 Nationals Announce Several Roster Cuts
With Opening Day now less than a week away, teams around the league are making their final roster decisions. The Nationals announced several such decisions today, with right-hander Paolo Espino and infielder Jeter Downs getting optioned to the minors, while non-roster invitees right-hander Alex Colome, Andres Machado and Wily Peralta were all reassigned to minor…
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Guardians Acquire Steve Hajjar From Reds To Complete Will Benson Trade
The Guardians and Reds finalized the deal that sent Will Benson to Cincinnati tonight, with left-handed pitcher Steve Hajjar, a second-round pick in the 2021 draft who the Reds acquired from the Twins in the Tyler Mahle trade last summer alongside Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, headed to the Guardians. Both teams have announced Hajjar’s…
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Mets Option Brett Baty, Mark Vientos
The Mets have announced that they have optioned third baseman Brett Baty and first baseman Mark Vientos to Triple-A Syracuse. Both prospects were under consideration for the club’s Opening Day roster. Infielders Jose Peraza and Jonathan Arauz, catcher Michael Perez, outfielder DJ Stewart, righty Denyi Reyes, and lefty Zach Muckenhirn have also been reassigned to…
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Cardinals To Select Jordan Walker
Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak tells reporters, including MLB.com’s John Denton, that top prospect Jordan Walker has made the Opening Day roster in St. Louis. Walker, who is not on the 40-man roster, will require a corresponding move to be added. According to Denton, Mozeliak expects this move to come on Wednesday or…
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Robert Suarez Likely Headed To Injured List
Per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Padres reliever Robert Suarez is expected to begin the 2023 campaign on the injured list with arm stiffness and joint inflammation. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but the right-hander has remained shut down since March 12 nonetheless. A timetable for his return is currently unknown, though…
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Giants To Select Roberto Pérez
Catcher Roberto Perez is going to be on the Giants’ Opening Day roster, the backstop tells Evan Webeck of the San Jose Mercury News. Perez was in camp on a minor league deal and isn’t yet on the 40-man roster, so the club will need to make a corresponding move. He was one of several…
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Red Sox Notes: Alfaro, Goodrum, Tapia, Allen
Catcher Jorge Alfaro is in camp with the Red Sox on a minor league deal and it was reported about three weeks ago that he has an upward mobility clause in his contract. Today, Chris Cotillo of MassLive has the details on how that will play out. If Alfaro is not added to the club’s…
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Chris Owings Won’t Make Pirates’ Roster, Accepts Reassignment To Minor Leagues
Earlier today, Pirates general manager Ben Cherington informed Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that several veterans on minor league deals have opt-outs in their contracts. Infielder/outfielder Chris Owings and right-hander Tyler Chatwood can each opt out today if they are not going to make the Opening Day roster, while catcher Tyler Heineman has an…
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Padres Injury Notes: Engel, Soto, Nola, Bogaerts, Musgrove
Adam Engel suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday’s Cactus League game, putting his availability for the Padres’ Opening Day roster in severe jeopardy. “Hamstrings can be a little bit [tricky] so we'll see how he progresses, but…I think it'd be tough for him to make another game here in Spring Training,” Padres manager Bob Melvin…
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Kyle Crick Opts Out Of Minor League Deal With Rays
Right-hander Kyle Crick has opted out of his minor league deal with the Rays, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. He’ll head back to the open market in search of his next opportunity. Crick, 30, has pitched in the majors in each of the past six seasons, getting his fair share of strikeouts…
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Cardinals Select Taylor Motter; Option Juan Yepez, Génesis Cabrera And JoJo Romero
The Cardinals have made several roster moves, per their transactions tracker at MLB.com. Infielder Taylor Motter has been selected to the club’s 40-man roster, while infielder/outfielder Juan Yepez and lefties Genesis Cabrera and JoJo Romero were optioned to the minors. The Cardinals already opened up a spot on their 40-man roster last week when right-hander…
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Reds Release Hunter Strickland
The Reds announced today that right-hander Hunter Strickland has been released. Strickland was one of several veterans who can opt out of their minor league deals today, and it seems the Reds have decided he won’t make the club. Strickland, 34, had his best years with the Giants earlier in his career, but has gone…
