Injury Woes for the Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers are facing a challenging start to their season with significant injuries impacting their pitching rotation. Jon Gray, a key pitcher for the team, suffered a right wrist fracture after being hit by a 106.4 mph comebacker during a Cactus League game against the Colorado Rockies. This injury is a major setback for Gray, who is in the final year of a four-year, $56 million contract. Last season, Gray pitched only 102 2/3 innings due to groin strains and foot neuroma, which required offseason surgery. The Rangers’ manager, Bruce Bochy, expressed his disappointment, noting that adjustments would need to be made to the rotation.
The Rangers are also dealing with other pitching challenges. Tyler Mahle was scratched from a start due to forearm soreness, but an MRI showed no structural damage, allowing him to return quickly. Meanwhile, Cody Bradford was also scratched due to elbow soreness. Although his MRI was clean, he will be shut down for up to 10 days. This delay opens opportunities for rookies Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker to compete for the final rotation spot. Non-roster invitees Patrick Murphy and Adrian Houser are potential options for contributing multiple innings, possibly from the bullpen. Bochy expressed confidence in the depth provided by young pitchers like Rocker and Leiter, describing it as rare.
Injury Concerns for the New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are also grappling with significant injury concerns. Their ace, Gerrit Cole, will undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season and likely part of 2026. Cole experienced elbow soreness after a March start, with tests revealing a UCL tear. This injury is a significant blow to the Yankees, who lost the World Series last year and Juan Soto in the offseason. Cole’s age (34) makes this surgery potentially career-ending for many pitchers, but his talent and intelligence offer hope for an effective return. Comparisons are drawn to Justin Verlander, who successfully returned from similar surgery at an older age.
The Yankees will rely heavily on Max Fried and Carlos Rodón to lead their rotation in Cole’s absence. The team’s offense also needs to step up due to injuries to other key players like Giancarlo Stanton and Luis Gil. Young pitcher Warren has a chance to establish himself as an MLB starter in Cole’s absence. The Yankees may explore free agency or trades for pitching help but face challenges due to timing and limited farm system resources. Injuries open opportunities for AL East rivals like the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox as they compete against a weakened Yankees team. Cole’s Hall of Fame chances could be impacted by missed time due to injury and previous pandemic-related disruptions.
Updates from the New York Mets
The New York Mets are dealing with their own set of challenges. Catcher Francisco Alvarez is out due to a hand fracture. Alvarez hit 25 home runs in his 2023 rookie season but only managed 11 last year. He is expected to miss most or all of April due to a hamate bone injury, which might affect his power upon return. Alvarez was not among the top 10 catchers in ESPN ADP before this announcement. Managers should avoid drafting him initially and consider him as a May pickup based on performance. The Mets will rely on journeyman Luis Torrens in Alvarez’s absence.
Injury Updates Across the League
Several other players across the league are dealing with injuries. George Kirby of the Seattle Mariners is dealing with shoulder inflammation but no structural damage. Kirby should miss a few weeks of April as he builds up to a starter’s workload. If Kirby slips in drafts, he could become a strong value pick. Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his wrist after attempting a diving catch. Profar may sit out this week but hopes to be ready for Opening Day. His fantasy value remains mostly unaffected for now.
Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins has no innings limit after recovering from Tommy John surgery last season. Alcantara was one of fantasy’s top pitchers in 2022 and is named the Marlins’ Opening Day starter. His trade potential could impact his fantasy value later in the season. Grayson Rodriguez of the Baltimore Orioles will start the season on the IL due to elbow inflammation. Once considered a top pitching prospect, Rodriguez offers significant upside but should be moved down draft lists until more clarity is available.
Spring Training Highlights
Spring training is in full swing, with several players making headlines. Max Scherzer of the Toronto Blue Jays continues an outstanding spring performance at age 41. Despite allowing just two runs over nine innings with no walks and fourteen strikeouts, fantasy managers should temper expectations for sustained performance throughout the regular season. Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles might miss Opening Day due to a mild intercostal strain. While his ADP has dropped slightly, managers shouldn’t let him slip too far as he still holds significant potential for home runs and stolen bases.
Looking Ahead
As the MLB season progresses, teams will need to navigate these injuries and capitalize on opportunities. The depth of young talent in organizations like the Rangers and Yankees will be tested, while other teams may look to trades or free agency to bolster their rosters. Fantasy managers should stay informed about player updates and adjust their strategies accordingly. With the season just beginning, there is still plenty of time for teams to overcome these early challenges and make a strong push for the playoffs.