MLB Player News

Ríos fortifies Chicago’s bullpen depth entering spring training after making just a handful of appearances in the Mets’ system last year. The well-traveled 32-year-old veteran last appeared in the majors back in 2023 but he’s made 92 career appearances at the highest level dating back to 2017. He’s merely an emergency depth addition at this stage of his journeyman odyssey.

The 31-year-old infielder had been playing at Triple-A Albuquerque where he was slashing a solid .333/.387/.519 with a homer, eight RBI and a pair of stolen bases in 62 plate appearances. It’s unclear if the Cubs plan to promote him immediately to the big league roster or if he’ll report to Triple-A Iowa.

The Giants sent just 28 men to the plate today. Luis Arraez singled in the fourth and then was erased on a double play. There was also a double play in the second after a Hyeseong Kim error allowed Heliot Ramos to reach. The only runner left on base by the Giants was Arraez after a first-inning walk. It’s just the fourth time ever that Glasnow, who has never thrown a complete game, has finished eight innings; he did so twice in 2021 with the Rays and once with the Dodgers in 2024. He’s now 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA and a 38/7 K/BB through 34 innings, and he’ll face the Marlins next week.

Scott went without a strikeout, but none of the three balls in play against him proved difficult. The outing lowers his ERA to 0.84. The Dodgers aren’t naming a closer with Edwin Díaz out, but Scott seems like the best bet in their pen at the moment.

Webb allowed seven hits, walked two and struck out five, making this essentially an average start for him this season. Without his reputation and his catcher winning him as many strikes on balls off the corner, he’s probably not going to be the in the Cy Young mix this year. Still, he’s a good bet to give the Giants and fantasy teams six or seven solid innings each time he takes the mound. He’ll make his next start in Philly.

Kim hasn’t played enough to amass much fantasy value, but he is 11-for-34 with a homer and four steals and four tries in his limited action. His exit velocity numbers remain thoroughly mediocre, particularly for someone who does plenty of striking out. He might be somewhat useful until Mookie Betts is activated, but it’s going to be difficult for him to stay in the lineup if the Dodgers get healthy.

The Giants had just one hit today, so everyone had a bad game. Devers, though, was the only player to fan three times. His season K rate is up to 31.4 percent, which would be easily a career high. He came in at 26.3 percent last year and 24.5 percent in 2024. At his best, he came in at 18.9 percent between 2022 and ’23. Devers is also walking just half as often as his career rate (4.8 percent vs. 9.5 percent). His bat speed has bounced back a little bit in the last week or two, but there’s little to suggest a massive turnaround is approaching.

Young will start in place of the injured Dean Kremer (quad) on Friday against the Red Sox. The 27-year-old right-hander pitched well in his lone spot start with the O’s this season, firing five scoreless innings with a 2/2 K/BB ratio. It’s possible that this will just be a one-time start, as Cade Povich could ultimately return to cover Kremer’s spot in the rotation.

Kremer must have suffered hte injury during Saturday’s loss to the Guardians. The severity of the injury — and how much time he may miss — are not yet known. Brandon Young was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk and will start in Kremer’s place on Friday against the Red Sox.

Given how it looked on the field, that’s actually about the best news that the Cubs and fantasy managers could hear at the moment. Whether or not he’ll require a trip to the injured list will likely depend on how he responds on Friday. Ben Brown would likely be the next man up in the ninth inning if Thielbar is forced to miss any time.

The 25-year-old outfielder was removed from Thursday’s game due to left quad tightness. It appears to be only a minor issue though. Fantasy managers should check back on Friday to make sure, but it sounds like Harris dodged a bullet here.