Ryan Pepiot Sun Mar 23 9:20am PT
With Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan (triceps) set to miss time to open the 2025 regular season, right-hander Ryan Pepiot will step in and start on Opening Day on Friday, March 28, against the Colorado Rockies, according to manager Kevin Cash. The 27-year-old went 8-8 with a career-high 3.60 ERA (3.95 FIP), a 1.15 WHIP and a 142:48 K:BB in 130 innings pitched over 26 starts in his first year with the Rays in 2024. Pepiot's season was interrupted by an infection caused by a bug bite, but otherwise he was pretty solid with nine quality starts in his 26 total starts. His fastball-changeup combination can get it done, but Pepiot might not be able to take the next step in his big-league career unless he develops a quality third pitch to keep hitters off balance. Still, there's a lot to like in fantasy, and he'll be a popular DFS play in his first start at home against the Rockies.
From RotoBaller
Gunnar Henderson Sun Mar 23 9:20am PT
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (intercostal) will start the season on the injured list, according to general manager Mike Elias. It's a bummer for the breakout All-Star from a season ago, but the good news is that Elias thinks this will result in Henderson only missing days, not weeks. At the minimum, Henderson will only have to miss the first seven days of the 2025 season. The 23-year-old left-handed hitter suffered an intercostal strain in late February and never returned to spring training action, so fantasy managers shouldn't exactly be surprised by this news. Despite the injury, Henderson was still likely taken in the first round in most fantasy drafts after the monster year he had in 2024. With Henderson starting on the IL, Jackson Holliday is expected to start at the 6 on Opening Day, with Ramon Urias starting at second base.
From RotoBaller
Adam Ottavino Sun Mar 23 9:10am PT
The Boston Red Sox granted right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino his release on Sunday after he triggered his opt-out clause, a source tells MassLive's Chris Cotillo. Ottavino triggered the opt-out clause in his minor-league contract after he was informed that he wasn't going to make the Opening Day bullpen out of camp. The 39-year-old veteran struggled to a 10.80 ERA with five walks and eight strikeouts in five Grapefruit League innings in spring training, but he's likely to get picked up before long due to his 46 career saves over 14 years of big-league experience. In 60 appearances out of the bullpen for the New York Mets in 2024, Ottavino held a 4.34 ERA (3.67 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP, one save, 70 strikeouts, 23 walks and 15 holds as a late-inning setup man. Ottavino has a 3.49 career ERA and 1.28 WHIP over his 14 seasons with five different teams.
From RotoBaller
Walker Buehler Sun Mar 23 8:40am PT
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Walker Buehler was scratched from his scheduled Grapefruit League start on Sunday due to an illness. Fantasy managerscan breathe a collective sigh of relief. The righty will work in camp on the back fields on Monday and Cooper Criswell will start in his place on Sunday. The former first-round draft pick has looked good this spring, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and one walk while striking out 11 batters in 10 inningspitched. After a rough couple of seasons in Los Angeles and dealing with injuries, the 2x All-Star will look to get his career back on track in Boston. The 30-year-old has an NFBC ADP of 250, but has the talent to outproduce that, especially given his environment with the Red Sox.
From RotoBaller
Jesse Chavez Sun Mar 23 8:20am PT
The Atlanta Braves signed relief pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor-league deal on Sunday. The veteran is going to pitch in Sunday's game versus the Orioles with a chance to make the Opening Day roster according to manager Brian Snitker. Despite his advancing age, the 41-year-old has been a solid reliever the last handful of seasons, posting a 2.91 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 17.0 percent K-BB% from 2021-24 (201 IP). Last season, though, the righty recorded a K/9 of 7.82, his lowestsince 2017 (excluding 2020). If the 2021 World Series champion can make the team, for fantasy he'd likely only be worth a look in deep NL-only leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dane Dunning Sun Mar 23 7:50am PT
The Texas Rangers placed pitcher Dane Dunning on outright waivers on Sunday. If the 30-year-old is not claimed by another team, Texas can outrightthe former first-round draft pick to the minors. The righty pitched well for the 2023 World Series champion squad, posting a 3.70 ERA and 1.26 WHIP over 172 2/3 innings pitched, but that season looks more like an outlier compared to career marks. Last season, Dunning worked as both a starter and reliever, registering a 5.31 ERA (4.31 SIERA), 1.44 WHIP, and a 12.1 percent K-BB% over 95 IP. If he is picked up by another team, he has the potential to be a solid innings-eater, however, the ERA, WHIP, and sub-9.00 K/9 don't make him very appealing for fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Manuel Margot Sun Mar 23 7:30am PT
Outfielder Manuel Margot was released by the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. The veteran was 8-for-32 (.250) this springwith no home runs but did steal a base and logged a 3:5 BB:K. The right-handed hitter appeared in 129 games for the Twins last season, but it only amounted to a .238-4-31-37-5 stat line, which was a similar line to the two previous seasons. The 30-year-old may end up signingsomewhere else, but those stats won't cut it for fantasy. Margot should be left on the waiver wire until he finds at least semi-regular at-bats somewhere and shows he can still produce.
