MJ Melendez Rising Up Minor League Ranks

Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez, the team's No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, had 19 home runs and threw out close to 42 percent of potential base stealers in 2018 in his first full minor league season. With a step forward in his approach at the next minor league level, Melendez could put himself […]

George Valera May Be Best Pure Minor League Hitter

Cleveland Indians outfielder George Valera, the team's No. 5 prospect per MLB Pipeline, could emerge as one of the best pure minor league hitters, according to scouts. His season was cut short after just six games in 2018 due to a broken hamate bone, but he has a sweet left-handed swing, an advanced approach, plate […]

Deivi Garcia A Very Polished Pitcher For His Age

New York Yankees starting pitcher Deivi Garcia, the team's No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, is extremely polished for a 19-year-old and finished his third professional season at Double-A last year. The Yankees like his high spin rates and a fastball that reaches the mid-90s. If the right-hander continues to show his advanced form on […]

Nate Pearson Could Break Out In 2019

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Nate Pearson, the team's No. 4 prospect and No. 76 overall per MLB Pipeline, looked great in the Arizona Fall League and flashed front-of-the-rotation stuff with a great combination of size, stuff and pitchability. Pearson's 2018 season ended after just 1 1/3 innings when he fractured his right forearm after […]

Starling Marte Day-To-Day With Back Tightness

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte was scratched from Thursday's Grapefruit League lineup as a precaution due to lower back tightness. Marte is listed as day-to-day. It doesn't seem like a serious injury, so Marte should be good to go for next Thursday's Opening Day on March 28. Marte hit .277/.327/.460 with a career-high 20 home […]

Luis Severino Throws On Back-To-Back Days

New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino (shoulder) played catch on back-to-back days on Thursday for the first time since being shut down due to rotator-cuff inflammation, and he made 50 throws off flat ground. Manager Aaron Boone said that the session "went well" and that Severino looked more comfortable than on Wednesday. The right-hander […]

CC Sabathia Feels Fine After First Spring Outing

New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (heart, knee) gave up one run and two hits in two innings on Thursday in a minor league exhibition game in his first game action since undergoing a heart procedure in December. Sabathia struck out three against the Tigers Triple-A affiliate, Toledo. The veteran left-hander said he "felt […]

Saints Sign Marcus Sherels

The New Orleans Saints signed long-time Minnesota Vikings punt returner Marcus Sherels to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, according to a source. The 31-year-old was the Vikings primary punt returner for the last eight years and averaged 12.0 yards per punt return in 2018 to finish in the league's top five for the third […]

Ravens Re-Sign Backup Robert Griffin III

The Baltimore Ravens re-signed backup quarterback Robert Griffin III on Thursday to an undisclosed two-year deal. The 29-year-old will continue to back up starter Lamar Jackson in 2019. The former first-round pick can be an invaluable source for Jackson as he matures heading into his second season, but RG3 will continue to have no fantasy […]

Colts Sign Justin Houston

The Indianapolis Colts signed free-agent outside linebacker Justin Houston to a two-year deal worth $24 million on Thursday, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Houston had nine sacks for the Chiefs last year, but he was cut with the team trying to get younger and defense while transitioning from a 3-4 base defense to […]

Corey Knebel Has UCL Injury, May Need Tommy John Surgery

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Corey Knebel's elbow injury is an ulnar-collateral ligament issue, according to manager Craig Counsell. Knebel will go for a second opinion. It's not a complete tear of his ligament, though, and it's not definitive that he'll need Tommy John surgery. Even if Knebel doesn't need elbow reconstruction, he seems destined to […]

Drew Anderson, Dylan Cozens Optioned Thursday

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Drew Anderson and outfielder Dylan Cozens were both sent to Triple-A on Thursday. Anderson was 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in four Grapefruit League outings while striking out 12 and walking two in 12 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old will likely be the first or second call if the team needs rotation […]

Nick Williams Won't Play Center Field

Philadelphia Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said that outfielder Nick Williams will not play center field this year, but he saw a look there in spring action on Thursday. Williams is expected to make the Opening Day roster as the top weapon off the bench, but with Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen at the corners and […]

Cardinals Finalizing Extension For Paul Goldschmidt

The St. Louis Cardinals are working to finalize a new five-year deal that would begin next season for first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, a source confirmed to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal on Thursday. ESPN's Jeff Passan and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold reported the deal will be worth around $130 million and is expected […]

Hunter Pence Makes Roster, Willie Calhoun Optioned

Texas Rangers outfielder Hunter Pence will be on the team's Opening Day roster as the fourth outfielder, while Willie Calhoun has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville. Calhoun still has a lot of upside, but as a left-handed hitter he was blocked by Joey Gallo, Nomar Mazara and Shin-Soo Choo. Calhoun will attempt to increase his […]

Will Grier Meets With Panthers, Redskins

West Virginia quarterback Will Grier had separate dinner meetings on Wednesday with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins, according to NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala. Carolina hasn't drafted a quarterback since taking Cam Newton in 2011, while the Redskins are still looking for another signal-caller after trading for Case Keenum.

