News for Free Agent Players - 2018 Ezra Stiles Rotisserie Association

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Mon Mar 1819:06Merrill Kelly Has Stellar OutingMerrill KellySPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly continued his stellar spring during Monday's game against the Oakland Athletics. The right-hander threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing four hits and striking out seven batters. The 35-year-old hasn't allowed a run in two of his first three outings this spring. The hope is that these outings carry over into the regular season. Kelly should continue to climb up draft boards if he keeps pitching like he has lately.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1813:51Michael Lorenzen Throws 70 Pitches SundayMichael LorenzenSPRedsFree Agent
Free-agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen threw 70 pitches on Sunday, getting up and down four times while also hitting 94 to 96 mph with his fastball on the radar gun, according to a report viewed by The Athletic. The 32-year-old veteran remains without a team with Opening Day quickly approaching, despite the fact that he threw a no-hitter with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023. If Lorenzen does sign with a team soon, he should be pretty stretched out despite not facing actual competition in spring training. Both the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees have obvious needs in their starting rotations and have reportedly been considering signing Lorenzen. The former first-rounder of the Reds in 2013 out of Fullerton made his first career All-Star team in 2023 but struggled late in the year and was demoted to the bullpen in Philadelphia.
Source: The Athletic - Ken RosenthalRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1810:30Huascar Ynoa Optioned To Triple-AHuascar YnoaSPBravesFree Agent
The Atlanta Braves have demoted starting pitcher Huascar Ynoa to Triple-A Gwinnett. Ynoa, 25, is returning from Tommy John surgery that he underwent in 2022. He tossed a scoreless inning this spring with one strikeout. The Braves are likely to have a workload limit on the right-hander, no matter which level he is at this season. He can safely remain on the waiver wire in all formats.
Source: Atlanta BravesRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 1612:51Jordan Luplow Agrees On Minors Deal With PhilliesJordan LuplowLFPiratesFree Agent
Free-agent outfielder Jordan Luplow agreed with the Philadelphia Phillies on a minor-league deal on Friday, according to sources. Luplow was recently released by the Atlanta Braves to explore other opportunities. The 30-year-old former third-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2014 out of Fresno State spent the 2023 season with the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins, slashing .208/.322/.325 with two home runs, five RBI and two stolen bases in just 39 games played. At the Triple-A level, he hit .242/.347/.430 in 222 plate appearances. Luplow is going to start the year at Triple-A Lehigh Valley and will provide outfield depth the for the Phils to begin the season. He's a career .212/.314/.423 hitter in seven major-league seasons with 47 homers and 125 RBI in 361 games played.
Source: FanSided - Robert MurrayRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 1514:28Justin Wilson Inks Major-League Deal With RedsJustin WilsonRPCubsFree Agent
Free-agent reliever Justin Wilson has signed a major-league deal with the Cincinnati Reds after he opted out of his minor-league pact with the Dodgers on Wednesday. The left-hander last saw big-league action with the Reds in the 2022 season, posting a 2.45 ERA in five appearances but was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery that cost him the 2023 campaign, as well. He did appear briefly in the minors with the Brewers last season but the club declined their option on Wilson this winter. The long-time big leaguer has largely been effective in his career, posting a 3.41 ERA and a 25.9% K% across 527 appearances. He certainly won't be in line for saves and likely won't see many hold opportunities, leaving him off the fantasy radar at this point.
Source: Robert MurrayRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 1513:19Robert Stephenson Feeling More Shoulder "Discomfort"Robert StephensonRP/SPRedsFree Agent
Los Angeles Angels right-handed reliever Robert Stephenson (shoulder) is feeling shoulder "discomfort," according to manager Ron Washington. Stephenson had been feeling good about being ready for Opening Day on March 28, but Washington now concedes that Stephenson may run out of time. The skipper said the team did tests and is now just waiting for his discomfort to subside. Relievers require less time to build up than starters, but the 31-year-old veteran still appears to be more likely to open the year on the injured list. When healthy, Stephenson should be valuable to fantasy managers in holds leagues as the team's primary late-inning setup man to closer Carlos Estevez. With Stephenson likely set to miss some time to open the year, the Angels will ask Matt Moore and Jose Soriano to step up in setup roles.
