MLB Player News

The good news is that the strain is considered “minor.” The bad news is it’s still a strain, and it’s likely that this injury will keep Kranick out of action until after the All-Star break at least.

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.

Crews has unexpectedly become an afterthought for fantasy purposes after missing most of last season with an oblique injury. The 23-year-old was universally-regarded as one of the top prospects in baseball entering last year before struggling to a .208/.280/.352 slash line with 10 homers and 17 steals in just 85 games. He’s far too talented from an all-around ability standpoint to write off entirely and is worthy of a mid-round pick in all fantasy drafts this spring. He’s currently being selected 164th overall, on average, in NFBC drafts since the start of February.

Crawford is the favorite to start in center field for the Phillies on Opening Day. He’ll need a strong performance in Grapefruit League action to lock up the spot but he doesn’t have a ton of competition. The 22-year-old former first-round pick batted .334/.411/.452 with seven homers and 46 steals in 112 games at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this past season. He’ll make a fantasy impact in the stolen base department, but counting on anything beyond that in his first taste of the majors might be too optimistic, especially since he’s likely to bat at the bottom of the order. Here is the full lineup: Crawford (CF), Adolis García (RF), Edmundo Sosa (SS), Otto Kemp (LF), Bryan De La Cruz (DH), Rafael Marchán (C), Dylan Moore (2B), Christian Cairo (3B) and Keaton Anthony (1B).

Marsee hasn’t generated a ton of fantasy hype this offseason despite hitting .292/.363/.478 with five homers and 14 steals in a 55-game big-league debut late last year. The 24-year-old speedster doesn’t strike out a ton and boasts the on-base ability required to occupy the leadoff spot long-term. He’s come off the board right around 150th overall in NFBC drafts since the start of February, which makes him a top-30 range fantasy outfielder with 15-homer, 30-steal upside. Here is the full lineup: Marsee (CF), Agustín Ramírez (C), Christopher Morel (1B), Griffin Conine (RF), Connor Norby (3B), Heriberto Hernández (LF), Javier Sanoja (2B), Maximo Acosta (SS) and Ryan Ignoffo (DH).