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5 days ago | 
baseballhq.com | Sara Sanchez |Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin
Milwaukee BrewersThe Brewers are one game over .500 and tied with the Cubs in the loss column as we enter this weekend's games against the Athletics. They've been on a decent hot streak after dropping their first four games of the season, with a 10-5 record. However, they've struggled for production at some positions, including the hot corner. That led to a series of off-day moves including Oliver Dunn being sent to the minors.
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1 week ago | 
baseballhq.com | Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis
San Francisco GiantsIt is likely just a matter of time before rookie RHP Hayden Birdsong receives an opportunity to join the Giants' starting rotation. Birdsong, who narrowly lost out to RHP Landen Roupp for the final rotation spot out of spring training, has been very good in a multi-inning role out of the Giants' bullpen.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Rudd |Brian Entrekin |Mark Gannon
Kansas City RoyalsCarlos Estévez (RHP, KC) has converted three of four save chances so far, with the lone blown save coming on an unearned run in the 10th inning. He has allowed just 1 ER in 5 IP so far, but a peak beneath the hood reveals some troubling signs in the small sample. Estévez has registered a 5/4 K/BB and 6.2% SwK but has been bailed out by a 16% H% and 83% S%. Should Estévez continue to struggle missing bats, the team could turn to Lucas Erceg (RHP, KC) again.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon
Baltimore OriolesFollowing Colton Cowser’s injury and the return of Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore’s position player group looks to be set for the foreseeable future. The lineup against right-handed pitchers seems to be fairly consistent, though Ramón Urías may mix in when one of the nine regulars receives a rest day. Against left-handers, though, the team’s lineup could vary greatly, as there are several regulars at risk of being platooned.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon
Houston AstrosCam Smith was all the buzz through spring training. The hype started as soon as he was part of the Kyle Tucker trade this offseason and built even more after he hit .342 this spring with four home runs. He even learned a new position in the outfield, which was necessary to make the team. Smith did everything right to make the Opening Day roster, but that production has not followed to start the season. Through 21 plate appearances, he is hitting .111 with a 42.9% strikeout rate.
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2 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin
Detroit TigersThe bullpen hierarchy was tough to get a read on as the season got underway, but we may be starting to see some clarity. Throughout most of the offseason, Jason Foley (RHP, DET) looked like the favorite for saves after notching 28 of them in 2024, but he didn't even crack the Opening Day roster. He is at Triple-A, where he has opened the season with two perfect frames, as he tries to work his way back to the major league roster.
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin |Sara Sanchez
San Diego PadresWith C Luis Campusano optioned to Triple-A El Paso at the end of spring training, C Elias Díaz should see the vast majority of playing time over 38-year-old veteran backup C Martín Maldonado. While the Padres certainly hope that Campusano can figure out how to return to the hitter from 2023, Díaz will serve as the primary C while Campusano works on things at El Paso.
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3 weeks ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Entrekin |Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon
Texas RangersThe third base position is once again in flux with the Rangers. Last season, Josh Jung missed most of the season, and the team used Josh Smith and others at the position. Jung is out again, and Smith is getting the early reps at third base. It seems pretty straightforward, but the real question is, who will take over for Josh Smith if Smith struggles or gets hurt? Ezequiel Duran received some time over the weekend, but better options exist.
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1 month ago | 
baseballhq.com | Sara Sanchez |Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin
Milwaukee BrewersWe're less than two weeks from Opening Day for most MLB teams and rosters are starting to take shape across the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues. For the defending division champions that means making the most of a roster with a lot of young talent and some key job openings, especially after losing former shortstop Willy Adames to the Giants. But a slew of young talent and lots of question marks about roles can result in player platoons.
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1 month ago | 
baseballhq.com | Brian Rudd |Mark Gannon |Brian Entrekin |Alain De Leonardis
Minnesota TwinsFour spots in the rotation are accounted for as Opening Day nears, with three candidates possibly still in contention for the final spot. Simeon Woods Richardson (RHP, MIN) likely has a leg up for the job, and he has allowed just 1 ER in 7 IP this spring, with a 7/2 K/BB. The 24-year-old registered a 4.17 ERA and 4.64 xERA in 28 starts last season and needs to add some swing-and-miss to his game in order to take a step forward.
