Baseball is on the horizon! Summer camp is in full swing and real games will be played in just one week. I hope you are as excited as I am! It has been far too long, and you have probably missed watching live baseball if you are anything like me. It is going to be a wild season that should be very exciting!
Things are changing rapidly in baseball. Players have yet to report to camp, while others are on the COIVD IL. What starting pitchers are ready to go six innings, and which are going to be on an innings limit? Knowing the news from around the league is essential for you to have a leg up in your Fantasy Baseball leagues. We have all the National League news here for you! Current as of the evening of July 14.
Each team is broken down by a couple of categories; opt-outs, COVID-19 diagnosis, not reported to camp(if not diagnosed with COVID), injury concerns, and other random news.
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NL East Summer Camp New
Atlanta Braves
Opt-Outs:
- Nick Markakis, OF
- Felix Hernandez, SP
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Freddie Freeman, 1B – Symptomatic. Date Reported: 7/4
- Will Smith, RP – Asymptomatic. Date Reported: 7/4
- Pete Kozma, SS – Asymptomatic. Date Reported: 7/4
- Touki Toussaint, SP/RP – Asymptomatic. Date Reported: 7/4
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Cole Hamels, SP – Tricep Tendinitis
- Cristian Pache, OF – Ankle/Foot. Pache injured his right ankle attempting to steal second base and slid awkwardly. It initially looked worse than it turned out to be. He was diagnosed with a grade-2 right ankle sprain. The signing of Yasiel Puig made it less likely Pache would see significant playing time in 2020.
Random Notes:
- The Braves signed Yasiel Puig to a deal for the 2020 season. This seems to be in response to Nick Markakis opting out of the season. Puig gives the Braves another solid bat in the lineup. It would appear this hurts Adam Duvall and Ender Inciarte. The Braves now have a plethora of outfielders and could even use Ozuna in the designated hitter role. For now, it seems as Puig will receive the majority of the at-bats in right field.
- The fourth and fifth rotation spot for the Braves is still up the air. It appears the Braves will piggy-back starters in these rotation spots. Kyle Wright, Sean Newcomb, Touki Toussaint, Bryse Wilson, and Josh Tomlin are all pitchers who could see time in the rotation. Tucker Davidson is another name to monitor for the back end of the Braves rotation.
- Mike Soroka will be the Braves Opening Day starter.
Miami Marlins
Opt-Outs:
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
Not Reported to Camp:
- Pablo Lopez left Summer Camp and will be away for a few days attending to a personal matter. Assuming this is only a couple of days absence, Lopez should be in the rotation to begin the season.
Injury/Rehab:
- Caleb Smith was dealing with a stiff neck during an intrasquad appearance on July 9. The Marlins do not expect it to be a long term concern.
Random Notes:
- Elieser Hernandez and Jordan Yamamoto are still in the hunt for the Marlins fifth rotation spot.
- Sandy Alcantara will be the Marlins Opening Day starter.
New York Mets
Opt-Outs:
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
Not Reported to Camp:
- Robinson Cano, 2B – Cano is without a timetable to return to Summer Camp, and the Mets are not discussing the reason for his absence. If Cano is not ready to start the season: Jeff McNeil could start at second base. J.D. Davis could move to third base. Dominic Smith could start in left field.
Injury/Rehab:
- Jacob Degrom left Tuesday’s intrasquad game after one inning with back tightness. DeGrom underwent an MRI on Wednesday that did not reveal anything concerning. He is considered day-to-day and could face some limitations if he is ready to start on Opening Day.
Random Notes:
- Several professional athletes are interested in buying the Mets. Among them are Brian Urlacher, Travis Kelce, DeMarco Murray, Joe Thomas, Bradley Beal, Mason Plumlee. Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez are other possibilities.
- Devin Mesoraco appears to be finished playing professional baseball. He joined the University of Pittsburgh coaching staff.
- Yoenis Cespedes should be ready to go for Opening Day and act as the Mets designated hitter.
Philadelphia Phillies
Opt-Outs:
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Scott Kingery, IF/OF – Symptomatic(Arrived at Camp). Date Reported: 7/7
- Tommy Hunter, RP – (Not reported if Symptomatic or Asymptomatic). Date Reported: 7/7
- Mikie Mahtook, OF – (Not reported if Symptomatic or Asymptomatic). Date Reported: 7/7
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Zach Eflin was able to complete a bullpen session on Monday. He has been dealing with back spasms but should have no restrictions moving forward.
