Hayden Wesneski Penciled In As No. 5 Starter: Houston Astros pitchers Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco and Spencer Arrighetti -- each of whom made at least 28 starts in 2024 -- are locked into the starting rotation. Right-hander Hayden Wesneski, who was acquired from the Chicago Cubs this offseason in the deal that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago, is penciled in as the No. 5 starter, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. With Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr. all rehabbing injuries, prospect Colton Gordon and Ryan Gusto will also compete for a rotation spot this spring. The 27-year-old Wesneski has only 22 starts in 68 MLB outings over the last three years with the Cubs. He's posted a 4.21 ERA and 14.8 K-BB% of his 109 innings as a starter, though. He should open up his first year in Houston in a starting role, but it may not last for long. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:03:02
Jonny DeLuca Expected To Start In Center Field: According to Adam Berry of MLB.com, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jonny DeLuca is expected to begin the season as the team's starting center fielder. Last summer, Jose Siri was the everyday center fielder in Tampa Bay, but he was traded to the New York Mets during the offseason. As a result, DeLuca stands at the top of the depth chart and is expected to open the season as the top option. Across 107 games in Tampa Bay last summer, the Oregon product held a .217/.278/.331 line with 12 doubles, six home runs, and 16 stolen bases. While he did not generate elite hitting metrics, he was a top defender with speed. He placed in the 93rd percentile in outs above average and the 98th percentile in sprint speed. Richie Palacios will likely open the season as the No. 2 option behind DeLuca. If DeLuca has a successful spring training, he could be worth a look in deeper category formats as he has flashed elite speed. - as of Thu, 06 Feb 2025 08:52:02