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Rangers Shut Down Glenn Otto For Three Weeks
Rangers general manager Chris Young provided some updates on injured pitchers to members of the media today, including Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News and Jeff Wilson of Rangers Today (Twitter links). Right-hander Glenn Otto, who recently underwent an MRI for right lat tightness, will be shut down for three weeks and be re-examined…
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Marlins Notes: Iglesias, Gurriel, Sanchez, De La Cruz, Cooper
The Marlins seem to be “leaning toward” only breaking camp with one of Yuli Gurriel or Jose Iglesias, according to Barry Jackson and Craig Mish of the Miami Herald. The two veterans recently signed minor league contracts and joined the Marlins’ spring camp as non-roster invitees, and perhaps due to that late start (both players…
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Blue Jays Notes: White, Bullpen, Pearson
Blue Jays manager John Schneider told reporters today, including Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, that right-hander Mitch White is dealing with elbow inflammation. The injury seems likely to force White to start the season on the injured list, as he had already been slowed earlier this spring by a shoulder impingement. White, 28, was acquired by…
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Phillies, Aaron Nola End Extension Negotiations Until After The Season
Last month, the Phillies and Aaron Nola’s representatives were reportedly exchanging figures about a possible long-term contract extension, creating some feeling that a new deal might be in the works. However, it doesn’t look like the two sides will reach agreement, as Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Alex Coffey…
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Mets To Select Tommy Hunter’s Contract
The Mets have told Tommy Hunter that he will make the team’s Opening Day roster, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reports (Twitter link). The move will become official when the Mets select Hunter’s minor league contract prior to their Opening Day matchup with the Marlins on March 30, but a decision had to be made earlier since…
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Cubs Option Adrian Sampson, Name Hayden Wesneski As Fifth Starter
The Cubs ended the competition to determine the team’s fifth starter, as manager David Ross told reporters that Hayden Wesneski would be joining the rotation. Adrian Sampson had been one of the other contenders for the job, but the right-hander was optioned to the minor leagues earlier today. The news officially confirms what had become…
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Twins Release Six Players
According to the MiLB transactions log, the Twins have released six players on minor league deals: catchers Chance Sisco and Grayson Greiner, left-handers Locke St. John and Tyler Webb, and right-handers Nolan Blackwood and Parker Bugg. These moves come as the Twins prepare to finalize their major- and minor-league rosters ahead of the start of…
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Rockies To Select Mike Moustakas, Ty Blach, Harold Castro
Infielder Mike Moustakas has told reporters, including Danielle Allentuck of The Denver Gazette, that the Rockies have informed him that he’s made the club’s Opening Day roster. Moustakas, 34, signed with the Rockies after being released by the Reds earlier this offseason. As Moustakas is still owed $22MM of his four-year, $64MM contract with the…
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Luke Voit Opts Out Of Minor League Deal With The Brewers
First baseman Luke Voit has opted out of his minor league deal with Milwaukee in what Brewers manager Craig Counsell described to reporters (including MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy) as a “procedural move.” Though Voit is no longer with the club, it remains possible that the Brewers re-sign him to a major league deal in the coming…
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Tigers Notes: Lorenzen, Wentz, Vest, Haase, Rogers
Tigers right-hander Michael Lorenzen is going to start the season on the 15-day injured list, manager A.J. Hinch indicated this afternoon (relayed by Chris McCosky of the Detroit News). The offseason signee is dealing with a left groin strain. Hinch indicated it’s not expected to be a serious issue but will require Lorenzen to miss a…
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Luis Severino Suffers Lat Strain, Likely Headed To Injured List
Yankees right-hander Luis Severino is probably headed to the 15-day injured list due to what manager Aaron Boone described to reporters (including Joel Sherman of the New York Post) as a lower-grade lat strain. Max Goodman of NJ Advance Media reported earlier today that Severino had been scratched from his planned start today, which was…
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Joey Votto May Begin Season On Injured List
