Erick Fedde showcased an impressive performance for the St. Louis Cardinals, throwing six innings without allowing a hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but his four walks limited his effectiveness and prevented a no-hitter.

Despite not factoring in the decision as the Cardinals fell 2-1 in a lengthy 13-inning game, Fedde's ability to escape jams, including two crucial double plays, highlighted his skill. Manager Oliver Marmol's decision to pull him after 88 pitches was driven by a desire to preserve his arm early in the season.

Fedde acknowledged the importance of pacing himself for the marathon-like season, expressing both disappointment and optimism about his command issues. His performance provides a solid foundation to build upon as he aims for greater consistency.

In the early stages of the 2025 MLB season, savvy fantasy managers are already eyeing potential waiver wire gems. Eric Cross highlights a selection of players under 40% rostered on Yahoo! that could offer value as replacements for injured players or underperforming late-round picks. Ben Rice (NYY) has emerged as a standout option after capitalizing on Giancarlo Stanton's injury, boasting an impressive .320 batting average and power potential. Jung Hoo Lee (SFG) has also caught the eye with his solid start, combining steals and a high contact rate.

Adding depth, Isiah Kiner-Falefa (PIT) has shown promise in multi-position eligibility and consistent batting, while Jordan Walker (STL) continues to intrigue with improved metrics despite concerns about his groundball rate. On the pitching side, Jordan Hicks (SFG) is back in the rotation with notable velocity gains, and rookie Chase Dollander (COL) is set to debut, boasting impressive minor league stats. Finally, José Alvarado (PHI) presents potential as a closer, sharing duties while showcasing electric stuff. These players could provide the boost needed for your fantasy roster as the season progresses.

Several notable prospects have emerged in recent years, making instant impacts in Major League Baseball. However, many top prospects take time to develop, often leading to reduced fantasy value as they transition into the league. This article highlights several 'post-hype' hitters, who, despite past accolades and potential, have yet to realize their promise in the majors, making them potential bargains in fantasy drafts.

Colt Keith of the Detroit Tigers, after a promising minor league season, struggled in his rookie year but may benefit from a position change to first base. Meanwhile, Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals faces challenges due to inconsistent performance, although he is still young and has shown glimpses of his potential. Jo Adell, from the Los Angeles Angels, remains a tantalizing ‘what if’ due to his power-speed capabilities, despite high strikeout rates. Andrew Vaughn of the Chicago White Sox, though not living up to expectations, offers a secure role that could yield solid stats.

Identifying potential breakout players in the outfield can be crucial for fantasy baseball enthusiasts. Nolan Jones of the Colorado Rockies is a prime candidate, having overcome a back injury that hindered his 2024 season. With a 20/20 season in the rearview and the advantage of Coors Field, Jones offers significant upside at a low ADP. Meanwhile, Parker Meadows of the Detroit Tigers, despite recent injury concerns, showed promise with a solid wRC+ late last season and could be a leadoff hitter this year. The Los Angeles Dodgers' Michael Conforto, known for his road power, may thrive in the hitter-friendly environment of Dodger Stadium. Garrett Mitchell of the Milwaukee Brewers is another name to watch, with a potential for 20/25 stats. Lastly, former top prospect Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals is looking to bounce back after a disappointing year, making him a sleeper pick for 2025.

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker is set to miss at least a week due to a minor left knee injury sustained while chasing a fly ball during a recent spring training game against the Washington Nationals. The injury occurred when he stepped on a sprinkler head. Fortunately, an MRI revealed no structural damage, although there is some irritation in the knee. Manager Oliver Marmol has noted that this week will be used for recovery, allowing Walker to ramp up for the upcoming season.

At just 22 years old, Walker is positioned to be the Cardinals’ starting right fielder and is seen as a key part of the team’s future. Over two seasons, he has shown promise with a batting line of .255/.317/.423 and 21 home runs. This spring, he is focused on refining his swing following offseason adjustments, making the time lost due to injury potentially impactful.