Spring Training Notebook: Injuries Piling Up for RDBL Clubs

Initial imaging showed Boston Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito likely has a partially torn UCL and flexor strain and could miss the 2024 season. Giolito, who signed a two-year deal with Boston, may need surgery to repair the right-elbow damage. 

The right-hander was set to be a RDBL Free Agent target in Auction, carrying a 357.0 point projection which likely would have generated a double-digit contract which is another knock to the Starting Pitcher Free Agent Class.

Around the RDBL

• The St. Louis Cardinals are relieved that Sonny Gray's mild right hamstring strain wasn't worse, but Gray's availability for Opening Day is in doubt. John Mozeliak described the timeline as "challenging” but "from the MRI reading, we are definitely encouraged." It’s another blow to a reworked St. Joseph Jokers starting rotation with Kodai Senga (shoulder) also expected to start 2024 on the Injured List as he recovers from a PRP injection. Free Agent right-hander Kevin Gausman did not throw his scheduled live bullpen session Monday due to "general shoulder fatigue," Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports. The good news here is that Gausman's MRI showed no structural damage. However, the fact an MRI was ordered shows there is some level of concern. Gausman has yet to pitch in a game this spring, and since he did not fully bounce back after his last side session, his availability for Opening Day could be in jeopardy. A better picture of his timetable should come into focus in the days to come.

• While it’s not injury-related, Burlingame Blue Ducks right-hander Paul Skenes (Minors) has been told that he will start 2024 in the Minor Leagues according to Pirates GM Ben Cherington. 

• Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said Tuesday that Braxton Garrett (shoulder) will likely begin the season on the injured list, Jordan McPherson of the Miami Herald reports. Schumaker noted that Garrett "feels great" as he works his way back from some early-camp left shoulder soreness, but the team does not think it's a good idea to push him to be ready in time for Opening Day. The southpaw has been throwing bullpen sessions and a live batting practice session appears imminent. Garrett remains in play as a returnee for the Spokane Fightin' Fish rotation.

• Free Agent right-hander Justin Verlander (shoulder) is set to begin 2024 on the Injured List as he builds back up.  According to Astros Manager Joe Espada, "He's doing well, but we're running out of days and won't be able to build him up to start the regular season."

• The Lunatic Fringe received positive news on Ronald Acuna (knee) as he was seen by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles last night.  They confirmed irritation in the meniscus of his right knee but Acuña Jr. is set to gradually increase baseball activities and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.

• Sticking with the Fringe, Kyle Bradish (elbow) played catch from 140 feet Tuesday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports. Bradish noted afterward that his right elbow still feels good and also added that 140 feet is about the maximum distance from which he usually plays catch. That could indicate he'll be cleared to throw from a mound soon, although it has not yet been revealed when that will happen. Bradish is working his way back from a partial UCL tear in his pitching elbow and will begin the season on the injured list, but he remains hopeful of avoiding surgery, though his spot on the Fringe Keeper Roster is in limbo.

• Injuries continue to limit talented Asti Grape Stompers right-hander Shane Baz. Already slowed with his return from Tommy John surgery, Baz tweaked his oblique while picking up a weight this week. His throwing program will be delayed by an additional week, further clouding his planned return to the mound. Baz still holds a season of control through 2025, but hasn't thrown a big league pitch since 2022.

• Derek Shelton also says that Maulers reliever David Bednar is dealing with right lat tightness. He and the team are playing it safe and he’s currently not throwing.

Spring Training Notebook: Hops Open to Moving First Overall Pick

The Meinert Hops appear open to moving the top overall pick according to league sources with GM Garrett Shelley still evaluating their options for the first selection. Outfielder Roman Anthony and catcher Samuel Basallo have been attached to the Hops, but Shelley has been known to go rogue with their early round selections in year's past.

The club was attached to Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith early in the off-season, but Keith inked a long-term big league deal that should have him ticketed for an Opening Day role, pushing him into the Auction Draft later this month.

Around the RDBL

• The San Mateo Oppo Tacos continue to be among the most active clubs in the RDBL entering the 2024 Draft. GM Erik Nielsen has multiple irons in the fire according to sources as the club looks to rebuild their Farm System even after their blockbuster deal of Juan Soto and Chris Bassitt to the Maltese Falcons earlier this off-season. Few have impressed more than acquisition James Wood this Spring with the outfielder looking poised for a big league promotion this Summer. The club continues to shop catcher Will Smith (3/$30) who enters 2024 as CBS' top projected catcher while left-hander Justin Steele (2D/$5) continues to garner interest.

