RADIO
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
Voit Dealing With Minor Knee Issue
New York Yankees first baseman/designated hitter Luke Voit (knee) is dealing with a knee injury that manager Aaron Boone doesn't deem serious enough for the 30-year-old to miss time. Voit mashed 22 home runs in a shortened 2020 season and in turn is a top 10 fantasy first baseman this draft season. Going ahead of names like Matt Olson and Paul Goldschmidt, Voit's value has shot up with his mammoth home runs, but also his solid .363 career OBP.
Tucker Back To Hitting; Newman Still Out
Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Cole Tucker (hand) has been able to participate in some hitting drills after having played in just one spring game before suffering a minor injury. The switch-hitter is just 24 but has yet to prove himself with the big-league club. Across 275 plate appearances, he has a slash line of .215/.260/.324 with 33 runs scored, 21 RBI, and only one stolen base. Unless Tucker earns regular playing time and plays to his first-round pedigree, there's nothing to see here for fantasy purposes. Fellow infielder Kevin Newman (hamstring) hasn't taken any action since exiting Sunday's game with hamstring tightness, but has supposedly been progressing well and is closer to returning than not.
Springer Homers In Return
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder George Springer (abdominal strain) returned to game action Thursday, after missing a handful of games. The newly acquired slugger homered in his first trip to the plate. That's a nice sign, as abdominal injuries can be tricky for hitters. His 50 ADP has him going around Marcell Ozuna and Starling Marte, but with a budding lineup around him, Springer could be in for a big season in Toronto.
Severino Throws Off Mound
New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino (Tommy John Surgery) threw 20 pitches off a mound Thursday, and according to manager Aaron Boone, he looked "great." The 27-year-old hasn't thrown a pitch in a game since the 2019 postseason. At this point, you can expect Severino to not pitch in a major league game until much closer to the all-star break, making it much more difficult to project his fantasy status.
Luis Severino Throws From Mound https://t.co/CVwRw6Tq1t
— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) March 11, 2021
Bogaerts To DH Friday
Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts (shoulder) will make his 2021 spring training debut on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Naturally, Boston has been, and will continue to be cautious with their star, hence why he is DH'ing instead of playing the field. I wouldn't put much stock into his play this spring, instead monitor how he treats the shoulder when it is he finally takes the field at shortstop.
Risers
Nimmo A Possible Leadoff
New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo served as the leadoff hitter Thursday against the Houston Astros. The 27-year-old went 2-for-3, upping his spring average to .416. Manager Luis Rojas mentioned that it's likely Nimmo and Francisco Lindor would be the top two hitters in this lineup, so count on Nimmo to be the table setter to allow Lindor more RBI opportunities. Right now, Nimmo is going around pick 264, which should provide decent return in average, runs, and some stolen bases.
Luzardo In Mid-season Form
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo put up a great outing Thursday, going four complete, no-hit innings while striking out five and walking two against the Texas Rangers. The 23-year-old southpaw is being drafted as a top 40 SP after having just 71 career innings under his belt. Luzardo was one of the game's top prospects and will have 2021 to prove it was worth the hype.
Jesus Luzardo Dominant In Spring Debut https://t.co/tEIUWE0tjg
— RotoBaller MLB (@RotoBallerMLB) March 11, 2021
Bass Set To Take Closer Role?
Miami Marlins reliever Anthony Bass threw his fourth scoreless inning of the spring Thursday; he walked one and struck out one. In his four innings, he's struck out just three but has been otherwise solid. On his fifth team in five years, the 33-year-old isn't a strikeout pitcher which often times pulls him from consideration of high-leverage situations, but he's still earned 12 saves over the last two years. Due to his lack of upside, he's going at the very back-end of drafts but saves are saves in the fantasy realm, and Miami is set to have a solid team against in 2021.
Yates Makes Toronto Debut
Toronto Blue Jays reliever Kirby Yates tossed a shutout inning Thursday, his first appearance with the team after signing on a one-year deal this offseason. The former Padres closer is now 33 and only pitched 4.1 innings a year ago due to an elbow injury that required surgery. He'll likely hold down some back-end bullpen role in 2021, but it's worth monitoring his velocity the rest of the spring to see if there is any lingering from the elbow surgery.
Corbin Finding Velocity
Washington Nationals starting pitcher Patrick Corbin tossed three innings Thursday and his fastball hit 92 mph while averaging around 90 mph. The lefty isn't a power arm by any stretch and took a big step back in 2020, going 2-7 with a 4.66 ERA over 65.2 innings. If he's able to bump up velocity and get back to the effectiveness he displayed in 2019 and further, his 138 ADP will give a solid return as an SP3.
Cron Rearing Up
Colorado Rockies first baseman C.J. Cron added two base knocks, an RBI, and a runs cored in Thursday's game with the Cubs. The 31-year-old signed with the Rockies this offseason, and despite hitting just four long balls in an injury-shortened 2020, he hit 55 combined in the two seasons prior. Now he enters the confines of Coors Field where his career .207 ISO and 17 HR/FB % will come in handy.
Fallers
Smith Not Guaranteed To Start
New York Mets outfielder Dominic Smith is expected to start in left field Friday against the Miami Marlins. The young slugger has immense upside, but playing time in left will be split several ways, stunting his statistical output. Smith hit 10 homers and drove in 42 last season, and many expected the DH to carry over into future season, but that won't be the case in 2021. He's being drafted at pick 115, which with normal playing time would be incredible value, but for now, it's hard to predict how often Smith is penciled in the lineup.
Alcantara Brutal On Thursday
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara walked five in 3.1 innings against the Washington Nationals Thursday. The righty threw 61 pitches, just 31 for strikes in the outing, though he did strike out four as well. The 25-year-old isn't a power guy, and has dealt with control issues before but he's good at eating innings and limiting big innings. He'll be a middle rotation arm for Miami and is being drafted around pick 140, providing a solid floor at that spot.
Keller Struggling Mightily
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller was deuces wild Thursday, throwing two complete innings while allowing two runs on two hits and walking and striking out a pair each. Mind you this came against the B lineup of the Baltimore Orioles, so it's a bit troubling for the team's former top prospect. No one will doubt the stuff he has shown in the minors, but through his first 69.2 innings, it's been inconsistency. However, his 2.91 ERA in 21.2 innings in 2020 were a step in the right direction.
Hoskins Not Seeing Ball Well
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins went 0-for-3 with a strikeout Thursday against the New York Yankees. The slugger is now just 1-for-9 with an RBI and run scored this spring. Last season was about on pace for the now 27-year-old with 10 home runs and 26 RBI in 185 plate appearances. His 165 ADP is quite a gift, considering his high OBP (.366 career) and home run upside.
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