Articles
Shintaro Fujinami Makes Spring Debut Tuesday
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Shintaro Fujinami looked impressive in his start in Tuesday's 11-5 loss to the Angels. Fujinami pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three and showcasing a darting split-finger fastball and 98-MPH four-seam fastball. However, he did walk three, which was one of his issues when pitching in Japan. While the 28-year-old presents […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoJustin Steele Throws Successful Bullpen Tuesday
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (arm) threw a successful bullpen Tuesday, per Marquee Sports Network's Tony Andracki. The 27-year-old was scheduled to make his Cactus League debut on Sunday but was scratched with general arm fatigue. He is now expected to make his next scheduled start after his successful bullpen session. Steele turned in […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoAustin Wells Goes For Another MRI Tuesday
New York Yankees catching prospect Austin Wells (ribs), who sustained a bone bruise in his right rib cage in mid-February, was sent for another MRI Tuesday after he felt some discomfort while receiving treatment. Manager Aaron Boone said the 23-year-old is "not doing much yet," as the club awaits the results of his latest MRI. […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoMike Yastrzemski Scratched Tuesday With Right Knee Soreness
San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Yastrzemski (knee), who was expected to start in center field against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, was a late scratch due to right knee soreness. Manager Gabe Kapler said that the Giants are not overly concerned and are simply proceeding cautiously with Yastrzemski. Bryce Johnson started in Yastrzemski's place. […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoCal Raleigh Makes Spring Debut Tuesday
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (thumb) made his spring debut in Tuesday's 9-8 win over the Guardians. Batting fifth, Raleigh went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. The 26-year-old had surgery this off-season for a broken left thumb and torn ligaments, so he has been intentionally eased into action. Raleigh provided power from a weak fantasy position […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoTeoscar Hernandez Returns To Lineup Tuesday And Homers
Seattle Mariners outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (back) returned to the lineup in Tuesday's 9-8 win over the Guardians. Batting third and playing right field, Hernandez went 1-for-3 with a three-run home run and a strikeout. The newly-acquired outfielder was scratched from Sunday's Cactus League lineup with back soreness but looked just fine in Tuesday's game. Seeing […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoKris Bryant Homers In Cactus League Game Monday
Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant looked good at the plate in Monday's 7-3 win over the A's, going 1-for-2 with a solo home run and a walk. The 31-year-old served as the designated hitter in the game, but will likely play left field during the regular season. This is encouraging for both the Rockies and […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoLogan Webb Scuffles In Spring Debut Monday
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb looked rusty in his first spring appearance in Monday's 8-6 win over the Angels. Webb pitched 2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits (including a two-run home run) and no walks with a strikeout. This is not all that concerning, as the 26-year-old was making his first […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoDrew Pomeranz Hopeful To Be Ready By End Of March
San Diego Padres pitcher Drew Pomeranz (elbow) is currently eight bullpen sessions into his latest rehab stint, with the team aiming to have him healthy by the end of March, per the Athletic's Dennis Lin. Pomeranz last pitched for the Padres in 2021 before suffering a torn flexor tendon in his left forearm. He had […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoJordan Luplow Dealing With Oblique Soreness
The Athletic's David O'Brien reported Monday that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jordan Luplow (oblique) has been slowed by oblique soreness early in spring camp. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Braves this off-season. While he is a strong defensive player, Luplow slashed just .176/.274/.361 with 11 home runs, 28 RBI, and five steals in […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoTrey Mancini, Patrick Wisdom The Main Right Field Backups
Chicago Cubs manager David Ross said Monday that Trey Mancini and Patrick Wisdom (groin) are "the first guys that come to mind" as fill-ins for right field if Seiya Suzuki (oblique) ends up having to miss time with a left oblique injury. Mancini, who was signed this off-season, has played outfield throughout his career in […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoSeiya Suzuki Withdraws From World Baseball Classic
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (oblique) officially withdrew from the World Baseball Classic Monday, per MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. The 28-year-old received tests on Sunday for a left oblique injury and more should be known Tuesday. While this news sounds discouraging, it may simply be that Suzuki and the Cubs want to be cautious so that […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoJake Odorizzi To Serve Bulk-Inning Or Spot-Starter Role
The Athletic's Levi Weaver reported Tuesday that Texas Rangers newly-signed pitcher Jake Odorizzi will likely serve as either a bulk inning reliever or as a spot sixth starter. The Rangers brought in Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Andrew Heaney this off-season in addition to Odorizzi, and all three are established starters. However, injury is a […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoTanner Houck Competing For Rotation Spot
MassLiveSports' Christopher Smith reported Tuesday that Boston Red Sox pitcher Tanner Houck will be used as a starting pitcher during spring training and is one of seven pitchers competing for a starting rotation spot. The 26-year-old served mainly as a starter in 2021 but as a reliever in 2022, making just four starts in 32 […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoManny Machado Is Padres' "Top Priority"
While not going into much detail, San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler said Tuesday that third baseman Manny Machado is the team's "top priority." Machado recently informed the team that he intends to opt out of the remaining five years and $150 million of his contract after the 2023 season unless an extension or restructuring […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoOrioles Impressed With Jackson Holliday At Spring Camp
Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Tuesday that he has "been so impressed watching" second base/shortstop prospect Jackson Holliday at the start of spring training. Despite being just 19 years old, the O's No. 1 overall pick in 2022 received a non-roster invite to camp. He is several years away from joining the O's, but […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoGiants To Be Cautious With Michael Conforto This Spring
The San Francisco Giants are expected to be cautious with newly-signed outfielder Michael Conforto this spring, likely playing him as designated hitter for the first two weeks of Cactus League games as he continues to rebuild his throwing arm strength. The 29-year-old missed the entire 2022 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. However, he said […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoAaron Judge Could Start Playing Some Left Field
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that, while there is no plan to start playing Aaron Judge in left field, the idea is "on the table" if it will facilitate Giancarlo Stanton getting more time in right field. Both Boone and Stanton stated that the outfielder/designated hitter would benefit from more playing time […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoLaMonte Wade Jr. Ready To Claim First Base Role With Giants
San Francisco Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Monday that first baseman/outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. has had a "very focused offseason." The 29-year-old had a breakout 2021 season but had a disappointing 2022 season, slashing just .207/.305/.359 with eight home runs and 26 RBI in 251 plate appearances while dealing with left knee inflammation. Now that […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoEzequiel Tovar Ready To Start At Shortstop
Despite being just 21 years old, Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar appears ready to earn a starting role with the team. Manager Bud Black said Monday, "his overall wherewithal mentally is going to enable him at a young age to potentially be our shortstop." Tovar only had 35 plate appearances with the Rockies at the […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoAngels, Shohei Ohtani Taking Contract Talks Slowly
While the Los Angeles Angels and designated hitter/starting pitcher star Shohei Ohtani are open to potential contract-extension talks, Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, said that they are taking things "one day at a time." Balelo said, "Shohei's earned the right to play through the year, explore free agency, and we will see where that shakes out." […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoAnthony Rendon Healthy, Committed For 2023
Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin said Monday that third baseman Anthony Rendon is "in a really good place" coming into spring training. The 32-year-old dealt with wrist and hip surgeries throughout the 2021-22 seasons, resulting in just 442 plate appearances across the two seasons with disappointing results. Rendon has been a solid fantasy contributor […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoNick Martinez To Pitch In World Baseball Classic As Starter
San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic as a starter, per MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. Martinez initially withdrew from the WBC because he would have served as a reliever but signed a three-year deal with the Padres this off-season with the intent of being a starter. However, […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoChristian Yelich Went "Off The Grid" To Recharge For 2023
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich said that he "kind of just went off the grid" and "enjoyed the down time" of the off-season to help prepare for the 2023 season, per MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. The 31-year-old said he feels in a "better place" mentally and physically compared to the past couple of seasons. This is […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoJosh Winder Building Up As Starter
MLB.com's Do-Hyoung Park reported Tuesday that Minnesota Twins pitcher Josh Winder is being built up as a starter this spring. The 26-year-old made 15 appearances in 2022, 11 of them starts and went 4-6 with a 4.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 16.4% strikeout rate in 67 innings pitched. While Winder may be training for a […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoAustin Meadows Ready Physically, Mentally For 2023
Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows said Sunday that he is "in a better place" heading into the 2023 season, per Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold. The 27-year-old only had 147 plate appearances in 2022 and missed time with a slew of injuries, including vertigo and anxiety. It would be great to see him rebound after […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoRamon Urias Skipping World Baseball Classic
Baltimore Orioles infielder Ramon Urias announced on his personal Instagram Friday that, while he has fully healed from the sprained right knee he sustained at the end of the 2022 season, he will not participate in the World Baseball Classic for the Mexican team this spring. The Gold Glove winner posted a .248/.305/.4141 slash line […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoJorge Soler Participating In Outfield Drills
Miami Marlins designated hitter/outfielder Jorge Soler (back) was seen participating in outfield drills on Monday, per the Miami Herald's Jordan McPherson. This is encouraging for both the Marlins and fantasy managers, as Soler missed a large chunk of the 2022 season with pelvic and back issues. The 30-year-old slashed .207/.295/.400 with 13 home runs and […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoAaron Judge Takes Reps At First
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge was seen taking fielding reps at first base during Tuesday's camp, per MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. While the 30-year-old was initially drafted as a first baseman and pitcher in 2010, he has never played first base in his big-league career. It sounds like that will continue to be the case, […]
Connelly Doan 2 years agoJesse Winker "Feeling Strong" For 2023
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jesse Winker (knee, spine) said Tuesday that he is "feeling strong" and "healthy" entering the 2023 season, per MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. This is encouraging, as Winker went through two offseason surgeries, one to repair the meniscus in his left knee and one to replace a disc in his spine. The 29-year-old said […]
Connelly Doan 2 years ago