clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Steven Souza Jr., Daniel Murphy, Michael Conforto, more!

The news tidbits of the day.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
  • In a three-team trade, the Tampa Bay Rays sent Steven Souza Jr. to the Diamondbacks. The trade also saw the Yankees receive Brandon Drury, while the Rays ended up with a prospect from both New York and Arizona. Anthony Banda and Nick Solak were the two prospects. Souza Jr. hit a career high 30 home runs last season for the Rays. He also stole 16 bases. Drury was a solid player for the Diamondbacks, hitting .275 with 29 home runs over the past two seasons combined. He primarily played second base for Arizona in 2017, but he does have experience at both third base and the outfield. The Yankees are likely to use Drury at third. Let the Judge and Drury puns commence!
  • Daniel Murphy participated in limited baseball activities for the Nationals yesterday. The 32-year-old had knee surgery in the offseason. Fantasy owners await further news on this injury. Opening Day is a possibility, but not set in stone. Murphy hit .322 with a .928 OPS in 2017 and has been one of the most consistent bats over the past two seasons.
  • Michael Conforto swung a bat for the first time since his shoulder injury in September. The Mets outfielder hit balls off of a tee during Tuesday’s workouts. Conforto was a fantasy superstar in 2017, hitting .279 with 27 home runs and 68 RBIs over 109 games. He is targeting May 1 as a return date. If this projection comes true, and Conforto is able to return to his pre-injury form, he could be a steal in drafts in the mid-to-late rounds.

A few more quick hitters:

  • Reports out of Dodgers camp say the club is unlikely to use NL Rookie of the Year, Cody Bellinger, at any position other than first base in 2018.
  • Ozzie Albies is expected to hit second in the Braves lineup once the season begins.
  • Both Blake Snell and Jacob Faria should begin the season in the Rays starting rotation.
  • Mike Clevinger will start the Indians‘ first spring training game on Friday.
  • Cameron Maybin has agreed to a deal with the Marlins.
  • Adam Frazier of the Pirates is likely to receive more playing time this coming season, in addition to being the team’s primary leadoff hitter.