MLB Player News

Alvarez was named the American League’s Player of the Month for September after slashing .293/.441/.620 with eight homers and 20 RBI in 26 contests. He’s in the middle of Houston’s lineup as the Astros kick off their attempt to become the first team to repeat as World Series champions since the Yankees from 1998-200. Here’s the full lineup: Jose Altuve (2B), Alex Bregman (3B), Alvarez (DH), Kyle Tucker (RF), José Abreu (1B), Michael Brantley (LF), Chas McCormick (CF), Jeremy Peña (SS) and Martín Maldonado (C).

García is making steady progress back from last year’s right elbow ulnar nerve and AC joint surgery but will require additional time to build up his arm strength before returning to Toronto’s high-leverage relief mix.

Lee opens the year on the doorstep of the big leagues after being acquired from the Tigers in an offseason trade. Bastardo and Jiménez lose their spots on Toronto’s 40-man roster but are decent bets to pass through waivers unclaimed and remain with the organization.

The most optimistic estimate puts Priester’s potential return sometime around late April or early May. Given the serious nature of the nerve-related issue he’s recovering from, fantasy managers should anticipate Milwaukee taking a cautious approach with his ramp-up process. The 25-year-old’s absence opens the door for Brandon Sproat and Kyle Harrison to get early-season looks in the majors.

Zastryzny’s absence is a hit to Milwaukee’s left-handed relief depth at the outset of the year. The 33-year-old journeyman made 26 appearances for the Brewers last year, finishing with a 2.45 ERA and 20/10 K/BB ratio over 22 innings of work.

Yoho has put up otherworldly numbers in the minor leagues throughout his career, but wound up getting hit really hard in his first taste of the majors last year. The 26-year-old will be an option for Milwaukee in middle relief situations at some point in a few weeks, if not sooner.

Berroa is likely to head to Triple-A Nashville as organizational depth once he wraps up a minor league rehab assignment. The 26-year-old outfielder appeared in two games for the Brewers last year.