Longtime Reds first baseman Joey Votto could begin the season on the injured list, as Votto himself told reporters including Bobby Nightengale of The Cincinnati Enquirer. The Reds plan to defer to Votto’s judgment on whether or not he’s ready for Opening Day, according to Nightengale, with a decision possibly waiting until Opening Day rosters…
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Giants Notes: Perez, Sabol, Hjelle, Johnson, Haniger, Cobb, Bishop
The Giants’ 26-man roster is taking shape, as president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has indicated that the club will break camp with at least two players from outside the 40-man. In speaking with reporters (including Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle and Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area) over the last couple…
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Guardians, Daniel Norris Agree To Minor League Deal
The Guardians are in agreement with reliever Daniel Norris on a minor league contract, tweets Mandy Bell of MLB.com. He’ll report to minor league camp and likely open the season with Triple-A Columbus. Norris had been in camp with the Reds but was released on Monday. That came on the heels of a tough Spring Training,…
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Dombrowski: Darick Hall Favorite For Majority Of First Base Reps
The Phillies were dealt a huge blow yesterday when Rhys Hoskins went down with an ACL tear that’ll require surgery. They’ll now have to patch things together at first base unexpectedly. Darick Hall appears the next man up. The left-handed hitter got into his first 42 MLB games last season. He connected on nine longballs and slugged…
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Angels Option Andrew Velazquez, Jo Adell, Mickey Moniak
The Angels announced Friday evening that infielder Andrew Velazquez and outfielders Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak have been optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake. None of that trio will be on the major league team out of camp. Velazquez was the Halos’ primary shortstop last year, picking up 100 starts at the position after being claimed off waivers from…
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Dodgers Option Michael Grove, Name Ryan Pepiot Fifth Starter
The Dodgers optioned Michael Grove to Triple-A Oklahoma City, according to the transactions log at MLB.com. That brings to an end the battle for the fifth starter’s role, which had been down to Grove and Ryan Pepiot. Los Angeles also optioned lefty reliever Victor Gonzalez. Manager Dave Roberts indicated the Dodgers felt Pepiot outperformed Grove this spring (relayed…
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Rays Grant Charlie Culberson His Release
The Rays announced Friday that they’ve granted infielder/outfielder Charlie Culberson his release. He’s now a free agent. Culberson had an out clause in his contract this weekend and had likely been informed he would not make the club. It’s been a tough spring for the veteran utilityman, as Culberson has gone just 4-for-24 without an…
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Keston Hiura Will Not Make Brewers’ Roster
The Brewers have informed infielder Keston Hiura he will not be on the active roster, general manager Matt Arnold told reporters (including Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel). Since he’s out of minor league option years, Milwaukee will have to trade him or place him on waivers in the next few days. Arnold also indicated that…
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Cardinals, Miles Mikolas Agree To Two-Year Extension
11:29am: It’s a two-year, $40MM extension for Mikolas, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reports (Twitter links). That’ll be paid out in the form of a $5MM signing bonus, a $3MM bump to Mikolas’ upcoming 2023 salary, and then a pair of $16MM salaries in 2024-25. 11:25am: The Cardinals have agreed to an extension with right-hander Miles Mikolas,…
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Pirates Have Continued Interest In Extending Bryan Reynolds
The Pirates are making a renewed effort to work out a long-term deal with Bryan Reynolds, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post (Twitter link). According to Heyman, the club would prefer to have an agreement in place by Opening Day, though it’s unclear how likely that is. Reynolds addressed the situation briefly this afternoon,…
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Royals’ Daniel Lynch Likely To Start Season On Injured List With Shoulder Strain
Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch has a strain in his throwing shoulder and will be shut down for 7-10 days, tweets Anne Rogers of MLB.com. With Opening Day less than a week out, it’s highly likely he’ll begin the year on the 15-day injured list. Lynch suffered the injury in yesterday’s Spring Training outing against San Diego.…
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D-backs To Release Jeurys Familia
