MLB Player News

Maton will get a $250,000 buyout and become a free agent. Maton has been a solid reliever for years, making at least 65 appearances in each of the last four seasons. The Mets acquired Maton from the Rays at the trade deadline and, altogether, the 32-year-old pitched to a 3.66 ERA and 1.10 WHP in 64 innings, including a 2.36 ERA in 28 appearances during the second half. While the team option wasn’t an egregious overpay, the Mets likely believe they’ll be able to find a similarly talented reliever on the market for the same cost or less if they let free agency play out.

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.

Lovelady made the team out of Spring Training after he was added to the 40-man roster in mid-March. Now, with the Jays needing a fresh arm after the bullpen was overworked Saturday, he’s been booted off the 40-man roster. Toronto has seven days to either trade Lovelady or place him on waivers.

Fluharty is coming up as bullpen depth while the Blue Jays designated Richard Lovelady in a corresponding move. Toronto could use a fresh arm in the bullpen after Max Scherzer could only get through two innings against the Orioles on Saturday.

Scherzer left Saturday’s season debut against the Orioles with what was deemed a lat strain, but told reporters the issue with his lat was “100 percent” related to thumb soreness he first experienced during spring training. The 40-year-old right-hander is no stranger to the injured list at this point in his career and unfortunately he’s on the shelf for at least the next couple weeks, at a bare minimum.

Realmuto left Saturday’s game early with a left foot contusion. While the Phillies said his removal was precautionary, he’s out of the lineup Sunday. Realmuto fouled a ball off his foot Saturday and X-rays were negative. It doesn’t appear that a stint on the injured list is imminent, but this is still a situation to monitor with the 34-year-old catcher.

Turner was a late scratch for Saturday’s game due to back spasms. The 31-year-old shortstop wasn’t even in the initial lineup for the Phillies on Sunday. Edmundo Sosa is batting sixth and playing shortstop against Washington left-hander Mitchell Parker.