MLB Player News

Howard was designated for assignment by the Giants after he gave up six runs in 2 2/3 innings against the Dodgers last Saturday. He had a 5.63 ERA in seven appearances with the Giants this year. Howard will report to Triple-A Columbus as he waits for a chance with Guardians.

The Nolan Arenado trade failing to work out seems like good news for Diaz’s fantasy value. He probably would have been plunked down right behind Arenado’s mediocre OBP and plodding baserunning in Houston’s lineup had the third baseman approved a deal. Hitting fifth behind Christian Walker still isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely better than sixth, and there’s good reason to think Diaz will be a top-five fantasy catcher this season.

Valdez walked one, but he induced a double play ball right afterwards. Even though he finished sixth in the majors in ERA last season, Valdez seems like one of the better early round pitching values available right now. That he’s not a huge strikeout guy keeps his price tag a little lower than it should be.

That the Nationals have been talking up Mitchell Parker this spring doesn’t seem to bode well for Herz making the Opening Day rotation. We’d say Herz is more interesting both now and going forward, but Parker was also pretty solid as a rookie. Herz didn’t really help himself today while walking two and striking out only one.

It appears the pitch hit Harper in the bicep. The 32-year-old was making his first spring appearance because of illness, and unfortunately it ends early with a potential injury. There should be an update on Harper’s status shortly.

Not a surprise. Caissie not only has been dealing with a groin injury, but the 22-year-old was a longshot — at best — of making the Opening Day roster regardless. The 2020 second-round pick could help the Cubs and fantasy manager at some point this season, however, because of his tremendous power from the lefts ide.

Judge hit third for most of 2024 with Juan Soto hitting second, but with Soto gone, Boone plans to hit the reigning MVP in the second spot; a place he hit the majority of 2023. It gives Judge a few more at-bats, and while he may not have quite as many RBI opportunities, the counting stats should be there for Judge — and then some — again in 2025.

Ohtani’s first action of the spring will come against his old team. The 30-year-old is being handled carefully after his MVP season; in part because of his presumed return to the mound come May. Even with a “later” start, Ohtani should again be one of the best offensive forces in baseball.

Ramos, 25, is dealing with a mild oblique strain, but the fact he’s already swinging the bat less than a week after being diagnosed with the strain shows this isn’t considered a serious injury. The 25-year-old should be able to get back into Cactus League games in the coming days, or at the very least in plenty of time for him to be ready for the regular season.

Loperfido hurt his head/neck area when he crashed into the wall Tuesday during a Grapefruit League game, but he appears to have avoided a serious injury. He’s scheduled to work out with the team Thursday, and then could be back in the lineup as soon as Friday.

Langford was shut down Friday with an oblique strain that was described as “mild,” and it’s a positive sign that the talented 23-year-old is able to resume some activities less than a week later. Assuming no setbacks, Langford should be ready in plenty of time for the start of the regular season.