The Diamondbacks are set to release veteran reliever Jeurys Familia, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic (Twitter link). Familia is one of a few dozen veterans with an opt-out in his contract tomorrow but had been informed by the club that he would not make the Opening Day roster. They’ll cut him loose a…
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Mariners Release Leonys Martin
The Mariners announced last night that outfielder Leonys Martin, who’d been in camp on a minor league deal, has been released. He’s once again a free agent. Martin, 35, hasn’t played in the Majors since 2019, spending the past three and a half seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. He…
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Kevin Plawecki Will Not Make Pirates’ Roster
Veteran catcher Kevin Plawecki, who’s been in camp with the Pirates this spring as a non-roster invitee, has been informed he won’t make the club, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic tweets. The catcher’s locker has been emptied out, and John Perrotto of Pittsburgh Baseball Now writes that Plawecki will exercise the opt-out clause in his…
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Reds Release Chad Pinder
The Reds announced Friday that they’ve released veteran infielder/outfielder Chad Pinder, who’d been in camp on a minor league deal. Cincinnati also reassigned righty Chase Anderson and infielder/outfielder Matt Reynolds to minor league camp. Left-hander Brandon Williamson has been optioned to Triple-A Louisville. Pinder had an opt-out in his minor league contract tomorrow. That’s also…
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Red Sox Notes: Crawford, Mills, Wong, Tapia
Right-hander Kutter Crawford will begin the season in the Red Sox’s rotation, manager Alex Cora confirmed (link via Alex Speier of the Boston Globe). He’s expected to take the ball for the fourth game of the season, the opener of a series against the Pirates. It’s not likely to be a long-term stint. Crawford steps in…
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Rangers Notes: Dunning, Ragans, Smith, Foscue
The Rangers could carry righty Dane Dunning and left-hander Cole Ragans in the big league bullpen to open the season, writes Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. Both pitchers were squeezed out of the initial rotation mix by Texas’ busy offseason. Jacob deGrom, Andrew Heaney and Nathan Eovaldi were all brought in to join Martín Perez and Jon Gray in the…
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The Opener: Opt-Outs, Phillies, Lynch
Headed into the final weekend before Opening Day, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today: 1. Article XX(B) veterans on minor league deals have opt-out opportunity tomorrow: Tomorrow is the first date that Article XX(B) free agents (i.e. six-plus years of MLB service, finished…
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Esteury Ruiz Will Make Athletics’ Opening Day Roster
Fleet-footed outfielder Esteury Ruiz has been informed that he’ll be on the Athletics’ Opening Day roster, manager Mark Kotsay announced to the team’s beat on Friday (Twitter link via Matt Kawahara of the San Francisco Chronicle). It hasn’t yet been decided whether that’ll be as the team’s primary center fielder, however. Kotsay indicated the team…
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Braves Option Michael Soroka
The Braves announced Thursday afternoon that right-hander Michael Soroka has been optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. That was generally expected considering a hamstring injury knocked him out of the race for the fifth starter’s role out of camp. An All-Star and Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2019, Soroka is looking to return to a big league…
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Cardinals Notes: Montgomery, Barrera, Knizner, Bullpen, Motter
Cardinals left-hander Jordan Montgomery, a free agent after the season, is open to an extension that’d keep him in St. Louis but suggests to John Denton of MLB.com that he prefers not to negotiate once the regular season has commenced (Twitter thread). It’s a common stance for players to take during spring training, which is…
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Jed Lowrie Announces Retirement
Former All-Star second baseman Jed Lowrie tells Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that he’s retiring after 15-year Major League career and a professional career that spanned parts of 18 seasons. Lowrie tells Slusser that he’s “gotten to the point where I listen to my body and when I think about playing another 162,…
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Reds’ Luke Weaver, Lucas Sims Expected To Open Season On Injured List
The Reds are likely to be without two important pitchers early in the season. Manager David Bell informed the media yesterday that fourth starter Luke Weaver and presumptive high-leverage reliever Lucas Sims are each likely to open the year on the 15-day injured list (via Mark Sheldon of MLB.com). Weaver experienced some forearm discomfort last week. The…
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Braves To Place Raisel Iglesias On Injured List
