News for All Players - 2014 Ezra Stiles Rotisserie Association

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Thu Mar 2819:47Randal Grichuk Begins Season On Injured ListRandal GrichukRFCardinalsSith Lords
The Arizona Diamondbacks officially placed outfielder Randal Grichuk (ankle) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to March 25) on Thursday. Grichuk is recovering from right-ankle surgery to remove bone spurs in January, but he is with Triple-A Reno and will play center field for the first time in his recovery process at some point this weekend. It sounds like he won't need much time before being ready to go. The 32-year-old didn't take part at all in any spring training games but will get some work in the minors before eventually being activated from the IL and brought to Arizona as outfield depth. Grichuk is first eligible to come off the IL on April 5. Because the veteran outfielder won't see much playing time, he's only a bench asset in NL-only fantasy leagues.
Source: Arizona DiamondbacksRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:29Brusdar Graterol, Blake Treinen "A Ways Away" From ReturningBlake TreinenRP/SPNationalsFree Agent
Brusdar GraterolFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that relief pitchers Brusdar Graterol (shoulder) and Blake Treinen (lung) are "a ways away" from returning from the injured list. Both players are playing catch but have yet to start throwing bullpen sessions. Graterol is dealing with right-shoulder inflammation, while Treinen suffered a bruised lung when he was hit by a comebacker in the chest in spring training in early March. Both relievers are unlikely to be available for the Dodgers' bullpen until probably late April. Until they are able to return, Joe Kelly and Ryan Brasier will be counted on more in late-inning setup roles ahead of closer Evan Phillips.
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Jack HarrisRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:22Clayton Kershaw "Ahead Of Things" Timetable-WiseClayton KershawSPDodgersTeam Mike
Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) said he is feeling good about his recovery and is out to 120 feet in long toss. Manager Dave Roberts thinks that Kershaw is also "ahead of things" timetable-wise. His next step will be throwing bullpen sessions, but it's to be determined when that will take place. The 36-year-old future Hall of Famer had left-shoulder surgery in the offseason and is starting the year on the 60-day injured list. As he nears the end of his illustrious career with the Dodgers, injuries are beginning to take their toll on Kershaw. However, the three-time Cy Young winner was effective in his 24 starts in 2023, posting a 2.46 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 40 walks and 137 strikeouts. Kershaw isn't going to be ready until sometime this summer, but if he's right, he can still be valuable in fantasy.
Source: The Los Angeles Times - Jack HarrisRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2812:27Yankees Put Gerrit Cole On 60-Day Injured ListGerrit ColeSPPiratesBallbusters
The New York Yankees officially placed right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) on the 60-day injured list on Thursday with right-elbow inflammation. Cole has avoided structural damage in his right elbow, but he's still expected to miss at least one to two months. It remains to be seen if last year's American League Cy Young winner will be able to start a throwing program in a couple of weeks as he slowly begins to build his arm back up. The 33-year-old needs to be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues because he's one of the very best arms in all of baseball when he's healthy, but there's really no telling how much he'll pitch in 2024 or how effective he'll be if he does. And of course the Yankees aren't going to rush their ace back too soon.
Source: Yankees PR DepartmentRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2812:10Anthony DeSclafani Goes On 60-Day Injured ListAnthony DeSclafaniRP/SPMarlinsFree Agent
The Minnesota Twins placed right-handers Anthony DeSclafani (elbow) and Josh Winder (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list on Thursday. The Twins also put right-handers Jhoan Duran (oblique), Josh Staumont (calf), Justin Topa (knee) and Zack Weiss (shoulder) and left-hander Caleb Thielbar (hamstring) on the 15-day IL to open the year. DeSclafani is dealing with a right-elbow strain and won't be an option for the back end of Minnesota's starting rotation for at least the first two months of the 2024 season. The 33-year-old was acquired in an offseason trade from the Seattle Mariners in January. He went 4-8 with a 4.88 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 20 walks and 79 strikeouts in 99 2/3 innings for the San Francisco Giants in 2023. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can leave him to the waiver wire.
Source: Minnesota TwinsRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2812:05Anthony Rendon Hitting Leadoff On Opening DayAnthony Rendon2B/3BNationalsTeam Lorin
Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon is hitting leadoff for the Angels on Opening Day on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Corbin Burnes. Manager Ron Washington experimented with using Rendon in the top spot in the batting order in spring training, and now he'll be there for the first game that counts in 2024. The 33-year-old gets the nod to start for the Halos for lack of better options, really. Rendon doesn't have much speed but does possess good plate discipline with an 11 percent career walk rate, so the Angels will be hoping he can set the table for Mike Trout and company. Rendon could boost his counting stats if he sticks at leadoff all year, but he should really only be concerned about staying healthy, as he has played in a total of 148 games in the last three years.
