News for Free Agent Players - 2020 Park Slope Rotisserie League

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Thu Mar 2821:50Griffin Jax Closes Out Royals ThursdayGriffin JaxSPTwinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Griffin Jax secured an Opening Day save in Thursday's 4-1 victory over the division-rival Kansas City Royals, firing a hitless ninth inning to close out the win. Filling in for the injured Jhoan Duran (oblique), Jax did make things somewhat interesting by walking Bobby Witt Jr. before facing the heart of KC's order, but he retired the next three hitters. Duran will be on the shelf for at least the first two weeks of the campaign, so Jax should stay atop the depth chart until at least mid-April. The 29-year-old right-hander was excellent as a setup man for the Twins in 2023, registering a 3.86 ERA (2.86 xERA), 1.17 WHIP, and 68:19 K:BB across 65 1/3 frames a season ago. Currently rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues, Jax should not be floating around any fantasy waiver wires as the clear-cut favorite for saves out of Minnesota's bullpen in the interim.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2821:33Garrett Crochet Fans Eight In Tough-Luck LossGarrett CrochetRP/SPWhite SoxFree Agent
Chicago White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet fared well in his first major-league start on Thursday, launching six innings of one-run ball on six hits with eight strikeouts, but he took a tough-luck loss in the 1-0 Opening Day defeat to the Detroit Tigers. Crochet didn't allow a single walk, but Andy Ibanez delivered the deciding run of the game on a sacrifice fly to score Javier Baez during the third frame. Once a top prospect in the ChiSox farm system, the hard-throwing 24-year-old lefty was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft and entered the 2024 season with a career 2.71 ERA (3.16 FIP), 1.32 WHIP, and 85:40 K:BB over 73 big-league innings. Crochet's fastball and slider combination clearly poses plenty of swing-and-miss stuff, and he will have streaming appeal in the proper matchup. He's lined up to take the ball next on Wednesday against the visiting Atlanta Braves, however, where Crochet won't be a recommended fantasy option in such a scary matchup.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2819:41Eduardo Rodriguez Could Throw Off Mound In 5-7 DaysEduardo RodriguezSPRed SoxFree Agent
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) could throw off a mound within the next five to seven days. Lovullo called Rodriguez's progress so far "very encouraging." A strained left shoulder landed E-Rod on the injured list to begin the year in his first season with Arizona, but it's looking like he may not be out for long. Still, there's a good chance that the 30-year-old veteran southpaw will miss most, if not all, of April. His injury allowed both Tommy Henry and Ryne Nelson to make the club's Opening Day roster, although the Snakes also recently added lefty Jordan Montgomery in free agency. After fortunately posting career-bests in ERA (3.30) and WHIP (1.15) in 2023 with the Detroit Tigers, fantasy managers should be expecting some regression from the oft-injured Rodriguez.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Theo MackieRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2819:18Jason Foley Earns The Save For TigersJason FoleySPTigersFree Agent
Detroit Tigers reliever Jason Foley picked up the save in a 1-0 win over the White Sox on Thursday. It was Foley who entered the game with one out in the bottom of the ninth, not the team's projected closer Alex Lange, with Foley striking out the only two batters he faced. Lange had his share of struggles last season and his grip on the closer role was tenuous, but neither pitcher had much success this spring. It's unclear at this point why Lange didn't pitch, as offseason additions Shelby Miller and Andrew Chafin also got work in Thursday's game. Regardless, it seems Jason Foley could be in line for additional save opportunities after Thursday's performance and will be a popular waiver wire add.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2817:57Royce Lewis Exits With Quad InjuryRoyce LewisSSTwinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (quadriceps) was taken out of the game in the third inning of Thursday's Opening Day matchup against the division-rival Kansas City Royals. The 24-year-old came up limping as he rounded third on a Carlos Correa double. At least it's not his surgically repaired knee, but this is certainly not good news, especially for someone with his injury history. Lewis ended last season on a roll and started 2024 off with a bang, hitting a home run in his first at-bat of the season and followed that up with a single before being pulled from the game. We'll expect to find out the extent of the injury after the game.
Source: Pioneer Press - Betsy HelfandRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2814:17Mike Ford Signs Deal With RedsMike Ford1B/DH/PHYankeesFree Agent
First baseman Mike Ford officially signed a deal with the Cincinnati Reds after agreeing to a minor-league deal earlier this offseason. Ford is slotted to be in a bench role while Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario hold down first and third base, respectively. The veteran could slot into the lineup to provide injury relief throughout the season, but he is not expected to be a major fantasy contributor.
