News for Free Agent Players - 2013 Straight Arrow Rotisserie League

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Tue Mar 1900:43Hunter Brown Having Strong SpringHunter Brown3BMarinersFree Agent
Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown has put together a strong spring to this point, compiling a 2.84 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and 12 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings pitched. This is a good sign for the Astros and fantasy managers, as the team has expressed that the 25-year-old will need "to take a step forward" given their lack of rotation depth and injuries, per the Athletic's Chandler Rome. Brown showed some positive signs in 2023 but ultimately finished at 11-13 with a 5.09 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, and 26.8% strikeout rate in 31 appearances (29 starts) and 155 2/3 IP. His pedigree and strong team give him some fantasy upside, but fantasy managers may want to wait to see consistency from him before trusting him.
Source: Chandler Rome - The AthleticRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 1900:27Caleb Thielbar To Start Season On Injured ListCaleb ThielbarSPTwinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar (hamstring) will be one of several of the team's pitching staff to start the 2024 season on the injured list, per the Athletic's Aaron Gleeman. Thielbar suffered a strained left hamstring early in camp and, while he progressed to throwing live batting practice last week, it was determined that the 37-year-old won't be ready in time to start the season. Thielbar had a successful 2023 season, earning 14 holds with a 3.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 30.0% strikeout rate in 30 2/3 innings pitched. Fantasy managers in saves-plus-holds leagues should look for additional information on a timetable for his return.
Source: Aaron Gleeman - The AthleticRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1820:08Kenley Jansen Scheduled To Make Four More Spring AppearancesKenley JansenRPDodgersFree Agent
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora said that closer Kenley Jansen (back) has just enough time to be ready for the start of the regular season on March 28, but there is no margin for any more injury setbacks. "We're running out of time," Cora said. Despite being scratched from his second Grapefruit League appearance on Monday with lower-back tightness, Jansen is scheduled to pitch on Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday and one more time in an exhibition game in Texas next week. The 36-year-old veteran reliever didn't make his first spring appearance until last Friday due to lat tightness, so Jansen has already dealt with two injuries this spring. While he could be ready for Opening Day, fantasy managers should be considering him a pretty shaky No. 2 closer in 2024. Chris Martin (groin) is also hurt and could open the year on the injured list, so the back end of Boston's bullpen is limping into Opening Day.
Source: The Boston Globe - Alex SpeierRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1819:11Martin Perez Strikes Out Eight BattersMartín PérezSPRangersFree Agent
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Martin Perez continued his impressive spring during Monday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The left-hander struck out eight batters over five innings of work during Monday's victory. It's worth noting that Perez never struck out eight hitters during a single start last season. His velocity was down during this game and he was still extremely effective. Perez has allowed one earned run in 12 innings this season. Perez probably won't be a reliable 12-team fantasy option, but could still be worth a look in deep leagues.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1816:45DJ LeMahieu In Danger Of Missing Opening DayDJ LeMahieu2BRockiesFree Agent
New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu (foot) has "a pretty significant bone bruise" on his right foot, according to manager Aaron Boone, and the skipper isn't sure if LeMahieu will have enough time to get ready for Opening Day on March 28 in Houston against the Astros. LeMahieu fouled a ball off his foot in a Grapefruit League game on Saturday, but X-rays came back negative. Still, the 35-year-old veteran, who is projected to be the team's regular third baseman in 2024, may not be ready to go for the start of the 2024 regular season. The season hasn't even started yet and the Yankees are dealing with injuries to Gerrit Cole (elbow), Aaron Judge (abdomen, oblique) and LeMahieu. If LeMahieu opens the year on the injured list, Oswaldo Cabrera should see a boost in playing time at the hot corner.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan HochRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1816:36Justin Verlander Expected To Face Hitters "In The Next Day Or Two"Justin VerlanderSPTigersFree Agent
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said that right-hander Justin Verlander (shoulder) should face hitters "in the next day or two" in camp. Verlander came into spring training with right-shoulder issues, but he threw another bullpen session on Sunday and is ramping up with the start of the 2024 regular season right around the corner. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young winner is going to start the year on the injured list and might not make his 2024 debut until late April or early May. He became the first pitcher age 40 or older to win 12 games and post an ERA below 3.25 since 2013, so Verlander can clearly still be effective despite his age. However, injuries are a big concern, and his fantasy value has obviously dropped considerably in 2024 now that he could miss the first month of the season.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler RomeRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1814:50DJ LeMahieu Still Pretty SoreDJ LeMahieu2BRockiesFree Agent
New York Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu (foot) is "still pretty sore" but is moving around better on Monday, according to manager Aaron Boone. The veteran left Saturday's Grapefruit League game early after fouling a ball off his foot and underwent imaging on the issue afterward. "I definitely think it's going to cost him some days here," Boone added. Likely to serve as the club's leadoff hitter and everyday third baseman, LeMahieu took a step back at the plate last season, hitting .243 with 15 home runs and a .717 OPS across 136 games and 562 trips to the plate. LeMahieu's best fantasy production is behind him but he could be a decent source of runs if he can remain atop the Yankees lineup this season.