Source: Los Angeles AngelsRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2714:35Will Smith Inks 10-Year Extension With DodgersWill SmithFree Agent
Will SmithRPBrewersSchellackers
The Los Angeles Dodgers and catcher Will Smith are finalizing a 10-year, $140 million contract extension. The 28-year-old has been one of the most productive offensive catchers since entering the big leagues in the 2019 season, putting together a career .263 average with 91 home runs and an .842 OPS across 486 games played. Most recently, he hit .261 with 19 home runs, 80 runs, 76 RBI, and a .797 OPS across 554 trips to the plate in the 2023 season. ATC projects Smith to club 21 home runs along with 74 RBI and an .823 OPS in 124 games in the 2024 season as he is every bit worthy of his 80.46 ADP as the fourth catcher off the draft board this spring.
Source: Jeff PassanRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2709:56Freddie Freeman Finishes Spring With Fourth HomerFreddie Freeman1BBravesSchellackers
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman finished Spring Training with a 1-for-4 performance against the Los Angeles Angels. Freeman's lone hit was a solo home run. For the spring, the veteran finishes with four homers, 16 RBI and a .282 average. Although he is another year older, Freeman remains as consistent as they come. One of the safest picks this season, Freeman should once again put-up big power numbers with a healthy batting average. He remains as safe of a pick as there is entering 2024 and should have even more RBI opportunities with Shohei Ohtani joining Mookie Betts as the two batters in front of Freeman this season.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2700:36Pablo Sandoval States He Is Not RetiringPablo Sandoval3BGiantsSith Lords
San Francisco Giants corner infielder Pablo Sandoval said after Tuesday's 3-1 exhibition loss to the Athletics that he is not retiring and will report to Triple-A Sacramento if he gets the chance, per the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. The 37-year-old veteran went 1-for-2 with a single and a strikeout, with his broken-bat hit coming in his final at-bat in the ninth inning. Sandoval batted .250 with no home runs in 28 spring at-bats and hasn't played in a big-league organization since 2021. However, he had a storied career during his time with the Giants, earning three World Series Championships, two All-Star appearances, and one World Series Most Value Player Award. Regardless of the outcome, the Panda made a lasting mark in the Giants' organization.
Source: Susan Slusser - Twitter.comRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 2611:30J.T. Realmuto Hits Second Home Run Of SpringJ.T. RealmutoCMarlinsFree Agent
Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto hit his second home of the spring on Monday in a 6-3 Grapefruit League loss to the Rays. It was a long time coming, as his first homer came in his first spring game back in February. The 33-year-old is now 10-for-40 (.250) in the spring, with a double, two home runs, four RBI, six runs scored, and a stolen base. He's getting his hacks in this spring, as the 3x All-Star hasn't drawn a single walk, while he's struck out 11 times. Managers who drafted him as the second backstop off the board are counting on the power and stolen base numbers to be there this season, but with a price tag of 72 overall, it's best to grab a catcher further down the board.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 2610:44Marcell Ozuna Goes Deep Monday, Collects Three RBIMarcell OzunaCFMarlinsSith Lords
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna hit his second home run of the spring on Monday in a 4-0 Grapefruit League win over the Twins. Ozuna had started off the spring hot but his bat had gone cold as of late, going 2-for-17 over his last six games. The 33-year-old is still hitting .306 in the spring, going 15-for-49 with two doubles, two home runs, four RBI (three of which came on Monday's HR), and four runs scored. He's got just two walks compared to 16 strikeouts which is a bit concerning, but as long as he keeps hitting home runs that can be tolerated. The Braves have their Grapefruit finale on Tuesday before opening the season Thursday against the Phillies in Philadelphia.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 2600:47Diamondbacks Select Contract For Tucker BarnhartTucker BarnhartCRedsFree Agent
The Arizona Diamondbacks selected veteran catcher Tucker Barnhart's contract Monday and designated pitcher Peter Strzelecki for assignment in a corresponding move. This means that Barnhart will serve as backup to Gabriel Moreno to start the season. The 33-year-old is a two-time Gold Glove winner and can provide experience and leadership off the bench. However, he has hit just .217 this spring and has never been much of an offensive fantasy option.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2519:49Randal Grichuk A Good Bet To Open On Injured ListRandal GrichukRFCardinalsSith Lords
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo stopped short of saying that outfielder Randal Grichuk (ankle) will open the year on the injured list, but the skipper left little doubt. Lovullo said that Grichuk would be ready to serve as the designated hitter but that "just having a DH and not giving somebody a chance to play on the other side of the ball would not be fair to him or the team." The 32-year-old is recovering from surgery to remove a bone spur from his right ankle in February and is unlikely to be on the Opening Day roster. When Grichuk is healthy, he'll serve as outfield insurance for the Snakes after hitting .267/.321/.459 with 16 home runs and 44 RBI in 118 games with the Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Angels in 2023. Grichuk hasn't hit 20 homers since 2021 and lost most of his fantasy appeal when he left Colorado last year.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Theo MackieRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2519:44Michael Wacha Not Expected To Miss Any TimeMichael WachaSPCardinalsTeam Jim
Kansas City Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (finger) is fine and isn't expected to miss any time to open the 2024 regular season. Manager Matt Quatraro said Wacha woke up Monday morning and even "forgot about it." Wacha is the club's No. 4 starter in his first year in KC, joining Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Brady Singer and Alec Marsh. The 32-year-old veteran suffered a bruised right middle finger during an intrasquad game on Sunday, but it won't impact his availability for the start of the 2024 campaign. He's expected to make his Royals debut on April 1 in a tough matchup against the defending American League East-champion Baltimore Orioles. Fantasy managers should expect regression from Wacha after two straight fortunate seasons in 2022 and 2023.
