2023 Spring Training Update – March 22

by Doug Gruber

Let’s continue our look at recent noteworthy developments from spring training, including injury implications, position clashes and WBC events.

EDWIN DIAZ INJURY

A Puerto Rico WBC victory celebration quickly turned disastrous when Edwin Diaz (E+,K+,sv-|INJ+) tore his patellar tendon, resulting in surgery and a likely end to his 2023 season. Next up? No definitive word yet from Mets camp, but there are several candidates who could claim the position. Reports suggest it is a three-horse competition between David Robertson (ER,K+) who saved 20 games a year ago between Philly and CHC, Brooks Raley (e,KK) who logged 6 saves in Tampa, and Adam Ottavino (ER,KK) with his new two-year, $14M contract. BABS gives the higher rating to Robertson, but reveals all three have the requisite skills, as do dark horse candidates Tyler McGill (e,KK|INJ,EX) and Drew Smith (e,KK|INJ,e).

ATLANTA SHORTSTOP

When Atlanta let Dansby Swanson exit via free agency, it was assumed Vaughn Grissom (SB,a|EX) would inherit the Braves SS job. Come spring, Grissom found himself in a battle with rookie Brayden Shewmake (SB|-PA,EX), with reports suggesting Shewmake’s glove might be preferred over Grissom’s offense. Surprise! The Braves optioned both to Gwinnett and anointed Orlando Arcia (a) as the starter. Arcia brings a moderate batting skill, but not enough for your consideration except in the deepest of leagues. BABS thinks Grissom is the one to own, if you can stash him and hope he returns soon.

JOSE ALTUVE INJURY

An errant Daniel Bard fastball during WBC action resulted in a fractured right thumb for Jose Altuve (p,s,A+|INJ+), pictured, sidelining him through most of May. David Hensley (s|-A,EX) and Mauricio Dubon (|-P,e), names previously off our fantasy radar, are the leading replacement candidates at 2B. BABS suggests that we continue to ignore both, regardless of who emerges as the starter. Jeremy Pena (SB|e) may be the biggest beneficiary here, as he likely moves into the vacated leadoff spot, allowing him to further utilize his significant speed.

NEW YORK YANKEES SHORTSTOP

The fight for the Yankees starting SS is narrowing with statements that Isiah Kiner-Falefa (SB,a|-P) is slated for a super utility role, leaving Oswald Peraza (SB|-PA,EX) and Anthony Volpe (SB|EX) as the finalists. Volpe has earned considerable praise this spring, especially on offense where his slash line through Monday was .289/.413/.553 with two HRs and five steals. Peraza is considered the better defender but has produced very little with the bat, sitting with a .214 camp BA and just a HR, an RBI, and a pair of bags. While Yankees fans are closely centered on this, BABS plans to steer clear. Volpe’s draft hype has moved his ADP well past his value, and Peraza, with his power and plate deficiencies, is not roster worthy even if he emerges triumphant.

ATLANTA ROTATION

Most experts anticipated one from the group of Mike Soroka (-|-K|INJ), Koby Allard (e,k|e), Ian Anderson (e,KK|e) or Bryce Elder (-|-K,EX) would win the 5th spot in the Atlanta rotation. Not to be, as Anderson and Elder were sent down and Soroka and Allard are not yet healthy enough for game action. Instead, Jared Shuster (e|EX) appears to be winning the battle over fellow rookie Dylan Dodd (e|EX). Schuster was a 2020 first-round pick, and last season threw nearly 140 innings across two levels of the minors. This spring in three starts his ERA and WHIP are south of 1.00, alongside a 16:2 K:BB rate in 12 IP.  His manager stated, “If you’re ready, you’re ready.” Not the most profound quote but BABS tells us to get ready to make Shuster one of your end game targets, while also tracking the more skillful Anderson at AAA.

CATCHER WARS

Let’s look at BABS’ preferences for catcher situations that remain undecided or are headed towards shared duties:

Toronto: Danny Jansen (PW,a|INJ) over Alejandro Kirk ((a|e), making Jansen an interesting late round target.

Texas: Mitch Garver (PW,a|INJ) over Jonah Heim (|-A,e), although Garver will need a few weeks to earn catcher eligibility.

Atlanta: Sean Murphy (p.a) over Travis D’Arnaud (p,a), based on PT projections, but both appear to be valuable commodities in two-catcher formats.

Arizona: Carson Kelly (p|INJ) over Gabriel Moreno (AV|-P,EX), but Kelly just suffered an unfortunate injury with a broken bone in his right arm due to a hit by pitch, leaving Moreno in line for an everyday role.

Miami: Nick Fortes (p|EX) over Jacob Stallings (|-A). Fortes may be a desperate late round C2 grab.

CLOSER ENCOUNTERS

Let’s also look at BABS’ inclinations for closer contests that are either unsettled or appear to be a closer-by-committee:

Seattle: Andres Munoz (E+,K+,sv-) over Paul Sewald (ER,KK,sv-), but both should be prioritized for your rosters.

Minnesota: Jhoan Duran (E+,K+,sv-) over Jorge Lopez (e,k,sv-), although Lopez could be a later round bargain.

Dodgers:  Daniel Hudson (ER,K+,sv-|INJ) over Evan Phillips (ER,KK|e) over Brusdar Graterol (ER|INJ,e), however it was announced that Hudson will not be ready for the start of the season. Phillips should add value even without racking up saves.

White Sox: Kendall Graveman (ER,k,sv-) vs Reynaldo Lopez (e,KK) is too close to call based on skills and expected roles.

Arizona: A dead heat skills wise between Scott McGough (e,KK|EX), Kevin Ginkel (e,KK|e) and Miguel Castro (e,KK), with Mark Melancon on the IL until at least June. Pick your favorite for no more than a buck.

PROFAR SIGNS WITH THE ROCKIES

Colorado agreed to a one-year contract with Jurickson Profar (a), considered the top-ranked remaining hitter on the free agent market. Profar brings experience at both outfield and infield and could be in line for a starting role with Brendan Rodgers out for the year and Randal Grichuk slowed until mid-April. Playing his home games in Coors provides fantasy intrigue, but BABS thinks you can do much better to fill your final outfield slots.