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The New York Yankees have confirmed that Giancarlo Stanton will begin the 2025 season on the injured list, a decision driven by persistent elbow problems that have plagued the slugger this spring. Stanton, who recently underwent PRP injections in both elbows, is expected to rejoin the team’s spring training camp later this week after attending to a personal matter in New York. The move underscores the ongoing challenges the Yankees face in keeping their powerful outfielder healthy, as his elbow issues have curtailed his preparation for the upcoming campaign.
Stanton’s absence from the lineup at season’s outset is hardly unexpected, given that he hasn’t swung a bat in five or six weeks due to lingering soreness. Two weeks ago, both Stanton and manager Aaron Boone likened the condition to tennis elbow, with Stanton revealing that some tendon damage had occurred. While surgery remains off the table for now, Stanton emphasized a cautious approach to avoid worsening the injury, noting that a full tendon tear could force a more invasive solution. For a Yankees team relying on his bat, this latest setback highlights the delicate balance between managing his health and maximizing his impact.
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Chicago Cubs right-hander Javier Assad will miss the opening of the 2025 season due to oblique soreness that has hampered him throughout spring training. According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, Assad won’t recover in time for the team’s Tokyo Series on March 18 or their stateside opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 27. As a result, the Cubs are likely to place the 27-year-old on the injured list to begin the year, sidelining him through at least early April and forcing the team to adjust their pitching plans without one of their versatile arms.
Assad has been a quietly effective presence in the Cubs’ pitching staff over his three MLB seasons, despite metrics that suggest his success might be unsustainable. Serving as a swingman in 2022 and 2023, he compiled an impressive 3.06 ERA (139 ERA+) across 147 innings in 41 outings, including 18 starts. However, his peripheral stats tell a less flattering story: a 9.9% walk rate, a modest 20.2% strikeout rate, and a respectable but unspectacular 44.7% groundball rate. These figures contributed to a 4.34 FIP and 4.59 SIERA, hinting that Assad’s surface-level excellence may have outpaced his underlying skill set, a dynamic the Cubs will hope he can refine once he returns from injury. The Colorado Rockies have placed right-handed pitcher Justin Lawrence on waivers, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, signaling a potential shift in the reliever’s career trajectory. Unlike a designation for assignment, this move allows Lawrence to remain with the Rockies, participating in workouts and spring training games while the waiver process unfolds. However, the decision is final—Lawrence’s placement on waivers is irrevocable, meaning that if another team claims him in the coming days, he’ll be donning a new uniform soon.
At 30 years old, Lawrence brings four partial MLB seasons of experience since his 2021 debut with Colorado, though his tenure has been a mixed bag. His initial stint in 2021 was rocky, and while 2022 saw a 5.70 ERA that painted an underwhelming picture, deeper metrics told a different story. With a 3.39 FIP, 3.54 xERA, and 3.63 SIERA, Lawrence’s underlying performance was hampered by a 63.7% strand rate and a bloated .350 BABIP, masking a solid 25.1% strikeout rate and a 50.8% groundball rate. These numbers highlight a pitcher with the raw tools to succeed as a reliable reliever, making him an intriguing option for any team looking to take a chance on his upside. The Arizona Diamondbacks have added depth to their pitching roster by signing right-hander Casey Kelly to a minor league deal, as confirmed by the transactions log on his MLB.com profile. Kelly, now 35, brings a wealth of experience to the organization, though his career has been marked by both promise and challenges. Originally a first-round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2008, Kelly quickly established himself as a top-tier talent, earning a spot among baseball’s consensus top-100 prospects before being traded to the San Diego Padres in a blockbuster deal that also included future All-Star Anthony Rizzo in exchange for Adrian Gonzalez.
