Recent MLB Player News

Blake Snell signs 2-year deal with Giants

The San Francisco Giants have signed free agent pitcher Blake Snell to a 2-year deal worth $62 million.

What It Means:

Snell was one of the final free agent dominos to fall as the MLB season approaches. Despite interest from several teams, the 2023 NL Cy Young winner will head to San Francisco on a 2-year deal.

Snell pitched to a 2.25 ERA over 180 innings in his second Cy Young-winning season, but his 1.189 WHIP and league-high 99 walks are cause for slight concern heading into the upcoming season. Still, he struck out batters at an elite rate, averaging 11.7 K/9 and should continue to strike batters out in San Francisco.

Jackson Merrill secures Padres center field job

San Diego Padres infielder/outfielder Jackson Merrill will start in center field for the season-opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, reports Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

What It Means:

Padres manager Mike Shildt announced last week that Merrill would travel to South Korea for the season-opening Seoul Series, but the top prospect hadn't officially been named a starter. Shildt hasn't revealed San Diego's lineup for Wednesday, but Merrill will likely begin his career near the bottom of the order.

numberFire's models project Merrill for 6.2 FanDuel points on Wednesday. He went 12-for-35 (.343) with 2 homers, 3 doubles, 6 RBI, 1 steal, and 7 runs scored in Cactus League play. He also drew 3 walks and had 3 strikeouts, while posting a .995 OPS over 38 plate appearances.

Yankees' Aaron Judge (abdomen) expected to return Wednesday

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (abdomen) is expected to return to the lineup for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, per manager Aaron Boone.

What It Means:

Judge was previously expected to return over the weekend, but Boone said the slugger "should be good to go" for Wednesday. Barring any setbacks, the 31-year-old should be ready for Opening Day on March 28 against the Houston Astros.

numberFire's models project Judge to lead the majors with a 1.044 OPS this season, to go along with 47 homers and 114 RBI across 599 plate appearances.

Yankees' DJ LeMahieu dealing with 'significant' bone bruise

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone described DJ LeMahieu's foot injury as a "pretty significant" bone bruise.

What It Means:

LeMahieu fouled a ball off of his own foot, leading to what Boone has now described as a "pretty significant" bone bruise. The veteran infielder was set to bat leadoff for the Yankees this season, but now joins a growing list of starters who could be sidelined for Opening Day.

LeMahieu was initially projected as numberFire's 23rd-ranked second baseman for fantasy for the upcoming season and was projected for 8 homers, 60 runs, 48 RBI, 4 stolen bases and a .248 average across 527 plate appearances. His injury could impact those numbers though with Opening Day just around the corner.

TJ Friedl (wrist) out 3-4 weeks for Reds

Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl has been diagnosed with a fractured right wrist and will be reassessed in 3-to-4 weeks.

What It Means:

Friedl was diagnosed after exiting Saturday's Cactus League game against the Seattle Mariners. Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall said that Will Benson and Stuart Fairchild will have more opportunities in center field. Jake Fraley and Jonathan India should also see steady playing time while Friedl is sidelined.

Prior to this report, numberFire's models projected Friedl to record a .254 batting average and .735 OPS across 521 plate appearances this season, with 15 homers, 57 RBI, 18 steals, and 67 runs scored.

Twins' Jhoan Duran (oblique) will open season on IL

Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) will begin the 2024 season on the injured list.

What It Means:

Duran reportedly suffered a moderate oblique strain during warmups in Spring Training and will be shut down as the team gears up for Opening Day. It's unclear how the Twins will approach closing duties in his absence, though Griffin Jax logged four saves with the team behind Duran last year.

Duran has been a locked in closer for the Twins over the last two years, throwing for a 2.15 ERA with a 12.0 K/9 ratio while earning 35 saves. The Twins are numberFire's eighth-ranked team heading into the season, so whoever does take over for him should get plenty of opportunities for saves during Duran's absence.

Rangers' Corey Seager (groin) trending toward playing Opening Day

Texas Rangers infielder Corey Seager (groin) is trending toward being ready for Opening Day, per manager Bruce Bochy.

What It Means:

Bochy said he's more optimistic about Seager’s availability for Opening Day versus the Chicago Cubs. The veteran shortstop underwent sports hernia surgery in January.

numberFire's models project Seager to record a .293 batting average and .896 OPS this season, with 32 homers, 91 RBI, and 88 runs scored across 616 plate appearances.

Marlins' Eury Perez (finger) not throwing 3-4 days

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Eury Perez (finger) will not throw for 3-4 days.

What It Means:

Perez left Wednesday's Grapefruit League start early with a fingernail issue. He isn't facing a long-term injury, but the shutdown likely means Perez won't be available for Opening Day.