Braves closer Raisel Iglesias will open the season on the injured list due to what the team announced as “low-grade” inflammation in his right shoulder (Twitter link via Mark Bowman of MLB.com). He won’t throw for at least the next seven days, and he’ll be reevaluated at that point. Acquired in a last-minute deadline deal…
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Cubs Trade Esteban Quiroz To Phillies
The Phillies acquired infielder Esteban Quiroz from the Cubs in exchange for cash, according to announcements from both teams. Philadelphia has assigned Quiroz to minor league camp. Quiroz, 31, made his big league debut with Chicago last season and hit .275/.370/.275 in 47 trips to the plate. He’s a career .259/.385/.495 hitter in 776 plate…
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The Opener: WBC, Extensions, MLBTR Chats
With just one week remaining until Opening Day, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today: 1. WBC players return to camp With the World Baseball Classic now in the rearview mirror, many of its late-round participants are set to return to camp today to…
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Rhys Hoskins Diagnosed With Torn ACL, Will Undergo Surgery
The Phillies have lost Rhys Hoskins for almost certainly the entire season. Philadelphia announced Thursday evening the veteran first baseman tore the ACL in his left knee. He’ll undergo surgery at an unspecified date. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will meet with the media to discuss the situation tomorrow morning. Hoskins was injured during this…
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Astros’ Options To Cover Second Base In Altuve’s Absence
The Astros announced this afternoon star second baseman Jose Altuve underwent successful surgery to repair the right thumb fracture he suffered in the World Baseball Classic. He won’t begin baseball activities for two months and will obviously need some time to work back into game shape from that point forward. Given that timetable, it’s hard to…
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Adam Wainwright To Open Season On Injured List
Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright will open the season on the injured list due to a groin strain, manager Oli Marmol announced to the team’s beat this morning (Twitter link via Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch). Wainwright was healthy enough to toss four innings of one-run ball for Team USA in its semi-final victory…
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Read The Transcript Of Our Chat Hosted By MLB Catcher Ryan Lavarnway
Ryan Lavarnway played parts of 10 MLB seasons as a depth catcher. One day after announcing his retirement, he chatted live with MLBTR readers. Click here to read a transcript of the chat. Ryan Lavarnway entered the professional ranks in 2008. A sixth-round draftee by the Red Sox out of Yale, he was in the majors within three…
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Latest On A’s Rotation
The A’s entered camp with a host of pitchers competing for what appeared to be two rotation spots. Another opened during Spring Training, as righty Paul Blackburn tore a fingernail and will start the year on the injured list. That left Drew Rucinski and Shintaro Fujinami as the apparent top two. For different reasons, there are questions about…
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Offseason In Review: Miami Marlins
After two seasons of lackluster hitting, the Marlins made several moves in the hopes of finally turning around their offense. The question now becomes if those offensive additions will provide enough help, and whether or not the club’s pitching and defense might take a step backwards. Major League Signings Jean Segura, IF: Two years, $17MM…
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Tigers Sign Jose Alvarez To Minor League Deal
The Tigers have signed left-hander Jose Alvarez to a minor league contract, per the transactions log at MiLB.com. He won’t pitch this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, though Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press writes that the club will help Alvarez oversee his recovery and rehabilitation with an eye toward the 2024 campaign.…
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Rhys Hoskins Carted Off Field Following Knee Injury
12:55pm: The Phillies confirmed that Hoskins has suffered a left knee injury. They’ll provide further updates after Hoskins undergoes testing. 12:35pm: Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins was carted off the field just minutes ago following what looked to be a significant, non-contact knee injury during today’s Grapefruit League game against the Tigers (video link via…
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James Outman, Jason Heyward Will Make Dodgers’ Opening Day Roster
Outfielders James Outman and Jason Heyward will both make the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster, manager Dave Roberts announced to the team’s beat this morning (Twitter link via Juan Toribio of MLB.com). The Dodgers will need to make a 40-man roster move to add Heyward, although that can be accomplished simply by transferring shortstop Gavin Lux…
