Brad Ziegler Still On Track To Be Marlins Closer

Relief pitcher Brad Ziegler is still expected to be the Miami Marlins closer when the season starts, according to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. The veteran Ziegler is close to 40 years old and is coming off one of the worst seasons he's ever had. In 2017, Ziegler finished with 10 saves but also blew five, […]

Starlin Castro Enjoying Quality Spring

Miami Marlins second baseman Starlin Castro is having a solid Spring as the former New York Yankee inches closer to his Marlins regular season debut. After coming to Miami via the Giancarlo Stanton trade, Castro made headlines for saying he wanted to be traded. He has since changed his tune, and the Marlins will need […]

Erasmo Ramirez Plays Catch Saturday

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Erasmo Ramirez (shoulder) played catch Saturday for the first time since he was shut down three weeks ago, and manager Scott Servais said there's still a chance that Ramirez could be in the rotation by the time the team needs a fifth starter in mid-April. After returning to Seattle midseason last […]

Tyler Anderson Shaky Against Brewers

Colorado Rockies left-handed starting pitcher Tyler Anderson pitched three innings, giving up four runs (three unearned), five hits and two strikeouts in the 9-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. Anderson's game started out rough after shortstop Brendan Rogers made an error on a fielder's choice, allowing Ryan Braun to score and Domingo Santana to advance to […]

Mookie Betts Is Having A Spring To Forget

Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts is struggling to get into a rhythm this spring. Thus far, Betts has one hit in 19 at-bats, with his one hit coming on Thursday. While many disregard spring numbers as unimportant, Betts surely wants to make sure he improves upon his 2017 batting average (.264). Getting consistent quality results […]

Greg Holland an Option for Rangers Closer?

In an article from Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, it is reported that the Texas Rangers have considered signing free-agent reliever Greg Holland to bolster their bullpen ahead of the 2018 season. The move would make sense, as Texas has yet to name a closer. Currently, incumbent Alex Claudio is expected to start the season […]

Xander Bogaerts Getting Aggressive At The Plate

Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts has seemingly bought into new manager Alex Cora's intent of being more aggressive at the plate. Thus far, Bogaerts is 9-for-18 at the plate in spring training with five runs, one home run and three runs batted in. More importantly, he is driving the ball and has an on […]

Corey Knebel Tweaks Knee

Milwaukee Brewers closer Corey Knebel (knee) slipped on a wet mound in Cactus League action Saturday and slightly tweaked his left knee, according to manager Craig Counsell. However, Counsell said the injury wasn't serious, and they removed Knebel for "precautionary" reasons. It looks like Knebel dodged a bullet here, but it's something worth keeping an […]

Mike Trout Goes 3-for-3 with Home Run

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout broke out of his spring training slump on Saturday. After starting 1-for-14, Trout hit two line drive singles and a home run on Saturday. While there is obviously no doubt about taking Trout with the first or second pick in all fantasy formats, it is nice to see […]

Ryan Braun Not Comfortable At First Base

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, who was playing left field in spring training Saturday, said he's "not remotely comfortable" playing at first base yet. Given Milwaukee's plethora of outfielders in 2018, the team would like Braun to move to first base and share time with Eric Thames. Injuries always remain a concern for Braun, too, […]

Daniel Mengden Roughed Up On Saturday

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Daniel Mengden gave up six runs in four innings against the Rangers. Mengden came on in relief on Saturday and was not effective at all. He did strike out four batters and walked one. Mengden is almost assured of a starting spot in the rotation after his performance at the end […]

Nelson Cruz Scratched Saturday

Seattle Mariners outfielder Nelson Cruz (illness) was scratched from the spring lineup Saturday because he wasn't feeling well. Cruz will be fine. He managed to hit .288 with 39 home runs, 119 RBI and a .549 slugging percentage in 556 at-bats for Seattle last year and will once again be a strong fantasy consideration, even […]

Alex Dickerson Opts For Rehab Over Surgery

San Diego Padres outfielder Alex Dickerson (elbow) will attempt to rehab his sprained UCL instead of opting for Tommy John surgery. While the former will keep him out through at least April, the latter would've ended his season before it started. Surgery is still on the table if he doesn't show improvement. Steamrolled by injuries […]

Travis Jankowski Cranks Two Homers

San Diego Padres outfielder Travis Jankowski went yard twice on Saturday against the Indians. Prior to Saturday's eruption, Jankowski was hitting .182 and on the outside looking in at a competitive San Diego outfield. Jankowski, 26, has played sporadically in three seasons with the Padres but did steal 30 bases in 2016. While his speed […]

Jorge Bonifacio Suspended 80 Games

Kansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Bonifacio has been suspended for 80 games following a positive performance-enhancing drug test. Bonifacio was penciled in to be Kansas City's opening day right fielder after a surprisingly solid rookie season last year, and he had been a bit of a dark-horse fantasy asset. The re-signing of third baseman Mike Moustakas […]

