Injury Updates Across the League
The past week in Major League Baseball has been marked by several significant injury updates. The New York Yankees are dealing with multiple setbacks. Giancarlo Stanton received PRP injections in both elbows and will start the season on the injured list. He is currently attending to a personal matter in New York but is expected back in Tampa soon. Meanwhile, Luis Gil experienced right shoulder discomfort during a bullpen session and is undergoing an MRI. DJ LeMahieu felt a “tweak” in his left calf running up the first-base line, and imaging is planned soon. Additionally, Scott Effross was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain after exiting a game against the Twins.
The Arizona Diamondbacks also faced injury concerns. Corbin Carroll left a game against the Rangers with lower back tightness, and Kendall Graveman is undergoing imaging for back tightness. Over in Baltimore, the Orioles are monitoring Gunnar Henderson, who has been dealing with soreness since being removed from a game due to lower right side discomfort. However, he has shown improvement. Jordan Westburg has resumed light baseball activities as he nears a return from lower back soreness, and Félix Bautista is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut after Tommy John surgery.
Dodgers and Tigers Injury Concerns
The Los Angeles Dodgers are seeing Shohei Ohtani return as a two-way player post-surgeries, resuming throwing bullpen sessions and DHing in spring games. Bobby Miller is out of concussion protocol after being struck by a line drive and has thrown a bullpen session. The Detroit Tigers are dealing with Parker Meadows being sidelined indefinitely with an upper right arm nerve issue, while Matt Vierling is diagnosed with a strained rotator cuff muscle and will be unavailable until after Opening Day.
Other Notable Injuries
The Texas Rangers are managing Wyatt Langford, who took batting practice indoors for a mild oblique strain and is expected to return this week. The Chicago White Sox have Andrew Benintendi out for four to six weeks due to a non-displaced fracture of his right hand, and Michael A. Taylor was scratched from the lineup due to right elbow inflammation, with a hopeful return by the end of next week.
In Boston, the Red Sox are seeing Rafael Devers participate in live batting practice and fielding drills, set for Grapefruit League play as a DH. Masataka Yoshida played his first Grapefruit League game as a DH, early in his throwing program at limited distance, with uncertainty for Opening Day availability. Kutter Crawford is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day due to patellar tendon discomfort, and Brayan Bello is aiming for season start readiness after throwing his first Spring Training bullpen session. Wilyer Abreu has been cleared for baseball activities, assessing readiness for the season start.
Fantasy Baseball Highlights
In the realm of fantasy baseball, the preseason is in full swing with pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training. Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins threw a scoreless inning against the New York Mets, showcasing impressive velocity and accuracy. After Tommy John surgery, Alcantara is now designated as the Marlins’ Opening Day starter, with no innings restriction this season. His performance could make him a top-25 fantasy starter again.
Clay Holmes, a new right-hander for the Mets, pitched three scoreless innings against the Houston Astros, striking out three batters. Despite his performance, Holmes is not widely rostered in fantasy leagues. The Mets need rotation options due to injuries to other pitchers, making Holmes a player to monitor in the coming weeks.
Alex Bregman made his spring debut for the Boston Red Sox, homering amidst controversy over his defensive position. He played as a third baseman despite Rafael Devers‘ preference for that position. Fantasy managers hope for improved OBP from last season and potential added eligibility at second base.
Prospects and Player Movements
Former Japanese star Jung Hoo Lee hit third in the San Francisco Giants lineup during a spring game against the Texas Rangers. Known more for plate discipline and speed than power, his lineup placement could change by April. Meanwhile, Kansas City Royals prospect Jac Caglianone hit an impressive home run during a spring game but has high strikeout tendencies, making his debut in the majors unlikely this season.
Chandler Simpson, a prospect for the Tampa Bay Rays, showcased speed and defense during spring games, stealing bases effectively last season in the minors. He could debut this season if his defense and OBP improve. The Milwaukee Brewers added outfield depth after Blake Perkins was injured, signing veterans Manuel Margot and Mark Canha to minor league deals. Canha offers underrated on-base skills with potential appeal if he makes the team.
Conclusion
As the MLB season approaches, teams are dealing with a mix of injuries and player developments. The Yankees, Dodgers, and Tigers are among those facing significant challenges, while fantasy baseball enthusiasts keep an eye on players like Alcantara and Holmes. Prospects like Caglianone and Simpson are also making waves, hinting at potential future stars. As spring training progresses, teams will continue to adjust and prepare for the upcoming season, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of baseball.