Source: Jon HeymanRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2811:48Wander Franco Placed On Administrative LeaveWander FrancoSSRaysFree Agent
The Tampa Bay Rays have placed shortstop Wander Franco on administrative leave through June 1 under an agreement between the MLB and the MLB Players Association. Franco has been away from the team since last August, when his relationship with a minor first surfaced. There is no administrative leave in the offseason, which is why Thursday's Opening Day is when this move took place, and it also takes the former All-Star off of the 40-man roster, although he is still being paid while on leave. On June 1, the two parties will meet again to decide whether to extend his leave or place him on the restricted list, depending on the results of the investigation in the Dominican Republic. It's presumed that once that investigation is complete, MLB will conduct its own investigation, and Franco will likely be suspended.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc TopkinRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2811:27Will Benson Batting Second For The Reds On ThursdayWill BensonRFIndiansFree Agent
The Cincinnati Reds announced their starting lineup for Opening Day on Thursday in Cincinnati against the Nationals, with outfielder Will Benson penciled into the second spot in the order. Benson gets the start in centerfield after the projected Opening Day starter T.J. Friedl fractured his wrist in a spring game and was officially placed on the 10-day IL on Wednesday. Benson is intriguing for fantasy purposes, as while he's in there he brings a solid power-speed profile to the table, with the six-foot-five-inch lefty hitting 11 home runs and stealing 19 bases last season in just 329 PA. Benson will face the Nationals' RHP Josiah Gray whom he is 2-for-3 off of in his career, including a double and a strikeout.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2719:55Eduardo Rodriguez Starts Throwing ProgramEduardo RodriguezSPRed SoxFree Agent
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (late) started his throwing program on Tuesday and appears to be ahead of schedule. Rodriguez threw from 60 feet on Tuesday, which was the first time he had done any throwing since suffering a left-lat strain in spring training on March 19. The 30-year-old veteran southpaw is still going to start his first year in Arizona on the injured list, but his stay there may not end up being a lengthy one. In any event, the Snakes still felt the need to add lefty Jordan Montgomery to their rotation on Tuesday. E-Rod had career-highs in ERA (3.30) and WHIP (1.15) in his final year in Detroit in 2023, but fantasy managers should be expecting regression from an injury-prone pitcher that has exceeded 160 innings just once in his eight major-league seasons.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Theo MackieRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2719:36Alek Manoah Likely To Start On Injured ListAlek ManoahSPBlue JaysFree Agent
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah (shoulder) is likely to start the season on the injured list, according to manager John Schneider. Manoah threw 34 pitches in two simulated innings on Wednesday, and his next steps will depend on how he feels after Wednesday's session as the team looks to continue building him up. The 26-year-old doesn't have any structural damage in his right shoulder, but starting the year on the IL is another setback after he had an absolutely disastrous 2023 campaign. Manoah's command completely deserted him last year, which led to him being demoted to the minors two separate times. There was lots of optimism from the Blue Jays that he'd be able to bounce back in 2024, but the fact is that Manoah won't be guaranteed a rotation spot once he comes off the IL if he continues to pitch poorly.
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Shi DavidiRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2719:25Jordan Romano, Erik Swanson Officially Heading To Injured ListErik SwansonRP/SPMarinersFree Agent
Jordan RomanoRP/SPBlue JaysTeam Sapinski
Toronto Blue Jays relievers Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) will officially open the 2024 season on the injured list, according to manager John Schneider. As a result, Nate Pearson and Wes Parsons will open the year in Toronto's bullpen. Swanson has already resumed playing catch, while the Blue Jays hope Romano can begin throwing off a mound next week. Hopefully, both pitchers will be able to return in the middle of April, but there's no guarantee. Romano should be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues for the time being. With both Romano and Swanson on the shelf, the Blue Jays are expected to roll with a closer-by-committee approach, consisting of arms like Chad Green, Yimi Garcia and Tim Mayza.
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Shi DavidiRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2713:57Rays Acquire Catcher Ben Rortvedt From YankeesBen RortvedtCTwinsFree Agent
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired catcher Ben Rortvedt from the New York Yankees on Wednesday in a three-team deal that also included the Miami Marlins, according to a source. The Marlins landed prospect Shane Sasaki from the Rays and prospect John Cruz from the Yankees. Rortvedt, 26, was out of minor-league options and wasn't going to make New York's Opening Day roster as a third catcher, so he now moves to Tampa, where he's expected to be the backup to starter Rene Pinto. He is more of a defense-first catcher and has hit just .146/.234/.255 with five home runs and 11 RBI in 71 major-league games in two seasons with the Yankees and Minnesota Twins. Rortvedt will be off the fantasy radar in two-catcher and AL-only leagues unless Pinto gets hurt and misses time.
Source: MLB.com - Christina De NicolaRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2713:25Ronel Blanco Wins Rotation Spot In HoustonRonel BlancoRPAstrosFree Agent
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said he told right-hander Ronel Blanco in the dugout after his outing on Tuesday against Triple-A Sugar Land that he has won a starting rotation spot to open the regular season. Blanco's performance on Tuesday (10 strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings) convinced Espada apparently. The 30-year-old Dominican hurler will grab the team's final rotation spot with both Justin Verlander (shoulder) and Jose Urquidy (forearm) starting the year on the injured list. Blanco will have at least several turns through the rotation to prove himself after going 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA (5.99 FIP) and 1.48 WHIP with 28 walks and 52 strikeouts in 52 innings over 17 appearances (seven starts) for Houston a year ago. He had a 4.74 ERA and 1.37 WHIP as a starter and will only be worth a flier in AL-only fantasy leagues.
