MLB Player News

Cruz will sit out Sunday’s series finale following a precautionary exit from the 11th inning of Saturday’s extra-inning showdown at PNC Park due to lower-back tightness. The 26-year-old spark plug figures to rejoin Pittsburgh’s lineup when they kick off a three-game series on Monday against the Mets at Citi Field. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. It’ll be Alexander Canario taking over in center field with Tommy Pham back in the lineup following a two-game absence due to illness.

Yepez qualifies as an interesting zero-risk depth addition for the Blue Jays to stash at Triple-A Buffalo as emergency depth. The 28-year-old former prospect struggled last year in the minors after failing to make Washington’s season-opening roster. He’s unlikely to get a look with the Blue Jays unless he starts tearing the cover off the ball for an extended stretch. He can be safely ignored in all fantasy formats.

Stevenson got into five games this past season for the Phillies and has hit .178/.276/.238 with zero homers and one steal in 52 major-league contests since 2022. The 29-year-old journeyman will serve as emergency depth for the Tigers at Triple-A Toledo to open the season.

It doesn’t sound like a serious concern. However, at this early junction in camp, the Twins weren’t going to take any risks with their staff ace, even if he experienced even minor discomfort while warming up — especially after losing Pablo López to Tommy John surgery earlier this week. Even minor back discomfort can linger if not managed properly, so this decision appears to be precautionary in nature. It’s unclear whether he’ll undergo further evaluation and testing to determine the severity of the issue. There should be additional updates on his status in the coming days.

Shaw’s path to regular at-bats in Chicago moving forward will be in a versatile super-utility role following the club’s decision to sign third baseman Alex Bregman an keep speedy second baseman Nico Hoerner. The 24-year-old former top prospect was a colossal fantasy disappointment last season but he’s talented enough to thrive in a more limited role and rebuild some of his long-term value.

Stewart’s playing-time storyline feels less like a minor subplot and more like a central theme this spring, as Cincinnati simply may not have everyday at-bats available for him alongside Eugenio Suárez and Spencer Steer. The Reds also have veteran Nathaniel Lowe in camp as another first base option. The 22-year-old power-hitting prospect is expected to focus primarily on first base during camp as he competes for a starting role at the cold corner. His occasional appearances at second base appear to be less about a permanent positional shift and more about expanding his defensive résumé.

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.