MLB Player News

Gausman has looked sharp at times this spring, despite some fastball velocity fluctuations, and will open the year as Toronto’s No. 2 starter behind José Berríos. He threw 78 pitches in his final spring tune-up. The 34-year-old veteran seems poised for at least a modest bounce-back campaign given his extensive track record, after experiencing a sharp decline last year in strikeout rate.

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.

Suárez has been playing catch as he begins to ramp back up from his back injury, but he has yet to work up to bullpens, so his timeline is unclear at this time. Taijuan Walker will replace him in the rotation but should not be on fantasy radars.

Toronto cleared out three spots on their 40-man roster to make room for outfielders Alan Roden and Myles Straw in addition to veteran reliever Jacob Barnes. No real surprises here, but Pop should garner some interest on the waiver wire as a viable middle relief option.

Buddy Kennedy had a chance to make the Opening Day roster with Weston Wilson sidelined by an oblique injury, but he hit just .150/.327/.400 this spring, so the Phillies chose to roll with Kody Clemens instead. Since Kennedy was out of minor league options, he needed to be designated for assignment and now can be claimed by any team.