3 years agoJack Flaherty is set to start the season on the IL following an injury that resulted in the Cardinals starter receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his right shoulder. As a result, Flaherty is due to start a throwing program in early April but will need to build up from scratch so is unlikely to pitch until May. Comments about his shoulder are somewhat concerning, with the player stating the issue is linked to a change in his mechanics following an oblique injury last year. Flaherty was limited to just 15 starts (and two relief appearances) in 2021 due to the oblique and shoulder injuries and a potential need to change his mechanics leaves a question mark over his short-term fantasy value. When healthy last year, Flaherty was good with a 3.22 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, nine wins and 85 strikeouts (78.1 IP). But there's reason to be a bit concerned as Flaherty's underlying numbers suggest he had his share of good fortune. Flaherty had a 4.91 xERA, 3.96 xFIP and 3.92 SIERA while his 26.4% K% was a career-low since his first full season (2017). There's no reason why Flaherty can't get back to his best when in 2019 he had a 2.75 ERA (3.35 xERA, 3.64 xFIP and 3.68 SIERA) and 0.97 WHIP in 196.1 IP (33 starts). He also had career bests in K% (29.9%) and BB% (7.1%). But this will be his third IL stint since the start of last year and any issue regarding a pitchers' throwing arm should offer up red flags. Since March 01st, Flaherty's ADP is ~183 so if he does manage to get back on the mound in early May, there's still a chance of returning fantasy value. But there's a lingering cloud over his health right now that should temper expectations.--Jamie Steed - RotoBaller