Lance Lynn Signs One-Year Deal With Twins

The Minnesota Twins and right-hander Lance Lynn have agreed on a one-year, $12 million guaranteed deal. Lynn, who spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals, had been rumored to be negotiating with the Twins over the past week while the Twins were making no secret about their desire to add another arm to […]

Evan Longoria Doesn’t Expect To Miss Time With Ankle Soreness

San Francisco Giants third baseman Evan Longoria (ankle) said on Saturday that he is day-to-day with left ankle joint soreness. Longoria was a last minute scratch prior to Friday’s game. Longoria said that he’s dealt with plantar fasciitis in the same foot but does not know if it’s related to his current issue. The good […]

Brad Brach Throws Clean Inning In Win Over Pirates

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Brad Brach, who is holding down the fort at closer until whenever Zach Britton returns from his Achilles injury, threw an inning on Saturday. He struck out two and gave up no hits or walks. Brach has done the job before as closer, so he'd be a good pick for early […]

Manny Machado Remains Super-Hot At Plate Against Bucs

There are players having great springs and then there's Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, who is hitting the cover off the ball. He hit a first-inning homer and drove in two runs. Machado now has 14 RBI. Yes, it seems like every pitch looks like a beach ball to him. This is a guy who wants […]

Jonathan Schoop Homers Against Bucs In O's Win

Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop is doing his best to put those bursitis concerns behind him. He went 2-for-4 on Saturday with a solo homer. Schoop also scored two runs and is hitting a robust .333 this spring. He's going to be an excellent grab for whoever picks him during their draft.

Adam Jones Drives In Two Runs As Orioles Crush Bucs

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones has had a quietly good Spring. It got even better on Saturday after he went 1-for-2 and drove in two runs as Baltimore romped over Pittsburgh, 13-5. Jones is now hitting .318 in his 2018 Grapefruit League season. He's always a solid pick for any owner who needs an outfielder.

Trey Mancini Drives In Two Runs In Laugher Over Pirates

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Trey Mancini, who was playing first in place of the injured Chris Davis, had an excellent day on Saturday. He went 1-for-2 while driving in two runs. He also hit a solo homer during an inning that saw three Orioles go deep. Mancini now has three homers and is hitting a respectable […]

Jose Urena Named Opening Day Starter

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Urena has been named the team's Opening Day starter. He'll get the nod over Dan Straily. On the surface, Urena was great in 2017 with a 14-7 record, 3.81 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, but when you look further, there are reasons to be skeptical. His FIP was 5.20 and he […]

Jonathan Lucroy's Contract Worth $6.5 Million

Updating a previous report on the signing, free-agent catcher Jonathan Lucroy's contract with the Oakland Athletics is for $6.5 million for one year, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. There does not seem to be any incentives at all in that deal. At 31 years old, Lucroy is hoping for a more […]

Roenis Elias Vying For Reliever Spot On Roster

Boston Red Sox pitcher Roenis Elias is being used as a reliever in spring training. Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reported Elias is throwing sidearm to lefty hitters. Elias has long been a starting pitcher but despite being 29 years old, he has not had a successful career. The last year he was productive […]

Bud Norris To Start Season In Bullpen

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Bud Norris has stated his desire to pitch out of the bullpen over starting. Norris is coming off of a solid season with the Angels and was their closer throughout part of the year. Norris is likely to be a swing man out of the bullpen for the Cardinals, but […]

Bryan Mitchell Comfortable As A Starter

San Diego Padres starting pitcher Bryan Mitchell will open 2018 as the team's No. 2 starter. Mitchell, acquired with third baseman Chase Headley during the offseason, was believed to be San Diego's real target in the transaction. At 26, Mitchell hasn't shown he belongs in the majors (4.94 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 5.86 K/9 through 98 1/3 […]

Mike Foltynewicz Continues Scoreless Spring Streak

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Foltynewicz continued his splendid spring training with four more innings with no runs allowed. He fanned one and walked one. He's now gone nine innings, which would mean a complete-game shutout. If he keeps producing like this in the regular season, he could be quite an interesting pickup. Bear in […]

Luiz Gohara Will Be Shut Down For Two Weeks

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Luiz Gohara (ankle) will miss the next two weeks of spring training due to a sprained left ankle, assuring that Scott Kazmir and others in the rotation hunt will have an even better shot at making the roster. It's going to take a while for Gohara to get going after he gets […]

Alex Wilson Will Remain In The Bullpen

Detroit Tigers reliever Alex Wilson expressed interest in and ultimately auditioned for a role in the starting rotation heading into the upcoming regular season, but he will instead pitch in relief. He pitched three innings on Friday and actually threw the ball quite well, retiring the first seven batters he faced before allowing a walk […]