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Ryan Lavarnway Announces Retirement
Ryan Lavarnway will be chatting with MLBTR readers tomorrow at 10am Central. Click here to ask questions in advance or join in the chat when it’s in progress! Veteran catcher Ryan Lavarnway, who spent parts of 10 seasons in the Majors and 15 seasons in pro ball overall, announced his retirement on Wednesday in a…
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MLB Makes Minor Tweaks To 2023 Rule Changes
It was reported earlier this week that MLB was considering modifications to the various rule changes that are being implemented this year. A pitch clock, limits on defensive shifts, pickoff attempts and bigger bases will all be part of the 2023 season and have been in use during spring games. The Competition Committee consists of…
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Jorge Polanco, Alex Kirilloff To Start Season On Injured List
The Twins will open the season with second baseman Jorge Polanco and corner outfielder/first baseman Alex Kirilloff on the 10-day injured list, tweets Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press. Recent reports had suggested that was under consideration for both players, neither of whom has gotten into a Spring Training game. Both players finished the 2022 campaign…
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Offseason In Review: Chicago Cubs
Along with this post, Tim Dierkes is holding a live Cubs-centric chat on Thursday at 9am central time. Use this link to ask a question in advance, participate in the live event, and read the transcript afterward. The Cubs made a pair of significant signings, but still avoided the market’s flashiest free agents. Major League…
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Mets Option Francisco Alvarez
The Mets announced Wednesday that they’ve optioned top catching prospect Francisco Alvarez to Triple-A Syracuse. The move has been widely expected, given the presence of both Omar Narvaez and Tomas Nido on the roster. Alvarez, who made his MLB debut last year at just 20 years of age, underwent ankle surgery last October. While he…
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Offseason In Review Chat Transcript: Atlanta Braves
MLBTR is conducting team-specific chats in conjunction with each organization's Offseason In Review posts. Click here to view the transcript of today’s chat with Anthony Franco about the Braves’ offseason.
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Offseason Review Chat: Los Angeles Dodgers
In association with our Dodgers-related Offseason In Review post, we’re holding a live chat at 1:45pm CT today for MLBTR’s audience to give their opinions about the Dodgers’ winter. Click here to submit questions in advance, and then join us back here at 1:45pm CT when the chat gets underway!
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Ranger Suarez Still Dealing With Elbow Inflammation, Could Open Season On Injured List
Phillies starter Ranger Suarez has been slowed the past couple weeks after experiencing some forearm tightness early in the spring. The Phils haven’t broadcast any long-term concern but the issue seems to be trending towards a season-opening injured list stint. Manager Rob Thomson told reporters today the southpaw continues to be bothered by inflammation in his…
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Brewers Notes: Burnes, Voit, Hiura, Bullpen
Brewers ace Corbin Burnes was one of several recent players to speak publicly about the arbitration process, voicing some disappointment last month in some aspects of the team’s approach to the trial. Burnes has now enlisted the Boras Corporation as his new representation moving forward, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports (via Twitter).…
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The Opener: WBC, Rule Changes, MLBTR Chats
With just eight days remaining until Opening Day, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today: 1. Storybook ending to the WBC Last night’s World Baseball Classic final proved to be an instant classic as Team Japan beat Team USA 3-2. Japan, undefeated during the…
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Royals Option Nick Pratto, Maikel Garcia
The Royals announced Wednesday that they’ve optioned first baseman Nick Pratto, infielder Maikel Garcia and catcher Freddy Fermin to Triple-A Omaha. Pratto, 24, will return for a third stint at a Triple-A level where he’s previously turned in a .241/.368/.528 batting line while hitting 38 home runs in 644 plate appearances. He had a strong…
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Offseason In Review: Atlanta Braves
MLBTR is conducting team-specific chats in conjunction with the Offseason In Review series. Anthony Franco will hold a chat about the Braves on March 22 at 10:00 am CST. Click here to leave a question in advance. The Braves were the offseason’s least active free agent spender. With payroll mounting, they allowed a star hitter…
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MLBTR Poll: Who Will Win The AL East?