Source: Bryan HochRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1813:10Kenley Jansen Scratched With Lower-Back TightnessKenley JansenRPDodgersFree Agent
Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen (back) has been scratched from the team's Grapefruit League game on Monday versus the Minnesota Twins due to lower-back tightness. However, he could pitch as soon as Tuesday, and the Red Sox still expect that he'll be ready for Opening Day on March 28. Jansen didn't make his spring training debut until last Friday due to lat soreness that he experienced after reporting to camp a month ago, so he hasn't been able to get much work in this spring. Boston is being extra cautious with the 36-year-old veteran reliever. Jansen is MLB's active leader in saves and will be Boston's primary ninth-inning man in 2024, but the injuries are beginning to pile up, and he should be considered a shaky No. 2 fantasy closer.
Source: MLB.com - Ian BrowneRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1717:41Bryce Harper Dealing With Minor InjuryBryce HarperLFNationalsFree Agent
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (back) has been out of the lineup since Thursday, which has raised some concerns about his health. On Sunday, Phillies manager Rob Thompson confirmed that Harper is dealing with minor back stiffness. The lefty slugger has been out since Thursday and will remain out until at least Tuesday. It's worth noting that the organization is not concerned about this being a long term issue. Thompson says that Harper should be back in the lineup by the end of the week. That being said, fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned about Harper's health heading into Opening Day.
Source: Todd ZoleckiRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1717:36Zack Wheeler Named Opening Day StarterZack WheelerSPMetsFree Agent
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler has been confirmed as the Opening Day starter, according to manager Rob Thompson. The right-hander has earned this opportunity given how excellent he has pitched over the last few seasons. This will be a change of pace for the Phillies as Aaron Nola has started the last seven Opening Day games for the Phillies. The organization will shake it up and have Wheeler take the ball against the Atlanta Braves on March 28. The assumption is that Nola will follow him as the second starter.
Source: Scott LauberRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1717:31Orlando Arcia Considered Day-To-DayOrlando ArciaSSBrewersFree Agent
Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (left) was forced to exit early during Sunday's Grapefruit League contest against the Boston Red Sox. The 29-year-old was hit on the hand by a 96 mph pitch during Sunday's game. Luckily, it appears Arcia has avoided serious injury. The X-rays came back negative and Arcia is considered day-to-day with a left hand contusion. The expectation is that Arcia will sit out for a few days before rejoining the lineup. Fantasy managers should have Arcia back to full speed in time for Opening Day.
Source: Justin ToscanoRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1715:22Joey Votto Exits During DebutJoey Votto1BRedsFree Agent
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Joey Votto (ankle) was forced to exit early during Sunday's spring training contest against the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran slugger launched a solo home run in his first at-bat with his new team. Sadly, Votto didn't last too much longer as he rolled his ankle stepping on a bat in the dugout. The team decided to take a cautious approach and pull Votto from the game. The expectation is that Votto will return to the lineup in a few days.
Source: Keegan MathesonRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1714:43DJ LeMahieu Avoids Serious InjuryDJ LeMahieu2BRockiesFree Agent
New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu (foot) was forced to exit early during Saturday's game. The veteran slugger fouled a ball off his right foot and underwent imaging this weekend. Luckily, the X-rays came back clean which means LeMahieu has avoided serious injury. The team will likely give LeMahieu a few days off for the pain and swelling to stop. The expectation is that LeMahieu will be fine heading into Opening Day.
Source: Erik BolandRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1712:13Miles Mikolas To Start On Opening DayMiles MikolasRPPadresFree Agent
With St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) not set to be cleared to pitch on Opening Day on March 28 against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road, right-hander Miles Mikolas has been tabbed as the Opening Day starter for the Red Birds. Not only is Mikolas not much of a mixed-league target in standard 12-team fantasy leagues, but he should be considered a poor DFS option on Opening Day against a strong Dodgers lineup that added Shohei Ohtani in the offseason. The 35-year-old veteran is hoping an improved slider will make him more effective this year after he had a 4.78 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 39 walks, 137 strikeouts and league-highs in hits allowed (226) and earned runs (107). There's just not much fantasy upside from a pitcher with a career 6.6 strikeouts per nine innings in eight years in the majors.
