MLB

Jacob Young is also day-to-day with right wrist soreness after being hit by a pitch earlier this week. It doesn’t sound like a serious concern for either at this early stage of spring training but they’re both out of the Nationals lineups for Saturday’s split-squad contests.

Lawlar has made the move to the outfield, likely for good, after displaying persistent defensive issues at third base last year. The arrival of legendary defensive wizard Nolan Arenado earlier this offseason didn’t help matters either. The 23-year-old former top prospect has posted some gaudy offensive numbers in extremely hitter-friendly environments in the upper minors but hasn’t produced at the highest level yet. He’ll need a strong performance this spring if he’s going to have any hope of breaking camp in the majors. He can be ignored in most fantasy leagues for the moment.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker told reporters Freeman will be shut down for at least the next month before resuming baseball activities. The versatile 25-year-old got into 36 games for Texas as a rookie last year and was in line to open the season in a bench role. His absence makes it much easier for someone like Sam Haggerty or Michael Helman to secure a spot on the club’s season-opening roster.

Keaschall has been a full participant this spring without any limitations after undergoing thumb surgery last October that prematurely ended his impressive rookie campaign. The 23-year-old former top prospect offers an appealing fantasy blend of bat-to-ball skills, emerging over-the-fence power, and speed, and he’s in line to open the year as Minnesota’s everyday option at the keystone. He’ll be a popular mid-round pick in all fantasy drafts this spring.

Newly minted Orioles skipper Craig Albernaz told reporters Ward is a candidate to lead off this season, particularly against left-handed pitchers. The 32-year-old offseason acquisition’s fantasy value would increase with a permanent move to the top of the order, especially since he would be getting on-base ahead of superstars Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso. It’s an intriguing development that fantasy managers should continue monitoring as Grapefruit League action gets underway.

Ohtani will get a couple games in with the Dodgers this spring before joining Team Japan to serve as their primary DH for next month’s World Baseball Classic. The 31-year-old two-way superstar will not pitch during the international showcase and is unlikely to make any spring appearances on the mound for the Dodgers before making his first regular-season start.

It’s another positive step for Schlittler as he ramps up his throwing program after missing time earlier in camp with back inflammation. The Yankees are justifiably proceeding with an abundance of caution as the 25-year-old kicks things into high gear, but he hasn’t experienced any setbacks. He should progress to facing hitters at some point in the near future. He’s one of the most intriguing young pitchers in the game with his fantasy arrow pointing skyward on the heels of last year’s impressive debut.

McClanahan is the ultimate wild card in this year’s starting pitcher pool, having not thrown a pitch in a major-league game since 2023. The 28-year-old former fantasy ace appeared close to completing his return from Tommy John surgery last spring before a triceps injury derailed that timeline and ultimately led to season-ending forearm surgery in August. All eyes will be on McClanahan this spring to evaluate how his velocity and command respond after the extended layoff. The bigger question isn’t what he looks like in March — it’s whether his body will cooperate over the long haul and withstand the grind of a full-season workload.

Eldridge, who underwent offseason wrist surgery to remove a bone spur, can cement his spot on San Francisco’s season-opening roster, floating between first base and DH, with a strong performance this spring. The 21-year-old power-hitting prospect struggled last year in his first exposure to big-league pitching but he’s still only 21 years old and possesses respectable plate skills for a masher with his towering frame. Eldridge offers sky-high over-the-fence power potential but there’s enough risk present that his immediate fantasy appeal is strictly limited to deeper mixed leagues as a late-round flyer.

Rosenthal’s report with the exact financial terms comes after Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reported on Friday that the two sides were working on a deal. He adds that the deal includes a mutual option for 2027 and an additional $2 million in playing time incentives. The 31-year-old southpaw-masher provides the Cardinals with a short-term stopgap at the hot corner to pair with lefty slugger Nolan Gorman. His arrival further clarifies that the club envisions top prospect JJ Wetherholt at second base, if he’s going to make the Opening Day roster.