Spring Training continues to captivate baseball fans. A myriad of storylines are unfolding that could shape the upcoming season.
From the Philadelphia Phillies’ pitching conundrum to Zack Gelof’s injury scare, and potential late-spring rotation market movements, there is no shortage of developments to keep an eye on.
Here’s a deep dive into the latest updates and their potential impact on the 2025 MLB season.
Phillies Facing Rotation Questions
The Philadelphia Phillies are dealing with some uncertainty in their pitching rotation. Left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez is experiencing back stiffness. According to The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, imaging has fortunately revealed no structural damage. But given Suarez’s history of back issues, there is concern about his availability for the start of the season. Manager Rob Thomson indicated that more information regarding Suarez’s condition would be available within the next couple of days.
Potential Impact on the Rotation
If Suarez is unable to start the season, it appears that right-hander Taijuan Walker would be the likely candidate to fill the gap. Walker, however, had a challenging 2024 season, posting a 7.10 ERA over 83 2/3 innings. Despite a promising start to Spring Training, Walker struggled in his most recent outing, allowing six runs in just 3 2/3 innings. The Phillies will need to carefully consider their options as they approach Opening Day.
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Gelof to Undergo X-Rays
The Oakland Athletics faced a scare when second baseman Zack Gelof was hit by a pitch on his right hand during a recent game. Manager Mark Kotsay expressed optimism that Gelof would be fine, but the 25-year-old was sent for x-rays to ensure there was no serious injury. The results of these tests are expected soon and will provide clarity on Gelof’s status.
Gelof’s Performance and Potential Replacements
Gelof is coming off a sophomore slump, having hit just .211/.270/.362 last season, a decline from his impressive rookie stats of .267/.337/.504 in 2023. Should Gelof miss any time, Luis Urias, who is on the 40-man roster, appears to be the most likely candidate to step in at second base. The Athletics will be hoping for positive news from Gelof’s x-rays as they look to improve upon last year’s performance.
Late Spring Rotation Market Movement?
As the start of the season approaches, there is speculation about potential late-spring trades, particularly involving starting pitchers.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly received interest in left-hander Jordan Montgomery. This development is noteworthy given the Diamondbacks’ efforts to trade Montgomery and at least a portion of the $22.5 million he is guaranteed this year.
Recent Late-Spring Trades
While trades this close to the start of the season are uncommon, there have been notable exceptions in recent years. For instance:
- The White Sox and Padres agreed to the Dylan Cease trade just two weeks before Opening Day last year.
- Jon Berti was traded from Miami to New York in a three-team deal on the eve of Opening Day in 2024.
- The Twins and Padres finalized the Taylor Rogers/Chris Paddack deal just hours before Opening Day in 2022.
Several teams, including Montgomery’s former clubs in New York and Texas, have suffered significant rotation injuries this spring, potentially increasing the likelihood of a trade. Additionally, the St. Louis Cardinals have shown some willingness to part ways with either Erick Fedde or Steven Matz this spring, adding further intrigue to the late-spring trade market.
Implications for the 2025 Season
The potential movement of starting pitchers like Montgomery, Fedde, and Matz could have significant implications for the teams involved.
For clubs in need of bolstering their rotations, acquiring a proven starter could be the difference between a strong start to the season and struggling out of the gate.
Conversely, teams looking to trade away pitchers may be seeking to address other areas of need or to create financial flexibility.
As the countdown to Opening Day continues, these developing stories will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
The outcomes of Suarez’s back issues, Gelof’s x-ray results, and any late-spring trades could all play pivotal roles in shaping the early part of the 2025 MLB season.
For more detailed updates on these stories, visit the original article on MLB Trade Rumors.
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