Spring training has officially kicked off for all 30 teams! In the Cactus League, the Dodgers and Padres both started a week early which provided glimpses of important debuts. Now with the rest of the Cactus League in action too, we’re finally able to get live views and player reports on their offseason injury rehab status or skill progression. Given the abundance of players returning from major injuries or corrective surgeries, we plan to focus this week’s Cactus League report on injury uncertainty heading into the season.
Cactus League Report for Week 2
1. Taylor Ward Works to Regain His Approach
Ward’s season tragically ended last year after being hit in the face by an errant pitch. While Ward was able to fully recover physically, the road to recovering mentally is seemingly just getting started in camp. Thus, it’s encouraging to see Ward already in the batter’s box early into camp. How Ward performs throughout spring training in live game action will be very important for determining his ability to return to a regular plate approach with confidence.
Taylor Ward’s first pitches he’s seen from a pitcher since being hit in the face by a pitch last July. He’s facing Davis Daniel. pic.twitter.com/7qa9f37orN
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) February 17, 2024
2. Elbow Questions Linger for Darvish
Late last season it was revealed that Darvish was pitching with discomfort in his elbow due to a bone spur. As a result, the faltering Padres chose to shut Darvish down which created anxiety that it was for more than precautionary reasons. While Darvish avoided any major surgery over the offseason, it’s still a question as to what carry-over into 2024 may exist. Initial footage shared of Darvish throwing at camp definitely provides encouragement for his soon-to-be drafters.
There’s been very little info around #Padres Yu Darvish’s health. But positive from the little I’ve seen.
Here’s a video of him seemingly throwing at full strength.
Health is trending up entering 2024pic.twitter.com/biklf9q49T
— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) February 18, 2024
3. deGrom Inches Back to Mound Work
Last draft season deGrom was the ultimate high risk and reward pick. Unfortunately for the fantasy managers who rolled the dice on him, deGrom provided very little reward in his short season. Having already been pitching with a UCL sprain in his elbow last spring training, the injury worsened early in the season and resulted in season-ending surgery in June. Now deGrom is pushing towards a mid-to-late season return in 2024.
Jacob DeGrom doing some light throwing as camp opens @FantasyProsMLB pic.twitter.com/Itkzk8y8aS
— The Welsh (@IsItTheWelsh) February 14, 2024
Keep checking back every week for more updates out of the Cactus League. Catch up on our previous article featuring important debuts out of the Dodgers and Padres camps last week. Next week we’ll focus on players with surprising new roles in the field which will add to their position eligibility in 2024. If there’s a player you would like us to spotlight in an upcoming Cactus League report article, please let me know by commenting below or reaching out on X @TheToddMpls.
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