Source: MLB.com - Jackson StoneRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2518:39Joey Votto Likely To Stay In Extended Spring TrainingJoey Votto1BRedsSith Lords
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Joey Votto (ankle) is feeling better but has still yet to resume full baseball activities in camp. He will likely stay in extended spring training when the Blue Jays open the 2024 season later this week against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 40-year-old rolled his right ankle recently in a Grapefruit League game and will not be ready for the start of the regular season, although the injury isn't considered serious. It gives Votto a chance to stay in spring training to work on his swing after signing with the club late in spring training. Once he's healthy, he'll most likely head to Triple-A Buffalo while hoping to eventually join the Blue Jays in the big leagues as a veteran bat off the bench at both first base and designated hitter.
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Arden ZwellingRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2518:02Wade Miley To Throw Simulated Game WednesdayWade MileySPDiamondbacksTeam Erik
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Wade Miley (groin, shoulder) will throw a simulated game on Wednesday in New York with three up-downs. If all goes well with that session, he will most likely move his rehab to Triple-A Nashville for a couple of minor-league rehab starts. Groin and shoulder injuries have limited the 37-year-old veteran southpaw during spring training, which will force him to open the year on the injured list. Miley might not be sidelined for long if he looks good in his minor-league rehab starts, but fantasy managers in mixed leagues should be looking for better upside arms for rotation depth. He has found a way to induce soft contact in his career, but with a career 7.0 K/9 mark in 13 big-league seasons, he's just not going to miss enough bats.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt HoggRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2512:51DJ LeMahieu Starting The Year On Injured ListDJ LeMahieu2BRockiesTeam Erik
New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu (foot) will start the 2024 season on the injured list, according to general manager Brian Cashman. "(It's been) a slow go on the recovery side" due to bone bruise, right foot," Cashman said. LeMahieu is dealing with inflammation and a deep bone bruise in his right foot and will have another MRI exam later this week to give the club an idea of how much progress he's made. The 35-year-old veteran might not have to miss much time, but there's also a chance his 2024 debut won't come until later in April. LeMahieu suffered the injury while fouling a ball off his foot in a spring game last week. With LeMahieu on the shelf to begin the season, Oswaldo Cabrera should operate as the Yankees' primary third baseman.
Source: The Bergen Record - Pete CalderaRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2512:08Anthony Rizzo Back In Action MondayAnthony Rizzo1BCubsSole City Sox
New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (lat) is back in the team's Grapefruit League lineup on Monday against the New York Mets, serving as the designated hitter and batting cleanup. Lat tightness caused the Yankees to scratch Rizzo as a precaution from Friday's spring training game, but he's back in there on Monday after taking the weekend off. Barring a setback, the 34-year-old left-handed-hitting veteran should be New York's starting first baseman on Opening Day on Thursday, March 28, on the road versus the Houston Astros. Fantasy managers that took Rizzo as a corner infielder in mixed leagues are hoping he can stay healthy in 2024 and carry his strong spring results into the regular season. Rizzo currently has a 1.189 OPS and two home runs in the Grapefruit League.
Source: Yes Network - Meredith MarakovitsRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2512:05Yasmani Grandal To Open The Year On The Injured ListYasmani Grandal1B/CPadresSole City Sox
Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Yasmani Grandal (foot) and outfielder Ji Hwan Bae (hip) will open the 2024 regular season on the 10-day injured list. Grandal is dealing with plantar fasciitis and has yet to resume running in spring training, so he won't be ready for Opening Day. The good news is that the 35-year-old veteran backstop hasn't been completely shut down from baseball activities, so he could be ready to make his 2024 debut when he's eligible to return next month. With Grandal sidelined, it opens the door for Henry Davis to see full-time duties as Pittsburgh's starting catcher to begin the year. When Grandal is healthy, the Bucs plan to rotate the two behind the dish in 2024. While Grandal still has some pop from the left side, he's not much of an option in single-catcher fantasy leagues.
Source: MLB.com - Alex StumpfRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 2417:15DJ LeMahieu A Longshot For Opening DayDJ LeMahieu2BRockiesTeam Erik
New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu (foot) is reportedly a longshot to be ready in time for Opening Day, according to manager Aaron Boone. It sounds like the veteran infielder has not progressed as quickly as the organization hoped. The 35-year-old continues to deal with a bone bruise in his right foot that could linger into Opening Day. The good news is that LeMahieu has been able to participate in baseball activities. Although, LeMahieu isn't quite ready for game action, so he could begin the season on the injured list. Oswaldo Cabrera figures to see an expanded role if LeMahieu does miss time.
Source: Bryan HochRotoBaller.com
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