Stealing a line from U2, it was a bloody Sunday for fantasy baseball players, especially in the closer realm. Not only could Devin Williams be sidelined with a back issue, Tanner Scott could not hit water if he fell out of a boat this spring. There was good news for three relievers, plenty of game action, and performances of interest.
Milwaukee Brewers – Not the sort of update we prefer providing, but Devin Williams will get a second opinion regarding his back, and the team will be cautious with him per Curt Hogg on “X”. It’s too early for speculating if he will miss any time, but it must be weighed when targeting him in upcoming drafts. Monitor this closely. This post by Jack Magruder for MLB.com provided more insight on the back issue affecting Williams this spring. It’s too early, but if he misses Opening Day, the hierarchy would shift:
Projected hierarchy if Williams lands on the injured list: Trevor Megill | Abner Uribe | Joel Payamps
Los Angeles Dodgers – A bevy of notes about the Dodgers leverage ladder. First, Brusdar Graterol will not participate in the two games in South Korea with hip and shoulder tightness, reported by Juan Toribio of MLB.com on “X”. This paves the way for Daniel Hudson opening the season with the team. Blake Treinen was struck in the ribs on comebacker on Saturday, and did not suffer any breaks, but will receive a few days off during his recovery. If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball, thankfully the reliever will be on his feet throwing soon.
Now for some good news about relievers on the mend.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Positive news about David Bednar. According to Alex Stumpfl of MLB.com, the “closer” has played catch the last two days. Hopefully, news about a bullpen session or facing live hitters will surface later this week so a timeline for his return can be discerned.
New York Mets – Following up on a previous note, Edwin Díaz will make his Grapefruit League debut on Monday, covered by Bill Ladson of MLB.com. He last appeared in a major league game during the postseason in 2022. Sound the trumpets Mets fans.
San Diego Padres – Per the Padres’ injuries and roster moves page on MLB.com, Yuki Matsui faced five hitters, retiring four of them on Sunday during live batting practice and could appear in a Cactus League game this week, which would put him back on track for being available on Opening Day in South Korea. He last appeared in a game on February 22.
Seattle Mariners – Good news on two relievers working their way into game shape. Matt Brash will play catch out to 90 feet and Gregory Santos will throw a bullpen session on Monday, reported on “X” by Ryan Divish.
Relievers Worthy of Your Attention
Colorado Rockies – Another impressive outing this spring by Jaden Hill, identified by Closer Monkey as the “closer” of the future, turned in another scoreless outing on Sunday. He’s also featured by Thomas Harding of MLB.com as a “lights out reliever” in the making. He’s racked up six strikeouts this spring over four appearances allowing one hit (a solo home run) and two walks (0.75 WHIP).
Kansas City Royals – On Sunday, James McArthur retired all four batters faced, two via strikeout. He owns a 0.63 WHIP with eight strikeouts versus one walk over 6.1 innings. He’s featured by Manny Randhawa of MLB.com as part of the “culture change” in the Royals leverage ladder. After his arrival from Philadelphia, the team asked him to use his slider again, and his tweaked arsenal produced a 16.1 inning scoreless streak through the end of last season. He may not garner save chances early on, but he will be a factor in them as the year progresses.
Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 10)
Chicago White Sox -Recording his fourth hold this spring, Jordan Leasure turned in a scoreless sixth, giving up a hit and striking out one. Through five outings, he owns a 0.80 WHIP with seven strikeouts versus two walks.
Houston Astros – Entering in the second inning, Ryan Pressly served up a solo home run (Trey Mancini) and suffered his first loss of spring. Josh Hader fired a clean fourth, striking out two. This marked his third appearance this spring and he owns a 0.67 WHIP with two strikeouts versus one walk.
Miami Marlins – Remaining wild this spring, Tanner Scott escaped with a scoreless outing even though he allowed a hit and two walks while striking out two in two-thirds of the sixth inning. He threw 26 pitches (11 strikes – 42.3 Strike%) and produced five whiffs (19.2 SwStr%). He’s made four appearances this spring and sports an inflated 8.40 WHIP with three strikeouts against seven walks over 1.2 innings, less than optimal.
Minnesota Twins – Another outing with traffic for Jhoan Durán. He allowed four hits and two earned runs in the sixth against the Nationals. He threw 22 pitches (12 strikes – 54.5 Strike%) and only induced one whiff. He’s registered a 3.00 WHIP through his first four outings, spanning 3.2 innings, with three strikeouts against one walk. Plus, his velocity was down in this contest.
Toronto Blue Jays – Erik Swanson fired a clean seventh, striking out one on 12 pitches (75 Strike%) with two whiffs (16.7 SwStr%). Jordan Romano walked two while striking out one in two-thirds of the eighth. He threw 21 pitches (11 strikes – 52.3 Strike%) with one whiff. He’s made five appearances this spring, posting a 0.92 WHIP with six strikeouts versus two walks.
Sunday’s filthy pitch of the day goes to Greg Weissert (BOS), featured by the Pitching Ninja.
Until next time, stay safe and be well.
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