Random Notes:
- Aaron Nola is “definitely a possibility” to be the Phillies Opening Day starter. He was a late arrival to camp after being exposed to someone with COVID-19. He looked sharp in Monday’s intrasquad game.
- Extention talks with J.T. Realmuto have not gone anywhere since the shutdown. It seems as if Realmuto could test free agency this offseason.
- Hector Neris looked sharp in Wednesday’s intrasquad game. He got four outs in one inning of work. He will be ready to be the Phillies closer when the season begins.
Washington Nationals
Opt-Outs:
- Joe Ross, SP
- Ryan Zimmerman, 1B
- Wellington Castillo, C
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
Not Reported to Camp:
- Juan Soto, OF
- Victor Robles, OF
- Howie Kendrick – UTL
Injury/Rehab:
Random Notes:
- Juan Soto and Victor Robles are two players who have yet to report to camp after being exposed to someone with COVID-19. They have been self-isolating and have missed a week of workouts. They are both expected to be back with the team on Thursday and should be ready to go for Opening Day.
- Patrick Corbin threw 43 pitches in Saturday’s intrasquad game. He may not have a full workload to begin the season, but it should only take him a couple of regular-season games to get to a full workload.
NL Central Summer Camp News
Chicago Cubs
Opt-Outs:
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Anthony Rizzo has been dealing with a stiff back. He took batting practice Sunday, but his back tightened up after the session. An MRI revealed a rib head inflammation on his left side, which has caused his back spasms. He is considered day-to-day for now, but going on the injured list is not out of the question.
- Jose Quintana is set to resume throwing on Thursday for the first time since his thumb surgery. He had his stitches removed on Wednesday and is ready to begin his throwing program.
Random Notes:
- Kyle Hendricks appears ready to pitch a full workload as he allowed just one hit in 6.1 scoreless innings in Tuesday’s intrasquad game.
Cincinnati Reds
Opt-Outs:
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Nick Senzel is dealing with a hyperextended left elbow. He is considered day-to-day.
Random Notes:
- Manager David Bell said that Reds shortstop prospect Jose Garcia has a chance to contribute in the Majors this season. Garcia hit .280 with eight home runs and 15 stolen bases in High-A last season.
- Mike Moustakas estimated he lost 12-15 pounds during the quarantine. Manager David Bell has also been very pleased with Moustakas’ defensive performance at second base.
Milwaukee Brewers
Opt-Outs:
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Angel Perdomo, RP – Asymptomatic. Date Reported: 7/6
- Eric Lauer, SP – Not Diagnosed(Close contact with a COVID-19 case)
- Luis Urias, 2B/SS – Asymptomatic. Date Reported: 7/6
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Keston Hiura was scratched from Wednesday’s intrasquad game due to right arm fatigue. It was a precautionary move and an update on his status is expected on Thursday.
Random Notes:
Pittsburgh Pirates
Opt-Outs:
- Hector Noesí, SP/RP
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Blake Cederlind, RP – Date Reported: 7/5
- Socrates Brito, OF – (Arrived at Camp). Date Reported: 7/5
Not Reported to Camp:
- Keone Kela, RP
- Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3B
Injury/Rehab:
Random Notes:
- Joe Musgrove will make his final intrasquad start on Saturday in preparation to be the Pirates Opening Day starter.
- Nick Gonzales, the Pirates 2020 first-round pick, has been added to the player pool. It is highly doubtful that he debuts this season, but it gives him a great opportunity to develop his game with his future teammates.
St. Louis Cardinals
Opt-Outs:
- Jordan Hicks, RP
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Ricardo Sanchez, SP – (No symptoms reported). Date Reported: 7/4
- Génesis Cabrera, SP/RP – (No symptoms reported). Date Reported: 7/4
- Elehuris Montero, 3B – Asymptomatic. Date Reported: 7/5
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Jordan Hicks had a setback in his Tommy John rehab before deciding to opt-out of the 2020 season. He was considering opting out anyway due to having Type 1 Diabetes, but the arm issue made his decision easier for him. The inflammation in his elbow would have likely kept him out until late August or September.
- Dexter Fowler was held out of Saturday’s intrasquad game due to back tightness.
Random Notes:
- As expected, Jack Flaherty will be the Cardinals Opening Day starter.
