Michael Young's text to Bret Boone before a USC-UCLA baseball game ignited a unique scenario: Boone is now the Texas Rangers' hitting coach, leading a lineup in need of revitalization as they prepare for a crucial series against the Astros. Boone's coaching debut at the MLB level comes with a fresh and energetic approach, diverging from the data-driven methods prevalent in today's game. His charismatic personality shines through in interviews, promising a more relatable experience for players.

Boone's extensive baseball lineage and past success as a player—boasting a .266 batting average with 252 home runs—bring credibility to his role. He believes in the necessity of emotional engagement and communication with hitters, aiming to foster a collaborative environment. His connection with players like Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, who remember him as a player, will be vital as he navigates the dynamics of coaching.

Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta Braves' 2023 NL MVP, recently issued an apology to manager Brian Snitker and his teammates regarding comments he made on social media that suggested double standards in player discipline. Acuña's frustration stemmed from his inability to contribute on the field following ACL surgery during a stretch where the Braves struggled, starting the season 0-7. The incident that triggered his remarks occurred when teammate Jarred Kelenic was not reprimanded for a baserunning blunder similar to one that had previously resulted in Acuña being pulled from a game.

As Acuña completes his minor league rehab assignment, he is expected to rejoin the Braves lineup ahead of a critical juncture in the season as the team aims to build momentum after climbing back to .500. In his first rehab game, he demonstrated his readiness by hitting a home run, a promising sign as he sets his sights on continuing his impressive performance that saw him hit .337 with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases in 2023.

Yordan Alvarez, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Teoscar Hernandez are all on the injured list, but promising signs suggest they could return soon. Alvarez has made progress with a hand injury and is expected to be back shortly, possibly during the Astros’ series against the Rangers. Acuna, recovering from a significant knee injury, launched a home run in his rehab game and is anticipated to return to the Braves lineup before the end of May. Hernandez, who is dealing with a hamstring issue, is also ramping up his activities and may return within weeks.

Injury updates for these key players are crucial for fantasy managers as they navigate a season marked by injuries to stars like Mike Trout and Blake Snell. Keeping Alvarez, Acuna, and Hernandez on the IL for now is advisable, as their return could significantly impact lineups.

Starting pitchers experience significant fluctuations in early-season performance, affecting their fantasy value. To find undervalued pitchers, savvy managers should rely on the K-BB% statistic and evaluate metrics like BABIP and HR/FB rates. This article highlights six pitchers with potential for improvement or overvaluation in trade scenarios.

Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres is currently struggling with a 4.60 ERA but boasts solid strikeout and walk rates similar to his better seasons, making him a buy-low candidate. In contrast, San Francisco Giants' Logan Webb has elevated his strikeout rate to a career-high of 29.3% and is a solid buy-high option due to his consistent performance.

Jesús Luzardo from the Philadelphia Phillies is also recommended for his regained velocity and pitch effectiveness. On the flip side, Tanner Bibee of the Cleveland Guardians is trying to find his rhythm but may be a low-value trade option, while Tyler Mahle of the Texas Rangers could fetch a premium despite concerns over his injury history.

The Atlanta Braves are struggling in the early part of the 2025 MLB season, hovering near a .500 record. They started the season with seven consecutive losses, compounded by the recent suspension of Jurickson Profar for PED use. Key pitchers Spencer Strider and Reynaldo Lopez are sidelined due to injuries, leaving the team in a tough spot. In the midst of this turmoil, franchise star Ronald Acuña Jr. is set to make his return after recovering from a torn ACL.

Acuña Jr., who was named the 2023 NL MVP, has been a standout player since his debut in 2018, boasting impressive stats. He recently hit a home run during his first rehab start, showing signs of a strong return. The Braves are eagerly awaiting his integration back into the lineup as they look to turn their season around.