News for Free Agent Players - 2020 Ezra Stiles Rotisserie Association

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Fri Mar 2900:51Nick Senzel Expected To Miss 3-4 WeeksNick SenzelCFRedsFree Agent
Washington Nationals third baseman Nick Senzel (thumb) fractured his right thumb on a bad hop while taking ground balls before the Opening Day contest on Thursday against his former team, the Cincinnati Reds, and could be out for three to four weeks, according to manager Dave Martinez. Senzel signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Nats in the offseason after playing parts of five seasons with the Reds. The former first-rounder has been a bust to this point in his career, mainly due to injuries. Ildemaro Vargas replaced Senzel at the hot corner in Thursday's 8-2 loss to Cincy, but prospect Trey Lipscomb is expected to be called up from the minors and could split playing time with Vargas at third base for Washington until Senzel is able to recover from his thumb injury.
Source: The Associated PressRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2900:47Jon Gray To Start On SundayJon GraySPRockiesFree Agent
Texas Rangers right-hander Jon Gray (neck) will make his first start of the season on Sunday versus the Chicago Cubs, with Cody Bradford getting the nod on Saturday. Gray was scratched from his scheduled exhibition start earlier this week due to a stiff neck, but the injury isn't serious and he will be able to take the ball for his first turn through the starting rotation. The last time the 32-year-old took the mound in spring training, he went five innings, so fantasy managers should expect Gray to be pretty limited from a pitch-count perspective on Sunday against Chicago. Gray got off to an amazing start for the Rangers in 2023 but struggled down the stretch. He pitches in a hitter-friendly home park, is injury-prone and has a hittable fastball, making him a backend fantasy starter in mixed leagues, at best.
Source: RangersToday.com - Jeff WilsonRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2900:43Justin Steele Likely To Go On Injured ListJustin SteeleSPCubsFree Agent
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said that left-hander Justin Steele (hamstring) will likely go on the injured list after suffering a left-hamstring strain in his Opening Day start on Thursday evening versus the Texas Rangers. Steele will undergo an MRI exam on Friday. Counsell didn't want to speculate on whether Steele will only need a minimum IL stint. The 28-year-old southpaw suffered the injury while fielding a bunt in the fifth inning and will now have to miss at least 10 days and maybe more. It's a tough blow for the Cubs and their ace, as Steele allowed only one earned run on three hits while walking one and striking out six against the defending-champion Rangers in 4 2/3 innings of work before departing. With Steele likely heading to the IL, it's possible fellow lefty Drew Smyly will join Chicago's rotation in the near future.
Source: Chicago Tribune - Meghan MontemurroRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2822:18Justin Steele Has Left-Hamstring TightnessJustin SteeleSPCubsFree Agent
Updating a previous report, the Chicago Cubs are saying that left-hander Justin Steele (hamstring) left his Opening Day start on Thursday night against the defending World Series-champion Texas Rangers with left-hamstring tightness. Steele was holding his left hamstring after fielding a bunt up the first baseline and falling in the fifth inning as he made a flip to first base. The good news is that before leaving early, Steele had held the Rangers to an earned run on three hits while walking one and striking out six in 4 2/3 innings. It doesn't sound like the 28-year-old southpaw's injury is all that serious, but fantasy managers will still have to check back in the next few days to see if Steele will be able to make his next scheduled start.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Maddie LeeRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2821:41Clay Holmes Hangs On For First SaveClay HolmesRPPiratesFree Agent
New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes hung on for an Opening Day save in Thursday's 5-4 come-from-behind win over the Houston Astros, allowing three hits in the ninth inning. It certainly wasn't easy, as Holmes gave up a leadoff knock to Mauricio Dubon before Yordan Alvarez reached on an infield single. Kyle Tucker then lined one to right field, but Dubon was just gunned down by Juan Soto while trying to score the tying run on a close play that required a review. Holmes got Alex Bregman to ground out to end the game, and fantasy managers were able to breathe a sigh of relief. The 31-year-old right-hander was an All-Star in 2023 during his first year as a full-time closer in the Bronx, and he's set to rack up plenty of save opportunities on the contending Pinstripes once again. Without much competition for ninth-inning work at the moment, Holmes is a good bet to post north of 20 saves in 2024.
Source: ESPNRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2821:24Justin Steele Exits Thursday's StartJustin SteeleSPCubsFree Agent
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele (hamstring) exited during the fifth inning of Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers with an apparent left-hamstring injury. Steele went down after fielding a bunted ball and flipping it to first base, favoring what appeared to be his left hamstring. The 28-year-old southpaw was throwing well against an explosive Rangers lineup, giving up a lone run on three hits and a walk with six strikeouts before departing, and the severity of the injury remains unknown. It would be a big blow to Chicago's rotation if their ace and 2023 All-Star needs to miss time beyond Opening Day, and fantasy managers will have to hold their breath until the Cubs update Steele's status. The flame-throwing Julian Merryweather took over after Steele's exit.