Source: Orange County Register - Jeff FletcherRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 1416:58Clay Holmes Still The Yankees' CloserClay HolmesRP/SPPiratesFree Agent
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that right-handed reliever Clay Holmes remains the team's closer heading into the 2024 season. The Yankees used Holmes in a variety of high-leverage roles to open last season, including in some save chances, but he was mostly used in the ninth inning in the second half of the year. The 30-year-old, who is headed into his walk year, had 20 saves in 2022 and topped that mark by four in 2023. If he's the club's full-time closer from start to finish in 2024, Holmes has the opportunity to set a new career-high in saves for the third straight season. With a high strikeout rate, a ground-ball profile and not much competition for the closing role if he falters, Holmes should be considered a solid No. 2 closing option for fantasy managers.
Source: New York PostRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 1416:50Paul Sewald Using A Changeup This SpringPaul SewaldRPMetsFree Agent
Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald has added a changeup to his arsenal this spring training. He hasn't thrown a changeup with any kind of regularity since the 2020 season. Upon arriving in Seattle before the 2021 season, he rode his fastball/slider combination into the closer's role for the Mariners. Through four Cactus League appearances, Sewald hasn't allowed a single run. Of the three changeups he's thrown that were put in play, he's recorded four outs. In the last three seasons, he has 65 saves, a 2.95 ERA, 136 ERA+ and 12.2 K/9. His 2.75 xERA, .189 xBA, 85.9 mph average exit velocity, 32.1% strikeout rate and 29.9 hard-hit percentage all ranked among the 94th percentile or better across the majors in 2023. Sewald doesn't have a high-velocity fastball like most closers, so the addition of a changeup should make his heater more effective. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 13 fantasy closer in the game.
Source: MLB.com - Jesse BorekRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 1416:14Yankees Have Checked In On Michael LorenzenMichael LorenzenSPRedsFree Agent
The New York Yankees have checked in on free-agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen. The Chicago White Sox, who just traded ace Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night, are another team in play for Lorenzen. Chicago also just moved righty Michael Kopech to the bullpen. The Yankees are going to be without reigning American League Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole (elbow) for at least one to two months and potentially longer to open the 2024 regular season, so they could certainly use some rotation help. The 32-year-old Lorenzen tossed a no-hitter in 2023 after being traded from the Tigers to the Phillies, but he ultimately had a 5.51 ERA and 1.46 WHIP in 11 appearances (seven starts) for the Phils and ended the year out of the rotation in the postseason. Lorenzen's low strikeout numbers don't make him very attractive for fantasy, which would especially be the case if he landed in the Bronx.
Source: New York Post - Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 1412:28Dominic Smith Recovering From Wrist SurgeryDominic Smith1B/PHMetsFree Agent
Chicago Cubs first baseman/outfielder Dominic Smith (wrist) had surgery on Jan. 20 to remove the hamate bone from his right wrist and is still working his way back from the injury this spring as he competes for one of the team's final bench spots. He was taking live batting practice on Jan. 5 when he felt something in his right wrist. Smith isn't 100 percent yet, but he's feeling good enough to play and has looked good in 14 Cactus League at-bats. The 28-year-old left-handed hitter said he's been dealing with some form of wrist or hand pain since he debuted in the big leagues almost seven years ago. Once a consensus top-100 prospect with the Mets, Smith has struggled with his power, but perhaps finally fixing his hand/wrist issue will help him be more consistent and productive as a bench bat for the Cubbies in 2024.
