Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz is making his case for thefifth rotation spot for the team, now with a 1.00 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and a 1:6 BB:K through nine Cactus League innings. The 6-foot-7 righty made his MLB debut last season, postinga 3.99 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 11 starts, but the strikeouts lagged (9.4 percent). With a SIERAof 4.56 after 2024 was over and the lack of strikeouts that was a trend even in the minors as well (19.0 percent K% in 66 stars), it's hard to envisionthings getting drastically better for the 24-year-old in 2025. Nevertheless, the former third-round draft pick could have some value in AL-only leagues were he to win the job out of camp, so monitorthis situation for any developments if you play in that format.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Rays outfield prospect Chandler Simpson and shortstop prospect Carson Williams both put their offensive skills on display in Thursday's 7-5 Spring Breakout win over the Red Sox prospects. Simpson flashed his 80-grade speed on an infield hit to shortstop that he easily beat the throw to first, then swiped his first bag of the series. Then Carson Williams provided some insurance for his squad in the eighth inning when he blasted a two-out solo home run, giving his team some breathing room as they headed into the ninth inning. Neither is expected to make the team out of Spring Training, but both could be fantasy contributors in the second half of the season.

From RotoBaller

The Chicago Cubs have entered into contract negotiations with veteran free-agent right-hander Lance Lynn on a one-year, big-league contract, according to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale. The Cubs are looking for rotation depth, and Lynn has plenty of experience in the National League Central, having pitched seven seasons with the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals. The 37-year-old veteran went 7-4 a year ago with a 3.84 ERA (4.31 FIP), a 1.34 WHIP, 109 strikeouts and 44 walks in 117 1/3 innings over 23 starts for the Red Birds. Unsurprisingly at this point in his career, Lynn has missed large chunks of time over the last several seasons, including in 2024 due to a knee injury. Even though his ERA was under 4.00, his xERA of 4.93 told a different story, and Father Time is surely catching up with him. If Lynn lands in Chicago and ends up in the rotation at some point, he'll be a low-upside DFS streamer.

From RotoBaller

Texas Rangers right-hander Tyler Mahle (forearm) pitched in a minor-league game in camp on Thursday against Double-A Northwest Arkansas and allowed three runs in four innings while allowing six hits, walking none and striking out five. He threw 42 of his 55 pitches for strikes and tossed an extra 10 pitches in the bullpen after being scratched from his Cactus League start earlier this week with right-forearm tightness. The 30-year-old's MRI results didn't show any structural damage in his arm, though, and Mahle should be able to get back into a spring training game soon. It's great news for a pitcher who only made three starts in 2024 in his return from Tommy John surgery in 2023. He also missed time late last year with a shoulder injury. Because his innings will be limited in 2025, Mahle is really only worth stashing in deeper fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Texas Rangers right-handed pitching prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker, who were teammates at Vanderbilt, are both competing for the open spot in the starting rotation now that it's confirmed that left-hander Cody Bradford (elbow) will open the year on the injured list. If we had to bet, Leiter would be the favorite -- not only because he's looked better this spring, but because he has more big-league experience. The 24-year-old has shown increased velocity in camp and has allowed only three runs on seven hits while walking six and striking out 13 in four games (one start) covering 10 2/3 innings. Although he had an ERA over 8.00 and a 1.71 WHIP, Leiter pitched in nine games (six starts) in the big leagues in 2024. Rocker, meanwhile, made three starts last year but has allowed eight earned runs while walking two and striking out only two in just two Cactus League innings in his two starts.

From RotoBaller

The Detroit Tigers have acquired left-handed pitcher Bailey Horn from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for cash considerations. He was later optioned to Triple-A Toledo. The 27-year-old made his MLB debut last season in Boston and logged 18 innings to the tune of a high 6.50 ERA with a 1.78 WHIP. He held a 10:13 BB:K. After allowing a hefty 13 earned runs across his first 10 1/3 innings at Triple-A, Horn turned the corner as he posted a strong 2.15 ERA with a 1.06 WHIP over his final 29 1/3 frames. During this stretch, Horn tallied 35 punchouts and served up 14 free passes. Given his inconsistent performances at Triple-A, fantasy managers should expect Horn to spend most of the season at the level to continue his development. He may return to the majors when the Tigers need additional depth in their bullpen.