Source: Sahadev Sharma - The AthleticRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2821:14David Bednar Still Dealing With Lat InjuryDavid BednarRP/SPPadresFree Agent
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Derek Shelton said closer David Bednar (lat) was unavailable in Thursday's 6-5 extra-inning win over the Miami Marlins as part of his rehab from the lat issue he dealt with during spring training. Fantasy managers may have thought Bednar was over the injury after the 29-year-old right-hander was able to make two Grapefruit League appearances to close out the spring, but Bednar is still nursing the problem. It puts his availability into question for Friday's game against Miami as well, but it sounds like the All-Star stopper is just day-to-day. While Jose Hernandez ended up nabbing an Opening Day save on Thursday, it needs to be noted that Aroldis Chapman was summoned for the ninth inning and retired to top of the Marlins' batting order. Chapman is worth a speculative add on waiver wires until Bednar is out of the woods health-wise.
Source: Jason Mackey - Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2819:26Nick Senzel Suffers Broken ThumbNick SenzelCFRedsFree Agent
Washington Nationals third baseman Nick Senzel (thumb) suffered a broken thumb while fielding a ground ball before Thursday's Opening Day contest against his former team, the Cincinnati Reds, according to a source familiar with the injury. The 28-year-old former first-rounder has not lived up to his draft stock in his first five years in the big leagues, mainly due to injuries, and he's now looking at an extended absence in 2024 in his first year in D.C. Ildemaro Vargas got the start at the hot corner for Washington in the Opening Day loss to Cincy and will see more playing time now to open the season, making him worth picking up in NL-only leagues. Trey Lipscomb, the club's No. 16 prospect per MLB Pipeline, could get called up from the minors earlier than expected as well.
Source: The Washington Post - Andrew GoldenRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:08Nick Senzel Scratched On Opening DayNick SenzelCFRedsFree Agent
Washington Nationals third baseman Nick Senzel (finger) was a late scratch on Opening Day on Thursday against his former team, the Cincinnati Reds, on the road after he injured a finger while taking grounders during batting practice. With Senzel out, Ildemaro Vargas will now make the start at the hot corner while batting eighth against Reds right-hander Frankie Montas. It's not the start that Senzel was hoping for in his first year in D.C., and there's no word on the severity of his finger injury or if he'll have to miss more time beyond Thursday's game. The 28-year-old former second overall pick of the Reds in 2016 out of Tennessee was a first-round bust in his five years in Cincy, mostly due to injuries. He's hoping to bounce back with the Nats after hitting .239/.302/.369 in his first 377 big-league games.
Source: MASN Sports - Mark ZuckermanRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2816:04Oneil Cruz Batting Sixth On Opening DayOneil Cruz3BPiratesFree Agent
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz is hitting sixth on Opening Day on Thursday against the Miami Marlins and left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Cruz is probably going to hit leadoff for the Bucs against right-handed pitchers, but he's going to start in the six-hole on Opening Day against a southpaw. It's not what fantasy managers really want to see and isn't good for his DFS value to kick things off. Instead of the 25-year-old atop the batting order on Thursday, it will be outfielder Connor Joe in that spot for Pittsburgh. The 2023 season was a lost one for Cruz after he fractured his ankle on April 9, but there's still plenty to like from this emerging shortstop talent because of his power/speed profile at an unorthodox 6-foot-7, 215 pounds at the 6.
Source: Pittsburgh PG - Jason MackeyRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2812:01Angels Officially Place Robert Stephenson On Injured ListRobert StephensonRPRedsFree Agent
The Los Angeles Angels officially placed right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder) and infielder Michael Stefanic (quadriceps) on the injured list on Thursday. Stephenson isn't ready for Opening Day on March 28 in Baltimore against the Orioles due to right-shoulder inflammation he dealt with in spring training. While it's not a serious issue, the 31-year-old is going to miss a bit of time to open his first year in Anaheim. When healthy, Stephenson will be in play in fantasy leagues that count holds as the primary late-inning setup man to closer Carlos Estevez. And if Estevez struggles at all in 2024 and is removed from the ninth-inning job, Stephenson would be the first one in line to replace him for saves.
Source: Orange County Register - Jeff FletcherRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2700:36Pablo Sandoval States He Is Not RetiringPablo Sandoval1B/3B/DH/PHGiantsFree Agent
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 2619:25Mets Release Reliever Phil BickfordPhil BickfordRPBrewersFree Agent
The New York Mets released right-handed reliever Phil Bickford on Tuesday. The move comes after the Mets designated Bickford for assignment last weekend. The 28-year-old former Dodgers reliever will now be on the open market with Opening Day coming on Thursday. Bickford spent the 2023 season with both the Dodgers and Mets, pitching to a 5-5 record with a 4.95 ERA (4.46 FIP), a 1.45 WHIP, one save, 39 walks and a career-high 76 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. He was originally drafted 18th overall in 2015 by the San Francisco Giants out of Southern Nevada. Bickford has a career 4.43 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with two saves and 204 strikeouts in 180 2/3 innings with the Dodgers, Mets and Brewers in four MLB seasons.