From RotoBaller
Ranger Suarez Sun Mar 23 7:10am PT
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ranger Suarez (back) played catchon Saturday as he recovers from a sore lower back. Manager Rob Thomson indicated that Suarez was feeling better but did not provide any details as to when the southpaw will make his next start, although he said that decision will likely be made in the next 48 hours. At this point, it sounds like an IL stint to begin the season won't be necessary, but fantasy managers will want to monitor his status over the next few days in the event it takes a turn for the worse. The 29-year-old made two appearances this spring, allowing one earned run on two hits and no walks while striking out four over five innings. The Venezuelan was terrific to begin last season but faded late, finishing with a 3.46 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 16.6 percent K-BB%. The lefty should be a solid rotation piece for fantasy, but last season may very well have been his peak, and withthis injury that could pop up again later, make sure not to overpay.
From RotoBaller
Alejandro Kirk Sun Mar 23 6:50am PT
The Toronto Blue Jays and catcher Alejandro Kirk agreed to a five-year, $58 millioncontract extension on Saturday. The 5-foot-8 backstop has been with the Jays' organization ever since he broke at 18 years old back in 2017 and will now be with Toronto through his age-30 season. The 2022 All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner puts the bat on the ball well, recording an 86.1 percent career contact rate and a low 11.5 percent strikeout rate, but it doesn't translate to much else, especiallyfor fantasy. The 26-year-old has seen the countingstats dwindle since his All-Star season, finishing with five home runs, 54 RBI, andonly 23 runs scored in 103 games last season. He's having a nice spring, though, slashing .302/.354/.465 with a pair of home runs and eight RBI, so perhaps he can carry that momentum into the regular season. Still, he's the 21st catchercoming off the board in drafts and has little upside, so he's really only viable in deeper and two-catcher leagues.
From RotoBaller
Tyler Freeman Sat Mar 22 5:20pm PT
Cleveland Guardians infielder Tyler Freeman has been traded to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday. The Guardians have decided to move on from Freeman after a few lackluster seasons with the organization. In exchange for Freeman, the Guardians will receive outfielder Nolan Jones. Both players are coming off down years in 2024, but the difference is that Jones put up strong numbers in 2023. Freeman is a former top prospect, but he hasn't been able to put it all together at the big league level. Possibly, Freeman will improve with a change of scenery and probably a chance to play everyday, but fantasy managers don't need to take the risk right away.
From RotoBaller
Connor Norby Sat Mar 22 5:20pm PT
Miami Marlins infielder Connor Norby (side) was forced to exit early during Saturday's spring training contest. Norby was taken out of the game after suffering left side discomfort while sliding into third base. The expectation is that Norby will undergo further testing before the team decides what to do next. It's possible that Norby does begin the season on the injured list. That would be a shame considering Norby was expected to be the everyday option at third base to begin the season.
From RotoBaller
Nolan Jones Sat Mar 22 5:10pm PT
Colorado Rockies outfielder Nolan Jones has been traded to the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday. Jones was scratched ahead of Saturday's contest, so now that makes sense why he was benched. The 26-year-old will head to Cleveland in exchange for infielder Tyler Freeman. The Guardians can't be exactly sure what they will be getting with Jones. He put together an outstanding 2023 season with a .297 batting average, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in 106 games. However, Jones was awful in 2024, hitting only .227 with three homers and five steals with the Rockies. Jones has a strong arm in the outfield, but his defense isn't exactly stellar right now. It's worth noting that Jones began his career in Cleveland, so now it appears they want him back after two seasons in Colorado.