Kelly’s MLB journey began with a debut for the Padres in 2012, where he posted a 6.21 ERA over 29 innings across six starts, showing flashes of potential but struggling to find consistency. His trajectory took a significant detour in 2013 when Tommy John surgery sidelined him, delaying his return to the majors. When he finally made it back in 2015, Kelly faced further setbacks, getting roughed up for a 7.94 ERA in just 11 1/3 innings, effectively closing the door on his Padres tenure. Now, with the Diamondbacks, Kelly has a chance to rediscover his form in the minors and potentially work his way back to the big leagues with a team looking to bolster its pitching options. The office of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is currently reviewing a petition from Pete Rose’s family to remove the late baseball legend from the league’s ineligible list, as reported by ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr. Rose, who died in September at 83, has been the subject of renewed attention following his passing. According to Van Natta, the petition was formally submitted on January 8, stemming from a December 17 discussion between Rose’s daughter, Fawn, the family’s attorney, and the commissioner’s office. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate surrounding Rose’s legacy and his ban from baseball due to gambling violations.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, President Donald Trump weighed in on Rose’s case late last night, hinting at a potential posthumous pardon in the coming weeks, according to Qasim Nauman and Michael S. Schmidt of the New York Times. While such a pardon would address Rose’s 1990 federal prison sentence for filing false tax returns—a five-month term—it would not directly impact his standing with Major League Baseball. The timing of Trump’s comments, reported this morning, underscores the intersection of sports, law, and politics in Rose’s story, though the final decision on his baseball eligibility remains in the hands of Commissioner Manfred and MLB. Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows has been forced to pause all baseball activities due to a nerve issue affecting his upper right arm, according to manager A.J. Hinch, who spoke with reporters, including Evan Woodbery of MLive.com. The injury’s unclear timeline has left Meadows’ availability for the season’s opening in doubt, with Hinch describing the situation as fluid and unpredictable.
Hinch elaborated on the current approach, stating, “My understanding is that we’re in a wait-and-see situation.” He explained that the nerve must begin functioning properly again before Meadows can return to the field, adding, “It could be short-term, or it could linger a little.” While no definitive recovery schedule has been established, Hinch expressed optimism about the progress, noting that a diagnosis and treatment plan are now in place, setting Meadows on a promising path forward. After a year away from the dugout, Terry Francona savored the simple pleasures of sleeping in and debating a second cup of coffee before tackling the crossword puzzle. But when the Cincinnati Reds called him back to managing in October 2024, the transition to predawn wake-ups for spring training felt like a homecoming. “My mind went right back into baseball, and it kind of feels good,” Francona said early in his first camp with the Reds. The 65-year-old, who turns 66 in April, finds unmatched comfort at the ballpark, a place he’s known since childhood as the son of a major leaguer and a 1980 first-round draft pick. “There’s no place on this earth I’m more comfortable,” he added, embracing his return to the game.
Francona’s year off proved essential after a grueling 11 seasons with Cleveland, where health issues—including a shoulder replacement and double hernia surgery—forced him to step away at the end of 2023. Having previously missed chunks of the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he admitted, “Physically, I was so beat up that it starts to become mental, and you start, it wears on you.” Now rejuvenated, the two-time World Series champ and three-time Manager of the Year feels ready to lead again. Cincinnati, hungry for its first playoff series win in three decades, banks on Francona’s 1,950 career victories—second only to Bruce Bochy among active managers—to turn the tide, and he’s eager to meet the challenge with the patience and passion he knows the job demands. The Philadelphia Phillies and slugger Kyle Schwarber have engaged in preliminary extension discussions this spring, as reported by The Athletic, though no agreement appears close at this stage. Schwarber, who turns 32 in March, is entering the final year of a four-year, $79 million contract signed in March 2022, set to earn $20 million in 2025 before hitting free agency. The power hitter has made it clear he’d love to stay with Philadelphia beyond this season, sparking talks that could secure his future with the team he’s called home for the past three years.
Since joining the Phillies, Schwarber has been a force at the plate, smashing 131 home runs and posting a .344 on-base percentage across three seasons. An extension might keep him in red pinstripes for another two to three years at a similar $20 million annual salary. He’s not the only key Phillie facing free agency after 2025—catcher JT Realmuto and pitcher Ranger Suárez are also in the mix, with Realmuto likewise open to sticking around. As spring unfolds, these talks hint at Philadelphia’s intent to lock in core players who’ve fueled their recent success, though fans will have to wait to see if Schwarber’s extension dreams come to fruition. With ESPN stepping away from its national TV contract after the 2025 season, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred is actively negotiating the league’s next broadcasting chapter. According to Puck’s John Ourand, MLB is in talks with Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and NBC for a comprehensive rights package set to take effect in 2028, rather than just replacing ESPN’s current deal. Amazon already has a foothold in baseball streaming through partnerships with FanDuel Sports Networks and the YES Network, while Comcast’s NBC Sports properties, like NBC Sports Bay Area and NBC Sports Philadelphia, handle regional team broadcasts. Netflix, though new to baseball, is dipping its toes into live sports with events like the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight and NFL games on Christmas Day, making it an intriguing contender.
