MLB Player News

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza made it official that Reed Garrett, José Butto and Danny Young will open the year in New York’s bullpen. The decision to jettison Walton leaves Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña as the Mets’ primary bench options, but they haven’t officially made the team yet, added Mendoza. It also means that A.J. Minter and Dedniel Nuñez are probably headed to the injured list.

Pomeranz tossed a scoreless inning on Friday for Triple-A Tacoma as he attempts to make it back to the big leagues for the first time since 2021. The 36-year-old lefty has been derailed by shoulder issues the last few years, but he looked sharp in spring training. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him get a chance with the Mariners at some point down the road.

Wallner has gone 0-for-4 with a walk through two games atop Minnesota’s lineup to kick off the regular season. The 27-year-old was a fixture atop the lineup card throughout spring training and figures to get some extended run there to open the year. His blend of patience and above-average pop figure to make him an impactful fantasy contributor this season, especially if he sticks in the leadoff spot.

Nootbaar is back in the leadoff spot for the second straight game after going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer during Thursday’s season-opener at Busch Stadium. The 27-year-old’s ascension to the leadoff spot comes in the wake of Masyn Winn’s ice-cold spring and it doesn’t look like he’s going to be moved down anytime soon. It’s an unexpected boost for his fantasy value as it’ll result in an uptick in plate appearances and runs scored.

Hamilton was sidelined in the late stages of the spring with a viral illness and will need a handful of minor league relief appearances before he’s ready to rejoin New York’s middle relief mix. He should be ready to return next week when he’s first eligible to be activated.

Goldschmidt is atop New York’s lineup card for Saturday’s showdown against Milwaukee left-hander Nestor Cortes after Austin Wells led off Thursday’s season-opener against righty Freddy Peralta. Yankees manager Aaron Boone hinted throughout spring training that the former NL MVP would get chances in the leadoff spot against southpaws, which should provide a small boost to his fantasy appeal in deeper formats. We’re anticipating Wells continuing to lead off against right-handed pitching moving forward.

Henderson played seven innings at shortstop as he continues to work his way back from a mild intercostal strain that required a season-opening trip to the injured list. The 23-year-old fantasy superstar should be ready to return to Baltimore’s lineup next week, when first eligible to be activated.

Universally regarded as the top position prospect left in the minor leagues, Anthony also drew a pair of walks in his season debut. The 20-year-old outfielder, who checks in as the second-ranked prospect (34th overall) in Rotoworld’s dynasty rankings, projects as a five-category impact fantasy contributor once he arrives at Fenway Park. There isn’t a clear path to an everyday role in Boston at the moment, but he’s the type of prospect that will force his way to the majors, likely by midseason.

Rodriguez got on-base four times as the Saints piled up a staggering 11 runs on 18 hits during Friday’s Triple-A opener against Indianapolis. The 22-year-old corner outfielder’s blend of patience and prodigious over-the-fence pop is going to make him an impactful fantasy contributor once he reaches the big leagues. He’s also capable of swiping the occasional base too. He checked in as the 20th-ranked prospect (103rd overall) in Rotoworld’s latest dynasty rankings update. He should arrive in Minnesota by midseason.

Crooks is one of the more intriguing catching prospects for dynasty purposes after batting .321/.410/.498 with 11 homers and four steals in 90 games last year for Double-A Springfield. The 23-year-old backstop is on the doorstep of the majors and could wind up getting a look at some point this season if Iván Herrera or Pedro Pagés miss time due to injury.

Torres told reporters afterwards that he’s been dealing with the issue for the past few days and decided to make an early exit for precautionary reasons since it’s so early in the season. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him take some time off this weekend to allow the issue to resolve itself.