Boston Red Sox – One cannot overreact to a veteran reliever’s spring debut. Kenley Jansen recorded two outs, served up two solo home runs, and sat between 91-to-94 m.p.h. per the game recap by Sean McAdam for MassLive. Jansen noted his feel for the “cutter” will arrive before Opening Day and was encouraged by his velocity during his first appearance this spring in this tweet by Ian Browne of MLB.com. This game did not have Statcast available. By my count watching his outing, he threw 17 pitches (13 strikes – 76.5 strike percentage) and did not induce any whiffs. Chris Martin will throw live batting practice on Saturday. Any setback for either reliever would put their availability on Opening Day in question.
Hierarchy, for now, remains: Kenley Jansen | Chris Martin | Josh Winckowski
Los Angeles Angels – At long last, an update regarding Robert Stephenson, but not one fantasy players like seeing. He’s trending toward missing Opening Day with lingering shoulder soreness per Jeff Fletcher in this tweet on “X”. Once the discomfort in the shoulder subsides, the reliever will resume his throwing regimen. It had been radio silence regarding his buildup, and Ron Washington remains optimistic about his return, but it’s best planning on an early injured list stint as a precautionary move.
Updated Hierarchy: Carlos Estévez | Matt Moore | Luis García
Chicago White Sox – Good news about a talented young reliever. Prelander Berroa threw a side session on Friday, and will be on pace to “crank it up” per manager, Pedro Grifol, reported on Twitter by Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times. No timeline accompanied this report, and shoulder issues can be tricky.
This Hierarchy remains a committee: *John Brebbia | *Michael Kopech | *Jordan Leasure
Milwaukee Brewers – While fantasy players focus on who will get the first save chance for the Brewers this season, discerning the timeline for Devin Williams may be more difficult than the three months in the initial report. Jack Magruder went into the timeline for his return on MLB.com. A key part of this article, Williams said when his back issue flared up, he started compensating and his shoulder was sore in new places after his outing. Forecasting his return data may not be a straight line preposition, any setback in his throwing program after his six-week shutdown must be monitored closely.
Hierarchy remains a committee: *Joel Payamps | *Abner Uribe | *Trevor Megill
Quick Hits (Game Recaps from March 15)
Detroit Tigers – Jason Foley worked a scoreless eighth, giving up a hit and striking out three. He threw 17 pitches (10 strikes – 58.8 Strike%) and induced four whiffs (23.5 SwStr%). This marked his first outing in eight days.
Houston Astros – Josh Hader turned in a scoreless outing, walking one and striking out one. He’s made five spring appearances, posting a 0.60 WHIP with four strikeouts versus two walks.
Kansas City Royals – During a loss, Will Smith fired a clean fifth. This marked his fifth outing and he owns a 1.20 WHIP with three strikeouts against two walks over five innings.
Washington Nationals – Hunter Harvey notched his third hold, giving up a hit and striking out one in a scoreless seventh. He threw 12 pitches (66.7 Strike%) and produced four whiffs (33.3 SwStr%). Through six spring outings, he owns a 1.11 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against one walk over 6.1 innings.
Until next time, stay safe and be well.
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