The discussions come as MLB reevaluates its media strategy following a mutual opt-out from its ESPN agreement, originally slated to run through 2028. In a letter to the league’s 30 team owners, Manfred pointed to ESPN’s shrinking subscriber base and limited baseball coverage beyond game broadcasts as key factors in the decision, though ESPN has reportedly contested the “mutual” label of the split. Meanwhile, Fox Sports is eyeing a piece of the pie, expressing interest in the Home Run Derby, an event ESPN has aired since 1998. As Manfred explores these options, MLB aims to secure a dynamic national presence that could reshape how fans experience the sport in the years ahead. The baseball world lost a beloved figure in January 2025 when Bob Uecker, the iconic Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster, passed away at 90. For Willy Adames, who had recently left the Brewers to join the San Francisco Giants as a free agent, the news struck a deep chord. Uecker, a Milwaukee native, was more than just a voice on the airwaves—he was a constant presence in the Brewers’ clubhouse, a cherished spirit whose warmth touched players and fans alike. Adames, who spent four impactful years with the team, felt Uecker’s loss profoundly, a sentiment shared widely across the Milwaukee and MLB communities.
Unable to attend Uecker’s funeral due to its private, family-only nature, Adames made a heartfelt effort to pay his respects. “It was definitely tough,” he told Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I called some people in Milwaukee because I wanted to go there for the funeral, but they said it was gonna be only for family.” The shortstop’s emotional connection to Uecker was evident as he recalled the broadcaster’s unique ability to make everyone feel at home, saying, “It felt like I played there for 15 years.” Adames even shared how his father cried upon hearing of Uecker’s death, underscoring the announcer’s lasting impact. Though he couldn’t be there in person, Adames’ gesture reflected the deep bond he’d formed with Uecker, a man whose energy and spirit will be missed in Milwaukee for years to come. President Donald Trump revealed on Friday his intention to grant a pardon to Pete Rose, the late baseball legend known for holding the record for the most hits in Major League history. In a post on Truth Social, Trump lambasted Major League Baseball for excluding Rose from the Hall of Fame due to his gambling activities, arguing that the punishment was unjust. Rose, who passed away last year at 83, was banned for life from the sport after admitting in 2004 to betting on games—though he insisted he never wagered against his own team. Despite his plea for reinstatement, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred denied Rose’s request in 2015.
“Over the next few weeks I will be signing a complete pardon of Pete Rose, who shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on his team winning,” Trump wrote. “He never betted against himself, or the other team. He had the most hits, by far, in baseball history, and won more games than anyone in sports history.” While Trump highlighted Rose’s on-field achievements and framed the pardon as a correction of an overly harsh penalty, he did not clarify the specific scope of the pardon. Rose’s legal troubles also included a five-month prison sentence in 1990 after pleading guilty to tax evasion, leaving some ambiguity about what the pardon might address. Shohei Ohtani made a statement in his spring debut on Friday night, launching an opposite-field solo home run in his first at-bat to thrill the packed crowd at Camelback Ranch. The reigning National League MVP powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels, but beyond the highlight-reel homer, Ohtani was more encouraged by the resilience of his surgically repaired left shoulder. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery in the offseason to fix a torn labrum—originally injured diving into second base during Game 2 of the World Series—the 30-year-old faced his first real test and came away optimistic about his recovery.
“Regardless of the results, I think the biggest takeaway was being able to go through my three at-bats without any issues,” Ohtani shared through his interpreter, Will Ireton. “Physically, it felt really good.” Facing fellow Japanese star Yusei Kikuchi in the first inning, Ohtani’s blast not only electrified fans who had flocked to see the Dodgers’ World Series hero in action but also marked a promising step in his return to form. With his shoulder holding up through the night, Ohtani’s focus on health over heroics underscored a successful start to his spring campaign. On a bright Friday afternoon at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, a small crowd of intrigued fans and a few reporters lined the railing above the left field wall, buzzing with anticipation. They were there to catch a rare sight: Houston Astros icon Jose Altuve stepping into the outfield for his first Grapefruit League game away from his familiar infield domain. The moment marked an experimental shift for the veteran, whose career has been defined by his stellar play at second base, and the onlookers were eager to see how he’d handle this new territory.