Source: Houston Chronicle - Matt KawaharaRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2709:32Matt Wallner Goes YardMatt WallnerRFTwinsFree Agent
Minnesota Twins outfielder Matt Wallner went 1-for-1 with a two-run homer in Grapefruit League action against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. Wallner finishes spring with three homers and nine RBI, but a weak .132 batting average. The 26-year-old will never be big in the average department, but he has shown plenty of power, including 14 homers in just 213 at-bats last season for the Twins. The at-bats should be there for Wallner, even with a tough spring and managers seeking cheap power should consider Wallner as an option in the deepest of leagues.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2709:27Jarred Kelenic Finishes Spring With First HomerJarred KelenicCFMarinersFree Agent
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic went 1-for-1 with his first homer of the spring on Tuesday to finish up his rough Grapefruit League. Acquired from the Seattle Mariners this offseason, the former top prospect was expected to be an everyday outfielder with his new club, but has struggled mightily this spring. Aside from his homer on Tuesday, Kelenic was a rough 8-for-56 with four RBI this spring. His struggles even led to the Braves bringing back outfielder Adam Duvall, who will likely take playing time away from the 24-year-old. Kelenic has always had huge potential, but he other than the first half of 2023, he has not shown much. His potential makes him a strong watch-list candidate in the deepest of leagues, but he does not warrant being drafted in most formats.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2701:02Hoy Park To Start Season At Triple-AHoy ParkSSYankeesFree Agent
Oakland Athletics utility man Hoy Park was told on Tuesday that he will start the season with Triple-A Las Vegas, per Athletics Nation's Connor Ashford. The 27-year-old signed a minor-league deal this off-season and put forth a strong showing, batting .477 with one home run and two stolen bases in 44 spring at-bats. Park has spent little time in the big leagues throughout his career and now has even further to go to become fantasy-relevant.
Source: Connor Ashford- Athletics NationRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2700:46Jarred Kelenic Crushes Solo Home Run TuesdayJarred KelenicCFMarinersFree Agent
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic ended his spring training on a positive note in Tuesday's 9-6 Grapefruit League loss to the Twins. Kelenic only had one at-bat, hitting a 452-foot solo home run off Louie Varland in the third inning. It was a bright spot in an otherwise dreary spring for the 24-year-old, as he batted just .143 in 56 spring at-bats and did not have a HR until Tuesday. However, the former first-round pick has been working with hitting coach Kevin Seitzer in an attempt to unlock his potential. Kelenic did show some positive signs in 2023, but it remains to be seen if he can provide fantasy impact with his new team.
Source: CJ Haddad - MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2700:10Ronel Blanco Fans 10 TuesdayRonel BlancoRPAstrosFree Agent
Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco capped off a great spring in Tuesday's 7-3 exhibition game win over Triple-A Sugarland. Blanco pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing one run on two hits (including a solo home run) and two walks with 10 strikeouts. While it may not have been against big-league competition, it was another strong outing for the 30-year-old, who pitched 15 2/3 scoreless Cactus League innings this spring with 18 strikeouts. He had some fantasy streaming appeal last season and could start this season in the rotation for the Astros given his performance and injuries on the team. He will need to prove he can deliver consistently, but Blanco could be worth a look in favorable matchups if he can carry his strong spring into the regular season.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 2622:35Alex Faedo Makes Opening Day RosterAlex FaedoSPTigersFree Agent
Detroit Tigers right-hander Alex Faedo made the team's Opening Day roster for the first time in his career. In addition, left-hander Joey Wentz made the team out of spring training. In large part due to injuries, the 28-year-old Faedo has had an uneven two seasons in the big leagues with Detroit. He's dealt with blister and nail issues, a back strain, hip pain and had Tommy John surgery. But the former first-rounder in 2017 out of Florida was healthy in the offseason and had a 1.35 spring training ERA. Faedo is expected to work in a long-relief role, which won't give him any real fantasy value, but if he can stay healthy, he could be an important piece for Detroit's pitching staff in 2024. In his 27 big-league outings (24 starts), Faedo has a 4.94 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 45 walks and 102 K's in 118 1/3 frames.
Source: MLB.com - Julia KreuzRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 2619:55Ben Rortvedt, Jahmai Jones In The Mix For Roster SpotsJahmai JonesCFAngelsFree Agent
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that catcher Ben Rortvedt and outfielder Jahmai Jones remain in the mix for Opening Day roster spots. Austin Wells has already made the team, but the Yankees could carry Rortvedt as their third catcher to begin the season. Jose Trevino is the club's other backstop. The 26-year-old Rortvedt is out of minor-league options, so the Yankees may not want to risk losing him to another club. He hit just .118/.241/.221 with two homers in 32 games for the Yanks in 2023 and is unlikely to see much playing time in 2024 for the Bombers. Jones, 26, has looked overmatched in 36 big-league games over three seasons after he was a second-round pick by the Angels in 2015. However, he's intrigued the Yankees as a bench option this spring by hitting .286 with a home run, four RBI and a steal in 14 Grapefruit League games.
Source: MLB.com - Bryan HochRotoBaller.com
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