Austin Nola Progressing Quicker Than Expected
4 years agoThe San Diego Padres hope catcher Austin Nola (finger) can take batting practice this weekend. The Friars starting backstop fractured his finger nearly two weeks ago but has progressed quicker than expected. Nola recorded an .825 OPS with seven homers and 52 runs-plus-RBI in 184 plate appearances in 2020 but struggled after joining the Padres midseason with just a .705 OPS. He also played through a fractured foot. While the finger may result in a short-term IL stint to start the year, Nola's batted-ball track record suggests he can still provide top-10 value at the catcher position. While he's out, expect signal-callers Victor Caratini and Luis Campusano to fill the void. Campusano, the team's No. 3 prospect, is an intriguing April DFS option on days he starts for his offensive upside.
Source: Twitter - Dennis Lin
Source: Twitter - Dennis Lin