10-day injured list and rejoin the big-league club early […]

Jeremy Pena Could Resume Baseball Activities This Weekend

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena (ribs) is not doing baseball activities yet, but general manager Dana Brown said he could resume baseball activities this weekend in Los Angeles. The Astros placed Pena on the 10-day injured list on Monday with a small rib fracture on his left side after he was hit by a pitch. […]

Yordan Alvarez Receives Encouraging News on his Hand

Per the Houston Astros, outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) received some encouraging news from a hand specialist that examined him on Wednesday. Alvarez received additional imaging, which showed that the main cause of his current pain is merely inflammation, and the small fracture that had been sustained is now a non-factor in the pain that […]

Chau Smith-Wade Having Stellar Offseason

ESPN's David Newton writes that it was obvious to teammates that Carolina Panthers second-year linebacker Chau Smith-Wade had a stellar offseason and will be a factor for the team in 2025. "Man, I think he's been the most impressive player," Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn said. "Chau took advantage of an opportunity," head coach Dave […]

Divine Deablo Could be the Quarterback of the Defense

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris thinks that linebacker Divine Deablo is capable of wearing the green dot as essentially the quarterback of the defense in 2025, according to ESPN's Marc Raimondi. Morris has been impressed with Deablo's size (6-foot-3), length and speed, and he has a realistic shot at winning a starting job at […]

Isaiah Rodgers a Likely Starter for the Vikings

ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers showed playmaking ability while also showing off his speed as a kickoff returner during offseason workouts, demonstrating why the Vikings think he's a likely starter for them despite being a relatively obscure player since the Indianapolis Colts took him in the sixth round back in […]

Jacob Monk Sees Plenty of Work With Starters

With Green Bay Packers center Elgton Jenkins skipping the entire offseason program, second-year center Jacob Monk got the bulk of the work with the starters, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "He's done a nice job," head coach Matt LaFleur said of the 2024 fifth-round pick. "He's a lot more comfortable and confident in terms of […]

Avonte Maddox has Impressed Dan Campbell

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he sees new defensive back Avonte Maddox as a guy who will "fit right in with us" after evaluating him during the offseason program, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. Maddox is a Detroit native and looked good during offseason workouts. The former fourth-rounder brings a lot of experience […]

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson singled out rookie fourth-round linebacker Ruben Hyppolite as the player that the coaches saw the most improvement from this spring, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Hyppolite saw plenty of run with the starting defense at weakside linebacker -- a position he didn't have much experience at after playing middle […]

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne

The Washington Commanders' coaching staff noticed that defensive tackle Daron Payne showed more leadership and was more outgoing around the building this offseason, per ESPN's John Keim. Head coach Dan Quinn said Payne had "laser focus" this spring. "He just looks really good, really intent-ful. You can really see him taking that leadership role to […]

Danny Gray Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts

ESPN's Tim McManus writes that Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Danny Gray made an impression this offseason during OTAs and minicamp practices open to reporters, using his 4.33-second speed to stretch the field and accelerate past defenders on catches over the middle. The former third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2022 dealt with injuries […]

Dane Belton Should Have a Role in 2025

New York Giants safety Dane Belton was making plays seemingly every practice this spring and had three interceptions in the five workouts open to the media. ESPN's Jordan Raanan writes that the former fourth-rounder in 2022 will have a role as the third safety this year, even if he's not a starter. It appeared as […]

Kaiir Elam Flashes During Offseason Workouts

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Kaiir Elam started only 12 games in three seasons with the Buffalo Bills with two interceptions before the Cowboys acquired him in a trade, but he flashed on numerous occasions in OTAs and minicamp, according to ESPN's Todd Archer. Elam had multiple interceptions in offseason practices and dropped two more while showing […]

No Extension Imminent for Cubs, Kyle Tucker

The Chicago Cubs are open to trying to sign outfielder Kyle Tucker to a long-term contract extension, but they aren't committing to serious contract talks until later in the season or in the offseason, according to The Athletic's Patrick Mooney. Tucker was acquired in a blockbuster trade last winter from the Houston Astros, and the […]

