News for All Players - 2014 Going 9 Experts League

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Tue Mar 1900:27Caleb Thielbar To Start Season On Injured ListCaleb ThielbarRPTwinsFree 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 1820:24Nick Martinez To Open The Year In The RotationNick MartinezRP/SPRangersFree Agent
Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell said that right-hander Nick Martinez (ribs) is locked into a starting rotation spot to begin the year, along with Frankie Montas, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft. The fifth spot is down to Andrew Abbott and Brandon Williamson (shoulder). Martinez has been dealing with a rib issue in camp, but he was able to throw a simulated game over the weekend and should be ready for Opening Day on March 28. The 33-year-old has started 87 of the 198 games that he's appeared in in the big leagues in six seasons, and he's been more effective in his career in a relief role. Moving back to the bullpen is still an option once lefty Nick Lodolo (leg) makes his 2024 debut, which makes Martinez more of an NL-only asset in his first year with the Reds.
Source: The Athletic - C. Trent RosecransRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1820:08Kenley Jansen Scheduled To Make Four More Spring AppearancesKenley JansenRPDodgersWho's on First
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 LeMahieu2B/3BRockiesFree 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 VerlanderSPTigersJobu
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 1814:56Anthony DeSclafani To Begin Season On Injured ListAnthony DeSclafaniRP/SPMarlinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (elbow/forearm) will begin the season on the injured list. He will visit Dr. Keith Meister to evaluate the next steps on his ailing right elbow. The right-hander was shut down by the team early in the spring but has recently thrown bullpen sessions. He has yet to appear in a Cactus League game to this point, however. The veteran was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Mariners this offseason after tossing a 4.88 ERA across 19 outings (18 starts) with the Giants in the 2023 season. He was involved in a deal for Mariners left-hander Robbie Ray before being dealt to Minnesota in a trade that saw Jorge Polanco head to the Mariners.
Source: Bobby NightengaleRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1814:50DJ LeMahieu Still Pretty SoreDJ LeMahieu2B/3BRockiesFree 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 1813:18Chris Martin May Not Be Ready For Opening DayChris MartinRP/SPRockiesFree Agent
The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham writes that right-hander Chris Martin (groin) may not be ready for Opening Day on March 28. Closer Kenley Jansen (back) was scratched from making his second Grapefruit League appearance on Monday, but the team still believes he has a shot to be ready by Opening Day. The 37-year-old Martin threw a live batting practice session in camp on Saturday, but he's running out of time to get ready for the start of the regular season. He's expected to need four spring training appearances in order to be ready for Opening Day. This is notable because Martin figures to be the BoSox's next man up for save chances if Jansen misses any time due to injury in 2024. Given Jansen's recent string of injuries and his age (36), it's likely he's going to miss time at some point. Josh Winckowski is another name that could see save chances early in the year if both Jansen and Martin aren't 100%.
Source: The Boston Globe - Pete AbrahamRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1813:10Kenley Jansen Scratched With Lower-Back TightnessKenley JansenRPDodgersWho's on First
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 HarperLF/RFNationalsDEWMAN's Team
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 WheelerSPMetsThe Heals Guys
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 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 1715:16Tommy Pham Nearing Deal With PadresTommy PhamDHCardinalsFree Agent
The San Diego Padres are close to a deal with free-agent outfielder Tommy Pham, according to Bob Nightengale. The expectation is that it'll be a cheap one-year contract. The Padres could use the help in the outfield as this team does lack depth there. Currently, Jurickson Profar is penciled in as the everyday left fielder. The move to get Pham could give the Padres additional options for platoon type situations. Last season, Pham hit .256/.328/.446 with 16 home runs and 68 RBI in 129 games between the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. There probably won't be a ton of fantasy value from Pham, but it depends on his role.
Source: Bob NightengaleRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1714:54Nick Martinez Throws Simulated GameNick MartinezRP/SPRangersFree Agent
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez (ribs) threw a live batting practice session on Saturday. The right-hander threw three innings of a simulated game as he works his way back to full health. The plan is for Martinez to build his way back up into being a starting pitcher. The 33-year-old could end up turning into a swingman type of role depending on how the rest of the rotation shakes out in Cincinnati. At the moment, Martinez isn't a very appealing option heading into fantasy drafts. However, it sounds like the right-hander is making good progress in his recovery.
Source: Charlie GoldsmithRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1714:43DJ LeMahieu Avoids Serious InjuryDJ LeMahieu2B/3BRockiesFree 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 MikolasRP/SPRangersFree 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 GraySPAthleticsCJ's Tip-Top Team
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 StantonRFMarlinsLazar's Team
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
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