From RotoBaller

The St. Louis Cardinals optioned right-handed pitcher Ryan Loutos to Triple-A Memphis. Loutos was competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster but will begin his 2025 season with the Memphis Redbirds instead. Last season, Loutos made a brief MLB debut as he logged two 1/3 shutout frames. He spent the majority of his season at the Triple-A level where he posted a 3.40 ERA with a 1.43 WHIP across 53 innings of work. He tallied 59 punchouts while serving up 23 free passes. This was a strong improvement compared to the high 6.40 ERA and 1.90 WHIP he held across 71 2/3 innings at Triple-A during the 2023 season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status at Triple-A as he will likely return to the majors when St. Louis needs additional pitching depth.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm (shoulder) will be re-evaluated on Saturday. Manager Rob Thompson noted that he is feeling better. Strahm has been dealing with an impingement in his left shoulder and could be in danger of missing Opening Day. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team will likely provide clarity on his status after his evaluation on Saturday. Last season, the southpaw was one of the most reliable arms in the Philadelphia bullpen as he held a strong 1.87 ERA with a 0.75 WHIP across 62 2/3 innings. He tallied 79 punchouts and had elite control, serving up walks at a 4.6 percent rate. He tallied three saves and 18 holds. If Strahm were to miss time, fantasy managers should expect Orion Kerkering and Jose Alvarado to be deployed primarily as the setup options.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos (illness) was unable to play on Wednesday due to an illness. The 33-year-old has not been in the lineup since Sunday. Fantasy managers should monitor his status as the Phillies may continue to keep him sidelined for the time being. When healthy, he is expected to be their everyday right fielder. Last season, the 33-year-old held a .254/.311/.431 slash line with 30 doubles and 23 home runs. He tallied 86 RBI with 80 runs. He generated an elite .271 xBA with a 39.0 percent launch angle sweet spot rate, which suggests he should see some positive regression during the 2025 campaign. During the 2023 campaign, he held a .272/.311/.476 line. Fantasy managers should view Castellanos as a reliable No.3/No.4 outfielder who should provide a high floor of counting stats batting in a potent Philadelphia lineup.

From RotoBaller

The Texas Rangers have optioned right-handed pitcher Gerson Garabito to Triple-A Round Rock. Garabito made his MLB debut last summer but will begin the 2025 season in the minor leagues. Across his first 26 1/3 innings in the major leagues, Garabito held a 4.78 ERA with a 1.33 WHIP. He tallied 22 punchouts while serving up walks at a high 10.4 percent rate. However, he was able to limit hard contact as he generated hard hits at an impressive 35.1 percent rate. In 55 1/3 innings with Triple-A Round Rock last summer, Garabito posted a 3.42 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. He held a strong 12:55 BB:K and allowed just six long balls. Fantasy managers should monitor his progression at Triple-A as he should contend for a return to the big leagues later in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Texas Rangers infielder Jonathan Ornelas was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday. Ornelas was competing for a depth role in the Texas infield but will begin the campaign at the top level of the minor leagues. Across the past two seasons, Ornelas has appeared in just 26 contests in the major leagues. Last summer, across 18 contests in Texas, the 24-year-old held a .215/.256/.270 slash line. He tallied just eight hits and only two went for extra-bases. During his brief stint in the majors, Ornelas was valuable from a defensive standpoint as he made starts at second base, third base, shortstop, and the outfield. In 88 games with Triple-A, Ornelas held a .251/.322/.326 line with 10 doubles and three long balls. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should expect him to return to the majors later in the season but will only carry minimal fantasy value given his lack of offensive upside.

From RotoBaller

MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports that New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole's (elbow) UCL surgery included internal bracing, according to the team, which can reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery time. It means that Cole is closer to a 12-month recovery than if he had the traditional Tommy John surgery. Cole will still miss the entire 2025 season, but the internal-brace procedure means that he could have a chance to be ready right around the start of the 2026 season, depending on how he fares during his rehab. Fantasy managers that already drafted the 34-year-old former American League Cy Young winner in single-year leagues can dump him now that he's officially out for the year. The Yankees are also going to be without starter Luis Gil (lat) to begin the year, which means that both veteran Marcus Stroman and pitching prospect Will Warren figure to open the year in the starting rotation.

