MLB Player News

Sunday will be Lindor’s last chance to make back on the field this weekend. Luisangel Acuna continues to play shortstop and bat ninth in Lindor’s stead.

Means underwent a second Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery back in June and is expected to miss most of the 2025 season, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see it be a two-year pact that he ultimately agrees to. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can safely ignore Means for the upcoming season.

The 34-year-old right-hander pitched for the Tigers in 2024 before getting designated for assignment in late September — posting a 4.53 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and a 49/13K/BB ratio across 55 2/3 innings of work. He’ll add another capable arm to the Diamondbacks’ late-inning mix and could potentially garner saves at some point if he pitches well.

The 32-year-old southpaw has bounced around a bit over the past few years, but when he’s right he has proven to be a viable high-leverage reliever. It’s a nice low-cost gamble for the Blue Jays, though the chances of him returning to any sort of fantasy relevance are very small.

Fry underwent surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow in November, and is expected to miss the first month-plus of the season. The 29-year-old was one of the most surprising positive developments in fantasy in 2024, and those who don’t invest early in the catching position may want to consider Fry as a late-round injury stash.

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.