The AL East was perhaps the strongest division in baseball last season, with three teams that made the postseason, four that finished above .500, and a fifth place team that would have finished third in most other divisions. Given that divisional strength last season, it’s no surprise that Fangraphs’ Playoff Odds give every team in…
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Veterans With Upcoming Opt-Outs On Minor League Deals
Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement just over a year ago, and one of the provisions in that CBA is uniform opt-out opportunities for Article XX(B) free agents on minor league deals. An Article XX(B) free agent is one with at least six years of service…
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Orioles Notes: Rodriguez, Means, Santander
Orioles fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez, who’s squarely in the mix for a spot in the team’s Opening Day rotation. That shouldn’t be considered a foregone conclusion, however, Jacob Calvin Meyer of the Baltimore Sun writes. The O’s are planning to manage Rodriguez’s innings count this season anyhow,…
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Offseason In Review: Los Angeles Dodgers
While other NL powers loaded up during the offseason, the Dodgers had a comparatively quiet winter that focused more on shorter-term contracts. Major League Signings Clayton Kershaw, SP: One year, $20MM Noah Syndergaard, SP: One year, $13MM J.D. Martinez, OF/DH: One year, $10MM David Peralta, OF: One year, $6.5MM Shelby Miller, RP: One year, $1.5MM…
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NL Notes: Harper, Hudson, Liberatore, Stephenson
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told members of the media, including Matt Gelb of The Athletic, that the club doesn’t plan to put Bryce Harper on the 60-day injured list for now. Harper is recovering from Tommy John surgery and isn’t expected back until July, but it seems the club will leave the…
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NL West Notes: Hudson, Nelson, Slater
Dodgers reliever Daniel Hudson will begin the year on the injured list, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The right-hander hasn’t pitched since June of last year, when a torn ACL ended his 2022 season early. It was reported a few weeks ago that he had also developed some ankle tendinitis over the winter. It…
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Blue Jays Notes: Ryu, Barger, Lopez, Lukes
Left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu, now nine months out from last summer’s Tommy John surgery, is throwing from 90 to 120 feet and still aiming for a mid-July return to the Blue Jays’ pitching staff, writes Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. He’s throwing off flat ground for now but could progress to mound work by mid-April. The…
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Guardians Notes: Freeman, Arias, Extensions, Mikolajchak
The Guardians announced Tuesday that they’ve optioned infield prospect Tyler Freeman to Triple-A Columbus. The former No. 71 overall pick and top-100 prospect made his big league debut last season but hit just .247/.314/.286 through his first 86 trips to the plate. That came on the heels of solid but still diminished production in his…
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MLBTR Live Chat
Click here to join Tuesday’s chat with MLBTR’s Steve Adams.
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Paul DeJong Likely To Open Season On Injured List
Cardinals shortstop Paul DeJong has been dealing with some back tightness of late and suffered a setback yesterday. He told Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he was planning to serve as the club’s designated hitter today but now doubts he’ll get into a game before camp breaks. He said he can’t flex…
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Padres Notes: Soto, Nola, Pomeranz
Padres manager Bob Melvin spoke today with reporters, including Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, regarding the status of superstar outfielder Juan Soto, who was pulled from a minor league spring training game on Sunday thanks to a mild left oblique strain. Melvin noted that Soto is set to undergo an MRI, but reaffirmed…
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Offseason In Review Chat: San Diego Padres
MLBTR will be hosting team-specific chats in conjunction with each entry of our Offseason In Review series. Yesterday, we released the Padres’ entry in the series. Click here to read the transcript of the Padres-centric chat.