What unfolded, however, was far less eventful than expected. Over six innings in the Astros’ 3-2 victory against the Cardinals, Altuve stood in left field, nibbling at his nails and working to stay focused as the game’s action unfolded elsewhere—mostly on the infield he once ruled. Not a single ball came his way, leaving fans and even Altuve himself a bit deflated. “They were mad at me that I didn’t get any fly balls,” he quipped about the disappointed supporters behind him, summing up a debut that promised excitement but delivered little more than a quiet afternoon in the sun. As March 2025 kicks off, J.D. Martinez remains a free agent, searching for his next contract following a solid yet unremarkable season with the New York Mets. The 37-year-old veteran has flown under the radar with little public chatter linking him to potential suitors. However, Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently reported that the New York Yankees have initiated “some contact with” Martinez’s representatives. This move appears tied to the ongoing questions surrounding Giancarlo Stanton’s availability, suggesting the Yankees are keeping their options open as they assess their roster needs.
At this stage, the Yankees’ outreach seems more like a precautionary step than a firm commitment, possibly laying groundwork in case Stanton faces a prolonged absence. Heyman indicates that signing Martinez solely as a temporary fill-in isn’t a likely scenario if Stanton’s downtime is minimal, such as missing just the start of the season. Given Martinez’s current profile as primarily a designated hitter with limited defensive flexibility, his fit with the Yankees would depend on specific circumstances. Should Stanton’s absence be brief, the team could simply shuffle existing players through the DH role rather than pursue Martinez, making this contact a low-stakes exploration for now. The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for an electrifying spring training moment as Roki Sasaki is slated to make his Cactus League debut against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night, according to manager Dave Roberts. The game, set for 6:05 p.m. MT/5:05 p.m. PT at Camelback Ranch, will be televised on SportsNet LA, MLB Network, and MLB.TV (for out-of-market fans). Sasaki won’t start the game—that role belongs to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is expected to pitch around four innings—but will enter at a planned point to throw at least three innings, with Roberts hinting he might stretch into a fourth.
This debut aligns Sasaki and Yamamoto for a bigger stage next month when the Dodgers kick off the regular season with the Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs on March 18-19 in Japan. Yamamoto is penciled in for the opener, with Sasaki likely taking the mound for Game 2. Their Tuesday outings will set them up for one more Cactus League appearance each before the team wraps up spring training on March 11 and heads to Tokyo, giving fans an early preview of the dynamic duo’s potential impact on the Dodgers’ rotation. Jesus Luzardo turned heads in his spring training debut with the Philadelphia Phillies, delivering two flawless innings against the Boston Red Sox on February 28, 2025. The left-hander’s fastball hit 98 mph, and he struck out two while displaying sharp command of his changeup and slider. Luzardo needed just 20 pitches—14 of them strikes—to retire all six batters he faced, generating six swings-and-misses along the way. After battling injuries last season, this outing underscored his restored velocity and precision, fueling excitement about his potential impact on Philadelphia’s starting rotation.
Beyond the stats, Luzardo’s performance was a powerful declaration of his health and preparedness, a sentiment echoed by multiple reports following the game. His efficiency and dominance in this initial appearance suggest he’s poised to become a cornerstone for the Phillies as the regular season nears. For a team looking to solidify its pitching staff, Luzardo’s stellar debut offers a glimpse of the upside he brings, setting an optimistic tone for his integration into the roster. The Dominican Republic has tapped Albert Pujols, a legendary figure from his playing days with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels, to manage its national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, according to sources cited by ESPN. The official announcement is expected in March, marking a significant step in Pujols’ post-playing career. A three-time MLB MVP, Pujols recently showcased his managerial prowess by guiding Leones del Escogido to championships in both the Dominican League and the Caribbean Series during his first stint as a manager this year.
Nelson Cruz, the general manager of the Dominican squad and a special adviser for MLB baseball operations, is orchestrating the transition and has confirmed that an announcement is forthcoming before March ends. “We are in the middle of the process, but we will soon reveal who was chosen,” Cruz told Rojas. Pujols will step into the role previously held by Rodney Linares, currently the third base coach for the Tampa Bay Rays, bringing his extensive experience and winning pedigree to the international stage. Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo recently informed Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports that infielder Blaze Alexander has suffered a right oblique strain. While Lovullo didn’t provide a precise recovery timeline, he indicated that Alexander will be out for weeks rather than days. With Opening Day less than a month away as of February 28, 2025, this injury could land Alexander on the injured list to start the season. Even if he recovers before the opener, he’ll need time to ramp up, essentially restarting spring training to regain game readiness.
