MLB Player News

There were reports that the Rangers considered opening the season with three catchers on the active roster but ultimately decided against it. While Huff isn’t known for his defensive prowess, he can still swing it, hitting .298/.399/.548 with 17 homers across 321 plate appearances at Triple-A Round Rock. He’ll provide depth at catcher in the upper levels of the Rangers’ minor league system.

Burnes continues working his way back from last year’s Tommy John surgery and figures to be ready to rejoin Arizona’s rotation at some point in the second half. The 31-year-old former fantasy ace’s next big hurdle is progressing to facing hitters in live batting practice as he ramps up his throwing program.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo reaffirmed that late April is the most realistic target date for Gurriel to make his season debut. The 32-year-old corner outfielder has made a lightning-quick recovery from last year’s surgery to repair a torn ACL in his knee and figures to be ready for minor league rehab games at some point in the near future.

Kelly threw a bullpen session on Tuesday without any issues and will make his first rehab start later this week. The 37-year-old veteran will need a couple tune-up outings to build up his pitch count and stamina, but he figures to be ready to make his season debut sometime around mid-to-late April. He recorded a pristine 3.52 ERA (4.15 xERA), 1.11 WHIP and 167/48 K/BB ratio across 184 innings last year between the Diamondbacks and Rangers and is worth stashing in deeper mixed leagues.

It’s a positive update regarding Suzuki’s potential return timeline after hitting the injured list at the conclusion of spring training with a right knee sprain. The 31-year-old corner outfielder will require at least a handful of rehab contests to get back up to speed prior to making his season debut. It doesn’t sound like he’s too far away and should make it back to Chicago by mid-April.

Kayfus has started just half of Cleveland’s six games to open the season, going hitless in eight at-bats. The 24-year-old former prospect could continue losing playing time to Angel Martínez since it doesn’t look like rookie sensation Chase DeLauter is going anywhere, health permitting.

Estrada will get the first shot at replacing an injured Cody Ponce (knee) in Toronto’s rotation, at least until Trey Yesavage (shoulder) is ready to make his season debut. The 26-year-old was jettisoned to the minors at the end of spring training and projects as more of a long relief option at the highest level. He made two relief appearances for the Blue Jays last season and posted a 5.73 ERA across 97 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level. He’s not a recommended streaming option for fantasy managers.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said that Ponce will miss significant time, but the club remains hopeful he’ll pitch again this season and will await additional medical opinions before determining his next steps. The 31-year-old journeyman left his Blue Jays debut on Monday night with right knee discomfort before an MRI revealed an ACL sprain in his right knee. His prolonged absence puts additional strain on Toronto’s rotation which is already without Trey Yesavage (shoulder), Shane Bieber (elbow) and José Berríos (elbow).

The McGonigle era has gotten off to a phenomenal start with Detroit’s top prospect hitting .357 (5-for-14) with two doubles and four RBI through four games. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the 21-year-old hitting machine’s early-season performance has been his plate discipline, as he’s struck out just three times while also drawing three walks. He’s batting second for the first time on Tuesday night at Chase Field after hitting sixth at the outset of the year.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is going to shake things up by moving Colt Keith to the leadoff spot after Carpenter went 1-for-16 with 10 strikeouts in four games to kick off the season. It’s possible this is just a temporary move to try to find a spark but it would be a significant boost for Keith if he remains atop Detroit’s lineup ahead of Kevin McGonigle, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson.

Freeland makes just his second start of the season with Miguel Rojas getting the night off. The 24-year-old infielder is serving as Los Angeles’ de-facto utility specialist while Tommy Edman (ankle) continues recovering from offseason surgery.