The Cloverdale Clovers were a competent pitching staff away from a deep Playoff run in 2021, posting the second best offense which was dragged down by the 12th ranked pitching staff with a league-worst 4.30 ERA. The lack of production was driven by a ravaged starting staff that lost Jack Flaherty (oblique/shoulder), Mike Soroka (achilles) and waiver pickup Huascar Ynoa (hand) while Jesus Luzardo, Kyle Hendricks and Sonny Gray took major steps backward.
Tuesday's news of a fresh MRI for Flaherty's shoulder has GM Chris Shelley "pulling his hair out" according to a club source. The club is facing as much pressure as any in the RDBL as they enter the final year of control for Rafael Devers, Juan Soto and Mookie Betts with eyes on the Franchise's second League Championship. While the results of the exam aren't clear, what is clear is that Flaherty will miss the start of the season at a minimum while leaving Shelley in a difficult position with just 15 days to go before the 2022 Draft.
Flaherty was expected to occupy the first spot in the rotation, joined by Ynoa and potential activation Michael Kopech who got a late start to camp due to an illness and might start the year in the White Sox bullpen. Additionally, the Clovers were continuing to take a long look at Alex Reyes (2R/$3) for their bullpen but he's dealing with his own shoulder issues which are "lingering pain from last season" according to Cardinals reporters.
If there is a serious injury, the Clovers are expected to dip into the trade market or circle back for another hard look at expected drops Jesus Luzardo (2R/$3) or Hyun-Jin Ryu (2/$29). With Clayton Kershaw off the market, the starting pitching market is fairly dry. Grapes starters Eduardo Rodriguez (2/$13) and Luis Severino (2/$11), Hammerheads Wade Miley (2FA/$5), Stacks Tarik Skubal (2/$10), Fringe's Chris Flexen (2FA/$5), Goutfish's Dakota Hudson (2FA/$5) and the Devils Yusei Kikuchi (3R/$5) are some of the names reportedly available.
With Flaherty's Keeper spot potentially freed up, the Clovers could also look to further strengthen the offense as Marcell Ozuna (3/$25) remains a potential option to return.
Around the RDBL
- Clovers catching prospect Adley Rutschman (elbow) is dealing with some elbow soreness in camp, but Orioles manager Brandon Hyde thinks Rutschman will be OK in a day or two. The 24-year-old, who is the top prospect in baseball entering the 2022 season, hit .271/.392/.508 with 18 home runs and 55 RBI in 80 games for Double-A Bowie last year. The switch-hitting backstop is incredibly advanced with his approach at the plate and has home run power from both sides. Rutschman may begin this year at Triple-A, but he has little left to prove in the minors and is fully expected to make his major league debut with the O's at some point this year. While the Clovers were hopeful that would be Opening Day, the elbow could push things back.
- The New York Yankees agreed to a multi-year deal to re-sign Maltese Falcons first baseman Anthony Rizzo (2/$31) on Tuesday night, according to a source. The deal is believed to be for two years and $32 million, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman. Rizzo finished last year with the Yanks after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. The Yankees wanted free-agent Freddie Freeman, but he gave them the impression he didn't want to go to New York. Rizzo is a solid consolation prize after hitting .248/.344/.440 with 22 home runs and 61 RBI in 141 total games in 2021. The 32-year-old lefty slugger was a three-time All-Star with the Cubs from 2014-16, but his numbers have begun to dip in recent seasons. Rizzo's .783 OPS last year was his lowest since 2013, but he can still produce decent numbers as a corner infielder for fantasy in the Bronx. Despite the signing, the Falcons are still expected to release Rizzo with a chance at a reunion in Auction.
- Mission Viejo Maulers outfielder Kyle Lewis (2/$36) (knee) is not expected to be ready for the start of the season. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto mentioned that the organization is happy with where Lewis is at right now. The Mariners are likely to ease him back into action after lingering knee issues from last season. The former AL Rookie of the Year is hopeful to be ready by the end of April. The upside and potential is there for Lewis, but he needs consistent playing time in a more crowded outfield after the Mariners addition of Jesse Winker. Lewis is a lock to be dropped in the next week.
- The Milwaukee Brewers have agreed on a contract with free-agent outfielder Andrew McCutchen (3/$15) of the Mt. Diablo Devils on Monday. The details on the signing haven't been released, but it's likely a short one- or two-year deal. The veteran outfielder hit .222/.334/.444 with 27 home runs and 87 RBI for the Philadelphia Phillies last season. All of the outfield spots in Milwaukee are likely taken already. However, the designated hitter spot is available, which is likely where McCutchen will spend most of his time. On paper, this is a good landing spot for the former MVP. With a weak Free Agent class, McCutchen is expected to at least get a look at a potential spot on the Devils Keeper Roster.
- The Devils got some good news Monday as New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he expects starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (ankle) to be ready for the start of the regular season. Taillon had surgery on his ankle in late October, but he resumed throwing in recent weeks. Like most pitchers during the truncated spring training this year, Taillon will be eased into action but it's good news for GM Jason Watson. The 30-year-old right-hander made 29 starts for the Yankees in 2021 before his ankle injury, going 8-6 with a 4.30 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 140 strikeouts and 44 walks in 144 1/3 innings pitched.
- The Maulers are off to a strong start in the Spring Training news as Mike Clevinger and Justin Verlander both appear healthy and ready for Opening Day as they complete their full return from Tommy John.
- The Hammerheads were monitoring potential Keeper Adbert Alzolay (shoulder) but he will start the regular season on the injured list and will be released according to sources. Alzolay is dealing with shoulder tightness, and with a condensed spring training schedule this year, he won't have enough time to get ready for Opening Day. The 27-year-old right-hander was in a position to win a spot at the back end of the starting rotation this year after going 5-13 with a 4.58 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 128 strikeouts and 34 walks in 125 2/3 innings over 29 outings (21 starts) in his first full season in the major leagues. The Heads surrendered a 3rd Round Pick for him at the deadline last season.