MLB Player News

Acuña continues to rehab in Los Angeles from surgery back in early June to repair a torn ACL in his left knee and Anthopoulos’ latest remarks back up initial return estimates that had the 26-year-old fantasy superstar set to return by the outset of next season, barring any setbacks.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters they expect Jung to be back after the minimum amount of time on the injured list. Josh Smith started at third base Saturday and had to leave the game after taking a tumble while trying to catch a foul pop up. Ezequiel Duran filled in for Smith, but now with Jung on the injured list the Rangers can add another infielder to the roster in a move we expect shortly.

Kurtz has been an absolute wrecking ball through two games at the Triple-A level, batting .571 (4-for-7) with a .667 on-base percentage. His first round-tripper of the season came off former big-league reliever John Curtiss and traveled 418 feet, per Statcast. The 22-year-old burgeoning slugger, who was selected fourth overall in last year’s MLB Draft, is probably the most complete hitting prospect in the minors by a considerable margin. There’s an argument that he’d be a middle-of-the-order force for the Athletics right now. It feels like only a matter of time before the front office will have no choice besides promoting him to the big leagues.

Altavilla was in White Sox camp this spring as a non-roster invitee after signing a minor league deal over the offseason. The 32-year-old right-hander didn’t make the team and was cut despite a 2.79 ERA in Cactus League outings. Altavilla is back as organizational relief depth at Triple-A Charlotte.

It’s possible the Giants will give Meckler a shot at the highest level again with Jerar Encarnacion sidelined until late May following wrist surgery. The 24-year-old is an extremely patient hitters and rarely strikes out. Those contact skills didn’t translate to immediate success in the majors back in 2023, but he’s deserving of another shot soon.

Kim isn’t a typical prospect given his extensive professional experience overseas in Korea, but he’s opening the year back in the minors to continue working on his swing and acclimating to facing big-league caliber arms. The hitter-friendly environments of the Pacific Coast League are the perfect place for him to build up some confidence before he arrives in Los Angeles for his Dodgers debut.

Basallo belted 19 round-trippers last year between Double-A Bowie and Triple-A Norfolk and is one of the premier power-hitting prospects in the fantasy landscape. His path to playing time in Baltimore is a bit murky, but he’s the type of impact bat that will force his way into a prominent role, when he’s ready. It’s almost time.

Simpson walked twice and was an absolute menace on the basepaths in this one. He drew a leadoff walk in the opening frame before swiping both second and third base and racing home on an errant throw. The 24-year-old speedster, who had 104 thefts last year in the minors between High-A and Double-A, projects as an immediate impact fantasy contributor in the stolen base department. It feels like only a matter of time before Tampa Bay gives him a chance.

Teel has gone deep in back-to-back contests to open the minor league season and should arrive in Chicago as the club’s catcher of the future at some point around midseason, if not sooner. The 23-year-old backstop was the centerpiece of the offseason Garrett Crochet trade after reaching the doorstep of the big leagues by the end of last season.

Mathews walked three batters and only recorded one strikeout in his first regular-season start following an impressive spring performance in Cardinals camp. The 24-year-old southpaw is widely regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball after last year’s velocity spike led to a surge in strikeouts. He’ll most likely be pushing for a midseason promotion to join St. Louis’ starting rotation mix.

Lucas is the countermove with Max Scherzer going on the injured list. Lucas appeared twice out of the bullpen for Toronto last year after the club claimed him off waivers from the Tigers. The 28-year-old left-hander figures to occupy a spot in the bullpen until the Blue Jays need another starting pitcher.