MLB Player News

Kerkering is getting the start, but won’t work anywhere near deep enough to qualify for a win. The 23-year-old shouldn’t be streamed, even against a not-so-great Oakland lineup.

Rushing was seen taking grounders after the workout Sunday. The 23-year-old’s focus will be behind the plate — he’s considered one of the best catching prospects in the sport — but with Will Smith signed long-term, first base may be the way to get his bat in the lineup. Rushing is definitely someone to keep an eye on for 2025, but is more of a long-term play for fantasy managers.

Francona did say McLain could take some grounders at short, but second base will be his focus to begin the Cactus League. The 25-year-old was unable to play in 2024 because of injuries, but it’s worth noting that he was one of the best rookies in the sport in 2023. Gavin Lux is also expect to work at both second and third before seeing some time in the outfield. McLain has a good amount of fantasy upside, but the lack of clarity with the Reds’ group means you have to take some risk with the reward.

No info on the severity of the hamstring pull, but Boone told reporters that Grisham is “behind” in his Grapefruit League work along with Giancarlo Stanton (elbow). If healthy, Grisham is expected to be a fourth outfielder for the Yankees who plays all three positions in the grass.

Stanton was outstanding in the postseason, but the 35-year-old slugger has dealt with a plethora of injuries over the last few seasons, and it appears this will keep him out of action to begin the Grapefruit League. It’s definitely a situation to monitor for those considering Stanton for their fantasy roster.

Montgomery was expected to resume throwing with is finger issue earlier, but it still sounds like more of a precautionary issue. Montgomery is trying to win one of the final spots in the rotation, but despite his large contract, he faces an uphill battle after his dreadful 2024 campaign.

Teodo had his session cut short Saturday after feeling right thumb soreness, but it was clearly precautionary. The right-hander has a chance to make starts for the Rangers in 2025 after putting up outstanding numbers for Double-A Frisco in 2024.

Garcia threw off flat ground Friday and will progress to throwing off the mound during Tuesday’s practice. The right-hander will be a high-leverage option for the Rangers in 2025, and has an outside chance of winning the closer’s gig.

Hentges is going to miss the 2025 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. The 28-year-old southpaw is now off the 40-man roster, and the Guardians now have room to sign Jakob Junis.

Junis was outstanding in 2024 with the Brewers and Reds as seen in a 51/8 K/BB and 2.69 ERA, and the 32-year-old right-hander will be a multi-inning option for Cleveland in 2025. Whether that’s as a starter or out of the bullpen remains unknown, but either way, he’s a better ‘real-life’ option than a fantasy one.

Murphy was supposed to be healthy this spring after missing most of last year with a knee injury, but a new problem has arisen. Even though Murphy is due $4 million in the second season of a two-year deal, the Giants were planning on throwing open the backup catcher spot, making it a competition between Murphy, Sam Huff and Max Stassi.