Recent MLB Player News

Cardinals' Tommy Edman (wrist) starting season on injured list

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Tommy Edman (wrist) will start the season on the injured list, manager Oli Marmol confirmed on Thursday.

What It Means:

Edman has been shut down again because of lingering pain in his surgically repaired right wrist. It remains to be seen when Edman will be able to make his season debut. Dylan Carlson and Victor Scott are expected to handle center field for the Cardinals while Edman is on the shelf.

Prior to the decision, numberFire's models projected Edman to record a .257 batting average and .724 OPS this season, with 14 homers, 56 RBI, 27 steals, and 74 runs scored.

Padres finalizing trade for Dylan Cease

Former Chicago White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease has been traded to the San Diego Padres.

What It Means:

The Padres are reportedly finalizing a deal to trade for White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease. Cease will help San Diego address the departure of Blake Snell, who is expected to sign a deal with another team in free agency.

Cease tossed 177 innings for the White Sox last season, recording a 4.58 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 214 strikeouts and 79 walks.

Aaron Judge (abdomen) on track for Yankees lineup Saturday

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (abdomen) is expected to be in the lineup for Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Toronto Blue Jays, per manager Aaron Boone.

What It Means:

Judge had an MRI on his abdomen earlier this week, but he isn't dealing with any serious issue. Barring any setbacks, the 31-year-old will take a few days off before returning to the lineup over the weekend. Judge should be fine for Opening Day on March 28 against the Houston Astros.

numberFire's models project Judge to lead the majors with a 1.044 OPS this season, to go along with 47 homers and 114 RBI across 599 plate appearances.

Jackson Merrill joining Padres for Seoul Series

San Diego Padres rookie infielder Jackson Merrill will travel to South Korea for the season-opening Seoul Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 20 and 21, per manager Mike Shildt.

What It Means:

Shildt didn't announce Merrill as a starter, but the Padres plan on adding him to the 40-man roster for the beginning of the season. “He’s earned his way on the plane,” Shildt said. “He’s earned what’s coming after the plane.” The 20-year-old went 1-for-3 and homered for the second game in a row on Tuesday in Cactus League play.

Merrill went 12-for-35 (.343) with 2 homers, 3 doubles, 6 RBI, 1 steal, and 7 runs scored in Cactus League play. He also drew 3 walks and had 3 strikeouts, while posting a .995 OPS over 38 plate appearances.

Yankees' Gerrit Cole (elbow) out at least 1-2 months

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) will be out at least one-to-two months, reports Mark W. Sanchez and Jon Heyman of theNew York Post.

What It Means:

Cole will meet with a specialist to confirm there isn't damage to his right UCL, but he might be able to return sometime in May. If the Yankees decide to promote from within to replace Cole in the rotation, potential options include Clayton Beeter, Luis Gil, Luke Weaver, Yoendrys Gómez, and Will Warren. Marcus Stroman is the favorite to replace Cole as the Yankees' starter on Opening Day.

Prior to this report, numberFire's models projected Cole to record a 3.86 ERA and 1.16 WHIP this season, with a 27.5 percent strikeout rate.

Rays' Taj Bradley (pectoral) sidelined to start season

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley will be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks, per manager Kevin Cash.

What It Means:

Bradley was sent for an MRI on Tuesday after being scratched from his Grapefruit League start due to right pectoral tightness. The right-hander will need to ramp back up after the shutdown, so Bradley will not be ready for the start of the season. Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Jacob Lopez, Naoyuki Uwasawa, and Jacob Waguespack are potential options to fill the fifth spot in the Rays' rotation, as well as relievers Tyler Alexander and Chris Devenski.

Prior to the injury, numberFire's models projected Bradley to record a 4.14 ERA and 1.23 WHIP this season, with a 23.4 percent strikeout rate. As a rookie, Bradley had a 28.0 strikeout percentage and 8.5 percent walk rate.

Red Sox sign Brayan Bello to 6-year, $55 million extension

Boston Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello agreed to a six-year $55 million contract extension.

What It Means:

Bello, who made his MLB debut for Boston in 2022, has agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $55 million. The deal includes a club option in the seventh-year for $21 million.

numberFire's models project Bello to pitch 147.8 innings this season and record 9 wins, a 4.99 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 121 strikeouts, and 51 walks.

Edward Cabrera (shoulder) day-to-day for Marlins

Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera has been diagnosed with right shoulder impingement, per manager Skip Schumaker.

What It Means:

Schumaker said Cabrera is dealing with a "day-to-day thing," but the right-hander might not be ready for the start of the season. Max Meyer and Ryan Weathers are considered to be the potential replacements in the Marlins' rotation.

numberFire's models project Cabrera to record a 4.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP this season, with a 24.9 percent strikeout rate.

Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar diagnosed with fractured ribs

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar has been diagnosed with fractured ribs on his left side.

What It Means:

Nootbaar has been officially diagnosed with two fractured ribs on his left side. He is expected to miss multiple weeks of Spring Training, but could still be available for Opening Day against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 28th. Expect more information in the coming weeks.

numberFire's models project Nootbaar for 16 homers, 58 RBI, 69 runs, and a 0.257 batting average in 498 plate appearances this season.

Rays' Taj Bradley (pectoral) scratched, sent for MRI

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley was scratched from Tuesday's Grapefruit League start due to right pectoral tightness.

What It Means:

The Rays sent Bradley for an MRI on Tuesday. The young right-hander is now uncertain for Opening Day.

numberFire's models project Bradley to record a 4.14 ERA and 1.23 WHIP this season, with a 23.4 percent strikeout rate.

Reds' Noelvi Marte suspended 80 games for violating MLB’s PED policy

Cincinnati Reds infielder Noelvi Marte has been suspended 80 games for violating Major League Baseball’s PED policy.

What It Means:

Marte will miss the first 80 games of the 2024 season after violating the MLB's PED policy.

In 2023, Marte recorded 3 homers, 15 RBI, 15 runs, and a 0.316 batting average in 123 plate appearances.

Yankees' Oswald Peraza (shoulder) out 6-8 weeks

New York Yankees infielder Oswald Peraza (shoulder) will miss at least the next 6-8 weeks.

What It Means:

Peraza has been diagnosed with a sub-scapular strain in his right shoulder and will be sidelined for at least the next 6-8 weeks. The injury is not, at this time, expected to require surgery, but Peraza will be unavailable for a significant period of time.

In 191 plate appearances for the Yankees last season, Peraza recorded 2 homers, 14 RBI, 15 runs, and a 0.191 bating average.

Dodgers' Emmet Sheehan (shoulder) placed on injured list

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Emmet Sheehan (shoulder) will begin the 2024 season on the injured list.

What It Means:

Sheehan, who was expected to feature in the Dodgers' starting rotation to begin the season, will be unavailable due to shoulder soreness. He did throw a bullpen session earlier this week, his first since his shoulder soreness began, but he will start the season on the injured list.

In 60.3 innings pitched last season, Sheehan recorded a 4.92 ERA with 64 strikeouts, 26 walks, and a 1.19 WHIP.

Yankees' Aaron Judge (abs) aiming to be ready for Opening Day

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (abs) is aiming to be ready for Opening Day on March 28th.

What It Means:

Judge underwent an MRI on his abs yesterday and is not expected to swing a bat again until later this week. Asked about the injury, Judge said "there’s no real need to push it" and stated that his goal is to play on Opening Day. Expect more updates in the coming weeks. The Yankees open their season against the Houston Astros.

numberFire's models project Judge to record 47 homers, 114 RBI, and a 0.290 batting average in 599 plate appearances this season.

Source: Bryan Hoch

Yankees' Gerrit Cole (elbow) likely out for Opening Day

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (elbow) is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, per manager Aaron Boone.

What It Means:

Cole is undergoing testing on his right elbow, but there isn't enough time for him to be ready for Opening Day. Marcus Stroman is a candidate to replace Cole as the Yankees' starter for their first game of the season on March 28 against the Houston Astros.

numberFire's models project Cole to record a 3.86 ERA and 1.16 WHIP this season, with a 27.5 percent strikeout rate.

Rangers' Corey Seager swinging bat Monday

Texas Rangers infielder Corey Seager (groin) will take light swings on Monday.

What It Means:

Seager will swing a bat for the first time since undergoing sports hernia surgery in January. He remains uncertain for Opening Day, but Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said he expects to know more about Seager's availability next week.

numberFire's models project Seager to record a .293 batting average and .905 OPS this season.

Red Sox's Lucas Giolito undergoing elbow surgery Tuesday

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito will undergo surgery on his right elbow Tuesday afternoon.

What It Means:

It remains to be seen if Giolito will require full Tommy John surgery, but either way, the right-hander will not pitch in the upcoming season. The injury is a significant loss for the Red Sox's rotation.

In 184.3 innings pitched last season, Giolito recorded a 4.88 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, with 204 strikeouts (25.7%), and 73 walks.

Braxton Garrett (shoulder) likely starting season on Marlins injured list

Miami Marlins left-handed starting pitcher Braxton Garrett (shoulder) will likely begin the season on the injured list, per manager Skip Schumaker.