Prior to this report, numberFire's models projected Perez to record a 4.83 ERA and 1.28 WHIP this season, with a 24.5 percent strikeout rate and 8.6 percent walk rate.

Kevin Gausman (shoulder) likely out Opening Day for Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (shoulder) is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day against the Tampa Bay Rays, per manager John Schneider.

What It Means:

Gausman experienced some right shoulder fatigue in camp. There isn't any long-term concern, but the Blue Jays want to play it safe with the 33-year-old right-hander. "We just want him to be good, and if that means 30 starts as opposed to 32, we’ll be pretty happy with that,” Schneider said. Bowden Francis is already expected to replace Alek Manoah (shoulder) in the rotation to start the season, so Mitch White is a potential replacement for Gausman.

Prior to this report, numberFire's models projected Gausman to record a 3.84 ERA and 1.19 WHIP this season, with a 28.2 percent strikeout rate and 7.3 percent walk rate.

Yankees' Gerrit Cole avoiding elbow surgery

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole will not require surgery on his injured right elbow, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

What It Means:

Cole, who met with a specialist this week, will rest and receive treatment to recover from his elbow injury. The 33-year-old right-hander is expected to miss 1-2 months. Clayton Beeter, Luis Gil, Luke Weaver, Yoendrys Gómez, and Will Warren are candidates to replace Cole in the rotation. Marcus Stroman is now the favorite to start for the Yankees on Opening Day.

Prior to this report, numberFire's models projected Cole to record a 3.88 ERA and 1.16 WHIP this season, with a 27.6 percent strikeout rate and 7.3 percent walk rate.

Guardians' Gavin Williams (elbow) opening on injured list

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (elbow) will begin the season on the 15-day injured list.

What It Means:

Williams injured his elbow last week during a weighted-ball workout. He underwent an MRI and isn't expected to be on the shelf too long, but the right-hander won't have enough time to ramp up completely by Opening Day.

Prior to this report, numberFire's models projected Williams to record a 4.23 ERA and 1.31 WHIP this season, with a 23.3 percent strikeout rate and 9.2 percent walk rate.

Cardinals' Tommy Edman (wrist) starting season on injured list

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Tommy Edman (wrist) will start the season on the injured list, manager Oli Marmol confirmed on Thursday.

What It Means:

Edman has been shut down again because of lingering pain in his surgically repaired right wrist. It remains to be seen when Edman will be able to make his season debut. Dylan Carlson and Victor Scott are expected to handle center field for the Cardinals while Edman is on the shelf.

Prior to the decision, numberFire's models projected Edman to record a .257 batting average and .724 OPS this season, with 14 homers, 56 RBI, 27 steals, and 74 runs scored.

Padres finalizing trade for Dylan Cease

Former Chicago White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease has been traded to the San Diego Padres.

What It Means:

The Padres are reportedly finalizing a deal to trade for White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease. Cease will help San Diego address the departure of Blake Snell, who is expected to sign a deal with another team in free agency.

Cease tossed 177 innings for the White Sox last season, recording a 4.58 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 214 strikeouts and 79 walks.

Aaron Judge (abdomen) on track for Yankees lineup Saturday

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (abdomen) is expected to be in the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Toronto Blue Jays, per manager Aaron Boone.

What It Means:

Judge had an MRI on his abdomen earlier this week, but he isn't dealing with any serious issue. Barring any setbacks, the 31-year-old will take a few days off before returning to the lineup over the weekend. Judge should be fine for Opening Day on March 28 against the Houston Astros.

numberFire's models project Judge to lead the majors with a 1.044 OPS this season, to go along with 47 homers and 114 RBI across 599 plate appearances.

Jackson Merrill joining Padres for Seoul Series

San Diego Padres rookie infielder Jackson Merrill will travel to South Korea for the season-opening Seoul Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 20 and 21, per manager Mike Shildt.

What It Means:

Shildt didn't announce Merrill as a starter, but the Padres plan on adding him to the 40-man roster for the beginning of the season. “He’s earned his way on the plane,” Shildt said. “He’s earned what’s coming after the plane.” The 20-year-old went 1-for-3 and homered for the second game in a row on Tuesday in Cactus League play.

Merrill went 12-for-35 (.343) with 2 homers, 3 doubles, 6 RBI, 1 steal, and 7 runs scored in Cactus League play. He also drew 3 walks and had 3 strikeouts, while posting a .995 OPS over 38 plate appearances.

Yankees' Gerrit Cole (elbow) out at least 1-2 months

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) will be out at least one-to-two months, reports Mark W. Sanchez and Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

What It Means:

Cole will meet with a specialist to confirm there isn't damage to his right UCL, but he might be able to return sometime in May. If the Yankees decide to promote from within to replace Cole in the rotation, potential options include Clayton Beeter, Luis Gil, Luke Weaver, Yoendrys Gómez, and Will Warren. Marcus Stroman is the favorite to replace Cole as the Yankees' starter on Opening Day.

