SP Roundup Spring Training: 3-21-25 Games

Spring Training has arrived and as I’ve been writing daily notes for myself to recap all spring training starting pitchers for the Plus Pitch Podcast, I realized I should publish them on the site for quick access.

I’ll be livestreaming every morning 10am-12pm ET at playback.tv/pitcherlist as I watch all of the starts with y’all and answer all your fantasy baseball questions.

 

Major SP News To Know

 

Shane McClanahan left Saturday’s game with a clear arm injury, later announced as a triceps injury and will undergo imaging. It looks terrible and I wouldn’t be shocked if he has to re-do his TJS. Yeah. While I’d want Joe Boyle to get a shot in the rotation, my guess is for Zack Littell to slide into the rotation spot.

Adrian Houser will not make the opening day roster, ensuring Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker both make the rotation. I’m surprised the Rangers didn’t take advantage of Houser in the rotation, though this should help both Leiter and Rocker develop better than facing weaker hitting in the minors. Target Leiter of the pair.

Drew Thorpe will undergo Tommy John Surgery and miss all of the 2025 season.

Daniel Lynch IV will be a part of the Royals squad from the bullpen, granting more security for Kris Bubic as the SP #5.

Kyle Harrison and Keaton Winn have been demoted to Triple-A. Harrison has been reported to have lost 15 pounds due to a virus as well, explaining his lack of explosiveness this spring. Landen Roupp and Hayden Birdsong are still competing for the final rotation spot.

Clarke Schmidt will begin the season on the IL as he recovers from shoulder inflammation. Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren will now begin the year in the rotation and no, I don’t want to roster either one.

The Tigers have optioned Keider Montero to the minor leagues, ensuring Jackson Jobe as the Tigers’ fifth starter. THE NEW ERA HAS BEGUN.

The Orioles have signed Kyle Gibson to a one year, $5.25M contract. He is sure to have a rotation spot once he is stretched out, adding extra clutter to the backend of the Orioles rotation. Expect him to be ready by the middle of April, preventing any log jam in the rotation out of camp.

DJ Herz and Shinnosuke Ogasawara have been optioned to Triple-A by the Nationals. Not a huge surprise with Michael Soroka’s stellar spring.

The Rockies assinged Chase Dollander to Triple-A, ruling him for the opening day rotation. It could be Jake Woodford and Bradley Blalock in a tag-team for the fifth spot, which no one should be interested in.

 

Site News

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Expected Rotations By Team

 

 

Statcast Games – TV

PHI vs. MIN

TOR vs. PHI

NYM vs. STL

DET vs. NYY

 

Zack Wheeler (PHI) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K. Aces gonna ace. He’s kinda good n stuff.

Pablo López (MIN) – 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 4 K. Looks like he was taking this one relatively easy and cruised through three. No splitters this time with few inside sinkers, but 4/10 changeup whiffs and all is cool.

Simeon Woods Richardson (MIN) – 4.1 IP, 6 ER, 9 H, 3 BB, 4 K. Yikes. Hey Twins, are you sure you don’t want Zebby here instead? Suitman whispers into my ear. Nealy 20″ of vert on the four-seamer?! Well I’ll be, that’s cool. Get that thing upstairs more and I’ll be fine with you Dancing With The Disco to set it up. Meanwhile, you’re too dang hittable.

José Berríos (TOR) – 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 K. Not the best curve and a ton of hittable pitches that had the blessing of Koufax. The Great Undulator looks set for another season.

Joe Ross (PHI) – 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K. The velocity is still 92/93 mph and I can’t imagine the Phillies actually want to hold onto Ross with his 0/24 whiffs.

Clay Holmes (NYM) – 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 BB, 8 K. He filled the zone with everything but his changeup and sinker and that still worries me a bit. After all, The Adobe tossed 88 pitches here and wasn’t able to finish the sixth. Why? Because his sinker went 57% strikes and his changeup went 7/14 strikes (albeit with five whiffs). It makes me a little more annoyed than I want, but if the strikeout rate is above 25%, then fine, I’ll accept a WHIP sidling up to a 1.20 mark.

Michael McGreevy (STL) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 4 K. The sinker/slider separation to RHB was as good as advertised, though his approach to LHB still needs a whole lot of help. The cutter and change went 0/10 whiffs and lack polish, forcing sinkers and four-seamers down the pipe. That’s not the ideal approach. I can see a streaming option here if he faces a weak RHB-heavy lineup.

Keider Montero (DET) – 4.1 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K. Montero was sent to the minors after this and is sure to appear in-season as the next option when the Tigers need reinforcements (Can anyone say reinforcements outside of medieval fantasy TV shows without sounding super nerdy?). I sincerely hope the four-seamer can hold its increased vert (17″) across the season, which would take a mediocre heater and make it a little less susceptible, allowing his slider to do most of the work. He’d be just a streamer should that happen later in the year.

