MLB Player News

Mercado has struggled in a handful of outings recently, compiling a catastrophic 9.26 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 8/8 K/BB ratio across 11 2/3 innings (four appearances, two starts), and the Phillies are going to turn things over to Tyler Phillips for the moment as their temporary fifth starter.

Statcast had the ball leaving his bat at 113.3 mph, which would be 2.5 mph harder than any ball he hit last year. Barring an outside addition, either Rice or Dominic Smith figures to open the season as the Yankees’ DH against right-handers. Rice seems like the better bet from here.

Arrighetti walked three his first time out, but he had no such issues today. His velocity is still down a little from last year, but it already seems to be on the rebound; he averaged 93.3 mph with his fastball today, compared to 92.7 mph on Sunday. He averaged 94.1 mph last season.

Lombard, the 26th overall pick in the 2023 draft, settled for five homers in 110 games in A-ball last season, but there’s considerably more power on the way here. A shortstop primarily right now, he projects best at third base, which is where he started today.

Contreras’s homer off Lucas Sims was projected at 453 feet. That Contreras isn’t expected to do any catching this year makes him perhaps a better bet for fantasy than he’s ever been. If nothing else, it’s less injury risk, more plate appearances and less fatigue. There’s also the chance of a performance uptick now that he can focus on hitting, but even without one, he still seems like something of a bargain at his current ADP.

Soroka averaged 94.9 mph with his fastball today, which is about where he was as a reliever late last season and a 2.5 mph improvement over what he was throwing as a starter at the beginning of the year. If he can keep that up, he might prove to be something special for the Nationals. Of course, health is always a concern here.

The 20-year-old Susana, already one of the hardest throwers in pro ball, topped out at 102.0 mph today. Middling command and the lack of a third pitch could result in him moving to the pen at some point, but that’s not the plan for now. He has a sky-high ceiling if he does learn to throw more strikes and figure out a changeup.

Enright is going to begin the year on the injured list after suffering a lat strain. The right-hander will be a depth piece for the Cleveland bullpen whenever healthy.

Stephan is working his way back from Tommy John surgery that he underwent last march. The 29-year-old isn’t likely to be ready for the regular season, but could help the loaded Cleveland bullpen at some point over the spring.

Myers was making his spring debut, and he allowed just a hit while also picking up a strikeout. The 26-year-old was very solid in his rookie season with a 3.00 ERA and 127/36 K/BB ratio over 138 innings, and he offers some streaming potential for the 2025 campaign.

Rocker gave up an RBI single, and then gave up a three-run homer against Brice Turang. Rocker has now struggled in back-to-back spring outings, as he’s given up a four-piece while going just an inning in both starts. The 25-year-old has long-term upside and could help fantasy managers in 2025, but needs to pick it up if he’s not going to open the season in Triple-A.