Pittsburgh Pirates DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Second baseman Niko Goodrum signed a minor-league contract with the New York Mets on Wednesday. He spent spring training with the Padres but didn't make the Opening Day roster, so now he'll give things a shot with the Mets. He only appeared in 13 games for the Angels and Rays in 2024, slashing a measly .103/.188/.103. He did enjoy some success in the KBO in 2023, batting .295 in 50 games, but hasn't been able to find his footing back in major league baseball. He'll provide depth as a utility man in the minors for the Mets but could find himself on the major league roster if injuries open up some spots.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman finally received a save opportunity as the team looked to end their four-game losing streak on Wednesday. The veteran southpaw was called upon to hold a three-run lead against the Baltimore Orioles tough lineup. It didn't go perfect for Chapman as he did walk one batter, but he also struck out one hitter as well. He eventually earned his first save of the season and fantasy managers are hopeful for many more to come. The organization said coming into the season that Chapman would be the primary closer, but they also wouldn't be afraid to use him earlier in the game if needed. That being said, Chapman might not get all the save chances in Boston, but he's still worth rostering in most leagues where saves matter.

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed reliever Dennis Santana was handed the first save chance for the Pirates on Wednesday against the hosting Tampa Bay Rays since they demoted former closer David Bednar to the minors this week, and Santana capitalized by closing the door to earn his first save of 2025. The 28-year-old didn't allow a hit while walking one in his fourth appearance of the season. Colin Holderman pitched the eighth frame in the 4-2 victory and allowed a run. While things could change quickly in the back end of Pittsburgh's bullpen, Santana has to be considered the favorite for most of the team's save opportunities moving forward, so fantasy managers scrounging for saves in deeper leagues should take notice. After struggling to begin last year with the Yankees, Santana altered his approach and showed much better control in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes picked up his first win of the 2025 season on Wednesday in a 4-2 victory of the hosting Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Skenes went seven innings in the outing, allowing just one unearned run on three hits while walking none and striking out six. While it wasn't the dominant outing we're already used to seeing from last year's National League Rookie of the Year, his fantasy managers won't complain about it at all. After picking up a no-decision last Thursday on Opening Day versus the Miami Marlins -- he allowed two runs while striking out seven in 5 1/3 innings -- the hard-throwing 22-year-old phenom now has a strong 1.46 ERA as he heads into his third outing of the year, which is expected to come next Tuesday against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals. Skenes is a must-start every time out in fantasy.

Pittsburgh Pirates senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said that outfielder Bryan Reynolds (triceps) is experiencing right-triceps soreness, but he's in the starting lineup on Wednesday as the designated hitter and is batting second against the hosting Tampa Bay Rays and right-hander Ryan Pepiot at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Reynolds has been able to hit, but throwing has been an issue, which is why Tommy Pham is making the start in left field on Wednesday. The issue isn't too serious for the 30-year-old, as he's played in all seven games so far, but it explains why he's been the DH for the last three contests. He's gone 6-for-26 in the early going with a double, two RBI, one stolen base, two walks and eight strikeouts in 28 plate appearances. It's something to watch, but for now, fantasy managers should carry on as usual with Reynolds in their starting lineups.