Nick Castellanos Will Make Phillies Debut On Sunday

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos, who signed a five-year deal last week, will make his team debut against the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon. He's expected to start in left field. The 30-year-old demonstrated an impressive All-Star season in 2021, slashing .309/.362/.576 through 138 games with the Phillies. He added 34 homers and 100 RBI […]

Blake Treinen Not A Lock For Closer Role

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wouldn't commit to using Blake Treinen as the team's closer this season, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. Asked about the team's plans for a closer in the post-Kenley Jansen era, Roberts said, "I think the easy answer is Blake [Treinen]. But I don't know if […]

Zack Wheeler Throws Simulated Inning

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (flu, shoulder) threw a simulated inning against multiple batters, including Bryce Harper, on Saturday. He battled shoulder soreness for most of the offseason and came down with the flu last week, but this latest development is another very positive step in the right direction. The right-hander was stellar last season, […]

Manny Machado Dealing With Back Tightness

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado was scratched from Saturday's Spring Training lineup due to back tightness, the team announced. Although no additional updates were provided, it's very possible that Machado's removal from the lineup was merely a precaution. Last season, he slashed .278/.347/.489 with 28 homers, 106 RBI, 63 walks, 102 strikeouts, and […]

Tyler Rogers Exits Following Comebacker

San Francisco Giants reliever Tyler Rogers exited Saturday's Spring Training game after taking a comebacker off his lower right leg. He exited the game without throwing another pitch, but the fact that he was able to walk on his own suggests that his removal could have been merely precautionary. Indeed, the Giants can't afford to […]

Luke Maile Sidelined With Left Hamstring Strain

Cleveland Guardians catcher Luke Maile has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and will miss three to four weeks of game action, according to Mandy Bell of MLB.com. The veteran backstop joined the team with a chance to compete for a roster spot, but this injury represents a major obstacle. Now, the 31-year-old will […]

James Karinchak Shut Down From Throwing

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher James Karinchak has been shut down from throwing for the next seven to 10 days, according to Mandy Bell of MLB.com. Following an MRI, the right-hander was diagnosed with a mild strain of his teres major muscle. As such, Opening Day could be in jeopardy for Karinchak, who ranks 48th among […]

Diamondbacks, Ketel Marte Discussing Extension

The Arizona Diamondbacks and outfielder Ketel Marte have been engaged in extension talks, according to FanSided's Robert Murray. He has one year (plus two club options) remaining on his contract, but it appears there is mutual interest towards striking a long-term deal. It's an important development out of Arizona considering Marte's name has been floated […]

Shohei Ohtani Scheduled To Pitch Thursday

Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani will take the mound on Thursday for his second start of Spring Training. Originally scheduled to pitch on Saturday, Ohtani was ultimately shifted to the role of designated hitter. Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register notes that the 27-year-old "preferred" to delay his start until Thursday, adding […]

Nick Pivetta Destined For No. 2 Starter Role

Boston Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta is expected to occupy the No. 2 role in the rotation coming out of Spring Training, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. With Eduardo Rodriguez in Detroit and Chris Sale (rib) sidelined, Pivetta will see his usage increase this season. He should pitch on April 9th against the Yankees […]

Matt Duffy Signs With Angels

The Los Angeles Angels have signed infielder Matt Duffy to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register. The 31-year-old had a surprisingly impressive 2021 campaign with the Cubs, slashing .287/.357/.381 through 97 games and hitting quite well against southpaws. Along the way, he also posted a 7.8 […]

Luis Castillo Not Expected To Be Traded

Cincinnati Reds starter Luis Castillo isn't expected to be traded despite the team's ongoing fire sale, general manager Nick Krall told Bobby Nightengale Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Krall, who noted that the team still intends to add to its roster, won't trade Tyler Mahle, either. This development comes after the Reds traded Sonny Gray, […]

Tyler Mahle Won't Be Traded This Offseason

Cincinnati Reds starter Tyler Mahle isn't expected to be traded despite the team's ongoing fire sale, general manager Nick Krall told Bobby Nightengale Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Krall, who noted that the team still intends to add to its roster, won't trade Luis Castillo, either. This development comes after the Reds traded Sonny Gray, […]

Kris Bryant Signs With Rockies

The Colorado Rockies are signing star third baseman Kris Bryant to a seven-year deal worth $182 million, according to ESPN.com's Jeff Passan. The pact includes a full no-trade clause for all seven seasons. Bryant, a six-time All-Star, was an MVP candidate in 2021 despite splitting the year between Chicago and San Francisco. When all was […]

David Robertson Signs With Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have signed reliever David Robertson to a one-year deal, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Although Robertson has just 12 MLB innings under his belt since the end of 2019, he threw four scoreless innings during the 2021 postseason with Tampa Bay. Going forward, he'll offer veteran bullpen depth for a Cubs […]