Miguel Amaya Not Close to Game Action

Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya (oblique) has resumed normal batting practice, catching bullpen sessions and throwing but is "not close" to game action yet, according to manager Craig Counsell. Amaya is recovering from a strained left oblique and will not come off the 10-day injured list before the All-Star break. However, if the 26-year-old continues […]

Yu Darvish Throws Four-Inning Simulated Game

San Diego Padres right-hander Yu Darvish (elbow) threw a four-inning, 64-pitch simulated game against Single-A hitters in Lake Elsinore on Monday, which was his third sim game, according to MLB.com. Darvish is nearing a return to the big-league starting rotation, but it's unclear what his next step will be at this time. The 38-year-old Japanese […]

Yordan Alvarez Transferred to 60-Day Injured List

The Houston Astros transferred outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hand) to the 60-day injured list on Wednesday, according to the Houston Chronicle's Matt Kawahara. In an additional moves, the Astros placed infielder Luis Guillorme (hamstring) on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain and recalled infielder Zack Short from Triple-A Sugar Land. Houston was hoping that […]

Teoscar Hernandez Getting a Breather

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez is receiving the night off on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium against the visiting Chicago White Sox. Andy Pages is starting in right field and is batting fifth, while Tommy Edman makes the start in center field and hits eighth against White Sox left-hander Brandon Eisert. Hernandez went 2-for-4 in […]

Heliot Ramos Grabbing Pine on Wednesday

San Francisco Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos will take the day off on Wednesday in the tilt versus the division-rival Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Luis Matos will draw into the lineup in left field and will hit sixth against Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly. It's a good time for a breather for Ramos, who has gone […]

Josh Naylor Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor (neck) is serving as the designated hitter and will bat cleanup on Wednesday against the division-rival San Francisco Giants and right-hander Landen Roupp. Pavin Smith will make another start at first base and bat third for Arizona. Naylor was in the original lineup on Tuesday before being scratched and […]

Cal Raleigh on the Bench on Wednesday

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh is out of the starting lineup for Wednesday's contest against the visiting Kansas City Royals. Mitch Garver is behind the plate and will catch right-hander Logan Gilbert while hitting sixth against Royals left-hander Noah Cameron. Raleigh is receiving just his third day off of the season. In all fairness, it's […]

Gary Sanchez the DH on Wednesday

Baltimore Orioles catcher Gary Sanchez (finger) is serving as the designated hitter and is batting fifth on Wednesday against the hosting Texas Rangers and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. Jacob Stallings will do the catching and will hit out of the nine-hole. Sanchez was forced from Tuesday's 10-2 loss to Texas early after taking a foul tip […]

Logan O'Hoppe Resting Against Braves

Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O'Hoppe will start on the bench for Wednesday's contest in Atlanta against the Braves at Truist Park. Travis d'Arnaud is behind the plate to catch left-hander Yusei Kikuchi and will hit seventh against Braves right-handed rookie Didier Fuentes. O'Hoppe will take the day off after starting in each of the […]

Oronde Gadsden an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason

ESPN's Kris Rhim writes that Los Angeles Chargers rookie fifth-round tight end Oronde Gadsden was the most active pass-catcher during offseason workouts and became a favorite target of quarterback Justin Herbert. Gadsden's size (6-foot-5, 250 pounds) and speed (4.65-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine) makes him difficult to cover and one to watch at […]

Brashard Smith's Speed Could be Put to Use

ESPN's Adam Teicher writes that judging from how rookie seventh-round running back Brashard Smith was used in offseason practices, the Kansas City Chiefs have plans for him. The 22-year-old ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and could fit in nicely with other offensive skill players on the team, including receivers Xavier Worthy […]

Pat Bryant Off to a Good Start

Denver Broncos rookie third-round wide receiver Pat Bryant consistently showed physicality to win contested catches during the team's offseason program, according to ESPN's Jeff Legwold. Additionally, quarterback Bo Nix showed the confidence to target Bryant in tight situations. Consistent playing time could be hard to come by with Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy […]

Cody Barton Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team

Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton has already become a mentor to the team's young inside linebackers, especially second-year linebacker James Williams, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. Barton is proving to be a much-needed savvy veteran for the Titans after signing a three-year deal worth $21 million in free agency this offseason. The 28-year-old has been […]