Source: The Athletic - Sahadev SharmaRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 1323:39Joel Payamps, Abner Uribe Could Be Candidates For Saves In MilwaukeeJoel PayampsSPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Abner UribeFree Agent
With Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams (back) expected to miss three months due to stress fractures in his back, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Curt Hogg writes that relievers Joel Payamps and Abner Uribe are among the most obvious early candidates to see save chances for the Brewers until Williams is able to return. There isn't anyone with significant closing experience in the bullpen for Milwaukee, but Payamps, Uribe, Hoby Milner, Elvis Peguero, Bryse Wilson and Trevor Megill are all among the key returners from a bullpen that was second in ERA in 2023. Payamps, 29, had a 2.55 ERA with three saves and 28 holds in 70 2/3 innings last year and should be considered a top speculatory closer for fantasy managers late in drafts. Uribe, 23, lights up the radar gun and can whiff batters with the best of them, but his elevated walk rate is a cause for concern.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Curt HoggRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 1321:24Merrill Kelly Logs Four Strikeouts, Allows Two RunsMerrill KellySPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly gave up two runs on five hits in three innings during his second appearance of spring training on Wednesday, striking out four batters in a 7-5 Cactus League loss to the division-rival Colorado Rockies. Kelly is still off to a fine start this spring, despite Wednesday's mixed bag, turning in a 3.60 ERA and 1.00 WHIP with seven punchouts over five frames in two showings. The 35-year-old right-hander was a workhorse for the D-backs in 2023, tossing 177 2/3 innings (30 starts) for a rock-solid 3.29 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 187:69 K:BB. Although he doesn't carry particularly high upside, Kelly is a relatively safe fantasy bet at his 148.7 Yahoo ADP this spring and will face these same Rockies during Arizona's first series of the regular season in late March.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 1313:38John Brebbia Throwing Live BP WednesdayJohn BrebbiaRPCardinalsFree Agent
Chicago White Sox right-handed reliever John Brebbia (calf) is throwing live batting practice in camp on Wednesday. Brebbia suffered a right-calf strain early in camp and has not appeared in a Cactus League game yet because of it. However, the 33-year-old veteran is working his way back and could still be ready for Opening Day on March 28. When healthy, Brebbia has a chance to close out games for the White Sox this year, although he could have to share ninth-inning duties with the likes of Deivi Garcia, Jordan Leasure and Dominic Leone in a not-so-pretty closer-by-committee approach. Brebbia only has two career saves (back in 2018), although he pitched well out of the San Francisco Giants' bullpen the last two years, posting a 3.47 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 32 walks and 101 K's in 106 1/3 innings.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Daryl Van SchouwenRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 1101:13Joel Payamps Struggling But Worth MonitoringJoel PayampsSPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Joel Payamps is off to a rough start this spring, giving up six runs (five earned) and two home runs in just 2 2/3 innings of work, but he remains next in line for save opportunities in the team's bullpen. With All-Star closer Devin Williams (back) heading for a second opinion from a spine specialist on his sore back this week, Payamps is a name to watch late in fantasy drafts while Williams' status is unclear. The 29-year-old Dominican right-hander has been a solid high-leverage arm throughout his career, and he most recently delivered a strong 2.55 ERA (3.48 FIP), 1.04 WHIP, and 77:17 K:BB through 70 2/3 frames for the Brew Crew in 2023. After collecting 27 holds a year ago, Payamps may be needed for ninth-inning duties if Williams ends up needing to miss time to begin the campaign and is worth rostering in deep fantasy leagues until the latter is cleared to return.
Source: Baseball ReferenceRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 1011:25Corbin Burnes Officially Named Opening Day StarterCorbin BurnesRP/SPBrewersFree Agent
Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde announced on Sunday that starting pitcher Corbin Burnes would be the team's Opening Day starter. While it had been assumed, Hyde made it official and it will be Burnes' third straight start on Opening Day -- the prior two coming with his previous club, the Milwaukee Brewers. The Orioles' prize offseason acquisition, Burnes has made three straight All-Star appearances and is a former Cy Young winner (2021). The 29-year-old is the third pitcher coming off of the board in fantasy drafts and justifiably so. He's a solid anchor for any real-life and fantasy pitching staff. RotoBaller likes the righty at 20 overall, slightly ahead of his NFBC ADP of 24.
