Brewers’ Injury Updates and Roster Moves
The Milwaukee Brewers have been dealing with several injuries as they prepare for the upcoming season. Brandon Woodruff, a right-handed pitcher, is recovering from a major shoulder repair surgery he underwent in October 2023. He recently touched 92 mph while facing hitters, marking a significant step in his recovery. Woodruff aims to shorten the gap between outings as he progresses, with a potential return in May.
Meanwhile, left-handed pitcher DL Hall is dealing with a left lat strain. Initially expected to compete for a starting rotation spot, Hall’s timeline is now uncertain due to a pre-Spring Training setback. He is refraining from throwing for two more weeks, aiming to pitch in exhibition games during the next-to-last week of Spring Training.
Top Brewers prospect Jefferson Quero is also on the mend. The catcher injured his right shoulder diving back to first base in Triple-A Nashville’s first game last season. After undergoing surgery, Quero reported to Spring Training at 75-80% and was seen throwing to bases during the first week of camp. He is expected to return in April.
Right-handed pitcher Abner Uribe underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in July. He is expected to take it easy at the start of Spring Training but aims to be ready for Opening Day. However, Uribe will have to serve a four-game suspension whenever he is called up to the Majors.
Left fielder Christian Yelich is recovering from low back inflammation. After a flare-up following the All-Star break, Yelich underwent season-ending surgery in August. He is on track to be ready for Opening Day in 2025.
In terms of roster moves, the Brewers signed left-handed pitcher Tyler Alexander to a one-year contract. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Robert Gasser was transferred to the 60-day injured list after electing to undergo Tommy John surgery, which will sideline him until late 2025.
Fantasy Baseball Updates: Key Player Movements
In the world of fantasy baseball, several player movements have caught the attention of managers. Alex Bregman is expected to play second base for the Boston Red Sox. This move affects Vaughn Grissom and Kristian Campbell, who were anticipated to compete for that position. Grissom, who struggled in MLB games for the Red Sox in 2024, has minor league options left. Campbell, a top prospect, may need more time in the minors. The acquisition of Bregman makes both Grissom and Campbell less desirable in ESPN standard drafts.
Clayton Kershaw returns to the Los Angeles Dodgers after undergoing offseason surgery on his knee and toe. While he is not expected to handle a regular rotation role due to injury concerns, Kershaw’s starts could be better than last year’s performance. Fantasy managers should be cautious about drafting him, as he might make fewer than half a season of starts.
Spencer Horwitz underwent thumb surgery but is still expected to handle first base duties for the Pittsburgh Pirates once he recovers. His recovery might delay his playing time into the regular season, raising concerns about power output due to hand/wrist issues. Horwitz is eligible at both first and second base in fantasy leagues and offers value mainly in points leagues due to his disciplined hitting approach.
Ha-Seong Kim underwent labrum surgery on his right shoulder after playing four seasons with the San Diego Padres. Known for his versatility and stolen bases, Kim will likely miss two months of the season, making him less appealing as a draft target in standard leagues. The Tampa Bay Rays signed Kim, and Jose Caballero might fill shortstop duties during Kim’s absence.
Trade Rumors and Signings
The San Diego Padres are reportedly inclined to keep pitcher Dylan Cease, despite previous trade rumors. Cease, a 29-year-old right-hander, is entering the final year of his contract with the Padres. The team recently signed veteran right-hander Nick Pivetta to a four-year, $55 million deal and left-hander Kyle Hart, who won the Choi Dong-won Award in Korea last season, to a one-year contract. General Manager A.J. Preller emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong rotation and considers Cease a significant part of the team.
There is still a possibility that closer Robert Suarez could be traded as the Padres look to reduce their payroll. Suarez is owed $10 million in 2025 and has an opt-out option for the final two years of his contract worth $16 million combined.
The Boston Red Sox agreed to a three-year, $120 million deal with free-agent infielder Alex Bregman, which includes two opt-outs. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees have re-emerged as potential suitors for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado after the Red Sox’s deal with Bregman.
The Los Angeles Angels reached a one-year, $10 million agreement with veteran closer Kenley Jansen. The Cincinnati Reds attempted but failed to acquire center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox due to disagreements on players or financial terms. After talks for Robert fell through, the Reds signed outfielder Austin Hays and made additional moves by acquiring reliever Taylor Rogers and starter Wade Miley.
The San Francisco Giants also showed interest in Luis Robert earlier in the offseason but did not reach an agreement on a trade.
Conclusion
The past week in Major League Baseball has been filled with significant developments, from injury updates and roster moves to trade rumors and signings. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, fans and fantasy managers alike will be keeping a close eye on these changes and their potential impact on the field. With Spring Training underway, the excitement for the new season continues to build, promising an action-packed year for baseball enthusiasts.