Before this setback, the 26-year-old Alexander was poised to serve as Arizona’s primary bench infielder. Last season marked his major league debut, where he appeared in 61 games and made 185 plate appearances for the Diamondbacks. His .247/.321/.343 slash line translated to a wRC+ of 88, meaning he was 12% below league average offensively—not a standout performance, but respectable for a versatile backup. Alexander proved his utility by logging at least 53 innings at shortstop, second base, and third base in 2024, showcasing his value as a multi-position defender. The Baltimore Orioles are planning to develop Roansy Contreras into a starting pitcher this spring, according to manager Brandon Hyde, who spoke to reporters, including Matt Weyrich of The Baltimore Sun. The 25-year-old right-hander spent last season in a multi-inning relief role, splitting time between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Los Angeles Angels. This shift to a starter’s role marks a new chapter for Contreras as the Orioles look to tap into his potential on the mound.
However, Contreras’ long-term spot with the Orioles remains uncertain. He’s far from guaranteed to stay on Baltimore’s roster through the end of spring training, especially given his turbulent offseason. Contreras has bounced between teams via waivers five times, with the Orioles claiming him twice—most recently from the New York Yankees in early February. Since he’s out of minor league options, any attempt to send him down would require passing through waivers again, a process no team has managed to complete without another club snapping him up. The New York Yankees are grappling with a pair of injury setbacks as spring training unfolds on February 28, 2025. Right-hander Luis Gil, a key piece of their pitching staff, experienced shoulder tightness during a bullpen session today, prompting manager Aaron Boone to schedule an MRI for tomorrow, according to Greg Joyce of the New York Post. Meanwhile, Boone also disclosed that JT Brubaker suffered a more concrete blow—three broken ribs—after dodging a comebacker last week. While no return timeline was offered for Brubaker, the news casts an early shadow over the Yankees’ roster depth as they gear up for the season.
Details remain scarce on Gil’s condition, leaving fans and analysts in a holding pattern until the MRI results emerge. The decision to order the scan suggests at least moderate concern within the organization about the 26-year-old’s shoulder, which could disrupt his bid for a rotation spot after a breakout 2024. Brubaker’s injury, though unrelated, piles on the misfortune; his fractured ribs will sideline him for an undetermined stretch, testing the Yankees’ pitching resilience before Opening Day even arrives As the 2025 MLB season looms on the horizon, baseball fans and bettors alike are already buzzing about who will claim the coveted Most Valuable Player awards in the American and National Leagues. With the current date set at February 28, 2025, the offseason has reshaped rosters and narratives, setting the stage for both familiar names and rising stars to shine. For those looking to spice up their predictions with a parlay bet—combining AL and NL MVP picks for a bigger payout—here are three carefully crafted options. From reigning superstars to sleeper candidates, these parlays blend data-driven insights, player potential, and a dash of gut instinct to help you swing for the fences.
Option 1: The Favorites Parlay
Option 2: The Young Stars Parlay
Option 3: The Sleeper Value Parlay
Notes on Parlays
Whether you’re drawn to the chalky reliability of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, the youthful promise of Bobby Witt Jr. and Elly De La Cruz, or the high-upside sleeper combo of Julio Rodríguez and Fernando Tatis Jr., these parlays offer something for every type of MLB fan. The beauty of a parlay lies in its risk-reward dance—nailing both picks could turn a modest wager into a windfall, but the odds remind us how unpredictable baseball can be. As spring training unfolds and the season takes shape, keep an eye on these players; their journeys might just define the 2025 MVP races—and your betting slip. Which parlay will you ride with when Opening Day arrives? As the 2025 fantasy baseball season looms on the horizon, savvy managers are already hunting for the next big thing—those unheralded rookies who can catapult a roster from middling to championship-caliber. This year’s crop of newcomers brings a tantalizing mix of power, speed, and pitching prowess, each with the potential to deliver category-defining stats in standard 5x5 leagues. From fleet-footed outfielders to a Japanese ace ready to dazzle, these five rookies—Dylan Crews, Jasson Domínguez, Matt Shaw, Roman Anthony, and Roki Sasaki—stand on the cusp of stardom, offering high-upside gambles that could pay off big for those bold enough to draft them.
