News for Free Agent Players - 2017 Park Slope Rotisserie League

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Wed Mar 2717:50Gleyber Torres Will Bat Leadoff On Opening DayGleyber TorresSSYankeesFree Agent
New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres is set to bat leadoff against the Houston Astros on Thursday. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made it official that Torres will take the first at-bat of the regular season for New York. It won't be an easy task against left-hander Framber Valdez. Boone said that Juan Soto is batting second and Aaron Judge hitting third. The move to the leadoff spot should give Torres a boost in fantasy value until DJ LeMahieu (foot) returns to the lineup.
Source: Bryan HochRotoBaller.com
Wed Mar 2713:08Marlins Acquire Burch Smith From RaysBurch SmithSPRoyalsFree Agent
The Miami Marlins acquired right-hander Burch Smith from the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday in exchange for cash considerations. Smith had an assignment clause in his minor-league contract, and the Rays didn't have a spot for him on their major-league roster out of spring training. The Marlins selected Smith's contract from Triple-A Jacksonville after the trade. The 33-year-old last pitched in the majors in 2021 with the Oakland Athletics, posting a 5.40 ERA (4.21 FIP) and 1.38 WHIP with 11 walks and 28 strikeouts in 43 1/3 relief innings. He'll be completely off the fantasy radar in what's expected to be a long-relief role for the Fish. In five big-league seasons, Smith has a poor 6.03 ERA, a 1.56 WHIP, one save, 87 walks and 184 strikeouts in 191 innings pitched.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc TopkinRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 2619:16Orioles Sign Tony KempTony Kemp2BAstrosFree Agent
The Baltimore Orioles signed infielder/outfielder Tony Kemp to an undisclosed major-league contract on Tuesday and designated third baseman Nick Maton for assignment in a corresponding move. Kemp was in spring training with the Cincinnati Reds but opted out of his minor-league deal and is now headed back to the American League after slashing just .209/.303/.304 with five home runs, 27 RBI and a career-high 15 stolen bases in 124 games with the Oakland Athletics in 2023. In addition to being able to play the outfield, the 32-year-old left-handed-hitting veteran can also fill in at second base for the Orioles. At best, Kemp is going to fill a reserve role for the O's in 2024 and isn't much of a fantasy asset. The former fifth-round pick of the Houston Astros in 2013 out of Vanderbilt is a career .238/.325/.352 hitter with only 35 homers in eight big-league seasons.
Source: The Baltimore Banner - Andy KostkaRotoBaller.com
Tue Mar 2600:10Shohei Ohtani Plays Catch MondayShohei OhtaniDH/SPAngelsFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani (elbow) played catch Monday after addressing the media. It was the first reported time of him throwing a baseball since his second elbow surgery. Manager Dave Roberts said that he doesn't expect Ohtani to pitch until 2025 but said he may be able to play the field in 2024 if he can recover quickly enough. The 29-year-old should provide plenty of fantasy value with his bat only, as he is hitting .423 this spring with his new team.
Source: Dylan Hernandez - Los Angeles TimesRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2519:56Shohei Ohtani "Shocked" His Interpreter Stole His MoneyShohei OhtaniDH/SPAngelsFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani faced the media on Monday and said he's never bet on sports or knowingly paid any gambling debts accumulated by his long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who was fired by the Dodgers five days ago in the wake of media inquiries surrounding at least $4.5 million in wire transfers sent from Ohtani's bank account to a Southern Californian bookmaking operation that is under federal investigation. "Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has been telling lies," Ohtani said. "I never bet on sports or have willfully sent money to the bookmaker." Federal prosecutors and Major League Baseball are conducting investigations into the matter, but Ohtani is expected to continue to play while it all unfolds.
Source: ESPN.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2519:34White Sox Put Max Stassi On Injured ListMax StassiCAstrosFree Agent
The Chicago White Sox placed catcher Max Stassi (hip) on the 10-day injured list on Monday with left-hip inflammation and recalled catcher Korey Lee from Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move. The 33-year-old Stassi will be eligible to be reinstated from the injured list on April 4, so he may not end up missing much time at all. However, it's not good news for Stassi after he missed all of 2023 with the Los Angeles Angels due to a hip injury and a family matter. When healthy, Stassi will be working as the primary backup catcher in Chicago to Martin Maldonado, leaving him very little fantasy appeal in the deepest of two-catcher leagues. Stassi also doesn't have much power in his lumber at the catching position.
Source: The Athletic - James FeganRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2509:45Jesse Chavez Inks Minor League Deal With BravesJesse ChavezRP/SPAngelsFree Agent
The Atlanta Braves have signed pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. The 40-year-old journeyman spent last season in Atlanta, but was recently cut by the Chicago White Sox after a tough time in the Cactus League this spring. Despite his rough numbers with the White Sox this spring, he had a great season in 2023 with a 1.56 ERA and should have an opportunity to earn a bullpen spot with the Braves. Even with his impressive numbers in 2023, he doesn't provide much in the fantasy world and can be left on the waiver wire for now.