Carlos Rodón (NYY) – 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 5 K. I’m pleased to report that Rodón featured his changeup 30% of the time to RHB in this one, boasting a 68% strike rate and 5/19 whiffs. This is an improved Rodón who is keeping the gains he made late last year. I’ve already drafted him in multiple leagues and I recommend you to do so as well given how he goes later than many other arms capable of 170+ IP with a 25% strikeout rate, double-digit Wins, and digestible ratios.

 

Statcast Games – No TV

STL vs. HOU

KC vs. SEA

CIN vs. CWS

COL vs. LAA

SEA vs. CIN

 

Sonny Gray (STL) – 4.2 IP, 5 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 5 K. Gray worked on his changeup a bit and the sweeper is still strong at 4/16 whiffs. Y’all know this. Sometimes it’s Sonny, sometimes it’s Gray. But he’s still down nearly two ticks in velocity to 90.6 mph. SOMETIMES IT’S GRAY A LOT. I’m not into drafting Sonny in my drafts.

Quinn Mathews (STL) – 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K. He’ll be starting the year in Triple-A, but the Cardinals gave him a few more frames and he still looks excellent. The four-seamer returned 8/39 whiffs with his slider doing work against LHB. I wish the changeup and curve were a touch better, but I’ll be jumping on Mathews the second he gets a shot at starting regularly. He could be an SP #3/#4 for your 12-teamers from the moment he arrives.

Framber Valdez (HOU) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 6 K. The curve is still sub 50% strikes and once again, I just don’t like drafting the fella. But sure, your roto leagues will enjoy it. Probably.

Michael Lorenzen (KC) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 0 K. Oh Michael, HAISTBMBWT?! One whiff on 78 pitches is an achievement. I think he may be one of the most forgotten about starters out there and I’m not suggesting that should be corrected.

Logan Evans (SEA) – 3.0 IP, 2 ER, 8 H, 1 BB, 1 K. Yeaaaah, it’s going to Hancock, isn’t it. I think the overall approach is a little better with Evans, but neither is impressing enough and Hancock has more experience. The Mariners are in some trouble.

Brady Singer (CIN) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 3 K. The four-seamer reappeared and it’s not a good offering on its own and couldn’t buy a strike at a 52% rate, but it was hard to hit. And that’s cool. The sinker wasn’t placed all too well and the slider went just 2/26 whiffs and the velocity was down over a tick…Nick, you’re scaring me, get to the point. OKAY. I think this was Singer taking it easy and the four-seamer addition (with some cutters against LHB that I’m all for!) is only going to help. Batters need to see something that isn’t the sinker they need to respect at the same velocity and tossing said hittable pitch around the edges should work. If they guess the four-seamer correctly at least it won’t be crushed, right?

Sean Burke (CWS) – 3.1 IP, 5 ER, 6 H, 4 BB, 2 K. This was the last look we’re going to get of Burke before his opening day start and boy was it not what we wanted to see. His velocity is still depressed, now down to 93.7 (not flirting with 96 mph) and vert down an inch from 18″+ to “17”. Meanwhile, the curve couldn’t find the zone, and fortunately his slider precision was on point or this could have been even worse. I don’t think I want to go after this with Burke’s velocity drop. I don’t believe he’s sitting lower to save bullets. He’s not a vet and is proving his worth – that means we should be seeing what we’d get in season. I’m out.

Antonio Senzatela (COL) – 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 6 K. Senz-A, best of luck to you. Here’s to many nights staring at the screen wondering how to possibly say something new about you that I haven’t said many times already.

Yusei Kikuchi (LAA) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K. We’re seeing Kikuchi feature four-seamer + slider roughly 2/3 of the time and that’s exactly what we want to see. Just eight changeups despite facing far more RHB than LHB and I’m so happy he’s tucked that thing away. I have no issues drafting Kikuchi, but those doing so and expecting performance throughout the full year are likely to be disappointed. At the very least, he seems capable out of the gate with his ideal approach.

José Suarez (LAA) – 1.1 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K. The changeup is still good and maybe we get a few decent streams from Suarez this year. We’ll see.

Logan Gilbert (SEA) – 5.2 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K. Aces gonna ace. Cool to see 6/16 whiffs on the splitter with consistent spots on the pitch. But yes, his heater still doesn’t get whiffs – 3/27 here. One day he’ll be able to spot it upstairs properly. One day.

Hunter Greene (CIN) – 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 7 K. The slider is still getting strikes – 60% here with 8/35 whiffs – and the four-seamer is still at 99 mph with nearly 17″ of vert. Yes, I love this version of Greene. But the walks! And Hits! Yeah, I know. It’s still a better Greene.