Source: The Athletic - Katie WooRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1712:07Sonny Gray Won't Be Cleared For Opening DaySonny GrayRPAthleticsFree Agent
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring) will not be cleared for Opening Day on March 28, according to manager Oliver Marmol. However, there is a possibility that Gray won't open the year on the injured list and could potentially pitch later in the first road trip of the season. With Gray out for Opening Day, right-hander Miles Mikolas will be the team's Opening Day starter on the road in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. The 34-year-old is set to throw a simulated game on Sunday after straining his right hamstring on March 4. It's a bummer that Gray won't be making the team's Opening Day start in his first season in St. Louis, but his injury might not require him to miss a start at all to open the year. After finishing second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2023, Gray makes for a high-floor No. 3 fantasy starter in 2024.
Source: The Athletic - Katie WooRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1708:51Giancarlo Stanton Crushes First Home Run Of SpringGiancarlo StantonRFMarlinsFree Agent
New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton clobbered his first home run of the spring on Saturday in a 10-9 Grapefruit League win over the Blue Jays. The 34-year-old demolished a 1-0 fastball from Jays pitcher Paolo Espino and finished the day 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and a run scored. It took Stanton 25 at-bats to hit his first homer and he's batting just .250 (7-for-28) in ten spring games, but at least he's healthy after missing 61 games last season. As long as he's in the lineup he should be a viable source of power and is available at the end of most drafts. Currently projected to hit 26 home runs over 104 games this season, if the former MVP can eclipse that number he could be a value.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 1615:09Kole Calhoun Hangs Up His CleatsKole CalhounRFAngelsFree Agent
Free-agent outfielder Kole Calhoun has decided to retire from professional baseball. The veteran announced his retirement in a lengthy statement online after a solid 12-year run in the majors. Calhoun began to cement himself in the 2013 season when he hit .282 with eight homers in just 58 games. He went on to become the everyday right fielder for the Angels the following season when he hit .272 with 17 home runs and a .775 OPS across 127 games in the 2013 campaign. He would be an integral part of the Angels' offense for the next five seasons, launching a career-high 33 home runs in the 2019 campaign. All told, the 36-year-old posted a .242 average with 179 long balls and 34 stolen bases across 1,239 appearances in the big leagues.
Source: Jeff FletcherRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 1612:21Gerrit Cole To Be Shut Down From Throwing For 3-4 WeeksGerrit ColeSPPiratesFree Agent
New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow), the reigning American League Cy Young winner, said he will be shut down from throwing for three to four weeks and then go from there. He said he has nerve inflammation in his right elbow but "felt good" after meeting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles this week. The 33-year-old ace wasn't bouncing back normally after his spring outings, prompting the team to send him for a battery of tests. It's been confirmed that Cole doesn't have a torn UCL, so the Yankees are hoping that after a month or two of rest, he'll be able to make his 2024 debut without having to go under the knife. Cole was RotoBaller's No. 2 fantasy starter before his elbow injury, but now he's ranked at No. 72 with the possibility that he could miss most of the first half of the season.
Source: New York Post - Greg JoyceRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 1612:08Sonny Gray To Throw In Sim Game On SundaySonny GrayRPAthleticsFree Agent
St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Sonny Gray (hamstring), who strained his right hamstring on March 4, will pitch in a simulated pre-game situation at Roger Dean Stadium on Sunday. Hitters will stand in, but not swing. It's the next step in Gray's rehab, with the team still holding out hope that he can pitch in the season-opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In a worst-case scenario, the 34-year-old veteran would end up on the injured list to begin the year but would have a minimum stay and make his season debut early on in April. If he's ready to go for the first series versus the Dodgers, he'd be a fade in DFS coming off his injury. But overall, last year's runner-up to Gerrit Cole for the American League Cy Young award is a high-floor No. 3/4 fantasy starter in his first year in St. Louis.
Source: MLB.com - John DentonRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 1612:03Max Scherzer Cleared For Baseball ActivitiesMax ScherzerSPTigersFree Agent
Texas Rangers right-hander Max Scherzer (back), who had surgery on Dec. 15 on his back for a herniated disc that shut him down late last season, has been cleared for baseball activities around the 13-week mark since surgery. June remains the target date for the Rangers, although Scherzer doesn't fully see it that way. In eight starts for Texas in 2023 after being traded from the Mets, he went 4-2 with a 3.20 ERA, but he missed the final six weeks of the regular season due to a muscle strain in his right shoulder. The 39-year-old future Hall of Famer isn't targeting any specific date to make his 2024 debut, and the reality is he could miss all of the first half of the season. Scherzer can still contribute in fantasy when he's healthy, but the fact that he could miss the first half drastically reduces his fantasy value in upcoming drafts.
Source: MLB.com - Kennedi LandryRotoBaller.com
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