Source: Atlanta BravesRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2509:06Willy Adames Hits Three DingersWilly AdamesSSRaysFree Agent
Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames had a huge game in Sunday's Cactus League matchup versus the Arizona Diamondbacks. Adames went 3-for-3 with four runs and three home runs. The homers would knock in all of his six RBI on the day. The 28-year-old was the subject of trade rumors this offseason, but stuck with the Brewers and has had a huge spring with a .317 batting average to accompany six homers and 15 RBI. Adames has seen a dip in his batting average over the past two seasons, but the power remains there with 24 or more homers in the past three seasons. An upcoming free-agent, Adames is motivated to get that big pay day and his hot start in the spring makes him an intriguing bounce back candidate.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Mon Mar 2501:21Davis Schneider, Daniel Vogelbach, Ernie Clement Make Blue Jays RosterDaniel Vogelbach1BMarinersFree Agent
Ernie ClementFree Agent
Davis SchneiderFree Agent
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Davis Schneider, utility bat Daniel Vogelbach, and infielder Ernie Clement have all made the opening day roster. Schneider should see a decent amount of playing time at second base, either as a platoon with Cavan Biggio or as the outright second baseman with Biggio shifting around the diamond. Vogelbach will likely be a bench bat and could fill in at DH when Justin Turner is playing in the field or taking a day off. Clement will be a bench infielder for the club. Schneider has the most appeal in fantasy and could be worth a speculative add in deeper leagues.
Source: Rob LongleyRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 2417:53Shohei Ohtani To Speak With Reporters On MondayShohei OhtaniDH/SPAngelsFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is scheduled to speak with reporters on Monday, according to manager Dave Roberts. Ohtani is currently under investigation by Major League Baseball due to allegations surrounding his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. There is speculation that Ohtani and Mizuhara could be involved in an illegal gambling situation. The fact that Ohtani is going to address the media is refreshing. Hopefully, the 29-year-old can give some information to help end this situation before it lingers into the regular season.
Source: Fox SportsRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 2417:42Jesse Chavez Signing Is Not OfficialJesse ChavezRP/SPAngelsFree Agent
The Minnesota Twins were reportedly in agreement with relief pitcher Jesse Chavez earlier on Sunday. However, the two sides have not officially agreed on a deal. It sounds like the Twins and Chavez are discussing a one-year contract, but haven't made it official. The 40-year-old is looking to pitch at least one more season in the big leagues. Whether it's the Twins or elsewhere, Chavez will likely be a middle reliever. That means, Chavez probably won't carry much fantasy value on any organization.
Source: John BonnesRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 2417:04Twins Sign Veteran Reliever Jesse ChavezJesse ChavezRP/SPAngelsFree Agent
The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran reliever Jesse Chavez to a one-year big league deal and he will serve in a middle relief role or pitch in matchup-specific opportunities. It will be the 40-year-old's tenth different major league club and 17th season, which is an enviable feat in and of itself. The Twins have lost some bullpen arms recently and needed to sure it up before the season began. While Chavez has found a niche for himself over his many MLB seasons, he's not going to log many innings and isn't a power strikeout pitcher, so his usefulness for fantasy purposes is pretty much limited to leagues where Holds are counted as a category.
Source: Twins Daily - Matthew TruebloodRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 2412:09Miguel Andujar Needs Surgery For Torn MeniscusMiguel Andujar3BYankeesFree Agent
Oakland Athletics outfielder Miguel Andujar (knee) will be forced to open the season on the 15-day injured list. Andujar felt discomfort in his right leg while playing left field in a Cactus League game last week, and MRI results on Friday showed a torn meniscus in his right knee. He'll have surgery on March 27, and manager Mark Kotsay said that Andujar is looking at a recovery timeline of at least four to six weeks. It's a bummer for the A's and the 29-year-old, as he hit .357 with a 1.110 OPS and a team-high five home runs in 14 spring games. His absence to open the year now opens the door for No. 5 prospect Darell Hernaiz or non-roster spring standout Hoy Park to make the Opening Day roster. If everything goes well with Andujar's recovery, he could make his 2024 debut at some point in May.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Sun Mar 2409:07Austin Hays Day-To-Day After Being Hit By PitchAustin HaysRFOriolesFree Agent
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Austin Hays was hit by a pitch in Saturday's 3-2 Grapefruit League win over the Blue Jays. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that Hays is fine and is considered day-to-day. If Hays is able to go on Sunday, Hyde stated that he'd try to get him in the lineup, otherwise Hays would have to take some live batting practice once the team gets back in Baltimore before the start of the regular season. Hays was a big part of the O's success in 2023, earning an All-Star appearance after slashing .314/.355/.498 and wRC+ of 136 in the first half last season. The 28-year-old came back down to earth in the second half though with a wRC+ of 84. He's hitting just .154 (4-for-26) in the spring, so hopefully the former third-round draft pick can get off to another hot start in the regular season as the Orioles have promising prospects waiting in the wings in the event he doesn't.
