MLB Spring Training Notebook - Injuries, Risers, Position Battles (3/6/20)

Welcome to the first edition of our Spring Training Notebook, where we'll dive into a few of the bigger stories around Major League Baseball's Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.

As we head through the thick of Spring Training 2020, players are starting to separate themselves in the eyes of their organizations with hopes of making the big league club for Opening Day later this month. It's important to monitor every team's situation as it's possible for a player's performance to slide under the radar, whether it's good or bad.

Every couple of days, I'll be back to break down some of the league's stories, news, and notes. I'll cover everything from risers to position battles to the latest injury news that could affect how you draft your fantasy roster. Think of this as a one-stop-shop for 2020 spring training information with a fantasy twist.

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Spring Training Risers

• Baltimore Orioles first baseman Chris Davis has three home runs, eight runs batted in and eight walks through 12 spring at-bats. I know, I know... After being one of the league's top sluggers through the middle of the last decade, the 33-year-old has hit under .180 in each of the last two seasons, so don’t expect it to continue. However, it’s certainly worth monitoring as the spring rolls along.
• Oakland Athletics outfielder Seth Brown is making a case for the Opening Day roster. After hitting 37 homers in Triple-A last year, he’s slugged a grand slam, driven in eight runs, and doubled five times in 25 at-bats. He’s a long-shot fantasy option, but these are the guys worth paying attention to now, so you can get them cheap on waivers in April when others in your league still haven’t heard of them.
• Seattle Mariners pitcher Yusei Kikuchi had quite the dismal season in 2019, going 6-11 with a 5.46 ERA. In his most recent start, he went three innings, while fanning five and walking two and didn't surrender a hit. He touched 96 mph in the outing and believes he is in a much better position compared to last year.

Fighting For The Job

• Vince Velasquez and Nick Pivetta are fighting for the Phillies’ fifth rotation spot and so far Velasquez is impressing. Over five innings, the righty has scattered five hits and one run with four strikeouts and a walk. Meanwhile, Pivetta has given up seven runs in 7 2/3 innings but has struck out 10 and walked four. Both of these guys have shown small signs of excellence but overall, they’re just a mess. Regardless of who wins the job, they don’t warrant much fantasy consideration outside of the occasional stream.
• Steven Souza Jr. is competing with Ian Happ and Albert Almora Jr. to be the Opening Day centerfielder for the Chicago Cubs. Both Happ and Almora have hit two homers with over 1.000 OPS in 18 at-bats apiece, whereas Souza has doubled twice and driven in two in 16 at-bats. Souza is the new face here and is coming off a rough injury in 2019 so he’ll need to really impress to win the job.
• Franmil Reyes seems to be the leading candidate to be the Indians’ right fielder come Opening Day. His three home runs and 10 base hits so far this spring leads the team. Now it’s just a matter of if the team trusts him to play the field consistently. Expect Jordan Luplow to slot in at times when facing lefties, but Reyes offers more upside at the plate.
• Michael Wacha and Steven Matz are trying to capture the last spot in the Mets rotation, but neither has really stood out. Both have two appearances, with Matz surrendering just a solo home run in three innings and Wacha throwing a scoreless five frames. The southpaw should have the inside track being on the team his whole career, but many believe they brought Wacha in to start. Matz, when rarely healthy, is the only fantasy viable option of the two, but mainly in very deep mixed leagues and NL-only formats.

Guys On The Shelf

• Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (elbow) was diagnosed with a flexor strain in his throwing arm. He’s not expected to need Tommy John, but at this point in the southpaw’s career, it’s getting difficult to trust an injury diagnosis with him attached to it. Although, if he’s healthy, there are few better. Ultimately, tread lightly if your league drafts early.
• Washington Nationals outfielder Victor Robles (oblique) is still “day-to-day” since undergoing an MRI in late February. The team says it’s precautionary, but core injuries have been known to linger, so be mindful of Robles’ status throughout the rest of camp and as your draft day nears. Robles offers plenty of stolen bases with 20-homer potential, so if he’s healthy, his 25th spot in the RotoBaller rankings is justified.
• Kansas City Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi (shoulder) is still recovering from 2019 shoulder surgery but should make his Cactus League debut next week sometime. He swiped 43 bags in 102 games last season but the 132 strikeouts and .263 average at in the top of the Royals lineup hampers his fantasy profile a bit.
• San Diego Padres outfielder Tommy Pham (elbow) isn’t comfortable with his swing and is open about struggling to get his timing right. If a player isn’t afraid to voice his personal concerns regarding his play, you shouldn’t be afraid to let someone else draft him sooner than he should be picked. He’s RotoBaller’s 23rd ranked outfielder, but there are definitely some red flags here, especially on a new team.
• New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (shoulder) is optimistic about being ready for Opening Day. However, the organization doesn’t see it that way and, let’s be honest, with a player of Judge’s caliber and contract, the organization always wins in these situations. Expect to not have him to start the season.

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