MLB Player News

Pfaadt allowed one run on two hits while striking out one over two innings in Monday's spring start against the White Sox.

Pfaadt, who made his second Cactus League start, was pleased with the results, particularly in the sequencing of his changeup and slider, per Jack Magruder of MLB.com. "We figured some things out," Pfaadt said. "The slider is going to get better as we go. Something clicks every game, and that's a win. Fastball location, I can do better getting ahead." Both he and the Diamondbacks coaching staff are focusing on his pitch mix, which was credited for Pfaadt's success over the second half of 2023.

Thomas (wrist) took at-bats on a back field Monday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Thomas developed inflammation in his right wrist and has missed a week. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo hopes the outfielder can play Tuesday. The Diamondbacks could also put off his return until Thursday following a team off day Wednesday.

Walker (hand) is now expected to return to action Thursday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

An earlier report estimated Tuesday for Walker's return, but manager Torey Lovullo said Thursday is the more likely target. The first baseman, who was hit on the right hand by a pitch last Thursday, has begun hitting.

Outman is slashing .429/.556/.929 with two home runs, four RBI, four runs, three stolen bases and a 3:6 BB:K through 17 Cactus League plate appearances.

Half of Outman's six hits thus far have gone for extra bases, with two leaving the yard. He also leads Los Angeles with three thefts in spring play. Outman enjoyed an excellent spring last year too, which earned him a spot on the Dodgers' Opening Day roster and led to him settling in as the team's primary center fielder. He's expected to retain that role in 2024, and he'll be looking to build upon a strong rookie campaign that included a .248/.353/.437 slash line with 23 homers, 70 RBI and 16 stolen bases. Outman could show further growth by cutting down his 31.9 percent strikeout rate, though his 12.3 percent walk rate last year made the punchouts more palatable. The 26-year-old has his flaws, but his 20/20 potential makes him an intriguing outfield target in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.

Reynolds is expecting to improve his production in 2024 thanks to the return of Oneil Cruz, Kevin Gorman of TribLive.com reports.

Reynolds has been a consistent producer and managed to top 80 RBI and runs scored last season even with Cruz missing most of the season. The former batted almost exclusively second in the order in 2023 and is projected to bat in the same spot heading into the 2024 campaign. That will likely put him between Cruz and Ke'Bryan Hayes in the order, giving the top of the lineup the potential to be plenty productive.

Hayes has hit two home runs and a double across his first 14 Grapefruit League at-bats.

Hayes is locked into every day playing at third base thanks to his tremendous defense, but his fantasy value will turn on his ability to hit for power and swipe bases. He took a step forward in the former category in 2023, improving his average launch angle to 13.2 degrees, which resulted in a career-best .182 ISO. He's seemingly carried that approach over into his early at-bats this spring and could be in for a solid regular season while occupying a key position in the Pittsburgh lineup.

The Rockies hope to rest Diaz more in 2024 after acquiring Jacob Stallings in the offseason, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Diaz earned a career-high 526 plate appearances and suited up in 141 games in 2023, primarily because the Rockies lacked a reliable second catcher. The addition of Stallings gives the team a solid defensive backstop, and Diaz is likely to see less volume as a result. Given his mediocre .725 OPS and .142 ISO from a year ago, his fantasy value is likely to take at least a moderate hit.

Goodman is not currently projected to make the Rockies' Opening Day roster, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Goodman has reportedly been chasing Sean Bouchard for a roster spot all spring training, and the Rockies' recent addition of Sam Hilliard further hurts his cause. Goodman had a productive big-league debut in 2023, racking up 17 RBI across 77 plate appearances. However, he also had a 31.2 percent strikeout rate in that span. His high rate of punchouts has carried over to this spring, as he has struck out eight times across 19 at-bats in the Cactus League.

Quantrill completed two innings while allowing two hits and one run with no strikeouts or walks in his Cactus League debut with the Rockies on Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

Quantrill will serve a key role in the Rockies' rotation during the regular season after being acquired by the team this offseason. He had a strong debut with the club, focusing on pumping his splitter and sinker into the strike zone. His ability to use those pitches consistently will be a key to his success, as he'll want to keep the ball on the ground while pitching in one of the more hitter-friendly home parks in the league.

Through three Cactus League outings this spring, Stone has allowed one run on three hits over 5.2 innings while posting a 4:1 K:BB.

Stone was already being considered for a spot in the Opening Day rotation entering spring with news that Walker Buehler (elbow) won't be ready to pitch right away, and a subsequent minor setback for Emmet Sheehan (general soreness) has only increased Stone's odds of working as a starter out the gate. The right-hander has done his part to boost his chances, looking great through his first three spring outings, with the most recent being a three-inning, 35-pitch scoreless start against Colorado on Sunday. Stone also put on 10-to-15 pounds during the offseason in an attempt to add and maintain velocity during the campaign, per Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic.