A shortened spring training mostly drew to a close on Tuesday; one more game is to be played on Wednesday afternoon, as the Phillies will take on the Rays for a final dose of Grapefruit League action. Teams across the league are now finalizing last minute pickups, roster moves, as well as plans for lineups and rotations as we head to Opening Week.
MLB Opening Day arrives on April 7. Buckle up; it’s gonna be a heck of a ride.
Bobby Bobby Bobby!
The future for Kansas City has arrived. The number one prospect in Major League Baseball, Bobby Witt Jr., will be on the Royals’ Opening Day roster for his debut at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday. The potential future superstar will serve as the Royals’ everyday third baseman after posting an ethereal .406/.441/.781 triple-slash line, including three homers and two steals as Cactus League action wraps up.
The 21-year-old infielder is projected to be a five-tool fantasy contributor: through his time in the minors, he showcased some agile defense at shortstop, impressive power, and plus-plus speed. Though Witt was initially considered to be the shortstop of the future for the Royals, the third base position was open for him to take, and he went for it. He showcased a plus-arm during a successful spring campaign at the hot corner, and was therefore awarded the position. Witt was the overall No. 2 pick in the 2019 MLB Draft out of high school, and is the son of the 16-year veteran with the same name.
White Sox Pick Up Johnny Cueto
The White Sox struck a late Monday night minor league deal with veteran pitcher Johnny Cueto, who is coming off a six year residency with the San Francisco Giants after they declined his $22 million club option. With starter Lance Lynn going on the shelf until at least May with a torn knee tendon, and hard-throwing reliever Garrett Crochet lost to the season due to Tommy John surgery, Cueto can offer some needed security to the White Sox pitching staff.
An early report stated that Cueto was nearing an agreement with the Minnesota Twins, but looks as if he’ll make his new home slightly south of Minneapolis. The veteran right-hander was signed to a $4.2 million, 1-year minor league contract by Chicago.
Cueto battled some injuries in 2021, including lat and elbow issues; a left elbow strain kept him sidelined for September, then the Giants left him off the NL Division Series roster. Despite some setbacks, Cueto managed to post a 4.08 ERA over 114 2/3 innings last season for San Francisco, making appearances in 22 games (21 starts, and one relief appearance). The 36-year-old made no hesitation to announce the news himself as he posted a photo of himself in a White Sox hat to Twitter, as soon as word of the deal broke loose. He’ll start the 2022 season with Triple-A Charlotte to build up his workload.
Astros extend Ryan Pressly
The 33-year-old closer was given a two-year, $30 million contract extension with a vesting option for 2025 on Tuesday evening. The $14 million 2025 option vests if he appears in 50 games in both 2023 and 2024, making the deal worth up to $42 million. The two-time All-Star closer was set to head into free agency after this season, and the Astros were about to have none of that. Pressly’s new deal is notably the biggest ever for an Astros reliever, and will be the third most among relief pitchers in 2023.
Pressly has been one of the most dominant closers in Major League Baseball, working to an impressive 2.25 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 81/13 K/BB ratio across 64 innings pitched in 64 games for the Astros. He racked up the fourth-most saves in the American League last year, with 26.
American League Quick Hits
David Fletcher (hip) remained absent from the Angels’ lineup for Monday’s Freeway Series matchup against the Dodgers…Franklin Perez (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday. … Orioles general manager Mike Elias said Monday that Adley Rutschman (triceps) is progressing well and expected to resume playing in games in a few weeks. … Alex Kirilloff (knee) was back in the Twins’ lineup for Tuesday’s Grapefruit League finale against the Red Sox. … Jorge Mateo (stomach) is back in the Orioles’ lineup for Tuesday’s Grapefruit League matchup against the Blue Jays. … Austin Meadows (quads) said Tuesday that he’s healthy and ready to start on Opening Day. … Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said Tuesday that Nate Pearson (illness) is going to be out “a while” after being diagnosed with mononucleosis. … Ryan Borucki (hamstring) will throw a simulated game Tuesday. … Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that he’s not sure if Dillon Tate (illness) will be ready for Opening Day. … James Kaprielian (shoulder) threw a 30-pitch live bullpen session Tuesday. … Yoán Moncada has been scratched from the White Sox’ starting lineup for Tuesday’s Cactus League finale against the Padres due to a minor right side issue. … Jorge Mateo was removed from Tuesday’s Grapefruit League contest against the Blue Jays after being hit by a pitch. … Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said Tuesday that Jose Cisnero may have to open the season on the injured list.
National League Quick Hits
Brandon Nimmo (neck) remains absent from the Mets’ starting lineup for Tuesday’s Grapefruit League finale against the Nationals. … Yoshi Tsutsugo (neck) is back in the Pirates’ starting lineup for Tuesday’s spring training finale against the Phillies. … Max Scherzer (hamstring) is likely to start Friday in the Mets’ second regular season game against the Nationals. … Alcides Escobar (neck) is back in the Nationals’ lineup for Tuesday’s Grapefruit League matchup against the Mets. … Brandon Nimmo (neck) recently received a cortisone-type injection. … Manny Piña has been scratched from the Braves’ lineup for Tuesday’s Grapefruit League finale against the Rays with a sore left wrist. … Elieser Hernández was removed from Tuesday’s Grapefruit League start against the Cardinals after being hit by a comebacker. … Will Harris will be out 3-4 weeks after undergoing surgery last Thursday to remove scar tissue. … Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday that Ehire Adrianza (quad) will open the regular season on the 10-day injured list. … Nationals manager Dave Martinez said Tuesday that Carter Kieboom (forearm) won’t resume throwing for at least another week. … Stephen Strasburg (neck) is scheduled to progress to facing live hitters next week. … Giants manager Gabe Kapler said Tuesday that Tommy La Stella (Achilles) is day-to-day after experiencing some soreness in his left Achilles. … Brandon Belt (knee) is starting at first base and batting second on Tuesday in the Giants’ Cactus League finale against the Athletics. … Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Ke’Bryan Hayes (ankle) is expected to be in the Pirates’ Opening Day lineup. … Taijuan Walker said Tuesday that his surgically-repaired right knee was bothering him during his abbreviated final spring start against the Nationals.