Prior to this report, numberFire's models projected Cole to record a 3.86 ERA and 1.16 WHIP this season, with a 27.5 percent strikeout rate.

Rays' Taj Bradley (pectoral) sidelined to start season

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley will be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks, per manager Kevin Cash.

What It Means:

Bradley was sent for an MRI on Tuesday after being scratched from his Grapefruit League start due to right pectoral tightness. The right-hander will need to ramp back up after the shutdown, so Bradley will not be ready for the start of the season. Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Jacob Lopez, Naoyuki Uwasawa, and Jacob Waguespack are potential options to fill the fifth spot in the Rays' rotation, as well as relievers Tyler Alexander and Chris Devenski.

Prior to the injury, numberFire's models projected Bradley to record a 4.14 ERA and 1.23 WHIP this season, with a 23.4 percent strikeout rate. As a rookie, Bradley had a 28.0 strikeout percentage and 8.5 percent walk rate.

Red Sox sign Brayan Bello to 6-year, $55 million extension

Boston Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello agreed to a six-year $55 million contract extension.

What It Means:

Bello, who made his MLB debut for Boston in 2022, has agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $55 million. The deal includes a club option in the seventh-year for $21 million.

numberFire's models project Bello to pitch 147.8 innings this season and record 9 wins, a 4.99 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 121 strikeouts, and 51 walks.

Edward Cabrera (shoulder) day-to-day for Marlins

Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera has been diagnosed with right shoulder impingement, per manager Skip Schumaker.

What It Means:

Schumaker said Cabrera is dealing with a "day-to-day thing," but the right-hander might not be ready for the start of the season. Max Meyer and Ryan Weathers are considered to be the potential replacements in the Marlins' rotation.

numberFire's models project Cabrera to record a 4.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP this season, with a 24.9 percent strikeout rate.

Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar diagnosed with fractured ribs

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar has been diagnosed with fractured ribs on his left side.

What It Means:

Nootbaar has been officially diagnosed with two fractured ribs on his left side. He is expected to miss multiple weeks of Spring Training, but could still be available for Opening Day against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28th. Expect more information in the coming weeks.

numberFire's models project Nootbaar for 16 homers, 58 RBI, 69 runs, and a 0.257 batting average in 498 plate appearances this season.

Rays' Taj Bradley (pectoral) scratched, sent for MRI

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley was scratched from Tuesday's Grapefruit League start due to right pectoral tightness.

What It Means:

The Rays sent Bradley for an MRI on Tuesday. The young right-hander is now uncertain for Opening Day.

numberFire's models project Bradley to record a 4.14 ERA and 1.23 WHIP this season, with a 23.4 percent strikeout rate.

Reds' Noelvi Marte suspended 80 games for violating MLB’s PED policy

Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte has been suspended 80 games for violating Major League Baseball’s PED policy.

What It Means:

Marte will miss the first 80 games of the 2024 season after violating the MLB's PED policy.

In 2023, Marte recorded 3 homers, 15 RBI, 15 runs, and a 0.316 batting average in 123 plate appearances.

Yankees' Oswald Peraza (shoulder) out 6-8 weeks

New York Yankees infielder Oswald Peraza (shoulder) will miss at least the next 6-8 weeks.

What It Means:

Peraza has been diagnosed with a sub-scapular strain in his right shoulder and will be sidelined for at least the next 6-8 weeks. The injury is not, at this time, expected to require surgery, but Peraza will be unavailable for a significant period of time.

In 191 plate appearances for the Yankees last season, Peraza recorded 2 homers, 14 RBI, 15 runs, and a 0.191 bating average.

Dodgers' Emmet Sheehan (shoulder) placed on injured list

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (shoulder) will begin the 2024 season on the injured list.

What It Means:

Sheehan, who was expected to feature in the Dodgers' starting rotation to begin the season, will be unavailable due to shoulder soreness. He did throw a bullpen session earlier this week, his first since his shoulder soreness began, but he will start the season on the injured list.

In 60.3 innings pitched last season, Sheehan recorded a 4.92 ERA with 64 strikeouts, 26 walks, and a 1.19 WHIP.

Yankees' Aaron Judge (abs) aiming to be ready for Opening Day

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (abs) is aiming to be ready for Opening Day on March 28th.

What It Means:

Judge underwent an MRI on his abs yesterday and is not expected to swing a bat again until later this week. Asked about the injury, Judge said "there’s no real need to push it" and stated that his goal is to play on Opening Day. Expect more updates in the coming weeks. The Yankees open their season against the Houston Astros.

numberFire's models project Judge to record 47 homers, 114 RBI, and a 0.290 batting average in 599 plate appearances this season.

Source: Bryan Hoch

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