MLB Player News

This is notable because the entire rest of the lineup is filled with regular Red Sox starters. The indication had been that Kristian Campbell was the favorite to win the second base job, and this is Mayer’s first start at second base this spring, so perhaps this is much ado about nothing. However, Mayer has also gone 10-for-28 (.357) this spring with one home run and nine RBI, so it wouldn’t be shocking for the Red Sox to be considering whether he is the member of the Big Three prospects who could start the season on the Opening Day roster. “The baseball player is real,” said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. “He’s not just a prospect. He’s a baseball player.”

Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk confirmed Wednesday that Jones has received multiple opinions confirming a UCL sprain in his right elbow. Tomczyk added that imaging didn’t reveal any ligament damage and Jones will not require surgery. The dynamic 23-year-old righty is headed for the rest and rehabilitation route, which includes being shut down from throwing for the next six weeks. He’ll require several weeks to build up his arm strength and stamina once he resumes throwing in early May, which means fantasy managers shouldn’t expect to see him back in the big leagues until sometime in June, barring any setbacks.

It was pretty much a lock at this stage of the spring, but it’s nice to have official confirmation. Acuña’s fantasy appeal has taken a slight hit with former top prospect Brett Baty tearing the cover off the ball in Grapefruit League action to wrestle the starting second base job away. The 23-year-old speedster will open the year in a versatile multi-position role.

Lee dealt with a back issue during the late stages of camp and will open the regular season on the shelf. His absence allows Edouard Julien to open the year at second base with Willi Castro taking over at the hot corner. Back issues can be complicated matters, but fantasy managers should anticipate seeing Brooks return at some point in April.

No massive surprises here as the Angels finalize their season-opening roster. Noda, Lugo and Robinson will kick off the year back in the minors as extra organizational depth. It was assumed that Lugo would get a spot on Los Angeles’ Opening Day roster following Mickey Moniak’s release, but his spot is going to Kyren Paris instead.

It’s merely a procedural move after Gelof underwent successful surgery earlier this week to repair a hamate bone fracture in his right wrist. He’s expected to miss at least 6-8 weeks following the procedure, which puts his return sometime into early May, barring any setbacks. The 25-year-old second baseman’s contact skills remain a massive issue, but his power-speed combination gives him fantasy relevance.

Otañez evolved into a key high-leverage option last year for the Athletics. He’ll open the regular season on the shelf, but is expected to rejoin the club’s bullpen by the end of April.

Lord winds up securing the final spot in Washington’s season-opening bullpen and will provide some lengthy as a long relief option. He can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

Rutledge will open the regular season back in the upper minors as extra starting pitching depth. The 25-year-old former first-round pick has made a handful of appearances for the Nationals over the last two years, but hasn’t turned into the impact arm scouts envisioned when he was picked in the 2019 MLB Draft.

Yepez entered spring training with a decent shot at making Washington’s season-opening roster, but the final spot winds up going to José Tena instead. The 27-year-old will head back to the minors, but should be an option at some point in the near future.

Chaparro isn’t expected to miss a ton of time, but he’s not ready for the start of the regular season after suffering a left oblique strain earlier this month. The 25-year-old first baseman should be ready to return by mid-to-late April.