MLB Player News

It’ll be the first start for McCullers in the Grapefruit League in 2025. The 31-year-old right-hander continues to make strong progress from his elbow issues, but even with the spring start, it’s still very likely that he will begin the season on the injured list with a targeted return date of late April.

The former Brewers prospect has battled injuries over the last few seasons and been unable to recapture his old velocity. He’ll look to latch on with another team or join the Pirates’ minor league system.

We found out yesterday that Jones has been diagnosed with a UCL sprain and will be shut down from throwing for at least six weeks. Seeing him on the mound in mid-June is probably the best case scenario at this point.

This move is procedural since Horwitz has been out for weeks already. The 27-year-old was originally set to miss six to eight weeks and he has already been out for six. The Pirates have been quiet about his progress, but its possible that Horwitz may be headed to a rehab assignment soon.

With Jesús Sánchez on the IL, it will be Kyle Stowers in left field, Derek Hill in center field, and Griffin Conine in right field for the Marlins against right-hander Paul Skenes. Conine had a decent spring, hitting .280/.357/.380 with one home run in 56 plate appearances. He also hit 19 home runs in 112 games at Triple-A last year, so there is a little bit of pop in his bat for NL-only leagues. The Marlins’ full lineup is: Xavier Edwards SS, Kyle Stowers LF, Jonah Bride DH, Matt Mervis 1B, Otto Lopez 2B, Griffin Conine RF, Derek Hill CF, Graham Pauley 3B, Nick Fortes C.

Both Straw and Barnes will make the Opening Day roster thanks to injuries ahead of them. Barnes may eventually lose his spot to Erik Swanson or Ryan Burr, who were both placed on the IL, and Myles Straw could head back to the minors when Daulton Varsho returns.

There is not yet a set timeline for Cronin’s return, but the Marlins will look to cover for him in the bullpen for the foreseeable future. Cronin had a 4.35 ERA with 72/25 K/BB in 70 1/3 innings last season.

Weathers was diagnosed with a forearm strain back on March 20th, so this move is just procedural at this point. He is set to miss at least four-to-six weeks, so we’ll need to check in on his progress in a few weeks to have a better idea of when he will return.

Cabrera was pulled from his start on March 17th with a blister injury, but has already been throwing bullpens and has a simulated game set for this week. This move is retroactive to March 24th, and it seems like Cabrera will be activated from the IL after a minimum stay.

It’s official. Biggio will open the regular season on Kansas City’s bench. The 29-year-old can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats, but he figures to play a versatile multi-position role for the Royals.

Sánchez was hurt on March 15th and was set to miss four weeks at that time. He will likely need another three weeks before beginning a rehab assignment and trying to work his way back into the Marlins’ lineup. It seems that Griffin Conine will step into the starting lineup in his place.