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Big Hype Prospects: Walker, Volpe, Baty, Grissom, Brown
This week on Big Hype Prospects, we'll take a closer look at high-profile youngsters pushing for an Opening Day assignment. Five BHPs In The News Jordan Walker, 20, OF, STL (AA) 536 PA, 19 HR, 22 SB, .306/.388/.510 This column has nothing new to say about Walker. He is in the midst of a bid…
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Carson Kelly Diagnosed With Fractured Forearm
Diamondbacks catcher Carson Kelly has a right fractured forearm, manager Torey Lovullo tells Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. The backstop had left yesterday’s game after being hit by a pitch. Lovullo did not provide an estimated timeline for Kelly’s recovery, but he will be facing a significant absence. Kelly, 28, came over from the…
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Adrian Houser Expected To Begin Season In Brewers’ Bullpen
Despite some offseason speculation about the Brewers potentially trading from their rotation depth, Milwaukee added to the starting staff this winter. Veteran southpaw Wade Miley returned on a one-year free agent deal, joining Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Eric Lauer and Adrian Houser in the starting mix. Milwaukee subsequently lost Aaron Ashby and depth starter Jason Alexander to injuries to open the…
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Matt Foster Diagnosed With Forearm Strain
The White Sox informed reporters, including James Fegan of The Athletic, that right-hander Matt Foster has a forearm strain in his throwing arm. They didn’t provide an estimated timeline for him today but said they hope to have one by the end of camp. Foster, 28, was selected by the club in the 20th round…
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Competition Committee Evaluating Potential Alterations To 2023 Rule Changes
Major League Baseball has introduced a number of rule changes for the 2023 campaign. The pitch clock, limitations on infield shifting, and enlarged bases were all announced last September, with the changes going into effect this spring. With Opening Day now ten days out, Evan Drellich of the Athletic reports the Competition Committee met this…
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Latest On D-Backs’ Rotation
The Diamondbacks entered Spring Training with four rotation spots in place. Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly are the top two on the staff. Madison Bumgarner will get another crack in the middle, while Arizona brought back Zach Davies on a one-year free agent deal to take a back-end spot. Who would secure the fifth spot was one of the…
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Astros Notes: Brantley, Yordan, Gage, Bullpen
Astros left fielder/designated hitter Michael Brantley will likely begin the season on the injured list, manager Dusty Baker confirmed to reporters this morning (Twitter links via Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle). Baker also announced that fellow left fielder/DH Yordan Alvarez will make his spring debut on Thursday after missing all of the team’s Grapefruit…
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The Opener: WBC, Profar, MLBTR Chats
With just nine days remaining until Opening Day, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on around the baseball world throughout the day today: 1. WBC Update The World Baseball Classic final is today. After a 6-5 walk off win in the bottom of the ninth against Team Mexico, the undefeated Team Japan…
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Braves Option Vaughn Grissom, Braden Shewmake
The Braves will option infielders Vaughn Grissom and Braden Shewmake to Triple-A, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Both had been in line for the Opening Day shortstop job in Atlanta, but it seems that will now go to Orlando Arcia. David O’Brien of The Athletic relays that Arcia will get the starting gig with Ehire…
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Rangers Plan To Use Robbie Grossman As Primary Left Fielder
When the Rangers signed veteran switch-hitter Robbie Grossman early in spring training, it looked like a sensible enough fit. Grossman has a lengthy track record of hitting left-handed pitching well, and the Rangers had multiple lefty-swinging options who could form a platoon with Grossman (e.g. Josh Smith, Brad Miller). However, manager Bruce Bochy said yesterday…
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Phillies Acquire Jordan Qsar From Rays
The Phillies have acquired outfielder Jordan Qsar from the Rays, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The Phillies are sending cash considerations the other way, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Qsar, 27, will jump to just the second organization of his career, as he’s spent it all with the Rays until now. That club…
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Phillies Release Mark Appel
The Phillies announced today that right-hander Mark Appel has been released. He had been in camp on a minor league deal. They also reassigned left-hander Ben Bowden, right-hander Louis Head and catcher Max McDowell to minor league camp. Appel, 31, had been having a rough showing this spring. In six appearances, he allowed six walks…
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