

Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Moises Chace is expected to be on a slower progression during camp. The right-handed pitcher did not have many opportunities to throw in Venezuela during the winter and did not come into camp "in the best shape." The 21-year-old has yet to face live batters and may not do so for a few weeks. Last summer, Chace made his High-A debut with the Aberdeen IronBirds. He tossed 52 innings and held a 3.46 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. He was deployed both out of the rotation and from the bullpen. He was then shipped to Philadelphia, where he had a brief stint with their High-A affiliate before moving up to Double-A. With Double-A Reading, Chase was given four starts (19 2/3 innings) and posted a 3.66 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. He tallied an impressive 35 punchouts with just seven walks. Dynasty managers should expect Chase to open the season at Double-A and should push for a Triple-A debut later in the summer.

Tampa Bay Rays first base prospect Xavier Isaac (elbow) is set to undergo a precautionary MRI on his left elbow. Isaac has begun to see time in the outfield during camp, which has put more stress on his arm. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status as he is considered one of the top prospects in Tampa Bay and the sport. The former 29th overall pick has primarily been deployed as an infielder, but the team wants to add to his defensive versatility. Last summer, the 21-year-old received his first extended look at High-A and held a .287/.381/.535 line with 17 doubles and 15 home runs. At the end of the summer, Isaac was given a brief 31-game taste of Double-A, where he posted a .211/.346/.349 line with three home runs. He will likely open the season with Double-A when cleared for action.



Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo went 1-for-1 with a two-run shot during Monday's spring training contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Manzardo hit the home run against right-handed pitcher Josh Winder in the fourth inning. Last season, the 24-year-old made his MLB debut and spent 53 games with the Guardians. He posted a .242/.282/.421 slash line with 12 doubles and five home runs and was typically held out of the lineup when facing left-handed pitchers. He began to find his footing in September when he held a .270/.333/.540 slash line. The former second-round selection was viewed as one of the top first base prospects in the sport when progressing through the minor leagues. Manzardo held a strong .254/.369/.509 line across 177 career games at Triple-A. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development, as he should have a good opportunity to crack the Opening Day roster.


Toronto Blue Jays infield prospect Orelvis Martinez has gone 2-for-4 with a double and home run during his first two spring training games. Martinez has also held a 1:1 BB:K ratio. The infielder went deep during Saturday's contest against the New York Yankees. The 23-year-old is expected to see time at both the keystone and the hot corner throughout camp. Martinez made his MLB debut last summer but was only able to appear in one game before being hit with an 80-game PED suspension, which ended his season. However, Martinez will be eligible to return at the start of the season. Last summer, the 23-year-old flashed elite power at Triple-A as he went deep 17 times across 74 games. He posted a .267/.346/.523 line with a 27:76 BB:K ratio. Given the time he missed last summer, he will likely open the season with Triple-A Buffalo.


MLB.com's Ian Browne writes that the Boston Red Sox competition for the closer job will start in spring training on Wednesday against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays when right-hander Liam Hendriks and left-hander Aroldis Chapman are both scheduled to pitch. Justin Slaten, who is also competing for the closer's role, is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Tuesday. Right-hander Garrett Whitlock will also be competing for high-leverage duties at the back of Boston's bullpen, and it's possible the Red Sox will eventually settle on a committee approach, which will make things even more difficult for fantasy managers speculating on save chances in this bullpen. Chapman figures to be the favorite if he's healthy. Hendriks has plenty of experience (116 career saves), but the Australian is 36 years old and didn't pitch at all in 2024 due to injury.
