32 mins agoDespite an impressive performance in spring training, New York Mets top prospect Brett Baty was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. Baty is the No. 2 prospect in the Mets organization and ranks 21st in all of baseball. His bat was on full display this spring after hitting his way to a .885 OPS. Baty slashed .325/.460/.425 and drove in six RBI along with one homer. Despite proving that he's capable of thriving in a major-league setting, the Mets opted to continue his development in the minors. Baty played just six games at Triple-A Syracuse last season and the Mets want him to gain some experience at a higher level before turning full pro. If he turns some heads down in Syracuse, it could stir an early call-up to the big leagues.--Rephael Negnewitzky - RotoBallerSource: Tim Britton

47 mins agoColorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Rodgers dislocated his left shoulder while diving for a ground ball on March 6th against the Texas Rangers, and could miss the season. He went for a second opinion a few weeks ago after he was informed that it would require season-ending surgery, and the Rockies aren't too optimistic that he'll play in 2023. Rodgers was a first-time Gold Glove winner last season and even sprinkled in some production at the plate. He slashed .266/.325/.408 with 13 HRs and a 96 OPS+. With Rodgers likely missing the 2023 season, Ryan McMahon and Alan Trejo are potential candidates to become the Rockies' everyday second baseman.--Rephael Negnewitzky - RotoBallerSource: Colorado Rockies

1 hour agoBaltimore Orioles catcher James McCann (side) has been experiencing soreness in his side and has been out of the lineup since March 20th. Manager Brandon Hyde noted that it is simply a precaution and McCann should return in the next couple of days. The 32-year-old was acquired from the New York Mets over the offseason in exchange for cash and minor-leaguer Luis De La Cruz. McCann missed considerable time last season after breaking his hamate bone, followed by an oblique injury that sidelined him for a month. When on the field, McCann slashed a dreadful .195/.257/.282 but only made 191 plate appearances. If he can stay healthy this coming season, McCann is a plus-defender and can possibly tap into some complimentary power.--Rephael Negnewitzky - RotoBallerSource: Jake Rill

1 hour agoSt. Louis Cardinals top prospect Jordan Walker was selected for the team's Opening Day roster. Walker is the Cardinals' No. 1 prospect and is ranked fifth in all of baseball. The 20-year-old showed a glimpse of his potential throughout spring training and hit his way to a .831 OPS. He made 62 plate appearances and slashed .295/.307/.525 with three homers and nine RBI. Walker displayed impressive bat-to-ball skills and showboated some of his long-ball pop. He possesses monumental arm strength and executed a handful of highlight-worthy plays throughout spring training. Walker doesn't turn 22 until May and is already hinting towards a potential Rookie of the Year campaign.--Rephael Negnewitzky - RotoBallerSource: Derrick Goold

2 hours agoFirst baseman Luke Voit opted out of his minor-league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. He can still be part of the Brewers Opening Day roster but will explore his options before reassessing the situation. Voit, a 32-year-old slugger, spent his 2022 campaign with the San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals. He slugged a career-tying 22 home runs and slashed a middling .226/.308/.402 with a .710 OPS. Voit's ability to create contact has teetered off quite a bit since his magical .948 OPS season with the New York Yankees back in 2019. He struck out a whopping 179 times (31.4% rate) this past season and doesn't provide much value to a lineup aside from his over-the-fence power. Although, if Voit resorts back to Milwaukee, there's a chance that he could make the 26-man roster.--Rephael Negnewitzky - RotoBallerSource: Adam McCalvy

6 hours agoSeattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (foot) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday. This comes after Crawford was scratched ahead of Friday's game due to foot soreness. It sounds like a minor issue, but the team wants to do additional testing to make sure it's not anything serious. The expectation is that Crawford should be fine heading into Opening Day. Although, fantasy managers will have to check back after the MRI for more information.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Ryan Divish

6 hours agoLos Angeles Angels infielder David Fletcher (abdominal) was scratched ahead of Saturday's Cactus League matchup. This was a precautionary move as the Angels aren't taking any chances in their final game of the spring. It sounds like the 28-year-old is dealing with abdominal tightness. That being said, Fletcher should be fine in a few days, but the team will likely give another update on him soon. It doesn't appear that Fletcher is in danger of missing Opening Day.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Jeff Fletcher

6 hours agoToronto Blue Jays first baseman Brandon Belt (illness) has been scratched ahead of Saturday's Grapefruit League contest. It sounds like the veteran slugger is dealing with a stomach bug. That being said, Belt could very well sit the next day or two in order to rest. However, it sounds like Belt should be fine in time for Opening Day. Regardless, Belt won't be anything more than a late-round flier at this point in his career.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Kaitlyn McGrath

6 hours agoHouston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker (ankle) is expected to make his return to the lineup on Sunday. The left-handed slugger is recovering from a minor ankle injury that he suffered during the World Baseball Classic. The expectation was that Tucker would return this weekend, barring any setbacks. Tucker should be fine for Opening Day, which means fantasy managers can feel fine about drafting Tucker this weekend in drafts.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Brian McTaggart

6 hours agoHouston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (back) is scheduled for a bullpen session on Sunday. The right-hander resumed throwing on Friday after being scratched from his start on Wednesday due to a back issue. It sounds like the 24-year-old should be ready in time for Opening Day. The expectation is that Brown is going to open the season as the fifth starter in Houston. He has looked good this spring and should be on the radar in most fantasy formats.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Brian McTaggart

6 hours agoTampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco (quad) was scratched from the lineup ahead of Saturday's Grapefruit contest. It sounds like this was a precautionary move by the team, so fantasy managers might not need to worry. The team is calling it right quad soreness, so they will likely give Franco a few days off to rest. The switch-hitting slugger should be fine in time for Opening Day. The organization is considering him day-to-day, so fantasy managers should check back for another update on his status.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Marc Topkin

7 hours agoChicago Cubs starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski has been named the fifth-starter heading into Opening Day. He was competing with Adrian Sampson for the final spot in the rotation. The right-hander has been excellent this spring. He's allowed just six runs (four earned) on 13 hits with a 22/6 K/BB ratio across 12 innings. The 25-year-old looked solid during his brief time with the Cubs last season. He posted a 2.18 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 33 innings last season. Wesneski could be worth a look as a late-round option in deep leagues.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Paul Sullivan

12 hours agoBoston Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello (forearm) threw three innings for Double-A Portland on a back field on Friday and gave up one run while striking out four. Bello tossed 42 pitches (24 for strikes). He will continue to ramp up his workload in minor-league games before the team activates him from the injured list as early as mid-April. The 23-year-old experienced right forearm tightness in the first week of spring training, prompting Boston to shut him down. The Dominican hurler made his MLB debut in 2022 and had a 4.71 ERA (2.94 FIP), 1.78 WHIP and 20.5 percent strikeout rate in 57 1/3 innings over 13 outings (11 starts). The stuff is there for Bello to be attractive in mixed leagues, but he'll need some fine-tuning.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

12 hours agoBoston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (hip) threw four innings in a minor-league game on Friday, tossing 63 total pitches (40 for strikes) and is expected to pitch Opening Day for Triple-A Worcester on March 31. There's a chance he could pitch for the Red Sox as soon as the second series of the regular season against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but manager Alex Cora hasn't made a decision on that yet. Boston is taking things slowly with the 26-year-old after he had surgery on his hip last September, but he's making good progress and should make his 2023 debut sometime in April. There's a lot to like about Whitlock's profile, but he probably won't be as dominant as a starter as he was as a reliever in 2022, and he's also likely to have workload restrictions.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Ian Browne

12 hours agoBoston Red Sox third baseman/designated hitter Justin Turner looked to be in midseason form in the team's Grapefruit League game on Friday against the Atlanta Braves, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, a run scored and a strikeout in the 9-8 win. Turner missed some time this spring after being hit in the face by a pitch and requiring 16 stitches, but he returned to the field earlier this week and will be ready on Opening Day next Thursday, March 30. The 38-year-old veteran right-handed slugger is now hitting .368 (7-for-19) with a homer, three RBI, six runs and a stolen base in nine games played. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Turner's power to suddenly rebound in 2023, and injuries could be a problem, but he still makes for a useful corner infielder with great on-base skills and plate discipline.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com