From RotoBaller
Caleb Durbin Sat Mar 22 5:00pm PT
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Saturday. Durbin was acquired by the Brewers this offseason in the deal that sent Devin Williams over to the New York Yankees. The Brewers would rather have Durbin and Tyler Black get regular at-bats in the minors than sit on the bench in the big leagues. Both players should get a chance on the Brewers roster at some point during the 2025 season. For now, fantasy managers can ignore them heading into the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Victor Robles Sat Mar 22 4:50pm PT
Seattle Mariners outfielder Victor Robles (hand) was forced to exit early during Saturday's spring training contest. Robles appeared to be in significant pain after taking a pitch off his hand. He immediately exited the contest and is likely to undergo additional testing. Afterwards, Mariners manager Dan Wilson said he believes Robles has avoided a serious injury. Possibly, Robles misses a day or two, but will hopefully be ready in time for Opening Day.
From RotoBaller
Tyler Black Sat Mar 22 4:50pm PT
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Tyler Black has been optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Saturday. The 24-year-old is one of the better hitting prospects in the Brewers system. However, he'll head back to the minors for more work after a rough showing during spring training. Black played in 18 games with the Brewers last season, but he didn't do much at the plate. The expectation is that Black will get another chance at the big league level at some point in 2025. For now, Black will head to the minors to begin the regular season.
From RotoBaller
Zack Gelof Sat Mar 22 4:40pm PT
Athletics infielder Zack Gelof (hand) was pulled out of a game earlier this week after getting hit by a pitch on the right hand. He underwent X-rays that came back negative, so there doesn't appear to be anything seriously wrong with his hand. However, the A's are going to have Gelof undergo further testing because his hand hasn't shown any improvement since the incident. Fantasy managers should be prepared for Gelof possibly missing Opening Day on Thursday. The team is obviously going to wait and see how Gelof progresses over the next few days before making any final decisions.
From RotoBaller
Tanner Bibee Sat Mar 22 4:30pm PT
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee has signed a long-term extension with the organization. The two sides have agreed on a five-year, $48 million extension through 2029 with $21 million club option for the 2030 season. This deal will buy-out the remaining years of arbitration eligibility and at least one year of free agency. This extension was well earned given how well Bibee has pitched over the last two seasons. He has posted a 3.25 ERA, 1.14 WHIP with over 300 strikeouts in 56 starts over the last two years. He'll be making his first Opening Day start against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.
From RotoBaller
Vinnie Pasquantino Sat Mar 22 4:30pm PT
Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (hamstring) was removed early during Saturday's spring training contest. Pasquantino appears to have suffered a hamstring injury while trying to beat out a double play. He was immediately favoring his right leg and walked back to the clubhouse under his own power. The Royals are going to need to further evaluate Pasquantino before giving a better timetable on his return. However, there's a decent chance that Pasquantino isn't ready for Opening Day given it's only a few days away. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update.
From RotoBaller
Shane McClanahan Sat Mar 22 12:00pm PT
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (triceps) is set to undergo imaging on Sunday. McClanahan exited his start early on Saturday with a triceps injury. Fantasy manager should continue to pay close attention to his status as he exited Saturday's contest in pain. McClanahan is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which kept him sidelined during the entire 2024 season. However, he has performed very well through camp and was recently named Tampa Bay's Opening Day starter. During the 2022 season, McClanahan enjoyed a breakout campaign as he held a strong 2.54 ERA with a 0.93 WHIP across 166 1/3 innings. He tallied an impressive 194 punchouts. In 2023, McClanahan held a 3.29 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP across 115 frames. Drew Rasmussen will likely enter the starting rotation if the southpaw were to miss time.
From RotoBaller
Connor Thomas Sat Mar 22 11:50am PT
Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Connor Thomas has made the Opening Day roster. The Brewers selected Thomas in the Rule 5 Draft. During camp, Thomas has held a near-perfect 0.96 ERA with a 1.18 WHIP across 9 1/3 innings of work. Fantasy managers should expect the 26-year-old to have a role as a middle-relief option in the Milwaukee bullpen. Last season, Thomas spent his entire campaign with the Memphis Redbirds. Across 90 1/3 innings at the top level of the minor leagues, Thomas held a 2.89 ERA with a 1.34 WHIP. He tallied 79 punchouts and served up 24 free passes. This was a significant improvement compared to the 5.53 ERA and the 1.75 WHIP he held at Triple-A during the 2023 campaign. Fantasy managers in deeper NL-only formats should monitor Thomas' progression as he could be a viable target in deeper formats if he were to eventually earn starting opportunities.
From RotoBaller