Hunter Pence Could Earn Roster Spot

Texas Rangers veteran outfielder Hunter Pence is finally healthy and is on his way to earning an Opening Day roster spot for the rebuilding Rangers. The 35-year-old is hitting .356 (16-for-45) with three home runs, seven RBI and six stolen bases in 16 spring games as he tries to make the team. Pence rebuilt his […]

Kole Calhoun Has Bounced Back This Spring

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Kole Calhoun has bounced back this spring after a terrible 2018 campaign. As a result, he figures to be the team's leadoff hitter heading into the regular season. The 31-year-old hit a miserable .208/.283/.369 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI in 137 games for the Halos in 2018. Calhoun managed […]

Darwinzon Hernandez May Open In Bullpen

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Darwinzon Hernandez, the team's No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has electric stuff and has been so impressive that the Red Sox might have him start out of the bullpen on Opening Day. The 22-year-old has only six innings of professional experience above Single-A ball, however. In the long term, […]

Mark Trumbo Has Been Pleasant Surprise This Spring

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Mark Trumbo's surgically-repaired right knee has held up and he's been one of the team's most pleasant spring surprises. The Orioles are now re-evaluating their plan to have him start the season on the injured list. Trumbo has hit just .200 (2-for-10), but the results aren't as important for him. The slugging […]

Blue Jays Impressed With Teoscar Hernandez

Toronto Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo has raved about outfielder Teoscar Hernandez's power and defense all spring. The 26-year-old has breakout potential and 30-homer power with everyday playing time after hitting .239/.302/.468 with 22 home runs and 57 RBI in 476 at-bats last season. In 15 spring training games, Hernandez is batting .410 (16-for-39) with […]

Vinny Curry Returning To Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing free-agent defensive lineman Vinny Curry to a one-year deal worth $2.25 million on Thursday, a source informed of the deal told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Curry has the potential to earn an extra $1.25 million in incentives. He was initially drafted in the second round by the Eagles in 2012 […]

Julio Jones In Extension Talks With Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons and wide receiver Julio Jones are both in a good place and plan to continue negotiating with the star wideout on a contract extension. The Falcons also plan to negotiate with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who received the $15.2 million franchise tag. They have until July 12 to reach an extension with […]

Saints Expected To Sign Jared Cook

The New Orleans Saints are expected to sign free-agent tight end Jared Cook, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Cook, who turns 32 next month, had a career year with the Raiders in 2018, catching 68 passes for 896 yards and six touchdowns. The veteran can stretch opposing defenses down the seam and should open […]

Matt Olson Injures Hand In Japan

Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson left the 12-inning loss to the Mariners on Thursday in Japan in the sixth inning with right hand pain, and he will be re-evaluated when the team returns to Oakland. He said that the injury likely occurred when he fouled off a slider in the fifth inning. Olson won […]

Greg Bird To Have X-Rays After Hit By Pitch

New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird was scratched from the spring lineup on Thursday due to swelling and stiffness in his right elbow, according to manager Aaron Boone. Bird was hit by a pitch on Wednesday and the team sent him to get X-rays as a precaution. Both Bird and Luke Voit seemed likely […]

Ichiro Suzuki Retires Thursday In Japan

Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki announced on Thursday that he's retiring from baseball after a 5-4, 12-inning win against the A's in Japan. The 45-year-old went 0-for-4 in his final game and was pulled in the eighth inning to a standing ovation. Suzuki finished with 4,367 hits across Japan's professional league and MLB, and he […]

Ian Happ Has Impressed At Second Base

Chicago Cubs infielder/outfielder Ian Happ has impressed manager Joe Maddon with more chances at second base in spring training. Happ will still get more at-bats over the course of the season in the outfield, but he has reminded the team that he's a reasonable option at the keystone. After hitting 24 homers in his rookie […]

Tyler O'Neill Moving Up Depth Chart

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tyler O'Neill may have leapfrogged Jose Martinez on the outfield depth chart with his high-energy style of play this spring. O'Neill can also play all three outfield spots, so he figures to have a key role in 2019. The 23-year-old is hitting .309 (9-for-47) with five home runs and seven RBI […]

Dominic Smith Making Case For Opening Day Roster

New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith is showing why he was once considered a top prospect for the Mets in the minor leagues this spring. Both he and current Mets top prospect Peter Alonso could both wind up making the Opening Day roster. Smith is hitting .349 (15-for-43) with a homer and nine RBI […]