Pittsburgh Pirates DVOA, Stats, & MLB Rankings

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo (lat) was placed on the 60-day injured list on Monday. Oviedo was sidelined during the entire 2024 campaign due to Tommy John surgery. However, he has begun throwing bullpens which suggest he could return early in the 2025 season. During the 2023 season, Oviedo made 32 starts (177 2/3 innings) and posted a 4.31 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP. He tallied 158 punchouts and showed weak command as he served up walks at a high 10.6 percent rate. He also generated a modest 4.61 xERA and a .249 xBA. However, in 2022, Oviedo posted a solid 3.21 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP. While Oviedo is sidelined, Bailey Falter could see occasional starting opportunities. However, once cleared for action, he will likely return to the back-end of the rotation and carry value in deeper NL-only formats.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Ji Hwan Bae (hand) suffered a minor hand injury when sliding into third base on Sunday. However, Andrew Destin of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Bae is "fine." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the team may hold him out of action for a few games to start the week. Last season, the 25-year-old held a .189/.247/.216 slash line with just two extra-base hits in the major leagues. He held a high 29.6 percent strikeout rate but did swipe six bags. In 2023, Bae logged a career-high 111 starts in the majors and posted a .213/.296/.311 line with two home runs and 24 stolen bases. When cleared to return, fantasy managers should expect Bae to compete for a depth role in the Pittsburgh outfield.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Michael A. Taylor (elbow) was scratched from Saturday's contest due to right elbow inflammation. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as the severity of the injury is not clear. Wilfred Veras replaced Taylor in the lineup and covered right field. Earlier in the offseason, the White Sox signed the 33-year-old to a one-year $1.95 million contract. Last season, Taylor logged 113 contests with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Across this stint, the veteran outfielder held a .193/.253/.290 slash line with nine doubles, one home run, and 12 stolen bases. He generated a strong 11.6 percent barrel rate but held a high 35.0 percent strikeout rate. However, Taylor was graded as an elite defender as he placed in 96th percentile in range and 83rd percentile in arm strength. When healthy, Taylor should have a depth role in the Chicago outfield.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz (illness) is progressing slower during camp due to an illness. Manager Derek Shelton noted that the 26-year-old reported to camp sick, and as a result, the team is opting to exercise caution as he ramps up his activity. The young outfielder has only appeared in one spring game so far and should be expected to gradually see his workload increase over the next few weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he faces a setback. Last season, the 26-year-old posted a .259/.324/.449 line with 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases. He generated an elite 54.9 percent hard-hit rate and a 15.7 percent barrel rate, which placed him in the 97th percentile among qualified hitters. When healthy, Cruz should be expected to see an everyday role in center field and is a strong target in standard formats, given his ability to contribute to all five standard categories.

Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Jared Jones debuted his new two-seam fastball, which is a "sinker or whatever you want to call it," during a Grapefruit League game on Tuesday. In two scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves, Jones threw the new pitch five times, with it generating a called strike and four swings -- two fouls and two balls in play, including a pop-up to second base. He allowed one hit and a walk with three strikeouts in seven batters faced over the 27-pitch outing. The 23-year-old made it clear that his four-seam fastball is still his bread-and-butter pitch, and he's not interested in introducing his new two-seamer/sinker at the expense of his heater. If his new pitch isn't very successful, he plans on getting rid of it. Jones was overshadowed by teammate Paul Skenes and probably will continue to be, but he makes for a nice upside pick in fantasy drafts as a No. 3/4 starter going into his second season.