Recent MLB Player News

Phillies-Braves Thursday opener pushed back due to rain

The Philadelphia Phillies-Atlanta Braves Opening Day game has been postponed from Thursday due to forecasted rain.

What It Means:

Spencer Strider was scheduled to pitch for the Braves and Zack Wheeler was supposed to toe the rubber for the Phillies. They will now be pushed back to Friday afternoon at 3:05 ET.

numberFire's models projected Strider for 35.8 FanDuel points and Quintana for 30.9 FanDuel points on Opening Day.

Mets-Brewers Opening Day matchup postponed by rain

The Milwaukee Brewers-New York Mets Opening Day game has been postponed from Thursday due to forecasted rain.

What It Means:

Freddy Peralta was scheduled to pitch for the Brewers and Jose Quintana was penciled in for the Mets. They will now be pushed back to Friday afternoon at 1:40 ET.

numberFire's models projected Peralta for 28.6 FanDuel points and Quintana for 24.9 FanDuel points on Opening Day.

Reds' Matt McLain undergoes shoulder surgery, out indefinitely

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain underwent surgery for cartilage damage and the labrum in his left shoulder.

What It Means:

The Reds are unsure when McLain will be able to return, but they expect him to play at some point this season. The 24-year-old was expected to start at second base and hit near the top of the order this season. Jonathan India will likely be an everyday infielder until McLain is available.

numberFire's models project India for 14.4 FanDuel points on Opening Day against the Washington Nationals.

Passan: Diamondbacks sign pitcher Jordan Montgomery

According to Jeff Passan, the Arizona Diamondbacks have signed pitcher Jordan Montgomery on Tuesday.

What It Means:

After waiting just two days before Opening Day, Montgomery will finally join a new team and his fourth career spot. Look for the 31-year old to spend some time working back into ideal pitching shape before he takes over one of Arizona's rotation spots.

In 188.2 innings last season, Montgomery accounted for a 4.01 expected Fielding Independent Pitching rating and a 21.4% K-rate.

Cubs' Justin Steele (knee) fine for Opening Day

Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher Justin Steele (knee) said he is ready to start on Opening Day against the Texas Rangers.

What It Means:

Steele made an early exit from his final Cactus League start last Friday against the San Francisco Giants due to a left knee contusion, but he threw a bullpen session Monday and is good to go. The 28-year-old southpaw finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting last season, after going 16-5 with a 3.06 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 24.6 strikeout percentage, and 5.0 walk percentage.

numberFire's models project Steele for 26.3 FanDuel points on Thursday. For the season, we project him to record a 3.84 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across 166 1/3 innings, with a 22.1 percent strikeout rate and 6.9 percent walk rate.

Cardinals' Dylan Carlson (shoulder) out for several weeks

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson (shoulder) will miss several weeks to begin the 2024 season.

What It Means:

Carlson is expected to miss several weeks after he was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder. With Carlson out, Victor Scott, St. Louis' top outfield prospect, will be the team's starting center field for their Opening Day clash with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

numberFire's models project Carlson for 386 plate appearances this season with a 0.224 batting average, 0.653 OPS, 7 homers, 42 RBI, 44 runs, and 4 stolen bases.

Mariners' Bryan Woo (elbow) to open season on injured list

Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo (elbow) will begin the 2024 season on the injured list.

What It Means:

Woo has been diagnosed with elbow inflammation and will begin the season on the injured list. Seattle doesn't expect the injury to keep Woo out long-term.

numberFire's models project Woo for 130.6 innings pitched this season with a 4.00 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 136 strikeouts, and 46 walks.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. expected to bat second for Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is expected to bat second on Opening Day against the Tampa Bay Rays, per manager John Schneider.

What It Means:

Guerrero mostly hit third last season, but Schneider wants to have him swap spots with Bo Bichette, while leaving George Springer at the top of the order. “I really like the way (Guerrero) is swinging the bat,” Schneider said. “I think having him in between George and Bo is a good thing." Guerrero posted a 1.218 OPS with 3 homers and 11 RBI across 45 plate appearances this spring.

numberFire's models project Vladdy Jr. to record a .900 OPS and .294 batting average across 644 plate appearances this season, with 33 homers, 103 RBI, 88 runs scored, and 7 steals.

Blue Jays' Kevin Gausman (shoulder) on track for Opening Day rotation

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (shoulder) recorded 7 strikeouts and allowed 1 earned run on 3 hits and no walks across three-plus innings in his Grapefruit League start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

What It Means:

Gausman was initially expected to begin the season on the injured list due to shoulder fatigue, but now he's trending toward making the Opening Day rotation. The Blue Jays already named Jose Berrios as the starter for Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

numberFire's models project 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.

