MLB Player News

This sounds like a disaster and might well be one, but with the Mets unlikely to use key pitchers or field their full lineup, the Braves should still be the favorites here. There was never any mention of Sale being injured during all this save-him-for-an-elimination-game talk of the last several days, but it’s something he’s been feeling, apparently. The decision was made before Game 1 today to scratch him, POBO Alex Anthopoulos said.

There isn’t a ton of competition for at-bats at the cold corner in Seattle beyond Luke Raley and top prospect Tyler Locklear, so this is actually a pretty decent landing spot for Shenton after he was cut loose earlier this week by the Rays. The 26-year-old first baseman, who was originally a fifth-round pick by the Mariners in the 2019 MLB Draft, batted .214/.340/.405 with one homer in 50 plate appearances last year in the big leagues, but he blasted 20 homers in just 83 games at Triple-A Durham.

Chargois loses his roster spot to make room for infielder Austin Shenton. The 33-year-old righty made just 36 relief appearances last year between the Marlins and Mariners, but finished with a strong 2.23 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 30/13 K/BB ratio across 36 1/3 innings of work. He shouldn’t have too much trouble latching on elsewhere as extra relief depth.

Hatch will aim to continue rebuild his value overseas in Korea after spending last year in Japan with the Hiroshima Carp. The 30-year-old righty last appeared in the big leagues during the 2023 season when he made 18 relief appearances between the Blue Jays and Pirates.

Vogt, who led Cleveland to a 92-win season in his managerial debut, received 27 of 30 first-place votes to take home the hardware just two years after his final season of his playing career. Royals skipper Matt Quatraro came in second and Tigers manager A.J. Hinch finished third in balloting.

Murphy, who helped spearhead a dramatic second-half turnaround to lead Milwaukee back to the postseason in his managerial debut, takes home the honors after receiving 27 of 30 first-place votes in balloting. Padres skipper Mike Shildt came in second and Mets rookie manager Carlos Mendoza finished third in balloting.

Among the most intriguing fantasy prospects added to 40-man rosters ahead of next month’s Rule 5 Draft, Veen caught fire in the late stages of last season, putting himself on the precipice of finally reaching the big leagues. The 22-year-old outfielder, who was selected ninth overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, batted .258/.346/.459 with 11 homers and 21 steals in 270 plate appearances last season across four minor-league levels. Veen’s power/speed combo at Coors Field is a recipe for five-category fantasy success, if everything comes together.

Dreyer is the lone prospect added to the defending World Series champions’ 40-man roster ahead of next month’s Rule 5 Draft. The 25-year-old southpaw finished last year with a stellar 2.20 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 72/12 K/BB ratio across 57 1/3 innings (46 appearances) between Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The move is now official. Alzolay opened last year as Chicago’s closer, but lost his grip on the role and eventually wound up undergoing Tommy John surgery in August. The 29-year-old former stopper is likely to miss most of, if not all, of the upcoming season. There’s most likely an organization out there willing to bring him in for his rehabilitation process and roll the dice on him returning to form.

TINSTAAPP. The unquestioned top pitching prospect in Boston’s system for the last several years, Mata never quite broke through as injuries have derailed his career. The 25-year-old righty has yet to arrive in the big leagues and missed all of last year due to a right shoulder issue.

No real surprises here for the Phillies as they’ll protect three of their better pitching prospects from selection in next month’s Rule 5 Draft. Abel’s stock has tumbled considerably in the last year or two, but he’s still on the doorstep of the majors and could be an option for Philadelphia, if he manages to turn things around.