Brendan Rodgers, second baseman for the Houston Astros, is currently listed as "day to day" due to soreness in his left hip, as confirmed by manager Joe Espada. After starting nine of the team's first twelve games, Rodgers missed his second consecutive game but participated in pregame workouts, indicating some improvement.

In the interim, Mauricio Dubón filled in at second base for the Astros in Rodgers' absence. Additionally, the team is looking at Lance McCullers Jr.'s rehab progress, as he is set for another minor-league start while the Astros cautiously work to build him up for potential activation. The Astros are aiming for McCullers to throw around 80 pitches before making a decision on his return to the roster.

As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, an analysis of bat speed reveals key insights for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Bat speed, which correlates closely with power, offers a glimpse into players' potential for breakout performances. Notable risers in bat speed include Jesse Winker, who improved by 6.6 mph, and Junior Caminero, now boasting the highest average bat speed in the league at 80.3 mph. These increases suggest enhanced power potential, critical for those making strategic roster decisions.

However, it's essential to recognize that a rise in bat speed doesn't guarantee success. Players like Brendan Rodgers and Brett Baty are also improving, yet their past performance and injury history introduce uncertainty. With several other players showing promising bat speed advancements, such as Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ben Rice, fantasy managers must weigh the data against other performance metrics when making roster changes or trade decisions. Monitoring these metrics will be crucial as the season develops.

As the 2025 season approaches, bat speed statistics provide valuable insights into players' offensive potential. Notably, Jesse Winker of the New York Mets has increased his bat speed by 6.6 mph, reaching an impressive 76.1 mph. This improvement places him among the top ranks in the league, although his early-season performance has been lackluster, indicating the need for patience. Meanwhile, Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays boasts the highest average bat speed at 80.3 mph, which has significantly boosted his power potential. Brendan Rodgers from the Houston Astros also shows promise with a 3.7 mph increase, hinting at a healthier season. However, not every player with increased bat speed will find immediate success; factors such as contact point adjustments and swing decisions also play critical roles.

Brendan Rodgers has secured a spot on the Houston Astros' opening day roster, following a competitive selection process that saw him edge out fellow infielder Zack Short. Manager Joe Espada confirmed that both Rodgers and Mauricio Dubón will share playing time at second base, especially with Jose Altuve transitioning to left field this season. Having won a Gold Glove in 2022, Rodgers looks to leverage his defensive skills while addressing past offensive struggles.

During spring training, Rodgers implemented minor adjustments to his batting stance, aiming to improve his ground ball rate, which had risen to a career-high last season. His performance in the Grapefruit League included a notable 10-for-43 hitting record with five extra-base hits. The Astros believe they can further enhance Rodgers' offensive capabilities, as he prepares to contribute alongside a deep roster on opening day.

With spring training in full swing, the battle for starting positions across MLB is heating up, particularly in the AL West. The Houston Astros are reconsidering Jose Altuve's role, with potential shifts to left field following Alex Bregman's departure, raising fantasy stakes for second base options like Mauricio Dubon and Brendan Rodgers.

In Los Angeles, the Angels face uncertainty at shortstop with Zach Neto sidelined, placing Luis Rengifo in a favorable position for daily at-bats. Meanwhile, the Athletics are looking to Seth Brown for left field duties amidst a crowded roster, and the Mariners' Mitch Garver and Mitch Haniger aim to rebound from poor seasons as they vie for designated hitter spots. The Rangers, on the other hand, are eager to see how Evan Carter performs in center field, especially with Adolis Garcia's injury.