Source: MLB.com - Jake RillRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2218:24MLB Investigating Shohei OhtaniShohei OhtaniDH/SPAngelsFree Agent
Major League Baseball announced on Friday that they have opened an investigation into allegations involving Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. "Major League Baseball has been gathering information since we learned about the allegations involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara from the news media. Earlier today, our Department of Investigations (DOI) began their formal process investigating the matter," MLB said in a statement. The Dodgers fired Mizuhara on Wednesday following accusations of a "massive theft" that involved him making sports bets with an illegal bookmaker in California. While the 29-year-old Ohtani currently isn't facing any discipline from the league, this is a developing story that could eventually drastically affect his draft stock if he faces a lengthy suspension. Stay tuned.
Source: The Athletic - Ken RosenthalRotoBaller.com
Fri Mar 2212:23Eloy Jimenez Back In Friday's LineupEloy JiménezRFWhite SoxFree Agent
Chicago White Sox outfielder/designated hitter Eloy Jimenez (foot) is back in the team's Cactus League lineup on Friday against the Oakland Athletics, serving as the designated hitter and batting cleanup. Jimenez fouled a ball off his foot in Wednesday's spring game and was held out of action on Thursday as a result. He's back in there now, though, so it appears the oft-injured 27-year-old dodged a bullet and should be ready for Opening Day on March 28. Fantasy managers should know that Jimenez is a pretty big injury risk, as he's missed at least 40 games in all five of his major-league seasons. He hasn't been able to match the 31 home runs he hit during his rookie campaign in 2019, either. Because of that, RotoBaller has Jimenez ranked as the No. 46 fantasy outfielder in 2024.
Source: Chicago White SoxRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2116:22Kenley Jansen, Chris Martin To Pitch ThursdayKenley JansenRPDodgersFree Agent
Chris MartinRPRangersFree Agent
Boston Red Sox relievers Kenley Jansen (back) and Chris Martin (groin) are both scheduled to pitch in Thursday night's Grapefruit League game against the Baltimore Orioles. Jansen didn't make his Grapefruit League debut until last Friday due to lat tightness this spring and then was scratched from a spring appearance earlier this week due to lower-back stiffness. While Jansen is running out of time to be ready for Opening Day on March 28 next Thursday, if he can avoid anymore setbacks with his back, he could still be ready. Martin, who is probably next in line for saves in Boston if Jansen ever misses time, will be making his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday after injuring his groin in early March. Jansen is the active MLB leader in saves, but he's become extremely injury-prone.
Source: The Boston Globe - Alex SpeierRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2114:53Yandy Diaz Slugs A Homer ThursdayYandy Díaz3B/DHIndiansFree Agent
Tampa Bay Rays infielder Yandy Diaz clubbed a home run during his team's Grapefruit League contest versus the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. Diaz's third home run of the spring led off the game while he also added a double in the top of the fourth inning. The 32-year-old is hitting .313 (10-for-32) with those three homers and a double with just one walk versus six strikeouts across 33 trips to the plate this spring, good for a healthy .958 OPS. Despite dealing with groin issues throughout the 2023 season, Diaz raked to the tune of a .330 average with a career-high 22 home runs, 95 runs, 78 RBI, and a .932 OPS across an even 600 plate appearances. He is reportedly fully healthy this spring and carries a nice floor into the 2024 season but expect some regression in the home run department.
Source: MLB.comRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2114:20Eloy Jimenez Suffers Bruised FootEloy JiménezRFWhite SoxFree Agent
Chicago White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez (foot) has suffered a bruised right foot after fouling a pitch off of it on Wednesday. The oft-injured 27-year-old is listed as day to day at this point. It's been a productive spring to this point for Jimenez in Cactus League action as he is hitting .356 with one homer, 12 RBI, and an .894 OPS across 47 trips to the plate. He took a step back at the plate in the 2023 season when he hit .272 with 18 home runs, 64 RBI, and a .758 OPS across 120 appearances, good for a 105 wRC+ that represents the second-lowest mark of his five-year career. He is a solid bounce-back candidate who projects for 23 home runs and 73 RBI by ATC across 125 games in the 2024 campaign but he still carries substantial injury risk.
Source: Chuck GarfienRotoBaller.com
Thu Mar 2112:28Shohei Ohtani Not Facing DisciplineShohei OhtaniDH/SPAngelsFree Agent
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is not currently facing discipline, nor is he believed to be under active investigation by the league, according to an MLB official. Ohtani's long-time interpreter Ippei Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers on Wednesday following accusations of "massive theft." Ohtani went 1-for-5 with a sacrifice fly in the 15-11 loss to the San Diego Padres on Thursday and didn't answer questions postgame and was escorted out of the clubhouse by a team public relations official. There was no consideration of having Ohtani sit out Thursday's game, according to manager Dave Roberts. Mizuhara is being accused of using Ohtani's money to place bets with an illegal bookmaker who is under federal investigation. As of right now, the 29-year-old Ohtani isn't facing any discipline, but this is a developing situation.
Source: The Athletic - Fabian ArdayaRotoBaller.com
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