What It Means:

Schumaker and the Marlins want to be cautious with Garrett after the southpaw dealt with shoulder soreness early in camp. “He feels great now, but I think it's dangerous when you're trying to push a guy to make an Opening Day roster," the Marlins skipper said. A.J. Puk is expected to fill in to begin the season if Garrett is unavailable.

numberFire's models project Garrett to record a 4.39 ERA and 1.27 WHIP this season, with a 21.7 percent strikeout rate. He went 9-7 across 30 starts (31 games) last season and averaged 27.3 FanDuel points per appearance.

Boston's Vaughn Grissom (groin) could begin season on injured list

Boston Red Sox infielder Vaughn Grissom (groin) could miss the start of the season.

What It Means:

Grissom, who was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Red Sox this offseason, is dealing with a groin strain. He is expected to open the season on the injured list.

In 80 plate appearances last season Grissom recorded a 0.280 average and 0.659 OPS with 5 runs and 9 RBI.

Braves' Ronald Acuna (knee) expected to be ready for Opening Day

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna (knee) is expected to be ready for Opening Day on March 28 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

What It Means:

Acuna was diagnosed with irritation in the meniscus of his right knee after being scratched from last Friday's spring game. He visited with a specialist and will gradually increase baseball activities leading up to Opening Day. The 26-year-old won the NL MVP last season after slashing .337/.416/.596 with 41 homers, 106 RBI, 149 runs scored, and 73 steals.

numberFire's models project Acuna to record a .312 batting average and .966 OPS this season, with 36 homers, 101 RBI, 128 runs scored, and 43 steals.

Astros' Justin Verlander (shoulder) to begin season on injured list

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander (shoulder) will not be available for the start of the season.

What It Means:

Verlander, who is dealing with a shoulder injury, will not be ready for Opening Day. He will be on the injured list to start the season, but reportedly has not had any setbacks. Asked about Verlander, manager Joe Espada said "He's doing well, but we're running out of days and won't be able to build him up to start the regular season".

In 162.3 innings pitched last season, Verlander recorded a 3.22 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with 144 strikeouts and 45 walks.

Cardinals' Sonny Gray dealing with hamstring strain

St. Louis Cardinals right-handed starting pitcher Sonny Gray has been diagnosed with a "mild" right hamstring strain, per Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak.

What It Means:

Mozeliak admitted that it will be "challenging" for Gray to be ready for his scheduled Opening Day start. Zack Thompson or Matthew Liberatore will now likely get the starting nod for the Cardinals on March 28 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 34-year-old righty was the runner up for the AL Cy Young Award last year after turning in a 2.69 ERA and 1.15 WHIP.

numberFire's models project Gray to record a 3.79 ERA and 1.26 WHIP this season, with a 22.5 percent strikeout rate. He went 8-8 across 32 starts last season and averaged 32.7 FanDuel points per game.

Boston's Lucas Giolito (elbow) could miss entire 2024 season

Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito (elbow) could be sidelined for the entire 2024 season, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

What It Means:

Giolito, who signed a two-year deal with the Red Sox this offseason, has been diagnosed with a partially torn UCL and flexor strain. The injuries could require surgery and cause him to miss the entire 2024 season. If Giolito is unavailable, it would be a major loss to Boston's starting rotation.

In 184.3 innings pitched last season, Giolito recorded a 4.88 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, with 204 strikeouts, and 73 walks.

Enrique Hernandez re-signs with Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers and infielder Enrique Hernandez have agreed on a deal for the free agent to return for the 2024 season.

What It Means:

Hernandez was reunited with the Dodgers partway through the 2023 season, and will now sign back on with the team ahead of the 2024 campaign. His numbers with the Red Sox earlier in the year were disappointing, but the change in scenery seemed to have a positive effect on his batting.

Hernandez saw his OPS jump from .599 with Boston all the way to .731 with the Dodgers in the second half of the 2023 season, with his SLG percentage seeing a similar increase of .103 between his two teams. The versatile fielder could get regular play with the Dodgers throughout their upcoming campaign.

Twins acquire Manuel Margot via trade with Dodgers

The Minnesota Twins have acquired outfielder Manuel Margot from the Los Angeles Dodgers via trade, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

What It Means:

The Twins will add some extra veteran depth in their outfield as they prepare for the 2024 season, adding Margot in a deal that helped clear a roster spot for Los Angeles. The Twins were previously banking on oft-injured outfielder Byron Buxton to handle centerfield for them, so Margot's presence should be welcomed.

Margot's production at the plate slipped last season, with the veteran producing a subpar .686 OPS across 336 plate appearances in the Rays' platoon.

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