Pitchers and Catchers reported to camp on Wednesday as the news of players being in their "best shape ever" slowly trickled out over the Twitterverse. While a day of work did little to alter player value, the day is critical in fantasy circles as it provides the first update on injuries for many players across the league.
Wednesday was no different as a number of unexpected injuries and delays to camp were reported while players like AJ Puk appear to be ahead of schedule.
Here's the latest 3 Up, 3 Down.
SS Fernando Tatis, Jr. (Minors), Lake Merced Goutfish
Wednesday's news of Tatis Jr.'s 14-year, $340 million deal might not have changed the star's fantasy value but it does stand out of just how special the next three seasons can be for the Goutfish. Still on the Minor League deal, Tatis rivals Lunatic Fringe first baseman Cody Bellinger as the most accomplished activation in RDBL History and figures to top the RDBL Top 100 Prospect List later this off-season.
OF Brandon Marsh (Minors), Spokane Fightin' Fish
Marsh has continued a somewhat surprising rise in the prospect rankings considering he didn't have an official AB in 2020, but suddenly the Fish appear to have another impact talent in their system to join outfielder Julio Rodriguez and starter Casey Mize. Marsh ranked as high as 19th overall in ESPN's version and could push his way into some steady playing time in right field this year for the Angels. Marsh impressed the Angels at the alternate site as his power continued to develop, including power the other way as well, while still playing above-average defense in center. He cut his strikeout rate significantly from 2018 to 2019 despite moving up to Double A for the full season, and if he holds that while also adding a grade of power, he could be a 5+ WAR player in center, or maybe something like peak Brett Gardner with more pop in a corner spot.
LHP AJ Puk (Minors), Meinert Hops
The A’s have not had a good, in-person look at A.J. Puk since late summer, right before his September shoulder surgery, and they aren’t going to commit to a role for him quite yet. However, A's manager Bob Melvin was optimistic after seeing Puk in camp Wednesday. “A.J. looked great,” Melvin said. “I think that surgery really did a lot for him. He just looked like he was free and easy. (Before surgery), there were times when you would watch him and you could tell that he was feeling a little something. But it was not the case today at all. He told me that he feels great, he’s in great shape. The ball had a lot of life. He looked really good.” Given Puk’s injury history, this is definitely a storyline to keep an eye on. The Hops hope this is the start of a new chapter for their top pitching prospect with a solid Spring putting him firmly on track for an Opening Day activation.
C J.T. Realmuto (3/$30), Mt. Diablo Devils
The rumors continue to circle in the RDBL on the availability of star catcher J.T. Realmuto but Spring Training kicked off with some brutal news for the Devils as he recently sustained a small fracture in his right thumb, manager Joe Girardi announced to reporters (Twitter link via MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki). The injury occurred six days ago when catching a bullpen session, tweets Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia. Realmuto’s thumb will be immobilized for the next two weeks, and while the Phils are hopeful he’ll be ready for Opening Day, there’s no guarantee that’ll be the case. It’s certainly not the way the team or Realmuto hoped to kick off his newly inked five-year, $115.5MM contract and could limit his trade market if the Devils do decide to make a move.
1B Brandon Belt, Free Agent
Belt underwent heel surgery in October, and Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said Thursday that it wasn't a certainty that he would be ready for Opening Day. If he'd be forced to miss time to begin the season, Tommy La Stella will be the one to shift to first base according to Zaidi. Belt appeared in 51 games for the Giants last year and posted a career-best .309/.425/.591 slash line with nine home runs and 30 RBI so he was setup for a potential double-digital salary in Auction.
RHP Taijuan Walker (2FA/$5), Mission Viejo Maulers
Without a bevy of options, the Mission Viejo Maulers have plans to retain Taijuan Walker for their starting rotation but the right-hander needs to find a MLB team first. Still just 28 years old, Walker is one of the youngest MLB free agents on the market but has yet to find a multi-year offer to his liking. The former top prospect missed the vast majority of the 2018-19 seasons due to injuries — most notably Tommy John surgery — but returned to his original organization, the Mariners, on a one-year deal last offseason. Walker tossed 27 solid frames for the Mariners before being traded to the Blue Jays and continuing to throw well. On the whole, he turned in 53 1/3 innings with an appealing 2.70 ERA. GM Chris Ferraro is keeping close tabs on Walker with hopes he can quickly find a deal and be on track for Opening Day.
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