2021 Spring Training Update – Pitchers

by Pat Cloghessy

Here are some BABSian insights on what has transpired thus far in spring training. Injuries have presented opportunities on many pitching staffs. There might even be some noteworthy spring performances that have helped to define or earn roles for others.

Note: ADPs referenced are from March and (since March 15th).

With Jose Leclerc on the shelf for the foreseeable future, who is going to close games for Texas? Jonathan Hernandez, last year’s closer, is also injured. The best assets belong to Joely Rodriguez (ER,KK), who won’t be ready for opening day either. Non-roster invitees Matt Bush and Ian Kennedy have now entered the conversation. This is shaping up to be a situation to avoid, but don’t sleep on Hunter Wood (7.2 IP, 14 K, 1 BB over 7 appearances this spring).

Kirby Yates (ER,K+) is out multiple weeks, opening the door in Toronto. The strongest candidate to replace him is Jordan Romano (ER,K+). His assets are right there in a group with Yates, Raisel Iglesias and Brad Hand. Romano’s ADP is certain to rise from March’s 371.  

Drew Pomeranz (ER,K+) is also hurt, and Emilio Pagan (e,KK) has been mentioned as the possible lead dog. The skills are good enough to close games, and place Pagan in an asset group with lower tier closers like Montero, Holland and McGee.  Pagan has thrown five innings this spring, with a K/BB ratio of 9/2, while giving up 3 ER. His ADP since March 15th is 353 and rising. 

Fireballing lefty Trevor Rogers (e,KK) is opening eyes in Miami. With 19 strikeouts against 4 walks over 13.1 innings in the Grapefruit League, Rogers (pictured) has all but cemented the 5th rotation spot. His ADP is 366 (339). He is a premium end-game play, as the (e,KK) assets put him in a group with Jack Flaherty, Zac Gallen, Ian Anderson, Lance McCullers…and more. 

After a big health scare in 2020, Eduardo Rodriguez (k) looks as though he is back and ready. He’s surrendered 4 ER over 13.2 innings with 15 whiffs and 2 free passes. There is still a bit of upside at ADP 206 (181).

Domingo German (KK) is shaking off the rust in a big way. His performance thus far should be plenty good enough to earn a rotation spot (9 IP, 13 Ks, 1 BB, 0 ER). German should probably be under consideration for most fantasy rotations as well at ADP 271 (240).

Randy Dobnak (e) is not a name that comes up often. His (-K) liability and pitching effectiveness asset place him in a group with Dallas Keuchel and Marcus Stroman, though not ideal, isn’t a terrible place to be. This spring, Dobnak has 13 strikeouts, no walks and no earned runs allowed. Maybe it’s this disappearing slider? Either way, tuck Dobnak’s name away as one worth monitoring. His ADP in the last week is 487.

While his usage is likely TBD, Tony Gonsolin (e,k) is trying to prove it won’t matter when he throws. He has appeared in Cactus League games as both a starter and reliever, delivering this stat line: 10.1 IP, 12 Ks, 0 BB and 3 ER. He could be a swing reliever extraordinaire who can also get spot starts. This is an intriguing profile at ADP 250 (234), which is basically the latest possible healthy entry into the desirable (e,k) skillset.