The baseball season is heating up, and this week’s Players to Watch includes key names like Rafael Devers and Dylan Crews, both of whom are struggling early in the season. Devers, despite being fully healthy, has not recorded a hit, setting a record with 12 strikeouts in his first 16 at-bats. Meanwhile, Crews shares a similar fate, with a risk of demotion if his performance does not improve. In contrast, Keibert Ruiz of the Nationals is thriving with impressive stats and offers significant fantasy potential. Josh Smith steps in for the injured Josh Jung and could be a valuable short-term option for managers. As pitchers, Jackson Jobe and Casey Mize are ready for their first starts of the season, showcasing promising skills after injuries. Keep an eye on these players for your fantasy lineup this week!

In a last-minute decision ahead of Opening Day, the Mets have chosen to call up infielder Luisangel Acuña, who previously contributed significantly during a brief big-league stint last season. This move comes as the team navigates roster flexibility, wanting to leave room for a more experienced infielder if the opportunity arises. Acuña, who was pivotal in securing a Wild Card spot last fall, faced development challenges in the past year but showed promise during winter ball and spring training.

The Mets' decision was influenced by injuries to Jeff McNeil and Nick Madrigal, which opened up infield spots. Despite Acuña’s mixed performance, Mets' management recognizes his youthful potential and defensive skills. While his initial spring training performance raised concerns, the team is optimistic that with more consistent playing time at the major league level, he can continue to grow and contribute effectively this season.

The New York Mets are facing a slew of injuries as they prepare for the upcoming season, with Jeff McNeil being the latest casualty. McNeil will miss Opening Day due to a right oblique strain, sidelining him for 3-4 weeks after a solid spring performance. Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the depth of the team, stating they must adapt despite the injuries to key players like Frankie Montas and Nick Madrigal.

With McNeil out, Brett Baty is expected to see increased action at second base, a position he has been learning. The competition for infield roles has intensified, as players like Donnie Walton and Luisangel Acuña vie for spots. The Mets' ticket sales have surged, indicating strong fan support despite the challenges on the field.

Jeff McNeil, the New York Mets' All-Star infielder, is set to begin the season on the injured list due to a strained right oblique muscle. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that the 2022 batting champion is expected to miss three to four weeks after the injury was diagnosed as a low-grade strain. McNeil had a challenging 2022 season, hitting .238 with 12 home runs and 44 RBIs, and he experienced a broken wrist last September. The Mets are currently dealing with a string of injuries, including catcher Francisco Alvarez, who broke his hand in batting practice and is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks, along with other pitchers like Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, and infielder Nick Madrigal, who may miss the entire season.

Jack Dreyer, a reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is not just a talented pitcher but also a master of the Rubik's Cube. After creating a portrait of Shohei Ohtani with over 1,200 cubes to commemorate his record-breaking $700 million contract, Dreyer's artistic endeavor became a talking point in the Dodgers' spring training. Although the original piece no longer exists, Dreyer is now in big-league camp alongside Ohtani, where his skills have garnered attention. Manager Dave Roberts noted Dreyer's potential as a pitcher, describing him as having great command and a strong mentality that has led to impressive minor league stats.