






The Chicago Cubs optioned pitchers Cody Poteet, Caleb Kilian, Jack Neely, and Gavin Hollowell to Triple-A on Saturday. Poteet spent the 2024 campaign with the New York Yankees and held a 2.22 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP across 24 1/3 innings. Kilian is a former well-regarded prospect but has struggled through his brief taste of the majors as he posted a high 9.22 ERA with a 2.01 WHIP across 27 1/3 innings. Neely made his MLB debut last summer and held a 9.00 ERA with a 1.67 WHIP across his first six MLB frames. Hollowell began his MLB career in Colorado and only logged one 1/3 innings with the Cubs last season. This transaction should provide Chris Flexen and Nate Pearson a good opportunity to make the Opening Day roster, who both signed a contract with the Cubs in the offseason.


San Francisco Giants left-handed pitcher Erik Miller (illness) was unable to throw his live bullpen session on Saturday due to an illness. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but should not expect him to miss an extended period of time. The southpaw has been dealing with a finger injury throughout camp but could be nearing his spring debut once he recovers from this illness. The 27-year-old made his MLB debut last summer and held a 3.88 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP across 67 1/3 innings of work. He tallied an impressive 87 punchouts and generated an elite 51.9 percent ground ball rate. However, Miller showed weak command of his pitches as he held a hefty 13.4 percent walk rate. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Miller to compete for a high-leverage role in the San Francisco bullpen.



Atlanta Braves infield prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. (wrist) is expected to return soon. Alvarez suffered this minor wrist injury during Thursday's spring training contest. However, seeing that he is already nearing a return, suggest the injury was not very serious. Last season, the 21-year-old made his MLB debut. Across his first eight contests in Atlanta, he posted a .100/.156/.100 slash line. However, at Triple-A, the infielder showcased elite contact skills as he posted a .297/.398/.463 slash line with nine doubles and 10 home runs. He swiped 10 bags and held a strong 37:45 BB:K rate across 64 contests. Earlier in the season, Alvarez posted a .265/.381/.312 line in 48 games at Double-A. When healthy, the infielder should compete for a depth role in the Atlanta infield.


New York Mets infield prospect Luisangel Acuna (arm) exited Saturday's contest after being hit by a pitch on his left arm. He was hit by Tampa Bay Rays left-handed pitcher Shane McClanahan in the second frame. The young infielder was able to swipe second base before being pulled from the contest. Fantasy managers should monitor his status as the team could have removed him out of precaution. Earlier in the week, infielder Nick Madrigal (shoulder) underwent surgery to repair his fractured shoulder which will keep him sidelined for the entire season. Acuna is expected to have a more significant role in camp with Madrigal's injury, but Acuna now may have to remain sidelined for a period of time. Last season, Acuna made his MLB debut and posted a strong .308/.325/.641 line across 14 games. When healthy, he will compete for starts at the keystone alongside Jeff McNeil.


Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Randal Grichuk (hamstring) was scratched on Saturday due to glute soreness. As a result, A.J. Vukovich replaced his spot in the lineup. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case this injury begins to linger throughout camp. Earlier in the offseason, the Diamondbacks re-signed Grichuk to a one-year deal with $5 million. Last season, the 33-year-old operated primarily on the short-side of a platoon, seeing starts in the outfield and at DH. Across 108 contests, the 33-year-old posted a .391/.348/.528 slash line with 12 home runs. He generated an impressive .359 xwOBA with a strong 16.5 percent strikeout rate. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Grichuk to operate in a similar role. Given his limited playing time, he will only carry value in deeper formats.