 

No Statcast – TV

TB vs. ATL

LAA vs. TEX

BOS vs. PIT

MIL vs. AZ

 

Drew Rasmussen (TB) – 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 3 K. He reportedly called this start “blah” as he didn’t have his best command nor induce whiffs, but hot dang, he’s still as difficult to hit as ever. I want him everywhere.

Chris Sale (ATL) – 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K. Aces gonna ace.

AJ Smith-Shawver (ATL) – 4.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K. AJSS is still very much in the running for the fifth spot for Atlanta, though I’m not terribly interested if he does earn it. I still haven’t seen an electric, overpowering young arm that would make me overlook the Shag Rug.

Kyle Hendricks (LAA) – 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 0 BB, 5 K. Hendricks exists and has had a quietly good spring…? Naaaaaah.

Reid Detmers (LAA) – 3.2 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 2 BB, 5 K. At least we’re not getting seduced this year, right?

Nathan Eovaldi (TEX) – 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K. It’s awfully mid but that’s fine. Just don’t be hurt or terrible and Eovaldi is a great opening arm as we figure out the rest of our rotations.

Garrett Crochet (BOS) – 5.1 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 9 K. Aces gonna ace. He’s so dang good.

Mitch Keller (PIT) – 3.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 5 K. I think you may be wrong about Keller. Totally possible. And also possible he does well for a few starts and then implodes once again. Until I see a pitch that stands out in a major way, I won’t trust Keller’s command and deep arsenal to return legit value all year.

Freddy Peralta (MIL) – 3.1 IP, 10 ER, 8 H, 4 BB, 5 K. Oh my. That’s…um…not great. No one likes seeing Professor Chaos, but at least it was in the spring, right?

Corbin Burnes (AZ) – 2.2 IP, 7 ER, 11 H, 0 BB, 5 K. Jeeeeez, I’m assuming the cutter’s vertical drop wasn’t great, and I’ve found myself wanting to drop Burnes down my rankings, but then again, it’s the Sneks. He’ll be fine.

 

No Statcast – No TV

ATH vs. KC

CHC vs. SD

SF vs. CLE

BAL vs. DET

WSH vs. MIA

 

Luis Severino (ATH) – 5.1 IP, 1 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 4 K. Oh right, Severino! You’re a thing. Don’t overlook Sevy as a streaming option the first week of the season – he’s heading into Seattle and we all know what the does to pitcher lines. If you need something the opening weekend before chasing an upside SP #4/SP #5 flyer, Severino is a good option.

Cole Ragans (KC) – 4.2 IP, 8 ER, 11 H, 1 BB, 1 K. Okay this is terrible. I texted Ragans as we had zero reporting and to paraphrase, he was 96-100 with nothing to be worried out – they hit two changeups for HRs while swinging at a ton, getting his fastballs in play when they leaked over the plate. I let our Pitcher List Subscriber Discord know about this when I did (just another reason to join our community!). If this lowers his draft stock, I’m in, especially without a velocity dip in this one.

Cade Horton (CHC) – 2.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 1 K. He’s on the road to recovery and I hope he can get the healthy runway he needs to become a staple in the rotation this year.

Michael King (SD) – 5.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 4 K. That’s our King who has earned his crown.

Randy Vásquez (SD) – 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 4 K. There’s a chance Vásquez gets the nod as the SP #5 if Hart needs a little more time. I don’t think he has enough in the arsenal to make it worth your time, even if he does. It should be Hart.

Logan Webb (SF) – 5.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 7 K. Here’s to hoping the wider arsenal brings back the changeup’s results that it deserves.

Ben Lively (CLE) – 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K. Lively is underrated, y’all. There’s 15-teamer sleeper value here as last year’s production wasn’t just because of luck. Batters struggle to discern between the four-seamer and sinker over the zone, leading to weaker contact on the pitches and a lower BABIP than expected. It’s weird, yes, but Lively has the spot and it could be early production..

Albert Suárez (BAL) – 4.2 IP, 8 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 2 K. Yiiiikes. you looked so good last time out! At least y’all can see what the floor is here.

Tarik Skubal (DET) – 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 9 K. Aces gonna ace. What a guy.

Michael Soroka (WSH) – 4.2 IP, 6 ER, 5 H, 4 BB, 3 K. Oh dear. Soroka has been a darling in 15-teamer drafts and here’s a showcase of what can go wrong. Four walks seem like an exception, though, I just wish we had one more look at Soroka before the start of the year, you know?

Cal Quantrill (MIA) – 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 BB, 5 K. Well now, that has to feel great before the start of the year. I wonder if the splitter was cooking. That is how Quantrill had success early last year for a brief moment, after all.

 

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