• The Lunatic Fringe are holding their breath on the results of imaging on superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña's knee which should come early Tuesday. Alex Anthopoulos told MLB Network Radio Sunday morning that he's "highly confident" Acuña will be in the Opening Day lineup but he was experiencing meniscus irritation in his surgically repaired knee. The pain was enough to push the Braves to send the outfielder across the country to Los Angeles to meet with the surgeon. Acuña became the second player in RDBL History to win the Hitter of the Year and Playoff MVP in the same season while breaking the RDBL Record for points in a Regular and Full Season in 2023.

• The Fringe entered the off-season with one of the league's top projected pitching staffs, but that has taken a hit in this Spring with Kyle Bradish (elbow) likely to be pushed off their roster while the club continues to wait for Jordan Montgomery (2/$20) to sign with a big league club. With Jackson Merrill (Minors) impressing in Padres camp, Guglielmi is flush with offensive options with the potential to bring back a full group outside of their two catcher spots.

• The Honolulu Hammerheads are hardly settled in their rotation behind Tanner Bibee, Chris Sale and Brandon Pfaadt. The club is encouraged with the early Spring results from Bailey Ober, but also holds Ryne Nelson and Chase Silseth in high-regard according to sources. One thing is clear, GM Ross Horiuchi is not looking to enter Draft Day with a full rotation with eyes on the top of the Free Agent Market to round out their starting staff on Draft Day.

• The Heads' Farm System didn't get much attention this off-season in prospect rankings, but early Spring results look quite positive for Drew Romo, Quinn Priester and Robert Hassell III.

• The Nashville Aristocrats 2023 rebuild looks to have worked to perfection despite some internal conflict that was reported last year. Jackson Chourio and Jackson Holliday are captivating Spring Training crowds with both potentially breaking camp with big league jobs. The roster is loaded with low-priced upside players between Spencer Torkelson (3R/$5), Bryson Stott (2R/$3), Bryce Miller (2R/$3) and Gavin Williams (Minors) among others while Gavin Stone, Hurston Waldrep, Jackson Jobe, Chase Burnes and Max Meyer all have their arrows pointing significantly up this Spring in their club's Minor League System.

Rumor Central: Ducks Shopping 6th Overall Pick, Marte, Among Others

The Burlingame Blue Ducks Front Office awoke from its Winter slumber on Monday, informing all teams that the 6th overall pick in March 26th's 11th Annual RDBL Draft is available. GM Ryan Walsh announced the club was open for business as they look to build a viable starting rotation with Alek Manoah (3R/$5) looking shaky at best while Andrew Abbott (2FA/$5) and Taj Bradley (Minors) battle for spots in their respective big league rotations.

The club also made it known that Kyle Schwarber (2/$30), Nick Castellanos (2/$16) and Ketel Marte (2/$20) all are available for the right prices according to sources. The trio are all fresh off excellent years at the plate, posting 413.0, 396.5 and 429.0 points respectively in 2023, making it likely each would have a strong market before Keeper Rosters are due on March 19th.

The Lake Merced Goutfish, Honolulu Hammerheads and Mission Viejo Maulers stand out as the clubs that currently hold the most pitching depth at this point of Spring Training.

The Goutfish continue to wait for 2023 National League Cy Young Winner Blake Snell (3/$10) to land a Free Agent deal, likely giving GM Ryan Atkinson some pause to deal from their deep collection of arms. If the Ducks were to shed some salary with any combination of Schwarber, Castellanos or Marte, it could open the door for Framber Valdez (2/$48) to be a fit while Cristopher Sanchez (2FA/$5) or Marcus Stroman (2/$5) could provide additional depth for Walsh.

The Hammerheads appear locked in on Tanner Bibee (2R/$3) and Chris Sale (3/$1) at the top of their rotation while working through Bailey Ober (2FA/$5), Kutter Crawford (2FA/$5), Chase Silseth (2FA/$5), Ryne Nelson (2R/$3) and Reese Olson (2FA/$5) to round out their rotation with Brandon Pfaadt (Minors) awaiting an activation as well.

The Maulers used their depth in an earlier deal with the Alamo Short Stacks, dealing Tarik Skubal away while grabbing multiple picks and top prospect Max Clark among other assets. GM Chris Ferraro could still dip into their deep pool of Keeper options with Yusei Kikuchi (2D/$5) or Ranger Suarez (2D/$5) potential options for Walsh.