- Brett Cecil has worked on a new sidearm delivery in summer camp. Cecil believes this will be a great thing for him moving forward.
- John Gant is likely to be used as the Cardinal’s eight-inning option out of the bullpen.
NL West Summer Camp News
Arizona Diamondbacks
Opt-Outs:
- Mike Leake, SP
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Junior Guerra, SP – Asymptomatic. Date Reported: 7/5
- Silvino Bracho, RP – (Not reported on symptoms). Date Reported: 7/5
- Kole Calhoun, OF – Asymptomatic(Arrived at camp). Date Reported: 7/6
- Seth Beer, 1b/OF – (Not reported on symptoms). Date Reported: 7/7
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Christian Walker, 1B – Right Groin Strain (7/13). Walker is listed as day-to-day, but groin strains often last a couple of weeks. If Walker is unable to start the season healthy, Jake Lamb and Kevin Cron will be the beneficiaries. One will likely start at first base while the other will be the designated hitter.
Random Notes:
Colorado Rockies
Opt-Outs:
- Ian Desmond, OF/IF
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Charlie Blackmon, OF – Symptomatic. (Arrived at Camp) Date Reported: 6/23
- Phillip Diehl, RP – Asymptomatic. Date Reported: 6/23
- Ryan Castellani, SP – Asymptomatic. Date Reported: 6/23
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Charlie Blackmon arrived back at camp after recovering from COVID-19. On Tuesday, July 14, Blackmon was placed on the injured list for an unspecified issue. This move was unexpected given that Blackmon passed COVID-19 related protocols to return to camp. The Rockies could have made this move as roster management, given the uncertainty that Blackmon would be ready to begin the season.
Random Notes:
Los Angeles Dodgers
Opt-Outs:
- David Price, SP
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Kenley Jansen, RP – Symptomatic. (Arrived at camp). Date Reported: 7/12
Not Reported to Camp:
- Keibert Ruiz, C
Injury/Rehab:
- Max Muncy, who has been dealing with a finger injury, is expected to be ready for Opening Day. He was able to take two at-bats in Tuesday’s intrasquad game; recording hits in both at-bats.
- Kenley Jansen retired four batters on just eight pitches in an intrasquad game on Tuesday. Despite being a late arrival to camp, he should be ready to be the Opening Day closer for the Dodgers.
Random Notes:
- Walker Buehler threw one simulated inning on Sunday and is scheduled for two-plus innings in his next appearance. He likely will not be able to throw five innings for at least the first two weeks of the season. Being behind, plus being a slow starter, makes Buehler a tough decision in Fantasy drafts.
- A.J. Pollock reported to Dodgers camp on Tuesday.
- Cody Bellinger has made changes to his swing. This is uncommon to hear at this point in the preseason, especially from the reigning NL MVP.
San Diego Padres
Opt-Outs:
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Tommy Pham, OF – Asymptomatic(Returned to camp). Date Reported: 7/3
- Jorge Mateo, 2b/SS – Symptomatic. Date Reported: 7/8
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Tommy Pham has returned to camp and should be ready for Opening Day. He was a late arrival to camp after testing positive for COVID-19.
Random Notes:
- Chris Paddack is scheduled to make one more intrasquad start. He was able to pitch six innings in his outing on Sunday and will attempt to throw seven innings in his final summer camp start. Paddack will be the Padres Opening Day starter and will have no restrictions.
- Edward Olivares is a possibility to make the Padres roster. He has impressed many with his performance in summer camp. It is possible that he could platoon with Trent Grisham. It could also leave Franchy Cordero or Drew Naylor without a roster spot.
San Francisco Giants
Opt-Outs:
- Buster Posey, C
COVID-19 Diagnosis:
- Hunter Bishop, OF – Symptomatic. Date Reported: 6/29
- Luis Madero, SP – (No reports on symptoms). Date Reported: 7/3
Not Reported to Camp:
Injury/Rehab:
- Brandon Belt’s status for Opening Day is in doubt. Belt is now out of his walking boot and was able to hit in the batting cage. There is still work left for Belt to prove he is ready for in-game action.
Random Notes:
- Tyler Heineman, Rob Brantly, and Chadwick Tromp are battling for the Giants starting catcher position.
- Johnny Cueto will be the Giants Opening Day starting pitcher.
Did you miss our American League news? Be sure to check out Corbin Young’s piece here.
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