Diamondbacks' Paul Sewald (oblique strain) headed to injured list

The Arizona Diamondbacks are placing closer Paul Sewald (oblique strain) on the injured list ahead of Opening Day.

What It Means:

Sewald is reportedly dealing with a Grade II oblique strain and will now miss time at the beginning of the season for the Diamondbacks. Sewald joined Arizona via trade last year during their run to the World Series and was expected to be the team's top closer for 2024.

With Sewald sidelined, the Diamondbacks could turn to Kevin Ginkel for closing responsibilities to open the year. Ginkel pitched to a strong 2.48 ERA in a mostly setup role last year, with 4 saves and a .980 WHIP across 65.1 innings.

Brewers' Garrett Mitchell (hand) to open year on IL

The Milwaukee Brewers are placing outfielder Garrett Mitchell (fractured hand) on the injured list ahead of Opening Day.

What It Means:

Mitchell suffered a fractured hand in the closing week of Spring Training and will now be forced to miss the start of the 2024 season on the injured list. The former first round pick had been having a solid Spring, but will now deal with his second significant injury in three seasons in the Majors.

Garrett's absence could lock rookie Jackson Chourio into an every day role in the Brewers' outfield. Chourio is projected for 11 homers, 60 runs, 55 RBI, 15 stolen bases and a .249 average over 505 plate appearances in his debut campaign.

Pirates' Yasmani Grandal (foot) to open season on IL

The Pittsburgh Pirates are placing starting catcher Yasmani Grandal (foot) on the 15-day injured list to open the 2024 season.

What It Means:

Grandal will not be ready to go by Opening Day, so the veteran will begin his first season with the Pirates on injured list. Without his steady presence behind the plate, expect former first overall pick Henry Davis (who transitioned to outfield in his 2023 debut season) to become the team's starting catcher.

Davis could become a high-value player for fantasy with catcher eligibility. He is projected to make 455 plate appearances as a sophomore and to put up 14 home runs with 57 runs, 56 RBI, and a .248 batting average in his opportunities.

Yankees' DJ LeMahieu (foot) to open season on IL

The New York Yankees will have DJ LeMahieu (foot) open the season on the injured list, per Brian Cashman.

What It Means:

LeMahieu suffered what was considered a "significant" bone bruise last week after fouling a ball off of his foot, and will now open the season on the injured list. The veteran hitter was expected to bat near the top (if not as the leadoff hitter) for the Yankees this season, opening up a potential high-value spot in the lineup for other bats in the lineup.

With LeMahieu sidelined, the Yankees could look to up-and-comer Anthony Volpe as their leadoff hitter to open the year. The second-year shortstop saw some run as the leadoff batter in his debut campaign, even as he struggled to a .209 average over 601 plate appearances. Still, the young infielder managed 21 homers in that same stretch and could benefit from extra reps near the top of the lineup this season.

Bryan Reynolds (back) expected to be ready for Pirates' season opener

The Pittsburgh Pirates are expecting outfielder Bryan Reynolds (back) to be ready for the team's Opening Day series against the Miami Marlins.

What It Means:

Reynolds has been held out of the Pirates' recent games near the end of Spring Training due to back soreness, but it sounds like the team isn't overly concerned about his health even with Opening Day right around the corner. His health will be worth monitoring over the first few weeks of the season, as back injuries can be notoriously tricky.

Reynolds is numberFire's 21st-ranked outfielder for fantasy this season. Our model projects him for 21 homers, 83 runs, 84 RBI, 10 stolen bases, and a .270 batting average over 611 plate appearances during the regular season. He could put up better-than-usual numbers this year if the Pirates are as competitive as they look.

Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford cracks Opening Day roster

Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford officially made the team's Opening Day roster.

What It Means:

Langford is one of the top prospects in the league heading into the year, and leveraged a red hot Spring Training performance into an Opening Day roster spot. The rookie often hit out of the third spot in the Rangers' Spring Training lineups, which could put him in line for a high-value role for fantasy this season.

Langford produced 6 homers, 19 RBI, and 13 runs across 56 plate appearances in Spring Training, logging a stellar 1.242 OPS along the way. So far, he hasn't posted an OPS lower than .987 across any level of ball he's played.

Orioles' Jackson Holliday reassigned to Minor League camp

The Baltimore Orioles reassigned infielder Jackson Holliday to their Minor League camp ahead of Opening Day.

What It Means:

Holliday is the top prospect in the league heading into the season, making the Orioles' decision to start him out in the Minors a bit of a surprise. The Orioles' infield is a bit crowded so it's unclear when exactly he'll be called up this season, as promising as he looks as a prospect.