From RotoBaller

The Houston Astros have been pleased with how second baseman Jose Altuve has looked while playing the outfield in spring training. "[He's done] enough for me to feel good about playing left field," manager Joe Espada said. Even though the Astros didn't re-sign Alex Bregman in the offseason, the Astros are going forward with their plan to move the 34-year-old Venezuelan second baseman to left field on a full-time basis in 2025. The early returns defensively have been positive for Altuve, and the eventual addition of outfield eligibility in fantasy will make him an even more attractive fantasy option this year despite the fact that he isn't getting any younger. Altuve is a top-three fantasy second baseman as a former MVP, nine-time All-Star, seven-time Silver Slugger winner and three-time batting champion. He dealt with injuries in 2023 but bounced back last year to post a 20-20 season while hitting .295.

From RotoBaller

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said that if all goes well with outfielder Jordan Walker (knee) over the next couple of days in camp, he will return to Grapefruit League action on Saturday. Walker has been out of spring training games since last Tuesday due to left-knee irritation but has taken batting practice and been tracking fly balls in the outfield over the last two days. It looks like the 22-year-old former top prospect is putting his sore knee behind him, and he still has plenty of time to get up to full speed before Opening Day in late March. The former 21st overall pick hit 16 home runs in his rookie season in 2023 but batted .201 with 50 K's in 178 plate appearances last year and was sent to the minors. Walker is going to get his chance as the starting right fielder in 2025, but it might be a make-or-break year for him in St. Louis.

From RotoBaller

Matt Kawahara of The Houston Chronicle reports that Houston Astros pitcher Forrest Whitley (knee) was diagnosed with a bone bruise in his knee. Per manager Joe Espada, Whitley "felt something" in his knee on a pitch during his most recent Grapefruit League outing on Mar. 8, and an MRI later revealed the bruise. Espada notes that it's "too soon to tell" if the ailment will jeopardize his Opening Day status. The former top pitching prospect was building up to be a multi-inning reliever for the squad, but his off-season ramp-up will be put on hold for now. The 27-year-old has dealt with injuries before, including missing two months last season with elbow discomfort. However, upon his return, he compiled a 0.95 ERA in 28.1 innings at Triple-A Sugar Land.

From RotoBaller

Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports that Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (shoulder) took swings in the batting cage on Wednesday. However, he has not resumed throwing. It's a critical step for the 27-year-old, who hadn't picked up a bat since receiving a cortisone shot in his shoulder on Mar. 1. "It's been progressing well," said Steer, "Hopefully, it continues." While he appears to be progressing well, Sheldon notes that the versatile outfielder is still likely to begin the season on the injured list. Still, the former third-round pick isn't yet giving up hope. "I wouldn't count it out yet, I really wouldn't. But it's getting close." Steer notched his first 20/20 season in 2024, though he projects as a better option in points leagues unless his average climbs back up toward the .271 he hit in 2023. He's currently sitting around the top 100 in ADP.

From RotoBaller

Chicago White Sox manager Will Venable notes that outfielder Andrew Benintendi (hand) "felt really good" while taking swings in the batting cage on Thursday. Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times reported the news. "We feel confident that he's in a good spot to progress," said Venable. The veteran broke a bone in his hand at the end of February after being hit by a pitch and was initially given a four- to six-week timetable for his return. It appears he's currently on schedule, and though Van Schouwen notes his being ready on Opening Day seems slightly out of reach, Venable did not rule it out. Benintendi underperformed in 2024 with a .229 average, marking a career-low. Even if he bounces back, he isn't as appealing as a bat in terms of fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (back) has been out the last few days due to a mild back issue but returned on Thursday to take part in a simulated game in camp against right-hander Walker Buehler, according to MLB.com's Ian Browne. Story has not played in a Grapefruit League game since March 9 due to lower-back tightness, but it's nothing serious and he's expected to return to a spring game on Saturday. Barring a setback with his back, the 32-year-old veteran will open the 2025 regular season as the Red Sox's starting shortstop. The former first-rounder only played in 26 games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury that he suffered while diving for a ground ball. Injuries are part of the equation now for Story, as he hasn't played in over 94 games in his three years in Beantown. For that reason, he's viewed as middle-infield depth in mixed fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers (shoulder) said he will be fine if the team wants him to serve as the designated hitter on Opening Day. "I don't make those decisions," Devers said after talking to chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora a few weeks ago. The 28-year-old has changed his tune after saying on Feb. 17 that "third base is my position. I play third." Devers is finally scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut this Saturday after working on his swing during spring training following issues with both of his shoulders last year. Meanwhile, new addition Alex Bregman is a Gold Glove third baseman and has been at the hot corner all spring. Devers could see time at third at some point in 2025, but all signs are pointing to him opening the year as the full-time DH with Masataka Yoshida (shoulder) starting on the injured list.

From RotoBaller