With spring training just weeks away as of February 28, 2025, the fantasy spotlight is firmly on these five rookies, each poised to turn potential into production. Whether it’s Crews and Domínguez racking up steals, Shaw anchoring third base with multi-category flair, Anthony emerging as a midseason phenom, or Sasaki piling up strikeouts in Hollywood, their impact could redefine fantasy rosters. Keep a close eye on their roles this spring—because in a game where sleeper picks often decide titles, these newcomers might just be the difference between a good season and a great one. The Baltimore Orioles are tweaking Oriole Park once again, this time pulling their left-field wall closer after pushing it back too far before the 2022 season. Aiming for a “happier medium,” the new dimensions won’t revert to the park’s original shallow setup but should still juice up the offense. Over the past three years, the deeper wall stifled 196 home runs, slashing right-handed batters’ homer output by 21%—the third-highest suppression in MLB—and posting the second-lowest HR/FB rate for righties since 2023. Fantasy managers should expect a noticeable uptick in power numbers from Orioles hitters, making them sneaky targets in drafts.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are swapping hurricane-ravaged Tropicana Field for the Yankees’ spring training home, Steinbrenner Field, which mirrors Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly dimensions. Tropicana has been a pitcher’s paradise, ranking as MLB’s second-best run-suppressor over the last three seasons and particularly tough on lefty homers. Yankee Stadium, by contrast, has boosted long balls by 19%, and Tampa’s hitters—long vocal about Tropicana’s poor batter’s eye—may see sharper vision in their new digs. The Rays’ offense could surge in this warm-weather pseudo-Yankee Stadium, warranting a fantasy boost for hitters and a downgrade for pitchers. Across the league, the A’s are also on the move, leaving Oakland’s run-stifling Coliseum (down 6% in scoring, 19% in homers) for Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park. With a neutral park factor, smaller foul territory, and a fresh batter’s eye, A’s bats could awaken from their slumber, offering fantasy upside in 2025. The 2025 Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to cement their status as baseball’s ultimate powerhouse—and perhaps its most despised villain. Fresh off a 2024 campaign where they topped the league in regular-season wins and clinched the World Series, the Dodgers didn’t rest on their laurels. Instead, they stormed the free-agent market with unmatched aggression, sparking outrage from fans nationwide who argue their lavish spending is ruining the sport. The early February release of the PECOTA projected standings only fueled the fire, pegging Los Angeles to win 103 games—10 more than any other team—solidifying their perch atop the MLB hierarchy.
Yet, for all their real-world dominance, the Dodgers’ supremacy doesn’t fully translate to fantasy baseball. Superstars like Shohei Ohtani, the undisputed No. 1 overall pick, Mookie Betts, a late first-rounder, and Freddie Freeman, a frequent second-round choice, certainly shine. But beyond this elite trio, the Dodgers roster lacks the fantasy depth you’d expect from a team projected to lead the league in runs scored and fewest runs allowed. For instance, the Seattle Mariners boast more pitching star power with five top-100 picks—Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Andres Muñoz—while the Atlanta Braves, despite trailing the Dodgers by 75 projected runs, dominate early hitting drafts with six top-60 selections. The Dodgers’ secret? A roster built for relentless depth, not fantasy flash, leaving managers scrambling to find value in a team engineered for October, not April draft boards. Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is set to reclaim his spot in the lineup on Friday, just two days after taking a pitch to the arm. The slugger will return to his familiar role at first base and bat second in the order as the Phillies take on the Boston Red Sox. His swift comeback underscores his resilience and the team’s confidence in his readiness to contribute, keeping Philadelphia’s potent offense on track.
The incident occurred when Harper was struck on the right arm by a 92 mph fastball from Toronto Blue Jays southpaw Richard Lovelady, leaving him with a noticeable bruise. Despite the scare, Phillies manager Rob Thomson downplayed any long-term worries, noting that Harper’s absence on Thursday was a planned rest day rather than a cause for alarm. “We’re not really overconcerned at all,” Thomson told reporters, signaling that Harper’s return is business as usual for the team. |
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