Ohio State University might be a football powerhouse, but it also has a few former players making waves in Major League Baseball this season. As the MLB season kicks off, only three Buckeyes have secured spots on active rosters across the league. Dillon Dingler is the backup catcher for the Detroit Tigers, and though he's seen limited action, his potential is promising. Zach Dezenzo, playing for the Houston Astros, has exceeded expectations since being called up, serving as a depth option at first base. Meanwhile, Ryan Feltner is a right-handed pitcher in the Colorado Rockies' starting rotation, having made his MLB debut in 2021. The Buckeyes' modest representation in the MLB reflects the program's historical emphasis on football, yet these players carry the Scarlet and Gray into the diamond.

In a bizarre twist to the start of the 2025 MLB season, Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales will spend the next ten days on the injured list due to a non-displaced fracture of his left ankle. The injury occurred during a home run trot against the Miami Marlins on Opening Day. Gonzales, who was looking to build upon a solid 2024 season where he batted .270 with seven homers, will seek further evaluation from a specialist.

As the Pirates aim to compete this season, losing Gonzales is a blow to their infield depth, especially as they rely on young talent like Oneil Cruz and Paul Skenes. To fill Gonzales' spot, the team has called up infielder Enmanuel Valdez, while top prospect Nick Yorke will remain in Triple-A despite a strong showing in the minors. The Pirates need to rally quickly, especially after a disappointing loss to the Marlins.

The 2025 MLB fantasy baseball season is fast approaching, and RotoBaller has released its latest catcher rankings tailored for points leagues. Leading the pack is Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras, ranked as the top catcher and 15th overall. Following closely is Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles. Notably, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners had a breakout season with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs. Other catchers to watch include Salvador Perez, Yainer Diaz, and Will Smith, all of whom have shown promise in previous seasons. Accompanying the rankings are insights on injuries affecting the position, such as Alejandro Kirk's recent extension and multiple players being optioned to Triple-A. RotoBaller's expert analysis aims to prepare fantasy owners for their draft day, ensuring they understand the unique scoring systems of points leagues.

With the regular season approaching, the excitement of spring training is palpable, especially among promising fantasy baseball prospects. The latest updates present a mix of established talents and emerging players who could significantly impact the 2025 season. Notably, Roki Sasaki and Dylan Crews look set for opening day rosters, while others like Cam Smith and Matt Shaw are generating buzz due to their strong performances. Players like Christian Moore and Will Warren are worth monitoring, as they hold potential for your fantasy teams.

Furthermore, the rankings highlight rookies with varied ETAs, providing a roadmap for draft strategies. Key players have shown promise in spring training, making them intriguing picks for fantasy enthusiasts. As the season nears, keeping an eye on these prospects could prove beneficial for your fantasy lineup.

The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for the regular season, set to kick off with a two-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Japan. However, the team faces challenges with injuries that could significantly impact their lineup. Notably, Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner will miss the trip due to recent surgery on a flexor tendon but is expected to be ready for domestic Opening Day against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Additionally, top prospect Matt Shaw, anticipated to start at third base, is also likely to skip the Japan trip due to an oblique injury, although it is not severe.

With both Hoerner and Shaw potentially sidelined, the Cubs will need to adjust their infield configuration against a formidable Dodgers roster. The team can tap into offseason acquisitions like Justin Turner, Vidal Bruján, and Jon Berti, all of whom can play at second or third base. Given Turner’s investment, he’s expected to secure one of the starting roles, while Bruján and Berti will vie for the other. This situation places the Cubs in a position where they must rely on their bench depth as they prepare for the season's opening games.