The Philadelphia Phillies have faced significant challenges with their bullpen this season, suffering from the suspension of José Alvarado and the struggles of Jordan Romano, leading to a high bullpen ERA of 4.58, ranking them seventh worst in MLB. With these issues, there's been speculation around acquiring Félix Bautista from the Baltimore Orioles as a potential fix. Bautista, returning from Tommy John surgery, has shown promising improvement with a 3.32 ERA and only one earned run in his last seven appearances. However, recent reports suggest the Orioles may hold onto him for their rebuilding efforts, complicating the Phillies' search for relief help.

Despite the Phillies' keen interest, MLB insiders hint that the Orioles, eyeing a return to contention in 2026, are likely to keep Bautista and utilize him as a valuable asset given he is under club control for two more years. The Orioles have other trade chips, like Zach Eflin and Cedric Mullins, who might be more likely to be on the move. For now, the Phillies may need to explore alternative options to reinforce their struggling bullpen.

Mookie Betts, the star shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will miss this weekend's series against the New York Yankees due to a fractured toe sustained at home. The injury occurred when he accidentally hit his toe on a wall while navigating his house in the dark. Although he had initially planned to play, persistent pain led to his removal from the lineup. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about Betts’ recovery, stating it will depend on his pain tolerance and expressing hope that he will avoid a stint on the injured list.

In Betts' absence, veteran Miguel Rojas will step in as starting shortstop, with Tommy Edman and Hyeseong Kim also available as alternatives. Betts, who had been a vital part of the Dodgers' success, previously appeared in 51 consecutive games while struggling at the plate with a .254 batting average. His absence could impact the Dodgers' offensive strategy this weekend.

As fantasy baseball drafts continue into the 2025 season, savvy players are looking for hidden gems in the later rounds. This year's National League sleepers include Joey Ortiz, a third baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, who is transitioning to shortstop. After a solid rookie season, he offers reliable stats with a projected average of .248 and 12 home runs in the upcoming year. Additionally, veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, now with the San Francisco Giants, is poised for a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2024. With an ADP of 346.0, he represents an excellent late-round target for fantasy managers.

Other notable mentions include Grant Holmes of the Atlanta Braves, who boasts a commendable strikeout rate and could slide into the starting rotation while filling in for Spencer Strider. Lastly, the Pittsburgh Pirates' Bubba Chandler, an emerging talent with a powerful fastball, could soon become a key player in their rotation after an impressive minor league season.

The Cleveland Guardians are finalizing their roster decisions ahead of the 2025 season, with key questions remaining for the second base position and rotation. The team is optimistic about Bo Naylor's potential to enhance their offense, particularly after a promising minor league season. Infield competition is heating up, with players like Tyler Freeman and Daniel Schneemann emerging as strong candidates for short-term roles. As for outfielders, Jhonkensy Noel and Will Brennan will likely share time in right field.

On the pitching front, Tanner Bibee is set to start on Opening Day, but the fifth starter role is up for grabs, particularly with Triston McKenzie struggling. The bullpen looks solid with Emmanuel Clase leading the way, while Andrew Walters could also secure a spot. Overall, the Guardians aim to balance immediate needs with future potential as they head into the new season.