Source: MASN - Rich KubatkoRotoBaller.com
Sat Mar 913:39Justin Steele Gets Opening Day NodJustin SteeleSPCubsFree Agent
Chicago Cubs left-hander Justin Steele has been announced as the Opening Day starter, as per skipper Craig Counsell. It's the first Opening Day start for Steele as he looks to build on a season that saw him enter the NL Cy Young conversation. The 28-year-old worked to a 3.06 ERA across 30 starts, posting an impressive 19.6% K-BB% in the process. The southpaw has been a model of consistency in his young career as he owns a 3.30 ERA and a 16.8% K-BB% in 74 outings (63 starts) while generating ground balls at a healthy 50.2% clip. The Cubs lost starter Marcus Stroman in free agency but also added international free agent Shota Imanaga. Steele now headlines a rotation that ranked 14th with a 4.26 ERA a season ago.
Source: Meghan MontemurroRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 821:38Taijuan Walker Set For Spring Debut SaturdayTaijuan WalkerSPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitchingTaijuan Walker (knee) will make his spring debut on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Walker missed time this spring for personal reasons and because of right knee soreness. He recently threw a bullpen session and felt good afterward. "He feels so good that we're just going to put him in the game," said Phillies manager Rob Thomson. The 31-year-old has enough time to ramp up his activity and should be ready by Opening Day. He will look to improve upon his 2023 season, in which he posted a 4.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 31 starts with an 18.8% K% over 172 2/3 innings. His K% dropped from 20.3% in 2022 to 18.3% in 2023. Walker has an NFBC ADP of 504 and is mainly an option in deep-league formats heading into 2024 fantasy drafts.
Source: NBC Sports PhiladelphiaRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 814:49Max Fried Struggles In Second Spring OutingMax FriedRP/SPBravesFree Agent
Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried struggled in his second start of the spring on Friday versus the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 30-year-old yielded four earned runs on five hits, including a homer, with two walks and two strikeouts. His outing began with a clean first inning but struggled in the fourth when he allowed two singles and a walk. All three runners came around to score after he departed the game without recording an out in the frame. Fried tossed two scoreless innings in his first start of the spring on Feb. 26 but his spring ERA now sits at 7.40 in five innings of work. He posted a tidy 2.55 ERA and a 19.9% K-BB% in the 2023 season but he was limited to just 14 starts due to a forearm injury and a late-season blister. ATC projects a healthy return in 2024 that features a 3.27 ERA and a 17.4% K-BB% across 27 starts, making him an excellent fantasy option.
Source: David O'BrienRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 809:18Jose Siri Knocks In A PairJose SiriCFRedsFree Agent
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jose Siri went 1-for-2 with two RBI versus the Philadelphia Phillies in Thursdays Grapefruit League contest. Siri is now hitting .154 with one homer, five RBI and two stolen bases in his first 13 spring at-bats. Siri had his first breakthrough season in the big leagues in 2023 with a .222 average to go along with 25 homers, 56 RBI and 12 stolen bases in just 338 at-bats. With Manuel Margot out of the picture, Siri should see more at-bats in the upcoming season. Although he was streaky last season, the power and speed combination at an ADP of 258 is hard to come by. The Rays seemingly get the best out of their talent every year and Siri is worth a strong look in mixed leagues and five outfielder leagues with potential to help in multiple categories at a cheap cost.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 809:09J.P. Crawford Draws A Pair Of WalksJ.P. CrawfordSSPhilliesFree Agent
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford drew a pair of walks and scored a run in two plate appearances in Thursdays Cactus League contest versus the Los Angeles Angels. He is now hitless with three walks over his first nine at-bats this spring. Crawford is coming off his best season by far in his seven-year career with career highs in homers with 19 and RBI with 65 to go along with a .266 batting average. The 29-year-old has always been a star defensively, but last year could be an indication that he is a late-bloomer offensively. Managers should still have their reservations as Crawford's history as indicated last year could have been a fluke. Regardless, he deserves to be considered in deeper leagues with last year's performance, but there may be more exciting players to consider at his ADP of 239.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
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