MLB Spring Training Notebook - Risers, Fallers, and Injuries (3/12/20)

Welcome to the Spring Training Notebook for March 12, 2020, where we'll dive into a few of the bigger stories around Major League Baseball's Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues.

We're in the deep of spring training, and while there is so much uncertainty surrounding the rest of camp and even the beginning of the regular season because of the Coronavirus, we press on. At this point in the schedule, it's a crucial time to pay attention to player battles, injuries, and player performances. As fantasy owners, we should monitor every team's situation, as it's possible that a player's performance can slide under the radar, whether 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 raining information with a fantasy twist.

Key Spring Performances

• Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette smacked his third home run of the spring in Wednesday's 14-2 win over Baltimore. The 22-year-old has had a solid exhibition season, batting .286 with seven runs batted in and eight runs scored. As a rookie, he impressed over 46 games, batting .311 with 11 homers, 21 RBI, and four stolen bases. In a relatively deep position, his seventh-to-eighth round ADP is about right but owners should be wary he has yet to perform in a full major league season.
• Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. went three innings, walking one and striking out three on Wednesday. He needed just 17 pitches to get through his turn, so it was certainly an efficient outing for the 26-year-old who missed all of 2019 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His late-round ADP leaves him in a position to be a sleeper if he can continue to have performances like Wednesday's.
• Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Jose Berrios worked through 4 1/3 innings while striking out five and allowing three runs on six hits against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. The 25-year-old had a solid 2019, throwing 200 innings and going 14-8; however, as the season went along he became more susceptible to giving up the long ball. Going around the eighth round in fantasy drafts, our RotoBaller rankers think you're better off holding off on him and seeing if he falls to around the 10th round.

Down The Ladder

• Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna hasn't been his normal self to start spring training. Through 11 games played, he's 4-for-29 with just two RBI and 14 strikeouts. The 22-year-old is the first person in the last half-decade to even contend with Mike Trout for first overall pick in fantasy drafts, and while his play this spring is unlikely to deter fantasy owners from taking him first overall, it's certainly news worth noting.
• Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has gone 3-for-21 so far this spring with no home runs, three RBI, and seven strikeouts but he has drawn four walks. He got his first cup of coffee last season, playing in 54 games while batting .253 with 15 long balls and 42 RBI. He comes into this season ranked the 7th catcher in RotoBaller rankings and carries an ADP as early as the 17th round. The backstop position is such a crapshoot for fantasy purposes, but Smith is certainly one of the bright young prospects at the position.
• Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius is entering the regular season locked into the starting shortstop position for his new club. However, his first impression in spring ball hasn't been the best. Through 24 at-bats, he's tallied just two base knocks and two RBI but on the bright side, he's drawn three walks and only struck out four times. When the Phillies signed him, they gave him the starting shortstop job and moved Jean Segura over to the keystone. They're both going around the 19th round of fantasy drafts, but Gregorius has more power to give, so the next step is to try and put the slow spring behind him.

Injury Report

• Boston Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale (elbow) will throw when he "absolutely pain free," said interim manager Ron Roenicke on Wednesday. It's been a week since the southpaw was shut down and Roenicke said the absolute earliest he could pick up a baseball would be this Saturday. After the issues Sale endured in 2019, followed by this ailment early in the year, it might be best to re-evaluate the 30-year-old's fantasy status. His draft stock has plummeted over the course of the last week, and our RotoBaller rankers think it's best to wait until the 11th round to scoop up the aging hurler.
• New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto (oblique) has a Grade 1 strain of his right oblique. While no time table has been established for his return, it's entirely possible he misses Opening Day. J.D. Davis, Dominic Smith, and Brandon Nimmo will all see a bump in most fantasy formats if Conforto misses time to start the year, but this could turn into a big merry-go-round in Queens.
• St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (elbow) will be out a few days, according to manager Mike Schildt, after experiencing elbow soreness. This is the second time since camp began that the 32-year-old had experienced the discomfort, but at this point in his career, St. Louis should feel no reason to rush him back. Although, it doesn't seem like the organization is concerned he'll miss Opening Day. Though some think Goldy is losing his "touch," he's hit 30 home runs in each of the last three seasons, while also driving in at least 83 runs in each of the last five.
• Chicago White Sox first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (hip) will take a few days off from swinging to let his right hip recover. At 37 years old, it's hard to be surprised with injuries like this; however, it doesn't seem to be serious as he's expected to start swinging again after Thursday's day off. The slugger is an incredible source of power, but he played in just 109 games last season. He's going in the middle rounds of mixed league drafts and could provide solid value if you decide to wait on the position at your fantasy draft.

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