MLB Player News

Gelb points out that Soto “has maintained a close relationship with Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long” and that the Phillies will certainly not let payroll get in the way of any improvements that could be made to the team this offseason. While Nick Castellanos is likely returning with two years left on his contract, Gelb suggests the team could move on from one or both of Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas in order to free up space for Soto. “The Phillies, at least, could raise the price for a rival to sign Soto” which means we should see the Phillies involved in the Soto sweepstakes for a while this offseason. If his primary objective is to win a World Series, he won’t find many teams with a better chance in 2025.

Gibson is taking Braxton Garrett’s place on the active roster, but not in the rotation. He’ll give the Marlins an additional option out of the bullpen while they determine who moves into the rotation.

Ortiz was called up on Monday, but the Mariners activated Matt Brash (lat) from the injured list on Wednesday, so Ortiz will be sent back down.

Curvelo was placed on the injured list on April 15th with a biceps strain. He had allowed three runs on six hits in five innings to start the season, so he’ll get more time in Triple-A to keep working on things, his command in particular.

Brash was placed on the injured list at the beginning of May with lat inflammation. It was first thought that he would return as soon as he was eligible, but he wound up taking a few extra days. He should go right back to being a key member of the late-inning committe in Seattle.

White was put on the concussion IL last Monday, so he missed a little over a week. He’ll go back to his role as the fourth outfielder in Atlanta.

With Ronald Acuna Jr back and Eli White off the concussion IL, there was simply no room in the outfield for Azócar. He could re-sign a minor league deal with the Braves if he clears waivers.

Brown threw 22 pitches in a live batting practice on Tuesday. He reportedly touched 96 mph, but there’s no word on his command or secondary pitches. Still, it seems like, if his shoulder responds well, Brown will begin a rehab assignment this weekend. He’ll likely need to make at least three starts, but that should put him on track for a mid-June return.

This is now DeLuca’s fifth straight start in the outfield after his early-season playing time was limited to mostly facing left-handed pitchers. With Jake Fraley on the injured list, DeLuca has a real chance to earn a full-time role. The 27-year-old is hitting .277/.308/.429 in 118 plate appearances with two home runs, 19 RBI, and six steals. He should be on the fantasy radar in deeper formats.

Anderson has not made an MLB start since August of 2021, when he was with the Rangers. He did look good in four innings out of the bullpen on Friday, allowing one hit and no runs while striking out one. He was also tremendous as a starter in Korea last year, posting a 2.25 ERA in 171 2/3 innings. This could be a bit of an audition for him since the Tigers do have one rotation spot up for grabs. However, Troy Melton could also come off the injured list next week and take this spot in the rotation.

Mattson isn’t pitching poorly, with a 4.12 ERA in 19 2/3 innings for the Pirates this season. However, the team wanted to get pitching prospect Wilber Dotel up in their bullpen, and Mattson is one of the few relievers with minor league options remaining.