Holliday posted a strong .941 OPS across several levels of Minor League play as a 19-year-old last year and was off to a strong start in Spring Training this year with a .954 OPS across 48 plate appearances. He'll be expected to make an impact in the Majors whenever he does get the call up.

Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar (ribs) placed on 10-day injured list

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (ribs) has been placed on the injured list.

What It Means:

Nootbaar will miss the start of the 2024 season after being placed on the 10-day injured list with a rib injury.

In 503 plate appearances last season, Nootbaar hit 0.261 with 14 homers, 46 RBI, 74 runs, and 11 stolen bases.

Cardinals' Sonny Gray (hamstring) to open season on injured list

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Sonny Gray (hamstring) will open the 2024 season on the injured list.

What It Means:

Gray is dealing with a hamstring injury and will not be available to start the season. He has been placed on the 15-day injured list.

In 184 innings pitched for the Minnesota Twins last season, Gray recorded a 2.79 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 183 strikeouts and 55 walks.

Marlins' Eury Perez (elbow) to open season on injured list

Miami Marlins pitcher Eury Perez (elbow) will begin the season on the injured list.

What It Means:

Perez has been diagnosed with elbow inflammation and will open the season on the injured list. Surgery was not recommended, which could mean a quicker return for Perez.

In 91.3 innings pitched last season, Perez recorded a 3.15 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 108 strikeouts and 31 walks.

Diamondbacks' Eduardo Rodriguez (back) unavailable to start the season

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (back) has been placed on the injured list.

What It Means:

Rodriguez has been diagnosed with a left lat strain will be shut down from throwing. He will open the season on the injured list.

In 152.7 innings pitched for the Detroit Tigers last season, Rodriguez recorded a 3.30 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 143 strikeouts and 48 walks.

Mets sign J.D. Martinez to $12 million contract

The New York Mets have signed J.D. Martinez to a $12 million contract, Jon Heyman reports.

What It Means:

Martinez spent the offseason without a team, but will now link up with the Mets as Opening Day approaches. He should hit consistently as the Mets' designated hitter throughout the year.

Martinez enjoyed a strong bounce back in 2023 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, mashing 33 homers for 103 RBI and a .893 OPS across 473 plate appearances as a key part of their batting rotation. He even stole his first base since the 2020 season.

Reds' Matt McLain (shoulder) will miss start of season

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain (shoulder) will not be ready for the start of the season, per manager David Bell.

What It Means:

McLain might require surgery on his injured shoulder, but he's going to seek a second opinon before making a decision. The 24-year-old was expected to start at second base and hit near the top of the order this season. Jonathan India will likely see regular infield work if Bell is forced to start the year on the shelf.

Prior to this update, numberFire's models projected McLain to record a .262 batting average and .790 OPS this season, with 21 homers, 27 doubles, 68 RBI, 75 runs scored, and 14 steals across 550 plate appearances.

Blue Jays' Kevin Gausman (shoulder) might stay on shelf

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Kevin Gausman (shoulder) could avoid being placed on the injured list to start the season, reports Kaitlyn McGrath of The Athletic.

What It Means:

Blue Jays manager John Schneider previously indicated Gausman might open the year on the IL after dealing with arm fatigue, but the right-hander is expected to throw 60-to-65 pitches in Monday's Grapefruit League finale. If all goes well, Gausman might be able to avoid a stint on the shelf. The Blue Jays already named Jose Berrios as the replacement for Gausman on Opening Day against the Tampa Bay Rays.

numberFire's models project 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. We also expect him to make his season debut on April 2 against the Houston Astros, and project him for 37.3 FanDuel points.

Giants' Blake Snell off track for Opening Day

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Blake Snell said that he will not be ready for Opening Day.

What It Means:

Snell is currently in the 60-pitch range, but he still needs to ramp up a bit before being ready to make his Giants debut. The Giants are expected to provide a timeline for the reigning National League Cy Young winner on Thursday.

numberFire's models project Snell to record a 3.42 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 31.3 strikeout percentage, and 11.2 walk percentage in 2024.

Reds' Matt McLain might need shoulder surgery

Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain could require surgery for his injured shoulder, per manager David Bell.

What It Means:

Bell initially made it sound like McLain would be ready for Opening Day, but after receiving the MRI results, the injured list now seems likely. "All of the options are on the table," Bell said. The 24-year-old was expected to start at second base and hit near the top of the order this season. Jonathan India will likely see regular infield work if Bell is forced to start the year on the shelf.

Prior to this update, numberFire's models projected McLain to record a .262 batting average and .790 OPS this season, with 21 homers, 27 doubles, 68 RBI, 75 runs scored, and 14 steals across 550 plate appearances.

Sorry, there are no more articles for this feed.