MLB Spring Training Notebook (3/11) - Hiura Endures Spring Struggles

Welcome to the 2021 edition of RotoBaller's Spring Training Notebook. Thankfully, we have real, live baseball being played every day again, and while it doesn't count for anything, these exhibition games gives us the smallest glimmer into players and teams heading into the new season.

We're officially through the first week of spring training games and now with fans in the stands, things seem to be normalizing in the sports world. We'll keep out fingers crossed that doesn't change anytime soon, as games continue, we'll start to gain more substance behind on-field performance. With about three weeks left until opening day, guys are going to start either feeling the heat or getting into a groove to take on the long, grueling season.

As fantasy baseball managers, we must perform our due diligence in understanding every team's situation heading into the season. There's so many names to keep track of so it's crucial to find a place where the most important information is in one spot. Here at RotoBaller, we have everything you need for success this season, and I'll do my part here as I bring you a quick-read, one-stop shop of 2021 spring training information with a fantasy twist.

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Injuries

Soto Misses Second Straight Day

Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto (illness) didn't play on Tuesday or Wednesday after experiencing an illness, so the tea kept the young star away from the team. In a COVID-19 world, no organization will let a player play through a supposed illness until they're absolutely sure the player is healthy. It's worth monitoring in the coming days to see if he will return.

Juan Soto Not in Lineup for Second Straight Game Wednesday https://t.co/zkJ3ofLnS7

— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) March 10, 2021

Votto Out With COVID-19

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (COVID) was originally listed on the injured list but officially gave the team permission to disclose that he has the novel coronavirus. Only time will tell how long the 37-year-old will miss, but it's surely enough to slow his readiness for the season. Scott Heineman should see the majority of the opportunities at first base for the time being, but his .189/.259/.331 and 3 homers in 139 career plate appearances isn't enough to move any fantasy needle.

Carrasco Dealing With Sore Elbow

New York Mets pitcher Carlos Carrasco (elbow) will sit out the next handful of days after experiencing some soreness in his elbow. However, manager Nick Rojas believes the veteran should be back to facing live hitters next week. At 33, Carrasco is surely winding down in his career, following a bout with leukemia in 2019, but if his 2020 season is any indication, he won't be going down easy. He's going around pick 65 after a 3-4 record with a 2.91 ERA in the shortened 2020 season.

Tatis Expected Back Before Weekend

San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (illness) has been absent since earlier this week with a non-COVID related illness, but the team expect him to return Thursday or Friday. Despite the illness, it's never really a bad thing for stars like Tatis to get a little extra rest and ensure they're ready to go for the season. The 22-year-old is a phenom and is arguably a top-fantasy pick this season and easily the best player at his position.

Fernando Tatis Jr.'s Return To Lineup Imminent https://t.co/QIwbTG21QQ

— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) March 10, 2021

Bogaerts Expecting To Be Ready
Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (shoulder) should be ready to roll by opening day, he said in a radio interview. The 28-year-old hasn't appeared yet this spring due to the injury, but was expected to take batting practice on Wednesday. The team is likely treating his recovery slower than most because they want to make sure the star is ready for the length of the season, more so than just for opening day. Bogaerts is one of the top players at his position, in real-life and in fantasy.

Risers

Edman Continues Strong Spring

St. Louis Cardinals infielder Tommy Edman notched two more hits Wednesday, including a double, to raise his average to .429 this spring. The potential leadoff hitter for the Cards is slotted in as the team's new second baseman after Kolten Wong's departure. At 25, he's a solid combo of power and speed, despite a down 2020. He's going around pick 129 in fantasy drafts thus far, but his multi position eligibility makes him a solid value play.

Tommy Edman Gets Two Hits On Wednesday https://t.co/x7wcuaEfYi

— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) March 10, 2021

Rodriguez On Track To Win Closer Role

Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Richard Rodriguez surrendered just one hit and struck out the side against the Yankees on Wednesday. His three punchouts were at the expense of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Gleyber Torres. The 31-year-old has been a mainstay in an otherwise abysmal Pirates bullpen over the last three seasons, but his 2.96 ERA, five saves, and 30 K% are proof it wasn't some fluke. There won't be many opportunities for the closer in Pittsburgh, but comparing it to the rest of the Pirates' pen, Rodriguez is a sneaky value at pick 218.

Ottavino Makes Sox Debut

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Adam Ottavino struck out two in a scoreless relief inning against the Twins on Wednesday. Boston traded for Ottavino from the rival Yankees this offseason with hopes he can redeem his dreadful 2020 season where he posted a career high 5.89 ERA. However, that was over just 18.1 IP, he also posted a 29 K% and a 10 BB%. The 35-year-old isn't in line for saves right out of the gate, but if Matt Barnes were to get hurt or struggle, Ottavino could be next in line.

Peralta Trying To Repeat 2018 Season

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta slugged his first home run of spring on Wednesday against the Dodgers. Through six games, he's hitting .286 with a pair of doubles and four RBI and the homer. Peralta's breakout 2018 season where he mashed 30 homers and drove in 87 has seemed to be a total one-off, hitting just 12 homers in an injury-shortened season 2019 and only five in 2020. He's 33 now so it's hard to imagine his best days are ahead of him, making his 274 ADP his ceiling heading into 2021.

Chapman Posts Clean Spring Debut

New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman punched out two in his first spring inning of work Wednesday. The 33-year-old has been one of the most consistently dominant closers over his career and even at 33, he still has the impressive velocity that helps him dominate on the hill. His ADP of 75 makes him still  a top 5 fantasy closer on one of the best teams in baseball.

Fallers

Rogers' Fighting For Rotation Spot

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Trevor Rogers completed 2.1 innings against the Houston Astros Wednesday, where he allowed three runs on five hits but also struck out five. The 23-year-old has eight punchouts in 4.1 IP as he fights for the fifth rotation spot, but he'll need to limit opposing lineups a little more as the spring progresses if the team will entrust him with a rotation spot. He made his debut in 2020 and had a rough go of it, posting a 1-2 record with a 6.11 ERA, but his 39 strikeouts in 28 IP shows of his upside.

Trevor Rogers Sees Mixed Results On Wednesday https://t.co/9WWcoerNko

— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) March 11, 2021

Hiura Grasping For Straws

Milwaukee Brewers infielder Keston Hiura is hitting 1-for-14 with a home run and three RBI over his first six spring games. One of the hottest hitting prospects coming through the minors, Hiura surprised many by hitting 2019 homers with a .303 average in his rookie season in 2019. He followed that up with 13 dingers and 32 RBI in 2020, but his average dropped down to .212. Now he'll likely be shifting a lot of his time over to first base, giving him multi-position eligibility and adding increased value to his current 66 ADP.

Sheffield Gets Tossed Around

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Justus Sheffield had a brutal outing Monday against the Texas Rangers, allowing six runs on seven hits, including two home runs, and no strikeouts and recorded just two outs before being pulled. The former prized prospect hasn't been able to put it together at the big-league level, hosting a career 4.50 ERA over 94 innings. He's still just 24, so the southpaw has some leeway to prove himself, but with more performances like this, you can likely stay away come draft day.

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