Fantasy Baseball Spring Training News and Notes from 3/9/16

Year After Tommy John Surgery, Matt Harvey Focuses on Pitching

Around this time last year, the media swarmed Harvey with one question:

Are you healthy?

This year, he's just another pitcher working out the kinks in spring training. And yes, he's healthy.

In a surprise expedited comeback in 2015, Harvey reached 99 MPH in his spring debut; an overzealous and premature display of power that angered manager Terry Collins. Is your arm feeling okay, Harvey was asked. His 2016 debut mirrored his 2015, as he steadily reached 96-97 MPH. This time, no one questioned his health. No one was angry. Harvey threw mainly his fastball when he retired the side in an impressive six-pitch first inning. In the second, he strayed away from his heat and wiggled out of a first-and-third one out jam, inducing a double play to end the inning. Harvey finished the game allowing one run over three innings of work, one strikeout, and two walks.

Harvey owns the 15th spot on RotoBaller's starting pitcher rankings, and should be among the second batch of pitchers drafted in any league. The Mets, a team once with barely any fantasy appeal, have a ton entering the new season. No hesitation should precede drafting Harvey as his start-total will likely see a sizable jump.

Yasiel Puig Next Target of MLB's Domestic Violence Policy 

First it was Aroldis Chapman. Now, the spotlight is on Puig, and it's simply a matter of when, not if. According to MLB.com, Commissioner Rob Manfred is expected to make a decision regarding Puig's violation of MLB's newly enforced domestic abuse policy.

"The investigation is essentially complete," Manfred informed reporters. "We'll have something on Puig shortly."

Although, it's not guaranteed that Puig will be punished the way Chapman was, or at all. There will be an announcement regardless. Jose Reyes is also being investigated for similar matters. His hearing is set for early April.

Puig has slightly fallen off since storming onto the MLB scene his rookie season. He wasn't able to stay healthy last season and hit only .255 in 79 games, with 11 home runs and 38 RBI's. Puig is set to bat fifth in the Dodgers order and has proven to be relatively productive in a fuller season. He tiptoes just outside the top 20 of fantasy outfielders and his stock depends on the outcome of Manfred's decision.

Aaron Altherr Out Four to Six Months

During the last six weeks of the 2015 campaign, Altherr impressed the Phillies, specifically with his three home runs and five stolen bases in September. His combination of power and speed, displayed in only a brief stint, gave the Phillies reason to believe Altherr could sustain such production for an entire season. Now, they'll have to wait before finding out.

Altherr twisted his left wrist diving for a ball in right field during Philadelphia's first Grapefruit League game and will miss four to six months of action. Altherr tore a tendon in his wrist and is having surgery today. Manager Pete Mackanin had already been adamant about Altherr serving as an everyday outfielder prior to the commencement of camp, according to MLB.com.

The young outfielder should be avoided as he was once a late round sleeper candidate before his injury. Odubel Herrera's will lead the Phillies outfield in center and was already a solid fantasy option. Cody Asche's fantasy value has now seen a boost as he will likely start in place of Altherr. Depending on his early season performance, Asche could be a nice addition to any lineup.

Justin Upton Removed From Action

Tracking down a fly ball off the bat of Danny Espinosa in Wednesday's game, Anthony Gose stepped on the foot of Detroit's offseason acquisition Justin Upton, avoiding a near collision. Upton stayed down after the play but later walked off the field on his own. According to MLB.com, Upton was removed as a precaution.

The Tigers are already down an outfielder with Cameron Maybin missing time because of a hairline fracture in his wrist, and the loss of Upton, for however long, would hurt the team and his fantasy value. Reports say that Upton appeared to be shaken up despite not requiring aid off the field. For those with drafts looming, keep an eye on Upton's status as it should be updated over the next day or so. Upton is ranked 12th among outfielders by RotoBaller experts and will be a solid source of power and speed in the heart of Detroits lineup if healthy.

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