Roenis Elias Throws Scoreless Frame

Seattle Mariners reliever Roenis Elias made his first game appearance of spring training, allowing one hit and striking out two White Sox. Elias is in his third stint with Seattle, now a full-time reliever after making 53 starts for the Mariners since 2014. Elias has never been known to post big strikeout numbers, so he […]

Spencer Howard Impressive In Spring Debut

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Spencer Howard fired a clean inning with two strikeouts in his Grapefruit League debut versus the Pirates. Especially encouraging for the Phillies' top pitching prospect was his four-seam fastball which averaged 96 MPH on Friday after sitting at 94 MPH for most of last season. Howard is competing for a spot […]

Liam Hendriks Looking To Bring Intensity To Chicago

Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks hasn't appeared in a Cactus League game yet, but his presence has been felt in camp thanks to his intense demeanor on the mound. The Aussie closer signed a $54 million contract to come to Chicago and help give the team a "killer instinct" after Chicago limped to […]

Hansel Robles Showing Improved Velocity On Fastball

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Hansel Robles had a bit of a rough day in Thursday's loss to the Rays. Robles was saddled with the loss, as he pitched one inning, allowing four hits and three runs, two of them earned. However, the 30-year-old reliever showed some improved velocity on his four-seam fastball, touching 96 on […]

Greg Holland Set To Remain Royals Closer In 2021

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland had a fantastic season in 2020. He converted all six of his save opportunities and also went 3-0 while posting a 1.91 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. He averaged 9.8 K/9. This year, Holland is in position to close out games for the Royals once again. Last year was […]

Gregory Soto Strikes Out Side On Thursday

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Gregory Soto had a disappointing spring debut on Monday, giving up a walk and two hits, including a Gary Sanchez home run, and lasting just 2/3 of an inning. He came back strong in his second appearance on Thursday. Facing the Toronto Blue Jays, Soto pitched a perfect fifth inning, striking […]

MLB Spring Training Notebook (3/5) - Buehler Building Up For Big Season

Welcome to the 2021 edition of RotoBaller's Spring Training Notebook. I began this column a year ago, and made it about four or five articles in when Major League Baseball decided to shut things down, just like everything else around the globe, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We've finally made it to (real?) baseball games. […]

MLB Spring Training Notebook (3/4) - Realmuto Nearing Return

Welcome to the 2021 edition of RotoBaller's Spring Training Notebook. I began this column a year ago, and made it about four or five articles in when Major League Baseball decided to shut things down, just like everything else around the globe, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We've finally made it to (real?) baseball games. […]

David Bednar Strikes Out The Side Thursday

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar struck out the side in 15 pitches on Thursday afternoon in a 6-1 victory over the Braves. Bednar earned a hold with his fifth-inning performance in which he struck out Ender Inciarte and Ryan Goins looking before getting a swinging strikeout against Austin Riley. One of the prospects acquired […]

Angels Being Flexible With Jaime Barria

Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jaime Barria threw a simulated game on Wednesday instead of seeing action in a Cactus League game. The Angels are waiting to see if Barria will be given an extra year of minor league options because of the shortened season in 2020. If he is out of options, he'll make the […]

Heath Fillmyer Added On Minor League Deal

The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a minor league deal with free-agent right-hander Heath Fillmyer on Wednesday, according to sources. The 26-year-old last pitched for the Kansas City Royals in 2019 and will give the Snakes some pitching depth as they enter the 2021 regular season. Fillmyer allowed 20 earned runs in 22 1/3 innings over […]

Aaron Boone Taking A Leave Of Absence

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is taking a medical leave of absence from the team to receive a pacemaker in his heart. The Yankees are optimistic that Boone can return to the team within the next few days so his absence shouldn't have much of an impact on the team's lineups during the regular […]

Alex Colome Roughed Up In Grapefruit League Debut

Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Alex Colome was roughed up in his spring debut with his new team. Colome pitched one inning, surrendering five hits and four runs- including one home run- while fanning one batter. The veteran reliever threw mostly fastballs and cutters, though he allowed a ton of loud contact- five balls traveled at […]

Using Sabermetrics for Fantasy Baseball: FIP/xFIP

The first advanced pitching stat most fantasy owners encounter is FIP. FIP stands for Fielding Independent Pitching, and attempts to measure a pitcher's actual skill instead of the effects of luck or his supporting cast. According to the DIPS theory, pitchers control only Ks, BBs, and home runs allowed. Therefore, Ks, walks, and dingers are […]

Jose Alvarez Closing In On Deal With Giants

Free-agent left-handed reliever Jose Alvarez is closing in on a deal with the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. Alvarez, who will turn 32 years old in May, debuted with the Detroit Tigers in 2013 and has also pitched for the Los Angeles Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. Alvarez has a subpar career strikeout percentage of […]

