MLB Player News

Jon Heyman provided the contract value. Based on the team’s need for a true innings eater, no matter the quality of those innings, Mikolas has always made a ton of sense for the Nationals. Probably the only better bet for innings still in free agency was Patrick Corbin, and that reunion was never likely to take place. The Nationals rotation currently seems most likely to include Cade Cavalli, Brad Lord, Foster Griffin, Mikolas and either Josiah Gray or Jake Irvin.

Lee’s single in the fourth inning was 107.1 mph off of Justin Slaten, so it was nice contact. The 25-year-old figures to start the season as the Twins’ shortstop and should hit for a decent average, but he will need to produce more in other categories to add fantasy value. He stole only three bases last season, and while he did hit 16 home runs, his 5.8 percent barrel rate and 88.6 mph average exit velocity don’t suggest tons of in-game power.

Command has been an issue for Oviedo during his career, so this is nothing new. It’s also nothing to worry much about after one spring training outing. His four-seam fastball averaged 94.3 mph, and his off-speed pitches flashed the plus movement we’ve seen in the past. However, if Oviedo can’t throw strikes with his fastball, then it’s unlikely to amount to much of anything.

The Rockies have said that Doyle’s removal from the lineup was just precautionary, but it’s something to keep an eye on over the next few days.

There’s no word yet on what the injury is, but Rodgers landed awkwardly after trying to make a diving catch and had to be removed from the game. With Romy Gonzalez (shoulder) unlikely to make the Opening Day roster, Rodgers was battling for a bench spot. Any long-term injury could severely hamper those chances.

It’s reportedly simply soreness from “heavy on-field activity to open camp,” but given DeLauter’s long history of injuries, this at least has us taking note. We’ll update when we hear if there is any concern that he could miss more than a day or so.

Kelly had an MRI on his back, and the tests “haven’t revealed any structural issues with his back"; however, he “played catch today and said he is still feeling something in there when he throws.” The fact that Kelly continues to feel pain in his back when he’s throwing is not ideal and makes him a real risk to take in fantasy drafts right now.

Casas told Mass Live’s Chris Cotillo that he will be ready to play on Opening Day “for some affiliate.” Even though Casas is open to the idea that his first at-bats could come in the minor leagues or in extended spring training, he still believes that it could be in MLB games. “I still have a couple benchmarks, like sliding and running bases, that I haven’t tackled yet that I want to feel perfectly comfortable going into a game having done multiple times and recovered from.” However, Casas says he feels really good right now, and it seems likely that we see him in a Red Sox uniform in May, potentially earlier.

The Cubs signed Austin to a one-year contract back in December, and he was one of the favorites to land a bench spot on the Opening Day roster. It’s unclear what happened, but Cubs manager Craig Counsell simply noted that Austin would be out for months. That could open the door for both Michael Conforto and Chas McCormick to make the Cubs, with Matt Shaw perhaps getting some starts at first base against lefties to begin the season. Of course, Cubs 1B prospect Jonathan Long also hit .305/.404/.479 with 20 home runs in 140 Triple-A games last year and hits right-handed.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that an MRI showed “no UCL concerns,” but forearm inflammation is never a great sign. The Cubs are hopeful that Wick’s return timeline is “days down, not weeks,” but it’s unclear right now. The 26-year-old was battling to be the Cubs’ sixth starter with Justin Steele (elbow) out to begin the season.

The concern level is reportedly low, and Crawford dealt with a shoulder injury in spring training last year, but then hit .289/.423/.378 in 29 games in March and April. We’re not overly worried, but we’re also not overly interested for fantasy purposes.