Packers, Jaire Alexander Resume Contract Talks

The Green Bay Packers and star cornerback Jaire Alexander have resumed contract extension talks, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The former Pro Bowler missed some time in 2021 due to injury, but he has proven to be phenomenal when healthy. Just 24 years old, Alexander has racked up five interceptions, 44 passes defended, 188 […]

Tyrann Mathieu Expected To Test Free Agency

Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu is expected to test the open market, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. While a return to Kansas City is very much on the table for the Honey Badger, he's going to explore other options when free agency comes around. The three-time Pro Bowler appeared in 16 games this […]

Rashard Higgins Won't Return To Browns

The Cleveland Browns will not re-sign free-agent wide receiver Rashard Higgins, per Jeff Howe and Zac Jackson of The Athletic. The team could be facing some turnover at the wide receiver position. Beyond Odell Beckham Jr.'s departure, it now appears Jarvis Landry is quite unhappy and Higgins will be gone, too. The latter appeared in […]

Case Keenum Not Expected Back With Browns

The Cleveland Browns are expected to trade or release backup quarterback Case Keenum this offseason, per Jeff Howe and Zac Jackson of The Athletic. The veteran signal-caller was a fine backup option in 2021, going 2-0 through two starts in Baker Mayfield's absence. He finished the season with 47 completions, 462 yards, three touchdowns, and […]

Saints Could Trade For Jimmy Garoppolo

The New Orleans Saints, who seemed poised to re-sign Jameis Winston, could instead look into trading for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The knowledgeable NFL reporter heard this rumor circulating at the recent Scouting Combine and believes that Garoppolo could be a top name on the trade market if […]

Chiefs Showing Interest In Mike Williams

The Kansas City Chiefs are researching wide receiver Mike Williams, according to Adam Beasley of Pro Football Network. Although the Los Angeles Chargers plan to place the franchise tag on the impending free agent, their division-mates in Missouri are still doing their due diligence in case the wideout happens to reach the open market. Williams, […]

Kirk Cousins Not Impacted By Rib Injury

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (ribs) told the media that he was not bothered by his lingering injury during Sunday's loss to the Rams. Cousins, who was limited in practice last Wednesday, did not carry an injury designation into Week 16, but it's still good to see that the veteran signal-caller felt fine after 60 […]

Cam Newton Discusses Future Following Loss

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who ceded work to Sam Darnold in Week 16, used Sunday's postgame press conference to address questions surrounding his future in the NFL. "Football has been good to me," he said. "I was able to walk away unscathed. I don't want to sound like I'm retiring, but I've had some […]

Clyde Edwards-Helaire's X-Rays Come Back Negative

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (collarbone) will undergo an MRI on Monday after initial X-rays came back negative, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The second-year back accumulated just 10 touches, 31 scrimmage yards and a touchdown prior to exiting Sunday's game. In his place, running backs Darrel Williams and Derrick Gore […]

Cam Akers Could Factor Into Rams' Playoff Plans

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (Achilles) could be a factor in the team's postseason plans, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Activated from injured reserve on Saturday, Akers won't play in Week 16. However, general manager Les Snead says that the "vision" is for the second-year back to return for the playoffs, just […]

Sam Darnold Will Play Sunday, Could Start Next Week

Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (shoulder) will play on Sunday against the Buccaneers after being activated from IR this past week, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Although Darnold won't draw the start, Rapoport notes that he "is expected to enter the game within a few series and, based on how he does, could play […]

T.J. Watt Will Play Through Cracked Ribs

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (cracked ribs) will play through his injury in Week 16, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 27-year-old has been phenomenal this season, accruing 53 tackles, 17.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries through 12 games. He suffered the rib injury last week but plans to play on Sunday […]

David Johnson Not Expected To Play Sunday

Houston Texans running back David Johnson (quad) is not expected to play against the Chargers on Sunday afternoon, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. He had been listed as questionable. The 30-year-old has appeared in 12 games this season, totaling just 417 scrimmage yards and a touchdown. With Johnson sidelined, Rex Burkhead will serve […]

Kadarius Toney Trending In Right Direction For Week 16

New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (oblique, COVID-19 ramp-up) has a "good chance of playing" in Week 16, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Despite dealing with an oblique injury and a recovery period following his positive COVID-19 test, the first-round pick is trending in the right direction for Sunday after missing the […]

Derwin James Will Be Game-Time Decision

Los Angeles Chargers star safety Derwin James (hamstring) is expected to be a game-time decision against the Texans on Sunday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. James, listed as questionable, has progressed nicely, but his pregame workout will offer much more insight into whether he'll be able to suit up. He has appeared in […]