Triple-A Season Delayed At Least A Month

Major League Baseball will bring back alternate training sites similar to those used in 2020, a long-awaited move that will delay the start of the Triple-A minor league season by at least a month. Games will be pushed back to around the same time as Double-A and Single-A are expected to start in the first […]

Roster Construction Strategies from the End

Drafting a great roster is the vital base for a successful fantasy baseball season. All draft spots are not created equal. There are pros and cons for all of them. You'll find that everyone has their own preference on the best spot to start the draft. The purpose of this article series is to get […]

Shortstop Preview: Fantasy Baseball 2021 ADP Analysis

Host Anthony Aniano of RotoBaller discusses 2021 fantasy baseball shortstop rankings and SS draft sleepers who can be sneaky later-round picks. He breaks down and compares the ADPs of four different MLB players at the shortstop position. Fantasy players should consider picking up these players for their drafts this MLB Season. Be sure to also tune […]

Second Base Preview: Fantasy Baseball 2021 ADP Analysis

Host Anthony Aniano of RotoBaller discusses 2021 fantasy baseball second base rankings and 2B draft sleepers who can be sneaky later-round picks. He breaks down and compares the ADPs of three different MLB players at the second base position. Fantasy players should consider picking up these players for their drafts this MLB Season. Be sure to […]

Anderson Espinoza Progressing After Elbow Surgeries

San Diego Padres pitcher Anderson Espinoza (elbow) threw a simulated game last week, continuing his road to recovery. The 22-year-old former top prospect hasn't pitched since 2016 after he needed two Tommy John surgeries. Espinoza should be healthy following his 2019 procedure and forecasts as a bullpen weapon for the Friars if he shines in the […]

Jordan Hicks Hits 102 On Monday

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Jordan Hicks reportedly reached 102 mph with his fastball on Monday, according to Cardinals pitching coach Mike Maddux. Hicks missed most of 2019 due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John Surgery, then opted out of the shortened 2020 season. Hicks may not start the season as the closer, […]

MLB Spring Training Notebook (3/2): Glasnow Struggles, Taillon and Chapman Return

Welcome to the 2021 edition of RotoBaller's Spring Training Notebook. I began this column a year ago, and made it about four or five articles in when Major League Baseball decided to shut things down, just like everything else around the globe, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We've finally made it to (real?) baseball games. […]

Seth Romero Being Stretched Out In Camp

Washington Nationals left-hander Seth Romero, the team's No. 7 prospect per MLB Pipeline, will throw a live batting practice session on Tuesday. The goal is for Romero to get stretched out as a potential starter this spring, but he could also be used as a multi-inning reliever, if needed. The 24-year-old made his major league […]

Gregory Soto Struggles In First Spring Outing

Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Gregory Soto made his first spring appearance on Monday against the New York Yankees. He entered the game in the third inning and managed to record just two outs as he gave up a walk and two hits, including a Gary Sanchez home run. Soto is one of the leading candidates […]

Matt Barnes, Adam Ottavino The Top Closing Candidates

Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora admitted that his thoughts on closing out games has shifted to a more traditional approach from what it was a few years ago. Relievers Matt Barnes and Adam Ottavino are the top candidates to serve as the closer, and Cora would like to have a set closer by Opening […]

Anthony Bass Throws A Scoreless Inning On Monday

Miami Marlins relief pitcher Anthony Bass contributed a scoreless inning to the Marlins seven-inning shutout win on Monday. Bass pitched the third inning of the game, allowing a hit and a walk in the process. Bass has not yet been officially named the closer, but manager Don Mattingly has shown an inability to figure out […]

Austin Gomber Fires Two Scoreless Innings In Rockies Debut

Colorado Rockies pitcher Austin Gomber pitched two scoreless innings in Sunday's spring training start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gomber was making his Rockies debut after coming over from St. Louis in the Nolan Arenado trade earlier this offseason. He was solid over his two frames, allowing one hit with a strikeout. The 27-year-old left-hander pitched […]

MLB Spring Training Notebook - March 1st

Welcome to the 2021 edition of RotoBaller's Spring Training Notebook. I began this column a year ago, and made it about four or five articles in when Major League Baseball decided to shut things down, just like everything else around the globe, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We've finally made it to (real?) baseball games. […]

Giovanny Gallegos Strikes Out Two In His Spring Debut

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Giovanny Gallegos pitched a perfect inning in Sunday's Grapefruit League Opening Day, striking out two. Gallegos threw 12 pitches, eight for strikes in a dominant inning as the Cardinals and Nationals played to a 4-4 tie. Gallegos has been excellent over the past two seasons, combining for a 2.53 ERA, […]

Rafael Montero The Clear Favorite For Saves

Seattle Mariners reliever Rafael Montero has the inside track on the closer job for 2021. The right-hander was acquired from the Texas Rangers over the winter, and despite a late arrival to spring training, he has already made a strong impression on manager Scott Servais. Servais complimented Montero's attitude and approach, noting how well the […]