Source: Metsmerized - Mike MayerRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 2618:59Jon Gray Dealing With Stiff NeckJon GraySPRockiesFree Agent
Texas Rangers right-hander Jon Gray (neck) was scheduled to pitch on Tuesday but was scratched due to a stiff neck. He will instead throw a bullpen session on Wednesday, and it shouldn't impact his first scheduled start of the regular season, although that date has yet to be announced. Gray was able to throw eight scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and two walks in two Cactus League contests this spring, but fantasy managers have wonder if his neck injury will have an effect on how he pitches early on in the 2024 regular season. The 32-year-old veteran got off to an excellent start last year before crumbling down the stretch to eventually finish 9-8 with a 4.12 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 54 walks and 142 strikeouts in 29 regular-season starts in his second season in Texas. It's hard to expect that much from an injury-prone pitcher in Texas who has gone over 170 innings just once in his nine seasons.
Source: Dallas Morning News - Evan GrantRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 2600:25Gregory Santos To Undergo MRI ThursdayGregory SantosSPGiantsFree Agent
Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Gregory Santos (lat) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Thursday, per the Seattle Times' Ryan Divish. Santos has been dealing with a lat strain this spring which has slowed his progress on and off. The 24-year-old will continue his throwing program if the MRI comes back clean. While he may not provide a ton of fantasy value upon his return to the team, the Mariners will welcome him back as their bullpen depth is currently short with Matt Brash (elbow) dealing with right elbow inflammation.
Source: Ryan Divish - Twitter.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2519:44Michael Wacha Not Expected To Miss Any TimeMichael WachaRP/SPMetsFree Agent
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 2519:09Kevin Ginkel Likely To Open As D-Backs CloserKevin GinkelRPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo doesn't want to name a closer right away to open the season with right-hander Paul Sewald (oblique) starting the year on the injured list due to a Grade 2 left-oblique strain, but Kevin Ginkel is the most likely option to get the first crack at the job. Nothing is set in stone, though, and Scott McGough, who had nine saves in 2023, and Miguel Castro could be other options that Lovullo turns to late in games until Sewald is able to return. It's obviously a pretty big blow for Sewald's fantasy value to open the year, but Arizona's closer should be stashed in all fantasy leagues. The 30-year-old Ginkel picked up four saves in 2023 while also sporting a nice 2.48 ERA with 23 walks and 70 K's in 65 1/3 frames. Ginkel will now be a hot waiver-wire pickup for saves.
Source: The Arizona Republic - Nick PiecoroRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2518:50Paul Sewald Heading To Injured ListPaul SewaldRPMetsFree Agent
Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Paul Sewald (oblique) is going to open the regular season on the injured list, according to manager Torey Lovullo. This is a tough break for the D-Backs as Sewald has reportedly suffered a Grade 2 left oblique strain. The organization has not given a timetable for Sewald's return, but he'll likely miss at least most of April. The expectation is that Kevin Ginkel will operate as the closer until Sewald returns. Possibly, Miguel Castro and Joe Mantiply will be in the mix as well. For now, Ginkel looks like the pitcher worth rostering in fantasy formats while Sewald recovers.
Source: Nick PiecoroRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2518:33Eric Lauer Makes Spring DebutEric LauerRP/SPBrewersFree Agent
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Eric Lauer made his spring debut against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday. The veteran southpaw looked strong as he struck out three batters over two scoreless innings. The 28-year-old has been a reliable option throughout most of his career. However, Lauer struggled heavily during his time with the Milwaukee Brewers last season. Lauer recently joined the Pirates roster, so he won't be ready for Opening Day. He'll likely head to Triple-A to get stretched out a bit before being a possible option in a few weeks. Fantasy managers can use a wait-and-see approach here.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2516:23Alexander Canario Being Sent DownAlexander CanarioRFGiantsFree Agent
The Chicago Cubs are sending outfield prospect Alexander Canario down to Triple-A Iowa to begin the 2024 season. Canario, the team's No. 14 prospect per MLB Pipeline, won't open the season in the big leagues for the first time in his career, but we expect to see the 23-year-old make at the major-league level at some point in 2024. He missed most of last season after having multiple surgeries but was called up to the big leagues in Chicago, going 5-for-17 with a homer and six RBI in six games played. Canario should eventually gain outfield eligibility for fantasy managers in NL-only and dynasty/keeper leagues, but it's hard to envision him finding much playing time in Chicago unless an injury or two strikes. He can be avoided in mixed leagues for now.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse RogersRotoBaller.com
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