Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson is making waves with his use of the Marucci “torpedo” bat, designed to enhance contact and improve batting performance. Swanson, alongside teammate Nico Hoerner, has adopted this unique bat, which features a bulkier barrel aimed at increasing the sweet spot. After testing it during spring training, Swanson has seen success, hitting home runs in consecutive games, showcasing its potential in live play.

Hitting coach Dustin Kelly noted the Cubs' awareness of the bat's capabilities and suggested that while the torpedo bat doesn't break any regulations, it could offer a crucial edge for hitters. Swanson emphasizes the importance of data supporting the bat's effectiveness, suggesting that innovation in equipment could help batters keep pace with advancing pitching techniques. The Cubs appear to be at the forefront of this experimentation, encouraging players to assess new tools that could benefit their performance.

The 2025 MLB season is off to an exciting start with the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers clashing in a two-game Tokyo Series. The first game has already seen standout performances, setting high expectations for the second game, which features a showdown on DraftKings. Roki Sasaki, making his MLB debut for the Dodgers, brings impressive NPB stats, but faces a Cubs lineup that excelled against right-handed pitching. Justin Steele, the Cubs' starter, offers a strong alternative with his track record against left-handed hitters.

Top hitter options include Shohei Ohtani, who thrives against southpaws, and Teoscar Hernandez, who excelled against left-handed pitchers last season. Additionally, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki present solid value plays against Sasaki, especially if he struggles early. With this limited slate, identifying high-upside players is vital for DFS success.

In fantasy baseball, prioritizing power-hitters early might lead to a scarcity in run projections, as these players often bat lower in the order. However, savvy managers can find late-round gems with high run-scoring potential. This article highlights six such players, emphasizing the importance of batting position and lineup strength in maximizing run opportunities.

Among the notable late-round targets are Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves, who signed a lucrative contract that secures him a starting position and could see him scoring over 100 runs if he continues to hit leadoff. George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays, despite a dip in batting average, is poised for a bounce-back with solid on-base skills. JJ Bleday of the Athletics showed considerable improvement last season and is expected to keep building on that success while batting in front of power hitters. Jonathan India, now with the Kansas City Royals, is also in a prime spot to score runs at the top of the lineup. Lastly, Michael Busch from the Cubs and Sean Murphy from the Braves, each with favorable positions in potent lineups, present excellent opportunities for run production. These players could provide valuable contributions to your run totals without requiring early-round picks.

The Chicago Cubs have stormed into the spring season with a blazing 4-0 start, thanks primarily to their explosive offensive performance. In their opening game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cubs tallied 12 runs, followed by seven runs in their second matchup. They continued this trend by scoring seven against the Chicago White Sox and six in a game against the Texas Rangers, amassing a remarkable total of 32 runs in just four games. The team's collective batting average sits at an impressive .331, featuring 15 extra-base hits, including four home runs. What stands out is their plate discipline, with only 27 strikeouts and 17 walks throughout this early stretch.

Among the offensive stars is Michael Busch, who has shone with a .667 batting average and four RBIs. As a first baseman, he seems poised to become a pivotal figure in the Cubs' lineup. Pete Crow-Armstrong, proving his worth both at the plate and in defense, is also making noise with similar numbers. Moreover, prospects like Kevin Alcantara and Benjamin Cowles are showing promise, hinting at a bright future for the Cubs. Alcantara's swift ascent through the ranks could see him contribute sooner rather than later, particularly given concerns about Seiya Suzuki's declining defensive skills. Despite the early successes, it's crucial to temper expectations as the regular season approaches.

The recent incident involving Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller sent shockwaves through the clubhouse. During a game against the Chicago Cubs, Miller was struck by a 106 mph line drive from Michael Busch, resulting in him being taken out of the game after collapsing on the mound. Max Muncy and Hunter Feduccia rushed to his aid as trainers attended to him.

Miller, who has been vying for a spot in the Dodgers' starting rotation, showed signs of resilience, humorously responding to trainers’ questions even as he was being checked for concussive symptoms. Fortunately, he was able to exit the field on his own power, but the team remains cautious, monitoring his condition in the days to come.

The injury raises questions about Miller's role in the upcoming season, especially as he competes with Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May for the fifth starter position. Last season was challenging for him, posting a disappointing 8.52 ERA, but his rookie season hinted at his potential, making this injury a concerning development for both him and the team's pitching depth.